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

Chapter 234 Large-scale Acquisition, Acquiring Treasures (Seeking Further Subscriptions)
The mighty Yangtze River flows on, with green mountains on its western bank.

Many Foundation Establishment cultivators who emerged from the secret realm sat cross-legged in meditation, regulating their qi and healing their injuries.

Meanwhile, cultivators from various merchant guilds and factions who were waiting outside, just like Lin Changheng, began to become active.

They visited each of them individually to express their intention to acquire the company.

Some cultivators, having just escaped danger, were still unsettled. They either remained indifferent and did not respond, or they directly and explicitly refused, intending to "drive them away."

But there were always some calm cultivators who were moved by the fact that they had acquired items they didn't need and started chatting with them.

They either wait for a higher price or start haggling directly.

……

Under these circumstances, Lin Changheng, who took the initiative to communicate with the two Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Liu family, did not stand out.

"Which two items are you referring to?"

Lin Changheng reached out and set up a small shielding array. It wouldn't guarantee complete isolation from prying eyes or eavesdropping, but at least it would be triggered if someone was spying on him, allowing him to know immediately.

Now, Lin Changheng's mastery of array formations is not far from that of a first-tier high-grade array master.

To be precise, it's a hair's breadth apart.

Once you cross this threshold, you become a first-tier high-grade array master!

It was the "Divine Inspiration for Distraction" brought by the tenth level of the "Original Treasure Seed" that allowed his array formation skills to continue to advance slowly without the guidance of a master.

Although his talent for formations is poor, his comprehension is still working hard to drive progress. Without patience and perseverance, it would be difficult to achieve this.

But the results are also encouraging, as they have enabled him to set up a variety of commonly used simple formations.

It is very practical.

However, the subsequent transformation of the [Original Treasure Seed] has been stuck for many years, and Lin Changheng still has no clue.

Where is the key to unlocking this mystery? Only then can the [Mysterious Root] be generated!
A profound root independent of the [Treasure Seed], [True Core], and [Dao Fruit]!

……

Liu Yuhan glanced at Lin Changheng with her bright, beautiful eyes and smiled, "I never imagined that Master Lin would also have such a high level of expertise in the Dao of Combat. It's truly astonishing."

"We cultivators often use the art of formations, and we have dabbled in it to some extent, but we are not proficient in it."

Lin Changheng shook his head.

"really."

Liu Yuhan didn't delay and took out an item directly.

It was packed in a specially made wooden box with a [Spirit Sealing Talisman] affixed to it.

Lin Changheng reached out and took it, but did not open it completely. He lifted a corner and simultaneously cast his gaze and divine sense upon it.

An irregularly shaped stone, about the size of an adult's fist, with a matte black finish, was placed inside.

However, upon closer inspection, this black color is not pure; inside, there seem to be extremely fine, dust-like silver stardust distributed irregularly.

They do not emit their own light, but when illuminated, they refract faint, cold silver light, like the afterglow of distant stars.

It's as if a miniature, desolate starry sky has been sealed within the stubborn rock.

"The third-tier spirit ore is called [Void Star Stone]. It is said to be the essence that takes more than a hundred years for extraterrestrial stars to condense. It can be used to refine the embryo of a magic weapon."

"It's a rare auxiliary material recorded in the [Magic Treasure Embryo Refining Method] we obtained last time. When used with [Ferrous Iron], it can produce an even more powerful synergistic effect..."

Lin Changheng reviewed the relevant records in his mind and carefully examined the characteristics again, thus confirming the diagnosis.

At this moment, the elderly man from the Liu family, who had just reached the Foundation Establishment stage, had already swallowed the pills that Lin Changheng had just sold and began to refine them with his eyes closed to stabilize his injuries. He had clearly entrusted the matter entirely to Liu Yuhan.

The two discussed the price and eventually reached an agreement.

Although the size is limited, it is quite rare, and considering various factors, the price was set at around ten thousand.

Slightly more expensive than the Foundation Establishment Spirit Item.

Lin Changheng paid for a batch of pills that could improve one's cultivation to the mid-stage of the second tier, accounting for about 60% of the price, while the remaining 40% was paid in spirit stones.

In this way, Lin Changheng's actual costs were reduced.

The other party also obtained high-quality pills.

Both sides are satisfied, so it's a win-win situation.

……

The second item taken out was, surprisingly, the root of some kind of precious plant.

Liu Yuhan explained that they did not enter the core area of ​​the secret realm, but only explored the outer area. They happened to find a precious plant that had been picked by someone else in a secluded pool. The cut surface was still fresh and there was sap on it.

There was also residual blood of the guardian monster nearby.

The description of this root part happens to match the "Blue and White Moon Lotus" on Lin Changheng's list.

Its roots are dense and resemble celadon, with white marks on them like specks of moonlight.

They dug it up completely, even the roots.

This caution was the fundamental reason why they were able to escape the secret realm unscathed.

They simply couldn't compete with those sect cultivators. If they encountered them, not only would they fail to obtain the items, but they would also likely die.

So when they saw the cultivators from the South Pole Palace arrive, they immediately adjusted their initial plan and chose to explore the outer perimeter. However, even so, her uncle was seriously injured.

……

"Blue and white lotus root?"

Lin Changheng's eyes brightened slightly.

【Blue Lotus Moon】is the key ingredient for refining the second-tier 【Youth Preservation Pill】.

After searching high and low for so long, they finally managed to snatch food from the mouth of a green tiger cub and refine two genuine and one substandard Youth Preservation Pills.

Now that he has obtained this treasure and its roots, it means that he can use the true meaning of the [Glory Life Divine Power] to awaken its second spring and allow it to grow spiritual herbs again.

The remaining medicinal herbs are easy to find.

Refining the second batch of [Youth Preservation Pill] is not a long way off.

"In that case, once this matter is settled, I can directly take the genuine pill to test its effectiveness and see what role the Longevity-Extending Pill can play!"

Lin Changheng made up his mind.

After carefully storing the roots, Lin Changheng paid directly with spirit stones this time.

He also left Liu Yuhan the address of his cave in the Immortal City, so that she could come and find him if she needed to refine pills in the future.

In addition,

Liu Yuhan also revealed some information to him.
It was a sword-browed cultivator from the Purple Extreme Sect who seemed to have obtained a medicinal herb needed for Core Formation. She saw it from afar, and it matched the description on Lin Changheng's list.

The moment she realized it, her face changed drastically. She sensed something was wrong and immediately turned and ran. Fortunately, the other person was busy picking fruit and didn't have time to pay attention to her, otherwise she would probably be in grave danger.

A few days later, when they went to check again, they found that even the roots had been dug up, leaving nothing behind. Otherwise, they would have wanted to bring it to Lin Changheng in exchange for some resources and spirit stones.

Lin Changheng felt it was a great pity upon hearing this.

I have this information, but I don't have the opportunity to obtain it.

Even if the cultivator from the Purple Extreme Sect manages to hide the auxiliary medicine well and prevent it from being taken away by the sect, he most likely will not leave the group but will return with the sect.

Under these circumstances, Lin Changheng would not dare to make a move in front of a Core Formation cultivator.

After finishing his business, Lin Changheng immediately put away the formation and left to search for other cultivators who had emerged from the secret realm.

Lin Changheng was quite satisfied with obtaining the two items he needed from the two Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Liu family.

It was even beyond my expectations.

After all, they were simply exploring the outside, neither venturing into the core nor committing murder or looting...

You should know that you can only get rich if you have windfall gains.

The previous accusations between the cultivators of the Purple Extreme Sect and the South Palace highlighted this point, setting a precedent.

This time, Lin Changheng also carefully looked through the crowd and found no trace of any Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Huang family.

This further confirms that something must have happened to the Huang family.

Therefore, it is no longer possible to purchase items from secret realms from acquaintances.

It is worth mentioning that the Qiu family patriarch also survived, but his face was dejected, giving people a sense of decay and despair.

It seems that the goal was not achieved and nothing was gained.

……

Lin Changheng observed for a while and roughly knew which cultivators and acquisition cultivators sent by the merchant guild and forces had been in contact with and had similar intentions.

Those who are willing but have not yet achieved their goals are the key to Lin Changheng's strategy.

We should also temporarily avoid asking the cultivators that the fat cultivator we're cooperating with, to avoid repetition and improve efficiency.

The most eye-catching figure was a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator dressed as a woodcutter, surrounded by three other cultivators with acquisition intentions, who were communicating about something.

Clearly, they had received information that this person possessed something valuable.

However, Lin Changheng did not directly join this complex "battle," but instead started with something simple.

"Fellow Daoist, I, Lin, have come to bother you."

Lin Changheng first arrived at a tree under the green hills by the river and spoke gently.

"What business do you have with me, fellow Daoist?"

The pale-faced cultivator opened his eyes, glanced directly at Lin Changheng, and said coldly.

"I wonder if you have anything from the secret realm that you don't need right now? If so, I'm willing to buy it."

Lin Changheng quickly got to the point and launched a jade slip directly at him.

The pale-faced cultivator paused, then reached out and took the jade slip in his hand. After scanning it briefly, he shook his head. "Unfortunately, it doesn't contain what you need, fellow Daoist."

As he spoke, the jade slip flew back the way it came.

"Is that so?"

Lin Changheng had anticipated this, nodded, and took his leave.

The pale-faced cultivator glanced at Lin Changheng's departing figure before turning his gaze away and continuing to circulate his energy.

……

Without specific information, it was no different from blindly stumbling around. It wasn't until he asked the fifth cultivator that Lin Changheng finally received a positive response.

He was an old man in gray robes who looked like a farmer, and his cultivation level was also in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage.

Upon hearing Lin Changheng's question, he did not answer immediately. After reading the contents of the jade slip with his divine sense, he raised his head, revealing a pair of shrewd eyes, and glanced at Lin Changheng from head to toe.

The old man in gray spoke in a hoarse voice, with a hint of merchant-like caution: "I have indeed just acquired something, but the price may be..."

His words implied that he had stock, but also made it clear that he was waiting for a higher price to sell.

Lin Changheng felt reassured, having finally found a potential seller. His expression remained unchanged as he calmly said, "The price will naturally be determined based on the treasure itself. Would you mind telling me what it is? You could also give me your expected price."

"There's nothing inconvenient about it; it's just a section of the root of [Heavenly Crystal Lotus Root]."

The old man in gray chuckled, took out an object from behind his hand, held it in his palm, and gestured for Lin Changheng to examine it with his divine sense.

【Heavenly Crystal Lotus Root】is one of the three main ingredients for Foundation Establishment Pills, but it is easier to obtain than the other two, 【Seven-Star Spirit Moon Grass】 and 【Nine-Leaf Purple Ganoderma】.

It is difficult to regulate and its value is relatively low.

At this moment, Lin Changheng only had one [Nine-Leaf Purple Ganoderma] in his hand, which was growing its fourth batch.

If he can collect them all, he can open the furnace himself, refine a batch and keep it all for himself, and obtain three Foundation Establishment Pills.

At that time, whether it is selling, giving as a favor, or trading goods, good results can be achieved.

Because even Core Formation cultivators can have descendants.

This is also one of the core objectives of his trip.

……

The roots and stems of this [Heavenly Crystal Lotus Root] are like works of art sculpted from white jade, completely different from ordinary lotus roots.

Moreover, this root is different from ordinary withered roots; it still contains vitality and has the potential to be replanted and regrow.

But there is also a chance that it won't survive.

No wonder the old man in gray made such a statement; he was worried that Lin Changheng would use this as an excuse to lower the price.

"As for the price... what are your thoughts, fellow Daoist? Why don't you share them?"

Lin Changheng didn't want to beat around the bush, so he asked directly.

"Let's not beat around the bush. Acquiring this item does indeed carry risks. We can offer a discount, but not too much. I wonder if you understand what I mean?"

The old man in gray flipped his hand and put the item away, stating his bottom line directly.

"Of course, I am indeed sincere in wanting to buy it, and you should be able to feel that, fellow Daoist."

Lin Changheng nodded.

"Fellow Daoist, you are straightforward!" Upon hearing this, the gray-robed elder's guarded expression eased slightly. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "In that case, I will not beat around the bush. Although this [Heavenly Crystal Lotus Root] is not yet devoid of life, we both know how difficult it is to replant it. Its value largely depends on this slim hope."

He held up two fingers: "Two thousand low-grade spirit stones. This price already takes into account the risks involved. If you can actually grow it and we can work together to refine a Foundation Establishment Pill, its value will be more than ten times that. If it doesn't grow... alas, it's just bad luck, what do you say?"

This price is indeed not outrageous, and it can even be said to be quite fair after taking the risks into account, but it is by no means a small amount, enough to make many cultivators hesitate.

Lin Changheng did not immediately bargain. Instead, his gaze swept over the old man's hand as he put the lotus root back into his storage bag, as if recalling the details of that lotus root. After a moment, he slowly said, "Two thousand spirit stones, that's fine."

A hint of joy flashed in the old man's eyes.

But Lin Changheng continued, "However, I have one more request..."

The gray-robed elder was taken aback, then said solemnly, "Please speak, fellow Daoist." In reality, his mind was racing, weighing the pros and cons.

"Fellow Daoist was able to enter and leave the secret realm safely, so your cultivation must be quite remarkable. I wonder if you know any other information about the items in my jade slip? If you know their whereabouts, please let me know. Even if I am unlucky enough to encounter a situation where this root cannot live in the future, I will bear it myself."

Lin Changheng spoke these words with a slightly solemn expression.

The gray-robed elder chuckled and shook his head: "Fellow Daoist, you... are truly a shrewd person. So be it!"

After a moment's thought, he revealed some information he knew. Although this information was fragmented, it was quite important, greatly reducing the cost for Lin Changheng to ask questions one by one.

"Thank you for your frankness, fellow Daoist!" Lin Changheng cupped his hands in thanks, and without further hesitation, directly took out spirit stones from his storage bag and handed them over.

The old man in gray smiled even more broadly and readily handed the jade box containing the [Heavenly Crystal Lotus Root] to Lin Changheng.

The transaction was completed, and both were overjoyed, and they went their separate ways.

Based on the information he had obtained, Lin Changheng also turned his attention to the late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator who was dressed as a woodcutter and surrounded by people.

(End of this chapter)