I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals

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Chapter 348: A Bountiful Harvest

As the lucky star of Yunxia Sect, Lan Chang'an couldn’t help but feel a tinge of envy toward Jing Wufeng’s fortune.

In this life, he had spent most of his time cultivating in seclusion, rarely traveling, only passing through the Nine Fiery Heavens several times, so he had never once encountered any heavenly treasures.

Moving into a secluded corner, Lan Chang'an formed a hand seal and activated the contact token that Jing Wufeng had left behind, sending out a subtle, almost imperceptible fluctuation.

At the same time—

Inside an official inn’s storage locker somewhere in Cloudsky City, a jade talisman faintly flickered, forming a distorted, illusory "Heaven" character on its surface.

Lan Chang'an's technique locked onto the precise location.

He immediately dispatched a puppet clone to the inn, where it paid the necessary spirit stones and left behind a voice transmission jade slip for Jing Wufeng.

If Jing Wufeng was available after the auction, they could meet in the city.

Lan Chang'an had a strong feeling that he wouldn’t be able to gather all the necessary resources for his Earth Burrowing Rat’s transformation in the short term.

Unless he slaughtered an entire Nascent Soul-level beast-taming sect, there were no normal means of acquiring such rare materials.

After leaving the message, Lan Chang'an split his activities between his main body and his puppet clones, purchasing materials from high-tier shops across the city.

Under Puppet Master Wei’s meticulous refinements, his puppet clones had become incredibly lifelike.

So long as they weren’t engaged in combat or observed for an extended period, they were indistinguishable from real cultivators to anyone below the Nascent Soul stage.

After two full days of shopping, Lan Chang'an’s harvest was remarkable.

Cloudsky City, being the number one immortal city of the Central Region, was vastly superior to Moonwatch Immortal City.

Here, acquiring high-grade materials was significantly easier.

The once-in-a-decade high-tier auction had drawn numerous major merchants and sects, leading even top-tier shops to bring out their best wares.

Lan Chang'an’s luck wasn’t bad—he managed to purchase a third-rank Life Extension Pill, though at a steep markup.

This time, instead of using Crystal Condensation Pills for trade, he bartered with mid-grade magical treasures from his treasury, adding in a few third-rank talismans to finalize the deal.

Additionally, he secured several superior-grade third-rank puppet materials, significantly accelerating the progress of his Exotic Spirit Peacock Puppet.

Over half of his transactions were barter exchanges.

Using stolen goods from the Great Qing, he had no qualms about selling them off, freely trading them for much-needed cultivation resources.

It was a win-win situation—he got rid of troublesome loot while acquiring essential materials.

...

That night, at the inn.

Lan Chang'an sat cross-legged and consumed the third-rank Life Extension Pill he had obtained.

His lifespan increased by 25 years.

This was the fifth third-rank Life Extension Pill he had taken.

The first one had granted a full 60 years, but subsequent doses had diminishing effects.

Due to long-term divination practice, his lifespan was constantly being depleted. Originally, he had only 1,085 years remaining.

Now, his total lifespan had increased to 1,110 years.

Among Lan Chang'an’s possessions was an extremely rare top-grade third-rank Longevity Fruit, which he had acquired from Ancestor Heavenly Net.

Over the years, he had carefully cultivated it, occasionally using his Evergreen Technique’s spiritual energy to nourish it.

However, its growth rate remained slow, and it had yet to reach fourth rank.

If Lan Chang'an personally refined it, the best he could achieve would be a superior-quality third-rank pill.

After all, his alchemy skills were only approaching third-rank mid-grade.

There was another possibility—

He could burn his own lifespan to forcefully accelerate the fruit’s growth into a fourth-rank Longevity Fruit.

Then, by gathering the appropriate materials and hiring a fourth-rank alchemist, he could have it refined into a fourth-rank Life Extension Pill.

Unlike the third-rank Life Extension Pills, which were commonly used by Core Formation cultivators, a fourth-rank Life Extension Pill was a precious commodity even among Nascent Soul cultivators.

A standard cultivator would gain sixty extra years of life from such a pill, Lan Chang'an estimated that a single dose could extend his lifespan by over a century.

The value of the fourth-rank Life Extension Pill was at least comparable to the Infant Transformation Pill, and even more valuable in times of peace.

"Hopefully, tomorrow’s gathering will bring some surprises."

Lan Chang'an sorted through the items in his spatial ring—high-end magical treasures, fourth-rank spiritual herbs, ores, spirit wood, and treasure talismans—all of which could attract Nascent Soul old monsters.

These Nascent Soul cultivators also had descendants, so items like Crystal Condensation Pills, Core Formation spirits, and mid-to-superior third-rank talismans or puppets could serve as additional bargaining chips.

...

Evening, the next day.

While resting at the inn, Lan Chang'an suddenly received a gentle spiritual sense transmission from the Purple Mist Fairy.

"Elder Xiang, follow me to the Nine Fiery Heavens."

So, the Nascent Soul Exchange Gathering wasn’t being held within Cloudsky City itself but rather in the upper layers of the Nine Fiery Heavens above the city.

Lan Chang'an immediately ascended.

Upon reaching the upper cloud layers, a streak of violet radiance approached swiftly.

Purple Mist Fairy gestured for him to step onto her cloud-light flying technique, which unfurled beneath his feet like a violet mist bridge, carrying them both into the Nine Fiery Heavens.

Traveling at Nascent Soul-level speed, they soon arrived at the Fourth Layer of the Nine Fiery Heavens.

The Fourth to Sixth Layers were Nascent Soul cultivator territories.

Here, the gale force winds were several times more violent, and occasional lightning fire and extreme celestial beams flickered unpredictably, making it an exceedingly dangerous place.

Even an elite Core Formation cultivator would last no more than a few dozen breaths in this environment.

However, Lan Chang'an was an exception.

As a dual cultivator of body and qi, and possessing an Immortal Golden Dan, he could endure such an environment far better than his peers.

Yet, Purple Mist Fairy was unaware of his true abilities.

As a precaution, her violet radiance expanded, surrounding Lan Chang'an in a protective glow, shielding him from the violent forces of the Fourth Heaven.

For a brief moment, the two of them were less than a meter apart.

A faint yet lingering fragrance from Purple Mist Fairy wafted into Lan Chang'an’s senses.

Her ethereal silhouette, adorned in flowing silk sashes, felt almost within reach.

Lan Chang'an sighed inwardly.

If she knew my real strength, she definitely wouldn’t be so bold…

At such a close distance, Purple Mist Fairy was essentially placing her life in his hands.

Lan Chang'an possessed several techniques capable of threatening a Nascent Soul True Monarch at this range.

If he launched a sudden attack from behind, he could severely wound or even kill an early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator before they had a chance to react.

Even though he lacked a divine ability or treasure that could directly suppress a Nascent Soul’s escape, he could easily destroy the physical body before his target’s Nascent Soul could escape.

However, given the location above Cloudsky City and the presence of many Nascent Soul cultivators, even a successful ambush would lead to his inevitable death.

Such thoughts flickered through Lan Chang'an’s mind in an instant.

However, he could never bring himself to deal such a ruthless blow to the first Nascent Soul True Monarch who had placed trust in him in this lifetime.

Just the act of providing a fourth-rank spiritual vein for the Earth Burrowing Rat, along with True Monarch Purple Mist’s network and introductions, was already a great favor to him.

Lan Chang'an didn’t like owing people favors, but he knew how to repay kindness.

If he ever reached the Nascent Soul stage, he would naturally find a way to return her generosity.

Soon, a floating island appeared before them—

A massive rock formation, over a thousand zhang in diameter, hovering in midair.

The entire island was enveloped in a crystalline white barrier, shielding it from the violent elements of the Fourth Heaven.

Inside, over a dozen figures could be seen.

Just as Lan Chang'an and Purple Mist Fairy approached, a green-red flying boat arrived, carrying an elderly man with simple robes and a long white beard.

Despite his aged appearance, his voice was strong and full of vitality.

"Alchemist Le."

Purple Mist Fairy greeted the elderly man with elegance and formality.

"Haha! Purple Mist Fairy! It has been a full sixty years since we last met."

Alchemist Le stroked his beard, his laughter booming and carefree.

Purple Mist Fairy gave a polite smile and exchanged a few words—neither too warm nor too distant.

Alchemist Le was one of the few fourth-rank alchemy grandmasters associated with the Yunxia Sect.

However, after True Monarch Yunlan’s ambush incident, the relationship between Yunxia Sect and Alchemist Le had grown strained.

Even though Alchemist Le had compensated them with a fourth-rank detoxification pill, the doubt still remained.

Grandmaster Le barely spared a glance at Lan Chang'an before entering the floating island alongside them.

Upon entering, Lan Chang'an immediately sensed seven or eight Nascent Soul True Monarchs already present.

Some were alone, while others had brought Core Formation juniors with them.

The moment Purple Mist Fairy stepped inside, all attention turned toward her.

Lan Chang'an quickly realized—

None of these Nascent Soul old monsters were interested in him.

All their gazes were focused on Purple Mist Fairy.

Female Nascent Soul True Monarchs were already rare, and those possessing heavenly spiritual roots, like Purple Mist Fairy, were even rarer.

A Nascent Soul True Monarch who was young, beautiful, and powerful was practically one in ten thousand.

Despite the attention, Purple Mist Fairy remained composed, greeting familiar Nascent Soul cultivators with a calm and graceful demeanor.

In the center of the floating island sat Yu Yuanjin, the Nascent Soul sword cultivator they had met earlier.

"Haha! Purple Mist Fairy, what a rare guest!"

A mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, an elder with golden lion-like curls, smirked teasingly.

He laughed boisterously before continuing—

"Strange, though. Purple Mist Fairy, you’re not accompanied by your Dao companion… Instead, you’ve brought a young Core Formation man?

"Wouldn’t True Monarch Yunlan be jealous if he found out?"

His words caused laughter to ripple through the gathering.

If an ordinary cultivator witnessed this scene, they would likely find it incomprehensible.

Nascent Soul True Monarchs were supposed to be distant and supreme beings—overseeing life and death, ruling over vast territories with absolute authority…

But here they were, joking and bantering like common cultivators.

Lan Chang'an, however, wasn’t surprised at all.

Having inherited the memories of multiple Nascent Soul experts, he understood—

The majestic, godlike aura that Nascent Soul cultivators projected was only for those below their realm.

Among their own peers, they interacted far more casually, with some even being playful and mischievous.

Only the arrival of a true Nascent Soul Great Cultivator could shift the atmosphere into seriousness.

Purple Mist Fairy ignored the teasing remarks, leading Lan Chang'an to take a seat near Yu Yuanjin.

Lan Chang'an’s senses were sharp, and he quickly noticed—

The Nascent Soul cultivators barely paid him any attention.

Most merely swept their gaze over him once before disregarding him.

In the Great Yuan, Lan Chang'an’s identity was practically a blank slate.

Since he hadn’t disguised his appearance, no one recognized or suspected anything unusual about him.

...

Half an hour later, the cultivators participating in the Nascent Soul Exchange Gathering had all arrived.

Among them was also the True Monarch Red Serpent of Great Snake Mountain, whom Lan Chang'an had previously encountered.

In total, over a dozen Nascent Soul cultivators had gathered, including two mid-stage Nascent Soul True Monarchs.

For a region as vast as the Central Region of the Great Yuan, this was only a small fraction of the Nascent Soul powerhouses in attendance.

Given that Cloudsky City’s grand event only occurred once a decade, some Nascent Soul cultivators were in seclusion for more than ten years at a time, and many Nascent Soul cultivators also engaged in other private transactions with their own circles.

Not everyone present in Cloudsky City chose to attend this particular exchange.

With the gathering officially underway, the Nascent Soul cultivators began presenting their treasures, openly stating what they sought in exchange.

Lan Chang'an’s primary focus was on potential resources for his Nascent Soul breakthrough and his Earth Burrowing Rat’s transformation.

A mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator—the golden-haired, lion-maned elder—spoke first.

"The essence core of a Water-Element Demon King. Priority trade for Heaven Marrow Stones, fourth-rank rare treasures, and high-grade materials, can also be negotiated."

Immediately, several Nascent Soul cultivators turned their attention to him.

For a cultivator to obtain such a beast core, it meant they had successfully slain a fully transformed demon king.

Transformed demon kings typically possessed at least earth-grade bloodlines, granting them additional innate abilities and life-saving techniques.

Ordinary early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators would find even surviving such a battle difficult, let alone successfully killing one.

"Water-attribute demon kings are mostly transformed beasts from the sea. To have slain one and claimed its essence spirit core within the vast ocean—Old Monster Golden Kun truly lives up to his name as a renowned Nascent Soul True Monarch of the Great Yuan Central Region."

By now, Lan Chang'an had already learned the curly-haired old monster’s identity and title.

However, a water-attribute essence core was not a good match for the Earth Burrowing Rat’s transformation.

Even if the attributes were compatible, Lan Chang'an would not dare trade such a precious item.

Next, True Monarch Red Serpent of Great Snake Mountain stepped forward, revealing several beast-taming elixirs and treasures.

"Fourth-Rank Profound Heart Beast Pills, Fourth-Rank Spirit Nourishing Beast Pills... Interested Daoists, contact me privately."

Lan Chang'an’s eyes flickered.

Profound Heart Beast Pills?

His gaze turned toward True Monarch Red Serpent, observing the thin old man with black snake tattoos coiling around his limbs.

The Profound Heart Beast Pill was a rare demon beast medicine that could purify violent energies and stabilize a beast’s spiritual essence, help resist external demonic influences, and aid in breaking through the mental tribulation during a transformation attempt.

Although demon beasts faced a weaker Heart Demon Tribulation than human cultivators, it was still a major risk during transformation. The Profound Heart Beast Pill could be used as a heart tribulation-resolving type spirit object for demonic beasts when they transformed.

At the same time, it had a good taming effect on demonic beasts that were too hostile and emotionally violent.

In other words, this pill would benefit both his Earth Burrowing Rat and his Profound Water Turtle.

Just as Lan Chang'an was considering, another Nascent Soul cultivator—a burly, dark-skinned man—sent a voice transmission to True Monarch Red Serpent.

"True Monarch Red Serpent, is the fourth-rank Serpent Venom from your sect open for sale to the public?"

True Monarch Red Serpent chuckled coldly before replying arrogantly:

"The Scarlet Nether Serpent Venom is effective even against Nascent Soul divine souls. It is one of Great Snake Mountain’s most guarded treasures. Not for sale."

Not long after, it was the turn of Alchemist Le, a fourth-rank alchemist, who had a number of bottles and jars placed in front of him.

"This humble old man offers a variety of fourth-rank pills—cultivation pills, healing elixirs, detoxification pills, and breakthrough pills.

"I also accept commissions for alchemy requests—at fair prices, with guaranteed quality."

Then, Alchemist Le revealed something far more enticing—

"Additionally, I am offering a main ingredient for the Infant Transformation Pill—a Tianying Fruit—as well as various supplementary herbs."

"I am seeking fourth-rank spirit talismans, fourth-rank Longevity Fruits, and specific high-grade herbs in exchange."

"This old fossil actually has a Tianying Fruit—hiding it quite well huh…"

Purple Mist Fairy’s eyes flashed with surprise.

Previously, Alchemist Le and True Monarch Yunlan had made a transaction. At that time, Alchemist Le had offered another main Nascent Soul ingredient—the Miluo Grass.

As for the Tianying Fruit, the Yunxia Sect cultivated it within their own mountain gates, and it was already ripe for harvest.

Lan Chang'an secretly paid attention to Grandmaster Le.

Alchemist Le wasn’t just selling pills—he had both the main and secondary ingredients needed for an Infant Transformation Pill.

More importantly—

He was also accepting commissions for refining such pills.

The fourth-rank spirit talisman and longevity fruit that the other party required were just within Lan Chang’an’s reach—though barely.

Lan Chang'an wasn’t just watching Alchemist Le.

There were several others at the exchange who piqued his interest.

Throughout the exchange, Lan Chang'an mentally noted every rare material and treasure that caught his interest.

He had already decided—

If necessary, he could assume a different identity in the future, disguising himself as a Nascent Soul loose cultivator to privately negotiate with some of these Nascent Soul old monsters alone.

Not for robbery—

Just honest, mutually beneficial trades.

"The Thunder-Dissolving Pearl—an exceptional tribulation-resolving treasure. It absorbs and weakens heavenly lightning, reducing the impact on those undergoing tribulation.

"Not only does it increase resistance to tribulation lightning, but it also allows the weakened lightning energy to refine the body and mana, strengthening the user instead of merely shielding them."

This treasure was being offered by Yu Yuanjin, the Great Yu Kingdom’s imperial sword cultivator.

This was precisely the type of tribulation-resolving treasure Lan Chang'an needed.

Unlike normal tribulation-resolving treasures that simply blocked lightning, the Thunder-Dissolving Pearl could turn tribulation lightning into a benefit, refining both a cultivator’s body and mana.

He and the Earth Burrowing Rat had strong physical bodies, and both were suitable for this bead.

If he protected it well, the pearl could even be used more than once before it was fully expended.

Purple Mist Fairy glanced at Lan Chang'an, noticing the flicker of interest in his eyes.

She smiled slightly and sent a private voice transmission to Yu Yuanjin, explaining the situation.

Yu Yuanjin nodded, casting a brief glance at Lan Chang'an.

However, he wasn’t the only one interested in the Thunder-Dissolving Pearl.

Two other Nascent Soul cultivators were also competing for it.

One was an elder seeking a protective treasure for a Core Formation Great Cultivator junior, much like Lan Chang'an’s situation.

The other was True Monarch Red Serpent—and he was the biggest rival.

Yu Yuanjin was a sword cultivator with three primary interests, collecting famous swords, rare sword-refining materials, and profound sword dao secret arts.

“Fellow Daoist Jin, take a look.”

True Monarch Red Serpent took out a molted ancient sword, its intricate patterns shimmering with mysterious colors.

Even though it was damaged, it still held the quality of a superior-grade magical treasure, making it quite valuable.

Lan Chang'an, meanwhile, offered a piece of newly-formed fourth-rank Azure Profound Wood.

A mere fragment of ordinary low-fourth-rank spiritual wood that was limited in quantity could naturally could not compare to a superior-grade ancient sword with historical heritage.

The primary material for superior-grade magical treasures was also fourth-rank.

However, Azure Profound Wood was a renowned material for sword cultivation, making it more valuable than other spiritual woods of the same rank.

Yu Yuanjin examined the Azure Profound Wood and sighed slightly.

"Azure Profound Wood has nearly disappeared from the Central Region… If there were more pieces, I could craft a full sword formation."

His tone held regret.

Still, he glanced at Purple Mist Fairy, clearly favoring her side.

It wasn’t that he was biased toward Lan Chang'an—he simply saw potential value in a custom-crafted Azure Profound Wood sword collection.

Unwilling to back down, True Monarch Red Serpent narrowed his snake-like eyes and smirked coldly.

"Fellow Daoist Yu, I will add one more thing—

"A third-rank spirit snake, possessing a trace of the Scarlet Abyss Serpent King’s bloodline."

His venomous gaze briefly swept over Purple Mist Fairy and Lan Chang'an, clearly trying to pressure them.

The Thunder-Dissolving Pearl was especially beneficial for powerful-bodied demon beasts undergoing transformation.

True Monarch Red Serpent was unwilling to let it slip away so easily.

Lan Chang'an did not show any weakness either.

"I will add a mid-grade third-rank puppet."

With that, he offered a mid-third-rank puppet in the form of a Huang Dragon Beast.

Yu Yuanjin’s eyes brightened with interest.

"My niece, Princess Zhiwei, has recently reached Core Formation. She is in need of some protection means… This puppet should suit her well."

Seeing that Yu Yuanjin had made a decision, the Scarlet Abyss Serpent King suppressed his unhappiness and had no choice but to call it quits.

His offer had been just as strong, but with Purple Mist Fairy’s subtle influence, Lan Chang'an had secured the win.

Seeing that he had lost, he simply snorted coldly and backed down.

Lan Chang'an clasped his hands respectfully and said, "Thank you, Senior Yu, for this opportunity."

The Thunder-Dissolving Pearl was one of the three essential treasures for his Nascent Soul breakthrough—and now, he had secured it.

Better yet—

This treasure wasn’t just useful for him, but his Earth Burrowing Rat as well.

...

Lan Chang'an returned to Purple Mist Fairy’s side, his gaze carrying a silent acknowledgment of gratitude.

This wasn’t the right place for words of loyalty, so he simply let the moment pass naturally.

Purple Mist Fairy, in turn, gave a slight nod, her lips curving subtly.

Though she wouldn’t say it outright, she enjoyed the satisfaction of having helped orchestrate a successful trade.

Unknowingly, the rapport between them deepened.

Through his multiple lifetimes, Lan Chang'an had long since understood a simple truth:

Whether it was a woman, or a superior, strengthening a relationship isn’t about giving unconditionally—it’s about making the other person invest in you.

It wasn’t just about him contributing to her.

Now, Purple Mist Fairy had contributed to him as well.

"Immortal Xiang, if you ever craft superior-grade third-rank, or even quasi-fourth-rank puppets, the Nascent Soul resources in my hands can be traded with you."

During the private transaction, Grandmaster Le passed by Lan Chang'an and mentioned briefly, with the implication of encouraging his juniors.

Lan Chang'an immediately straightened his posture, responding with earnest humility:

"This junior will strive to improve his puppet craftsmanship."

During his years in the Great Yuan, Lan Chang'an had noticed something—

Puppet techniques were just as rare here as they had been in the Great Qing.

One reason was inheritance scarcity.

Another was that, despite the abundant oceanic resources, the mineral and spiritual wood deposits in the Great Yuan were less abundant than in inland territories.

A superior-grade third-rank puppet, capable of rivaling a Core Formation Great Cultivator, was a valuable asset.

Even Nascent Soul cultivators and sects found them useful.

Alchemist Le, in particular, was the type of Nascent Soul cultivator who relied more on wealth than combat strength.

In his old age, his body and vitality had declined, making him highly dependent on external protective means.

Whether for himself or his disciples, grandchildren, and heirs, he had a strong demand for guardian treasures—such as powerful puppets and fourth-rank spirit talismans.

After another hour, the trading session was basically over.

Some Nascent Soul cultivators left, while others remained to exchange intelligence.

The meeting lasted two hours total, after which Purple Mist Fairy escorted Lan Chang'an back to Cloudsky City.

This had been a fruitful gathering.

Not only had Lan Chang'an obtained the Thunder-Dissolving Pearl, but he had also gathered intelligence on which Nascent Soul elders possessed the resources he needed for his own breakthrough.

In contrast, True Monarch Purple Mist’s gains were rather modest—she had only managed to trade for two rare materials.

Fairy Purple Mist sought a top-grade magical treasure of the Cloud Mist attribute as an unconventional trump card.

For an early Nascent Soul cultivator, wielding a top-grade magical treasure was taxing, making sustained combat difficult. However, it could unleash overwhelming bursts of power when needed.

Wind and Cloud Mist were derivative attributes beyond the fundamental five elements, making such magical treasures rare—let alone top-grade ones.

Moreover, Fairy Purple Mist’s personal financial resources were only mid-to-lower tier among early Nascent Soul cultivators.

"A top-grade magical treasure of the Cloud Mist attribute…?"

Lan Chang'an was surprised—he hadn’t expected to possess something that met True Monarch Purple Mist’s needs.

Wind Cloud Fan, the ancestral treasure of Heavenly Net Ancestor’s sect, was precisely a Cloud Mist-oriented magical treasure, further enhanced by powerful wind attributes, making it an excellent tool for escape.

However, such a sect-defining top-grade magical treasure was far more valuable than an Infant Transformation Pill.

Even though Lan Chang'an held a favorable opinion of Fairy Purple Mist’s character, he would never trade it so easily.

Together, True Monarchs Yunlan and Purple Mist were an overwhelming force—if he made the wrong move, he wouldn’t stand a chance, possibly even risking his life.

"If the Earth Burrowing Rat ascends to become a true Demon King, then I’ll have nothing to fear! My path to Nascent Soul will be inevitable…"

Lan Chang'an knew that Yunxia Sect’s reserves of Nascent Soul resources surpassed those of factions like Great Snake Mountain and Flame Departing Palce, including aged spiritual herbs and rare medicinal treasures.