I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals

Chapter 192: The Petrified Huang Dragon

After a brief moment of temptation, Lan Chang'an quickly regained his composure and saw through Huanglong Immortal's intentions.

"Fu Xuemei’s injury has only just stabilized, and her strength is less than ten percent of its peak. It’ll likely take at least half a year for her to fully recover."

"For such a long period of weakness, she’d need me to stay by her side day and night, using my nurturing methods to accelerate her healing."

"And during the journey to the neighboring country, I’d have to share the burden of any unknown dangers and pursuers. This isn’t a Dao companion—it’s a free doctor, bodyguard, and nanny all in one."

Lan Chang'an couldn’t help but admire Huanglong Immortal’s shrewdness.

"Even if we survive all of this, once we reach the neighboring country and Fu Xuemei regains her full Core Formation powers, as a mere Foundation Establishment loose cultivator, would I have any say in matters? At that point, everything would depend on her goodwill, and I’d be at her mercy."

With that in mind, Lan Chang'an completely dismissed the idea.

After all, in this world, where could one find such an easy meal?

Of course, while Huanglong Immortal was painting a big cake, he might genuinely appreciate Lan Chang'an. In the future, Fu Xuemei might not treat him so harshly, and perhaps they could truly share the inheritance of Huanglong Mountain as Dao companions.

But Lan Chang'an didn’t see the need to gamble on that.

"I greatly appreciate your good intentions, Senior," Lan Chang'an sighed. He couldn’t reject the offer too bluntly, so he gave a more justifiable excuse: "The cultivation world is full of uncertainty. A Foundation Establishment cultivator has only just begun to find their footing. Without the magical treasures and abilities of a Core Formation cultivator, I can barely maintain my own path. How could I dare to take a wife or form a Dao companionship?"

Hearing this, Huanglong Immortal gazed at him for a moment before nodding in admiration. "To think someone of your cultivation and experience holds such a perspective."

"Even as a True Dan cultivator, there are many times when I have no control over my fate. In this vast world of cultivation, without reaching the Nascent Soul Realm, we are all merely pieces on the chessboard."

Lan Chang'an felt a deep resonance with this statement.

In his past life, as a Core Formation expert, he understood that Huanglong Immortal's words were truly heartfelt.

As their conversation continued, Huanglong Immortal didn’t bring up the topic of forming a Dao companionship again, perhaps because he realized that Lan Chang'an had already seen through the pros and cons.

Huanglong Immortal found himself unexpectedly enjoying their conversation. Despite the gap in their cultivation levels, there was no natural barrier between them.

It was important to note that Huanglong Immortal was no ordinary Core Formation cultivator.

Even early and mid-stage Core Formation cultivators would typically have to show him respect and deference.

"Unfortunately, I don’t have much time left to have a deeper conversation with you, little friend Lan."

Huanglong Immortal’s eyes glimmered with a meaningful look, as if he faintly sensed that Lan Chang'an had an extraordinary background or some hidden secret.

"To sit and converse with a legendary figure like you, Senior Huanglong, is a first for me, and an honor as well," Lan Chang'an said with a smile.

In this life, after over a hundred years, it was rare to have a conversation with someone at a similar level to his previous life. For him, this was also a source of emotional solace.

And since Huanglong Immortal was close to death, there was no need for him to restrain his demeanor or be overly cautious.

...

"When I first arrived at your abode, I noticed that Profound Water Turtle of yours. Its cultivation growth is quite impressive. I had heard that when you first obtained the egg, its life signs were weak, and it was likely to be a sickly creature," Huanglong Immortal remarked with interest.

"From this, it can be seen that you have unique expertise when it comes to nurturing spirit pets."

"I wouldn’t say expertise, just some insights," Lan Chang'an already had a reasonable explanation prepared for this.

"My life-nurturing technique excels at nurturing and nourishing. In addition, I was fortunate to acquire a rare heavenly material in my early years, and by a stroke of luck, I managed to help the Profound Water Turtle grow smoothly."

The true cultivation level of the Profound Water Turtle was often concealed at the late first rank, so ordinary cultivators couldn’t discern it. However, under the sharp gaze of someone like Huanglong Immortal, it couldn’t escape notice during close contact.

"Little friend Lan, if you really possess unique means or are perhaps a hidden expert, I implore you to save my old companion," Huanglong Immortal suddenly rose, his tone earnest, bowing slightly as he spoke.

The "old companion" he referred to was, of course, the Huang Dragon Beast.

"Please, Senior, don't overwhelm me with praise! I am merely an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator, not some reclusive master," Lan Chang'an chuckled bitterly.

It seemed that even a slight display of demeanor or insight was enough for Huanglong Immortal to make such associations.

However, in the cultivation world, such stories did circulate.

There were rumors of certain ancient, mysterious old monsters who, for unknown reasons or goals, would conceal their identities and wander the world in secret.

One series of texts from the Heaven Honoured Continent, Legends of Hidden Experts, recorded similar tales.

One popular account mentioned a legendary Deity Transformation cultivator who, due to special circumstances, couldn’t act freely or reveal their identity.

At least, in Lan Chang'an's three lifetimes, he had yet to witness any definitive proof of a Deity Transformation cultivator.

"Fellow Daoist Lan, whether or not those rumors are true, I still ask that you take a look."

After saying this, Huanglong Immortal took out a spirit pet pouch from his waist.

The two moved to the spacious main hall of the cave mansion.

As the restriction was lifted, the surface of the spirit pet pouch rippled with a pale yellow light.

Soon, a petrified creature, resembling a cross between a crocodile and a dragon, appeared before Lan Chang'an.

"A petrification seal?"

Lan Chang'an's expression shifted slightly as he examined the creature.

From what he could sense, the Huang Dragon Beast’s heartbeat had ceased, and its life force was nearly extinguished.

He placed his hand on the creature’s stone-like exterior, feeling the cold, marble-like texture of its petrified scales.

His spiritual sense penetrated inside, barely detecting a faint, dormant consciousness.

"Powerless!"

Lan Chang'an sighed and shook his head.

From what he could tell, the Huang Dragon Beast’s physical body was almost entirely dead. Before its death, it had used a secret technique to seal itself, preserving its body and the last remnants of its spirit and vitality.

His healing abilities of the Evergreen mana were far from sufficient to save it.

Even if he were to use the secret spell of the Evergreen Technique, at the cost of his own lifespan, the price would still be significant.

After all, the Huang Dragon Beast's life force was on a completely different level from his own.

This was far more difficult than when he had saved Mu Xiuyun back then.

"Little friend Lan, is there really no way?"

Huanglong Immortal seemed to hold onto a sliver of hope as he watched for any subtle changes in Lan Chang'an's expression.

"If you can succeed, I promise a heavy reward. I am willing to offer my life-bound magical treasure in exchange, as well as one of the main ingredients for the Crystal Condensation Pill—the 'Seven-Heart Mystic Moonflower.'"

To sweeten the deal, Huanglong Immortal brought out his famed treasure, the Huanglong Mountain Seal.

The main ingredient for the Crystal Condensation Pill was sealed inside a jade box, a rare third-rank, seven-hearted mystical flower.

Lan Chang'an’s heart stirred.

There were three primary ingredients needed for the Crystal Condensation Pill, and the rarest and most crucial of them all was the "Seven-Heart Mystic Moonflower."

By chance, the materials he had gathered from Senior Brother Zhuo made up about seventy percent of the total required, with the "Seven-Heart Mystic Moonflower" being the most difficult to acquire.

If he obtained this flower, there would be no real obstacles left in refining a Crystal Condensation Pill in the future.

As for Huanglong Immortal’s life-bound magical treasure, though it was immensely powerful, Lan Chang'an couldn’t use it for now, and it wasn’t well-suited to his cultivation technique.

"This 'Seven-Heart Mystic Moonflower' still has several decades to reach its five-hundred-year maturity, but it’s already sufficient for the Crystal Condensation Pill. With the right rare spiritual liquids, its growth can be accelerated," Huanglong Immortal added, noticing Lan Chang'an's interest.

"It’s a pity, but I truly cannot help," Lan Chang'an sighed again, not hiding his desire for the Crystal Condensation Pill’s ingredient.

Though Huanglong Immortal was a dying man, Lan Chang'an wasn’t willing to reveal the secrets of the Evergreen Technique.

Unless he was desperate for the Crystal Condensation Pill, it wasn’t worth taking the risk. And even if he went ahead with the transaction, he’d need to flee the Liang Kingdom as quickly as possible afterward.

Seeing Lan Chang'an's reaction, Huanglong Immortal was more or less convinced that Lan Chang'an didn’t have the means to save the Huang Dragon Beast.

After all, when faced with the opportunity to advance to the Core Formation Realm, how could a Foundation Establishment cultivator resist?

...

"Sister... you’re awake!"

Not far away, Fu Dong’s voice trembled with joy, tears of relief streaming down his face.

Huanglong Immortal put away his treasure and the Crystal Condensation Pill ingredient, then followed Lan Chang'an to the carriage to check on Fu Xuemei.

"Master... Master, forgive your disciple’s incompetence. I couldn’t save Huanglong Mountain..."

Inside the carriage, Fu Xuemei slowly opened her eyes, her face still deathly pale. She tried to sit up but found herself weak and in pain, her abdomen still throbbing.

"The situation was beyond your control. You’ve done your best. For now, just focus on resting and recovering," Huanglong Immortal said gently, his face marked by deep, aging wrinkles.

Lan Chang'an remained silent at the side.

However, Fu Xuemei’s clear and ethereal eyes soon landed on him. She smiled faintly, saying, "Fellow Daoist Lan, the last time we met was over sixty years ago. In recent years, I had thought of meeting you again, but the opportunity never arose."

Around fifteen years ago, Lan Chang'an, under the identity of "Junior Brother Cheng," had crossed paths with Fu Xuemei.

Back then, by sheer coincidence, he had acted as her "protector" during her breakthrough. He had ended up trading an inferior-quality Crystal Condensation Pill for the real deal, which ultimately resulted in Fu Xuemei forming a bottom tier True Dan.

"Seeing you again today, Fellow Daoist Lan, you haven’t aged a day. You’re still as elegant and composed as ever. Living peacefully at Wuqi Mountain, raising turtles and cultivating plants—how envious."

Gazing at the ageless man in white, Fu Xuemei seemed to return to that scene in Huanglong Immortal City, at the residence of Alchemist Hua, over sixty years ago.

What happened back then had gone against her own heart, even leaving a crack in her mental state.

"Fu Immortal, you flatter me. My unchanging appearance is simply a sign of stagnation. How could I compare to you? Not only are you still as beautiful as ever, but having achieved True Dan, your brilliance surpasses even the past," Lan Chang'an responded, though his words carried a slight hint of flattery, they were also true.

Fu Xuemei was younger than Zhao Siyao, and she had formed her Core earlier. As a result, she appeared to be no older than a woman in her twenties.

With the enhancement of her Core Formation cultivation, her allure far surpassed that of her youth.

"If my impression of myself is even a tenth as good as what you’ve described, Fellow Daoist Lan, I would have no regrets," Fu Xuemei said softly, a faint blush coloring her pale face, and a slight smile playing on her lips.

Lan Chang'an inwardly wondered whether this woman had some sort of sharp intuition and had perhaps suspected something about his true identity back then.

"Was it Fellow Daoist Lan who saved me just now?" Fu Xuemei asked, shifting the topic.

"Sister, how did you know?" Fu Dong looked surprised.

Fu Xuemei had only just woken up and had been unconscious throughout their journey. She couldn’t possibly know what had transpired.

"It was all thanks to your master’s guidance that I was able to assist the secret medicine inside Fu Immortal’s body and stabilize the injuries," Lan Chang'an replied modestly.

"I owe you my life, Fellow Daoist Lan. Forgive me for being unable to rise and express my gratitude properly," Fu Xuemei said solemnly.

During her time in unconsciousness, she had been trapped in a void of darkness. But she had faintly sensed a gentle, pale green warmth, like that of an ancient Evergreen tree, endlessly sustaining and responding to her True Dan.

"Fu Immortal, you’re too polite. Senior Huanglong has already compensated me. Even without my intervention, you would have recovered safely," Lan Chang'an said.

He knew that Huanglong Immortal still had one more opportunity to act.

This time, his intervention had been purely transactional; it wasn’t really a life-saving favor.

Huanglong Immortal had already given him third-rank spirit wood and a third-rank puppet inheritance, all things he needed.

"Little friend Lan, it seems you’re slightly older than Xuemei, is that right?" Huanglong Immortal suddenly asked.

Lan Chang'an nodded and replied humbly, "Age matters little on the path of cultivation. Though I may be older by a few years, I cannot compare to Fu Immortal in terms of achievements."

"Haha! No need for modesty, little friend Lan. You and Xuemei knew each other in the past, and you've both shared in each other’s fortunes and debts. Such karmic ties cannot be measured by cultivation level or seniority."

"Master is right. Fellow Daoist Lan, there’s no need to address me as 'Fu Immortal' with every sentence. We should speak as equals," Fu Xuemei quickly grasped her master’s intentions.

Lan Chang'an didn’t object. If she wanted to treat him as an equal, that was fine—after all, it wasn’t him who would be at a disadvantage.

"Xuemei, for you and your brother, this karmic debt is like a second chance at life. You should address Fellow Daoist Lan as 'Big Brother,'" Huanglong Immortal said with a serious expression, his tone firm.

Fu Xuemei paused for a moment, her ethereal, lonely eyes landing on Lan Chang'an as she softly said, "Greetings, Big Brother Lan."

Though she wasn’t entirely sure of her master’s reasoning, Fu Xuemei didn’t resist.

To have a True Dan female cultivator address him so gently and respectfully—especially one who had once been a peerless genius with a rare earth spiritual root—Lan Chang'an could only feel a shiver run down his spine.

"This... this won’t do," he stammered, suddenly flustered, realizing Huanglong Immortal’s intentions.

Taking a glance at the delicate True Dan female cultivator, who exuded an aura like an orchid in a secluded valley, he silently mused: Even if you call me 'Father,' there’s no way I’m letting you stay overnight at Little Turtle Peak.