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

Chapter 273 The Primordial Jianmu Tree, Hundred-Year Birthday Banquet

The Ziji Sect members arrived quickly and left quickly.

They didn't ask too many questions or delve too deeply; it felt like they only touched on the surface.

After all, the three island owners of Yudai Lake are tenants, not criminals, and cannot take any extreme actions.

Although the late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator from that sect played the bad cop several times, Lin Changheng and the others didn't care; they only cared about Zhen Zhenren's attitude.

He is the true person in charge and represents the ultimate will of the Ziji Sect's higher-ups; every word and action is carefully considered.

Moreover, the Ziji Sect members did not seem to care much about collecting evidence; they only needed "the detailed account of the incident," "leftover items," and "characteristics of the cultivation technique."

"Could it be that the Purple Extreme Sect's intelligence system is so powerful that it already has relevant information? Or perhaps these tribulation cultivators left behind a criminal record that can be easily identified?"

Lin Changheng thought to himself.

This was also based on the performance of the Ziji Sect members and Mo Zhaoli's hints about the sect's decision, and the result was roughly accurate.

Regardless, this matter has basically come to an end, and the forces behind those cultivators will certainly not dare to make any rash moves in the short term.

Lin Changheng can now focus on his cultivation and digest what he has gained.

……

Time passed slowly, and life at Jade Belt Lake began to return to normal.

A harmonious scene.

Having shared the ordeal of nearly being killed by the islander, the relationship between the three islands has become even closer, fostering a deeper level of trust.

Lin Changheng and Qiyue Island also rose to become the backbone of the Three Cultivations and the leader of the Three Islands.

A year and a half later in the blink of an eye.

Lin Changheng's 100th birthday is fast approaching, less than a few months away, but he still hasn't emerged from seclusion.

This long period of seclusion began shortly after the resolution of the Three Islands crisis and has continued until now. Lin Changheng has not shown his face at all. The seclusion room is tightly sealed, and there is no trace of his presence.

Yan Mingyi, who had been busy preparing for the small celebration, was waiting for her husband to emerge from seclusion.

Lin Changheng never expressed any intention to hold a celebration, but Yan Mingyi had her own ideas. She believed that her husband's 100th birthday should be celebrated, so she took the time to plan and organize it herself.

If you zoom out to look directly at the sky above Qiyue Island, you'll see that the island is already decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and many festive decorations have been set up in advance.

The sacred tree was entwined with glowing vines, and red lanterns and brocades with auspicious patterns hung between the pavilions and towers, creating a lively scene.

However, what is even more eye-catching are the figures quietly moving about and bustling about throughout the island.

They were not human beings, but many humanoid puppet creations that were either entirely black or shimmering with a silvery-white metallic sheen!

They are exquisitely shaped, with smooth lines, flexible joints, and precise and efficient movements, without any sense of stiffness.

The black ones are carrying huge stones and timbers to reinforce or build new facilities on the island according to some plan; they are incredibly strong.

Those that are silvery-white are more dexterous; some are meticulously pruning the branches and leaves of the spirit plants, some are hanging decorations, and some are cleaning the paths.

They worked silently, seemingly connected by some invisible force, with clear division of labor and seamless cooperation, enabling the entire setup of Qiyue Island to proceed at a speed and precision far beyond what ordinary people could imagine.

These are the upgraded versions of the black puppet and the silver puppet that Yan Mingyi had given to Lin Changheng when they first met.

It was casually crafted by this woman after she broke through to the second-tier puppetry path, combining it with the inheritance of that second-tier high-grade puppetry path.

It has a magical quality, and its functionality far surpasses that of the past.

Their existence not only greatly liberated manpower, but also made the daily operation of Qiyue Island more efficient and secretive, eliminating the need for maids and servants, thus avoiding the problem of too many people and leaks of information.

In terms of true value, this is merely for miscellaneous tasks and assisting daily life; its external value is not high, far less than that of the Fighting series.

……

Meanwhile, Lin Changheng was busy in his seclusion room.

The room was filled with spiritual energy, and the temperature was extremely high, so much so that the air itself was slightly distorted by the heat.

Before him, a dark golden flame burned quietly, radiating a high temperature that was both scorching and strangely restrained. It was the [Crimson Sky Profound Flame] that he had painstakingly cultivated.

At the heart of the flames, a long strip of wood, about the thickness of an infant's arm and a deep, dark blue color, was slowly rotating and bobbing up and down in the dark gold flames.

The piece of wood was originally covered with a layer of deathly, charred black color, like a stubborn curse, but under the continuous burning and tempering of the [Crimson Sky Profound Flame], 99% of this charred black layer has been removed.

Only a few extremely stubborn spots remained, scattered like stars across the body of the Xuanqing wood.

At this moment, under the steady and precise burning of the Crimson Sky Flame, these last charred spots are decreasing and disappearing at an extremely slow rate visible to the naked eye.

As each bit of charred black fades, the exposed parts of the dark blue wood reveal even clearer, more intricate, and mysterious fine textures on its surface.

These textures are not tree rings, but rather resemble a special kind of naturally formed inscription, ancient, mysterious and ineffable.

"It's finally going to be done."

Lin Changheng's expression, which had been devoid of joy or sorrow, suddenly sharpened.

The flames were ignited at full power.

"Whoosh~ Crackling!"

As the last few charred bits were completely refined, the entire piece of Xuanqing wood radiated a mysterious light. Then, its brilliance suddenly subsided, but the ancient and majestic aura hidden within it, which was terrifying, spread throughout the secluded cultivation room like a giant dragon awakening.

In that instant, Lin Changheng's [Rongsheng Divine Power True Meaning] seemed to be pulled, and began to spin wildly.

At the same time, the Yuan Ding in the sea of ​​consciousness, which had always remained unmoved and unchanging except for essence and blood, also began to emit radiant light and react violently.

Then Lin Changheng felt a momentary daze, as if he saw a colossal tree reaching the heavens, its thickness unknown and its height immeasurable, piercing through the vast human world, the realm of spiritual beauty, and even the ethereal realm!

The giant tree's branches and leaves spread out, each leaf supporting a phantom of a world, while its roots penetrated deep into the endless darkness, drawing upon the chaotic energy.

The wind and thunder rose and fell among the branches, and the sun and moon circled around the tree canopy. A supreme realm that supports heaven and earth and creates all things deeply shook his soul!

The illusion lasted only a moment before shattering, but the vast, ancient, and magnificent atmosphere was deeply imprinted in Lin Changheng's mind.

"This is……"

A storm raged in Lin Changheng's heart as he instantly realized the astonishing origin of this seemingly insignificant piece of wood!

"Jianmu! Could this be a fragment of the Primordial Jianmu?!"

No wonder it is so difficult to refine, it contains such terrifying inner strength!

Lin Changheng also had a vague, inexplicable feeling in his mind that he couldn't see clearly, understand, or explain.

After a brief comprehension, I learned about a piece of information that could even be described as a fantastical and ethereal ancient legend.

That is to say-

In the ancient times, humans and immortals were not separated, and heaven and earth were interconnected.

There is a bridge that connects all worlds and supports the universe, and its name is the Primordial Tree!
At that time, living beings could travel between the Three Realms through the Jianmu tree, comprehend the Great Dao, and it was a glorious golden age where all races prospered and everyone had the opportunity to ascend to immortality.

However, for some unknown reason, a catastrophe that swept across the heavens broke out at the end of the primordial era. Legend has it that supreme beings fought and shattered the order of heaven and earth. The Primordial Tree that supported the universe was also broken, shattered, and obliterated in that catastrophe!
When the Jianmu tree broke, the world was thrown into chaos, and all things cried out in sorrow.

From then on, the path between the celestial and the mortal realms was severed, and immortals and mortals were forever separated, ushering in the "Chaotic Ancient Era" characterized by broken rules and declining spiritual energy.

The shattered remains of the Jianmu tree are scattered in the corners of the myriad realms.

Some have been completely annihilated and no longer exist.

Some lost all their divinity and turned into ordinary trees, disappearing with the passage of time.

Some were snatched away by powerful cultivators who attempted to claim them as their own.

A very small number of them retain a faint trace of their original Daoist essence, remaining dormant in unknown places, waiting for the opportunity to see the light of day again.

……

"It retains a faint trace of its original Daoist essence... awaiting the chance to see the light of day again..."

Lin Changheng seemed to have grasped the key point.

The others are too far removed from our lives to warrant our attention.

Then, looking at the dark blue wood fragment in his hand, he murmured to himself, "Could it be... that you are one of the silent Jianmu trees?"

Clearly, if one did not possess some special ability, it would be impossible to discover the inside story and the truth.

Just like the previous late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, he felt that the long strip of wood was unusual, but he was powerless to investigate further and could only leave it in his storage bag to gather dust.

"Although the original Daoist essence of the [Primordial Tree] has been largely obliterated, with only a few remnants remaining, the essence of the divine tree remains. It is still a top-tier material for refining artifacts, far surpassing the so-called Seven Great Divine Trees, and can be used as the embryo of a magic weapon or the main material of a natal magic weapon."

Although Lin Changheng felt it was a pity, he quickly accepted reality.

If the original Daoist essence of this [Primordial Tree] still existed in large part, it would surely shine brightly like the sun and have long been detected and collected by powerful beings. How could it have fallen into my hands?

……

Lin Changheng quickly calmed his mind, which had been shaken by the violent impact.

He returned to his normal expression.

He began to recall in detail the "method for refining a magic weapon embryo" that he had obtained from Zhang Shouyi in exchange for a [premium foundation-building pill] along with a piece of fine iron.

He had already studied it diligently before, and had basically mastered it and gained some insights.

Now we are preparing to delve deeper into the research in preparation for the upcoming refining process.

In reality, the method of refining a "magical artifact embryo" is not the same as the so-called art of weapon crafting.

Although the former also falls under the latter category, a simplified refining process has been created and derived over time.

Furthermore, since it is only an "embryo," the difficulty is greatly reduced, making it possible for even non-second-tier weapon refiners to refine it.

After all, second-tier weapon refiners are few and far between, and spiritual materials are too precious to be obtained by others. Ultimately, this demand drove the formation of the method.

Even if there are mistakes, since spiritual materials are difficult to destroy, unlike medicinal herbs, there is sufficient cost for trial and error.

Therefore, from the embryonic form of a magic weapon to the natal magic weapon, similar key artifacts are basically all crafted by the cultivators themselves.

"Everything is ready, except for a group of auxiliary spiritual materials." Lin Changheng's eyes sparkled with anticipation.

……

It is worth mentioning that,
Over the past year and a half, Lin Changheng's [Crimson Sky Profound Flame] has only expanded slightly in terms of transformation and progress.

Only with the blessing of the [Crimson True Essence] brought by the cultivation of the Jade Void Bright Scripture, the speed is not as fast as before. Lin Changheng estimates that at this time, the accumulation of [Crimson Sky Profound Flame] is about 89%.

……

In addition, the blood donation of the two spirit beasts continued during this period.

It was completed by Yan Mingyi and delivered through the small window.

Without hesitation, Lin Changheng continued to seize the spirit, and the two precious seeds took shape again one after another.

[Spirit Stealing: 100/100]

【Deep Lake Spirit Clam Treasure Seed - Fivefold】

[Already mastered: Spiritual Essence Technique - Advanced Level]

……

[Spirit Stealing: 100/100]

【Black-shelled Ground Turtle Treasure Species - Quadruple】

[Already mastered: Earth Control Technique - Ascension]

……

His soul was cleansed and nourished once again, making Lin Changheng feel extremely comfortable.

Lin Changheng directly looked inward and found that the azure glow within his body was even thicker and more solid.

The expansion in size allowed it to directly contain five treasures.

Efficiency and effectiveness have also improved dramatically, reaching a new level.

Once one's own [magic weapon embryo] is successfully refined, it can be directly absorbed into the body for nurturing, and will likely have a higher nurturing efficiency and power than other cultivators who possess magic weapon embryos.

It is worth mentioning that the three precious talismans that Lin Changheng initially nurtured were already about twenty-five years old.

The next three photos are also over ten years old.

Once it reaches fifty years, it can be considered one of Lin Changheng's trump cards.

……

The Earth Control Technique brought by the Black-Armored Earth Turtle has now reached the realm of true mastery.

In actual combat, Lin Changheng found a better way to use this unusual technique: to weaken the enemy's [earth-type defense] and launch a surprise attack.

Furthermore, it provides a greater boost to the defense, control, and attack capabilities of one's own earth-based magic.

In short, it is about strengthening oneself and weakening the enemy.

The [Earth Escape Technique] was further enhanced, plunging eighteen feet into the ground, remaining silent and hidden for a hundred breaths! With this escape, it traveled at least thirteen miles above ground.

Facing most late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, Lin Changheng could kill them if he could win, and escape if he couldn't, as long as he kept his feet firmly on the ground.

As for fake pills, Lin Changheng hadn't dealt with them much, but he should still have a good chance of escaping if he were to use them.

After all, with the mastery of the "Shadow Escape Technique" and the triple "Water Shadow Stealth Technique," he has a variety of means to support him in different situations. When combined, he becomes even more unpredictable.

For Lin Changheng, the primary means of survival was to escape; making a quick getaway was crucial.

If you can kill someone in a fight, that's great. But if you can't win, you need to escape, and you need to escape faster than anyone else!
……

"Squeak!"

The heavy stone door slowly opened, stirring up fine dust. Lin Changheng, who had been in seclusion for a year and a half, finally emerged.

He slowly walked out of the dimly lit meditation room, his figure still upright, his face seemingly unchanged, but his deep eyes seemed to have accumulated a lot of insights, and his aura was harmonious and natural, appearing more restrained and profound.

Sensing something was amiss, Yan Mingyi immediately came forward, her beautiful eyes filled with joy and concern: "Husband, you've finally emerged from seclusion!"

She carefully examined Lin Changheng and, seeing that his breathing was steady and there was nothing wrong, she was completely relieved. Then, a bright smile bloomed on her face: "My husband's return from seclusion is just in time. All the preparations for his 100th birthday celebration are complete."

Lin Changheng looked at her gently and nodded: "Thank you for your hard work."

His voice was steady, with a hint of hoarseness from not speaking for a long time, which made him sound even more composed.

Then, his divine sense spread silently like mercury, instantly enveloping the entire Qiyue Island. The festive decorations on the island, the spiritual fields, the silent, efficient, and busy black and white puppets... everything was laid bare before his eyes.

A subtle, almost imperceptible smile curved the corners of his lips. It seemed that during his seclusion, Mingyi had managed the island exceptionally well, even better than he had anticipated.

"Now that you've decided to hold a small celebration, has the invitation list been prepared?"

As Lin Changheng strolled outside, he asked. Since Yan Mingyi had already made up her mind, he wouldn't refute it.

"The draft has been prepared and is now awaiting my husband's review. Some of the invitations have already been sent out without my consent because of the long distances involved."

Yan Mingyi followed beside him, handing him a jade slip, and said with a smile, "Island Lord Xu and Fairy Cheng have already sent congratulatory invitations, and said that they will definitely come to congratulate and help in person."

Lin Changheng took the jade slip, scanned it with his divine sense, and nodded slightly.

Yan Mingyi had been by his side for decades, devoted to him wholeheartedly. He had not kept most of his connections and social interactions from her, so she naturally knew about them.

"Let's do it that way."

Lin Changheng glanced at the list and nodded, seeing that it consisted of cultivators and forces with whom he had frequent dealings.

"it is good!"

Receiving Lin Changheng's affirmation, Yan Mingyi felt a sense of satisfaction from being trusted, and her face lit up with a radiant smile.

……

Time flies, and with Yan Mingyi's meticulous management and the efficient cooperation of the many puppets, the preparations proceeded smoothly.

In the blink of an eye, it was three days before Lin Changheng's 100th birthday.

this day.

Two streaks of light flew from the horizon, heading towards Jade Belt Lake, and then fell straight towards Moon-Dwelling Island.

The light faded, stopping before the formation, revealing the figures within. There stood two women, each with exceptional beauty and a distinct air about them.

The woman on the left is wearing a fiery red dress. She is tall and slender, with the skirt outlining her alluring curves. Her face is bright and beautiful, and she exudes an innate air of nobility.

The woman on the right wore a long, moon-white dress as white as ice silk. She was slender and tall, with a face as cold and aloof as the bright moon atop a snow-capped mountain, and an ethereal temperament.

"Husband, is this a guest?... Why are there guests arriving even though it's still only a few days away?"

Yan Mingyi, who was enjoying tea with Lin Changheng by the lake, naturally noticed the newcomers. Although she had never seen them before, she felt that they were exceptionally beautiful, with different temperaments that were all captivating. She immediately exclaimed in surprise.

To her surprise, there was no response from her side, only a gentle breeze that ruffled her hair. She turned her head to look, and Lin Changheng, who had been leisurely sipping tea in the rocking chair, had vanished.

When they looked again, the figure in the green robe had already appeared in the sky outside the island's formation, with a slightly joyful smile on his face, greeting the two beautiful figures.

"Fei Yue!"

"The cold has cleared!"

Lin Changheng's voice rang out.

His gaze first fell on Tantai Feiyue, who was dressed in a bright red dress and looked elegant and noble.

Their eyes met, and Tantai Feiyue's lips curled into a smile that seemed both angry and pleased, but she did not speak immediately.

Then, his gaze shifted to Xu Hanji, who stood beside him, cool and aloof like the moon. His eyes softened slightly, carrying a silent greeting.

The moment Xu Hanji met his gaze, a slight melting of ice seemed to appear on her usually cold face. She lowered her eyes slightly, avoiding his overly direct gaze, and simply uttered "Brother Lin" in response.

I don't know if it was because Tantai Feiyue was there, but I felt a bit suppressed.

Tantai Feiyue watched this scene unfold, her smile deepening, yet carrying an indescribable meaning. She spoke languidly, her voice soft but clearly reaching Yan Mingyi's ears below: "Brother Lin, it seems your Qiyue Island is more vibrant than I imagined. And who is this young lady? Won't you introduce us?"

Her words, seemingly casual, instantly drew Yan Mingyi, who was still somewhat dazed by the lake, into the heart of this subtle atmosphere.

Upon hearing this, Lin Changheng's expression remained unchanged, though the corner of his mouth twitched slightly. He knew that what he had to face, he couldn't avoid in the end.

"Let's go inside first and talk about it..."

Lin Changheng smiled and led the two of them down slowly, back to the lakeside. Just as he was about to introduce them, Yan Mingyi stepped forward and bowed, saying, "I am Yan Mingyi, and I am Brother Lin's concubine."

The name "Tantai Feiyue," and Lin Changheng's earlier use of the word "Feiyue," instantly made Yan Mingyi understand the identity of the woman in red.

The other woman, though not explicitly stated, must have had a close relationship with her husband, judging from his attitude.

Yan Mingyi felt a mix of emotions, but she maintained a polite smile, knowing what she should and shouldn't do. She curtsied and said, "Mingyi greets Sister Tantai and Sister Xu."

Tantai Feiyue carefully examined Yan Mingyi, her smile still bright: "Sister Yan, there's no need for such formality. You are indeed a clever and beautiful girl."

Xu Hanji smiled faintly and returned the greeting, "Greetings, Miss Yan."

The atmosphere by the lake became somewhat subtle and quiet because of the gathering of these three women.

Standing in the middle, Lin Changheng felt the three gazes that seemed to have a physical presence, and he felt that it was even more difficult to deal with than facing an attack from a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.

So he coughed lightly to break the delicate silence, and stepped aside to lead the way, saying, "It's windy outside. Since you've arrived early, let's go inside and have some tea."

With a flick of her red sleeve, Tantai Feiyue took the lead and passed by Lin Changheng. In a voice only the two of them could hear, she hummed softly, "My husband is living a very comfortable life." Her tone carried a hint of reproach.

Lin Changheng remained expressionless, touched his nose, and pretended not to hear.

The four of them entered the lakeside pavilion and sat down. Yan Mingyi took the initiative to pick up the teapot and pour tea for everyone with elegant and composed movements. She offered the first cup of tea to Tantai Feiyue and smiled, "Sister, please have some tea. This is the [Water Hidden Spirit Tea] that my husband... Brother Lin personally planted. Only half a catty can be harvested each year."

Tantai Feiyue took the teacup, her fingertips lightly touching the rim, and suddenly smiled, "Indeed, it is thanks to Sister Yan for managing the household affairs and assisting Brother Lin. I should offer you a cup of tea instead of wine."

(End of this chapter)