Chapter 213 - 174: Tenth Layer Origin, Astonishing Utility
Chapter 213: Chapter 174: Tenth Layer Origin, Astonishing Utility
Indeed, that was the case. The Foundation Establishment Pill’s reputation as a strategic, controlled resource was by no means an exaggeration.
A hint of embarrassment crossed Chef Zeng’s face. "Even our own family has never been able to collect all the main ingredients for this pill."
"We’ll need to ask for your help, Brother Lin, in sourcing one or two..."
His unspoken meaning was clear: he wanted to leverage Lin Changheng’s unique network as a Pill Master.
After all, Lin Changheng had refined a Foundation Establishment Pill before, so there were likely some desperate cultivators who had already reached out to him.
Of course, this approach carried a certain risk. If word got out that someone held the main ingredients for the Foundation Establishment Pill, it would easily attract unwanted attention.
Even though the "man of noble character" image—intentionally spread by the Cheng family’s father and son from the Hundred Herbs Shop—was widely known and accepted, people still wouldn’t take such a risk unless their time was running out and their need was desperate.
Once interests were involved, everything in the Cultivation Realm had to be viewed with suspicion.
"Which of the main ingredients have you collected so far?"
Lin Changheng didn’t reply at once. After a moment of thought, he asked.
"We’ve collected two of them: the Seven-Star Spirit Moon Grass and the Celestial Crystal Spirit Lotus. We’re still missing the Nine-leaf Purple Ginseng. All the supplementary ingredients have been gathered, so the other party won’t need to provide them."
Chef Zeng replied crisply.
Hearing this, Lin Changheng’s mind stirred. ’They’re missing the Nine-leaf Purple Ginseng?’
’I happen to have one, but it’s not quite mature enough. It probably needs another four or five years before it can be used for alchemy...’
So, he asked, "Is this pill an urgent matter?"
Chef Zeng nodded and gave a time frame. "It’s somewhat urgent. It would be best if it were refined within two or three years."
"Alright, I understand. I will do my best, but I can’t guarantee I’ll find a cultivator who has this ingredient on hand."
Lin Changheng nodded, showing his willingness but careful not to over-promise.
"We’re well aware of that. Finding one is a matter of luck, but the family will also be doing everything it can to search for it."
Chef Zeng smiled in understanding and immediately agreed.
After they finished discussing the matter, Chef Zeng didn’t leave immediately. He stayed for a while, making small talk to build rapport.
After a moment, Chef Zeng suddenly recalled something. "Brother Lin," he asked, "did you inform the cultivator from the Spirit Wine Tower who delivers the Essence Blood that you no longer need the Jade Wave Spirit Turtle’s?"
"That’s correct."
Lin Changheng confirmed at once, then added with a grateful smile, "Thank you for your help, Brother Zeng. I’ve benefited greatly from my research on using Demon Blood in alchemy. Now that my work has reached a successful conclusion, I no longer require it."
"It was a small matter. We already had a good friendship, and now we’re part of the same family. What need is there for thanks?"
Chef Zeng’s words were impeccable. They acknowledged their personal friendship while also framing it within the larger context of their family ties, making them very pleasant to hear.
Outwardly, Lin Changheng looked extremely pleased, but inwardly, he had been waiting for just such a line.
His expression then shifted, taking on a troubled look. He seemed hesitant, as if he wanted to say something but was too embarrassed. He opened his mouth, only to close it again with a sigh.
"Brother Lin, is there something you wish to say? There’s no need to be like this. You can speak freely with me!"
"If it’s within my power, I will certainly not refuse."
Chef Zeng’s eyes shifted. How could he not understand what was happening? But he had just asked a favor himself, so he could hardly turn a blind eye. If he did, Lin Changheng might agree to help but then put in no real effort, which would be disastrous.
This was a matter of utmost importance to the family! There could be no delays.
He immediately waved his hand, adopting a magnanimous air.
In truth, both men knew exactly what was going on:
Lin Changheng had joined the Huang Family partway through his journey and had never even set foot in their headquarters. How could he feel any genuine emotion or loyalty towards them?
Any talk of a "sense of belonging" was utter nonsense!
It was merely a union of interests, each party taking what they needed.
Strictly speaking, the priority alchemy rights Lin Changheng had promised the Huang Family did not include acting as their procurement agent. Yet he had still agreed. This was a gesture of respect toward the Huang Family.
Therefore, the Huang Family was expected to reciprocate. At the very least, they had to show the proper attitude.
Otherwise, the next time, he would simply stick to the letter of their agreement, and they would have no one to blame but themselves.
Even with someone as close to him as Mo Zhaoli, Lin Changheng always tried to maintain a balance when it came to their mutual interests.
In the Cultivation Realm, there was no one who couldn’t live without someone else. Even among Xu Fugui’s descendants, only a few remained by his side now.
Of course, these were all unwritten rules of social exchange, never to be spoken of openly.
Still, Lin Changheng maintained the facade. "Thank you for your graciousness, Brother Zeng. As it happens, I do have a need that I must trouble you with."
"Please, Brother Lin, go ahead and speak."
Chef Zeng’s smile was the very picture of sincerity and magnanimity.
"While I may be finished with the Jade Wave Spirit Turtle Essence Blood, I still require the Essence Blood of other demon beasts—Muddy Evil, Profound Spirit, or even higher levels. I was just wondering if Brother Zeng might be able to help me collect some?"
Lin Changheng went straight for the kill, stating his demand. He then added, "As for the costs, I can pay the market price. I would never let you take a loss, Brother Zeng."
"Oh?"
Chef Zeng had been bracing for impact, thinking that after such a long wind-up, Lin Changheng was about to make an exorbitant demand. After all, Lin had him by the throat with his family’s request. But in the end...
’That’s it?’
His face immediately broke into a wide, crinkly grin, all his tension vanishing. Seeing that Lin Changheng was looking down at his tea and not paying attention, he quickly wiped the expression away and became solemn once more. The entire change was a flash in the pan, gone in an instant.
After pretending to ponder for a moment, Chef Zeng put on a troubled expression, gritted his teeth, and said, "Brother Lin, your business is my business, and the Huang Family’s business! No matter how difficult it may be, since you’ve asked, I will absolutely get it done for you!"
He didn’t know, however, that Lin Changheng had already broken through to the Foundation Establishment Stage. Though Lin Changheng was looking down, sipping his tea, his Divine Sense was extended, capturing every minute change in the man’s expression. He found it hilarious but revealed nothing.