I am evergreen in the world of cultivating immortals

Chapter 490 Recreating Immortal Fate, The Threat of the Ink Dragon
“Lord Lu, we have only met once and do not know each other well. Is it too hasty to take a concubine?”

Zhao Shiyao's tears were still wet on her face, and her tone was soft, but she seemed somewhat unwilling.

She dared not say it to herself, but this True Lord was far too domineering, never consulting her, the person involved, from beginning to end.

"Following this True Lord, will your situation be worse than before?"

Lu Chang'an chuckled.

Zhao Shiyao fell silent, unable to deny it.

This Lu Zhenjun seems to be quite familiar with her situation.

Over the years, she has suffered too much hardship and injustice. Having lost her way in the martial arts world, she is now forced to accompany her husband as part of a dowry.

She once had the idea of ​​leaving the Zhao family on Xingsha Island and starting a new life.

Zhao Shiyao glanced at the Zhao family's senior management again.

The venerable old clan chief, carrying a heavy storage bag, actually gave her a fawning, ingratiating smile.

Other senior executives also strongly encouraged her to seize this incredible opportunity.

Although she suffered greatly in the Zhao family, it was the place where she was born and raised, so there was still some affection between them.

If she dared to refuse, the entire family might fall into a great crisis under the "tyranny" of the Nascent Soul Old Monster.

Zhao Shiyao's mind raced; she had no other choice.

Her eyes were clear as she gazed at the white-robed man before her, who seemed somewhat familiar.
"This humble woman has only one request: if True Lord agrees, Shiyao will wholeheartedly submit and willingly become a concubine."

"Oh? You said."

"I have heard of the method of 'reconstructing the elixir and rebuilding the body,' but the risks are extremely high, with a nine-out-of-ten chance of death. If a True Lord personally protects you, your life will be safe, and the success rate will greatly increase..."

"Okay, I grant your request."

Lu Chang'an nodded without hesitation, a hint of appreciation in his eyes.

Zhao Shiyao wasn't stupid; she knew to set conditions.

This condition can be used to test Lu Chang'an's intentions.

If someone is willing to help her transform her core and rebuild her cultivation, then they at least have some sincerity and intend to mentor and cultivate her.

Rebuilding the elixir is not as simple as one might imagine. It requires the careful supervision of a True Lord and the preparation of opportunities for the re-formation of the elixir, along with various elixirs and spiritual objects.

If even this condition cannot be promised, then there is probably no sincerity involved, and the so-called status of a beautiful concubine is likely just a temporary consumable.

"I am grateful for the True Lord's blessing."

Zhao Shiyao looked grateful and bowed deeply.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Lu Zhenjun's promise would not be broken or ruined.

And for some reason, she trusted this true lord.

From the very first meeting, I felt comfortable with them and had a sense of closeness, as if they were long-lost friends.

If this Lu Zhenjun keeps his promise and doesn't mistreat her, he will be the benefactor who recreates her destiny in the immortal realm.

……

Lu Chang'an waited for a moment on the clouds.

Zhao Shiyao returned to Xingsha Island, packed her belongings, and quickly bid farewell to her relatives.

Lu Chang'an's feet extended with a beam of light, carrying the reincarnated "Fairy Zhao" from hundreds of years ago back home.

"Lord Lu, why have you chosen me?"

On the way, Zhao Shiyao broke the silence first and voiced her doubts.

She knew very well that within the Azure Sea Business Alliance, the Luoxia Islands, spanning a radius of 100,000 li, were teeming with beautiful women.

Among them were Jurchens whose talent and cultivation surpassed hers.

In comparison, she was only at the pseudo-core cultivation level and didn't have much of an advantage.

The Core Formation genius of the Giant Shark Chen family, no matter how deeply he loved her, couldn't even give her the title of his official wife.

How could a high-ranking Nascent Soul cultivator be so devoted to her simply because of her beauty?
"Shiyao and Benzhenjun's confidante from hundreds of years ago look very similar. It is fate that they meet today."

Lu Chang'an smiled warmly, but his words carried a deeper meaning.

"This...is it really such a coincidence?"

Zhao Shiyao paused for a moment, noticing the hidden emotions in Lu Zhenjun's eyes.

If that's the reason, it's the best news she can accept.

Such legends and stories are occasionally recorded in the cultivation world.

When high-level cultivators were weak and insignificant, they might have loved ones or sweethearts they longed for but could not have. Due to the separation between immortals and mortals, the difference in cultivation level and lifespan, and other reasons, they were ultimately left with regrets.

Over the long years, when you encounter someone similar again, you will feel a sense of connection and nostalgia.

so similar!
Lu Chang'an stared directly at Zhao Shiyao's face, momentarily lost in thought, his gaze overlapping with the image of Zhao Shiyao in his memory—cool, elegant, and ethereal.

They cannot be said to be exactly the same.

At least the kind of resemblance that twin sisters typically share.

Zhao Shiyao lowered her head, a faint blush rising on her cheeks, feeling uncomfortable under his direct gaze.

Of course, there are some differences in details between the Fairy Zhao in this life and the one in her previous life.

Firstly, her skin is not as snow-white as that of an inland fairy, but rather a warm-toned pearly white formed by bathing in sea breezes and sunshine and absorbing the essence of the tides.

Delicate and flawless, warm and natural, as if covered with a layer of moonlight.

Secondly, the eyes.

Deep within Zhao Shiyao's eyes lies a hint of sea blue, exquisite and translucent, like a bright pearl in the azure sea.

These heterochromatic eyes add a touch of exotic mystery.

Such eye color is rare in Tianxinghai, but it is not an isolated case.

Lu Chang'an speculated that Zhao Shiyao's mother in this life might have had merfolk blood in her ancestors.

In the waters surrounding Tianxinghai, there are not only human immortal cultivation civilizations, but also alien races.

Some alien races can interbreed with humans.

……

Hidden Mist Island Dojo.

Lu Chang'an brought back a stunningly beautiful woman.

The retainers of several nearby islands showed strange expressions.

This is exactly the effect Lu Chang'an wanted.

This is his first "out-of-the-box" move since joining the business alliance.

The elder was suspicious of him.

It's actually not good to always be low-key and unassuming, appearing to have no desires or ambitions.

Taking this opportunity, Lu Chang'an took a concubine in a domineering and unreasonable manner, revealing some of his personality and hobbies.

At the same time, he could openly promote Zhao Shiyao, after all, she was his woman.

Inside Yunhai Prefecture, Lu Chang'an designated a private cultivation cave area for Zhao Shiyao.

"Starting today, you will begin your training on Hidden Mist Island."

"Once things settle down, I will also serve as the steward of the island, and then select a few trusted clansmen to manage the businesses on Hidden Mist Island."

Lu Chang'an crafted a new token, granting Zhao Shiyao most of the permissions on the island.

Apart from secret locations such as Qing Shuang Pool and Han Yue Underground Palace, you can freely move around in other areas.

Before leaving.

Lu Chang'an waved his sleeve and took out three items, which landed on the table.

These are the third-tier longevity pill and the youth-preserving pill.

And a jade slip containing the methods for forming and transforming elixir.

"Once you have deciphered the secret method in the jade slip, I will choose a day to help you transform your elixir."

When it comes to alchemy, Lu Chang'an is an expert.

Back then, he transformed his golden core three times and forcibly formed an immortal golden core.

At that time, in order to avoid attracting attention, he impersonated different identities and formed his core in various parts of Liang Kingdom, while also taking advantage of the free congratulatory gifts.

Unfortunately.

By the time he had the ability and resources to help Zhao Siyao, she was already old and no longer beautiful.

After the elixir is shattered and the liquid returns, the cultivation level will drop to the Foundation Establishment stage.

Lifespan will continue to diminish and return to the heavens and earth.

At that time, Zhao Siyao was 170 or 180 years old. Her hope of re-forming her core was slim, and the consequences of failure would be severe.

In this life, Zhao Shiyao is younger, and even if she falls back to the Foundation Establishment stage, she is still at the appropriate age to break through to the Core Formation stage.

The complimentary three-tiered longevity and youth-preserving pills provide an additional layer of insurance.

"Thank you, Lu... for your kindness, my husband."

Zhao Shiyao changed her address slightly shyly and bowed in thanks.

Lu Chang'an paused slightly before leaving her room.

Are you leaving now?
Zhao Shiyao pursed her lips, her eyes sparkling.

She felt something was missing, that it wasn't what she had imagined.

Both Lu Zhenjun and Chen Muge took a liking to her at first sight.

However, the differences between the two are obvious.

Chen Muge, who was deeply in love with her, sometimes showed a burning passion in his eyes. Even when he was engaged to his sister, his possessiveness remained strong.

Lu Zhenjun, on the other hand, had a gentle and pure gaze. It was as if he were reuniting with a long-lost beauty, their conversation calm yet turbulent.

……

Late that night.

Giant Shark Island, a forbidden area behind the Chen family's mountain.

Inside the ancient and tranquil palace.

Snapped!
A slap rang out from afar, accompanied by the wrathful spiritual pressure of the True Lord's power.

Chen Muge's face was burning with pain, blood was spilling from the corner of his mouth, and two front teeth had fallen out, but he had no time to pay attention to it.

"How could this be... that True Lord Lu is actually a giant in the mid-Nascent Soul stage."

Chen Muge was horrified and speechless. Large beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, and his face turned deathly pale.

All he knew was that Lu Zhenjun was a newly arrived guest elder, and he assumed that Lu Zhenjun was at the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm.

In terms of influence, they are not as influential as the formal elders within the alliance.

Among the four major merchant alliances, guest elders at the mid-Nascent Soul stage are rare.

Such powerful figures can establish their own sects and dominate a region in the seas.

Snapped!Snapped!
Chen Muge slapped himself twice hard, crying out in pain:
"I know I was wrong! I almost caused a terrible mistake..."

He was extremely relieved that he had remained calm and composed at the time.

To be precise, they didn't have the guts to be disrespectful and confront that Lord Lu directly.

On the prayer mat, the well-to-do-looking Chen family patriarch, still seething with anger, sneered:

"Elder Lu possesses a fourth-tier Xuan Turtle Sacred Beast. When he joined the alliance, the vice alliance leader personally received him. Elder Wei introduced him, which suggests an attempt to win him over."

Chen Muge gasped, never expecting Lu Zhenjun to have such a powerful background.

Without the name of the Blue Ocean Business Alliance...

With Lu Zhenjun and a fourth-tier sacred beast, Lu Zhenjun theoretically has the potential to destroy a force of the level of the Giant Shark Chen family.

He almost fought this True Lord for a woman; he was simply courting death.

If it were a Nascent Soul cultivator with a strong killing instinct, he would probably have crippled him on the spot.

boom! boom! boom!
Chen Muge was terrified and trembling. He kowtowed several times and cried out in a mournful voice:

"Your child is ignorant and has brought shame upon the family! Please, Ancestor, instruct me on how to make amends for this grave mistake."

"Fortunately, no enmity or conflict arose. I met that True Monarch Lu once, and he didn't seem like a wicked cultivator."

After a moment's consideration, the Chen family patriarch quickly devised a solution:
"So! Your engagement to one of the Zhao sisters is only formal, not a marriage. Reach an agreement with the Zhao family as soon as possible to peacefully dissolve the engagement."

"Then hint to the Zhao family to send that Zhao...your fiancée, to Hidden Mist Island, so that the sisters can be reunited."

Upon hearing this, Chen Muge was struck dumb, and managed a forced smile:
"Yes, Ancestor! I will go to the Zhao family to annul the engagement as soon as possible..."

His heart was bleeding with pain.

Zhao Yueshu, as a True Core female cultivator, is charming and lovely, a rare beauty; otherwise, he wouldn't have chosen her.

This newly engaged fiancée, whom he hadn't even touched... was already being sent to that old monster's bed.

Chen Muge gritted his teeth inwardly, filled with grief and resentment, yet powerless to resist the lofty Nascent Soul giant.

At this moment, he realized even more deeply that everyone below the Nascent Soul stage is just an ant.

……

a few days later.

Upon hearing the news, Elder Wei Dongjun of the Merchant Alliance came to Hidden Mist Island to pay a visit.

"Haha! I heard that Elder Lu has taken a stunningly beautiful concubine. I am quite curious and have come to offer my congratulations."

Wei Dongjun wore a gossipy smile. "Just a bit of earthly beauty."

Lu Chang'an didn't shy away from the topic and explained:
"Lu is not a sentimental person. It's just that he is far away overseas, all alone, and quite lonely. Whenever he goes to a strange place, he needs a young fairy to accompany him, to dispel his loneliness and resolve his inner obstacles."

“Lord Lu, there’s no need to explain. I understand, I understand.”

Wei Dongjun pursed his lips into a smile, his expression conveying empathy and a sense of shared understanding.

Cultivators are not emotionless machines.

Legendary immortals in the upper realm, according to ancient books and myths, also possess seven emotions and six desires.

The long years of cultivation are so tedious; one cannot always be full of fighting spirit, and there will always be a time when one's mental strength is exhausted.

There is an upper limit to the spiritual energy of every cultivator.

Once depletion occurs, psychological barriers will arise.

At that time, they may become lost and lose their fighting spirit, or become irritable and agitated, and turn to extremes and obsessions.

Cultivators also need mental relaxation and comfort to restore their inspiration and mental energy.

Besides hobbies and interests, one can also adjust to the best state of cultivation through experience, discussions with peers, and other means.

Therefore, not all Nascent Soul cultivators in the cultivation world are the same type of cunning and ruthless. They often have their own personalities and quirks, maintaining their original aspirations in cultivation.

Lu Chang'an and Wei Dongjun took their seats in the main hall.

A graceful figure in azure blue entered the hall, elegantly curtsied, and brewed spiritual tea for the two True Lords, serving them rare fruits and pastries.

"Elder Lu has a discerning eye; the main island of the archipelago actually has such an ethereal beauty."

Wei Dongjun couldn't help but admire her, his gaze sweeping over the elegant and graceful Zhao Xianzi, whose features were as beautiful as a painting.

Zhao Shiyao lowered her eyelashes, her gaze serene, and silently served, adhering to her duty as a concubine, without taking the initiative to speak.

"I've heard that Fairy Zhao has the ambition to transform herself into a pill and rebuild her cultivation."

Wei Dongjun smiled and took out a brocade bag.

"Wei brought a superior resource for Core Formation, including a piece of 'Stardust Crystal Sand' produced by the Star Moon Palace. This sand is extremely effective in assisting in Core Formation and can improve the quality of the newly formed Core."

"Stardust Crystal Sand? Lord Wei's sentiment is too profound."

Lu Chang'an, with a solemn expression, accepted the generous gift on behalf of Zhao Shiyao.

Stardust Crystal Sand is a top-tier rare item in the human realm used to assist in the transformation and shattering of elixirs.

With this crystal sand, even without the protection of a True Monarch, the chances of successfully regenerating one's cultivation through alchemy are relatively high.

Zhao Shiyao immediately bowed in gratitude, overjoyed.

Unexpectedly, a simple gift from an elder in the alliance conveniently resolved her long-cherished dream of obtaining a superior Core Formation opportunity.

Stardust Crystal Sand is a legendary alchemical artifact that many pseudo-Dan cultivators in the sea have only heard of.

Such rare strategic items cannot be purchased even with spirit stones without strong connections and influence.

At this moment, Zhao Shiyao's eyes were opened to a whole new world.

They were able to glimpse a corner of the Heavenly Palace and witness the astonishing power of the great figures in the upper echelons of the Star Sea.

……

Wei Dongjun did not linger long. After presenting a gift, he got up to take his leave.

Lu Chang'an escorted him to the outside of the cave and obtained a scroll.

The scroll contains a list of tasks that guest elders can undertake over the next ten years.

Lu Chang'an did not check it immediately, but put it away.

"Shiyao".

Lu Chang'an looked at Zhao Xianzi, who was waiting outside the hall.

"I'm here."

Zhao Shiyao's voice was like a cool spring rinsing jade, and she bowed to obey.

"From now on, there's no need for such formality in private."

Lu Chang'an shook his head helplessly.

"It's been so long since we last met, I almost forgot to give you a little something to mark our reunion."

As he spoke, he took out an elegant blue bracelet and personally put it on Zhao Shiyao.

Zhao Shiyao stiffened slightly, but quickly relaxed and raised her wrist. Her skin felt cool and smooth like jade as she moved in sync with Lu Chang'an's movements.

"This bracelet comes from a female Nascent Soul cultivator. When encountering danger, it can activate a fourth-order water-based spell."

Lu Chang'an gave a brief introduction.

Zhao Shiyao was surprised. Looking at the blue bracelet, she realized that it was actually a Nascent Soul level protective treasure.

"I have been nurtured by the True Lord, and today I am so highly regarded... I don't know how I can repay this kindness in my lifetime."

Zhao Shiyao felt uneasy, her eyelashes trembled slightly, and she said softly.

Lu Chang'an suddenly felt that the sentence sounded familiar.

"My lord, could you please not be so good to me?"

Zhao Shiyao raised her head, mustered her courage, and gazed at the face of the man who seemed to appear in her dream.

"...Don't be so polite to me."

Because of her resemblance to the woman in question, she received unimaginable good fortune.

Zhao Shiyao was filled with fear and unease.

She was at most a shadow of that beautiful woman, and felt unworthy of such treatment.

Having been on Hidden Mist Island for several days, Lu Zhenjun had not even made any intimate advances towards her, let alone taken her.

Therefore, all the mental preparations that Zhao Shiyao, as a beautiful concubine, had painstakingly made were in vain.

Lu Chang'an gently stroked her shoulder and comforted her:
"One day, you will understand."

"Your body is too weak now, like a newly blossoming flower bud. If you want to repay your husband, you must at least cultivate to the Nascent Soul stage."

Zhao Shiyao understood the meaning behind the words, her beautiful face flushed like a peony, and she gave a soft "hmm".

She felt relieved and breathed a sigh of relief.

Despite having no emotional foundation, after only a few days of contact, she inexplicably developed a liking and trust for this Lu Zhenjun.

……

Cave quiet room.

Lu Chang'an took out the scroll left by Wei Dongjun.

Skip those time-consuming and low-reward town defense missions.

Lu Chang'an's goal is to take on high-contribution missions, which pose a certain risk to ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators.

The high contribution made by Lu Chang'an made it easier to exchange for high-quality materials to improve the quality of the fourth-tier puppet array.

"A fourth-tier, early-stage peak Ink Dragon, with Heavenly Grade Dragon Bloodline... even a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator couldn't defeat it in a battle in the sea?"

Lu Chang'an has set his sights on a high-risk mission with a large reward.

The ink dragon mentioned in the scroll possesses a rare true dragon bloodline, with powerful supernatural defenses, and receives a significant boost when fighting in the sea.

Several major forces, including the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance, were plundered by this black dragon, suffering heavy losses, with many Foundation Establishment and Core Formation cultivators becoming its prey.

The mission requires severely injuring the black dragon and driving it back to the deep sea.

For a single Nascent Soul cultivator in the early stages, let alone driving away this dragon, encountering it could even be life-threatening.

The Azure Sea Merchant Alliance once had a veteran at the peak of the early Nascent Soul stage who confidently tried to drive it away, but was forced to self-destruct his Dharma body by the dragon, and only escaped by having his Nascent Soul leave his body.

As for those in the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm, those with mediocre strength are no match for the Ink Dragon in sea battles.

When encountering a powerful mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, the Ink Dragon, with its superior escape techniques, would immediately dive into the deep sea and flee if the situation turned unfavorable.

Lu Chang'an chose this task.

Firstly, the reward for contributions is high.

Secondly, there is the inherent value of the Heavenly Dragon Descendant Ink Dragon.

Lu Chang'an once obtained the "Blood Prison Dragon Fiend Technique" from the Great Yu royal family. By slaughtering and devouring the essence and fiendish energy of dragon descendants, it can be used to improve physical strength and promote physical cultivation.

This is a rare blood-based body-refining technique in the cultivation world, capable of rapidly enhancing one's physical cultivation level.

The downside is that high-level dragon descendants are extremely difficult to find, and their strength and supernatural abilities surpass those of demon kings and Nascent Soul cultivators of the same level.

Having just encountered the quest to deal with the Black Dragon's threat, Lu Chang'an wanted to test the effects of the Dragon Blood Essence.

Relying solely on Xuan Shui Jun's blood supply cannot affect its cultivation potential, so the shortfall is indeed quite large.

His goal was not to expel the seriously injured, but to kill the Ink Dragon and obtain its body and blood!

After selecting a task.

Lu Chang'an took out the elder's token and sent a message to the headquarters of the merchant alliance.

Shortly after, the Merchant Alliance headquarters replied with a message:

Finding and confirming the exact location of the Ink Dragon will take several years, and we may need to find a way to lure it out.

The Business Alliance headquarters did not expect that Lu Chang'an's first task would be so difficult.

The Left Alliance Leader took this very seriously and dispatched the elite of the Merchant Alliance to gather intelligence and coordinate with Elder Lu's actions.

"Several years is enough time for Shiyao to complete her cultivation and rebuild her core. At that time, she can confidently go out and slay dragons..."

Lu Chang'an nodded to himself and began to plan the matter of Zhao Xianzi's transformation into a pill.

The Three Transformations Golden Elixir is an exaggeration, shocking and unconventional.

Zhao Shiyao's background makes pursuing the Three Transformation Pill quite difficult.

She doesn't have the high tolerance for error that Lu Chang'an had when he was at the third stage of body refinement.

After weighing the options, Lu Chang'an decided to have her undergo the pill-refining process twice.

……

Zhao Shiyao's first transformation into a pill happened faster than expected.

A few months later.

Above Hidden Mist Island, the clouds and mist dissipated, and a large amount of spiritual energy from heaven and earth gathered.

The extraordinary phenomenon of condensing the elixir appeared, with a constantly rotating cloud of spiritual energy appearing in the sky.

Inside the secret room.

Zhao Shiyao sat upright with her eyes closed, her black hair and skirt rustling in the wind.

Lu Chang'an had already withdrawn his hand from the jade back, and a faint, cool fragrance lingered around his nose.

With Lu Chang'an's protection, the process of dissolving and shattering the elixir was smooth and successful.

The alchemy technique used by Zhao Shiyao is a culmination of Lu Chang'an's expertise.

Its practicality surpasses that of most Nascent Soul cultivators in the world.

Even if something unexpected happens, Lu Chang'an's Evergreen Secret Technique can be used at any time.

Let alone damaging the foundation of one's Dao.

Even minor hidden injuries would be repaired by Lu Chang'an.

The first time the elixir was re-formed, no Crystallizing Pill was used; only auxiliary materials were used to protect the spiritual medicine.

The aim is to control the quality of the finished product.

If the quality of the formed core is too high, the difficulty of breaking the core next time will increase exponentially.

Zhao Shiyao re-formed her core, her mind as calm as still water, the process of forming her core felt like a natural progression.

Among them are the effects brought about by the transformation of the elixir, as well as the improvement of more advanced methods of forming the elixir.

The Core Formation method taught by Lu Chang'an is many levels higher than the secret methods passed down by the Zhao family.

The secret techniques for condensing the elixir and forming the nascent soul, along with Lu Chang'an's insights and skills from devouring so many Nascent Soul stage monsters, combined the strengths of various schools, making him a top-tier figure in the entire human realm.

A few days later.

A powerful and well-rounded aura of water-based internal energy was generated within Hidden Mist Island and Cloud Sea Mansion.

"This is the true elixir? It went so smoothly..."

A large, solid elixir condensed within Zhao Shiyao's body, resulting in a leap in her spiritual consciousness, magical power, and life level.

Although it has the effects of alchemy and the bonus of alchemy formation methods.

However, without any Crystallizing Pills or Core Formation Spiritual Objects, the smooth formation of a downstream True Core was beyond her expectations.

“Back then, when you formed a false core, the lack of resources was only one aspect.”

Lu Chang'an's gaze was profound, revealing the hidden meaning:

"In this life, you have had many misfortunes and experienced more hardships, but your mindset and will are quite good. At least, you are much stronger than your sister who has formed her true core."

Hear this.

Zhao Shiyao's expression changed slightly; her previously unfounded suspicions were now confirmed.

That year, she was attempting to break through to the Core Formation stage within her clan, which caused her to lose her composure and perform poorly.

This situation is quite common in the cultivation world.

Zhao Shiyao was very disappointed at the time and did not delve into it, thinking it was just a psychological imbalance at a crucial moment.

Compare this to the seamless completion of the elixir condensation process.

She was certain that there was something fishy going on behind that Core Formation, and that she had probably been secretly plotted against.

(End of this chapter)