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

Chapter 298 The Transformation of Magical Treasures, the False Core Demon
The primordial Jianmu wood is of such high status that the sword embryo crafted from it as the core material is naturally extraordinary.

Although the [Dark Blazing Profound Flame] is a third-tier weapon, it is still slightly inferior to this embryonic, near-third-tier magic weapon.

At this moment, the [Sword Embryo], shrouded in azure light, was firmly located in the center of the dantian, constantly absorbing and releasing spiritual energy, as if it were breathing, being cleansed, and being continuously nurtured.

Lin Changheng looked inward and saw the item that had taken more than a year to refine, and his heart was filled with joy.

It was like a sleeping seed, an unopened divine object. Although its spiritual light was completely contained, the immense potential and growth it contained excited even Lin Changheng, the creator.

He could clearly feel that a preliminary connection, a link of blood and soul, was beginning to form between him and the sword embryo.

As the nurturing process deepens, this object will become a part of Lin Changheng's "body," becoming the foundation upon which he will rely to dominate the cultivation world and explore the path to immortality!

"Next, it is necessary to nurture and refine it day and night until its spirituality arises on its own. Then, one can try to imprint divine consciousness on it and refine it into a true natal magic weapon!"

Lin Changheng's eyes shone brightly. With the assistance of the [Spirit-Nourishing Demon Technique], the nurturing efficiency of his magic weapon embryo would definitely be higher, and the effect would naturally be better. Moreover, it would proceed automatically, far exceeding that of ordinary late-stage or peak Foundation Establishment cultivators who had prepared "magic weapon embryos".

For example, Linghu Zhenren, who accompanied us last time, was a fake Core cultivator who had been refining and nurturing his own [Ebony Banner], a magical treasure embryo. Although this method was more efficient than nurturing it within the body, it was extremely time-consuming and consumed a lot of mana and mental energy.

It is obvious that Master Linghu urgently needs to enhance the power of the magic weapon embryo in order to quickly transform it into a magic weapon.

The reason he did this was because he had already formed his core, and among cultivators of the same level, having only a magic weapon embryo was not enough.

Once you start a fight, you're likely to suffer a great loss!
The saying that if you are slow in this step in the cultivation world, you will be slow in every step you take is no exaggeration.

However, for cultivators in the late Foundation Establishment stage and at the peak, the embryo of a magic weapon cannot be nurtured within their bodies. They either need to use the same method as Master Linghu, constantly refining it outside their bodies with their divine sense and magic power, or they need to use external means such as the [Deep Lake Spirit Clam] for alternative nurturing.

It's usually a matter of not being able to balance the time and effort spent with efficiency and effectiveness.

Except for Lin Changheng's [Spirit-Gathering Demonic Technique]!
……

It is worth mentioning that the reason why 【Sword Embryo】 is called Sword Embryo is because it implies the meaning of "prototype".

The prototype means that it is not fixed and has a high degree of plasticity. It can be reshaped and sublimated according to the owner's wishes and subsequent investment!

This sword embryo, forged from the Primordial Wood and numerous precious spiritual materials, is, to exaggerate a bit, like an infant born with a "Daoist body" but who has not yet begun cultivation, possessing infinite potential and possibilities.

Its current form and characteristics only lay a perfect foundation, far from its final form.

The directions for reshaping are also very broad.

Although the five elements are currently in initial balance and wind and thunder are inherent, in the future he can make the sword embryo more prominent in a certain aspect by integrating top-level spiritual objects with specific attributes, depending on the bias of his main cultivation technique or the needs of fighting enemies.

For example, if you are pursuing ultimate killing power, you can incorporate [Nine Netherworld Profound Iron] to enhance its sharpness and ability to break through spells; if you are focusing on speed and unpredictability, you can refine [Void Crystal] to give it the ability to travel.

The [Nine Nether Profound Iron] and [Void Crystal] are extremely rare fourth-tier spiritual materials. Even Lin Changheng had only heard of them briefly or seen them in ancient books on spiritual materials.

It's important to understand that everything in the cultivation world is not like the games of my previous life, where the paths to advancement and the direction of evolution were fixed; instead, it has all sorts of possibilities.

However, this is contingent upon addressing potential conflicts of nature and spirituality. Natural treasures and resources exist specifically designed to resolve these issues.

Similarly, the sword embryo is not necessarily bound to remain in the form of a "sword" forever; it has the potential to change its form.

Given the right opportunity and method, it might be possible to shape it into "sword pellets," "sword threads," refine "a set of flying swords," or even more mysterious forms such as "sword diagrams," allowing for transformation at will and increasing its power to a higher level.

At the same time, the long process of nurturing is not only about accumulating power and undergoing transformation, but also about giving birth to a sword spirit.

If one is fortunate enough to obtain treasures such as the [Spirit Jade] or the [Residual Soul Origin] to nourish the soul and enlighten the spirit, it may be possible to accelerate or even create a unique spirit that is completely in tune with one's mind, thus increasing its power to a higher level!

In addition, some major sword-related techniques or powerful sword skills can also cultivate special abilities, such as sword formations, shadow splitting, and other mysteries!

Such examples are endless.

However, Lin Changheng's initial plan was mainly to collect as many fragments of the Primordial Tree as possible to forge more flying swords.

Nine handles, eighteen handles, thirty-six handles, seventy-two handles...

Theoretically speaking, the more the better!
It is said that more than a hundred years ago, the Nascent Soul Ancestor of the Far South Palace, the True Lord of Breaking Illusions, possessed a complete set of thirty-six flying swords forged from Phoenix Blood Crimson Gold, one of the Nine Great Profound Golds. With this set of magical treasures and a host of other methods, he, with his mid-Nascent Soul cultivation, withstood three moves from a powerful cultivator from the late Nascent Soul stage, winning the duel and causing the latter to abandon a certain plan and leave the Song Dynasty.

It is important to know that there are unwritten rules in the world of cultivation.

The Foundation Establishment stage is normally called "Cultivator", the Core Formation stage is called "True Person", the early and middle stages of Nascent Soul are called "True Lord", and once it reaches the later stage, it is called "Great Cultivator".

As for great cultivators... they basically possess the strength to dominate the cultivation world.

The fact that [True Lord of Breaking Illusions] was able to withstand three moves from a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator is closely related to the set of thirty-six flying swords he wielded.

There are even legends that the True Monarch of Breaking Illusions even took the initiative to unleash a sword formation to fight against this great cultivator, using offense as defense to reduce the pressure on his defense, and managed to withstand the attack.

……

Most importantly, the Primordial Tree can penetrate the Three Realms and support the universe. It is incredibly vast, and even if most of it collapses, the remaining portion is still extremely considerable.

There is hope in forging a set of nine flying swords, or even eighteen.

Moreover, Lin Changheng has a long lifespan; his Foundation Establishment stage already exceeds the theoretical maximum lifespan of a Pseudo-Core cultivator, giving him ample time to search for top-tier materials, hone his skills, and enhance his supernatural abilities...

These all require a sufficient lifespan to support them.

Lin Changheng already has a long-term vision and plan.

……

"Squeak!"

Lin Changheng opened the door and exited the gate.

Suddenly, the blazing sun overhead cast its intense rays, causing him to squint.

At this moment, a jade slip was "embedded" on the array above the cave, which was actually a trap.

"Whoosh!"

With a wave of his hand, the formation instantly separated, and he had already taken the jade slip into his hand.

It comes from Bai Hengwan.

It was scanned very quickly.

No details were provided, only that things were progressing and that we should meet when we had time.

"Let's go and see who's behind this!"

This is the advantage of having powerful backers or helpers; you don't have to do many things yourself.

……

Two weeks later, Lin Changheng saw Bai Hengwan again.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, you've been waiting for me. I've just emerged from seclusion."

Bai Hengwan wore a green dress this time, giving her a girl-next-door or delicate beauty vibe. However, because her appearance was so striking, Lin Changheng felt that it was somewhat unreal.

When she saw Lin Changheng, she apologized slightly and took the initiative to explain.

"Has Fellow Daoist Bai's cultivation broken through again?"

Lin Changheng didn't care; he was already numb. His gaze swept over Bai Hengwan, noticing a slightly unstable but clearly stronger aura.

"That's right, I just happened to get a treasure and luckily broke through to the eighth level of Foundation Establishment."

Bai Hengwan didn't care, shook her head, and said indifferently.

Lin Changheng was speechless. He touched his nose and went straight to the important matter: "The jade slip sent by Fellow Daoist Bai said that there has been progress in the matter we discussed last time?"

"good."

Bai Hengwan nodded solemnly, "Through that traitorous scoundrel, I learned some information, and after a thorough investigation, I can basically deduce that... it was my Senior Sister Yang who did it."

"Well, while I wouldn't say it's a sure thing, it's definitely almost certain."

As she spoke, the goddess's expression grew increasingly serene, and Lin Changheng's face revealed a look of understanding.

Now that the target has been identified, things will be much easier. Although he can't take direct action right now, if the opportunity arises, Lin Changheng wouldn't mind taking the initiative to kick her while she's down, ensuring she dies without a burial place!

"Does this also mean that the demonic cultivators lurking in the immortal city are colluding with her?"

Lin Changheng asked, a barely perceptible chill flashing in his eyes.

"Not bad!"

Bai Hengwan confirmed the accuracy of this speculation.

Then suddenly a bright smile appeared on his face. "I followed the clues and made a discovery. I found out the hiding place of a late-stage Foundation Establishment demonic cultivator. As expected, he was exposed today, and the law enforcement team happened to surround him and prepare to take action."

A rare coldness appeared on her pretty face, like the chill of winter.

"The one in the Outer Lake Cave?"

Lin Changheng naturally understood the woman's implied meaning and was also impressed by her decisiveness. He suddenly raised an eyebrow and asked.

"There's also a cave dwelling in the outer lake?"

This time, it was Bai Hengwan's turn to be stunned.

"if not?"

Lin Changheng sensed something was amiss. "Cave No. 97 in Outer Lake, my former neighbor! If I'm not mistaken, it must be a demonic cultivator!"

"The person I found did not live in the Outer Lake Cave, but was hidden in an uninhabited mountain area within the Immortal City, and was discovered by chance."

Bai Hengwan also provided more detailed information.

A coincidence? Lin Changheng's heart stirred.

"That person is also in the late Foundation Establishment stage?"

Then Lin Changheng continued to ask questions calmly, confirming the information once again.

“That’s right,” Bai Hengwan replied.

Lin Changheng's eyes flickered slightly. Generally speaking, only when investing can one accept a situation where the other party's strength is equal or even weaker. But if one switches to cooperation, in order to obtain immediate benefits and achieve the goal, a stronger pawn is definitely needed.

Therefore, if Yang Zhenchuan were to cooperate with the demonic cultivators, he would certainly not be swayed by a few late-stage Foundation Establishment demonic cultivators of the same level; there would most likely be a demonic cultivator with even greater strength present.

Otherwise, why take such a risk?

It is highly likely that a demonic cultivator at the Pseudo-Core Formation stage exists!

At the same time, Lin Changheng remembered something: when the Bixiao Sect was exterminating demonic cultivators, it seemed that one fake Core Formation demonic cultivator had escaped, and no related news had been reported since.

If this person has hidden himself in the Floating Life Immortal City...

"If that's the case, it seems like it might actually match up..."

Of course, there is no basis for the connection; it's just that the information can be matched after integration, which represents one possibility.

This possibility could introduce variables into Bai Hengwan's encirclement and killing plan!

If the hidden mountain area is indeed home to a late-stage Foundation Establishment demonic cultivator, then easily killing him is practically a certainty.

But what if it's a fake Core Formation Demon Cultivator?

Having already found his lair, he naturally wouldn't surrender easily and would definitely resist. The Immortal City Enforcement Team couldn't possibly have a fake Core cultivator permanently stationed there, or rather, Bai Hengwan's arrangements were unlikely to involve, nor would they request, a fake Core cultivator to intervene…

This will lead to a certain result.

The enforcement team may face severe damage or even annihilation!

Thinking of this, Lin Changheng immediately explained this possibility to Bai Hengwan, not for any other reason than to remind her.

"A fake Core Formation Demon Cultivator?"

Bai Hengwan didn't have the same boundless imagination as Lin Changheng, who had lived two lives. In fact, to exaggerate a bit, if you told anyone about Lin Changheng, it would be no less than "eloquent" or "attention-seeking"!
Because there is no basis whatsoever, it's just a forced assumption.

Bai Hengwan's subordinates stumbled upon the demonic cultivator's whereabouts by chance and discovered his hiding place! How could that be fake?!
Preconceived notions can easily lead to such subconscious reactions.

But Bai Hengwan was different; seeing Lin Changheng's serious expression, she actually listened.

"By chance..."

She then realized this, "What if this coincidence was deliberately orchestrated..."

"That was all... a conspiracy!"

"By throwing out the fake core demon cultivators, a conflict will naturally occur. Not only will the enforcement team be injured because of me, but most of the fake core demon cultivators will also be able to escape, damaging their impression in Master's mind. Moreover... it can also incite the other party's subjective hatred towards me, giving me another enemy out of nowhere!"

"Senior Sister Yang, what a brilliant two-birds-with-one-stone strategy!"

Bai Hengwan deduced the worst possible outcome based on her own experience, which was something she could not accept.

He immediately said urgently to Lin Changheng, "Fellow Daoist Lin, your deduction is correct! This matter is of great importance, I need to go there, please excuse me for now!"

Then, Bai Hengwan transformed into a rainbow and sped away through the air.

"Turns out you're an impatient person too."

Lin Changheng muttered to himself, then suddenly his figure rippled like water, and he transformed into a dark-skinned, plain-looking cultivator in short clothes. With a surge of magic power, he caught up with him.

"Whizzing!"

Two long streaks of light, one after the other, left the inner city area.

"Lin... Fellow Daoist Li, what happened to you...?"

Bai Hengwan sensed a streak of light chasing after her, constantly closing in. She immediately looked at Lin Changheng and was surprised to find that his streak of light was also incredibly fast. Despite being a whole realm apart, he was still able to keep getting closer!
Could it be that Fellow Daoist Lin has cultivated some kind of profound escape technique?

"I will also go with Fellow Daoist Bai to take a look. After all, I have some grudges with that fellow, and I'll see if there's a chance to settle them."

Lin Changheng caught up with Bai Hengwan, smiled slightly, and spoke casually.

"That's fine. But we need to be careful to avoid danger."

"I understand."

The two continued exchanging words while fleeing at an uninterrupted speed.

……

at this time.

In the deserted mountains and forests.

The atmosphere was heavy and somber, with a strong stench of blood permeating the air.

A group of about seven or eight cultivators dressed in the uniforms of the Floating Life Immortal City Law Enforcement Team stood in mid-air, forming a battle formation, but each of them had a look of shock, anger and a hint of fear that was hard to hide on their faces.

Their once radiant robes were now mostly torn and dimmed, and two or three of them even had blood trickling from the corners of their mouths and were breathing erratically.

At the center of their encirclement, a gaunt old man dressed in a dark green robe and surrounded by thick, black mist was emitting a sinister, cackling laugh.

He stuck out his scarlet tongue and licked the blood on his fingertips. The blood came from the two lifeless corpses of the law enforcement team cultivators lying at his feet!
"Hehehe... Little brats from the Immortal City Enforcement Team, although I don't know how you found my hiding place, I was very careful and didn't reveal the slightest trace! Fine, I'm too lazy to bother with you, but you dare to chase after me with such meager skills, you should be prepared to die!"

The gaunt old man's voice was hoarse and shrill, like the hooting of an owl, "I thought they were just some Foundation Establishment stage weaklings, but I didn't expect they would force me to use my true abilities... Now that you've seen them, leave them all behind!"

Before he finished speaking, the magical power fluctuations on his body, which originally seemed to be at the late stage of Foundation Establishment, suddenly surged. A powerful spiritual pressure far exceeding Foundation Establishment, carrying an evil and oppressive feeling, suddenly erupted, like an invisible mountain covering the entire area!
Pseudo-Core Formation Realm!

The intelligence is wrong! This is not a late-stage Foundation Establishment demonic cultivator at all, but a fake Core Formation old demon who has concealed his cultivation level!

"Oh no! He's a fake elixir! Send out a distress signal immediately!"

The head of the enforcement team, a burly man at the eighth level of Foundation Establishment, turned deathly pale instantly and roared hoarsely.

However, the fake elixir demon sneered, flicked his finger, and a dark light arrived first, instantly piercing through the hand of the team member who was trying to activate the distress jade talisman along with the talisman!
"Ah!" A scream sounded.

At this moment, the dark light emanating from the body revealed its true form.

It turned out to be a nail about three inches long, with a matte, dark red color that seemed to devour light!

The nail was not straight, but rather had a subtle twist, like hundreds of frozen, dying souls.

The nail was engraved with fine, dark blood-red runes. These runes were not static, but rather slowly flowing and writhing, like a rotting corpse twitching and crawling.

It was clearly the embryo of a magic treasure that had reached the Core Formation stage.

It's called the [Nine Ghost Soul-Destroying Nails]!
Moreover, it's the kind that's about to transform into a magical artifact!
The next instant, the bodies of the dead law enforcement officers began to shrivel, as if their flesh and soul had been drained away.

It was actually nourishing the long nail; the strange aura of the long nail actually increased once again.

……

"Form ranks! Fight to the death!" The captain's eyes were bloodshot, knowing that things were unlikely to end well today, and that the only option was to fight to the death.

Keep going!

If they are not destined to die, they might have a chance to survive if someone in the immortal city discovers them and brings rescue forces.

The remaining five or six law enforcement officers suppressed their fear and frantically channeled their magic power. The battle formation shone brightly again, transforming into a solid golden light shield that protected everyone inside. At the same time, talismans, spells, and magical artifacts rained down on the demonic cultivator in the center.

"The mantis' arms are like a chariot!"

The fake core demon scoffed disdainfully, immediately unleashing a demonic energy shield around himself, completely protecting himself within it. At the same time, a white bone shield shot out, growing larger in mid-air, revealing itself to be a second-tier high-quality demonic artifact!

The white bone dust spread out and was blown away, actually devouring the spiritual light. The spells became dim and the spiritual artifacts wailed, weakening all attacks and blocking them outside the bone shield!

Then, the fake core demon flicked his sleeve, and the rolling black energy transformed into a huge ghost claw, accompanied by a mournful soul howl, which fiercely grabbed the golden light shield!
The demonic energy surged and swept across the land. The old demon with the fake core knew that he could not delay and needed to finish the battle quickly, so he attacked without holding back!

At the same time, a flash of dark light appeared, and the [Nine Ghost Soul-Destroying Nails] blasted out once more! Faintly, fierce ghosts, phantoms, and zombies could be heard howling from them!
"boom!"

“Crack…bang!”

The light shield lasted for less than five breaths before letting out a mournful cry of despair and shattering! The cultivators who formed the array coughed up blood and were sent flying backward, the array breaking instantly!
The strength gap is too big!
The fake old demon's eyes flashed with ferocity, and he grinned, revealing his gleaming white teeth. He was about to take advantage of the opportunity to get rid of these annoying flies and then flee far away.

Suddenly, his consciousness stirred, and he abruptly turned to look at the horizon.

Two streaks of light, one white and one green, were seen rushing toward them at an extremely fast speed!

"More reinforcements? Hmph, however many come, they'll all die!" He licked his lips, revealing a cruel smile, and continued to attack the incapacitated law enforcement officers, leisurely waiting for new prey to come to him.

"Crack! Pfft!"

"Bang! Tear!"

The black light unleashed by the Nine Ghost Soul-Destroying Nails flashed, bringing with it a spray of blood, and directly reaped the life of an enforcement officer.

The enormous demonic claw, like an eagle snatching a chick, grabbed a person, its claws snapping shut, crushing flesh and even the shield together.

"Whoa!"

At this moment, Bai Hengwan and Lin Changheng, who were rushing over, also clearly felt the undisguised fierce pressure from the fake core cultivator in front of them!

Bai Hengwan's expression changed drastically: "A fake pill?! Just as I thought, the situation has changed!"

She turned sharply to Lin Changheng and said urgently, "Fellow Daoist Li, the opponent is a fake Core Formation Demon Cultivator, far beyond your ability to defeat. Retreat immediately!"

However, he did not retreat or slow down, and continued to move forward, while reaching out to take out a signal talisman and activating it directly.

However, despite feeling the oppressive power of the fake core, Lin Changheng's eyes showed no fear; instead, a flicker of eager fighting spirit flashed within them. He licked his slightly dry lips and muttered to himself:
“A fake core… it’s not impossible to fight it, but not now.”

Now that he possesses the third-tier [Dark Blazing Profound Flame] and [Sword-shaped Magic Treasure Embryo], he is much more confident, but he still won't recklessly rush forward and join the battle.

……

the other side.

"Damn it!"

The fake old demon's ghost claws attempted to kill again, but were slashed down by a sharp wind blade, failing to achieve their goal. Then, sensing the signal talisman from the heavens, he gritted his teeth and cursed fiercely.

(End of this chapter)