I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals
chapter-48

This turtle egg was none other than the spirit beast egg of the Profound Water Turtle with an earth-grade bloodline.

Lan Chang'an placed his hand on the eggshell's surface, feeling the faint life force within, which was steadily weakening.

Without nurturing from precious spiritual liquids, the life force within the turtle egg would completely vanish within six months.

"The Zhou family really sold a dud." Lan Chang'an sighed. If it weren't for that, he couldn't have gotten his hands on this egg.

Without rare treasures, it would be nearly impossible to hatch this Profound Water Turtle egg. Even if hatched, it would still be a loss.

It was a trap for whoever bought it. Even if one paid the price, the hatched turtle would likely be sickly.

After observing for a while, Lan Chang'an carefully injected a strand of Evergreen mana into the turtle egg.

Ordinary mana might cause unforeseen negative consequences if used recklessly. However, Lan Chang'an's cultivation technique focused on nourishing the vitality, and his Evergreen mana was peaceful and imbued with life energy.

Even so, he only infused a tiny amount of mana.

"Hmm?"

That wisp of Evergreen mana was rapidly absorbed by the turtle egg, losing its connection almost immediately. Moreover, he sensed a faint pulse of life within the eggshell, conveying a weak sense of yearning.

Seeing this, Lan Chang'an slowly increased the amount of Evergreen mana he infused. The Profound Water Turtle egg seemed like a sponge, continuously absorbing Lan Chang'an's Evergreen mana.

It wasn't until Lan Chang'an's mana was nearly depleted that the absorption rate slowed down.

The life force within the egg stabilized, and the trend of weakening vitality was halted.

"This can be considered a success in saving its life."

"However, this turtle egg seems to have been affected by some external force. The life embryo inside is still weak, essentially unchanged. It will probably be a sickly creature upon hatching."

Lan Chang'an pondered whether to use the secret healing spell of the Evergreen Technique. This technique could even bring back the seemingly dead Mu Xiuyun, so healing a sickly creature shouldn't be an issue.

However, performing this healing technique would consume his longevity. Last time, reviving Mu Xiuyun cost him two months of lifespan.

If it only consumed a year or half a year, it would be acceptable. Lan Chang'an had just taken a first-rank Life Extension Pill, extending his life by ten years.

He couldn't be certain how much lifespan it would take to ensure the healthy hatching of the Profound Water Turtle.

Additionally, the interference of Evergreen mana might bring about unforeseen changes after hatching. Everything was unknown, like opening a blind box.

"No rush. Zhou Qingxuan is still in the marketplace. Her beast taming talent is exceptional, and I must be cautious." If Zhou Qingxuan decided to check on the turtle egg's condition on a whim, it could be troublesome.

...

The next morning, Lan Chang'an went to the inn in the marketplace to see off Zhao Siyao.

Yesterday, Li Ergou and Lin Yi had already left for their return journey.

Zhao Siyao didn't plan to return to the sect but wanted to seek opportunities for Foundation Establishment, staying in the market town for a few days to procure some resources.

"Fellow Daoist Zhao, have you thought it through? Are you really going to the Black Fog Mountain Range for training?" Looking at Zhao Siyao, who was cold and elegant, like an immortal, Lan Chang'an was somewhat surprised by her decision.

Zhao Siyao's cultivation had reached the peak of the ninth layer of the Qi-Refining stage. She only needed to stay in the sect, gaining experience and completing tasks, while waiting for the Foundation Establishment Pill.

"I've been stuck at the ninth layer of Qi-Refining for over ten years, my cultivation has stagnated, my mind has become restless, and my will has weakened. The recent auction and the chaos caused by the evil cultivators in the marketplace opened my eyes and gave me new insights."

Zhao Siyao sighed.

"In terms of life experience, I can't compare to Lin Yi or you, Fellow Daoist Lan. This time, I plan to go to the Huanglong Immortal City, and from there, head to the Black Fog Mountain Range to hone myself, kill demonic beasts, and solidify my foundation." Zhao Siyao's voice was clear, and her gaze was firm.

Lan Chang'an pondered for a moment. Training in the Black Fog Mountain Range wasn't without risk. Going out to train was partly to sharpen her will.

Some precious spiritual herbs and demonic beast materials in the Black Fog Mountain Range could be exchanged for contributions in the sect. Zhao Siyao wanted to exchange for the Foundation Establishment Pill, but her contributions in the sect were insufficient. Simply waiting would inevitably cause anxiety.

Especially after this auction, the Foundation Establishment Pill seemed out of reach. She realized her predicament and decided to go out and try her luck.

"Fellow Daoist Zhao, hasn't your mentor supported you?" Lan Chang'an's heart fluttered, and he asked.

Zhao Siyao was under the tutelage of a Fake-Dan Immortal female master, which Lan Chang'an had initially thought was reassuring.

With such a master, her outstanding beauty and temperament would be somewhat safeguarded in the sect, not easily coveted or subjected to unfair rules by her seniors.

It was reasonable to say that with the status of a Fake-Dan Immortal, a little care in the sect would be able to speed up Zhao Siyao's progress in building her foundation.

"My mentor, the elder, has several disciples and not much resources to spare for me." Zhao Siyao forced a smile, her emotions slightly downcast.

"Besides, her grandson is an inner disciple and now under her tutelage, requiring a lot of investment..." Although Zhao Siyao didn't elaborate, Lan Chang'an immediately guessed the situation.

If the Fake-Dan Immortal master wanted to cultivate her grandson, how much of an impact would it have on taking care of Zhao Siyao's foundation building? It wasn't as if the other party had to pay for all the resources needed for the Foundation Establishment. The issue likely lay with that grandson.

The female Fake-Dan master probably wanted to pair Zhao Siyao with her grandson. This way, the resources she used for Zhao Siyao would be considered spent on her own family.

Lan Chang'an sighed inwardly, he had thought that Zhao Siyao would be able to avoid coveting gazes and subterfuge if she were to be under the tutelage of a female master. In reality, it was avoided but not completely.

Zhao Siyao probably looked down on her mentor's grandson, causing displeasure to the mentor, who then wasn't willing to genuinely support her to the Foundation Establishment.

...

"Fellow Daoist Zhao, since you're going to the Black Fog Mountain Range for training, I can't offer much help, but I can give you two superior-grade first-rank talismans as a token of my regard." Lan Chang'an took out a Divine Speed Talisman and a Spring Return Talisman and handed them to Zhao Siyao. The former was for accelerated escape and the latter for healing.

Zhao Siyao's journey would inevitably be risky, determining her future prospects for Foundation Establishment. If luck wasn't on her side, a beautiful life could end prematurely. Today might be Lan Chang'an's last meeting with Zhao Siyao.

Zhao Siyao accepted the talismans without hesitation, feeling the extraordinary power within them. These were clearly not ordinary superior-grade first-rank talismans.

"Fellow Daoist Lan, these two talismans..." She blinked her beautiful eyes in surprise.

"These were made by Miss Mu. I rarely leave the marketplace, so I don't need them." Lan Chang'an spoke lightly. Mu Xiuyun, as a superior-grade first-rank talisman master, could theoretically make them, though with a lower success rate.

A superior-grade first-rank talisman was equivalent to a late-stage Qi-Refining spell, while a premium superior-grade talisman could rival the power of a peak Qi-Refining spell. Though not as powerful as a killing secret technique or a superior-grade magical weapon, it was still a significant aid for a late-stage Qi-Refining cultivator.

"Fellow Daoist Lan, Siyao will remember your kindness." Zhao Siyao gracefully curtsied, her elegant dress fluttering.

She guessed that these were life-saving talismans given to Lan Chang'an by his future wife, Mu Xiuyun.

Lan Chang'an's willingness to gift them showed deep affection!

"Fellow Daoist Zhao, take care on your journey."

"Fellow Daoist Lan, no need to see me off." Before leaving, the elegant and cool Fairy Zhao glanced back at Lan Chang'an. The white-robed youth remained as ever, serene and composed.

Their eyes met for a moment. Zhao Siyao's gaze was clear and calm. She nodded slightly and flew away gracefully.

...

After the auction, Bamboo Leaf Mountain returned to tranquility, with business becoming much quieter.

In the next one or two years, the popularity slightly improved but never regained its former glory.

Lan Chang'an stayed in the marketplace, living a calm and leisurely life.

Cultivation and talisman-making didn't take much time.

The Cloud Sand Body Refinement Manual steadily progressed, reaching the third layer three years after the auction.

This corresponded to the late stage of Qi-Refining!

As expected, his body refinement cultivation surpassed his mana cultivation.

At this time, his physique was comparable to a late-stage first-rank demonic beast.

low-grade magical artifacts, unless hitting vital spots, posed little threat, unable to breach his physical defense.

He often sighed, "The body refinement manual and Evergreen Technique are indeed a perfect match."

The former consumed time and effort, enhancing survival ability; the latter extended lifespan and improved recovery.

"Has that talented granddaughter of the Zhou family left?"

Shortly after reaching the third layer of the body refinement manual, Lan Chang'an heard good news.

For the past few years, Zhou Qingxuan had stayed at Bamboo Leaf Mountain, occasionally running into Lan Chang'an in the marketplace.

She only inquired about the Profound Water Turtle once, not focusing on it.

She had once asked Lan Chang'an, "Talisman Master Lan, since you stay in the marketplace long-term, please keep an eye out for any suspicious cultivators who might be the hidden 'Senior Yan.'" Lan Chang'an found it amusing, not expecting Zhou Qingxuan's curiosity to be so strong.

She probably concluded that the mysterious Senior Yan was a righteous cultivator, who had once protected the marketplace, hence her boldness in seeking him. Fortunately, she lost patience after three years and finally left.

Relieved, Lan Chang'an set up a restriction on the second floor and performed the secret healing spell of the Evergreen Technique.

Buzz!

Mana surged within him, and a faint green light, like newborn sprouts, enveloped his hand, infusing into the turtle egg.

From within the eggshell came waves of joyous, eager emotions.

One month... two months... three months...

Lan Chang'an monitored his lifespan consumption rate, finding it not excessive. Actively consuming lifespan didn't deplete his vitality.

After expending three months of lifespan.

The life force within the turtle egg elevated, radiating cheerful and affectionate emotions.

Now, the life energy in the Profound Water Turtle egg reached a normal level.

It was basically enough but to ensure the hatched Profound Water Turtle had a better constitution, was robust and easy to care of, Lan Chang'an infused another three months of lifespan.

He had only consumed two months of longevity when he had saved Mu Xiuyun's life. Now, the life force within the turtle egg was increasingly more active and vigorous.

(End of this chapter)