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

Chapter 202 First Entry into the Immortal Lake, Amazing Skills

At the entrance of Waiho Cave.

Looking at the messenger sent by Bai Zhenchuan ahead, Lin Changheng nodded.

After retrieving the medicinal materials from the Spiritual Materials Hall last time, he began experimenting and found a usable substitute for the ancient medicine in less than seven days.

The goal was successfully achieved.

The next day, he went to the location of the previous auction to express his desire to visit Bai Zhenchuan.

As a result, the other party reported that they happened to be in seclusion.

They politely stated that they would inform Bai Zhenchuan of this matter as soon as he emerged from seclusion, and that Master Lin should simply wait in the cave.

Lin Changheng naturally had no objection, since it would save him a lot of trouble and prevent him from making several wasted trips.

As a result, half a year passed during this wait.

Looking at the polite young man in white robes in front of him, Lin Changheng thought to himself, "This Master Bai is in seclusion for a long time. Could it be that he has advanced to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage?"

Last time, this woman was only at the early stage of Foundation Establishment, but considering that she has a wind-type unique spiritual root and is at the Earth grade level, her spiritual root talent is exceptional, so it seems reasonable that she cultivates faster.

Thinking about it this way, Lin Changheng was actually a little envious.

Fortunately, I also have my own unique path to improve my spiritual root, and I may be able to reach the level of earth spiritual root in the future, or even stronger!

Although the above description is slow, it actually happens in the blink of an eye. Lin Changheng asked, "Shall we go now?"

"I'll go now."

The white-robed envoy revealed a smile that appeared genuinely sincere.

"it is good."

Lin Changheng briefly instructed Yan Mingyi, who was waiting inside the cave, before turning to the white-robed envoy and saying, "Let's go."

One of the Dharma boats was released and soared into the sky first.

With a flick of his sleeve, Lin Changheng enveloped the white-robed envoy, a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator, and lifted him up, creating a fierce gust of wind. He moved faster than the magic boat and instantly landed on the magic boat that had already ascended into the sky.

"Lin Dan... Senior Lin, please slow down..."

The white-robed envoy had lost his professional fake smile; his expression was horrified, pale and bloodless, filled with panic, and he could barely stand.

"It's easy to talk about."

Lin Changheng nodded and smiled, but in his heart he wanted to see if this person was truly calm and peaceful, or if it was just a professionally trained fake smile.

After a brief attempt, a second answer was found.

Of course, if it really is the former, then it means that the core layer of the Immortal City is somewhat terrifying. Even a random envoy has such a mindset, so Lin Changheng really should keep his distance.

Staying away from deep water is essential.

The magic boat roared through the clouds, and Lin Changheng headed towards the Immortal City Auction as usual.

At this moment, the white-robed messenger reminded him, "Senior Lin, you should head east ahead."

"Ok?"

Lin Changheng raised his eyebrows slightly and turned to look east. There was a huge lake there, dozens of miles long and wide, right behind the cave complex where he lived.

The river surges and ripples, its surface shimmering, and a mist rises, stretching to the horizon.

【Floating Life Lake】!
The most central area of ​​the Immortal City of Floating Life is also where the best spiritual veins in the city are located.

A third-grade superior spiritual vein meanders at the bottom of the lake!
It is also the location of the Daoist temple of the Immortal City Lord [Qinglan Sanren] and his disciples, as well as the Core Formation and Pseudo-Core Formation cultivators invited to reside there.

It is not open to outside cultivators; entry is prohibited without permission.

These are the ironclad rules of the Immortal City!

Lin Changheng could only fly high in the sky and observe from afar, unable to see clearly.

"Does Master Bai want to see me at the Inner Lake?"

Lin Changheng's expression changed slightly. He stopped the magic boat and asked to confirm.

The inner lake is where [Feather Immortal Island] is located, right under the noses of Core Formation cultivators.

Lin Changheng was unwilling to go, fearing that the divine sense of a Core Formation cultivator would detect something amiss, or that the cultivator might become interested in him and set their sights on him!
He was only a Foundation Establishment cultivator in the early stage, and he had only just begun to understand the abilities of Foundation Establishment cultivators. He knew absolutely nothing about the abilities of Core Formation cultivators.

The unknown brings variables, and Lin Changheng dislikes variables!
Feeling Lin Changheng's intense gaze, the white-robed envoy assumed Lin Changheng was looking forward to going in, and quickly shook his head to explain, "It's not to [Feather Immortal Island], but in the lake."

She looked as if she was afraid Lin Changheng would overthink things.

Upon hearing this, Lin Changheng's expression relaxed slightly, and he suddenly smiled warmly and said, "In the lake? Please enlighten me, Your Excellency."

As he spoke, he lightly stepped down, and the magic boat was infused with magic power, causing it to move again and fly out at normal speed.

"Of course, that's only right."

The white-robed envoy was initially intimidated by Lin Changheng's unconventional approach, which broke through his psychological defenses and made him much more obedient in his presence afterward.

Then, she began to tell her story.

Lin Changheng nodded slightly as he listened, gaining a basic understanding of the situation in the lake.

It turns out that while [Feather Immortal Island] is indeed the cultivation ground of Qinglan Sanren and his disciples, disciples are not allowed to invite outsiders to the island. Only with Qinglan Sanren's explicit order can they go to the island.

However, while Yu Xian Island was off-limits, Master Qinglan did not include Fu Sheng Lake in the ban. Instead, he specially ordered people to build a pavilion in the water near the outer edge of the lake's centerline.

It is called "Shuiyue Pavilion".

It can be used by disciples to entertain friends, have a feast, and relax.

Their destination was the "Water Moon Pavilion," where Bai Zhenchuan was already waiting for them.

Please give me directions.

Lin Changheng steered the Dharma Boat and sped away.

As he flew to the edge of the riverbank, watching the rapidly approaching array of light, the white-robed envoy calmly took out a bronze token.

Then, as if the formation had detected something, no abnormalities appeared, and Lin Changheng's magic boat passed through it without incident.

Lin Changheng scanned the array and token with his divine sense and knew that the array did not have the effect of protecting or blocking outsiders from entering; it only served as an early warning system.

The consequences are obvious: if someone trespasses, it will trigger the law enforcement team.

This bronze token, though seemingly ordinary, was actually a "formation flag" by Lin Changheng, who had a certain foundation in formation techniques. It was of the same origin as the formation and could be freely entered and exited without triggering any warnings.

As soon as you enter the high altitude above the lake, a rich spiritual energy mixed with water vapor rushes towards you.

Lin Changheng felt that it was slightly higher than the cave dwelling he lived in.

Moreover, the deeper one goes, the more concentrated the spiritual energy becomes, reaching at least the upper-grade second rank.

This is also where the "Water Moon Pavilion" is located.

Lin Changheng knew that if he went further in, the purity and concentration of spiritual energy would reach the third level.

……

This cluster of nine pavilions, built on the azure waters, features upturned eaves and is connected by covered bridges.

There was also rising and swirling mist, making it seem like a fairyland.

Guided by the white-robed messenger, Lin Changheng landed on a platform outside one of the pavilions.

"Master Lin, please come in for a chat."

As soon as he landed, a woman's voice came from inside, beckoning him to come in.

"it is good."

Lin Changheng responded and stepped inside, only to find the living room empty.

Then, soft footsteps sounded, and Lin Changheng turned his head to see a female cultivator gracefully walking down from upstairs.

She wore a flowing white silk dress, the hem reaching her shoes. The fabric was not ordinary silk, but rippled like water, as if she were wearing a miniature cloud.

Her long, black hair cascaded down her back, loosely held in place by a simple jade hairpin, with the rest falling to her waist.

This woman was exceptionally beautiful, but not in a delicate or alluring way; rather, she possessed a purity and aloofness like a snow lotus on a high mountain. Her eyes and brows were clear as an autumn pool, her face straight and upright, and her lips were a pale color, like cherry blossoms in early spring, forming a composed and confident curve.

This is a natural reaction resulting from being in a high position for a long time.

If it is not Bai Zhenchuan Bai Hengwan, then who is it?

"I, Lin, have met Master Bai."

Lin Changheng bowed respectfully.

"I hope you are well, Master Lin. I heard from my subordinates that you made a wasted trip earlier. I am truly sorry."

Bai Hengwan smiled slightly.

"Master Bai is very busy, which I understand. Even I myself sometimes go into seclusion."

Lin Changheng paid special attention to the woman's aura. Although it was somewhat concealed, her newly advanced cultivation meant she couldn't control it easily, and a trace of it would occasionally leak out, which he keenly detected. Sure enough!

This True Disciple Bai has indeed broken through to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage!
Moreover, it is rumored that this woman is not yet over forty years old. Such talent is too terrifying, isn't it?
Of course, spiritual root talent is one aspect, and having a powerful master is another. Qinglan Sanren is in the late stage of Core Formation and owns a city. He can easily send some resources to help this woman soar.

Lin Changheng had also heard that this woman was the disciple with the most outstanding spiritual root talent under Qinglan Sanren. It was thanks to this that the foundation of this immortal city was truly terrifying.

Bai Hengwan nodded slightly, not saying anything more, but instead asked, "Is it true that Master Lin's replacement of the ancient medicine formula has made some progress?"

"good."

Lin Changheng nodded, took out a jade slip from his storage bag, and with a flick of his wrist, sent it flying toward Bai Hengwan. "It's all in there."

"Excellent! I knew I had chosen the right person. Master Lin's alchemy is indeed profound and unique!"

Bai Hengwan scanned the jade slip and found that it not only clearly gave the answer, which medicinal material to use as a substitute, but also included a brief pharmacological analysis and deduction process. It was full of logic and not just random guessing or perfunctory work.

Although she was not an expert in alchemy, it did not diminish the trust she placed in the answer, and she immediately clapped her hands in praise.

"You flatter me, Master Bai. To save time, Master Bai can invite the alchemist in charge of the Immortal City to come and verify it. Any questions or doubts can be resolved at once, avoiding delays, so that I can completely hand over the mission, right?"

"Otherwise, having something on your mind will always make you feel uneasy."

Lin Changheng waved his hand, neither taking credit nor becoming arrogant because of praise. He simply smiled and suggested that it was reasonable and in line with Bai Zhenchuan's interests.

Bai Hengwan had originally intended to bring it up and finalize it, and now that Lin Changheng had spoken on her behalf, she naturally nodded in agreement: "That's exactly what I was thinking. Please have a seat for a moment, Master Lin."

He couldn't help but think more highly of Lin Changheng's work ethic.

"call out!"

Then, with a light flick of her wrist, a communication jade talisman with extremely strong spiritual light flew through the air at high speed.

It was clearly not a commonly used short-range communication jade talisman; it was far more powerful, as could be seen from its spiritual light.

"No problem, I'll just keep busy with the true teachings."

Lin Changheng sat down on a chair to the side, and immediately a maid came to serve him some spiritual tea.

"Master Lin, please try the Ling Tea, a specialty of Neihu."

Bai Hengwan raised her glass in a gesture of invitation.

"Oh? Everyone knows that the inner lake has a third-grade superior spiritual vein winding through it, making it an excellent spiritual land and a place that people yearn for. The spiritual tea produced there must also be extraordinary. I, Lin, am in for a treat this time."

Then, with great interest, I picked up the teacup and looked inside. At the same time, a pleasant fragrance with a slightly fishy smell entered my nose.

Two serrated, bluish tea leaves floated in the cup. A flash of the Spirit Observation Technique in his eyes told him that with such a high level of spiritual energy, it was at least a second-grade superior spiritual tea!
Moreover, because it grows in water, it accumulates a large amount of water elemental energy, which can nourish the body. Long-term consumption is not only beneficial to the advancement of cultivation, but may also have remarkable health benefits.

Immediately, the [Crimson Sky Profound Flame] within his dantian roared up, ready to receive the poison. Even if he encountered a second-grade high-level poison, it could burn it to ashes the moment it entered his throat.

Although the [Poison-Dissolving Demonic Technique] did not detect the presence of the toxin, and Bai Hengwan had no need to poison him, Lin Changheng still made prudent preparations before tasting it.

"Whoo~"

The moment the aquatic spiritual tea touches the mouth, a surge of intense spiritual energy arises, yet it is not violent or explosive; instead, it is extremely soothing.

“Good tea!”

Lin Changheng praised it, then curiously asked about the name of the tea.

"【Azure Waves and Floating Sprouts】".

Bai Hengwan smiled calmly, "Since Master Lin likes them, I can give some to you later after everything is over."

"Then thank you very much for your true teachings."

Lin Changheng knew that Bai Hengwan was trying to curry favor with him. After all, among the three alchemists invited by the Immortal City, his efficiency was the highest. If the accuracy was verified, although his alchemy skills were relatively lower, his future was promising, making cooperation worthwhile.

Lin Changheng believes that even if the Immortal City is a monolithic entity with brotherly affection and respect, there will still be competition for the true teachings, since resources vary and it is impossible to treat everyone equally.

Moreover, who would dare to expect Qinglan Sanren to be impartial?

In fact, one can get a glimpse of this "competition" by having each of the three true disciples find a master alchemist to modify the pill formula.

It's just that outsiders don't know it.

……

Not long after, the sound of something breaking through the air could be heard from the outside.

As the light dissipated, a dark-skinned, vigorous old man with black hair rushed in.

"Heng girl, why did you summon me here in such a hurry, saying that the replacement of the pill formula has been settled?"

The old man with black hair spoke in a loud voice with a strong Northeastern accent, clearly indicating a fiery temper.

His cultivation level was also quite high, reaching the late stage of Foundation Establishment.

At the same time, Lin Changheng also smelled the aroma of a furnace and medicinal herbs on the person, which clearly indicated that the person's identity was self-evident, and the fact that the person addressed him as "Heng girl" suggested that his status was not low.

"Master Kong, that is indeed the case. Otherwise, I would not have dared to trouble you to come all this way."

Bai Hengwan nodded, then looked at Lin Changheng, who had just stood up from his seat, and introduced him: "This is Alchemist Lin, who has successfully produced many batches of Foundation Establishment Pills, including some of the finest ones. His name is well-known throughout the Immortal City."

"Haha! I've also heard of Master Lin Dan's name. Indeed, the younger generation is surpassing the older!"

The black-haired old man's piercing eyes swept over Lin Changheng, who felt as if he had been seen through. He was startled and immediately checked the operation of the [Fivefold Concealing Breath Technique] before he breathed a sigh of relief, realizing that the old man hadn't really seen through him, but rather that his gaze was too sharp or had some kind of [Soul-Searching Technique] that had a startling effect.

Lin Changheng instantly regained his composure, which caused a strange light to flash in the eyes of the black-haired old man, who then looked at Lin Changheng with great interest.

"I have met Master Kong."

Lin Changheng greeted him with a respectful but not arrogant bow.

The black-haired old man nodded, and then Bai Hengwan handed him a jade slip. "Please take a look and verify it, Elder Kong."

"Easy to say."

The black-haired elder took the jade slip with a large hand and immediately channeled his divine sense into it to examine it.

Lin Changheng and Bai Hengwan exchanged a glance and nodded slightly before turning to the black-haired elder, awaiting his judgment.

"what……"

Suddenly, the black-haired old man exclaimed in surprise.

"what happened?"

Bai Hengwan couldn't help but ask.

"Master Lin's approach is quite ingenious."

The black-haired old man replied with a single sentence, but said nothing more, continuing to examine and ponder.

Bai Hengwan's face lit up with a hint of joy, and she couldn't help but glance at Lin Changheng.

She was very familiar with this Master Kong, knowing that he had a fiery temper and was also extremely skilled in alchemy, capable of refining high-grade second-tier pills, only one step away from becoming a third-tier alchemist.

He is usually very outspoken and speaks his mind. He doesn't give face to anyone except his master, nor does he try to hide anything from them.

Don't be too nice to people you like, and never show any kindness to those who harbor resentment!
Even those who are only at the False Core stage are no exception. Although they may not directly confront the enemy, they can easily deal with or avoid them.

But it seems that Master Kong now has a good impression of Lin Changheng; it seems that they have found their match.

Moreover, Lin Changheng's way of dealing with people is indeed comfortable, yet not greasy or slick. She is happy to offer him tea and make some investment.

Thinking this through, after half a cup of tea, the black-haired old man took down the jade slip and continued to ponder.

Seeing this, Bai Hengwan and Lin Changheng did not say anything to disturb them.

Then the other party suddenly made a move.

He reached out and took out a pill furnace, placed it in front of him, and without saying a word, took out medicine and put it into the furnace, thus beginning his practical test.

Lin Changheng remained completely calm and composed, observing with a confident smile, a demeanor that gave Bai Hengwan confidence.

……

Two quarters of an hour later.

The fire is extinguished, and the stove is put away.

Master Kong looked at Lin Changheng with obvious appreciation, then glanced at Bai Hengwan and praised, "Hengwan, after my verification, the medicine given by Master Lin is very suitable for replacing two ancient medicines. I just deduced that it would not be a big problem to put it into the whole formula. We can make slight adjustments at that time."

"If it works, that's fine. I have great confidence in Master Lin!"

Bai Hengwan smiled, pursing her lips.

"Confucius is wise! Since I, Lin, have submitted my answer, it is at least 80% certain, if not 90% certain."

Lin Changheng did not show excessive modesty or say anything like "undeserved praise," but instead revealed a hint of the arrogance of a master alchemist.

In front of alchemists, a professional group that has a strong sense of superiority, they should demonstrate their abilities to accelerate acceptance.

As expected, Elder Kong laughed loudly, causing the lake water beside him to surge violently. He smiled at Lin Changheng and said, "This is the confidence that we alchemists should have!"

(End of this chapter)