"As expected, the essence blood of a false core demon beast is more concentrated, and its spirit-stealing effect is better. One drop of concentration is one unit, which can accumulate two points of progress." Lin Changheng's earlier guess was confirmed, and he immediately looked down.
I
[Essence Blood Fully Absorbed, Transformation Successful!]
[Azure Wave Spirit Turtle True Core - Supreme]
[Can be refined into demon beast bloodline Ancestral Demon Talent: Life Extension ]
[Writing this, I hope readers will remember our domain name to read Taiwanese novels on Taiwan Novel Network, ẗẅḳäṅ.ċöṁ Super worry-free]
"Actively called 'Law,' passively called 'Talent'! Still the same level! I wonder how much lifespan this [Life Extension Demon Talent] can bring me."
Lin Changheng looked at the blue true core in the Yuan Cauldron, which was particularly prominent against the azure glow, and curiosity arose in his heart.
Now his lifespan has reached 301 years, and there is still half a year left!
"Refine it directly, let me see your limits!"
The true core within the Yuan Cauldron, imbued with a strong sense of life, was plucked by Lin Changheng and gently fell into his soul.
"Boom!"
A surging torrent of life force exploded within
his body. Instantly, a comfortable feeling, like embracing a warm stove in the dead of winter, arose spontaneously, cleansing his entire body.
Lin Changheng consciously controlled this cleansing through the true meaning of the [Rong Sheng Divine Power], avoiding his face.
Then he closed his eyes and carefully sensed.
"My lifespan—"
Lin Changheng's eyes widened as he discovered that his lifespan had increased dramatically once again.
It had reached 341 years, plus half a year, a direct increase of 40 years.
Overall, the lifespan boost from the [Azure Wave Spirit Turtle] essence blood had reached 80 years!
Generally speaking, the theoretical lifespan of a Core Formation cultivator is around 500 years, some may be lower, but some Core Formation cultivators who cultivate health preservation techniques or have extraordinary opportunities may even live to 600 years.
There is no such thing as a fixed number in the cultivation world.
However, the quality of a pseudo-Core Formation cultivator's Core is insufficient; in a sense, it is only a semi-finished product, but it still retains some of the power of a Core Formation cultivator.
Therefore, the theoretical limit of their lifespan is three hundred and fifty years.
He was only a hundred years older than a Foundation Establishment cultivator, but a hundred and fifty years younger than a True Core or Golden Core cultivator!
Therefore, there's a saying in the cultivation world: the gap between a True Core/Golden Core cultivator and a False Core cultivator is greater than the gap between a False Core cultivator and a Foundation Establishment cultivator.
Lifespan is one aspect, strength is another. In other words, Lin Changheng's current lifespan is approaching the theoretical lifespan of a False Core cultivator. Some short-lived or injured cultivators might not even outlive him, who avoids conflict and has no hidden injuries. Lin Changheng couldn't help but feel a sense of Versailles-like urgency.
How could his lifespan keep increasing?
But the more this was the case, the more Lin Changheng cherished it, reminding himself to proceed steadily and cautiously, not to take rash risks, not to be blinded by petty gains, and to strive for steady longevity!
"I just don't know what kind of demon beast this [Turbid Core Demon Beast] is, or what kind of talent it possesses!"
Lin Changheng was curious, but he had no intention of attacking the Qiu family to seize it.
The Xu family's disclosure of this might indicate they intended to use him to annihilate the Qiu family in one fell swoop.
Unfortunately, they encountered Lin Changheng, whose pet turtles might not be as cautious as he was.
The next day, Lin Changheng emerged from seclusion on time.
Tantai Feiyue immediately greeted him, asking if his enlightenment had gone smoothly and what his gains were.
Lin Changheng naturally expressed satisfaction but didn't elaborate.
At the same time, he slapped his forehead, suddenly remembering something.
"Feiyue, look at this!"
Lin Changheng wiped his storage bag, and a jade slip appeared in his hand, which he handed to Tantai Feiyue.
"Let me see."
Tantai Feiyue immediately channeled her divine sense into it, and soon looked at Lin Changheng with delighted eyes, "These are the principles and refining methods of three types of talisman plates?"
"Thank you, Brother Lin!"
"What did you call me?"
"Thank you, my husband—" Her voice unconsciously softened slightly.
It was obvious that in the boudoir, one could shout anything when in a daze, but once calmed down, one was no longer so unrestrained.
"Good girl."
Lin Changheng teased Tantai Feiyue for a few moments, then smiled and said, "This thing was hard to come by. After receiving your message, I went to the Immortal City several times to look for it, but I couldn't find it at all. It was given to me later by a talisman master who was seeking pills for a junior."
"Otherwise, I really wouldn't know where to look."
"I see." Tantai Feiyue was touched and leaned against Lin Changheng's chest, but her face turned red from his playful touch.
Later, when Lin Changheng left, Tantai Feiyue, as usual, took out two second-tier talismans, one stack of attack talismans and one stack of defense talismans, as well as two talisman plates, and handed them to Lin Changheng.
It could be said that since the mid-stage of Qi Refining, Tantai Feiyue had been in charge of all the talismans Lin Changheng used.
Now, he still had a bunch of first-tier talismans in his storage bag that he hadn't used up, after all, he hadn't fought many battles from beginning to end.
But if he really encountered danger or a powerful enemy, he could release them at the right time, which could really cause considerable damage.
Of course, that's a story for later.
After a brief moment of tenderness, Lin Changheng left the pavilion alone and flew away, arriving at Xu Hanwu's courtyard not long after.
Xu Xuheng and Xu Qianyan were already there.
Lin Changheng still noticed the aloof and stunningly beautiful woman in the purple dress, who was now sitting beside him—it was Xu Hanwu.
"Alchemist Lin!"
"Master Lin!"
The two immediately stepped forward to greet him. Xu Xuheng, in particular, looked at them with a clear sense of anticipation in his old eyes.
Lin Changheng nodded slightly, his gaze already fixed on the female cultivator who had also risen and approached upon hearing the voices.
The two hadn't seen each other for over twenty years.
Since their parting at the Xu family mansion in Qinglingfang, they had not only failed to meet but had nearly been separated by death.
"This humble woman greets Alchemist Lin. If it weren't for Alchemist Lin's life-saving pills last time, I'm afraid I wouldn't be here today. Perhaps I wouldn't even have been able to see Alchemist Lin one last time."
Xu Hanwu's voice was even colder than before, carrying a sense of indifference to life and death.
"Miss, there's no need for such formalities."
Lin Changheng raised one hand, and a surge of magical power drifted away, stopping the female cultivator's graceful figure from bowing.
"I wasn't there at the time, and I didn't have the chance to congratulate Master Lin on his double advancement in magic and skill—" Xu Hanwu said with a faint smile.
"Tan, after all these years, why are you still so distant with me, Miss?"
Lin Changheng said with a forced smile. After chatting for the time it takes to burn an incense stick, their previously unfamiliar relationship had become much closer. Xu Xuheng, the head of the family, was anxious and cautiously asked Lin Changheng if he could take a look on Xu Hanwu's behalf.
"Let's go. I need to examine and handle this in a secluded place."
With that, Lin Changheng took the lead and headed towards the prepared secret room. At her father's signal, Xu Hanwu followed quickly.
"Boom!"
The door to the secluded room closed.
Outside, two elderly people remained, their emotions unspoken, waiting patiently.
"Patriarch, rest assured, Wu'er's dantian has recovered eighty or ninety percent. With Master Lin's skill, he should be able to recover the remaining one or two layers. Otherwise, he wouldn't have agreed. When we worked together in the clan before, wasn't Master Lin known for his steadiness?"
Xu Qianyan broke the silence and smiled, fearing that the patriarch's emotions might be agitated and something unexpected might happen.
In fact, Xu Qianyan was much older than Xu Xuheng, but his physical and mental condition was far superior to the latter's.
Firstly, Xu Qianyan ignored worldly affairs and focused solely on alchemy, without distractions or worries. Now, having achieved his goal of breaking through to the second level of alchemy, he had no further desires.
Secondly, alchemists pay more or less attention to conditioning and health preservation.
In Lin Changheng's view, this person was full of vitality and showed no signs of decline, perhaps even able to break through the theoretical age limit of 130 years for Qi Refining cultivators. "That's true."
Xu Xuheng's anxiety dissipated considerably after this reminder.
"Once this matter is resolved, we can rest assured about Wu'er's Foundation Establishment. Success would be great, but failure is nothing to worry about," Xu Qianyan continued, trying to distract the other party.
Meanwhile, in the secret chamber,
Lin Changheng and Xu Hanwu remained silent.
"Ahem, I wonder if Miss is ready? My investigation might involve physical intimacy—"
Lin Changheng broke the silence first, his expression slightly solemn.
He needed to explain this beforehand and seek her opinion.
Xu Hanwu blushed slightly, and then her soft words startled Lin Changheng:
"Outside Mangdang Mountain, under the old banyan tree, Brother Lin has already saved me. What harm is there in doing it again?"
That time, when they encountered the remnants of the Chen family, Lin Changheng had arrived in time to save Xu Hanwu. He later learned that the mountain was Mangdang Mountain and the tree was an old banyan tree.
So, was she conscious at that time?
Or was it a moment of lucidity followed by a realization? After all, he hadn't rejected her advances; in fact, he'd touched her quite firmly a few times.
Seeing Xu Hanwu's slightly dazed gaze only confirmed his suspicion.
"It's just a misunderstanding,"
Lin Changheng shook his head.
"I don't blame Brother Lin. All I feel is gratitude, and—"
Xu Hanwu slowly stepped forward, approaching Lin Changheng, her gaze complex as she looked at him, "a feeling I can't quite explain myself." "
I often think of Brother Lin in the dead of night, but because of so-called reserve, I could only pretend not to know, hoping he would come closer to me—." "
As a result, Sister Feiyue got there first. Later, I was even more bound by so-called status, position, and worldly views, suppressing my feelings deep inside, refusing to reveal even a trace. Those days working together at Qingling Workshop were the happiest of my life." "
Now, with Foundation Establishment imminent, I must give it my all, but I know the odds aren't high. Injury would prevent me from cultivating, wasting the most precious preparation period for Foundation Establishment. Failure would mean death. Since Brother Lin is willing to come for me, it means he doesn't completely disregard me. Therefore, I've decided to be bold this time."
"It's better to live with your true feelings, leaving no regrets, than to die with them in your grave."
Xu Hanwu's words surprised Lin Changheng.
This woman, seemingly aloof and unapproachable, possessed such intense emotions.
Moved, he was momentarily at a loss for words.
"Brother Lin, would you mind giving me a hug?"
Xu Hanwu didn't flinch, her decision resolute, her eyes fixed on Lin Changheng.
With a slight sigh, Lin Changheng stepped forward and embraced her delicate figure.
At that moment, his mind was free of distractions; he simply let her lean on his shoulder. After a moment, Lin Changheng patted Xu Hanwu's shoulder, indicating that business was at hand.
"Thank you, Brother Lin."
Xu Hanwu spoke softly, a slight smile appearing on her face as she looked at Lin Changheng. She then lay down on the bed, like a blooming snow lotus, allowing him to examine her.
Lin Changheng's expression was solemn. He disregarded all formalities, setting aside the traditional boundaries between men and women, and directly reached out to unfasten Xu Hanwu's purple dress,
revealing a delicate, pale purple undergarment.
At this moment, Xu Hanwu's body tensed involuntarily, even beginning to tremble slightly, and a blush immediately appeared on her face.
After all, it was the first time a male cultivator of the opposite sex had seen her like this.
Lin Changheng, without glancing to the side, extended his warm palm and placed it directly on her lower abdomen, touching her tender skin.
It's worth mentioning that divine sense usually cannot enter a cultivator's body without physical contact, because the cultivator's body is filled with magical power and spiritual light, which can distort or even block detection. Physical contact is necessary as a bridge.
Moreover, it requires a stronger spiritual sense to forcefully break through upon contact, or for the other party to voluntarily lower their defenses. The [Soul Searching Secret Technique] is a specific application of this.
"Hmph—"
Xu Hanwu trembled immediately.
Lin Changheng was surprised to see this and looked at Xu Hanwu with a puzzled gaze.
Meeting his gaze, Xu Hanwu's pretty face turned even redder, and her body trembled. "Brother Lin, don't worry about it, just probe directly. This is a normal physiological reaction."
"Alright, just bear with it for a moment."
"Hmm—."
Having received a positive reply, Lin Changheng gently channeled his magic power and spiritual sense into it. He
carefully probed.
In fact, unless it is someone trustworthy, a cultivator would never entrust the dantian to an outsider for exploration. Not only are there no secrets, but if the other party suddenly releases their magic power, the dantian is likely to be directly damaged, or even explode.
It is extremely dangerous.
Therefore, to avoid any accidents, Lin Changheng probed very gently and slowly, otherwise, it might cause irreversible damage to the dantian, which had already recovered most of its strength.
About an incense stick's time later, Lin Changheng withdrew his magic.
Where his hand left, tiny red spots appeared on Xu Hanwu's clearly defined, fair abdomen.
So sensitive?
Xu Hanwu, who had been clenching her teeth and enduring the pain, seemed completely oblivious to what
Lin Changheng was doing. Clearly, she had no idea what Lin Changheng was doing.
"In that case,"
Lin Changheng made up his mind.
The strange sensations in her body subsided, replaced by a cool feeling in her abdomen. Only then did Xu Hanwu realize that Lin Changheng's burning hand had left. A fleeting sense of longing flashed through her mind, and she quickly got up and dressed.
By this time, Lin Changheng had turned his back, avoiding looking to prevent the female cultivator from feeling embarrassed.
The two didn't leave immediately, because Xu Hanwu's current appearance made it hard not to wonder what they had done in the secret chamber.
Only after she had calmed down did the door to the secret chamber open with a bang.
The two walked out one after the other.
"Master Lin, how is it?"
Xu Xuheng, who had only waited for half an hour, felt as if three autumns had passed. He glanced at his daughter and hurriedly asked Lin Changheng.
At the same time, Xu Qianyan's inquiring gaze also fell upon them.
"The recovery is quite good. You can try a few things. I'm about 80% confident that you can be completely restored to your original state,"
Lin Changheng said after a moment's thought.
"Really?" "
Thank you, Master Lin!"
The two elders of the Xu family were overjoyed, especially Xu Xuheng, who felt a sense of great relief and tears welled up in his eyes.
At this moment, Xu Hanwu's eyes also showed surprise. Clearly, she did not want to die like this. She had her father, her clan, her family, and the path of cultivation she had been pursuing.
But then she remembered that in her sorrow, she had boldly revealed her feelings to Brother Lin, and her pretty face blushed slightly.
But the two elders of the Xu family were not surprised, because excitement was normal, and they too were moved.
"I wonder what preparations are needed? Is there anything we can do?"
Xu Qianyan quickly calmed down and asked the key question.
"No need, I happen to have medicinal herbs in my storage bag, all I need to do is start the furnace to refine them."
"At that time, I will use a secret technique of my cultivation to guide the medicinal power to repair the remaining damage to the young lady's dantian, and there shouldn't be any major problems."
Lin Changheng shook his head and said this.
"Alright! Then we will wait for news from Alchemist Lin. I don't know how to thank you properly."
"That's too formal." Lin Changheng smiled, "The essence blood that the nobleman sent last night was very useful."
The second half of the sentence was a subtle hint that if we really wanted to thank him, we should increase our efforts to find more essence blood.
"Good! Demon beast essence blood has always been an important matter for the clan, it's just that [Turbid Fiend] and [Mysterious Spirit] levels and above are hard to find, but with dedication and
time, it shouldn't be a problem."
Xu Xuheng nodded, indicating his attitude.
Not long after, Lin Changheng took his leave.
Tantai Feiyue wasn't home; she must have gone to the [Spirit Talisman Hall] to study talismanic arts and create talismans.
Lin Changheng immediately opened his furnace, drawing upon the [Crimson Sky Profound Flame] as fire. He began
refining pills.
He was refining a pill called the [Azure Spirit Pill].
Aside from a slight effect on healing injuries, it had no other special properties.
Lin Changheng chose it because this pill had a unique characteristic: upon entering the body, it would emit a soft, green light!
Not only in the dantian, but also briefly permeating the meridians.
This would effectively conceal the unusual phenomena caused by Lin Changheng's use of the [Glory Life Divine Power]!
Simultaneously, by giving her another pill that clearly provided warmth and replenished mana, the anomaly could be completely masked.
This pill didn't need refining; Lin Changheng already had it in his storage bag.
Furthermore, given that Xu Hanwu trembled and seemed lost in thought upon touching him, he was certain she wouldn't notice anything amiss!
This was Lin Changheng's meticulously prepared plan!
In reality, there was a simpler way: don't help! Ignore it!
But the Xu family had already become Lin Changheng's channel for collecting essence blood, and they had also gifted him [Netherworld Essence Blood]. Add to that the existing goodwill and his relationship with Tantai Feiyue
, and he ultimately decided to take action. But even an action needs planning, hence the preparations mentioned above.
::
Seven days later.
Lin Changheng, having long since finished refining the pills and dedicated several days to cultivation, finally emerged from seclusion.
To avoid any possible detection, he then contacted the Xu family to request treatment for Xu Hanwu's injuries, which the Xu family quickly arranged.
A short while later, in the secret chamber, the two were still facing each other.
"Don't worry, I'll be very gentle, it'll be fine,"
Lin Changheng reassured her, noticing the woman lying down was clearly nervous.
Xu Hanwu nodded.
"Take these two pills first."
Seeing her swallow, Lin Changheng skillfully untied her gauze skirt.
Beneath the small, moon-white bodice, Lin Changheng's large hand arrived.
"Hoo...—...—..." With a slight tremor, the true meaning of the [Rong Sheng Divine Power], driven by magical power, was infused into her
Hidden Peak Dojo, Xu Hanji's courtyard.
Inside the secret chamber.
Lin Changheng used his magic power to drive the true meaning of the [Rongsheng Divine Power], which breathed in and out, penetrating deep into Xu Hanwu's dantian.
He attempted to repair it.
Under its influence, it seemed as if life was brewing.
Lin Changheng wasn't stupid. Although he had already planned to save her, he wouldn't immediately deplete his lifespan to drive the true meaning of the [Rongsheng Divine Power]. After
all
, lifespan is something that is truly consumed and will decrease!
But magic power is different; it can regenerate and can be restored through cultivation. He wouldn't mind using as much as he wanted.
"Hmph—"
Xu Hanwu lay on the stone bed, her fair abdomen feeling a tingling sensation. She, who was already trembling slightly, suddenly shook like a leaf.
She clenched her teeth.
Soon, Lin Changheng, who had been paying close attention to his dantian, discovered that the [Rongsheng Divine Power] essence activated by his magic power was indeed having an effect on the remaining injuries to his dantian.
However, compared to the tremendous reaction given by Xu Hanwu, the progress seemed mediocre.
But Lin Changheng didn't stop channeling his magic power, and the wisps of injury were slowly healing.
"It's working,"
Lin Changheng said, looking up at Xu Hanwu, giving her some positive feedback.
"Hmm—..."
Xu Hanwu uttered through her nose, still enduring the pain. After a few breaths, she finally reacted, "Thank you, Brother Lin."
"You're welcome."
Seeing her state, Lin Changheng knew she was distracted, as if resisting some overwhelming sensation.
If someone were also observing internally, they would see that her body was overflowing with green light, and a warm current flowed continuously within her dantian.
The minor anomalies brought about by Lin Changheng's [Rongsheng Divine Power] essence had already been submerged in the "surging torrent" formed by the two dantians.
Half an hour later.
Lin Changheng stopped.
Xu Hanwu, however, remained motionless.
"Hanji, what's wrong?"
At Xu Hanwu's insistence, Lin Changheng had no choice but to abandon his usual address of "Young Miss" and start calling her by her given name, "Hanwu."
A strange look crossed Lin Changheng's face. Had she fallen asleep?
He peeked over and saw a beautiful face flushed with embarrassment, and eyes as clear as a pool of spring water.
"Brother Lin, I—I can't get up."
"My hands are weak, my legs—my legs are weak,"
Xu Hanwu's voice rang out, surprisingly tinged with a touch of coquettishness, causing Lin Changheng to pause.
His gaze swept quickly over her body, a strange thought forming in his mind, but he didn't dwell on it.
He simply bent down and lifted Xu Hanwu from the bed, effortlessly.
Let alone such a delicate woman, even a boulder or a bronze cauldron could be easily lifted by Lin Changheng's physique.
"Can you hold me for a while?"
Xu Hanwu leaned weakly against Lin Changheng's chest.
"Of course."
Lin Changheng nodded.
He also noticed that this woman seemed different from what he knew. If she was the aloof fairy of the moon palace before, now that she had opened her heart, she was obviously much bolder, and her body was extremely sensitive.
It was as if three different elements were mixed together.
It was quite interesting.
"Is it repaired like this?"
Xu Hanwu suddenly asked.
"No."
Lin Changheng shook his head, then estimated for a moment before saying, "It will take at least three more times."
"Okay."
Xu Hanwu nodded, the corners of her mouth unconsciously curving slightly, which Lin Changheng did not notice.
After going out,
the three elders of the Xu family, the head of the Xu family, Xu Xujun, and Xu Qianyan, who were also the three core members, were waiting at the door.
As soon as they came out, they hurriedly greeted them.
Seeing this scene, Lin Changheng suddenly remembered the common scene outside the operating room of the hospital in his previous life, exactly the same.
This kind of concern could not be faked or done.
I briefly explained to them that the treatment was very effective, to put their minds at ease, and then took my leave.
The three elders of the Xu family were overjoyed and filled with emotion.
"Good, good, good."
"Take care, Alchemist Lin."
After seeing Lin Changheng off, the three of them went forward to inquire about Xu Hanwu's feelings, but they did not ask what they had done in the secret room or how they had treated him.
This was taboo and inappropriate.
If Lin Changheng found out and became unhappy, it would affect the subsequent treatment, which would be bad.
Soon, half a month passed.
This was also the last time Lin Changheng treated Xu Hanwu.
In his perception, under the true meaning of the [Rong Sheng Divine Power] activated by his magic power, the last crack slowly disappeared.
"Huff!"
Lin Changheng was also somewhat exhausted. He stopped using the true meaning of the divine power and "looked" again.
At this time, there were no cracks left in Xu Hanwu's dantian. It was as smooth and intact as before.
"It's done."
Lin Changheng stood up and looked at Xu Hanwu.
Clearly, compared to her previous three instances of weakness and inability to support herself, Xu Hanwu was noticeably more accustomed to the situation and performed much better.
Although she still trembled slightly throughout the process, she was able to sit up on her own after the healing.
"This time, you've accomplished your mission perfectly, and you've lived up to the Xu family's expectations. Hanwu, you can now focus on your Foundation Establishment."
Lin Changheng concealed his supernatural powers without revealing a trace, achieving the desired effect.
He smiled at Xu Hanwu.
"Thank you for your help, Brother Lin. I will never forget it."
Xu Hanwu stood up and bowed.
Her body was still slightly weak and unsteady, but she still persevered.
"No need for that."
Lin Changheng smiled and shook his head, not using his magic to lift her up, but instead helping her to her feet.
"Brother Lin, how long do you plan to stay in the clan?"
Xu Hanwu suddenly remembered something and asked expectantly.
"My two objectives for this trip have been achieved, and I can set off soon."
Lin Changheng smiled.
Xu Hanwu opened her mouth, but didn't utter the request to "stay a little longer?"
This also meant that Lin Changheng wouldn't see the results of her Foundation Establishment.
A complex mix of emotions welled up inside her.
Lin Changheng patted her shoulder, encouraging her, "I believe you will definitely achieve Foundation Establishment. There's plenty of time."
Although there's no such thing as cultivation psychology, saying kind words and creating positive self-suggestion can still have some effect.
"Mm!"
Xu Hanwu nodded.
"Then let's go out together."
Lin Changheng was about to turn his head when a figure rushed towards him. A warm sensation flashed across his cheek, clearly a red lip print. Then he saw Xu Hanwu biting her red lips, her beautiful eyes seemingly speaking volumes as she stared directly at Lin Changheng.
Imagine, what would it be like to be looked at by this cold, aloof woman, like a fairy from the moon palace, with such eyes and such an expression?
This girl!
Lin Changheng chuckled helplessly.
"Rumble!"
At this moment, the activation array that had been triggered earlier was in operation, and the door opened.
Several pairs of expectant eyes outside the secluded room had already "swished" onto his back, which he sensed.
Xu Hanwu, as if sensing something, glanced at Lin Changheng, a rare gentle smile appearing in her eyes.
Lin Changheng solemnly grasped Xu Hanwu's fair wrist, pretending to take her pulse. "Hmm, not bad! The healing has achieved the expected results."
He nodded in satisfaction, then turned and beckoned everyone in, announcing it again. The three elders of the Xu family, unsuspecting, were overjoyed.
They insisted on holding a small banquet for Lin Changheng, promising to drink until they were drunk. "
Since you don't like large-scale events, a small-scale one will do, right?"
Lin Changheng had no choice but to accept.
Three days later.
After spending three days with Tantai Feiyue, Lin Changheng had also ascertained her cultivation level, believing that she had a chance to break through to the second level of Foundation Establishment within the next two years, and left behind some pills.
At this time, ten years had passed since Tantai Feiyue broke through to the Foundation Establishment stage. At this pace, it would probably really take twelve years to accumulate—
too slow! The backwardness of a low-grade spiritual root was evident here!
It could be predicted that breaking through to the middle stage of Foundation Establishment would be quite difficult for her, and the chance of breaking through to the late stage of Foundation Establishment was extremely slim.
Lin Changheng didn't directly address this, only offering encouragement. He then bid farewell to the Xu family members, and under the grateful gazes of the high-ranking members, he boarded the magic boat, crossed the Blackwater River, and sped away.
II.
On this trip, Lin Changheng only helped Xu Hanwu resolve her dantian issue; her foundation-building preparations were beyond his control.
Whether she ultimately succeeded in foundation-building was up to her destiny.
Lin Changheng didn't interfere.
Back then, Tantai Feiyue also used a [second-grade Foundation-Building Pill] and a [Foundation-Building Spiritual Object] for foundation-building, and succeeded without using the [Foundation-Building Spiritual Object].
Xu Hanwu's spiritual root talent was higher than Tantai Feiyue's, and her external preparations were similar, only slightly inferior. Using both would naturally increase her chances of foundation-building.
However, at the banquet that night, the atmosphere was lively and enjoyable.
Xu Xujun also revealed two things to him.
One was that a unique medium-sized secret realm within the Purple Extreme Sect's territory was about to open.
It opens once every sixty years.
The next opening will be in ten years.
At that time, each [Double Foundation Establishment Family] within its jurisdiction will have at least one slot to enter the secret realm.
The specific number of slots will be determined based on the family's power, foundation, and even wealth.
Power and foundation will be judged by the Purple Extreme Sect.
As for wealth, slots will be purchased from the Purple Extreme Sect with spirit stones. The Purple Extreme Sect will allocate some slots for various families and even independent cultivators to compete for, but it is not guaranteed that one can buy one.
Therefore, they asked Lin Changheng if he planned to enter, and the Xu family could give him a slot first.
The Xu family, however, planned to give up. The Xu family has just risen to prominence, and if Xu Xujun were to perish there, it would be a huge blow to the Xu family.
It is even possible that they would return to their former status as a Qi Refining family.
Therefore, the Xu family's decision was made after careful consideration and has become a resolution.
In Lin Changheng's view, this is a very correct decision.
Lin Changheng did not give an immediate answer to this question.
Given his steady nature and the support of his Yuan Ding, which could steadily improve with the blood essence of demonic beasts, entering the secret realm seemed to offer no real benefit.
Moreover, the fact that the Ziji Sect was willing to offer its privately controlled secret realm to a Foundation Establishment family under the Demon Realm was itself a highly suspicious act.
Sharing one's own resources with others suggests either genuine benevolence or ulterior motives.
As a complex entity of interests, the Ziji Sect was naturally not the former; the answer was obvious, and Lin Changheng believed many families understood this.
But why did so many cultivators still rush in, even spending spirit stones to buy a spot?
It was because of the immense temptation—legend has it that there is a chance to form a Core Formation, and a confirmed Foundation Establishment main medicine!
Obtaining either one would be beneficial to oneself and one's family!
Many Foundation Establishment cultivators, especially those whose cultivation was stagnant, whose families were on the verge of collapse, or whose lifespans were nearing their end, would choose to take the gamble.
"A calculated scheme!"
Lin Changheng commented on the Ziji Sect's actions.
With sufficient profit, anything could be driven, even to the point of self-destruction!
Furthermore, the Ziji Sect had issued an ironclad rule prohibiting any friction, attacks, invasions, or assassinations between families within half a month of the secret realm's opening.
Otherwise, the Ziji Sect would directly intervene and wipe out the involved families—
eradicate them completely!
It was precisely because of this rule that the Xu family was somewhat worried that their current nemesis, the Qiu family's patriarch, might enter the secret realm for a desperate gamble.
If the other party could find some treasures to exchange for resources to break through to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, it would pose a considerable threat to the Xu family.
Lin Changheng smiled and comforted them, saying, "Perhaps if the Qiu family's patriarch dies in the secret realm, wouldn't that save us a lot of trouble?"
Lin Changheng, being an outsider, was quite optimistic.
"Let's hope so," Xu Xujun's sigh still lingered clearly in his mind.
The second thing Xu Xujun revealed was a medicinal herb that Lin Changheng was looking for, which he had seen in the [Wilderness Market].
This herb was extracted by Lin Changheng from the [Youth Preservation Pill] formula.
He had attached an image and given it to the Xu family, asking them to keep an eye out for it.
In urgent situations, he could even help buy it directly, and Lin Changheng would pay in full with spirit stones.
He wouldn't let them suffer a loss.
He even specified that the root part was acceptable!
As a result, Xu Xujun gave feedback the moment he saw the jade slip.
He opened his mouth and provided information.
He had seen it in a shop in the Desolate Ruins when he was searching for treasure medicine for Xu Hanwu
. It was said to be a rare medicine, but it wasn't related to the Foundation Establishment Pill.
When someone asked, the shopkeeper said it was the main ingredient of the Youth Preservation Pill.
The atmosphere in the air immediately became cheerful.
You see, in this desolate borderland, everyone is a cultivator who lives on the edge of a knife, pursuing strength and cultivation!
So his "youth preservation" naturally caused a round of ridicule.
"I wonder if anyone has bought it yet."
This was Xu Xujun's last related comment.
Therefore, Lin Changheng was determined to go to the Desolate Ruins.
It was like revisiting an old haunt.
This was where he sold pills back then, accumulating his first pot of gold.
1
"Whoosh!" A magic boat roared past.
This place, which once required hiding among packhorse caravans to reach and taking six or seven days to get there, was
now only half a day's journey. Flying over the mountains, the large, gray market town of his memory appeared before him.
Previously, from the ground, it had seemed like a colossal beast crouching in the vast天地 (heaven and earth).
Now, from the air, it appeared small and simple.
It was incomparable to the [Floating Life Immortal City] he was already accustomed to.
As the magic boat approached, he felt a downward pressure bearing down on him. Lin Changheng knew this was an [Anti-Flying Array], so he immediately descended the magic boat and stepped inside.
At the entrance, he paid a spirit stone in exchange for a token and entered the market.
The shops on both sides of the bluestone road remained largely unchanged after more than forty years.
However, the flow of people on the street was somewhat less, a far cry from the bustling scene of yesteryear.
Lin Changheng knew some of the reasons for this. The existence and rise of the deeper [Qinglingfang] had drawn away
the flow of people and customers from [Huangxufang].
Currently, the two markets were in a state of balance and competition.
Only during major auctions would the flow of people recover.
Following the location given by Xu Xujun, Lin Changheng, with a clear goal, quickly arrived at a shop called [Yang Family Pharmaceutical Shop].
But as Lin Changheng stopped at the entrance, he felt something was familiar.
This location should have previously belonged to a shop called "Alchemy Pavilion," where a middle-aged shopkeeper had worked. Lin Changheng had first purchased high-quality pills here, and the shopkeeper had even pointed him in the right direction to obtain pill formulas—
he had a good impression of him.
However, his divine sense had already scanned inside, and the middle-aged shopkeeper was nowhere to be seen. Clearly, the person had changed, or the shop had changed hands.
This was extremely common in the cultivation world, especially among cultivators with long lifespans. When the time span was extended, the saying "things change, people change" became a truism.
Lin Changheng slightly concealed his cultivation level and entered directly.
Inside, a young and beautiful woman was busy at work, greeting him with a smile.
Lin Changheng chuckled and went straight to the point, explaining his purpose.
"Fellow Daoist, you mean you need the main ingredient of the second-tier [Youth Preservation Pill], the [Purple Jujube Grass]?"
The woman was taken aback.
"That's right. I heard that your shop has it, so I came from my clan to purchase it."
Lin Changheng confirmed with a slight smile.
"However, this herb was sold out not long ago—"
the young and beautiful woman immediately said.
She was interrupted halfway through her sentence by a sudden voice from outside the door, "Sir, I apologize, my wife made a mistake. This [Purple Jujube Grass] hasn't been sold."
"I clearly remember you putting it on the lower counter, but you have a bad memory and always lose sight of it."
A male cultivator strode in from outside, giving the hesitant young woman a subtle glare that made her instantly dejected. He then quickly went to the counter and began rummaging through a pile of medicinal herbs.
"I told you it was here!"
Then, he took out a rather exquisite long black jade box and cheerfully pushed it onto the counter.
Lin Changheng watched this scene with a smile.
This male cultivator seemed to be the owner of the shop, acting like he was in charge.
Everything that had just happened was under Lin Changheng's divine sense.
This included the man's subtle glare at the young woman,
and his pretense of rummaging behind the counter while actually taking out the black jade box from his storage bag.
At the same time, Lin Changheng, who was extremely sensitive to blood essence, also smelled a very faint bloody scent on the black jade box.
However, the shop owner himself was completely odorless, spotless, and clean, clearly having just used multiple [Cleansing] spells.
More importantly, although his appearance showed signs of age, Lin Changheng still remembered him.
They had met a few times before!
"It's him!"
Lin Changheng had an excellent memory and instantly recognized the man as the shop assistant who used to run around beside the middle-aged manager of the "Alchemy Pavilion."
Although they hadn't interacted much, he had come to pick up pills quite a few times, so they had seen each other several times.
Strangely, the shop had changed its signboard, the former manager was nowhere to be seen, and the former shop assistant had become the person in charge, seemingly the owner in charge.
Lin Changheng's divine sense directly indicated that this person's cultivation had already reached the Foundation Establishment stage, and he had concealed it quite well.
[At this point, I hope readers will remember our domain name: Taiwan Novel Network (t̆̈̆̈w̆̈̆̈k̆̈̆̈̆̈ă̈̆̈n̆̈̆̈.c̆̈̆̈ŏ̈̆̈m̆̈̆̈) He was
probably around the first level of Foundation Establishment, having advanced two or three years ago, and his aura had basically stabilized.
However, he still couldn't escape Lin Changheng's divine sense probing and his profound mastery of concealing qi and breath.
Combined with the young woman saying that the [Purple Jujube Grass] had been sold, and this person happened to return from outside, bringing back this precious medicine, which also carried a bloody smell.
Everything was instantly pieced together by Lin Changheng, creating a seemingly absurd but actually highly plausible story.
"Interesting. Such a small shop, yet it harbors hidden talents, and what lies hidden is a fierce tiger, a wicked dragon!"
Lin Changheng's thoughts raced, and in just a few breaths, he had already masked his surprise at finding the precious medicine in the box.
"This is the [Purple Jujube Grass]?"
Lin Changheng asked again to confirm.
"Indeed, sir, you may open the box and examine it."
The male cultivator in charge nodded with a smile, his eyes filled with enthusiasm as he looked at Lin Changheng.
Or rather... eagerness!
"Very well!"
Lin Changheng nodded slightly, seemingly unaware of the danger, and then carefully opened the long black jade box, looking inside.
The moment the black jade box was opened, a refreshing scent of herbs wafted out, faintly mixed with the fragrance of sandalwood.
Inside the box lay a spiritual herb, its entire body radiating a dark purple aura, its stem like an old vine, its surface covered with fine, bright patterns.
The most eye-catching feature is the three date-shaped leaves at the top, each of which is crystal clear and seems to have purple liquid flowing inside.
"It really is [Purple Jujube Grass]."
Lin Changheng's mind flashed through the relevant characteristics recorded in the ancient books, matching them one by one, confirming it directly.
A trace of joy flashed in his heart.
He had finally seen this precious plant!
Moreover, the three jujube-shaped leaves meant that it was at least thirty years old!
More importantly, this [Purple Jujube Grass] still retained its roots, although they were withered, they still had roots!
It might be useless to others, but it was completely different for Lin Changheng!
He possessed the true meaning of the [Rongsheng Divine Power]!
Having roots in hand meant that he could harvest crop after crop, endlessly! Seeing
this, the male cultivator in charge smiled and said, "Sir, you have a good eye. This Purple Jujube Grass was picked by a rogue cultivator from a green swamp in the wilderness and eventually sold to this shop. The roots still have the soil unique to that swamp. Look—"
He pointed to the roots, where there were indeed some dark green soil wrapped around them.
Lin Changheng's gaze narrowed slightly, but he also noticed an almost invisible golden line on the back of the first and second jujube leaves. "Hmm?"
This was a sign that the Purple Jujube Grass was about to transform into the [Golden-Veined Purple Jujube Grass]. This meant that if it grew for another ten years, this precious plant had a chance to transform into a third-tier plant!
At that time, its medicinal effects would also double!
However, this point was usually only clearly recorded in some second-tier alchemy and pharmacology books, and was a secret knowledge that ordinary cultivators could not know.
He closed the jade box without making a sound, tapping the lid lightly with his fingertips, as if he was considering it.
"I wonder how many spirit stones your shop is planning to sell this [Purple Jujube Grass] for?"
"Hehe, if you are really interested, I will give you a fair price: two thousand spirit stones!"
The male cultivator in charge directly quoted a price.
"Isn't that a bit expensive?" Lin Changheng hesitated.
"This [Purple Jujube Grass] has three jujube-shaped leaves, which means it can be used to refine three [Youth Preservation Pills]. Each [Youth Preservation Pill] is something even Core Formation cultivators would covet; it can be used as a gift to make connections, or even to gain favors from Core Formation cultivators. Considering all this, do you still think the price is high, fellow Daoist?"
The male cultivator in charge didn't agree, but instead began to give examples, his persuasive words immediately making Lin Changheng's eyes light up.
"Very well! I'll buy it!"
Lin Changheng directly counted out two thousand low-grade spirit stones, put the black jade box containing the [Purple Jujube Grass] into his storage bag, and immediately took his leave.
After Lin Changheng disappeared into the crowd of pedestrians on the street, the male cultivator in charge smiled faintly and sighed, "Business is really good today."
"Just saw one off, and another one comes knocking."
After putting away the spirit stones, he turned to the young beauty and instructed with a slight narrowing of his eyes, "Keep a close eye on the shop. I'll be right back! If any cultivators come to inquire again, just say the shopkeeper is not here and will come back another day. Even if you delay for a day or two, I'll have brought back the medicinal herbs. Do you understand?"
"Understood—"
The young beauty was startled by this look and nodded hurriedly, like a chick pecking at rice.
"That's a good girl. If you had been this obedient earlier, you wouldn't have suffered so much before."
The male cultivator in charge nodded in satisfaction, pinched the young beauty's face hard, and then quickly followed her out.
At this moment, Lin Changheng wandered through the market, changing his clothes in a corner and putting on his old human skin mask. He then swaggered out of the market without any further concealment. As soon as
he left the market, he flew away on his magic boat.
Throughout this entire process, a divine sense remained locked on Lin Changheng.
"Heh heh, you're really careful. Your disguise is quite meticulous. If I hadn't broken through to the Foundation Establishment stage and possessed divine sense, you really would have escaped—"
The male cultivator in charge, who was following behind, was somewhat overwhelmed by Lin Changheng's incredibly skillful movements and couldn't help but sigh, "Too bad you ran into me!"
"Whoosh! "
A figure followed outside the market and took off, riding a beam of light to give chase.
However, all of this was also within Lin Changheng's divine sense.
It was as if you were monitoring me, thinking I didn't know; in reality, what you knew was only what I wanted you to know, and you didn't know that I was also monitoring you—
Before long, the distance between the two continued to close.
Lin Changheng seemed to sense something, glanced back, and then hurriedly landed and disappeared into the forest.
"Hahaha! Don't run away, brat!"
The male cultivator in charge, whose appearance was also distorted, unleashed a burst of light and roared after him.
"Ah!"
The next moment, a shrill scream rang out, startling a flock of birds.
The male cultivator in charge still wore a sinister grin on his face when he suddenly felt a chill on his neck.
His gaze then shifted, lower and lower until it disappeared into the dust. At the same time, the last scene came into view: a headless corpse standing in place, its clothes and figure somewhat familiar—
behind it, a streak of cyan-gold flew past, splattering a few drops of blood.
"That's not my body—"
His gaze froze, then his consciousness faded, utterly dead.
This Foundation Establishment cultivator hadn't even seen what killed him.
"Whoosh!"
A figure in black robes emerged from the forest—it was Lin Changheng.
The cyan-gold streak in the distance arced through the air, instantly returning and obediently landing in Lin Changheng's outstretched palm.
It was his magical flying sword!
And it was the first time it had ever seen blood.
Reaching the side of the corpse, Lin Changheng reached out and grabbed, his magical power surging forth, drawing the "dusty" head into his hand.
He didn't touch him directly, using his magic to keep him at bay, because he considered it unclean.
Then, his divine sense instantly drilled into the
man's brain, beginning to cast the [Soul Searching Secret Technique]. A moment later, Lin Changheng calmly withdrew his divine sense, dark golden flames rising in his palm, burning the head to ashes, and then flicking out a spark, incinerating the body as well.
"This—is truly a ruthless person."
"It's just a pity he encountered me."
A strange light flashed in Lin Changheng's eyes.
Based on the fragments of memory obtained from the soul search, he could piece together the basic facts, making Lin Changheng somewhat emotional.
First, he confirmed one thing: this person was indeed the shop assistant from the "Alchemy Pavilion," whom he had met several times, but their contact was not deep.
Because Lin Changheng was a distinguished guest and a major client, he was usually personally received by the middle-aged manager.
This shop assistant was gloomy and had been reprimanded by the middle-aged manager several times for suggesting killing wealthy customers to steal treasures.
From then on, he seemed to awaken from a dream, deeply reflecting on his actions and completely transforming into a different person. This
continued for several years.
The middle-aged shopkeeper, believing the young man to be teachable and possessing promising spiritual talent, devoted himself to nurturing him.
The shopkeeper's cultivation gradually improved as a result.
Later, during a land reclamation project, the shopkeeper's family encountered a rival family and became embroiled in a protracted war. Due to a misjudgment by the higher-ups, the family suffered severe losses, and neighboring families, eyeing the opportunity, naturally wouldn't let such a fat sheep escape.
One night, they joined forces, impersonating a calamity cultivator , and
wiped out the entire family, leaving only a few shops in the market town isolated.
Protected by the forces behind the market town, they weren't completely destroyed.
The middle-aged shopkeeper, devastated by the loss of his family, plotted revenge, but his cultivation talent was waning, and he was too old; his path was clearly limited.
He then turned his attention to this shopkeeper, whom he had known for nearly thirty years and who had become exceptionally excellent and obedient.
He even married his daughter to him.
He even promised the shop would eventually belong to him, only asking the other party to remember the family hatred, slowly plot revenge, but not to act impulsively, and to patiently wait for the opportunity.
But the day of revenge never came; instead, during an outing, the middle-aged shopkeeper encountered his son-in-law's butcher's knife.
The other party, a peak ninth-level Qi Refining cultivator, was someone he had painstakingly nurtured with resources and effort.
Now, with each strike, it seemed as if he wanted to unleash the resentment, bitterness, and malice accumulated under thirty years of pretense through his own ruthless attack.
"My 'heart's blood' and the debt of gratitude, and you want to repay it with my heart's blood?"
The middle-aged shopkeeper was incredulous, but it didn't stop the other party's sinister grin; the attack was still ruthless, and the man died a gruesome death.
Using the resources the middle-aged shopkeeper had accumulated for revenge, and the right to inherit the shop, he managed to obtain a [Pulse Protection Pill].
And during a robbery of a family cultivator, he even obtained a [Inferior Foundation Establishment Pill], which he apparently obtained after attending an auction, and then perished on the way to reunite with his clansmen.
Thus, he achieved Foundation Establishment and gained cultivation, revealing his true nature and beginning to carry out his plan to kill fat customers even more recklessly.
After all, how could honest business compare to robbery and murder? People get rich by getting windfall gains, and all the cultivation resources for Foundation Establishment stage
cultivators fell into this trap! But who knew that he would encounter an even more skilled Foundation Establishment cultivator in disguise.
If Lin Changheng hadn't lingered in that market, feigning caution, he would have been more careful and wouldn't have died so quickly.
Having achieved his goal, Lin Changheng didn't return to the [Wilderness Market], but headed directly towards the [Huang Family] at Lingqiong Mountain.
The market had fallen into the hands of the middle-aged shopkeeper's daughter, so it was essentially returned to its rightful owner.
However, it was difficult for a woman at the mid-stage of Qi Refining to independently support a shop. Once she realized her Daoist partner was dead, her next choice would be crucial: continue operating or cash out and leave?
This would determine the future of her life.
Furthermore, according to the soul search, there were no other medicinal herbs Lin Changheng needed there.
Therefore, Lin Changheng had no intention of patronizing it.
Next, Lin Changheng spent another month on the speeding magic boat.
Fortunately, he could multitask, so he didn't waste too much time. He
spent most of his time deducing the replacement of medicinal herbs for the incomplete formula of the [Spirit Communication Pill] passed down by Bai Zhen from the Immortal City.
Upon picking up Yan Mingyi and returning to the Immortal City, two more ancient medicines were available, bringing the total to four alternative plans.
After sending Yan Mingyi back, Lin Changheng went to the [Spiritual Materials Hall], a self-operated facility of the Immortal City, located within the inner city.
"Sir, what do you need?" A female attendant approached to greet him.
Lin Changheng immediately took out the token passed down by Bai Zhen, and the attendant's smile became noticeably more genuine and heartfelt.
"The true teachings have been passed down; we will certainly do our utmost to meet your needs. This way, please."
"Mm."
Lin Changheng nodded, took a seat as instructed, and was respectfully offered tea.
At this moment, an elderly man who appeared to be in charge arrived. His cultivation was at the late stage of Qi Refining. He recognized Lin Changheng at a glance and smiled, "Alchemist Lin has finally arrived. The other two invited alchemists have already come several times."
"Oh?"
Upon hearing this, Lin Changheng said nonchalantly, "I am accustomed to deduce before acting. I will only begin testing the medicine once I have a certain degree of confidence."
"Very well, very well!"
the elderly man in charge repeatedly agreed.
Lin Changheng did not say anything more and flicked his finger to produce a jade slip with six medicinal ingredients written on it, which the elderly man caught in his hand.
"This—"
The elderly man hesitated immediately upon seeing it.
"What? Could it be that there isn't any in the hall?"
Lin Changheng frowned, then said with a forced smile, "In that case, I can only report the truth to Master Bai. It's not that I'm incompetent, but even a skilled cook can't cook without rice."
With a flick of his wrist, the jade slip that the old man had been gripping tightly in his hand suddenly trembled, easily breaking free from his grasp and falling into Lin Changheng's hand.
"Hmm?"
The old man in charge looked down at his hand, feeling a tremendous force had just struck him. Before he could react, the jade slip had flown out, and his palm was still slightly numb.
This was—
"Wait! Alchemist Lin, wait!"
The old man in charge, startled by the blow, immediately called out to Lin Changheng. Seeing Lin Changheng turn around with a calm expression, he quickly smiled apologetically, "Two of the medicinal herbs are quite rare and difficult to obtain, but since Alchemist Lin has spoken, I'll go get them right away!"
His tone suggested he was in great pain.