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

Chapter 201 Mysterious Spirit Demon Core, Spirit Beast Blood Offering
The old man in charge breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that the punishment he had expected was not going to happen. At the same time, he praised, "Master Lin's name is so famous in the Immortal City, it is indeed supported by his extremely high level of alchemy. I admire him greatly."

Then he whispered, "Among the three alchemists invited by the Immortal City, Alchemist Lin is the fastest."

"Oh?"

Lin Changheng's gaze narrowed slightly, and he understood the situation, but he still transmitted his voice and said, "The other two senior alchemists have more profound alchemy skills, and I dare not compare myself to them. It is probably because they are busy with alchemy work and may not have the same free time to devote themselves to it as I do."

Obviously, there's no benefit to competing for this, and the extra rewards won't be doubled.

Just for this old man's praise? There's really no need for that.

Upon hearing this, the old man in charge was taken aback. He glanced at Master Lin with his old eyes and laughed, "Absolutely, absolutely. I misspoke."

Lin Changheng shook his head, not taking it to heart, and instead explained his purpose: "I've come to pick up the new medicine."

As he spoke, a jade slip that had been written on beforehand shot into the old man's hand.

"It's easy to talk about."

The old man was greatly encouraged by Lin Changheng, and his initiative was significantly enhanced. He smiled and accepted the item for inspection.

His smile quickly froze again.

A moment later, he took the jade slip off his forehead and smiled bitterly at Lin Changheng.

"Master Lin, this...this..."

Lin Changheng looked puzzled. "What's the difficulty?"

"Master Lin, the medicinal herbs here are somewhat too precious. For example, the [Blue Lotus] is something we don't even have in our palace..."

This time, it didn't sound like a refusal.

Lin Changheng stared at the old man for a moment before suddenly smiling, "What about the others? There shouldn't be none left, right?"

It is obvious that Lin Changheng added two of the ingredients for the "Youth Preservation Pill," which were still lacking at the time.

One of the main ingredients is called [Azure Moon Lotus]; the other auxiliary ingredient is not a herb or plant, but a type of monster material called [Demon Core].

There are no restrictions on the type of monster, only that it must be second-tier and of the wood or water element.

Moreover, the bloodline of the original demon beast is above the [Profound Spirit Level]. The demon core condensed from such bloodline is purer and has a better medicinal effect, which is why it meets the requirements of the [Youth Preservation Pill].

It is known that both wood and water have restorative and healing effects.

However, Lin Changheng had never encountered a second-tier wood-water type demon beast resource of the [Mysterious Spirit Level], so naturally he could not obtain it.

Therefore, it was mentioned together.

"Have!"

Seeing that Lin Changheng was not fixated on the [Blue and White Lotus], the old man in charge immediately nodded decisively.

"Excuse me."

Lin Changheng was overjoyed, but remained outwardly calm. He gave a slight bow and watched the elderly steward rise and leave.

Before long, Lin Changheng obtained the last missing auxiliary medicine, a second-tier [Wood and Water Dual-Element Demon Core] produced by a demon beast called [Azure Mist Toad].

This monster is an enlarged version of a toad, with moss-covered bumps on its back that inhale and exhale spiritual mist with each breath. It dwells year-round in caves deep within wild rivers and marshes.

Cultivators dare not enter lightly!

The demon core in Lin Changheng's hand was about the size of a pigeon egg. Its surface was covered with spiral water patterns and tree ring-like wood grain, with blue and green colors mixed together. Under the light, it shimmered and sparkled, as if a pool of spring water and a new leaf were sealed in the crystal core at the same time.

The moment his fingertips touched the surface of the demon core, he felt two completely different energies intertwining inside—the gentle nourishment of the water element and the burgeoning vitality of the wood element forming a delicate balance.

That's truly amazing.

Lin Changheng couldn't help but sigh.

Although he had not yet obtained the main ingredient, Qinghua Yuelian, Lin Changheng was not discouraged, because this was the result of Lin Changheng taking the plunge even if he had no chance.

Moreover, it provides fertile ground for the use of the [Demolition Effect], otherwise this second-tier [Wood and Water Dual-Element Demon Core] would definitely not be so easy to obtain.

The old man in charge was taken aback when he saw that Lin Changheng had accepted the materials from the demon beasts and had no intention of leaving.

He began to have even more doubts in his heart.

Soon after, Lin Changheng asked, "I wonder if your palace possesses the demon blood of the Azure Mist Toad?"

Before the old man in charge could think further, he quickly added, "I have a need for it and can purchase it with spirit stones."

Upon hearing this, the elderly man in charge immediately gave his answer.

"No."

After thinking for a moment, he added, "[Spiritual Materials Hall] does not have it."

"Oh?"

Lin Changheng sensed something and pointed out that the Spiritual Materials Hall didn't have it, implying that it might be available elsewhere.
"Please enlighten me, sir."

"Hehe, I don't have much to teach you, but if Master Lin meets Master Bai again, perhaps he can ask her."

The elderly man in charge ultimately remained silent, seemingly due to some kind of taboo.

But he also smiled and offered a clear path forward.

"Thank you." Lin Changheng understood and then took his leave.

As he sailed away in his magic boat, Lin Changheng stood with his hands behind his back on it, having already made his decision. "Once the verification is successful, I will take the modified prescription to return the mission. At that time, the Immortal City's attitude towards me will naturally change. I will then subtly inquire and see if I can obtain any relevant information."

"If we can obtain ten portions of essence blood, at least the creation of the [Jade Horned Serpent Treasure Seed] will be secured."

……

Half a year has passed by in a flash.

The courtyard of Cave No. 98 in Waihu.

A small array was set up, filled with green mist, and Lin Changheng was healing the Deep Lake Spirit Clam by the pool.

After being replenished once every seven days, the desolate energy within the [Deep Lake Spirit Clam] is almost depleted.

Like a dying ember, it could be extinguished at any moment by the raging wind transformed from the true meaning of Lin Changheng's "Rongsheng Divine Power".

Another half hour passed.

"call!"

Lin Changheng exhaled a breath of turbid air, extinguishing the last trace of desolation within Xiaobai's body.

But he didn't stop, and continued to cleanse the body thoroughly.

After confirming that there was no longer any trace of desolation, Lin Changheng withdrew his supernatural powers.

"Gulu gulu..."

Meanwhile, the Deep Lake Spirit Clam was in the same state as any other clam, full of energy and showing no signs of aging.

It was a world apart from his previous state of being on the verge of death, with the flame of life about to be extinguished.

This change in state occurred a month ago. Lin Changheng watched this scene and a certain idea suddenly arose in his mind.

Initially, he had intended to let the clam rest for a while, but now it seems that's no longer necessary.

So, he squatted down, patted the clam shell, and started negotiating with Little White.

The topic of blood donation was mentioned.

"Gurgle, gurgle!" Little White showed no intention of resisting. On the contrary, it seemed to have known all along and didn't care. It opened its shell generously, revealing its tender white flesh, looking like it was ready to be done with.

Such cooperation?

Lin Changheng immediately burst into laughter.

During this period, Lin Changheng frequently educated the [Deep Lake Spirit Clam] on the knowledge of demonic beasts in the cultivation world at a frequency no less than that of Tang Sanzang chanting sutras, which was nothing more than a set of rhetoric centered around the theme of "donating blood is good for health".

Clearly, the effect was excellent.

Lin Changheng did not delay at all. He took out a jade box with his other hand, inside which was a seven-inch long silver needle.

It is called the "Cold Marrow Silver Needle".

Specifically for blood collection!

……

In fact, three months ago, Lin Changheng specially went to his neighbor Guo Qishi to ask him to make a special magical artifact for drawing blood from spirit beasts.

Unexpectedly, just as Lin Changheng began to describe his needs and usage, Guo Qishi interrupted him with a smile.

"how?"

Lin Changheng was puzzled.

To everyone's surprise, Guo Qishi simply took something out of his storage bag.

He handed it to Lin Changheng.

"Could this be the magical artifact that I, Lin, have been seeking?"

Lin Changheng knew exactly what it meant, and immediately checked it. It was indeed effective. Curiosity flashed in his eyes as he looked at Guo Qishi.

Guo Qishi immediately gave a brief explanation: it turned out that a cultivator from a beast-taming family had come to him seeking a weapon.

They even prepared the blueprints and paid a deposit, but after the product was finished, no one came to collect it.

More than ten years have passed, and there has still been no sign of anyone coming to retrieve the artifact. Master Guo reasonably guessed that something must have happened to that family.

In the world of cultivation, changes are commonplace, with the rise and fall of dynasties and the transformation of the world into prosperity and decline.

"Since Brother Lin happens to need it, I'll give it to you as a gift."

"Thank you very much then." Lin Changheng did not refuse.

At the same time, he did not deny that the other party addressed him as "Brother Lin".

Because of a rumor that "Master Lin Dan actually broke through the Foundation Establishment stage long ago and has been hiding for twenty years, he is really too good at hiding his abilities," it has spread widely in the Immortal City.

This news was released by the Huang family on his behalf.

Deng Changsheng, who was in his old profession doing this, still did not show up. The last time he took the Foundation Establishment Pill, no one knew whether he died after failing to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage, or was captured and killed halfway through. In any case, there was no news of him.

When Lin Changheng went to Lingqiong Mountain to pick up Yan Mingyi last time, the fact that he had broken through to the Foundation Establishment stage could no longer be kept secret. Lin Changheng simply used the Huang family's power to slowly spread the news.

Lin Chang-heng repeatedly emphasized that it is essential to include the key phrase: "before the age of sixty!"
He didn't want to set a record like Chef Zeng and risk being captured by a master craftsman and used as a specimen.

After a period of time, it finally caused a sensation in the Immortal City.

After all, Lin Changheng was already a celebrity among the cultivators in the Immortal City, and now his fame has been completely ignited!

But the sentiment has shifted somewhat. Previously, it was mostly "This alchemist is amazing," but now it's become "This alchemist is so cunning" or "Amazing and cunning at the same time!"
Of course, this was just something said behind people's backs, and no one was named. No one would dare to offend a second-tier alchemist who could refine [high-quality Foundation Establishment Pills] in public, especially since he was already a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Although he wouldn't go so far as to kill someone in the street, many people would seize the opportunity to appease him and curry favor with him.

……

At this very moment, in the courtyard of the cave dwelling.

Lin Changheng held a seven-inch-long [Frosty Marrow Silver Needle] between his fingertips. The needle tip glowed with a faint blue light. Because the [Deep Lake Spirit Clam] had released its protection, he quickly used his divine sense to locate the essence blood. With a slight force, he directly and accurately pierced the soft, white flesh between the shell crevices.

"Don't worry, just take one."

His tone was gentle, but his movements were swift and decisive.

The moment the needle touched the clam's flesh, the clam felt no pain, only a subconscious tremor. Its two bluish-black shells instinctively tried to close, but Lin Changheng, who was prepared, stopped them with his left hand, freezing them in mid-air.

"laugh--"

When the needle was withdrawn, a line of pale blue blood was trapped inside, with fine water ripples flowing within.

Lin Changheng was prepared and caught the jade bottle with a flick of his wrist.

"Not bad." He stared at the essence blood rolling in the jade bottle as it swayed, a look of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

The Deep Lake Spirit Clam was now limp and its meat was spread out, as if it had lost a lot of its energy and spirit, just like Lin Changheng, who had previously had his essence and blood drained.

Lin Changheng chuckled and flicked a second-tier blood-replenishing pill into his mouth.

These are the personal pills that Lin Changheng hadn't finished consuming before, and now they can be used on the [Deep Lake Spirit Clam] after it has donated blood.

Now that his original essence has been fully extracted, he is stuck in the transformation stage, and the Yuan Ding no longer extracts his essence blood every month.

The fixed "routine" that had been in place for over seventy years was suddenly gone, and it felt quite strange.

"Gulu gulu..."

The elixir was wrapped in the clam meat, and the clam shell closed up. Then Lin Changheng picked it up and put it into the water to rest.

This is the first time the essence blood of the [Deep Lake Spirit Clam] has been extracted. Lin Changheng needs to continue exploring based on its recovery and regeneration status in order to determine a suitable extraction frequency that can maintain regeneration and avoid "draining the pond to catch all the fish" and damaging the foundation.

At this moment, the Black-Armored Earth Turtle was watching curiously from a distance. When it saw Lin Changheng's gaze, it seemed eager to try its luck.

They probably thought that getting pricked by these silver needles would give them a fragrant pill, which seemed like a good deal.

Lin Changheng and the tortoise now have a basic connection because they have formed a higher-level [Spirit Pet Contract], gradually breaking free from the limitations of the [Beast Taming Talisman], and will be able to communicate directly through thought in the future.

This is a second-tier method, and the contract materials are more expensive. Moreover, it binds a cultivator, not a beast-taming token.

Once the Beast Taming Talisman changes hands, it means the spirit pet changes hands; it only recognizes the talisman, not the person.

It is very useful for family spirit beasts. You don't have to worry about the spirit beast being severely injured when the master dies, and the handover and replacement can be completed very conveniently.

However, there is a high requirement for pet contracts: the pet must be willing to form a contract.

The transition from Beast Taming Tokens to Pet Contracts also involves a process of change.

Xiao Hei is currently in this stage.

……

Upon learning of the Black-Armored Earth Turtle's name, Lin Changheng couldn't help but smile. It was clear that of its two main characteristics, "gluttony" had triumphed over "cowardice."

Lin Changheng stepped forward and patted Xiao Hei's head, "Grow up quickly, you'll be ready when you reach the second tier."

The second-tier tortoise absorbs essence and blood less frequently, and its spirit-stealing efficiency is twice as high.

Moreover, this is a period of growth, so we cannot do anything reckless, lest we affect its potential.

"Tweet-"

Although the black-shelled tortoise is a little unhappy and has some minor emotional issues, it can only be accepted.

If an outsider were present and witnessed this scene, they would undoubtedly look on in astonishment and sigh, wondering what had become of the spirit beast...

There was only one answer:
What else could it be? It was won by using pills as snacks!
……

Three days later, around noon, someone came to request an audience:
"Master Lin, Master Bai Zhen has emerged from seclusion and requests your presence..."

(End of this chapter)