I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals 383

## Chapter 379: The Path to Nascent Soul (Four)

Before entering the heartland of the Dan Dao League, Lu Chang’an used all his strength to perform divination. He did not capture any obvious signs of crisis.

At most, there would be some setbacks, but overall, there would be no major problems.

Firstly, the risk of refining a Hua Ying Dan at the Nascent Soul stage was relatively low.

Secondly, the Dan Dao League, as a neutral force, valued rules and reputation.

After several days, Lu Chang’an reached Qiu Guo, one of the nations within the Dan Dao League.

Qiu Guo’s geographical resources were similar to those of Liang Guo, where he had been born in this life, with only one fourth-order spirit vein.

Master Le was the Grand Patron of Qiu Guo’s Nascent Soul sect, “Huo Lian Ge,” and also an elder of the Dan Dao League, holding a lofty position.

Master Le’s residence was within the sect’s territory on the fourth-order spirit vein, with a separate Di Huo Peak.

It formed a self-contained formation mountain, connecting with the outside world.

Above Di Huo Peak, a powerful aura of a late-stage Jindan cultivator approached.

Then, a man in blue robes, with a refined and elegant demeanor, appeared and descended towards this fourth-order spirit peak that exuded a scorching aura.

In the welcoming hall of Di Huo Peak, many high-level cultivators gathered, including many at the middle and late Jindan stages.

They were all cultivators from various places who came seeking elixirs.

Seeing the arrival of this unknown late-stage Jindan cultivator, the high-level cultivators present were not surprised and only cast a few glances at him.

Di Huo Peak did not neglect their guests. A middle-aged, Fake Dan elder proactively came forward to welcome and guide him.

“I am Xu Xuan, a cultivator from the outer realm, drawn here by your reputation. I wish to request Master Le to refine an elixir for me.”

The man in blue robes spoke with humility and elegance, smiling gently.

This time, Lu Chang’an came for elixir refinement, disguising his identity. In this way, his identity as the person refining the Hua Ying Dan would not be revealed so quickly.

“So you are Daoist Xu! Unfortunately, Master Le is currently refining an elixir in the Grand Hall and cannot come out to meet you.”

The Fake Dan elder remained neither humble nor arrogant, acting according to the rules: “Daoist Xu, if you have any elixir refining requests, you can make reservations in advance on Di Huo Peak and arrange a schedule. For fourth-order and below spirit elixirs, you can entrust the other elixir masters on the mountain to refine them.”

Hearing this, Lu Chang’an glanced at the Jindan cultivators in the welcoming hall.

Without a special relationship, even a late-stage Jindan cultivator who requested Master Le to personally refine an elixir would have to wait in line for a long time.

“Xu is entrusted by an elder to personally discuss matters with Master Le.”

Lu Chang’an’s hand behind his back secretly formed hand seals and used the special communication method left by Master Le.

“This… I dare ask Daoist Xu, what is the name of the elder behind you? When Master Le exits his seclusion, I will convey your message immediately.”

The Fake Dan elder was slightly troubled but still followed the procedures.

The status of a fourth-order elixir refining grandmaster was such that even some Nascent Soul True Jun would come to seek elixirs, showing respect and courtesy.

Lu Chang’an smiled and said nothing, while sensing the divine consciousness of a Nascent Soul cultivator scanning from the top of Di Huo Peak. It was Master Le who received the message.

…

Soon, a graceful and elegant young woman in a light blue fairy dress, with eyebrows like crescent moons, a delicate nose and almond-shaped eyes, and a gentle and refined aura, flew down from the mountaintop.

“Master Le.”

“Fairy Qingni.”

The high-level cultivators present all stood up and politely bowed.

Le Qingni was Master Le’s granddaughter, the closest descendant of his bloodline, and was very much loved by Master Le.

This young woman possessed mid-stage Jindan cultivation. Her appearance and temperament were top-notch, although she had a somewhat aloof demeanor. On the way down, she merely nodded slightly in a restrained manner, facing those who greeted her with compliments and enthusiasm.

“This Daoist, please come with me to the inner hall.”

Le Qingni landed in front of Lu Chang’an, bowed slightly, smiled lightly, and extended her hand curiously, examining the man in blue robes.

To be able to receive special instructions from her grandfather to come out and welcome him while he was refining an elixir, this treatment was rarely enjoyed even by the disciples of some Nascent Soul True Jun.

And this late-stage Jindan cultivator, she had no memory of him at all, she didn’t know his background.

“Thank you, Fairy Le.”

Lu Chang’an returned the bow, his smile warm and gentle, following Le Qingni towards the inner part of Di Huo Peak.

“Openly cutting in line, how dare he!”

“What is this person’s background? To make Master Le break the rules?”

This scene made several high-level cultivators who were waiting in line feel dissatisfied, secretly muttering and discussing privately.

…

On the mountaintop, in the side hall of the Dan Huo Palace.

The host and guest took their seats, and two maidservants poured tea and withdrew.

“Daoist Xu, my grandfather is currently refining an elixir and will come out in half a day.”

Le Qingni sat quietly, entertaining Lu Chang’an.

“It doesn’t matter, Xu has plenty of time.”

“I dare ask, Daoist Xu, who is your master, and what kind of spirit elixir are you commissioned to refine?”

During their conversation, Le Qingni felt curious and probed Lu Chang’an’s background.

“Xu comes from a Nascent Soul sect in the Middle Realm and needs a fourth-order spirit elixir.”

This answer almost made Le Qingni roll her eyes. Wasn’t that obvious? With his cultivation and treatment, Master Le was treating him with courtesy, so he must have come to refine a fourth-order spirit elixir.

“Daoist Xu, are you planning to refine a Hua Ying Dan?”

Le Qingni’s eyes flickered, as if she had thought of something.

“That’s right.”

Lu Chang’an paused for a moment, not expecting to be easily seen through by this young woman.

Thinking about her relationship with Master Le, he guessed that he wouldn’t be able to keep it a secret later during the elixir refining process.

Upon receiving a confirmed answer, Le Qingni’s smile faded, her lips pursed, and her eyes dimmed slightly.

This young woman remained silent for a few breaths, and then her speech became low and indifferent.

Less than half a day later.

In the elixir refining hall across a courtyard, a surge of elixir aura shot straight into the sky, releasing a powerful spiritual pressure.

“The elixir aura pierces the rainbow, the phenomenon of a fourth-order spirit elixir.”

Lu Chang’an couldn’t help but look up, analyzing the properties of this elixir, it was most likely of the type that promotes cultivation.

Fourth-order spirit elixirs correspond to the Nascent Soul stage, containing the Dao韵 of heaven and earth. Every successful refinement produces a certain phenomenon.

Of course, this phenomenon was far less spectacular than the advancement to Nascent Soul, and only cultivators in the nearby area could see it.

As a third-order elixir master, Lu Chang’an knew much about elixir refining knowledge and principles.

However, his elixir refining talent was too mediocre. Over the years, he had been cultivating multiple skills, and his elixir refining skill had only reached the mid-stage third order.

After a short while, three people walked out from the elixir refining hall.

Besides the white-haired Master Le.

There was also a black-robed cultivator wearing a straw hat, and a young man in a purple robe, with a refined and elegant demeanor, radiating a dashing and spirited aura.

“Master Le’s elixir refining skills are extraordinary, reaching the mid-stage fourth order. The ten Purple Yuan Dan refined in this furnace, nine of them are authentic. If my master knew about this, he would definitely be satisfied.”

The black-robed cultivator’s face beamed with joy as he said respectfully with a smile.

Lu Chang’an glanced at the black-robed cultivator. He was practicing a heretical cultivation method, which was common in the Great Abyss cultivation world.

The young man in the purple robe was clearly not with him, radiating residual fiery elixir power.

Lu Chang’an guessed that this was the “Brother Chu” Le Qingni had mentioned earlier, Master Le’s talented disciple, “Chu Yang.”

Chu Yang was an elixir refining genius. His cultivation was at the peak of the Jindan stage, and his elixir refining skill had reached the fourth order. He often assisted Master Le in refining elixirs, sharing part of the pressure.

Chu Yang saw off the black-robed cultivator, and briefly glanced at Le Qingni and Lu Chang’an in the side hall.

“Daoist Xiang’s disguise techniques are superb. If I hadn’t received the message, I would have almost been deceived.”

Master Le smiled warmly, personally welcoming him.

“Greetings to Master Le.”

Lu Chang’an stood up and bowed, wiping his face with his hand, restoring his appearance as Xiang Da Long.

Since Master Le had pointed out his identity, it was evident that he fully trusted his granddaughter and made no attempt to conceal it.

Besides, Lu Chang’an’s future promised assistance might extend to Le Qingni.

“Daoist Xiang? This person hides his head and tail, is his identity something he cannot reveal?”

Le Qingni looked at the bald young man whose appearance and temperament had changed significantly, comparing him to his previous refined image, her impression of him diminished.

In the Great Abyss, Xiang Da Long had actually maintained Lu Chang’an’s original appearance, but due to damage from traversing the spatial passage, he had become bald.

If he didn’t intentionally use the Everlasting Green Art to heal it, his bald head wouldn’t recover, and it looked completely natural.

Furthermore, Lu Chang’an used the characteristics of the cultivation method to make his skin less delicate and white, making him look slightly rugged and older.

…

To Lu Chang’an’s surprise, Le Qingni seemed unaware of his name.

On second thought, it was understandable, he was being presumptuous.

The Dan Dao League and Da Yu Guo were located in two different realms in the Great Abyss Middle Realm, a considerable distance apart.

Just like the positions of the Wei Dao League, Feng Yuan Guo, and the Seven Nation League in the Great Qing Eastern Realm.

Lu Chang’an had once been in the Wei Dao League, but he was not familiar with the situation of some high-level cultivators in the Seven Nation League.

Unless they were renowned or there was deliberate attention, they wouldn’t know their details.

Moreover, Master Le only called him Daoist Xiang, without revealing his full name or sect origin.

“Daoist Xiang, have you gathered all the materials?”

After exchanging pleasantries, Master Le got to the point.

“Except for the Heavenly Infant Fruit, all the other materials for the Hua Ying Dan have been prepared.”

Lu Chang’an took out the Moonfall Flower, the Mi Luo Grass, the two main herbs, and a dozen rare auxiliary herbs.

These materials were all gathered by Lu Chang’an himself. For a cultivator who was born a散修, it was remarkable.

If not for the time when Aoki True Jun had come to the Seven Nation League to kill him, Lu Chang’an could have even obtained the Heavenly Infant Fruit.

The Heavenly Infant Fruit that he had learned about from Tian Luo Zong back then, although a hundred years less in age, had been over several decades now.

The cultivation world is full of wonders. As long as you pay enough, there are other methods to cultivate herbs, not limited to the Everlasting Green Art.

It’s just that the Everlasting Green Art is more effective, while other methods cost more.

“Good, the materials are complete and correct.”

Master Le and Le Qingni jointly checked the materials.

Le Qingni, as Master Le’s granddaughter, was also a mid-stage third-order elixir master.

However, her elixir refining talent was not as good as Chu Yang, who was a genius in elixir refining.

“Please also confirm this Heavenly Infant Fruit, Daoist Xiang.”

Master Le took out a jade box made of green wood.

Upon opening it, a translucent, jade-colored spirit fruit shaped like a baby was revealed. It emitted a mysterious and ethereal fragrance, making people’s souls sink into it, as if they could hear the sound of the universe.

“Good, this Heavenly Infant Fruit has sufficient medicinal properties and age.”

Lu Chang’an carefully inspected it and nodded.

With the memories of three Nascent Soul, he had naturally seen the Heavenly Infant Fruit or the Hua Ying Dan.

“Master, Qingni.”

At this moment, Chu Yang returned after seeing off the guest.

Seeing the complete materials for refining the Hua Ying Dan, especially that Heavenly Infant Fruit, Chu Yang raised his eyebrows slightly and his expression changed slightly.

The Heavenly Infant Fruit that Master Le possessed was naturally known to Chu Yang and Le Qingni as the closest people to him.

“Chu Yang, you’ve been in good condition lately. Assist me in refining the Hua Ying Dan.”

Master Le gathered all the materials and instructed with a wave of his hand.

“Yes, Master.”

Chu Yang immediately responded.

The experience and insights gained from refining the Hua Ying Dan were valuable and rare experiences for any elixir master who wished to reach the fourth order.

“Daoist Xiang, rest assured, Chu Yang has experience assisting me in refining the Hua Ying Dan before. As a quasi-fourth-order elixir master, he can also share the pressure during the refining process and increase the chance of a successful elixir.”

Master Le explained to Lu Chang’an.

“Very well.”

Lu Chang’an wouldn’t refuse.

Of course, Chu Yang had the component of accumulating experience and skills, but a quasi-fourth-order and a fourth-order elixir master working together was definitely not a bad thing.

…

Master Le and Chu Yang entered the elixir refining hall one after another, and Lu Chang’an followed closely behind.

Le Qingni didn’t go in and stood outside the hall, her lips slightly pursed, her clear eyes filled with a hint of resentment and sadness, her willow-like figure exuding a fragile beauty that made people feel pity.

Seeing Lu Chang’an approaching, Le Qingni regained her aloof and elegant demeanor.

“I dare ask, Fairy Le, has that Daoist Chu, who has reached the peak of the Jindan stage, ever attempted to ascend to the Nascent Soul stage?”

Lu Chang’an asked directly.

“Brother Chu tried to ascend to the Nascent Soul stage many years ago, but he failed.”

Le Qingni answered in a low voice.

She could see Lu Chang’an’s worries and added: “Brother Chu once used a Hua Ying Dan. My grandfather’s rule is that he will only help him once.”

Lu Chang’an was relieved upon hearing this.

It was not difficult for him to deduce that although Chu Yang was an elixir refining genius, his cultivation talent was not top-notch, otherwise, he wouldn’t have survived after failing to ascend to Nascent Soul.

Master Le, for the sake of his grandson-in-law and successor, would help him at most once.

Moreover, in such a situation where he had failed once, his vitality was greatly depleted, and the chance of success next time was often lower.

Therefore, there was no reason for Chu Yang to covet the Hua Ying Dan being refined.

Lu Chang’an estimated that Le Qingni’s cultivation talent should be better than Chu Yang’s, but she was much younger, and she would also need a Hua Ying Dan in the future.

However, from the mid-stage Jindan to the peak of the late-stage Jindan, it would take at least sixty years, even hundreds of years. Preparing the Hua Ying Dan too early would not be a good thing.

Master Le’s lifespan was not long, perhaps he hoped that after he passed away, Le Qingni and Chu Yang could support each other. In the future, Chu Yang could become a fourth-order elixir master and also help his granddaughter ascend to Nascent Soul, taking care of the other descendants of the family.

“Master Le’s arrangement may not have been fully explained to his granddaughter.”

Lu Chang’an saw the reason for Le Qingni’s low spirits.

The Heavenly Infant Fruit in her grandfather’s hands was used to refine an elixir for an outsider, but not for her, his granddaughter.

It was only natural for this young woman to have some emotions.

…

Inside the elixir refining hall, the earth fire burned fiercely, and even with the阵法 barrier, it felt warm.

Le Qingni stayed for half a day, she was not in the mood to accompany Lu Chang’an, nor did she want to talk.

She turned to leave.

“Hey! Fairy Le, you shouldn’t have anything urgent. Why don’t you stay and chat with me?”

Lu Chang’an raised his arm slightly, smiling playfully, and asked her to stay.

“Daoist Xiang, please be respectful.”

Le Qingni was angry, her tone tinged with shame, perhaps because she felt that this man was being disrespectful.

As the granddaughter of a fourth-order elixir refining grandmaster, with outstanding talent, her status was precious. The disciples of other Nascent Soul True Jun would respect her, even curry favor with her.

But this person, with his hidden identity, was so arrogant and conceited, his playful tone even seemed to demand that she “accompany him.”

“Fairy Le, don’t be angry. In ten days or a fortnight, you and I will discuss Dao and drink tea together.”

“When the elixir refining is successful, you can leave or stay as you please.”

Lu Chang’an’s tone was gentle, with no hint of frivolity.

“Daoist Xiang can rest assured, this young woman will never leak news about the refining of the Hua Ying Dan to the outside world.”

Le Qingni’s tone was cold, she felt displeasure.

This man actually doubted her character?

Le Qingni snorted softly and left with a flick of her sleeve.

She was in a bad mood and didn’t want to spend a few days with this bald man.

However, before Le Qingni could leave the courtyard, a rat妖 the size of a dog emerged from the ground, blocking her path.

Le Qingni was about to scold him, but when she touched the rat妖’s cold and bloodthirsty eyes.

Under its gaze, Le Qingni’s heart trembled, her body turned cold, and her blood stagnated.

“… Transformed妖王!”

An invisible earth煞妖 force enveloped her soul, Le Qingni’s face turned pale, her slender waist trembled, her body slumped, and even her speech became difficult.

Fortunately, the confinement of that aura lasted only a moment.

“Earth Rock, be polite to Fairy Le.”

Le Qingni came to her senses, breaking out in a cold sweat, instinctively staggering back, her face devoid of blood.

Looking at Fairy Le, who was terrified and almost wet her pants, Lu Chang’an shook his head secretly.

This young woman was clearly a pampered Jindan cultivator, lacking real combat experience and living in too good of conditions.

However, a mid-stage Jindan cultivator facing the intimidation of a fourth-order妖王 was indeed terrifying, ordinary people couldn’t handle it.

…

“Daoist Xiang, please sit down, Qingni will brew tea for you.”

Inside the side hall, Le Qingni smiled sweetly, even though it was somewhat perfunctory. But to lower her stance and accompany a Jindan cultivator like this was her first time.

She glanced at the “small rat妖” outside, and now she knew Daoist Xiang’s background.

Being in the Dan Dao League, she had heard that a Jindan cultivator in Da Yu Guo had a fourth-order妖王 as a spirit pet, and she was envious at the time.

At this moment, Le Qingni was accompanying a guest who was equivalent to a Nascent Soul cultivator, how dare she be negligent?

Moreover, before her grandfather went into seclusion to refine an elixir, he had instructed her to take good care of Daoist Xiang.

She was in a bad mood, didn’t take it seriously, and neglected the guest, knowing that she was at fault.

The days of waiting for elixir refining were agonizing, making the days feel like years.

Especially when the elixir being refined was a sacred elixir of the cultivation world for advancing to Nascent Soul.

Fortunately, Fairy Le accompanied him.

Sometimes playing chess, sometimes drinking tea, sometimes discussing Dao, made this waiting time less boring.

Ten days later.

A surge of elixir aura shot straight into the sky, accompanied by a faint wave of ethereal梵音 at the soul level.

“Fourth-order spirit elixir!”

“Master Le is indeed extraordinary, he has refined a fourth-order spirit elixir in succession.”

In the welcoming hall of Di Huo Peak, the high-level cultivators who were waiting couldn’t help but marvel.

Only those who were proficient in the principles of elixirs could determine the general properties of the elixir based on the phenomenon of the elixir aura piercing the rainbow.

“Huh! This elixir aura phenomenon, is it possible that a Hua Ying Dan has been refined?”

The Supreme Elder, a Nascent Soul True Jun, from the neighboring Huo Lian Ge, looked at the distant elixir aura piercing the rainbow and revealed a hint of surprise.

The Supreme Elder of Huo Lian Ge was also an elixir master, but he had only barely touched the fourth order. His skills were not as good as Master Le’s.

Of course, this was not the first time Master Le had refined a Hua Ying Dan, and the Supreme Elder didn’t act surprised, he was just a little curious.

…

The elixir refining hall opened, the furnace fire extinguished.

“Daoist Xiang, I didn’t disappoint you.”

Master Le’s face flushed red, a bluish-green, transparent spirit elixir, about the size of a thumb, floated in his palm. It looked like a firefly in the night sky, with a faint, ethereal glow, as if it contained a spiritual life.

“Authentic Hua Ying Dan, good!”

Lu Chang’an’s expression was excited, he received this hard-earned Hua Ying Dan in the envious gazes of Chu Yang and Le Qingni.

With this elixir in hand, his resources for ascending to Nascent Soul were complete.

Next, Lu Chang’an only needed to return to Yun Xia Zong and ascend to the Nascent Soul stage on the fourth-order spirit vein.

He could actually ascend to Nascent Soul on the territory of the Dan Dao League. However, using the fourth-order spirit vein here would often require signing a guarding contract for more than a hundred years.

With his ties to Yun Xia Zong, it was not suitable for him to do so.

“The phenomenon of the Hua Ying Dan, even veteran elixir masters can tell, especially on the territory of the Dan Dao League. The news has probably been leaked…”

Lu Chang’an thought to himself. This situation was actually expected.

This kind of phenomenon involving the rules of heaven and earth could not be concealed by ordinary fourth-order formations.

Fortunately, in the territory of the Dan Dao League, Lu Chang’an had no grievances or enemies.

Time was of the essence, he had to return to Yun Xia Zong as soon as possible.

As long as he returned to Da Yu Guo before the enemy forces in Great Snake Mountain learned of the intelligence, he could avoid a major potential threat.

“I won’t keep Daoist Xiang as a guest any longer. I hope you will remember our agreement.”

Master Le knew Lu Chang’an’s mood, he smiled and didn’t try to keep him any longer.

Back then, he helped Yun Lan True Jun refine a fourth-order spirit elixir. After the latter left the Dan Dao League, he was ambushed, which led to a deterioration in his relationship with Yun Xia Zong.

“Master Le, rest assured, even if Xiang fails to ascend to Nascent Soul, Earth Rock will remember this favor.”

Lu Chang’an and Earth Rock said goodbye and made promises to Master Le, and also greeted Chu Yang and Le Qingni.

After saying goodbye.

Lu Chang’an turned into a blue遁光, merging into the distant horizon, his speed far exceeding that of a late-stage Jindan cultivator, making people speechless.

On Di Huo Peak, two Jindan cultivators wanted to pursue him, but they couldn’t keep up.

As for the遁光 of a Nascent Soul, it was too conspicuous. The two Nascent Soul True Jun in Qiu Guo, including Master Le, wouldn’t possibly do such a thing that clearly violated the rules.

“Grandpa, do you think this person will succeed in ascending to Nascent Soul?”

Le Qingni watched Lu Chang’an’s遁光 disappear into the distance, her heart was filled with complex emotions, she felt somewhat uncomfortable.

During the past ten days, she had forced a smile and accompanied that bald Daoist Xiang, and he had even used the Heavenly Infant Fruit that was originally meant for her.

She had no fondness for Xiang Da Long, she would have preferred for him to fail to ascend to Nascent Soul.

“This person is older, about 380 years old. Logically speaking, his chances of ascending to Nascent Soul are quite low.”

Master Le stroked his beard, nodding in thought.

As an elixir refining grandmaster, a Nascent Soul True Jun, he naturally possessed secret techniques to determine a cultivator’s approximate age.

Lu Chang’an had been in close contact with him many times, so this was difficult to hide.

“Humph! At such an old age, he still wasted a Hua Ying Dan.”

Le Qingni and Chu Yang were both surprised to learn about Lu Chang’an’s approximate age, and they couldn’t help but feel a little regretful.

“However, this person gives me a very unusual feeling. Whether he can ascend to Nascent Soul is really hard to say.”

Master Le had reached an agreement with Lu Chang’an, so he had naturally collected and analyzed his intelligence, discovering some unusual aspects.

…

Several days later.

Lu Chang’an gradually flew out of the Dan Dao League’s territory.

To increase his speed, he simply asked Earth Rock to transform into his妖王 form and directly ride and fly, greatly increasing his speed!

To ensure safety, before and after leaving the Dan Dao League, he divined once a day, regardless of the cost of reducing his lifespan, to calculate the optimal route.

Perhaps it was because his return speed was fast, or because the fourth-order妖兽 protected the Hua Ying Dan well enough, nothing unexpected happened all the way until he was far away from the Dan Dao League’s territory.

Half a month later.

Lu Chang’an had a smooth journey, returned to the territory of Da Yu Guo, and successfully returned to the mountain gate of Yun Xia Zong.

(End of Chapter)

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