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

Chapter 160 Rebirth, the Talent of Rebirth Through Fire

That night.

Qingyuan Xiaozhu.

Lin Changheng stood before the table, the candlelight flickering and casting its glow through the window, while the cauldron in his sea of ​​consciousness gently trembled.

【Firetail Golden Rat True Core - Supreme】

[Can be refined into a demonic technique that reverts to ancestral form by incorporating the bloodline of demonic beasts: Limb hardening]

"First, you must survive. Only by staying alive can you pursue more! And only by surviving can you reach the end!"

"Of course I'll refine it!"

Although it might seem like a deviation from proper body cultivation, Lin Changheng still welcomes it because it allows him to gain stronger life-saving abilities!

The mysterious core, the size of an adult's fist, fell into the soul and then entered the body.

This time, Lin Changheng carefully observed the entire process with his divine sense.

When it was discovered that the true core had fallen into the soul, it did indeed cause a very mysterious and almost imperceptible fluctuation.

It's spreading, it's rippled out.

Like ripples on water.

"This is……"

Then, Lin Changheng was suddenly startled, realizing he had made a discovery.

This was also the first time he had made a discovery!

He clearly sensed that this fluctuation moved with the true core, slowly sweeping and cleansing over his soul.

With Jin Rui's slight stimulation, his soul seemed to be affected in some way, very subtly, yet undeniably.

"No, it's not an influence, but more accurately, a kind of nourishment!"

Lin Changheng was surprised but then delighted. This was a positive influence that brought about positive results, and "nourishing" was a more appropriate term.

You might not feel the effects of a single instance of "nourishment," but what about the cumulative effect over a long period?

"When I was able to decipher the Mountain of God, I was able to do it so easily. At first, I thought it was because I had lived two lives and my soul had been tempered. But now it seems that the precious seeds, true cores, and Dao fruits produced by the Yuan Ding also played a hidden role in it, which I was unaware of."

The wonder of divine sense lies in this: it can explore meticulously and reveal everything.

Even the slightest fluctuation can be detected! Otherwise, Lin Changheng probably would never have been able to discover it.

……

A few breaths later, a sharp feeling of discomfort suddenly appeared!
It surges wildly within the body, its sharp edges fully revealed, wandering aimlessly.

Lin Changheng, in pain, quickly looked down inward.

But then a golden light flashed within his body, shining brightly, and the discomfort quickly disappeared.

"【Limb Hardening Demonic Technique】!"

Lin Changheng immediately took action.

"boom!"

Golden light shone again within his body, and a surge of "golden energy," similar in thickness to before but significantly improved in quality, coursed through his limbs.

[Limb Hardening Demonic Technique] Unleash it now!
The skin changed instantly, but this time it was not the dark, iron-colored color of before, but was tinged with gold, like dark gold.

The bones emitted a deep hum, as if being reshaped by metal forged through countless hammer blows. The fingernails slowly extended, transforming into sharp golden blades; with a gentle slash of the fingertips, a piercing, air-splitting sound exploded.

Lin Changheng looked at himself in the mirror, and the corner of his mouth twitched slightly.

In the bronze mirror, the handsome, ever-smiling, and warm-hearted figure was gone; only a humanoid puppet with animal-like features remained.

"clang!"

The superior flying shuttle magic weapon was infused with magic power and slashed down, sending up a series of sparks before being deflected.

Unable to break defense.

"This demonic technique alone can withstand the attack of a high-grade magic weapon."

"I just don't know if it can withstand the attack of a spiritual weapon?"

Lin Changheng wanted to conduct further testing, but it was no longer possible.

Because he only had high-grade magic weapons, not spiritual weapons!

The magical artifact corresponds to Qi cultivation, which is at the first level.

The spiritual artifact corresponds to the Foundation Establishment stage, which is the second tier.

Furthermore, it's impossible to test just how powerful the combination of the [Limb Hardening Demonic Technique] and the fourth layer of the [Evergreen Body] would be!
But this also served as a reminder to Lin Changheng.

His foundation-building or second-tier abilities are still too limited.

There are no spiritual artifacts, no second-tier spells, and the second-tier cultivation techniques also need to be replaced.

There are no problems with the follow-up to "Li Huo Zhao Ye Yin" (The Fire Illuminates the Night), and the derivation is even no worse than the original. However, it is still a first-order technique. Although it is of superior quality, it is still not a second-order technique!

Lin Changheng did not intend to forcibly deduce the subsequent second stage, as this would be no less than creating a new method, which would be time-consuming, laborious, and without any clues, rather than filling in the gaps and having a clear path to follow.

Finding a suitable cultivation method is the best solution.

After thinking about it for a moment, Lin Changheng suddenly smiled.

Since I have a long lifespan and don't want to take unnecessary risks, I can plan slowly and patiently. Why rush things?

He had previously obtained a mid-grade array technique from the Jin family of Star Eclipse Lake, but over the years he had only managed to comprehend half of it intermittently.

He can be considered an entry-level array master.

The remaining part, because I was too busy before, I plan to continue to study in depth after I have established my foundation.

Lin Changheng smiled and said, "That's the advantage of having a long lifespan... enough to keep you at ease."

……

Lin Changheng's emotions gradually calmed down. He gathered the remaining Xuanling essence blood in one place, reached in, and began to seize the spirit.

"call out!"

Instantly, the Yuan Ding rippled slightly, and the rosy light spread out. In the third ring of the Yuan Ding, a phantom red treasure seed appeared.

It then solidifies at an extremely rapid speed.

[Eclipse Crow Treasure Seed - Soul-Stealing Transformation in Progress]

[Spirit Stealing: 2/100]

[Effect: Mystic beast bloodline, naturally endowed with dual metal and fire attributes, possesses innate talents of devouring light, bathing in fire, and weeping soul; upon successful spirit-seizing, one can choose to refine into one of them]

……

[Spirit Stealing: 100/100]

【Eclipse Crow Treasure Seed - First Layer】

"what?"

Lin Changheng was stunned; he seemed to have seen something extraordinary.

Before he could think further, he saw the crimson seed that was about to solidify inside the Yuan Cauldron split into three phantom seeds.

[You can choose one to cultivate into your demon race's innate talent: Devouring Light, Rebirth in Fire, or Soul Crying]

"These three innate talents..."

Lin Changheng gasped.

Swallow the light!

Reborn from the ashes!
The soul cries out!
Just from the words themselves, one can tell that these three innate talents are quite extraordinary.

Because I don't understand it...

The other talents can be roughly guessed from the literal meaning of the words.

These are just guesses, and not accurate.

Does "[Swallowing Light]" refer to the ability to devour light rays? Or is it a variant of some kind of metal-based talent?

Is 【Fire Rebirth】the ultimate fire resistance, or is it related to rebirth through fire?
[Crying Soul], or is it a soul attack?

Lin Changheng was unsure of himself.

He then took out the book "A Study of Savage Monsters and Spirit Beasts" from the Liu family, but after flipping through it for a long time, he still found nothing.

The limitations of this classic text are still too obvious, with clear characteristics of a specific region. I need to get a new, more comprehensive one.

"In this light, the bloodline of this [Eclipse Crow], or rather, tracing its ancestors, may be quite powerful!" After all, it comes from the [Qingxia Temple], a Taoist sect that is on par with the [Ziji Sect], with a long history, so this possibility exists.

After much deliberation...

Lin Changheng chose [Rebirth from the Ashes].

Being related to fire can at least enhance his fire-type spiritual root and improve his spiritual energy.

Upon making the choice, the other two treasure seeds withered instantly, and the misty energy and Daoist rhyme were channeled into the treasure seed representing [rebirth from fire].

[Already mastered: The Path of Fire Rebirth Technique]

With a thought, Lin Changheng plucked the precious seed and sent it into his mind.

He felt a slight warmth in his soul, as if he were soaking in a hot spring.

It was a thoroughly pleasant sensation that left him somewhat intoxicated.

"Om-"

He instinctively felt that the fire elemental energy that was wandering between heaven and earth seemed to have become "closer" to him and was willing to "approach" him.

"This enhances the affinity with fire elemental power!"

Lin Changheng's eyes flickered slightly, and he seemed to understand.

This is a passive level of affinity.

Generally speaking, this affinity with spiritual energy is closely related to the quality of the fire spiritual root.

For example, a fire-type celestial spiritual root has an extreme affinity for the fire spiritual power that roams freely in the world, while an earth-type spiritual root is slightly less so.

At the same time, practicing cultivation techniques and spells can also achieve higher efficiency and unleash greater power.

However, it was useless to him who had mastered the true meaning of the [Fire Control Divine Power]. On the one hand, the true meaning of the [Fire Control Divine Power] also gave him a certain affinity with fire as an additional benefit; on the other hand, he could also directly and forcibly control it, with a more immediate effect.

"It's better than nothing, it provides some support, but it's not strong enough or direct enough."

"If that's all there is to it, then this [Fire Rebirth Technique] is rather useless."

Lin Changheng gave his evaluation.

But as he deepened his introspection, he noticed a strange, hidden change.

Then he closed his eyes and began to contemplate it carefully.

He didn't know how much time had passed when he suddenly opened his eyes, which flashed with an incredible light.

"I see, it truly is a 'rebirth from the ashes'!"

[Effect: Initially enhances fire affinity; fire embers repair minor injuries]

"This is a fire-based [self-healing]."

Lin Changheng muttered to himself.

The self-healing technique previously stolen from the wooden puppet fox was a wood-based healing ability, and the current fire rebirth has the same effect.

The paths may differ, but the destination is the same!
"That doesn't seem so bad."

Lin Changheng had been resentful for a long time about the fact that the [Self-Healing Technique] only had three levels and then stopped abruptly.

Because this method is indeed practical!

This is especially true for a steady and life-loving person like him!
But now that we've encountered this variant method again, it has fulfilled a long-held wish.

"I hope it won't just be a triplet, but can go much further."

Lin Changheng murmured.

Then, a glint flashed in his eyes, "Then let's give it a try!"

With his left arm outstretched and his gaze fixed on something, a sharp "sizzle" sounded as the skin and flesh suddenly split open, revealing a wound from which blood gushed.

This is a unique "ability" resulting from the powerful control over the skin and flesh after the second stage of body refinement.

With a thought, Lin Changheng directly used the [Fire Rebirth Technique - Peeping Path]. In an instant, a strange power spread out, drawing in the mana within his body and pulling at the free fire elemental power outside.

Then, the internal magical power and the external fire elemental power collided violently like two angry dragons!
"boom--!"

A terrifying burst of fire elemental energy landed precisely on the wound, as if the flesh and bones were about to crumble in the flames.

The sizzling sound of burning was incessant, yet in the next instant it began to recombine at a speed visible to the naked eye, as if a glimmer of life was emerging from destruction.

The whole process took less than half a breath. Once the flames subsided, a perfectly intact arm had reappeared.

But Lin Changheng was grimacing and frowning deeply.

The word "pain" is clearly visible to the naked eye.

Extremely violent, it runs counter to the comfort and gentleness of the [Self-Healing Aspect].

Lin Changheng's pervasive divine sense also told him that it was not the collision of fire elemental forces that caused this change, but rather that his physique had been altered, and that the combination of the [Eclipse Crow]'s talent had brought about this effect.

If it were someone else, it would simply be a righteous death.

……

The next day.

Lin Changheng took the two letters and went straight out to Xianyi.

They were sent to Tantai Feiyue and Xu Fugui respectively.

He only told Tantai Feiyue about his breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment stage, since she was his bedmate and he should share his joy.

However, Lin Changheng did not tell Xu Fugui, who had struggled to reach the ninth level of Qi Refining, directly, for fear of affecting his state of mind. If he were stimulated and forced to attempt Foundation Establishment, it would be quite bad.

Foundation building should only be undertaken with preparation; otherwise, an impulsive and unprepared attempt is highly likely to fail.

Meanwhile, in a letter to Tantai Feiyue, Lin Changheng included a brief outline of the Foundation Establishment guidelines.

It's not that he's hiding anything, but the complete version risks being lost along the way. Conversely, a simplified, incomplete version is more likely to be delivered.

Moreover, this was compiled separately by Lin Changheng based on his own foundation-building situation.

This will allow Fei Yue to prepare in advance.

It is worth mentioning that when Tantai Feiyue wrote her last letter, she indicated that she had broken through to the ninth level of Qi Refining.

The process was much easier than Fu Gui's.

Although she lost her primordial yin, she did not conceive, and her original essence remained full, without much damage.

The potential was not overused as a result.

There is still a certain possibility of foundation building, but the probability of obtaining a low-grade spiritual root is not high.

Moreover, she lacked the most crucial Foundation Establishment Pill. Although her talent in the Dao of Talismans was indeed astonishing, approaching the second-tier Dao of Talismans, it was ultimately not hers.

This resulted in an insufficient rate of resource accumulation to support the auction prices.

Lin Changheng wanted to help, but unfortunately he didn't have any Foundation Establishment Pills left and was powerless to do so.

……

As for why Xu Hanji's letter was missing, it's because she stated in her last letter that the Qiu family was now being suppressed by the Xu family, and the overall situation was almost settled. She believed that they could no longer waste time in the family or Qinglingfang, so she went out to look for opportunities to establish their foundation.

She may be away from the family for three to ten years, so there's no need to write to her.

Lin Changheng did a quick calculation. When he first met Xu at the Xu family, he had just returned from Zichuanfang and was exactly thirty years old, while the woman was still a young girl, about fifteen or sixteen years old.

She was about fifteen years younger than him.

If Xu Hanji hasn't reached the Foundation Establishment stage by ten years, she'll be close to the age of sixty, and she'll likely give up on returning.

However, once she obtains the Foundation Establishment Pill, given her spiritual roots and talent, the probability of her achieving Foundation Establishment is still quite high.

In the end, it all came down to chance.

Of course, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Xu family will also do everything in their power to obtain either a Foundation Establishment Pill or a Foundation Establishment Spiritual Object for her, pursuing both paths simultaneously.

……

Afterwards, Lin Changheng, with his adjusted physique and appearance, exuding the spiritual pressure of Foundation Establishment, arrived at the largest bookstore in the inner city.

His first question was: "Do you have any second-tier cultivation techniques or spells available for sale?"

The waiter, who was busy nearby, was taken aback when he heard this. He wondered who was so arrogant and felt a sense of disdain.

Upon seeing Lin Changheng for the first time, he immediately became obedient and docile.

"Senior, we certainly have second-tier cultivation techniques and spells, but the variety is limited."

He spoke with a respectful attitude and a smile on his face.

(End of this chapter)