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

Chapter 265 Further Discussion on Cooperation, Magical Treasures and Spiritual Materials

Time flies, and a few days pass in the blink of an eye.

A grand ceremony will also be held to celebrate the advancement of a third-level alchemist.

The location is not on Yuxian Island.

Instead, a new island was built in the lake specifically for this purpose.

This island was clearly constructed in a short period of time by using great magical power to move soil and rocks, solidify and mold them, and shape the earth's veins.

The island is quite large, with a gentle slope, and presents a solemn and grand circular shape. At the center of the island is a high white jade platform, behind which is a magnificent hall, and the other three sides are surrounded by tiered viewing seats, large enough to accommodate a large number of cultivators.

The outer perimeter is decorated with various special arrangements.

At the edge of the island, banners fluttered and spiritual light flickered, clearly indicating that a powerful formation had been set up to stabilize the island and maintain order.

Lin Changheng first sent a message to Bai Hengwan, arranging a meeting with her.

To everyone's surprise, his pupils contracted the moment he saw the woman in the main hall.

Bai Hengwan, dressed in snow-white robes, stood there quietly, her graceful figure like a solitary orchid in a secluded valley, pure and aloof.

Her appearance seemed even more exquisite than it had been years ago; her eyebrows were like distant mountains, her eyes like autumn water, and her skin was radiant and glowing. Every smile and frown exuded a captivating charm.

However, what alarmed Lin Changheng even more was her cultivation level.

Although this woman had clearly used some kind of sophisticated concealment technique, Lin Changheng's divine sense, which far surpassed that of his peers, and his secret technique of "smelling the wind and discerning spirits," still allowed him to vaguely sense that beneath her seemingly calm aura lay a vast and powerful magical force, like a deep-sea undercurrent!
His cultivation level had already reached the peak of the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, just one step away from the late stage!
How many years has it been? This woman's cultivation speed is simply too astonishing.

Even with the dedicated cultivation of a force like the Floating Life Immortal City, it is still beyond the imagination of ordinary cultivators.

Compared to Lin Changheng's initial entry into the fifth level of Foundation Establishment, she was two minor stages ahead. Moreover, this woman was incredibly young; according to rumors, she was not even sixty years old!

With such cultivation and progress, reaching the Core Formation realm is truly just around the corner.

"A unique earth-grade wind-type spiritual root... terrifying indeed."

……

"Master Lin, it's been a long time."

Bai Hengwan smiled slightly, quickly looked Lin Changheng up and down, and then looked away.

"I, Lin, have met Master Bai."

Lin Changheng cupped his hands in greeting and chuckled at Bai Hengwan.

"Master Lin truly has the art of preserving his youth. He hasn't changed at all in all these years. According to rumors, he's probably over ninety years old, right?"

Bai Hengwan deliberately closed the distance and asked some private questions.

Lin Changheng shook his head, "Actually, I have already wasted ninety-eight years... It's just that I am good at health preservation, I dislike fighting and strife, and I often take pills like the [Youth Preservation Pill]."

Bai Hengwan then sought some advice on how to preserve youth, easily washing away the slight awkwardness from not seeing each other for many years, and becoming as warm as before.

"This time, after much hardship, Elder Kong finally deciphered the third-order alchemy, which I admire greatly. He even invited me to witness the ceremony, which I find both daunting and honored."

Lin Changheng took the initiative to change the subject, trying to find out some inside information.

"Master Kong highly values ​​Master Lin and personally invited him to join the invitation list."

A faint smile appeared on Bai Hengwan's lips as she pointed out the key point.

"I see." Lin Changheng showed no emotion on his face, but said humbly, "I am unworthy of Elder Kong's kindness. I just wonder if there is anything else I should pay attention to during this ceremony, besides attending the ceremony, so as not to be impolite."

His question was clever; it expressed his gratitude, steered the conversation back to the ceremony itself, and subtly revealed a hint of uncertainty.

Bai Hengwan was incredibly intelligent, and naturally she understood the hidden meaning in his words.

She picked up her teacup, took a small sip, and her eyes flashed with a meaningful light: "Fellow Daoist Lin, there's no need for such modesty. As for what we need to be mindful of..."

She paused briefly, as if considering her words, before slowly saying, "At the grand ceremony, in addition to observing the ceremony, Master Kong will also formally accept disciples."

"Accept apprentices?"

Lin Changheng was taken aback.

This was clearly unexpected, but that's precisely the point of trying to get information from Bai Zhenchuan.

"good."

Bai Hengwan nodded. "At that time, most of the major forces in Song with Core Formation cultivators and some top Foundation Establishment forces will come to attend the ceremony. They will also bring their descendants, clansmen, and offspring to try their luck and see if they can become disciples of Elder Kong and learn alchemy."

Lin Changheng's mind raced, and he realized something.

Clearly, Floating Life Immortal City wants to use this to strengthen its ties with other major forces in Song. After all, no matter how strong "Qinglan Sanren" is, or how prosperous Floating Life Immortal City is, it is still just a force built around a rogue cultivator.

The foundation is still insufficient.

This opportunity allows for a unique form of "marriage alliance" to complete the formation of a coalition.

But whether there are deeper reasons behind this approach... Lin Changheng has no way of knowing.

……

Lin Changheng nodded in response, but then heard Bai Hengwan smile and ask, "Would Master Lin like to give it a try?"

"There are countless people in the Song Dynasty with exceptional talent in alchemy. How could I possibly be among them? It would be best not to make a fool of myself."

Lin Changheng shook his head and chuckled, his tone carrying just the right amount of humility and polite refusal.

Firstly, he has many secrets, and it's not good for him to wander around under the noses of Core Formation cultivators all the time; there's always a risk involved.

Secondly, he was well aware of the principle that the tallest tree in the forest will be felled by the wind, and it was unnecessary for him to show his talent in public and get involved in unnecessary disputes.

Thirdly, Lin Changheng's alchemy skills are progressing steadily, and he is on track to become a second-tier high-grade alchemist. There is no need for him to become a disciple of a third-tier alchemist.

Upon hearing this, Bai Hengwan's beautiful eyes flashed with a subtle hint of amusement. Having held a high position for a long time and seen countless people, she naturally realized that Lin Changheng was not belittling himself, but rather possessed a calm and composed nature, knew how to conceal his abilities, and had his own plans.

"Master Lin is too modest." She smiled slightly and said no more.

Then Lin Changheng took the initiative to bring up the essence blood of the Azure Mist Toad.

Bai Hengwan's beautiful eyes sparkled, as if she had expected this, and she released more than three hundred bottles of her essence blood.

Lin Changheng only took a little over two hundred of them and returned the rest. Seeing that Bai Hengwan looked slightly surprised, he immediately smiled and said, "The purpose of obtaining this essence blood in the first place was to study this kind of essence blood and see if it could be used in some pill formulas. Now that we are almost at the end, it is not appropriate to accept the excess essence blood."

These two hundred-plus bottles of essence blood are enough for Lin Changheng to complete the fifth level of spirit-seizing of the [Azure Mist Toad Treasure Seed], as well as the subsequent transformation.

They even prepared a few extra bottles, in case the last [Turbid Sha Seed Position] encountered was either water or wood, then the transformation could be completed directly.

Prepare in advance to avoid having to find something else later.

More importantly, the previous favor had already been exchanged for so much life essence, which was enough. Any more would be suspected of being greedy.

Since the demand has been met, stopping it directly is a good option.

"Alright."

Bai Hengwan retrieved the remaining essence blood, and then brought up something as a reminder. "Master Yang?"

Lin Changheng was taken aback.

He immediately thought of that tall, slender, and aloof female cultivator in purple robes.

I had met the other party once before when they came to ask for Foundation Establishment Pills.

"Indeed, last time Elder Kong praised Master Lin in front of Master, and given our close relationship, I'm afraid Senior Sister will try to win you over..."

Bai Hengwan's expression was solemn.

This master is none other than Qinglan Sanren, a late-stage Core Formation cultivator. In other words, Lin Changheng's name has already reached the ears of such cultivators...

Lin Changheng grasped the final key point and immediately said nonchalantly, "Master Bai, there's no need to worry. Our relationship..."

At this point, a thought suddenly flashed through Lin Changheng's mind, as if he understood Bai Hengwan's underlying meaning.

What will happen if I don't get it?

After all, the competition between Bai Hengwan and her senior brothers and sisters is not only a competition for resources, but also a competition for the path of cultivation!
The struggle over the paths to enlightenment is unavoidable!

Lin Changheng really couldn't predict what methods the other party would use.

But it will definitely not be as gentle as inviting someone to dinner.

Lin Changheng stopped speaking abruptly, and at that moment revealed a wry smile.

But his mind was racing.

Lin Changheng was indeed trying to build good relationships, but those good relationships came with their own troubles, which made him somewhat uncomfortable.

The enemy of my enemy can be my friend.

But you can't treat your friend's enemy as an enemy, can you?
There are just too many enemies under the sky.

Lin Changheng had just experienced being dragged into trouble by the Huang family, and now this happens again.

Moreover, this time their status and position are completely different.

If Lin Changheng had not been so determined, he would have certainly wavered or even questioned the principles he had always adhered to.

……

Fortunately, Bai Hengwan noticed Lin Changheng's predicament at this moment, saying, "This competition will become increasingly fierce as we get closer to the Core Formation stage."

"I am now close to the late stage of Foundation Establishment, and it will only take me a year or two to break through. If Master Lin is willing to lend a helping hand, it would be only right for me to do so after I form my core."

Lin Changheng was the type who wouldn't act until he saw a clear benefit, always making empty promises. He never expected to be the one being promised a prize: "I understand Bai Zhenchuan's promise and am willing to lend my full support. However, the problem is that I really don't have the confidence to deal with the impact of the Immortal City's disciples. After all, I am just a pill refiner who stands in front of the furnace every day."

Upon hearing this, Bai Hengwan also felt that it made sense, after all, she knew very well what level of strength her senior sister possessed.

But little did she know that the seemingly harmless alchemist standing before her was actually a terrifying and ferocious beast!

Instead, he fell into deep thought.

"I wonder what Master Lin's needs are, so that I can address them appropriately."

Finally, Bai Hengwan uttered this sentence.

He clearly felt somewhat guilty for dragging Lin Changheng into a potential quagmire and intended to provide assistance within his capabilities.

Lin Changheng just smiled, not daring to speak.

From the moment he began cooperating with Bai Hengwan, he must have been directly branded as belonging to Bai Hengwan's faction from the perspective of those within the Immortal City.

It's not something that can be easily gotten rid of with just a few words.

He doesn't plan to give up on the Immortal City route either, because it's the biggest ship he's boarded so far.

What you can gain is not only resources, but also information.

But since things have come to this point, all Lin Changheng can do is try to gain more benefits.

Besides, that Yang Zhenchuan is only in the late stage of Foundation Establishment, so he doesn't need to worry too much.

If all else fails, they can simply put on a disguise and eliminate him; they probably won't be able to trace him back to that person.

As for why Lin Changheng didn't speak, it was because he knew that Bai Hengwan was more generous than he had imagined. During their first collaboration, Lin Changheng was directly given a talisman.

Although it can only be used once, it is still a talisman treasure. If used properly, it can have a decisive effect in battle.

Later, he even gave away 600 portions of second-tier essence blood without hesitation.

This woman clearly possesses considerable skill in dealing with people, or rather, in managing subordinates.

Therefore, Lin Changheng was waiting for the other party to speak.

It's definitely more satisfying than what I said myself.

"Perhaps you also want to refine a magical artifact embryo?"

As expected, Bai Hengwan spoke uncertainly.

Lin Changheng felt his heart suddenly leap. "I do have such a plan... Master Bai, you might as well be more specific."

"I have some leftover materials..."

Bai Hengwan raised her hand, and a soundproof and spy-proof array instantly enveloped the surroundings, ensuring that the conversation would not be known to any third party.

With a flick of her wrist, three items appeared in her palm, each radiating a chilling spiritual pressure and a unique brilliance.

The first item was a strange piece of metal, about the size of two fingers, as red as blood, with what appeared to be flowing magma inside. As soon as it was brought out, the temperature in the room suddenly rose a few degrees.

"This is [Earth Core Fire Marrow Iron], a top-grade main material for refining fire-attribute flying swords or offensive magic weapon embryos. It is sufficient to serve as the core or auxiliary material of a magic weapon embryo." Bai Hengwan's tone was calm, yet her words were astonishing.

The second item was a small clump of sand that shimmered with seven-colored starlight and was unusually heavy.

"This is [Nine Heavens Star Sand]. Although the amount is small, when it is integrated into the embryo, it can give the magic weapon a trace of star-piercing power, greatly enhancing its penetrability."

The third item was a jade bottle with complex runes sealed at the mouth, from which the faint sounds of wind and thunder could be heard emanating.

"The bottle contains a drop of [Wind and Thunder Liquid], which contains the true meaning of wind and thunder. It can be incorporated during the embryonic shaping process to make the magic weapon more agile and swift."

These three materials are all rare treasures that are hard to find elsewhere, yet Bai Hengwan took them out casually!
Even with Lin Changheng's strong will, he couldn't help but breathe heavily.

Is this the kind of strength that comes from having a powerful backer?!

Is this the benefit of having power?!
As expected, compared to this, Lin Changheng, a rogue cultivator who earned everything through his own hard work, could only look on in awe.

Seeing the undisguised shock in Lin Changheng's eyes, Bai Hengwan slowly said, "These materials are slightly surplus for me. If Fellow Daoist Lin is interested, I can transfer them to you. Of course, it's not a free gift..."

She paused for a moment, then revealed her true conditions: "I need a promise from you, fellow Daoist. I hope you will unequivocally support me and lend a helping hand when I am in need. Furthermore, you must keep silent about the source of these materials."

(End of this chapter)