Half a year later.
At the top of Little Turtle Peak, by the poolside pavilion.
"Big Brother Lan! Upon seeing you this ti, I can sense that your spiritual power is close to breaking through to the late-stage Foundation Establishnt."
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 Establishnt, few will be your match in the secret realm. At that ti, 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 ti.
The last ti the Green Underworld Mysterious Realm had opened, he had been 96 years old, just at the early-stage Foundation Establishnt.
Most of the cultivators who participated in the Green Underworld Mysterious Realm were mid- to late-stage Foundation Establishnt cultivators with deep roots.
"Are you so certain that I will break through to the late-stage Foundation Establishnt? 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 ti.
"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 Establishnt, 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 bead at him.
Her confidence in Lan Chang'an stemd 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 Establishnt cultivators only had one chance in their lifeti 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 ti.
"Miss Zhou, I appreciate your kindness. If that ti cos, 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 n.
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 sche, and never soft when it ca 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 sowhat aloof, she had ultimately honored the favor.
"I have so 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 et 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 ntioned 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 ntioned it to Lan Chang'an.
One month later.
A woman with a cold, elegant deanor, dressed in fluttering immortal robes, arrived as scheduled. She was a late-stage Foundation Establishnt cultivator.
"Fellow Daoist Zhao, you’ve arrived."
Lan Chang'an smiled as he welcod 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 ti 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 welco 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 Establishnt Realm and is preparing for Core Formation. Have there been any recent developnts?"
After so idle conversation, Lan Chang'an got to the heart of the matter.
"Among the Foundation Establishnt cultivators of Jin Yun Valley, my aptitude isn’t exceptional, and I don’t have the backing of a True Dan elder. It’ll be impossible to exchange for a Crystal Condensation Pill from the sect within the next ten years. Even after waiting more than a decade in line, soone could easily cut in."
Zhao Siyao spoke candidly about her situation in Jin Yun Valley.
She confided these frustrations only to Lan Chang'an, soone she could trust. To others, she remained the aloof, untouchable Fairy Jade Moon.
Lan Chang'an knew that in her early years at Jin Yun Valley, Zhao Siyao had rejected certain unspoken rules, particularly when she was at the cusp of the Foundation Establishnt Realm.
And now, she faced a similar dilemma at the threshold of Core Formation.
Opportunities for Core Formation in Jin Yun Valley were top-tier strategic resources.
Even female cultivators willing to trade their bodies would often find their efforts fruitless, and it was very likely that they would be cheated.
"I’ve only gathered about thirty percent of the materials for the Crystal Condensation Pill. The most critical ingredient, the ‘Seven-Heart Mystic Moonflower,’ and two rare auxiliary herbs are nearly impossible to find."
"On the bright side, I did manage to acquire a regular Core Formation spiritual item two years ago, though it only slightly improves the quality of the Core."
Zhao Siyao no longer expected to exchange for a Crystal Condensation Pill from her sect and was hoping to seek external help, much like she had during the Foundation Establishnt Realm.
Lan Chang'an understood that Zhao Siyao, given her aptitude and age, couldn’t afford to wait more than ten years.
The longer she waited, the lower her chances of success in Core Formation.
"The upcoming large-scale auction in Liaoyuan Immortal City may offer a chance. If Fellow Daoist Lan is interested, you could join us. Even Tan'er and the others will be attending soon..."
Zhao Siyao extended an invitation.
"I’ve already secured a breakthrough pill for the late-stage Foundation Establishnt, so I’ll skip the auction."
As he spoke, Lan Chang'an took out a silk pouch and handed it to Zhao Siyao.
"This is a small token from . I hope Fellow Daoist Zhao will gain sothing worthwhile at the auction."
In his last letter, Lan Chang'an had ntioned that he couldn’t offer much help but could lend a few thousand spirit stones as a gesture of goodwill.
"Since returning from the war in Feng Kingdom, I’ve been unable to repay you. I feel ashad to accept these spirit stones..."
Zhao Siyao bit her lip, her face showing signs of embarrassnt as she accepted the pouch.
Lan Chang'an recalled a particular mont.
Outside Jin Yun Valley, the two had shared a private conversation, almost breaking through the boundary between them.
"Lan Chang'an, such a great favor, how do you expect to repay you?"
At that ti, Zhao Siyao had gazed into his eyes and asked those very words.
Lan Chang'an naturally understood the implication.
It had been the closest they’d ever co to sothing more, but in the end, they hadn’t crossed that line.
"Fellow Daoist Zhao, there’s no need to feel burdened. This is just a loan. You’ll repay the spirit stones later."
Lan Chang'an clarified.
"If I fail to form a Core and end up dying, Fellow Daoist Lan will be making a rather poor investnt."
Zhao Siyao laughed lightly.
Catching her playful tone, Lan Chang'an responded calmly, "If you can’t repay , I trust Zhao Tan’er will take on her master’s debt. With her potential, a few thousand spirit stones shouldn’t be much of an issue."
Zhao Siyao found herself at a loss for words.
For soone of Lan Chang'an’s current status, the risk of losing a few thousand spirit stones was negligible.
"Is Fellow Daoist Zhang planning to attend the auction?"
Lan Chang'an shifted the topic, curious about Zhang Tieshan’s progress toward Core Formation.
"Senior Brother Zhang has nearly gathered all the materials for Core Formation and is only waiting to exchange for a Crystal Condensation Pill. He doesn’t plan to leave Jin Yun Valley until after he forms his Core."
Zhao Siyao’s tone carried a hint of envy.
Lan Chang'an was taken aback by Zhang Tieshan's rapid progress.
The two had entered Jin Yun Valley at the sa ti in their youth.
While Zhang Tieshan had always possessed great willpower, winning first place in the illusion heart platform, he hadn’t been superior to Zhao Siyao in other aspects.
Both had entered the Green Underworld Mysterious Realm and participated in the sa wars.
However, Zhang Tieshan consistently gained more from every opportunity.
Through over a hundred years of cultivation and nurous experiences, the gap between them had gradually widened.
On further reflection, Lan Chang'an wasn’t too surprised.
After all, he had suspected early on that Zhang Tieshan had so hidden fortuitous encounters.
...
At Little Turtle Peak, after bidding farewell to Zhao Siyao, Lan Chang'an once again declined the invitation to attend the auction.
Half a month later.
Lan Chang'an quietly left Wuqi Mountain, using the Hundred Illusions Mask to disguise himself before heading to Liaoyuan Immortal City.
Given the auction’s scale, it presented many business opportunities.
Lan Chang'an wanted to act discreetly, selling off so of his handmade puppets and pills, as well as clearing out a batch of old talismans.
He also planned to acquire various resources.
For instance, Life Extension Pills, materials for quasi-third-rank puppets, and talisman-making materials.
If the opportunity arose, he wouldn’t pass up third-rank talisman materials either.
Once he advanced to the late-stage Foundation Establishnt, his spiritual sense would improve even further.
At that point, with the help of Immortal Mist Tea, he could attempt to craft third-rank talismans.
"At 138 years old..."
Upon arriving in Liaoyuan Immortal City, Lan Chang'an sensed the subtle passage of ti on his body. He had been cultivating in this life for 120 years.
The auction was still a few days away.
The city’s inns were fully booked, packed with cultivators from across the Liang Kingdom.
Shops had also stocked up on high-end items.
At this ti, ordinary goods were cheap, while rare resources had beco even more expensive.
Disguised, Lan Chang'an sold his puppets, talismans, and pills in batches.
His stock of puppets, in particular, fetched the most spirit stones, amounting to over twenty thousand.
Lan Chang'an kept only two top-grade second-rank puppets.
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 Establishnt cultivator.
The Core Formation item, comparable to "Tianjing Water," was sothing 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 mbers 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 consud 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 mont, 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 sa 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 Establishnt self."
Lan Chang'an sat in ditation 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 Establishnt spiritual fire and even his healing abilities.
His cultivation speed had also improved slightly.
This explained why, after reaching the Foundation Establishnt Realm, Lan Chang'an’s cultivation speed was comparable to that of soone with mid-grade spiritual roots.
Of course, this was only when asuring 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 Establishnt.
He estimated that by the ti he reached 140 years old, he would be able to attempt the breakthrough to the late-stage Foundation Establishnt.
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 ca from Jin Yun Valley.
Lan Chang'an looked at the invitation, noting the na 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 sowhat rushed.
Given Zhang Tieshan’s usual thodical approach, even after obtaining a Crystal Condensation Pill, he should have taken the ti 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 ford 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 achievent, yet Lan Chang'an felt sothing was off.
"Sothing 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 sothing about this Core Formation didn’t seem right.
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