Chapter 487 - 287: Core Formation Secrets and Planning Ahead

Chapter 487: Chapter 287: Core Formation Secrets and Planning Ahead

Afterward, Lin Changheng asked Bai Hengwan if Elder Kong was in the Immortal Lake and if he might be free.

He wanted to pay him a visit.

After all, he had once received orally transmitted secrets of the Alchemy Dao from Elder Kong, which had helped his own Alchemy Dao break through to Tier Two Upper Grade.

Later, when he, a junior, celebrated his birthday, the elder had remembered and sent someone with a gift. Lin Changheng would naturally not forget such a kindness and knew he should cherish the connection.

He should do so, whether out of sentiment or pure self-interest.

"Elder Kong is currently in seclusion."

Bai Hengwan’s expression shifted slightly. She didn’t say it aloud, instead conveying the message via a quiet voice transmission.

"Seclusion?"

Seeing Bai Hengwan’s change in expression and the mysterious nature of the voice transmission, Lin Changheng’s mind began to race.

Then, his eyes narrowed slightly.

He seemed to have thought of something.

’Seclusion...’

’First, I can rule out this being ordinary seclusion. That leaves two possibilities: the Alchemy Dao or his Cultivation.’

’Elder Kong has been at the Tier Three Alchemy Dao for many years, and every step forward from there is extremely difficult. This amount of time isn’t nearly enough for a breakthrough, so I can probably rule that out.’

’As for his Cultivation...’

’Wait!’

Lin Changheng suddenly recalled an old rumor about Elder Kong.

The story went that Elder Kong had once been very powerful, with a good chance of reaching Core Formation, or at the very least, a Fake Core. However, Elder Kong had not been satisfied with just that. Later, he was ambushed by his enemies and suffered a severe injury, which hampered his progress toward Core Formation.

But his own Skills were astonishing, and with the backing of Floating Immortal City, resources were certainly not an issue. Moreover, he had spent all these years recuperating and building up his strength...

’Could it be that this time, Elder Kong’s seclusion is an attempt to reach Core Formation?’

That had to be it. It was the only explanation for why Bai Hengwan had switched to a voice transmission. Even when they had discussed major events and secrets concerning the Song-Jin War, she hadn’t been this secretive.

If Elder Kong succeeded in reaching Core Formation, the Influence of Floating Immortal City would surely expand once more, ascending to a whole new level.

Because a Core Formation Master with Mastery of Tier Three Alchemy is fundamentally different from a mere Tier Three Pill Master!

’At that point, if I leverage my relationship with Elder Kong and cultivate it carefully, I might even get a chance to obtain the Roots of a primary ingredient for Core Formation!’

’That’s what’s most important.’

’After all, for a cultivator who has successfully reached Core Formation versus one who hasn’t, the value of the same Medicinal Material—even just its Roots—is worlds apart!’

"I see. In that case, I will not disturb Elder Kong for now. However, I hope that when you see him in the future, Mr. Bai, you can pass on my regards."

Both were intelligent people and knew to speak with subtlety. Not a single key word was mentioned, so they didn’t have to worry about breaking any taboos, yet the information was conveyed and understood perfectly.

"Of course."

Bai Hengwan gave Lin Changheng a deep look. ’This Mr. Lin is far too astute,’ she thought. ’His Talent for the Alchemy Dao is astounding, and he’s as steady as a mountain. It seems his future rise is all but guaranteed.’

She recalled her master once saying that while the benefits of Spirit Root Talent were undeniably great, their Utility was actually most potent when breaking through to Foundation Establishment and Core Formation. For instance, those with Celestial and Earth Spirit Roots could achieve Foundation Establishment with ease. Reaching Core Formation was similarly effortless for someone with a Celestial Spirit Root, and an Earth Spirit Root also provided a significant advantage.

Once a cultivator reached the Late Stage of Core Formation, however, the inherent boosts to Cultivation speed and Magic casting, while still considerable, saw their special advantages begin to drop off sharply.

At that point, one had to rely on their Heart Nature, resources, and accumulated power to overcome perilous trials like the three tribulations of Essence, Qi, and Spirit, and the Heart Demon Tribulation. Only then could one condense a Nascent Soul—an inch-tall being with features identical to their own. This Nascent Soul would then leap out from the Celestial Gate at the crown of the head, leave the physical body behind to roam the great void, and grant a lifespan of a thousand years... At that stage, the Spirit Root no longer played such a decisive role.

’As long as Mr. Lin succeeds in Core Formation, his future will be impossible to predict, even if his Spirit Root is a bit lacking.’

’He is someone worth befriending with all my effort.’

As he was leaving, Lin Changheng took out some Spirit Wine, poured a full cup for Bai Hengwan, and they drank together, thus fulfilling the promise of a celebratory drink from his birthday banquet.

...

After this, Lin Changheng made several trips around the Immortal City, paying special attention to the Spiritual Materials Hall run by his own faction. He gathered the remaining main and supplementary Medicinal Materials for the Youthful Appearance Pill, such as the Water-Wood Dual-Birth Demon Core from a Cyan Rain Mist Toad.

This was because the Cyan Glaze Flood Dragon only favored the Internal Organs of the Cyan Rain Mist Toad. While it sometimes consumed the Demon Core as well, it often left some behind, which eventually made their way to the market.

Once he returned and the main ingredients for the Youthful Appearance Pill in his Spirit Field were mature, he could begin Refining them. Lin Changheng planned to give Bai Hengwan a Genuine or even a Masterpiece grade Youthful Appearance Pill.

Bai Hengwan probably wasn’t lacking in other resources, and Lin Changheng couldn’t offer—nor did he need to offer—anything outrageously valuable. However, the Youthful Appearance Pill’s ability to satisfy a woman’s desire for beauty, coupled with its unique benefit of tempering the physical body, was something that even a woman as wealthy and powerful as she would likely find impossible to ignore.

There was a technique to gift-giving; the key was to give someone something they desired or needed.

Even if he accidentally refined a Substandard Pill, Lin Changheng wouldn’t be able to bring himself to give it to her. Sincerity was crucial. What good was a half-hearted gesture? If he was going to give a gift, he had to do it right.

...

「Floating Immortal City, at an Outer Lake Cave Mansion.」

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

A knock sounded at the door.

"Brother Lin!"

Lü Tong, who opened the door, was stunned for a moment when he saw his visitor. Then, a look of delight spread across his round face. "What lucky wind brings Mr. Lin here? Quickly, come in!"

"Mr. Lü, I hope I’m not causing any trouble with this sudden visit?"

Lin Changheng said with a smile as he followed Lü Tong into the Cave Mansion.

"Not at all! On the contrary, your presence honors my humble home."

Lü Tong quickly instructed a concubine to serve tea.

At this time, his Cultivation was still a notch more profound than Lin Changheng’s—he was at least at the Sixth Layer of Foundation Establishment. It seemed he had not slowed his progress during this time.