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

Chapter 283: Profits from the Exchange, a Fortune Made
The missing person was none other than the male cultivator from the other pair of mid-Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Since the missing person was not a cultivator from the Purple Extreme Sect, no one reacted unusually even after they discovered it.

But when Lin Changheng looked at the female cultivator who had made the invitation, he saw a hint of bitterness and resentment on her oval face, and he knew that something was probably wrong.

That male cultivator might be trapped here.

However, if it is betrayal, there will be some resentment. Although Lin Changheng only glanced at her a few times, he observed her very carefully and could not see it on the female cultivator's face.

"The waters are really deep..."

Lin Changheng shook his head inwardly.

A saying that is still widely circulated in the cultivation world makes sense today: you should never entrust your back to anyone, not even your companions or friends.

Lin Changheng actually did just that. Deeply influenced by these words, he subconsciously became so accustomed to not even seeing his complete back that Mo Zhaoli could see it, without finding anything amiss. This wasn't due to distrust, but rather a caution ingrained in his very being.

It was Mo Zhaoli who dared to entrust his back to him; when Ye Qingwu attacked last time, he shielded her behind him. Every time he thought of it, his heartstrings would flutter.

"Fellow Daoist Lin."

At that moment, Lin Changheng suddenly heard a soft, seductive voice.

Lin Changheng naturally knew who had spoken, and his gaze turned to the woman in colorful clothes who was sitting on the top of an old tree, her fair legs swaying under her skirt.

He immediately frowned slightly, and then, through the woman's slightly flashing beautiful eyes, he knew that she changed her mind because she was worried that the fake Dan Zhenren was present, "the walls have ears."

However, this safe approach was quite in line with his wishes.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, would you like to know what happened to the missing person?"

Ye Qingwu continued to transmit her voice, clearly noticing Lin Changheng's lingering gaze earlier, and said with a hint of amusement.

"You actually know? Tell me about it," Lin Changheng asked.

"This junior sister Qiu's helper should have died by her own hand."

"Oh?"

“That’s right. I happen to have a kind of Gu worm that is extremely sensitive to residual soul power and blood energy. Even if the aftermath of a murder is handled perfectly, there is still a certain probability that my Gu worm will detect it.”

"All the clues point to this conclusion."

Ye Qingwu explained the general situation.

How could Gu worms have such an effect?

A strange light flashed in Lin Changheng's eyes, and he had a new understanding of the art of Gu refining. It seemed to have a rather unique function and might have miraculous effects on certain levels.

"I see."

But his reply still exuded aloofness.

Ye Qingwu didn't say anything more via telepathy. She had already achieved her goal: to demonstrate her own value.

It is also a release of an attitude.

Having chosen to submit and depend on him, one must naturally strive to do better within this fixed framework of choice. Ye Qingwu has now come to understand that Lin Changheng's mid-Foundation Establishment strength, which leaves her utterly powerless, indicates that his strength far surpasses her own, and his future path is likely bright. Her full-fledged following now may very well bring her even greater opportunities in the future.

There are different levels of submission and dependence; after all, it's easy to see whether one is passive or proactive.

Given the cunning and ruthless methods revealed by her lord in such a short time, trying to outmaneuver her would be tantamount to courting death.

……

Lin Changheng also briefly told Mo Zhaoli about Ye Qingwu's judgment. The two exchanged a glance without saying a word, understanding each other perfectly.

The two found an open space to sit down and meditate, seemingly entering a state of deep concentration. However, Mo Zhaoli had already begun to establish his foundation with his fellow disciples and started communicating with them through telepathy.

It expresses the intention to acquire or exchange [Mingxu Essence Blood].

Lin and Mo cleared the area they were responsible for and encountered two types of [Netherworld Beasts]. Therefore, it is possible that the Foundation Establishment cultivators present also possessed blood essence of the same level, which is worth asking.

Given the current situation, everyone could only wait patiently for the Golden Array Master to set up the array. They couldn't cultivate for fear of disturbing the spiritual energy and affecting the array's setup, nor did they dare to leave rashly. After all, they had encountered a third-tier demon passing by on their way here in this desolate wilderness, and without a fake core to accompany them, they feared danger.

One either has to secretly study the techniques, skills, and methods, or simply wait idly, which is quite boring.

When they received Mo Zhaoli's telepathic message, since they were all fellow disciples and had no fundamental conflicts, they naturally did not ignore it and all smiled and gave a reply.

Because [Netherworld Essence Blood] can be used to refine second-grade high-quality pills, make talisman ink to draw talismans, and so on, it has a variety of uses. Some people politely declined, or simply said that they did not have this kind of essence blood. Some people were pondering and seemed to be thinking about it. Others did not need the essence blood and did not want to keep it in their hands, so they directly asked about the price.

Mo Zhaoli's eyes brightened slightly as he glanced at Lin Changheng and began to carefully inquire about any Foundation Establishment cultivators who were interested.

Upon receiving the signal, Lin Changheng suddenly had a thought and directly transmitted his voice to Ye Qingwu: "Do you have the essence blood of the [Netherworld Beast]?"

Although the hostility and fierce competition between Mo Zhaoli and this woman had eased, Lin Changheng still decided to speak up himself.

Last time, although he had the woman's storage bag, he could only examine the bottles and jars directly inside, which were sealed with talismans and could not be easily seen with his divine sense, so he could not examine them in detail.

"【Netherworld Essence Blood】?"

Ye Qingwu was taken aback, "Of course, last time..."

Then, as if remembering something, she stopped abruptly, "There is a kind of blood called [Earthfire Demon Hound], a [Netherworld Beast], and there are twenty portions of it."

"Excellent."

Lin Changheng nodded upon hearing this. His [Crimson-Eyed Fire Demon Treasure Seed] had already reached the fourth level. He had prepared the essence blood for the transformation. As long as the Huang family's subsequent essence blood arrived, he could directly upgrade to the level of Demon Magic or above.

"Give me an opportunity later, in the form of a transaction."

Lin Changheng gave the order, "I will purchase it at market price and pay with spirit stones."

At this time, Ye Qingwu became Lin Changheng's subordinate. Although he still held her life and thoughts in his hands, he still had to give her the necessary respect.

It can't be used directly as a blood transfusion bag, to be drawn whenever you want.

"it is good."

Ye Qingwu naturally agreed.

……

the other side.

"Senior Brother Zhang, you said that the essence blood in your possession came from hunting the Green Shadow Fox. I wonder if you would be willing to part with it? I am willing to accept all twelve portions, either by purchasing them with spirit stones or by exchanging them for materials or items of equal value."

Mo Zhaoli spoke sincerely, and the exchange conditions he proposed were also quite sincere, allowing the other party to choose.

The senior brother Zhang, dressed in a yellow robe, with a broad, smooth forehead and an honest face, immediately smiled and said, "That's right. The essence blood of the [Green Shadow Fox] is indeed not very useful to me. Since junior sister needs it, let's exchange it. Second-grade high-quality spiritual materials will suffice." Mo Zhaoli's face lit up with joy as she named three second-grade high-quality spiritual materials she had on hand.

"Junior Sister Mo actually possesses [Flowing Fire Stone Essence]? Senior Brother happens to have a need for it, how about exchanging it for this item?"

Upon hearing the name "Flowing Fire Stone Essence," Senior Brother Zhang's expression changed, and he quickly asked a question.

"Naturally."

The two moved swiftly, setting up a simple formation, and came closer to conduct the transaction.

After examining their acquisitions, they were all quite satisfied. At this moment, Senior Brother Zhang said, "As Junior Sister Mo knows, I cultivate the Way of Fire, and I have a high demand for [Flowing Fire Stone Essence]. I wonder if Junior Sister has any more of this kind of spiritual material? I would like to exchange with you."

"There are a few more, which you can obtain by exchanging them with any second-grade high-quality spiritual materials."

Mo Zhaoli took out a small amount of [Flowing Fire Stone Essence] again to trade and maintain good relations, and then said,
"But if you can obtain a large quantity, more than a hundred portions, of other similar Xuanling and Mingxu essence blood, I can help you get another batch from a fellow Daoist who has this stone, so as to meet your needs."

"Oh?"

Senior Brother Zhang was taken aback. Holding the [Flowing Fire Stone Essence] he had just received from Mo Zhaoli, his smile turned serious: "Junior Sister, do you really mean this?"

"Of course, everyone in the sect knows my character and conduct, so how could I possibly deceive my senior brother without reason?"

Mo Zhaoli's expression changed slightly.

"Hehe, Junior Sister Mo, please don't be angry. I apologize to you. I didn't mean to distrust you; I just wanted to confirm it again."

Senior Brother Zhang immediately scratched his head and laughed, putting on a silly grin. Mo Zhaoli knew that this person was a smiling tiger, often using his appearance to make others lower their guard.

"What does senior brother mean?"

Mo Zhaoli directly attempted to seize the initiative.

"Senior brother will go back and get things done now. Junior sister, please wait for my good news."

Senior Brother Zhang continued to chuckle, but his tone was resolute.

"it is good!"

Mo Zhaoli received a satisfactory answer, and after exchanging a few more words, the two turned and left.

She knew in her heart that Senior Brother Zhang's family also had a strong foundation and should be able to help him collect essence blood, which could be considered a path that met Brother Lin's requirements.

"Senior Sister Li, I wonder how many portions of essence blood you possess, and what kind they are..."

Mo Zhaoli turned and walked to the other person's side, and began to ask questions.

Senior Sister Li was also interested in the deal, and immediately smiled and began to discuss it in hushed tones, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

After that, Mo Zhaoli visited two more fellow disciples, exchanging information with them one by one. The blood essence transaction proceeded rapidly through silent telepathic communication.

Although Lin Changheng did not participate directly and his consciousness remained still, his five senses were always paying attention to his surroundings, taking everything into his heart.

Mo Zhaoli handled things appropriately, and most of his fellow disciples gave him face, which made him nod slightly in approval. Although collecting these [Netherworld Essence Blood] was not easy, thanks to the sect's connections and reasonable exchanges, they had finally made another step forward.

In the end, including the [Netherworld Essence Blood] provided by Ye Qingwu, Lin Changheng had four different [Netherworld Essence Blood] in his hand, encompassing the three attributes of fire, wood, and earth.

Enough for the creation of four types of three-element [Mysterious Spirit Treasure Seeds].

Mo Zhaoli's initiative also served as a reminder to the other cultivators, who seemed to communicate with each other, asking about and exchanging what they needed. Although the area remained quiet, a silent liveliness was spreading.

……

Another seven days passed.

At noon that day, under the blazing sun, the fiery spiritual energy within the basin was at its most active—

"Om-!"

A deep yet majestic hum came from the depths of the earth, as if the entire quasi-third-tier spiritual land had a heart that suddenly beat!
All the Foundation Establishment cultivators present, including the False Core Immortals, stopped refining the embryonic form of the magic weapon, and their divine senses surged out in all directions.

Immediately afterwards, with Jin Daoyao at the center of the array, all the mysterious array patterns on the ground lit up one after another, bursting out with dazzling spiritual light!

Red, gold, cyan, blue, yellow... the five elements of spiritual light flowed endlessly, merging with each other to form a complex and perfect cycle. Countless pillars of light shot into the sky, with fire as the main element and the others as branches, weaving together in the high sky to form a network of array light covering the entire spiritual land area.

Above the light net, runes appeared and disappeared, and Daoist rhymes flowed, drawing in the spiritual energy within the basin, which converged towards the great formation like rivers flowing into the sea!

"This is?"

Lin Changheng raised an eyebrow. He noticed that the mottled evil energy permeating the air was being repelled and purified bit by bit, leaving behind the purest and most peaceful spiritual energy of the five elements.

It can be directly absorbed for cultivation, and is no different from the spiritual energy outside the wilderness.

Moreover, the concentration of spiritual energy in the entire core area suddenly increased by several tens of percent the moment the formation was completed! A faint spiritual mist even condensed on the ground.

"It's done!"

Jin Daoyao let out a long sigh of relief. Although his face was visibly exhausted, it also radiated an undisguised excitement and pride. The Five Elements Spirit Locking Array was finally complete!
It can not only lock in spiritual energy, but also help the spiritual land to better transform into the third stage.

It can also eliminate the wildness and miasma, transforming this place into a suitable place for cultivators to practice and live.

Most importantly, it will also form a protective and concealing function, blocking the spying of outside cultivators and demon beasts!

As the array's light gradually stabilized, it ceased to be dazzling and transformed into a soft yet resilient transparent shield, firmly protecting the core area. Spiritual energy flowed gently across the shield like ripples of water, radiating a reassuring power.

With the formation complete, this near-third-tier spiritual land has officially come under the control of the Purple Extreme Sect!
Unless a third-tier array master finds this place and breaks the array, there is no possibility of any change.

However, this place is the closest to the [Ziji Sect], and it is also the legal territory granted to the [Ziji Sect] by the Lord of Song, [Jinan Palace]. Other large sects and Taoist forces are too far away to reach it. Even if they dare to sneak in, once they are discovered, they will only perish.

To take food from someone else's bowl, you need to have a legal basis or the ability to break the rules.

The Ziji Sect members have never worried about this. Their only concern is the power of the demon race from the depths of the wilderness. However, judging from the current situation, before the third-tier spiritual land takes shape and attracts the attention of the great demons of the wilderness, it is very worthwhile to control, manage, conceal, and occupy this place.

“Excellent!”

Master Linghu unleashed his vast divine sense, then withdrew it after a moment. “We will depart early tomorrow morning. You all should prepare well and rest.”

Then, with a flick of his sleeve, he swept Jin Daoyao up, and the two flew away, circling the formation to inspect it.

……

"call!"

Three days later, in a lush forest, the spirit boat had just risen up, poked its head out, and was about to break through the air.

A fierce, earth-shattering roar came from afar, and the spirit boat's spiritual light faltered, causing it to plummet downwards!

(End of this chapter)