A lifespan of two hundred years was already quite long for an ordinary Qi Refining Demon.
But for a Foundation Establishment Great Demon, it was far from enough!
Any demon capable of becoming a Foundation Establishment Great Demon would possess a decent bloodline and aptitude.
Even if they frequently engaged in Magical Combat and their foundations were somewhat damaged, living for three or four hundred years was not an issue.
Some demons with powerful bloodlines and exceptional talent could easily live for five or six hundred years.
If they could advance further within the Foundation Establishment Realm, becoming a veteran Great Demon of the Mid-stage Foundation Establishment or a top-tier Great Demon of the Late-stage Foundation Establishment, their maximum lifespan would increase even more.
It had to be said that in this regard, the Demon Race held a significant advantage over the Human Race.
For instance, a Human Race Cultivator in the Qi Refining Stage—assuming no hidden injuries or foundational damage—could generally live for 120 to 180 years.
A Great Cultivator in the Foundation Establishment Stage generally had a lifespan of 250 to 450 years.
The exact duration depended on whether their Cultivation Realm was in the Early, Middle, or Late Stage.
As for a True Man in the Core Formation Stage, even one who formed the most inferior Fake Pill Ash Pill could live for at least six hundred years.
If they managed to form a True Core, their lifespan would start at eight hundred years.
And if they achieved a Golden Core, they could enjoy a millennium of life.
They could truly watch the world’s storms rage and dynasties rise and fall, all while remaining aloof and unmoved.
As for the lifespans beyond that, that was a different state of being altogether.
For the Demon Race, as long as their bloodline and aptitude were decent, their maximum lifespan would be greater than that of a Human Race Cultivator at the same realm.
But none of this applied to Xu Chang’an.
Although he had used Earth Dragon True Blood to forcibly elevate his bloodline and aptitude to Low Class, he was still considered a laggard among Foundation Establishment Great Demons.
So, despite having consumed three Tier One Lifespan Extension Pills in a row and breaking through to the Mid-stage Foundation Establishment to become a veteran Great Demon, his maximum lifespan was still less than that of a Great Demon who had just entered the Foundation Establishment Realm.
It was even shorter than that of many Qi Refining Old Demons.
’A Tier Two Lifespan Extension Pill!’
A trace of anticipation flashed in Xu Chang’an’s eyes.
The effects of a Tier Two Lifespan Extension Pill were far superior to those of a Tier One pill.
Depending on the demon’s individual condition, a Tier Two Longevity Elixir could normally extend one’s lifespan by twelve to thirty years.
It could be taken a maximum of three times, with diminishing effects on each occasion!
’If I could take three in a row, I could add at least several more decades to my lifespan.’
’Plus, there are Spiritual Items that can enhance one’s bloodline and aptitude.’
’If I could just improve it to a Middle-class Bloodline, then...’
Xu Chang’an let his imagination run wild.
’With both of those combined, living for three hundred years wouldn’t be a problem!’
’And if I become a top-tier Great Demon, my maximum lifespan is bound to increase again.’
’This way...’
’Longevity is within reach! It’s truly within reach!’
This stream of thoughts, though seemingly complex, passed in but a single instant.
’The commotion from breaking through to the Mid-stage Foundation Establishment wasn’t small. Some demon might come to investigate. I can’t stay here long!’
With that thought, Xu Chang’an immediately spurred his Magical Artifact and departed.
’By common consensus, the Peacock Princess’s combat strength far surpasses that of a veteran Great Demon. She’s in the first tier of power just below the top-tier Great Demons! Even if the rumors are exaggerated, they’re likely not too far from the truth. In our fight, my overall combat strength was a notch below the Peacock Princess’s. But with my battle planning and wealth of experience, I should be able to gain a slight edge. Using her as a benchmark, this means my previous combat strength was comparable to the first tier below the top-tier Great Demons.’
’Now that I’ve reached the Mid-stage Foundation Establishment, my Demon Body is even tougher. If before it barely met the threshold of a Top-grade Magical Artifact, it can now match an average one. Furthermore, with this breakthrough, the range of my Demon Sense has expanded to a full thousand zhang. My Demon Power is more profound, and I can definitely use a Quasi-Magical Treasure more times than before. My initial assessment is that my current combat strength is by no means weaker than a top-tier Great Demon. I would even be considered quite formidable among them!’
’With my various abilities, as long as a Quasi-Demon King or a Demon King doesn’t show up, my self-preservation should be guaranteed.’
’But I can’t get complacent. The bloody lessons from my past life are a stark reminder. I thought I was at the Late-stage Core Formation, and that with the panel’s help, my foundation far surpassed my peers. But in the end, didn’t I still suffer the fate of having my body destroyed and my Dao extinguished?!’
’Of my total strength, I can reveal one-tenth at most. No matter how much others overestimate me, they’ll only ever account for three-tenths. The remaining seven-tenths is my room to maneuver. It’s also my key to survival in an unexpected crisis!’
’Now that I’ve successfully broken through to the Mid-stage Foundation Establishment, I should gradually raise the cultivation I display publicly to the Qi Refining Seventh Layer. If I’m going to reveal my identity as a Tier Two Alchemist, a cultivation at the Qi Refining Sixth Layer is a little too low. With the cover of being a Tier Two Alchemist, it wouldn’t be too surprising for someone of my aptitude to break through to the Qi Refining Seventh Layer!’
’This scheme had its ups and downs, but the final result exceeded my expectations. It’s just a shame that to advance again, I’ll need to accumulate a full five thousand Energy! Breaking through to the Mid-stage Foundation Establishment only required two thousand. The difficulty has more than doubled now! And I still lose some when converting low-level Energy. This is such a rip-off!’
’Just as I thought, you can never have enough Spiritual Items and Elixirs! Otherwise, in my past life, I wouldn’t have had to run around everywhere searching for opportunities despite having the panel!’
’I still need to keep honing my Alchemy Skill! Speaking of which, though my bloodline and aptitude are inferior, my talent for Pill Art is actually quite good!’
"..."
Xu Chang’an spurred his Magical Artifact, Flying in the Sky as he mulled things over.
As he neared the Cyan Eagle’s previous stronghold, Xu Chang’an concealed his aura, canceled the effects of the Transformation Pill, and reverted to his Gray Rat Demon form.