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    Two hourster, Lan Chang''an boarded a flying boat from the Wufu Merchant Association and departed from Lonely Sun Immortal City, a prominent border town of Jing Kingdom.


    There were six cultivators aboard the flying boat, three of whom were in the Foundation Establishment stage.


    Besides Lan Chang''an, there was Xia Mingqu and the elderly man with the mustache whom he had seen on the spirit ship earlier. This elder, ate-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, was addressed as "Uncle Chen" by Xia Mingqu.


    At first, Lan Chang''an assumed this elder was a senior member of the Xia Family, but after Xia Mingqu’s introduction, he learned that the man’s name was Wu Chen, and he was one of the elders of the Wufu Merchant Association’s Elder Council.


    Additionally, Wu Chen was the patriarch of the Wu Family, one of the five families that made up the Wufu Merchant Association. The Wu and Xia families had a close rtionship, often intermarrying.


    A few days into the journey, the three Qi-Refining cultivators aboard the boat disembarked at a marketce where the Wufu Merchant Association had a storefront.


    "Uncle Chen, no need to escort us any further. I’m confident I can bring Fellow Daoist Wu safely to our family''s territory," Xia Mingqu said via sound transmission.


    They had now arrived near Elder Wu Chen’s family grounds, and it would be out of the way to continue on to the Xia Family’s territory."It’s not far. I’ve got nothing else to do, so taking a few extra days won’t matter," Wu Chen replied, ncing at Lan Chang''an before rying his thoughts via sound transmission.


    Six dayster…


    The flying boat arrived at Changhong River in the southeastern region of Jing Kingdom, near Qingsha Bay.


    Lan Chang''an could feel the strong spiritual energy in the area, far surpassing what he had sensed back at Wuqi Mountain.


    Passing through an illusion formation surrounded by mist, the flying boat entered the heart of Qingsha Bay, where the Xia Family’s territoryy.


    The area boasted a scenicbination of water bays, riverbanks, small inds, and mountains. This natural beauty was nourished by a mid-grade second-rank spiritual vein, forming an enchantingndscape of vibrant greenery and serene waters.


    The heart of the family’snd was protected by a powerful quasi-third-rank formation.


    "Young Master," a patrolling Xia Family cultivator greeted as he flew over.


    "Nephew Xia, I’ll be off then," Elder Wu Chen didn’t stay long after delivering Lan Chang''an and Xia Mingqu to the Xia Family’s grounds. He left with peace of mind.


    ...


    "Fellow Daoist Wu, this way, please."


    Xia Mingqu led Lan Chang''an deeper into the Xia Family''s core territory.


    As they flew past, the Xia Family cultivators they encountered curiously nced at Lan Chang''an, though their reactions were indifferent.


    Disguised as "Wu Fan," Lan Chang''an appeared as an unremarkable middle-aged man with a round face and a in demeanor. His looks and aura were somon that he didn’t spark much interest.


    Even the young female cultivators of the Xia Family, who briefly nced at him, lost interest and paid him no further attention.


    A short whileter...


    Xia Mingqu led Lan Chang''an to a steep peak, from which a waterfall cascaded down.


    This was the most spiritually concentrated area in the Xia Family’s territory, nearly at the level of a quasi-third-rank spiritual vein.


    "The Water Curtain Cave?"


    Lan Chang''an noticed a cave behind the waterfall, with a stone tablet nearby carved with three ancient characters.


    "Fellow Daoist Wu, please wait here. I’ll inform the patriarch."


    Xia Mingqu left a quick instruction before entering the cave.


    Before long, Xia Mingqu returned and invited Lan Chang''an inside.


    The interior of the Water Curtain Cave was filled with stgmites, with night pearls scattered throughout, illuminating the cave like a starry sky.


    In a stone hall within the cave, Lan Chang''an finally met the Xia Family''s patriarch, Xia Hongyu, the most senior member of the family.


    "Fellow Daoist Wu, let’s speak in private."


    Xia Hongyu was over two hundred years old, but with a body like a jade tree and a handsome face, at first nce, he looked less than forty years old.


    This Fake Dan Immortal had only a hint of gray at his temples. But upon closer inspection, one could sense the weight of years and experience in his presence.


    Lan Chang''an understood that he was facing a fellow cultivator who was also skilled in the arts of longevity, but whose cultivation far surpassed his own.


    "I heard from Mingqu that you are a loose cultivator from the Liang Kingdom, hailing from Huanglong Immortal City?" Xia Hongyu asked, a hint of curiosity in his tone.


    His calm and unblinking gaze fell upon Lan Chang''an.


    "That’s correct."


    Lan Chang''an sensed a faint ripple of spiritual sense. Xia Hongyu’s eyes gleamed subtly, using a probing technique to inspect him.


    If Lan Chang''an’s disguise had been an ordinary form of facial alteration or bone-shrinking technique, no matter how expertly done, it would still have been exposed under the deliberate scrutiny of a Fake Dan expert.


    "Several decades ago, I visited Huanglong Immortal City myself and even had the chance to meet ‘Huanglong Immortal’ once or twice."


    Xia Hongyu smiled as he brought up Huanglong Immortal City, steering the conversation in that direction.


    As they conversed, Lan Chang''an quickly realized that Xia Hongyu did indeed have some familiarity with Huanglong Immortal City.


    Not only had he met Huanglong Immortal, but he also had knowledge of important figures in Huanglong Mountain, like Ji Yifeng and Fu Xuemei.


    Fortunately, Lan Chang''an had indeed spent time as a loose cultivator in Huanglong Immortal City. When faced with Xia Hongyu''s probing questions, he responded wlessly.


    "I only advanced to a second-rank alchemist in recent years. At the time, Huanglong Immortal City was in turmoil, so I left early to avoid getting caught in the chaos."


    Lan Chang''an added some details to solidify his fabricated background.


    In these wartime conditions, verifying the identity of a random Foundation Establishment loose cultivator across nations would be troublesome.


    There were countless loose cultivators in Huanglong Immortal City. It would be impossible to trace the exact details of every Foundation Establishment cultivator, and there would always be some who hid their identity and cultivated in a low-key manner.


    However, being a second-rank alchemist was different. Alchemists were more easily traceable.


    "Fellow Daoist Wu, our family and the guild will need you to help with the production of basic second-rank pills going forward. Of course, your primary responsibilities will be to the Xia Family, and it would be ideal if you could also mentor a few alchemy apprentices."


    After Xia Hongyu’s probing techniques and casual questioning, he was now fairly confident in Lan Chang''an’s identity.


    More importantly, Lan Chang''an had signed a second-rank spirit contract. Breaking the contract woulde at a great cost, making it nearly impossible for him to operate within the Jing Kingdom’s cultivation world.


    "Rest assured, Patriarch Xia. I will honor the contract. However, alchemy is only my secondary focus. Cultivation is my main path, and I can only dedicate part of my time to alchemy."


    In the contract Lan Chang''an had signed, there were specific limitations on the amount of alchemy he was required to perform.


    If the demand for pills exceeded the basic requirements, he had the right to charge extra or even refuse. He could also raise prices if the workload became too heavy.


    Xia Hongyu was not upset by Lan Chang''an’s bargaining. In fact, it reassured him.


    After all, protecting one’s own interests showed that Lan Chang''an intended to fulfill the contract with sincerity.


    "This jade slip contains a second-rank alchemist''s inheritance, including some pill recipes. Since Fellow Daoist Wu recently became a second-rank alchemist, you may find it useful for reference."


    As a gesture of goodwill, Xia Hongyu presented a jade slip with an alchemical inheritance as a weing gift.


    The inheritance he offered was only for low-grade second-rank alchemists, but it would still be beneficial for someone who had only recently advanced to that level. Higher-grade inheritances could be offeredter.


    However, Lan Chang''an had been a second-rank alchemist for many years and wasn’tcking in alchemical knowledge.


    "At present, there are two cultivation grounds within the Xia Family’s territory that would be suitable for Fellow Daoist Wu. I’ll have Mingqu show you around."


    Xia Hongyu finished the conversation and called Xia Mingqu back in.


    Xia Mingqu then led Lan Chang''an into the skies above Qingsha Bay to show him the avable cultivation grounds.


    ...


    After surveying the area, Lan Chang''an rejected Xia Mingqu’s first rmendation, a cultivation ground deep within the family’s core territory, which boasted a high-grade second-rank spiritual environment.


    "Wu prefers a quieter setting. I think the location of ''Autumnwind Isle'' suits me better."


    Lan Chang''an pointed to a wide bay dotted with small inds, some of which were clearly man-made.


    Among these inds, the most remote one, surrounded by turbulent waters, was called "Autumnwind Isle."


    The ind was less than two li in circumference and covered with trees bearing orange leaves.


    Although the spiritual energy wasn’t as abundant as at the first location, the wood-elemental energy was stronger here.


    "Autumnwind Isle?"


    Xia Mingqu hesitated for a moment but ultimately said nothing and flew with Lan Chang''an toward the ind.


    Autumnwind Isle was shrouded by a formation, and it appeared that someone was living there.


    "Aunt Wenyue."


    Xia Mingqu called out as he sent in a voice transmission talisman.


    Seeing Lan Chang''an’s curious expression, he exined, "This cultivation ground is currently being looked after by one of my senior rtives."


    After a brief wait, the formation on Autumnwind Isle opened, and out flew a delicate young woman in a light blue gauze dress. Her eyebrows were thin as willow leaves, and herplexion was as pale as jade.


    "Mingqu, you’re here?" The young woman coughed lightly, her sickly white face tinged with a hint of frailty.


    Her starry eyes darted anxiously toward Lan Chang''an, and a faint sorrow lingered between her brows, giving her an air of vulnerability and fragility.


    Lan Chang''an was a bit surprised. Xia Mingqu had referred to this woman as "Aunt," so he had assumed she would be much older.


    However, sensing her lifespan, he realized that she was likely several decades younger than Xia Mingqu.


    Such situations weren’t umon in cultivation families. For instance, a Foundation Establishment ancestor over a hundred years old might take a young concubine, and their children would be born with a high seniority rank.


    "Aunt Wenyue, this is Alchemist Wu, a newly recruited Foundation Establishment cultivator for the family," Xia Mingqu introduced.


    "Greetings, Alchemist Wu." Xia Wenyue bowed respectfully, casting a brief nce at the in-looking, round-faced middle-aged man.


    "From now on, Autumnwind Isle will be Alchemist Wu''s cultivation ground."


    "Understood." Xia Wenyue lowered her head, biting her lip gently as she replied in a soft voice.


    Xia Mingqu, feeling a pang of sympathy, sighed inwardly before turning to Lan Chang''an with a smile.


    "Alchemist Wu, shall we take a look inside?"


    Xia Wenyue stood still, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears as she watched the two men step onto Autumnwind Isle.


    Lan Chang''an examined the ind below. In the center was arge courtyard, with buildings that were exquisitely designed, clearly once used by a female cultivator.


    Behind the courtyard was a deep pond, over ten zhang wide—an ideal ce for his Profound Water Turtle to inhabit.


    Lan Chang''an nced around. The peaceful and secluded atmosphere of this ce suited him well.


    "Young Master Xia, what’s the story behind this ce and the young woman just now?" Lan Chang''an asked, wanting to rify any lingering issues before making his decision.


    "Aunt Wenyue’s mother was my great-aunt, a former elder of the Xia Family who made great contributions to both the family and the guild. Ten years ago, she passed away under tragic circumstances..."


    "ording to family rules, the descendants of Foundation Establishment elders can only reside in their family estates for up to five years. However, out of respect for her mother’s contributions, the patriarch allowed Aunt Wenyue to stay here for over ten years. For thest few years, she has remained here under the pretext of caring for the estate."


    "Fellow Daoist Wu, you can rest assured that there are no unresolved issues here. Aunt Wenyue is reasonable and won’t harbor any resentment."


    After hearing Xia Mingqu’s exnation, Lan Chang''an nodded, refraining from further inquiry.


    He sensed that Xia Mingqu was reluctant to discuss Xia Wenyue’s mother in detail.


    Moreover, Xia Wenyue followed her mother’s surname, and Xia Mingqu had made no mention of her father.


    ...


    As they entered the courtyard in the center of Autumnwind Isle, Lan Chang''an noticed several items and pieces of furniture clearly intended for female use.


    "Alchemist Wu, could you give me half an hour to pack my belongings?"


    Xia Wenyue followed them, her pale, delicate face flushing slightly with embarrassment as she hurriedly gathered her personal items.


    Lan Chang''an wasn’t bothered by this and stepped outside the courtyard with Xia Mingqu to wait.


    While they waited, Lan Chang''an inspected the ind’s spiritual environment. On the surface, the ind was a mid-grade second-rank area, but the deep pond in the center seemed connected to the earth’s spiritual veins, with lively spiritual energy flowing through it.


    If he set up a spirit-gathering formation and infused spirit stones, it could easily reach the level of a high-grade second-rank spiritual ground.


    "Alchemist Wu, Aunt Wenyue has lived here for a long time and is quite attached to the ce. Would you consider allowing her to stay on as the estate’s caretaker or as a servant? She could help manage the ce more efficiently."


    Xia Mingqu made a request on her behalf.


    Although Xia Wenyue was a Qi-Refining cultivator with mediocre aptitude, serving as a mere servant seemed a bit degrading for the daughter of a deceased family elder.


    However, this was Xia Wenyue’s personal request.


    If the ind were ever assigned to another family elder, she hoped to remain here, even if only as a servant.


    Lan Chang''an hesitated. "I’ve always preferred solitude. I’ve just arrived in the Xia Family’s territory and don’t fully understand the situation. Perhaps we can consider this matterter."


    "My apologies for being presumptuous."


    Xia Mingqu smiled apologetically, not pressing the issue.


    He assumed Lan Chang''an was simply cautious about Xia Wenyue’s background or didn’t want the family assigning him a servant.


    "Congrattions, Fellow Daoist Wu, on bing the new master of Autumnwind Isle."


    Xia Mingqu didn’t linger long, politely taking his leave.


    A short whileter…


    Xia Wenyue’s frail figure emerged from the courtyard.


    "Alchemist Wu."


    She forced a smile, her face growing even paler as she bowed to Lan Chang''an, then reluctantly left the ind.


    As she departed, Lan Chang''an extended his spiritual sense to observe her condition.


    Xia Wenyue’s body was frail and prone to cold, likely suffering from a long-term illness. She wasn’t well-suited to living on such a damp ind.


    ...


    That same day, Lan Chang''an began making ns to set up his new cultivation ground.


    The ind’s existing formations and spirit-gathering array would remain untouched, covering the entire Autumnwind Isle as the outeryer of defense.


    Focusing on the courtyard and the deep pond behind it, Lan Chang''an nned to set up his own formations.


    Before leaving Little Turtle Peak, he had dismantled the coreponents of the quasi-third-rank formation.


    This formation had originally been set up by Fairy Shi.


    Now, Lan Chang''an intended to transnt the core of this formation to the courtyard of Autumnwind Isle.


    A quasi-third-rank formation might attract too much attention, so Lan Chang''an nned to divide it into twoyers—an obvious outer formation and a concealed inner one.


    The outer formation would be a superior-grade second-rank formation, while the inner one would have stronger concealment properties.


    Together, thebination of the twoyers would form a quasi-third-rank formation.


    With this formation in ce, no one in the Xia Family would be able to spy on Lan Chang''an’s activities within his own cultivation ground.


    Ten dayster…


    Lan Chang''an had made considerable progress in setting up the formation at his new cultivation site.


    The deep pond behind the courtyard was now part of the formation.


    His Profound Water Turtle would dwell in the pond. If visitors arrived, the turtle could use its aura-concealing abilities to dive to the bottom of the pond, where the formation would help it remain undetected, even by most True Dan cultivators.


    As for his Earth Burrowing Rat, it would stay within the courtyard or underground, quietly practicing its shapeshifting technique.


    Once the rat mastered its technique, it could transform into a different type of rodent and work around the ind without raising suspicion.


    Earth Burrowing Rats weren’t particrly rare, so as long as it didn’t appear alongside the Profound Water Turtle at the same time, and as long as no cultivators from the Liang Kingdom happened toe by, Lan Chang''an’s identity would remain hidden.


    "The Xuantian Gourd Vine needs to take root in the ground to truly grow. Hmm, I’ll need to find a safe, hidden spot to work on this… no rush for now."


    "The cultivation world of Jing Kingdom has a more advanced economy than Liang Kingdom. It should be easier to find Life Extension Pills and materials for a quasi-third-rank puppet."


    "The Earth Burrowing Rat will soon reach the peak of the second-rank. Once I’ve settled down in Jing Kingdom, I’ll need to n for its Core Formation."


    "Additionally, I’ll need to stay informed about the cultivation war in the Liang Kingdom, as well as any news about Fairy Shi, the ancient ruins, and the Golden Sun Sect…"


    Having newly arrived in Jing Kingdom, Lan Chang''an had many ns for the future.


    However, for now, he hadn’t yet established a firm footing, and hecked connections and knowledge of the local environment. It wasn’t wise to move too quickly.


    ...


    One monthter…


    Lan Chang''an had fully settled into his new identity as an external cultivator for the Xia Family and the master of Autumnwind Isle,pleting his first peaceful month in Jing Kingdom.


    Soon, the Xia Family sent over the first batch of materials for him to begin alchemy.


    In truth, the Wufu Merchant Association already had a superior-grade second-rank alchemist as an elder, but the elder was old andcked the energy to meet all the demand for pills.


    The Xia Family had once nurtured a new-generation alchemist, but that person had defected and been poached by another faction.


    Lan Chang''an’s arrival was intended to help with the production of ordinary second-rank pills, easing the pressure on the guild''s supply.


    If he could mentor and train some alchemy apprentices, that would be even better.


    Alchemy required a great deal of talent and insight.


    Without a teacher’s guidance, even with an inheritance, it would be difficult for an apprentice to learn on their own.