Chapter 199: An Old Friend Becomes an Immortal

Chapter 199: An Old Friend Becomes an Immortal

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Half a year later.

At the top of Little Turtle Peak, by the poolside pavilion.

"Big Brother Lan! Upon seeing you this time, I can sense that your spiritual power is close to breaking through to the late-stage Foundation Establishment."

A young girl in a yellow dress, beautiful as jade, spoke with a crisp voice, her eyes shining brightly. She acted like a devoted concubine, massaging Lan Chang'an's shoulders and back.

"In seven years, the Green Underworld Mysterious Realm will open once again."

"With your extraordinary strength, Big Brother Lan, once you reach the late-stage Foundation Establishment, few will be your match in the secret realm. At that time, you’ll have a good chance to obtain opportunities for Core Formation."

"Green Underworld Mysterious Realm?"

Lan Chang'an's heart stirred as he calculated the time.

The last time the Green Underworld Mysterious Realm had opened, he had been 96 years old, just at the early-stage Foundation Establishment.

Most of the cultivators who participated in the Green Underworld Mysterious Realm were mid- to late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators with deep roots.

"Are you so certain that I will break through to the late-stage Foundation Establishment? Besides, it's not easy for non-sect cultivators to secure a spot in the secret realm."

Lan Chang'an's tone remained calm and unperturbed.

Due to the prediction from Tian Zhi Pavilion several years ago, he had a feeling that he might not make it to the Green Underworld Mysterious Realm in time.

"Big Brother Lan, your magical power is pure, and your foundation is solid. Although your cultivation progress has been slow, it's not stagnant. I believe not only will you reach the late-stage Foundation Establishment, but if you try to form a Core one day, your chances will far exceed those of ordinary people."

Zhou Qingxuan's smile was sweet, her dimples blooming as she beamed at him.

Her confidence in Lan Chang'an stemmed from his ability to resist and take control over his body from the Hundred Abodes Soul Gu, a feat that even the true disciples of Nascent Soul-level sects would most likely not be able to do.

"As for the spot in the Green Underworld Mysterious Realm, if Big Brother Lan is willing, my Zhou Family can help you secure one."

Compared to loose cultivators, sects and cultivation families had better access to such opportunities, but they also had to fight for it and pay a small price.

Moreover, each sect’s Foundation Establishment cultivators only had one chance in their lifetime to enter the Green Underworld Mysterious Realm.

For example, Zhao Siyao, who had entered the Green Underworld Mysterious Realm forty years ago, would not be qualified this time.

"Miss Zhou, I appreciate your kindness. If that time comes, we can discuss it further."

Lan Chang'an glanced at the obedient and thoughtful girl in the yellow dress.

She was young, beautiful, from a prestigious family, highly talented, and exceedingly powerful. She was taking the initiative to please him, planning for his future—an ideal partner in the eyes of most men.

However, Lan Chang'an was well aware that there was no such thing as kindness without reason, nor was there any such thing as a perfect partner.

Zhou Qingxuan's attempts to flatter him were due to the double constraints of the Gu insect's restriction and her heart demon oath.

Her life and future were firmly in his hands.

The real Zhou Qingxuan was cunning and resourceful, with a tendency to scheme, and never soft when it came to pitting people.

Years ago, outside the Bamboo Leaf Mountain Market, in order to survive, she had not hesitated to cut off her uncle's arm.

She had also sold Lan Chang'an a defective pill at a discount.

Of course, her character wasn’t particularly malevolent.

Back in Huanglong Immortal City, when Lan Chang'an, still in the Qi-Refining stage, visited to help the Mu Family purchase a second-rank spirit beast, Zhou Qingxuan showed a pragmatic attitude. Though she had been somewhat aloof, she had ultimately honored the favor.

"I have some good news for you, Big Brother Lan."

Zhou Qingxuan smiled sweetly and, snuggling up next to Lan Chang'an, sat down. A delicate fragrance filled the air.

"My Zhou Family's 'Blood Spirit Pool' has the effect of purifying the physique of spirit beasts, and in addition to significantly boosting cultivation, it can also slightly promote the bloodline."

"However, the Blood Spirit Pool only opens once every few years, consuming a lot of rare materials. The spots are limited, and it’s rarely open to outsiders. After much effort, I managed to convince my grandfather to consider squeezing out a spot."

"What does your grandfather want in return?"

Lan Chang'an knew that Zhou Qingxuan's grandfather was none other than the Zhou Family's Fake Dan ancestor, a well-established figure.

"My grandfather wants to meet you."

Zhou Qingxuan glanced at him and quickly added, "This is not my idea; it’s my grandfather’s personal wish. If you don’t want to go, no one will force you."

"When will the Blood Spirit Pool open? And is there only one spot?"

Naturally, Lan Chang'an didn’t want to visit the Zhou Family. He wondered if there was a more flexible way—perhaps if the price was right, he could buy a spot without owing any favors to the Zhou Family.

"Probably within a year or two," Zhou Qingxuan answered.

"The competition within the Zhou Family is fierce, and there is only one spot. I suggest sending the Profound Water Turtle, as its earth-grade bloodline could benefit the most."

...

Three days later, Zhou Qingxuan left Little Turtle Peak on her flying beast.

Before parting, she mentioned that a large auction would be held at Liaoyuan Immortal City in two months.

This auction was a once-in-a-decade event, and items related to Core Formation would be available for bidding.

Lan Chang'an declined Zhou Qingxuan's invitation to attend the auction together, citing his need to focus on cultivation.

Regarding this auction, more than one friend mentioned it to Lan Chang'an.

One month later.

A woman with a cold, elegant demeanor, dressed in fluttering immortal robes, arrived as scheduled. She was a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.

"Fellow Daoist Zhao, you’ve arrived."

Lan Chang'an smiled as he welcomed Zhao Siyao to the pavilion by the pool.

Zhao Siyao took in the refreshing scent of lotus flowers, glanced at the blooming lotuses, and noticed the Profound Water Turtle lazily floating in the pool. She couldn’t help but feel her mood lighten.

She smiled and said, "Every time I visit Little Turtle Peak, I feel particularly relaxed, as if my mind is at peace."

Zhao Siyao was on her way to attend the auction in Liaoyuan Immortal City. Although it wasn’t exactly on her way, she had kept her promise to visit Little Turtle Peak.

"If you like, Fellow Daoist Zhao, you’re welcome to stay at Little Turtle Peak for a few days."

Lan Chang'an wasn’t just making small talk.

Normally, he wouldn’t allow female cultivators to stay overnight.

But Zhao Siyao was the cultivator he trusted most in this life. They had known each other since their youth and had walked this path together to where they stood today.

"Thank you for the offer, but I must decline."

Zhao Siyao politely refused.

In over a hundred years of acquaintance, she had never spent the night at Lan Chang'an’s residence.

"Fellow Daoist Zhao has reached the peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm and is preparing for Core Formation. Have there been any recent developments?"

After some idle conversation, Lan Chang'an got to the heart of the matter.

Before the auction began, he had managed to purchase a batch of talisman and puppet materials, including a small amount of quasi-third-rank resources.

As for third-rank materials, those would have to wait for the auction, where he could bid accordingly.

...

A few days later.

Lan Chang'an left Liaoyuan Immortal City with a palpitating heart.

"Midway through the auction, a late-stage Core Formation great cultivator unexpectedly joined the bidding and bought away a high-quality Core Formation item. No one dared compete."

Reflecting on the event, Lan Chang'an felt fortunate that there hadn’t been any danger, but the theoretical risk was still present.

In past auctions, the highest-ranking participants were usually mid-stage Core Formation cultivators.

With his Evergreen Technique's level and the Hundred Illusions Mask, there was no certainty that he would be able to hide from the deliberate probing of a late Core Formation cultivator.

The effect of the Hundred Illusions Mask was tied to the spiritual sense of its user.

Fortunately, with so many cultivators present, the Core Formation elder hadn’t taken the trouble to investigate a seemingly insignificant Foundation Establishment cultivator.

The Core Formation item, comparable to "Tianjing Water," was something Lan Chang'an hadn’t dared to bid on. Even without the late-stage Core Formation great cultivator, there had been dozens of other Core Formation cultivators present.

Core Formation items were primarily used to improve the quality of one’s Core or offered unique benefits. Different types of Core Formation items could theoretically be used together.

Lan Chang'an had gained a few valuable items from the auction.

Before the late-stage Core Formation cultivator appeared, he had managed to purchase a Life Extension Pill and a piece of mid-grade third-rank spiritual wood.

Many rare resources had been tempting, but Lan Chang'an’s caution stopped him from making further bids. Otherwise, he risked drawing the attention of Core Formation cultivators.

Several familiar faces, such as Zhao Siyao and her disciples, Li Congren, and members of the Zhou Family, were present at the auction, but Lan Chang'an hadn’t greeted any of them.

...

Upon returning to Wuqi Mountain, Lan Chang'an stored the mid-grade third-rank spiritual wood for future use.

Afterward, he consumed the Life Extension Pill he had obtained at the auction.

This was the fifth second-rank Life Extension Pill Lan Chang'an had taken.

"Extended lifespan by eight years."

After a moment, Lan Chang'an opened his eyes, feeling the diminishing effects of second-rank Life Extension Pills.

The first pill he had taken had extended his life by 23 years.

The previous pill had extended his life by 11 years.

Still, compared to other cultivators, being able to stack Life Extension Pills of the same rank was already rare.

At this point, Lan Chang'an’s lifespan had reached 469 years and six months.

The only regret was that he had yet to take a superior Life Extension Pill.

"Taking multiple Life Extension Pills has had its benefits. With the extension of my lifespan, my magical power quality has also slightly improved compared to my mid-stage Foundation Establishment self."

Lan Chang'an sat in meditation for half a day, reflecting on the changes compared to 30 years ago.

For most cultivators, magical power only increased in quantity within a given minor stage.

Lan Chang'an’s Evergreen mana had grown stronger, enhancing his Foundation Establishment spiritual fire and even his healing abilities.

His cultivation speed had also improved slightly.

This explained why, after reaching the Foundation Establishment Realm, Lan Chang'an’s cultivation speed was comparable to that of someone with mid-grade spiritual roots.

Of course, this was only when measuring by normal speed.

If a mid-grade spiritual root cultivator received top-tier resources, they would still outpace Lan Chang'an.

...

Half a year later.

Lan Chang'an sensed that his cultivation was nearing the upper limit of the mid-stage Foundation Establishment.

He estimated that by the time he reached 140 years old, he would be able to attempt the breakthrough to the late-stage Foundation Establishment.

After finishing his daily cultivation and nurturing his treasure talismans, Lan Chang'an stepped out of his cave mansion.

Squeak!

The Earth Burrowing Rat delivered two letters to Lan Chang'an.

One was an invitation.

Both came from Jin Yun Valley.

Lan Chang'an looked at the invitation, noting the name on it—"Tianfeng Immortal."

The title was unfamiliar, but the handwriting was familiar.

In the center of the invitation were four gilded characters: "Core Formation Celebration!"

Lan Chang'an’s expression shifted slightly in surprise.

First, Zhang Tieshan had achieved Core Formation much faster than expected.

Lan Chang'an even felt it was somewhat rushed.

Given Zhang Tieshan’s usual methodical approach, even after obtaining a Crystal Condensation Pill, he should have taken the time to fine-tune everything to perfection before attempting the breakthrough.

Second, the invitation’s wording was strangely modest.

"A small Core Formation Celebration?"

If Zhang Tieshan had successfully formed a True Dan, it would undoubtedly have been a grand Core Formation ceremony.

Most Fake Dan cultivators would host a grand ceremony and invite many fellow cultivators.

Lan Chang'an opened the second letter, which was from Zhao Siyao.

"Senior Brother Zhang obtained an inferior Crystal Condensation Pill and recently attempted Core Formation. In the end, he achieved a Grey Dan and took the Daoist title of 'Tianfeng Immortal'..."

Zhao Siyao detailed Zhang Tieshan’s Core Formation process in her letter.

"Zhang Tieshan only managed to form a Fake Dan?"

Given Zhang Tieshan's potential, this should have been considered a decent achievement, yet Lan Chang'an felt something was off.

"Something strange is going on..."

Lan Chang'an furrowed his brow, deep in thought.

He and Zhang Tieshan had known each other for over a hundred years, and his instincts told him that something about this Core Formation didn’t seem right.

(End of chapter)