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

Chapter 155 Taking the bait and leaving the hook, opening the furnace to refine pills

Cui Jianshui would occasionally bring over pastries and spiritual food that she had made herself.

All these changes occurred after Lin Changheng broke through to the second level of alchemy.

"Perhaps, if I reveal some benefits, or break through to the Foundation Establishment stage, this woman will be even more eager than expected..."

Lin Changheng was quite understanding of this.

After all, it's unlikely that a beautiful female cultivator could live a successful and fulfilling life in such a vast immortal city without some skill in social maneuvering.

Even he has to rely on his network of connections and cultivate good relationships.

Now that the matter was basically settled, Lin Changheng also sent a letter to the Foundation Establishment cultivator surnamed Qian through a communication jade talisman, informing him that the three main ingredients of the Foundation Establishment Pill had been gathered and basically confirming that the furnace would be opened in six months.

The specific time will be notified later, and we will meet then.

……

In the next period of time,
Lin Changheng is more of a stay-at-home dad.

With only six months until the furnace is to be opened, he has a great deal of preparation to make.

In terms of alchemy alone, one needs to thoroughly understand the formulas and be familiar with the techniques, and also needs to accelerate the maturation of the newly sprouted ninth leaf of the [Nine-Leaf Purple Elixir].

Besides preparing for alchemy, Lin Changheng also needed to quickly complete the "foundation building preparations".

Having the Foundation Establishment Pill in hand is like having a hot potato.

It might attract unwanted attention, and some people might even take risks.

After all, no matter how good the security is in the Immortal City, it is not absolutely safe in every aspect, nor is it a game-like world like the one in my previous life, where it is impossible to select directly.

Once you're dead, you're dead. Even if the Immortal City Enforcement Team arrives and executes you by slow slicing, it will be useless.

Therefore, once the Foundation Establishment Pill is refined, it should be consumed as soon as possible for safety.

Immediately go into seclusion to build a foundation!

His magical power has now reached the peak of the ninth level of Qi Refining, and his physical body has also reached the second level of refinement. However, his magical power is still somewhat lacking in refinement.

One's own state of mind is also very important.

Some cultivators have perfected their magical power and have Foundation Establishment Pills in hand, yet they still fail to establish their foundation. The problem lies in their state of mind.

Excitement, tension, worry... all these emotions can become weaknesses in one's mindset and negative factors that affect the success of foundation building.

You should know that even taking exams in one's previous life could cause stage fright, let alone the Foundation Establishment, a "great test of immortality" that concerns one's life and future?
Some people, however, lack a firm resolve to pursue the Tao and are hesitant and timid in the face of difficulties, which can easily cause them to miss opportunities to break through their current limitations and fail to establish a solid foundation.

Lin Changheng has experienced great ups and downs, and now he often maintains a calm and composed attitude, which has a certain positive effect on his state of mind.

Moreover, it has two layers of "Heavenly Gift of Pure Heart," making it even more robust.

In conclusion, this period is the best time to identify and address any shortcomings.

Lin Changheng will definitely seize it.

……

At the same time, Lin Changheng thought for a moment and sent another letter to Mo Zhaoli.

This woman had already successfully completed her mission within the sect, retrieved the pill from Lin Changheng, and would be cultivating in seclusion within the sect for some time.

The message in the letter was simple: he would be refining pills and breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage in six months, and wondered if Mo Zhaoli would be available to come to the Immortal City to protect him.

But in reality, what Lin Changheng wanted was not a protector.

Instead, he used Mo Zhaoli's identity to "seek the elixir".

He brought his own main medicine and the remaining auxiliary medicines that he had entrusted to Old Man Cheng and his son to collect, and came to "beg for the elixir" to act as the initiator of the request.

Based on the value of the medicinal herbs provided by Lin Changheng, they are certainly among the top two, if not the highest.

Both the Seven-Star Spirit Moon Grass and the Nine-Leaf Purple Elixir are under the control of the sect and are key controlled resources, extremely rare, and of even higher value.

The [Heavenly Crystal Lotus Root] held by the gaunt rogue cultivator Gu Chang'an who arrived later was also rare, but because of its growth characteristics, it was difficult to control and relatively easy to obtain in large quantities.

Therefore, it is a foregone conclusion that Gu Chang'an will be the last in the selection process.

However, it's difficult to determine whether it's the Seven-Star Spirit Moon Grass or the Nine-Leaf Purple Elixir; there's still some work to be done.

Generally speaking, the order can only be judged based on the year.

But this didn't matter to Lin Changheng. He was absolutely confident that he could refine two genuine pills from one batch of Foundation Establishment Pills.

The chances of the third one being genuine are about 80%.

Lin Changheng was as steady as he was, so he naturally couldn't accept this chance falling on his head, and therefore he couldn't give up the top two positions in the alchemy selection.

In such situations, suspicion is more likely to arise.

After all, there are precedents in the Immortal City where some alchemists sacrificed the chance of a third person to complete their pills in order to ensure the authenticity of the pills made by the first two people.

Therefore, Lin Changheng decided to avoid distributing pills as a pill master, as it would create a conflict of interest and raise suspicions of impropriety.

Furthermore, when refining the Foundation Establishment Pill, everyone must be present to observe from a distance. Gu Chang'an is a special case; if he is present, Lin Changheng might feel uneasy if he is focused on refining the pill, as unforeseen circumstances might arise.

Therefore, inviting Mo Zhaoli to "protect the Dharma" was the result of Lin Changheng's repeated consideration and timely adjustment.

It's worth mentioning that Lin Changheng didn't send the letter through the celestial post station of the [Southern Palace]. That would have been so slow that by the time the letter arrived, it would have been too late.

Instead, they went directly to the headquarters of the Purple Extreme Sect in Floating Life Immortal City.

This was what Mo Zhaoli had told him last time, and she had given him a token that allowed him to send messages to her through a unique channel within the Ziji Sect.

It can take a month, much faster than expected.

……

Three months later, Lin Changheng received a reply from Mo Zhaoli, confirming that he could come.

One can vaguely sense the joy between the lines.

With this, Lin Changheng felt somewhat relieved and continued his preparations step by step.

"Brother Lin."

That evening, dressed in palace attire, the beautiful and radiant Cui Jianshui returned with homemade delicacies and spirit wine.

Lin Changheng greeted him with a smile.

"You're too kind, Fairy Cui."

Cui Jianshui rolled up her skirt sleeves, revealing a section of her fair wrist like a jade lotus root. She took out delicacies and spirit wine from the basket and placed them on the stone table. Lin Changheng then got up to prepare cups, plates, bowls, and chopsticks.

"Brother Lin, please rest. I'll go now."

Lin Changheng had just stood up when he felt his robe sleeve being gently tugged. He was slightly startled and turned around to see Cui Jianshui's jade-like hand already holding his.

She smiled slightly, took Lin Changheng's arm, and pulled him back to his seat, her shapely figure inevitably brushing against his arm.

Then a pair of delicate hands rested on his shoulders and pressed down slightly, making Lin Changheng sit down.

Along with it came a fragrant breeze, like orchids, wafting into his nose, causing Lin Changheng's eyes to narrow slightly.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Fairy Cui."

Lin Changheng's voice fluctuated slightly, but remained indifferent and calm overall.

"Hehe, it's not hard work."

With a soft, bell-like laugh, Cui Jianshui entered the small kitchen next to the alchemy room and soon returned to the table, sitting opposite Lin Changheng.

Then she bent down slightly and obediently poured wine for Lin Changheng.

Lin Changheng's gaze was fixed on the bright, snow-covered mountains, so he simply admired them.

It must be said that this woman has a noble temperament, but the charm she unintentionally reveals has a striking contrast.

"Thank you for your care and support over the years, Brother Lin. I would like to take this opportunity to toast you."

Cui Jianshui raised her cup, her beautiful eyes like water, and boldly looked directly at Lin Changheng. "Hehe, we are neighbors, it is only right to help each other. Besides, Fairy Cui has treated me well, introducing people to alchemy on many occasions, for which I am deeply grateful."

The two clinked glasses, the wine swirling within, a rich aroma of wine mixed with spiritual fragrance wafting out, indicating it was at least a second-tier spiritual wine.

Lin Changheng was very bold and drank it down in one gulp.

"Brother Lin has a good capacity for alcohol."

The gentle yet slightly seductive voice of praise reached her ears, and Cui Jianshui rose again to pour wine for Lin Changheng.

This state lasted for about fifteen minutes.

The wine in the jade pot was almost empty, and it all went into the stomachs of the two of them. However, due to the female cultivator's deliberate toasting and pouring, much more wine ended up in Lin Changheng's stomach.

The second-tier spirit wine was indeed quite potent, and both of them were somewhat intoxicated. A unique and enchanting atmosphere began to rise in the courtyard.

"Please fill Brother Lin's cup with water again."

Cui Jianshui stood up again, her delicate body swaying slightly, and a blush crept onto her beautiful face. As she poured wine beside Lin Changheng, she lost her footing and seemed about to fall.

Although Lin Changheng was slightly drunk, he reacted quickly. How could he let the beautiful female cultivator fall down?
With a swift movement, he climbed up to the female cultivator's waist and embraced her.

Even through the thin fabric, it felt warm and smooth to the touch, as if boneless.

Perhaps due to being slightly tipsy, he didn't control his strength well and went too far, causing Cui Jianshui's entire delicate body to fall into his arms.

"what……"

Suddenly, an unexpected turn of events occurred, eliciting a delicate cry as her plump, round buttocks landed heavily between Lin Changheng's legs.

The strange sensation sent a shiver down Lin Changheng's spine.

"Brother Lin..."

Realizing her current state, Cui Jianshui sat back in Lin Changheng's lap, her face flushing red as a strong masculine scent wafted from her ear.

She murmured something as if refusing, but her body showed no intention of leaving.

Then her buttocks rotated and rubbed together slightly.

Lin Changheng had already sensed something, and now Cui Jianshui was giving him an almost blatant hint. He was no saint, so he immediately began to climb up the mountain without any hesitation.

Cui Jianshui gave a soft hum, her voice alluring and seductive. She hesitated for a moment, then made up her mind and did not refuse Lin Changheng's large hand. Instead, she lightly touched Lin Changheng's cheek with her red lips.

"Has Fairy Cui made up her mind?"

Lin Changheng asked in a deep voice.

But he received no reply, only the response of red lips. Lin Changheng immediately used his large hand to lift the woman's long legs, turned her around, and pulled her into his arms.

Just then, a night breeze blew by, and the newly risen moon was obscured by dark clouds. In the dim light, it was so dark that you could hardly see your hand in front of your face.

After half a stick of incense.

"Phew... Brother Lin, wait a moment."

A woman's voice suddenly rang out, and her rapid breathing brought her back to consciousness.

Lin Changheng did indeed stop his mischievous hand as promised.

The skin was moved away from its fair and tender surface, leaving behind a blush from the kneading.

A faint, inexplicable curve appeared at the corner of his mouth, unseen by anyone.

"Brother Lin, come on... there's plenty of time in the future."

A rustling sound arose, and the disheveled dress was quickly tidied up. Before the silk stockings on her fair feet could even be put back on, Cui Jianshui had already said goodbye and left.

After re-setting the courtyard's protective barrier, Lin Changheng turned and went back into the house. The lingering look on his face vanished instantly, and a hint of coldness appeared in his eyes.

Then, he opened his mouth and spat it out.

"call!"

A dark golden fireball, the size of an infant's fist, flew out from the abdomen through the mouth, but Lin Changheng waved it back with his hand.

It floats on the palm of your hand.

As soon as the eye could see, the upper part of the fireball burst into flames, revealing the contents inside.

It was a wisp of pale green smoke, trapped inside.

It was the same color as the previous second-tier spirit wine.

It is colored but odorless, and when mixed in, it is difficult to distinguish.

It seemed to have a life of its own, wanting to fly away, but was trapped by the flames.

"In other words, tonight's incident was indeed a honey trap."

"Intended to poison... No, my [Poison-Dissolving Demonic Technique] didn't warn me, this shouldn't be poison, but rather..."

Lin Changheng began his research and quickly came to a conclusion: "A kind of Gu."

"And it's a non-poisonous Gu, intended to control me?"

It was obvious that Cui Jianshui and the people behind him did not want Lin Changheng to die. The wealth that a second-level alchemist could create was extremely terrifying, and it would be a great pity to kill him.

Instead, they were trying to control him.

"Is it related to Gu Chang'an?"

He sealed the object with his backhand and tossed it into his storage bag. Lin Changheng's mind wandered as he pondered its meaning.

Lin Changheng had already noticed Cui Jianshui's changes. The reason he cooperated so well and didn't alert her was to see what she was up to.

Now it has been proven that his previous guess of "personal dependence" was not accurate.

Just now, in her moment of distraction, he also discovered that this woman had been hiding her cultivation level.

Nine levels of Qi training!

But so what?
Cui Jianshui had no idea that the person she had just embraced was as strong as a second-tier demon beast. With just a thought, the other party could tear her to shreds!
The kind that offers absolutely no resistance.

By sparing this woman's life, Lin Changheng would not be at a loss. Not only would she have swallowed the bait but not taken the bait, but she might also be able to follow the fishing line and pull out the mastermind behind it all.

……

One month later.

Cui Jianshui, dressed in her finest attire, visited "Qingyuan Xiaozhu" several times, but Lin Changheng, prioritizing alchemy, invited her to sit for a while before seeing her off.

If he weren't so busy, he could have enjoyed this tender caress once more.

What's wrong with playing along and just taking the bait?
It's not bad to serve as a refreshing change during the long journey of cultivating immortality.

"call!"

In the bedroom, Lin Changheng was fully focused, using the [Crimson Sky Profound Flame] to refine his magic power. Suddenly, he opened his eyes, revealing a deep joy.

"It was truly not easy, but I have finally completed the refinement of all my magical power!"

After more than eight years, he finally refined and tempered the magic power in his body, making it completely pure and free of impurities.

It seems that as long as the foundation-building method is activated, this magical power can be easily compressed and transformed from a dense and pure gaseous state into a liquid state, which is then dripped into the dantian.

……

On the eve of the six-month deadline.

Through Lin Changheng's efforts in catalyzing the true meaning of the [Rongsheng Divine Power],
The ninth purple leaf of the Nine-Leaf Purple Ganoderma has finally fully grown and is now fully unfurled before the moon.

A silvery-white spiritual light flowed through the veins of the leaves, visible to the naked eye, and the purple mist was also exuding a captivating fragrance.

This also means that this precious plant has finally matured and can be used as medicine!
The next day, a magic boat flew in from the horizon, and a female immortal in a moon-white dress floated down from it.

(End of this chapter)