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

Chapter 143 Qingyuan Cottage, Obtaining Essence Blood Again (Two Chapters Combined)

Cloud-topped Palace!
Lin Changheng thought for a moment and made his choice.

I also realized that there is some truth to the saying "birds of a feather flock together."

No wonder the brokerage firm did this "unnecessary thing," and the changes in the courtyard residents' association all imply this reason.

“Alright! There just happens to be only one courtyard left vacant at ‘Cloud Pavilion’. It was rented out three months ago by a winemaker. It’s quite a coincidence.”

Fang Daming nodded readily, immediately took out a booklet from his storage bag, moistened his finger with his lips, and began to flip through it. He quickly looked up and asked, "Senior, if you have time right now, how about we go and take a look in person?"

"If you like something, finalize it as soon as possible to avoid any unexpected complications."

Lin Changheng remained calm and unaffected by his questioning, then casually asked, "How much is the rent?"

"Seventy-two low-grade spirit stones per year."

Fang Daming had some ulterior motives, but seeing that Lin Changheng wasn't taking the bait, he didn't dare to use it again and honestly replied.

"Why are there both whole and odd amounts?"

Lin Changheng frowned slightly.

"The extra profit comes from the brokerage firm," Fang Daming said, scratching his head without hiding anything.

Lin Changheng naturally didn't think that the brokerage was a free service or a public welfare activity, so he accepted this explanation and nodded, saying, "Let's go, lead the way, we'll go take a look now."

"okay."

Fang Daming was overjoyed. He turned around, took a legal contract, and quickly led the way.

Seeing that Lin Changheng was slightly puzzled, he quickly explained, "If you have made up your mind, senior, I can bring the contract and we can sign the contract, rent, and move in on the spot, saving you the trouble of making another trip to the brokerage firm and saving you time."

"understood."

Lin Changheng remained noncommittal, but inwardly he was impressed. As expected of a celestial city, the services provided to cultivators were truly excellent, far surpassing those of any market town.

The two walked briskly, one in front of the other, through the bustling, noisy street.

This is the market area, where the sounds of trading, shouting, and bargaining are constant, naturally making it a noisy and bustling place.

Soon, the two turned three corners and arrived at a lush, green area.

There were far fewer people around, and the sounds of people in my ears had faded.

You can even hear the rustling of the wind through the leaves.

"Senior, this area is called 'Cloud Palace,' which is a residential area."

"good."

Lin Changheng looked around a few times and nodded in satisfaction.

On both sides of the bluestone path, there are more than twenty elegant courtyards scattered in a staggered manner.

These houses are all built with bluish-gray spirit bricks, with upturned eaves and covered with dark tiles. In front of each house, there are two or three spirit trees, and unripe spirit fruits can be vaguely seen hanging among the branches and leaves.

The courtyards are not connected, leaving a certain distance between them. The space is open but not cramped, which can better protect privacy.

The courtyard wall was about ten feet high, and faint spiritual energy fluctuations emanated from it, indicating that a simple protective array had been set up.

At this point, Lin Changheng had already discussed the price and expressed his personal preferences, so there wasn't much of a problem.

"If you are satisfied, senior, the courtyard we want to see is right here."

After walking a hundred steps forward, Fang Daming pointed to a courtyard with its doors tightly shut and laughed.

Lin Changheng looked up and saw nothing different, except that the plaque above the gate was empty, unlike the one in the courtyard next door which had inscriptions.

"After the senior moves in, they can name it."

Fang Daming was extremely good at reading people. After making an introduction, he took a restriction token and stepped forward to open the door.

After walking around the courtyard twice, I found that it consisted of a rather large front yard and a narrow back yard.

The main house is located in the middle, facing south. The three houses are arranged in a triangular shape, completely separating the front and back yards.

After reviewing it, Lin Changheng thought it was good and, without delay, directly stated that he wanted to sign a contract with Fang Daming to confirm the lease.

Fang Daming was overjoyed that the other party was so decisive, as this meant he would receive his commission of five spirit stones, and he actively processed the paperwork.

When signing the deed, Lin Changheng glanced at the property owner of the courtyard, only to find that it belonged to "Floating Life Immortal City".

Fang Daming was merely acting as an agent.

I feel a little at ease. As long as the immortal city doesn't fall, I don't worry about being kicked out halfway or the landlord running away.

The contract is for a period of five years, with payments made annually, two months' deposit and one month's advance payment.

If the deposit is not used for five years, it will be forfeited.

Giving away over two hundred and ten spirit stones at once was a painful blow even for Lin Changheng.

"Congratulations on moving, senior. This courtyard now has an owner."

Fang Daming carefully accepted the spirit stones, handed over the restriction token, and performed all the proper courtesies.

Lin Changheng saw Fang Daming off, and in the process of their conversation, he inadvertently revealed his identity as a first-grade high-level alchemist.

The intention is to use this person's words to convey a message to the outside world.

He has no intention of joining any faction or shop to be used by others. Once his reputation as an alchemist spreads, people will come seeking his elixirs. Given his understanding of alchemy and his success rate in refining elixirs, he will surely gain even greater fame and reputation within a few years.

At that time, many people will come seeking the elixir.

Not only can it earn spirit stones to support its bottomless pit of expenses—acquiring demon beast essence, preparing for Foundation Establishment, and refining its body—but it can also connect with more cultivators, pill formulas, and medicinal herbs.

Upon learning this identity, Fang Daming became even more respectful. If his previous respect was for a client and for spirit stones, it was now driven by the possibility of future requests.

……

Close the courtyard door.

Lin Changheng glanced at the defensive formation covering the entire courtyard. It was quite rudimentary, so he shook his head and immediately began to modify it.

He took out the array plate and array flags, and set up the first-tier high-grade defensive array [Two Elements Micro Dust Array] around the courtyard wall, hiding it inside the simple defensive array.

This is Jin Geng's masterpiece, with considerable power. Even if someone in the early stages of Foundation Establishment were to come, they would not be able to sneak in without making a sound.

However, almost no one dared to force their way into the Immortal City's residence.

According to Fang Daming, there was once a Foundation Establishment cultivator who, relying on his powerful cultivation, broke into someone's residence in the middle of the night, directly triggering the alarm of the built-in defensive array and attracting the Immortal City's law enforcement team.

Without any reason, kill them on the spot.

Because this touches the very foundation of the Immortal City.

From then on, no one dared to have such thoughts again and cross the deadly red line.

Despite the rumors, Lin Changheng had more faith in himself and added another set of formations for added security.

At the same time, the mid-grade maze array [Luoqu Array] was set up in the backyard to cover the two rows of spirit fields that had been cultivated and sprinkled with spirit soil.

He plans to transplant two precious plants here, but he must be careful.

Lin Changheng even planned to acquire another high-grade illusion array to enhance it, ensuring peace of mind.

He planned to use the east and west rooms as a pill-making room and a meditation room, respectively.

There were also two rows of spirit fields on the left side of the front yard. Lin Changheng planned to plant some ordinary spirit plants there to fool people.

On the right side, a mud pit was dug for the black-shelled tortoise to rest and play.

After making the arrangements and using the [Cleaning Spell] to clean up the area, Lin Changheng officially moved in.

……

Five days later.

Inside the house, Lin Changheng put down his pen and stretched.

Three written letters were placed on the table.

These days, he has been implementing the plans for the courtyard one by one, and the courtyard has basically become what he envisioned.

"Now that things have basically settled down, I can write to Feiyue, Zhaoli, and Fugui."

This is not only to let others know they are safe, but also to inform them of their location so that they can make contact.

Lin Changheng had thought it over carefully and concluded that these relationships did not need to be severed and should be maintained.

He picked up the letter and stood up, but suddenly paused. After thinking for a moment, he added another letter.

……

After leaving the house, he turned around and closed the door, simultaneously sealing the barrier, and glanced at the plaque above the door.

The words "Qingyuan Xiaozhu" have now been added to it. "Qing" is taken from the meaning of evergreen.

Yuan refers to the origin of the Yuan Ding.

His first thoughts were "Changqing Villa" and "Shiyuan Cottage," but he later felt they were too eye-catching and might attract trouble, nor did they align with his principle of stability.
Later, they simply took one character from each and combined them, and it improved a lot.

After finding a corner to change his description, Lin Changheng went directly to the Immortal Inn to send the letter.

This celestial post station does not belong to the Floating Life Immortal City, nor to the Purple Extreme Sect or the Azure Cloud Temple, but was established by the most powerful force in the Song Kingdom, the Extreme South Palace, and is used for travel throughout the Song territory and to all directions.

While providing convenience for all cultivators, the post stations also strengthened the control and supervision of all forces. In a sense, the post stations were like stakes planted throughout the entire Song territory by the [Southern Palace].

After sending out the four letters, Lin Changheng took a stroll around the Xiancheng Market area.

This was for another core purpose of his: to visit shops that sell monster materials and seek monster blood essence.

As a result, they found a place that could dispose of stolen ritual implements first.

"Shopkeeper, I have a few old magical artifacts that I've acquired through bargain hunting. I wonder if your shop can buy them?"

Lin Changheng had done this before in Qinglingfang, so he was quite familiar with the process.

The shopkeeper, busy behind the counter, didn't even look up, seemingly used to it. "I'll take it, but the price won't be too high."

"How much?" Lin Changheng asked.

The shopkeeper quoted a discount for secondhand items.

Lin Changheng fell silent upon hearing this; it was roughly 90% of his estimated price.

It's really not high, it can even be considered low.

Having a good idea of ​​the prices for stolen goods in Immortal City, he didn't make a move but instead turned and walked out.

Having just committed murder and plunder, it is not advisable to act immediately, as there is a risk of exposure. It would be safer to act at least a few years later.

……

Not long after.

Then a shop selling materials for monsters appeared before Lin Changheng, drawn by its unique bloody scent.

Without elaborating, Lin Changheng didn't mince words and immediately asked about the matter of essence and blood.

"Mysterious Spirit Essence Blood? And a large quantity?"

He was immediately met with a surprised look from the waiter, who almost mistook Lin Changheng for someone making fun of him.

Lin Changheng realized this and earnestly asked for clarification, which finally earned him an explanation from the waiter.

Not only their shop, but all shops in Immortal City that sell monster materials are divided into two parts.

Firstly, there are fixed parts.

These monster materials come from tamed beasts, remain largely unchanged, are supplied regularly, and are abundant.

Secondly, there is the random component.

They were brought back by cultivators who had returned from hunting demons in the wilderness, sold to them, and then put on display in their shops to sell, earning only a channel fee.

What to sell depends entirely on what to hunt, resulting in significant volatility.

Moreover, it is clearly stated that the [Mysterious Spirit Essence Blood] is extremely rare.

The demon hunters they cooperated with were mostly in the mid-to-late stage of Qi Refining, and while they might be able to pick up stray monsters in the wilderness, they lacked the strength to hunt large numbers of them.

Only Foundation Establishment cultivators possess true strength.

However, besides using them themselves, they either sell them to collaborating alchemists, talisman masters, or provide them to higher-end channels.

We rarely cooperate with monster material shops like theirs that cater to low-level cultivators.

After hearing this, Lin Changheng basically understood, thanked him, and then took his leave.

As they reached the door, they couldn't help but ask again, "Do you have the essence blood of the [Fire-tailed Golden Rat]?"

This is a lower-level, turbid bloodline.

After receiving a negative answer from the shopkeeper, Lin Changheng continued to inquire at several other shops selling materials for monsters.

After receiving three similar replies about the [Mysterious Spirit Essence Blood], Lin Changheng couldn't help but frown.

As usual, he inquired about the essence and blood of the [Fire-tailed Golden Rat], and then prepared to go out.

"some."

Before Lin Changheng could react to the sound, still lost in thought, the shop assistant panicked and exclaimed, "Sir?!"

Lin Changheng then realized this was a different answer: "You have the essence blood of the [Fire-Tailed Golden Rat] at the Turbid Fiend level?"

"That's good. How much would you like, sir?"

The waiter asked with a forced smile.

But Lin Changheng countered with a question: "How many do you have?"

The shop assistant instinctively thought, could this person be a scout who came to scout out the store, trick them out of their inventory, and then rob the shop or the restocking team?

But then he realized that he was now in [Floating Life Immortal City], not the small market he had been stationed in for more than ten years. He breathed a sigh of relief and put on a professional smile: "We currently have three hundred servings in the shop. If you need more, we can restock in half a month."

“Excellent!”

Lin Changheng chuckled. What does it mean to find a way out of seemingly hopeless situations? This is it.

After asking around for [Mysterious Spirit Essence Blood] without success, we unexpectedly encountered the essence blood of the [Fire-tailed Golden Rat]!

"What's the price?"

"Three low-grade spirit stones per set. If you want more, we can offer a small discount: 10% off for 50 sets, and up to 20% off for 100 sets."

"I want them all."

Lin Changheng used the [Illusory Appearance Shift Technique - Transformation], revealing not his original appearance, but one that could not be discerned without careful examination by someone below the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, so he was not flustered at all.

"What?" the waiter exclaimed in a low voice.

"What? You won't buy it for me?" Lin Changheng frowned, feigning displeasure.

"No, no, please wait a moment, esteemed guest."

The waiter invited Lin Changheng to sit down in the inner hall, served him a cup of fragrant tea, and then went to report to the manager.

Before long, a round-faced manager came in with a smile, followed by a shop assistant carrying a large box.

"Honorable guest, thank you for waiting. Everything is here."

"Let me check the goods."

Lin Changheng put down his teacup without being polite.

"It should, it should."

The box was opened, revealing a scene filled with pale golden essence blood.

Lin Changheng's eyes gleamed with a strange light as he scanned the bottles of essence blood.

The round-faced manager showed no impatience, sending his assistants off to do their work while he stood by with a smile, accompanying the customer as they inspected the items.

After a long while, Lin Changheng stood up.

"Indeed, the essence blood is correct."

The round-faced manager said:

"The waiter said that our distinguished guest seems to require the essence blood of this beast?"

"Yes, we still need this amount. Can your store provide it?"

"Of course." The round-faced steward smiled proudly. "To be honest, this beast is one of our clan's tamed beasts. Not to mention these, even if our esteemed guest wants three times more, our clan can provide them all within six months."

Lin Changheng immediately praised him.

"This 20% discount is already the lowest discount in my shop, it can't be any lower, but I can use my managerial authority to round it down a little as a token of our sincerity. What do you think, fellow Daoist?"

Lin Changheng was surprised that the round-faced manager would actually take the initiative to negotiate the price. It seemed he wanted to maintain this major client relationship for the long term.

"Thank you." Lin Changheng reluctantly took out seven hundred low-grade spirit stones.

Fortunately, the three cultivators who had recently undergone tribulations helped recover some of the losses, but we still need to increase our income and revenue sources as soon as possible.

"The price will remain the same next time. We will always give our valued customers the best price whenever they come to our store."

The round-faced manager saw Lin Changheng to the door, still patting his chest as he made a promise.

(End of this chapter)