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

Chapter 266 Xunfeng Leiye, Qinglan Sanren

These requirements are actually not complicated.

However, after glancing at the three auxiliary materials before him, which were enough to strengthen the foundation of a natal magic weapon, Lin Changheng still decided to add conditions: "Supporting the promise and keeping the source of the materials confidential is no problem, but the assistance must be within my capabilities. Otherwise, what is the point of agreeing if I cannot fulfill it?"

Bai Hengwan pondered for a moment, then nodded in agreement: "Actually, I won't let Master Lin do anything beyond his capabilities... You can rest assured about that."

Lin Changheng's mind raced, weighing the pros and cons in an instant.

He took a deep breath and looked intently at Bai Hengwan: "Is this true?"

“Absolutely true.” Bai Hengwan said calmly.

"Alright!" Lin Changheng said decisively without further hesitation, "I agree to the conditions just now! As for the materials, I will absolutely not divulge them!"

Cooperation achieved.

The next step is to make a choice.

Finally, after careful consideration...

Lin Changheng chose the jade bottle containing a drop of [Xunfeng Thunder Liquid].

The selection criteria are simply that they are scarcer and more valuable.

This item was formed when the wind and thunder converged, and the conditions for its formation are extremely demanding. For Foundation Establishment cultivators or early Core Formation cultivators, it is something that is hard to come by.

For cultivators who seek magical artifacts that are agile, fast, or even contain a trace of divine power, this item is far more valuable than the former two.

A hint of surprise flashed in Bai Hengwan's eyes, which quickly turned into admiration. Lin Changheng's judgment was indeed sharp, but she didn't say much, only offering a word of advice:
"Fellow Daoist has discerning eyes. This liquid was obtained by my master during his travels in his early years, and he bestowed some upon me. I hope you will make good use of it."

Bai Hengwan used her magic to send the jade bottle to Lin Changheng, while putting away the other two items, which made Lin Changheng's gaze linger on them with reluctance.

"Thank you."

After shifting his gaze and saying thank you, Lin Changheng solemnly put away the [Xunfeng Leiye], which felt like a ball of wind and thunder.

……

After bidding farewell to Master Bai, Lin Changheng quickly arrived at the Immortal Inn in the inner city.

I plan to absorb what I have acquired first and keep it safe.

After all, this is a real and immediate improvement.

He extracted the essence blood, and without saying a word, he communicated with the Yuan Ding with his mind, stroking the essence blood with his hand.

As the essence blood of the Azure Mist Toad was extracted, the progress of the spirit-stealing process accelerated rapidly.

【Azure Mist Toad Treasure Seed - Fourth Layer】

[Spirit Stealing: 100/100]

……

【Azure Mist Toad Treasure Seed - Fifth Level】

The precious seed enters the body and cleanses it, thus advancing this extraordinary method once again.

It has reached the pinnacle of soul-stealing.

At that moment, the blue and green twin treasure suddenly shone brightly, and finally completely dissolved, transforming into an incomparably profound understanding, like a surging tide, sweeping over Lin Changheng's soul and body!
This baptism was far more intense than the previous four impacts.

[Already mastered: Hallucinogenic Technique - Mastery]

Lin Changheng felt as if he had been thrown into a bizarre and ever-changing dream vortex, where countless insights into "illusion," "dream," "falsehood," and "reality" flooded into the depths of his consciousness like a sudden awakening.

His understanding of hallucinogenic power is rapidly advancing and transforming at an unprecedented speed!
Ultimately, it becomes an instinct that belongs to oneself.

The power has also increased significantly compared to before.

Moreover, Lin Changheng naturally discovered that he had developed a certain immunity and insight into many so-called illusions, mazes, and bewitching techniques.

Of course, this immunity and insight do not mean seeing through things directly, but rather being able to deduce things from the back of his understanding of hallucinations.

Find its essence and loopholes, and then break it.

Lin Changheng estimated that even a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator would be affected by the [Illusory Art - Transformation], and might even fall into its trap. As long as they were slow to realize it, it would give him an excellent opportunity to strike!

……

As the effects of the precious seed gradually subsided, Lin Changheng opened his eyes. In the depths of his eyes, it seemed as if countless worlds were being born and dying, flowing with a dreamlike brilliance that made one's heart tremble, before returning to calm and remaining unfathomable.

He exhaled a soft breath, feeling a profound sense of understanding, and his heart was filled with satisfaction.

The path of seizing the spirit is complete; Lin Changheng continues the transformation process.

"Buzz!"

The essence and blood were completely drained.

The mouth of the Yuan Ding is quite different. Where the original azure and blue two-colored treasure seed was, a phantom true core has appeared in its place, floating up and down.

【Azure Mist Toad Treasure Seed - Fifth Level】

[Spirit Stealing: 100/100]

[Biochemical Life: 0/10]

[Effect: The bloodline of a Xuanling demon beast, possessing both water and wood elements, has achieved perfect spiritual absorption and transformation, and can be refined into the ancestral demonic technique "Hallucination".]

……

Having collected all the necessary materials, Lin Changheng was somewhat troubled by the subsequent progress required for the "Transformation Progress."

Requires water or wood attribute essence blood of the [Mingxu] level.

Only then can it be satisfied.

Fortunately, the required quantity is not large, but the difficulty in obtaining them is still very real.

"It's not advisable to be anxious in advance... things will work themselves out."

Lin Changheng chose to face it calmly.

However, after this spirit-seizing was completed, Lin Changheng's wood spirit root had reached twenty-nine strands of spiritual energy.

……

After that, Lin Changheng began to ponder the matter of the [Embryo of the Magic Weapon] again.

What he had suppressed was rekindled by Bai Hengwan's enticement, like a craving once more.

It feels unbearable.

He now possesses two auxiliary materials that can be used to refine [magical artifact embryos].

One type is the [Binzhou Iron] obtained by exchanging [Premium Foundation Building Pills] with Zhang Shouyi; it is about half the size of a baby's fist.

The other is the drop of [Sun Wind Thunder Liquid] that we just obtained.

Moreover, the main materials have already been selected.

It was that long, thin piece of wood, about the thickness of an infant's arm, that I obtained from the newly opened market outside the [Bixiao Sect]. Although it was nameless and its origins unknown, it was suspected to be something that surpassed the seven great divine woods of the cultivation world.

Lin Changheng flipped his hand and took out the wood. The thing in his palm was completely different from the inconspicuous piece of "coke" he had seen before!
The original, deathly black color that covered the entire body has been mostly removed, leaving only about 30% remaining, still stubbornly clinging on like mottled old scabs.

Once this "charred shell" is removed, the main body, which makes up 70% of the surface, has regained its mysterious and profound dark blue color!
This deep blue-green color is not monotonous; upon closer inspection, the wood surface naturally displays countless fine and intricate textures, exuding a profound sense of antiquity, vastness, and immortality.

Holding the whole piece of wood in my hand, its weight was still astonishing, but the texture had changed from rough and lifeless to warm and smooth like jade.

This is the result of Lin Changheng's long-term, careful, and persistent tempering with the [Crimson Sky Profound Flame]! The power of the strange fire, like the finest carving knife, gradually refined the accumulated impurities and "death energy," allowing its true nature to gradually emerge.

Lin Changheng had a premonition that this was an extraordinary and rare wood, and the feeling grew stronger and stronger.

However, after consulting numerous ancient books and texts, no record of it was found.

Even so, they finally decided to refine this thing into a magical artifact embryo.

According to the method of refining the magical artifact embryo obtained from Zhang Shouyi last time, some more key basic spiritual materials need to be collected.

For example, "Centennial Warm Jade" is easy to shape, and "Five Elements Spiritual Fat" balances the conflicts between different spiritual materials, etc.

In addition, some miscellaneous spiritual materials are needed, which also require time to collect.

Ultimately, however, it is still necessary to find a suitable high-level cultivation technique and refine a matching magic weapon so that they can complement and rely on each other.

……

Two days later.

The grand celebration ceremony for Master Kong's third-stage alchemy has officially begun.

On the newly developed "Tianwen Island" in Fusheng Lake!

At this moment, auspicious clouds gathered in the sky above the island, and celestial music drifted through the air. The vast white jade plaza was already teeming with guests and bustling with people.

Representatives from various sects, immortal cultivation families, and independent cultivators from all over the Song Kingdom gathered here. The aura of Core Formation True Persons exceeded ten, making it a gathering of heroes and an unprecedented spectacle.

In the center of the square, a nine-zhang-tall phantom of an alchemical furnace stands majestically, its mouth shrouded in colorful rays of light, symbolizing the prosperity of alchemy and showcasing grandeur.

The auspicious hour has arrived; the bell tolls nine times, its sound carrying for miles.

Amidst the watchful eyes of the crowd, Confucius slowly ascended the central platform.

He was not wearing the robes of an alchemist today, but rather a simple dark purple Taoist robe. His hair and beard were neatly combed, his face was ruddy, and his eyes were gentle yet profound.

He didn't say much, but simply smiled and bowed to the guests from all directions, naturally revealing a masterly demeanor that was truly captivating.

After a simple opening, the celebration moved into its core segment – ​​preaching!
Instead of choosing the more entertaining but potentially revealing method of refining elixirs in public, Master Kong opted for a more grand and beneficial approach—giving a sermon to explain his insights and understanding of the origins of alchemy during his advancement to the third-level alchemist!

This is a common rule in the cultivation world!
It is also a means of verifying skills.

He sat upright on a high platform cushion, his voice calm and soothing, yet clearly carried throughout the entire Tianwen Island, even echoing above Fusheng Lake through the array.

"What is alchemy? It is not merely about refining medicine with fire, but about harmonizing yin and yang and seizing the opportunities of creation from heaven and earth..."

Master Kong began by discussing the most basic principles of the interaction of medicinal properties, gradually delving deeper to explain how a single miscalculation in controlling the heat can lead to disastrous consequences, and analyzing the delicate balance of "water and fire in harmony" when medicinal effects are combined...

He didn't recount any specific formulas for alchemy, but instead went straight to the essence of alchemy he had grasped, every word a gem. The assembled cultivators below, whether alchemists or not, listened with rapt attention.

Lin Changheng was also deeply moved and immersed in the experience.

His eyes sparkled; he had benefited greatly.

The sermon lasted for a full two hours.

When Master Kong finished speaking, the entire square fell silent, everyone still immersed in the lingering charm of the Daoist teachings. A moment later, someone seemed to lead the way, and thunderous applause and heartfelt exclamations erupted, soaring into the sky!

"A single conversation with you is worth more than ten years of diligent practice!"

"We are in awe of Confucius's esteemed teachings!"

……

At this moment, Lin Changheng felt that some of his ideas could be used for his own purposes and could be the key to unlocking the second-tier high-grade alchemy.

It can be used to break through the current level!

Therefore, Lin Changheng directly blocked out all outside voices.

My mind started frantically deducing, verifying, and comparing.

But at this moment, Bai Hengwan stood nervously on a high platform that was shrouded in swirling clouds and mist, offering a panoramic view of the entire scene yet remaining secluded.

On this high platform, more than ten figures appeared and disappeared, sitting upright with different auras. They were all cultivators at the Pseudo-Core stage or above.

They are watching the ceremony.

Before Bai Hengwan, a handsome, long-bearded cultivator dressed in a purple jade robe sat upright.

Judging from his appearance, he looked to be no more than twenty years old, incredibly young.

However, there was no spiritual energy emanating from this person, as if he had merged with the surrounding clouds and mist.

However, Bai Hengwan subconsciously softened her breathing, her posture extremely respectful, even showing a visible sense of awe. For the person before her was none other than her master, the true master of Floating Life Immortal City, Qinglan Sanren! A late-stage Core Formation True Person with unfathomable cultivation!
“Master,” Bai Hengwan said softly, “that green-robed cultivator who was listening so intently is Alchemist Lin Changheng.”

Qinglan Sanren did not respond. His gaze remained calm as he watched the crowd in the square below. His eyes were as still as a deep well, as if they could see through all illusions, and he paid particular attention to Lin Changheng.

Lin Changheng, who is usually very perceptive, seemed not to notice the gaze and remained motionless.

He still seemed engrossed in the deduction.

A moment later, a gentle yet infinitely majestic voice slowly rang out from the high platform: "This child has a refined soul, solid magical power, and indeed good comprehension. He is a promising talent. Junior Brother Kong's alchemy philosophy is compatible with his, and for him, it is like a long-awaited rain after a drought."

He changed the subject slightly, his tone still calm, but it made Bai Hengwan's heart tighten: "However, Wan'er, do you know why your master allowed you to come into contact with him, but did not rush to completely bind him to your chariot?"

Bai Hengwan was slightly taken aback, then lowered her head and said, "Please enlighten me, Master."

Qinglan Sanren said calmly, "Talented people and fine jade need to be carefully polished; forcing them will only break them. It is not easy for a rogue cultivator to have come this far. He has a connection with Junior Brother Kong, which is his good fortune. You only need to maintain good relations and observe the situation. It is not wise to make him choose sides too early before the real storm has started."

His words were profound, highlighting Lin Changheng's value while also teaching Bai Hengwan a more sophisticated way of managing people and leveraging their strengths—the kind of struggle that doesn't involve direct confrontation.

Bai Hengwan looked enlightened and respectfully replied, "Disciple understands, thank you for your guidance, Master."

Whether you understand or not is not about what you say, but about what you feel.

Qinglan Sanren chuckled softly and said nothing more.

Upon hearing this, Bai Hengwan blushed slightly and remained silent.

For some reason, even with Qinglan Sanren's immense strength, after carefully examining Lin Changheng, he couldn't detect the [Crimson Sky Profound Flame] hidden within Lin Changheng's body...

……

At this moment, Lin Changheng, who was still in meditation, appeared calm on the surface, but his heart was pounding with anxiety.

He had just felt an extremely subtle, or rather, extremely "high-dimensional" gaze being cast upon him.

Logically, he shouldn't have noticed it, but the "Spiritual Aura" gave him feedback.

Make him aware of it.

Moreover, his [Sound of Wind and Spiritual Detection] technique was only at the [Proficient] level.

This had this effect, which he hadn't expected.

“That could only have been the gaze of a Core Formation cultivator… and to be able to recognize the gaze of a Core Formation cultivator…”

Lin Changheng felt that he had underestimated the effectiveness of the [Spirit Identification by Wind] secret technique...

(End of this chapter)