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

Chapter 176 Fire Rhythm Forty, Essence Blood Channel
"Please speak freely." Deng Changsheng readily agreed and sat down immediately.

"Why hasn't your friend sold any demon beast essence blood in the last two years?"

In reality, Lin Changheng hadn't seen Deng Changsheng deliver the blood, which is why he was making this indirect inquiries.

If Deng Changsheng answered that the person had been sold to another company, then the value and usefulness of this person to him would have to be reconsidered.

Deng Changsheng gave a bitter laugh. "My good friend... two years ago, he was completely infatuated with a music lawyer. Lacking spirit stones, he acted too hastily, which resulted in his exposure and being caught on the spot. He was originally going to be severely punished, but he was protected by his fake-core elder and taken back to be confined. I'm afraid he won't be out for a while."

Upon hearing this, Lin Changheng's lips twitched slightly. Sure enough, the cultivation world is full of all sorts of people. Any rogue cultivator with such a strong foundation would probably play it ten or a hundred times better than him…

After exchanging a few more words, Deng Changsheng realized that Lin Changheng was pretending to sleep with his eyes closed, so he took his leave.

……

Three months later.

Two independent cultivators arrived one after the other with gifts, requesting an audience. They told the monks they had some medicinal herbs and asked if they could help replenish the supplies and start the furnace.

They were all [Heavenly Crystal Lotus Root].

Lin Changheng couldn't help but wonder, could there really be so many lotus roots? Last time, after he refined the Foundation Establishment Pill, a cultivator came to his door saying that he had this main ingredient and asked for crowdfunding to start the furnace.

Shaking his head, Lin Changheng saw through their pretense but didn't say anything more. It was understandable for rogue cultivators to be cautious.

They clearly stated that what they lacked was the [Nine-Leaf Purple Elixir]. If they found this main ingredient, then asking for the elixir again would most likely not be a problem.

Disappointed, the rogue cultivators could only bid farewell and leave, while their goodwill towards the kind and approachable Master Lin increased greatly.

The alchemists they had previously visited, all of whom were arrogant and looked down on others, but this Alchemist Lin was different.

Lin Changheng didn't care what others thought of him; he was simply following his own code of conduct. Meanwhile, he thought to himself, "If things continue like this, the Huang family's plans will likely fall through, and they might only be able to wait until my Nine-Leaf Purple Ganoderma matures..."

He did everything he promised Chef Zeng, and whether it would work out or not was none of his business, as it was not subject to his will.

But he didn't expect that someone would come to his door again five days later.

She was a female cultivator.

A woman dressed as a man.

He was dressed as a male cultivator, wearing a white robe, holding a folding fan, with an elegant demeanor and a handsome face.

Lin Changheng didn't even need his divine sense to recognize him at a glance. This was because he had watched a lot of movies and TV dramas during his childhood in his previous life, so he subconsciously became "wary" against any male cultivator with a rosy complexion and white teeth.

They immediately suspected a woman dressed as a man, and then looked for distinctive features, which proved accurate every time.

"Please, fellow Daoist."

Since the visitor was a guest, Lin Changheng naturally gave him a warm welcome, but he wouldn't be so bored as to point out anything.

Moreover, this female cultivator's cultivation level was not weak. Although it was concealed by magic or treasures, Lin Changheng still keenly sensed a trace of pressure from her.

It's at least the cultivation level of the mid-Foundation Establishment stage.

The two took their seats in the hall. The white-robed female cultivator waved her folding fan and said, "I heard that Alchemist Lin plans to start refining Foundation Establishment Pills, but he is still short of medicinal materials. I wonder if I could contribute one person? Could you please join me in refining one batch?"

"Naturally."

Lin Changheng immediately smiled and said, "Since I am here to refine pills, I naturally have no reason to refuse guests, but I still have to be responsible for the quality of the medicinal materials."

"May I ask what kind of medicinal herb you possess, fellow Daoist?"

The female cultivator in white smiled slightly, thinking she had played her part well. "Fellow Daoist is right. The main ingredient I have is a [Nine-Leaf Purple Ganoderma]. I wonder if it's suitable?"

"Oh? May I take it out for a look?"

Lin Changheng's thoughts stirred slightly, but he remained outwardly calm.

There was no need for the white-robed female cultivator to deceive him; she was most likely telling the truth, but the process of confirmation was essential.

In this way, the Huang family's alchemy plan was finally complete and ready to be implemented.

The woman flicked her fan across the table, and a cold jade box appeared, exuding a chilling aura; it was an excellent container for storing spirit-locking medicines.

Then, the fan head struck the jade box, and it shot out, landing on Lin Changheng's table.

"Please, Fellow Daoist Lin, take a look."

Without saying a word, Lin Changheng opened the jade box, revealing a precious herb, which was indeed the [Nine-Leaf Purple Ganoderma]. Moreover, its condition in all aspects was far superior to the twenty-year-old one he had just used.

Last time, when Lin Changheng refined the Foundation Establishment Pill, he didn't make any mistakes, but he still produced a substandard pill. Judging from his current alchemy skills, it was probably due to the quality of the precious medicine, or rather, its age.

The medication was slightly less potent.

Alchemy inherently involves some losses, and the inability to precisely control the division of pills naturally results in one of the pills being inherently deficient...

If the medicinal potency is sufficient, rather than being off the mark, then naturally all of them can become genuine pills.

"This medicine is quite good; it's about fifty years old."

Lin Changheng gave his evaluation.

At the same time, I scanned the root area and found that there were no roots.

He couldn't help but sigh inwardly, "What a pity."

"Master Lin has excellent eyesight! He can even accurately identify precious herbs that have been harvested for a long time at a glance. I am truly impressed."

The white-robed female cultivator immediately snapped her fan shut and clapped her hands, saying, "I haven't been in the Immortal City long, and I've been asking around among the cultivators in the streets which alchemist can refine the Foundation Establishment Pill. Six out of ten people recommended Alchemist Lin. Now that I've seen him, he truly lives up to his reputation!"

"It's just that the fellow Daoists in the Immortal City are too kind."

Lin Changheng chuckled.

His ability to quickly identify the age of the medicine had absolutely nothing to do with his alchemy skills or knowledge of medicinal herbs; it was simply due to a slight activation of the true meaning of the [Rongsheng Divine Power].

Absolutely precise, like a pinpoint.

The two then got up and discussed details such as the furnace opening fee.

It's set at two thousand low-grade spirit stones!

Two thousand each.

This is the median price for a second-tier alchemist in the Immortal City to refine a Foundation Establishment Pill.

If only two pills are successfully formed, the third person does not need to pay spirit stones. The other two people who obtained the pills will make up the difference, and the third person will also be appropriately compensated.

Lin Changheng only quoted 1,000 spirit stones last time because he was a novice and no one would come at the regular price, especially since he had one of his own spirit stones in the quotation.

Now that we've established a reputation, we naturally have to charge normal prices; otherwise, it will attract hostility from other alchemists, and it will lead to fierce competition...

It would be harmful to Lin Changheng as well! He has no shortage of alchemy skills.

"When the time comes for alchemy, please inform me, Alchemist Lin, that I will be residing in the Immortal City."

The white-robed female cultivator agreed to the price without batting an eye and took out a communication jade talisman.

I glanced at the fair and slender hand that handed over the jade talisman; it was clearly a woman's hand.

Such a poor disguise is almost impossible for a rogue cultivator, and is completely different from the previous two rogue cultivators who disguised themselves meticulously, thoroughly, and inconspicuously.

Based on various details, Lin Changheng could roughly guess that this woman's background must be quite good. She was probably a noblewoman from a large family or a sect, living a life of luxury, which was why she was lacking in these aspects.

"Of course, may I ask your surname, fellow Daoist?" "Yun."

The female cultivator in white thought for a moment and then spoke.

"The furnace should be opened within six months. We will notify Fellow Daoist Yun when that time comes."

Lin Changheng handed the precious medicine back and smiled as he saw the guest off.

"Master Lin, please wait."

The female cultivator in white turned and waved her hand, then left with an air of nonchalance.

Lin Changheng glanced at them a few times, but didn't look at them for long before turning back.

Before long, a communication jade talisman flew out of the cave and disappeared.

……

The next day, Chef Zeng arrived with great joy.

"Has the Nine-Leaf Purple Elixir been secured?"

He had just sat down at the stone table in the courtyard and hadn't even had time to drink his tea when he asked in a hurry.

Lin Changheng slowly sipped his tea, giving him a look that signaled him not to rush.

"Brother Lin, you've really worried me a lot." Chef Zeng had no choice but to pick up his teacup, take a sip, and put it down beside him, fixing his gaze on Lin Changheng.

Lin Changheng still had a smile on his lips.

Chef Zeng slapped his forehead and laughed in realization, "Look at my memory, I forgot for a moment."

Then he pulled a storage bag from his waist and handed it over.

Lin Changheng took it directly, examined it in person, and then chuckled: "The main ingredient has indeed been found. I have fulfilled my mission. However, I wonder what kind of demonic beast's essence blood this is?"

The blood essence contained more than two hundred portions, crimson red like fire, with sparks seemingly rising and falling, clearly the blood essence of some kind of fire-type demon beast.

Judging from its richness and blood-like aura, it should be [turbid evil essence blood].

Lin Changheng had seen many [Mysterious Spirit Essence Blood], so he didn't discriminate against them. Having more talents was always good, as it could also enhance the spiritual energy of one's spiritual root. Why not?
Moreover, if the seed position is not full, it cannot be released.

"That's good! Thank you so much, Brother Lin. Without you, the pill refining process would probably have been indefinitely delayed..." Chef Zeng said with a smile, then turned to introduce...
"This is the essence blood of a fire-type [Turbid Fiend Beast] called [Poison Fire Bull]. Its body contains fire poison, but its meat is delicious and rich in spiritual energy. A late-stage second-tier spirit chef in the clan has developed it into a spirit food and is currently spreading it on a small scale in his own market to test the feedback."

"But this monster is difficult to raise and is rarely seen in the wilderness. Only my Huang family has mastered the location of its core population."

"It just so happens that there is another batch of essence blood in the warehouse that has not yet been sold. After I learned about it, I reported it directly to the ancestor and it was approved."

Chef Zeng revealed everything at once, except for the core information, so as to avoid Lin Changheng asking questions and to allow him to inquire about the issues and situations that Lin was concerned about.

As expected, Lin Changheng nodded in satisfaction, "Brother Zeng is very kind. I thank you."

Then, meeting Chef Zeng's gaze, he said, "Brother Zeng, if you want to know anything, just ask."

Chef Zeng breathed a sigh of relief and began asking a series of questions, all revolving around the main ingredient and alchemy.

Lin Changheng answered them one by one.

Although Brother Lin doesn't act without seeing the benefits, he really gets things done when he receives them, and in such a proper and effective way!
Chef Zeng was satisfied, certain that the matter could be accomplished. Finally, he asked, "I wonder when it would be convenient for Brother Lin to start refining the elixir? I would like to inform the ancestor and arrange for the clan to send over the main ingredient."

Lin Changheng's mind raced slightly as he set the time, but Chef Zeng immediately added as if he understood, "At that time, a new batch of [Poisonous Fire Bull] essence blood will also be given as a gift."

"I was just thinking about when would be the right time to start the furnace." Lin Changheng was slightly surprised. How did this old man Zeng learn to predict things?

Chef Zeng, on the other hand, seemed indifferent, clearly thinking that Lin Changheng was quite right: "I have no other intentions, Brother Lin, you don't need to think too much about it."

"What will it be like two months from today?" Lin Changheng quickly gave a timeframe.

"Alright, let's do as Brother Lin says."

Chef Zeng nodded in agreement without hesitation and quickly took his leave to make the necessary arrangements.

Lin Changheng also activated the communication jade talisman that the woman in white had taken out yesterday and conveyed the message.

……

"【Poisonous Fire Bull】?"

"This seems to be the essence blood of the first bovine demon beast I ever used to seize a spirit."

Lin Changheng looked at the essence blood in the storage bag, and without flipping through the book of demon beast illustrations, he directly began to extract the spirit.

"All the demonic beast talents can make me stronger!"

Lin Changheng muttered to himself, his gaze resolute.

Swish!
The Yuan Ding trembled slightly, and a crimson treasure seed, resembling a charging bull, appeared on the outermost ring and immediately solidified.

[Poisonous Fire Bull Treasure Seed - Level 1]

[Spirit Stealing: 10/100]

[Effect: Bloodline of a turbid demon beast, naturally possessing fire element, and innate talents of brute force, fire poison, and horn charge. Upon successful spirit-seizing, one can choose to refine one of these.]

……

Lin Changheng's gaze swept over the area, his mind racing.

In the past, he would have given brute force a serious consideration. But now he no longer values ​​it. With the fifth level of [Great Strength Technique - Transformation] and the true meaning of [Mountain-Carrying Divine Power] waiting to be realized, he no longer cares about these minor enhancements.

[Fire Poison] was placed on Lin Changheng's shortlist, which was equivalent to enchanting his fire magic and fire-based strange and demonic magic.

It adds another layer of damage, and it's continuous.

As for [Horn Strike], although he has no horns, he can simulate them using [Limb Hardening Demonic Technique], using his body limbs as "horns" to ram into people.

After some consideration, he still chose [Fire Poison].

[Already mastered: Fire Poison Technique - Insight]

Instantly, the three precious seeds merged into one, flowing into his body, and Lin Changheng felt a certain change occurring within his body.

Moreover, it did not clash with the pure spiritual energy that previously represented the [Poison-Dissolving Demonic Technique], but rather remained peaceful and unharmed.

With a thought, Lin Changheng summoned the [Fireball Technique], and a fireball appeared before him. He then immediately added the [Fire Poison Technique] to it, and the bright firelight instantly became somewhat dark and deep.

After removing the technique, Lin Changheng summoned the Crimson Sky Profound Flame again and added the Fire Poison Strange Technique to it once more. Instantly, the magnificent flame became as if it were coated with a layer of gray light, giving people a slightly eerie, both righteous and evil feeling.

"The toxicity of this fire poison... is approximately top-grade first rank."

"If it is enhanced to the fifth level, or even transformed, and can reach the second-tier middle grade like the [Crimson Sky Profound Flame] back then, its self-protection power will be even stronger. Even a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator would be covered in dust if they were to be caught off guard."

"I hope so. I hope it doesn't end up like that [Wooden Puppet Fox], where it only lasts three levels."

Lin Changheng still harbors resentment towards the "Wooden Puppet Fox".

[Effect: Possesses a first-tier superior fire poison, and the body undergoes initial poison adaptation and transformation]

At the same time, Lin Changheng's fire spirit root finally broke through the forty spirit essence barrier!

In addition to the one that was just added, there is another one brought by the [Original Treasure Seed - Tenfold].

(End of this chapter)