Chapter 324 - 223: Three-legged Fire Raccoon, Fanning the Flames
Chapter 324: Chapter 223: Three-legged Fire Raccoon, Fanning the Flames
Lin Changheng glanced at Yan Mingyi, who was waiting by his side.
The latter immediately understood, turning to retrieve some Tier Two Middle Grade Spirit Tea. This was a special gift from Lü Tong, both as thanks for Lin Changheng’s help in refining the Foundation Establishment Pills last time and as a means to maintain their relationship.
The key to human relationships is "reciprocity," and Lü Tong, a master of this art, handled it with natural ease, like a fish in water.
"Thank you, Fairy Yan."
Deng Changsheng thanked her profusely before seeing there was nothing else and taking his leave.
...
After Deng Changsheng left, Lin Changheng didn’t immediately go to deal with the Essence Blood. Instead, he sent a voice transmission to Yan Mingyi with some instructions and prepared to head out himself.
Partway there, he paused in the courtyard, lost in thought.
He reached out and summoned the Black Armored Earth Turtle, which burrowed into his Spirit Beast Bag. Only then did a relieved expression of ’That’s more like it’ cross his face as he left with it in tow.
He didn’t venture far from the collection of residences by the Outer Lake, walking for about a mile and a half before arriving before another one.
"Alchemist Lin has arrived!"
The moment he knocked, a young Female Cultivator with a graceful and proper demeanor came out to greet him. Upon seeing Lin Changheng, she smiled and said, "Please, come in! The Fellow Daoists my master invited have mostly arrived. We were just waiting for you."
"Oh? I was held up by some matters and am indeed a bit late."
Lin Changheng explained with a smile, showing a slight hint of surprise.
"Alchemist Lin, this way, please."
The young Female Cultivator just smiled, not daring to make small talk, and simply led the way.
The vast hall had long since been prepared. Dozens of rosewood tables stretched from the inner hall to the outer chamber, arranged neatly on both sides in perfect order.
Spirit Fruits and spiritual wine, emanating a faint Spiritual Qi and fragrance, were laid out on the tables. The hall was already bustling with figures; many Cultivators had already taken their seats, either conversing in low voices or resting with their eyes closed.
As Lin Changheng’s figure appeared at the entrance and he stepped into the hall under the guidance of the Female Cultivator.
"Alchemist Lin’s presence today truly makes my humble abode shine with brilliance!"
A middle-aged Male Cultivator with the appearance of a Scholar, holding a Feather Fan and wearing a silk kerchief, who was seated in the host’s chair, spoke with a booming laugh, his eyes twinkling.
This person’s Cultivation was at the Late Stage Foundation Establishment, and he was clearly the master of this residence.
Instantly, the slightly noisy din of the hall dropped.
Countless gazes immediately focused on the entrance, filled with curiosity, scrutiny, goodwill, and observation... a mixture of all sorts of emotions.
Immediately after, a few Cultivators near the entrance were the first to react. They shot to their feet, their faces plastered with enthusiastic smiles, and greeted him with cupped fists:
"Alchemist Lin!"
"Alchemist Lin, I’ve long heard of your great name!"
"I’ve been wanting to pay you a visit, Alchemist Lin, but never had the chance. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you."
These voices were like pebbles tossed into a calm lake, quickly setting off a chain reaction.
Spreading from near to far, more and more Foundation Establishment Cultivators in the hall noticed the commotion at the entrance and rose one by one to greet him.
"Alchemist Lin!"
"Greetings, Alchemist Lin!"
"I’ve long heard of Alchemist Lin’s great fame. It is a deep honor to meet you today!"
The sounds of greetings rose and fell, echoing endlessly. Many people’s eyes followed him intently, trying to discern something from his calm expression.
Some Cultivators seated further away, hesitant to use their Divine Sense, even craned their necks to get a better look at this Alchemist whose reputation had recently soared and who was highly valued by the core of the Immortal City.
Lin Changheng’s expression remained placid; he showed no sign of being flustered or pleased by this sudden, fervent reception.
Though inwardly surprised, he merely offered a faint smile and a nod toward the main seat and the surrounding guests in return. His pace never faltered; he continued to follow the guiding Female Cultivator at a steady, unhurried gait toward a reserved seat in the front row of the inner hall.
It was as if he radiated his own light wherever he went. All eyes followed him, and the quiet buzz of voice transmissions would start up just after he passed.
"So that’s Alchemist Lin? He’s even younger than I imagined..."
"I heard that not only can he refine Masterpiece Foundation Establishment Pills with ease, but he also made a significant contribution by modifying an Ancient Pill Formula for the Immortal City. They say it’s the very same Spirit Communication Pill that’s all the rage now, the one that helps Spirit Beasts break through to Tier Two!"
"Is that the Spirit Communication Pill that corresponds to the Foundation Establishment Pill?"
"It’s more than that! I heard even the Quasi-Tier Three Alchemist, Elder Kong, praises him endlessly and personally gave orders that he be treated as an honored guest..."
"Hiss... Truly incredible!"
Of course, some of these voice transmissions couldn’t escape Lin Changheng’s notice. The vast difference in their Divine Sense abilities allowed him to "eavesdrop" with ease.
But he acted as if he hadn’t heard a thing, his expression remaining indifferent. Only the faintest flicker of contemplation passed deep within his eyes.
To him, the clamor of this world of fame and fortune was nothing more than a passing cloud on his path of Cultivation, not worth taking to heart.
He took his seat.
"Alchemist Lin, please take a seat here. The Treasure Exchange Meeting will begin shortly. If you need anything at all, just let this junior know." The Female Cultivator bowed gracefully once more before quietly retreating.
Lin Changheng nodded, still not saying a word. He poured himself some wine, and as he did, a basic understanding of the situation began to form in his mind.
Ordinarily, his influence in the Alchemy Dao would only be a strong draw for those Foundation Establishment Cultivators who came from clans and had emotional or vested interests in them.
For Middle Stage Foundation Establishment Pill Seeking Cultivators, he had built a certain reputation, but since he was replaceable, a scene like this shouldn’t have occurred.
That left only one explanation: the Immortal City’s release of the Spirit Communication Pill had caused a massive stir, sending waves of influence far and wide.
But Lin Changheng hadn’t been the public face of it. So how had the news of his involvement leaked?
’Elder Kong is on too high a level; it’s almost impossible that he would do such a thing. And Bai Hengwan, Bai Zhenchuan, with whom I’ve established a good working relationship... she doesn’t seem to have a motive either. Besides, she knows how cautious I am—after all, I managed to hide my Cultivation level for so long! This kind of uncontrolled influence could even attract prying eyes from the Outer World, all coveting the Spirit Communication Pill’s formula. That would be bad for me. After all, profit stirs the heart. They wouldn’t dare make a move against the Immortal City, so targeting me, the obviously weaker link, is a very real possibility. Bai Hengwan wouldn’t do something so self-destructive.’
It was worth mentioning that Floating Immortal City was not without its hostile forces. It was only because Qing Lan Wanderer was so powerful that he temporarily intimidated all the petty crooks and scheming powers.
A pack of wolves was circling, but the fact that they hadn’t attacked didn’t mean they had no intention to; they were simply waiting for an opportunity.
After a simple process of elimination...
...of the three core figures in the Immortal City with whom Lin Changheng had interacted, only one person remained.
The answer was obvious: Bai Hengwan’s senior sister.
True Inheritance Disciple Yang.
Last time, he had tactfully declined her offer of recruitment and cooperation. While they hadn’t torn off all face, he hadn’t given her an opening either.
Now, it seemed highly likely that she was the one who had released the information, putting him on the hot seat.
’Could it be that the rivalry between Bai Zhenchuan and her senior sister has taken a new turn? To the point that she can’t tolerate the existence of a potential supporter for her rival like me?’
Everything happens for a reason; there is no love or hate without a cause.
This was especially true in the Cultivation Realm.
Lin Changheng had his suspicions. Although he couldn’t be certain of the details, it was enough to serve as a warning.
That was enough.
This "invitation" had not been accepted in vain.
...
After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, once the guests had all more or less arrived, the Scholar-like Late Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator stood up and took a few steps forward.
He wore a friendly smile as he scanned the room, then cleared his throat and announced in a clear voice:
"Fellow Daoists, honored guests, welcome to the Treasure Exchange Meeting that I, Luo, am hosting. Thank you all again for giving me, Luo, this honor."
"Everyone here is a Cultivator with at least Tier Two Skills, or a Foundation Establishment Cultivator! I’m sure you all have some Treasures in your possession that may be useless to you but valuable to others. Selling them for Spirit Stones would be too much of a loss. Under these circumstances, this is the real reason why I, Luo, have decided to risk my old face and hold this auction!"
"To trade treasure for treasure, so that everyone may get what they need."
As soon as he said this, the hall fell completely silent. Everyone knew the main event was about to begin.