Immortality and Cultivation: Starting with Harvesting the Talents of Demonic Beasts

Chapter 148 Seventh Level of Origin, Second-Order Alchemy

"Then thank you very much, Brother Zeng."

Since Chef Zeng had said so, Lin Changheng naturally wouldn't say anything more.

"From now on, you can pick it up at Lingjiu Restaurant every month. However, I will have to trouble Brother Lin to make the trip in person in the future."

Chef Zeng explained.

"It's alright." Lin Changheng chuckled, not minding at all. He then added, "Brother Zeng, please have your wife's younger sister visit 'Qingyuan Xiaozhu' when she has some free time. Remember to bring the pill formula and medicinal herbs. I usually refine pills at home."

Each got what they wanted and achieved their goals, and the two parted on good terms.

……

It was nearly dusk when we came out.

"Judging from its name alone, it should be a water-type monster, and it will also be my first water-type treasure seed."

The two houses were only thirty feet apart, and Lin Changheng quickly arrived home, but his mind was on the second-tier demonic beast [Azure Wave Spirit Turtle]!
Interestingly enough, Lin Changheng had acquired more than ten different kinds of spirit treasures, yet this was the first time he had encountered a water-type demon beast.

This kind of demonic beast has a low probability of being of the [Turbid Fiend Bloodline], but a high probability of being of the [Mysterious Spirit Bloodline]!
After all, the [Azure Wave Spirit Turtle] wasn't a single, second-tier individual; rather, it had been hunted by the Foundation Establishment team from the Spirit Tavern for a long time, indicating that second-tier creatures weren't uncommon for this type of beast...

There must be a powerful bloodline supporting this, hence this speculation.

He has now identified three channels for obtaining [Mystic Spirit Blood].

Firstly, it was with Mo Zhaoli's help that they obtained it through the sect's channels.

Secondly, there are channels for alchemy practitioners. Deng Changsheng is just one of them. He has revealed some information to the other practitioners, and they will send it to him as soon as they have any relevant gains. Alchemist Lin will reward them accordingly.

However, it's still quite difficult for a Qi Refining cultivator to obtain [Mysterious Spirit Essence Blood], so I don't have much hope for it.

Deng Changsheng's good friend was an unexpected bonus.

Thirdly, there are the new channels we just explored, which are obtained from spirit chefs and spirit restaurants.

If it weren't for Chef Zeng's sister-in-law's urgent need for the elixir, Lin Changheng would probably have had the same difficulty in seeing this person as he has for the past three years, or could only catch a glimpse of him from afar.

He wouldn't actually believe this person's "I've long admired you" words; they were just common pleasantries among cultivators.

Therefore, Lin Changheng attempted to establish a mutually beneficial relationship with this person.

After all, this man's sister-in-law can't take drugs forever. When the demand for alchemy is cut off, there will be other connections. The important thing is to stabilize and preserve this channel.

Lin Changheng likes to think three steps ahead before taking action, which is one of the reasons why he can continuously improve.

……

Tonight, Lin Changheng did not turn on the stove as usual.

Instead, he sat cross-legged in the bedroom, seemingly waiting for something.

Time passed slowly, and suddenly, a vague sense of weakness came over me.

The familiar feeling of having one's essence and blood extracted has returned!
Lin Changheng, whose face was slightly pale, was prepared. He swallowed a top-grade blood-replenishing pill with a slight movement of his throat.

Immediately, a warm current formed in my abdomen, which immediately replenished my weakness and improved my complexion and mental state.

"Still so punctual."

Lin Changheng smiled knowingly. Having experienced more than fifty years, he was extremely familiar with the subject and immediately began to examine his inner sea of ​​consciousness.

The Yuan Cauldron, still as stable as Mount Tai and rooted in the sea of ​​consciousness, had azure clouds billowing from its mouth. It then slightly closed up at will, revealing the golden illusory seed in the center of the treasure seed.

【Original Treasure Seed - Sevenfold】

[Spirit Stealing: 52/100]

[Effect: Successfully seizing the spirit allows you to further refine the human race's innate talent: Purity of Mind]

[Currently refined to: Heavenly Gift of Purity - Still Water (Level 2); Heavenly Gift of Enlightenment - Cave Source (Level 5)]

……

Lin Changheng glanced at the information that appeared as the treasure seed trembled slightly, "The accumulation of the seventh level of the [Origin Treasure Seed] is already more than halfway complete."

It has also been refined into a treasure seed by the [Heavenly Gift of Pure Heart - Dust Sweeper], transforming into [Heavenly Gift of Pure Heart - Still Water]!
[Effect: The mind becomes clear and undisturbed, and all sounds cannot disturb the tranquility]

Lin Changheng gained some insights during his subsequent cultivation:

When the mind is like a clear pool, one can quickly enter a state of concentration. In an instant, all distracting thoughts recede like the tide, and the mind becomes as clear as a mirror, without the slightest ripple.

Although the sounds of the wind, leaves, and insects outside were clearly audible, they seemed to be separated by an invisible barrier, making it difficult to disturb him in the slightest.

Having obtained this precious seed, Lin Changheng's breathing became increasingly deep, like a deep pool. No matter how fierce the storms outside, the surface of the water remained calm, yet it could reflect the true light and shadow of the sky and clouds.

The same applies to alchemy; its influence is immense, eliminating distractions and allowing one to focus on the furnace fire, resulting in higher quality pills.

The so-called "still water" does not mean shutting off the five senses, but rather letting all things pass by without leaving a trace.

Only in this way can one see the truth amidst chaos, and see the killing intent before it even arises.

At the same time, Lin Changheng's fire spirit root also gained another wisp of spiritual energy, bringing the total to thirty-five wisps.

……

Time passed slowly, and a month later it was over.

The grand auction in the Immortal City can already be glimpsed from the crowds jostling each other on the streets.

Cultivators from the surrounding area flocked to the scene to join in the excitement.

Some people don't attend the auction; instead, they take advantage of the increased crowds to set up stalls and earn spirit stones.

With a large enough population, even scammers can find a market.

The granddaughter of the Yan family at the "Qingxi Villa" had complained to Lin Changheng about being cheated by an unscrupulous outsider cultivator.

He said that on his stall, there was a bronze mirror covered in yellow soil that had been unearthed from an ancient tomb. Its patterns and shape looked genuine, indicating that it was an antique.

When Grandpa saw it, he immediately recognized it as the one from the day before yesterday!
Imitation of a fake!

Lin Changheng offered a few words of comfort, which greatly improved the woman's mood, who was feeling quite depressed.

Send it away.

Then he looked at the half-human-sized puppet that had just been brought over, standing quietly to the side, and showed a hint of interest.

It was just like the puppet that served tea and water that I had seen at the Yan family last time.

It was created by Yan Mingyi.

"Puppet Control Technique".

Lin Changheng placed a jade slip he had obtained together between his eyebrows and saw three large characters.

The first-tier [Puppet Control Technique], as the name suggests, is a technique for controlling first-tier puppets.

This technique allows one to control the puppet.

However, the degree of precision in controlling the puppet and the strength it displays ultimately depend on the cultivator's mastery of the [Puppet Control Technique] and their level of spiritual power.

"move."

After completing the ritual of refining the puppet according to the prescribed method, Lin Changheng immediately began to use the [Puppet Control Technique] and silently chanted a mantra.

With Lin Changheng's current level of comprehension, he instantly grasped and mastered this basic [Puppet Control Technique].

Immediately, a yellow light flashed in the puppet's eyes, and it began to move.

Within fifteen minutes, he was familiar with the actual operation.

Serving tea and water, turning over the soil and pulling weeds, feeding baby turtles...

No problem.

From now on, Lin Changheng can avoid having to do these things himself.

However, to perform certain tasks "automatically," at least a second-tier puppet is required, which will have a built-in small array to solidify the behavior pattern.

"This is a low-grade, first-tier support puppet. It's of excellent quality and perfect for everyday use. It was personally crafted and gifted to me by Yan Mingyi, but it's too weak for combat."

"However, Master Yan also promised to craft two high-quality puppets for me, which I can use to fight the enemy."

"I only charged the cost price, which is roughly the same as the price of a top-grade magic weapon, saving me a few hundred spirit stones." Lin Changheng smiled slightly.

This is the effect of building a network of contacts.

After three years of friendship, Master Yan agreed almost without hesitation when Lin Changheng made the request, and even skipped the queue to refine the item for him.

Yan Mingyi, a low-grade puppeteer who was close to the middle grade, even offered to refine this auxiliary low-grade puppet for Brother Lin, since Lin Changheng had shown considerable interest in it when they first met.

You can also do some odd jobs for him.

Lin Changheng naturally wouldn't refuse, and even gifted the woman a "Youth Enhancement Pill".

Three years have passed, and Yan Mingyi is now nineteen years old, just beginning to grow up.

She was quite concerned about her appearance and had consulted Lin Changheng many times about his beauty regimen. So when she saw this exquisite "Youth-Preserving Pill," her eyes, as clear as autumn water, immediately lit up.

"Thank you, Brother Lin!"

Yan Mingyi was overjoyed and quickly accepted the gift with both hands. She looked up at Lin Changheng and saw that he had a calm expression and a smile on his lips, but at this moment he seemed exceptionally gentle.

……

The Immortal City Auction is about to begin today.

Lin Changheng had already prepared the spirit stones and was ready to spend them.

However, one thing is worth mentioning: Lin Changheng's reputation had been spreading before, and he was known for his superb alchemy skills. His fame had also reached the ears of the auction organizers.

So when he was planning to buy an admission ticket to the auction, he received a gift from the auction organizer in advance: a VIP seat at the prefecture level.

There are four levels in total: Heaven, Earth, Dark, and Yellow.

The seats arranged in the hall below the auction stage are of the Xuan and Huang grades. The difference is that the Xuan grade seats are more comfortable, have more space, and offer a better view than the Huang grade seats.

Naturally, it's also more expensive!

Both the Heaven and Earth levels are VIP seats, located in elegant pavilions above the "Black and Yellow" levels.

There is no difference in the level of luxury; it's just that the "Heavenly" level is a larger, more spacious cabin that can accommodate more people and is located at a higher level.

Lin Changheng readily accepted the offer and contacted the auction organizers, who indicated that they might ask Master Lin to help appraise the pills or refine special pills for the auction to increase their variety.

"It's easy to talk about."

One cannot hit a smiling face, so Lin Changheng naturally wouldn't refuse.

……

We arrived at the auction venue.

What appeared before us was a huge palace.

The entire structure is made of dark jade, which gleams with a cold luster under the sunlight. The eaves of the roof are like swords, and a lifelike dragon statue is coiled on it. The dragon's eyes are inlaid with crimson crystals, which faintly shimmer with spiritual light, as if it may take off at any moment.

"It is said that this was created based on the third-tier spirit beast of 'Qinglan Sanren', the Qingli Jiao."

A low voice explaining came from the side: This dragon was too eye-catching; most of the people who came here were immediately drawn to it.

"Azure Dragon?"

Lin Changheng murmured the name, his gaze towards the dragon statue filled with a slightly fervent longing.

How wonderful it would be if we could extract their essence and blood.

But that's just wishful thinking. A third-tier spirit beast is equivalent to a human cultivator at the Core Formation stage. This dragon could probably turn it to dust and kill it with a single breath!
"No wonder 'Qinglan Sanren' is so stable in the Immortal City, this third-tier spirit dragon must also play a significant role."

It's equivalent to two Core Formation stage cultivators working together fully, without any animosity, and hitting exactly where they're told!

The deterrent effect is even greater!
……

Follow the crowd forward.

In the plaza in front of the hall, dozens of cultivators dressed in uniform dark robes stood solemnly. Jade pendants engraved with the words "Floating Life" hung from their waists, and their auras were steady, indicating that they were all at the ninth level of Qi Refining.

The leader, a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, possessed a restrained aura, his eagle-like eyes sharp as knives, watching his subordinates examine the qualifications of each entrant.

"Fellow Daoist, please present your token."

A cultivator in black robes spoke coldly.

Lin Changheng remained calm and took out a gold-embossed invitation from his sleeve.

Upon seeing him, the cultivator's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he immediately stepped aside, saying, "So you are an honored guest. Please follow the attendant into the Earth Pavilion."

A pretty maidservant quickly stepped forward and bowed respectfully: "Please follow me, senior."

Stepping into the hall through a special passage, a bright and spacious view suddenly unfolds before your eyes.

The dome was over ten zhang high, inlaid with countless luminous pearls, like a galaxy hanging upside down. In the center was a huge white jade auction stage, with seats on both sides, almost all of which were occupied.

The two-story pavilion was surrounded by a light spiritual mist that was difficult to penetrate even with divine sense, but one could vaguely see figures with the naked eye.

"It is unmatched by any market auction."

Lin Changheng secretly praised him.

Upon entering one of the pavilions, he took a light sniff and smelled the calming sandalwood fragrance in the air, and could also faintly hear the pleasant sounds of string and wind instruments.

The maid explained softly, "The auction will begin in half an hour. Senior, please enjoy some spiritual tea and fruit first."

Lin Changheng nodded slightly, his gaze piercing through the spiritual mist, everything was clearly visible and unobstructed.

After observing for a while, Lin Changheng noticed that the maid was standing quietly to the side and had not left, so he frowned slightly.

"Why aren't you leaving? Is there anything else you need?"

The sudden question startled the maid, who quickly explained, "The auction has a rule that if we encounter any seniors or gentlemen from the Heaven and Earth Pavilion, I should accompany them during the auction."

As she spoke, her fair cheeks flushed slightly.

Upon hearing this, Lin Changheng's expression turned strange. He looked the woman up and down and found her to be indeed graceful, slender in all the right places and extremely voluptuous in all the right places.

Clearly, they can take whatever they want and do whatever they want.

However, since you have a secret, you should bid on it without having anyone else present.

"That's enough, there's no need for you to serve here."

He waved his hand, dismissing the woman.

"Yes, son."

The maidservant responded respectfully, though her voice sounded different, tinged with regret.

……

Time passed slowly, and suddenly the melodious sound of a bell rang out from inside the hall.

"clang--"

Everyone's eyes were involuntarily drawn to the auction stage, and they perked up.

The auction has begun.

A beautiful nun walked onto the stage with an elegant posture and a smile that made people feel comfortable and convinced.

Then a clear and melodious voice came: "Welcome everyone..."

Lin Changheng, inside the Earth Pavilion, completely ignored these polite words and closed his eyes to continue refining his magical power using the Crimson Sky Profound Flame in his dantian.

He kept a sliver of his mind focused on the outside world, listening to the intense reactions and the names of the auction items announced by the female presiding monk.

"Whoo~"

The flames flickered, and time passed.

About two hours later.

Lin Changheng finally heard a single word.

"Second-order alchemy!"

(End of this chapter)