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

Chapter 216: A Review of Methods, First Steps into the Wilderness

"It was precisely because I considered that you might need it that I agreed to start refining it for him; otherwise, I would have switched to other pills. Over the years, your Brother Lin has gained a good reputation, and his prices are not excessively high, so naturally there are many people seeking pills. You can choose the pills and medicines you like."

Lin Changheng smiled.

"Thank you very much, Brother Lin."

Mo Zhaoli immediately thanked him, but Lin Changheng indicated that there was no need to be so polite. Then he couldn't help but sigh, "No wonder everyone envies alchemists and wants to become one. Not only is the status high, but there are also many benefactors. An alchemist as outstanding as Brother Lin will probably have to offer extra gifts to even get a meeting in the future..."

"Haha, I hope so."

Lin Changheng is also looking forward to this day.

Advancement as a master alchemist is extremely difficult. Lin Changheng has spent decades of time and effort to reach his current level, so his current achievements are only natural.

After finishing their business, Mo Zhaoli and Lin Changheng chatted about many things they had seen and heard, and Lin Changheng felt that his horizons had been broadened.

As the saying goes, the higher you stand and the bigger your platform, the more you can see and access.

This is something Lin Changheng lacks, but he can make up for it to some extent with Mo Zhaoli.

Afterwards, Mo Zhaoli was invited to stay in the cave for a meal and played with the Black-Armored Earth Turtle and the Deep Lake Spirit Clam for quite some time before taking his leave.

She politely declined Lin Changheng's offer to let her stay at the hotel.

The other party glanced at the graceful Yan Mingyi, pursed her lips, and said, "It's not very convenient," which made Lin Changheng smile wryly.

He escorted Mo Zhaoli to the door and watched him disappear in a rainbow before turning back.

……

That night.

Lin Changheng sat cross-legged on the stone bed in the secret room.

They began to take stock of their own methods and tools.

After all, he had promised Mo Zhaoli that he would go on this long journey, and it was his first time entering the wilderness and his first time hunting demons. He had to make full preparations, check for any omissions, and prepare supplies and methods for attack and survival.

Strategically, one can be dismissive, but tactically, one must take it seriously. In the case of Lin Changheng, this means taking both strategy and tactics seriously!

In the beginning, it was his divine sense and magical power.

This is its own essence, and also the source that drives all means and tools.

In terms of cultivation and magical power, he has only accumulated enough over the past two years to reach the peak of the third level of Foundation Establishment.

After obtaining the [Ice Pool Jade Spring], one should then go into seclusion for three or four years to accumulate and refine one's magical power before attempting to break through to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage.

As for divine sense, the detection range is two hundred feet, which is twice the one hundred feet range of an ordinary early Foundation Establishment cultivator!
This distance will not increase with the later division of one, two, or three minor realms.

Because this is essentially a distinction made by that great being based on differences in magical power, so that cultivators could have a more detailed understanding and judgment of their own cultivation level, and it does not involve the transformation of divine consciousness.

Only by breaking through the bottlenecks in the middle and late stages can one experience a change in spiritual consciousness.

But Lin Changheng had a premonition that after he reached the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, this transformation would retain these differences and continue to evolve on top of them, rather than being smoothed out.

In other words, his spiritual strength has begun a journey that puts him ahead of other cultivators of the same level.

It's just that after a breakthrough, the foundation of one's divine sense increases exponentially, so this gap will become relatively smaller.

But Lin Changheng didn't care. As long as [Spirit Stealing] and [Transformation] remained, his divine sense would not stop its forward march.

The gap will gradually widen again.

……

As for the supernatural powers and true meanings within his body, they are of three types: [Fire Control], [Life Glory], and [Mountain Carrying].

The true meaning of the [Fire Control Divine Power] is an extremely high-level control over flames, which can be used in combat to unleash extremely terrifying power and can be linked with the second-tier high-grade [Crimson Sky Profound Flame]; in addition, it also greatly enhances the skill of [Alchemy].

It was the core strength that enabled Lin Dan to rise to fame and become a household name.

The true meaning of 【Rongsheng Divine Power】is mainly for auxiliary purposes. It can accelerate the growth and ripening of spiritual medicines, cleanse the desolate energy, and also enhance health and wellness. However, for higher-level beings, it requires the use of lifespan.

The true meaning of the [Mountain-Carrying Divine Power] is an enhancement to the physical body, primarily focusing on strength, providing a power boost of two and a half times. This boost will increase further as the physique improves and endurance strengthens.

In addition, he is adorned with various forms of sorcery.

There are three types of demonic arts brought about by the bloodline of all kinds of impure and mixed-quality goods: the [Poison-Dispelling Demonic Art], the [Fire-Repelling Demonic Art], and the [Earth-Escape Demonic Art].

The Turbid Bloodline brings five types of abilities: Crimson Sky Profound Flame, Illusionary Appearance Shifting Demon Technique, Limb Hardening Demon Technique, Poisonous Fire Demon Technique, and Breath Concealing Demon Technique.

The [Longevity Demonic Ode] born from the Xuanling bloodline.

As for extraordinary techniques, there's the dead end that Lin Changheng has been talking about for a long time—the [Triple Self-Healing Extraordinary Technique] of the [Wooden Puppet Fox], as well as the [Single Spirit Nourishing Extraordinary Technique] brought by the [Deep Lake Spirit Clam], which is at the Xuanling level, and the [Single Fire Rebirth Extraordinary Technique] provided by the [Eclipse Crow].

Overall, all five positions of the mortal bloodline were fully utilized.

The Turbid Bloodline comes with five seed slots, and with the five seed slots vacated after the Mortal Bloodline is fully transformed, there are a total of ten. Seven have been used, leaving three slots available.

The Xuanling bloodline is still in its initial stage, with a large number of vacancies.

It has attack, defense, escape, healing, and support capabilities, making it quite comprehensive, but its strengths and weaknesses vary considerably.

For example, when it comes to escaping, there's only one technique, the "Earth Escape Demon Technique," which is somewhat lacking.

The healing techniques are only half-baked and not very effective. Moreover, [Rong Sheng] cannot heal himself. Lin Changheng once tried it, otherwise he could have exploited the loophole... because his lifespan is sufficient. When he dies, his lifespan will be gone, so he doesn't feel bad about burning more of his lifespan.

……

Next, Lin Changheng began to examine his own belongings.

A low-grade spiritual weapon flying sword of cyan-gold color, which Lin Changheng called the "Flowing Light Sword," was quite suitable for its speed. When activated at full speed, only a streak of cyan could be seen streaking through the air.

A small, emerald-green ruler, also a low-grade offensive spiritual weapon, not far from being a high-grade one, was obtained from a cultivator outside the Huang family. Lin Changheng called it the "Emerald Light Ruler".

Another set of top-quality magical artifacts, the "Mysterious Mother-Child Blade," has been preserved. It consists of one mother and five children, and can be used as spares.

With Lin Changheng's current control over his divine sense and magical power, the power is slightly inferior to that of a low-grade spiritual weapon, but the consumption is much less.

In terms of defense, there is a low-grade spiritual artifact that looks like a gray cloth.

It was also obtained from that tribulation cultivator.

Previously, Lin Changheng's [Crimson Sky Profound Flame] pierced through it, leaving a small hole about the thickness of a finger, damaging its spiritual essence. Later, Lin Changheng asked Master Guo, who lived not far away, to repair it.

It is now intact and functioning as before, with virtually no major changes, and can be used normally.

Two offensive magical artifacts, a set of offensive mother-child magical artifacts, and one defensive magical artifact.

It can basically meet the needs.

With the spiritual sense and magical power of someone in the early stages of Foundation Establishment, it is possible to control two low-grade spiritual artifacts simultaneously.

However, Lin Changheng's divine sense is quite special. He can control one more item, but he cannot fully activate it, otherwise his magical power will easily run out.

This is something that is relatively easy to overcome if you take it easy.

……

Among the remaining handicrafts.

Lin Changheng also has a large number of second-tier low-grade talismans.

There are more than thirty of them.

There are nearly a hundred first-tier talismans.

Most of them were forced upon him by Tantai Feiyue for self-defense, while a small portion were "gifts" from Jie Xiu's passionate spirit.

In addition to these, there are three talisman plates that are comparable to high-quality second-tier talismans.

It could be said that Lin Changheng's visits to the Xu family were like purchasing goods, except that he was extremely cautious and avoided fighting, thus preventing him from expending his resources. He had one [Talisman Treasure] with only one use left, and another half-finished [Treasure Talisman] that was being nurtured, but its power was insufficient for its use.

In addition, there is a second-tier low-grade heavy armored humanoid puppet.

The damaged tiger-shaped puppet beast, which can only be used once, and the brand-new giant eagle-shaped puppet are both top-quality first-tier puppets.

……

After the inspection, Lin Changheng knew in his heart that his family's wealth was indeed substantial.

Previously, without a consistent view, the significance of these elements was not apparent.

But now I feel—

"Even a cultivator in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, I could still try to take them on."

Lin Changheng rested his chin on his hand, somewhat moved.

It feels so good to have someone back you up!
Then he thought, "When I come back this time, I will acquire a few escape spells to protect myself. It would be best to find a [escape technique] related to the Five Elements, which would be more applicable."

"If I could find the Earth Escape Technique, that would be great. I could compare it with my [Earth Escape Demonic Technique] and see what the similarities and differences are..."

This was something Lin Changheng had been curious about for a long time.

However, Qi Refining cultivators cannot obtain such escape techniques. Now that we have status, strength, spirit stones, and reputation, we can try to find and acquire them.

……

Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.

Lin Changheng disguised himself slightly, changed his appearance, boarded Mo Zhaoli's magic boat, and together they flew away from the outer lake, out of the city, and headed north.

"Brother Lin, your illusion technique is truly exquisite; I couldn't see through it at all."

While setting up the magic boat, Mo Zhaoli looked curiously at Lin Changheng's face and couldn't help but ask.

"Haha, Li'er, you can use your divine sense to take a look."

Lin Changheng smiled, intending to test him, and said again.

Mo Zhaoli did as instructed, and then was surprised, "I can't see through it either; there's only flesh and blood inside."

"It's as if Brother Lin's face is naturally like that, without any abnormalities."

Lin Changheng nodded slightly, satisfied.

Moreover, this is not the upper limit of this demonic technique; even those in the late Foundation Establishment stage cannot fully comprehend it until they reach the Core Formation stage.

"Haha, it's a pity that this technique cannot be passed on to outsiders, otherwise I could teach it to Li'er."

Lin Changheng spoke first, lest he be unable to explain himself after Mo Zhaoli spoke.

"No problem."

Mo Zhaoli smiled gently.

With a thought, Lin Changheng changed his appearance again, returning to his original form and appearance, which he was more accustomed to using.

This place is far from the immortal city, and the surrounding area is empty and deserted. Occasionally, one can see cultivators flying by, but Lin Changheng is not worried.

As for Yan Mingyi, who was guarding the cave, Lin Changheng left her some talismans and instructed her not to open the formation.

Because he took away both second-tier spirit beasts, and she was only at the eighth level of Qi Refining, she was no match for any cultivator with malicious intent.

At the same time, a sign that read "The owner is in seclusion and should not be disturbed" was left at the door.

In this way, you can be safe and sound.

Unless they try to break the formation, not only will the law enforcement team arrive quickly to handle the situation, but even Foundation Establishment cultivators who happen to be passing by might lend a hand in order to gain Lin Changheng's favor.

……

About twenty days later.

The Dharma Boat, which had been flying north, suddenly turned and headed straight west.

To the west lay the endless wilderness.

Previously, they had been flying within the Song territory, without venturing into the wilderness earlier. But now, they were plunging straight into the wilderness in order to minimize the distance they would travel within it.

At this moment, Mo Zhaoli had changed into a black dress, her black hair tied up, and was still steering the boat ahead.

Like a black swan, her delicate face exudes competence, which also outlines her slender yet straight back.

Lin Changheng changed into a green robe, his expression calm. If necessary, he could blend into the forest and not be conspicuous.

The next hour's journey is through newly reclaimed wilderness territory under the jurisdiction of the [Purple Extreme Sect].

An hour later, after flying high over a man-made city wall border, we finally entered the wilderness.

According to Mo Zhaoli, this was built by the Ziji Sect after the incident occurred in the territory of Qingxia Temple.

The reinforcement of the formation, even if not intended to withstand a sudden beast tide, can at least serve as an early warning system.

In the event of a sudden beast tide, cultivators practicing in markets, mines, or spiritual lands will at least not find themselves surrounded by demons and incessant beast roars the moment they open their eyes, leaving them no choice but to face death.

This can reduce losses significantly and save many cultivators.

Lin Changheng nodded thoughtfully at this, agreeing that the Purple Extreme Sect's approach was indeed quite good.

At the very least, they keep the cultivators of this realm in mind.

……

Upon entering the desolate territory, the Dharma Boat traveled for about ten miles before the air suddenly became heavy and viscous.

Below was no longer the orderly spiritual fields and cultivator settlements of Song territory, but instead an endless wilderness.

As far as the eye can see, there is green and brown expanded to their fullest extent.

The dark green forest is not vibrant, but rather presents an almost black, aggressive, and stagnant atmosphere.

The giant trees, gnarled and twisted, with canopies that block out the sun, are not there to receive sunlight, but rather like countless twisted giant hands trying to completely seize and cover the sky.

And in the distance, a reddish-brown mountain range with jagged, strangely shaped rocks stretches across, cutting the dark green landscape in half.

Extremely contrasting.

A primal, savage aura swept over them, carrying a mixture of decaying leaves, damp mud, and some unknown fishy smell, pressing heavily on the chests of every cultivator who entered.

The spiritual and demonic energy within has been mixed together for countless years, making it unsuitable for human cultivators to meditate and cultivate.

If the outer perimeter is okay, the further in you go, the worse it becomes.

When the demonic energy becomes sufficiently concentrated, it can even affect the release of a cultivator's divine sense.

At this moment, Lin Changheng on the Dharma Boat frowned slightly, having noticed this.

His divine sense was directly suppressed.

It was only 150 zhang long.

Mo Zhaoli's divine sense would only be even greater, probably only seventy or eighty feet.

"The deeper you go, the stronger the suppression becomes."

Mo Zhaoli transmitted his voice to Lin Changheng, and then said, "If we go another twenty miles or so, we will have to disembark from the magic boat. Otherwise, we will be too conspicuous and easily alert the wild beasts. We may encounter a large-scale attack, or we may be besieged by a group of aerial beasts, which would be extremely troublesome."

(End of this chapter)