I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals 376

## Chapter 372: Everything Assembled

Lu Chang’an couldn’t help but feel a surge of joy upon hearing this.

Not only did Master Le possess the Tian Ying Fruit, the most precious primary ingredient, but he could also solve the problem of refining the Hua Ying Dan, which truly made Lu Changan’s heart flutter.

“What does Master Le need from this fellow?” Lu Changan’s eyes flickered. Master Le didn’t even glance at the items he showcased, so his request must be something extraordinary.

“My request is not a difficult one for Venerable Xiang. I only need a promise of three actions from the Earth Rock Lord, lasting for three hundred years. If I pass away, the promise of three actions will be continued for my descendants.” Master Le smiled amiably, transmitting his voice.

However, Lu Chang’an furrowed his brow.

Master Le’s condition, while not exactly harsh, was still difficult to swallow.

Many late-stage Core Formation cultivators would readily agree to such a condition for the core opportunity to advance to the Nascent Soul stage.

However, other late-stage Core Formation cultivators couldn’t guarantee their success in becoming Nascent Souls, making this deal a gamble.

Lu Changan was different. The Earth Rock Lord was an existing fourth-order demon king and a combat force, which was why Master Le was willing to trade with him.

“I must disappoint Master Le. This fellow cannot speak for the Earth Rock Lord, nor would he want his beloved spirit pet to be entangled in too much karma due to this fellow’s fleeting illusion…”

After a moment’s contemplation, Lu Changan refused.

Three hundred years, three promised actions, and even extending to Master Le’s descendants would easily entangle him in karma and bring him trouble.

With Lu Changan’s current level, strength, and the remaining Nascent Soul resources he was preparing, it was only a matter of time, not an insurmountable obstacle.

Master Le felt surprised. He hadn’t expected Xiang Da Long to refuse so decisively, even pointing out the harm of karmic entanglement.

In the world of cultivation, it was usually Nascent Soul cultivators or higher who paid attention to karmic entanglements, ordinary cultivators seldom had such awareness.

What Master Le didn’t know was that Lu Changan wasn’t a cultivator from the Great Abyss. After advancing to the Nascent Soul stage, he wouldn’t be staying in the Great Abyss for a long time.

Lu Changan and the Earth Rock Lord would be unable to fulfill the promise of three hundred years.

“This fellow can only promise one action, valid for a hundred years.” Lu Changan stated his bottom line.

“One action is too little. I’m not only providing the Tian Ying Fruit, but also offering my full effort in refining the pill, at least two favors.” Master Le shook his head, trying to negotiate.

After a brief exchange, the two couldn’t reach an agreement.

Master Le’s bottom line was two actions, extending to his descendants.

Lu Changan stopped arguing and abandoned the deal.

Master Le’s eyes narrowed slightly. The situation was unfolding unexpectedly. He thought he could easily secure the key Nascent Soul resource from Xiang Da Long.

Based on his experience and perception, he realized that Xiang Da Long wasn’t pretending, he truly had the confidence to refuse the deal.

Actually, Lu Changan had a backup plan for the Tian Ying Fruit.

He could activate the spatial teleportation array and temporarily return to Great Qing to retrieve the “entrusted for safekeeping” Tian Ying Fruit at the new Li Huo Palace.

However, there were some risks and uncertainties.

But after leaving Great Qing for decades, that Senior青木 (Ao Mu) Zhen Jun wouldn’t be constantly guarding the Seven Nation Alliance.

…

Just as Lu Changan and Master Le finished their negotiations, a young Nascent Soul Zhen Jun with a left arm as thick as a python, across the aisle, asked curiously:

“I heard that Venerable Xiang excels in puppetry. Can you custom-make a top-tier third-order puppet?”

“A top-tier third-order puppet? This fellow’s chances of success are very low.”

Lu Changan didn’t know this Nascent Soul cultivator very well. He only knew that his Daoist name was “Zuo Long Zhen Jun,” hailing from Da Luo Nation, located in the north of Da Yu Nation.

Da Luo Nation was once a breakaway state of Da Yu Nation, its strength far inferior. However, Da Yu Nation’s adversary, the Eight-Headed Snake Mountain, kept Da Yu Nation in check, preventing it from easily reclaiming Da Luo Nation.

Zuo Long Zhen Jun chuckled, unconcerned. “It’s rumored that the enigmatic assassin puppet used by ‘Jing Tian Zhen Jun’ in the ancient ‘Gu You Palace’ was crafted by Elder Xiang.”

Hearing the name “Jing Tian Zhen Jun,” many Nascent Soul Zhen Juns present cast interested glances.

Lu Changan mused, the assassin puppet he had lent to Jing Wu Feng back then had actually become renowned in the Gu You Palace.

The quality of that top-tier third-order assassin puppet was only one aspect. The key was its compatibility with Jing Wu Feng’s spatial talent.

“Oh, that puppet was a special case. Back then, Jing Tian Zhen Jun provided materials, many of which reached the fourth order. In the end, the puppet’s refinement was reduced by half a rank to achieve a top-tier third-order, and its success rate was only forty to fifty percent.”

Lu Changan didn’t even need to draft his lies.

Some Nascent Soul Zhen Juns had witnessed Jing Tian Zhen Jun using the puppet in the Gu You Palace, but only speculated about its connection to Xiang Da Long, with no concrete evidence.

Even if his puppetry skills were exposed, it wouldn’t be a major issue for Lu Changan, who had a fourth-order demon king.

However, within the sect, the more capable one was, the greater their responsibilities, and they would attract more attention from Nascent Soul elders.

A top-tier third-order puppet could serve as a powerful enforcer for a Nascent Soul Zhen Jun, his right-hand man. During battles against peers, at crucial moments, it could influence the balance of victory.

“I see.”

Da Luo Nation’s Zuo Long Zhen Jun seemed to believe half of it, no longer pursuing the matter.

If refining a top-tier third-order puppet required excessive fourth-order materials and couldn’t guarantee success, it wouldn’t be cost-effective.

“Little Friend Xiang, do you really have little confidence in refining a top-tier third-order puppet?”

Master Le, who had weighed his options, approached once again for another negotiation.

A third-order high-quality puppet or above could not only increase his protective capabilities but also be passed down to his descendants.

“If it’s for Master Le, even if the success rate is low, this fellow will do his utmost to refine one.”

Seeing Master Le’s interest in puppets, Lu Changan softened his stance.

“Oh? If I provide a set of materials for a top-tier third-order puppet, and you can guarantee success, I wouldn’t mind giving way on the previous trading terms.”

Master Le was full of vigor, offering a new proposal.

Seeing that Master Le was climbing down, Lu Changan negotiated further.

This time, they quickly reached a trade agreement.

Master Le promised: to provide the Tian Ying Fruit free of charge and help Lu Changan refine a good-quality Hua Ying Dan.

Lu Changan’s obligations:

First, within ten years, to refine a top-tier third-order puppet for Master Le, using materials provided by the other party, guaranteeing success, and covering any material shortages himself.

Second, either the Earth Rock Lord or Lu Changan after becoming a Nascent Soul, to perform one action for Master Le, limited to within a hundred years.

Overall, the contributions and obligations of both parties were essentially equal, neither side gaining an advantage.

“Then it’s settled. Once you’ve gathered the other materials for the Hua Ying Dan, come to the Dan Dao Alliance to fulfill your promise.”

Master Le’s wrinkled old face showed a glimmer of contentment.

As a master alchemist, refining fourth-order spirit pills was effortless for him.

However, Xiang Da Long refining a top-tier third-order puppet might be challenging. After all, he had only become a third-order high-quality puppet master a little over twenty years ago.

Little did he know that Lu Changan’s actual puppetry skills reached the semi-fourth order, exceeding the expectations of cultivators in the outside world.

…

The agreement and trade between Lu Changan and Master Le were conducted through voice transmission, kept secret from the outside world.

Zi Xia Xian Zi stood beside Lu Changan, sensing their private communication but didn’t intervene.

After half an hour, the Nascent Soul exchange meeting concluded, filled with shared anecdotes and information.

Jiang Zi Yan’s cloud-like escape light carried Lu Changan back to Yun Tian Xian City.

“As a member of the Dan Dao Alliance, Master Le’s alchemical reputation has some guarantees, but during your dealings with him, Junior Brother Xiang, you mustn’t let your guard down. It’s always better to err on the side of caution.”

Zi Xia Xian Zi’s expression was solemn, warning him.

“Junior Brother understands.”

Lu Changan nodded, understanding why Jiang Zi Yan was so suspicious and didn’t fully trust Master Le.

Many years ago, Yun Lan Zhen Jun also collaborated with Master Le in alchemy. Once, after leaving the Dan Dao Alliance’s sphere of influence, they were ambushed and Yun Lan Zhen Jun was seriously injured, losing an arm.

Back then, Master Le sent someone with healing and detoxification medicine, denying any involvement. And there was no evidence to connect him to it.

The matter was eventually dropped.

However, there was always a suspicion that Master Le or cultivators affiliated with the Dan Dao Alliance might have leaked information about their whereabouts.

When Lu Changan reached an agreement with Master Le, he naturally took this into consideration.

As he understood, the Dan Dao Alliance, a neutral force, maintained its reputation for alchemical collaborations within its sphere of influence. They wouldn’t damage their own reputation.

This fundamental guarantee was enough for Lu Changan.

Those few cases that went wrong generally occurred after leaving the Dan Dao Alliance’s sphere of influence.

Yun Lan Zhen Jun, who had collaborated multiple times, was careless and fell into the trap.

As a divination master, Lu Changan, with prior precautions, would be less likely to be tricked or harmed, as long as the difference in strength wasn’t too significant.

Furthermore, when facing the crucial turning point of advancing to Nascent Soul, it was simply unrealistic to avoid all risks.

…

Two days later, the second half of the Yun Tian City auction was in full swing, with high-ranking cultivators frequently making bids.

“【Mi Luo Grass】, one of the three main ingredients for the Hua Ying Dan. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Any higher bids?”

The auctioneer, a man with a goat beard, exclaimed excitedly.

“One hundred and twenty thousand spirit stones!”

A Nascent Soul-level consciousness, accompanied by a cold hum from a man, echoed from a VIP room.

“One hundred and fifty thousand spirit stones!”

Lu Changan spoke calmly, adding thirty thousand spirit stones in one go, ignoring the obvious price hike.

After his agreement with Master Le, the Hua Ying Dan’s primary ingredients only lacked this 【Mi Luo Grass】. Even if he offended a Nascent Soul elder for it, it would be worth it.

“Xiang Da Long, I will concede this 【Mi Luo Grass】 to you. Let’s see if you have the fortune to enjoy the benefits of the Hua Ying Dan and stand alongside us.”

From another VIP room, a Nascent Soul Zhen Jun with a robust figure, a booming voice, clad in heavy demon armor, with purplish-black eyes that flashed, spoke with a sinister tone.

“Junior Brother Xiang, don’t worry. ‘Ba Wu Zhen Jun’, as the head of a branch of the Eight-Headed Snake Mountain’s evil path, is inherently an adversary of Da Yu Nation.”

Zi Xia Xian Zi spoke soothingly in support of Lu Changan, despite her slight apprehension about Ba Wu Zhen Jun.

The Eight-Headed Snake Mountain was located in the southwest of Da Yu Nation, representing two completely opposing forces.

This faction was mainly composed of evil cultivators, and eight large mountain ranges with fourth-order spirit veins ran through their territory.

“Mere empty threats won’t scare Junior Brother.”

Lu Changan laughed confidently.

After Ba Wu Zhen Jun gave up, Lu Changan successfully bid for the 【Mi Luo Grass】, his mood soaring.

It wasn’t that Ba Wu Zhen Jun lacked the funds to compete, but rather, he was less determined than Lu Changan after the obvious price hike.

There were still heavyweight treasures to be auctioned off later, and many Nascent Soul elders were vying for them, requiring their full attention.

Lu Changan decided to quit while he was ahead at this auction. Besides the 【Mi Luo Grass】, he only bid for a fourth-order precious material that didn’t attract much competition.

Zi Xia Xian Zi’s gains were average, not reaching her expectations. She only purchased a bottle of fourth-order spirit pill that boosted cultivation.

As for top-quality magic treasures, core materials required fourth-order high quality, which wasn’t so easy to come by.

…

After a few days, Lu Changan and Jiang Zi Yan left Yun Tian City and embarked on their journey back.

Jiang Zi Yan was cautious about going out, and this time, she left discreetly.

Lu Changan calculated a bit and found no signs of being targeted by Nascent Soul elders. The area around Yun Tian City was still relatively safe. The seemingly offended Ba Wu Zhen Jun was likely just bluffing.

It was highly unlikely that a Nascent Soul elder would engage in a life-or-death struggle over a single ingredient for the Hua Ying Dan.

Lu Changan had the backing of a Nascent Soul sect, and the protection of a fourth-order demon king, not to mention an ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator could easily handle.

On the journey, Lu Changan’s mood was cheerful and relaxed.

This trip had basically solved the Hua Ying Dan problem.

Other Nascent Soul resources, such as tribulation treasures, Nascent Soul spirit creatures, and heart tribulation spirit pills, were all in place.

It could be said that Lu Changan had essentially completed the external preparations for his breakthrough to Nascent Soul.

All this seemed simple, stemming from Lu Changan’s years of planning.

Standing at a higher level, entering the Nascent Soul cultivator circle, this was how he naturally completed his preparations.

In the world of cultivation, without Nascent Soul elders looking after them, it was almost impossible for Core Formation cultivators without a background or a great opportunity to accomplish this independently.

Zi Xia Xian Zi also sensed Lu Changan’s good mood.

She thought to herself: Xiang Da Long is not far from the peak of Core Formation. He is relatively old, once he gathers all the Nascent Soul resources, he should make a breakthrough to the Nascent Soul stage as soon as possible.

Thinking back to Yun Qing Zhen Jun’s failed Nascent Soul breakthrough and his subsequent demise, Zi Xia Xian Zi felt a tinge of gloom.

She suppressed her emotions and suggested: “Junior Brother Xiang, do you have any plans to have children in the next ten years?”

Lu Changan understood Zi Xia Xian Zi’s kindness.

Even with an immortal Core Formation, abundant Nascent Soul resources, there was no guarantee of successfully overcoming the heavenly tribulation and becoming a Nascent Soul.

Therefore, most Core Formation cultivators preparing to break through to the Nascent Soul stage would arrange for their descendants in advance.

“Junior Brother has descendants in his original state, no need to worry about that. If Junior Brother unfortunately fails to become a Nascent Soul, the Earth Rock Lord will inherit everything from him.”

Lu Changan found an excuse to evade the question.

In fact, he didn’t have any blood descendants in this lifetime.

Zi Xia Xian Zi nodded, sensing that Lu Changan was in good spirits regarding his Nascent Soul breakthrough, calmly facing it without fear or hesitation.

“Junior Brother Xiang, if you successfully advance to Nascent Soul, what are your plans for the future?”

Zi Xia Xian Zi didn’t mention discouraging words, but smiled and said.

“If Junior Brother is fortunate enough to reach the rank of True Jun, he will consider returning to his hometown someday…”

Lu Changan didn’t hide it, this plan was also in line with human nature.

Crossing state boundaries, at least one had to reach the Nascent Soul stage for it to be feasible.

(End of Chapter)

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