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

Chapter 314 Late Foundation Establishment Stage, Hidden Life Triple Level (Seeking monthly votes and subscriptions or 2)

【Jishan Xiancheng】Inner City, "Mountain Climbing and Viewing" residential area.

Inside a cave.

Lin Changheng sat cross-legged on the stone bed in the quiet room, holding a [Red Lotus Seed of Earth Fire] the size of a longan in his hand.

Four colors swirled in his eyes, and his divine sense completely enveloped the lotus seed.

I am carefully observing this magical object.

After a while, he withdrew his divine light and consciousness, and had a basic understanding of what was in his hand, which is called having a clear understanding.

They also developed a rather detailed understanding of how to eliminate the fire poison.

Instead of taking immediate action, he tried to first adjust his magical power and mental state to their optimal state.

……

Three days later, Lin Changheng opened his eyes again, and flames seemed to leap in his pupils.

At this point, he was at his peak.

It can’t be better!

"Now is the time!"

He took out the [Earthfire Red Lotus Seed] again, but did not consume it directly. Instead, he held it in his palm and then activated the [Poison-Dissolving Demon Technique].

Instantly, a pure and ethereal aura gathered within his body, seeping out from his palm and, under Lin Changheng's control, twisting into a small vortex filled with this pure and ethereal aura.

"Whoo~"

A unique suction force emanated from the small vortex, then carefully enveloped the red lotus seed.

Wisps of solid, invisible, crimson poison gas, like awakened serpents, slowly seeped from the surface of the lotus seed. Guided by the vortex in his palm, they condensed into a single strand, but instead of dissipating or dissolving, they were temporarily sealed in a jade bottle that had been prepared beforehand.

This fire poison is too potent; let's leave it for now and deal with it later.

After initially removing the most active fire poison from the surface, Lin Changheng took a deep breath and put the lotus seed, whose luster was slightly dim but whose spiritual power was still abundant, into his mouth!
"Gulu!"

The lotus seeds melt instantly upon entering the stomach, bursting open with a loud bang.

Like a river of magma rushing into his meridians, the boundless and scorching spiritual energy instantly swept through his limbs and bones. At the same time, an even deeper and more stubborn fire poison, like a bone-deep ailment, mixed in with the torrent of spiritual energy, began to burn his meridians and even attempted to erode his dantian and soul!
"Well done!"

Lin Changheng silently shouted in his heart, and activated the "Evergreen Body of Azure Wood" to its fullest extent. A rich azure light emanated from his body, and the powerful physical strength acted like the most resilient dam, firmly protecting the meridian barrier and resisting the impact of spiritual power and the erosion of fire poison.

The repeatedly enhanced [Fire Resistance Demon Inheritance] also came into play at this time, reducing the burning pain and damage caused by the fire poison by at least 30%.

He was not content with passive defense. With another thought, the Dark Flame that had been dormant in his dantian suddenly rose up, transforming into countless fine, dark golden fire lines, actively meeting the rampant fire poison!
Wherever the Dark Flame passed, the domineering and blazing fire poison seemed to have met its nemesis, and was burned and refined into pure flame essence, which was absorbed by the Dark Flame, making the flame seem even brighter!
The remaining, extremely insidious and difficult-to-refine remnants of fire poison were forcibly restrained and compressed by him using a special technique of reversing the operation of the [Fire Poison Demonic Art]. Finally, a drop of pitch-black venom, exuding a pungent aura, was forced out from his fingertip and dripped into another specially made jade bottle.

The entire process, though seemingly complex, proceeded smoothly under Lin Changheng's skillful control. He was like a master craftsman meticulously carving and refining a rough gem, removing its impurities and retaining its essence.

Once the last trace of harmful fire poison is cleared or transformed, what remains is an incomparably pure, gentle, and easily absorbed boundless spiritual energy!
Lin Changheng guided this vast spiritual power, moving it slowly to accumulate strength for breaking through the bottleneck!

……

At this moment, Lin Changheng was already multitasking.

With his eyes closed and a flick of his finger, the [Second-Order Spirit Gathering Array] he had set up was activated with a bang.

As a second-tier low-grade array master, he naturally carried these commonly used array plates and flags with him at all times for easy use.

In an instant, a vortex of spiritual energy seemed to form inside the quiet room. The surrounding spiritual energy of heaven and earth was frantically drawn in and gathered, and its concentration rose sharply, even forming a faint spiritual mist around him.

Lin Changheng took a deep breath, and the dense spiritual mist was drawn into his body like a whale sucking in water. Without hesitation, the "Jade Void Bright Scripture" at its perfect state immediately circulated throughout his body.

Once the technique was activated, the slightly turbulent spiritual energy introduced into his body immediately flowed like rivers flowing into the sea, entering a more profound and complex operating trajectory, becoming increasingly condensed and tamed.

The immense and pure spiritual power of the [Earthfire Red Lotus Seed] merged into one, and under the control of the [Jade Void Bright Scripture], the two forces became indistinguishable.

They converged into an unstoppable torrent, carrying the momentum to break through all obstacles, and launched an attack on that solid late-stage Foundation Establishment bottleneck!

"not enough!"

Despite the fierce torrent, it was still blocked. After an unknown amount of time, Lin Changheng frowned slightly, sighing that the bottleneck in the late stage of Foundation Establishment was indeed tough and required more assistance.

With a thought, the jade box containing the [Condensed Essence Jade Marrow] opened automatically, and a piece of jade about the size of a fist, with a warm and milky white color, was taken into his hand.

"Crack!"

With absolute decisiveness, he held nothing back and crushed it directly.

The jade marrow entered his body without any leakage, instantly transforming into a cool, sweet spring that met the surging, fiery spiritual energy within him.

What's amazing is that these two energies with such different properties did not conflict. The jade marrow spiritual energy seemed to be the most inclusive medium, gently enveloping and soothing the slightly violent torrent of spiritual power, making it more docile and refined.

At the same time, a pure and ethereal energy surged into his sea of ​​consciousness, making his mind clearer and more stable than ever before, and eliminating all distracting thoughts.

For Lin Changheng, who was already perfectly clear-headed, it was merely icing on the cake!
At this moment, he also noticed that the energy in his body had reached a perfect balance point—it had both the powerful driving force of the [Earth Fire Red Lotus Seed] and the purification and stabilizing effect of the [Condensing Essence Jade Marrow].

"It's now!"

Lin Changheng's gaze sharpened.

Then a loud "boom" was heard, as if a thunderclap had exploded inside my body!
The invisible barrier that had once blocked his path trembled violently under the impact of this torrent, which combined the spiritual energy of heaven and earth with the essence of spiritual objects. The torrent, like an unstoppable tide, surged and crashed against the pass, wave after wave stronger than the last.

Lin Changheng focused his mind and guided the process with all his might. He could clearly "see" fine cracks appearing on the barrier and spreading rapidly.

Finally, at a certain moment!
"Crack!"

A shattering sound, audible only to him, rang out, and the barrier completely crumbled!
A vaster world seemed to unfold before his eyes, his dantian expanded instantly, and his liquid magic power surged and flowed like a river bursting its banks, becoming more viscous and pure!
His aura rose steadily at a visible speed, eventually settling at the seventh level of the Foundation Establishment stage!
Late foundation building!

Breakthrough successful!

His spiritual sense also surged, and his perception of the spiritual energy around him became even more acute!
Overall, the entire process was incredibly smooth, without the slightest strain, and even easier than any previous breakthrough.

Lin Changheng slowly opened his eyes, his gaze sharp and piercing, and a satisfied smile appeared on his lips.

This is the sense of security and control that comes from thorough preparation!
There were no dramatic events, just a swift and decisive victory!

"One hundred and nineteen years old, he broke through to the late stage of Foundation Establishment! A little earlier than expected!"

"It seems more likely that the goal of breaking through to the Core Formation stage before the age of 160 will be achieved."

Lin Changheng still clearly remembers that when he was in the Qi Refining stage, he perceived his lifespan to be only 118 years through the true meaning of the [Rongsheng Divine Power].

If it weren't for the [Yuan Ding] that came with him and served him, and the series of changes it brought about through his careful management, he certainly wouldn't have been able to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage. At this moment, he would already be a newly deceased corpse in a tomb.

But now, not only is lifespan abundant, but methods are also endless, and one can even look forward to forming the Golden Core!

Continue the path to immortality!
This is the most important.

With a thousand thoughts swirling in his mind, Lin Changheng also took the opportunity to sense his current lifespan.

After absorbing the [Premium Youth-Preserving Pill], Lin Changheng's lifespan was originally set at 357 years.

However, the subsequent revival of the roots of two third-tier precious herbs, the Panhuang Grass and the Xuanbing Lingyan Grass, required the use of the true meaning of the Rongsheng Divine Power to drive lifespan. The level and intensity of the driving power were clearly insufficient to cross the tier, and it consumed four years of lifespan at one point.

This reduced Lin Changheng's lifespan to 353 years.

Although it hurts to spend the money, it's actually not a bad deal.

Fortunately, subsequent ripening only requires mana, so this one-off deal isn't a big problem.

The roots of the [Zhelong Grass] that Lin Changheng obtained in the [Jiazi Secret Realm] are also an auxiliary ingredient needed for the [Jiangchen Pill], a major elixir for forming a core.

However, this precious medicine is unique, unlike other spiritual medicines. Its appearance is no different from ordinary medicinal materials, and it is planted in ordinary soil.

Therefore, Lin Changheng's revival of him was surprisingly successful because he didn't need to use the true meaning of the "Rongsheng Divine Power" to extend his lifespan, which was a pleasant surprise.

After all, every penny saved counts!

"It's a pity that when you break through a minor level within the same realm, your life level and mana form don't change, and your lifespan doesn't increase either. It's a bit of a shame."

Lin Changheng sighed.

He now has a kind of collecting and sense of accomplishment about increasing his lifespan; the more the better, and the stronger this feeling becomes, giving him satisfaction.

Moreover, he is incredibly stable and has a very high probability of actually living up to his so-called lifespan.

Unlike some cultivators who spend their days licking blood from the edge of a knife and risking their lives, even the longest lifespan can be wiped out in an instant, like a castle in the air collapsing and never to exist again.

……

Before consolidating his cultivation, Lin Changheng briefly tested the range of his divine sense.

It continued to spread out towards deserted areas.

A judgment was made quickly.

"Eight hundred and thirty feet!"

Lin Changheng felt that the density of his divine sense was much greater than when he was in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, and the advantage of its coverage area was also maintained.

It is still 230 zhang larger than the 600 zhang, or 4 li, coverage area of ​​an ordinary late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.

The extra "two hundred and thirty feet" of divine sense was not the strength of the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, but it was also transformed to the strength of the late-Foundation Establishment stage!

This means that Lin Changheng's spiritual sense will always be higher than that of other cultivators of the same level!

Unless there is a special fortuitous encounter, even experienced late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators or ninth-level Foundation Establishment cultivators are no match for Lin Changheng in terms of spiritual sense.

……

Five months later, Lin Changheng emerged from seclusion.

His cultivation level was completely consolidated.

The first thing I did after clearing the border was to visit the [Liushi Merchant Guild].

Ask Zhu Fugui about the essence and blood of the [Medicinal Spirit Golden Toad].

It wasn't that he was in a hurry, but the [Hidden Life] talent of the [Medicine Spirit Golden Toad] was too tempting for him, and he should try to obtain it and seize its spirit as soon as possible.

Lin Changheng should have understood the principle that "the longer you wait, the more things may change, and delays can lead to unforeseen consequences."

However, upon arriving at the Liushi Chamber of Commerce, he noticed a bustling scene unlike any other.

People came and went inside and outside the Chamber of Commerce, and the staff hurried about, with a tense yet excited atmosphere permeating the air.

After the announcement was made, it took about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn before Zhu Fugui, looking even more prosperous, strode out from the inner room, his forehead covered in fine beads of sweat.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, I've kept you waiting!"

Zhu Fugui led him into a quiet room, and without bothering with pleasantries, took out a jade box covered with spirit-sealing talismans from his storage bag. "I have fulfilled my mission. Two hundred portions of [Medicinal Spirit Golden Toad] essence blood, of superior quality. Please check them, fellow Daoist."

Lin Changheng scanned the jade box with his divine sense to confirm that everything was correct, then settled the remaining payment and put the jade away. Seeing that Zhu Fugui was extremely busy, he couldn't help but ask curiously, "Fellow Daoist Zhu, your guild seems unusually busy today?"

"This isn't just happening today; it's been like this for almost a month now!"

Zhu Fugui wiped his sweat, a look of exhaustion mixed with excitement on his chubby face. He lowered his voice and said, "Fellow Daoist Lin is no outsider, so I'll just give you a heads-up. It's the front lines! In the Song-Jin war, the [Purple Extreme Sect] was previously locked in a fierce battle with the [Joyful Union Sect] at the 'Iron Wall Pass,' unable to break through..."

Lin Changheng was also interested in this and immediately nodded to indicate that he was aware of the matter.

"Later, at the urgent request of the Ziji Sect, the Upper Palace, oh, that is, the Ji Nan Palace, mobilized two more sects to reinforce the Iron Wall Pass, which attracted the attention of the Jin Kingdom. At the same time, it was ordered that the remaining two sects join forces to continue attacking another Jin Kingdom pass, Shengling Pass."

Zhu Fugui focuses on explaining the core information, without unnecessary details, and is quick and accurate.

"In response, the Jin Kingdom naturally dared not be negligent and responded with all its might. Meanwhile, the Upper Palace had already quietly dispatched two mid-stage Core Formation cultivators to personally lead a group of elite disciples to launch a surprise attack on another front. They had already breached the Jin Kingdom's 'Fallen Eagle Gorge' defense line. This defense line was easy to defend and difficult to attack, with chaotic Yuan Magnetic Power, making it easy for birds to fly over and causing Foundation Establishment cultivators to 'break their wings.' The Jin Kingdom never expected that this place would fall, and they were successfully driven into the heart of the Jin Kingdom's 'Tianlan Plain'!"

His eyes gleamed: "And it disrupted the enemy's rear, making the logistical support of the nearby 'Shengling Pass' even weaker. After holding out for several months, the enemy finally abandoned the pass and fled in order to preserve their strength, which allowed this surprise army to join forces with the two main forces and completely stabilize the situation."

"This is a victory unprecedented in hundreds of years! A large amount of resources have been captured at the front lines and are being continuously transported back to the country. Moreover, in order to support the subsequent war, the Upper Palace has just placed a huge order for magical artifacts with our Chamber of Commerce! As a result, the entire Chamber of Commerce is almost frantically busy!"

Lin Changheng was shocked upon hearing this.

I never imagined that after months of seclusion, the external situation would have changed so drastically.

Song's move was undoubtedly a risky military gamble, but the results were remarkable. This means that in the near future, the influx of various resources into Song, especially into its rear areas like Jishan Immortal City, will surge, and opportunities will amplify accordingly.

"I see. Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Zhu. This is an opportunity for the Chamber of Commerce to flourish." Lin Changheng said, cupping his hands in greeting.

"Congratulations! With the faster flow of resources now, it's much more convenient for you to have any needs," Zhu Fugui said with a smile.

"Thank you for informing me, fellow Daoist. I will not bother you any longer. Please make yourself at home."

When Lin Changheng saw that people were calling Zhu Fugui from time to time in a rather urgent voice, he immediately cupped his hands and smiled.

Zhu Fugui readily agreed and took his leave. "Fellow Daoist Lin, I do have a lot of things to take care of, so I'll have to excuse myself now. We can chat in detail another time, and I'll treat you to a meal as an apology."

"It's easy to talk about."

The two parted.

Having achieved his goal of obtaining the essence blood, Lin Changheng secretly pondered that both the Song and Jin kingdoms possessed a Nascent Soul cultivator, and the Nascent Soul cultivator from the Jin kingdom was even stronger. This was why the Song kingdom had always been at a disadvantage and had been repeatedly bullied.

The reason why the Song Kingdom dares to turn the tables and start a war against the Jin Kingdom is that something has happened to the Nascent Soul cultivator in the Jin Kingdom.
Or has the Nascent Soul cultivator from the Song Kingdom further increased his strength?

There are no definitive answers to either of these speculations, but something must have happened that led to this trigger.

Considering the internal strife that occurred in the Jin Kingdom earlier, which was unlikely to end anytime soon, does this also point to the first possibility?
Regardless, in the Song-Jin war, the Song Dynasty currently holds a significant advantage. It's just unknown what situation the Ziji Sect is facing at the Iron Wall Pass.
Surely we won't find ourselves in the awkward situation where I take on the tough challenges and risks, only to have all the benefits fall into your hands?
This is a matter of allocation, and it's always the core issue!
If victory goes to one's head and the distribution becomes unequal, then the Southern Palace and the five major sects are not far from becoming estranged, and there is a certain possibility that they will fall apart.

……

I also went to "Yunzhifang" to pick up the custom-made fairy dress and other items.

They were all custom-made according to the styles previously favored by the beauties, and elements and clothing concepts from the rise of [Extreme Mountain Immortal City] were added, making them look really good.

"Brother Lin, please take care."

The female cultivator from the Gao family remained elegant, with a long, white neck like a graceful swan. She was incredibly warm and saw Lin Changheng off to the door.

"Please wait, Fairy Gao."

Lin Changheng smiled gently, took his leave, and departed.

Only the female cultivator from the Gao family remained, leaning against the lintel, watching that imposing figure gradually disappear into the crowd at the street corner, still somewhat lost in thought.

Her name was Gao Jingshu, and her cultivation level was only at the peak of Qi Refining. She had been in charge of the Cloud Weaving Workshop for several years and had seen many talented young men. Most of them were gentle and refined, but she knew that most of them coveted her appearance. However, none of them had ever made her feel like a gentle breeze when she first met Lin Changheng, and she felt that he was unfathomable when she got to know him.

Moreover, according to my brother-in-law, this person is described as having a mysterious identity, considerable strength, and likely concealing his late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation. He is also described as sincere and worthy of friendship.

When she introduced the new fairy dress to him earlier, he listened attentively, and his occasional insights were quite unique. In particular, when he mentioned that it was customized for several "friends," the warmth and smile that naturally flowed in his eyes, though faint, made her feel envious for no reason, and even... a little sour.

"To receive such praise from my brother-in-law, someone of his stature must be surrounded by stunning beauties. His confidantes must all be exceptionally beautiful women..." Gao Jingshu sighed softly, unconsciously twisting the hem of her dress with her delicate hands, a hint of sadness flashing in her eyes, "I'm afraid I no longer have a place."

She withdrew her gaze, turned, and went back into the shop. The once warm and elegant decor now seemed to carry a sense of loneliness. A feeling stirred within her, but knowing it was hopeless, she could only bury this budding, doomed emotion deep within her heart.

……

Lin Changheng was unaware that the woman had such thoughts, and he would never even consider that possibility.

After all, the two of them had only met three times at most.

But it was precisely this combination of Zhu Fugui's "mysterious" description that gave the woman ample room for imagination, giving her a fatal attraction out of thin air.

The feelings between men and women are truly wondrous!
Returning quickly to his cave, Lin Changheng took out the jade box he had just obtained without saying a word, connected with the Yuan Cauldron, and began to seize the spirit.

"Om~"

The cauldron trembled continuously, and azure clouds billowed forth.

[Spirit Stealing: 100/100]

【Medicinal Spirit Golden Toad Treasure Seed - Double Layer】

……

[Spirit Stealing: 100/100]

【Medicinal Spirit Golden Toad Treasure Seed - Triple】

……

Having successfully seized the spiritual essences one after another, the precious seeds solidified one after another. With a thought, Lin Changheng extracted the two precious seeds into his soul and body.

[Can continue refining the demon race's innate talent: Hidden Life]

Lin Changheng naturally chose to refine it!

[Already mastered: Hidden Life Technique - Spiritual Movement]

[Already mastered: Hidden Life Technique - Clarity]

……

"Ouch...that feels so good!"

Lin Changheng immediately felt a sense of comfort as his soul was cleansed, like sinking into a hot spring in winter, and he felt somewhat ethereal.

Next comes the increased perception of [Hidden Life and Different Methods].

He felt that with each precious seed being absorbed, a heavy feeling, as if containing the weight of space, suddenly fell into the depths of his dantian.

"Om-"

Another buzzing sound, seemingly from the depths of the void, resounded within him.

Then we saw that the spatial singularity deep within the dantian, which was between reality and illusion, also trembled and expanded violently!
The original three-foot square space's inner walls rapidly shifted their orange-yellow, jade-like luster, and the boundaries steadily advanced into the depths of nothingness.

Four feet, five feet, six feet...

Seven feet, eight feet, nine feet...

The expansion of space only slowly stopped when the second and final seed was completely absorbed.

Finally, a stable space with a radius of nine feet appeared in his perception!

The space has not only increased in volume several times, but the luster flowing on the inner walls has also become deeper and warmer.

"Nine feet of space!" Lin Changheng felt a surge of joy, as if he had just expected it. Such a space was enough to accommodate more resources, spiritual plants, and even some large spiritual beasts or spare puppets.

The growth potential of this [Hidden Life] talent did not disappoint him, and collecting essence blood this time was completely worthwhile!

"call out!"

He casually used his magic to grab the item, only to find that it vanished into thin air as soon as it came within three feet of him.

They were swallowed up by the "void".

This also means that the maximum distance for retrieving items is three feet!

This upgrade also expands the future uses of the [Hidden Life Space].

for example……

Instantaneous ingestion and retrieval!
"Shh!"

"Shh!"

With a thought, Lin Changheng used his magic to make a teacup disappear from a distance of three feet away, only to reappear within half a foot the next instant.

Extremely fast; from an outsider's perspective, it's no less than... the instantaneous teleportation of a teacup!

There was no discernible pattern to follow.

Upon discovering this, one cannot help but be astonished.

But... if you replace the teacup with a shield, you can even block an attack from three feet away, and then "teleport" to half a foot away to block a second one!

"A three-foot radius is the ultimate range of my control over objects!"

Lin Changheng murmured to himself, a gleam of joy in his eyes.

Based on this reasoning, when the Spirit-Seizing [Medicinal Spirit Golden Toad Treasure Seed] reaches the fifth level, the spatial range will increase further, making it even more mysterious and unpredictable.

At the same time, because the space has expanded, this [Hidden Life Space] has also absorbed more of the magical power from Lin Changheng's body.

This time, the feeling was quite obvious.

Fortunately, he had broken through to the late stage of Foundation Establishment, so the consumption was not too much. He only needed to meditate regularly to recover to his full state.

"But once the treasure seed continues to absorb spiritual energy, and even transforms, the space will be larger, and the required magical or spiritual power will certainly be greater. That would be not good. If we stay outside for a long time, it is easy for our bodies to show signs of magical power depletion... Not being able to maintain our peak condition will always leave us feeling insecure. We should think of a way to replace the supply of magical power..."

Lin Changheng immediately fell into deep thought.

This problem has been brought to the table, and a solution needs to be found quickly.

It is worth mentioning that Lin Changheng successively seized three layers of the [Medicinal Spirit Golden Toad Treasure Seed], and his earth-attribute spiritual root also gained more spiritual energy, now reaching as many as twenty-five strands.

It's already very close to the bottom line of a mid-grade spiritual root.

……

After that, Lin Changheng did not continue his seclusion.

I spent more time searching for supplies in [Extreme Mountain Immortal City].

At this moment, news of Song's great victory at the front line had already spread and instantly reached the entire [Extreme Mountain Immortal City].

While it's not to say the entire immortal city was in an uproar, the positive and uplifting atmosphere was definitely palpable.

It won't be long before news of the great victory spreads throughout the Song region.

Although the resources flowing from the Jin Kingdom are currently under the control of major powers, they will eventually flow downwards, something countless cultivators, especially independent cultivators, eagerly await.

At the very least, it will definitely lead to a decrease in the price of domestic resources.

Even a reduction of just one spirit stone can benefit countless cultivators.

……

During this period, Lin Changheng also basically figured out the differences in the ecological niche between aristocratic families and medium-to-large-sized chambers of commerce.

Why are there guilds like the "Flowstone Merchant Guild" which covers the entire process of weapon crafting, and the "Thousand Spirits Merchant Guild" which spans the entire path of alchemy, but no merchant guilds that cover the "Talisman Crafting" or "Beast Taming" paths?

Because the ecological niche has been occupied by the [Song Family of Talisman Makers] and the [Sun Family of Beast Tamers].

Similarly, there are no so-called "weapon-refining families" or "alchemy families," because the ecological niche is firmly occupied by the two major merchant guilds!
There was fierce competition among them, but in any skill, there can only be one supreme master.

This was certainly not something that could be achieved through wining and dining or through negotiation, but rather through struggle.

This is why the [Southern Palace] places orders with the [Flowstone Merchant Guild]! Of course, the latter also needs to give the former face; the underlying interests are not something outsiders can see clearly.

From this perspective, Zhu Fugui was indeed not wrong or exaggerated in the past. The key position of the [Liushi Chamber of Commerce] in the field of weapon forging can indeed be considered "large".

The four truly large-scale chambers of commerce each have a Core Formation Realm expert in charge, their businesses are extremely wide-ranging, they are not specialized in any one path, and they interact with places outside of Song.

Their status was extremely high.

This high-level cultivator trade fair is jointly organized by four large merchant guilds, providing free services to high-level cultivators.

But how could high-level cultivators, including Lin Changheng, not know that the four major merchant guilds were trying to curry favor with them or intentionally befriend them?

The saying "harmony brings wealth" and "more friends, more paths" perfectly illustrates this point.
……

Based on the location information he had, Lin Changheng arrived at the riverbank he had noticed when he first entered the city.

A river meanders through the inner city, with boats lining the waterways, and monks admiring the scenery from the railings of some exquisite painted boats.

He walked along the riverbank, his gaze sweeping over the boats flying the flags of the four major merchant guilds, and finally stopped in front of the largest and most ornately decorated ship.

The flags hanging from the ship no longer bore the logo of a single chamber of commerce, but rather the logos of all four major chambers of commerce, gleaming in the sunlight.

This is precisely the "painted boat" used by the four major merchant guilds to receive distinguished guests and hold high-level cultivator trade fairs.

Lin Changheng climbed the steps and slightly revealed a trace of his late-stage Foundation Establishment aura to the cultivator guarding the ship. Immediately, the seal-shaped magic artifact in the other party's hand reacted, emitting a hazy blue light.

"Greetings, senior. This way, please."

The monk guarding the ship immediately bowed and greeted him. A female attendant who was waiting on the side then came over and invited Lin Changheng inside.

Lin Changheng nodded and was soon led into a private room inside the ship's cabin to process his credentials for participating in the trade fair.

"May I ask your place of origin and name, senior?"

A middle-aged female cultivator, who appeared to be in charge, was quite charming and spoke with a gentle smile. She then asked a question.

Lin Changheng, having known this beforehand, did not show any unusual reaction or dissatisfaction.

Firstly, since this is essentially a "free lunch," unlike auctions where a certain amount of spirit stones must be charged, providing some information is harmless and also satisfies the intention of the four major merchant guilds to make connections.

Secondly, it's because... whether it's true or false is entirely up to you! There's no need to prove it yourself, and the other party doesn't verify it either; it's just a formality, which is perfectly acceptable.

He immediately uttered a few words softly: "Under the rule of Ziji, Li Feiyu."

"So it was Senior Li in person."

The middle-aged female cultivator immediately smiled, picked up her pen to take notes, and handed over a token, which was also engraved with the marks of the four major merchant guilds. "We will welcome you, senior, at that time."

"Thank you for your trouble, fellow Daoist."

Lin Changheng took the token but did not put it into his storage bag; he simply held it in his hand and played with it.

"If you are not in a hurry to leave, you can enjoy some spiritual wine and fruit on the side of the ship and watch some songs and dances."

The middle-aged female cultivator then offered her suggestions.

Lin Changheng had a thought and said, "Alright."

Just as the waitress was leading him away, the curtain to the private room was lifted, and a male and a female cultivator walked in side by side, seemingly also there to handle matters related to the conference.

Lin Changheng looked up and his heart skipped a beat.

He knew one of these two people!

(End of this chapter)