I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals-Chapter 256: Foundation Establishment, Ninth Level
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After Xia Wenyue's departure, Autumnwind Isle became notably quieter, with only two new apprentices left behind. The first apprentice, Xia Mingcheng, had already completed his training long ago.
Every morning, Lan Chang'an stuck to his routine of cultivation and nurturing his treasure talismans, never missing a day.
Due to the time restrictions of the Evergreen Technique, his daily progress in cultivation had a set limit; extending his practice hours or consuming additional pills would be ineffective.
In the afternoons, Lan Chang'an would delve into the hundred arts of Immortal Cultivation, with recent efforts focused on puppet crafting.
His proficiency in puppet techniques had reached the quasi-third rank several years ago, making him quite skillful.
Over the years, he had acquired various third-rank materials and was now attempting to break through into the realm of a true third-rank puppet master.
Speaking of which, the third-rank puppet inheritance that Lan Chang'an had in his hands was something he had traded from Huanglong Immortal back then.
Breaking through the third-rank threshold was no easy feat, Lan Chang'an's previous advantage in terms of spiritual sense was beginning to wane.
With each birth of the Nine Seal Stele, the soul and spiritual sense were strengthened, but the magnitude of this boost diminished when entering higher realms. Thus, the benefits had become less pronounced over time.
Despite this, Lan Chang'an's talent for puppet techniques remained exceptional.
As long as he successfully formed a core, his spiritual sense and mana would surge, allowing him to naturally advance to a third-rank puppet master.
"Hmm? Another Core Formation cultivator visiting?"
Lan Chang'an was in the middle of refining puppet parts when he suddenly sensed something, turning his gaze in the direction of Qingsha Bay.
In recent months, Jing Kingdom’s three major sects and other cultivation powers had sent Core Formation cultivators—both true and fake dans—to Qingsha Bay, seeking to recruit Xia Wenyue.
The cultivators in Qingsha Bay had become accustomed to such visits.
This time, however, Lan Chang'an frowned, sensing something unusual.
Firstly, the spiritual power of the approaching True Dan cultivator was volatile and unrestrained.
Secondly, the wave of recruitment efforts from various factions had already subsided.
…
"May I ask which Immortal has honored us with their presence?"
Currently, the one managing Qingsha Bay was Young Master Xia Mingqu.
His father, Xia Yongzhong, was occupied with affairs at the headquarters of the Wufu Merchant Association, and the patriarch had taken Xia Wenyue to Feng Kingdom.
As a late Foundation Establishment cultivator, Xia Mingqu could handle most matters on his own, but the presence of a hostile Core Formation cultivator still made him anxious.
"I am Xie Wuji of the Taihu Xie Family, direct lineage of the Heavenly Net Sect in the Chen Kingdom."
The young man in splendid robes, appearing about twenty-five or twenty-six years old, stood atop an enormous iron fan magical treasure, his expression dark and displeased.
"Chen Kingdom… Taihu Xie Family?"
As Xie Wuji’s gaze locked onto him, Xia Mingqu felt a chill in his heart. The overwhelming spiritual pressure made it hard for him to breathe.
The name of the Taihu Xie Family made him break out in a cold sweat.
The Taihu Xie Family was not only the number one cultivation family in the Chen Kingdom—it was also the most powerful faction within the Nascent Soul-level Heavenly Net Sect.
Calling it a “family” didn’t even do it justice.
Ordinarily, cultivation sects welcomed a diverse array of disciples, including those from both noble families and loose cultivators.
The Heavenly Net Sect was an exception. Over centuries, it had essentially become an extension of the Xie Family.
The origins of this dominance could be traced back several hundred years, when an ancestor of the Xie Family in the Heavenly Net Sect ascended to the Nascent Soul Realm.
Since then, the sect had devoted itself to elevating Xie Family disciples.
Xie family members were prioritized for resources within the sect.
As for talented disciples from outside the clan, the sect sought to either coerce or marry them into the family.
If anyone dared to protest against the sect’s favoritism, there was little recourse; the Xie Family’s Nascent Soul ancestor had long since subdued the other sects in the Chen Kingdom, turning them into vassals of the Heavenly Net Sect.
These other sects were required to pay tribute to the Heavenly Net Sect regularly.
They were prohibited from nurturing their own Core Formation cultivators, or risk facing annihilation.
In short, the Taihu Xie Family was unchallenged in the Chen Kingdom.
With such a background, many of the Xie Family’s cultivators were accustomed to acting with impunity in Chen Kingdom.
When they traveled to Feng Kingdom, they restrained themselves slightly, but upon entering Jing Kingdom’s cultivation world, they were treated like nobility.
Even the Merchant Alliance in Jing Kingdom had to tread carefully around the Xie Family’s direct lineage.
As a direct descendant of the Xie Family and a True Dan cultivator, Xie Wuji’s status was self-evident.
Back then, when Xie Wuji played with Xia Wenyue's mother’s feelings, the Xia family dared not voice any objections and handled the matter quietly.
This was because they knew he hailed from the powerful Xie Family in the Chen Kingdom.
Though, at the time, they were unaware of his exact status within the Xie Family.
While Xia Mingqu was momentarily frozen in shock—
BOOM!
The massive iron fan magical treasure lightly swept down, tearing a large gap in the Xia family’s protective formation.
Even with their formation fully activated, it couldn’t withstand a True Dan cultivator’s magical treasure.
Xie Wuji retracted his magical treasure, hovering above with his hands clasped behind his back as he stepped into the Xia family grounds.
"Immortal Xie, this…"
Xia Mingqu’s face darkened. His family’s protective formation had been forcibly breached, which could be considered an invasion or even a declaration of war.
But with their patriarch absent and facing a True Dan cultivator from the Chen Kingdom Xie Family, Qingsha Bay had no means of resisting.
Xia Mingqu could only swallow his anger, not daring to act out.
"Has that old fellow Xia Hongyu not returned yet?"
Xie Wuji, hovering slightly above the ground, asked in a cold voice.
"To answer Immortal Xie, our patriarch has traveled to Feng Kingdom and has not yet returned."
Young Master Xia responded cautiously.
"I am Xia Mingqu, temporarily managing family affairs. May I know what guidance Immortal Xie has for us?"
"I have a few questions. If you dare hide anything, don’t blame me for being merciless!"
Xie Wuji’s tone was full of wrath. He ignored the Xia family’s hospitality and found a random pavilion to sit in, while Xia Mingqu stood nervously nearby.
"Please, Immortal Xie, ask your questions."
Xia Mingqu had a vague suspicion of the reason for Xie Wuji's anger. It was likely related to Xia Wenyue joining Proud Moon Palace.
Even though Xie Wuji hadn’t set foot in the Xia family in decades and had never met Xia Wenyue, the fact remained—He was Xia Wenyue's biological father.
"When was Wenyue’s innate Dao physique discovered?"
Xie Wuji proceeded to ask several questions, all focused on Xia Wenyue.
As for her mother, he didn’t mention her at all.
Xia Mingqu answered carefully, not daring to hide any major details.
Regarding the specifics, he was actually somewhat unclear.
The full details of Xia Wenyue’s talent were known only to Lan Chang'an and the patriarch within the Xia family of Qingsha Bay.
"I heard that Wenyue had a teacher within the Xia family—a man named Lan Chang'an, known as the ‘Turtle Talisman Master’? He’s skilled in nurturing and healing, and he was the one who first discovered Wenyue’s innate Dao physique?"
Xie Wuji’s tone was indifferent.
"Yes," Xia Mingqu replied, steeling himself.
This matter had already spread as a rumor: Lan Chang'an was skilled in cultivation techniques that promoted wellness and healing. After spending more than a decade curing Xia Wenyue’s mysterious ailment, he discovered her extraordinary talent.
Out of gratitude, Xia Wenyue wanted to become his disciple.
However, Lan Chang'an declined, feeling unworthy. He only imparted some medicinal knowledge to her, taking her as an honorary disciple in name.
Eventually, Xia Wenyue was sent to Proud Moon Palace.
The outside world praised Lan Chang'an's noble character and selflessness.
For a time, Lan Chang'an’s reputation as an honorable figure gained some renown in Jing Kingdom's cultivation circles.
"And was it Lan Chang'an who recommended that Wenyue join Proud Moon Palace?"
"This… I am not entirely certain," Xia Mingqu said, feeling cornered. He didn’t know for sure and couldn’t confirm anything.
SLAP!
Xia Mingqu’s head jerked to the side as a burning handprint appeared on his handsome face.
"If you dare conceal anything, I’ll cripple your cultivation!"
Xie Wuji’s voice was ice-cold.
Xia Mingqu's mind went blank, blood trickling from his lips.
Rage simmered within him, but outwardly, he remained frozen, silent.
"Take this Immortal to see Lan Chang'an!"
…
The oppressive aura of Xie Wuji, a True Dan Formation cultivator, was impossible to ignore.
As soon as he arrived at Autumnwind Isle, Lan Chang'an was already waiting outside his residence.
"Senior Lan, this is Immortal Xie Wuji of the Taihu Xie Family in the Chen Kingdom, Aunt Wenyue's biological father…"
Xia Mingqu, his face still swollen, forced a smile and introduced Xie Wuji.
In truth, no introduction was necessary.
The conversation between Xie Wuji and Xia Mingqu had already been eavesdropped on by the Earth Burrowing Rat hiding underground.
"So, you are Lan Chang'an, Wenyue's teacher?"
Xie Wuji looked at the serene, jade-like, youthful man in white before him, surprised.
Despite having already heard information about Lan Chang'an, he was still taken aback.
"I am Lan Chang'an, though I hardly deserve the title of Wenyue's teacher. Our relationship is merely one of medical guidance and medicinal study."
Lan Chang'an’s tone was calm, his manner modest.
The last thing he wanted was to end up like Xia Mingqu, slapped in the face by a Core Formation cultivator.
Even in the Jing Kingdom, Lan Chang'an had heard of the notorious arrogance of the Taihu Xie Family.
"And how old are you?"
"I will be one hundred and sixty-five in two months. Due to my cultivation technique, I also took a Youth Retaining Pill, which is why I look young."
"One hundred and sixty-five?"
Xie Wuji’s eyebrows furrowed as he looked at Lan Chang'an with an unreadable expression.
This Lan Chang'an was actually over thirty years older than himself! Yet his appearance was even more youthful, his aura and appearance no less striking.
"Living together… nurturing her closely… a debt of rebirth and healing…"
In a flash, Xie Wuji’s mind filled with conjectures that were disturbingly close to the truth.
It wasn’t that Xie Wuji possessed extraordinary insight.
It was because, back when he first met Xia Wenyue’s mother, he had relied on his own good looks and eloquence to quickly win her over.
Combined with his status as a member of a top cultivation clan and his honeyed words, he had effortlessly ensnared her affections.
Lan Chang'an might not have the backing of an elite family, but he had cured Wenyue's long-standing affliction, spent years by her side, and possessed an extraordinary appearance, all of which would easily endear him to her.
"And what business does Immortal Xie have here?"
Lan Chang'an noticed Xie Wuji’s increasingly cold gaze and even a faint flash of killing intent.
"This Immortal will talk to Little Friend Lan alone."
Xie Wuji's face darkened as he took a deep breath.
Thinking it over, he realized Lan Chang'an and his daughter probably hadn’t taken things that far.
If they had, Lan Chang'an would have hidden the truth, keeping Xia Wenyue close, instead of sending her to a major sect, and he certainly wouldn’t be facing Xie Wuji with such calm and confidence.
Perhaps this man truly was the noble, upright figure he appeared to be.
…
After dismissing Xia Mingqu, Lan Chang'an led Xie Wuji into the main hall.
The two sat down and began their conversation.
The overbearing aura Xie Wuji had displayed earlier was now somewhat restrained, and he showed Lan Chang'an a basic level of courtesy as his daughter's mentor.
Before coming, Xie Wuji had learned about Lan Chang'an’s connections, including his friends in the Liang Kingdom, such as a talented third-rank formation master and a newly appointed law enforcement elder of the Jin Yun Valley.
More importantly, his innate Dao physique daughter held deep respect for this man.
"I came here today to hold the Xia family accountable. However, putting that aside for now, I must thank you, Fellow Daoist Lan, for curing my daughter’s hidden illness and discovering her innate Dao physique."
For the first time, Xie Wuji’s handsome face showed a restrained smile.
Lan Chang'an was unperturbed by this sudden change in demeanor.
He was all too familiar with people like Xie Wuji—those who bullied the weak and flattered the powerful.
On the surface, they acted tyrannically, but they were keenly aware of the social hierarchy.
They bullied those below them but cowered before those above.
“May I ask, Little Friend Lan, does Wenyue indeed possess the ‘Cold Soul Jade Marrow’ constitution?”
Xie Wuji’s gaze was sharp as he looked straight at him.
“Yes.”
Lan Chang'an didn’t deny it.
So it was true!
Due to its proximity to Feng Kingdom, the Xie Family in Chen Kingdom was the first to confirm that Xia Wenyue had been accepted as a personal disciple in Proud Moon Palace.
If it had merely been an earth spiritual root, the news would’ve been harder to keep hidden.
However, an innate Dao physique could easily go unnoticed in its early stages, sometimes even manifesting as physical ailments.
Thousands of years ago, the Taihu Xie Family had produced a cultivator with the “Cold Soul Jade Marrow” constitution. Unfortunately, it had been a male, which led to severe side effects that eventually caused his untimely death.
Thus, when Xie Wuji received word, he suspected Xia Wenyue possessed this rare constitution.
The Xie Family’s elders ordered him to do whatever was necessary to bring Xia Wenyue back into the family.
In fact, the Xie Family had already tried contacting Proud Moon Palace.
But Proud Moon Palace refused to arrange a meeting, citing Xia Wenyue’s own wishes.
Xie Wuji could easily guess that Xia Wenyue was deeply disappointed by his abandonment all those years ago.
So he had decided to approach the Xia family and her mentor, Lan Chang'an, instead.
"Was it you who recommended Wenyue to join Proud Moon Palace?"
"I merely offered a suggestion. The final decision was hers."
Lan Chang'an did not deny it.
An inexplicable anger surged within Xie Wuji.
If Lan Chang'an had delayed that recommendation, the Xie Family wouldn’t be in such a passive position, with their innate Dao physique bloodline now under the control of another nation’s Nascent Soul sect, making them a laughingstock.
"Little Friend Lan has made a grievous error."
Xie Wuji's expression turned icy as he suppressed his irritation.
Were it not for his daughter’s high regard for this man, he would have acted long ago.
"I was unaware that Wenyue belonged to the direct lineage of the Xie Family in the Chen Kingdom," Lan Chang'an replied calmly.
"Hmph! The damage has already been done, but I will give you a chance to rectify it."
With a cold snort, Xie Wuji unleashed his spiritual pressure, akin to a muffled thunderclap that rang in Lan Chang'an's ears.
Lan Chang'an’s face turned pale, and he staggered slightly.
Gritting his teeth, he forced himself to speak. "What does Immortal Xie propose?"
"My time with Wenyue has been limited, but you are the one she respects and trusts most in this life."
"All you need to do is convince her to return to the Xie Family, to recognize her true lineage. This task shouldn’t be difficult for you."
Xie Wuji laid out his intentions.
"Wenyue has already joined Proud Moon Palace; it was her own choice. I fear I cannot persuade her."
Lan Chang'an refused outright.
"You…! Don’t be ungrateful!"
A frosty glint appeared in Xie Wuji's eyes. He raised his hand, the power of his True Dan coalescing around it, but stopped short of striking.
Lan Chang'an stood firm, prepared to fight back if it came to that.
"Lan Chang'an, in consideration of your position as Wenyue’s teacher, I am willing to give you one last chance."
Xie Wuji's tone softened suddenly, as he produced a translucent glass bottle filled with a faint blue liquid.
"If you manage to convince Wenyue, the Xie Family is willing to grant you a complete set of resources for Core Formation."
“This is ‘Pure Essence Water,’ a rare Core Formation item. Consider it an advance payment, a gesture of our sincerity. Once you succeed, there will be a Crystal Condensation Pill as well."
Xie Wuji cursed inwardly, annoyed by Lan Chang'an's stubbornness, which had forced him to offer such a valuable bribe.
This Core Formation opportunity was something he had planned to keep for himself, intending to give Lan Chang'an only a meager reward.
"A Core Formation opportunity?"
Lan Chang'an’s eyes widened with feigned surprise.
Xie Wuji smirked inwardly. A complete Core Formation resource package was an irresistible temptation for ordinary families or loose Foundation Establishment cultivators.
"And if I refuse, what will Immortal Xie do?" Lan Chang'an asked.
"You have disrupted the Xie Family’s plans. If you can’t redeem yourself, why would I let you live?"
Xie Wuji’s gaze turned icy, his intentions clear.
Seeing that Lan Chang'an was someone his daughter respected, he had chosen to offer both incentives and threats.
"Very well, I am willing to try," Lan Chang'an said, appearing to relent.
"But Wenyue has joined Proud Moon Palace, and contacting her is no easy task. She has also grown more independent since reaching Foundation Establishment. Convincing her won’t be quick; it may take years."
"How long do you need?" Xie Wuji frowned.
He knew that with Wenyue joining Proud Moon Palace, it would be challenging to bring her back. The sect would undoubtedly keep a close watch on her, making this a long-term effort.
"I will need ten years," Lan Chang'an replied.
"Ten years is too long. I can give you five years at most."
"Traveling to Feng Kingdom and back takes considerable time, and it’s not always possible to meet with her. At least seven years, or I would rather die!"
"Fine, seven years," Xie Wuji agreed reluctantly.
He produced a third-rank spirit contract scroll.
The Xie Family knew that it would take time to win over Xia Wenyue. They were prepared for a gradual approach, hoping she would eventually warm up to them.
Xie Wuji was simply one part of their strategy.
"Lan Chang'an, sign this third-rank spirit contract. I expect results within seven years!"
Soon, Lan Chang'an and Xie Wuji completed the contract.
The contract imposed significant restrictions on Lan Chang'an and promised him a complete Core Formation opportunity.
…
Moments later.
Lan Chang'an accepted the Pure Essence Water and watched Xie Wuji depart from Autumnwind Isle.
"Senior Lan, did Xie Wuji give you any trouble?" Xia Mingqu asked, his swollen face still healing from the ointment.
"It’s fine. As Wenyue's teacher, he didn't press me too hard. He only asked me to speak up for him in the future," Lan Chang'an replied casually before returning to his residence.
Inside his private chamber, Lan Chang'an’s expression darkened.
"Chen Kingdom… Taihu Xie Family…"
He despised being threatened in this life and silently noted this grudge.
The Pure Essence Water Xie Wuji had given him was a lesser version of Heavenly Essence Water, only slightly better than standard Core Formation items.
Similar Core Formation items could not be stacked for additional effect.
As for the promised Crystal Condensation Pill, Lan Chang'an suspected that Xie Wuji would cut corners, perhaps offering an inferior pill.
After all, the spiritual contract didn’t specify it had to be a standard-quality pill.
"Still, with this Pure Essence Water, I can use it as a pretext when I eventually form a True Dan."
Lan Chang'an didn’t mind accumulating more Core Formation items.
As for the spiritual contract, Lan Chang'an only needed to wait for the second life to light up all the way to easily break it.
Because Xie Wuji had been watching him closely, he hadn’t attempted any tricks with the contract, ensuring Xie Wuji’s trust.
Considering Lan Chang'an’s advanced age and loose cultivator status, Xie Wuji had likely never imagined he could form a True Dan.
For aging Foundation Establishment cultivators with limited potential, heart demon oaths were often ineffective.
…
One month later, Patriarch Xia Hongyu returned alone to Qingsha Bay.
He was dusty and weary but had a faint air of excitement.
That evening, Lan Chang'an and Xia Hongyu had a private discussion.
On his journey to Feng Kingdom, Xia Hongyu had traveled at a leisurely pace, bringing along Xia Wenyue, who was still at the early Foundation Establishment stage.
After some twists and turns, he eventually met with Proud Moon Palace’s senior management.
"The third disciple of Long Yue True Monarch, a Core Formation cultivator, personally accepted Wenyue as a disciple. I was even rewarded and spent some time as a guest at Proud Moon Palace."
Talking about his visit to Proud Moon Palace, Xia Hongyu’s face lit up with pride.
Lan Chang'an nodded slightly. Being accepted as a disciple by a Core Formation cultivator was a decent outcome.
Those who achieved an Immortal Golden Dan were often born with earth spiritual roots, among Nascent Soul cultivators, many even had heaven spiritual roots.
To cultivators of such high caliber, earth spiritual roots or ordinary innate Dao physiques were neither rare nor irreplaceable. Beyond spiritual roots, they valued qualities like temperament, fate, and karmic bonds.
"Did Patriarch Xia encounter any difficulties from Chen Kingdom’s Xie Family on your way back?"
Lan Chang'an asked.
"Haha! At Proud Moon Palace’s gate, some Xie Family cultivators tried to interfere but were warned by Proud Moon Palace Master. They even sent a formal letter to the Heavenly Net Sect. The journey back was smooth."
Xia Hongyu laughed heartily.
To ensure Xia Wenyue could cultivate in peace, Proud Moon Palace had extended protection to the Xia family, warning off the Xie Family.
As the two factions were of equal standing, the Xie Family would be reluctant to openly pressure the Xia family.
"No wonder Xie Wuji hurried to confront the Xia family, wielding both threats and bribes. He was trying to take advantage of a window of time…"
Lan Chang'an felt a touch of bitterness. While he was threatened in Qingsha Bay and forced to sign a spiritual contract, Xia Hongyu had been rewarded and shielded.
Of course, even if given the choice, Lan Chang'an would never willingly go to Proud Moon Palace.
With all the secrets he carried, he was in no rush to place himself within the sights of Core Formation Immortals or Nascent Soul True Monarchs.
…
After Xia Hongyu's return, Qingsha Bay entered a period of stable development and prosperity.
With Proud Moon Palace's protection, and not being in the same country, the Xie Family had little means to trouble the Xia family.
By staying in Qingsha Bay, Lan Chang'an was also indirectly shielded.
He treated the spiritual contract with Xie Wuji as a formality.
Occasionally, he would send Xing Peng, disguised with the “Green Face” of the Unseen Gate, to wander near the borders, making a token appearance.
As a True Dan cultivator in the Heavenly Net Sect, Xie Wuji was busy with his own cultivation and duties. He didn’t have the time to monitor Lan Chang'an’s every move across countries.
In the blink of an eye, five years passed.
Lan Chang'an had reached the milestone age of one hundred and seventy, which is considered advanced for a Foundation Establishment cultivator.
One day—
Within his cultivation chamber on Autumnwind Isle, a powerful surge of mana filled the air, stirring the surrounding spiritual energy.
An invisible pressure nearly reached the peak of Foundation Establishment.
"Fifteen years… Foundation Establishment, ninth level!"
Lan Chang'an opened his eyes, and within the cultivation chamber, two faint sparks of ethereal lightning seemed to flash.
