Steady Mortal Path: Starting from Obtaining the Golden Core Inheritance

Chapter 247 Real Friends

In the following years.

The Li family of Dafang Township was thrown into a panic after Li Chongyuan went missing.

Rumors gradually began to circulate within the clan and the controlled markets.

Lady Qu Jiao had no choice but to step out from behind the scenes and personally take charge of all the affairs, big and small, within the clan.

They also announced that Li Chongyuan had entered seclusion to fully attempt to break through to the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm.

The couple had been in charge of the family business for many years. Although Qu Jiao was a woman, she was by no means a mere decorative object.

Even Li Chongyuan, the patriarch, would often consult with his wife before making a decision when faced with some troublesome issues.

Qu Jiao took action and quickly quelled the negative impact of Li Chongyuan's disappearance.

On the other hand, under her arrangement, the Li family's people would send various cultivation resources and rare treasures to Qingquan Island every few days.

On one occasion, a merchant caravan led by the Li family accidentally found a third-tier 'Cloudy Flower' deep in the marshland.

It is said that this 'Cloud Flower' is extremely beautiful and can remain unwithered for decades even after being picked.

It can be used to refine high-grade anti-aging pills, or as the main ingredient in longevity pills.

Even consuming its petals directly can help maintain a youthful appearance.

When Qu Jiao received the 'Cloudy Flower,' she merely admired it for a moment before quickly instructing Li Shouye:

"This flower is extremely beautiful and is an excellent ingredient for refining elixirs. Quickly send it to Alchemist Lin!"

……

On this day, Li Rou, a maid from Qingquan Island, respectfully knocked on the door of Lin Changsheng's secret room.

"Has Madam sent something over again?"

Lin Changsheng glanced at the storage bag in the girl's hand and said in a calm tone.

He was already used to it.

In the years that Li Chongyuan was away, Qu Jiao took great care of his Qingquan Island.

Originally, only a few people visited the island each year, but now people come and go almost every month.

“Master, this is the milk produced by the near-third-tier demon beast ‘Blue Spirit Pig’. Madam said that it should be consumed as soon as it is fresh, as it will greatly benefit one’s cultivation.”

"I see."

Lin Changsheng nodded, not refusing.

The courtesy is light and affectionate.

Qu Jiao did this simply to express her feelings to him.

The more the other party values ​​him and the Crimson Centipede, the more it suggests that Li Chongyuan may indeed be in some trouble.

Under normal circumstances, high-ranking cultivators in a clan will secretly leave behind items such as 'soul-guiding lamps' made from their essence blood within the clan's territory. These items are connected to the cultivator's aura and can monitor the cultivator's situation in real time.

Whether one is seriously injured or has fallen into an abyss by accident, this can be determined by observing the Soul-Guiding Lamp.

As a Golden Elixir True Person of the Li Clan, Li Chongyuan would most likely have left such methods behind within the clan.

No matter how attentive Qu Jiao was, Lin Changsheng remained steadfastly on Qingquan Island, quietly improving his cultivation, honing his skills, and steadily increasing his strength.

……

Not long after, good news came from within the Li family.

Qu Ping, a nephew of Lady Qu Jiao, successfully condensed a false elixir, becoming the second false elixir master of the Li family in Dafang Township.

Lin Changsheng also had some impression of this Qu Ping. He was young but possessed a near-top-grade spiritual root aptitude and was full of youthful vigor.

Before he attempted to break through to the Golden Core realm, Qu Jiao had specially brought him to Qingquan Island for a visit.

Initially, both the aunt and niece aimed to break through to the Golden Core realm.

The purpose of visiting Lin Changsheng was to request a temporary halt to the supply of spiritual energy to Qingquan Island while Qu Ping was attempting to break through to the Golden Core stage.

Because Lin Changsheng has not only himself here, but also a third-tier great demon, the Crimson Centipede, if he exerts all his strength, it will have a certain impact on the spiritual energy of the entire third-tier spiritual spring eye.

In the process of attempting to form the Golden Core, even the slightest influence can lead to failure.

Lin Changsheng readily agreed and did not make things difficult for Li.

But they still received a large sum of 'compensation' from the Li family.

Therefore, upon learning that Qu Ping had only condensed a fake core, Lin Changsheng secretly felt a pang of regret.

In fact, Qu Ping was a relative of Qu Jiao's family.

This time, receiving support from the Li family's resources is considered a great opportunity.

If Li Chongyuan were still alive, he most likely would not agree to pour the resources for Core Formation into someone outside the family.

Unfortunately, although Qu Ping had the help of the Li family's Core Formation artifact, the timing was not right.

Overconfident in his exceptional talent and youthful arrogance, he was eager for quick success, claiming it was to buy time for his future Nascent Soul stage. However, he ended up only managing to condense a false core.

In Lin Changsheng's view, if Qu Ping could calm down and settle down for ten years before trying to break through to the Golden Core realm, the result might be different.

A few months later, Lin Changsheng was invited to attend Qu Ping's Golden Core Ceremony.

The invitation also included Chihuang Centipede.

However, as the only 'Golden Core' level fighter among the Li clan of Dafang Township, the Crimson Centipede did not give him that face.

At the celebration, Lin Changsheng met Qu Ping.

Half a year later, this young man, who had been arrogant and domineering, became somewhat depressed, silently chugging spirit wine.

Lin Changsheng had some understanding of this.

Some Foundation Establishment cultivators with mediocre talent, after exhausting all their efforts, finally condense a false core, barely making it into the ranks of True Persons, and gaining over a hundred years of lifespan, should naturally be delighted.

Qu Ping was quite talented. When he was in the late Foundation Establishment stage, he made a plan to cultivate to the Golden Core stage and even looked forward to the Nascent Soul stage, showing his lofty ambitions.

Now that he has no hope of advancing to the Golden Core stage, he has had to settle for achieving the False Core stage, which is a significant blow to him.

……

The second half of the year.

On this day, Lin Changsheng was rushing to complete the third-tier spell talisman mission for the 'Xuanmiao' Chamber of Commerce.

Suddenly, as if sensing something, I opened my eyes and looked in a certain direction.

He sensed the aura of an unfamiliar Golden Core cultivator descending upon the Li clan's territory.

Meanwhile, Qu Jiao and Qu Ping, an aunt and niece, were also present.

Although Lin Changsheng had doubts, he did not take the initiative to inquire.

That afternoon, Li sent someone to deliver the message.

"Master, a Golden Core cultivator who claims to be an old friend of Ancestor Li has come to visit today. Madam is entertaining him and has sent someone to invite you to join her."

The maid, Li Rou, brought the message.

"An old friend of Senior Li?"

A strange look appeared in Lin Changsheng's eyes.

It's not surprising that Li Chongyuan, despite being a Golden Elixir True Person, had some friends who were also Golden Elixir True Persons.

But in this sensitive period, it seems a bit strange that a Golden Core cultivator friend would come to visit.

Finally, Lin Changsheng declined the invitation, citing his contract with the 'Xuanmiao Chamber of Commerce' and his current work in producing talismans.

Inside the reception hall of the Li clan's ancestral home.

A disheveled middle-aged man, dressed in a tattered Taoist robe, sat in the main seat as if no one else was around, and ate the delicacies laid out in front of him with gusto.

After hearing the report from the maid below, the disheveled man slowed his movements slightly.

He slammed the half-eaten roasted second-tier demonic bird onto the table, casually wiped his greasy beard, and said with a half-smile:

“Sister-in-law, I can tell that your alchemist is not only very capable, but also quite arrogant.”

"Although I am not a famous figure, I am a guest since I have come from afar. Not to mention that I cannot see the legendary 'Red Worm' fellow Daoist, even a mere second-level alchemist dares to put on airs for me."

"It seems that during the time that Brother Chongyuan was away, this little alchemist with the power of a third-tier demon has probably developed some other thoughts."

The disheveled man in the Taoist robe grinned, revealing a mouthful of yellow teeth, and picked at the gaps between his teeth with his little finger, seemingly oblivious to his surroundings.

But his words were full of provocation.

……

The next day.

Lin Changsheng listened to the maid Li Rou's report about what happened in the reception hall yesterday, as well as the general situation of the Golden Core cultivator who claimed to be a friend of Li Chongyuan.

"Did Master Qiu really say that?"

"Last night he stayed at the Li family's residence. What was Madam Qu's reaction?"

Lin Changsheng appeared calm, but a strange look flickered in his eyes.

"Of course, Madam would not think so. She even sent someone to tell Master Lin that if he couldn't get away, he shouldn't force himself."

"I see, you go down."

Lin Changsheng dismissed the maid, a thoughtful look in his eyes.

"It seems this Master Qiu has come with ill intentions..."

He recalled Li Rou's earlier introduction about the identity of this real person.

This person's real name is Qiu Tianxing. He is a rogue cultivator and a wandering True Person from Da Ye Ze. He occasionally works as a river bandit and robs small families to obtain cultivation resources.

It is said that Qiu Tianxing was originally from another water area, and his specific identity is unknown. He had some dealings with Li Chongyuan in the East Domain of Dayeze in his early years, but they were only nodding acquaintances and not even close friends.

We hadn't been in touch for many years, and now I don't know why he suddenly came to visit as a friend.

These inside stories were naturally conveyed to him by Madam Qu through her maid, Li Rou.

Otherwise, how could a maid know such details?

However you look at it, this Master Qiu doesn't seem like a normal visitor.

It's as if they deliberately came here knowing that Li Chongyuan hadn't returned for a long time...

Their purpose is self-evident: to covet the Li family's accumulated wealth over the years, as well as the third-tier spiritual spring in this area.

Lin Changsheng took this matter very seriously.

He instructed the Crimson Centipede to be on high alert and strengthen surveillance around Qingquan Island.

He remained calm and observed the situation, and did not take the initiative to meet with this person.

……

half a month later.

Lin Changsheng, who is located on Qingquan Island, received a message talisman from Madam Qu.

"It seems that Master Qiu could not hold back any longer and took the initiative to visit the island."

Lin Changsheng read the contents of the message and instantly understood what the other party was planning.

He now possesses a third-tier great demon, making him the only third-tier combatant guarding the Li clan.

If Master Qiu truly has designs on the Li family, he will naturally have to deal with Lin Changsheng and the third-tier demon in his possession.

In fact, ever since they learned that Li Chongyuan would not be able to return in the short term...

Lin Changsheng secretly prepared his follow-up plan.

Without the protection of a Golden Core cultivator, Dafang Township, relying solely on a third-tier demon with both earth and fire attributes, is simply not enough to guard the third-tier spiritual spring eye.

It is expected that if Master Yu Huai next door were to learn of this news, he would probably not let go of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

He had even already identified several alternative escape routes on the water map.

However, Master Yu Huai has been keeping a low profile for some reason, which has given Lin Changsheng the opportunity to cultivate using the third-order spiritual spring eye.

But if it is this Qiu Zhenren, Lin Changsheng may not be afraid.

It must be said that the Crimson Centipede is limited by the water area and is considered a relatively weak third-tier demon.

That means this Master Qiu's status among Golden Core cultivators isn't much higher than that of the Crimson Centipede.

With two pseudo-Dan cultivators, Qu Jiao and Qu Ping, along with himself and the Crimson Centipede, the former might not necessarily come out on top.

Unless absolutely necessary, Lin Changsheng did not want to give up the hard-won third-tier spiritual spring eye on Qingquan Island.

After all, besides himself, there is also the third-tier Great Crimson Centipede, as well as the Snow Demon Wolf, Xunfeng Crow, and Flower Carp, all of which consume a lot of spiritual energy.

Once he leaves the Li family in Dafang Township, it will be difficult for him to find a similar place to practice.

In this way, many more years may be wasted.

Although the Everlasting Spring Technique he practiced was able to maintain his bodily functions.

But no one knows whether, once they reach a certain advanced age, beyond the "preservation" range of Changchun Gong, their bodies will quickly return to normal and age rapidly.

Although it seems unlikely at the moment, Lin Changsheng still wants to seize the time to improve his cultivation as much as possible.

If one can use the Li family of Dafang Township as a stepping stone to advance to the Golden Core stage, then one can travel to any place in the world.

Before long, a disheveled man dressed in a tattered Taoist robe, accompanied by Qu Jiao, arrived at the cave of the Crimson Centipede on Qingquan Island.

"Hehe, I am Qiu Tianxing, greetings to Fellow Daoist Red Insect."

Master Qiu greeted him with a cheerful clasped fist.

However, the Crimson Centipede in the cave merely shifted its ferocious head slightly, its dark eyes filled with malice, seemingly extremely displeased with the disturbance from the person before it.

It was raised by Lin Changsheng from a young age and has a deep connection with its owner.

Sensing that its master was very wary of this Qiu Zhenren, the beast, being a demon beast, did not know how to hide its emotions and naturally did not give the other party a friendly look.

"Red worms are inherently fierce and dislike being disturbed by outsiders. I hope Master Qiu will not take offense."

Lin Changsheng explained with a faint smile.

"Hehe, Fellow Daoist Red Insect, as a great demon, you do not hide your emotions like humans do. I am well aware of this."

Beneath Qiu Zhenren's disheveled appearance lay a profound gaze, which he gave Lin Changsheng and Qu Jiao a meaningful look.

An hour later.

Qiu Zhenren left Lin Changsheng's Qingquan Island.

However, they did not leave the Li clan's territory, but continued to stay there under the pretext of waiting for Li Chongyuan.

Qu Jiao, who was accompanying him, greeted him with a smile on her face, but she was extremely melancholy in her heart.

Master Qiu seemed to have the Li family completely under his control, and directly asked for a cultivation site with a third-tier spiritual spring eye, as if he intended to stay there permanently.

"Judging from how cautiously Qu Jiao is keeping him company, Li Chongyuan, that short-lived bastard, has most likely met with some accident and won't be coming back!"

"This Alchemist Lin is quite extraordinary. Not only is his dojo guarded by a third-tier demon, but it also has a complex third-tier formation, which is something that a Foundation Establishment cultivator could not possibly possess. He may very well have grasped some great opportunity!"

"I thought it was some rare species, but it turns out it's just a third-tier demonic insect that has exhausted its potential."

"This time I'm really going to strike it rich! I've stumbled upon such a great bargain by accident!"

Back at the training ground prepared by the Li family, Master Qiu's face showed a look of satisfaction.

……

The next six months or so.

Qiu Zhenren, Li Shi, Lin Changsheng, and others each had their own thoughts.

The Li clan's territory was in a strange state of calm.

One night, while cultivating, Lin Changsheng once again sensed an extremely powerful and unfamiliar Golden Core aura emanating from the outer perimeter of the Li Clan's territory.

"This aura is at least at the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm!"

Lin Changsheng looked wary.

The Crimson Centipede in the cave also looked as if it were facing a formidable enemy.

Before long, a majestic voice resounded throughout the Li clan's territory.

"I am Jin Ziqian, an elder of the Shuiyue Sect and the person in charge of the Li family in Dafang Township. Come out and see me at once!"