A second life, An Eternal journey to Immortality

Fifteen days had passed since that day. While Jiang Cheng remained unconscious, Liu Ying had been diligently taking care of him. However, his condition showed no signs of improvement—it remained the same. Anxiety gnawed at her heart. What if he never woke up? What if he stayed like this forever?

She glanced outside the cave, her eyes gradually hardening with determination. She couldn't just sit and wait any longer. She needed to find a cure—a magic pill or some rare medicinal herb that could help him recover.

Resolute, she took Jiang Cheng's storage bag, changed into a fresh set of clothes, and concealed herself beneath a wide hat and a veil. Only her silver hair and striking red eyes remained visible, faintly peeking through the cover.

Before leaving, she carefully moved Jiang Cheng to a more secluded spot in the cave—the small chamber she had dug out earlier. She covered the entrance with simple branches and grass, camouflaging it as best as she could.

Taking one last worried glance at him, she turned and left the cave, heading toward Puchan Town in search of an opportunity to save him.

She traveled through the dense forest, relying on a piece of vital information she had once heard from Jiang Cheng—the town was to the west. Without that, she wouldn't have known what to do.

After fifteen minutes of moving swiftly, weaving through trees, and carefully avoiding a few low-level beasts along the way, she finally saw the silhouette of the town in the distance.

From afar, the sight was bustling with life. Countless roads led toward the town, connecting it to both the cultivation world and the mortal realm. She could even spot some mortal merchants doing business along the outskirts.

As she approached the town gate, a wave of nervousness washed over her. Her eyes darted around cautiously, observing the houses, the passing cultivators, and the mingling mortals.

Upon stepping through the gate with hesitant steps, her unease deepened. Casual cultivators and rogue cultivators lounging nearby cast leering glances at her, some filled with malice, while others showed cold indifference, ignoring her presence entirely.

Feeling the pressure, she instinctively tightened her grip on the hilt of her sword. With a surge of will, she released her spiritual aura—a Fifth-level Qi Refining peak cultivator's presence—radiating her strength to deter any pests from approaching.

The hostile gazes around her wavered. Some cultivators frowned and turned away, while others merely snorted, losing interest.

Her heart eased slightly as the stares withdrew, but the image of Jiang Cheng, pale and unmoving, flashed in her mind. She forced her feet forward—every step was for him

After half an hour of cautious walking, she reached the outer market. The area was lively and chaotic—countless cultivators displayed goods in simple stalls, calling out to potential buyers, while several proper shops stood nearby.

However, distrust crept into Liu Ying's heart. She knew little of this world, and Jiang Cheng had often warned her to be wary of these kinds of places. The fear of being deceived held her back. Choosing not to linger, she pressed forward toward the inner part of the town.

Soon, she arrived at the gate leading to the Inner Town. Standing before it was a stern-looking law enforcement cultivator.

"Five spirit stones to enter," he stated flatly.

Her heart raced again. She fumbled slightly but caught herself—Jiang Cheng had trusted her with this task. She could not fail him. Taking a deep breath, she handed over the spirit stones with a steadier hand

The law enforcer took the payment without much reaction and let her through.

Stepping into the Inner Town, Liu Ying exhaled slowly, steeling herself for what lay ahead.

The moment she crossed the stone-etched boundary gate, she felt it—a subtle shift in the air. The spiritual energy here was dense and pure, wrapping around her like an invisible mist, seeping into her pores with every breath. It was unlike the crude, chaotic atmosphere of the Outer Town.

It was unlike the crude, chaotic atmosphere of the Outer Town. This place felt refined, like every stone underfoot had been polished by the hands of cultivators

Her eyes swept over the wide streets, paved with smooth spirit stones that shimmered faintly under the sunlight. Along the sides, elegant buildings rose with intricate carvings of beasts and Formation patterns glowing softly, maintaining protective formations.

and banners embroidered with sect emblems swaying gently in the breeze.

Cultivators walked these streets with an air of confidence, their robes pristine and flowing, their auras suppressed but unmistakably strong. Many bore the crests of the pavilions and the Sects behind them. There were no beggars here—no desperate voices calling out for scraps—only the measured footsteps of those who had the strength to belong.

Shops displayed their treasures openly, protected by spiritual barriers. Refined spirit swords suspended in the air behind glass cases, talismans glowing with powerful runes, and porcelain bottles containing rare pills that emitted faint medicinal fragrances. She glimpsed an auction house in the distance—its entrance grand,

guarded by two late stage Qi refining cultivators clad in silver armor, their expressions cold and murderers.

Lanterns powered by spirit formations cast a warm glow, while the distant notes of a guqin drifted from a teahouse, blending elegance with the town's undercurrent of power.

Yet beneath this serenity, Liu Ying sensed the weight of silent pressure. This was not a place for the weak. Power dictated respect. Here, a single misstep could mean ruin, and words carried as much danger as swords. Every gaze held calculation—alliances formed in an instant, and rivalries burned quietly beneath polite smiles

Nervously, she stepped forward, trying to recall Jiang Cheng's description of the Qinglin Treasure Pavilion. He had spoken of it as a reputable establishment in the Inner Town, far more trustworthy than the street stalls outside.

After a few turns, she finally spotted the building. The shop had an elegant yet sturdy appearance, with a wooden sign engraved with flowing calligraphy that read "Qinglin Treasure Pavilion."

Summoning her courage, Liu Ying pushed open the door and stepped inside.

The interior was neat and orderly, with shelves displaying various jade bottles, talismans, and glowing artifacts. Several cultivators browsed the items, while a faint scent of medicinal herbs filled the air.

However, Liu Ying's wide-eyed expression betrayed her unfamiliarity—like a country bumpkin visiting the city for the first time.

Behind the counter stood a young woman with a gentle smile. Her eyes, however, were sharp and observant, clearly experienced in dealing with all kinds of customers.

"Fellow Daoist, please, feel free to look around," the woman greeted politely.

Liu Ying felt a little flustered. She coughed lightly to hide her embarrassment and stepped forward.

"Fellow Daoist… I— I was wondering if you have any healing herbs or pills that can cure the poison of a late-stage First-level poisonous spider…"

The girl's eyes flickered with interest. "Poisonous spider? Late-stage First-level? That's rather specific. Please, tell me more about the symptoms or the nature of the poison, so I can recommend something suitable."

Liu Ying's heart tightened—she realized she knew little about the details

Liu Ying nervously wrung her hands as she spoke, her red eyes filled with desperation. "I don't know... Can you suggest something? Detoxification pills didn't work, and I don't know what to do..." Her voice trailed off, the weight of the situation pressing on her chest.

The girl behind the counter studied Liu Ying for a moment, sensing the genuine worry in her voice. Then, she offered a reassuring smile, though there was a glint of something deeper in her eyes. "I don't know exactly what to say, but..." She stepped closer to Liu Ying, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "Since you seem like a trustworthy and good person, I'll tell you a little secret."

Liu Ying's heart skipped a beat, her eyes lighting up with curiosity and hope. She leaned in closer, hanging onto the girl's every word.

The girl smiled slyly, glancing around as if to ensure no one was eavesdropping. "Three days from now, there will be an auction at the Treasure Pavilion. It will be held in the large house at the center of the Inner Town guarded by two monks at the entrance."

Liu Ying's eyes widened. "I know where it is... I know where it is." She was eager, her anxiety momentarily forgotten.

The girl nodded with a knowing smile. "Good. Only I know this information... They will be auctioning a healing pill called the Nine-Yang Detoxification Pill. It's the best healing pill under the Foundation Building stage, but... it'll be a bit expensive. The refining process is difficult. If you can afford it, that pill might be your best bet. Good luck."

Liu Ying's heart surged with relief. "Thank you!" she exclaimed, bowing slightly, gratitude radiating from her.

The girl nodded in return. "You're welcome." She seemed to think for a moment, then her expression softened. "I think... fellow Daoist is still new to the cultivation world, aren't you? You're still wearing mortal clothes."

Liu Ying froze, feeling a twinge of self-consciousness and embarrassment, the girl's gaze lingered on her attire.

"Come with me," the girl said, her voice kind yet firm, as she gently took Liu Ying's hand and led her through a nearby door. "I have just the thing for you."

The girl guided Liu Ying to a side section of the pavilion, where rows of robes and cultivation garments were neatly arranged. Liu Ying's eyes darted from one outfit to the next—silk, embroidery and beautiful colors.

"These robes will help you blend in with the cultivators here," the girl explained. "It's important to appear confident in this world. You don't want to look out of place, especially when you're dealing with important matters like this."

Liu Ying, slightly embarrassed by the girl's comment, shyly pulled off her hat and veil. Her long silver hair cascaded down her back, shimmering like moonlight, and her piercing red eyes shone with an intensity that seemed to capture the attention of everyone around her.

The girl paused for a moment, clearly taken aback by the sudden reveal. She gave a soft, appreciative smile and remarked, "What a beautiful little girl… Why are you hiding yourself like a thief?"

Liu Ying, her face flushing red from the sudden attention, quickly regained her composure. "Hurry up and show me what you promised," she said, her voice a mix of impatience and embarrassment.

The girl giggled but nodded knowingly, as though she had seen this reaction many times before. "Alright, alright, just be patient," she said with a wink, moving quickly to the shelves behind her.

She skipped past several robes, each more elaborate than the last, until she picked out one that seemed perfect for Liu Ying.

When Liu Ying put it on, the robe seemed to merge with her, accentuating her otherworldly beauty while maintaining the practicality of a cultivator's attire. The flowing white and gold garment split at the sides, revealing her slender legs wrapped in sheer black stockings. Delicate gold patterns traced the hem and waist, adding an air of nobility. She wore white heels with gold accents, enhancing her graceful yet commanding presence. A black and gold form-fitting top hugged her figure, while an ornate hairpiece crowned her silver hair, giving her the aura of a warrior goddess.

The dark tones of her outfit contrasted beautifully with her pale skin and silver hair, while a red gemstone clasp at her chest drew attention to her fierce crimson eyes. The ensemble was the perfect blend of elegance and strength—much like Liu Ying herself.

"How do you like it?" the girl asked, looking at Liu Ying with a smirk as she observed her new appearance. "It suits you perfectly."

The girl waved her hand, and with a flash of light, a large, ornate mirror appeared in front of Liu Ying. She could hardly believe her eyes as the mirror shimmered, almost alive with its own enchantment. "Take a look," the girl said, her voice light and teasing, but full of anticipation.

Liu Ying clumsily leaned forward, and as she gazed into the mirror, she was taken aback by what she saw. It wasn't just her appearance—it was like she was staring at someone else entirely. Her silver hair shimmered softly, framing her face like a radiant crown. Her eyes, once a striking red that often made others uneasy, now seemed to glow with an inner strength, burning brightly with power .

Of course, she had heard the stories—how cultivators, through their rigorous training, became more beautiful as they advanced. Rarely did an ugly cultivator exist, since cultivation refined not just the body but the spirit. It was something that happened gradually, as the body became more in tune with the heavens and the earth.

The girl's voice interrupted her thoughts, a playful tone lacing her words, "I suppose this is a bit of a shock, huh? But don't worry, it's not just you. Pretty much every cultivator goes through it, though it's rare to see someone like you so Special ... well, radiant so early on."

Liu Ying flushed at the comment, but she was too caught up in the awe of her own transformation to care too much. The girl was right. She had never looked like this before—not even close. It was like the world had opened up before her, revealing the full potential she hadn't even realized she had.

A little embarrassed, Liu Ying muttered, "Thanks... I guess I didn't realize how much cultivation could change someone."

The girl winked. "Well, you're still getting used to it. But hey, now you have the look of a true cultivator. You'll be fine."

If Jiang Cheng had been present and overheard the girl calling Liu Ying "special," he'd probably roll his eyes so hard they'd fall out. "Oh, of course she's special," he'd mutter sarcastically.

"With halos practically sparkling around her like she's the star of some epic saga. If she wasn't special, who would be? The Dog Author clearly got her covered—of course she looks like she just stepped out of a fantasy magazine.

When was the last time you saw a 'Daughter of Destiny' or 'Heroine of Luck' who wasn't practically glowing? Yeah, right. Totally normal.

Then Liu Ying looked at the girl and asked nervously, "How much is this robe?"

The girl smiled at her and said, "Since I'm in a good mood today, I'll sell it to you for just 200 spirit stones."

Liu Ying said, "Isn't this a bit expensive?"

The girl smiled and replied, "You're joking! This is a middle-grade robe. It has a small shield woven into the fabric that can withstand a full blow from a Sixth Level Qi Refining cultivator. Plus, it will never get dirty! You won't find something like this anywhere else, especially at this price."

After paying the price, She thought Evilly to herself that the favor Jiang Cheng owed her had been repaid when he sent her to fight the poisonous spider in the cave.