bookpower Chapter 307: Future Patterns
Chapter 307: Future Patterns
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It felt as if an endless night had passed.
Lan Chang'an awoke from the divine dream.
His pitch-black pupils locked eyes with a pair of serene, moonlit eyes. Their spiritual senses intertwined, silently communicating for an indeterminate amount of time.
In reality, the middle-aged scholar was holding the delicate hand of Fairy Ni Yue. The two maintained a posture as if they had just kissed.
“Mister Xu...”
Fairy Ni Yue's palace attire was pristine, but her cheeks were tinged with a rosy blush. Her limpid eyes rippled with shyness as she lowered her head in delicate modesty.
Hoo!
As though she had been submerged in water, Ni Yue separated her lips from Lan Chang'an’s.
Immediately after, the divine radiance in her eyes dimmed, and her body went limp, collapsing into Lan Chang'an’s embrace.
Her chest heaved as she caught her breath, the faint fragrance in her exhalations—a blend of osmanthus and orchid—intoxicated, pulling one into an irresistible world of tenderness.
“A spiritual dream connection?”
Lan Chang'an also felt mentally drained. A glimmer of enlightenment rose in his eyes, leaving him with a sense of pleasant reminiscence.
So that was it.
Earlier, when Lan Chang'an and Fairy Ni Yue clasped hands and locked gazes, as the profound melody began to play, they had entered a mysterious dream realm of spiritual connection.
The subsequent singing, dancing, drinking, the bridal chamber candlelight, and the fleeting night of spring—these were all emotional ties experienced within the divine dream.
This level of spiritual connection transcended the material plane, ascending into a realm far more sublime than mere physical intimacy.
In this state, the experience of dual cultivation was no different from reality.
Since it was a connection of consciousness, the bond formed between them was deeper. On a higher dimensional level, the experience was even more perfect.
“Ni Yue was gravely injured and unable to repay Mister Xu with her physical self. Thus, she activated our sect's supreme musical divine art, ‘Thousand Years Divine Dream.’”
Regaining her breath, Fairy Ni Yue’s blushing face was still tinged with lingering softness, radiating an indescribable allure.
“‘Thousand Years Divine Dream’? Intriguing.”
Lan Chang'an silently mused. The spiritual kiss in the dream realm had subtly enhanced both his state of mind and his comprehension of the Dao.
The ‘Thousand Years Divine Dream’ music-based divine technique was related to the soul and dream realms. It even faintly touched upon a trace of reincarnation’s essence.
“Without Mister Xu’s consent, Ni Yue initiated the divine dream. I hope you will forgive me.”
Fairy Ni Yue lowered her head slightly, her expression tender and apologetic as she adjusted her robes and curtsied gracefully.
The scenes in the dream realm had been so vivid, like a brief reincarnation, allowing the two of them to experience an ephemeral but profound emotional bond.
Lan Chang'an pressed his lips together, savoring the lingering fragrance—a blend of elegance and profundity—leaving a lasting impression.
“My first-ever spiritual connection in this world... and the partner is none other than the once-famous number-one beauty of Liang Kingdom. It’s certainly a memorable occasion.”
With his Nascent Soul-level perception, Lan Chang'an discerned Fairy Ni Yue’s intentions:
Firstly, this kind of sincere and profound spiritual interaction, where hearts and minds were truly connected, allowed them to perceive each other’s nature on a deeper level.
Secondly, the emotional bond formed in the dream realm would carry over to reality, subtly advancing their relationship and fostering mutual goodwill.
Returning to reality, the shy tenderness in Ni Yue’s gaze was not entirely an act; it was a blend of both genuine emotion and calculated performance.
Unfortunately for her, to someone like Lan Chang'an, who had experienced several lifetimes and reincarnations, such influences were negligible.
It was Ni Yue herself who had been genuinely affected to some extent.
“Ni Yue, how often can you use this musical divine art, ‘Thousand Years Divine Dream’?”
Lan Chang'an pretended to be emotionally moved, as if he had developed feelings for her.
His gaze was gentle as he looked at her exquisite, moonlit face. Reaching out, he lightly caressed her flawless, snow-white cheek.
Fairy Ni Yue’s heart trembled with joy as she softly replied, “‘Thousand Years Divine Dream’ depletes the essence of one’s soul. In my current Core Formation stage, I can only perform it once. Otherwise, it would harm my soul’s origin, affecting my future advancement.”
The spiritual connection of the divine dream indeed made it easier for the participants to develop goodwill toward one another.
Even Ni Yue herself had been subtly affected, believing that Mister Xu, despite his higher cultivation level, could not have been completely immune.
In the dream, their minds had been intertwined, allowing them to understand each other’s general disposition.
There was one thing that reassured Ni Yue:
Compared to most male cultivators she had encountered, Mister Xu could be considered a man of high moral character. Toward the Xuan Yin Pavilion and herself, he bore no ill intentions.
This was not because Mister Xu was particularly noble.
He was no saint; he had his own selfish motives, and his interest in romantic entanglements was lukewarm at best.
But other male cultivators had far darker thoughts—some were so sinister it sent chills down the spine.
“What a pity, it only happens once in a hundred years.”
Lan Chang'an feigned regret.
The wondrous experience just now far surpassed the pleasures of the flesh.
The key was that it had subtly enhanced his state of mind and comprehension of the Dao.
...
Inside the guest room, following their experience of a spiritual dream dual cultivation, Lan Chang'an and Fairy Ni Yue felt a newfound understanding of each other, and their relationship grew closer.
During their conversation, Lan Chang'an noticed an unfamiliar yet long-lost sense of harmony between their souls.
This sense of tacit understanding was something he hadn’t experienced in the past two centuries—except with Zhao Siyao.
“If Mister Xu likes it, once I recover from my injuries, we can engage in a more ordinary form of spiritual connection. Though it won’t be as beneficial as this one,” Fairy Ni Yue said with a soft smile, her tone brimming with warmth.
The divine art ‘Thousand Years Divine Dream’ provided benefits to both participants in their spiritual connection.@@@@
The one with the lower cultivation realm would benefit more, as it helped to overcome inner demons and bottlenecks.
For cultivators below the Nascent Soul stage, such an opportunity might only come once in a lifetime.
Originally, Fairy Ni Yue had lofty aspirations. Confident in her extraordinary talents, she had planned to save this one-time opportunity for when she reached the late stage of Core Formation.
However, reality had proven harsh. After years of effort, she had been unable to break through to the late stage due to various circumstances.
To repay and win over Mister Xu, and to allow him to “taste the sweetness,” Fairy Ni Yue used up what might have been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The unparalleled beauty and intimacy of the spiritual dream, far beyond physical experience, would undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on Mister Xu.
“This recent battle caused significant damage to the Fragrant Grass Oasis Sect,” Fairy Ni Yue said with a sorrowful expression, her tone soft and mournful.
“While the destruction of material things is regrettable, the deaths of people like Junior Sister Bai are permanent losses that can never be recovered...”
At the mention of her sect’s losses, Fairy Ni Yue’s expression grew heavy, and her voice quivered with grief.
Overall, Lan Chang'an’s recent actions had not brought him any significant risks—at least not in the short term.
This was because he had avoided offending any major local powers in the surrounding regions.
Even if news of Mister Xu’s true strength as a Great Cultivator were to leak, it would only inspire respect and attempts at alliance, rather than provocation.
The real threats Lan Chang'an faced were never in the Fengyuan Kingdom to begin with.
...
Two days later.
Lan Chang'an arrived at the cave residence of Fairy Ni Yue, the Pavilion Master.
Over the past few days, the comatose and gravely injured Jiang Ruotong had been personally cared for by Fairy Ni Yue herself.
Standing beside the bed, Lan Chang'an gazed at Fairy Jiang’s face, pale as snow and devoid of color. Her breathing was weak, and her heartbeat faint, but at least it remained steady.
Her life was no longer in danger. The key now was ensuring a full recovery, preventing any significant loss of cultivation strength that could affect her potential for future advancement.
“Fairy Jiang was first poisoned by Dongfang Xi’s tranquilizing powder. Although she took an antidote pill, it failed to fully cleanse her system. Afterward, she overexerted herself in combat and sustained severe injuries...”
After taking her pulse, Lan Chang'an quickly identified the cause of her condition.
As a third-rank alchemist and a nominal Core Formation Great Cultivator, treating such an ailment was well within his capabilities.
He instructed Fairy Ni Yue to gather some specific ingredients to brew a medicinal decoction.
After feeding the concoction to Fairy Jiang, Lan Chang'an channeled his Evergreen mana to heal her injuries and repair both major and minor internal and hidden wounds.
The true healing power lay in the miraculous effects of the Evergreen Technique, the soup was only a diversion.
Remarkably, in less than an hour, Fairy Jiang’s eyelashes trembled slightly, and she slowly opened her eyes.
“Mister Xu, your medical skills are unparalleled,” Fairy Ni Yue said with delight in her eyes, her voice filled with admiration.
“Xu is merely fortunate to have arrived at the right time. Fairy Jiang was already close to waking up,” Lan Chang'an replied humbly.
In truth, he had deliberately chosen this moment to intervene.
By all normal estimations, Fairy Jiang was expected to regain consciousness today—a fact that Fairy Ni Yue, with her own knowledge, could likely discern.
If he had interfered earlier and forced her to wake prematurely, it would have showcased his extraordinary healing abilities that would not align with what was expected of a “proper alchemist.”
Thus, Lan Chang'an had simply allowed her to sleep a few extra days before stepping in.
“Mister Xu... you saved me...”
Fairy Jiang instinctively grasped the warm hand near her.
Her pale complexion gained a faint touch of rosy warmth, making her appear delicate and serene.
As her vision cleared, the image of the middle-aged man in elegant green robes became more distinct—a mysterious and majestic figure.
Her delicate brows arched with joy, and her eyes sparkled with soft emotion.
Watching this scene, Fairy Ni Yue sighed inwardly. After the life-and-death battle days ago, Ruotong had clearly developed genuine feelings for this man.
But after the heart-to-heart connection in the divine dream, Fairy Ni Yue understood that Mister Xu’s view of romance was lukewarm at best.
Even if he felt goodwill, at most, it would be a fleeting, short-lived affair. He wouldn’t invest deeply in feelings, let alone consider marriage or starting a family.
Fortunately, Mister Xu was not the type to deceive others emotionally. He valued mutual consent and openness, which set him apart from many unscrupulous men.
“Ruotong must not fall too deeply into this. If sacrifices must be made, let Ni Yue bear it alone,” Fairy Ni Yue resolved in her heart.
With her Zither Heart Illumination, she had long seen through the true nature of many men. This insight left her with little attachment to the idea of romance.
Having experienced intimate connections with Lan Chang'an in the divine dream, she harbored some affection for him. If it meant protecting her sect and Ruotong, such a sacrifice wasn’t something she would resist.
“Ruotong, your injuries are far from healed. Don’t push yourself too hard and risk damaging your foundation,” Fairy Ni Yue said gently as she approached, preventing Lan Chang'an and Jiang Ruotong from conversing further.
“Fairy Jiang, focus on your recovery,” Lan Chang'an said casually as he walked out of the room with Fairy Ni Yue.
...
In the tea room of the cave, Fairy Ni Yue dismissed the maidservants and personally served Lan Chang'an.
As Lan Chang'an savored the fragrant tea, he also appreciated Fairy Ni Yue’s celestial beauty and her melodious voice, which carried an otherworldly charm.
“Ni Yue has investigated the matter. The formation master who helped set up the sect’s defensive formation was likely bribed. We tried contacting him recently, but he’s gone missing,” Fairy Ni Yue reported gracefully, her every movement elegant as she brewed and poured tea.
“That formation master wasn’t present in the Fragrant Grass Oasis during the battle and didn’t witness my actions. It shouldn’t affect the bigger picture,” Lan Chang'an replied with a nod, taking a small sip of the spiritual tea.
In that battle, the only Xuan Yin Pavilion cultivators who had directly witnessed Lan Chang'an’s true strength were Fairy Ni Yue and Fairy Jiang.
For the others who woke up later, Fairy Ni Yue had prepared a plausible explanation:
Mister Xu, as a Core Formation cultivator, had replaced Fairy Bai in forming the sect-protecting three talents formation, re-enabling it to unleash its full power and hold off the enemies.
Additionally, it was claimed that the hidden elders of the Xuan Yin Pavilion had provided covert assistance. As a result, Fang Zhen and his group had been unable to breach the defenses and eventually retreated.
This explanation was enough to satisfy most.
After all, Fang Zhen’s group only included three Core Formation cultivators who had truly breached the Fragrant Grass Oasis.
With three or four Core Formation cultivators defending the formation—centered around Fairy Ni Yue, who was at the peak of the mid-stage Core Formation—it was plausible that the sect could have repelled the attack.
Moreover, Fang Zhen was not a local cultivator. No one cared about his life or death.
Lan Chang'an didn’t expect his identity as a Core Formation Great Cultivator to remain hidden for long. He simply didn’t see the need to reveal it prematurely.
“Mister Xu, now that the great enemy has been eliminated, and you’ve already come to understand my heart in the divine dream, would you be willing to remain in the Fragrant Grass Oasis and allow both the Xuan Yin Pavilion and myself to repay your kindness?”
Fairy Ni Yue’s clear eyes shone with a gentle smile, her demeanor brimming with grace and charm as she made her request.
Lan Chang'an’s character was reliable, and he harbored no ambitions of establishing his own faction.
With a Great Cultivator like him providing shelter, the Xuan Yin Pavilion would undoubtedly rise to prominence.
“For now, Xu will cultivate in the Fragrant Grass Oasis for some years. As for the future, that will depend on the greater trends of the cultivation world,” Lan Chang'an replied calmly.
This time, he didn’t reject the offer outright.
A mid-grade third-rank spiritual vein was invaluable to a mid stage Core Formation cultivator.
For now, the Xuan Yin Pavilion could serve as a temporary base.
Before making this decision, Lan Chang'an had already divined the situation:
After surviving this great calamity, the Xuan Yin Pavilion would turn misfortune into fortune and experience smooth development for many years to come—provided Lan Chang'an didn’t interfere excessively or bring his own karmic entanglements into the mix.
Having been away from Liang Kingdom for many years, he knew the demonic invasion had lasted for decades.
Lan Chang'an deduced that the war on the other side of the Endless Desert must have seen significant developments by now.
Great Cultivator = Late-stage cultivator of Foundation Establishment and above realms.