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

Chapter 238 Returning to the Xu Family, Pushing for the Extermination of the Clan

The three people who flew in all traveled on beams of light.

Their identities are self-evident; they are all Foundation Establishment cultivators.

"Brother Lin!"

Two exclamations of joy suddenly rang out, and two of the three streaks of light were noticeably faster.

But soon, one of them slowed down, probably remembering something.

The first one to arrive was none other than Tantai Feiyue.

With her cloud-like hair, beautiful face, tall and slender figure, and elegant demeanor, her pretty face could express both joy and anger as she looked at Lin Changheng with delight.

"Feiyue, it's been so long..."

Lin Changheng, dressed in a green robe, stood as tall as a pine tree, his eyes clear and bright like a cold pool, and smiled warmly at the female cultivator in front of him.

From Tantai Feiyue's perspective, she found that her brother Lin's energy and spirit were incredibly robust and full, exuding a sense of composure and confidence that emanated from within.

I could occasionally sense it before, but it was mostly hidden under a cautious and steady approach, giving the impression of biding one's time.

But what she didn't know was that the Xu family, to some extent, had various entanglements, favors, emotions, and interests intertwined with Lin Changheng's...

In Lin Changheng's mind, he was already a solid and trustworthy ally, so he would show some genuine feelings and didn't need to be so tense anymore.

A balance between work and rest is the right way.

Even the strongest person needs a temporary safe haven. Of course, this only applies to low-level cultivators. Once they reach the Core Formation or Nascent Soul stage, having lived for hundreds or even thousands of years and seen everything, it's normal for their Dao heart to be as cold as iron.

"Brother Lin, what brings you to the Blackwater River?"

Tantai Feiyue stepped forward and smoothed out the wrinkles on Lin Changheng's front with her jade-like hands, asking softly.

"I went to the Jiazi Secret Realm and purchased some supplies there."

Lin Changheng did not hide anything from Tantai Feiyue.

The two exchanged pleasantries in hushed tones. A hundred feet behind them, Xu Hanji stopped and stood in mid-air, while Xu Xujun walked slowly forward and stood side by side with Xu Hanji, looking at the two in front of them.

"It seems that Master Lin's cultivation has improved again. The formidable power he exudes is truly astonishing..."

Xu Xujun spoke in a low voice, sighing.

"If even my uncle thinks so, then Brother Lin's cultivation level must be..."

"Hasn't that meant we've already entered the mid-stage?"

Xu Hanji's eyes narrowed, her red lips still parted, revealing obvious surprise.

"Most likely."

Xu Xujun said with certainty, then sighed and said in a slightly lower voice, "It's just a pity that Master Lin and Chief Tantai are in love with each other first, otherwise my Ji'er would not be inferior in terms of figure, appearance and strength."

"uncle!"

Xu Hanji's usually cold demeanor completely crumbled, a blush rising on her pretty face, and her jade-like earlobes also blushing slightly.

"Haha, alright, that's enough. It was just your uncle joking. Ji'er, you don't need to take it seriously."

Xu Xujun chuckled.

Xu Hanji wanted to argue further, but Xu Xujun quickly raised his eyes slightly, indicating that someone had arrived. Xu Hanji then stopped talking, deliberately calming herself down, dispelling her shyness, and reverting to her aloof and fairy-like demeanor.

As expected, Lin Changheng brought Tantai Feiyue closer, cupped his hands and smiled, "Greetings, Fellow Daoist Xu, Miss."

"Master Lin is too polite."

"This humble woman greets Brother Lin."

Neither of them dared to be presumptuous and immediately returned the greeting respectfully, especially Xu Xujun, who uttered some polite words.

"It's been a long time. Fellow Daoist Xu has changed quite a bit. He's not as taciturn and serious as before."

Lin Changheng sensed something and smiled.

"Hahaha, I have nothing to hide from Master Lin Dan. Although I had just entered the Foundation Establishment stage, the pressure I felt was immense. I was afraid that my family's hopes would be pinned on me and that I would ruin them. I was always cautious and apprehensive, as if walking on thin ice. This caused a subtle change in my mindset, which is why you saw me before."

"Now, with the help of Master Lin Dan and the efforts of my family members, the situation is very good. The entire family has achieved three Foundation Establishment stages. I can finally relax a lot and see through many things. My mindset has also changed positively."

Upon hearing this, Xu Xujun not only did not find the other party presumptuous, but also earnestly explained, even placing Lin Changheng's contributions before the efforts of the Xu family members.

Although Lin Changheng was pleased to hear this, since he was the one who helped him achieve the dual Foundation Establishment stage, he did not appear arrogant. He respected others as well, saying, "I only made some minor contributions and played a small role in promoting this."

Standing to the side, Tantai Feiyue and Xu Hanji exchanged a smile upon hearing the harmonious scene of the two praising and flattering each other.

The group chatted and laughed as they entered the clan's territory.

As Lin Changheng flew through the shimmering light curtain, he heard a deafening roar of cheers that came from below like rolling thunder.
"Welcome, Senior Lin!"

Below, the riverbank, the roadside, and even the rooftops were now filled with a dense, dark mass of Xu family members!
From the elderly with white hair to the young children, almost the entire clan came out!

Their faces were filled with excitement, exhilaration, and even fanaticism, their eyes burning as they followed the figures flying through the air, especially Lin Changheng, who was subtly protected in the center by the three cultivators!
The cheers rose higher and higher, filled with heartfelt gratitude and admiration.

"This is……"

Although Lin Changheng was puzzled, he had no choice but to stop his escape and bow to the many clansmen, nodding with a smile.

The scene was even bigger than the previous welcome!

A hint of pride and admiration flickered in Tantai Feiyue's cool eyes. She quietly transmitted her voice, a subtle warmth lurking within it:

"Brother Lin's deeds have spread widely in the clan, including helping me and Han Ji establish our foundations and assisting Chief Xu in breaking through to the second level of alchemy. He never hid it from the clan members... Everyone remembers your kindness."

Upon hearing this, Lin Changheng's gaze swept over the excited and sincere faces below, and as he listened to the still-unending cheers, a slight ripple stirred within him.

His arrival this time was a complete surprise; it was not a rehearsal or pre-arranged event, but rather a spontaneous act of genuine sincerity.

His initial intention in helping the Xu family was more about making deals and accumulating resources, but now that he feels this pure and fervent gratitude, he feels that the trip was worthwhile.

He turned his head slightly and said to the three of them, "It's all a mutually beneficial matter, and the Xu family has given me the reward I deserve. However, to receive such sincere treatment is a good thing."

Upon hearing this truth, all three nodded in agreement.

……

Instead of resting and reliving old memories in Tantai Feiyue's courtyard, Lin Changheng went directly to the council hall with the three of them.

Because he directly indicated that he had something important to tell him.

The Xu family's top decision-making team has now changed from the previous iron triangle of family head Xu Xuheng, Foundation Establishment cultivator Xu Xujun, and second-level alchemist Xu Qianyan, plus one more person, the newly promoted Foundation Establishment cultivator Xu Hanji, to a four-person decision-making body.

This is the highest decision-making body that determines key affairs and the development direction of the Xu family. "Master Lin, haha, long time no see."

Xu Xuheng walked over quickly, looking extremely happy, and his condition was much better than before when he was exhausted.

Although her hair was white, her face had a rosy glow, indicating she was in good condition.

It seems that Xu Hanji's breakthrough, the sharing of pressure, and Xu Qianyan's supply of pills pulled him back.

"Master, I, Lin, have come to bother you again."

Lin Changheng smiled and joked.

"Well, what do you mean? The Xu family will always be Master Lin's home. He can come and go as he pleases. There is no doubt about that."

Xu Xuheng smiled.

Lin Changheng nodded with a smile. After exchanging pleasantries, he was taken aback when Xu Xuheng spoke with a serious expression: "What?"

Xu Xuheng repeated: "Elder Mo's condition has not been good recently. He is probably nearing the end of his life. Even with elixirs to keep him going, his days are numbered..."

"If you think about it carefully, he's already over 130 years old. Although his internal injuries have mostly healed, but..."

Lin Changheng was taken aback. Master Mo was his mentor in his skills and the fundamental means by which he established himself in the cultivation world. After leaving Zichuan Market, Lin Changheng was no longer his apprentice, but he still visited him often and always treated him with the respect due to a teacher.

Moreover, with Mo Zhaoli as a connection, their relationship is naturally extremely close.

Whenever he visited the Xu family, he would always make time to pay a visit, have tea, and sit for a while.

How could I not be shocked to hear this news now?

Lin Changheng thought for a moment, then asked in succession, "Have you consulted a physician about this matter? Have you gone to the [Purple Extreme Sect] to inform Zhao Li?"

"The clan's physician has examined him, and they even asked a second-tier physician from the Immortal Clan, with whom they have a good relationship, to take a look. That's the conclusion they reached."

Xu Qianyan responded, feeling quite distressed that his old friend had acted this way.

"In addition, a letter has already been sent to the Purple Extreme Sect. The timeframe is about right, and it will be sent through the Purple Extreme Sect's special channels."

Xu Xuheng nodded, clearly having done his best.

"Well, it's late today. I'll go visit Master Mo tomorrow."

A faint sadness welled up in Lin Changheng's heart, caused by the impending death of an old friend.

Then they quickly got down to business, about the death of the Qiu family patriarch.

"what?!"

Immediately, the four senior executives present and Tantai Feiyue were all stunned.

The rosy glow on the Xu family head's face hadn't faded yet, but now it was filled with astonishment. He subconsciously leaned forward, his voice slightly trembling with urgency: "Master Lin, is this true? That damned old ghost Qiu... he's really dead?!"

Xu Xujun suddenly stood up, his face filled with disbelief and a hint of barely perceptible elation. His voice was urgent: "That fellow is already at the peak of the early Foundation Establishment stage, his skills are not weak, and he is cunning and suspicious by nature. Even if he is no match for him, he should be able to escape without any problem... This matter... This matter is absolutely true?"

Tantai Feiyue's beautiful eyes widened, and she covered her lips, her gaze towards Brother Lin filled with shock and inquiry. She knew all too well how difficult the Qiu family patriarch was to deal with; the Xu family had fought against him for many years without being able to subdue him, and now he had suddenly perished!
She was surprised, but she had no doubts about Lin Changheng and already believed him.

Xu Hanji also chose to believe, and the ease of having eliminated his enemies and avenged his wrongs was evident.

Despite the crowd's shock, Lin Changheng remained calm, as if he had merely recounted a trivial matter. He nodded slightly, his tone understated yet carrying an undeniable authority:
“It’s absolutely true. On my way back, I happened to see him fleeing after a fight, severely injured and barely alive. So I finished him off, which can be considered as eliminating a threat to the Xu family.”

He spoke of it casually, simplifying the process to "quickly ending it," without mentioning the dangers and scheming involved.

However, the words "to settle things casually" were like a thunderclap to the Xu family!
"Seriously wounded and on the verge of death"...

Hearing this description, the Xu family members, who had dealt with Lin Changheng quite a bit, believed the result, but they didn't believe the process at all.

Combined with Xu Xujun's description from outside, this provides further evidence for the speculation that Lin Changheng's cultivation has broken through to the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment.

They serve as evidence for each other, and both sides have confirmed their claims.

That makes perfect sense. If Lin Changheng hadn't broken through to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, given his cautious nature, he wouldn't have made a move. Last time, when they asked Lin Changheng to help kill the other party, he refused.

Therefore, the conclusion is clear.

First, Lin Danshi has confirmed his breakthrough to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage. Second, the old ghost of the Qiu family must have been targeted and killed by Lin Danshi, a case of the strong killing the weak.

Those who had dealt with Lin Changheng for a long time instantly pieced together the truth.

Therefore, when Lin Changheng took out the token he had seized from the Qiu family patriarch to prove his identity, no one needed to look at it any further.

Then they immediately began to plan and discuss the final clan war against the Qiu family. They wanted to exterminate the Qiu family as quickly and steadily as possible, seize all their resources, and digest them!

Lin Changheng saw excitement and exhilaration in their eyes; the long-running war between the two races was finally coming to an end.

Moreover, they had been eyeing the other party's second-tier spiritual land and dojo for far too long.

The Qiu family is like an unkillable cockroach; they can't be suppressed and destroyed.

Now the opportunity has finally arrived!

He also expressed his gratitude to Lin Changheng for his help and promised to present a generous gift once the matter was resolved.

Lin Changheng simply smiled and did not refuse.

This is what he deserves.

……

After that, Lin Changheng did not participate excessively in the other party's clan war discussions and left directly with Tantai Feiyue.

The two returned to Tantai Feiyue's pavilion, where the heavy wooden door slowly closed, completely shutting out the noise and disturbances of the outside world.

All the thoughts that had been swirling in the council chamber vanished. Only the familiar, faint fragrance remained, along with the unspoken, quietly growing affection between them.

When they were alone together, the atmosphere instantly changed.

Tantai Feiyue, who had been aloof and self-possessed in front of others, now had a gentle ripple in her eyes as she looked at Lin Changheng, like waves gently undulating on water.

She raised her hand to pour Lin Changheng a cup of warm spiritual tea, her movements fluid and natural, yet gentler than usual.

"Brother Lin, you must be tired from this trip."

She spoke softly, her voice gentler than usual.

Lin Changheng took the teacup and looked at her profile, which was even more beautiful under the moonlight. The faint sorrow in his heart caused by Master Mo seemed to be dispelled by this tranquility and gentleness.

"It's alright." He smiled slightly, his gaze falling on her with a hint of scrutiny. "It seems your cultivation has improved again."

Tantai Feiyue nodded slightly and sat down beside him, an air of intimacy flowing between them:
"Thanks to the pills and guidance left by Brother Lin, although cultivation is difficult, it is still progressing steadily, just not as well as the progress in the Dao of Talismans."

(End of this chapter)