Steady Mortal Path: Starting from Obtaining the Golden Core Inheritance

Chapter 254 Seeking Help, Lu Xun Establishes Foundation

Lin Changsheng rode the Xunfeng Crow, soaring above the vast waters.

From a distance, a blue light flashed by, and after a while, a gust of air parted the calm water below, causing it to surge and spread to both sides.

A powerful aura of a third-tier demon swept out without reservation.

Wherever it went, the monsters in the water below sensed the aura of this great demon and trembled in fear, diving into the water and daring not to show their faces.

An hour later.

The Wind Crow carried Lin Changsheng to the territory of a third-tier great demon.

Below the water's surface, the shadowy silhouette of a giant fish, seven or eight zhang long, loomed in and out of sight.

In mid-air, the Wind Crow emitted a series of provocative cries as it circled overhead.

'puff! '

'puff! '

'puff! '

Suddenly, several jets of water shot out from beneath the surface, hurtling upwards!

The Wind Crow flapped its wings, and a surge of azure demonic power spread out, instantly condensing into a hurricane that easily shattered the water column and continued its relentless advance towards the dark figure below!

In an instant, the waters below surged with waves as the hurricane swept through!

Amidst the waves, a ferocious fish covered in crimson scales was revealed, some of its scales having been torn off by the hurricane.

Enraged, the third-tier monster fish unleashed a powerful demonic aura, far surpassing that of the newly-entered third-tier Great Demon, the Wind Crow!

Seeing that the situation was not good, Xunfengya repeatedly released wind-attribute spells to attack the monster fish demon below.

It flapped its wings and soared high, instantly flying over a hundred feet away.

The third-tier monster fish, enraged, cried out in the water, but to no avail. It could only vent its anger in place, causing the water to surge violently.

Sensing the gloomy aura emanating from the waters below, the Wind Crow let out a cheerful cry, then cheekily unleashed several more hurricanes before carrying Lin Changsheng away.

At first, the third-tier monster fish demon below was not convinced and followed from a distance.

However, after being noticed by Xunfengya, it simply increased its speed slightly and easily shook off the strange fish.

Although it was just a small test, it made Lin Changsheng realize the value of the Xunfeng Crow.

Its superior mobility and unparalleled speed have made it invincible in battles against other great demons of the same level.

Possessing a mutated wind attribute, even a newly ascended third-tier Wind Crow's escape speed is significantly faster than that of an ordinary early-stage third-tier demon or a cultivator in the early Golden Core stage.

……

Three days later, Lin Changsheng and Xin Xunfengya returned to the Li clan's territory.

Qu Jiao, as the hostess, had been waiting outside Qingquan Island for a long time.

Her purpose in coming here was to inquire about the third-tier celebration held by Xunfengya.

However, Lin Changsheng declined, citing that Xunfengya had just entered the third level and needed some time to stabilize.

After Xunfengya advanced to the third rank, he had two third-rank great demons under his command.

This was somewhat beyond his control, especially for a Foundation Establishment cultivator like him.

It might even attract the covetous eyes of true Golden Core cultivators.

After all, these are two third-tier great demons. Even a Golden Core cultivator in the mid-to-late stages would probably be tempted if they knew about this.

After careful consideration, Lin Changsheng decided to let Xun Fengya advance to the third rank first.

For him, breaking through to the Core Formation realm was of paramount importance.

Even with his many advantages, he wasn't entirely confident.

Moreover, he wouldn't completely trust the Li family.

The third-tier spiritual spring eye that Lin Changsheng used for cultivation was only a portion intercepted by the Li family. If the other party were to harbor any wicked intentions during his attempt to break through to the Golden Core stage and cut off the supply of spiritual energy, it would directly affect the final outcome of his attempt.

Besides that, Lin Changsheng was most worried about Yu Huai Zhenren, who had been quiet in recent years.

Because back then, at the crucial moment when the Crimson Centipede was advancing to the third rank, the latter had intervened to stop it.

At that time, Lin Changsheng vaguely sensed that there was a 'spy' planted by Master Yu Huai within the Li clan's territory.

Now that Li Chongyuan has 'disappeared,' the Li clan lacks a true Golden Core cultivator to lead them. This feeling of losing their backbone cannot be compensated for by a third-tier demon.

Lin Changsheng prepared for the worst. Perhaps more people within the Li clan territory had already sided with Master Yu Huai, and even the maids around him could not be fully trusted.

Since it concerned his own breakthrough to the Golden Core stage, he couldn't afford not to plan ahead.

Fortunately, everything turned out alright in the end, and Xunfengya successfully advanced to the third-tier Great Demon realm.

Now, with two powerful demons protecting him, his position in the Li family is more secure, and his safety is also guaranteed.

……

Six months later, Xunfengya's realm was basically stable, and his strength had improved.

On this day, Lin Changsheng left the Crimson Centipede to guard Qingquan Island, and he quietly left the Li clan's territory with the Xunfeng Crow.

A few days later, Lu Xun visited Qingquan Island.

During this period, the fact that Lin Changsheng had two third-tier demons under his command greatly stimulated him.

For Lu Xun, Lin Changsheng was a senior, his guide in cultivating immortality, and an object of his utmost emulation.

He often compared himself to Lam Cheung-sang.

Both of them are third-tier great demons, but his 'Old Bull' bloodline is extraordinary and has great potential.

He himself had reached the Qi Condensation Perfection stage before the age of thirty. If he seized the time and rushed to the Foundation Establishment stage, he might even be able to advance to the Golden Core stage within a hundred years.

Madam Qu once mentioned unintentionally that Master Lin's lifespan had long exceeded one hundred years, and his aptitude could only be considered ordinary!

Whether it's himself or a demon beast, his advantages surpass Lin Changsheng's; the only thing he lacks is time.

But now, Lin Changsheng has produced a second third-tier demon under his command.

This made Lu Xun feel a sense of urgency, as the person he was trying so hard to emulate seemed to be beyond his expectations.

Therefore, he decided to attempt to reach the Foundation Establishment Realm in the near future!

However, after standing outside Qingquan Island for a long time, the large formation outside did not react at all.

After waiting for several days, they still hadn't seen Lin Changsheng.

Lu Xun seemed to have made up his mind, and without waiting any longer, he returned directly to the temple.

……

As for Lin Changsheng himself, he rode the Xunfeng Crow to a branch of the Xuanmiao Chamber of Commerce.

“Master Lin, Steward Jin has some matters to attend to and specifically instructed me to come and coordinate with you.”

Inside the branch hall of Xuanmiao Chamber of Commerce.

A beautiful woman dressed in palace attire, elegant and graceful, bowed and explained to Lin Changsheng.

"Fellow Daoist, there's no need to go through all that trouble. Fellow Daoist Jin is very busy, but I, Lin, am quite free. I'll just wait for her here."

Lin Changsheng smiled faintly and explained his purpose.

"It seems that Master Lin is from Yu Huaiheze's faction, and that he cooperated with our chamber of commerce back then?"

"However, Master Lin may not know that Steward Jin has performed his duties outstandingly over the years and has been acting as the head of the branch. He is no longer the steward he used to be."

Upon hearing this, the woman in palace attire showed a strange expression on her face. After carefully considering her words, she patiently began to explain.

Hearing this, Lin Changsheng understood perfectly.

It turns out that Jin Mengqiao, who had done several transactions with him before, was promoted and started to preside over the branch's work.

Lin Changsheng realized that this Deacon Jin seemed to be somewhat underestimating him.

Thinking of this, I couldn't help but shake my head.

He had long realized that Jin Mengqiao was no ordinary person; she had managed to oust Steward Gu and negotiate cooperation with him as soon as she arrived at the branch.

It's not surprising that his status has risen in the chamber of commerce.

In the previous few times, it was Jin Mengqiao who took the initiative to contact him.

His initiative to visit this time was naturally because he needed something from them.

At Lin Changsheng's repeated requests, the woman in palace attire who was in charge of receiving him reported his request.

Half a day later, Lin Changsheng finished two pots of spiritual tea and ate three plates of tea snacks before finally meeting Jin Mengqiao, who was dressed in a magnificent purple robe.

After several years, Jin Mengqiao's youthful appearance remained unchanged, but she exuded an even more elegant and noble air.

"Congratulations on your promotion, Fellow Daoist Jin. It is truly not easy for me, Lin, to request an audience with you now."

Lin Changsheng smiled and stepped forward to greet him.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, there's no need for such flattery. There's no need for such formality between us. Let's just get straight to the point."

Jin Mengqiao raised her hand, interrupting Lin Changsheng, and said directly.

Lin Changsheng noticed that Jin Mengqiao's eyebrows were slightly furrowed, her steps were hurried, and her tone was urgent, as if she were busy. So he simply got straight to the point: "Fellow Daoist Jin, I have come here today to purchase some rare spiritual herbs."

As he spoke, Lin Changsheng took out a list that he had prepared in advance and handed it over.

"Fellow Daoist Lin wishes to refine a 'Golden Core'?"

"The other auxiliary spiritual herbs are not a big problem, but this 'Purple Moon Netherworld Locust Fruit' is one of the main medicines and belongs to the 'strictly controlled' spiritual items, which are rarely sold."

Jin Mengqiao glanced at the list and immediately saw through Lin Changsheng's thoughts, so she spoke the truth.

"Does Fellow Daoist Jin have any connections? I, Lin, am willing to purchase it at a price exceeding the market value."

Seeing that the other party had no intention of making a deal, Lin Changsheng continued to ask questions, still unwilling to give up.

"It's impossible. I can be frank with you. This fruit is extremely rare. Our guild doesn't have much in stock, and it's all used to train internal cultivators. It will never be leaked out."

Jin Mengqiao spoke with certainty.

Judging from the woman's expression, Lin Changsheng knew that it was probably hopeless.

The sliver of hope I had when I arrived vanished instantly.

Over the past few decades, Lin Changsheng has collected a lot of spiritual items for Core Formation, including many materials for refining Golden Core.

Now, most of the main ingredients have been prepared, except for one portion of 'Purple Moon Dark Locust Fruit'.

But Jin Mengqiao's expression left no room for negotiation.

Ultimately, he proposed a substitute called 'Jingmu Lingzao'.

Compared to the highly effective 'Purple Moon Netherworld Locust Fruit', the wood-attribute 'Thornwood Spirit Jujube' can also be used to refine Golden Core pills, but its efficacy will be somewhat reduced, and it is only suitable for cultivators who mainly cultivate wood-attribute techniques.

"Actually, if Master Lin needs to form a Golden Core, our Chamber of Commerce has one readily available. However, before obtaining this pill, you need to sign a contract with our Chamber of Commerce, voluntarily serving the Chamber of Commerce for ten years. At that time, you will naturally have the opportunity to obtain a low-quality Golden Core."

"Regardless of the promotion outcome, you will still need to serve my chamber of commerce for another fifty years. There will be a set quota of tokens to be made every year, and the contract will be automatically terminated upon expiration."

Jin Mengqiao then offered another solution.

After listening carefully, Lin Changsheng felt a bit strange and shook his head repeatedly, saying, "Fellow Daoist Jin, are you trying to drive me around like an ox or a horse? Such a heavy talisman-making task already takes up most of my time and is too much of a delay in cultivation. Let's talk about the price instead."

Jin Mengqiao merely glanced at Lin Changsheng and said with a faint smile, "Golden Core cultivators and their spiritual items are rare commodities, so they can't be priced in the usual way. It's just that if Fellow Daoist Lin isn't willing to do it, there are others who are. Our Chamber of Commerce recently recruited a senior third-tier talisman master, and our demand for talismans is basically saturated. I'm giving Fellow Daoist Lin this opportunity only because of our past cooperation."

Lin Changsheng refused to sign the contract under his condition. Jin Mengqiao put the contract away, her expression unchanged, revealing neither joy nor anger.

In the end, she quoted an outrageous price that sent shivers down Lin Changsheng's spine.

The 'Jingmu Lingzao', along with some auxiliary materials, accounts for about one-fifth of the total materials needed to refine the Golden Elixir.

The price, however, is almost half of the total material cost!

This doesn't even include the price for refining it.

It was obvious that Jin Mengqiao had no intention of making a sincere deal and wanted to scare Lin Changsheng away with this price.

However, if one can trade at such a price, it can be considered a huge profit.

……

On the way back, Lin Changsheng was still heartbroken over his fortune, which had shrunk by more than half.

But then I thought, if I spend more spirit stones and other resources to gather enough materials to refine the Golden Core, I can save myself the trouble of collecting them from all over the place and even risking my life in dangerous places.

So, all things considered, problems that can be solved with spirit stones aren't really problems at all.

For some time afterward, Lin Changsheng did not return directly to the Li clan's territory.

Instead, they took advantage of the speed of the Wind Crow's Escape to travel back and forth between various immortal cities and markets in the Great Wilderness Marsh.

I visited shops of all sizes and attended several auctions.

Two more Core Formation spiritual items were collected.

Lin Changsheng knew that these materials, which could be easily bought on the market, had a negligible effect on aiding in the formation of the Golden Core, and were mostly used by merchants as a promotional gimmick.

But it's better than nothing.

Even if it only adds to the existing beauty, it's still good.

Two months later, Lin Changsheng returned to the Li clan's territory.

On Qingquan Island, he listened to his maid Li Rou report on some recent events that had occurred within the clan.

Only then did he realize that Lu Xun had successfully established his foundation and had tried to visit the island several times before and after the foundation was established.

The next day.

Lin Changsheng met Lu Xun, who was in the early stages of Foundation Establishment.

"It's only been a little over a month since I last saw you, Fellow Daoist Lu, you've already quietly established your foundation. Congratulations."

Lin Changsheng offered his congratulations with a smile, and at the same time took out a second-tier mid-grade curved sword magic weapon as a congratulatory gift.

Clearly, Lu Xun is no longer the fisherman boy he once was.

Lin Changsheng could sense that Lu Xun still held him in high esteem, but that did not prevent him from having his own thoughts.

For example, instead of following his advice to consolidate his cultivation, he chose to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage.

Lin Changsheng felt a little regretful about this, but didn't say anything more.

If Lu Xun is willing to listen to him and spend more time honing his skills in the Foundation Establishment stage, it will greatly benefit his cultivation after Foundation Establishment.

Only those who have personally experienced the difficulties of advancing to the Golden Core stage, like the 'Heavenly Poison True Man', and the profound sense of powerlessness they felt when faced with the seemingly insurmountable distance of the Nascent Soul realm, will understand the importance of building a solid foundation.

"Thank you, Master Lin. No matter what level you reach, you will always be Lu Xun's benefactor."

Faced with Lin Changsheng's indifferent gaze, Lu Xun felt guilty and looked away.

He did not heed Lin Changsheng's advice and secretly began his foundation building ahead of schedule.

I underestimated the dangers of the foundation-building process. Several times I clearly felt that I was running out of energy and it was very difficult.

Fortunately, the situation turned out alright in the end, and they barely managed to reach the Foundation Establishment stage.

……

Once he left Qingquan Island, Lu Xun finally breathed a long sigh of relief.

Lin Changsheng did not show any dissatisfaction because of his unauthorized foundation building.

This made him feel much more relaxed.

Looking at the azure sky, he felt pleased and immediately activated a brand-new second-tier flying magic artifact, leaving the Li clan's territory and disappearing into the vast marshland.

Lin Changsheng, on the other hand, went into seclusion.

They began preparations for refining the Golden Elixir.

The Golden Core is a near-third-grade pill. Lin Changsheng's current alchemy level can barely be considered a second-grade high-quality pill, and he is still some distance away from the near-third-grade.

He naturally didn't trust anyone else to handle the materials he had prepared over the years, so he could only hone his skills on his own.

Now he has two powerful demons protecting him, a third-tier spiritual spring eye dojo, and a sufficient reserve of spiritual materials for Core Formation. As long as he successfully refines the Golden Core, he is expected to break through to the Golden Core realm within ten years!

But just as Lin Changsheng was steadily improving his alchemy skills, Qu Jiao, with a worried expression, brought a letter from Master Yu Huai.

After reading it, Lin Changsheng couldn't help but sigh.

What he worried about most happened.

……