Mending the Heavens and Nurturing Spirits, A Journey to Feng Kingdom

Changqing Peak, in front of the circular pond.

Li Huizhu stared wide-eyed at the Mystic Water Big Turtle in the water, waiting anxiously.

She came with Di Yan Jun and Treasure Seeking Rat, and they had no trouble getting there, but they dared not trespass on True Lord's Dao Field.

As evening fell, Lan Chang'an returned and saw the beautiful woman in the purple dress with True Core cultivation; she looked somewhat familiar.

On the eve of Mu Bingyun's death, this woman visited the Jade Moon Lake Mu Family with Li Congren; at that time, she was still a young girl.

Lan Chang'an did not make a public appearance at the time. Apart from seeing Mu Bingyun for the last time, he spoke privately with Li Congren.

"Greetings, True Lord Lu. I am Li Huizhu, the clan leader of the Xuemei Mountain Li Clan..."

A tall, handsome man in white came into view, Li Huizhu's heart surged with emotion. She immediately bowed deeply.

As one of the contributors to the revision of "The Legend of Changqing" and "The Travels of the Profound Turtle," she had long admired the most legendary True Lord of the Liang Kingdom.

She believed that among the cultivators of later generations, none understood True Lord Changqing better than herself.

At this moment, the legend came to life, and she finally met True Lord Changqing in person, naturally she was extremely excited.

"Come in."

Lan Chang'an beckoned, activating the array Restriction to allow Li Huizhu to enter the Evergreen Peak Daoist Field.

Inside the cave, Lan Chang'an and Li Huizhu talked for less than half an hour.

Through Li Huizhu's account, Lan Chang'an learned about the current situation of the Xuemei Mountain Li Clan.

In the ancestral hall of Xuemei Mountain, the memorial tablet of Li Erqing is placed first, as the progenitor of the Li clan who cultivates immortality; the founding ancestor Li Congren is placed second.

Lan Chang'an thought to himself that if Xiao Qingshan could return to the Great Qing Liang Kingdom one day and see the bloodline continuing from his Previous Life, he would surely feel gratified.

Li Congren, as Li Erqing's most promising grandson, certainly did not disappoint.

The exchange was too short, and Li Huizhu felt it wasn't enough.

True Lord Lu listened more and learned, and mentioned the Qi Family, where Wuqi Mountain was based, perhaps with some deeper meaning.

The Qi Family are descendants of Lan Chang'an's adoptive father. They have established themselves in the Cultivation World of the Liang Kingdom and regard Guan Qiaozhi as their grandmother.

Leaving the Evergreen Peak Daoist Field, Li Huizhu felt somewhat disappointed, as she had not received any guidance or fortuitous opportunity from her meeting with True Lord Lu.

This was the treatment her grandfather had enjoyed, but she herself did not.

Since the Treasure Seeking Rat was still at the Changqing Dao Field, Li Huizhu was arranged to stay in a guest room at the Golden Cloud Valley.

Upon returning, she noticed a subtle change in how Golden Cloud Valley treated the cultivators; they were treated with great warmth and courtesy, and no one dared to be negligent in the slightest.

Li Huizhu suddenly realized that she had been too greedy.

Among the many younger generations who visited, she was the only one to be received by True Lord Lu, which in itself carries significant weight.

Although nothing was given, it greatly benefited the Xuemei Mountain Li Clan and had intangible value.

At True Lord Lu's level, his every word and action has a great influence on the outside world, and his decisions can even affect the Cultivation World of the Liang Kingdom.

Three days later.

Li Huizhu finally saw the Treasure Seeking Rat, which had gained a lot of weight, and a huge weight was lifted from her heart.

"It's alright, it's alright."

Li Huizhu examined the Treasure Seeking Rat and found it unharmed. It seemed to have eaten something delicious, as its Demon Power was surging and its aura was purer.

The Treasure Seeking Rat is only at the peak of the second tier, while the Tier 4 Rat King's slightest leak is a significant fortuitous opportunity for the former.

Li Huizhu was unable to bid farewell to True Lord Lu in person. Instead, she led the Treasure Seeking Rat to the Evergreen Peak Daoist Field, bowed deeply, and then returned to her clan with satisfaction.

Inside the underground palace of Changqing Peak.

"I didn't expect that you, a mere Rat Demon, would still care about relationships and lend a helping hand to a junior like me."

Lan Chang'an said with a half-smile.

"One who stays near vermilion gets stained red, and one who stays near ink gets stained black. The Little Mouse learned human kindness only because it was positively influenced by its owner."

Di Yan Jun shrank his neck, looking somewhat guilty and shy.

It wondered to itself, "Could it be that the owner discovered I was using the Little Gold of resources?"

Having served as the Cloud Glow Sect's Sacred Beast for so many years, and occasionally venturing out to freeload, and having weathered the Demon-Monster Turmoil, Di Yan Jun had also amassed his own private Little Gold.

Lan Chang'an did not dwell on the matter.

Although the ancestral bond had faded and there were no outstanding debts, his relationship with the Earth Rock Rat and the Xuemei Mountain lineage was still good.

Xuemei Mountain Li Clan is accomplished and filial, so it's no trouble to lend a helping hand.

To Lan Chang'an's regret, Fairy Shi's adopted son, "Shi Xiaochuan," did not come.

Years ago, Jiang Yechen was made the scapegoat, which caused Lu Chang'an great distress and losses. Lan Chang'an felt indebted to him and, before parting, made a promise to do someone a favor.

However, Jiang Yechen was quite proud and refused to accept Lan Chang'an's favor.

He said: If Lan Chang'an is willing, he will pass this promise on to Fairy Shi's adopted son, Shi Xiaochuan.

Therefore, the only promise Lan Chang'an owed in the Liang Kingdom fell to Shi Xiaochuan.

Shi Xiaochuan possesses High-Grade Spiritual Root and a high talent for formations. He received considerable training and effort from Jiang Yechen and Shi Manrong.

Today, Shi Xiaochuan is also a well-known Core Formation True Person and a third-tier array master in the Liang Kingdom.

When Lan Chang'an returned Nascent Soul Formation, neither Jiang Yechen nor Shi Xiaochuan came to pay their respects.

This adoptive father and son were quite talented and proud, and probably disdained to flatter or fawn over their superiors.

It should be noted that even Mu Jiuan's wife Yu Yufu, from the Golden Sun Sect, which was in a different camp, came to offer her congratulations in person, but she did not stay and left a congratulatory letter.

"The Cultivation World would be much more interesting if there were more cultivators with such unique personalities."

Lan Chang'an smiled, showing no prejudice against it.

He arrived at the deepest part of the Underground Palace, in a heavily Restriction garden Secret Chamber.

The Mystic Heaven Gourd Vine reconnected with the Earth Qi and grew stably. This Underground Palace is also connected to the circular pool on Changqing Peak by a secret passage, located underwater.

The Mystic Water Turtle has more space to move around, which makes it easier for it to cultivate and take care of the Mystic Heaven Gourd Vine.

More than a hundred years have passed since the Mystic Vine sprouted, and its growth has been relatively slow.

However, after growing for so long, the buds of the Mystic Vine have grown a bit and have moved beyond the bud stage.

Based on Lan Chang'an's prediction of the growth pattern of the gourd spirit creature, it has four stages:

Sprouting Stage, Seedling Stage, Initial Flowering Stage, and Fruiting Stage.

The Sprouting Stage is what it looks like at this time.

Once they reach the Seedling Stage, they will grow many true leaves and become more robust.

Initial Flowering Stage, flower buds will form; during the flowering period, the plant will grow and develop fruit.

The Fruiting Stage, which is when the gourd finally matures.

"Without a large amount of lifespan to stimulate reproduction, even if another thousand years pass, it may be difficult to reach the Fruiting Stage."

Lan Chang'an pondered.

Although he currently has plenty of lifespan left, he dares not easily deplete a large portion of it.

The main issue is the uncertainty of returns and risks, making it unsuitable for betting.

If Lesser Mystic Heaven were to be born and some strange phenomena were to occur, wouldn't that be inviting trouble?

Moreover, by shortening his lifespan, he will affect the Law Power his Evergreen Art Technique.

"If I can get an extra sum of free lifespan, I can try making a phased investment."

Having experienced the ordeal of Inner Demon, Lan Chang'an felt that his chances of advancing to the Nascent Spirit Transformation through normal cultivation in this world were slim.

It requires an extraordinary fortuitous opportunity of luck.

The birth of the Xuan Tian Treasure is the greatest fortuitous opportunity and fortune for Lan Chang'an in this life, and he may be able to use it to defy fate.

His original plan for True Lord Qingmu remains unchanged.

If True Lord Qingmu doesn't come knocking within sixty years, Lan Chang'an will take the initiative.

If they don't take the initiative to come to you, it proves that they are feeling guilty and don't have much confidence in their abilities.

After all, given Lan Chang'an's current strength, even if he were to join forces with Di Yan Jun, it wouldn't be easy for a Nascent Soul Middle Stage cultivator to kill him.

In the span of sixty years, Lan Chang'an has a lot of room for improvement.

As for the issue of sensing the Evergreen Art, Lan Chang'an could try sealing his magic Law Power, using the [Black Wind Cloak] to isolate himself, and then riding Spirit Pet or Puppet to the Central Region.

Moon Empress.

Zhang Tieshan began his plan to transform Black Sky Wings.

Because it was a customized plan, Lan Chang'an needed to work with Zhang Tieshan to refine and coordinate the entire process.

Black Sky Wings has no shortage of main materials and doesn't need many new materials; the main focus is on modification, hence its placement in front of the Nail-Head Arrow.

Lan Chang'an obtained the <Mending Heaven Spirit Nourishing Art>, but fortunately it was not Cultivation Method inheritance, but only a secret technique, which was not too difficult to learn.

This method of spiritual cultivation has requirements for Divine Sense that Lan Chang'an is quite compatible with. When he merges with his Fourth Life, his Divine Sense is comparable to that of the peak of the Nascent Soul Middle Stage realm, which can accelerate his entry into the path.

After mastering the basics of the <Mending Heaven Spirit Nourishing Art>, Lan Chang'an gradually devoted his lifespan to nurturing the spirituality within the Black Sky Wings.

The Evergreen Art Skill, combined with the effects of the Mending Heaven Spirit Nourishing Art, made Zhang Tieshan envious.

He had been practicing this ancient secret technique of weapon crafting for many years, but had not yet achieved even a minor level of mastery.

In terms of both talent for cultivation and actual results, Zhang Tieshan could not compare to Lan Chang'an.

The Artifact Spirit the Spirit Treasure artifact was somewhat tempted, hoping that Lan Chang'an would reach a high level of mastery and help it recover and grow in the future.

Zhang Tieshan was secretly on guard; he couldn't let Lan Chang'an abduct Spirit Treasure.

Six months later.

Black Sky Wings was finally successfully modified, but encountered some technical difficulties along the way.

The modification of this flying Law Treasure required coordination with Lan Chang'an's <Mending Heaven Spirit Nourishing Art>. Zhang Tieshan also lacked experience, so he slowly advanced and overcame the challenges under the guidance of the Artifact Spirit.

Lan Chang'an obtained the modified Black Sky Wings, which was actually several times smaller than its normal size.

On the surface of the Black Wing, there were a few more newly added Law Treasure and restrictions.

The key to the modification lies at the point where the Black Wing connects to the back.

It turns out that the connection point, which was amplified by bloodline and Black Wing -taming techniques through flesh and blood, was not completely severed.

The influence of Law Power output has now been enhanced, improving the communication between the master's Divine Sense and the Black Wing's spirituality, allowing for more flexible and efficient use.

Zhang Tieshan's reform efforts alone are far from sufficient.

Lan Chang'an devoted more than ten years of his lifespan to this end, using the <Mending Heaven Spirit Nourishing Art> to cultivate the Black Wing' spirituality and strengthen its communication with his own consciousness.

Judging solely from the quality of the Law Treasure, Black Sky Wings has improved compared to before.

Lan Chang'an flew to the Nine Heavens of Astral Wind to test the effects of [Black Sky Wings].

Call!

As the Law Power flowed in, Lan Chang'an felt an invisible wind surge through the world, greatly increasing his speed. The feeling of being pushed back was incredibly exhilarating.

The Black Wing attached to his back, besides gleaming from the Law Treasure's forging, also possessed natural feather patterns that subtly harmonized with the Daoist principles of heaven and earth.

"His speed has indeed reached the Nascent Soul Middle Stage!"

Lan Chang'an was overjoyed.

Black Sky Wings can not only be used for flight, but also in combat, they can be used to unleash black gales that have a certain repelling or binding effect on cultivators of the same level.

Of course, the effect is much less pronounced against Demon King with stronger physiques.

The current Black Sky Wings is more of a general-purpose flying Law Treasure and doesn't necessarily need to be attached to the back.

Lan Chang'an had tried it, and even with his feet on the Black Sky Wings, his escape speed wasn't affected much.

Consuming more Law Power allows Black Sky Wings to grow larger, enabling it to carry others.

Of course, there are also aspects where it falls short of the original Black Sky Wings.

The beast-taming secret technique activated by the True Lord Black Feather's bloodline made the Black Sky Wings feel like his own flesh and blood wings. Lan Chang'an was indeed no match for that kind of highly agile aerial combat ability and movement Movement Method.

Lan Chang'an was content; he didn't want to actually become a birdman.

This deficiency can be compensated for by using <Illusion Wood Clone>.

With his Evergreen Art cultivation using the Evergreen Technique, and his willingness to invest his lifespan in the future, Black Sky Wings still has the potential to improve, and can at least be used Nascent Soul Late Stage.

Two more months passed.

Lan Chang'an turned 413 years old and spent his first year back in Great Qing.

On this day, he arrived at the Qunying Mountain in Golden Cloud Valley.

Those cultivators who have made contributions to the sect or died in battle will be buried here.

In the few days after Lan Chang'an returned to Golden Cloud Valley, he visited Qunying Mountain to pay his respects at Zhao Siyao's tombstone.

I came again today because Zhao Tan'er has returned.

After returning to her sect, Zhao Tan'er's first act was not to visit Lan Chang'an, but to go to her master's tomb.

Before Zhao Siyao's tombstone stood a graceful woman in a green dress, about twenty years old, with eyebrows like emerald feathers and skin like snow.

"Uncle Lu, you've arrived!"

Zhao Tan'er's black hair cascaded down her back as she turned to look at Lan Chang'an. Her eyes were clear and bright, though the corners of her eyes were slightly red.

Nearly a century later, the white-clad man in my memory remains as youthful as ever, though a few strands of silver have appeared in his black hair, adding to the weathered look of time.

Nearly two hundred years after her master's death, Zhao Tan'er's emotions had long since faded.

Except for the first few decades, when I frequently visited him, I initially cried until my tears ran dry.

Time can wash away and fade many things.

However, when her close elders returned after nearly a century, it stirred up Zhao Tan'er's deepest emotions, including her past grief and guilt.

Zhao Tan'er never blamed Uncle Lu for her master's death; instead, she felt more self-reproach.

But a question lingered in her mind.

Did Uncle Lu develop genuine feelings for his master? During their final days in Golden Cloud Valley, the three of them often gathered, enjoying each other's company. Was there no other choice but to leave?

I heard that Uncle Lu once suggested to his master that he take the latter with him on the run, but was refused.

Tonight, Uncle Lu has achieved the Nascent Soul True Lord and returned to his hometown in glory. Zhao Tan'er couldn't bring herself to say these words.

Because time has proven that Uncle Lu made the right choice.

If Master were alive today, he would be gratified to see this outcome.

It wasn't wrong of Master not to leave back then.

Without a name or status, running away with Lan Chang'an and abandoning the sect where he had cultivated for two hundred years, Zhao Siyao couldn't do it.

Lan Chang'an and Zhao Tan'er sat in front of the tomb, without any restrictions on cultivation level or seniority, like an ordinary uncle and nephew, catching up and chatting for a long time.

Zhao Tan'er has already cultivated to the Late Core Formation, which is quite remarkable considering her talent.

Before Lan Chang'an left, he left her Breakthrough Pill for the Late Core Formation realm, asking Zhang Tieshan to take care of her.

The Breakthrough Pill Late Core Formation realm was a spoil of war from True Lord Chahai Shahai, originally intended as a reward for his subordinates.

At first, Zhao Tan'er didn't want to use the Breakthrough Pill, but she failed to break through once.

Later, when the situation in the Demonic Path War became critical, Zhao Tan'er finally used Breakthrough Pill, and with Zhang Tianfeng's help and guidance, she finally broke through this barrier.

During their reminiscing, Zhao Tan'er mentioned Lin Lu, a close friend from their youth, who had joined the Demonic Path path and advanced to the False Core before dying on the battlefield, leaving behind offspring.

"Back then, your master died at the hands of ' True Person Black Crow,' a direct enemy. Uncle Lu killed that bastard back in the Fengyuan Kingdom."

"However, your master's grudge has not been completely settled."

Lan Chang'an stated calmly.

The True Person Black Crow's targeting of Zhao Siyao on the Demonic Path battlefield was either to curry favor with the Peacock Saintess or perhaps hinted at by the latter.

Later, Lan Chang'an orchestrated the capture of the Peacock Saintess, who became a prisoner and suffered damage to her Dao foundation, leaving her with no hope of reaching the Nascent Soul Realm.

This retaliation is actually quite similar.

However, Lan Chang'an's personal grudges are far from over!

The grudge stemmed from the Peacock Saintess's pursuit; back then, she was high and mighty, yet she dared to try and subjugate Lan Chang'an into slavery.

Later, True Lord Wanhe's plan to lure and ambush them was foiled by Lan Chang'an, and the plan failed.

If the opportunity arises in the future, or if the Demonic Path War realms resumes, Lan Chang'an will seek revenge.

"Uncle Lu, your sacrifices and revenge for Master have been enough. Don't risk jeopardizing the peaceful relationship between the two camps."

Zhao Tan'er advised.

Lan Chang'an nodded, indicating that he would not force the issue.

"Uncle Lu, you once said that cultivators are reincarnated, and that you even witnessed it with your own eyes. Later, when Tan'er checked the ancient texts, she found that this often happened to powerful beings."

Zhao Tan'er pursed her lips, seemingly reproachful, believing that Lan Chang'an was coaxing her at that time.

Zhao Tan'er naturally didn't know that Lan Chang'an hadn't lied to her. The [Nine Imprint Tablet] involved the Principle of reincarnation, allowing her to witness the reincarnation of her old friends, and even awakening one of them.

"In today's Cultivation World, Nascent Soul Cultivator can barely be considered a powerful being. Perhaps once Uncle Lu's cultivation and Divine Ability improve further, he might be able to find your master's reincarnation," Lan Chang'an said, half-jokingly.

He once used the Nine Imprint Tablet to unlock the power of his Fourth Life, leaving Reincarnation Mark on both Li Erqing and Zhao Siyao.

It has been confirmed that the [Nine Imprint Tablet] can make it easier for cultivators from Previous Life with whom he has karmic ties to meet in their next life.

Zhao Siyao has not encountered any Reincarnation Mark in her next life so far, perhaps because she has not visited enough places.

Then, Moon Empress...

Lan Chang'an instructed Zhao Tan'er in cultivation and Divine Ability, including practical sparring. Among the descendants of his old friends, only Zhao Tan'er could enjoy such treatment.

Lan Chang'an has settled down in Golden Cloud Valley and is planning to visit the headquarters of the Feng Kingdom Dao Defense Alliance Headquarters soon.

Upgrading the quality of the Nail-Head Arrow still requires a lot of materials, mainly the materials for the spike head.

The nail head should be reinforced with high-quality materials to enhance attack power, in order to withstand the stronger Law Treasure's forging restrictions.

Fortunately, the main material has high growth potential, so as long as Lan Chang'an is willing to expend his lifespan, he can continuously improve the grade and spirituality of the Soul Nourishing Wood.

The Soul Nourishing Wood" doesn't simply mean "nourishing" in the literal sense; that's the basic function of ordinary Soul Nourishing Wood below the third rank. As a precious spiritual wood in the Cultivation World, it excels in condensing, amplifying, and transmitting spiritual power. Soul Nourishing Wood above the fourth rank can withstand even stronger Soul-Cultivation Law Treasure Treasures.

Lan Chang'an received a commendation from the Dao Defense Alliance for his meritorious service last time, and this time he plans to try his luck to see if he can obtain the necessary materials for refining weapons and puppets.

Lan Chang'an naturally wouldn't reveal his whereabouts when he went out.

The fourth level of Divination Art can even predict the schedule in advance and choose an auspicious day for travel.

Ten days later.

When outside forces learned of the recent whereabouts of "True Lord Changqing," he had already arrived in the Feng Kingdom Cultivation World.

Feng Kingdom is located in the southern part of the Liang Kingdom. Its territory spans a vast area, and at its peak, it bordered surrounding cultivation kingdoms such as Chen Kingdom, Yan Kingdom, and Heng Kingdom.

As Lan Chang'an crossed the border, he activated his Nascent Soul Escape Light, revealing his identity. The patrolling cultivators made a quick confirmation but dared not verify it personally, instead reporting it immediately.

The Feng Kingdom's Sensing Array detected Lan Chang'an's Nascent Soul Law Power Escape Light pinpointed his approximate location.

Not long after.

A Nascent Soul level aura of Law Power power approached.

"Is the visitor the True Lord Changqing?"

In the distance, a burly man with a red face, dressed in a python robe, appeared, standing atop the Windmill Artifact- shaped vehicle that was about ten feet long.

The windmill-like vehicle had a simple and ancient design, with a wind turbine cabin at the front that could carry people and goods, and a deck on top.

"It is indeed I, Lu. And you are...?"

Lan Chang'an responded.

"Yin Yuanhai, the Palace Master of the Boundless Hall, has come to meet True Lord Lu on the orders of my master, Chu Tianfeng."

The burly, red-faced man smiled broadly, bowed respectfully, and opened the suspended door of the windmill vehicle.

"So it was True Lord Yin."

Lan Chang'an sensed this person's Law Power; he should have advanced to the Nascent Soul Realm within the last sixty years, not too far behind his own.

With Nascent Soul Middle Stage stage expert presiding over the Boundless Hall, it wouldn't be difficult to reach the level of three Nascent Soul True Lord in peacetime.

However, in the past Demonic Path War factions, a Nascent Soul Early Stage unfortunately perished.

Even when facing top-tier Devil Dao Sect in the Great Qing Realm, leaving Nascent Soul cultivation doesn't always guarantee survival.

After advancing to the Nascent Soul Realm, Yin Yuanhai took charge of managing the Boundless Hall; Chu Tianfeng served as the Dao Defense Alliance, overseeing the overall situation.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Lan Chang'an, hosted by Yin Yuanhai, entered the interior of the rustic windmill vehicle.

Inside the windmill, a True Core cultivator and several Pseudo-Core True Person activated the array, their speed in traversing the wind was no less than that of Late Core Formation.

"By the way, I've heard that Alliance Leader Chu has a genius disciple named Situ Lan. Why haven't I heard any news about him attempting to break through to the Nascent Soul Realm?"

After a brief chat, Lan Chang'an tentatively asked...

In his mind, Situ Lan was Chu Tianfeng's most talented disciple.

"I, Yin, and Situ Brother Situ are like brothers, with an extremely good relationship. Back then, Situ was the number one candidate in the sect to Nascent Soul Formation, but unfortunately, he had other plans and dared not easily Nascent Soul Formation. That's why the fortuitous opportunity to Nascent Soul Formation a Nascent Soul fell to me."

Yin Yuanhai was filled with emotion when he recalled the past.

He was a bit older than Situ Lan, and the quality of his pills was slightly inferior to Situ Lan's.

If I miss that opportunity, I'm afraid I'll never have a chance to Nascent Soul Formation in this lifetime.

Lan Chang'an suddenly realized why this man had been so hospitable, treating him like an old friend.

But due to unforeseen circumstances, Yin Yuanhai will not accept this "favor," and at most, he will have a slightly better impression of Lan Chang'an.

Let's skip this topic.

Yin Yuanhai changed the subject, saying with great interest:

"I heard that True Lord Lu, together with a fourth-tier Spirit Pet, defeated True Lord Black Feather. Such news is truly exhilarating. Daoist Lu, your Nascent Soul Formation time should be not far off from mine. Would you have the opportunity to spar with True Lord Lu one-on-one and learn from him?"

(End of this chapter)