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

Chapter 152 Peak of the Ninth Level, Abundant Essence Blood
Lin Changheng and the Foundation Establishment cultivator surnamed Wu signed a contract, recording the relevant details.

Since the two had just met and had not yet established a foundation of trust, they asked Mr. Cheng to be their witness.

On one side was his friend's disciple, a junior he greatly admired; on the other side was a long-term client, a Foundation Establishment expert.

Although being a witness carries certain risks—serving as both a bridge of connection and a safety net in case of negative consequences—Old Cheng still did not refuse.

This laid the foundation for Lin Changheng's first collaboration with a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

"Here are the relevant pill formulas and ten portions of medicinal herbs. Alchemist Lin, you can take a look."

The Foundation Establishment cultivator surnamed Wu readily handed over a storage bag.

Lin Changheng nodded slightly without speaking. After taking the pill and comparing it with the prescription, he carefully examined it before saying, "It's confirmed to be correct."

"Very well, then I, Wu, will await Master Lin's good news."

After laughing heartily, the Foundation Establishment cultivator surnamed Wu looked at Elder Cheng and said, "Master Cheng, the pills we agreed on must be refined on time."

"Brother Wu, you can rest assured on this point. When has Cheng ever delayed anything?"

Mr. Cheng smiled and agreed, clearly indicating that the two had collaborated many times and had a basis for cooperation.

"Excellent."

Not long after, the Foundation Establishment cultivator surnamed Wu turned and left.

After his figure disappeared, Old Cheng looked at Lin Changheng with a smile and said with great emotion, "A second-level alchemist is a realm that I have pursued my whole life but could not reach. Now Changheng has reached it. He is truly a promising young man."

Lin Changheng smiled slightly.

At this moment, Junior Brother Cheng, who had just been driven away by his father's glance, came over and asked curiously, "Senior Brother Lin, I just saw the magic contract. Does this mean that Senior Brother has gotten what he wanted?"

"Not bad." Lin Changheng was also in a very good mood.

"What's going on?" Old Master Cheng seemed thoughtful, but still looked at Junior Brother Cheng with a stern expression.

Seeing his father's stern expression, Junior Brother Cheng shrank back and quickly recited the entire explanation.

"I see, what a coincidence."

Old Cheng chuckled.

But deep down he thought, "This Changheng is also blessed with good fortune. Whether he came a day earlier or a day later, he wouldn't have encountered 'Wu Changfeng'! It really has the flavor of 'when the time is right, heaven and earth lend their strength.' No wonder this kid can advance all the way to the second level!"

Well, Qi'an should interact with Changheng more often, so that he can absorb some of his luck or learn something from him. He would probably benefit greatly from it.

Having made up his mind, Lin Changheng sat for a while and was about to take his leave, but was forcibly stopped by the other man, who insisted that he stay for a simple meal.

Old Master Cheng sent his son, Cheng Qi'an, to make arrangements, while he himself sat with Lin Changheng for a while.

"Junior Brother Cheng, just eat whatever you like."

"How can we treat guests to a simple meal? Senior Brother Lin, please sit for a moment and wait for me to make arrangements."

With that, he dashed out the door.

Unable to refuse the host's hospitality, Lin Changheng had no choice but to go along with it.

……

Fifteen days passed in the blink of an eye.

Lin Changheng had just entered the second stage and continued refining pills meticulously, which made him quite tired.

But the result was also gratifying; all ten second-tier [Golden Marrow Condensation Pills] from the two batches were successfully produced as high-quality pills.

This means that 1,200 low-grade spirit stones will be obtained.

Lin Changheng did not keep the two extra pills; he planned to sell them as well.

With the formula in hand, it's not difficult to refine pills again; you can refine them whenever you need to.

This is also the beauty of the alchemy-seeking model, making it easier to obtain knowledge of alchemical formulas.

During this time, Chef Zeng also introduced a Foundation Establishment cultivator to seek pills. Lin Changheng had just finished refining a batch of [Golden Marrow Condensation Pills], which were still warm.

It was displayed directly.

Upon seeing the quality of the finished pill, the Foundation Establishment cultivator surnamed Yu showed obvious surprise in his eyes. Without Lin Changheng having to waste any words, he directly finalized the cooperation.

However, the delivery date for the pills was set for a month later. Lin Changheng needed to finish refining the pills he had on hand before he could start refining the pills he needed.

This way, there will still be spare time, allowing for a more relaxed pace.

The Foundation Establishment cultivator surnamed Yu agreed without objection.

……

The location for delivering the elixir is set at [Herbal Shop].

Wu Changfeng arrived on time. Upon seeing the quality of the delivered pills, he was initially taken aback, but then immediately expressed his satisfaction.

Old Master Cheng curiously took the pill and examined it closely, praising it endlessly. Anyone who didn't know better would think it was a high-quality pill.

"Slightly exaggerated."

Lin Changheng looked at Old Cheng's self-motivated performance and found it somewhat amusing, while also feeling a sense of gratitude.

Wu Changfeng had good eyesight, but it wasn't necessarily better than that of an alchemist, and he was completely taken aback.

After readily paying the spirit stones, he immediately made an appointment with Lin Changheng to refine the next batch of pills.

Upon learning that there was already a queue for alchemy, Wu Changfeng was stunned, and this confirmed that what Elder Cheng had said was true.

He seemed to see a second-tier alchemist about to become a hot commodity and famous throughout the immortal city.

He immediately turned to Lin Changheng's face, his smile deepening.

……

Amidst the busy second-tier alchemy tasks and Lin Changheng's own intensive preparations for foundation building, another year passed.

Lin Changheng has already refined second-tier pills for seven or eight Foundation Establishment cultivators.

With Deng Changsheng's vigorous promotion, the Cheng family's recommendation and assistance, and the occasional recommendations from Foundation Establishment cultivators, Lin Changheng's name has become quite well-known in the inner city of the Immortal City.

The name Lin Changheng has also been passed down to some extent in parts of Waihu.

Although his reputation is not as great as those established second-tier low-grade alchemists who have been operating in the Immortal City for many years, it is not much less, and he can be described as a rising star.

Of course, all of this is based on Lin Changheng's strength.

The core of alchemy theory is enhanced by five layers of "divine inspiration," which I have now fully grasped.
In alchemy practice, fire control is paramount, permeating the entire process; the true essence of the [Fire Control Divine Power] is fully utilized in this aspect. Furthermore, timing, perception, and improvisation are also crucial.

Lin Changheng was quite satisfied with the effect of "gaining fame".

We can now prepare to proceed with the next step of the plan.

In addition, Lin Changheng had already informed Tantai Feiyue and Mo Zhaoli of this news in a letter before the Lunar New Year.

Tantai Feiyue showed surprise and pity.

As a first-tier high-grade talisman master, and possessing a second-tier talisman inheritance that the Xu family had found for her, she naturally knew how difficult it was to break through to the second tier.

She not only saw Lin Changheng's success, but also thought about the hard work and sweat he put in behind the scenes.

Knowing that Lin Changheng was already fifty-eight years old and nearing the end of his cultivation journey, he expressed his best wishes at the end of the letter: "May Brother Lin's immortality last forever."

As for Mo Zhaoli, he replied very late.

Besides congratulating her, she also mentioned that her sect mission was arranged in the wilderness at the border of the Purple Extreme Sect and the Floating Life Immortal City, which would allow her to visit Lin Changheng and deliver the essence blood she had previously purchased.

He also inquired whether it would be convenient for him to refine a batch of second-tier pills for her.

After entering the Foundation Establishment stage, her cultivation progressed slowly, and she needed elixirs to help her advance.

Lin Changheng naturally agreed; he couldn't possibly refuse.

……

This day, late at night.

Lin Changheng sat cross-legged, and the mid-grade [Spirit Gathering Array] suddenly activated, drawing in the surrounding spiritual energy to surround him.

The [Fire Illuminating the Night] within his body was constantly circulating, drawing spiritual energy into his body and refining it into magical power along specific meridians.

Finally, it accumulates in the dantian.

Time slowly flows forward.

Lin Changheng felt the magical power in his dantian growing thicker and thicker, gradually forming a surging gaseous "river". Later, it rose like the rising tide, almost filling the space in his dantian completely.

At this moment, the [Crimson Sky Profound Flame] in the center became even more intense, leaping powerfully. Instantly, more magical power was refined to an unparalleled purity and became even more dense, emitting a subtle hum as it merged into the dantian, as if accumulating power for the arrival of a certain state. "Hum!"

After an unknown number of hours, when a wisp of spiritual energy was refined into the body, the dantian suddenly trembled, and the magic power that had already reached its limit was compressed and condensed again in the tremor, becoming even more condensed and heavy.

Lin Changheng slowly opened his eyes, a flash of fire seemingly appearing and disappearing in them.

He could clearly feel that the magical power within his body flowed freely, almost tangibly, and his dantian was far more full than before, with every movement carrying a surge of immense power—

This is exactly the performance of someone at the peak of the ninth level of Qi Refining!

Just one more step forward and you'll reach the Foundation Establishment stage!

"Phew! I finally did it..."

A look of joy appeared on Lin Changheng's face.

After spending more than six years working day and night to accumulate cultivation, he finally stepped from the ninth level of Qi Refining to the peak of the ninth level of Qi Refining.

According to the "Foundation Building Insights" gifted to him by Mo Zhaoli, the peak of the ninth level of Qi Refining is the best choice for breaking through to Foundation Building.

With a deeper foundation and greater stability, it is more conducive to deciphering the [Mountain of Qi].

Although under normal circumstances, a cultivator at the ninth level of Qi Refining can attempt to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage, very few cultivators actually do so.

It would only be possible to do so under duress.

However, in this situation, the probability of foundation building failure is also greater.

"The rest of the time will be devoted to refining our magical power!"

Of the two core tasks concerning magic, only one remains.

With the [Foundation Building Insight], Lin Changheng had a clear plan and a traceable path, and he made steady progress step by step.

Lin Changheng roughly estimated that, including the newly added mana, more than 80% of the mana in his dantian had been refined.

With full effort, it will take anywhere from two years to a year to complete the refining process.

……

He then took another look at the [Nine-Leaf Purple Ganoderma] hidden in the backyard beneath the array and within the thick soil of the spirit field.

The bright moonlight, like water, flowed quietly over it. Eight palm-sized purple leaves unfurled slightly, and silvery-white light flowed through their veins, like a cascading galaxy.

The folds in the center of the umbrella undulated gently, absorbing moonlight and condensing into a faint purple mist around it.

Completely different from its previous immature appearance, it is beginning to show signs of maturity.

"The eighth leaf has been mostly formed, only the ninth leaf is missing."

Lin Changheng's eyes showed expectation.

The main ingredient of this Foundation Building Pill is finally ready to mature!

His gaze shifted from the [Nine-Leaf Purple Ganoderma] to the [Earth Vein Solomon's Seal] in the spirit field beside him.

The changes are not significant.

This is because Lin Changheng stopped accelerating its growth and transferred all his "love" to the [Nine-Leaf Purple Ganoderma].

That's why there's such a significant difference.

"This is called prioritizing tasks and acting in an orderly manner!"

……

Zhao Li arrived very quickly.

Less than half a month later, a soft knocking sound came from outside "Qingyuan Xiaozhu".

At this moment, Yan's granddaughter was sitting in the courtyard, so she took the initiative to get up and open the door.

Then, his eyes lit up, and a thought arose in his mind: What a beautiful fairy.

"My lady, have you come to seek alchemist Lin's help in refining pills?"

As a puppeteer, she instantly snapped out of her daze and asked with a smile.

Before her stood a beautiful female cultivator, dressed in a moon-white long dress that moved without wind, as if formed from the moonlight.

Her face was fair and white as jade, with willow-leaf eyebrows and almond eyes. A vermilion mark was on her brow, and a gentle smile played on her lips. Yet, she possessed an extraordinary air that made people dare not harbor the slightest disrespect.

"Exactly."

The female cultivator smiled slightly, glanced at Yan Mingyi, and a look of surprise flashed in her beautiful eyes.

Lin Changheng, who was sitting motionless in the courtyard, heard the familiar voice and immediately got up and walked over quickly.

His eyes lit up instantly, and a look of joy appeared on his face.

It really is Mo Zhaoli!

"Junior Sister Mo, it really is you! Please come in quickly."

Lin Changheng led him in with a smile.

"It's been a long time since I've seen Senior Brother Lin. He seems to be living a comfortable life in the Immortal City. No wonder he doesn't miss his old friends."

Mo Zhaoli smiled faintly, her beautiful eyes sweeping over Yan Mingyi across Lin Changheng's face, her gaze carrying a hidden meaning.

"Cough cough!"

Lin Changheng saw the teasing undertone in Mo Zhaoli's eyes, and instead of taking the blame, he immediately introduced, "This young lady is my good neighbor, the granddaughter of the puppeteer Yan. We are quite close, and she is also a puppeteer."

"Oh?"

Mo Zhaoli's expression shifted slightly. Puppetry is a niche art among the arts, and the puppets they create are quite powerful. It is the kind of art that is difficult to learn and difficult to master.

This girl seems to be quite talented.

Lin Changheng introduced Yan Mingyi, who was standing to the side, "This is my junior sister, and she is also a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Ziji Sect."

"what?"

When Mo Zhaoli came to see Lin Changheng, he had already concealed his aura and did not reveal the slightest bit, so Yan Mingyi was completely unaware. Only after hearing Lin Changheng's introduction did she react and immediately bowed: "Greetings, Senior Mo."

"Ah."

Mo Zhaoli nodded slightly.

At Lin Changheng's invitation, they were to go inside and sit down.

Yan Mingyi took the opportunity to leave, not daring to disturb them, and even closed the door.

Mo Zhaoli originally intended to go inside, but upon seeing the black-armored ground tortoise lying in the mud pit, he became interested and moved closer.

"Brother Lin, this turtle is well-raised; it's already at the mid-stage of the first rank."

She knew that turtle-type spirit beasts grew slowly, and their advancement often took ten or even several decades.

"Is he progressing quickly? He's doing drugs."

Lin Changheng shook his head and smiled.

"Isn't this precisely Brother Lin's advantage?"

Mo Zhaoli smiled gently.

"Does Li'er have time to stay in this immortal city for a while?"

Mo Zhaoli sat down directly in the courtyard, and Lin Changheng served him second-grade spiritual tea.

Nowadays, the visitors are mainly Foundation Establishment cultivators, so it's no longer appropriate to serve them first-grade spiritual tea. Lin Changheng has purchased quite a bit to use as needed.

"We only have one day left before we have to complete the mission. The people in the wilderness are urging us to hurry."

Mo Zhaoli gently shook his head.

"That's a pity. I was originally planning to take Li'er to see the scenery of this immortal city and show her some hospitality."

"It will be a long time before Brother Lin completes his foundation."

Mo Zhaoli looked at Lin Changheng and said.

Then, with a flick of her hand on the stone table, a large wooden box covered with several high-grade [Spirit Sealing Talismans] appeared.

"Brother Lin, the essence blood you requested is all here."

(End of this chapter)