I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals

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Huanglong Inner City, within an inn.

Lan Chang'an remained as still as an ancient tree, not stepping outside his door. By paying a small amount of spirit stones, he could receive daily updates on the situation at Huanglong Mountain.

Half a month passed, and the situation at Huanglong Mountain remained in a deadlock.

The forces led by the Hengchuan Merchant Association and the Mo Family had set up a large formation at the foot of Huanglong Mountain, indicating their intent to wage a prolonged battle.

On this day, the sky above Huanglong Mountain was filled with swirling clouds as the spiritual energy of heaven and earth gathered in vast quantities.

"Has the Core Formation attempt finally begun?"

Nearly a hundred li away, Lan Chang'an instantly sensed the disturbance and opened his ink-black eyes.

At that moment, within a hundred li of Huanglong Mountain, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth was in a state of extreme agitation.

Lan Chang'an closed his eyes again, merging his mind with the second life of the Nine Seal Stele, without releasing his spiritual sense. Instead, he simply enhanced his sensory perception.

He focused on increasing his sensitivity to the changes in the natural world.

"Judging by the phenomenon, the one attempting Core Formation lacks sufficient foundation. The process seems less than smooth."

After a moment, Lan Chang'an came to a preliminary conclusion.

A hint of doubt crossed his mind as he pondered.

Fu Xuemei's attempt at Core Formation gave him the impression that she was not fully prepared, and her efforts seemed somewhat rushed.

"Fu Xuemei has only recently reached the ninth level of Foundation Establishment. Even for a genius with an earth spiritual root, it would take several years to reach the peak of the ninth level."

"However, reaching the ninth level of Foundation Establishment is sufficient for attempting Core Formation. With her aptitude, as long as she is in the right state and has a complete Core Formation opportunity, it shouldn't be too much of a problem."

Of course, this assessment was based on her earth spiritual roots. If she had medium or high-grade spiritual roots, attempting Core Formation at this stage would be much riskier.

"The pressure on Huanglong Mountain might have left her without enough time to cultivate and adjust her state."

Analyzing the information and the current situation, Lan Chang'an found a reasonable explanation.

...

In front of Huanglong Mountain.

Due to Fu Xuemei's attempt at Core Formation, she was drawing a massive amount of spiritual energy from heaven and earth, placing an even greater burden on the third-rank spiritual vein.

Huanglong Mountain's protective formation also relied on the third-rank spiritual vein to operate.

Its power had diminished by about ten percent, though it hadn't weakened as much as outsiders had expected.

This situation had clearly been anticipated by Huanglong Mountain.

The formation masters on the mountain had preemptively added spirit stones to each formation base, supplemented by the infusion of the cultivators' mana, so the overall impact was minimal.

However, the Core Formation attempt had just begun. During the critical later stages, the demand for spiritual energy would peak.

The most crucial factor was the powerful offensive launched by the opposing Core Formation Immortals, continuously putting pressure on the formation and causing it to consume more resources.

"Formation Master Wu, Formation Master Cao, how are the preparations coming along?"

In the sky, the four Core Formation Immortals cast their gazes downward.

"Rest assured, Immortals. The two sets of grand formations are fully set up. They can draw a large amount of spiritual energy from heaven and earth, not only slightly interfering with the Core Formation but also using the power of the formations to break the enemy's formation."

Under the leadership of two third-rank formation masters at the Fake-Dan level, a special formation had been laid out at Huanglong Mountain, specifically targeting its defenses.

"Haha, the Huanglong Mountain's formation, back then, old me had a hand in laying it out. Combined with the other measures we've prepared, we'll surely tear through their defenses." Formation Master Cao stroked his beard and laughed.

"All forces, break the formation with full power!"

Wantie Immortal, his body encased in thick black armor, gave the order.

Boom!

Four bursts of True-Dan Formation power erupted, with the Immortals either casting powerful spells or unleashing grand magical treasures.

On the battlefield, there were even more Fake-Dan experts.

On average, three Fake-Dan experts could cause as much damage to the formation as one True-Dan Formation Immortal.

In conjunction with the two "formation-breaking" special formations, the previously impregnable defenses of Huanglong Mountain visibly trembled.

The protective light of the formation quivered, dimmed rapidly, and occasionally showed small cracks where it had been struck by the Immortals' magical treasures.

Within Huanglong Mountain, formation masters were working to maintain the defenses. More than ten experts led the effort, injecting their mana to repair and stabilize the formation.

So far, Huanglong Immortal had not personally taken action.

This stalemate continued for several days.

The Fake-Dan experts, especially the Foundation Establishment cultivators on both sides, were greatly depleted and mentally exhausted.

Above Huanglong Mountain, the phenomenon of Core Formation persisted, and the absorption of spiritual energy from heaven and earth became even more intense.

"Activate the Restriction-Breaking Talismans!"

In the sky, a blue-robed youthful Core Formation cultivator suddenly gave the order.

It was none other than Mo Weixing Immortal of the Mo Family.

Upon his command, many of the attacking Foundation Establishment cultivators and Fake-Dan experts pulled out several second-rank Restriction-Breaking Talismans.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

One by one, the Restriction-Breaking Talismans streaked through the air, targeting the weakened sections of the formation.

The Restriction-Breaking Talismans had several times the destructive power against formations compared to attack talismans of the same rank.

A large number of Restriction-Breaking Talismans were directed at the dim, fractured sections of Huanglong Mountain's protective formation.

Crack!

Several areas of the protective formation split open, creating gaps over ten feet wide.

"Haha! The effect is good."

"We nearly bought out all the Restriction-Breaking Talismans in the area to break through this formation."

In the sky, the four Core Formation Immortals exchanged triumphant smiles.

While the Restriction-Breaking Talismans weren't the primary force in breaking the formation, they played a crucial role, acting as the final straw that broke the camel's back.

"Huanglong Immortal! If you don't make a move now, when the formation is completely broken, don't blame us for cleansing Huanglong Mountain and hurting the innocent." Wantie Immortal's voice was cold and indifferent, his narrow, icy eyes visible beneath his heavy helmet.

From their perspective, the only real threat in Huanglong Mountain was Huanglong Immortal himself.

This number one loose cultivator of the Liang Kingdom had been a dominating presence for centuries. Even if he was now old and weak, the other Immortals did not dare to take him lightly.

"If you have grievances, then settle them. Today, the old man will face all of you."

A thick, aged voice resounded.

Roar!

Accompanied by the sound of a dragon's roar, a middle-aged man with graying temples and a black-and-yellow robe stepped out of Huanglong Mountain, riding a quasi-third-rank dragon beast that resembled both a crocodile and a flood dragon, stretching over fifteen to sixteen zhang in length.

Two other early-stage Core Formation Immortals followed closely behind him.

At this moment, taking the initiative to engage was the best option.

If the formation was to break completely, the number of Foundation Establishment and Fake-Dan experts at Huanglong Mountain would be at a significant disadvantage compared to the enemy forces.

If they could hold off the enemy's Core Formation Immortals, the lack of a primary force to break the formation would allow the protective formation to endure a bit longer.

This would give the Fake-Dan and Foundation Establishment cultivators at Huanglong Mountain more time to delay the enemy and assist Fu Xuemei in her Core Formation.

High in the sky.

Seven Core Formation Immortals, along with a quasi-third-rank dragon beast, clashed in a battle that shook the heavens.

Both sides were cautious, ensuring the fight didn't spill over to the Foundation Establishment cultivators below or cause damage to the city's buildings and assets.

"That Huang Dragon Beast's physical strength remains at the third-rank level, capable of holding off an early-stage Core Formation Immortal."

Within Huanglong Immortal City, cultivators from various forces quietly observed the battle.

The outcome of this conflict would determine who would control Huanglong Mountain, but it wouldn't have a significant impact on the fundamental interests of the other forces.

...

Half a day later.

A plain-looking old man in simple robes and at the early stage of Foundation Establishment slowly approached within twenty li of Huanglong Mountain.

"Huanglong Immortal's mana is a few levels weaker than that of a typical mid-stage Core Formation cultivator. However, his combat skills and experience are far superior. Despite being at a disadvantage, he has managed to hold his own against Wantie Immortal."

The old man looked up, squinting his eyes as he observed the battle in the sky.

After confirming that the top combat powers of Huanglong Mountain were fully engaged, he decided to move closer to see the excitement.

At this distance, there was no need to worry about being caught in the crossfire. Lan Chang'an's current position, near the Flame Departing Palace's outpost, might even be safer than staying at Little Turtle Peak.

He had little interest in the Core Formation battle in the sky.

His approach within twenty li of Huanglong Mountain was mainly to get a clearer sense of Fu Xuemei's progress in attempting Core Formation.

"Strange, judging by the phenomenon, it seems she lacks the momentum to form a True-Dan. It looks like it might fail..."

Lan Chang'an glanced at the sky above Huanglong Mountain, where a two-li-wide swirling cloud of spiritual energy hovered.

He felt puzzled and wondered if something was amiss.

Could it be that Fu Xuemei's mental state was unstable, or that she hadn't taken the Crystal Condensation Pill?

At this rate, it seemed like there was no need for him to make a move.

Noticing the abnormal situation, Lan Chang'an decided to wait and see.

The Core Formation battle in the sky moved to higher altitudes, with only faint booms reaching his ears.

Lan Chang'an moved within ten li of Huanglong Mountain.

"We invite all interested Fellow Daoists to join our Anti-Huanglong Alliance. By assisting in breaking the formation, you will receive generous reward on a daily basis."

"We are buying Restriction-Breaking Talismans, formation-breaking artifacts, and rare treasures at high prices..."

The area around Huanglong Mountain was not as tense and oppressive as one might imagine.

The forces attacking Huanglong Mountain were openly recruiting cultivators and purchasing materials for breaking the formation.

In the distance, there was a Fake-Dan cultivator maintaining order here.

"If I were to blend into the Anti-Huanglong Alliance and use a powerful Restriction-Breaking Treasure Talisman at the right moment, targeting a weak spot in the formation, I might be able to breach Huanglong Mountain's defenses early."

A bold plan began to form in Lan Chang'an's mind, one that he might have executed in his past life.

The risk wasn't too high, as the treasure talisman was simply more powerful than usual, indistinguishable from ordinary talismans.

In the chaos of the battle, using it would likely be mistaken for a higher-rank talisman.

The only downside was that it might attract the attention of someone sharp-eyed. However, with the Hundred Illusions Mask, even a Fake-Dan cultivator wouldn't be able to recognize his true identity.

After weighing his options, Lan Chang'an decided to abandon the idea.

The primary reason was that the phenomenon surrounding Fu Xuemei's Core Formation attempt seemed insufficient for forming a True-Dan.

First, the necessity to strike had decreased.

Second, it felt fishy.

...

Two hours later.

Lan Chang'an made a brief trip back to his inn, then returned to the scene.

"Fellow Daoist, this old man has an ancestral Restriction-Breaking Talisman that might be close to the third rank..."

Lan Chang'an took out a talisman box and began negotiating with an old man at the mid-stage Foundation Establishment who was buying talismans.

"A quasi-third-rank Restriction-Breaking Talisman?"

The old man seemed intrigued as he inspected the talisman within the box. It was slightly larger than typical talismans, and its quality was beyond expectation.

"Fellow Daoist, are you familiar with talismans?"

"I have some knowledge," Lan Chang'an replied.

The Restriction-Breaking Talisman he was selling was actually a treasure talisman without any nurturing, making it close to the third rank.

Because it hadn't been imbued with Evergreen mana, he didn't need to worry about it being traced back to him.

At most, ordinary talisman masters would only recognize the special refining technique, perhaps mistaking it for an obscure style or school.

This particular treasure talisman was drawn on the spot after returning to the inn, using techniques from his previous life to make it seem old.

In order to cope with unexpected situations, Lan Chang'an always kept a small supply of top-quality talisman materials in his hand.

"This Restriction-Breaking Talisman of Fellow Daoist does indeed exhibit spiritual patterns that exceed ordinary second-rank talismans..."

The old man called over an experienced talisman master to appraise it, and finally offered a price several times higher than a typical top-tier second-rank Restriction-Breaking Talisman.

Lan Chang'an didn't haggle over the price. It was already far beyond the cost of making the talisman anyway.

"This old man's ancestral talisman is now entrusted to your care," Lan Chang'an said, deliberately raising his voice after the transaction to prevent the other party from keeping it private.

Not long after, the quasi-third-rank talisman was handed over to a nearby Fake-Dan cultivator.

"A quasi-third-rank Restriction-Breaking Talisman? Excellent!"

The Fake-Dan cultivator's face lit up with joy.

Due to the scarcity of materials, third-rank talismans were rare in the Liang Kingdom, and even more so were third-rank Restriction-Breaking Talismans.

A quasi-third-rank Restriction-Breaking Talisman had a specific, destructive effect on formations, surpassing that of other ordinary third-rank talismans.

If used at a critical moment, this talisman could potentially have a miraculous effect in breaching Huanglong Mountain's formation, which was currently struggling without the direct support of any Core Formation experts.

...

(End of chapter)