Lan Chang'an

Biodata

Feature	Detail
Name	Lan Chang'an 14 93 220 240 242 249 266 270 276 326 331 333 334 424 431 454 497
Alias	Wu Dan Shi 230 231 240; Alchemist Wu 240; Turtle Talismans Master 231 240 242; True Person Changqing 266 326 333; Liu Qingyan (disguise) 276; Nie Yuan (disguise) 263 272; True Lord Qingmu (disguise) 451; Xiang Dalong 460; Yuan Gang 520; Liang State's Number One Rogue Cultivator (declined) 326 331 334
Appearance (Current)	Tall, handsome, fair-skinned, and refined white-robed man, with a lofty bearing marked by the vicissitudes of time 486. He appears to be in his thirties or forties, with several strands of silver-white hair 486.
Appearance (Past)	Robust young man (early Qi Refining) 11; Short-bearded youth (Foundation Establishment Initial Stage) 180; Almost the same as five years prior, but with more delicate skin (early Talismans Master) 14; white-bearded elder appearance during his second life 87.
Cultivation Stage	Nascent Soul Middle Stage 468 472 521; Nascent Soul Early Stage Peak 458; Nascent Soul Initial Stage 382; Late Golden Core 331; Golden Core Middle Stage 302; Mid-Grade True Core (after second transformation) 276; True Core Initial Stage (Mana) 266; Core Formation Middle Stage (Divine Sense) 266; Foundation Establishment Late Stage (revealed) 240; Foundation Establishment Middle Stage (as Wu Dan Shi) 231; Foundation Establishment Initial Stage (as short-bearded youth) 180; Qi Refining Fifth Layer (at age 33) 34
Lifespan	More than 1,120 years remaining after taking a Third-Order Longevity Pill 289; 1,047 years after his first Core Formation 266; exceeds five hundred years after taking a Premium Longevity Pill 228 241.
Occupation	Alchemist (Second-Order, then Third-Order) 34 230 231 240 241 281; Talismans Master (First-Order, then Third-Order Grand Talismans Master) 14 76 242 270; Puppet Master (Third-Order, then Fourth-Order) 270 454 464 522; Artifact Refiner (Third-Order) 281 284; Divination Grandmaster (Fourth-Order) 431 422
Affiliation	Xia Clan (externally hired cultivator, then Honorary Elder) 230 231 242; Five Blessings Merchant Guild (member and nominal guest elder) 231 262; Snow Fox Merchant Association (nominal guest elder) 262; Golden Cloud Valley (Guest Elder and later prominent senior figure) 271 327; Cloud Glow Sect (Elder Xiang) 344 375; Azure Sea Merchant Alliance (guest elder) 486 497
Daoist Title	Changqing 266
Spirit Beasts	Earth Rock Rat (Second-Order, Third-Order, then near Late Third-Order) 34 76 93 231 240 249 326 341; Mystic Water Turtle (Second-Order, Third-Order, then Mid Fourth-Order Demon King) 231 270 326 331 505; Di Yan Jun (Fourth-Order spirit beast and companion) 444 464
Residence	Autumn Wind Island Daoist Temple (Jing Nation) 230 231; Clear Sand Bay (Jing Nation) 240 241; cultivation dojo on a Mid Fourth-Order spiritual vein island in the Sunset Clouds Archipelago 497; Cloud Sea Abode in the Heavenly Star Sea 501 522
Notable Skills	Alchemy (refines Foundation Establishment Pills, Heart Calming Pills, Black Dragon Pills) 231 241 281; Talismans refining (Second-Order Middle-Grade, Third-Order Grand Talismans Master) 76 270; Body Refining (Cloud Sand Body Refining Art, Hundred Refinements Vajra, Golden Net Tyrant Body, Blood Prison Dragon Baleful Art) 34 270 285 510; Puppet Refining (Third-Order and Fourth-Order) 270 454 464; Divine Sense (enhanced by Thousand Mechanisms Soul Derivation Art) 444; Divination (Fourth-Order) 424 431; Escape techniques (Earth Escape, Red Sun Blood Transformation Escape, Dragon Riding Technique) 249 333 322 510; Disguise (Hundred Transformations Mask) 231; Illusion Wood Clone 385; Withered Extinction Divine Light 501
Connections	Cold Jade True Person (Snow Fox Merchant Guild) 241 266; Xia Shenglan (Xia Clan) 240; Xia Mingqu (Xia Clan) 230 241 242; Xia Wenyue (Xia Clan and Proud Moon Palace) 230 231 242 454; Fang Zhong (New Moon Merchant Guild) 240 241; Zhao Siyao (Golden Cloud Valley, reincarnation) 76 34 497; Li Erqing 76; Lin Yi 34; Mu Xiuyun (Mu Family) 14 34; Jiang Yechen (Liang State's Number One Rogue Cultivator) 326 331; Chu Tianfeng (Defenders Alliance) 431; Zhang Tianfeng (Golden Cloud Valley) 454; Celestial Master Zhong 454; Puppet Master Wei 327 415; Fairy Zixia 382; Jing Wufeng 341; Wei Dongjun (Azure Sea Merchant Alliance) 497; Zuo Tianxiong (Azure Sea Merchant Alliance) 497; Qiu Luoyan (Azure Sea Merchant Alliance) 497
Known Relatives	Lin Lu (Lin Yi's sixth son, Lan Chang'an's descendant) 34
Notable Items	Top-Grade Magic Item (black long rod) 180; Hundred Transformations Mask 231; Nine Imprint Tablet 251 287; Nail-Head Arrows 271 415; Black Wind Cloak 401 460; Green Profound Sword Formation 443 451; Heaven-Splitting Axe 475 501; Mystic Heaven Gourd Vine 276 344 464

Appearance and Personality

Lan Chang'an is consistently depicted as a tall, jade-like, and handsome man, often seen in white clothes, exuding a gentle, serene, and refined temperament 184 242 266 267 326 454. His appearance is noted for its extraordinary and outstanding qualities, which become even more pronounced after his advancement to the True Core stage, where he gains an added sense of majesty 266. Despite his striking looks, he maintains a calm and composed demeanor, rarely showing strong emotions 242 269. He is often described as indifferent to fame and fortune, possessing a noble character, and focusing primarily on his cultivation and skills 326 353. His personality is characterized by caution, valuing old friendships, and a disinterest in superficial relationships, particularly after experiencing the dangers of the cultivation world 273 269. He is not arrogant or impetuous, even when his strength surpasses others 205 326.

By the time he resides in the Heavenly Star Sea, he appears as a refined white-robed man in the prime of life, though his deep gaze and bearing reveal centuries of accumulated experience 486. His pursuit of longevity continues to govern his decisions: he rejects methods that impose additional heavenly tribulations, avoids unnecessary battles, and treats strength as a means of survival rather than a source of vanity 263 341.

• Calm and Collected: Maintains a composed demeanor even when his true identity is revealed or when facing advances from others 242 269.
• Refined and Gentle: Frequently described as gentle, serene, and refined, contributing to his outstanding and extraordinary temperament 184 242 266 267.
• Outstanding Appearance: Noted for being tall, jade-like, and handsome, particularly in his white attire 242 266 267.
• Majestic Aura (Post-Core Formation): After forming his True Core, he gains an increased sense of majesty, making his appearance even more striking 266.
• Indifferent to Fame and Fortune: Shows no interest in seeking glory or personal gain, focusing instead on his cultivation path 326 353.
• Values Friendships: Despite his advancements, he remains humble and values his long-standing friendships, such as with Zhao Siyao 273.
• Cautious and Prudent: Emphasizes the dangers of the cultivation world and the need for caution, especially regarding relationships and family 273.
• Disinterested in Romantic Entanglements: Often ignores romantic advances, such as those from Cold Jade True Person, preferring to maintain distance and focus on his goals 269 353. He views physical relationships without real feelings as having waning interest 269.
• Not Arrogant or Impetuous: Even after achieving significant breakthroughs or surpassing others in strength, he remains humble and steady 205 326.
• Dedicated to Cultivation and Skills: His eyes are completely devoid of women, focusing only on cultivation and skills 353.
• Disguise and Identity: Capable of using disguises effectively, such as adopting the identity of a female cultivator, Liu Qingyan, to achieve his goals 276. He is also adept at hiding his true identity when necessary 242 264.
• Sense of Responsibility: Does not like owing others and will repay personal favors, even if it means nominally becoming a retainer 269.
• Long-Term Planner: He prepares for major breakthroughs decades in advance, preferring to strengthen his spirit beasts, puppets, escape methods, and spiritual-venue arrangements before taking risks 228 341 370.
• Restrained and Principled: Although he considers every available escape route during periods of war, he refuses to join the demonic path because it conflicts with his principles and because he does not trust demonic sects 272.
• Measured Mercy: He may aid old acquaintances or vulnerable cultivators, such as Wang Feng, but limits his involvement and avoids taking responsibility for dangers that do not concern him 228 242.
• Emotionally Detached but Not Unfeeling: He accepts loss and separation without allowing regret to undermine his cultivation, including the loss of the Mystic Heaven relic and the passing of former acquaintances 272 322.

Power Progression

Age	Cultivation Stage	Body Refining Stage	Notable Achievements
27	Qi Refining Fourth Layer		Advanced to Qi Refining Fourth Layer after nine years of cultivation 18.
33	Qi Refining Fifth Layer	Second Layer (Cloud Sand Body Refining Art)	Reached Qi Refining Fifth Layer after five years; Body Refining Art entered the second layer, matching mana cultivation progress; became a First-Order Low-Grade Alchemist 34.
48	Qi Refining Seventh Layer		Reached Qi Refining Seventh Layer after more than two years of cultivation in Yellow Dragon Immortal City 56.
60	Qi Refining Ninth Layer		Reached Qi Refining Ninth Layer and began preparing for Foundation Establishment 69.
70	Foundation Establishment Initial Stage	Fourth Layer (Cloud Sand Body Refining Art)	Achieved Foundation Establishment, breaking a millennium record for the Liang State Cultivation World; Body Refinement Fourth Layer significantly enhanced physical strength 64 85 86.
80	Foundation Establishment Initial Stage	Fifth Layer (Cloud Sand Body Refining Art)	Physical strength comparable to a Second-Order mid-stage monster 105.
110	Foundation Establishment Initial Stage	Sixth Layer (Cloud Sand Body Refining Art)	Body Refinement Art reached the sixth level, allowing him to easily tear apart ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators in close combat 143.
114	Foundation Establishment Middle Stage	Sixth Layer (Cloud Sand Body Refining Art)	His cultivation reached the fifth level of Foundation Establishment and was roughly two-thirds through the middle stage 143.
118	Foundation Establishment Initial Stage	Sixth Layer (Cloud Sand Body Refining Art)	Physical body comparable to the Late Stage of Second-Order 150.
137	Foundation Establishment Initial Stage	Seventh Layer (Cloud Sand Body Refining Art)	Cloud Sand Body Refining Art reached its highest, seventh layer 197 202.
140	Foundation Establishment Late Stage	Quasi Third-Order (Cloud Sand Body Refining Art)	Reached Foundation Establishment Late Stage; achieved Quasi Third-Order Body Refinement, a rare attainment in Liang State 203 207.
148	Foundation Establishment Late Stage	Quasi Third-Order (Cloud Sand Body Refining Art)	Cultivation at the seventh level of Foundation Establishment was more than halfway complete 241.
155	Foundation Establishment Late Stage	Quasi Third-Order (Cloud Sand Body Refining Art)	Reached the eighth level of Foundation Establishment 242.
177	Core Formation Initial Stage	Third Layer (Golden Luo Overlord Body)	Body refinement dual cultivation entered the third level for forty years; expected to reach Mid Third-Order within ten years 298.
190	Golden Core Initial Stage	Third-Order (Hundred Refinements Vajra)	Formed a Three-Turn Golden Core after twice dissolving and reforming his core; his Hundred Refinements Vajra reached the seventh layer, corresponding to True Core-level body refinement 269 270 278.
233	Golden Core Middle Stage	Third-Order Middle Stage (Golden Net Tyrant Body)	Advanced to the Golden Core Middle Stage after four years of secluded cultivation and refined a Third-Order Mid-Grade black hawk puppet 302.
300	Core Formation Initial Stage	Third Layer Late Stage (Golden Luo Overlord Body)	Golden Luo Overlord Body broke through to the Late Stage, significantly improving self-preservation 330.
300+	Golden Core Late Stage	Third-Order Late Stage	Reached Late Golden Core cultivation; after three hundred years of cultivation, his strength surpassed that of his previous life and he could contend with an ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator 331.
351	Golden Core Late Stage	Third-Order Late Stage Peak	His auxiliary body refinement reached the peak of Late Third-Order after enduring residual dragonflame 351.
379	Golden Core Late Stage Peak	Quasi Fourth-Order	Reached the peak of Golden Core Late Stage and completed the external preparation for Nascent Soul formation 370 376 385.
380+	Nascent Soul Initial Stage	Quasi Fourth-Order	Advanced to the Nascent Soul Realm; his divine sense immediately matched the peak of the Nascent Soul Initial Stage 382 385.
556	Nascent Soul Initial Stage	Fourth-Order Initial Stage (Golden Luo Overlord Body)	Advanced to Fourth-Order Body Refinement, absorbing demon king essence blood to overcome bottlenecks 473.
570	Nascent Soul Middle Stage	Fourth-Order Initial Stage (Golden Luo Overlord Body)	Advanced to Nascent Soul Middle Stage; Fourth-Order Body Refinement was slowly improving, with no major bottleneck before the peak of the Fourth-Order Initial Stage 468 472.
571	Nascent Soul Middle Stage	Fourth-Order Middle Stage (Golden Luo Overlord Body)	Forcefully broke through body refinement to the Fourth-Order Middle Stage with the Blood Hell Dragon Fiend Art 510 521.

Skills and Abilities

Martial Skills

• Evergreen Art
  • Grade: Not specified, but provides strong recovery power 270.
  • Applications: Used for routine nurturing of Treasure Talismans 270.
  • Additional Effects: Accelerates the growth of spirit plants and spirit beasts, sustains his exceptional vitality, and permits the expenditure of lifespan for certain secret techniques and nurturing efforts 88 228 276.
• Hundred Refinements Vajra
  • Grade: Moderate body refining technique 270.
  • Applications: Cultivated during free time when not practicing Evergreen Art 270.
  • Attainment: Reached its seventh layer, giving Lan Chang'an True Core-level physical strength and pressure of qi and blood close to that of a Third-Order Great Demon 269.
• Golden Net Tyrant Body
  • Grade: Advanced Third-Order body-refinement method 285 297.
  • Applications: Gives him dense golden scales, powerful physical defenses, and improved self-preservation 297.
• Blood Prison Dragon Baleful Art
  • Grade: Fourth-Order body-refinement auxiliary art 501 510.
  • Applications: Uses Dragon Descendant bloodlines and dragon baleful intent to accelerate body-refinement advancement; it enabled his breakthrough to Mid Fourth-Order body refinement after he slew Golden Flood Dragon Jin Chang 501 510.
• Dragon Riding Technique
  • Grade: Nascent Soul-level divine ability 501 510.
  • Applications: Improves escape speed through Dragon Soul Qi. With the support of Wei Lang's Fourth Life talent, Lan Chang'an cultivated it to the fifth layer, corresponding to the Nascent Soul Middle Stage 510.
• Red Sun Blood Transformation Escape
  • Grade: High-level escape art 322 382.
  • Applications: Enables short bursts of extreme speed at the cost of blood essence and lifespan; his powerful body substantially reduces its burden 322 382.
• Illusion Wood Clone
  • Grade: Nascent Soul-level movement divine ability 385.
  • Applications: Produces an illusory wood clone for movement, misdirection, and evasion; he cultivated it to minor accomplishment with the aid of his multiple Nascent Soul life experiences 385.
• Withered Extinction Divine Light
  • Grade: Advanced wood-element divine ability 501.
  • Applications: A vital-energy-consuming technique that Lan Chang'an cultivates as a countermeasure against the Curse of Time and other high-level threats 501.

Professional Skills

• Puppet Skills
  • Grade:
    • Nearly Second-Order Top-Grade 145.
    • Theoretical understanding reached Quasi Third-Order 232.
    • Capable of refining Third-Order Puppets of excellent quality, considered top-notch among Low Third-Order 291.
    • Inheritance includes techniques up to Quasi Fourth-Order Puppets 291.
    • Anticipated to nurture a Fourth-Order Mid-Grade True Puppet Spirit ahead of schedule 510.
    • Refined and controls a Four-Puppet Array, with Puppet Master Wei advancing its construction and operation toward a true Fourth-Order formation 464 473 522.
  • Applications:
    • Refining Puppet Crystals, which are indispensable energy sources for high-level puppets. Third-Order Puppet Crystals imbue puppets with rudimentary intelligence, allowing them to perform simple tasks like guarding, patrolling, and chasing enemies 270.
    • Refining various types of puppets, including Bow and Arrow Puppets 291.
    • Creating a "Puppet Doppelganger" for remote operations, intelligence gathering, resource acquisition, and assassination, though current techniques are ordinary and easily detected by higher-level cultivators 301.
    • Nurturing the Artifact Spirit of the Sky Splitting Axe 510.
    • Possessing the Ghost Path puppet of Puppet Master Wei to accelerate the nurturing of a true Mid Fourth-Order puppet 510.
    • Self-protection and enhancing attack, ambush, and assault capabilities 270.
    • Considered a strong talent, even more suitable than Talismans due to divine sense advantage 100.
    • Controlling the quasi-Fourth-Order Green-Armored Puppet and completing the framework of a Tier Four Puppet Array 327 464 522.
• Pill Refining Skills (Alchemy)
  • Grade:
    • Stabilized at Second-Order Low-Grade about half a year prior 145.
    • Capable of refining Second-Order Spirit Pills that form quickly 228.
    • Successfully refined three Second-Order Low-Grade Return Origin Pills 228.
    • Progressing towards Second-Order Middle-Grade, though still difficult 231.
    • Became a Third-Order Alchemist after successfully refining Black Dragon Pills 281.
  • Applications:
    • Refining various types of pills, including Second-Order Spirit Pills and Return Origin Pills 228 231.
    • Assisting the Xia Clan and fulfilling tasks for the Five Blessings Merchant Guild 231.
    • Despite lacking talent, extensive practice and resources have led to improvement 145 231.
    • Refines and commissions longevity, body-tempering, and breakthrough pills as part of his long-term cultivation preparations 289 403.
• Talismans Art
  • Grade:
    • Capable of refining Middle-Grade and High-Grade Talismans of ordinary quality 60.
    • Preparing to refine Second-Order Talismans after reaching Qi Refining Seventh Layer, with a good chance of success due to strong divine sense 60.
    • Talisman-drawing skill has been stuck at Low Fourth-Order for many years, but a breakthrough is anticipated due to favorable conditions and amplified soul/inspiration from Fourth Life 517.
  • Applications:
    • Creating Talismans for gifts or personal use 60.
    • High-Grade Talismans provide attack power equivalent to a Qi Refining Late-Stage cultivator's spell, activated with minimal mana 60.
    • Benefiting from reduced raw material costs during the Great Tide, allowing for skill advancement 517.
    • Refined powerful Third-Order Treasure Talismans and later uses Fourth-Order talismans in combat and deception 270 320 501.
• Refiner Skills
  • Grade: Not explicitly graded, but contributes to the excellent quality of Third-Order Puppets 291.
  • Applications: Enhances the quality of refined items, specifically noted in puppet creation 291.
  • Later Attainment: Reached Third-Order Artifact Refining and can strengthen puppet components into Dharma Treasure-grade parts alongside his Golden Core True Fire 281 284.
• Soul Secret Techniques
  • Grade: Not specified, but effects are significantly improved when cultivated by Lan Chang'an himself using the Fourth Life 510.
  • Applications: Nurturing the soul wood shaft of the Nail Head Arrow and drawing spirit talismans 510.
• Thousand Mechanisms Soul Derivation Art
  • Grade: Supreme puppet-refining and spiritual-sense secret art of the Thousand Mechanisms Cult's lineage 415.
  • Attainment: Reached the seventh layer, placing his spiritual sense on par with Nascent Soul Middle Stage cultivators; after reaching Nascent Soul Middle Stage, he approached the pinnacle of that layer 444 472.
  • Applications: Enhances puppet-refining success, puppet control, spiritual-sense strength, and the operation of the Puppet Array 415 421 444.

Relationships

Mu Jiuan

Lan Chang'an's relationship with his nephew, Mu Jiuan, is polite but distant 108. When they meet after many years, Mu Jiuan, who holds a high status, gifts Lan Chang'an a bottle of Late Second-Order Yellow Ox Blood Essence 108. Mu Jiuan is visiting the border of the Liang State and plans to leave soon, indicating a transient presence 108. He shows little interest in deepening their relationship, and Lan Chang'an perceives his lack of familial bond 108. Mu Jiuan also reveals complicated feelings towards his father and brother 108.

Shi Manrong

Shi Manrong is portrayed as an elegant, dignified, and independent cultivator with a noble temperament 108. She and Lan Chang'an share a mutual admiration and understanding 108. After her ex-husband, Chen Sheng, causes a commotion at Little Turtle Peak, Shi Manrong invites Lan Chang'an to a banquet at her residence to apologize 108. Their interactions are marked by tension and flirtation, with Shi Manrong attempting to seduce Lan Chang'an 109. However, Lan Chang'an's honesty about not wanting offspring causes her to pull back 108. She is interested in Lan Chang'an's array for her own array path bottleneck 109. Lan Chang'an, however, refuses to let her stay at his residence or study his array 109. They maintain a professional respect, discussing array deployment on Little Turtle Peak 103. Years later, Shi Manrong visits Lan Chang'an, sharing information about a cultivation war and hinting at vague memories of Ancient Ruins 143. She also discusses the possibility of Lan Chang'an attending the funeral of the Yellow Dragon True Person 192. Shi Manrong eventually understands that for Evergreen True Lord's long years, she was just a passerby in a certain stage of his life, and she is satisfied with the beautiful process of their relationship, not seeking status or a final outcome 435.

Guan Qiao Zhi

Guan Qiao Zhi is Daoist Guan's apprentice and develops a close relationship with Lan Chang'an, seeing him as a "half-way Senior Brother" 59. She demonstrates skill in Talisman Paper crafting and cooking 59. Lan Chang'an intervenes when three cultivators harass her and Daoist Guan, using his connection to Golden Cloud Valley to intimidate them 59. She shows ingenuity and dedication in managing and renovating the cave abode and spiritual fields on Little Turtle Peak, working harmoniously with Lan Chang'an 103. Guan Qiao Zhi expresses her desire to be Lan Chang'an's concubine or maid, showing her affection for him, and helps manage his cave dwelling and control his puppets 109. Two years after leaving, she sends letters to Lan Chang'an, informing him that she found her biological parents' hometown but felt no connection, and that she has become the Immortal Guide to a boy with spiritual roots in the Raging River Gang 143.

Shen Bixin

Shen Bixin is an old friend of Lan Chang'an from Liang State 249. She visits him seeking help with a matter involving Wang Feng, the grandson of a Blazing Fire Palace elder 249. She is now married with children, and her cultivation has stagnated at the Foundation Establishment Late Stage Peak 249. They reminisce about the past and discuss Wang Feng's situation, though Lan Chang'an is hesitant to help 249.

Mu Family (Mu Renlong, Mu Chengji, Mu Yunfei, Mu Bingyun)

Lan Chang'an maintains a connection with the Mu Family, showing respect for his past and their clan 94. He visits Mu Maode's grave on Moon Heart Island 94. The Mu Family hosts a banquet for Lan Chang'an, seeking his assistance against the Maple Leaf Huang Family 94. Lan Chang'an offers to sell them a Foundation Establishment Pill for five thousand Spirit Stones, willing to help discreetly but not directly 94.

• Mu Renlong: He and Lan Chang'an share mutual respect and understanding, with Mu Renlong willing to help Lan Chang'an in return for his assistance 94.
• Mu Chengji: The current head of the Mu Family, he is respectful towards Lan Chang'an but struggles to connect with him, resulting in a polite but distant relationship 94.
• Mu Yunfei: An old Mu Family cultivator who was close to Lan Chang'an in the past, he shares a warm, friendly reunion with Lan Chang'an after many years 94.
• Mu Bingyun: Mu Xiuyun's adopted daughter, a young cultivator with a Mid-Grade Spiritual Root, she has a brief, respectful interaction with Lan Chang'an, who recognizes her resemblance to Mu Xiuyun 94. Lan Chang'an later receives letters from her, including news of Mu Congren's advancement to the Foundation Establishment Stage and some bad news 143.

Lin Ye

Lin Ye is Hua Heng's senior brother, a fact revealed during a candid conversation with Lan Chang'an about the situation around Wuqi Mountain 103. Lan Chang'an invites Lin Ye and Shi Manrong to sign a new co-leasing spiritual contract for Little Turtle Peak, and they share a banquet 103.

Zhang Tieshan

Zhang Tieshan is introduced as a capable outer sect disciple of Golden Cloud Valley 12. He seeks Lan Chang'an's help for a sect mission to eliminate a ghost in a dangerous house, but Lan Chang'an refuses due to disproportionate risk and lack of reward 12. Years later, Lan Chang'an visits Zhang Tieshan in Golden Cloud Valley after his return from war 192. They catch up on old times and discuss Lan Chang'an's cultivation progress 192. Later, Lan Chang'an meets with Zhang Tieshan to discuss the refinement of magical artifacts, leading to a secret agreement between them 273. Zhang Tieshan was also one of the close friends of Lin Yi who successfully achieved Foundation Establishment, and he reprimanded Lin Lu, leading to Lin Lu's reform 62 89.

Their relationship develops into one of Lan Chang'an's most enduring friendships. Zhang Tieshan provides the Dust-Returning Core Transformation Method through a secret transaction, helps refine Lan Chang'an's Nail-Head Arrows, and secures his appointment as Golden Cloud Valley's Guest Elder 217 271 415. As Sect Leader Zhang Tianfeng, he later entrusts Lan Chang'an with Golden Cloud Valley during wartime, while Lan Chang'an respects him as an old friend who values loyalty and affection 327 403.

Zhao Siyao

Zhao Siyao is an old friend of Lan Chang'an. She teases Lan Chang'an about his relationship with Guan Qiao Zhi, to which Lan Chang'an remains indifferent 59. Lan Chang'an visits her in Golden Cloud Valley after her return from war 192. They discuss their past kindnesses and the possibility of Lan Chang'an achieving Pseudo-Core status 192. Their interaction is filled with mutual respect and appreciation, with Zhao Siyao expressing a desire to repay Lan Chang'an's kindness and discussing the possibility of him finding a Dao Companion 192. A century later, Lan Chang'an meets Zhao Siyao again; she has formed a Pseudo-Core while he achieved a True Core 273. She initially avoids him due to embarrassment but eventually meets him to discuss their cultivation paths 273. Zhao Siyao accepts her Pseudo-Core status, is content with her life, and is willing to help others 273. Lan Chang'an plans to visit Li Erqing with her 273. Zhao Siyao was also one of the close friends of Lin Yi who successfully achieved Foundation Establishment 89.

Lan Chang'an later places a Reincarnation Mark on Zhao Siyao, allowing him to sense her approximate location after reincarnation 291 350. Her death and tomb remain deeply connected to his return to Golden Cloud Valley, where he pays respects after more than a century away 327.

Zhao Tan'er

Zhao Tan'er is Zhao Siyao's disciple. She is lively, bold, and straightforward, showing rapid cultivation progress 192 273. She is anxious for her master and Lan Chang'an's relationship 273. Lan Chang'an interacts with her, and they drink together, with Lan Chang'an advising her about her master's feelings 273.

She later reunites with Lan Chang'an at Golden Cloud Valley, expresses her feelings and guilt, and returns to the battlefield after their meeting 327. Though their relationship is affected by Lan Chang'an's refusal to become Dao companions with Zhao Siyao, he continues to guide her combat cultivation and treat her as a junior of an old friend 271 281.

Lin Lu

Lin Lu is the descendant of Lan Chang'an's old friend, Lin Yi 62 89. After Lin Yi's death, Lin Lu initially squandered his inheritance and associated with unsavory characters 62. However, after being reprimanded by Zhang Tieshan, he reformed and resolved to improve himself 62. He now lives a steady life in Yellow Dragon Immortal City, diligently cultivating, and occasionally visits Lan Chang'an to show his respect 89. Lan Chang'an's attitude towards him gradually changed over time 89. Lin Lu later becomes a Golden Cloud Valley deacon and establishes several generations of descendants, maintaining his connection to Lan Chang'an 162.

Xia Wenyue

Xia Wenyue initially serves as the frail steward of Autumn Wind Island after Lan Chang'an accepts an external appointment from the Xia Clan 223. Lan Chang'an guides her cultivation and helps her switch to the Ice Seal Ancient Scroll, where her Innate Dao Body gives her cultivation speed and spell power beyond ordinary Earth Spiritual Root cultivators 241. Although she harbors feelings for him, Lan Chang'an remains restrained and eventually leaves Jing Kingdom without a formal farewell 263.

More than a century later, Xia Wenyue's feelings have gradually faded, though she remains connected to Lan Chang'an through Proud Moon Palace and their shared cultivation circumstances 332 415. Lan Chang'an later entrusts a Tier Four puppet to her protection and secretly continues cultivating the Dragon-Phoenix Dual Cauldron Method with her 444.

Puppet Master Wei

Puppet Master Wei becomes Lan Chang'an's subordinate after Lan Chang'an subjugates the quasi-Fourth-Order puppet that houses him 327. They form a mutually beneficial agreement: Wei assists in forging a true Fourth-Order puppet and teaches Lan Chang'an the Thousand Mechanisms Cult's core puppet arts, while Lan Chang'an promises to assist Wei's eventual return and revenge against the Thousand Mechanisms Cult 341 415.

Wei later reveals the Thousand Mechanisms Soul Derivation Art, becoming a crucial contributor to Lan Chang'an's rapid growth in divine sense and puppet mastery 415 421. By the time Lan Chang'an resides in the Heavenly Star Sea, Wei handles intelligence gathering, clandestine transactions, and the repetitive work of upgrading their Fourth-Order puppets, allowing Lan Chang'an to concentrate on cultivation and divine abilities 501.

Fairy Zixia

Fairy Zixia is a Nascent Soul True Lord of the Cloud Glow Sect who becomes one of Lan Chang'an's closest allies in the Great Abyss 344 363. Her regular summons and their increasingly frequent meetings lead to rumors regarding their relationship 375. She supports Lan Chang'an's position within the sect, while he assists its interests and later joins her in receiving guests at his Nascent Soul Ceremony 364 382.

After Lan Chang'an reaches the Nascent Soul Middle Stage, the Dragon-Phoenix Dual Cauldron Method allows their monthly Dao discussions to improve his cultivation efficiency 472. He nevertheless remains conscious of the political and personal risks of emotional entanglement 375.

Jing Wufeng

Jing Wufeng is a mysterious outer-region cultivator with an Immortal Golden Core, Voidless Dao Body, and exceptional spatial and wind escape arts 341. His presence initially draws the Fourth-Order Stone-Heart Dragon toward Lan Chang'an, leading Lan Chang'an to abandon him during their first dangerous encounter 341. They later negotiate guardedly: Lan Chang'an provides information about the Great Abyss, while Jing gives him a Fourth-Order dragon claw and scale 341.

Jing proposes hunting the Stone-Heart Dragon together in the future and offers Lan Chang'an the Stone Dragon Heart and Essence Spirit Great Pill in exchange for one favor, but Lan Chang'an keeps the arrangement open rather than agreeing immediately 341 475.

History and Background

Lan Chang'an's existence spans multiple lifetimes, each contributing to his unique understanding of cultivation and the world. His journey began not in the cultivation world, but on Earth, before he transmigrated, marking the start of his first life in a new realm 1 288.

In his initial foray into the cultivation world, Lan Chang'an was a rogue cultivator with mediocre aptitude. Despite these limitations, he managed to reach the ninth layer of Qi Refining, excelling primarily in drawing talismans. This life, however, was cut short when he died in a duel while vying for a Foundation Establishment opportunity 1.

His second life saw him reborn into a cultivation family, this time possessing a High-Grade Spiritual Root. Leveraging the cultivation experience and talisman skills from his first life, he progressed rapidly, reaching the peak of the Core Formation late stage. Despite this glory, he ultimately failed to break through to the Nascent Soul stage and perished 1.

The current life is Lan Chang'an's third. He was adopted by the leader of the Raging River Gang in Hengshui Prefecture, displaying exceptional martial arts talent from a young age and becoming a second-rate expert in the martial world. His path was set to inherit the gang leadership until, at the age of 110, he encountered a Taoist priest who revealed his spiritual root, a Mid-Grade Spiritual Root, fundamentally altering his destiny 1 143. During the third trial of Golden Cloud Valley, on the Illusory Heart Platform, he recovered the memories of his previous two lives 1.

At 33 years old in this third life, Lan Chang'an reached the Qi Refining Fifth Layer, while his Body Refining Art entered its second layer, a pace maintained by financial support, dedicated time, and the self-healing properties of the Evergreen Art. He also became a First-Order Low-Grade Alchemist. During this period, he received updates from Lin Yi and Zhao Siyao, and was offered a position as chief Talismans Master by the Mu Family for their new shop 34.

Lan Chang'an later achieved Foundation Establishment in his seventies, a feat that broke a millennium-old record in the Liang State's Cultivation World. This accomplishment brought him recognition, with many Foundation Establishment cultivators seeking him out for recruitment and social interaction. Despite the attention, he remained humble, focusing on strengthening his self-protection and preparing for Core Formation 85 88.

Two years after Guan Qiao Zhi's departure, Lan Chang'an, now 110, learned she had become an Immortal Guide to a boy with spiritual roots in the Raging River Gang. He also received news of a cultivation war in neighboring countries and broke through to the sixth level of his Body Refinement Art. Letters from Li Erqing and Mu Bingyun brought news of Mu Congren's advancement to the Foundation Establishment Stage 143.

A significant turning point occurred when Lan Chang'an fulfilled the last wish of Li Huo Shangren, a Nascent Soul cultivator. This act, facilitated by the Nine Imprint Tablet, allowed Li Huo Shangren's life to become Lan Chang'an's fourth past life. This transformation was distinct from soul-searching; it was an application of reincarnation power, settling a karmic debt and breaking a shackle. The Nine Imprint Tablet, which functions like a special Profound Heaven Treasure containing the law of reincarnation, enabled this process. This experience provided Lan Chang'an with a deeper understanding of the tablet's capabilities and the profound implications of reincarnation 259 287.

The memories of this Nascent Soul past life, which were more than ten times greater than the sum of his previous three lives, surged into his consciousness, feeling like a missing piece of memory being recalled. This fourth life, referred to as "Poor Daoist," was characterized by a remarkably smooth initial few hundred years 287 288. The insights and experiences from this Nascent Soul Tribulation were invaluable, building upon the foundation provided by his Qi Refining and Core Formation past lives, which had been crucial for his survival in the Cultivation World 287. With this newfound knowledge, Lan Chang'an gained insights into cultivation methods, divine powers, spells, and skills that Li Huo Shangren had cultivated 287.

After this awakening, Lan Chang'an became more indifferent and aloof, prioritizing his cultivation goals over personal relationships. He hired Immortal Maiden Shi to repair a damaged quasi-Fourth-Order Array Formation and then returned to the Liang State Cultivation World under the identity of Lu Chi, renting a Third-Order Spiritual Vein on Yellow Dragon Mountain to prepare for his Core Transformation 275.

He later placed Reincarnation Marks on two old friends, Li Erqing and Zhao Siyao, allowing him to sense their approximate locations in their future reincarnations. This ability, he speculated, might allow him to renew immortal fates, a concept explored by ancient mighty figures 291 350.

Lan Chang'an's fourth life also brought a sense of familiarity with Yun Ling, a descendant of his fourth life, whose appearance resembled his most beloved Dao companion from that life. He speculated that his fourth life might have been a simulation of a Nascent Soul True Lord's life, forcibly integrated by the Nine Imprint Tablet 300.

More than half a year later, Lan Chang'an achieved Mid Third-Order High-Grade in Divination, adding it to his existing Mid Third-Order skills in Weapon Refinement and Talismans 318. He then sensed another cultivator of the Evergreen Art in the Great Azure territory and decided to visit the Profound Sound Pavilion's new Mountain Gate, accepting an invitation from Ni Yue Fairy. He took Yun Ling as his maidservant, continuing a predestined fate from a past life 311.

For eleven years, Lan Chang'an cultivated steadfastly and low-key in the Cloudglow Sect, reaching 336 years of age. During this time, he confirmed Xiao Qingshan's superior yin-yang dual cultivation talent 353.

He embarked on a journey to the Central Region to refine the Nascent Soul Transformation Pill, planning to "tour" most of the region, concealing his identity and passing through various Immortal Cities, while avoiding war zones. During his travels, he used Divination to train his skills and occasionally divined small fortunes for others 383.

Later, Lan Chang'an modified his Black Sky Wing with Zhang Tieshan's help, enhancing its speed and flexibility. He visited Zhao Siyao's tomb with Zhao Tan'er, guiding her cultivation, before traveling to Feng Nation, where he was greeted by Yin Yuanhai, a Nascent Soul cultivator from the Boundless Hall 420.

He acquired core inheritances and unique skills from the Blood Bat King and Violet Illusion True Lord through the Nine Imprint Tablet, though he could not simulate a full reincarnation for them as he had with Li Huo Shangren. He also gained significant material reserves from their storage items 461.

Lan Chang'an's fourth life, Purple Flame Daoist, had its radiance dimmed, and his Divine Sense fell to the peak of the Nascent Soul Middle Stage. He then used the Nine Imprint Tablet to devour the two sealed Nascent Soul spiritual bodies, causing the sixth life frame imprint on the tablet to light up 461.

He began preparing to go to Great Kun, a place he was familiar with from a previous life, including his family from that life. He also had clues in his memory about another volume of the Evergreen Art 474.

Yan Donglai, intrigued by Lan Chang'an's potential and his connection to Ouyang Zi's reincarnation, tracked down clues about Lan Chang'an's previous life in Fengyuan State, believing him to be the person he had awaited for countless years 478.

Lan Chang'an initiated his fourth reincarnation within the Nine Imprint Tablet, experiencing the life of Wei Lang, a Heavenly Spiritual Root genius and prodigy in music from a sea merchant family of the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance. This was his second transformation experience, allowing him to enter Wei Lang's life and then observe it from a third-person perspective 509. He also reviewed his first life, confirming that its memories, though brief, were covered by his second life's experiences and Talismans skills 480. He also read scattered memory fragments from the vast and chaotic memories of the Great Elder Bihai, whose life had not yet transformed into a full reincarnation 508.

After forming his True Core, Lan Chang'an chose the moderate Hundred Refinements Vajra rather than Xiang Jinglong's Earthly Baleful Heaven-Supporting Technique. Although the latter offered superior raw power, it would impose a further heavenly tribulation at the Fourth Order, conflicting with Lan Chang'an's health-nurturing pursuit of longevity 262 263. He subsequently cultivated Hundred Refinements Vajra to its seventh layer and used the Dust-Returning Core Transformation Method to carry out his second Core Dissolution and Liquid Reversion 269 270.

His third and final Core Transformation was completed in Moon-Gazing Immortal City. The resulting Three-Turn Golden Core gave him a profound foundation, while his Nail-Head Arrows, Third-Order puppets, and Treasure Talismans ensured that he no longer possessed a major shortcoming among True Core cultivators 271 272. He also learned that the withered Mystic Wood Gourd Vine he had long nurtured was an unformed Mystic Heaven supreme treasure, accepting this lost opportunity without abandoning his effort to restore the vine 272 276.

During his Golden Core years, Lan Chang'an refined Third-Order puppets, developed a puppet assassin identity, and reached Golden Core Middle Stage while living in Fengyuan Kingdom 298 302. He later returned to Liang Kingdom, resumed his association with Golden Cloud Valley, subjugated Puppet Master Wei's quasi-Fourth-Order puppet, and became one of the sect's most influential figures 326 327. After three hundred years of cultivation, he had reached Late Golden Core and judged that his accumulated strength already allowed him to maneuver against ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators 331.

Lan Chang'an then entered the Great Abyss and temporarily settled in Wanfeng Sect territory, where he prepared a Fourth-Order spiritual venue, upgraded the Green-Armored Puppet, and planned for Nascent Soul formation decades in advance 341. He eventually gathered the necessary Infant Transformation resources, including tribulation-resolving treasures, Nascent Soul-forming spiritual objects, and medicines to resist the heart tribulation 370.

After forming his Nascent Soul, Lan Chang'an re-refined his magic treasures with Nascent Soul true fire and held a ceremony attended by regional powers. His spiritual sense upon entering the Nascent Soul Realm already equaled that of a peak Nascent Soul Initial Stage cultivator, providing a decisive advantage in puppet control, divination, and magical-treasure use 382. He unsuccessfully attempted Fourth-Order body refinement during seclusion, but loosened the bottleneck and reached quasi-Fourth-Order body cultivation instead 385.

Lan Chang'an later returned to Great Qing, became a leading figure in the Dao Defense Alliance, and reached the peak of Nascent Soul Initial Stage after decades of secluded cultivation 451 458. He used the Black Wind Cloak, Fourth-Order Divination, and Nail-Head Arrow to assassinate True Lord Chilian while concealing his involvement, drawing the suspicion of Emperor Yu and the Great Dayu imperial clan 460. His body refinement subsequently entered the Fourth Order with aid from the Mystic Water Turtle's essence blood, and he completed four Fourth-Order puppets for the initial form of his Tier Four Puppet Array 464.

In Great Kun and the Heavenly Star Sea, Lan Chang'an acquired the subsequent portion of the Evergreen Art and advanced to the Nascent Soul Middle Stage 467 468. He joined the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance, continued stockpiling rare resources, and cultivated in relative peace at Cloud Sea Abode while Puppet Master Wei handled intelligence and the production of an upgraded Fourth-Order puppet 486 501.

By hunting Dragon Descendants and combining their bloodline materials with the Blood Prison Dragon Baleful Art, Lan Chang'an progressively strengthened his physique toward the peak of Fourth-Order Initial Stage 501. After defeating and refining the gains from Golden Flood Dragon Jin Chang, he forcefully broke through to Fourth-Order Middle Stage body refinement. Wei Lang's Fourth Life also enabled him to cultivate the Dragon Riding Technique to the fifth layer, a level he could not have attained through his own talent alone 510.

At the same time, Lan Chang'an completed the Puppet Array's core framework and became increasingly aware that the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance's disputes with Corpse King Island and Star-Moon Palace had drawn attention from higher powers 522. Though a great calamity has been prophesied for the Tianheng Continent, he continues to prioritize gradual preparation, improved cultivation, and the preservation of his freedom of action 521.