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

Chapter 204 The Path of Alchemy Finally Reaches its Peak, Talent is Hard to Choose (5K)

Xu Fugui is currently at the peak of the ninth level of Qi Refining, a true core member of the clan. He has a penchant for women, and his historical achievements are outstanding, with several of his descendants possessing mid-grade and high-grade spiritual roots. The Xu family has no motive to refuse him, nor can they refuse him.

He took another concubine for him.

Given Xu Fugui's current strength, status, and position, quite a few female cultivators from various families are willing to marry him.

"Alright! Brother Lin, you may use this pill as a gift when the time comes."

After thinking for a moment, Lin Changheng could only pick up his pen and write down these words.

……

The third letter came from Xu Hanji.

This is also the first time in recent years that this woman has written to Lin Changheng.

The main purpose is to share good news.

She successfully established her foundation, using one [Inferior Foundation Establishment Pill], one [Foundation Establishment Spiritual Item], and one [Pulse Protection Pill]. There were some risks along the way, but she overcame them smoothly.

Therefore, the Xu family has become a family with two Foundation Establishment cultivators.

And a foundation-building "external aid".

The development seems amazing, but without Lin Changheng's help, the situation would not have changed much; he would still be at the single Foundation Establishment stage.

Moreover, it is foreseeable that after learning of this news, the Qiu family patriarch will definitely urge him to desperately enter the secret realm for a final gamble.

Either break through to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage yourself, continue to support the family, and cultivate a second family to reach Foundation Establishment.

Either acquire resources directly to obtain foundation-building materials and directly build a second foundation.

But if they fail, the Qiu family will be destroyed.

Alternatively, one could seek refuge with a powerful Foundation Establishment clan, become a vassal, and live a life of dependence and mere survival.

In Lin Changheng's mind, there was no difference between the two outcomes.

The former leads to the extinction of their entire race, while the latter is perpetually exploited, with the path to foundation building seemingly endless.

Even if they obtain resources, they will be "reasonably" deprived of them, making it virtually impossible to establish a foundation.

Even if various coincidences occur and someone eventually achieves Foundation Establishment, they cannot defeat the powerful clans that hold the moral high ground and can protect them from the Xu family.

This is an extremely difficult predicament!

……

Continuing down the page, Xu Hanji shared some of her personal journey and emphasized her gratitude to Lin Changheng.

If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have been able to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage so single-mindedly. If there had been a flaw in my mental state during the breakthrough, the probability of failure and death would not have been low.

And he reiterated the promise made by the older generation of the Xu family leaders to do everything possible to collect what Lin Changheng needed.

Seeing this, Lin Changheng's face showed a hint of satisfaction.

In other words, barring unforeseen circumstances, the current relationship between Lin Changheng and the Xu family could continue for another hundred years.

We will continue to help him collect essence and blood to accelerate his progress.

After all, he still has three seed positions remaining at the [Turbid Fiend] level.

It urgently needs to be filled; it cannot be left vacant and wasted.

This is a consideration based on interests.

Furthermore, Lin Changheng also clearly understood some of the daughter's thoughts between the lines, and even expressed his intention to build a good relationship with Sister Feiyue.

Lin Changheng didn't know what to say about this, so he could only pretend not to know and let it be.

In his reply, he expressed his congratulations and looked forward to the continuation of his relationship with the Xu family.

……

After replying to three letters, another three months passed, and Lin Changheng had basically found the appropriate "blood donation" frequency for the [Deep Lake Spirit Clam].

This conclusion, drawn from a comparative experiment, is quite credible.

Twice a month.

One serving each time.

This is the normal blood donation frequency for this clam.

It is significantly more frequent than his own passive soul-stealing.

This is thanks to the clam's strong regenerative ability. If you like to eat clam meat, you can also take it, and it will grow back even faster.

Of course, this is just a description; Lin Changheng wouldn't be so heartless, nor would he be able to bring himself to do it.

In this situation, it's not impossible to extract three times a month, but there's a risk of damaging the source, making it a losing proposition. Lin Changheng directly ruled it out.

However, after being given a second-tier blood-replenishing pill, it becomes feasible to donate blood three times a month.

Lin Changheng could easily afford a small amount of medicine.

Therefore, this method and frequency were chosen directly.

……

Then, time slipped away quietly, like sand slipping through your fingers.

Lin Changheng reduced his outings and devoted himself to cultivation; three years passed in the blink of an eye.

Lin Changheng was seventy-eight years old that year!

He still shows no signs of aging.

At this moment, he was sitting cross-legged in his secluded meditation chamber, having fully digested the second [Dragon Blood Fruit] in total, which was also the new one he had obtained from the last auction.

The medicinal power hidden in the flesh and blood was also completely transformed.

"The effects of the [Dragon Blood Fruit] are truly remarkable, still delightful!"

In his heart, he was estimating, "If I could obtain another [Dragon Blood Fruit] and refine it, and with the daily body-refining spiritual materials used for bathing, I might be able to try to break through the sixth level of the 'Evergreen Body of Azure Wood' and reach the late stage of the second tier of body refinement."

Body tempering is not something that can be accomplished in a day. If it weren't for Lin Changheng's financial support and the body's extremely strong regenerative ability, allowing for daily training, the progress would have been at least half as slow, and could have been reduced to 20% or 30% of what it is now.

The two pieces of second-grade high-quality spirit wood called "Eastern Wheel Willow" have already been used up. Lin Changheng doesn't know if they will appear at next year's Immortal City Auction. If not, he will have to find another way.

It can significantly accelerate the body refinement process.

At the same time, he was also trying to find out if there was any news about [Eastern Willow Wood] through the second-tier mid-grade talisman master who had previously asked him to help with alchemy and had also given him a copy of "The Principles and Refining Methods of Three Types of Talisman Plates".

After all, the bark of this spirit wood is also an excellent raw material for making talismans, and he might come into contact with it.

Chu Guangsheng, a mid-grade second-tier talisman master, readily agreed to help inquire and keep an eye out, promising to inform him as soon as he had any news.

It should be noted that this person is a cultivator from a family.

He has a beloved junior who is currently in the late stage of Qi Refining, so he needs Lin Changheng's help. Therefore, Lin Changheng is not worried that the junior will not do his best.

This... is the Achilles' heel!
This is the fundamental reason why Lin Changheng did not establish a family or leave any offspring.

It means that one does not want to have any weaknesses that would hinder or impede one's path!
Even their neighbor, Lü Tong, went to great lengths to plan the Foundation Establishment Pill for his descendants.

Only the brewer next door, surnamed Yue, seemed to be all alone, without any weaknesses.

……

"Huhuhu..."

Lin Changheng and the others transformed the [Dragon Blood Fruit] into medicinal power, which was hidden in various parts of their bodies, and then began their daily cultivation.

The Jade Void Bright Scripture resonated with the mind's will, and the spiritual energy gathered by the Spirit Gathering Array, like smoke and mist, was completely absorbed into the body and refined.

One cycle after another continued uninterrupted, until finally a new liquid mana took shape and flowed into the dantian.

It was obvious that Lin Changheng was no longer holding the [crimson transparent crystal] in his hand, because it had been completely refined.

Part of it was transformed into liquid mana in the dantian, while the rest became nourishment for the evolution of the [Crimson Sky Profound Flame].

Lin Changheng's magical power has also made great progress. He has accumulated most of the magical power needed to complete the third level of Foundation Establishment. The dawn is in sight. However, without the blessing of the [Crimson Transparent Crystal], the speed will return to the original progress. He needs to accept this difference and keep a peaceful mind.

Lin Changheng did a good job in this regard.

At this moment, he appeared solemn and dignified, continuing to practice his cultivation techniques.

The level reached by the Jade Void Bright Scripture has undergone significant changes compared to before. In terms of efficiency and smoothness, it has clearly made great strides at the [Minor Success] level, and is only a step away from the [Major Success] level.

It just takes a certain opportunity to break through it!

As cultivation progressed, another wisp of crimson true essence was cultivated within his body, which he fed to the Crimson Sky Profound Flame as always, deepening its foundation.

It must be said that the transition from second-tier to third-tier flames represents a fundamental change, requiring a truly profound accumulation of experience.

……

After finishing his daily cultivation, Lin Changheng went directly to the alchemy room to refine pills.

At this point, he was already using a new second-tier mid-grade pill furnace.

【Kanli Qingyang Furnace】.

This censer is about three feet tall, with three legs and two handles. It is cast entirely from a mixture of saturated silver and refined copper. The body of the censer has a calm bluish-black color, but there are also faint reddish glints on it, as if it contains an unceasing sun.

Three ancient-style dragon heads are perched on the edge of the furnace lid. The furnace belly is rounded and decorated with the Kanli formation, which regulates the water and fire power inside the furnace, making the heat distribution extremely even and greatly improving the success rate of pill formation.

The bottom of the furnace is not sealed, but rather engraved with an intricate array of energy-gathering and fire-attracting structures.

Lin Changheng gently stroked the slightly warm furnace body, feeling the powerful yet gentle fire elemental energy contained within, and a hint of satisfaction appeared in his eyes. This alchemy furnace was far superior to the ones he had used before, in terms of materials, fire gathering, and auxiliary functions.

If there are no unexpected gains, this alchemy furnace will likely remain with him for a long time.

After all, it is quite expensive.

……

A few days later.

Facing the alchemy furnace, Lin Changheng, who was trying to divide his mind into two, immediately stopped his comprehension of the Dao and focused his attention on the furnace.

The hand seals changed, finally settling on the pill-collecting incantation, which was then placed into the furnace.

"Om~"

Instantly, the top of the furnace was lifted, and five pills came out in a row, emitting a pure medicinal fragrance, and landed on the jade plate that Lin Changheng had prepared in advance.

Looking up, five perfectly round pills, like longan fruits, came into view.

Each one was plump and full, all genuine pills. Moreover, their spiritual light was significantly stronger than that of second-grade low-level pills.

It was clearly a mid-grade second-tier pill.

It is called the "Blazing Sun Spirit Pill" and it can enhance the cultivation level of the mid-Foundation Establishment stage.

The recipe was recorded in the second-tier mid-grade alchemy inheritance in Lin Changheng's possession.

This also means that Lin Changheng has been promoted to a mid-grade second-tier alchemist!
In fact, Lin Changheng had successfully refined a mid-grade second-tier pill for the first time two years ago.

After mastering the second-tier mid-grade, Lin Changheng has, in just two years, progressed from refining one genuine product per batch to refining five genuine products simultaneously.

The progress has been remarkable.

When it becomes possible to refine ten portions of medicinal herbs in one furnace, that's when the "money printing machine" will truly begin to operate.

Because a mid-grade second-tier pill usable by a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator costs around 600 low-grade spirit stones.

After deducting 20% ​​to 40% of the fluctuating costs, the profit is quite substantial!
Moreover, with his profound understanding of alchemy and mastery of new concepts and techniques, he will be able to refine two high-quality Foundation Building Pills in a matter of time...

One furnace can directly earn 11,000 spirit stones as a start-up fee.

However, the main ingredients are scarce, which is why Lin Changheng would love to be able to refine them every day.

……

Equivalent to the vigorous advancement in alchemy, Lin Changheng never gave up on studying formations, but his approach was much more modest.

He has finally taken a solid step beyond the mid-grade first-order formation.

It can also be used to refine high-quality first-tier mid-grade array flags and array plates.

Although Lin Changheng's talent in array formations was truly terrible, this undoubtedly gave him a shot in the arm.

Without the "distraction" brought by the ten layers of [Original Treasure Seed], Lin Changheng might have really had to give up, because the gains were not proportional to the efforts, and he could not accept wasting his lifespan for nothing.

……

"Brother Lin."

Lin Changheng walked out of the alchemy room with a satisfied expression, and Yan Mingyi quickly came to greet him.

"What's the matter?"

Lin Changheng asked with a smile.

"Someone from the Immortal City has come. Please meet me tomorrow at the usual place in the lake."

Yan Mingyi knew that the messenger was sent by the core of the Immortal City, so she dared not neglect him and immediately informed Lin Changheng.

"Oh?"

Lin Changheng was also slightly surprised.

It had been more than three years since he last met Bai Zhenchuan and Elder Kong in Floating Life Lake, and they hadn't come looking for him since. Lin Changheng was quite content, because at this moment he had no desire for the Immortal City.

Of course, there is still a demand for the withered roots of the Core Formation Elixir, but thinking about it now is useless, so it's better not to think about it.

Lin Changheng generally avoids excessive internal strife.

"I see."

Lin Changheng saw that although his concubine was still in her prime and her appearance had been preserved by the [Youth-Preserving Pill], she also exuded a lot of mature woman charm, a seductive allure that came from her very bones and only bloomed for him.

It creates a striking contrast, yet also possesses a strange sense of harmony.

With nothing else to do, the two sat facing each other in the courtyard, chatting and passing the time while enjoying Yan Mingyi's homemade spirit wine and homemade candied fruit.

This woman has a truly remarkable talent for puppetry, and with her family's tradition of crafting, her grandfather laid a solid foundation for her. Now, she has made another breakthrough and is capable of crafting first-tier high-grade puppets.

This also means that this woman has become a top-grade puppeteer!

This identity alone already gives him a considerable status in the Immortal City. No one dares to look down on him, and upon meeting him, they will most likely bow and address him as "Master Yan Kui".

Lin Changheng rewarded the woman handsomely, which she accepted without hesitation.

Amidst the swirling, misty clouds, she wrapped her arms around the back of Lin Changheng's neck, murmuring clearly that she did not want to leave her brother Lin and wanted to stay by his side forever.

Lin Changheng naturally wouldn't refuse, and gave a positive response, which surprised and delighted the woman.

Fearing that his grandfather's promise would expire, and that Brother Lin would fulfill his commitment, the two would be separated...

……

The two men drank together in the courtyard.

Not far away, a tortoise and a clam, two spirit beasts, had become quite familiar with each other and were even huddled together.

They are all in the deep pool where the [Deep Lake Spirit Clam] resides.

The black-shelled tortoise swam around in the widened and deepened pool, its limbs moving extremely fast.

Lin Changheng was surprised. "Aren't you a 'ground tortoise'? How did you acquire this skill?"

Xiao Bai has a very good temper. Despite being at the early stage of the second tier, he didn't look down on or bully the [Black Armored Earth Turtle]. On the contrary, they could play together.

"Chichi!"

Suddenly, Xiaobai sprayed out a giant jet of water, lifting the Black-Armored Earth Turtle three zhang high.

Startled, Little Black squealed wildly in mid-air, its limbs and head retracting into its shell.

"Gulu gulu."

Little White had no choice but to gently put Little Black down, as he was too timid.

"Chirp..."

The black-shelled tortoise then poked its head out, as if explaining something to Xiaobai: the tortoise's retraction of its shell wasn't cowardice, it was a reaction, a normal physiological response...

Lin Changheng chuckled as he watched this scene. This clam had held back its strength. If it had really used its full power, a jet of water could have easily pierced through the turtle's hole!
After all, it is a second-tier spirit beast, and its strength should not be underestimated. Its shell also has extremely high defensive capabilities!

Their gaze then lingered on Xiao Hei's carapace for quite some time.

The degree of crystallization of its crust has already occupied most of the area.

The growth is encouraging, and the effects of long-term use of the premium [Hou Tu Si Ling Dan] are becoming apparent.

This is a sign that you are about to break through to a higher level.

Breakthrough to the second tier!

"I wonder how the recipe for the Spirit Communication Pill has been improved in the Immortal City over the past three years? Is it ready for refining?"

Lin Changheng couldn't help but think to himself.

Bai Hengwan had promised him that he could purchase one pill from the first batch of pills.

Now that the Black-Armored Earth Turtle is nearing completion and may break through at any time, it would be best to have a Spirit Communicating Pill by its side.

"I'll go ask tomorrow, but I don't know why they've summoned me?"

Lin Changheng didn't dwell on it; the answer would be revealed tomorrow.

After a while, Lin Changheng felt it was about time, so he stepped forward to help the Deep Lake Spirit Clam donate blood.

Xiao Bai remained extremely cooperative, but the clam's flesh was taut, indicating that it was quite nervous.

Instead, the black-armored ground tortoise on the side stretched out its head and looked on curiously.

"Once you break through to the second tier, you can donate blood together with Xiaobai."

Lin Changheng patted his clever head and comforted him.

"Tweet-"

Xiao Hei nodded vigorously, his eyes filled with expectation.

At this moment, the seven-inch-long [Cold Marrow Silver Needle] had been precisely inserted into Xiaobai's body. In the next instant, essence blood entered the needle. Lin Changheng was extremely skilled and had already removed the needle.

A second-tier blood-replenishing pill was then flicked into the clam meat.

After offering a few words of praise and comfort to Xiaobai, Lin Changheng turned and left. He said a word to Yan Mingyi and went straight to the secluded meditation chamber.

He waved his hand and took out bottles of blue essence blood.

All of these are from [Deep Lake Spirit Clams], and there are already a hundred portions.

It can steal souls.

Immediately, they gathered in the copper basin that had contained the essence blood of countless kinds of demonic beasts, and then reached in, connecting their consciousness with the Yuan Cauldron.

"bring it on!"

A thought came to my mind.

"Shh!"

The cauldron trembled slightly, its essence and blood being completely drawn out. Blue light gathered at the cauldron's mouth, gestating within the azure glow.

【Deep Lake Spirit Clam Treasure Seed - Taking Spiritual Transformation】

[Spirit Stealing: 100/100]

[Effects: Bloodline of a Xuanling demon beast, naturally endowed with water-related abilities, possessing innate talents: water control, water arrows, and spiritual energy cultivation. Upon successful spiritual energy acquisition, one can choose to refine one of these talents.]

……

[With essence and blood fully absorbed, the soul-seizing technique is complete!]

【Deep Lake Spirit Clam Treasure Seed - First Stage】

……

A full, round, azure gemstone emerged from the blue clouds.

At the same time, Lin Changheng sensed the following information:

[Choose one to cultivate into the demon race's innate talent: Water Control, Water Arrow, or Spirit Gathering]

Lin Changheng immediately glanced at the key points and was taken aback.

[Water Control] is clearly similar to the first Fire Crow Treasure Seed he obtained; both involve manipulation!

One is fire control, this is water control...

(End of this chapter)