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

Chapter 170 The Xu Family's Gift: Two Types of Blood Essence
In the pavilion.

Seeing that the two core decision-makers of the Xu family were deep in thought, Lin Changheng did not offer any further explanation. He smiled slightly and then mentioned the feeling of being spied on on the riverbank yesterday.

"Huh? What?"

Xu Xuheng's expression immediately changed.

Xu Xujun's expression also turned grim: "Fellow Daoist Lin must not have sensed wrong; that prying gaze is very likely... coming from that old bastard from the Qiu family."

"When I fought him before, I sensed a madness emanating from his very being, as if he wanted to drag me down with him. Combined with this discovery, he may not have much time left, and seems to want to attack an important figure in my clan, or even take me with him to our deaths..."

Lin Changheng naturally did not object to or refute Xu Xujun's speculation, and nodded thoughtfully.

He only provides information; he doesn't get involved in the specific judgments or decisions.

"Then we really need to be careful. We should get this information down to the higher-ups and make arrangements, but we shouldn't tell the clansmen the truth."

Xu Xuheng nodded and gave a preliminary plan, but he did not keep it from Lin Changheng.

Unexpectedly, Xu Xujun said thoughtfully, "If we can lure it out, we can eliminate it once and for all."

After speaking, he turned his gaze to Lin Changheng.

Then Xu Xuheng's expectant gaze also fell upon them.

"I don't know Fellow Daoist Lin..."

Are you trying to drag me down with you?
Lin Changheng knew perfectly well the meaning behind the two gazes, but he shook his head and interrupted Xu Xuheng: "I am not good at fighting, nor do I have any intention of getting involved in such clan disputes. Please don't mention it again."

Given his steady nature, not only would they not be allowed to bring it up, but no one else would either.

"Well...whatever."

Xu Xuheng was immediately disappointed. This was indeed a great opportunity. Two Foundation Establishment cultivators working together to kill this fiend would not only eliminate the threat of a Foundation Establishment cultivator assassinating a key figure, but the Qiu family would also be powerless to resist and would only be swallowed up by the Xu family.

Unfortunately, Lin Changheng cut him off halfway through the conversation before he could even speak or make any demands, showing that he didn't want to give him any chance at all. He didn't dare to persuade or force him for long.

Having finished speaking, Lin Changheng had no intention of staying any longer and got up to take his leave.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, please don't be in a hurry. We have prepared two gifts for you."

Xu Xujun noticed this and quickly spoke up.

Lin Changheng, however, remained unmoved and shook his head, saying, "I cannot accept a gift without merit, and I would feel ashamed to accept such an undeserved gift."

After all, there's no such thing as a free lunch, so Lin Changheng simply didn't get tempted.

"It's alright, Fellow Daoist Lin, there's no need to worry. These two gifts are to celebrate Fellow Daoist Lin's breakthrough to the second level of alchemy and his advancement to the Foundation Establishment stage. There's no other intention behind them."

Xu Xuheng then stroked his beard and explained.

"I truly have no other intentions, so please rest assured, Fellow Daoist Lin. As for whether or not to accept it, let's wait and see."

Xu Xujun also said.

Seeing the confident expressions on their faces, Lin Changheng had a sudden thought. They seemed certain that he was interested in these two gifts.

"Then let's take a look."

Lin Changheng readily agreed, after all, it wouldn't hurt to take a look, and he was also curious.

"Clap!"

Xu Xujun raised his hand and clapped his hands, the crisp sound carrying far.

Before long, Lin Changheng saw a person walking towards him from a distance along the corridor. He spread his divine sense over the person and found that he was an old man.

It was none other than Xu Qianyan.

He was also holding a rather large, square jade box in his hands.

"Senior Lin."

Xu Qianyan approached, gently put down the jade box in his hand, and then bowed and clasped his hands in a salute to Lin Changheng.

"Why must Chief Xu do this?"

Lin Changheng was surprised. He reached out and lifted the person's body in mid-air, immediately straightening the person's body.

Although Lin Changheng didn't have much contact with the chief alchemist of the Xu family, this person presided over every alchemy advancement assessment he underwent in the Xu family, and he had to respectfully bow to him and call him "Chief".

I have a good impression of him.

But who could have imagined back then that the situation would be reversed today?
"In the art of alchemy, those who have mastered it are called teachers. Now that young friend Lin's alchemy surpasses mine, I naturally have to address him as a senior."

Xu Qianyan said in a deep voice, firmly stating his thoughts, and felt no embarrassment at bowing to the younger generation.

Lin Changheng shook his head slightly and said nothing more.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, please take a look."

Xu Xujun then personally stepped forward and opened the lid of the jade box.

Lin Changheng also looked over curiously, wondering what gave them such confidence.

The next moment, he was stunned.

Inside was a container brimming with the essence and blood of demonic beasts.

The surface layer is all earthy yellow.

Lin Changheng recognized it immediately; it was the essence blood of the Mountain-Moving Ape.

Without showing any surprise, Lin Changheng quickly withdrew his gaze, tapped his fingers on the armrest of the chair, and asked calmly, "How did you know I needed this? I don't recall ever revealing this to nobles, have I?"

Seeing Lin Changheng's reaction, Xu Xujun knew that this touched upon the man's privacy and preferences, and was somewhat offensive. He was prepared for this, and chuckled, saying:

"Our clan has always maintained close ties with Fairy Mo. We had previously inquired about this matter with her, just as we had inquired about Fellow Daoist Lin's preferences. Fortunately, she informed us that Fellow Daoist Lin requires the essence blood of those with the [Turbid Fiend] bloodline or higher to refine pills, and in large quantities, the more the better."

"So the clan deliberately collected the essence blood of demonic beasts that met the requirements, especially the [Mountain Moving Ape] that Fairy Mo specifically requested, and they found quite a few..."

"I see."

Lin Changheng received an explanation and realized that what he said was true. Only Mo Zhaoli knew about his "needs," especially the [Mountain Moving Ape].

"Fellow Daoist Lin, are you satisfied?"

Xu Xuheng stroked his beard and smiled.

"Very well, then I, Lin, will accept it without hesitation."

Lin Changheng readily agreed. Since he had said so, how could he refuse the gift?

He looked up and drew the jade box of essence blood towards him. In the instant it swayed, he also noticed that the essence blood in the lower layers seemed different.

With a thought, he immediately put it into his storage bag.

"That's good."

The two members of the Xu family chuckled.

After sitting for a while, they chatted about many things, and the topic eventually turned to Xu Qianyan.

Lin Changheng then realized that Xu Qianyan's alchemy skills were still stuck at the first-grade upper level.

It's been stuck for who knows how many years.

Xu Qianyan's face clearly showed disappointment and frustration. He was already at the ninth level of Qi Refining and had long since given up on further progress, but he still had aspirations in alchemy. He wanted to reach the second level, partly to achieve self-realization and partly to contribute more to the clan.

Once they break through, the Xu family, with a second-tier alchemist in charge, will surely be able to advance even further, perhaps even several steps.

At this moment, Lin Changheng also had a vague guess in his heart as to why the two core members of the Xu family had specially arranged for Xu Qianyan to deliver the essence blood...

There's a deeper meaning behind all of this.

After pondering for a moment, Lin Changheng glanced at the three of them and suddenly smiled, saying, "What else do you three need? You may speak up. As long as it is within my power and does not violate my principles, I am not an unfeeling person who is unwilling to lend a helping hand..."

Upon hearing this, the three members of the Xu family exchanged surprised glances, then rose and bowed respectfully.
"Thank you, Fellow Daoist Lin."

"Fellow Daoist Lin is very righteous. In the future, the Xu family will do its best to collect essence blood and other necessary items for Fellow Daoist Lin to repay this kindness."

Lin Changheng waved his hand, outwardly indicating that it was too formal, but inwardly he felt very pleased. Then, he saw Xu Qianyan step forward steadily and bow deeply.
"I humbly request Master Lin's guidance on the path of the Flame Elixir!"

Lin Changheng also saw a glimmer of unwavering longing in his cloudy eyes.

"Fellow Daoist Qian Yan, there's no need for such formality. We've only exchanged a few words on the Dao of Alchemy."

"Those who are accomplished can be teachers, and those who offer guidance can also be teachers..."

What a stubborn old man...

Lin Changheng felt quite emotional.

Such a person is worthy of respect. He is single-minded in his pursuit of alchemy, spending years by the fire and furnace, and has a pure heart for alchemy. Even his body, which has stood tall for decades, can bend down because of this.

Unlike some people who, after climbing up for three days, become arrogant and think they are superior to others, looking down on everyone and refusing to bow their heads even when they know they are wrong.

“Then let’s meet tomorrow. I’ll go to the alchemy room and watch Fellow Daoist Qian Yan start his furnace, and we can exchange a few words.”

Lin Changheng smiled faintly and gave a specific timeframe.

"Thank you!"

Amidst heartfelt thanks, Lin Changheng was respectfully escorted to the gate by the three men, who then vanished into thin air.

Lin Changheng no longer resided in the "Guanxia Dojo," as the spiritual energy there was too thin and insufficient.

Even when you are away from home, you must not neglect your cultivation!
Therefore, it was specially placed on a high-grade spiritual vein node in the Guifeng Dojo, and with the help of a second-tier [Spirit Gathering Array], it was barely enough.

It's conceivable that Xu Xujun has been cultivating in this environment for more than ten years, so his progress is quite remarkable.

To put it bluntly, this is hindering the path forward!
If it were a more selfish Foundation Establishment cultivator, or one who had no affection for the clan, they wouldn't stay in the clan for long; they would have already sought out another second-tier spiritual vein to cultivate.

This is also a key reason why the Xu family wants to completely take over the Qiu family, because there is a second-tier spiritual vein there.

A family's true foundation lies beyond its people!
After Lin Changheng left, the three most core and powerful members of the Xu family held a small meeting.

A consensus was reached, and a core point was clarified.

He was going to do everything he could to be on good terms with Lin Changheng, just like he had done with his investment in Mo Zhaoli in the past, and to "do his best to maintain" his future relationship with Lin Changheng.

Fortunately, a good foundation has been laid, so all that's needed is to maintain it.

His priority is even higher than that of Mo Zhaoli, a Foundation Establishment cultivator in the sect!
This is because Xu Qianyan made a judgment:
Lin Changheng's progress in alchemy is so rapid, and his talent in alchemy is among the best of all alchemists. He may very well be able to refine the Foundation Establishment Pill in the future!
And this is the key to the Xu family's true rise in the future!
Upon hearing this, the other two men's eyes lit up, and they reached a consensus almost instantly.

And they almost never discussed one question: how did Lin Changheng establish his foundation with his mixed spiritual roots?
the reason is simple.

If it's this difficult for clan cultivators to establish their foundation, how much more difficult is it for independent cultivators?
Every single one of them has an opportunity!

It's just a matter of size.

And most of it was consumed.

Furthermore, spying on others' opportunities is a sign of relentless pursuit, so no one would be foolish enough to do it.

There is a general consensus in the cultivation world:

Most independent cultivators have built their foundations through their own efforts, and they tend to be quite fierce in combat, possessing an inherent ruthlessness.

Cultivators from sects are wealthy, possess powerful cultivation techniques, spells, and artifacts, and have a wide variety of methods that are constantly emerging.

This is the most obvious characteristic of both.

As for the family cultivators, they may lean to the left, the right, or both.

Of course, there are exceptions, such as Lin Changheng, who came from a background of independent cultivation but was relatively steady and kind to others.

……

Back at my residence, I found myself in a small, garden-style courtyard.

When Mo Zhaoli visited, he stayed here.

If Foundation Establishment cultivators from outside come to visit, they will also be accommodated here.

Tantai Feiyue was not present. Both of them were people with firm Dao hearts. Meeting and exchanging feelings were important, but they would not neglect their cultivation because of it. In particular, Tantai Feiyue was in the process of Foundation Establishment, so she naturally had to be even more diligent.

Lin Changheng quickly set up the [Flowing Clouds Obscuring the Moon Formation] with ease, composure, and skill. This was because during his two-month journey, he needed to control the magic boat, making it difficult to do other things. He spent a lot of time comprehending the [Formation Inheritance].

Now, he has achieved success and advanced to the mid-grade first rank of array formation, and can be called a [mid-grade first rank array master].

Compared to his alchemy, it is still not worth mentioning.

Lin Changheng's alchemy skills are being honed repeatedly, and his refining techniques are constantly improving, but he is still some distance away from breaking through to the second-tier mid-grade alchemy.

If we can find one or two more copies of the [Second-Order Low-Grade Alchemy Inheritance], and compare and contemplate them, and gain inspiration from other angles, our progress will be even faster!

Therefore, he still needs to attend the next large-scale auction in the Immortal City.

This concerns its core reliance!

……

Upon entering the house and closing the door, he immediately began examining the demonic beast essence blood he had just obtained.

The way the Xu family did things, as reflected in their gift of the demon beast's essence blood, had always been quite to Lin Changheng's liking.

Be reasonable, know when to advance and retreat, and uphold morality!

This is also the key reason why he is willing to associate with them and choose to help them when they are in trouble.

If it were a family from a certain storybook, someone who takes advantage of kindness and manipulates others, Lin Changheng would naturally keep his distance.

Admittedly, there are fools in this world, but most of them don't live long. If you really want to play mind games and think you're smarter than others, unless you do it flawlessly or have absolutely overwhelming strength, you'll only end up going against your goals and even suffer the consequences.

I didn't examine this jade box closely at the time, but now I realize it's of good quality and is actually a magical artifact.

A magical artifact that can lock away spirits!
It must have been specially made by someone.

His first thought was that this item was useless to him and could be returned to the Xu family for reuse, because he was confident that the Xu family would help him collect the essence blood of demonic beasts in the future.

After he finishes giving Xu Qianyan his guidance tomorrow, his standing in the hearts of the Xu family's senior members will be elevated once again, and by a significant margin!
But in reality, the three members of the Xu family had already reached a similar consensus tonight, a speed that Lin Changheng had not anticipated.

The thought was immediately dismissed. His essence blood was useful, but it couldn't be used up so quickly, could it?

To be on the safe side, it's best to keep a low profile.

"The essence and blood of the Mountain-Moving Ape..."

Lin Changheng had already counted them with his divine sense; there were more than 420 bottles!
(End of this chapter)