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

Chapter 311 Breakthrough Treasure, New Essence Blood
"This is……"

Lin Changheng took the item out of his storage bag, his eyes scanning it closely, looking it over, his mind racing, trying to recall and compare it to confirm why.

It was held in Lin Changheng's hand; it was a piece of jade about the size of a fist, with a warm, milky white color throughout.

The jade has natural cloud-like patterns on its surface, and inside it seems to have a misty spiritual light flowing slowly. When you hold it in your hand, you can feel an extremely pure, balanced and peaceful spiritual energy constantly emanating from it, nourishing the meridians around your body and making your magical power subtly more active.

"Condensed Essence Jade Marrow!"

A look of surprise suddenly flashed in Lin Changheng's eyes. He had finally found the name corresponding to this item from his memory of spiritual materials!

This item is a rare treasure formed by the spiritual energy of heaven and earth under specific conditions and after decades of nurturing. The jade marrow spiritual energy contained within it is pure and gentle, and is easily absorbed and refined by cultivators. It is one of the treasures that can help cultivators break through in the Foundation Establishment stage!

Its value even far exceeds that of many second-tier pills that help break through realms, because it has the miraculous effect of gently weakening the bottleneck when breaking through it, which can greatly increase the success rate of the breakthrough!

The process is gradual and continuous, not a violent breakthrough, and it will not deplete potential or hinder the cultivator's future path.

It was probably prepared by that young cultivator for his own breakthrough to the late Foundation Establishment stage, or it might have been bestowed by the other party's fake Core Grandmaster. But in any case, it fell into Lin Changheng's hands.

I'll make his wedding dress!
It's important to understand that pills that help break through cultivation levels are completely different from pills that accelerate cultivation. They're not on the same track or in the same dimension, and their values ​​are entirely different.

After all, a single bottleneck can kill countless cultivators!
The same applies to spiritual items and treasures related to "breaking through realms," which are often very expensive.

"I never imagined that killing these few parasites would yield such a treasure!"

Lin Changheng was thrilled.

He was just worrying about how to safely break through to the late Foundation Establishment stage when this [Condensed Essence Jade Marrow] arrived at the perfect time!
With this item's help, his chances of breaking through have greatly increased!

If you are breaking through from the early stage of Foundation Establishment to the middle stage, this item alone is enough. However, if you are breaking through from the middle stage of Foundation Establishment to the late stage, you will need other items to supplement your foundation.

He carefully put the [Condensed Essence Jade Marrow] back in its place, affixing several spirit-sealing talismans to ensure that its spiritual energy would not be lost.

"It seems that this identity of 'Li Feiyu' still requires some physical activity from time to time."

He smiled slightly, in a great mood, and continued to examine the other items.

……

Soon, Lin Changheng noticed something else.

It was a small, bronze-colored bottle.

It belonged to that short, stocky late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Lin Changheng still remembered the scene when the other party used it. He flicked his finger at the bottle, and a cloud of icy mist emanating a chilling aura swept out. Then, the other party used his magic to condense it into Xuanbing (mysterious ice), and finally reinforced the chilling evil energy surging from his body, making it extremely hard.

It blocked the attack of the [Magic Sword Embryo]!

If it weren't for the fact that the [Magic Sword Embryo] could absorb and devour this special Yin energy, thus weakening it, it's likely that this person wouldn't have been able to break through for a while.

When the two join forces to attack again, it will really take some more effort.

Moreover, delays can lead to unforeseen changes, which is not a good thing.

Lin Changheng held the bronze bottle in his hand and subconsciously probed his consciousness into it, but felt it was freezing cold, as if his consciousness was about to freeze into ice. He immediately shivered and quickly pulled it out.

"This thing is extremely cold, but I don't know what it is or what it's called. Besides its use as a defensive measure, what else can it be used for..."

Lin Changheng was filled with doubt, unable to find out, as the information was too scarce.

I had no choice but to put away the remaining half-bottle of this substance.

Next, Lin Changheng searched through the short, stocky cultivator's storage bag and found a jet-black scroll hidden in a wooden box, concealed by layers of cloth.

Deception?
Lin Changheng smiled, finding the man amusing.

After all, the storage bag is too private to be seen unless one is dead.

If one dies and the storage bag falls into the enemy's hands, they will surely search the place thoroughly, so what's the point of hiding it?

It’s just self-deception.

But this did not prevent Lin Changheng from becoming interested in the ink-black scroll.

But he did not immediately reach out to untie the scroll and unfold it.

Instead, he sent the item several meters away, and then cast a magical shield over his body to protect it before flicking his finger. A surge of magical energy shot out and struck the scroll.

The scroll was subjected to force, rolled around, and unfurled halfway through, revealing a length of nearly ten feet.

It was covered with tiny, densely packed writing.

"nothing."

Lin Changheng was afraid that there might be poisoned arrows or strange lights shooting out from within, which would take his life, so he felt safe to start.

He reached out and saw that the scroll contained a technique called "Xuanming Sha".

Its technique is quite bizarre.

Lin Changheng quickly scanned the area, gaining a basic understanding, and was extremely surprised.

It is not a grand and orthodox method of forming the elixir, but a method that allows one to form a kind of "destructive elixir" within the body after cultivation.

"The Killing Pill!"

This is not the true path to Core Formation, but a shortcut or unorthodox method. Cultivators who practice this method must collect various Yin and Sha energies from heaven and earth, refine them into their own bodies, intertwine them with their own magical power, and continuously compress and condense them in their dantian to eventually form a "pseudo-core" containing a vast amount of Sha energy.

After forming the "Fiend Core", the cultivator can possess magical power and aura comparable to a pseudo-core cultivator, and even surpass them in some aspects. In particular, the fiend energy is extremely effective at eroding magical power and defiled magical treasures when used against enemies.

However, this method has significant drawbacks.

First of all, the quality of the "Sha Dan" is far inferior to that of the real "Zhen Dan" and "Jin Dan". Its potential is limited, and it basically eliminates the possibility of condensing into a pill or even reaching a higher realm.

Secondly, being constantly surrounded by malevolent energy can easily erode one's mind, making one violent and bloodthirsty, and may eventually lead to a complete loss of self, turning one into a monster who only knows how to kill.

Furthermore, the lifespan of such cultivators is significantly shorter than that of those who produce fake cores, and the "destructive core" is unstable, potentially disintegrating under the impact of powerful restraining forces.

"No wonder that guy's murderous aura was so pure and cold. It turns out that he felt he had no hope of forming his core, so he specially cultivated this kind of technique..." Lin Changheng suddenly realized, then shook his head. "I wonder where he got it from. Once the information about this technique is leaked, I'm afraid many late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators will fight tooth and nail for it."

Although this technique can be mastered quickly and is quite powerful, with the success rate comparable to a fake elixir cultivator, it has endless consequences and is by no means the right path, so it holds no appeal for him.

However, some of the techniques for controlling and condensing malevolent energy recorded in the manual are quite unique and may be worth learning from.

He put the scroll away and paid no more attention to it.

His path is the grand and majestic one, relying on supernatural powers and aiming for immortality. He would never cultivate such a self-destructive evil technique for the sake of temporary power.

However, if a friend has no hope of achieving the Golden Core stage, giving them this method to improve their cultivation and prolong their lifespan is not a bad idea.

……

Next, Lin Changheng specifically picked out the third-tier [True Insight Talisman] and put it away.

It might come in handy in a special situation.

Or to provide a plausible excuse for the results achieved by casting [Divine Light].

In addition, the most valuable item was the [Crimson Flying Sword].

A high-quality, second-tier spiritual weapon in excellent condition.

Lin Changheng intentionally restrained his force when manipulating the [Magic Sword Embryo] during the collision, thus preventing further damage.

It should fetch a good amount of spirit stones, or be able to exchange for some precious treasures.

Aside from the aforementioned precious items, the remaining items, not included in the calculation, are worth nearly 90,000 spirit stones, with spirit artifacts accounting for more than half of them.

……

"call!"

After finishing his tasks, Lin Changheng opened his mouth and spat out the [Azure Sword Embryo], which hovered in front of him, motionless.

This sword embryo, after being strengthened by the [Spirit Marriage], incorporated some of the characteristics of the [Nine Ghost Soul-Destroying Nails], and was able to directly devour such Yin energy to strengthen itself?
Lin Changheng stared at the [Azure Sword Embryo] floating in front of him, his eyes flashing as he fell into deeper thought.

The sword embryo could devour Yin energy, which he initially thought was due to the fusion of the characteristics of the demonic artifact embryo, the [Nine Ghost Soul-Destroying Nails]. However, upon carefully recalling the [Spirit Marriage] process and the feeling the sword embryo gave him at this moment, it seemed that this was not entirely the case.

The characteristics of the Nine Ghost Soul-Destroying Nails are more like adding a "yin and evil" attribute to the sword embryo, and also supplementing its "sharpness", making it easier to break through defenses and erode spirituality.

However, the ability to absorb and transform Yin energy directly for one's own use, like a vast ocean, does not seem to originate from external objects, but rather from the sword embryo itself!

His divine sense subtly sensed the core of the sword embryo, that most primordial spiritual aura that was intertwined with his very being. Deep within that spiritual aura, he seemed to sense an ancient, boundless, all-encompassing aura.

"That's it... it's the Primordial Tree!"

After a long while, a sudden flash of enlightenment appeared in Lin Changheng's eyes.

The Primordial Tree (Tai Chu Jian Mu) is a legendary innate spiritual root that existed before the creation of heaven and earth, supporting the universe and connecting all realms. Its essence contains a trace of the true meaning of "origin" and "bearing". The most fundamental characteristic of a sword embryo forged primarily from it may not be simply "sharpness" or "killing", but rather an almost instinctive "inclusiveness" and "transformation"!
It can contain the evil energy of the later-integrated [Nine Ghost Soul-Destroying Nails] without being contaminated in its essence. It can even further develop the ability to devour and transform external Yin energy to nourish itself!
This is not a demonic method, but more like a kind of "utilization" and "control" based on its own supreme essence!
"I originally thought that the [Primordial Tree] only made the sword embryo's foundation incredibly solid and its potential limitless, but I never expected that its true wonder lies in its inclusiveness, which is almost like the 'Dao'!" Lin Changheng was shocked, as if he had opened a new door.

This means that the future growth direction of his sword embryo will not be limited to a single "sharpness". Perhaps it can try to integrate more different types of energy and characteristics. As long as the core [Primordial Wood] origin is not lost, it can embrace all things and constantly transform. Even he cannot predict what it will eventually grow into!
He gazed at the Azure Sword Embryo, his eyes burning with fervor. The potential of this natal sword embryo was far greater than he had imagined!
"Was the original [Centennial Warm Jade] material redundant?"

Lin Changheng suddenly remembered something and couldn't help but gasp.

The effect of this jade is to balance and stabilize all violent energies, and to help the embryo finally take shape.

Does it overlap with the characteristics of the "Primordial Wood"?

Even if he had known this beforehand, he wouldn't have dared to act rashly and would have excluded the [Centennial Warm Jade] material.

After all, with a mature and effective refining formula in front of him, even if Lin Changheng had other ideas, he wouldn't dare to arbitrarily remove one part or make any modifications, lest it cause some bad chain reaction.

Wouldn't this cause a huge problem?! To fail at the last minute is unacceptable!
"Currently, the characteristics of this sword are 'sharpness', 'yin energy', and 'speed' with a hint of wind and thunder."

Lin Changheng muttered to himself, his eyes flashing, and it was unclear what he was thinking.

……

The next day.

A spirit boat flew out from the deep forest, and after slightly determining its direction, it roared towards the location of the [Southern Palace] and the [Immortal City of the Extreme Mountain].

Nearly a month later, Lin Changheng stopped his spirit boat in mid-air and looked at the enormous immortal city in front of him, feeling extremely shocked.

He deliberately avoided trouble along the way, but some minor troubles still came knocking.

There were bandits who saw him piloting a spirit boat of exceptional quality and attempted to block his path and commit violence.

There were wandering cultivators who, when staying in the market, were seen alone and secretly using witchcraft and poison.

There was even a group of cultivators who disguised themselves as family cultivators who were relocating to a new clan territory. Seeing that his aura was "ordinary," they took the initiative to greet him and invite him to travel together, trying to lure him into a trap to rob and kill him.

These troubles were mostly like a persistent boil, difficult to get rid of, so Lin Changheng had no choice but to take swift and decisive action to eliminate them all.

Although the process did not cause too much of a stir, it gave him a deeper understanding of the current chaotic state of affairs and imbalance of power in the Song Dynasty.

At this moment, gazing at the towering [Extreme Mountain Immortal City] before him, which resembled a giant beast crouching on the earth, and feeling its magnificent momentum and vast spiritual energy far surpassing that of [Floating Life Immortal City], Lin Changheng's slight irritation caused by the trivial matters along the way was instantly swept away, replaced by a sense of openness and awe.

The city walls of the immortal city are over a hundred feet high, and are made entirely of some kind of huge blue rock. Runes appear and disappear on them, and spiritual light flows around them, exuding an indestructible and heavy aura.

On the city wall, one could vaguely see monks in uniform armor patrolling, their discipline impeccable.

It's quite reasonable, considering it's a "border area".

Countless streaks of light of various colors, like a meteor shower, shuttled back and forth through the array gates above the immortal city in an orderly fashion.

On the ground, various caravans and monks thronged together, creating a bustling atmosphere. Huge pack animals pulled wagons laden with goods, their banners bearing the emblems of different merchant guilds fluttering in the wind.

Everything together forms a symphony of a fairyland, full of life and vibrant energy.

Even from a distance, one can sense a magnificent, ancient, and austere power of order.

"As expected of one of the core immortal cities controlled by the [Southern Palace], it is far superior to the [Floating Life Immortal City] which is closer to the wilderness."

Lin Changheng composed himself and steered the spirit boat toward the designated entrance.

After paying the city entry spirit stones in exchange for an identity token, he flew into the city with the other cultivators.

"This city will not be deserted!"

This was Lin Changheng's first impression. Qi Refining cultivators could all pilot magic boats to fly. The only thing to be careful about was not to collide with higher-level cultivators, or they would suffer the consequences.

The city itself is a completely different world. The streets are wide enough for ten carriages to travel side by side, and shops line both sides with buildings of varying heights. They sell everything from low-level talismans to high-level pills, cultivation manuals, jade slips, robes, and magical artifacts. The spiritual energy in the outer city is of the highest grade and is quite rich.

Without lingering in the outer city, they went straight into the inner city and found that there were many powerful cultivators coming and going.

Foundation Establishment cultivators are not hard to find, and one can even occasionally sense the subtle yet powerful spiritual pressure of Pseudo Core cultivators.

Even more astonishing is that a river meanders through the inner city, with boats thronging its surface, and monks admiring the scenery from the railings of some exquisite painted boats.

Further out in the center, mountain peaks are connected by rainbow-like bridges of spiritual light, with palaces and cranes circling above them, clearly the residences of high-level cultivators or important institutions.

"We need to be more cautious here."

Lin Changheng withdrew his gaze, suppressing the surprise in his eyes, and thought to himself.

At the same time, a surge of pride welled up within him, for only in such a place where powerful people gathered could his needs and goals be more likely to be met.

His first task was to find a place to stay, and then quickly find out the layout and rules of the city, as well as... where he could get what he needed.

...Three days later, at dusk.

Lin Changheng walked out of a rather luxurious spirit restaurant and stepped into the street.

As dusk settled, various lighting materials, such as moonstones and neon crystals, were inlaid everywhere, illuminating the entire immortal city as bright as day, yet with a touch more dreamlike and enchanting beauty.

At this time, the painted boats on the river also hung all kinds of lanterns, which were reflected on the shimmering water and swayed with the gentle waves, breaking into flowing spots of light.

The sounds of string and wind instruments were clearer and more melodious than during the day, mixed with the laughter of the monks, emanating from the painted boats and riverside restaurants.

The number of people on the street did not decrease as night fell; on the contrary, it seemed to increase.

"A true city that never sleeps."

Lin Changheng spoke with feeling, but in his mind he was organizing the information he had collected over the past few days.

Firstly, within the Immortal City, the highest level of spiritual veins is Quasi-Fourth Tier. On a mountain collectively known as [Extreme Mountain], there is the [Extreme South Palace], the ruling force of [Extreme South Palace] stationed in this city.

At the foot of the mountain of the [Southernmost Palace], the spiritual vein is at the third level.

It has the same spiritual vein strength as the Floating Life Lake in the Floating Life Immortal City, and a large cluster of cave dwellings has been built and rented out, but the price is quite high.

Some people have even broken through to the Core Formation stage here.

Next is the "inner city" area, where the spiritual energy is concentrated and its purity varies to the second tier.

The quality of second-tier spiritual energy varies in different areas, resulting in significant differences in the rental prices of cave dwellings.

The outer city is a first-tier superior grade.

However, the [Extreme Mountain Immortal City] still has its rules: one cannot meditate, cultivate, or absorb spiritual energy in places other than cave dwellings, residences, or immortal inns; otherwise, one will be expelled from the city.

……

Secondly, there is the existence of chambers of commerce.

In the Immortal City of Floating Life, the entire city belongs to the Qinglan Hermit and the forces he established. There are only shops opened by various families and forces, and there is no large-scale existence such as a Chamber of Commerce, or rather, it is suppressed.

It is not allowed to compete with the Immortal City for profits. The excessive concentration and monopoly of resources is not a good thing for independent cultivators.

The veracity of the second half of the statement is unknown, but this is the attitude that the higher-ups of [Floating Life Immortal City] are conveying to the outside world.

The cultivators accepted it for the time being, since the final interpretation rested with them.

Many chambers of commerce secretly complained about this, and those unwilling to give up this piece of the pie cut their own businesses and moved in as shops.

Every bit of money you earn is worth it.

Those with a bit of backbone chose not to join, and some even harbored hostility towards Floating Life Immortal City and even Qinglan Sanren.

However, the [Extreme Mountain Immortal City] is different; it allows the existence of merchant guilds.

Over hundreds of years of development, some of the larger chambers of commerce even have Core Formation cultivators in charge.

Medium-sized chambers of commerce also have leaders who are pseudo-Dan cultivators.

Small-scale chambers of commerce are basically formed by several Foundation Establishment families, and their top-level combat power has not made any breakthroughs.

Zhu Fugui, whom Lin Changheng encountered outside the [Jiazi Secret Realm] last time, came from a chamber of commerce.

However, when Zhu Fugui mentioned that the [Liushi Chamber of Commerce] he belonged to was a "large chamber of commerce", Lin Changheng inquired and found that it was actually a "medium-sized chamber of commerce". Of course, this was "medium-sized" in comparison to the large chamber of commerce of [Jishan Immortal City].

Because the chamber of commerce also has fake cultivators in charge.

Even placed in the "outside world" of [Extreme Mountain Immortal City], it would definitely be considered "large-scale".

……

Thirdly, Lin Changheng paid special attention to the auction.

The things he needs are actually quite valuable. He might be able to find them at ordinary shops or chambers of commerce, but they are more likely to appear at auctions.

The more precious it is, the more so!
The auctions in [Floating Life Immortal City] were originally divided into major auctions and minor auctions.

A small auction is held every five years, and a large auction is held every ten years.

However, the [Extreme Mountain Immortal City] has three types of auctions: small, medium, and large.

The smaller auctions are held once a year.

Medium-sized, five years.

A large-scale 20-year project.

Moreover, Lin Changheng found out that the large-scale auction had only been held recently and would not be held again within the next fifteen years.

The medium-sized auction will be held the winter after next.

There is a small auction coming up soon this year.

Regarding participants,
At medium-sized auctions, there are often many early-stage Core Formation cultivators, and even more pseudo-Core Formation cultivators.

At large auctions, there are quite a few cultivators in the mid-to-late stages of the Core Formation realm.

Given Lin Changheng's wealth, even if he took a fancy to something precious at a major auction, his bids would likely only be enough to make him a runner-up, as their financial resources were simply not on the same level.

Therefore, Lin Changheng's main focus was still on small and medium-sized auctions.

……

For the next period of time, Lin Changheng did not stay at the Immortal Inn, as it was not cost-effective. Instead, he rented a cave dwelling in a residential area called "Mountain Climbing Temple" in the inner city.

Here, the quality of the spiritual energy is at the second-tier superior level.

It is perfectly usable.

The rent for spirit stones is about twice as expensive as the former [Outer Lake Cave Abode] in the Floating Life Immortal City.

It's still acceptable, considering it's known as the "Number One Immortal City in Song Dynasty," where land is incredibly valuable, so a higher price is normal.

Having gained considerable knowledge and experience in real estate in his previous life, Lin Changheng readily accepted the offer.

Meanwhile, since Lin Changheng did not intend to stay here for long, but only temporarily, he did not visit his neighbors or build relationships. Apart from shopping outside, he stayed at home to cultivate the art of "Qi Observation" and the various arts of "Alchemy" and "Formation".

It is worth mentioning that Lin Changheng's level of alchemy is high enough that he can refine a fine pill from ten pills in one batch of second-grade high-quality pills.

Once you achieve a batch of three high-quality pills, it will be time to attempt the third-tier alchemy path.

Lin Changheng estimated that this process would take a long time, but he could afford it, as his lifespan was sufficient.

……

This day.

Lin Changheng went out again and took the initiative to visit the [Liushi Chamber of Commerce].

He soon discovered that the chamber of commerce was far larger than he had imagined; it was not just a single shopfront, but occupied the entire "Liushi Lane"!
This is a side street on the main road of Jishan Immortal City.

At the entrance of the alley stands an imposing jade archway with the two ancient characters "Liushi" inscribed on it.

Stepping into the alley, you see various shops belonging to the Chamber of Commerce on both sides, lined up one after another, each with a distinct function.

There is a place called [Jinshi Pavilion] that specializes in buying and selling various ores and refining materials;
There is a "Hundred Weapons Pavilion" displaying various finished magical artifacts and spiritual weapons;
There is a workshop called "Craftsmanship Workshop" that specializes in customizing and repairing Buddhist artifacts.
There's also the [Goods Hall], which handles large-scale cargo transactions and, though seemingly inconspicuous, is heavily guarded...

Even deep within the alley, there are tea rooms and private meeting rooms exclusively for VIPs.

The number of cultivators coming and going here is endless, from simply dressed rogue cultivators to scions of prestigious families with profound auras, which shows how extensive his business network is.

"Is this the Chamber of Commerce?"

"As expected, their reputation is well-deserved; their strength is formidable!" Lin Changheng thought to himself.

A chamber of commerce of this size must be well-informed and have extensive channels, which is exactly what he needs right now.

And this is only a medium-sized chamber of commerce; large chambers of commerce would probably be even more terrifying!
After a moment's thought, he didn't head towards the bustling shops, but instead went straight to the seemingly quietest teahouse deep in the alley. To conduct business, one naturally needs to find someone in charge.

"This humble servant greets you, senior. I wonder if you have an appointment here? May I ask which manager you have arranged to meet?"

A young cultivator dressed in a white robe embroidered with gold thread, clearly wearing a standard robe, quickly came forward to greet Lin Changheng.

His attitude was very respectful.

He was only a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator, but he carried an appraisal jade pendant, which served as a warning to him and also revealed that the black-clad cultivator in front of him was a mid-stage Foundation Establishment senior.

Lin Changheng, having heard of the man's reputation, glanced at him and thought for a moment before saying, "I don't have an appointment, but I'm here to see Zhu Fugui and Fellow Daoist Zhu."

As he spoke, he took out the token bearing the "Mountain Stone" Chamber of Commerce logo and showed it to the public.

"Manager Zhu? So you're Manager Zhu, senior..."

The young cultivator looked enlightened.

"Old friend. Please allow me to introduce myself. My surname is Lin."

Lin Changheng took over the conversation and said calmly.

"Please have a seat, senior. I will go and fetch Steward Zhu right away."

He warmly led Lin Changheng into a private room, served him a cup of fragrant tea, and then the young cultivator hurried away.

"Trouble."

After saying this, Lin Changheng looked around and, finding nothing amiss, sat down, closed his eyes, and began to doze off.

Before long, the sound of two people's footsteps came from one behind the other, but the footsteps in front stopped outside the private room, while the footsteps behind did not stop at all and went straight in.

Lin Changheng opened his eyes and saw a fat cultivator with small eyes lift the curtain and walk in.

Although more than thirty years have passed, his appearance, temperament, clothing, and cultivation level are completely different. He is more composed and calm, and his cultivation level has advanced to the late stage of Foundation Establishment. However, Lin Changheng still recognized him at a glance.

Zhu Fugui.

Clearly, the other party also recognized Lin Changheng, grinning as he approached, his tone extremely enthusiastic: "Fellow Daoist Lin! It has truly been too long since we last met. It has been more than thirty years since we last parted, but I did not expect that Fellow Daoist Lin's appearance has not changed at all. It is truly... surprising and enviable!"

Lin Changheng also stood up, smiling and cupping his hands in greeting: "It seems that after so many years, Fellow Daoist Zhu has finally achieved his wish! This is truly a cause for celebration!"

"Hahahaha!"

The two exchanged compliments and burst into laughter.

Afterwards, they all took their seats, and Zhu Fugui said, "I originally thought that Fellow Daoist Lin would come to [Jishan Immortal City] for a visit in ten years or so, and that we could meet again. I didn't expect so long to have passed."

Lin Changheng shook his head: "Back then, when the resources in Floating Life Immortal City were plentiful, I stayed there and was too lazy to move around. Now, many resources are hard to find, so I have to go out. That's why I thought of Fellow Daoist Zhu and came to bother you."

The conversation subtly shifted the topic to resources.

"That's true. In other aspects, [Extreme Mountain Immortal City] may not stand out, but in terms of resource abundance, it is still commendable."

Zhu Fugui blinked his small eyes repeatedly, indicating his agreement.

Lin Changheng pondered for a moment, then said, "I wonder if what Fellow Daoist Zhu said outside the [Jiazi Secret Realm] still stands?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Fugui's smile vanished instantly. He patted his chest forcefully, his chubby hand conveying a sense of weight: "Fellow Daoist Lin, what are you saying! Don't underestimate me! I may not be a man of my word, but I can certainly keep my promises!"

He leaned closer, lowered his voice, and his small eyes gleamed with shrewdness: "Fellow Daoist, is it about the demon beast's essence blood? Don't worry, I've kept it in mind. I wonder what kind of attribute and grade of essence blood Fellow Daoist Lin needs this time? I'm not boasting, but as long as it's circulating within Song territory, or even some... things that aren't so easy to circulate, as long as Fellow Daoist can afford the price, my Liushi Merchant Guild can mostly find it for you."

He spoke with considerable confidence, but also subtly probed, wanting to gauge Lin Changheng's needs and financial resources.

"Oh?"

Lin Changheng glanced at Zhu Fugui, his expression shifting slightly, but he calmly said, "Fellow Daoist Zhu is straightforward. What I need this time is not a single attribute, nor is it a small amount! I need at least [Profound Spirit level] or higher essence blood, starting at a hundred portions, and the more the better, regardless of the attribute."

"If there is a large amount of [Nether Void Level] essence blood, I can also acquire it. However, if there is only a small amount, I will prioritize water attribute and aim for ten or more."

The request he made caused the fat on Zhu Fugui's face to twitch slightly, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

[Mystic Beasts] Under normal circumstances, it's not a big problem for them to grow to the second tier, and they're not too difficult to obtain, but the quantity is indeed quite large, which increases the difficulty invisibly.

However, the [Netherworld Beast] is different. It has a high probability of growing to the Turbid Core Realm. If you want to obtain its essence blood, it is best to find one that has not yet grown up, otherwise the difficulty is ridiculously high... You need to kill the Turbid Core Beast!

"Fellow Daoist Lin, this deal is quite substantial."

Zhu Fugui rubbed his hands together, his expression becoming much more serious. "The [Profound Spirit Level] essence blood isn't a problem. Give me a month, and I'll definitely prepare a hundred portions for you, fellow Daoist, with guaranteed quality. It's just that the [Nether Void Level] essence blood..." He hesitated for a moment, "...is indeed a bit tricky. It requires a bit of luck, and the price..."

"Only a hundred portions?"

Lin Changheng was taken aback, feeling that it was too little, but he didn't show it on the surface. He simply said, "Price is not a problem, just follow the market price."

In the [Floating Life Immortal City], a single serving of second-tier Xuanling essence blood costs around fifty low-grade spirit stones. He guessed that even in [Extreme Mountain Immortal City], the price fluctuations shouldn't be too significant.

At the same time, I kept reassuring myself that once I got the first 100%, there would be a second, a third...

Zhu Fugui gave Lin Changheng a deep look, and his smile warmed up again: "Good! With Fellow Daoist Lin's words, I, Zhu, will do my best to find it for you, even if it means risking my reputation! Please wait for good news!"

"By the way, what is the name of this Xuanling demon beast?"

"Medicine Spirit Golden Toad!"

(End of this chapter)