I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals

Chapter 255: The Cold-Hearted Man

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As soon as he confirmed the intelligence, Patriarch Xia instinctively turned his gaze towards Autumnwind Isle.

For nearly two months, Lan Chang'an had been staying on Autumnwind Isle without stepping out.

This was proof enough that the "Immortal assassin" Lan Chang'an mentioned wasn’t just some fabricated tale.

Xia Hongyu dispelled the last sliver of doubt in his heart and murmured, “It seems I was overthinking things…”

Lan Chang'an had been cultivating for a long time, possessed exceptional skills, and had formed positive connections, so it was natural for him to have befriended a few Immortals.

Xia Hongyu was similar in this regard. However, among the Immortals he knew, none were willing to risk themselves to take down the Fake Dan Grand Elder of a Merchant Association.

After a fleeting moment of excitement, Xia Hongyu pondered for a while and let out a long sigh.

“To be able to call upon such a powerful assassin, this Fellow Daoist Lan is indeed no ordinary person,” he remarked as he stepped on his flying light and headed toward Autumnwind Isle.

At this moment, Xia Hongyu realized that his previous interactions with Lan Chang'an had been sparse, and he might have put on the airs of a Fake Dan Immortal.

...

“Patriarch Xia, there’s no need for such formality. It was merely a standard transaction. At most, I served as an intermediary. No need to thank me repeatedly,” Lan Chang'an said as they exchanged greetings in the main hall.

He could sense that Xia Hongyu was much warmer this time, clearly intending to strengthen their relationship.

“Does the clan leader wish to befriend that assassin Immortal?” Lan Chang'an asked.

“It’s unfortunate, but that Immortal acquaintance of mine has a rather unique status and a solitary nature. In Jing Kingdom, aside from myself, they don’t trust other cultivators,” Lan Chang'an explained, deflecting the inquiry with a plausible excuse.

Hearing this, Patriarch Xia showed a look of disappointment.

Such a clean assassination of Old Ghost Wu, without leaving a single trace—Lan Chang'an’s Immortal acquaintance was likely a True Dan expert.

“Fellow Daoist Lan previously suggested that, with Wenyue’s aptitude, she should be sent to a major Nascent Soul sect. Xia actually understands that this would be the best choice for her,” Xia Hongyu said with a bitter smile.

“After the recent danger, I’m prepared to seriously consider your advice, Fellow Daoist Lan, and look for a suitable sect for her.”

“There are few choices that are perfect for both sides,” Lan Chang'an responded, “But your selflessness, clan leader, in considering Wenyue’s future, is truly admirable.”

Lan Chang'an understood that if Xia Wenyue, as a female cultivator, joined a major sect and reached higher levels, she would be less tied to the Xia Family, even if she didn’t marry.

In his previous life, Lan Chang'an had come from a cultivation family that had once produced a genius with an earth spiritual root.

The family had sent that genius to a sect and spared no resources as support.

However, after the genius reached the Core Formation stage, they gradually grew distant from the family. In the family's time of greatest crisis, they didn’t lend a hand.

If that earth spiritual root genius had successfully reached the Nascent Soul Realm, they may still be alive today.

Although this was just one example and didn’t represent most cases, in the world of cultivation, the higher one’s level, the more prone one was to emotional detachment.

...

Xia Hongyu’s change of heart was also out of helplessness.

He had overestimated the time he could keep this secret under wraps. If he delayed for another few decades, Wenyue’s cultivation would be higher, and her ability to protect herself stronger.

Currently, only the Xinyue Merchant Association, the enemy faction, had suspicions but couldn’t be completely certain.

Other factions wouldn’t pay this much attention. But in a few more years, the truth would eventually come out.

“Patriarch Xia, have you thought about which sect to send Wenyue to?” Lan Chang'an asked.

“I would prefer to send Wenyue to one of the three major sects in Jing Kingdom. I have some acquaintances among their Immortals, so they might be able to look out for her here in our homeland,” Xia Hongyu replied with a bitter smile.

“But, as you said, Fellow Daoist Lan, Wenyue’s innate Dao physique is rather unique, and only in a major Nascent Soul sect can she find the best soil to grow.”

Lan Chang'an understood. If Jing Kingdom had a Nascent Soul sect, it would be the best choice, but unfortunately, it didn’t.

“Do you have any recommendations, Fellow Daoist Lan?” Xia Hongyu asked.

“In the neighboring countries, suitable sects would be the Golden Sun Sect, the Endless Palace, and the Proud Moon Palace,” Lan Chang'an offered.

The Golden Sun Sect had an ancient heritage and deep foundations, with various branches of cultivation techniques, and was backed by two Nascent Soul cultivators. Moreover, after taking control of Liang Kingdom, the Golden Sun Sect bordered Jing Kingdom.

The Endless Palace had a slightly weaker heritage than the Golden Sun Sect, but it was currently the most powerful, with two Nascent Soul True Monarchs, including Chu Tianfeng at the mid stage of the Nascent Soul Realm.

However, the Endless Palace was located in Feng Kingdom and didn’t directly border Jing Kingdom; it instead bordered Liang, Chen, and Yan Kingdoms, so it is geographically well located.

The Proud Moon Palace was not as strong as the first two, but it was still superior to the Flame Departing Palace.

The sect’s cultivation techniques leaned towards yin and cold elements, and women made up sixty percent of the disciples, making it a good fit for Xia Wenyue.

The Proud Moon Palace was also home to the only female Nascent Soul True Monarch among the neighboring countries.

“I will give your recommendations serious thought, Fellow Daoist Lan. Additionally, now that Wenyue has reached the Foundation Establishment stage and holds the rank of clan elder, her opinion must also be considered,” Xia Hongyu replied, having just changed his mind and realizing the need to plan carefully.

...

In a private chamber on the outskirts of Autumnwind Isle.

Xia Wenyue held half of a broken jade pendant in her hand, her dark brows furrowed in faint sorrow.

“Mother, Old Ghost Wu is dead. Your vengeance has finally been avenged. But alas, it wasn’t your daughter who personally took down that wretch.”

Upon reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, Xia Wenyue used her new status as a Foundation Establishment elder to investigate her mother’s death. She learned that it had been orchestrated by Old Ghost Wu from the Xinyue Merchant Association.

Back then, her mother had been both beautiful and talented, with the potential to reach late Foundation Establishment. But during a mission, she fell into an enemy’s trap and was killed in a brutal battle.

“As for your final wish… that I go to my father’s family… forgive your daughter for her lack of filial piety, but I cannot comply.”

Xia Wenyue bit her lip, her eyes reddening, a faint shimmer glistening in her gaze.

Through a sealed keepsake her mother had left, Xia Wenyue had uncovered some clues about her father’s background.

After breaking through the seal upon reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, she read her mother’s last message.

Her mother had said that if she ever resolved her illness and reached Foundation Establishment, it would be best to seek refuge with her father’s family.

However, through years of inquiries and some hints from Patriarch Xia, Xia Wenyue had pieced together a harsh truth:

Her father was from a prominent cultivation family in Chen Kingdom. He had visited Jing Kingdom in his youth, where he met her mother, and they fell deeply in love.

The man had promised to inform his family and return within three years to marry Xia Wenyue’s mother. But decades had passed, and that man had never returned to Jing Kingdom.

Xia Wenyue realized that her biological father was nothing more than a philandering playboy.

A total scoundrel.

If it had just been a brief romance, she might have understood.

But why make such grand promises, raising her mother’s hopes and causing her to wait in vain for so many years?

Xia Wenyue’s dream of finding her father shattered that day.

...

Late the next night, the Earth Burrowing Rat silently returned to Autumnwind Isle.

Accompanying it was Xing Peng, the Incense Master from the Unseen Gate.

“Master Lan, this rat… Rat Immortal! It’s a born assassin!”

"This Rat Immortal excels at concealment and has agility surpassing others of its kind, with perfect timing in its attacks. If carefully trained by the Unseen Gate, it has the potential to become a top-tier assassin for the Sacred Sect," the hooded man emerging from the shadows was full of praises for the Earth Burrowing Rat’s performance on the recent mission.

He looked at Lan Chang'an with newfound respect.

In this recent assassination, the Earth Burrowing Rat had retained the strength of a standard early Core Formation demon beast, but its cunning and agility set it apart from others of its kind.

Even so, Xing Peng, a Incense Master in the Unseen Gate, felt an invisible pressure from Lan Chang'an, who commanded a True Dan Great Demon.

With the Unseen Gate’s detailed intelligence and Xing Peng’s guidance, the Earth Burrowing Rat had quickly taken down Old Ghost Wu.

First, it used a third-rank earth spell to trap Old Ghost Wu’s room.

Then, it emerged from underground and launched a close-range attack.

The Earth Burrowing Rat had even learned to use poison, smearing it on its claws.

“Squeak!” The Earth Burrowing Rat presented a storage pouch to Lan Chang'an.

“Good, it knows how to eliminate suspicious items,” Lan Chang'an remarked as he scanned the contents with his spiritual sense. The spoils were typical for a Fake Dan cultivator.

Xing Peng’s eyelid twitched slightly, but he dared not speak.

“No private stash, right?” Lan Chang'an asked.

“Nope,” the Earth Burrowing Rat responded in a childish voice, shaking its head.

It had only taken a few bites, which didn’t really count as a private stash.

Satisfied, Lan Chang'an took thirty percent of the spoils.

The Earth Burrowing Rat, as a third-rank Great Demon, had little interest in items belonging to a Fake Dan cultivator.

Aside from spirit stones, rare herbs, and some pills, most of the loot held little appeal for it.

For instance, items like magic weapons, talismanic treasures, and low-grade third-rank talismans were of minimal interest.

“Oh!” Lan Chang'an’s eyes lit up as he found a surprise in the storage pouch.

Inside were two second-rank Life Extension Pills, likely prepared by the Xinyue Merchant Association for auction.

“Take your share as well,” Lan Chang'an offered, handing over another twenty percent to Xing Peng as payment for his efforts.

Xing Peng, a Incense Master and a Fake Dan cultivator, deserved more than mere scraps.

“Thank you, Master Lan, for your generosity,” Xing Peng said gratefully, feeling rewarded after years of service.

The remaining fifty percent was given back to the Earth Burrowing Rat.

“Squeak! Thank you, master,” the Earth Burrowing Rat cheerfully accepted the pouch.

With opportunities to earn extra rewards, the Earth Burrowing Rat’s cultivation speed had noticeably increased.

As a beast, it could directly consume raw spiritual herbs and rare materials for good effects, its digestion and detoxification capabilities far surpassing those of humans.

After sending Xing Peng away, Lan Chang'an returned to his chamber and consumed the two second-rank Life Extension Pills.

“Three years of extended life.”

“Two more years.”

A moment later, Lan Chang'an opened his eyes, expressionless.

His lifespan had now increased to five hundred and seven years.

“Standard second-rank Life Extension Pills have nearly reached their limit. Going forward, I’ll need to focus on superior quality second-rank Life Extension Pills.”

Years ago, he had taken a superior quality second-rank Life Extension Pill, which extended his life by twenty-eight years without any diminishing effects from standard second-rank pills.

...

Ten months later, Lan Chang'an turned one hundred sixty-four years old.

Over the past six months, the Wufu Merchant Association had been enjoying a period of unprecedented prosperity, with previous obstacles and challenges being swiftly resolved.

The main reason for this turnaround was that their archenemy, the Xinyue Merchant Association, had encountered a stroke of bad luck.

Originally, the Xinyue Merchant Association had two Fake Dan cultivators, and their industry influence was more than double that of the Wufu Merchant Association. But with the assassination of Old Ghost Wu, their strongest figure, the Xinyue Merchant Association could no longer hold onto its assets, giving its competitors the opportunity to swoop in and take advantage.

Several skilled Foundation Establishment escorts from the Xinyue Merchant Association’s guard force had also perished, suffering a devastating blow to their power.

The Wufu Merchant Association seized this opportunity to reclaim contested assets with ease, reclaiming previously disputed interests.

With two Fake Dan cultivators on their side, the Wufu Merchant Association’s expansion and annexation efforts promised that in a few years, they would undoubtedly surpass the Xinyue Merchant Association.

Among the five founding clans of the Wufu Merchant Association, the Xin Family, which had been emboldened by Old Ghost Wu's backing, became much more subdued and low-key after his death, even aligning themselves under the Xia Family’s lead without causing any further trouble.

Amidst this favorable trend for the guild, the Xin Family benefitted as well, enjoying the spoils alongside everyone else.

Two months prior, the Xin Family had even approached the Xia Family with a proposal for marriage, suggesting that Xia Wenyue marry into their family.

The Xia Family unhesitatingly declined.

Following this, the Xin Family proposed a reconciliation, hoping for the return of Xia Shenglan, Xia Wenyue’s aunt, who had once married into their clan.

The Xia Family refused once again.

In the end, only two marriages were arranged at the Qi-Refining level, with one young female cultivator from the Xin Family marrying into the Xia Family.

With stability restored within the Wufu Merchant Association and external threats neutralized, the guild was making steady progress.

For Lan Chang'an, this created a secure environment for cultivation in his final years at the ninth level of Foundation Establishment.

When he eventually attempted to reach the Core Formation stage in Jing Kingdom, he would need a third-rank spirit vein. To secure such a resource, he would need a clean identity and a recommendation from the guild, which would increase his chances of approval.

...

That night.

Patriarch Xia Hongyu came to visit Lan Chang'an once again for a private discussion.

This time, it was not just a meeting between the two of them—Xia Wenyue, the subject of their conversation, was also present.

After carefully reviewing her intelligence and considering her options, Xia Wenyue had decided to join the Proud Moon Palace.

In truth, Xia Wenyue’s age and cultivation level were outside the typical range for most major sects to accept new disciples.

Sects generally recruited disciples at a young age to facilitate long-term cultivation training, and they were reluctant to accept older candidates.

However, for those with particularly outstanding aptitudes, such as those with earth spiritual roots or an innate Dao physique, these rules could be waived.

As long as the individual’s background was clear and they were not too old to have lost their potential, sects would gladly accept them.

“Why choose Proud Moon Palace?” Lan Chang'an asked.

Among the three sects he had recommended, Proud Moon Palace was not necessarily the best choice. Personally, he favored the Golden Sun Sect.

The Golden Sun Sect was located in Liang Kingdom, neighboring Jing Kingdom, with a long-standing heritage, deep foundations, and compatibility with various cultivation styles.

Proud Moon Palace, while strong, had a more specialized focus.

There was also another important consideration: Li Erqing’s son, Mu Jiuan, was a member of the Golden Sun Sect, giving Xia Wenyue a potential ally within the sect.

“I heard that female cultivators hold a higher status in Proud Moon Palace,” Xia Wenyue replied softly, lowering her gaze. “And that sect has more resources suited to cultivating yin-aligned techniques.”

A faint blush tinged Xia Wenyue’s delicate profile, as if a natural flush adorned her cheeks.

Over the years, she had gradually come to understand the secrets of her Dao physique, including the role of the Taiyin Jade Essence.

She also understood Lan Chang'an’s intentions.

In Proud Moon Palace, female cultivators not only enjoyed better treatment but often had more control over their marriages. Furthermore, the temptations posed by relationships with men were considerably less frequent.

“Master Lan has shown me great kindness, a debt that I swore an heart demon oath to repay. I cannot go against that vow,” Xia Wenyue continued.

“Moreover, Master Lan has a noble character and is untainted by mud. We have spent years in close contact, and he has never once overstepped boundaries.”

“I have never seen him entangled with any other female cultivators.”

Xia Wenyue’s feelings for Lan Chang'an began with admiration for his appearance and demeanor, deepened by gratitude for his medical skill, and grew into respect for his upright character.

Where else in the world could she find such a man?

Compared to her own heartless and unfaithful father, Lan Chang'an was worlds apart.

Choosing Proud Moon Palace was her way of preserving herself for him, honoring the vow she had made.

And she believed that, one day, the best version of herself would be worthy of standing by Lan Chang'an’s side.

“Hm, considering it that way, Proud Moon Palace does seem suited for you,” Lan Chang'an finally acknowledged, unaware of her inner thoughts but supportive of her decision.

“We should leave without delay. I must bring Wenyue to Feng Kingdom as soon as possible,” Patriarch Xia Hongyu said, unable to hide his anxiety.

A few days prior, the Xin Family had proposed a marriage alliance with Xia Wenyue, likely as a test.

Shortly after Xia Wenyue had been attacked, Old Ghost Wu from the Xinyue Merchant Association had mysteriously died. As a competitor within the Wufu Merchant Association, the Xin Family might have started drawing their own conclusions.

Xia Wenyue’s high-level talent was a secret that wouldn’t remain hidden much longer.

“Take care on the road,” Lan Chang'an said, handing Xia Wenyue two third-rank low-grade talismans—one for escape and one for defense.

As for offensive talismans, she likely wouldn’t be able to control them effectively, and she already had talismanic treasures prepared by the clan leader.

The third-rank talismans Lan Chang'an gave her came from his spoils of war. As for his own treasure talismans, even if it had lost some of its potential, he wouldn’t easily give them away.

Especially since Xia Wenyue was heading to a Nascent Soul-level sect, which might be able to identify the origin of the treasure talisman inheritance.

“Rest assured, Fellow Daoist Lan. With the wars now over, the cross-border routes are safer than they’ve been in years, especially toward Feng Kingdom. Since Chu Tianfeng took control, he’s tightened security at the borders,” Xia Hongyu said confidently. The guild’s channels had mapped out a relatively safe route.

Having traveled extensively across neighboring cultivation countries in his youth, Xia Hongyu was well-versed in the risks and challenges of such journeys.

Lan Chang'an nodded slightly. In peacetime, a Fake Dan cultivator traveling to a neighboring cultivation country was relatively safe.

Their path would take them to the southeast, far from areas frequented by the Demonic Sect.

...

A few nights later, Xia Hongyu and Xia Wenyue quietly departed.

Lan Chang'an instructed the Earth Burrowing Rat to trail them for a short distance, ensuring that they weren’t being watched as they left the Xia Family’s vicinity.

Publicly, Xia Hongyu announced that he was entering secluded cultivation.

On the outskirts of Autumnwind Isle, near Xia Wenyue’s residence, Lan Chang'an left a Illusory Truth Talisman to mimic her presence.

The longer they could delay anyone’s suspicions, the better.

If someone eventually realized that both Xia Hongyu and Xia Wenyue had left simultaneously, it would confirm any rumors.

...

A few months later.

Rumors began to circulate in the surrounding regions that Xia Wenyue possessed either an earth spiritual root or an innate Dao physique.

The Unseen Gate took note of this information.

Fortunately, the local operative in charge of monitoring this intelligence was one of Xing Peng’s subordinates, under his direct control.

Lan Chang'an had consulted Xing Peng about the situation. For the Unseen Gate, this information was classified as secondary intelligence and did not hold significant strategic value.

Reports of geniuses emerged from all over, and such news was hardly rare.

The major sects and merchant guilds of Jing Kingdom were also paying attention to the rumor.

Before long two of the three major sects of Jing Kingdom sent representatives to Qingsha Bay to inquire about Xia Wenyue.

Some other mysterious figures were also spotted investigating.

However, these matters were left to President Xia Yongzhong and Young Master Xia Mingqu to handle.

Upon learning that Xia Wenyue had already joined Proud Moon Palace, the emissaries from the cultivation factions refrained from pressing further, offering their congratulations and establishing friendly ties instead.

...

Just as the commotion seemed to be dying down…

Two months later, the Xia Family of the Wufu Merchant Association received an unexpected visitor.

“Damn the Wufu Merchant Association!”

High in the Nine Fiery Heavens, above the clouds, a massive iron fan magic treasure flew swiftly through the sky. Seated upon it was a young man with strikingly handsome features, clad in resplendent robes, his expression dark with anger.

“A daughter with an innate Dao physique… That is my brilliant offspring left out in the world! And the Xia Family dared to make decisions on their own, sending *my* daughter off to Proud Moon Palace!”