Chapter 191: Huanglong's Final Wish

"Sister..."

Fu Xuemei's painful reaction caused Fu Dong's heart to leap into his throat.

The hunched old servant's eyelid twitched, but he remained silent.

In fact, Lan Chang'an had intentionally applied pressure, causing the female True Dan cultivator pain.

It wasn't because he bore a grudge and sought to take revenge on Fu Xuemei.

Treating a severely injured True Dan female cultivator was already stressful enough.

Let alone with a legendary Core Formation big brother watching intently from the side, like a tiger eyeing its prey.

For any Foundation Establishment cultivator, this situation was akin to walking on thin ice, with no room for error, a single mistake could lead to a disaster with unimaginable consequences.

Having just struck out, Lan Chang'an's state of mind and control over his energy couldn't be too perfect, so showing a slight flaw was appropriate.

"No need to be nervous."

The old servant's voice was calm, possessing a soothing power that naturally settled one's mind.

"Alright."

Lan Chang'an nodded, calming his emotions. The hand placed on Fu Xuemei's abdomen gradually relaxed.

Her injuries were indeed severe, and her body was exceedingly weak, with a massive loss of vitality.

Fortunately, a potent secret medicine had stabilized her, so her life was not in immediate danger.

"Her injuries aren't an urgent matter. The strength of Evergreen mana itself is effective enough, no need to sacrifice any lifespan."

"The difficulty lies in this: near Fu Xuemei's abdomen, several strands of True Dan energy are interwoven. When healing, I must avoid them at all costs, without disturbing these forces."

With his knowledge from his previous life regarding True Dan cultivators, combined with his Evergreen Technique, Lan Chang'an was actually more suitable for this task than even the herbalist, Ye Fei.

This time, Lan Chang'an's role was to assist in guiding and enhancing the effects of the healing medicine inside Fu Xuemei's body.

Otherwise, using Foundation Establishment methods to treat True Dan-level injuries would be severely lacking.

The injuries caused by different levels of power couldn't be compared.

In some cases, the wounds inflicted by a high-level cultivator on a lower-level one could leave a lifelong scar.

"Avoid the strand of Core power on the left. Yes, just like that..."

During the treatment, the hunched old servant occasionally offered reminders.

Lan Chang'an understood and cooperated seamlessly, progressing steadily through the healing process, which was going smoother than expected.

"Little friend Lan's energy is pure, skilled in healing, and your control is impressive." The old servant let out a breath of relief and unconsciously praised him.

"It's nothing worth mentioning."

Lan Chang'an didn't have to worry about revealing too much.

At this moment, although his Evergreen Technique had developed to a significant degree, compared to the level of the Huanglong Immortal, it was just able to enter the picture.

The wood-based cultivation techniques were renowned for their healing properties, so his performance wasn't surprising—there had been ample foreshadowing leading up to this.

Were it not for the circumstances, Lan Chang'an would've preferred not to get involved in Huanglong Mountain's matters.

However, with the pressure from a True Dan cultivator, it was hard for a Foundation Establishment disciple to disobey.

Considering the promised "heavy reward" from the Core Formation Immortal, and the fact that treating the injury posed little risk, Lan Chang'an reluctantly agreed.

...

Several li away from Wuqi Mountain.

Two figures, a man and a woman, stood concealed beneath a canopy of greenery.

"Given the relationship between Huanglong Mountain and Wuqi Mountain, it's no surprise that Fu Dong found this place." He Yuanwu's eyes flickered, a smile playing on his lips.

"With Herbalist Ye captured in advance, there's no skilled healer to treat Fu Xuemei. Her injury will only worsen over time."

"You only captured Herbalist Ye. Are you certain there's no second healer at Wuqi Mountain capable of treating Fu Xuemei?"

A crisp, bell-like female voice came from the young woman in the yellow dress beside him.

"What does Miss Zhou mean by this?" He Yuanwu frowned, not daring to show any contempt for the yellow-robed, veiled maiden.

They were equal partners in this endeavor.

Although Miss Zhou was only at the late Foundation Establishment stage, she had a quasi-third-rank spiritual beast, capable of rivaling a Fake-Dan cultivator.

The remnants of the Huanglong Mountain's direct lineage had scattered after their retreat. The outside world speculated that Fu Xuemei carried with her the core assets of the Huanglong lineage.

However, no one knew where the severely injured head of the mountain, Fu Xuemei, had fled.

Since the Huanglong lineage wasn't officially wanted by the sects, even those who were brave enough to investigate could not openly search or hunt them.

Those with weak strength, unsure of the severity of Fu Xuemei's injuries, had the heart but not the guts.

However, this Zhou girl, was able to keep locking down Fu Xuemei's hidden destination, this ability exceeded that of a usual Core Formation Immortal.

"You don't understand Lan Chang'an of Little Turtle Peak well enough." Miss Zhou chuckled lightly.

"The Turtle Talisman Master?"

"This man's wood-attribute cultivation technique excels in healing. Though he doesn't specialize in medical arts, his abilities aren't widely known. I suspect that, in terms of healing power, Lan Chang'an is not inferior to Herbalist Ye."

"Even so, he's not skilled in medicine. How could he treat the severe injuries of a True Dan cultivator?" He Yuanwu's expression shifted slightly, but then he shook his head with a faint smile.

"What if there were a True Dan elder guiding him?" Miss Zhou replied casually.

"Are you still suggesting that the old man from Huanglong Mountain might still be alive?"

"That old man's body was cremated in front of many witnesses. And besides, the experts from Tian Zhi Pavilion confirmed that his life essence had indeed run dry—there was no trickery involved." He Yuanwu found it hard to believe.

"I don't doubt the intelligence from Tian Zhi Pavilion."

"But in the cultivation world, there are many methods of feigning death and creating substitutes. During the funeral, no late-stage Core Formation great cultivators were present. If Huanglong Immortal still has one breath left, he could be protecting from the dark or hiding beside Fu Xuemei." Miss Zhou speculated.

"Even if that's true, the old man is at the end of his life. His threat is less than that of an early True Dan cultivator. But if Fu Xuemei's injury is effectively treated, that could pose a problem for us..."

He Yuanwu was clear that in the long run, the biggest threat was Fu Xuemei. However, the benefits on this woman were enough to move him.

"As long as you understand, we cannot ignore this possibility."

"What plan does Miss Zhou suggest?"

"Let's observe for a day. If Fu Xuemei and her brother stay at Wuqi Mountain, we will..."

"Must... this Immortal take the lead again?" He Yuanwu grumbled.

"Those with ability work harder! Once everything is done, the bulk of the hundreds of years' worth of Huanglong Mountain's inheritance will be yours. I only want the sealed and slumbering Huang Dragon Beast."

Miss Zhou's laughter carried a teasing charm.

...

Back at Little Turtle Peak.

Lan Chang'an let out a long sigh, cold sweat trickling down his forehead as he took a bottle of Qi Recovery Pills from Fu Dong.

Inside the carriage, Fu Xuemei's clothes were soaked with sweat, and her delicate figure appeared even more striking through her damp attire.

Her pale face had regained a hint of color, her eyelashes fluttering slightly as if her consciousness was slowly returning.

"Her condition has improved! Once Xuemei regains some vitality, she'll be able to dissolve the remaining strands of True Dan energy on her own." The hunched old servant spoke with relief, his murky eyes turning toward Lan Chang'an.

During this short time at Little Turtle Peak, he had come to recognize Lan Chang'an's extraordinary abilities.

Lan Chang'an's calm demeanor and the seamless cooperation during the healing process had impressed him.

With such pure energy and solid foundations, this young man would undoubtedly advance to the late Foundation Establishment stage and possibly even tread the path to Core Formation.

After taking the pill and resting for a quarter of an hour, Lan Chang'an resumed the treatment.

From morning until afternoon, Fu Xuemei's condition steadily improved, with her Core power slowly recovering.

"Little Dong... Master..."

By evening, Fu Xuemei's eyelids fluttered, and she murmured softly.

It seemed it wouldn't be long before this True Dan female cultivator would fully awaken.

Fu Dong was overjoyed and repeatedly expressed his gratitude to Lan Chang'an.

Originally, Lan Chang'an was just a reluctant last resort in their plans, but the outcome far exceeded their expectations.

"From now on, all Fu Xuemei needs is to rest, absorb the secret medicine, and gradually recover." Lan Chang'an withdrew his hand, looking exhausted.

He could continue treating her and speed up the process, but such strenuous effort didn't seem worthwhile.

He wasn't a professional healer, and he had no deep ties to Fu Xuemei. There was no reason for him to stay by her side, tending to her day and night.

"Little friend Lan, come with me for a talk."

Leaving Fu Dong to care for his sister, the hunched old man and Lan Chang'an went to a tea room within the cave.

...

"Senior Huanglong, my humble abode lacks quality tea."

Lan Chang'an cupped his hands in greeting and began preparing the tea for the other party.

At this moment, the hunched old servant had already resumed his original appearance as Huanglong Immortal.

With white hair, deeply lined wrinkles, sunken eyes, and a gaunt frame, it was hard to associate him with the imposing presence of the number one loose cultivator of Liang Kingdom that Lan Chang'an had once encountered.

"Take this tin of 'Immortal Mist Tea' and use it."

Huanglong Immortal sat trembling on a stool, lifting a hand to retrieve a jar of tea leaves.

"Third-rank spiritual tea."

Lan Chang'an accepted the jar, feeling a surge of delight.

Huanglong Immortal wasn't an ordinary Core Formation cultivator, and this third-rank spiritual tea was no common treasure, and it was quite beneficial for a Foundation Establishment stage to take.

Just this tin of tea alone far exceeded the price of hiring Herbalist Ye to personally treat her, and this wasn't even the true reward Huanglong Immortal had mentioned.

Before long, for the first time in this lifetime, Lan Chang'an drank the third-rank tea he had longed for. His mind immediately cleared, his thoughts becoming sharp and vivid.

He soon realized that this Immortal Mist Tea subtly enhanced one's spiritual consciousness.

Each time it was consumed, there was a considerable increase in the state of alchemy and drawing talismans.

With the help of Immortal Mist Tea, once he reached late Foundation Establishment, Lan Chang'an could attempt to craft third-rank talismans.

"Little friend Lan brewed the third-rank tea with such ease. Ordinary Foundation Establishment loose cultivators lack this kind of depth and confidence." Huanglong Immortal's murky eyes gleamed with a trace of admiration.

"Senior praises me too much. This junior's rough methods surely spoiled the tea."

Lan Chang'an felt a jolt of caution. As expected of a True Dan powerhouse who had dominated for centuries, Huanglong Immortal could discern subtleties from even the smallest details.

"I've heard rumors about you in the past, but it's a pity that I didn't meet you soon. Had I met you earlier, I would've definitely invited you to join Huanglong Mountain..." Huanglong Immortal sighed with regret.

At this proximity, he could sense Lan Chang'an's inner jade-like quality, that temperament and elegance exceeded the typical elites of major sects.

Particularly notable was Lan Chang'an's tranquil state of mind. He remained unmoved by both honor and disgrace, there is a kind of transcendent sense of watching the world's tides rise and fall.

It was only through close observation that Huanglong Immortal could faintly perceive this.

Lan Chang'an, having observed that Huanglong Immortal didn't have much longer to live and posed no threat to him, no longer felt the need to put on an act too deliberately. He resumed his usual laid-back demeanor in the Little Turtle Peak on weekdays.

"I'm surprised Senior Huanglong knows of someone as insignificant as me." Lan Chang'an expressed mild shock.

After decades of being here, Huanglong Immortal had known of him, even if he hadn't paid much attention.

"Little friend Lan, here is my token of thanks for your help."

After chatting for a while, Huanglong Immortal reached for his waist and placed three items on the table.

They were a segment of greyish-white spiritual wood and two jade slips.

"A third-rank spirit bamboo, a third-rank talisman master inheritance, and a third-rank puppet master inheritance!"

Upon inspecting the items, Lan Chang'an was visibly moved.

Huanglong Mountain had no idea that Lan Chang'an didn't lack a third-rank talisman master inheritance.

Nevertheless, this reward was more than generous.

"Are you satisfied with this, little friend Lan?"

"It fits my needs perfectly."

Lan Chang'an knew that Huanglong Mountain had investigated him in the past, which was how they managed to present him with such fitting rewards.

"I have one more request."

Huanglong Immortal coughed lightly, his hand resting on his chest as even his breathing seemed labored.

"Please speak, Senior."

Lan Chang'an became curious. With Huanglong Mountain in retreat, they must have carried a lot of rare resources with them.

"Little friend Lan, you've interacted with Xuemei. What do you think of her?"

"Miss Fu? Oh no, Fu Immortal! She's naturally a proud daughter of the heavens, a national beauty..."

"The old man only asks one thing—do you hold any grudge against her?"

"Any past grievances with Fu Immortal have already been resolved, and I owe her much care."

"Good. Once Xuemei wakes up, this Immortal will arrange for you two to become Dao companions." Huanglong Immortal clapped his hands and smiled.

"At that point, you'll both share part of Huanglong Mountain's inheritance and head to the neighboring country. You'll surely achieve great things together. It's definitely far better than staying alone at Wuqi Mountain."

"To become Dao companions with a True Dan female cultivator?"

Lan Chang'an's heart skipped a beat. He hadn't expected the dying Huanglong Immortal to think so highly of him.

He was actually planning to entrust his most cherished disciple to him.

Of course, it would be a lie to say that Lan Chang'an wasn't tempted. But it wasn't Fu Xuemei's unmatched beauty that enticed him—it was the vast resources of Huanglong Mountain.

Taking this step, he may be able to struggle for a hundred years less in the future.

(End of chapter)