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

Chapter 171 Three Encounters with the Dao Fruit! New Divine Power (6K chapters, including a bonus chapter for 200 monthly votes)
"enough!"

Swish!
Lin Changheng's eyes lit up with excitement. He gathered them together, reached in, and directly seized the spirit.

The yellowish-brown, fishy-smelling monster blood essence was directly drained of its essence, causing the color to fade and the fishy smell to dissipate.

At the same time, the Yuan Ding in Lin Changheng's sea of ​​consciousness trembled slightly, and the rosy light spread out. Among the four treasure seeds of different colors, one red, one blue, one yellow, and one cyan, the earth-yellow one became dazzling and extremely eye-catching!
Moreover, under Lin Changheng's "watchful gaze," it continued to solidify and take shape!

[Spirit Stealing: 100/100]

【Mountain-Moving Ape Treasure Seed - Fourth Level】

……

[Spirit Stealing: 100/100]

【Mountain-Moving Ape Treasure Seed - Fifth Level】

……

The yellow light within the Yuan Ding was extremely dense, and finally it slowly dissipated.

[Can continue refining the demon race's innate talent: immense strength]

Without saying a word, Lin Changheng plucked the two perfect seeds, which immediately entered his soul and then his body.

At the same time, Lin Changheng had already gotten into position, his whole body tense, waiting expectantly for the results to come.

In an instant, Lin Changheng's blood and qi surged, his bones and muscles cracked, and an unprecedentedly powerful force exploded from within him, sweeping through his limbs and bones like a raging dragon.

His eyes suddenly gleamed, and the ground beneath his feet cracked silently, with spiderweb-like fissures spreading for several feet.

"This is... [Giant Strength Technique: Ascension]?"

He flashed into the courtyard, let out a low shout, and suddenly raised his hand. His five fingers were like hooks, and he lifted a rockery weighing several thousand pounds out of thin air, holding it in his palm as if it were nothing.

Before he could even gasp in surprise, his internal power surged once more, his muscles bulged like iron, his veins sprang out like a dragon, and the air around him was slightly distorted by this brute force.

"【Great Strength Technique - Transcendental】!"

This time, there was nothing left to test on.

Looking around, Lin Changheng couldn't help but shake his head.

This is Xu family territory. Although it is protected by a second-tier grand formation, it is not the same as their home, so it is best not to make too much noise.

[Effect: Greatly enhances power by 120%, granting mastery of the art of wielding power.]

[Effect: Enhances power by 150%, grants extreme mastery of power manipulation techniques]

Lin Changheng immediately understood:

"Now it's confirmed that the [Great Strength Technique] indeed boosts my physical strength proportionally!"

"If the blessing were any stronger, I'm afraid my early-stage second-tier body wouldn't be able to withstand it. If I forcefully exert the power, it might collapse and shatter! I still need to continue to hone and strengthen my body."

"No wonder I saw the word 'extreme' twice again in the effects of [Great Strength Technique - Transcendence]..."

The next moment, Lin Changheng was stunned.

"A description using the two 'extreme' characters?"

The last time I saw something like this was...

The time of [Fire Crow Treasure Seed - Fifth Level]!
And at that time, the next stage of transformation would be... supernatural powers?!

[Fire Control Magical Power] True meaning!
"hiss……"

The thought surged into Lin Changheng's mind and he could no longer control it!
His heart pounded wildly in his chest. Could it be... that this time, he would encounter his third supernatural power?
At the same time, Lin Changheng’s [Original Treasure Seed - Ninefold] took effect. The fourth level of [Heavenly Gift of Purity - Calming Desire] instantly switched over, and Lin Changheng’s mind became clear and undisturbed. His heartbeat also immediately calmed down.

Concentrate and calm your mind!

He quickly returned to the house and looked at the remaining [Mountain Moving Ape Essence Blood].

He reached out and passed by.

Swish!
At the same time, its "gaze" was fixed on the Yuan Ding. The mouth of the cauldron was quite different. The original location of the earthy yellow treasure seed was now occupied by an illusory Dao fruit, which floated up and down.

【Mountain-Moving Ape Treasure Seed - Fifth Level】

[Spirit Stealing: 1/100]

……

At this moment, Lin Changheng's hand, which was reaching for the blood essence nearby, suddenly froze!
It froze in mid-air, its pupils shrinking sharply and ceasing to move!

However, despite his seemingly rigid and calm demeanor, a monstrous storm was brewing within Lin Changheng's mind.

"Buzz~"

Another anomaly!

appearing again.

The [Yuan Ding], which continuously releases ancient and profound energy and carries the aura of all living beings, has its legs, like dragon claws, firmly rooted in the center of the sea of ​​consciousness.

The rosy light flashed wildly, the Daoist rhyme flowed, and the sounds of bells and cauldrons seemed to resonate in Lin Changheng's mind and heart.

A yellowish-brown light burst forth from the mouth of the cauldron, and the various strange and ancient animal patterns engraved on the cauldron began to writhe, as if they had come to life.

"Roar--!"

A thousand eyes that captivate the soul, a beast's roar that shakes the heavens.

"Here we go again! Truly amazing!"

This sight surprised Lin Changheng more than pleased him; everything he saw suddenly changed—

Everything collapsed, and the earth caved in.

Looking around, all one could see was a vast, cracked, and broken land, as if the whole world had been crushed by an invisible giant hand, turning into a chaotic and desolate realm.

Countless stones and earth floated up above it, slowly swirling in the void, as if they were controlled by some invisible force.

Lin Changheng encountered this scene three times, but he remained calm and instead looked intently into the distance—

Amidst the endless yellow sand and boulders, a towering golden ape stood majestically in the center of this land of boundless earth and stone.

Its body is as majestic as a mountain, every hair seems to be cast from gold and stone, exuding a profound and ancient aura. When its arms are outstretched, they are like giant pillars supporting the sky, suppressing the eight directions.

As if sensing the gaze, the giant ape suddenly opened its tightly closed eyes, revealing two beams of golden light that pierced through the Dou Mansion!

He immediately lowered his head, his face as fierce as thunder, his eyes like two great, dark suns, reflecting Lin Changheng's figure as small as a mustard seed, as if he could be crushed by that gaze at any moment.

Before anyone could react, the giant ape suddenly raised its head and roared angrily to the sky—

"boom--!"

The entire world of earth and stone collapsed in response. With a wave of his arms, it was as if a primordial chaos had overturned, crushing everything in its path! Each fragment was as heavy as a thousand pounds, larger than a mountain. The air was compressed and made to explode with unbearable force, yet he easily controlled and threw it from a distance!
Even though Lin Changheng was prepared, he was still stiff all over, and even his breathing was frozen by this terrifying power.

Unable to resist the urge to back away, he found that his feet were already deeply embedded in the ground, unable to move.

"So strong!"

"What kind of true spirit is this?!"

Inside the small courtyard house, Lin Changheng suddenly opened his eyes, staggered back several steps, and slammed his back heavily against the wall.

He was breathing heavily, his clothes were already soaked with cold sweat, and the sound of his heart pounding could be clearly heard in his ears.

Such terrifying power cannot be avoided even by those who have prior knowledge and possess triple [Heavenly Blessing of the Pure Heart].

"Golden Giant Ape!"

Lin Changheng, who has been obsessed with monkeys since his past life and has only ever looked at monkeys and never fairies, is now obsessed with the image of this giant ape, which makes him yearn for it.

I'll definitely try to learn how to use it sometime in the future!

……

Looking again at the Yuan Ding, the Dao Fruit rises and falls.

【Mountain-Moving Ape Treasure Seed - Fifth Level】

[Spirit Stealing: 12/100]

[Biochemical Life: 0/10]

[Effect: Possessing a turbid and evil bloodline, naturally endowed with earth element, able to fully seize spiritual energy and transform into the Dao, and can refine the true meaning of the bloodline's ancestral divine power "Carrying Mountains"]

……

"The true meaning of [Danshan Divine Power]!"

This is the third supernatural power and true meaning that Lin Changheng has encountered, and also the third Dao Fruit!
An old saying goes: "Carrying mountains to catch the sun!"
As the name suggests, it possesses immense strength, capable of carrying, moving, and even throwing mountains with its own body—a truly remarkable supernatural power!
"We must complete the transformation as soon as possible! We need ten points of progress from the Earth-type [Mysterious Spirit Bloodline] essence blood. Twenty portions of this essence blood are needed for Tier 1, and ten portions are sufficient for Tier 2!"

"Mastering the true meaning of this [Mountain-Carrying Divine Power] will limit me, though it will be constrained by my physical body. However, it is limitless in itself and can continuously increase and unleash its power as my cultivation level rises!"

"At that time, I will have another great reliance!"

At the same time, Lin Changheng's earth spirit root also increased by two more strands, bringing his total to fifteen strands of spiritual energy!
……

Then Lin Changheng took out another type of essence blood.

It was a kind of essence blood never seen before, glowing with a green light, and it was also [Turbid Evil Essence Blood]!
Currently, Lin Changheng's ten [Turbid Fiend] seed positions have only transformed into four types: [Lantern Grass Spirit], [Crimson Crane], [Flame-Tailed Spirit Fox Treasure Seed], and [Fire-Tailed Golden Rat], as well as the [Mountain Moving Ape] which is waiting to be transformed!
Therefore, there are still five seed positions available for spirit acquisition.

According to Xu Xujun, this creature is called the Jade Horned Serpent. It is good at hiding, extremely timid, and not very strong.

However, snakeskin is used to make talisman paper, snake blood is mixed to make talisman ink, and snake horns can be used to make inkstones. These methods are particularly effective in drawing talismans such as the Concealment Talisman, the Breath-Gathering Talisman, and the Hidden Body Talisman.

Therefore, there are demon hunters who specialize in hunting this snake to sell as demon beast materials. Although the success rate is not very high and it is common to return empty-handed, it is safe and the price is quite high.

The box also contained more than 220 portions of the beast's essence blood.

The grand scene Lin Changheng had just witnessed raised his threshold, and he was no longer as excited as before about the blood's soul-stealing.

call out!
[Jade Horned Serpent Treasure Seed - Spirit-Seizing and Rebirth in Progress]

[Spirit Stealing: 100/100]

[Effects: Possesses turbid and evil bloodline, naturally endowed with wood element, and possesses innate talents: essence gathering, breath concealment, rebirth, and spirit seizing. Upon successful completion of the spirit seizure, one can choose to refine one of these skills.]

Then, under Lin Changheng's gaze, a blue glow flickered at the mouth of the cauldron, and a solid, emerald-green treasure seed, with a long snake with jade horns wrapped around it, instantly split into three phantom treasure seeds.

[Jade Horned Serpent Treasure Seed - First Level]

[You can choose one to cultivate into your demon race's innate talent: Essence Gathering, Breath Concealment, or Rebirth]

Having successfully seized the spirit, Lin Changheng did not make a hasty choice. Instead, he took out the "Study of Savage Monsters and Spirit Beasts" that he had obtained from the Liu family and began to examine it.

He wasn't entirely clear about his two talents: [Essence Collection] and [Rebirth].

He also vaguely remembered that he seemed to have glanced at it when he was looking up information earlier.

It was quickly confirmed that his memory was accurate.

Such monsters were indeed recorded in the records.

In other words, the records of monsters and spirit beasts in this region are quite comprehensive.

It's just not very applicable in the Floating Immortal City area.

……

Lin Changheng immediately understood after a quick glance.

Although the talent of "semen collection" was not mentioned above, it was mentioned briefly.

This snake often appears in the open mountains at the time of dawn and dusk, when the sun is just rising, raising its single horn and facing east.

It appears to be absorbing the essence of heaven and earth during the transition from night to day, and the rising purple energy, to cultivate itself.

This was also the main time for cultivators to capture and kill the snake.

Therefore, it is speculated that the "essence gathering" technique likely involves using the jade horn on the forehead to absorb the essence of the sun and moon, which is then transformed into cultivation.

But Lin Changheng doesn't have such a role...

“It’s a pity.”

He didn't dare to gamble recklessly.

【Concealing Breath】 goes without saying; it is the core ability to hide its form and help the snake save its life. 【Shedding Life】 is recorded in "A Study of Savage Monsters and Spirit Beasts" as meaning that when the snake encounters a fatal attack, it can instantly shed its skin and transform into a wooden puppet to take its place, while its true body disappears into the grass and trees.

After careful consideration, Lin Changheng quickly made a decision.

[Conceal your breath!]
Unfortunately, his perfect-level "Qi Concealment Technique" was not enough.

Additional information is needed.

The thought directly activated the precious seed representing "Concealing Breath," and the mysterious energy and Daoist essence emerged directly from the two abandoned elements and entered it.

Pick it directly.

[Already mastered: Breath Concealment Technique - Insightful Path]

In an instant, an extremely subtle change flowed through his body.

Lin Changheng felt his aura suddenly collapse, his magical power fluctuations subsided like the receding tide, and even his breathing seemed to have reached some kind of secret harmony with the environment.

He looked down at his palm—the skin texture was still clear, and the gushing blood inside conformed to a certain pattern, yet it inexplicably gave people the illusion that it "did not exist."

It was as if he were just an insignificant breeze in the mountains, or a wild grass growing unnoticed in a crack in the rocks.

"This is... the [Concealing Breath Technique]?"

It is far superior to his previous "Qi Concealing Technique" and its effects are incomparable.

Because he can not only suppress the fluctuations of magical power and hide his cultivation level, but also conceal his aura and act as if no one is around.

"Wonderful!"

Lin Changheng had initially thought that choosing an auxiliary method might be a loss, but what he had gained now made him exclaim that it was well worth the price.

He used this strange technique to escape from the courtyard, and no one noticed him at all.

Before long, they arrived at a green mountain.

As he strolled through the woods, the little sparrows on the treetops continued to preen their feathers, showing no reaction to his figure so close at hand.

Even the tigers and leopards in the mountains seemed not to notice Lin Changheng gently stroking their heads.

It should be noted that although these wild beasts have not transformed into demonic beasts, their five senses are still sensitive, and they are keenly aware of danger, yet they remain unaware of it.

This indicates that they were unaware of either magical energy or human presence.

"Excellent! As expected of the Jade Horned Serpent clan's life-saving reliance!"

Don't compare your hobbies to other people's livelihoods—no, their meals and their struggles to survive.

This statement is also very reasonable in this context.

His wood spirit root had now reached twenty strands of spiritual essence!
……

The next day, the sun rose high in the sky.

A member of the Xu family cautiously knocked on the door.

Lin Changheng had already sensed it with his divine sense and stopped cultivating a step ahead of time.

Open the door and go out.

"Let's go."

"Yes."

Soon the two arrived at the familiar area of ​​the main halls once again.

Along the way, many people bowed respectfully and stopped to make way for them, their eyes filled with envy, awe, and admiration.

Everyone in the Xu family knows that Master Lin Dan, who left the Xu family in search of a Foundation Establishment opportunity, has returned once again.

Not only did he successfully establish his foundation, but he also leaped to become a second-tier alchemist, his status, position, and strength were no longer what they used to be.

The enthusiasm was so overwhelming that even Lin Changheng felt a sense of returning home in glory.

……

In the open space next to the [Hundred Refinement Hall], a new hall has been built, with the words [Spirit Talisman Hall] written on it.

The talisman-making area was specially separated from the Hundred Refinements Hall and built as a separate hall, dedicated to the purpose of talisman making.

The reason is simple: the talisman-making path led by Tantai Feiyue is now thriving, and its status in the Xu family has been greatly elevated.

Soon, Lin Changheng stepped into the Hundred Refinement Hall where he had spent nearly twenty years. Xu Qianyan was already waiting in the hall. As soon as he saw Lin Changheng, he immediately stepped forward and said, "Master Lin, I am ready."

"please."

Lin Changheng was unable to get him to change his mind, but he still politely invited him.

Soon, Xu Qianyan lit a fire and started refining pills in the alchemy room. The pill he was refining was called the [Blood Ginseng Profound Origin Pill].

This is also the type of second-tier pill that Xu Qianyan practices with most often.

After taking it, it can quickly restore the body's magical power, stop bleeding and heal wounds, and has a wide range of uses.

Lin Changheng remained silent, standing quietly to the side, his divine sense probing into the space.

Refining this kind of elixir takes seven days, which is a long process. However, once you are skilled and have a good grasp of the situation in the furnace, the alchemist can leave halfway through and leave the furnace to an assistant.

As long as you come at the fixed time, you can apply the incantation.

However, Xu Qianyan will certainly not leave this time and will continue to guard the furnace.

"Whoo~"

After the furnace was heated, Xu Qianyan adjusted his state and began refining pills, throwing a portion of medicinal herbs directly into the furnace.

As the saying goes, one should learn by analogy. The number of pills that can be refined in the alchemy furnace at the same time also gradually increases with the alchemist's skill and control: one, three, five, seven, and ten pills.

We won't refine ten right away; there's a proper way to use the furnace!

……

"good."

Lin Changheng had already reviewed the prescription and had a clear understanding of its contents.

His divine sense remained constant, monitoring the situation inside the furnace, and he provided his assessment.

It can be seen that Xu Qianyan was very skilled in the initial process.

Time passes slowly.

Two days have passed.

Just as they were preparing the medicine, the flames in the furnace suddenly went erratic, the medicinal properties of the liquid changed drastically, and the furnace was about to explode.

Sweat beaded on Xu Qianyan's wrinkled forehead, and the alchemical incantations in his hands began to accelerate and become slightly chaotic as he attempted to remedy the situation.

"Do not……"

Before he could utter a single lament, seven or eight incantations, each accompanied by magical power, suddenly entered from outside the furnace. Instantly, the conflicting medicinal properties within the furnace ceased, gradually calming down.

The oven managed to stay in place and didn't explode!
Xu Qianyan's tense expression and body relaxed instantly, and he looked at Lin Changheng with a mixture of surprise and joy.

"Focus, keep going!"

At the same time, a faint voice transmission entered his ear, and Xu Qianyan immediately nodded, perked up again, and took over the furnace.

At the same time, a continuous whispered message appeared in his ear, quickly pointing out the problems that occurred during the refining process.

It was a minor problem, extremely difficult to detect, but it had far-reaching consequences, leading to an imbalance in the drug's effects and ultimately causing failure.

"I see."

Xu Qianyan's tension subsided, realizing that Lin Changheng's alchemy skills were beyond his comprehension. With renewed confidence, he immediately focused his mind and concentrated on refining the elixir.

Time continues to pass.

Five or six more similar problems occurred during that time, but Lin Changheng managed to turn the tide and save the day each time.

Overall, however, Xu Qianyan's understanding of the formulas and mastery of the techniques were quite good.

If he had received guidance earlier, with his talent, hard work, and pure heart for alchemy, his alchemy skills would not have stagnated for so long.

This is also the difficulty for alchemists without any background!

……

Seven days later.

A strong fragrance of pills emanated from the furnace. Xu Qianyan remained calm throughout. With the final incantation, a high-quality pill flew out of the furnace and landed in his hand with a "hum".

At this moment, Xu Qianyan felt a slight tingling in his nose and a warm glow in his eyes. He gazed at the lustrous pill in his palm, and his decades-long obsession was finally resolved.

"A genuine second-tier pill..." His voice trembled slightly, and his fingers unconsciously curled and then relaxed beneath his wide sleeves. "I have studied this pill for thirty-seven years, and failed one hundred and twenty-four times..."

"It finally happened..."

Amidst the smoke and fire filling the alchemy room, one could vaguely see the usually dignified elder of the Xu family, a hint of tears welling up in his eyes, which he quickly suppressed. However, his slightly trembling beard betrayed his inner excitement.

Then he turned solemnly and bowed ninety degrees to Lin Changheng:
"Thank you, Master Lin!"

"If it weren't for Master Lin's guidance, I probably would never have had the chance to glimpse the path of the second tier in my life... I have no regrets in this life."

Lin Changheng turned away to avoid it, saying, "This is also because Chief Xu has accumulated a lot of experience; all he lacked was a little opportunity."

"Now that we know the problem and how to solve it, with more thought and practice, becoming an independent pill refiner will be just around the corner. I would also like to wish Chief Xu the best of luck in advancing to the second stage."

Lin Changheng smiled faintly.

This wasn't just polite talk; he genuinely felt that way, with at least a 70-80% chance.

But if he doesn't get promoted, it's none of his business.

There is only one chance; this is basically a rule in the cultivation world.

Just like before, if he had joined the Xu family for twelve years and had not entered the Dao of Alchemy, he would have been sent to the battlefield like those other promising young immortals, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that he would die without a burial place.

The mounds of graves on the green hills can bear witness to this.

……

The two walked out chatting and laughing. The head of the Xu family was waiting outside the door. Seeing their demeanor, he knew that things were going well!
As expected, Xu Qianyan nodded slightly, "Thanks to Master Lin's help and guidance, otherwise I would never have been able to find the way."

"Thank you, Fellow Daoist Lin!"

The head of the Xu family immediately offered to host another banquet, but Lin Changheng refused.

"Indeed, Fellow Daoist Lin must be tired too. Get some rest. The matter of the demon beast's essence blood has been listed as an important matter by the clan, and we are stepping up our efforts to collect it."

Xu Xuheng smiled happily and said.

"Thank you for your trouble," Lin Changheng said with a smile, then added, "The essence and blood are not about rarity, but quantity; the more the better."

Sensing that the two still had something to say to each other, Lin Changheng took his leave.

During these seven days, Lin Changheng did not waste any time. When it was not a critical moment for alchemy, Lin Changheng would take a break and leave for a period of time to help Tantai Feiyue detoxify.

The progress is encouraging, and we should be able to achieve our expected goals soon.

Lin Changheng speculated that Tantai Feiyue would be able to begin foundation building in two months.

At that time, he would take her to a place called [Canri Valley], thousands of miles away, to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage.

That place belongs to a neutral force called the Tiannan Sect. It possesses a second-tier spiritual vein and rents out its premises year-round.

This sect is a sect within a sect under the rule of the [Purple Extreme Sect]. When it was first established, some people speculated when it would be wiped out by the Purple Extreme Sect.

However, it was never eradicated by the Ziji Sect, nor did it expand outwards, maintaining a certain balance, which aroused the curiosity of the cultivators.

Later, after careful deduction, some cultivators concluded that this sect was likely supported by the [Southern Palace].

Even if the Purple Extreme Sect was not happy, it dared not touch it.

Two months passed in the blink of an eye...

(End of this chapter)