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

Chapter 242 Three Techniques Overlapping, Choice of Dojo

"Oh?"

Lin Changheng's heart skipped a beat. This was the effect of their acquaintance, which was why they were offering such a kind reminder.

Otherwise, they could just lease out the sacred land, collect spirit stones for their services, and whatever happens to you—whether it's good or bad, whether there are risks—is none of their business...

"I see. Thank you for reminding me, Fellow Daoist Shangguan."

Lin Changheng naturally expressed his gratitude.

"nothing."

Steward Shangguan shook his head. "However, there are still two spiritual sites that meet your requirements. You can listen to them and don't rush to make a decision."

It must be said that the way Manager Shangguan works and handles things is extremely comfortable.

She is clearly a shrewd and perceptive person.

"Please say."

Soon, Steward Shangguan introduced the situation of the two spiritual cave dwellings.

He stroked his beard, objectively and clearly stating the advantages and disadvantages, speaking at a steady pace and with clear organization:

"This first place is located in the northwest of the Immortal City, a thousand miles away, at 'Emerald Screen Mountain'."

"The spiritual veins of this mountain are of excellent quality, reaching the second-grade superior level. The spiritual energy is abundant and rich, enough to support the cultivation of late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators and even attempt to break through to the Core Formation stage."

There are a total of seven peaks, which are available for rent. Currently, one peak is vacant and waiting to be occupied.

“There is a natural cave dwelling on this peak, which is quite spacious and has its own ‘Warm Jade Spring’, which has the effect of nourishing the meridians. The previous owner of the cave dwelling was a rogue alchemist, so he left behind a well-equipped alchemy room and a cultivated spiritual field, which can save you a lot of trouble in setting up.”

Steward Shangguan paused briefly, then changed the subject slightly:
"However, this place also has its shortcomings. First, the location is a bit remote, and there are no markets nearby, making it somewhat inconvenient to purchase supplies and exchange information. One has to go back and forth to the Floating Life Immortal City."

"Secondly, 'Emerald Screen Mountain' is close to the outer edge of 'Endless Wilderness', and occasionally demonic beasts will roam here. Although there is no major danger, we still need to be more vigilant. As for the rent, it will cost 1,500 low-grade spirit stones per year."

Lin Changheng nodded; this was already quite clear.

Steward Shangguan continued speaking:
"The second location is on an island in the Jade Belt Lake, southeast of the Immortal City, about three thousand miles away, on the edge of our sect's territory."

"Although the spiritual veins in the lake are slightly lower than those in Cuiping Mountain, at about the middle grade of the second rank, the water spiritual energy is extremely abundant and pure, making it very suitable for fellow cultivators who practice water and wood attribute techniques or have corresponding needs."

"The environment is serene and elegant, with the three islands forming a mutually supporting triangle. The islands also have many unique water-attribute spiritual plants, which can be considered an extra benefit."

"Its shortcomings are also obvious." Manager Shangguan frankly said, "First of all, the quality of the spiritual vein is a bit low. If you have a high level of cultivation or need to make a breakthrough in the future, it may not be enough. Secondly, it is surrounded by water. Although a water-avoiding formation has been set up, it is inevitable that it will be a bit damp if you live there for a long time. Some cultivators may not be used to it."

"Thirdly, it is located on the border between two sects and borders the Bixiao Sect, so its safety is slightly lower. There may be robbers who commit crimes, and if something happens, the sect will have difficulty investigating across the border."

"The rent is a bit cheaper, at one thousand spirit stones per year."

After the introductions were finished, Steward Shangguan said no more, only smiling at Lin Changheng, waiting for him to make his own decision, his attitude perfectly measured.

After listening, Lin Changheng quickly weighed the options in his mind.

"Cuiping Peak" has even stronger spiritual energy and comes with a pill-making room. It is located in a remote area on the frontier of the wilderness, which is somewhat risky.

The environment of "Jade Belt Lake" is good, and the quality of the spiritual veins is sufficient. The three islands are leased together, which is definitely quieter than the seven peaks of the former. There are fewer neighbors, but the risks are also greater, as there may be wandering cultivators causing trouble.

He hesitated for a moment, then said without making a decision, "Thank you for your detailed explanation, Steward Shangguan. I am unsure at the moment and plan to investigate in the coming days. Do you have a specific map?"

"Hehe, Master Lin is indeed quite cautious."

Clearly, Steward Shangguan had also heard of Lin Changheng's reputation for steadiness. He chuckled and then said, "However, the selection of a cave dwelling site is also a major matter. Alchemist Lin can go and take a look. Here is a map and jade slip."

As he spoke, a jade slip flew over and was caught by Lin Changheng.

"Furthermore, Master Lin can also take this opportunity to visit his neighbors and see what kind of people they are, what their temperaments are like, and whether they are easy to get along with..."

"Thank you."

Lin Changheng did not linger; having achieved his goal, he flew away immediately.

After that, Lin Changheng also visited the residences of the other two sects and learned about the rental of three other cave dwellings.

However, he was clearly not as frank as Steward Shangguan, and seemed to be hiding something, only wanting to rent it out, which made Lin Changheng uneasy.

Lack of trust.

The next morning, someone came to knock on the door of Lin Changheng's cave.

Is Master Lin Dan here?

Yan Mingyi opened the door, and there stood Lü Tong, with a round face, smiling at her.

"My master is here, Senior Lü, please come in."

Yan Mingyi heard Lin Changheng's voice instructing her, and she immediately extended the invitation with a smile.

The guests and hosts took their seats.

After some conversation, Lin Changheng learned the purpose of Lü Tong's visit. It turned out that he had met with Guo Qishi a few days ago, and Guo Qishi had mentioned this during their casual chat.

This is hardly a secret.

So Lü Tong immediately went back to confirm and organize the information, and then went to visit them.

"Fellow Daoist Lü is very kind."

Lin Changheng immediately raised his cup to offer tea.

"It's nothing. We're neighbors and quite close, so I'll definitely help with these small favors."

Lu Tong raised his glass in response, smiling as he spoke.

Soon, Lin Changheng obtained some more information, which, based on his assessment, basically confirmed that there were indeed hidden dangers in the spiritual vein caves of the [Bixiao Sect] and [Qingxia Temple].

No wonder they pushed it so hard.

Based on this, a basic scope was defined, which was to choose between "Cuiping Mountain" and "Yudai Lake".

In truth, the Purple Extreme Sect is more trustworthy.

……

The third night.

Lin Changheng began practicing the [Qi Observation Technique] that he had specially purchased.

This low-level spell is very practical and can provide good auxiliary effects even when first learning it.

However, it is not easy to cultivate to a high level, and it requires a lot of energy and time. Therefore, most cultivators will stop after they reach the proficient stage, thinking that it is enough and that it would be a waste to continue cultivating.

In short, it's easy to get started, but difficult to master.

But in Lin Changheng's hands, this spell seemed... extremely simple.

His fivefold enlightenment effect played a significant role.

In less than a day, the [Qi Observation Technique] went directly through the three stages of beginner, proficient, and master, leaping into the [Minor Success] realm!
This is an achievement that ordinary cultivators cannot accomplish even after several years.

Outside, dark clouds piled up, obscuring the moonlight, and everything was pitch black.

Lin Changheng continued to ascend into the night, silently, like a wisp of pure air, rising directly into the sky.

It was the dead of night, and Lin Changheng stood above the dark clouds, the wind howling fiercely, the coldness intense, like a dull knife cutting into flesh.

But he felt nothing; his late-stage second-tier physique made him completely immune.

Lin Changheng's purpose in this trip was to test the combined effects of two levels of [Insight into Other Techniques], a minor completion of [Qi Observation Technique], and a perfected level of [Spirit Observation Technique].

He stood still for a moment, slowly closed his eyes, and then suddenly opened them!

"Om-"

A strange feeling suddenly descended upon me.

In the depths of his eyes, it seemed as if pale gold and light gray light intertwined and swirled, and the world in his field of vision suddenly underwent a tremendous change!

First, there is the extremely strong vision and energy perception brought about by [Insight into Otherworldly Laws].

The textures of the grass and trees, the patterns of the rocks, the traces of spiritual energy in the air... everything is crystal clear, as if the entire world is revealed in minute detail.

Then, Xiao Cheng's [Qi Observation Technique] was activated. What lay before him was no longer a simple material world, but was shrouded in a rich layer of "qi".

The direction of mountains and rivers, the convergence and flow of spiritual energy in the earth, even the ferocious bloodlust emanating from distant beast lairs, and the faint traces of cultivators' magical power remaining in certain corners...

They all appeared before him in different colors and forms of "qi".

Brownish-yellow earth vapor rises from the ground, green life force flows through the trees, and pale blue water vapor ripples in the floating lake...

They intertwine to form a magnificent and complex picture.

However, the [Aura Observation Technique] is only at a minor level, with some limitations and drawbacks, but it is still very useful.

Finally, the perfected level of [Spirit Observation Technique] was seamlessly integrated, giving this world of "qi" precise "measurement" and "insight." He could even clearly distinguish the density of the earth's spiritual energy.

He had anticipated this, since the [Spirit Observation Technique] could be used to examine one's own spiritual roots and essence.

However, it can only be done through internal observation, or by the cultivator voluntarily cooperating with "exposure," otherwise it still won't work.

……

In Lin Changheng's eyes, pale gold, clear light, and gray light intertwined and swirled, as if divine light had swept across.

They could vaguely sense a faint branch of a spiritual vein hidden beneath the uninhabited ground somewhere in the Immortal City, and even "see" the flow of wood spirit energy inside a seemingly ordinary ancient tree not far away.

His gaze became incredibly profound, as if it could pierce through illusion and point directly to the origin.

As far as the eye can see, everything is real on the surface, with the flow of energy and the strength of the aura, all revealed layer by layer!

"what?"

Just as he was trying to look further into the distance, he suddenly noticed something unusual below.

It wasn't his own cave dwelling.

It was the cave next door.

A cultivator once lived in this cave, but feeling hopeless about breaking through, he answered the demon-slaying order from the Qingxia Sect.

We never met again after that. I wonder if they perished on the front lines of the beast tide.

Not long after, another monk moved in.

As it turned out, the other party had no intention of showing up, visiting, or making friends with the neighbors. He was even more reclusive than Lin Changheng, staying in his cave all day long.

Therefore, to this day, Lin Changheng still doesn't know what that cultivator looks like.

I have never seen him.

But today, by sheer coincidence, I saw it.

Suddenly, the protective barrier of the adjacent cave quietly opened a corner, the door opened, and a dark figure, completely covered in clothing, floated out.

The middle stage of foundation building.

Lin Changheng did not rashly use his divine sense to scan him, because he had a vague feeling that he might not be able to detect him with his divine sense.

It seems some kind of secret technique was used.

It can evade the detection of divine sense.

Many Foundation Establishment cultivators have a common misconception: they place too much trust in their divine sense and fail to use their eyes to see, or even ignore what their eyes see.

But this method could not escape the scrutiny of his new method.

"interesting."

Lin Changheng smiled.

Clearly, this person has a secret reason for doing this.

"His cultivation is only at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage... it seems we can observe from a distance."

Lin Changheng had the strength to back him up, so he didn't feel any pressure facing a mid-Foundation Establishment opponent, and his mind became a little more active.

But then I thought, it's better to avoid trouble.

What if the other party has some grand scheme? Wouldn't that drag me into a quagmire?

If he were to meet some late-stage Foundation Establishment experts or even pseudo-Core Formation experts, he might not be able to escape unscathed.

Moreover, I will be moving away from this outer lake soon, so there's no need for meddling in other people's business or deliberately getting involved in such unknown matters in my final days.

Most importantly, Lin Changheng had a vague feeling that this person had been lying low for so long and certainly didn't have any good intentions.

"That's all."

Lin Changheng did not follow. He watched the other person leave the outer lake and disappear into the darkness before gathering his strength and landing directly in the cave.

Only then did Lin Changheng feel at ease.

It felt as if they had truly escaped some calamity, and there was a sense of relief.

He couldn't help but think to himself, "I only feel at ease when things are stable."

time flies.

Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.

Lin Changheng changed his description again and quietly left the Immortal City.

……

half a month later.

A weary, green-robed cultivator stood in mid-air, his imposing figure gazing down at the circular lake below, which resembled a jade belt.

From above, the lake is clear and blue, like a huge piece of jade inlaid on the flat land. There are three islands in the lake, with lush trees and pavilions and towers appearing and disappearing, creating a truly tranquil and elegant environment.

This is the second potential spiritual site mentioned by Steward Shangguan – Jade Belt Lake.

The person who arrived was none other than Lin Changheng.

During this period, he had already visited Cuiping Mountain.

I also checked out the spiritual site and found that the location was good, but the neighbors were not so good.

Among the six neighbors, two were in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage and one in the late-Foundation Establishment stage. Although they had kind faces, Lin Changheng could see a rising blood-red aura emanating from them.

Moreover, they did not come to kill demons or hunt beasts.

They should be killing people!
This is the feedback he received from his "Insight into Otherworldly Laws".

Lin Changheng speculated that they might be robbing and extorting people to launder their money and return to their old ways.

Or they could hide their identities, but their true nature might be revealed at any time.

Lin Changheng was wary of this and was extra cautious when he left.

Therefore, "Cuiping Mountain" has been eliminated from his choices. If "Jade Belt Lake" is not a major problem, he should choose it directly.

……

Lin Changheng did not land immediately. Instead, a flash of pale gold and light gray light appeared in his eyes once more, and the three techniques of [Insight into Strange Methods], [Aura Observation], and [Spirit Observation] were combined once more!
The field of vision changed instantly.

The lake below was no longer just water in his eyes, but rather a rich, ever-flowing, pale blue aura of water, its purity far exceeding that of ordinary water.

The entire lake is like a huge source of spiritual energy, nourishing everything within it.

His gaze swept over the three islands.

It presents a tripartite balance of power.

Two of them are similar in size, while one is larger.

Both the small and the larger ones are now owned.

Only the one on the south side is currently unclaimed, because it is not enveloped by any array light...

(End of this chapter)