I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals 351

## Chapter 347: Planning for Transformation

Half a year later.

Lu Chang’an noticed that Yun Lan Zhen Jun had quietly left Yun Xia Zong.

Ordinary cultivators wouldn’t have noticed, but it couldn’t escape the attention of those who were keen and adept at divination and Qi-sensing, especially the masters of these arts.

Yun Xia Zong was left with only Zi Xia Zhen Jun as the Nascent Soul Zhen Jun in charge.

Lu Chang’an had no intention of getting close to them. The relationship between this True Jun couple was complicated, and outsiders kept a respectful distance, never daring to involve themselves.

Several months passed, and Lu Chang’an turned 326 years old, having been in Da Yuan for six or seven years.

One day, Lu Chang’an gathered the servants and managers of Qingluan Peak and announced that Xiao Qing Shan would become the head manager of the main peak.

“Elder Xiang has entrusted you with this important responsibility. Qing Shan will dedicate himself to this duty with all his heart and soul.”

Xiao Qing Shan bowed deeply, his heart overflowing with excitement and gratitude.

The other male servants on the mountain couldn’t hide their envious expressions and offered their congratulations.

A Jie Dan cultivator, a three-rank high-grade main peak, was a rarity in Yun Xia Zong.

The head manager of such a main peak was often a close confidante and representative of the Jie Dan Elder, holding significant power and influence.

Even ordinary Jie Dan Zhen Jun would treat them with courtesy, not daring to offend them lightly.

Moreover, the sect acknowledged this position and offered corresponding remuneration and benefits.

Even without considering the factors of power and status.

Xiao Qing Shan, from a mere ordinary Zhu Ji cultivator, had been promoted to the head manager of the main peak, his treatment and benefits within the sect directly doubled!

A three-rank high-grade main peak, just the various properties on the mountain, the spirit fields, gardens, and herbs, represented a massive wealth of resources. Within the bounds of unspoken rules, even a small leak could make a Zhu Ji cultivator rich.

Overnight, Xiao Qing Shan rose to the top, becoming a highly sought-after figure among the Zhu Ji cultivators of Yun Xia Zong.

Those below the upper echelon of Yun Xia Zong discussed this matter, most believing Xiao Qing Shan had been incredibly lucky.

Almost no one connected Xiao Qing Shan with Elder Xiang Da Long, considering any connection between them inconceivable.

Their identities were too different, worlds apart.

Xiao Qing Shan was a marginal figure, a庶出 (shu chu) (a son born out of wedlock and considered a lesser son in a family) from a large family, even having been rejected by his betrothed.

Elder Xiang, on the other hand, wasn’t a cultivator from Da Yu Guo. Since he didn’t trust any cultivator in Yun Xia Zong, he seemed to pick his servants and managers randomly, without any specific criteria.

…

After Xiao Qing Shan became the head manager of the main peak, Lu Chang’an had more opportunities to interact with him, and he didn’t need to avoid him anymore.

Lu Chang’an secretly observed him for a period: after his meteoric rise, Xiao Qing Shan hadn’t become arrogant; he continued to work diligently and with dedication.

Perhaps due to the ups and downs he had experienced in this life, Xiao Qing Shan had a decent character.

This was the only thing that brought Lu Chang’an some comfort.

Besides that, Xiao Qing Shan was unremarkable, lacking any outstanding qualities.

His spiritual root aptitude, cultivation skills, magical ability, social interactions… he was mediocre in all aspects.

Lu Chang’an had mountains of second- and third-rank materials and spiritual inheritances that he didn’t know how to use, but he wasn’t sure which path was suitable for Xiao Qing Shan.

This kind of “water bucket” mediocrity was why he hadn’t received any training from the Xiao family. If he hadn’t come from a large family, if his mother hadn’t left behind some legacy, it would have been uncertain whether he could even advance to Zhu Ji.

The following two years.

Lu Chang’an gradually showed his reliance on Xiao Qing Shan, nurturing him as a close confidante and occasionally guiding his cultivation.

All matters related to Qingluan Peak were entrusted to him.

In some situations, when dealing with ordinary Jie Dan Zhen Jun in matters of trade and exchange, he had Xiao Qing Shan run errands and handle receptions.

Xiao Qing Shan subtly sensed a special affinity while interacting with Elder Xiang, like they were old friends who had known each other for many years. He sincerely trusted and respected him.

He gathered his courage and, during Elder Xiang’s free time, took the initiative to ask questions about cultivation.

However, Xiao Qing Shan, who was successful in the public eye, faced a personal entanglement.

In these two years, his popularity among female cultivators in the inner sect had greatly increased.

Some beautiful cultivators, who he had previously been unable to approach due to their high standards, were willing to interact with him, even sending him amorous glances.

Xiao Qing Shan had taken a liking to a newly promoted Zhu Ji female cultivator named “Si Lu,” who was young, beautiful, gentle, and still a virgin.

Their relationship had just started to warm up, and they were about to take their relationship further.

Unexpectedly, his former lover, “Yi Shu Zhen,” with whom he had severed ties years ago, contacted him again.

They met in private, Yi Shu Zhen’s eyes were red and swollen, and she threw herself into his arms, crying for a long time.

Yi Shu Zhen recounted her past grievances: she had genuinely wanted to become a Dao companion with Xiao Qing Shan and didn’t care about wealth or poverty. However, her family had pressured her relentlessly, her mother threatening her life, forcing her to separate from him.

Now, Xiao Qing Shan had become the head manager of the main peak, a confidante of the Jie Dan cultivator, and the Yi family no longer dared to interfere with their love and union.

After all, she was a woman he had once deeply loved, her tearful plea for him to return, it was impossible for Xiao Qing Shan’s heart to remain unmoved.

…

Several days later, outside Qingluan Peak.

A Zhu Ji female cultivator in a white dress, her face radiant, her figure plump, waited for Xiao Qing Shan with loving eyes.

As the manager of the main peak, Xiao Qing Shan spent most of his time, including his daily cultivation, on Qingluan Peak. Lu Chang’an gave him a few days off every month for leisure and entertainment.

“Yi Shu Zhen? When did she get back together with Xiao Qing Shan?”

The servant cultivators on the main peak secretly discussed the gossip.

Xiao Qing Shan flew out of Qingluan Peak, his expression grim. He hadn’t agreed to reunite with Yi Shu Zhen, but he hadn’t made a firm decision to reject her.

To avoid any negative consequences, Xiao Qing Shan grabbed Yi Shu Zhen’s hand and left without a word.

Before dusk, Xiao Qing Shan returned to Qingluan Peak and apologized to Lu Chang’an.

“This is your personal matter, this True Jun won’t interfere.”

Lu Chang’an replied calmly.

In reality, if Xiao Qing Shan hadn’t returned tonight and instead fallen into Yi Shu Zhen’s embrace, Lu Chang’an would inevitably feel disappointed.

Xiao Qing Shan said apologetically, “Qing Shan knows he’s not up to par, not decisive enough, he has disappointed Elder Xiang.”

“Good to know! Deduct your spirit stone allowance for a year.”

Lu Chang’an said solemnly.

“Qing Shan accepts the punishment!”

Xiao Qing Shan felt a pang in his heart, but he obediently accepted the punishment.

He had only been the head manager for two years, and he had already been deducted half of his spirit stone allowance.

This spirit stone was issued by the sect. If he hadn’t sincerely respected Elder Xiang, he might have thought he was being deliberately deprived of his spirit stones.

“You’re not young anymore. Get married within the sect soon.”

Lu Chang’an said earnestly.

Xiao Qing Shan was quite mediocre in all aspects; even with Lu Chang’an’s support, his achievements in this life wouldn’t be too high.

In that case, it would be better for him to settle down early and enjoy some of the world’s riches.

“Yes, Elder Xiang.”

Xiao Qing Shan took it to heart, not daring to disobey.

…

Half a month later.

Xiao Qing Shan, beyond expectation, formed a Dao companion relationship.

His Dao companion wasn’t Yi Shu Zhen but Si Lu, with whom he had only recently fallen in love.

Lu Chang’an was pleased with this, giving him a few days off.

At the celebration banquet for Xiao Qing Shan and Si Lu’s wedding, numerous cultivators, both high-ranking and lower-ranking, from the sect sent gifts to celebrate.

Lu Chang’an presented a third-rank spirit shell, which could slowly improve bone structure and slightly aid in cultivation below Jie Dan.

One month after forming their Dao companion relationship.

Xiao Qing Shan, who had been stuck at the early stage of Zhu Ji for several years, broke through smoothly.

His cultivation reached the middle stage of Zhu Ji, surpassing the shackles of Li Er Qing’s previous life.

Xiao Qing Shan’s breakthrough surprised Lu Chang’an to some extent.

Even with his guidance, and now with abundant resources, an ample supply of spirit pills and spirit rice, Xiao Qing Shan’s advancement to the middle stage of Zhu Ji was easier than expected.

“Could it be that the good fortune of the Xuan Tian Hu Teng played a role?”

Lu Chang’an pondered.

This possibility theoretically existed.

Through subsequent observation, Lu Chang’an discovered the truth.

The reason for Xiao Qing Shan’s previous smooth breakthrough was partly due to his initial practice of Yin-Yang dual cultivation.

Xiao Qing Shan was from a large family, he was naturally not a virgin.

But after entering Yun Xia Zong, because his standards were high, he couldn’t find a partner who met them, leading to a situation where he couldn’t get what he wanted.

“Unexpectedly, Li Er Qing, who was mediocre in all aspects, has an exceptional talent in this life when it comes to the dual cultivation technique.”

Lu Chang’an finally found a bright spot in Xiao Qing Shan that could help his cultivation.

The talent for Yin-Yang dual cultivation isn’t necessarily related to spiritual roots. It’s like cultivation skills, it depends on a different kind of aptitude and nature.

Some people are simply gifted; through Yin-Yang dual cultivation, they see significant improvements in their cultivation path.

Tian Luo Lao Zu was an example, not a Dao body or a Di Ling Gen, yet he achieved Nascent Soul.

There are even more exaggerated records in the ancient history of the cultivation world, where children of destiny with inferior spiritual roots defied the heavens, using this side path, reaching the peak of the human world. They were called “Long Yang Da Jun.”

Their names and deeds were even recorded in the Tian Yan Continent’s “Series of Extraordinary People in the World.”

However, that era was too long ago, and the authenticity of the records is questionable.

Lu Chang’an suddenly thought, in Li Er Qing’s previous life, he constantly married and had children, expanding his family, bringing good fortune.

Could it be that his talent for this side path in this life is somehow related to his experiences in his previous life?

Lu Chang’an remembers that Guan Qiao Zhi’s reincarnation, Yun Ling, had exceptional talent in drawing talismans.

In her previous life, Guan Qiao Zhi spent most of her time dealing with talismans.

Li Er Qing’s previous life was similar, he wasn’t marrying and having children, he was on the road to finding new partners.

…

Time flew by, eight years passed.

Lu Chang’an had cultivated diligently and discreetly in Yun Xia Zong for eleven years, his age reaching 336.

Over a decade, one can witness much.

The labels “The True Jun who doesn’t touch women,” “Elder Xiang, the ascetic,” etc. were solidified in the minds of Yun Xia Zong cultivators.

To this day, True Jun Xiang’s cave hadn’t taken in a single female servant.

In the relatively open-minded Yun Xia Zong, Elder Xiang was a rare sight: he didn’t form a Dao companion, didn’t take concubines, and didn’t engage in any improper relationships.

Even Yun Lan Zhen Jun gradually acknowledged Lu Chang’an’s “honest and down-to-earth” nature.

Yun Lan Zhen Jun had secretly observed Lu Chang’an, instructing his confidantes to record his actions.

Whether he was in the sect or not, this person diligently cultivated, completed his tasks of refining puppets, and even recruited apprentices.

He went out very few times, always to the high-level immortal cities of Da Yu Guo to procure resources.

Lu Chang’an only focused on his own matters, never seeking to learn Yun Xia Zong’s secrets, nor did he deliberately flatter Yun Lan or Zi Xia Zhen Jun.

Zi Xia Zhen Jun occasionally summoned Lu Chang’an, to connect with him emotionally.

But Lu Chang’an never took the initiative to visit Zi Xia Zhen Jun; besides cultivation and skills, he had no interest in women.

“Zi Yan indeed didn’t pick the wrong person. I was wrong…”

Yun Lan Zhen Jun lowered his guard against Lu Chang’an, devoting more energy to securing resources for his personal disciple, “Yun Qing Zhen Jun,” for his upcoming attempt to achieve Nascent Soul.

Over the past eight years.

Lu Chang’an had confirmed Xiao Qing Shan’s exceptional talent for Yin-Yang dual cultivation.

His medium-grade spiritual root aptitude, his cultivation speed, was comparable to that of a high-grade spiritual root.

Of course, Lu Chang’an’s occasional guidance and the current abundance of resources, the ample supply of spirit pills and spirit rice, were also key factors.

Two years ago.

Lu Chang’an taught Xiao Qing Shan the first six layers of the “Dragon Phoenix Twin Tripod Technique,” the sections related to Qi refinement and Zhu Ji.

This dual cultivation technique was obtained by Tian Luo Lao Zu from an ancient cave, he studied it for his entire life, yet he never fully mastered it.

This technique is divided into a main tripod and a secondary tripod.

The cultivator who practices the main technique is the main tripod, and they benefit more. There can be multiple secondary tripods, enjoying the regular benefits of dual cultivation.

Lu Chang’an, in this life, because of the limitations of the Chang Qing Gong’s lifespan, cultivating the “Dragon Phoenix Twin Tripod Technique” didn’t make much sense.

He simply had Xiao Qing Shan, who had exceptional talent, practice it too, accumulating more experience and insights.

This ancient technique had some drawbacks and flaws for later generations, which needed further improvement.

…

One morning, Lu Chang’an collected the Qing Xuan Mu, which he had cultivated to the threshold of the fourth rank, into his space ring.

This piece of Qing Xuan Mu, acquired from Tian Luo Lao Zu’s descendants, was already close to fourth rank in quality.

Lu Chang’an’s Chang Qing Fa Li, which was at the late stage of the Immortal Golden Dan, had an even better cultivation effect.

Even without sacrificing lifespan, combined with the cultivation of precious spirit liquids, over the years, he had nurtured it to the threshold of the fourth rank.

Creak!

A yellowish glow appeared, the aura was profound, the Di Yan Shu’s thick demonic power felt like a mountain, appearing at Lu Chang’an’s feet.

“Sigh! A late stage peak three-rank great demon, where can I find a key opportunity for you?”

Lu Chang’an sighed softly, reaching out to touch the purple fur on the top of the Di Yan Shu’s head.

The Di Yan Shu had reached the late stage peak of the third rank two years ago and already possessed the foundation to challenge a fourth-rank, transforming Demon King.

However, among the numerous spoils of war in the past, only a few could help the Di Yan Shu achieve the fourth rank.

The key opportunity, the high-quality transforming spirit objects, were all missing.

Lu Chang’an’s own preparations for achieving Nascent Soul weren’t sufficient, so he couldn’t help the Di Yan Shu.

Squeek Squeek!

The Di Yan Shu shook its head, its eyes firm, making a decision.

It wanted to go out and experience the world, try its luck, and search for a transforming opportunity.

“Don’t worry, you still have plenty of lifespan. Da Yu Guo actually has opportunities for demons to transform. You don’t need to go far.”

Lu Chang’an comforted him.

Lu Chang’an had two ideas for the Di Yan Shu’s transforming opportunity.

First, the demonized stone heart dragon in the Forbidden Zone of the Middle Region, it has true dragon bloodline, its stone heart and essence great pill, would be very suitable for the Di Yan Shu.

To achieve this, it would require cooperation with the mysterious external cultivator, Jing Wu Feng.

Second, Da Yu Guo has corresponding resources and opportunities.

Among them, Da She Shan, the royal family of Da Yu, is confirmed to have key resources to aid demons in transforming.

Da She Shan itself is a Nascent Soul level beast-taming sect.

The royal family of Da Yu, their ancestors came from the “Great Jin Immortal Dynasty” of Feng Hua Zhou, it is rumored that they have a guardian spirit beast, whose strength is equivalent to a middle stage Nascent Soul.

As the rulers of Da Yu Guo, the royal family has collected many precious resources from the world. They must have cultivated more than one Tian Ying Guo (Heavenly Essence Fruit).

Moreover, the royal family of Da Yu also has their own fourth-rank pill masters and array masters.

…

While Lu Chang’an was scheming about a fourth-rank transforming opportunity.

Hundreds of miles away, a white cloud escape light flew through the Nine-Star Heaven, accompanied by a tremendous force, heading straight for the entrance of Yun Xia Zong.

“Brother Lan!”

Zi Xia Zhen Jun, who was guarding the entrance, sensed it immediately and flew out from the fourth-rank spirit peak.

Soon, Zi Xia Xian Zi’s beautiful face turned pale, revealing an expression of shock and worry.

She saw that Yun Lan Zhen Jun, who was flying towards her, had his crown fallen, his hair disheveled, his face pale, his massive Nascent Soul Fa Li, like a volcano erupting, was chaotic and out of control.

Even more shocking was that his shoulder was bloody and flesh was missing, and one of his arms was gone.

(To be continued)

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