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

Chapter 197 A Ten-Year Secret Realm, Main Medicine at Hand (5K words, including a bonus chapter for 1000 monthly votes)
The Hidden Peak Dojo, Xu Hanji's courtyard.

In the secret room.

Lin Changheng used his magical power to activate the true meaning of the [Rongsheng Divine Power], which breathed in and out, penetrating deep into Xu Hanji's dantian.

I'm trying to fix it.

Under its cover, it seemed as if life was brewing.

Lin Changheng wasn't stupid. Although he had already planned to save people, he wouldn't immediately mobilize his lifespan to activate the true meaning of the [Rongsheng Divine Power].

After all, lifespan is a real resource that is being used up, so it will decrease in number!
But magical power is different; it can regenerate and be restored through cultivation, so he doesn't mind using as much as he wants.

"Humph……"

Xu Hanji lay on the stone bed, her fair and tender lower abdomen feeling a tingling sensation. She was already trembling slightly, and then she started shaking like a leaf.

She clenched her teeth.

Soon, Lin Changheng, who had been paying close attention to his dantian, discovered that the true meaning of the [Rongsheng Divine Power] activated by his magic power was indeed effective in treating the remaining injuries to his dantian.

However, compared to the huge response from Xu Hanji, the progress seems rather slow.

Lin Changheng continued to channel his magic power, and his injuries were slowly healing.

"effective."

Lin Changheng looked up at Xu Hanji and gave her some positive feedback.

"Um……"

Xu Hanji spoke through his nose, still enduring the pain, and only reacted after a few breaths, "Thank you, Brother Lin."

"You are welcome."

Seeing the woman's state, Lin Changheng knew that she was distracted, as if she was resisting some kind of overwhelming feeling.

If someone were to look inward, they would find that her body was overflowing with green light, and a warm current was flowing continuously in her dantian.

The minor anomalies brought about by Lin Changheng's [Rongsheng Divine Power] had long been submerged in the "surging torrent" formed by the two pills.

Half an hour later.

Lin Changheng stopped.

Xu Hanji remained unmoved.

"Han Ji, what's wrong?"

At Xu Hanji's insistence, Lin Changheng had no choice but to abandon the "Miss" title he was used to and start calling her by her name, "Hanji".

Lin Changheng looked puzzled. Had he fallen asleep? He peeked over.

What I saw was a shy, pretty face and beautiful eyes that seemed to hold a pool of clear spring water.

"Brother Lin, I...I can't get up."

"My hands are weak, my legs... my legs are weak..."

Xu Hanji's voice, which unconsciously carried a hint of coquettishness, made Lin Changheng pause for a moment.

His gaze swept quickly over the man's body, and a strange thought arose, but he didn't want to dwell on it or say anything more.

He bent down and lifted Xu Hanji off the bed effortlessly.

Let alone such a delicate woman, Lin Changheng could easily lift a boulder or a bronze cauldron with his physique.

Can you hold me for a while?

Xu Hanji leaned weakly against Lin Changheng's chest.

"nature."

Lin Changheng nodded.

He also noticed that this woman seemed different from what he knew. If she was the aloof fairy of the moon palace before, she had opened her heart and was obviously much bolder now, and her body was... extremely sensitive.

It's like three different elements mixed together.

It's interesting.

"Is it fixed now?"

Xu Hanji suddenly asked.

"No."

Lin Changheng shook his head, then estimated for a moment before saying, "It will take at least three more times."

"it is good."

Xu Hanji nodded, a slight smile unconsciously curving his lips, which Lin Changheng was unaware of.

……

After going out.

Now, the three elders of the Xu family—the head of the family, Xu Xujun, and Xu Qianyan—who are also the three most important members, are all waiting at the door.

As soon as they came out, they hurriedly went to greet them.

Upon seeing this scene, Lin Changheng suddenly recalled the common sights outside the operating room of a hospital in his previous life, which were exactly the same.

This kind of concern is something that cannot be faked or done.

I briefly explained to them that the treatment was very effective, to put their minds at ease, and then took my leave.

The three elders of the Xu family were overjoyed and filled with emotion.

"Good good."

"Take care, Master Lin."

After seeing Lin Changheng off, the three of them went up to inquire about Xu Hanji's feelings, but did not ask what they had done in the secret room or how the treatment had been administered.

This is taboo and inappropriate probing.

If Lin Changheng finds out and becomes unhappy, it will affect his subsequent treatment, which would be bad.

……

Half a month passed quickly.

This was also the last time Lin Changheng treated Xu Hanji's injuries.

In his perception, under the true meaning of the [Glory Life Divine Power] activated by magic, the last crack slowly disappeared.

"call!"

Lin Changheng was also somewhat exhausted, so he stopped using his supernatural powers and looked again.

At this moment, Xu Hanji's dantian no longer showed any cracks; it was as smooth and intact as ever.

"All right."

Lin Changheng stood up and looked at Xu Hanji.

It was obvious that compared to the previous three times when he was completely exhausted and unable to control himself, Xu Hanji was much more used to it and performed much better.

Although the trembling persisted throughout the process, the patient was able to sit up on her own after the treatment.

"This time, we have accomplished our mission and lived up to the expectations of the Xu family. Han Ji, you can now focus on your foundation building."

Lin Changheng concealed his supernatural abilities without revealing a single detail, achieving the desired effect.

He looked at Xu Hanji and smiled.

"Many thanks to Brother Lin for his help. I will never forget it."

Xu Hanji stood up and bowed.

My body was still a bit weak and unstable, but I decided to keep going anyway.

"It doesn't have to be this way."

Lin Changheng smiled and shook his head. Instead of using his magic to lift the woman up, he stepped forward and helped her up.

"Brother Lin, how much longer do you plan to stay in the clan?"

Xu Hanji suddenly remembered something and asked expectantly.

"The two objectives of this trip have been achieved, and we can proceed with the trip soon."

Lin Changheng smiled.

Xu Hanji opened his mouth, but still didn't say the request to stay a little longer.

This also means that Lin Changheng will not be able to see the results of her Foundation Establishment.

Suddenly, I was overwhelmed with indescribable emotions.

Lin Changheng patted her on the shoulder and encouraged her, "I believe you will definitely be able to establish your foundation. There's a long road ahead."

Although there is no such thing as a psychology of cultivating immortality, saying nice things and creating positive self-suggestion may still have some effect.

"Ok!"

Xu Hanji nodded.

"Then let's go out together."

Just as Lin Changheng was about to turn his head, a figure rushed towards him, and he felt a fleeting warmth on his cheek—clearly a kiss from red lips.
Then, Xu Hanji, who was nearby, bit her red lips and stared straight at Lin Changheng with her beautiful eyes that seemed to speak volumes.

Imagine, what would it be like to be looked at by someone who was once as aloof and ethereal as a moon palace fairy?
That girl!
Lin Changheng chuckled helplessly.

"Boom!"

At this moment, the activation formation that had been triggered earlier was in operation, and the gate opened.

He sensed the numerous expectant eyes that had already landed on his back outside the secluded room.

Xu Hanji, seemingly sensing something, glanced at Lin Changheng, a rare gentle smile appearing in her eyes.

Lin Changheng grabbed Xu Hanji's fair wrist with great seriousness, pretending to take her pulse.

"Hmm, not bad! The healing has achieved the desired effect."

He nodded in satisfaction, then turned and beckoned everyone in, announcing it again.

The three elders of the Xu family had no doubts and were overjoyed upon hearing this.

He insisted on hosting a small banquet with Lin Changheng, saying they wouldn't leave until they were completely drunk.

Since you don't like doing it on a large scale, how about a small scale?

Lin Changheng had no choice but to accept this.

Three days later.

Lin Changheng spent three days with Tantai Feiyue, and also figured out her cultivation level. He believed that she would have a chance to break through to the second level of Foundation Establishment within the next two years, and left some pills behind.

At this point, ten years had passed since Tantai Feiyue broke through to the Foundation Establishment stage. At this rate, it would probably really take twelve years to accumulate more experience...

Too slow! This shows the backwardness of low-grade spiritual roots!
It can be predicted that it will be quite difficult for her to break through to the middle stage of Foundation Establishment, and the chance of breaking through to the late stage of Foundation Establishment is extremely slim.

Lin Changheng didn't say anything directly about this, but only offered encouragement. He then bid farewell to the Xu family members, and under the grateful gazes of the high-ranking members, he stepped onto the magic boat, flew across the Blackwater River, and roared away.

……

In this mission, Lin Changheng only helped Xu Hanji deal with the problem of his dantian; as for his preparations for foundation building, that was no longer something he could interfere with.

Whether she ultimately succeeds in establishing her foundation is up to her destiny.

Lin Changheng did not interfere.

Back then, Tantai Feiyue also used a [second-grade Foundation Establishment Pill] and a [Foundation Establishment Spiritual Object] to establish her foundation, but she succeeded in the end without using the [Foundation Establishment Spiritual Object].

Xu Hanji's spiritual root talent is higher than Tantai Feiyue's, and their external preparations are similar, only the preparations are a bit worse. If he uses all of them, the chances of him establishing his foundation will naturally be higher.

But at the banquet that night, everyone was extremely happy and enjoyed themselves immensely.

Xu Xujun also revealed two things to him.

Within the territory ruled by the Ziji Sect, a unique medium-sized secret realm is about to open.

It opens once every sixty years.

The next opening will be in ten years.

At that time, each of the [Double Foundation Establishment Clans] under its jurisdiction will have at least one spot to enter the secret realm.

The specific number of places to be admitted is determined based on the family's power, background, and even financial resources.

Strength and foundation are judged by the Purple Extreme Sect.

As for financial resources, they are used to purchase quotas from the Ziji Sect using spirit stones. The Ziji Sect will allocate a portion of the quotas for various families and even independent cultivators to compete for, but it is not guaranteed that one can buy one.

Therefore, when asked whether Lin Changheng planned to enter, the Xu family could give him priority in giving up his spot.

The Xu family, however, intends to give up. Now that the Xu family has just risen to prominence, if Xu Xujun were to perish there, it would be a huge blow to the Xu family.

It's even possible that they could return to their former Qi-cultivating family.

Therefore, the Xu family's decision was made after careful consideration and has become a resolution.

In Lin Changheng's view, this was a very correct decision.

Lin Changheng did not immediately respond to this.

Given his steady personality and the fact that his Yuan Ding could steadily improve with the blood essence of demon beasts, it seemed that entering the secret realm would not bring him any benefits.

Moreover, the fact that the Purple Extreme Sect was willing to give up its secret realm, which it controlled exclusively, to its Foundation Establishment families is itself a very strange thing.

If someone shares the meat from their own pot with others, they are either a truly philanthropist or have ulterior motives and hidden agendas.

As a complex entity with intertwined interests, the Purple Extreme Sect would naturally not be the former; the answer is obvious...

Lin Changheng believes that many families can understand this point.

But why do so many cultivators still rush to buy a spot, even spending spirit stones?

It is precisely because of the immense temptation involved—

Legend has it that it contains the opportunity to form a golden core, as well as a confirmed key medicine for foundation building!
If you can get just one of them, it will be a good thing for yourself and your family!

Many Foundation Establishment cultivators, especially those whose cultivation is struggling to advance further, whose families are on the verge of collapse, or whose lifespans are nearing their end, will choose to take a gamble.

"A calculated scheme!"

Lin Changheng gave his evaluation of the Ziji Sect's actions.

With enough profit, anything can be driven, even to the point of sending oneself to the gallows!
Furthermore, the Ziji Sect had issued an ironclad rule prohibiting any friction, attacks, invasions, assassinations, or other similar incidents between families within half a month of the secret realm's opening.

Otherwise, the Ziji Sect will directly intervene and eliminate the families involved.

Uproot them completely!

It was precisely because of this rule that the Xu family was somewhat worried that their current nemesis, the Qiu family patriarch, might enter the secret realm for a final showdown.

If the other party can find some treasures to exchange for the resources needed to break through to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, it will pose a considerable threat to the Xu family.

Lin Changheng smiled and comforted him, "Wouldn't it save us a lot of trouble if the Qiu family patriarch died in the secret realm?"

Lin Changheng, though an outsider, maintains a rather optimistic attitude.

"I hope so..." Xu Xujun's sigh still lingers in his memory.

……

The second thing Xu Xujun revealed was that he had seen a certain medicinal herb that Lin Changheng was looking for in the [Wilderness Ruins].

This medicinal material was extracted by Lin Changheng from the formula for the "Youth Preservation Pill".

I attached a picture and gave it to the Xu family, asking them to keep an eye on it.

In urgent situations, he can even help buy it directly, and Lin Changheng will pay the full amount in spirit stones.

We won't let them suffer any losses.

It even indicates that the root part is acceptable!

As a result, Xu Xujun gave feedback the moment he saw the jade slip.

He opened his mouth and provided the information.

He had seen it in a shop in the desolate ruins when he was searching for the treasure medicine for Xu Hanji.

It is said to be a rare medicine, but it is not related to the Foundation Building Pill.

When others asked, they found out that it was the main ingredient of the "Youth Preservation Pill".

The atmosphere in the air immediately became pleasant.

You must understand that in this wild frontier, everyone here is a cultivator who lives on the edge of a knife, pursuing strength and cultivation!
As a result, his attempt at "anti-aging" naturally sparked a wave of ridicule.

"I don't know if it's been bought by anyone."

This is Xu Xujun's last related statement.

Therefore, Lin Changheng was determined to make a trip to this [Wilderness Village].

It was like revisiting a familiar place.

This is where he used to make elixirs.

That's how I accumulated my first pot of gold.

……

"Whoosh!" A magic boat roared past.

Places that once required hiding among packhorse caravans to reach, and which took six or seven days of travel to get there.

In just half a day, after flying over the mountains, the large, gray market town from my memory appeared before my eyes.

From the ground, it appeared as if a giant beast was lying prostrate between heaven and earth.

Looking at it from high above now, it seems small and insignificant.

It cannot be compared to the familiar [Floating Immortal City].

As the magic boat approached, Lin Changheng felt a downward pressure coming down on him. He knew this was an anti-air formation, so he immediately lowered the magic boat and stepped forward.

At the entrance, you still pay one spirit stone in exchange for a token before entering the market.

The shops on both sides of the bluestone road have remained largely unchanged for over forty years.

The crowds on the street were somewhat smaller, a far cry from the bustling scene of yesteryear.

Lin Changheng knew some of the reasons for this, because the existence and rise of the deeper Qinglingfang had drawn away the flow of people and customers from Huangxufang.

The two workshops are now in a state of balance and competition.

The only time the crowds recover is when a major auction is held.

Following the location given by Xu Xujun, Lin Changheng, with a clear objective, quickly arrived in front of a shop called "Yang Family Pharmacy".

But when Lin Changheng stopped at the door, he felt that the person looked somewhat familiar.

This location should have previously been a shop called "Alchemy Pavilion".

There was a middle-aged shopkeeper inside. Lin Changheng had first sold his high-quality pills here, and the shopkeeper had even shown him a clear path to obtaining the pill formulas...

He had a fairly good impression of this person.

But his divine sense had already scanned inside, and there was no sign of the middle-aged shopkeeper. Clearly, the person had changed, or the shop had changed hands.

This is extremely common in the cultivation world, especially among cultivators with long lifespans. When the time span is extended, they will find that "things remain the same but people are not" has become a truth.

……

Lin Changheng slightly concealed his cultivation level and entered directly.

Inside, a young, beautiful woman was busy at work, greeting visitors with a smile.

Lin Changheng chuckled and got straight to the point, explaining his purpose.

"Fellow Daoist, are you saying that you need the main ingredient of the second-tier [Youth Preservation Pill], the [Purple Jujube Grass]?"

The woman was taken aback.

“Indeed, I have heard that your shop has such items, so I came from my clan to purchase them.”

Lin Changheng confirmed with a slight smile.

"However, this medicinal herb was already..."

The young, beautiful woman immediately replied.

He was interrupted halfway through his sentence by a voice that suddenly came from outside the door, “Sir, I apologize, my wife made a mistake. This Purple Jujube Grass has not been sold.”

"I clearly remember you put it in the lower counter, but you have a bad memory and can never find it."

Then a male cultivator strode in from outside the door, giving the young and beautiful woman, who seemed hesitant to speak, a subtle glare that made her instantly dejected. He then quickly walked to the counter and rummaged through a pile of medicinal herbs.

"I told you to say it would be here!"

Then he took out a rather exquisite long box made of black jade and pushed it onto the counter with a happy expression.

Lin Changheng watched this scene with a smile.

This male cultivator seemed to be the owner of the shop, acting like he was in charge.

Everything that had just happened was detected by Lin Changheng's divine sense.

This includes the man's subtle gesture of glaring at the young, beautiful woman.

This also includes the person's pretense of seemingly rummaging behind the counter, when in reality they were taking out a black jade box from a storage bag.

At the same time, Lin Changheng, who was extremely sensitive to blood essence, also smelled a very faint bloody odor on the black jade box.

However, the shop owner was completely odorless, spotless, and clean as if he had just been cleaned with multiple Cleanse spells.

More importantly, although his appearance showed the marks of time, Lin Changheng still remembered it.

We've met a few times before!
(End of this chapter)