bookpower Chapter 272: The Xuantian Relic
Chapter 272: The Xuantian Relic
Chapter 272: The Xuantian Relic
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After leaving the Jin Yun Valley, Lan Chang'an truly set out to visit friends.
Riding on a massive dark-green turtle, he left his tracks across Feiyue Lake, the former Bamboo Leaf Mountain Market Town, and Wuqi Mountain.
However, he did not linger long at any of these places.
One this day, Lan Chang'an arrived at Huanglong Immortal City on a dark-green giant turtle, which was three zhang wide.
"Evergreen Immortal!"
"A late-stage second-rank Profound Water Turtle mount!"
The sight of a majestic Profound Water Turtle breaking through waves and carrying the refined and ethereal Lan Chang'an caused a stir among the many loose cultivators outside Huanglong Immortal City.
The scene filled the crowd with longing, awe, and admiration.
"Lan Immortal was also a loose cultivator from Huanglong Immortal City in his early days, once laying his Foundation Establishment within these city walls..."
Some of the more senior cultivators in Huanglong Immortal City spoke proudly of Lan Chang'an's past exploits to the newcomers, about the deeds of the Turtle Talisman Master back then.
Upon entering Huanglong Immortal City, Lan Chang'an briefly exchanged greetings with the city's ruler and several Immortals at the True Dan stage.
Now a guest elder of Jin Yun Valley, Lan Chang'an no longer had to endure recruitment attempts from various factions whenever he traveled.
Among his peers, he was addressed as "Lan Immortal" or "Elder Lan."
During the two years he spent in Jin Yun Valley, Lan Chang'an often fed the Profound Water Turtle with Evergreen mana to nourish it, allowing it to grow rapidly to the late stage of the second rank.
This unusual growth naturally attracted the attention of some observant cultivators.
However, given Lan Chang'an's elevated status as a third-rank Grand Talisman Master, a True Dan cultivator, and an elder of a prestigious sect, those curious cultivators dared not harbor any inappropriate intentions.
Lan Chang'an rented a third-rank cave dwelling on Huanglong Mountain.
That night, a man in a gray-and-white hooded robe appeared in the shadows of the cave dwelling.
"Master Lan Chang'an, here is the intelligence you requested," said Xing Peng as he handed over a jade slip.
Lan Chang'an scanned it with his spiritual sense.
The intelligence contained information about the war with the demonic sects.
Although it did not disclose classified details about the higher-ups of the demonic factions, it allowed Lan Chang'an to grasp the true state of the war.
To maintain morale, the Righteous Dao Alliance had concealed some details about the war.
Over the past two years, one of the Six Demonic Sects, the Beast King Valley, had continued gathering cultivators.
For now, both sides were primarily engaged in small-scale skirmishes, with scouts and reconnaissance cultivators clashing frequently.
"Has the Unseen Gate initiated assassination plans against key cultivators of the Righteous Dao Alliance's nations?"
Recalling a reminder from the Jin Yun Valley's sect master, Lan Chang'an couldn't help but ask.
"They have indeed! For certain critical figures, the branch divisions of the Unseen Gate have initiated assassination plans," Xing Peng replied.
"However, not all deaths of cultivators are the work of the Unseen Gate. Our methods mainly involve infiltration and subversion. Without at least a 90% certainty of success, we won't act rashly."
The Unseen Gate's assassinations of key figures either aimed to weaken the Alliance's strength or to escalate tensions and provoke conflicts among various factions of cultivators, ultimately leading to internal strife.
Their true objective was to create chaos and dismantle the united front of the nations under the Righteous Dao Alliance.
"Am I on their assassination list?" Lan Chang'an asked curiously.
"Such information involves the branch's secrets, so I wouldn't know. However, based on my experience, Lan Immortal, as a guest elder of a sect, is unlikely to be considered a key target for assassination," Xing Peng answered.
"Moreover, Master Lan Chang'an, according to the intelligence, your survival tactics are formidable, and you are cautious and prudent. The Unseen Gate wouldn't take the risk of exposing themselves just to assassinate you."
"Hmm, that's reassuring," Lan Chang'an nodded.
However, a thought emerged in his mind.
Should he hedge his bets with both sides?
If the Righteous Dao Alliance suffered a crushing defeat in the future, could he infiltrate the Unseen Gate and become a member of one of the Six Demonic Sects?
Yet, without offering a token of allegiance—betraying his fellow cultivators—he would find it difficult to earn the trust of the Six Demonic Sects.
Doing such a thing would also go against Lan Chang'an's principles.
Besides, compared to the more neutral and orderly approach of the Righteous Dao Alliance, the Six Demonic Sects were far more domineering, insidious, and treacherous, with little regard for trust or integrity.
...
Three days later, Lan Chang'an began gathering a rare type of demonic beast hide in Huanglong Immortal City for refining a special type of talisman.
When he couldn't find the materials he needed in the city, he suppressed his cultivation aura and flew to the northern Black Fog Mountain Range, disappearing from view not long after.
Half a month later.
A young man in blue robes, riding a flying boat, appeared on the southern border of the Liang Kingdom.
The waves of spiritual power emanating from his body indicated that he had reached the peak of the late Foundation Establishment stage.
This blue-robed youth was none other than Nie Yuan, a former inner disciple of the Flame Departing Palace who had fled years ago.
Nie Yuan possessed high-grade spiritual roots and a strong ambition. Due to his ordinary background, he had missed the chance to become a true disciple of the Flame Departing Palace by a narrow margin.
Among the alternate identities Lan Chang'an had collected, this one had the highest potential and talent.
"Wangyue Immortal City lies on the border between the Liang Kingdom and the Feng Kingdom, situated in the southern part of the Liang Kingdom, slightly to the east..."
As he flew, Lan Chang'an occasionally consulted a map, reviewing information about Wangyue Immortal City.
Wangyue Immortal City was regarded as a sanctuary amidst chaotic times. Regardless of one's identity or origins, as long as one had spirit stones, the city would accept them.
Even fugitives from neighboring regions could find protection within Wangyue Immortal City.
It was said that the city's backing came from the Central Region of Great Qing, and its existence had spanned over ten thousand years.
"Wangyue Immortal City is indeed safe and has an excellent reputation. Over the past few centuries, many cultivators from various nations have reached the Core Formation stage here. Some have even formed upper-tier True Dans, with one or two cases of forming Golden Dan."
"However, the city’s high status attracts powerful bandits in the surrounding areas, whose strength far surpasses that of other border regions between cultivation nations."
Lan Chang'an knew well that the world inside Wangyue Immortal City and the world outside were two completely different realities.
Because of the inherent risks, although he had heard of Wangyue Immortal City in his earlier years, he had never considered coming here.
...
A few days later.
The blue-robed youth piloted his flying boat into the thousand-li range of Wangyue Immortal City.
Along the way, he encountered very few cultivators.
However, those he did meet were no ordinary individuals. Either they were True Dan cultivators, or they were late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators traveling in groups.
The blue-robed youth looked around vigilantly, scanning his surroundings as if sensing something amiss.
Suddenly, a chilling, sinister laugh echoed from a nearby mountain cave.
"Hehehe... Finally, we’ve found a lone Foundation Establishment cultivator!"
From within the cave burst three malevolent cultivators radiating killing intent.
The leader, clad in iron armor, was a Fake Dan cultivator, while his two subordinates were both late-stage Foundation Establishment.
Before the words fully left his mouth, the three unfurled formation flags, distorting the surrounding space and activated a temporary illusionary formation.
In an instant, Lan Chang'an and the three assailants were enveloped in a snowy, icy wasteland.
This illusionary formation masked all fluctuations of spiritual power and sounds of battle, ensuring they would not draw outside attention and risk someone else swooping in to claim the spoils.
...
“You’re not the first to try this approach,” Lan Chang'an said coldly, his voice carrying a dangerous edge as he folded his arms behind his back.
"Something's wrong! This guy’s no ordinary cultivator!"
The iron-armored leader’s expression shifted drastically as unease crept into his heart, but it was too late.
A sharp, piercing whistle erupted, resembling the grinding of blades, and reverberated through the space.
Screech!
A searing pain stabbed through the iron-armored cultivator’s sea of consciousness, as though a knife had been thrust into his mind. His senses blurred, teetering on the verge of collapse.
Instinctively, he activated a protective spiritual barrier around himself. His pupils reflected the faint shadow of a dark, hazy arrow, its tip glinting with a cold silver-blue light.
“Boss!”
The two late-stage Foundation Establishment subordinates cried out in alarm.
Before their voices could fully register, the shadowy arrow pierced through the iron-armored man’s head, trailing a streak of blood-red light.
"He's a True Dan cultivator! Run!"
“Whether you’re here to purchase materials or participate in auctions, as long as you abide by the city’s rules, no one will question your identity.”
“Even if you’re here to attempt Core Formation, you only need to pay the spirit stone fee—there’s no need for an identity review.”
Granny Yan had visited Wangyue Immortal City before and was familiar with its policies.
As they explored the city, Lan Chang'an noted that even the most inconspicuous shops here would be considered high-end establishments in Liang Kingdom’s immortal cities.
The goods they sold were also pricier. Some rare resources couldn’t even be purchased with spirit stones and required bartering with items of equivalent rank.
It was rumored that Wangyue Immortal City even traded in certain Nascent Soul-level resources, though that was a circle far beyond the reach of cultivators like them.
That evening, the trio checked into an inn within the city.
The cultivation environment offered by inns in Wangyue Immortal City peaked at quasi-third-rank spirit veins.
If one wanted access to a third-rank spirit vein environment, they would have to rent a cave dwelling, which was significantly more expensive.
“Someone is attempting Core Formation...”
That night, Lan Chang'an and his companions felt the fluctuation in spiritual energy.
Under the moonlight, the crystalline city walls shimmered faintly, casting a dreamy, ethereal glow across the city.
In the city’s central district, the flow of spiritual energy surged violently, converging on a third-rank cave dwelling.
The local cultivators were unfazed by the phenomenon, as it was a common occurrence.
Wangyue Immortal City catered to cultivators from various nations and regions. Almost every year, there were those who came here to attempt Core Formation.
In theory, it was possible to form a Core without a Crystal Condensation Pill or Core Formation items.
However, while many tried to form their Core here, only a small fraction succeeded. Of those who succeeded, the majority formed Fake Dans, while only a rare few managed to form true upper-tier cores.
From a distance, Lan Chang'an observed the phenomenon and shook his head slightly.
...
The next day.
With Granny Yan leading the way, Lan Chang'an and Zhu Yuting made their way to the grand hall at the center of Wangyue Immortal City.
After paying a significant sum of spirit stones, they received tokens permitting them to attempt Core Formation.
The cost was about 30% higher than what one might pay in Liang Kingdom’s immortal cities.
“They really don’t ask about your identity,” Lan Chang'an remarked in surprise as he held the token.
The entire process was startlingly simple. No inquiries, no background checks—just a straightforward exchange of spirit stones for the permit.
Even having someone else collect the token on your behalf would have been allowed.
“Young Friend Nie, we’ll be taking our leave now. I’ll accompany Yuting to a third-rank cave dwelling to prepare for her Core Formation.”
After obtaining their tokens, Granny Yan bid farewell to Lan Chang'an with a kind smile and flew toward the city’s central district with Zhu Yuting.
Lan Chang'an, however, wasn’t in a rush to move into a third-rank cave dwelling.
Instead, he familiarized himself with the inner workings of Wangyue Immortal City, the distribution of its factions, and the surrounding environment.
While Core Formation was undoubtedly important, ensuring his safety and securing an escape route were equally critical.
A few days later.
In the skies above the city, the phenomenon of Core Formation continued.
However, the gathering spiritual energy clouds were small and unstable, barely spanning half a li, as if they could collapse at any moment.
By now, Lan Chang'an had gained a clear understanding of Wangyue Immortal City’s structure.
All industries within the city—including every shop, large and small—were owned and operated by the city’s official administration.
Outsiders were strictly prohibited from conducting business in the city.
The city’s administration was shrouded in mystery, its backing apparently unrelated to the Great Qing’s Eastern Region.
Wangyue Immortal City had built its reputation on reliability, with a policy of not asking questions about its visitors’ identities. It allowed cultivators to build their Foundation, form their Core, and even transcend to the Nascent Soul Realm or face tribulations within its bounds.
Despite the high costs, this reputation drew countless cultivators from the surrounding nations, particularly those from factions without Nascent Soul backing.
The city was divided into zones based on its spirit veins:
Fourth-rank Spirit Vein Zone reserved for Nascent Soul cultivators, who came here to cultivate or trade with the city’s local Nascent Soul cultivators.
Third-rank Spirit Vein Zone was the primary area open to outside cultivators for activities such as Core Formation or trade.
Second-rank Spirit Vein Zone, located on the city’s periphery, this area housed inns and lodgings for most visitors.
Lan Chang'an glanced toward the third-rank spirit vein district, another Core Formation phenomenon had appeared in the skies.
He didn’t need to guess—this was likely Zhu Yuting attempting to form her Core.
When they parted ways, Lan Chang'an had already sensed that Granny Yan and Zhu Yuting were eager to complete their Core Formation as soon as possible.
“Two people forming their cores simultaneously...”
This was the first time Lan Chang'an had seen such a scene in this life.
For an advanced immortal city with a fourth-rank spirit vein at its core, such occurrences were hardly noteworthy.
The city’s third-rank spirit veins were merely branches of the main fourth-rank spirit vein, and the two concurrent Core Formations—occurring ten li apart—did not interfere with one another.
...
Instead of heading straight into seclusion for his own Core Formation, Lan Chang'an chose to visit the city’s Profound Secrets Pavilion.
This establishment not only sold common cultivation manuals but also housed ancient texts, many of which contained rare and obscure records of secrets and myths from the cultivation world.
The upper three floors of the pavilion were dedicated to such texts. They didn’t offer high-grade techniques or secret arts but rather chronicled ancient legends passed down through the ages.
Some of these accounts were verified and based on facts, while others were purely speculative or anecdotal.
Accessing these ancient texts required paying a fee per volume.
“Xuantian Mysteries?”
After browsing through a dozen ancient texts, Lan Chang'an finally found a record related to the Xuanmu Vine Gourd.
“Xuantian Supreme Treasures are primordial items that accompany the birth of worlds. They contain traces of a world’s origin and are imbued with corresponding laws, capable of stabilizing and enhancing the world’s destiny...”
“Different worlds produce different Xuantian items. Those born of higher-tier worlds are called Great Xuantian Treasures, while those of ordinary worlds are known as Lesser Xuantian Treasures...”
Lan Chang'an suppressed the tremor in his heart and carefully noted the information.
He casually returned the book to its shelf and picked up another text, this one detailing legendary true spirit beasts.
Based on the information he had gleaned, the vine fragment he had obtained in the past had once nurtured a “Xuantian Gourd,” which should have been a Xuantian Supreme Treasure.
It was more likely a Lesser Xuantian Treasure, as the text described:
“Great Xuantian Treasures are irresistibly tempting even to peak cultivators at the Integration Realm, Mahayana Realm, and, according to legend, even True Spirits themselves...”
Lan Chang'an, having lived several lifetimes, had never even encountered a Deity Transformation cultivator, let alone someone in the Integration or Mahayana stages. The Heaven Honoured Continent, since ancient times, had shown no traces of any existence beyond the Void Refinement Realm.
From this, it can be inferred that the Human Realm where the Heaven Honoured Continent is located is not a high-tier world.
However, even a Lesser Xuantian Treasure was an existence far beyond ordinary spiritual treasures. The text suggested that it theoretically had the potential to grow into a Great Xuantian Treasure.
Additionally, there was an intriguing speculation within the text:
“Possessing a Xuantian Supreme Treasure in the mortal realm is equivalent to holding the key to ascending to a higher-tier world.”
“So that withered little gourd on the vine was an unformed Xuantian relic...”
Lan Chang'an sighed inwardly, feeling a mix of regret and loss.
A Xuantian item was intrinsically tied to the laws of its world. Even a remnant of a Lesser Xuantian Treasure was an existence that defied common logic.
It was no wonder that his Earth Burrowing Rat companion, during its Core Formation, had exceeded expectations and formed a Golden Dan imbued with profound Dao Rhyme.
“Ah well. I’m lucky to have realized this much. What I’ve lost was never truly mine. After completing my Third Turn Golden Dan, I’ll have no fear of lifespan and can try again in the future.”
With that, Lan Chang'an’s emotions settled, and his heart regained its calm.
...
As Lan Chang'an exited the Profound Secrets Pavilion, he suddenly sensed a disturbance coming from the third-rank spirit vein district.
One of the Core Formation phenomena abruptly collapsed, and the surrounding spiritual energy became chaotic.
Someone had failed their Core Formation attempt!
Based on the intensity of the collapse, the backlash seemed severe, and the cultivator was likely dead.
Without any further hesitation, Lan Chang'an boarded his flying boat and headed for the third-rank spirit vein district.
Holding his Core Formation token, he selected a relatively remote third-rank cave dwelling for his upcoming seclusion.