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

Chapter 295 Obtaining Demonic Arts Again, Launching a Large-Scale Recruitment

"Fellow Daoist Zeng, it's been a long time."

Lin Changheng led him in with a smile.

At this moment, Chef Zeng's entire demeanor was completely different. His face was full of vigor, but there was also a hint of annoyance in his eyes, which Lin Changheng found rather strange.

"Brother Lin! I've come to bother you again!"

As a son-in-law, Chef Zeng was obviously extremely talented in both spiritual roots and skills, but as an outsider, he was still separated from the core of the Huang family's power.

But when the Huang family faced the crisis of extermination last time, Chef Zeng risked his life to make connections everywhere. Everyone in the Huang family saw it. Even members of the clan could not have done better. His sense of belonging and hard work were obvious to everyone!

Furthermore, the Lin Dan Master he recruited and absorbed into the clan wars also played a significant role, and his status and position continue to rise.

The connection between the Huang family and Alchemist Lin rests on Chef Zeng, who is the key link! Previously, the Huang family had tried to get out of this situation and sent other core members to contact Alchemist Lin, but they did not achieve the desired results and had to give up.

All of this has allowed Chef Zeng to firmly establish himself within the clan and enter the true core.

This is the reason for their high spirits, but what is the cause of their frustration?

"Please take a seat."

Lin Changheng didn't want to pry too much, as it might involve the other party's privacy. He immediately waved his hand, and a silver puppet brought over a teacup.

"The essence blood has finally been collected. It could have been done faster, but an elder of the Purple Extreme Sect forcibly bought some of it under the guise of righteousness. We were wondering how the other party knew that we possessed the Crimson-Eyed Fire Demon, but then we realized that it must have been leaked by the previous owner."

"Fortunately, it didn't interfere with Brother Lin's plans."

Chef Zeng took out the carefully packaged and sealed essence blood, and used his magic to push it in front of Lin Changheng, while explaining something in his mouth.

“It’s never too late to have a good meal.”

Lin Changheng examined the essence blood of the Crimson-Eyed Fire Demon in person. After confirming that the quantity was correct, he smiled magnanimously and didn't care.

The two chatted for a long time until Yan Mingyi came out from the back room, smiled and said that the banquet had been prepared and invited them to take their seats.

"How could I possibly accept this? It would be such a great honor for Fairy Yan to cook for me..."

Chef Zeng scratched his head and waved his hands repeatedly.

Lin Changheng just smiled and hadn't spoken yet when Yan Mingyi took over the conversation: "Fellow Daoist Zeng was our neighbor in the early years and we had a close relationship. Later, she even helped my husband become a retainer of the Huang family, which brought us even closer and we've been seeing each other quite often!"

She paused, her smile gentle, with a touch of just the right amount of humility: "Don't be fooled by my improved cultivation. Making spiritual food is my hobby. Besides, what I've prepared today is just some simple home-cooked meals, and the ingredients are all produced on the island. If Fellow Daoist Zeng refuses again, it would be too much of a formality, or perhaps you think my spiritual cooking skills are not up to par?"

Upon hearing this, Chef Zeng shook his head repeatedly: "Fairy Yan, you flatter me! I was being old-fashioned! Since that's the case, then I'll take the liberty of bothering you!"

Lin Changheng watched from the side, his eyes showing approval. Yan Mingyi's manners were becoming increasingly thoughtful and appropriate; with her handling these trivial matters, he could focus more on his cultivation.

"Alright, Fellow Daoist Zeng, we shouldn't stand on ceremony since Mingyi has shown us such kindness. Please take your seats, try her cooking, and see how it compares to what it was back then." Lin Changheng smiled as he stood up and personally led Chef Zeng to the banquet hall.

Inside the hall, several exquisite spiritual dishes were already laid out on a jade table. Although not luxurious, they were fragrant and full of spiritual energy, clearly prepared with care.

The atmosphere was harmonious, and both guests and hosts enjoyed themselves.

After a few cups of spirit wine, Lin Changheng understood the reason for Chef Zeng's annoyed expression.

The Huang family recently received a dispatch order from the Purple Extreme Sect, requiring them to send two Foundation Establishment cultivators and twenty Qi Refining cultivators in the mid-to-late stages to the Jin Kingdom to participate in the war!

The Huang family dared not refuse directly, but instead sent gifts to the envoy and inquired about the true situation.

The other party accepted the gift, and their attitude indeed improved, subtly revealing a truth:
The Ziji Sect has invested heavily in the Song-Jin battlefield, with high-level cultivators from within the sect personally going to the battlefield to lead the charge. None of its Foundation Establishment families can afford to stay out of it.

Moreover, although the word "high-level cultivator" was vague, the Huang family clearly understood that it should be a Core Formation cultivator.

Under these circumstances, the Huang family really dared not refuse. If they angered the Ziji Sect, they would be accused of disregarding national righteousness, and no one could withstand that, since the Ziji Sect held absolute military power.

"So we have no choice but to obey?"

Lin Changheng asked, resting his chin on his hand.

"When you're under someone's roof, you have to bow your head. Haha, for the sake of the bigger picture."

Chef Zeng shrugged and smiled.

"The bigger picture, the bigger picture..."

Lin Changheng poured himself a glass of wine and took a sip.

……

After seeing Chef Zeng off, Lin Changheng went directly to the secluded meditation room.

He extracted the essence and blood of the group and began to seize their spirits.

As long as his essence and blood are inexhaustible, Lin Changheng's growth has no limit!

If one day he is suddenly burdened with the responsibility of "overall situation," he needs to have the confidence to deal with it!

If the top powers value their reputation, they can maintain a superficial harmony and order. However, once they break off relations or the interests become too great, they will completely revert to the primitive law of the jungle, where the strong prey on the weak.

At that time, all cultivators in the world will be nothing more than fish on a chopping board!

Lin Changheng had long seen through the essence of how this world works. The fact that he now possesses such a status and identity, and that everyone he meets greets him with respect and calls him "Master Lin," is all due to his own strength, which he has earned step by step! But all of this is ultimately just like duckweed floating on water. Only by having his own great power as the "roots" to grow strong and stand tall can he protect everything.

With a calm expression, he continued to gather his essence and blood into one place, touch it with his palm, and begin to seize the spirit.

"Om~!"

The cauldron trembled.

[Crimson-Eyed Fire Demon] The deep red essence blood was instantly absorbed, and crimson light and blue glow intertwined, and a new treasure seed was taking shape.

[Spirit Stealing: 100/100]

【Crimson-Eyed Fire Demon Treasure Seed - Fifth Layer】

"Five levels!"

Lin Changheng's spirits lifted, and he immediately took out the ten portions of [Earthfire Demon Hound] essence blood he had obtained from Ye Qingwu and absorbed them all at once.

Immediately, the rosy light continued to rise and fall.

[Spirit Stealing: 100/100]

[Biochemical Life: 10/10]

……

[With essence and blood fully absorbed, the transformation is complete!]

【Crimson-Eyed Fire Demon True Core - Supreme】

[A demonic technique that can be refined into the bloodline of demonic beasts and revert to its ancestral form: Divine Blood Curse Seal]

Inside the quiet room, Lin Changheng sat cross-legged, his mind completely absorbed in his body.

Deep within his dantian, the condensed core of the [Divine Blood Curse Seal] was vibrating violently at an unprecedented frequency after it fell in.

It is no longer limited to the single function of branding, controlling, and detonating; a more ancient and sinister power originating from the depths of the blood is being awakened and stimulated!
"Om-!"

A deafening roar, originating from the very source of his soul, could only be "heard" by Lin Changheng himself!

The dark red cursed core suddenly collapsed inward, as if it were about to turn into a singularity, and then it exploded with a roar.

Its form has undergone a fundamental change. It is no longer a relatively stable rune structure, but has transformed into a constantly writhing and changing mass of "blood"!
This mass of blood seemed to possess an independent life, with countless tiny demons roaring and howling within it, emanating an even more ferocious and uncontrollable terrifying aura.

A transformation is complete at this moment!

"Is this the [Divine Blood Curse Seal] demonic technique?"

Lin Changheng began to try it quietly.

They soon discovered that casting spells in the past required mixing one's divine sense to carefully outline runes in the void or on objects. Although the process was not long, it was still tedious in the heat of battle.

Now, with a thought, the incantation seal is formed on its own!

That mass of blood seemed to be an extension of his will. With just a gathering of his divine sense, an invisible and intangible yet real curse could be formed directly, increasing the speed by more than several times!
Moreover, the speed at which it is released is faster than before, making it even harder to dodge.

Lin Changheng slowly opened his eyes, looking at the demonic spell floating in his palm. Sometimes it transformed into a roaring demon, and sometimes into complex incantations, emitting a heart-palpitating aura.

The sorcery is mysterious and profound; even if someone with a fake elixir falls for it, they will likely be controlled by it.

Moreover, six can exist simultaneously, controlling six people.

This quantity was equivalent to two when I was at the previous [Spiritual Ability] realm.

Only one has been used so far, and it remains inside Ye Qingwu's body.

In this state, even if the other party has a secret technique that can temporarily suppress or even partially remove the curse mark, as long as the connection is not completely eradicated, Lin Changheng can use the characteristics of demonic magic to vaguely sense its location within a certain range, and even track it by its residual aura!
Want to get rid of it completely? It's as difficult as climbing to the sky!

"From then on, the curse seal truly became my weapon, like a demon, like a shadow."

A satisfied smile curved his lips.

At this moment, Lin Changheng checked his own spiritual root condition again.

Fire Spirit Root, with fifty-four strands of spiritual energy.

Wood spirit root, twenty-nine strands of spiritual charm.

Earth Spirit Root, with twenty-two strands of spiritual essence.

The water spirit root consists of eighteen strands.

Golden spiritual root, fifteen strands of spiritual essence.

The fire elemental root still has the highest spiritual energy, followed by the wood elemental root, which is already close to the bottom line of the middle-grade elemental root.

He couldn't help but fall into deep thought, "The Five Elements Technique... is just too rare..."

His five elements spiritual roots will surely become more prominent and continue to develop.

In the future, possessing the legendary "Five Elements Celestial Spiritual Roots" may not be an entirely impossible dream. If that day truly comes, choosing a "major cultivation method" that can govern, balance, and unleash the power of the five elements will undoubtedly be the optimal solution, with boundless potential and a direct path to the origin of the Great Dao.

However, the reality is cruel.

The Five Elements Cultivation Technique, as the name suggests, requires the simultaneous absorption, refinement, and circulation of the five elements of spiritual energy. It places extremely demanding requirements on a cultivator's spiritual root attributes, physique, comprehension, and even resources. Its lineage is far rarer than single-attribute or even dual-attribute cultivation techniques. Most are held by ancient sects with terrifying resources or reclusive masters. Those that circulate outside the sect are either incomplete or of extremely low quality, pieced together, and have limited future potential.

"Given my current situation, finding a suitable and profound cultivation method based on the Five Elements is like finding a needle in a haystack. The opportunity has not yet arrived, and I cannot force it."

He quickly returned to reality from his daydreams about the future.

"The most urgent task is still to focus on the present. The Jade Void Bright Scripture is sufficient for my cultivation, and it is quite compatible with my superior-grade fire spiritual root, enough to support my cultivation to the third-stage Core Formation realm. If there were no hidden dangers, it would be a good choice..."

"As for the path of cultivating all five elements... perhaps we can take a different approach." A glint flashed in Lin Changheng's eyes. "It's not necessary to immediately find a perfect cultivation method that focuses on one of the five elements. I can use single-element or dual-element cultivation methods as the mainstay, while also incorporating other attributes of demonic and exotic magic, or trying some techniques for fusing and applying the five elements. In this way, I can gradually become familiar with and utilize the power of the five elements, laying the foundation for future cultivation, without hindering my current progress."

"When my cultivation level is higher and I have access to a wider range of knowledge in the future, I may be able to find the Five Elements Great Dao cultivation method that belongs to me naturally."

With his thoughts clear, Lin Changheng suddenly felt enlightened.

However, he knew that if he wanted to replace the "Jade Void Bright Scripture" with a cultivation technique of the same or better level, the only options besides exploring secret realms and excavating ancient ruins were to obtain it from powerful forces in the Song Dynasty or from Core Formation cultivators, and he would also need some good fortune.

……

It is worth mentioning that during this period, Lin Changheng also received a letter from the Xu family.

The first letter was sent by Princess Tantai.

At first glance, the words convey both joy and emotion, and even the font is somewhat distorted.

The main point mentioned above is that it took her a full sixteen years, and 70% of the resources she had accumulated over those years, to finally break through to the fourth level of Foundation Establishment! Mid-stage Foundation Establishment!
Lin Changheng did some quick calculations and found that Tantai Feiyue was already 105 years old.

It took forty-five years to overcome the first major hurdle in the foundation-building stage.

The later stages of Foundation Establishment and Core Formation become increasingly difficult, requiring far more time than ninety years to complete.

Generally speaking, the theoretical maximum lifespan of a Foundation Establishment cultivator is 250 years, but it is usually lower, with 220 to 230 years being more normal.

In other words, if Tantai Feiyue cultivates step by step, the best result she can achieve with her low-grade spiritual root is only a false core.

Those who achieve the Dao of a false elixir are basically stuck at the early stage of elixir formation, unable to break through the shackles, their path to enlightenment is cut off, and they lose all hope. When the time comes, they will naturally turn into a handful of dust.

Lin Changheng felt quite bad, but there was nothing he could do for the time being. Now his path to enlightenment was about to face another major hurdle: the threshold of the late Foundation Establishment stage.

I don't know how to get over it.

Meanwhile, although preparations for Core Formation have begun, it remains a long way off.

Once he has successfully formed his own core and still has some strength left, he will naturally consider helping, but not now.

Lin Changheng's heart is both hard and soft; he prioritizes his own path and everything else comes later.

In his reply to Tantai Feiyue, he mainly offered congratulations and encouragement, and also mentioned that the Song region was not stable at present, so she should stay away from her family and be careful.

……

The second letter came from Xu Hanji, who communicated with Lin Changheng more as the head of the family.

Only a very small portion of the text mentions his feelings about his daughter.

The relationship between her and Lin Changheng is now very delicate, as thin as a sheet of paper that can be easily broken with a light touch; but if neither of them speaks up, it is no less than a thick sheet of parchment, blocking them away firmly.

Moreover, her cultivation level had already reached the third level of Foundation Establishment, and she was working hard to break through to the middle stage of Foundation Establishment. Now, the dawn was just around the corner.

However, given the same resources, the breakthrough difficulty for a mid-grade spiritual root is much less than that for a low-grade spiritual root.

Soon, Xu Hanji's cultivation level may surpass that of Tantai Feiyue.

Once a dual Foundation Establishment mid-stage appears, the Xu family's foundation can be further enhanced.

After all, the strength of a Foundation Establishment family is not only measured by the number of Foundation Establishment cultivators, but also by the intensity of their cultivation!
A family with a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator in charge will have overwhelming combat power compared to the Xu family, but having more Foundation Establishment cultivators means having growth potential and the possibility of a better future.

Xu Hanji's letter also mentioned something that made Lin Changheng frown.

Even the Xu family was summoned by the Ziji Sect and was required to send a Foundation Establishment cultivator to lead ten Qi Refining cultivators in the mid-to-late stage to the Song-Jin battlefield.

Even a behemoth like the Huang family couldn't resist, so the Xu family naturally had no choice but to obey.

"Then I'll go!"

Just when the Xu family's top management was caught in a dilemma, Xu Xujun stepped forward and volunteered to take on the task.

He knew that during the time he was in the Xu family, which was advancing to the Foundation Establishment stage, he had stayed in the clan's territory where spiritual veins were insufficient and sacrificed too much cultivation time. Now he had missed the best opportunity to break through to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, and the remaining time could only be wasted. He might as well go to the battlefield to shine for the family.

This also prevents several promising Foundation Establishment stage juniors from perishing on the battlefield.

He would feel uneasy about that.

Upon hearing this news, Xu Hanji and other high-ranking officials showed expressions of reluctance, but ultimately did not utter a word of rebuttal.

Instead, they all stood solemnly and bowed respectfully to Xu Xujun in unison.

Everyone present knew that the Ziji Sect's summons, though seemingly a summons, was actually a death warrant and a life-threatening rope; those in the early stages of Foundation Establishment had a high probability of dying if they went there.

Xu Xuheng was old and frail, nearing the end of his life. He sat on the side, his eyes closed, but tears were silently streaming down his face.

He...didn't make the wrong choice!

He gave up his chance to establish his foundation for the sake of his family, giving it to his cousin Xu Xujun;

Now, for the sake of his family, Xu Xujun is also giving up... his chance to live!

Isn't this also a form of inheritance?!

……

Seeing this, Lin Changheng also felt a sense of admiration for Xu Xujun, the middle-aged cultivator with phoenix eyes.

Although the opponent's strength was nothing compared to his own, his spirit and belief in sacrificing himself for his clan still moved him.

Even if the two people have different ideas, it does not prevent this emotion from arising.

Moreover, the current situation of the Ziji Sect recruiting cultivators everywhere has made Lin Changheng somewhat worried about two things.

Firstly, will the conscription team come to Jade Belt Lake?
Secondly, it is uncertain whether Mo Zhaoli will also be among those recruited.

Therefore, Lin Changheng even wrote a letter to Mo Zhaoli in person to inquire about the relevant situation, so that he could know as soon as possible and make preparations.

A similar letter was also sent to Ye Qingwu. This woman was more powerful and held a higher position, so perhaps she could obtain more inside information.

This is the advantage of having an inside player.

They can corroborate each other, avoiding one-sided information and misjudgment.

……

About three months later.

Lin Changheng had not yet received the two women's replies when he met Bai Hengwan's messenger again.

Upon receiving the letter from the messenger, Lin Changheng sensed something was amiss, but outwardly remained calm and composed, as if unaware of anything.

The hidden tricks set in the letter had now been foiled.

Although the barrier is intact, it has certainly been spied on in reality.

"What Bai Hengwan said earlier was indeed true; it seems she really is in trouble."

Lin Changheng used a special method to open the letter and looked directly at it.

The story contained a mix of truth and fiction, but Lin Changheng quickly discerned the truth based on their agreement.

On the surface, it means that the situation in Song is becoming increasingly unpredictable, making it particularly inconvenient to travel with belongings, and there is a risk of accidents or loss.

But the real meaning was that although the Wan Jianyun family had delivered the items, their messengers were mostly untrustworthy, and many of their people had been bribed, making it difficult to discern the truth. It was suggested that Lin Changheng disguise himself and personally go to retrieve the items to ensure everything went smoothly.

Lin Changheng held the letter, presented the gift to the messenger, and sent him away. He had already made up his mind.

It's obvious that anyone who dared to attack Bai Hengwan must be a true disciple of the Immortal City. For outsiders to cause trouble within the Immortal City and target a true disciple is tantamount to courting death.

Based on what Bai Hengwan said earlier, it's very likely that her senior brothers and sisters were the ones who made the move.

This is a kind of competition that fosters conflict, and [Qinglan Sanren] doesn't seem to resist it, even actively guiding his disciples to fight.

As expected, the [Qinglan Sanren] will provide Core Formation resources to the winner among the three.

This involves not only cultivation level, but also the struggle for the path of cultivation and identity.

No one can back down!

"Since I'm going there now, I can also present the [Premium Youth-Preserving Pill] to Bai Hengwan."

Lin Changheng waited until two days after the envoy left before quietly departing from the island.

On this day, which happened to be Lin Changheng's 110th birthday, there was no banquet or grand feast. Instead, Yan Mingyi served him a comfortable bath to relax him a bit before he dressed neatly, changed his appearance, and left.

Moreover, it was highly purposeful.

They were heading directly in the direction the messenger had fled.

It is unknown when, but Lin Changheng placed some kind of device on the envoy, so that his presence was always exposed to Lin Changheng's perception, like a beacon in the dark that never went out.

However, the envoy traveled steadily and cautiously. Little did he know that a "protector" had followed him closely, keeping a watchful eye on everything he did.

This state of movement continued uninterrupted.

It wasn't until they were close to the [Floating Life Immortal City] that a cultivator hurriedly "brushed past" them from a distance of more than ten feet.

It seemed like nothing had happened, but nothing escaped Lin Changheng's divine sense and five senses.

"Senior, spare your life!"

In a valley not far away, a cultivator was enveloped by magical power and casually thrown to the ground; it was none other than the person who had just brushed past him.

This man was quick-witted; ignoring his physical pain, he immediately pounded his head like a pestle and knelt down to beg for mercy.

Lin Changheng was somewhat surprised by the decisiveness.

"In that case, tell me what you did wrong."

(End of this chapter)