Eternal Life: I Can Harvest Demon Beast Talents

"Please, Brother Chu, tell me."

Lin Changheng picked up the wine pot and refilled Zhu Guangsheng's empty cup.

"Mr. Lin, have you ever heard of the Bixiao Sect?"

Zhu Guangsheng didn't answer directly. Instead, he placed a hand on his wine cup, looked at the now-full glass, and asked with a smile.

"Of course. It's to the east of the Immortal City. Along with the Purple Extreme Sect and Cyan Mist Temple, it is one of the top Sects and Daoist Schools. Each governs a territory, shepherding the world's cultivators on behalf of the Extreme South Palace."

A thought struck Lin Changheng. 'Could this be related to the Bixiao Sect?'

He immediately played along.

"Correct. But did you know, Mr. Lin, that the 'Bi' in Bixiao refers to their lush, flourishing Spirit Wood, which is so dense it blots out the sun and resembles a green sky?"

Zhu Guangsheng raised an eyebrow as he spoke, touching upon a blind spot in Lin Changheng's knowledge.

"So, the East Wheel Willow Wood I'm looking for is related to the Bixiao Sect? Or does the sect cultivate this Spirit Wood?"

Upon hearing of a potential lead, Lin Changheng immediately pressed on.

"That's right. I happen to be on good terms with a Steward from the Bixiao Sect. We're in close contact, so I can try to purchase a small amount from him."

"It might be difficult to get a large quantity, but if it's only a small amount, he'll most likely do it as a favor to me."

Zhu Guangsheng said slowly, taking the opportunity to show off his connections.

Lin Changheng's face lit up. "Then I must trouble you to ask on my behalf, Brother Chu. I will be sure to remember this kindness."

This news was a wonderful surprise.

Lin Changheng made a promise then and there.

"Of course. I'll send a letter later to inquire about this."

Zhu Guangsheng smiled with satisfaction. 'Dealing with intelligent people is so refreshing.' He then asked, "Mr. Lin, you can tell me what the second matter is now."

"I wonder, does Brother Chu know how to refine Treasure Talismans?" Having gotten off to a good start, Lin Changheng felt his spirits lift as he continued.

"Treasure Talismans?" Zhu Guangsheng's hand, which was stroking his beard, paused as he sought confirmation.

"That's right. The kind of Treasure Talisman that can be nurtured to enhance its power," Lin Changheng confirmed with a nod.

"I've heard of Treasure Talismans. Like Talisman Plates, they are a branch of the Talisman Dao. The barrier to entry is quite high, and it's even more mysterious and rarely seen. To be honest, I don't know this art. Perhaps you, Mr. Lin, could inquire with a Tier Two Upper Grade Talisman Master. You might learn something, but you should also be prepared to come back empty-handed!"

Zhu Guangsheng didn't hold anything back. As a veteran Talisman Master, he naturally knew more of the inside details than an outsider to the Talisman Dao like Lin Changheng, and he offered some concrete advice.

"Thank you!"

Lin Changheng wasn't discouraged. He raised his cup in a toast.

"There's no need for such politeness, Mr. Lin."

Zhu Guangsheng laughed and, after a moment's thought, added, "In about ten years, that good-for-nothing junior of my family should be attempting to break through to Foundation Establishment. At that time, I might have to trouble you..."

"Ah? Just leave that matter to me!" Lin Changheng immediately waved his hand grandly, smiling as he sweetened the deal. "And not only that, but if Brother Chu can get his hands on one of the two controlled Main Medicines for the Foundation Establishment Pill, the chances of getting Masterpiece Foundation Establishment Pills are very high."

This was just Lin Changheng's personality. He could deliver in full, but his promises were always understated. He always had to leave some wiggle room.

The implication, however, was perfectly clear.

Zhu Guangsheng was stunned. Seeing that Lin Changheng's sincere smile was not fake, he was both surprised and deeply moved. "It seems Mr. Lin's Alchemy Dao has progressed once again. Congratulations! In that case, I'm no longer worthy of being called 'Brother Chu.' You should just call me 'Mr. Chu' from now on."

Although the two had only met a few times, Lin Changheng had made quite a name for himself in the Immortal City over the past twenty years. His way of doing things was widely known; he would never make such a claim unless he was highly confident. Based on this, Zhu Guangsheng had made his deduction.

Previously, Lin Changheng was the one asking for a favor, so he had naturally adopted a more humble posture. But since Talisman Master Chu had said as much, Lin Changheng gracefully went along with it and changed his address to "Mr. Chu."

It was also a tacit confirmation of Talisman Master Chu's deduction.

After sitting for a short while longer, Lin Changheng, having achieved his goal, did not overstay his welcome and took his leave.

Talisman Master Chu, for his part, wasted no time. He went straight to his desk, took up a brush, and wrote and sent the letter.

The Bixiao Sect also had a station in Floating Immortal City. They had internal channels, and those with the proper credentials could directly send letters and items.

He was confident he would receive a reply soon.

...

Lin Changheng didn't go straight back. Instead, he changed his appearance midway and went to a shop that bought second-hand items.

It was called a second-hand shop, but everyone knew that ninety percent of the people who came here were looking to fence stolen goods!

Inside the Immortal City, things were stable and peaceful. Except for the occasional desperate Cultivator who, driven into a corner, would rashly commit a crime and be hunted down and killed by the Law Enforcement Team, it was, for the most part, perfectly safe.

But outside the Immortal City's boundaries, it was a completely different story.

All sorts of Magical Combat were not uncommon. Even an upright and law-abiding Cultivator couldn't help but moonlight as a Tribulation Cultivator upon encountering a weak "fat sheep." After committing murder for treasure, they would change in a flash, once again appearing righteous and awe-inspiring.

Especially in the Wilderness, the man-eating Demon Beasts and the treacherously hidden dangers of the environment were terrifying, to be sure, but other Human Race Cultivators were even more frightening.

One moment they might be laughing and talking with you, and the next, they'd stab you in the back.

And there was no need to dispose of the corpse; the Demon Beasts would take care of it for you.

It was a conveniently considerate place to commit murder for treasure.

Against this backdrop, an unknown amount of stolen goods flowed into the Immortal City each year. The acquisition, processing, and selling of these goods formed a special—and surprisingly safe—supply chain.

This time, Lin Changheng was here to dispose of the loot from when he killed "Senior Brother Feng" of the Purple Extreme Sect.

He calculated that a full eleven years had passed.

Even the friends, family, and Sect members who might have been suspicious about his death couldn't possibly be waiting around forever, just for the sake of getting an answer.