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

Chapter 229 Breakthrough in Body Refinement, on Jade Capital Mountain

In the secret room.

Countless tiny arcs of electricity, like ferocious beasts breaking free of their cages, shot out wildly, lashing the air and creating violent ripples.

And more of the most primal essence of lightning, under Lin Changheng's guidance, transformed into a silver electric python as thick as a child's arm, roaring and rushing straight towards Lin Changheng's chest with a terrifying aura!

"Well done!"

Lin Changheng neither dodged nor avoided, but instead straightened his chest and fully activated his body-refining technique. Beneath his skin, a cyan-gold light shone brightly, and faint wood-like textures emerged, exuding an aura of resilience and immortality.

"Oh!"

The thunderbolt slammed into his chest!

"Ugh—!"

Even though he was prepared, Lin Changheng still let out a suppressed roar of pain.

At that moment, intense pain and numbness swept through every corner of my body. The bluish light on my skin flickered violently, then dimmed instantly, my skin turned charred black, and I could even smell the burning flesh.

The power of thunder penetrated his body, causing even more devastation.

Meridians rupture during spasms, and internal organs are damaged during tremors—this is a completely self-destructive method of cultivation!

However, the vitality of plants and trees, which had been seized by the true meaning of the [Rongsheng Divine Power], was also fully stimulated at this moment.

This life force, like the sweetest spring, frantically chased after the destructive lightning. Wherever it passed, charred skin peeled off, giving rise to tougher new skin; broken meridians were forcibly reconnected, becoming wider and more elastic; and damaged flesh was nourished and repaired, radiating even greater vitality.

Lin Changheng gritted his teeth, veins bulging on his forehead, sweat pouring down but evaporating instantly.

With the blessing of the [Tenfold Treasure Seed of Origin], the effect of [Heavenly Gift of Purity] was activated, allowing him to maintain a sliver of clarity in his mind. He used his powerful divine sense to guide the wisp of violent lightning power to circulate within his body along a specific route. Each circulation was like traversing a mountain of knives and a sea of ​​fire, causing extreme pain.

But the effect is also obvious; his body is undergoing a transformation amidst this extreme pain.

Impurities that were previously invisible were expelled by the lightning, making the body purer. A faint silver luster even appeared in the flesh and bones, as if it had begun to merge with the power of lightning, which was also a sign of the improvement in the strength of the body!

After an unknown amount of time, the ball of lightning finally dissipated completely, and the last arc of electricity entered Lin Changheng's body.

Silence returned to the secret room.

The charred skin on Lin Changheng's body was rapidly peeling away, revealing skin beneath that was as delicate as a newborn's, yet contained terrifying power, with a faint, shimmering light. He slowly opened his eyes, and a flash of lightning seemed to appear in them.

"call……"

Lin Changheng breathed a sigh of relief, gently clenched his fist, and the air in his palm exploded, producing a series of violent sonic booms.

Feel the surging, unprecedentedly powerful blood and qi within his body, as well as the slightly tingling, thunderous power that seeped into his muscles and bones.

He knew perfectly well that he had succeeded!
"The Evergreen Body" has truly entered the sixth level!
Second-stage late-stage body refinement, successful!

At this moment, with his physical strength alone, he was able to withstand a late-stage second-tier demonic beast without being at a disadvantage!
A true humanoid monster.

As long as I can get close, there's nothing I can't tear apart!
He stood up and decided to conduct a simple test to see just how strong his physique had become after this breakthrough.

Extending his right arm, he activated the [Limb Hardening Demonic Technique] with his left hand, gathering sharp, golden energy that seemed to emanate from it.

laugh!
The force struck the arm, but only produced a soft sound. Not even a white mark appeared; only a very faint mark remained on the skin's surface, and the mark faded rapidly at a speed visible to the naked eye, restoring it to its original state.

The skin's resilience, strength, and repair capabilities have all seen a qualitative leap.

He pondered for a moment, then pointed his fingers like a sword, condensing and compressing the wisp of golden energy from before, increasing its power by several times, and slashed down again.

This time, the skin sank slightly, and a slight stinging sensation was felt, but it did not break through the defenses, leaving only a slightly darker red mark, which then disappeared again.

"Good!" A glint flashed in Lin Changheng's eyes.

This shows that physical defense alone is enough to ignore the normal attacks of most mid-Foundation Establishment cultivators, and can even weaken the damage from spells or magical artifacts of late-Foundation Establishment cultivators.

……

He then walked to a corner of the secret room.

Here lies a second-tier mid-grade meteorite iron test stone, adorned with numerous sword marks, fingerprints, and holes.

He clenched his fist, his blood and qi surging, and punched the test stone with pure physical strength.

"boom!"

The fist collided with the meteorite test stone, producing a dull, thunderous sound.

On the hard surface of the test stone, a fist print, half an inch deep, was clearly left! The force of the impact caused Lin Changheng to feel a slight numbness in his arm, which subsided after a slight circulation of his qi and blood.

Lin Changheng did not give up. With a thought, he once again activated the true meaning of the [Mountain-Carrying Divine Power].

A sense of vastness and antiquity, as if bearing the weight of mountains and peaks, suddenly appeared and permeated the air.

"Ho!"

His body suddenly generated immense power, and he unleashed another punch!

A sharp gust of wind, as sharp as a knife, suddenly rose up from nowhere with his movement.

"boom!"

"Click, click..."

The fist struck, and after a dull thud, a sickening sound quietly followed. Instantly, countless fine lines, like a spiderweb, appeared and spread across the surface of the black iron testing stone, until it was completely covered, and finally, it shattered.

Stone fragments flew everywhere!

Shatter it with one punch!
"three times!"

After closing his eyes and contemplating for a while, Lin Changheng opened his eyes and revealed a hint of joy.

He discovered that with the blessing of the divine power, his strength had increased by at least three times!
Don't be fooled by the surface-level data of the increase; it has only increased from two and a half times to three times, a change of no more than 50%.

However, the basic strength of the late and mid-stages of the second tier is completely different, with a leapfrog improvement, and cannot be compared with each other.

The increase was further widened, and the gap was no less than a chasm.

"Indeed, supernatural powers are limitless, while human strength is temporarily limited, thus restricting the application of supernatural powers."

"Once the shackles of limited human strength are broken... the power of supernatural abilities will be fully revealed, and with this protection, ascension to immortality will be within reach!"

Lin Changheng confirmed this again, his eyes shining.

……

Although the enclosed space was not small, it was still limited, making it impossible to test the speed limit.

But with a slight movement of his body and a change of his footwork, he left behind several almost solid afterimages in place with only the explosive power of his physical body, and even brought up a slight sonic boom as he moved.

Reaction speed has also improved significantly; with the slightest thought, the body can respond accordingly, and coordination has reached a new level.

This represents a breakthrough in body refinement and a further enhancement of the utilization of power by the true meaning of the [Mountain-Carrying Divine Power].

Finally, he focused his attention on that faint trace of thunderous intent, the silvery sheen covering his flesh and bones.

Attempts to relocate were made, but ultimately failed.

His idea was wonderful; if he could really use this trace of residual thunderous intent, perhaps incredible effects would occur.

After all, lightning power is not only highly destructive, but also possesses extreme speed, comparable to the wind, hence the name "speed of wind and lightning".

"I was overthinking it."

Lin Changheng's guess was wrong, but he was not discouraged.

This breakthrough in body refinement has brought about a comprehensive improvement, including defense, strength, speed, and reaction time, resulting in a surge in overall power!
……

They were able to leave the pass.

Yan Mingyi greeted her with a joyful expression.

Her beautiful eyes darted around Lin Changheng, scrutinizing him, vaguely sensing that Brother Lin was different, yet she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

At the same time, Lin Changheng also sensed the change in Yan Mingyi's aura and saw through it at a glance.

"Good, keep up the good work and strive to reach the peak of the ninth level of Qi Refining as soon as possible, and then try to establish your foundation."

Lin Changheng embraced his concubine and gently patted her slender shoulder.

"Yes, Mingyi will."

Yan Mingyi leaned against Lin Changheng, feeling that his scent was pleasant and that his broad and strong chest and shoulders gave her a sense of peace and security.

"As for resources, you don't need to worry, just focus on improving."

This woman has been with him for so many years, devoted to him wholeheartedly, so naturally he will not mistreat her.

The two embraced for a long time, and Lin Changheng also told the woman that he was going on a long trip.

It could take as little as six months or as long as a year.

Although reluctant, Yan Mingyi obediently agreed.

Because she knew that her Brother Lin had a clear mind, a firm will, and his own plans, which she could not change or adjust with just a few words.

Speaking up would not only be ineffective, but would also create a rift in their relationship. She was smart enough not to do it.

Lin Changheng thought for a moment and then reminded her again not to go out for the next year, otherwise there might be danger.

However, the specific reasons were not explained in detail.

"Okay! I won't cause Brother Lin any trouble."

Yan Mingyi sensed something and became wary, so she nodded in agreement and obeyed unconditionally.

A concubine should behave like a concubine. She can be favored, but she cannot become arrogant because of it. Lin Changheng was very satisfied with Yan Mingyi in this regard.

……

Three days later.

Lin Changheng immediately summoned his magic boat and flew towards the inner city of the immortal city.

After wandering aimlessly through the inner city, changing his appearance and demeanor, he stayed overnight at a celestial inn, changed into a new look and attire, and left the city the next day.

Make sure no tail is following.

Previously, Lü Tong had provided a map showing the location of [Yujing Mountain], so Lin Changheng could simply head straight there.

Heading south.

The Dharma Boat tore through the clouds and sped at full speed for several days, soon entering the territory of the Qingxia Temple.

The terrain below gradually changes from undulating hills to more ancient and majestic mountains.

On this day, Lin Changheng, standing at the bow of the boat, narrowed his eyes slightly. At the end of his vision, where the sky and earth met, the outline of a mountain range slowly emerged.

The spiritual energy also became noticeably richer and more active.

That mountain range is magnificent and far surpasses ordinary mountains. Five extraordinary peaks rise abruptly from the ground, piercing the clouds and offering a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.

Some resemble swords pointing to the sky, while others look like ancient immortals reaching for the moon, shrouded in mist and clouds, making it difficult to see their full form.

The mountain has a strange bluish-white color, as if it has gone through countless vicissitudes and the sedimentation of time, and it also gives people a feeling of jade-like beauty.

“Mount Yujing! There is a second-grade high-quality spiritual vein beneath it.”

"The five strange peaks should be the five places of cultivation here, belonging to five Foundation Establishment cultivators in the middle and late stages respectively."

The information mentioned by Lü Tong came to mind.

Lin Changheng felt a stirring of attraction towards this mountain temple.

The outer lake cave is now far too small, crammed with two cultivators and three spirit beasts, making it feel cramped and restrictive.

If one could own an entire mountain peak as a training ground, not only would privacy be better protected, but the living space for the three spirit beasts would also be larger, with beautiful scenery everywhere, which would be extremely pleasant.

With that thought in mind, Lin Changheng flew towards one of the strange peaks that looked like an ancient immortal reaching for the moon.

That is the location of the Taoist temple of that beautiful woman in purple, Senior He.

Before they even got close to the mountain peak, a woman dressed in a long dress and shoes came to greet them, stepping on a magical artifact.

His cultivation level was roughly at the peak of the ninth level of Qi Refining.

"Greetings, senior. I am Xiang Yuanshan, an inner disciple of Qingxia Temple, and also the manager here invited by the five peak masters."

The woman in the long dress introduced herself, stating her identity, and smiled slightly, neither humble nor arrogant, "May I ask what brings you to [Yujing Mountain], senior? I would like to inform you on your behalf."

"I have met Fairy Xiang."

Lin Changheng suddenly remembered what Mo Zhaoli had told him before: these major Taoist sects have many spiritual lands outside, which they rent out. At this time, they will regularly issue tasks to their disciples to go and guard them, not to be responsible for guarding them, but to monitor their current situation.

After all, Xiang Yuanshan's cultivation level was only the ninth level of Qi Refining, while the five peak masters were all in the mid-to-late stage of Foundation Establishment. There was no need for her to guard the place; she was merely making an appearance on behalf of Qingxia Temple.

In case of any news or changes, please send a timely reply.

Moreover, these kinds of tasks are highly sought after and people will fight tooth and nail for them.

Firstly, there is no risk involved. After all, their existence represents not just themselves, but the sects and factions. No one would be so foolish as to attack them; it would be a righteous death.

This is why Xiang Yuanshan revealed her identity as soon as she appeared.

Secondly, it allows one to profit from both ends.

They can not only receive rewards from sects and Taoist factions, but also be hired by cultivators who rent spiritual land as stewards to handle minor matters, for which they can earn a considerable employment fee.

This is a customary practice, an unspoken rule.

Moreover, this fee is not important to the Foundation Establishment cultivators who are renting the place, but it is a real bargain for the Qi Refining cultivators.

Thirdly, one can share the second-tier spiritual vein of the cultivation ground, which is also helpful for cultivation.

It can be said that within sects and Taoist factions, it is difficult to obtain such a task unless one is outstanding or has a powerful backer.

Mo Zhaoli had previously failed in the "competition," or rather, he had been pre-selected by someone else.

They can only accept dangerous missions and fight in the open.

……

"I have come here at the invitation of Senior He, the master of 'Jinxiu Peak'."

"Please inform the fairy that my surname is Lin."

Lin Changheng smiled and directly stated his purpose.

"Please wait a moment, Senior Lin."

Xiang Yuanshan bowed slightly and flew away.

Lin Changheng stood with his hands behind his back, waiting high above the mountain.

Before long, Xiang Yuanshan flew over again: "Master Lin, please come with me."

"Thank you for your help, fairy."

Lin Changheng, riding on his magic boat, followed behind the female cultivator as they flew together to the outside of "Golden Peak". Ahead, the clouds surged, and a corner of the mountain-protecting formation had opened, revealing the scene within.

The two flew through the array of light and instantly landed inside the peak.

Upon entering, the surrounding scenery suddenly opened up.

(End of this chapter)