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

Chapter 305 Forced into a Trouble, but a Blessing in Disguise

Watching this scene unfold in the distant sky.

Two thoughts flashed through Xu Maoling and Cheng Suling's minds at the same time.

Firstly, how could Lin Changheng's spiritual perception and five senses be so amazing?

They were able to detect movements much earlier than them, even though they were in the late Foundation Establishment stage, yet they couldn't compare to Lin Changheng, who was in the mid Foundation Establishment stage!

A thousand thoughts raced through my mind, filled with surprise, doubt, and mixed feelings.

We also have to accept this rather disheartening fact.

Secondly, the fact that the person who came could so easily kill the evil cultivator who was chasing the client suggests that this person is the monitoring and enforcement team of the [Purple Extreme Sect].
“But the Ziji Sect’s enforcement team usually acts by capturing first and then interrogating, and rarely does it do this kind of... this kind of swift and decisive killing.”

Xu Maoling's eyes flickered, and his tone was somewhat relaxed, but then a new doubt arose.

For those who are subject to law enforcement, adhering to procedures and regulations is always a good thing.

Otherwise, if life and death were decided entirely based on personal whims, capriciousness, and a single word, it would truly cause great anxiety.

"call out!"

The airship approached rapidly.

Cheng Suling's gaze was sharp. She didn't speak, but looked at the flying boat in front of her and the five arrogant cultivators standing on it with their hands behind their backs.

Lin Changheng narrowed his eyes slightly and also turned his gaze towards them.

The cultivators' cultivation levels were clearly defined, and they stood in three rows arranged in a "one-two-two" formation.

The three at the front were all at the late Foundation Establishment stage, while the two at the back had an aura around the mid Foundation Establishment stage.

The cultivator at the bow, clad in a dark robe and with a stern face, swept his gaze like a hawk over the three people in the formation, his expression one of condescending scrutiny. He neither revealed his identity token nor offered an explanation, simply uttering a cold remark:
"Recently, the area under our jurisdiction has been unsettled, with rampant bandits. We have come here to quell the unrest. We hereby warn you to keep the gates of the formation tightly closed and not to wander around at will. If you find any suspicious traces, you must report them immediately."

His tone was harsh, carrying an unquestionable command.

After saying that, he didn't even wait for Xu Maoling and the others to finish responding before turning his flying boat around and preparing to leave, as if he were just passing by and casually cleaning up an eyesore, not taking the three Foundation Establishment cultivators on the island seriously.

They're gone already?!
Lin Changheng and the other three cultivators on the island were somewhat taken aback, but this was the best outcome. After all, it's easy to invite a god but difficult to send him away. It was naturally a good thing that the god was leaving, so they all respectfully saw him off in unison.
"We understand, and we thank the senior cultivator for the reminder..."

Just then, a long-faced cultivator in the second row of the flying boat glanced at them, then suddenly opened his mouth, as if transmitting his voice to the cultivator in the black robe at the bow.

Then, the cold and aloof cultivator in the black robe nodded slightly, his gaze continuing to look towards the three islands, with a hint of interest in his expression.

Lin Changheng noticed this scene and his heart skipped a beat... This could lead to unforeseen changes.

As expected, the flying boat that had turned around and was flying away suddenly stopped, drew an arc in the air, and returned to the three of them.

The flying boat returned and hovered outside the great formation, instantly creating a stagnant and oppressive atmosphere.

The cold-faced cultivator at the bow of the ship swept his gaze across the three people in the formation like an ice blade, his voice devoid of any emotion: "Although we killed this cultivator who had just been robbed, it reminded me that he might be related to an important case. We need to search for clues so that we can wipe out this group of robbers in one fell swoop and restore peace and order to all cultivators."

His gaze swept over the three islands below, shrouded in spiritual light, and his tone left no room for argument: "To prevent any clues from being missed, you must immediately activate the formation and allow us to search inside. Any resistance will be considered obstruction of official business... and you will be punished the same as those who commit calamity!"

These words sounded grand and dignified, but the underlying threat and power caused Xu Maoling and Cheng Suling's expressions to change drastically.

What search for clues? It's clearly a pretext to force their way into their carefully constructed cave!
In the blink of an eye, the situation has changed so drastically.

Xu Maoling suppressed his anger and cupped his hands, saying, "Your Excellency, please understand. Our cave dwelling is simple and it's impossible for us to hide any clues. Moreover, according to the sect's laws, those who rent spiritual land have complete autonomy. Even if the inspection and enforcement team enters the dwelling to search, they need a warrant from an elder."

"A warrant?" The long-faced cultivator scoffed, interrupting, "The world is unstable and turbulent these days. For the sake of all cultivators, we should handle this as a special case. Why would we need a warrant? Senior brother, I think they're making excuses because they have something to hide!"

"In my opinion, these three islands are adjacent yet exceptionally rich in spiritual energy and abundant in resources. They might be in cahoots with that gang of thieves, secretly providing them with a hiding place. If they don't cooperate with the search, it means they have something to hide! At that time, not only will the people be taken away, but the foundations of these three islands... hehe! They will all be confiscated!"

When he said the last sentence, he changed to speaking in a low voice within a small area, enough for the five people present to hear.

Upon hearing this, apart from the aloof cultivator at the head of the flying boat who remained expressionless, the eyes of the other four instantly turned greedy and fervent, like hungry wolves smelling blood. They openly scanned the three spiritually vibrant islands below, as if they were already plotting how to divide this "spoils of war."

The cold-faced cultivator's eyes sharpened, and his spiritual pressure suddenly increased: "I'll say it one last time, activate the formation!"

See you in the picture!

"Open the formation!"

The other four shouted in unison, their voices booming with authority, echoing across Jade Belt Lake!

Clearly, this is no longer a simple law enforcement action, but a blatant attempt to exploit the situation, intimidate, and extort money! Either hand over the person and open the island for their "search," or be accused of colluding with bandits, losing both the person and the island!

Xu Maoling's client, who had been waiting in the distance to express his gratitude for being saved, was startled by the scene and realized something was wrong. He lost interest and turned to fly away without looking back.

All of this naturally fell under the divine senses of everyone present. There was no communication among the five people on the flying boat, and one of the people in the third row automatically flew away from the spirit boat and followed the customer.

So blatant!
It's obvious they'll try to silence them.

Xu Maoling and Cheng Suling turned pale, shocked and angry, and didn't know what to do.

Lin Changheng looked at the five people on the boat, who appeared confident and dignified, yet harbored the eyes of wolves eyeing their prey, and sneered inwardly.

It's true what they say: it's easier to see the King of Hell than to deal with his underlings.

Moreover, when the world is in chaos, not only do demons and monsters come out to devour people, but countless "holy Buddhas" also descend to earth in demonic disguise, wanting a share of the spoils.

He gently closed the folding fan, tapped it in his palm, and began to think about what to do.

"Given such pressure, should we activate the great formation?"

Xu Maoling's voice rang quietly in Lin and Cheng's ears, filled with worry.

"It cannot be opened."

Lin Changheng's voice transmission was calm and decisive: "Once the formation is activated, we will be at their mercy, like fish on a chopping board. Their so-called 'search' is nothing but an excuse for plunder. At that time, our lives and property will be at the mercy of others."

Cheng Suling immediately echoed, her tone resolute: "Brother Lin is absolutely right! Things have come to this point. Once the formation is activated, they can fabricate charges at will. At that time, not only will we lose our life savings, but we may also lose our lives! This formation is our last line of defense; it must not be activated!"

Xu Maoling understood this principle perfectly well. However, the other party came from the Purple Extreme Sect, representing the highest authority in this region. Openly defying them would have unimaginable consequences.

His face was ashen, and his voice was bitter: "But if we don't open it, it's blatant defiance of the law, and they'll have even more reason to take action... How will we resist then?"

"Defend?" Lin Changheng's gaze swept over the menacing spirit boat in the air and the cultivators on it. His tone was calm but carried a hint of coldness. "Naturally, we'll defend with our fists."

"Firstly, our formation wasn't set up for nothing."

He paused, then continued telepathically, "Secondly, there's no turning back now. Fellow Daoist Xu and Fairy Cheng, if they surrender, they'll be at their mercy; if they resist, there's still a glimmer of hope. Although they're using the banner of the Purple Extreme Sect, their actions are so despicable that they can hardly be trusted. If we can hold out for a while and make enough noise, there might still be a chance for a turnaround. Besides..."

A cold glint flashed in Lin Changheng's eyes: "They may not be as solid and invincible as they appear."

"Just as Fellow Daoist Lin said."

Mishima had long regarded Lin Changheng as his superior, and his judgment was quickly recognized by the two cultivators.

……

High in the sky, seeing that the three cultivators below showed no intention of activating the formation, the expressions of the five people on the flying boat immediately turned somewhat grim.

Why five people?
Because the person who had just left had returned with his hands behind his back, just like before, with extremely high efficiency. The residual smell of blood on his body was very faint, and the gentle breeze on Jade Belt Lake had almost completely dispelled it, so no one could smell it.

Xu Maoling's face was grim; he had some guesses, but still held onto a sliver of hope.

However, in the eyes of the five, the fact that the three cultivators of Jade Belt Lake did not make any move clearly meant that their intimidation had no effect.

This tactic had proven effective time and again, since everyone had to give face to the inspection and enforcement team that held the imperial sword.
Once they succeed, it will be time for them to make a fortune.

But this time, they found that the plot did not follow the expected script.

That means they can't take a bite out of these three huge, fat sheep!
Especially that second-tier high-grade alchemist surnamed Lin, who has long been famous in the territory of Floating Life Immortal City, and alchemy is the most profitable skill, he must be rolling in money!

This is also the core driving force behind their decision to turn back.

If you swallow it in one gulp, it can be divided among five people, and everyone can eat their fill!

Because the plan failed, the five cultivators from the Purple Extreme Sect were immediately taken aback, angered, or turned cold.

The long-faced cultivator could only continue to hurl threats. His face was ashen, and he shouted sternly, "How dare you defy the law and disregard the authority of the Purple Extreme Sect! Do you really think this mere formation can protect you?! I advise you not to make a mistake. If any disastrous consequences occur, don't say you weren't warned!"

Although these harsh words sounded fierce, they also revealed a hollow strength beneath the surface.

Although the five of them were strong, it would not be easy for them to forcefully break through the island's array, which was rich in spiritual energy. They would have to pay a considerable price. If the other side were to be determined to fight to the death, it would be hard to say how many of them would die.

Just as the atmosphere was tense and the five people were secretly discussing whether to take the risk or retreat directly, a surge of magical energy suddenly came from the horizon.

A streak of yellow light approached rapidly from afar, and a deep voice could be faintly heard from within it: "Are you fellow Daoists from the Purple Extreme Sect ahead? I am Sun Jingshan, riding my beast, passing through this place. May I ask what has happened here?"

Before the words were finished, an old man in a yellow robe with a ruddy face appeared not far away. The spiritual pressure emanating from him was clearly that of a pseudo-core cultivator!
He was followed by several Foundation Establishment stage cultivators, who were probably family members.

The Sun family! The Beast Taming Sun family!
How did they suddenly get here?
The sudden appearance of this fake Core Formation cultivator made the five people on the flying boat look even more unpleasant.

The Sun family is one of the cultivation families that are half dependent on and half independent of the Ziji Sect. They are quite powerful, possess a skill, control a celestial city, and have close relationships with some high-ranking members of the sect.

At this moment, their "enforcement" was witnessed by the Sun family. If they were to forcibly break the formation, the situation would likely escalate further and become difficult to resolve.

Cultivation families are different from other Foundation Establishment or Qi Refining families.

The leading, cold-faced cultivator glanced menacingly at Lin Changheng and the other two below, then carefully put away the second-tier array-breaking talisman he had been holding beneath his sleeve. He gave Sun Jingshan, who had suddenly appeared, a deep look, knowing that today's outcome was hopeless. He snorted coldly, said no more, flicked his sleeve, and casually cupped his hands in a gesture of respect.

"I was merely following orders to hunt down criminals and suppress thieves, and to uphold justice on behalf of Heaven!"

"We've just finished our business and have important matters to attend to, so please excuse us. Farewell, Master Sun! Let's go!"

The flying boat changed direction and transformed into a streak of light. Because the decision they had made was forced to be abandoned and the conditions for its realization were not met, the group suppressed their resentment and anger and quickly disappeared into the horizon.

It came without warning and left just as quickly.

……

The situation changed far too quickly.

Lin, Xu, and Cheng were all prepared for a battle. If they killed one or two of the law enforcement cultivators of the Purple Extreme Sect, they would have no place to stand in Jade Belt Lake or even in the vast territory under the jurisdiction of the Purple Extreme Sect.

After all, the higher-ups of the Purple Extreme Sect don't care about the details or who is right or wrong. They only think that these arrogant rogue cultivators dared to kill cultivators within the sect, thus offending the "divine might" of the Purple Extreme Sect. They should be killed as a warning to others.

As for the truth... does it even matter to them anymore?

This is a case of "your position determines your perspective"! It's an eternal truth that remains unchanged regardless of time or space.

At that time, they would have to quickly pack their belongings and settle down in another sect's or faction's territory.

Fortunately, their skills are all at the second-tier high level, close to the third level, so there is no worry about not having a place to take them in.

This is the confidence that comes with a safety net, and the motivation to dare to overturn the table and rebel!
Who knew that the appearance of the Sun family patriarch would change the course of events?

As long as no one actually kills, there is room for leniency.

……

"Greetings, Senior Sun!"

Although Lin Changheng was puzzled as to why the Sun family patriarch had come here, there was a connection between them—the other family had sent clansmen to offer their congratulations at Lin Changheng's 100th birthday banquet.

Lin Changheng did not invite them; they came uninvited and even gifted him a pair of spirit beasts, which he later gave to Tantai Feiyue and Xu Hanji respectively.

The gift itself is secondary; the main point is the importance and goodwill it represents.

Lin Changheng has always believed in being kind to others, so he would never lay a hand on a smiling person, especially one from a prominent family.

They were considered one of the top powers in the Song Dynasty. Contact, cultivating good relations, and cooperation were necessary.

This time, the Sun family patriarch came in person. Whether it was because he was passing by or for some other reason, he ultimately helped Jade Belt Lake out of its immediate crisis and prevented a deeper conflict.

For the third renovation of Jade Belt Lake, this is a good thing, so naturally we should greet them warmly, express our gratitude, and offer them hospitality.

Xu and Cheng flew out of the formation together and met each other.

Moreover, bowing outside the formation is considered extremely impolite in the cultivation world, especially towards those to whom one has shown kindness or elders; it should be avoided in such situations.

Lin Changheng also considered that if a conflict were to occur, this second-tier formation wouldn't be able to hold off a pseudo-core cultivator for too long, so he might as well just go out of the formation and see what happened.

If something goes wrong, with the formation behind us, we can retreat in time, so it's not a big problem.

"This must be young friend Lin, right?"

The old patriarch of the Sun family glanced at the three people he had met before, nodded in acknowledgment, and showed no airs of a fake core cultivator. Then, he suddenly smiled and looked at Lin Changheng, asking in a friendly manner.

"Senior's wise eyes."

Lin Changheng replied with a smile.

In fact, the two had met before on the riverbank outside the "Jiazi Secret Realm," but Lin Changheng was in disguise back then. He could easily recognize the Sun family patriarch, but the other party naturally wouldn't notice him, who was hidden among a group of Foundation Establishment cultivators and looked completely ordinary.

"I have long heard of Master Lin's name, and my clansmen also highly regard you. I am extremely curious about you."

The patriarch of the Sun family stroked his beard and smiled, his attitude becoming even more amiable. "I was just passing by this auspicious place today and wanted to ask for a cup of tea and exchange some insights on various arts with you, but I didn't expect to encounter such an unfortunate situation. However, it is quite a coincidence that I was able to help the three of you out of this predicament."

He spoke casually, glossing over the tense conflict that had just occurred, as if it were truly a coincidence.

Upon hearing this, Xu Maoling and Cheng Suling quickly bowed again to express their gratitude: "Thank you so much, Senior Sun, for helping us out of this predicament!"

The Sun family patriarch waved his hand, his gaze sweeping over the three islands below, his tone tinged with concern: "The outside world is in turmoil, and tribulation cultivators are rampant. Even within the [Purple Extreme Sect]... alas, the good and the bad are mixed together. Although you three fellow Daoists reside in such a remote place, with the protection of an array, it is ultimately not a long-term solution. My Sun family's [Flowing Cloud Immortal City] is protected by a mid-grade third-tier array, and I have been stationed there year-round. The city is orderly and relatively peaceful."

"If the three of you don't mind, you might consider moving to the Immortal City. With Young Friend Lin's alchemy skills and the skills of the two of you, it will be no problem for you to establish yourselves in the city. As for the Daoist temple, I can also mediate and provide sufficient convenience to satisfy you all."

These words were truly sincere, not only pointing out the current danger but also extending an olive branch of relocation to the immortal city with the Sun family providing protection. Although Liuyun Immortal City is not as grand as Fusheng Immortal City, it is still a large gathering place for cultivators, and its safety level is far superior to their remote spiritual land.

Xu Maoling and Cheng Suling were slightly moved, but neither of them immediately expressed their opinions.

Lin Changheng knew perfectly well that this old ancestor of the Sun family, though seemingly kind and generous, actually had a clear purpose—he was mainly after Lin Changheng, a second-tier high-grade alchemist.

A promising alchemist is a valuable resource that any family would want to recruit. The so-called "asking for tea on the way" and "just in time to help out" are probably not entirely coincidental.

His face remained impassive, still bearing a humble smile: "I am deeply grateful for your kindness, senior. However, the matter of relocation concerns the path of cultivation and involves many aspects. I need to discuss it carefully with Fellow Daoist Xu and Fairy Cheng before making a decision. Why don't you come to my humble abode first, senior, so that I may serve you some tea and we can discuss it in detail later?"

He neither immediately agreed nor refused, but cleverly changed the subject, buying himself some time.

A barely perceptible hint of appreciation flashed in the eyes of the Sun family patriarch, who laughed heartily: "That's only right. I was too hasty. Then I'll trouble you, young friend Lin."

At that moment, Lin Changheng activated the formation, welcoming the Sun family patriarch and his entourage into Jade Belt Lake.

However, it is not any of the three islands.

Instead, three new waterside pavilions were built in the central area surrounded by three islands.

This inspiration came from Fusheng Lake.

Furthermore, Cheng Suling used the art of geomancy to draw in spiritual veins and water energy, transforming it into a blessed place suitable for leisure, entertaining guests, trading, and recreation.

We entertain guests here, without fear of attracting outsiders and endangering the core of the three islands.

……

The group chatted happily, and both hosts and guests enjoyed themselves.

Suddenly, the Sun family patriarch put down his teacup and instructed his younger relatives, "Now that we are here, go and see if Fellow Daoist Xu and Fairy Cheng have any craft items suitable for our family. You can purchase some to take back with you."

"Yes, Grand Uncle!"

Immediately, members of the Sun family stood up and split into two groups to inquire about the details from Xu and Cheng.

"Then we'll have to excuse ourselves for now."

When business came their way, Xu and Cheng naturally wouldn't let it pass. They immediately took their leave and led the two groups to their respective pavilions, even though they knew that the Sun family patriarch had intentionally sent them away.

But it doesn't matter anymore.

"It's alright." The Sun family patriarch watched them leave with a cheerful smile.

Once everyone had disappeared, Lin Changheng smiled and asked, "I wonder if Senior has something to discuss with me?"

"Haha, young friend Lin has a very clever mind. As expected, nothing can be hidden from you."

The old patriarch of the Sun family chuckled, his expression taking on a perfectly measured solemnity: "To be honest, I suddenly thought of something, and I really do have a favor to ask. I wonder if young friend Lin would be willing to help?"

Lin Changheng paused slightly in the hand holding the teapot: "Please speak, senior."

Instead of blindly agreeing, he planned to listen to the details first.

"Is such that……"

The patriarch of the Sun family didn't mince words and went straight to the point: "My Sun family accidentally obtained an ancient elixir formula, in which two main ingredients and one auxiliary ingredient have become extinct."

As he spoke, he took out an ancient jade slip. "I have heard from some sources that young friend Lin has successfully replaced ancient medicinal herbs for the Floating Life Immortal City and has extraordinary expertise in the deduction of medicinal properties. I have come here to seek your guidance."

"Ancient elixir recipe?"

Lin Changheng did not speak directly. With curiosity, he scanned the jade slip with his divine sense and quickly understood.

This is an unnamed ancient prescription, and indeed two main ingredients and one auxiliary ingredient need to be replaced. Replacing the ingredients in an ancient prescription is the ultimate test of an alchemist's understanding of the properties of the herbs, requiring meticulous deduction; the slightest mistake can ruin the entire batch of pills.

"You flatter me, senior," Lin Changheng said calmly. "Replacing the ancient prescription ingredients is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and requires a lot of trial and error..."

Before he could finish speaking, the Sun family patriarch chimed in, "Of course we won't let young friend Lin work for nothing."

"I wonder if you're looking for spirit stones, spirit materials, or something related to beast taming?"

Although he didn't show it, Lin Changheng knew that this item must be very important to the Sun family patriarch or the Sun family itself.

After all, it's an ancient prescription; it might have some mysterious effects.

"Tap, tap, tap!..."

While pondering the difficulty of replacing the pill formula, Lin Changheng was also considering what he wanted, and did not reply immediately.

The Sun family patriarch did not urge him, maintaining sufficient patience, seemingly certain that Lin Changheng would cooperate with him.

……

Lin Changheng naturally had no shortage of spirit stones, so he excluded them directly.

He does lack a lot of spiritual materials, especially those related to Core Formation, but they are extremely valuable. Asking for them would be like asking for an exorbitant sum, leaving the other party with the impression of being greedy and undermining the foundation of cooperation.

That leaves only "beast taming related".

After a moment's thought, Lin Changheng put down his teacup and spoke naturally, "Senior Sun, I recently encountered a spirit pet, the Black-Armored Earth Turtle, stuck at the early stage of the second tier, unable to break through. The Sun family is renowned for its expertise in cultivating spirit beasts. I wonder if your clan possesses any suitable elixirs for such a turtle-type spirit beast to break through to the mid-stage of the second tier?"

Previously, Lin Changheng had mainly kept the Black-Armored Earth Turtle hidden, since the Xuanling bloodline might attract unwanted attention.

With the combined strength of a second-tier high-grade alchemist and a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator, raising such a spirit beast wouldn't seem too outrageous.

Therefore, there is no need to hide anything.

Upon hearing this, the Sun family patriarch's eyes flashed with a sharp light. He stroked his beard and smiled, "Young friend Lin has come to the right person. My Sun family does indeed have a unique elixir called the [Mysterious Turtle Barrier-Breaking Pill], which is remarkably effective for turtle-type demonic beasts breaking through minor realms. This elixir is a closely guarded secret of my Sun family, and has always been supplied only to the clan and friendly forces. It is not sold to outsiders."

He paused slightly, observing Lin Changheng's expression. Seeing that he remained calm, he continued, "However, young friend Lin is no outsider. If you need it, I can agree to spare one. However... this pill is not easy to refine, and the main ingredient, [Mysterious Water Spirit Mushroom], is even rarer. Therefore, my request for a replacement pill formula just now..."

"Mr. Lin can accept it."

Lin Changheng nodded directly.

"The elixir will be presented after the ancient formula has been replaced." The Sun family patriarch smiled with satisfaction, his goal achieved.

But Lin Changheng suddenly shook his head. "No."

The patriarch of the Sun family frowned, his tone becoming somewhat harsh: "Young friend, are you perhaps going back on your word and playing tricks on me?"

"This junior dares not, but my spirit tortoise is impatient; it has reached the breakthrough point and cannot be delayed any longer. It urgently needs the elixir..."

Lin Changheng acted as if he hadn't heard, remaining calm and composed, "It's merely to show sincerity..."

He took out a blank jade slip and placed it on his forehead. After a moment, he handed it to the Sun family patriarch: "This is my preliminary deduction of the substitution of the 'Azure Nether Fruit' as an auxiliary medicine in your ancient prescription. Senior may wish to take a look, and you will know that I am not lying."

The Sun family patriarch, who was frowning, lost trust in Lin Changheng after hearing his arrogant words. However, he still took the jade slip with some doubt and scanned it with his divine sense.

In just a few breaths, his expression changed drastically, and he stood up abruptly, not even noticing the teacup being knocked over: "This...this 'Moonflower Grass supplemented with three drops of century-old stalactite to balance the medicinal properties'...this is the conclusion that my Sun family's three second-tier alchemists reached after half a year of deduction! How...how did you know that?"

He stared at Lin Changheng in shock, as if he were looking at a monster.

It's no wonder that this fake alchemist lost his composure, because this deduction not only reached the same conclusion as theirs, but its method for resolving the conflict between the medicinal properties was even more ingenious than the solution they had racked their brains for!

Lin Changheng smiled calmly, picked up his teacup, and slowly took a sip.
"Is Senior trustworthy now? Since I can deduce the results of your efforts that took half a year in a short time, I am naturally confident that I can complete the entire replacement within a year. But this [Mysterious Turtle Barrier-Breaking Pill] must be given to me first."

There was no fear or awe towards the fake Core Formation cultivator in his words.

This is due to his strength.

The patriarch of the Sun family sat down in a daze, took a deep breath, and finally took out a jade bottle and pushed it in front of Lin Changheng: "Talented people emerge in every generation. Young friend Lin, this is the [Mysterious Turtle Barrier-Breaking Pill], which is exactly what you need. I entrust the matter of replacing the ancient formula to you!"

This time, there was no longer any probing in his tone, only heartfelt admiration.

Then he solemnly said, "Young friend, you truly live up to your reputation. If the pill formula can be perfected within a year, my Sun family is willing to give you another pill made from this formula."

"Three pills," Lin Changheng said calmly. "Or, let me observe the 'elixir-condensing technique' recorded in this ancient formula."

After a moment's thought, the Sun family patriarch finally nodded: "Three coins it is, deal!"

As for the [Gathering Elixir Technique], it is completely ignored and treated as if it had never been heard of.

Lin Changheng didn't hold out much hope either. If the other party were really willing to give him the [Gathering Pill Technique], it would be equivalent to the entire pill formula falling into his hands, making him a freeloader. How could that be possible?

His only goal from beginning to end was to get more pills.

Lin Changheng then reached out and took the jade bottle, opened the seal, and looked inside.

Instantly, a unique medicinal fragrance wafted out, filling the nostrils. The aroma wasn't strong, but it was incredibly layered. The first scent was the freshness of earth after rain, then it shifted to the faint fishy smell of deep-sea algae, and finally transformed into a wisp of amber pine resin. The three scents intertwined, invigorating the senses.

Upon closer inspection, the pills are about the size of longan fruits, dark brown in color, and covered with fine, evenly distributed crack-like patterns, resembling ancient pottery that has been weathered by time.

"【Mysterious Turtle Breakthrough Pill】...it must be genuine. Little Black's breakthrough is imminent!" Lin Changheng's alchemy skills were so profound that even though he didn't know this pill, he could still discern its quality and what it could probably be used for.

After confirming that everything was correct, I put the cork back on with satisfaction and put it away.

"Ha ha ha ha……"

With the collaboration finalized, the two looked at each other and smiled.

After that, the Sun family patriarch did not linger. He led his clansmen to be escorted outside the formation by Lin Changheng Sanxiu, and watched them leave on a flying boat.

But when he turned around and saw the genuine smiles on Xu and Cheng's faces, he knew that they had also gained a lot, and the gloom from the earlier threat vanished.

(End of this chapter)