Half a month later.
Lin Changheng, as planned, "broke through" to the mid-stage of Qi Refining and moved to a new courtyard in the Guanxia Dojo.
It was newly built and assigned to him by the Xu family as their new guest elder.
Many courtyards were built along the main branch of a mid-grade spiritual vein, but locations were scarce. Lin Changheng simply chose a relatively secluded spot, not in the middle of the complex, but quiet nonetheless.
Scanning the courtyard, he noticed that both the courtyard and the interior were of much higher standard than before, and the furnishings were much more exquisite. (
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Antique and elegant, all made of precious golden nanmu wood, reserved for royalty.)
Lin Changheng wasn't greedy for luxury, but he didn't mind a better living environment either.
He closed the courtyard gate, took a step, and instantly vanished without a trace,
leaving only ripples on the ground .
Then, a flash of yellow light appeared inside the house, and a figure in a green robe appeared, sitting down and pouring himself a cup of mid-grade [Cloud Spirit Tea].
This tea was a ration reserved for mid-grade alchemists of the Xu family; it could relieve fatigue from alchemy and sharpen the senses.
It was best consumed in the early and middle stages of alchemy.
However, Lin Changheng had no need for it, only drinking it regularly.
"This second-tier treasure's [Earth Escape Technique - Agility] is clearly much stronger. Whether it's entering the ground or escaping, its speed and duration are incomparable to before." "
It can reach a depth of one and a half feet, ending after seven breaths, allowing it to escape a distance of approximately one hundred feet. Such a significant improvement greatly enhances its self-preservation capabilities."
A unique fragrance wafted from his mouth, and Lin Changheng's thoughts flashed, already focused on the Yuan Cauldron in his sea of consciousness.
[Effect: Proficiently senses the rhythm of the earth, continuously blending into the soil to move through it.]
Lin Changheng was quite satisfied with this effect; using the Earth Escape Technique was indeed much more relaxed and effortless.
Lin Changheng was also curious about whether his Earth Escape Technique, derived from the blood of a spirit-devouring demon, was superior to the human cultivator's Earth Escape Technique. What were the differences?
He would have to carefully compare them after obtaining the Earth Escape Technique in the future.
Thinking this, Lin Changheng once again activated the earth-yellow treasure seed—
[Panshan Turtle Treasure Seed - Second Level]
[Spirit Stealing: 52/100]
"I remember what Feiyue said last time. After obtaining the mid-grade talisman inheritance, she showed remarkable talent and had more [Panshan Turtle Essence Blood] that she was authorized to obtain within the clan. Therefore, the accumulation speed of my treasure seed will be even faster!"
Seeing the object, he couldn't help but think of Princess Tantai.
Before this woman revealed to the Xu family that she could draw exquisite talismans, she was worried and even visited him late at night to obtain his essence and listen to his advice, which led to what happened later.
Fortunately, everything that happened was as expected by the two of them and was developing for the better.
Now, their secrets are intertwined, they help each other, their interests are intertwined, and their relationship is much closer than before.
Moreover, as her cultivation increases, this woman is becoming more and more beautiful and charming, with a touch of the beauty that is about to be plucked in traditional tales.
...
In the past two years, he has not stopped stealing other treasure seeds, and Lin Changheng has also left the clan twice.
Among them, the [Wooden Puppet Fox Treasure Seed] rapidly accumulated to the second level, but as the development of the Dust-Free Valley progressed, and with the help of the Liu family of Spirit Fox Mountain, a large array was set up to dispel the poisonous miasma.
The demand for [Miasma-Clearing Pills] disappeared, so refining them was stopped, and Lin Changheng could no longer accumulate this seed.
Therefore, he remained stuck at the second level, and the [Self-Healing Technique] was also stuck at the "Spiritual Movement" realm, unable to advance further.
After careful testing, Lin Changheng discovered that by consuming mana and blood, he could obtain the effect of "Enhanced Self-Healing," capable of healing deep cuts and minor fractures.
Later, he used his identity as a pill refiner and his relationship with Xu Xuzhong, the steward of the General Affairs Hall, to purchase the remaining "Wooden Puppet Fox Essence Blood" from his clan.
The result left Lin Changheng astonished, both amused and exasperated.
He laughed because Lin Changheng quickly pushed the [Wooden Puppet Fox Treasure Seed] to the third level, refining it into the [Self-Healing Technique - Clarity]!
It could "regenerate severed fingers."
Like some small animals shedding their tails to survive,
he even fantasized that if he continued to seize spirits, he might truly achieve "regeneration of severed limbs," "healing of serious injuries," or even "regeneration from a drop of blood" like the immortals...
But this expectation was quickly shattered.
Because the [Wooden Puppet Fox Treasure Seed] only had three levels!
Unable to advance further.
This was the first time Lin Changheng had encountered this, and he couldn't help but scratch his head.
After several attempts, it was still the same.
He finally had to accept this fact.
After calming down, he began to summarize:
even among demon beast blood essences of the same level, there were significant differences, with different ancestors and even varying potential.
Among them, the superior one was the [Fire Crow Blood Essence], which could be traced back to a suspected true spirit. Its ancestors were powerful and glorious, capable of seizing the fifth level of spirit and transforming into a "Dao Fruit," which was a "supernatural power."
Next was the [Green Wood Snake Blood Essence], inferior to the Fire Crow. Its ancestors should have been great demons, also capable of seizing the fifth level of spirit, but the transformation was only a "true core," which was a "demon technique."
Next was the [Wood Puppet Fox Blood Essence], with the lowest potential among all the encounters. Its ancestors were ordinary, or even nonexistent. It was an ordinary wild beast transformed by the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. Its spirit seizing was only at the "third level" before it stopped, unable to transform, and was only a "different method.
" "Supernatural power," "demon technique," "different method"...
the levels were clear, and the difference in potential was obvious at a glance.
Whether there are any other intrusions is currently unknown.
Lin Changheng stared at the empty space vacated by the [Wooden Puppet Fox Treasure Seed] for a long time, finally realizing that
encountering a demon beast with a glorious ancestor like the [Fire Crow] was his luck, not the norm.
Realizing this, he felt much more at ease.
...
As for the [Earth Fire Lizard Treasure Seed],
it had already formed one level, and the second level was 60% complete.
Lin Changheng made two purchases at the "Spirit Fox Beast Pavilion" in the Desolate Ruins Market, and Manager Liu warmly welcomed him both times.
Initially, Manager Liu hadn't expected Lin Changheng to return, taking it as mere politeness.
However, he did return, buying up all the [Earth Fire Lizard Essence Blood] and [Flame-Tailed Spirit Fox Essence Blood] in his shop, further confirming that he was a truly important customer.
However, this important customer didn't even glance at the several types of [Mortal Filth Demon Blood] he hadn't yet sold, appearing completely uninterested.
This thwarted his original plan to clear out his entire inventory, causing him to sigh for a long time.
He wondered why his major customer, who had acquired so much essence blood, had changed his mind.
...
Lin Changheng looked again at the rosy phantom representing the [Flame-Tailed Spirit Fox Treasure Seed]—he
had purchased over sixty bottles of essence blood from the "Spirit Fox Beast Pavilion" in two separate transactions.
[Flame-Tailed Spirit Fox Treasure Seed - Spirit-Stealing Transformation in Progress]
[Spirit-Stealing: 37/100]
"Too slow...only one-third..."
Lin Changheng frowned, muttering to himself, "Five days later, someone from the Liu family will finally come to the Xu family again to discuss matters. Perhaps this is an opportunity to make connections!"
"But before that, I still need to meet a young lady from the Xu family. It was recommended by Brother Xuzhong, and I can't refuse again..."
Lin Changheng knew that Xu Xuzhong's actions, his efforts to arrange a marriage for him, were a way to use family ties and emotional connections to completely bind him to the Xu family's powerful network.
And his reasons were valid; after all, Lin Changheng was approaching forty, and it was time to find a Daoist partner and settle down.
However, he couldn't say it outright. Lin Changheng only possessed mixed spiritual roots, and even breaking through to the fourth level of Qi Refining was so difficult; his chances of reaching Foundation Establishment in this lifetime were almost nonexistent, and his path to immortality was already predictable. He still needed to plan for the future
. The wealth and resources accumulated by a mid-grade alchemist were also quite astonishing, requiring offspring to inherit them.
But Xu Xuzhong could never imagine that what they saw was exactly what Lin Changheng wanted them to see.
His progress in alchemy, his cultivation strength, and even his spiritual roots had undergone earth-shattering changes.
Lin Changheng casually cast a [Spirit Observation Technique] on his own body.
Instantly, the status of his five spiritual roots appeared in his perception.
His fire spiritual root had sixteen strands of spiritual energy.
His wood spiritual root had fourteen strands.
His earth spiritual root had risen to nine strands. Lin Changheng
still possessed five strands of water and metal spiritual roots. He pondered, chin in hand, that perhaps he should focus all his efforts on accumulating his fire spiritual root to a mid-grade level first. This would prevent him from being stuck at the late-stage Qi Refining bottleneck after reaching the sixth level of Qi Refining, a bottleneck that would be excruciating. A mid-grade spiritual root could weaken the late-stage bottleneck to some extent , and would also be helpful for Foundation Establishment later. While developing all five elements was ideal, there was still a priority to be given to each at the moment. ... The next morning, while Lin Changheng was still eating breakfast, he received an invitation from a clansman sent by Xu Xuzhong, asking him to meet him at the Wind and Rain Pavilion outside the "Guifeng Dojo." "Fellow Daoist, please go ahead. I'll be there shortly," Lin Changheng said with a smile, dismissing the clansman. He finished his spiritual food before leisurely departing. Undoubtedly, this was a trap set by Xu Xuzhong, most likely to allow him to see the beautiful Xu family woman he had described. Lin Changheng was quite helpless. Who would have thought that even in the cultivation world, one couldn't avoid blind dates? But meeting someone wouldn't hurt, and he certainly wasn't looking for a cultivation partner right now, so he'd just go through the motions.
Firstly, his path to immortality was not yet severed, and there was still potential for him; forty was the prime age for action.
Secondly, he had too many secrets, and having another Daoist partner would increase the risk of their exposure.
Therefore, he was determined not
to pursue this. However, outsiders were unaware of these two points, so matchmaking was understandable, and he could not use this as an excuse to refuse.
Before long,
Lin Changheng ascended the verdant mountain outside the Guifeng Daoist Temple. Halfway up the mountain, there was a pavilion where he could rest and enjoy the scenery.
The distant river and nearby mountains, the river light and mountain scenery, were all within sight, offering a unique charm.
"Changheng, over here."
Xu Xuzhong stood on the high pavilion, leaning against the railing, and greeted Lin Changheng with a smile as he climbed the mountain.
"Wait a moment, I'm coming."
Lin Changheng looked up at the sound of his voice, cupped his hands in a gesture of respect from afar, and then saw two people emerge from beside Xu Xuzhong. One was a woman in green, about eighteen or nineteen years old, with a delicate nose and cherry lips, a beautiful face, a slender waist, and a graceful figure; she was truly a beauty in the making.
Behind her stood a maidservant, curiously peering down. She was pretty, but paled in comparison to the woman in green.
Their eyes met, and the woman in green didn't flinch, instead smiling broadly and giving a slight curtsy.
Lin Changheng naturally returned the gesture.
Xu Xuzhong, witnessing this scene, stroked his beard and chuckled, clearly quite pleased with the marriage.
Seeing this, it seemed to be a good start…
Soon, Lin Changheng came upstairs. After some pleasantries, the three sat down, the maidservant standing behind the woman.
Xu Xuzhong briefly introduced them.
The woman's name was Xu Hanyi, the granddaughter of a senior member of her clan, eighteen years old, possessing mixed spiritual roots, and at the second level of Qi Refining.
After their conversation, Xu Xuzhong excused himself, giving the maidservant a meaningful look, who immediately followed.
Only the two remained seated opposite each other.
Lin Changheng, being over twenty years older than the woman, naturally had his own set of rules for dealing with people. Furthermore, the woman didn't resist, and even seemed cooperative, her large, curious eyes fixed on the mid-grade alchemist Lin Changheng, which made their interactions harmonious and pleasant.
Later, their relationship grew considerably closer, and Xu Hanyi even took the initiative to pour tea and water, innocently asking with curiosity, "Brother Lin, are you really almost forty?"
"What? Doesn't it look like it?"
Lin Changheng asked with a smile.
"It certainly doesn't. Brother Lin looks no more than twenty years old, even younger than my elder brother,"
Xu Hanyi said truthfully.
"Hehe, Miss Xu, you always say things that make me happy."
Lin Changheng shook his head and chuckled, then added as if he had thought of something, "But it's mostly because I spend most of my time refining pills in the alchemy room and rarely go out. Without the wind and sun, without the need for scheming and intrigue, I can enjoy a relaxed life and have a good mindset, so naturally I look younger."
Xu Hanyi showed an expression of understanding, without any doubt.
Half an hour later, Lin Changheng took his leave first. As he went downstairs, he found Xu Xuzhong and his maid still waiting downstairs, and was taken aback.
"Brother Xuzhong?"
"How did the chat go?"
Xu Xuzhong gestured for his maid to go upstairs, then winked at Lin Changheng as he came downstairs, pulled him away, and chatted as they walked.
"Brother Xuzhong, you jest. Miss Xu is lovely, but our age difference is still too great..."
Lin Changheng began to find excuses.
"Hey, that's not right!"
Xu Xuzhong corrected him directly. "A twenty-year age gap is not uncommon even in the mortal world. Old men marrying young women is common, let alone in our cultivation world where we pursue unfettered desires!" "
Many Foundation Establishment cultivators find Daoist partners or concubines with an age difference of a hundred years. There was even an ancestor of a Foundation Establishment family who, on the verge of death, took in a concubine who was less than twenty years old, with an age difference of two hundred years."
"If it's like this in Foundation Establishment, many Core Formation and Nascent Soul cultivators have age differences of three or four hundred years, some even approaching a thousand years... So, what's the problem with age? Don't be bound by these worldly notions." "
..." Lin Changheng was speechless.
"Moreover, Han Yi is indeed quite good. If Changheng marries her, not only will he gain a foothold within the clan, but the clan's core techniques and secret teachings will also be accessible to him. Furthermore, his grandfather can provide corresponding support—it's a comprehensive cultivation, incomparable to his current situation." "
Isn't your friend Xu Fugui the same? Perhaps he even has the potential to reach Foundation Establishment in the future. They say it's about taking a roundabout approach to achieve your goals; aren't you tempted?"
Xu Xuzhong continued to persuade him, citing Fugui as a positive example.
Most people would be tempted, but Lin Changheng was no ordinary person.
Ultimately, Lin Changheng used the seemingly noble and altruistic reason of "studying alchemy in hopes of breaking through to the first-tier high-grade" to thwart Xu Xuzhong's persistent persuasion.
Watching Lin Changheng's rapidly departing figure, Xu Xuzhong couldn't help but scratch his head, somewhat stunned.
Why wasn't he tempted? Was Brother Lin really that oblivious?
After a long while, a thought surfaced in his mind, startling him:
"Could it be... that he doesn't like women?"
Lin Changheng was unaware of the outrageous speculation his actions had led Xu Xuzhong to, but he didn't care.
Leaving the Wind and Rain Pavilion, he headed straight for the Hundred Refinements Hall.
Halfway there, a beautiful figure stood steadily ahead, her eyes slightly curved as she smiled at him.
"Feiyue, so early today? Are you going to the Hundred Refinements Hall? Perfect timing, let's go together."
Lin Changheng smiled slightly and approached the tall female cultivator to greet her.
In the Xu family, talisman making and alchemy shared the same hall, only separated by left and right sections.
"Brother Lin seems to have come from the direction of the Guifeng Dojo. It seems the clan truly values you as a mid-grade alchemist."
Tantai Feiyue's elegant voice rang out, seemingly filled with emotion, but Lin Changheng detected a strange undertone in the emphasis on "mid-grade alchemist."
"I have indeed been busy these past two weeks and have not had the chance to visit the Princess to seek her guidance. It was my oversight, and I hope the Princess will be magnanimous and not hold it against me."
Lin Changheng and Tantai Feiyue had known each other for many years and were good friends, so they had long understood each other's personalities.
"This humble woman would not presume to be so arrogant. I thought that after Brother Lin advanced to the mid-grade alchemist, he would no longer value our past friendship."
Tantai Feiyue put her hands behind her back, leaned forward, revealing her exquisite curves, and said this deliberately.
Upon hearing this, Lin Changheng's smile vanished, and he suddenly became serious, saying, "Feiyue, please rest assured. You should know my character. Do you think I'm some kind of ungrateful person?"
"No... I absolutely did not mean that..."
Tantai Feiyue was about to explain, hearing the seriousness in Lin Changheng's words, when she heard him continue,
"I would never forget our friendship. Not to mention that I am currently a mid-grade alchemist, even if I were to advance to a high-grade or second-tier alchemist in the future, I would not go against this promise."
Seeing the seriousness in Lin Changheng's words, Tantai Feiyue's pretty face also became solemn. She stretched out her jade hand, pointed to the sky, and said, "Of course, I believe in Brother Lin a thousand times over... Brother Lin should also understand my heart. The path to immortality is difficult, and it is not easy to find a good friend. I will never betray this friendship!"
Suddenly, two members of the Xu family walked by, casting surprised glances at the two, as if wondering what had happened that made the man and woman make such a vow to each other.
Distracted, Lin Changheng suddenly sensed that the atmosphere was a bit strange. The phrases "Lin's character" and "the heart of the crimson moon" sounded like they were talking about love between men and women and making vows of eternal love. He immediately reached out and grabbed the princess's raised hand.
Tantai Feiyue felt a similar sensation, a blush instantly spreading across her fair face, leaving her somewhat flustered.
Then, her fingertips trembled slightly, feeling the warmth of Lin Changheng's palm, and she hastily withdrew her hand. The blush spread from her ears to her neck, making her snow-white skin appear even more translucent, and even the small cinnabar mole at the corner of her eye seemed more vibrant.
Lin Changheng coughed lightly, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the lingering warmth of her hand he had just touched. He
inexplicably blurted out, "The Princess mentioned the Heart of Feiyue..."
"Of course, it's the Heart of the Dao of Talismans! Hmm, my task of drawing talismans is very important and cannot be delayed, so I'll take my leave first..."
The Princess forced herself to remain calm, still performing the proper greeting, before her figure transformed into a streak of light and swept away into the distance, startling a sparrow perched in a tree.
Amidst the fluttering feathers, Lin Changheng picked up a petal that had fallen onto his shoulder and suddenly chuckled softly. Regardless of the thoughts that flashed through his mind, Lin Changheng's
feet didn't falter as he arrived at the alchemy room of the Hundred Refinements Hall. He immediately started refining pills. He was refining the [Blazing Breath Pill], a mid-grade first-tier pill, the formula of which he obtained from the Xu family. After Lin Changheng advanced to a mid-grade alchemist, the Xu family provided three mid-grade pill options, only showing the general ingredients and difficulty of refining, nothing else. He immediately spotted the [Blazing Breath Pill], a mid-grade fire-type pill, with an auxiliary ingredient called the essence blood of the [Fire-Tailed Golden Rat]. Lin Changheng's pupils immediately dilated, and he decided that he had to refine this pill. You see, the ingredients used for mid-grade pills are mostly not the essence blood of demonic beasts with [Mortal Bloodline], but more likely [Turbid Fiend Bloodline]. And he had only obtained one so far: the essence blood of the [Flame-Tailed Spirit Fox]. He hadn't yet encountered the wood-type [Turbid Fiend Bloodline] essence blood needed for the transformation of the Azure Wood Serpent Treasure Seed, lacking an opportunity. Lin Changheng knew that the Xu family had provided these pill formulas not only because they needed the pills, but also because the ingredients were relatively easy to find and gather. Otherwise, they would be useless; after all, even a skilled cook can't make a meal without ingredients. Three hours later, Lin Changheng, looking slightly tired, opened the door to the pill-making room. He instructed his apprentice, Xu Liucai, who was guarding the door, "Go and tend the furnace fire." "Yes, Master Lin," Xu Liucai replied respectfully, his earlier naiveté replaced by a more composed demeanor. He then went into the pill-making room.
He had been an apprentice tending the furnace and tending the fire since Lin Changheng first became a mid-grade alchemist.
He had witnessed Lin's entire process of breaking through to the mid-grade level.
Fortunately, Lin wasn't stingy with his knowledge and would often offer guidance, which enlightened him and greatly improved his understanding of alchemy, even giving him the potential to become a full-fledged alchemist within two years.
This was a tremendous opportunity, which Xu Liucai cherished immensely.
"By the way, where is Xu Liuhui?"
Lin Changheng suddenly asked.
Since Lin Changheng advanced to the mid-grade alchemist level, the Xu family had assigned another apprentice to tend the furnace and tend the fire.
The reason was simple: refining mid-grade pills took longer than low-grade pills, generally two to three days.
This meant that a single alchemy apprentice couldn't sustain such a long time; forcing themselves to continue would lead to exhaustion and corresponding risks.
Therefore, having two alchemy apprentices take turns tending the fire significantly mitigated these risks.
This had become an unwritten rule in the alchemy world.
Xu Liuhui was a member of the Xu family, an additional member of the clan. After all, the opportunity to learn from a master alchemist was rare, and it was best not to let the opportunity go to outsiders.
"It's my turn to work today; she should be resting at home,"
Xu Liucai replied respectfully as he turned around.
"Hmm. When I come back to inscribe the alchemy formula, go to her house and summon her. I need to prepare another batch of pills later today,"
Lin Changheng instructed directly.
Refining only one batch of pills at a time would undoubtedly be a waste of time.
By staggering the inscription of the key alchemy formulas, two batches of pills could be refined simultaneously.
However, this required a profound understanding of alchemy, mastery of the formulas, and control over the flames.
If the alchemist could only work in one direction, or if their skill level was insufficient, they were prone to becoming flustered, losing control of the formulas, and ultimately causing both batches to explode.
Xu Liucai's eyes widened in surprise, but recalling that these were Lin Shi's words, he suppressed his astonishment and said, "Yes."
Although Lin Shi had driven him away at crucial moments such as when he was applying the pill-making formula and retrieving the pill, he always had a vague feeling that Lin Shi's alchemy was extremely powerful, ridiculously so. He
just didn't have any evidence and couldn't say it to others.
But Lin Shi's recent advancement to the middle grade also proved this point from another angle.
His feeling might be correct.
"Go."
Lin Changheng waved his hand and went into the quiet room next door to meditate.
"With the blessing of the second level of the Origin Treasure Seed, [Heavenly Enlightenment - Spiritual Light], I have thoroughly mastered the formula and refining method of this [Blazing Breath Pill]. I can now refine five pills in one batch without any problem, but it's still a little short of achieving a high-quality pill."
"What I need is a lot of refining process to deepen my understanding and comprehension, to achieve that 'spiritual light' through the unity of thought and practice."
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Lin Changheng already had relevant experience; last time, he captured a spiritual light, which brought about a wonderful state of enlightenment, allowing him to refine a mid-grade pill for the first time.
Now, he only needs to follow this path.
This is not something that can be achieved overnight, and Lin Changheng is quite patient.
Regarding the mid-grade [Crimson Dragon Pill] formula obtained at the last auction,
"I purchased over 140 portions of medicinal herbs during my previous trips to the Desolate Ruins Market. The pills I refined were not only enough to meet my own needs, but I also had enough to sell."
However, at that time, I would secretly refine the pills myself for two or three days under the pretext of testing them, while Lin Changheng completed his low-grade pill-making tasks, thus keeping it a secret from others. I made
about one batch per month, with five pills per batch.
I obtained over 120 [Crimson Dragon Pills].
After consuming over 50 pills in more than two years, I kept an extra year's supply for myself, and sold the rest when I had the chance.
The price of a mid-grade pill formula is around six to nine spirit stones.
Six is the price of a standard pill, and the top price of nine is the price of a premium pill.
After deducting the cost of the medicinal herbs, I obtained nearly 190 spirit stones.
As the exploration came to an end, the various forces began to consolidate their gains and stopped exploring, and the price of low-grade premium pills also dropped back to three low-grade spirit stones.
Therefore, the price difference between selling them in the market and buying them back by the Xu family was not significant.
Moreover, he had already demonstrated his ability to refine high-quality pills to the clan, so he needed to release some of those pills back to the clan to avoid the Xu family thinking he was deliberately hoarding pills.
That would be disastrous.
Lin Changheng wouldn't do something so short-sighted.
Therefore, after deducting various expenses and social obligations, Lin Changheng's net worth had already exceeded two thousand spirit stones.
For a mid-stage Qi Refining cultivator, or even a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator, this was an extremely substantial fortune.
He could buy two top-grade magic artifacts and still have some left over!
"Once I finish refining these two batches of mid-grade pills, the Liu family should arrive. Then I'll go and make some dealings with them."
As a mid-grade alchemist, it was perfectly acceptable for him to openly and legitimately purchase essence blood.
He didn't even need to think of a reason; "to study the Dao of Alchemy in order to make progress"—those eight words were enough.
The Xu family would not only not refuse, but would even support and encourage him.
If low-grade alchemists were rather mechanical, refining pills according to the book and formula, then mid-grade alchemists already had a certain degree of creativity and their own understanding of the Dao of Alchemy.
Although not much, it was still there.
Lin Changheng was willing to study, and the Xu family would only strongly support him. After all, having another high-grade alchemist was something the Xu family had always pursued.
For this, even if they had to wait another thirty or forty years, it would be worthwhile.
After all, Lin Changheng's accumulated knowledge and experience—twelve years of observing the furnace, entering the first grade in one fell swoop, and then eight years to enter the mid-grade—gave the Xu family a basis for their expectations.
"What if?"
This question was the fundamental reason why the Xu family head, along with his eldest daughter and a group of high-ranking members, came to watch Lin Changheng's assessment a few days ago.
Cultivation families are like this: on one hand, they need to develop step by step, avoiding major mistakes; on the other hand, they rely on drawing cards!
Whether it's a cultivation seed with excellent spiritual roots or a highly skilled immortal seedling guest, drawing one could accelerate the family's leap forward!
The Xu family is grasping both ends, patiently waiting.
As for the task of disposing of the inferior mid-grade pills, Lin Changheng has already registered it with Xu Xuzhong. If the alchemist who previously contracted this task abandons it, it will fall into his hands.
The task of disposing of the inferior low-grade pills remains under his name.
However, since both precious seeds have reached the completion of their spiritual cultivation, there's no need for him to handle them personally.
He simply taught the relevant methods to his two apprentices, letting them handle them, and all the profits belong to them.
For the two apprentices, this is a considerable extra income.
Originally, they weren't qualified to accept this task, so they are extremely grateful to Master Lin.
...
Three days later.
About three hours later, Lin Changheng cast the pill-collecting incantation in both alchemy furnaces.
Looking at the ten red and white pills in the specially made jade box, their fragrance pleasant, he was quite satisfied.
He closed the box and affixed a [Spirit-Locking Talisman], instantly silencing any odor.
Leaving the hall, even the setting sun felt somewhat blinding. He
went straight back to his courtyard, and even after casting several cleansing spells on himself, he still felt uncomfortable. Only after dousing himself with several buckets of cold water did the lingering smell of the furnace dissipate.
Just as he was about to rest, he remembered the details of Tantai Feiyue's expression when he last saw her…
"Something's not right."
He immediately jumped out of bed, put on his robes, and went to Tantai Feiyue's new courtyard at the "Guanxia Dojo."
This woman had moved in a few months earlier than him.
Moreover, talisman making is different from alchemy; it doesn't require prolonged time by the furnace, and the drawing time is shorter, but it is extremely taxing on one's energy and spirit.
The recovery time is much longer than the talisman making time.
Therefore, she is most likely at home now.
After knocking, Tantai Feiyue opened the door and, seeing Lin Changheng, smiled enigmatically, "Oh, a rare guest indeed! It makes this humble abode even more honored. Please come in."
Lin Changheng entered the courtyard, drank tea, and chatted for a while before getting to the point, inquiring about the [Panshan Turtle Essence Blood] talisman ink.
Then, Tantai Feiyue entered the house, took out a rather large wooden box, pushed it in front of Lin Changheng, and gestured with her snow-white chin,
clearly indicating that he should open it.
"Hmm? Could it be…?"
Lin Changheng opened the box and saw it filled with small bottles—
fifty in total .
He initially thought they were all talisman ink, but upon closer inspection, he noticed a difference.
The fifteen bottles on the left were indeed talisman ink.
The thirty-five bottles on the right were actually Panshan Turtle Essence Blood.
He subconsciously activated his Spirit Observation Technique, a strange light flashing in his eyes, and immediately confirmed it.
"Thank you for your trouble, Feiyue. You've really saved me from a dire situation."
Lin Changheng looked at Tantai Feiyue's pretty face, his smile almost impossible to suppress.
Tantai Feiyue rarely saw Lin Changheng with such an expression, and she was very curious. She thought to herself that this essence blood was indeed very useful to him, but she didn't ask any further questions. Instead, she smiled and said, "Brother Lin, why don't you open the compartment and take a look before you thank me?"
"This humble woman doesn't want to 'do twice the work for half the result'."
Hmm?
This time, Lin Changheng noticed that the thickness of the box was unusual. He carefully opened it and saw that there was another layer of essence blood underneath.
It was [Panshan Turtle], still full, fifty bottles.
This meant that the [Panshan Turtle Treasure Seed] could be directly pushed to the third level!
He couldn't help but look up at Princess Tantai and exclaimed in surprise, "Such a quantity... Has Feiyue found a Panshan Turtle's nest?"
Tantai Feiyue smiled and poured Lin Changheng a cup of tea. "The last time I met Brother Lin, I wanted to talk about this, but some unexpected things happened, so I didn't have a chance. Since then, Brother Lin has been in the alchemy room, so..."
Lin Changheng nodded, realizing this afterward, which was why he came to visit.
Then he heard Tantai Feiyue add, "Didn't the Xu family value my potential in talismanic arts? They intended to cultivate me. They even helped me find a mid-grade talismanic arts inheritance outside."
This book is first published online by 𝕥𝕨𝕜𝕒𝕟.𝕔𝕠𝕞
. "Not bad."
Lin Changheng knew about this.
"Life as a solitary cultivator is difficult these days, so I agreed to the new proposal from the Xu family's higher-ups to deepen our cooperation."
"It's nothing more than this: I cannot abandon the clan within the agreed timeframe. At the same time, the Xu family will fully support my progress in talisman cultivation, including advancing my rank to 'Guest Elder' ahead of schedule, continuing to collect talisman-making traditions and methods for me, and providing talisman-making materials..."
Tantai Feiyue recounted many details of the cooperation with the Xu family, her expression quite calm.
Lin Changheng was taken aback upon hearing this, then smiled and said, "The Xu family has an upright character, and their higher-ups are diligent and hardworking. Their rise to prominence is certainly promising; it's indeed a good choice."
"Therefore, the Xu family will generally fulfill my needs, and I've also included 'Panshan Turtle Essence Blood' in the order."
Tantai Feiyue said, winking at Lin Changheng with a bright smile.
But Lin Changheng knew that the stronger the support, the stricter the Xu family's demands would be.
There's no such thing as a free lunch.
Fei Yue has now clearly forged a deep bond with the Xu family.
This woman is always quite shrewd and must have figured things out. With insufficient spiritual roots, advancement is difficult; relying on profound talismanic arts and accumulating resources might offer a glimpse into Foundation Establishment.
But in terms of reliance, there seems to be no better choice than the Xu family.
If she were to join a powerful family like the Song family, known for their talisman-making, given their numerous skilled talisman masters, she would likely be overlooked. Even with their rich talismanic heritage, this advantage would probably not fall into her hands.
Given Lin Changheng's status, he cannot change anything, nor does he intend to.
To him, the Xu family is merely a passerby.
For Tantai Fei Yue, stability is perhaps better.
Afterwards, Lin Changheng took out spirit stones and handed them over, not wanting to owe Fei Yue such a large favor.
More importantly, he didn't have any mid-grade wood-element pills on him, otherwise this method would have been even better.
However, the female cultivator refused.
A soft voice drifted out, "How can mere spirit stones compare to even a fraction of our friendship?"
"Thank you."
Lin Changheng had no choice but to retract his offer, planning to give her wood-element pills later.
Afterwards, neither of them spoke, falling into a tacit silence.
After a long while, Tantai Feiyue suddenly asked, "I wonder if Brother Lin... would you consider staying with the Xu family in the future?"
Lin Changheng was taken aback, not expecting the female cultivator to ask such a question. Under her slightly tense gaze, he shook his head: "No."
Tantai Feiyue's tension vanished instantly, leaving her feeling empty. Although she had already guessed this answer, a bitter feeling still welled up inside her.
Then she smiled, "Yes, I understand."
Lin Changheng watched her red lips slightly part, but she didn't speak. He pursed his lips again before finally uttering these words, a strange emotion flashing through his heart, unsure of what to say.
...
Back in his courtyard,
Lin Changheng took out a wooden box and deftly poured talisman ink and essence blood into a basin, preparing to seize the spirit.
His mind involuntarily drifted back to the moment Princess Tantai saw him off,
the cold moonlight filling his vision, the sudden fragrant breeze, and the warm touch that had suddenly appeared on his cheek.
A fleeting touch, followed by the hurried sound of the door closing. Yet,
the memory remained vivid.
His gaze sharpened, and he stopped thinking about it, directly reaching his hand into the basin, communicating with the Yuan Cauldron through his thoughts.
"Whoosh!"
[Panshan Turtle Treasure Seed - Triple Level]
[Spirit Seizure: 2/100]
[Can continue refining the demon race's innate talent: Earth Escape]
Lin Changheng directly plucked the treasure seed, and instantly a heavy and solid feeling permeated his soul, coursing through his entire body.
[Already refined: Earth Escape Technique - Clarity]
However, his next moment wasn't about experiencing the effects of the treasure seed, but rather looking directly at the mouth of the cauldron where the [Panshan Turtle Treasure Seed] was located.
I immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
There, a new, earth-yellow, illusory seed took shape.
"It didn't end there."
"There's more to come!"
In Lin Changheng's mind, the [Earth Escape Technique] was indeed useful. If, like the [Wooden Puppet Fox Seed], its potential was limited to only the third level, it would be unacceptable.
Fortunately, a new illusory image appeared, indicating... the third level wasn't the end. At the very least, it could give rise to a [True Core] demonic technique, or even a [Dao Fruit] divine power.
It was something to look forward to.
A moment later, he again experienced the seed's new abilities.
[Effect: Precisely senses the rhythm of the earth, freely blending into the soil layers and traversing it]
Lin Changheng activated it on the spot, his entire body transforming into a beam of yellow light and disappearing into the ground.
He reappeared ten breaths later.
"It can penetrate about two zhang underground, only emerging after ten breaths due to the unbearable pressure. Both the depth and duration have changed significantly." "
Furthermore, it can more clearly and intuitively perceive the earth's rhythm, using its force to move, resulting in considerable variations in speed and distance. A preliminary estimate suggests it can traverse a distance of 150 zhang."
However, while it appears to be 150 zhang, in practice, if the direction of pursuit is incorrect, it can reach as far as 300 zhang. That's
a difference of nearly two li.
Among Qi Refining cultivators, even a seventh-level Qi Refining cultivator wouldn't easily catch up.
...
Two more days passed.
It should be the day the Liu family from Linghu Mountain sent their envoys.
Although the Xu family didn't decorate with lanterns and streamers, they still made thorough preparations.
It had the feel of an envoy from a superior nation visiting a foreign country.
Aside from the closed-door meeting between high-ranking officials and the Liu family's envoys, Lin Changheng, as a mid-grade alchemist, was qualified to participate in other occasions.
That evening, a grand banquet was held in the main hall by the Blackwater River.
Lin Changheng naturally attended, but encountered Xu Fugui on the way, and the two went together.
Tantai Feiyue, now declared a guest elder of the Talisman Path, had sufficient status but didn't want to join the festivities and had no requests of the Liu family, so she wouldn't attend.
Lin Changheng had already received Xu Fugui's wedding invitation and learned that Xu Fugui was confirmed to be the elder's son-in-law, so he inquired, "What is the purpose of the Liu family's envoy's visit?"
Xu Fugui, without any intention of concealing anything, glanced around to make sure no one else was there, and whispered, "There's no definite news, but there is a rumor, though I can't guarantee its truth."
"Tell me about it,"
Lin Changheng
said, a thought forming in his mind. "The rumor says that Juechen Valley is in a good location in the newly reclaimed land. It's not too far forward, avoiding attacks from demonic beasts, but it's also not too far away, capable of supplying the new border and carrying supplies from the rear..."
Xu Fugui spoke without hesitation.
Lin Changheng's eyes narrowed slightly. Based on this description, could it be that the Liu and Xu families wanted to open a market town in this wild new land?
The location and function were both suitable.