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

Chapter 261 A New Talent, Mingyi's Foundation Establishment

In the secret room.

On the cold jade bed in front of Lin Changheng, there were countless kinds of essence blood, and the deep blue light reflected on his face, making him look profound.

After glancing at it, Lin Changheng took out two portions of essence blood and began the initial spirit-seizing process for observation.

[Cold Jade Crystal Scorpion Treasure Seed - Spirit-Seizing and Rebirth in Progress]

[Spirit Stealing: 1/100]

[Effects: Possesses the bloodline of a Xuanling demon beast, naturally endowed with the three elements of water, metal, and ice, and possesses innate talents such as extreme cold poison, Vajra scorpion tail, and water shadow stealth. Upon successful spirit-seizing, one can choose to refine one of these talents.]

Originally, I was quickly scanning towards the three talents, but I was stopped halfway and directly attracted by the "water, metal, and ice" elements.

This was the first time Lin Changheng had encountered the special attribute of "ice".

I've encountered monster blood with dual attributes before, but no third attribute has appeared.

Could it be... water and gold, mixed and mutated, to create "ice"?
This speculation is based on the fact that, under special circumstances, an "ice-attribute" spiritual root can be formed by the combination of water and metal spiritual roots.

Without dwelling on it too much, Lin Changheng continued to look at the [Extreme Cold Poisonous Fiend] talent.

It's not simply freezing.

Based on the information provided by Cheng Suling, Lin Changheng realized that the essence of this "extreme cold" was both a manifestation of control and an extreme low temperature that was aggressive and deprived people of vitality.

The "Poisonous Fiend" originates from the turbid energy and killing instinct accumulated in the bloodline of this demonic scorpion, and is a deadly poison that taints the flesh and corrodes magical power.

The combined effect is far more complex than simply one plus one equals two.

In his meticulous deductions, if this talent is successfully refined, one can unleash an invisible and intangible extremely cold poisonous aura from one's fingertips or magical artifact with a mere thought when facing an enemy.

This energy may not be as fast as a flying sword, but it is unpredictable and difficult to defend against. Once hit, it causes damage from all directions.

It can instantly freeze one's blood and spiritual energy, making the opponent's movements stiff and sluggish, as if they were stuck in a quagmire. This is the initial manifestation of "extreme cold".

Meanwhile, the poisonous aura takes the opportunity to infiltrate, like a maggot clinging to a bone, frantically eroding the opponent's meridians and dantian magic power, causing their magic power to circulate sluggishly and their body to be poisoned. This is the insidious nature of the "poisonous aura".

According to Cheng Suling's summary, the Cold Jade Crystal Scorpion's talent is extremely difficult to deal with. Back then, it not only slowed down the progress of the three Foundation Establishment cultivators, but also caused them a lot of suffering!
This talent is a viable alternative!
……

He immediately looked at the [Diamond Scorpion Tail].

This talent can be said to be an innate physiological characteristic of the [Frosty Jade Crystal Scorpion].

Unlike the insidious and domineering nature of the [Extreme Cold Poisonous Fiend], the [Diamond Scorpion Tail] brought Cheng Suling and the others a different experience during their breakout—pure and extreme destructive power!
This talent is not a complex application of energy, but rather a high degree of compression and condensation of the metal-type evil energy, ice-type chill, and physical strength of the [Frosty Jade Crystal Scorpion] onto a single point at the tip of the scorpion's tail.

With a flick of its long tail, it is invincible; speed is the only thing that cannot be broken.

Driven by his mind, the scorpion's tail strikes were almost like a phantom; wherever his will led, the attack arrived! That speed surpassed that of ordinary flying sword wielders, more like a leaping, disengaging strike!

What's even more terrifying is its accompanying "breaking through the barrier" characteristic. Although it relies on brute force to break through, it also comes with a "penetrating" attribute.

It seems that most energy shields and physical defenses in the world have natural "gaps" in front of it, and the attack of the Vajra Scorpion Tail can accurately find and tear these gaps, reaching straight to the core!

The first-tier [Frosty Jade Crystal Scorpion] was too weak due to the large difference in level, and even with its special properties, it could not break through the defenses of Cheng Suling and the others. However, the second-tier scorpion was a completely different story.

They even suffered considerable losses because of this.

The third fellow traveler, surnamed Luo, was unable to defend himself properly and his magical shield was breached, with a scorpion tail piercing through one of his arms.

Fortunately, the last arm was saved; otherwise, the loss of limbs would have certainly hampered his journey.

Unfortunately, Lin Changheng lacked this advantage, otherwise he would have been an excellent choice.

However, he also keenly perceived the "flaw" of this talent—its extreme condensation also meant a limited range. It was more suitable for point-to-point kills than for clearing large areas.

Moreover, it requires building up strength and cannot be released or launched at any time.

……

The final talent: [Water Shadow Stealth].

The words "shadow" and "dive" directly reveal that this talent is related to invisibility, concealment, and underwater escape techniques.

Like the [Extreme Cold Poison], it is a hybrid of various techniques.

Lin Changheng speculated that it was based on his affinity for and simulation of the spiritual power of "water".

With the slightest thought, the body's aura begins to assimilate with the ubiquitous moisture in the environment, making it difficult to distinguish quickly.

The body shape will also naturally distort and refract under the combined effect of light and water vapor, achieving a preliminary visual concealment.

What's even more ingenious is that even one's own body temperature, magical energy fluctuations, and even faint signs of life can be perfectly enveloped, concealed, and diluted by the water vapor, making it difficult for divine sense to detect.

"The highest good is like water, which benefits all things without striving... therefore it is close to the Way."

A Taoist scripture from his past life inexplicably surfaced in Lin Changheng's mind: this [Water Shadow Stealth] technique deeply embodies the essence of water's gentleness, changeability, and concealment.

They are particularly skilled at stealth and escape.

In water, by using this method, he can hide in the current and use the undercurrent to move quickly and silently to approach his target or stay away from danger.

It works well in rain or fog, making one feel like a fish in water, its movements unpredictable and elusive.

Even in seemingly dry places, the slightest moisture in the air can be used to create brief visual illusions and atmospheric disturbances, which can be used to break free from lock-on or create opportunities to strike.

It may not be as fast or as capable as a true "Water Release talent," but it is more comprehensive.

"If this method succeeds, it will give us a significant advantage in exploring underwater secrets, evading powerful underwater enemies, or launching surprise attacks. Our survival capabilities will be multiplied!"

Lin Changheng admired it in his heart.

For a cultivator who is accustomed to planning carefully before acting and knows the importance of self-preservation, the appeal of this talent has, to some extent, surpassed the former two.

"Among all the [Mysterious Spirit Blood Essence] I've come into contact with, the talent strength of this [Frosty Jade Crystal Scorpion] is clearly higher. They are all very attractive, and I wish I could have them all."

"This shows that... the bloodline of this [Cold Jade Crystal Scorpion] is also among the best of its kind."

But on the other hand, it is indeed true.

Just as ice-attribute spiritual roots are rare and scarce among human cultivators, ice-type bloodlines naturally have a unique advantage among demonic beasts.

……

After much deliberation, Lin Changheng made his choice.

I've decided to steal the [Water Shadow Stealth] talent.

On one hand, his attack methods are not lacking. He can replace the control of "Extreme Cold" in the "Extreme Cold Poison" talent with "Hallucination Technique". Both are at the Xuanling level, which is sufficient.

As for [Poisonous Fiend], he also possesses [Poisonous Fire Demon Technique] and the newly acquired second-tier high-grade spiritual weapon [Ten Thousand Poison Skull], which have slightly overlapping functions.

Therefore, it was abandoned.

The [Water Shadow Stealth] technique is beneficial for self-protection, escape, and covert attacks in watery environments. Lin Changheng has lived on Jade Belt Lake for a long time, where water vapor is everywhere. With this special technique in hand, he is even more at ease.

Once a decision was made, all the essence and blood were immediately gathered, the bottle seal was removed, and the blood was collected in one place.

As his palm seeped in, stained with his essence and blood, the primordial cauldron in his sea of ​​consciousness trembled slightly.

It has the ability to quickly form and solidify precious seeds.

[Spirit Stealing: 100/100] [Cold Jade Crystal Scorpion Treasure Seed - Level 1]

……

[Spirit Stealing: 100/100]

【Cold Jade Crystal Scorpion Treasure Seed - Second Layer】

……

[Spirit Stealing: 100/100]

【Cold Jade Crystal Scorpion Treasure Seed - Triple】

……

The Soul-Stealing level of the [Water Shadow Stealth Technique] has jumped directly from [Peeping Path] to [Clarity].

The three precious seeds entered the soul, cleansing and opening it up.

Lin Changheng felt incredibly comfortable.

A light, ethereal feeling emanated from me, as if my soul had been nourished and strengthened.

Even their divine sense underwent different changes.

Before he could even comprehend the effects of the [Water Shadow Stealth Technique - Clarity], Lin Changheng immediately unleashed his divine sense.

Pull it straight to the limit.

Four hundred and fifty feet!
Compared to the typical 300-zhang range of a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator, it has increased by 150 zhang.

With a certain improvement, in the years since breaking through to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, the enhancement effect of Spirit Transformation on divine consciousness has become apparent.

It's not as powerful as the bonus from the Transformation [True Meaning of Supernatural Powers].

However, the true meaning of supernatural powers is truly rare and unpredictable, and cannot be found by chance. It is only guaranteed to appear if one can directly extract the essence and blood of a true spirit to perform a soul-stealing and rebirth. Otherwise, one can only rely on fate.

……

Having successfully seized the spirit, the innate talent of [Water Shadow Stealth] has been completely integrated into his bloodline and soul.

Lin Changheng took a step forward, transforming into a shadowy figure as he arrived at the edge of the island.

As night mist rises from Jade Belt Lake, the water vapor washes over it, covering it with a chill and dampness.

Suddenly, an unprecedented and strange feeling enveloped my body.

He didn't feel his power increasing; instead, he felt his presence fading subtly amidst the rising steam of the island. It was as if a drop of ink had fallen into a clear spring, naturally spreading and merging until they became indistinguishable.

He is still that drop of ink, yet he has become part of the water.

With a slight thought, without even consciously activating his magic power, he looked down at his hands and found that the edges of his palms were becoming somewhat blurry, as if he were looking through a layer of flowing water. The moonlight reflected off his body surface in subtle ways.

He walked to the lake and observed his reflection, only to find that his figure had become very faint.

"What a wonderful feeling..." Lin Changheng murmured to himself, his voice seemingly absorbed by the surrounding moisture, making it sound somewhat ethereal.

He decided to test the effect initially, so he released his divine sense and came to the side of a first-level spirit fish. The fish continued to swim leisurely, completely unaware of his presence.

Lin Changheng understood; the [Water Shadow Stealth Technique]'s ability to conceal aura and mana fluctuations was confirmed.

Then, with a flash of his eyes, he sank directly into the lake.

The moment the lake water touched his body, it brought no resistance; instead, it gave him a strange sense of affinity and a pushing force.

This was completely different from when it entered the water before.

With a slight thought, his body seemed to transform into a part of the water flow, gliding forward silently at an extremely fast speed, without even stirring up a ripple; only the water plants at the bottom of the lake swayed slightly.

This method of movement in water is far more covert and free than riding on a beam of light.

As he became more familiar with this new ability, more subtle changes began to emerge.

It should be brought about by the third level of soul-stealing.

Flames rose, evaporating the water. He stood beside a cluster of misty rocks, his mind racing. The mist around him rapidly condensed, transforming into a pale blue water shadow clone almost identical to his true form. Though its aura was faint, the distorted light made it indistinguishable from the real thing.

The two "Lin Changheng" moved in different directions at the same time, instantly disrupting the surrounding energy.

"Excellent! The character 'shadow' in 'water shadow' should be placed here!"

Lin Changheng's figure reappeared in the secluded training room, and he finally couldn't help but reveal a happy smile on his face.

"Like a fish in water, like a shadow following its master... This [Water Shadow Stealth] truly lives up to its name!"

From then on, the Jade Belt Lake, and even the wider world of water, became a more flexible and advantageous place for him!
"The wondrous uses of the [Mysterious Spirit] level essence blood have already begun to emerge, far surpassing those of [Mortal Filth] and [Turbid Fiend] essence blood. I wonder how powerful the [Nether Void] essence blood, which I've never encountered before, will become after it has been used to seize the spirit?"

Lin Changheng's gaze became increasingly hopeful.

Now, all five of his [Mortal Essence Blood] seed positions are full.

Of the ten slots in the [Turbid Blood Essence], eight are already full. [Mysterious Eagle] has seized two of the spirits, leaving one slot empty.

The seed positions of [Mysterious Spirit Essence Blood] are currently only thirteen, because two of [Turbid Fiend] have not yet been released.

After the [Azure Wave Spirit Turtle] of this level has completed its spirit-stealing and transformation, the [Deep Lake Spirit Clam] has stolen four levels of the [Spirit-Nourishing Mystic Technique], the [Azure Mist Toad] has stolen four levels of the [Illusion-Inducing Mystic Technique], and the [Black Armor Earth Turtle] has three levels of the [Earth-Controlling Mystic Technique]. Only the [Eclipse Crow], the beast raised by the Azure Cloud Temple, has stolen one level of the spirit.

And tonight's Soul-Stealing [Frosty Jade Crystal Scorpion].

It occupies a total of six positions.

Aside from the Qingxia Temple's beast [Eclipse Crow], whose future acquisition of essence blood is uncertain, the others should be fine and can be obtained normally through full acquisition and transformation.

In particular, regarding the essence blood of the Azure Mist Toad, once Yan Mingyi's breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment stage is over, he will return to the Immortal City to see True Disciple Bai and secure the essence blood for himself.

If this continues, "all kinds of magic will be bestowed upon you" in no time.

Finally, he examined his own spiritual root—

The water elemental root has also reached seventeen strands of spiritual essence!
……

Three months later.

On Qiyue Island.

A massive cloud of spiritual energy, drawn by an invisible force, converged from all directions of Jade Belt Lake, like rivers flowing into the sea, hovering above Qiyue Island and making the sky appear slightly dim.

Suddenly, the center of the spiritual energy cloud collapsed.

A rapidly spinning vortex of spiritual energy, visible to the naked eye, was formed! The vortex, like a funnel, frantically devoured and compressed the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, and then transformed into an extremely condensed, milky-white pillar of spiritual energy that crashed down.

This scene was hard to miss, especially for the cultivators on the two neighboring islands.

"With such a display of power, someone must have broken through to the Foundation Establishment stage."

Xu Maoling and Cheng Suling were alarmed and flew to high altitudes outside the island, deliberately keeping their distance to avoid suspicion and watching from afar.

(End of this chapter)