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

Chapter 159 Famous Throughout the Immortal City, Nameless Essence Blood
For the next few days, Lin Changheng stayed in the cave and took care of some miscellaneous tasks.

One can't help but sigh that this cave dwelling is expensive for a reason. Not only is it extremely comfortable to live in, but it also has a large space, complete facilities, and is private enough to do whatever one wants.

It is far superior to the original Qingyuan Xiaozhu.

The only drawback is its proximity to [Floating Life Lake] and [Feather Immortal Island], placing it right under the noses of Core Formation Real Persons and False Core Formation Real Persons, which makes one feel slightly uneasy.

Of course, Lin Changheng's paranoia was also at play in having such thoughts. The main reason was that his secret was too great, and even a Core Formation Realm cultivator would be tempted and inevitably have some worries after learning about it.

If a better place or cave dwelling becomes available in the future, he will decisively leave.

He understood the principle that a wise man does not stand under a dangerous wall.

……

Five days later.

Lin Changheng quietly left the cave and returned to the inner city of the Immortal City, to the "Cloud Palace".

He concealed his cultivation and used the first-level "Qi Concealment Technique" at the perfect realm to disguise himself. It was difficult for anyone other than a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator or above to recognize his Foundation Establishment identity.

Just as Lin Changheng was about to open the barrier in front of Qingyuan Xiaozhu, he heard a startled exclamation from behind.

"Brother Lin!"

Turning his head, he saw a pretty young woman standing there, looking at him with surprise and delight.

It was Yan Mingyi, the granddaughter of the Yan family.

"Miss Yan."

Lin Changheng responded with a smile.

Yan Mingyi ran over quickly, looking Lin Changheng up and down, her beautiful eyes sparkling.

"What's wrong? Is there something I did wrong?"

"No," Yan Mingyi shook her head repeatedly, her gaze fixed on him, "it's because Brother Lin's reputation has already resounded throughout the inner city!"

"Oh?"

Lin Changheng's expression shifted slightly, as if he had anticipated this.

In the Immortal City, whether a complete set of Foundation Establishment Pill ingredients produces a genuine pill or a substandard one, it is acceptable to all cultivators.

On his first attempt at refining pills, he produced two or three usable pills in one go.

This will surely cause an uproar.

However, there was no clear sense of the extent to which it could cause an uproar.

"Brother Lin will know once he opens the door."

Yan Mingyi covered her mouth and chuckled softly.

Lin Changheng also wanted to see what was going on, so he immediately opened the restrictions and portals, only to be stunned.

Within the gate, countless visiting cards, including jade slips, red invitations, and brocade scrolls, were scattered like petals by celestial maidens, hanging in the air and swaying gently.

"So many? There must be at least dozens..."

Just as he was about to reach out and collect them, Yan Mingyi stepped forward and said, "Brother Lin, let me do it."

"Alright."

Lin Changheng nodded and brewed two cups of spiritual tea in the courtyard.

Before long, Yan Mingyi arrived carrying a large bouquet of visiting cards.

"You've worked hard, have a cup of tea."

Lin Changheng reached out and took the letters, placed them on the stone table, said a greeting, and then prepared to read them one by one.

"After the news of Brother Lin's incident spread that day, the inner city was in an uproar. I happened to be out buying materials and heard many people discussing it. I was quite surprised at the time. But when I thought of Brother Lin's unparalleled skills, I suddenly got used to it."

Yan Mingyi pursed her red lips slightly and recounted what she had seen and heard.

Lin Changheng raised his eyes to signal her to continue, while he quickly scanned the screen.

"Later, Lin's Qingyuan Cottage was constantly visited by cultivators, without any shortage. The auras of the visitors were all very powerful, and many of them were even more alarming, at least Foundation Establishment cultivators."

"This grand occasion lasted for several months. Later, when they saw that Brother Lin still hadn't shown up, they all left their visiting cards..."

"Now, half a year has passed, and finally, there is no trace of them, and things have quieted down again."

Yan Mingyi parted her red lips slightly, her face showing a look of reminiscence, after all, it was all half a year ago.

“There were even cultivators who came to inquire about the whereabouts of my grandfather, Brother Lin, and me. Even if we knew, we would never leak it out. We dismissed them with just a few words.”

"I see."

Lin Changheng had a basic understanding of the situation over the past six months.

At the same time, he had also scanned through the visiting cards in his hand.

Based on the content, they are divided into three categories.

Firstly, it was the pursuit of elixirs.

Lin Changheng is currently very popular, and many cultivators are trying to get to know him by visiting him in order to obtain pills.

Among them were several Qi Refining cultivators, who seemed to possess Foundation Establishment materials. Another was also a Foundation Establishment cultivator, intending to obtain elixirs for himself or a younger member of his family.

Secondly, it is an invitation.

These were mostly from various powerful forces, cultivation families, or shops in the immortal city, extending goodwill to this second-tier alchemist. They either invited Lin Changheng to become a guest elder or a retainer in their clan, or asked him to be the chief alchemist and oversee a shop.

Thirdly, it was also an invitation, but it was rather special because it came from the management of the Immortal City.

Lin Changheng's reputation had long attracted the attention of the Immortal City. This was evident in the VIP seats he was given at auctions when his fame first emerged.

Now his reputation has soared, and the management of Immortal City directly invited Lin Changheng to join them as a guest elder in the Dao of Alchemy.

It should be noted that the Immortal City also operates its own businesses, such as renting out houses and cave dwellings, which constitutes a monopoly and naturally brings in a fortune every day.

However, in other businesses, they may not be able to compete fairly and win against other forces.

The Dan Hall within it was quite weak.

Lukewarm.

Lin Changheng speculated that they probably wanted to use his reputation and strength to revitalize the Pill Palace.

Although the pay was good, he wasn't very interested.

It should be noted that after Mo Zhaoli advanced to the Foundation Establishment stage with a mid-grade spiritual root containing fifty strands of spiritual energy, it took him more than six years, nearly seven years, to advance one step from the early stage of Foundation Establishment and enter the second level of Foundation Establishment.

With only thirty-five strands of spiritual energy in his mid-grade spiritual root, wouldn't it take him even longer to advance in the Foundation Establishment stage?

As for Xu Xujun of the Xu family, as the only one in the family to reach the Foundation Establishment stage, he basically did not get involved in worldly affairs. As the pillar of the family, he always cultivated diligently in the core dojo.

However, the "revitalization of the Pill Hall" will inevitably involve a lot of mundane affairs and will likely require cooperation with certain decisions. At that time, being bogged down in miscellaneous matters and having one's energy diverted will make a breakthrough in cultivation even more distant.

The thought of possibly having to work under the noses of Core Formation and Pseudo-Core Formation cultivators made Lin Changheng even more resistant.

It's practically impossible to agree to that.

……

Lin Changheng then reviewed the first two points.

Those who seek the elixir can naturally access it without hindrance.

But the person who invited them should be left out.

Why did he leave the Xu family, where he was living comfortably? It was because he was not free, and the truly good things would never come his way; even if he waited ten years, he would never get a turn.

What's the point of staying here? Is it just to earn spirit stones and ordinary resources?
Lin Changheng lived as a free spirit, making friends with cultivators from all walks of life, and still earned money by refining pills.
He would not be an exception unless there was a sufficient benefit or a rare treasure to entice him.

……

"Brother Lin, it's been a long time! When will you come over for a casual meal? My grandfather has been mentioning you quite often these past six months."

Yan Mingyi extended an invitation.

"Of course, I'll come and bother you once I've dealt with all the old issues I've accumulated."

Lin Changheng did not refuse and nodded with a smile.

"Then it's a deal."

Yan Mingyi smiled and took her leave.

Lin Changheng remained seated, seemingly deep in thought, when he suddenly pulled a communication jade slip from his storage bag. After recording information on it with his divine sense, he flicked it, breaking through the aerial barrier above the courtyard and hurtling away.

……

at dusk.

A figure in a golden robe arrived silently, about to knock on the door.

"The door is ajar; just push it open and come in."

A faint voice transmission reached his ears as the golden-robed figure raised his hand.

"Yes!"

Although surprised, he did not suspect anything, thinking that he had let his footsteps slip and been discovered by Master Lin. He responded in a low voice and gently pushed the door open to enter.

At the stone table in the courtyard, a figure in a green robe, whom he hadn't seen for more than half a year, was looking at him with a faint smile.

"Chang Sheng has arrived?"

Upon hearing this still familiar address, Deng Changsheng's face twitched several times, filled with a mixture of surprise and delight. Half a year ago, Master Lin's batch of Foundation Establishment Pills had made him a household name in the Immortal City. Major powers and Foundation Establishment cultivators lined up to request an audience, but to no avail. Yet, they sent messages to him privately!
How rare! My heart was filled with ecstatic joy!
He even thought that he would never be able to reach Master Lin's feet again, after all, the master's status was so high, how could he possibly look up to a mere Qi Refining cultivator like him? The things that Master Lin had asked him to do before, as long as he asked, most of the Qi Refining Ninth Level Peak cultivators would rush to do them and fight tooth and nail to do them, and even Foundation Establishment cultivators could be driven!
During that period, he felt that his life had become much darker.

As a result, the word "immortality" directly and completely pulled it from darkness into light.

He still remembers me! He still cares about me! He still calls me that!!!
"Greetings, Master Lin Dan!"

Deng Changsheng was extremely excited. He clasped his hands in greeting and bowed deeply, almost at a 90-degree angle.

"Eh? Changsheng, what do you mean by this? Come and sit down."

Lin Changheng raised an eyebrow, seemingly lost in thought, before letting out a faint, feigned voice of incomprehension.

"Yes."

Deng Changsheng did not explain and immediately agreed.

Then he walked to the table and suddenly his expression turned serious. "I wonder if Master Lin has anything to assign me? Just give the order, I will obey without hesitation."

"Sit down, I do have something to discuss with Changsheng."

How could Lin Changheng not understand the intention behind this person's words and actions, and what attitude he was expressing?

He neither confirmed nor denied it, but simply pointed to the stone bench and said with a smile.

"Please speak." Deng Changsheng's obvious declaration of loyalty went unanswered, leaving him unsure of the alchemist's true intentions. He could only remain respectful.

There are two specific things.

"Firstly, is there any follow-up to the [Mysterious Spirit Essence Blood]?"

"Secondly, there's the 'Fairy Cui' next door. I'm somewhat interested in her. I wonder if Changsheng knows anything about her background?"

Lin Changheng blew on the tea leaves, took a sip of tea, and asked casually.

Deng Changsheng thought it was something difficult, and immediately laughed and said, "The [Mysterious Spirit Essence Blood] does have a follow-up, but Master Lin has not been at home for a while, so I have no way to offer it."

As he spoke, Deng Changsheng patted his storage bag and took out sixteen bottles of essence blood.

Divided into two rows, each containing glittering gold, they were laid out on the stone table, instantly attracting Lin Changheng's attention.

Then Deng Changsheng scratched his head and laughed as if he didn't care, "At that time, my friend was short of money and needed spirit stones urgently, so he insisted that I pay for them in advance."

"Thanks to you! But Changsheng, just pay upfront, I'll take as much of this essence blood as you have."

Lin Changheng knew perfectly well that he was trying to take credit, so he immediately praised him.

Why be stingy with a single word? Yet many people fail to grasp this point, treasuring praise like gold.

On second thought, aside from some demonic beasts with the Xuanling bloodline that are still at the first rank, many can break through to the second rank, and the price of their essence blood varies greatly.

The price of a first-tier [Mysterious Spirit Essence Blood] is around fifteen low-grade spirit stones, while that of a second-tier one is close to fifty low-grade spirit stones.

After all, the difference is a difference in the level of life, which also represents a tremendous change in strength and a sharp increase in the risk of acquisition!

In other words, Deng Changsheng advanced 800 low-grade spirit stones, which is quite a lot for a Qi Refining cultivator.

Lin Changheng immediately took out the spirit stones and returned them to Deng Changsheng, adding a few more.

You can't expect the person who runs errands for you to sweat and waste spirit stones, can you?

Only then did he collect all the essence blood. He calculated that he had accumulated one hundred and twelve bottles of this essence blood.

"It seems like too much..."

Deng Changsheng also noticed the discrepancy in the quantity.

"You've done a lot for me, so this is a gift to you," Lin Changheng said calmly.

"Thank you very much, Master Lin."

Deng Changsheng was overjoyed. What pleased him was not the few spirit stones, but Lin Changheng's attitude towards people and things, which he showed in the details.

Respond, generous, and not overly critical...

He became even more determined to work and risk his life for Lin Changheng.

Then, without hesitation, he revealed all the information he knew about "Cui Jianshui".

No reservations were made.

But Lin Changheng frowned after hearing this.

From Deng Changsheng's perspective, this woman was indeed quite innocent.

Not only is her background spotless, but her actions within the Immortal Sound Pavilion are also quite clean.

Unlike some music fairies whose skirts are quite loose.

This point was specifically commented on by his friend, because he had pursued her for half a year without success.

Deng Changsheng also frequently participated in the process, offering advice and suggestions.

"Do you know a cultivator named Gu Chang'an? He came to me before asking for pills."

Lin Changheng asked again.

"do not know."

Deng Changsheng was taken aback. "Could it be that he has some kind of relationship with Fairy Cui?"

Lin Changheng shook his head, saw Deng Changsheng off, and instructed him not to say anything to outsiders.

After a long pause, he finally uttered a "funny".

But he had lost all interest in being a detective and investigating the truth.

He plans to go to the inner city shop tomorrow to purchase a second-tier secret technique, which is widely circulated and extremely practical.

It's called the "Soul Searching Technique," and it might come in handy right away.

……

That night.

Lin Changheng laid out a table full of unidentified [Mysterious Spirit Essence Blood] in the room, preparing to begin absorbing it.

Deng Changsheng's friends were worried about being exposed, so they didn't reveal any details for fear of getting into trouble, but this didn't affect Lin Changheng.

As long as the essence and blood level are genuine, it's fine.

This is also a key reason why all the blood ended up in his hands.

Swish!
Lin Changheng communicated with the Yuan Ding and began to seize the spirit.

No new treasure seed appeared; instead, the treasure seed representing the [Fire-tailed Golden Rat] trembled repeatedly.

At the same time, information is also being perceived.

【Firetail Golden Rat Treasure Seed - Fifth Level】

[Spirit Stealing: 100/100]

[Biochemical Life: 10/10]

……

[With essence and blood fully absorbed, the transformation is complete!]

【Firetail Golden Rat True Core - Supreme】

(End of this chapter)