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

Chapter 252 Shadow Escapes Through the Sky, Blood Offering to Seize the Seed
"No, it's just an attempt to find a solution as soon as possible."

Chef Zeng didn't say much more afterward, but Lin Changheng guessed what was going on.

If this racial war continues to drag on, the damage will be too great.

It not only consumes resources and lives, but also hinders development, destabilizes public sentiment, and causes irreversible damage to the family.

The exception is when one becomes the victor and devours everything the other has.

It is obvious that the Huang family would find it difficult to do so.

Lin Changheng did not press further, but instead suddenly asked, "I wonder how Fellow Daoist Zeng, with his early Foundation Establishment cultivation, managed to escape for so long from two mid-Foundation Establishment cultivators and manage to hold out all the way to Jade Belt Lake... I am quite curious about this as well."

Chef Zeng was a very clever man.

He immediately slapped his forehead and laughed, "I had planned to give this escape technique to Brother Lin as a special way of thanking him for saving my life. It's the only thing I have that might be useful to Brother Lin. The spirit cooking technique could also be considered, but it's a legacy from my clan, and I've sworn an oath not to give it away without permission..."

"I got so engrossed in healing that I forgot for a moment."

As he spoke, he reached into his storage bag and pulled out an ancient, gray-black scroll.

The scroll was made of neither silk nor paper, and had some ancient patterns on it, giving it a sense of vicissitudes that had been passed down through the years.

Moreover, the surface has a dull gray-black color, on which are drawn extremely ancient, twisted, and unrecognizable runes and patterns with some kind of dark gold pigment. These patterns do not seem to be decorations, but rather form some kind of mysterious design, exuding a mysterious and obscure aura.

At both ends of the scroll are inlaid two small pieces of unidentified metal that have oxidized and turned black, serving as axles, adding to its antique charm.

"This scroll is called 'The Shadow Escape Technique,' and it records a high-level spell."

Chef Zeng lowered his voice, holding the scroll in both hands, with a smile and a hint of reluctance on his face. "This is something I found inside the belly of a spirit fish when I was processing it. It is not an ordinary Five Elements Escape Technique, but a rather rare secret escape technique that specializes in short-distance rapid teleportation."

"When mastered, it can be activated like a shadowy figure, allowing one to evade deadly attacks in an instant and greatly conceal the fluctuations of spellcasting, making it extremely difficult to track."

Chef Zeng paused, his tone growing increasingly bitter: "It is precisely because I possess this skill that I have been able to escape from the enemy's blockade time and again. But it is also because of this that they believe I am carrying a great treasure, and their pursuit has become increasingly urgent... This time, attracting such a powerful enemy is truly not my wish."

He presented the scroll with both hands, his posture extremely humble.

Lin Changheng pondered for a moment, then asked instead of immediately taking the scroll, "Have you ever practiced this technique?"

Chef Zeng quickly shook his head: "I have only had this technique for three years, and the threshold for mastering it seems to be quite high, requiring both spiritual sense and physical body. I have only grasped the basics and can barely perform the most basic Shadow Escape Technique, otherwise I would not be in such a sorry state."

Lin Changheng nodded slightly. If this person had mastered this escape technique, even these two mid-Foundation Establishment cultivators would likely find it difficult to do anything to him.

I will keep this scroll for now and study it.

Lin Changheng's gaze fell on the scroll. Under the guidance of his [Insight into Extraordinary Techniques], he found no special arrangements or backup plans.

Then he beckoned and sucked the scroll over.

It feels heavy in your hand and has a cool sensation.

However, instead of looking at it on the spot, he casually put it into his storage bag.

Lin Changheng handed over the refined pills, saying, "These are the pills needed by the clan. If there are no problems, please send them back as soon as possible. This has been delayed for several months, and people may be getting impatient. It's good to let them know you're safe when you get back."

"Yes! Yes! Thank you, Brother Lin." Chef Zeng carefully put away the pills.

"But I wonder if those two mid-stage enemy cultivators are still lying in wait for me on the way..."

Thinking about it inevitably makes me a little anxious.

"Don't worry."

Lin Changheng didn't say much. He opened a small opening in the array on the side and sent Chef Zeng away.

But what Chef Zeng didn't expect was that, in the future, the enormous pressure faced by the Huang family would gradually and naturally diminish.

At first, this was not noticed.

But as time went by, a year or two passed.
Even those who were slow to realize it eventually noticed.

Upon closer investigation, it was discovered that after a certain period of time, three mid-Foundation Establishment cultivators from the three opposing races had never shown their faces again!

It is suspected that it has fallen.

This relieved the entire Huang family, but at the same time, they were puzzled as to what had happened to cause this.

Or is someone secretly helping the Huang family?

After learning the news, Chef Zeng suddenly thought of someone.

This is a seemingly impossible conclusion, but it's the only plausible explanation... that exists!
That is... Master Lin, Lin Changheng!

There is motivation, time, and the capability to achieve it.

When this speculation was passed on among the five Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Huang family, everyone was shocked!
It should be noted that silently killing three mid-Foundation Establishment cultivators in succession suggests that the opponent may have quietly entered the late-Foundation Establishment stage.

After some discussion, the truth remained unclear, but a consensus was reached on two points.

Firstly, we must do our utmost to be on good terms with Master Lin, while strictly forbidding the spread of this information. This is both a form of protection and in accordance with Master Lin's aversion to trouble.

Secondly, now that the pressure from the front has been greatly reduced, we can begin to resume our pursuit of essence and blood as a gesture of goodwill towards Master Lin Dan.

The right way is to give and take.

At this moment, the other cultivators of the Huang family realized just how brilliant the move made by the deceased former Grand Elder, Huang Jiuyuan, was!

It's been decades in the making!

If it weren't for the other side's strong push against all opposition... the situation would be ten times worse now.

Of course, this is something to talk about later.

……

Come back to the present moment.

Lin Changheng had now collected the essence blood of the Deep Lake Spirit Clam and the Black Armored Earth Turtle once again.

Several years ago, they each completed another soul-stealing.

At that time, his [Deep Lake Spirit Clam Treasure Seed] had already reached the third level of spiritual cultivation and had been refined into [Spiritual Essence Technique - Clarity].

It can nurture three rare items at the same time, which are three [treasure talismans].

In addition, there are two [treasure talismans] that the [Deep Lake Spirit Clam] has been nurturing.

The only thing that has been suspended now is the [half-finished treasure talisman] that was initially obtained.

……

Meanwhile, the [Black-Armored Earth Turtle Treasure Seed] also gained another level of spiritual power.

The [Earth Control Technique] has also been elevated to the [Agile] realm.

The "earth wall" that blocked the mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator and saved Chef Zeng last time was a use of earth manipulation techniques.

Give his earth magic a boost.

After all, when it comes to defense, earth-type is the most useful and outstanding.

Lin Changheng is also waiting for the opportunity to control all five elements!

If I were to cultivate a technique that combines all five elements at that time, I would surely become even more powerful!
Because his five elements spiritual roots will gradually improve.

However, my current level is too low, and I can't find any cultivation methods that allow me to cultivate all five elements simultaneously. I still need to accumulate some experience and gradually make my own plans.

……

They entered the secluded chamber.

Extract the accumulated essence blood of the two spirit beasts.

Without saying a word, Lin Changheng directly seized the spirit with unparalleled skill.

The primordial cauldron in the sea of ​​consciousness trembled continuously.

The two precious seeds took shape one after the other.

[Spirit Stealing: 100/100] [Deep Lake Spirit Clam Treasure Seed - Fourth Level]

[Already mastered: Spiritual Essence Technique - Ascension to Immortality]

……

[Spirit Stealing: 100/100]

【Black-shelled Ground Turtle Treasure Species - Triple】

[Already mastered: Earth Control Technique - Clarity]

……

With a slight sense, the azure radiance within Lin Changheng's body became even thicker, more solid, and more dazzling.

Its size has expanded again, which means that the number of treasures that this extraordinary method can nurture has increased once more.

Moreover, its efficiency and power are also higher.

He took out the last unused, semi-finished talisman and absorbed it into his body through the radiance.

Begin to complete the previously unfinished nurturing.

It is worth mentioning that the three treasure talismans that were initially nurtured were at least twenty years old.

Lin Changheng estimated that by the time it reaches fifty years old, its power will be no less than that of an ordinary talisman.

However, with the added efficiency of the special method, the thirty years of nurturing would actually only take ten to fifteen years.

It is worth looking forward to.

……

And [Controlling the Earth with Different Methods - Enlightenment].

It has extremely high amplification value for earth-based defense, control, attack, and terrain modification.

It has the effect of "medium-amplitude earth-based technique".

Moreover, performing the skill while standing on the ground consumes less energy.

Furthermore, after Lin Changheng's verification, its enhancement of the [Earth Escape Demon Technique] was further improved.

"It can penetrate fifteen zhang underground and remain silently hidden for eighty breaths!"

"With a single movement, one can travel ten miles in one breath!"

This "ten li" is the range of divine sense of a cultivator in the early stage of Core Formation.

The improvement is undeniable.

……

At this point, Lin Changheng examined his own spiritual root once again.

Fire Spirit Root, with forty-nine strands of spiritual energy!

The wood spirit root has reached twenty-eight strands of spiritual essence.

Earth Spirit Root, Twenty Strands of Spiritual Charm.

The golden spiritual root has twelve strands of spiritual essence.

Water spirit root, consisting of fourteen strands.

Fire and wood spiritual roots still lead by a wide margin, with one about to break into the superior grade and the other on the verge of becoming a mid-grade spiritual root.

Looking at the whole picture, all five elemental spiritual roots have already left behind miscellaneous spiritual roots; the lowest grade is now low-grade.

……

Two years have passed again, slipping through our fingers.

On this day, heavy snow fell from the sky.

The surrounding mountains and islands of Jade Belt Lake are all bathed in a pristine white. The lake surface is not yet completely frozen, and the broken ice gently collidees with the waves, making a crisp sound that is particularly clear in the silence.

On the lakeside, inside a viewing pavilion, a pot of spirit wine is warming on a stone table, with crackling charcoal fire.

Lin Changheng was enjoying wine and watching the snow with his concubine. The atmosphere was warm and cozy, and the aroma of wine filled the air. Being with his beautiful concubine made for a particularly leisurely and pleasant experience.

"My lord, I wonder when this snow will stop?" Yan Mingyi asked softly, gazing at the snow-covered landscape outside the pavilion.

The spirit wine was warmed, and Lin Changheng got up, rolled up the sleeves of his fleece-lined robe, and poured wine for the two of them.

At this moment, the man and woman were both dressed in white robes lined with fleece, looking like a perfect couple amidst the snow-covered mountains and rivers. For Lin Changheng, with his physique, what did this wind and snow matter? But he couldn't resist Yan Mingyi's insistence on experiencing the feeling of an ordinary couple.

I had no choice but to comply.

Lin Changheng took a sip of the warm spiritual wine, feeling the warmth flowing into his limbs and bones, and smiled calmly: "The world turns in its own time. Auspicious snow foretells a bumper harvest, which is also a good thing for spiritual plants."

His gaze swept across the lake, watching the array's aura, which remained stable and flowing amidst the wind and snow, and a sense of peace settled in his heart.

For the past two years, he has lived a secluded life, refining elixirs, learning formations, cultivating his skills, and studying the "Shadow Escape Technique" he obtained from Chef Zeng. No more troubles from the outside world have come knocking, and his days have been fulfilling and peaceful.

It is worth mentioning that Lin Changheng found the spells he had never obtained before in the storage bags of those two mid-Foundation Establishment cultivators.

The Art of Earth Escape!
Lin Changheng quickly grasped the basics and became proficient with his quick comprehension.

Then it was compared with the [Earth Escape Demon Technique] he had mastered.

In his careful perception, the human race's "Earth Escape Technique" seemed more like an imitation after observation, a "violent" way of moving through.

One must use their own magical power as a "drill," forming hand seals and chanting incantations to forcefully create a spindle-shaped magical aura on their body. This aura will forcefully push aside the soil and gravel in front of them, like a ship cutting through waves in the water.

As they moved, the spiritual energy fluctuated violently. Although the momentum was deliberately suppressed, it was still clearly discernible like a torch in the dark under the divine sense of a master. Moreover, it consumed a lot of magical power and could not be maintained for long. It was more like a practical "travel technique" or "emergency avoidance method".

The Earth Escape Technique, on the other hand, is a seamless "fusion".

This method requires no incantations; with a mere thought, the extraordinary power naturally flows throughout the body. In an instant, his body seemed to lose its substance, no longer a being of flesh and blood, but transformed into an existence of the same nature and origin as the surrounding soil and rocks.

It's not about pushing away the soil, but about letting the soil accept you and become a part of it. With a thought, your body flows silently through the soil like water, extremely fast, producing very few magical ripples, as if you were just a shadow of the earth, completely hidden.

Lin Changheng slowly opened his eyes, a hint of understanding flashing in them.

"I see……"

He whispered to himself.

However, the manipulation of magical power in the "Earth Escape Technique" can also be learned from, which can enhance the "Earth Escape Demon Art" to a certain extent. It is a useful supplement and can unleash even more amazing speed when necessary!

They can all be used by him!
……

In addition to her cultivation, Yan Mingyi also managed her cave dwelling and spirit field in an orderly manner, which saved him a lot of trouble.

Just as the two were enjoying this rare moment of tranquility, Yan Mingyi suddenly spoke up: "Husband, the other day when you were cultivating, I saw the two island lords from next door return, looking rather disheveled. Did they suffer a considerable loss on that trip?"

After serving as a concubine for so many years, Yan Mingyi finally changed her address to Lin Changheng before the new year, calling him "husband," whereas previously she would only do so during intimate moments in her boudoir.

"Is it?"

Lin Changheng raised an eyebrow slightly.

Clearly, this trip would last for more than two years, and it certainly wouldn't go smoothly.

It sounded simple at first, but in reality, it proved to be much more complicated.

I'm so glad I didn't go, otherwise...

However, since the two returned together, and Yan Mingyi saw that there was no missing limbs or anything like that, Lin Changheng's thoughts were not allowed to wander.

But Lin Changheng wondered what their gains were.

From his perspective, he hoped the other party would gain a lot, otherwise his [Frosty Jade Crystal Scorpion] essence blood would likely be lost.

(End of this chapter)