Steady Mortal Path: Starting from Obtaining the Golden Core Inheritance

Chapter 344 Dedicated to Seclusion, Strength Improves

Having received the benefit, the little demon mouse expressed its gratitude to Lin Changsheng with body language, then suddenly leaped and disappeared underground.

Looking at this second-tier demon beast that seemed to understand human nature, Lin Changsheng found it somewhat amusing.

From its appearance, this second-tier demon rat was unremarkable, but it had a tuft of very conspicuous fur on its head, resembling a type of rat demon beast called the 'Golden-haired Rat'.

However, the 'Golden-haired Rat' is a social demon rat, timid by nature, and rarely appears in front of human cultivators.

Not to mention someone like this demonic rat, who dared to approach Lin Changsheng, a Golden Core cultivator, to ask for a reward.

Lin Changsheng also discovered by chance that this demon beast was extremely intelligent and human-like. Although it was a second-tier demon beast, it was equivalent to a Foundation Establishment cultivator in human form.

However, he has always stayed near the Liuyan Sect, growing by taking advantage of the spiritual veins there.

Lin Changsheng had paid special attention to this demon rat. It had almost never clashed with other second-tier demon beasts, nor did it have a fixed territory like ordinary demon beasts.

They have always traveled between various mountain ranges in search of spiritual plants and rare treasures that can help them grow.

This second-tier demon rat can even remember the location of some immature natural treasures, and will check on them frequently. When they mature, it will appear on time to collect them.

Occasionally, you might encounter some monsters with a natural instinct to protect treasures. They have guarded rare and precious materials for many years, and just when they are about to mature, these monster rats will beat them to it.

Therefore, one can often hear of some demonic beasts going berserk for no reason in the Liuyan Sect mountain range.

Even many disciples within the Willow Smoke Sect, when tasked with finding materials, would have them secretly intercepted by this demonic rat just as they were about to obtain them.

Not long ago, Lin Changsheng discovered that whenever he practiced the Everlasting Spring Technique, the demon rat seemed to be attracted by the wood-attribute aura on his body, so he made a point of observing it.

As a Golden Core cultivator, his life level has advanced several times. In his eyes, both humans and demonic beasts are low-level life forms.

Since it had piqued his interest, he generously rewarded the demon rat with some opportunities.

After being fed several times, the demon rat gradually grew bolder and seemed to have a natural affinity for Lin Changsheng.

At the same time, Lin Changsheng also noticed that the demon rat had a kind of deep-seated repulsion towards its natural enemy, the 'Blood-Patterned Python'.

They then offered it great rewards and trained it to awaken the ferocious beast's hunger within the 'Blood-Patterned Python', luring it to the dojo.

After all, it was only natural for Lin Changsheng to kill a third-tier demon who had forced his way into his dojo.

Even if Chen Xingzhou was unwilling, he could only suffer in silence.

Otherwise, killing a third-tier demon beast, which was also the sect's guardian spirit beast, for no reason would not have been so easily resolved.

……

After giving Han Xinlan some instructions on daily matters, Lin Changsheng entered the cave and began his seclusion.

"After so much time, there seems to be no more strange reactions coming from the Green Wood Spirit Cauldron."

After going into seclusion, Lin Changsheng still checked the Azure Wood Spirit Cauldron inside his body as usual.

As his cultivation level continued to improve, Lin Changsheng could feel that his control over the Azure Wood Spirit Cauldron was also constantly strengthening.

If things continue like this, it probably won't be long before he can completely refine this cauldron.

At that time, even if someone wanted to sense the location of the cauldron through secret techniques, Lin Changsheng could sense it in advance and even find ways to use some means to avoid it.

However, as long as there are no unusual reactions from the Green Wood Cauldron, his situation is safe for the time being.

That's just right, it suits Lin Changsheng's wishes.

If time permits, Lin Changsheng will secretly support the descendants of 'Heavenly Poison True Man', ensuring that the Han family produces at least one Golden Core True Man, thus enabling long-term development.

Fortunately, he became a guest elder of the Willow Smoke Sect and received a cultivation ground provided by the sect, so he didn't have to worry about cultivation space.

Even the two demonic beasts, the Snow Demon Wolf and the Wind Crow, now have a place to live.

The two powerful demons, as the newly appointed guardian spirit beasts of the Liuyan Sect, practically regarded the entire outer mountain range of the Liuyan Sect as their territory.

He could hardly stay on Qingxia Peak on weekdays, spending his days strutting around the mountains, hunting and roaming with an air of pride and arrogance.

Having been raised by Lin Changsheng since they were young, the two great demons did not harbor much hostility towards humans. After being reminded by their master, they also learned to recognize the clothing of the disciples of the Willow Smoke Sect.

Therefore, there is no chance of accidentally injuring sect disciples.

Seeing that the two demonic beasts beneath him were so dedicated to their patrol duties, Lin Changsheng was happy to have some peace and quiet.

Two third-tier demons are a lot of work to support, but now that they can earn some resources, it can be considered as saving their master a lot of money.

……

half year later.

In his cave dwelling on Qingxia Peak, Lin Changsheng looked around at the several materials radiating spiritual light before him, a satisfied expression on his face.

Since returning from the Yue Kingdom, he has finally gathered all the materials needed to refine his natal magic weapon, the 'Five Thunder Fan'.

Furthermore, most of the materials have redundancy to allow for error correction.

Of these materials, more than 60-70% were collected by Lin Changsheng himself over many years.

The remaining part was that he personally visited Elder Yao Yun, who was in charge of the sect's fixed assets, several months ago, and proposed to select some necessary items from the Liuyan Sect's inventory resources.

Perhaps because he had shown his strength in a fight with Elder Chen Xingzhou back then, Elder Yao Yun was particularly enthusiastic during this visit, showing no sign of disrespect or neglect.

Upon learning of Lin Changsheng's purpose and considering that the resources he requested were not particularly scarce, Elder Yao Yun pondered for a moment and readily agreed.

As elders of a sect, each of them has a certain share of resources to choose from; this is an elder's privilege.

But Lin Changsheng was only a guest elder and was not included among them.

To this end, Elder Yao Yun made an exception and offered to exchange an equivalent amount of spirit stones for the corresponding materials.

This saved Lin Changsheng a lot of trouble.

This is the benefit of becoming famous overnight.

A puppeteer whose combat power is comparable to a late-stage Golden Core cultivator is someone worth befriending and winning over, no matter where you are.

This day.

Within the Willow Smoke Sect, a magical chariot pulled by a third-tier spirit steed smoothly glided across the sky.

The interior of the carriage was decorated in an elegant and luxurious style.

A man and a woman sat facing each other, chatting and laughing.

These two were none other than Huang Jia, the sect leader of the Willow Smoke Sect, and Lin Changsheng, who had come to visit.

"Master Lin, rest assured, Elder Li is also a guest elder of our sect. He is most skilled in refining magic weapons and treasures. He has cooperated with Liuyan Sect for over a hundred years and has a good reputation. He is trustworthy."

In private, Sect Leader Huang Jia did not deliberately put on airs. With bright, sparkling eyes and a gentle, reserved demeanor, she was like a girl next door, completely different from her dignified appearance in public.

"I am grateful to Master Huang for his introduction this time. After the matter is accomplished, I, Lin, will offer you another token of my appreciation."

Sensing the faint fragrance of a woman in the carriage, Lin Changsheng restrained his gaze, refraining from looking around to avoid offending anyone. At the same time, he bowed slightly and smiled to express his gratitude.

He had already found out that the Willow Smoke Sect had a guest elder who was a highly experienced third-tier weapon refiner with decent skills and reputation, making him the most suitable person to forge his natal magic weapon, the 'Five Thunder Fan'.

However, since it involved a third-tier magic weapon, Lin Changsheng, out of caution, still asked Huang Jia to act as an intermediary.

Although Lin Changsheng was confident that he could make anyone below the Nascent Soul True Monarch level return his materials with interest, it would be too troublesome and delay the progress of forging the magic weapon.

With the sect leader of the Willow Smoke Sect stepping in, things are naturally much more secure.

In fact, with Lin Changsheng's current skill in crafting puppets, he can easily apply his knowledge to other crafting techniques and make some low-level magical artifacts.

However, crafting a natal magic weapon like the 'Five Thunder Fan' is still difficult. Even if it is successfully crafted, there will inevitably be flaws such as rough workmanship and imperfections affecting the quality.

Professional matters should be left to professionals.

Before long, Sect Master Huang Jia's carriage arrived at a settlement called 'Meteor Immortal City' under the jurisdiction of Liu Yan Sect.

In a local third-level Taoist temple, an elderly man who appeared to be in his sixties, yet had a ruddy complexion and was full of vitality, received the two.

"Sect Leader Huang's presence is an honor to this humble abode."

The old man had a cheerful expression on his face, as if he had been waiting for a long time.

As they spoke, the former's gaze swept over Lin Changsheng for a moment, then he said enthusiastically:

"This must be the sect's newly appointed elder, Master Lin Kui."

"Master Lin Kui has only been in the sect for a short time, yet his reputation has spread far and wide. I have lived in this remote place for a long time, and recently I have also frequently heard of Master Lin Kui's great name."

"Elder Li is too kind. As a master craftsman, Elder Li is renowned throughout the Yan Kingdom. As a fellow craftsman, I, Lin, am humbled."

Lin Changsheng, however, remained humble and praised him.

"Both elders possess exceptional skills and are elites of our Willow Smoke Sect, incomparable to others."

Watching the two engage in mutual flattery, Sect Leader Huang Jia smiled slightly and then got down to business.

"Elder Li must have received my letter earlier."

"Elder Lin, as the newly appointed guest elder of our sect, wants to forge a natal magic weapon, but because he is unfamiliar with the area, he does not know which weapon refiner to find, so he seeks help from the sect."

"I recommended Elder Li, since Elder Li's weapon-refining skills are unparalleled in the entire Yan Kingdom, making him the most suitable candidate."

With Huang Jia's introduction, Elder Li, after a moment of modesty, readily agreed to the task.

Afterwards, Lin Changsheng had a private conversation with Elder Li about the details of creating the magic weapon.

"By the way, I overheard that Elder Li has been planning to help the younger generation to form a Golden Core. I happen to have a genuine Golden Core Pill here. Regardless of whether the magic weapon is successfully refined this time, I will give this pill to Elder Li at the market price."

After the two finalized the details of the weapon forging and signed the contract, Lin Changsheng suddenly took out a jade box and spoke on his own initiative.

"A genuine 'Golden Core Pill'? It is indeed something this old man needs. Why doesn't Master Lin simply include this pill in the weapon-refining contract?"

Elder Li couldn't help but scrutinize Lin Changsheng, and asked him with great interest.

"As a craftsman, Lin naturally knows that any skill has a probability of success."

"Therefore, the transaction of this Golden Core Pill is unrelated to the current refining of the magic weapon. Whether it succeeds or fails, it will not affect the final transaction of this pill."

Lin Changsheng said frankly.

"Hehe, thank you for your kindness, Master Lin."

"Since that's the case, I won't keep you in suspense any longer."

"The lightning-attribute magic fan that Master Lin mentioned, although its crafting method is special and somewhat complicated, is still within my grasp. You can pick it up in three months."

Elder Li stated frankly.

"That's wonderful, thank you in advance."

Upon hearing this, Lin Changsheng's face lit up with joy, and he immediately expressed his gratitude.

In fact, when craftspeople are making custom-made treasures for outsiders, they usually don't make promises they can't keep, leaving themselves room for maneuver.

Elder Li's disclosure of the situation was already a violation of the rules, but it also served to reassure Lin Changsheng.

……

Three months later.

Lin Changsheng arrived as scheduled and retrieved a brand-new light purple magic fan from Elder Li.

After paying the remaining balance, Lin Changsheng successfully returned to Qingxia Peak and went directly into the cave.

Before refining the 'Five Thunder Fan', Lin Changsheng carefully inspected the entire magical artifact from beginning to end.

No detail, however small, is overlooked.

I was only relieved after confirming that everything was correct.

The next moment, Lin Changsheng held the Five Thunder Fan and channeled a wisp of the Everlasting Spring Technique into it.

In an instant, the 'Five Thunder Fan' in his hand was surrounded by a faint arc of lightning, emitting a soft 'hissing' sound.

In an instant, Lin Changsheng keenly sensed that a frenzied aura was gradually filling the cave.

Even around the Qingxia Peak training grounds, lightning-attribute energy gradually gathered, seemingly drawn by some force.

"This Five Thunder Fan truly lives up to its reputation as a treasure for attacking with thunder attributes. Even though it has not yet been refined or nurtured, it can still draw upon the energy of heaven and earth."

Sensing the changes in the surrounding atmosphere, Lin Changsheng was extremely satisfied.

So he began to increase the output of his Changchun Gong technique and started refining the 'Five Thunder Fan'.

A few months later.

Suddenly, Qingxia Peak was enveloped by a powerful demonic force.

Immediately afterwards, a sharp, soft whistling sound rang out, and a large amount of spiritual energy from heaven and earth gathered above the dojo.

The exceptionally handsome Xunfeng Crow flapped its wings and soared above Qingxia Peak. Its body was faintly overflowing with demonic power, which transformed into sharp gusts of wind, creating a powerful force that seemed capable of tearing through the void.

Below, in the mountains and forests, all sorts of low-level demonic beasts trembled and lay prostrate on the ground under this powerful demonic force.

"Woo!"

At the mountaintop, a snow-white demon wolf, its eyes filled with excitement and longing, howled towards the sky.

At the foot of the mountain, a bulge suddenly appeared on the flat soil, and a golden-haired rat with bright silver fur on its head stared blankly at the magnificent bird in the sky, its small black eyes revealing a human-like envy.

Lin Changsheng, dressed in white, flew out of the cave and looked up at the Xunfeng Crow in the sky.

"A mid-stage third-tier demon beast. It seems that the conditions for advancement of demon beasts in major sects are indeed based on demon beasts."

Lin Changsheng sighed inwardly.

Since joining the Liuyan Sect's training grounds, not only has Lin Changsheng's own strength increased.

The two powerful demons under his command have also undergone considerable changes.

In particular, Xunfengya was already close to the early stage of the third rank, and now, with the blessing of the spiritual vein and the assistance of the late stage of the third rank demon core, it has successfully advanced to the middle stage of the third rank.

With its mutated bloodline and wind-attribute supernatural abilities, its true combat power is comparable to the late stage of the third tier.

As Lin Changsheng's master, the increased strength of the powerful demons under his command naturally enhanced his own foundation.