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

Chapter 288 The Secrets of Core Formation, Planning Ahead
Then, Lin Changheng asked Bai Hengwan if Elder Kong was in Xianhu and if he was available.

He wanted to visit them.

After all, he had received the oral transmission of the secrets of alchemy from Master Kong, which helped him break through to the second-level superior grade of alchemy.

Later, when he celebrated his birthday as a junior, the other party still remembered him and sent someone to deliver a congratulatory gift. Lin Changheng would naturally not forget this kindness and should cherish it.

Whether considering sentiment or purely interests, he should act this way.

"Master Kong is currently in seclusion."

Bai Hengwan's expression shifted slightly, but instead of speaking aloud, she quietly transmitted her voice.

"Retreat?"

Lin Changheng's mind raced as he observed Bai Hengwan's changing expression and the mysterious telepathic communication.

Then his eyes narrowed slightly.

He seemed to have thought of something.

Seclusion...

First, we can rule out that Master Kong was simply in seclusion. So, it must be related to alchemy or cultivation.

Although Master Kong's alchemy has reached the third level for many years, each step forward has been extremely difficult, and this amount of time is simply not enough to show for it. Therefore, it can be basically ruled out that there has been any new progress in his alchemy.

And cultivation level...

"and many more!"

Lin Changheng suddenly remembered an old news story about Confucius.

It is said that Master Kong was very strong before and had a good chance of forming a core, or at the very least a false core. However, Master Kong was not satisfied and was later attacked by his enemies, which seriously injured him and affected his core formation process.

However, his own skills are astonishing, and he has the backing of the [Floating Life Immortal City], so he naturally has enough resources. Moreover, he has been recuperating and accumulating strength all these years...

Could it be that Master Kong's seclusion this time is for the purpose of forming the elixir?

Only in this way would Bai Hengwan switch to telepathy, and before that, when discussing major events and secrets of the Song-Jin War, the other party had never concealed anything.

Once Master Kong successfully forms his core, the power of [Floating Life Immortal City] will undoubtedly expand once again, taking a significant leap forward.

Because there is a fundamental difference between a Core Formation True Person who is proficient in the third-order alchemy and a third-order alchemist!

With my connection to Master Kong and some hard work, I might be able to get my hands on the roots of the main ingredients for the Core Formation!

This is the most important thing.

It's important to understand that even the roots of the same medicinal herb can have vastly different levels of importance for cultivators who have successfully formed their core and those who haven't!
"I see. Then I will not disturb Elder Kong any longer. However, I hope that Fellow Daoist Bai will convey my greetings to Elder Kong when you see him in the future."

Both were intelligent people, and they touched on the point without mentioning any key words or phrases, thus conveying and conveying the information effectively without worrying about breaking any taboos.

"That's easy to say."

Bai Hengwan gave Lin Changheng a deep look. This fellow Daoist Lin was too quick-witted, had amazing talent in alchemy, and was as steady as a mountain. It seemed that his future rise was foreseeable.

She still remembered what her master had said: while the use of spiritual roots was indeed astonishing, in reality, their greatest effect was during the Foundation Establishment and Core Formation stages. For example, those with Heavenly or Earthly spiritual roots could easily establish their foundation, and those with Heavenly spiritual roots could effortlessly form their core. Earthly spiritual roots also provided a certain bonus when forming their core.

Once you reach the late stage of Core Formation, the inherent boosts to cultivation speed and spell activation are considerable, but the special effects begin to decrease sharply.

One must rely on temperament, resources, and accumulation to overcome various perilous obstacles such as the tribulations of essence, energy, and spirit, and the tribulation of inner demons, so as to condense a nascent soul that is only an inch tall and has the same eyebrows and eyes as the nascent soul. It can then leap out from the heavenly gate on the top of the head, detach from the physical body, travel in the void, and live for a thousand years... At this time, the spiritual root no longer plays the same decisive role as before.

As long as Fellow Daoist Lin successfully forms his core, even if his spiritual root is somewhat lacking, the future is truly unpredictable.

They are worth making friends with.

Before leaving, Lin Changheng took out some spirit wine, filled Bai Hengwan's cup, and they drank a cup together, thus making up for the promise of a birthday banquet.

……

After that, Lin Changheng made several trips to the Immortal City, especially to the "Spiritual Materials Hall" he owned in the city, where he collected all the remaining main and auxiliary medicinal materials for the [Youth Preservation Pill], such as the water and wood twin demon core of the [Azure Mist Toad].

Because the Azure Dragon only loves the internal organs of the Azure Mist Toad, it will also eat the demon core, but some will be left over and sold.

When he returns, the main ingredient for the Youth Preservation Pill in the spirit field will be basically ready, and he can start refining the Youth Preservation Pill. Lin Changheng plans to give Bai Hengwan a genuine or premium Youth Preservation Pill at that time.

Bai Hengwan may not lack other resources, and Lin Changheng may not be able to provide the more valuable ones, nor is it necessary for him to do so. However, the [Youth Preservation Pill]'s ability to satisfy one's desire for beauty and its special benefits in strengthening the body are something that even a wealthy woman like her would likely find hard to ignore.

There are also techniques to giving gifts; the key is to cater to the recipient's preferences and needs.

Even if Lin Changheng accidentally refines a substandard pill, it won't be presentable. Sincerity is key; what good is a half-baked one? If you're going to give it, give it a proper one from the start.

……

Floating Life Immortal City, a cave dwelling on the outer lake.

"Boom boom boom!"

There was a knock on the door.

"Brother Lin!"

When Lü Tong opened the door and saw the person in front of him, he was taken aback for a moment, and then a look of joy appeared on his round face. "I wonder what wind blew Fellow Daoist Lin here? Please come in quickly!"

"Fellow Daoist Lü, I hope my unauthorized visit will not cause you any inconvenience."

Lin Changheng followed Lü Tong into the cave and said with a smile.

"Not at all! On the contrary, it makes my humble abode even more honored."

Lü Tong quickly sent his concubine to serve tea.

At this moment, his cultivation level was still three points higher than Lin Changheng's, at least at the sixth level of Foundation Establishment. It seems that he has not stopped improving even after this period of time.

After exchanging pleasantries, the host and guest took their seats.

Lin Changheng quickly took the initiative to explain his purpose, hoping that Lü Tong could offer some advice.

"Brother Lin, please speak freely."

Lu Tong patted his chest, looking like he was eager to help others.

"Do you know any high-grade second-tier array masters in the Immortal City?" Lin Changheng asked with a smile.

“Second-tier superior grade…” Lu Tong pondered as he listened.

“Fellow Daoist Lü knows that my Daoist temple is located in Jade Belt Lake. Last time, my Daoist temple was attacked, which made me unable to eat or sleep. Therefore, I would like to ask a skilled array master to design and set up defensive arrays and maze arrays for me so that I can cultivate in peace and stay away from the disturbances. It just so happens that Fellow Daoist Lü has a wide circle of friends, which I greatly admire. So I have come to ask for your guidance and hope to be introduced to you.”

Lin Changheng chuckled and made things clear.

"Brother Lin really found the right person." Lü Tong laughed heartily. After the 100th birthday banquet, Lin Changheng's reputation had grown even more and spread even wider. He had always been good at managing his network of relationships, so he naturally wouldn't miss the opportunity to deepen the relationship.

"But after careful consideration, when it comes to setting up defensive formations and maze arrays, there are no formation masters in the Immortal City who meet Brother Lin's requirements..."

Lin Changheng remained expressionless, knowing that there was more to come.

“But there happens to be a formation master outside the Immortal City who I have a good relationship with. Perhaps he can meet Brother Lin’s request.”

Lu Tong spoke earnestly, his attitude very sincere during the introduction.

"Where?" Lin Changheng naturally became wary and asked with a smile.

"Brother Lin must have been there too," Lü Tong said with a smile.

"Oh?"

"On Jade Capital Mountain, there lives Aunt He."

"Where is he? Is he Master He's neighbor?"

Lin Changheng immediately made a guess.

“Not bad.” Lü Tong smiled.

"If you have a deep understanding of array formation techniques, you can go and take a look."

Lin Changheng didn't mind cultivators introducing business to each other, as long as the work was done well.

"I can guarantee that Brother Lin will be satisfied."

Since Lü Tong had said so, Lin Changheng naturally wouldn't refuse without reason. He agreed on a time after the auction and then took his leave.

As Lin Changheng was leaving, he passed by the cave dwelling number ninety-eight where he had previously lived. The door was wide open, indicating that it now had another owner.

To his surprise, the cave next door, the one that had been closed and uninhabited for years, suddenly creaked open, and a thin figure in a gray robe stepped out.

"Hmm? You've finally decided to come out?"

Lin Changheng recognized the person at a glance. It was the same person who had sneaked out of the neighboring cave during the last night's test of the [Expert Demonic Technique]. He was quite surprised that he had seen him appear in broad daylight.

The two happened to come face to face.

Their eyes met in the air.

In an instant, Lin Changheng could feel the other person's seemingly detached gaze suddenly focus, sweeping over him like a needlepoint, with an assessment and scrutiny.

The opponent's mid-Foundation Establishment level magical power fluctuations were not deliberately concealed, but they gave the impression of being like a reef hidden in the fog—seemingly clear, but actually elusive.

The gray-robed cultivator forced a slightly stiff smile, nodded slightly to Lin Changheng as a greeting, and then left without saying a word.

But Lin Changheng felt that this person was a bit strange. It was a feeling, though he had no evidence.

With a thought, he immediately and quietly activated [Insight into Demonic Arts] at full power! At the same time, he also used [Spirit Observation Technique] and [Aura Observation Technique], which he had already cultivated to perfection!
The three types of investigative techniques are not simply superimposed, but rather based on their powerful divine sense, with [Insight into Demonic Arts] as the core, and are mutually integrated and organically combined!
Suddenly, his eyes bulged with a "hum," and golden, clear, and gray divine light swirled endlessly like a vortex, while the dark golden runes deep within his pupils spun wildly! A "divine light" that was condensed to the extreme, formless and intangible yet seemingly able to pierce through illusion, directly crossed space and was projected in the direction where the gray-robed cultivator had left! In the next instant, all disguises and concealments were revealed in the finest detail under Lin Changheng's eyes.

That seemingly ordinary gray Taoist robe, in his "vision," was actually woven with countless fine and deeply hidden isolation and concealment array patterns, of a very high quality, which was definitely not something that an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator could possess!
It's at least a second-tier high-grade robe!

The art of robe making can be considered a branch of weapon crafting, which has been distinguished and developed into a new art.

It is also one of the Hundred Arts.

Lin Changheng was wearing a first-tier robe, which had no fancy functions and only basic dust-removing and ash-reducing effects, which suited his low-key nature.

What surprised Lin Changheng even more was that, beneath the disguise of the mid-Foundation Establishment stage mana fluctuations, he "saw" a late-Foundation Establishment stage mana that was extremely compressed, yet even more refined and condensed!
This person's true cultivation level was actually at the eighth level of Foundation Establishment, only one step away from the peak of Foundation Establishment!
But this is not all.

Despite the obstruction of flesh and blood and the chaotic spiritual light covering the body, which could block the prying eyes of external divine senses, Lin Changheng still vaguely sensed something and used his divine light to peel away the layers.

It was a deep, dark aura!

Like a lurking venomous snake, this is clearly a sign that one has cultivated an extremely sinister demonic or ghostly cultivation method to a certain level!

"Demon cultivator?"

Lin Changheng's heart skipped a beat!
No wonder this person's behavior is so strange; he truly has an "extraordinary" background.

Considering the timing of his move, it's highly likely he was one of the remaining demonic cultivators who fled from the [Bixiao Sect].

They have been lying low and honestly all this time, without revealing themselves at all.

"Hiding his cultivation level, possessing demonic arts..." Lin Changheng slowly withdrew his gaze, the three-colored divine light in his eyes faded, and his heart was already turbulent.

He also wondered if the demonic cultivator who had planted the mark on him was related to this person.

But the two have never met or interacted, and... there's no conflict of interest between them, so why bother?

Lin Changheng couldn't confirm it, but that didn't stop him from becoming wary.

People like demonic cultivators have no place to stand in Song territory; everyone hates them, and there's a reason for that. They are definitely not good people; being vicious is just the basics. Killing people, massacring cities, and destroying villages just to improve their own strength is quite common.

I wonder if these demonic cultivators will take advantage of the chaos and cause trouble once the Song army's elite troops are dispatched to the Jin battlefield, leaving the interior vulnerable.

"We still need to make defensive preparations in advance."

Lin Changheng didn't look at the man much, turned around and left in another direction, and soon disappeared.

But he didn't know that the gray-robed demonic cultivator had just flown over from the Immortal Lake with a newly acquired communication jade talisman lying quietly in his storage bag.

The document contained new instructions, which explained why he had rushed out during the day.

Therefore, the moment he saw Lin Changheng, he recognized the latter immediately, his heart pounded, and he suppressed his urge to attack.

His orders were not to alert the enemy or expose himself, as risking his life for another was utterly foolish.

All I could manage was a slightly stiff smile as a perfunctory response.

Fortunately, Lin Changheng didn't talk much and didn't seem to care. He just gave a brief nod and they left.

"Next time, it will be the end of this tedious task."

With a cold laugh, the gray-robed demonic cultivator had already disappeared into a forest surrounding the cave, vanishing without a trace.

……

The Immortal City Auction was held as scheduled.

This time, Lin Changheng was arranged to stay in the highest-level Tianzi Pavilion private room. Located on the top floor of the auction house, it was crafted from precious crystal wood and warm yang jade, not only exuding nobility and luxury, but also possessing the wonderful effect of invigorating blood circulation and stimulating emotions.

A glance around revealed a carpet of soft, cloud-like spirit beast fur beneath one's feet, and a large jade table before one's eyes, upon which were placed spirit fruits and immortal teas, with beautiful maids standing quietly to one side, ready to answer any commands.

Most importantly, it has a broad perspective.

Directly in front is a massive, floor-to-ceiling crystal wall made of one-way glass crystal. From inside, one can clearly overlook the entire auction venue, with a clear view of the dense crowd below and the dazzling exhibition stand in the center. From the outside, however, it is impossible to see anything inside the private boxes, fully guaranteeing the privacy of the VIPs.

Lin Changheng sat calmly on a large chair covered with soft brocade cushions, his gaze sweeping calmly over the noisy crowd below through the crystal wall. He could sense that powerful auras were also descending from the other Heavenly Pavilion private rooms around him.

"one two three four……"

At least four cultivators at the Pseudo-Core stage or higher descended.

Clearly, today's auction has attracted many truly powerful cultivators, which also suggests that there might be some good items at this auction.

"interesting."

Lin Changheng didn't think the appearance of fake pills was a big deal, since everyone was at a different level and their needs were bound to be different.

On the contrary, the late-stage and peak-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators present were his strong competitors in the auction.

"Senior, please have a drink."

A beautiful maidservant with a graceful figure poured Lin Changheng a cup of amber-colored spirit wine. Then, she lowered her body, held the wine cup with both hands, and gracefully brought it over with light, lotus-like steps.

She deliberately slowed her movements, which made the already form-fitting gauze dress accentuate the graceful curves of her chest, and a faint fragrance wafted over.

Her eyes sparkled with just the right amount of admiration and shyness as she softly said, "Senior, please have some wine."

Clearly, this woman saw that Lin Changheng was so young, only about twenty-three or twenty-four years old, yet he could hold such a high position in the Heavenly Pavilion. She believed that he must have some outstanding, even astonishing, ability in terms of status, position, or strength.

In her eyes, this was undoubtedly a young prodigy with unlimited potential, worthy of her lowering herself to seek an opportunity to curry favor. If she could gain the favor of such a person, even if it was just a fleeting affair, it might change her fate as a maid.

However, Lin Changheng merely glanced at her indifferently, his gaze calm and unwavering, as if he were looking at a lifeless object. He didn't take the glass of wine, nor did he even glance at the alluring scenery; he simply waved his hand casually, his tone detached:

"Put it down and leave. There's no need for you to serve here."

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable indifference and authority.

The maid's smile froze slightly, a hint of surprise and disappointment flashing in her eyes. She had always been quite confident in her appearance and figure, and had rarely been so directly ignored, even when facing some pseudo-core cultivators.

She dared not say more, and quickly placed the wine cup gently on the jade table, bowed, and whispered, "Yes, this servant takes her leave." Then, somewhat flustered, she left the private room and gently closed the door.

Lin Changheng didn't even glance at her, not caring at all. He wasn't a lustful person who didn't discriminate between men and women. He already had many beautiful and confidantes by his side, each with a unique personality and all of them were at the Foundation Establishment stage, with jade-like bones and ice-like skin. If he were to take a fancy to such a maid?
The auction officially began as an elderly man in traditional Chinese clothing stepped onto the stage.

Soon, most of the day had passed, and Lin Changheng hadn't uttered a single sound. He leaned back in his large chair, pretending to doze off, but every word the old man in fine clothes spoke clearly reached his ears.

His needs nowadays are quite diverse.

First, the main and auxiliary medicinal materials and residual roots of the two pills required to break through to the Core Formation stage: the [Return to Truth Pill] or the [Dust Reduction Pill].

Secondly, the key main material required for the magic weapon embryo, [Centennial Warm Jade], as well as high-quality Tier 3 materials that can enhance power, add additional attributes and characteristics, can be added to the refining process.

Thirdly, we will continue to improve our cultivation by using high-quality second-tier superior pill formulas and related medicinal materials to further enhance our cultivation speed and lay the groundwork for future advancements.

Lin Changheng had no shortage of fire-type pill formulas and elixirs for the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, with various cultivators seeking pills delivering them to his door.

There are significantly fewer pill formulas and elixirs available for the late Foundation Establishment stage. This also indicates a marked decrease in the number of cultivators at the late Foundation Establishment stage, and that these cultivators generally have a fixed partner alchemist.

Lin Changheng is not satisfied with the pill formula he has acquired at the moment. He can make do with it once he breaks through, but now that he has the opportunity, it is a good choice to collect some in advance.

Fourth, it's still about collecting the materials for the two second-tier special pills, [Foundation Building Pill] and [Youth Preservation Pill]. Selling them for high prices and gaining favors are both rare and useful tools!
In addition, there are second-tier high-grade and above alchemy inheritances, and second-tier low-grade formation inheritances!
These are useful to Lin Changheng himself, especially the latter. Lin Changheng's current mastery of array formations has already reached the level of this grade's finest, and he has the theoretical possibility of advancing to the second grade of array formations. However, he is still some distance away from breaking through. Lin Changheng needs various inheritances to compare and contrast with each other, as an aid and inspiration.

This is an experiential path derived from alchemy, and it is feasible to apply it here.

As for the inheritance of second-tier mid-grade and high-grade puppets, Lin Changheng collected them for Yan Mingyi.

Compared to Mo Zhaoli, Tantai Feiyue, and others, she rarely goes out and is always guarding the home, looking after the cave and spirit beasts.

Lin Changheng naturally took this woman to heart and took extra care of her.

……

Soon, Lin Changheng suddenly sat up straight.

Because he caught the relevant information in his ears.

inherited!

As expected, the other party produced several copies of the Hundred Arts Inheritance, most of which were at the second level.

Among them are a second-tier low-grade array Dao inheritance and a second-tier mid-grade puppet Dao inheritance, which Lin Changheng needs.

And a first-tier superior inheritance called [Star Gazing Technique].

He mingled among a group of second-tier inheritors of various arts and crafts.

Lin Changheng had a clear goal and focused his attention mainly on the Dao of Arrays and the inheritance of puppets.

After a struggle, Lin Changheng made a decisive move.

It cost nearly 12,000 low-grade spirit stones to acquire it.

There were still people trying to compete, but when they saw that the room from which the sound came was the Tianzi Pavilion at the very top, and that Lin Changheng's bids were calm and even, and that the price increases were rapid, many people were scared off.

As for the [Star Gazing Technique], Lin Changheng didn't know exactly what it was, but out of curiosity, he tried to offer a price, but was quickly overwhelmed by the price offered by another cultivator from the Heavenly Pavilion.

After several attempts, the other party remained adamant, and the price kept rising, approaching that of a second-tier skill. Lin Changheng finally decided to give up.

I don't want to be the sucker.

You can still maintain a calm demeanor.

But the next items up for auction really excited Lin Changheng.

And as the old man in fine clothes finished speaking, the entire hall fell into a sudden silence.

(End of this chapter)