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

Chapter 230 The deal to preserve youth, the precious talisman is in hand.

A fresh and fragrant aroma of wood, brimming with vitality, wafts over, refreshing the mind and spirit.

Lin Changheng looked around and saw that the peak was not steep, but rather beautiful and gentle. The mountain range was gently undulating, and the whole mountain was lush and verdant, covered with many exotic flowers and plants that he did not know the names of, growing in abundance.

The winding stream flows down the mountainside like a jade ribbon, its gurgling sound pleasant to the ear. Coupled with the appearance of deer and the roosting of mountain birds, it presents a peaceful and tranquil scene.

"this way please."

Xiang Yuanshan led the way.

"it is good."

The two had already landed on the peak. In front of them, there were some exquisite pavilions and towers scattered in a well-organized manner. They were mostly made of elegant white and natural wood color, blending perfectly with the surrounding scenery, making them appear serene and elegant.

Occasionally, female cultivators dressed in elegant dresses would stroll among them, tending to spiritual plants or spreading rain over the spiritual fields, adding to the tranquil and ethereal atmosphere.

She must be the maid or disciple of the beautiful woman in purple.

Lin Changheng took in the scene with a calm expression, but his steps were not slow, and he soon arrived at a hall.

There were two people inside the hall at that moment.

One of them was none other than the owner of this place, Senior He.

Wearing a deep purple gauze dress, her figure was alluring and curvaceous, and her captivating eyes could steal one's heart.

He sits in the main seat.

At the lower end sat a cultivator in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage.

He looked middle-aged, with a square face, dark skin, and the marks of time on his face.

They must have come to ask for a talisman.

Moreover, judging from his expression and demeanor, things didn't seem to be going very well.

"Senior He, I am..."

The mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator was still unwilling to give up and wanted to fight for it, but as soon as he finished speaking, footsteps came from outside the door.

He had no choice but to keep quiet and follow Senior He's gaze as he looked outside.

A man and a woman walked in.

The woman was someone he had met before, and he had been introduced to her by her.

The man was dressed in a green robe, with a dignified figure, handsome face, and calm demeanor; he appeared to be only twenty-four or twenty-five years old.

So young!

However, the aura emanating from him caused him to raise an eyebrow, revealing that he was also in the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment!
Hiss, this person...

Lin Changheng also noticed the other party's gaze, nodded slightly to him, and then looked at the beautiful woman in the main seat who was also staring at him with surprise. He cupped his hands in greeting and said, "Senior He, it's been a long time."

"Tsk tsk, it hasn't been that long since we last met, and Master Lin has already broken through to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, and now he has a second-grade mid-level alchemy skill. His future is bright, and he can be my equal."

"Just call me Fellow Daoist He."

He Yunshu was indeed surprised, but she quickly composed herself, parted her red lips slightly, and said directly.

This was her judgment.

Lin Changheng did not deny it, but simply nodded slightly.

Meanwhile, the square-faced male cultivator standing to the side looked thoughtful. "Alchemist Lin? Could it be... that renowned Alchemist Lin from Floating Life Immortal City, whose skill in refining Foundation Establishment Pills is unparalleled?"

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

Lin Changheng hadn't expected his reputation to reach this place, considering it was three thousand miles away. He simply replied, then asked, "I wonder what kind of fellow Daoist this is..."

"Under..."

Just as the square-faced male cultivator was about to answer, He Yunshu interrupted him, "He's just a fellow Daoist asking for a talisman."

Then she glanced at the square-faced male cultivator and said, "I have already stated the conditions. Fellow Daoist Zhao, please consider them yourself. If you have nothing urgent to attend to, please do as you see fit."

These words were a clear order to leave.

The square-faced male cultivator sighed softly and could only get up to take his leave.

During the journey, she didn't forget to say "goodbye" to Lin Changheng.

Xiang Yuanshan also left, escorting the square-faced male cultivator off this strange peak.

Only two people remained in the hall at this moment.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, could you bring the agreed-upon item?"

He Yunshu exchanged a few pleasantries with Lin Changheng, invited him to sit down, and then went straight to the point.

"nature."

Lin Changheng didn't like to procrastinate and directly reached out and took out a pill box containing pills.

Upon opening it, a perfectly round and full [Youth Preservation Pill] of bluish-green color was revealed.

He Yunshu, who was sitting in the main seat, suddenly brightened up and silently spread her divine sense to check the pill.

"good."

After confirming the basic information, He Yunshu squeezed her fair hand, and five palm-sized talismans, glowing with a blue light, appeared between her fingers.

He directly used his magic to pass it to Lin Changheng.

There were indeed five genuine [Treasure Talismans].

Compared to the previous semi-finished [treasure talisman], the difference is huge, and it can be identified at a glance.

After Lin Changheng checked it briefly and confirmed that it was correct, he handed over the [Youth Preservation Pill].

"Fellow Daoist He's talisman-making skills are profound; I admire them."

Both sides were satisfied with the items they had received, and Lin Changheng sighed with relief.

"The Youth Preservation Pill refined by Master Lin is many times more concentrated and pure in medicinal power than the one I saw at the auction years ago."

"Hahaha……"

After a round of mutual flattery, Lin Changheng smiled and then got up to take his leave.

He Yunshu personally saw him off.

Along the way, as the surrounding scenery came into view, Lin Changheng couldn't help but sigh, "Fellow Daoist He is not only exceptional in cultivation, skills, and appearance, but also has such excellent taste in choosing a place to practice Daoism and cave dwelling. It is truly a fine place."

Upon hearing this, He Yunshu's lips curved slightly, revealing a knowing smile. She didn't feign modesty, but rather accepted the praise readily, her gaze lingering on the mountain scenery she had meticulously cultivated, her tone carrying a subtle hint of pride and affection:
"Fellow Daoist Lin, you flatter me. When I was searching for a place to practice Daoism, I came across this beautiful peak by chance. At first glance, I felt that although the spiritual energy here was not the strongest, it was full of vitality, quiet and peaceful, which suited me very well."

"So I settled here and tended to it in my spare time. Over the years, it has come to be what it is today. To receive a compliment from you, fellow Daoist, that is a 'good place,' all my years of hard work have not been in vain."

Upon hearing this, Lin Changheng's eyes flashed with surprise. He Yunshu really didn't put on airs of a senior like before; she was truly treating him as an equal.

How could the transformation be so smooth?

Or did it be that your own demonstrated strength and skills earned the other party's recognition?

"I, Lin, am truly envious. When will I be able to obtain a spiritual land like Fellow Daoist He?"

Upon hearing Lin Changheng's words, He Yunshu immediately smiled: "If Fellow Daoist Lin likes it, I do have a suggestion. After all, there are five peaks here, each a Daoist temple. If any fellow Daoist leaves in the future, leaving the temple or cave vacant, I can inform you to come and bid for the rental rights."

"In this way, wouldn't your wish be fulfilled, fellow Daoist?"

"Oh?"

Lin Changheng's eyes flickered slightly, and he immediately smiled and said, "Of course, that would be excellent. Then I would appreciate it if you could keep an eye out for me at that time."

As the two spoke, they reached the edge of the formation. He Yunshu stopped and smiled, "I'll see you off here, Fellow Daoist. The journey is long, and I hope to have the opportunity to discuss the Dao with Fellow Daoist Lin again in the future."

Lin Changheng returned the greeting with a cupped hand: "I'm sorry to have bothered you today. I will definitely visit you again when I have time. Farewell."

Having said that, he turned around and rode the light of his escape, transforming into a streak of blue light and disappearing into the horizon.

He Yunshu stood there, watching him disappear into the distance until the light of his escape completely vanished. Only then did she turn around and disappear back into the lush greenery. The formation outside the peak slowly closed, isolating them once more.

……

Lin Changheng, riding the Dharma boat and speeding northward once more, had a thoughtful look in his eyes. Such spiritual sites and monasteries are actually quite common; with enough spirit stones and resources, one can eventually find one.

Therefore, Lin Changheng did not take what the woman had just said to heart.

But since they made the suggestion out of kindness, Lin Changheng naturally wouldn't be foolish enough to deny it.

In fact, He Yunshu might also be just being polite.

What he was thinking about more was the [treasure talisman].

……

Time passed quickly, and it soon became evening, with the sky darkening.

Lin Changheng did not continue on his way. Instead, he found a mountain hollow and landed directly there.

The lapis lazuli flying sword danced, sending earth and stones flying, and soon carved out a sizable cave. Lin Changheng set up his formation inside and rested there.

Then he took out five genuine [treasure talismans] that shone with a blue light.

He held them in his hands and examined them one by one.

Now his [Deep Lake Spirit Clam Treasure Seed] has reached the second level of spiritual cultivation and has been refined into [Spiritual Absorption Technique - Spirit Movement].

It can nurture two rare items or two [treasure talismans] at the same time.

He has a total of five genuine [Treasure Talismans] and one incomplete [Treasure Talisman] with congenital defects.

A total of six.

It is impossible to nurture them all.

"Although Xiaobai can help nurture two more, we're still short two more..."

Lin Changheng knew in his heart that the problem was there, but he couldn't rush it.

We can only wait for Xiaobai to slowly donate blood so that we can continue to delve deeper into the spirit-stealing process.

"A few years later is fine. Four nurtured [Treasure Talismans] should be enough."

Lin Changheng made up his mind that he should not quickly extract blood and steal spirit, as this would be like draining the pond to catch all the fish, and would also result in the loss of a large number of second-tier combat power.

Not worth the candle.

With a thought, the [Spiritual Aura Technique - Spiritual Movement] was unleashed, and a deeper, more intense azure light was projected out.

Like smoke or mist, it has no form and cannot be touched, yet it truly exists.

It spat out the unfinished talisman that had been nurtured for almost eight years.

The power has clearly increased, becoming much stronger than before.

Instead, it landed on two genuine [treasure talismans] that shone with a brilliant blue light.

"call out!"

The radiance flew back, and the two precious talismans, wrapped in light, flew directly towards him, shrinking continuously until they were swallowed into his mouth.

Returning to its dantian, it shrank to a corner and began to rise and fall.

The talismans seemed to have lost their form, assimilated by the azure radiance.

For Lin Changheng, the nurturing value of a semi-finished talisman is certainly not as good as that of a genuine talisman, and its upper limit is also lower, so he naturally prioritizes the latter.

He understood this very well.

Then, with a tap on the spirit beast pouch, a giant clam, as large as a large stone millstone and with a bluish-black shell, appeared.

"Little White, nurture it for me."

Lin Changheng didn't utter a sound. The moment he thought of it, the other party knew. It opened its shell and absorbed the two genuine [Treasure Talismans] into it. A faint blue light appeared, and it began to nurture them.

Clearly, this mutual connection and direct communication through thoughts is a manifestation of a higher level of [Spirit Pet Contract].

Instead of relying on the [Beast Taming Card].

Now, Lin Changheng's three spirit beasts—the Black-Armored Earth Turtle, the Deep Lake Spirit Clam, and the Green-Haired Tiger Cub—have all formed spirit pet contracts with him.

The first two willingly entered into a spirit pet contract with Lin Changheng and have already passed the conversion stage of the Beast Taming Token.

The Green-haired Tiger Cub, after taking a Forget-Dust Pill, forgot everything and, after cultivating a bond over time, was willing to form a contract with it.

It is worth mentioning that Lin Changheng only brought two second-tier spirit beasts with him: the Black-Armored Earth Turtle and the Deep Lake Spirit Clam. The Green-Haired Young Tiger was left at home to keep Yan Mingyi company because it was still in its growth stage and could not play a role.

……

Because of attending the treasure exchange event and body refinement breakthrough, I left home much later than expected.

Therefore, Lin Changheng did not have time to return to the Xu family as originally planned. Instead, based on the information provided by the Xu family, he went directly to the location of the secret realm.

This secret realm is located in the northeast of Ziji Mountain, while the Xu family of Heishui River and Qinglingfang are in the northwest corner, in different directions and at a certain distance.

Months passed, and the long flight naturally took its toll; even Lin Changheng's physique was not immune.

But according to the map, Lin Changheng also knew that the destination was just around the corner and would be reached soon.

Moreover, this place is different from the mountainous and hilly areas he had stayed in before; there are clearly more rivers and lakes here.

It has a bit of a "water town" feel to it.

Rivers crisscross the land, converging and dispersing, forming a dense network of waterways.

In fact, the entrance to this Jiazi Secret Realm is located in the river.

Lin Changheng also checked the information and found that the source of these rivers was the Yue Kingdom in northern Xinjiang.

That place was a true swamp, and the radiation had spread to a small area of ​​the Purple Extreme Sect and most of the neighboring major sect, the Profound Ice Valley.

However, the rivers within the [Purple Extreme Sect] area only traveled a short distance before turning back and flowing into the [Mysterious Ice Valley] area, leaving only a few to continue their journey.

In such a watery place, the water-based spiritual energy in the air is more abundant and concentrated, which greatly benefits water-based cultivators but suppresses the use of fire magic.

However, it does not affect the fundamental issue and can be overcome.

This is a point that Lin Changheng has carefully confirmed.

……

As the distance closed, Lin Changheng, flying high in the sky, also noticed various magical artifacts and boats speeding across the rivers and lakes below.

It's a style that I've basically never seen before.

The caravans mostly used large ships to transport goods by water, rather than the pack animals and land routes that the Xu family had previously used.

It is clearly a matter of adapting to local conditions.

……

"arrive."

On a river that can be described as vast and boundless.

The water glistens and stretches for nearly a hundred miles.

Lin Changheng looked at the map from high above and was quite surprised. If you told him it was a vast ocean, he would believe it.

The river was wide and the current was rapid, with a magnificent momentum, and the water and sky blended into one.

The green mountains on the west bank are steep and precipitous, their reflections shattered again and again by the rolling river.

There were many cultivators near the green hills on the west bank.

They either occupied mountaintops or riverbanks, and most of them meditated alone, with very little interaction between them.

However, the aura emanating from them was quite obvious; they were both at the Foundation Establishment stage.

Lin Changheng guessed that they were probably cultivators from various Foundation Establishment families who came to explore the secret realm.

Of course, there may also be other cultivators from merchant guilds and forces who have the same plans as him, intending to buy up the products produced in the secret realm after it ends, either for their own use or to act as middlemen.

(End of this chapter)