Steady Mortal Path: Starting from Obtaining the Golden Core Inheritance

"I never expected that Brother Lin would have any dealings with the Fengling Chamber of Commerce. Master Feng even gifted me the method for making such a precious 'talisman treasure'. It's truly enviable."

Du Hongzhou was somewhat envious, and his face showed more regret and sigh: "It's a pity that Brother Lin has just entered the Foundation Establishment stage, while I don't have much time left. Otherwise, once you have mastered the method of making 'talisman treasures,' I will definitely ask to buy one."

"Brother Du, please don't make fun of me. I was completely unaware that Senior Feng had suddenly gifted me this treasure."

Sensing the subtle thoughts emanating from those around him from time to time, Lin Changsheng responded with a wry smile.

With everyone preoccupied with their own thoughts, the auction drew to a close.

During this time, Lin Changsheng seized the opportunity to participate in the bidding for a second-tier piece of driftwood.

This second-tier driftwood is very hard. Although it is not suitable as a raw material for talisman paper, it is excellent for improving mechanical puppets.

Second-tier driftwood is rare, but not exactly exceptional.

Furthermore, Lin Changsheng gained the favor of the fake Dan Zhenren, Feng Baiying.

The competitor took the initiative to suppress the competition.

"Since it is Master Lin who has taken a liking to this item, I will do him a favor and the item will belong to Master Lin."

A short-haired man wearing a loose robe chuckled and clasped his hands in greeting to Lin Changsheng.

"Thank you for letting me go."

Lin Changsheng smiled and replied.

But I felt truly helpless.

I bid normally, and the final price was close to the market price of second-grade driftwood. If the other party then voluntarily withdraws, I will have to do them a favor.

……

Lin Changsheng then remained on the sidelines and did not purchase any other items.

Sitting quietly in her seat, her gaze occasionally drifted to the indifferent-looking fake Dan Master, Feng Baiying.

His gaze was complex, as if he were deep in thought.

Du Hongzhou, on the other hand, had already reaped a great harvest this time.

But then something appeared that made his heart flutter.

The second-tier elixir, 'Longevity Pill'.

After being appraised by a second-level alchemist from the Nangong family, this 'Longevity Pill' was determined to be of excellent quality.

It can extend lifespan by about ten to fifteen years.

The specific effects will vary depending on the individual's level of understanding and the cultivation method practiced.

"Brother Lin, do you have any spirit stones on you? Could you lend me some for emergencies?"

The moment Du Hongzhou saw the 'Longevity Pill', his eyes reddened and his breathing became somewhat rapid.

Longevity pills hold a strange allure for cultivators whose lifespans are nearing their end.

"There are only a little over two thousand left. If you need anything, brother, I'm happy to oblige."

After a moment's thought, Lin Changsheng calmly gave a number.

Du Hongzhou was a good person and his neighbor, so Lin Changsheng wasn't worried about lending out some spirit stones.

"Thank you."

Upon hearing this, Du Hongzhou expressed his gratitude.

After a short while, Du Hongzhou borrowed two thousand spirit stones from Lin Changsheng, and the 'Longevity Pill' was successfully acquired.

Amidst Du Hongzhou's repeated expressions of gratitude, the final item of the auction was unveiled.

A replica of the magical artifact 'Vajra Cone'.

This fake magic weapon was crafted by Master Tie Antong, a near-third-tier weapon refiner from the Nangong family.

With renowned experts involved, quality is guaranteed.

The moment this replica magic weapon appeared, it immediately attracted the attention of all the Foundation Establishment cultivators present.

They all placed bids.

Prices quickly climbed to an outrageous level.

Only a handful of late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators were capable of continuing to compete in the arena.

Ultimately, this replica of the magic weapon 'Vajra Cone' was acquired by a young man in the late Foundation Establishment stage.

"That's Wang Song from Qingshan Market. He's been holding back for a while now, so it seems he's after this counterfeit magic weapon."

Soon, a cultivator revealed the young cultivator's identity.

"Qingshanfang City."

Lin Changsheng also looked at this person with some curiosity.

Qingshan Market is another large market not far from here, where cultivators gather.

It is slightly smaller than Qianhe Immortal City, but far surpasses Huangling Market in its heyday by dozens of times, and is also presided over by a fake Dan Master.

……

After the auction ended, Du Hongzhou wanted to return home with Lin Changsheng.

Lin Changsheng, however, took the initiative to approach Feng Baiying of the Fengling Chamber of Commerce.

"Junior Lin Changsheng greets True Man Feng."

Lin Changsheng was extremely respectful and courteous.

There is still a difference between a fake Golden Core cultivator and a true Golden Core cultivator.

In the eyes of most Golden Core cultivators, these fake Golden Core cultivators cannot be considered Golden Core cultivators at all.

However, it is a trick that forcibly elevates one's cultivation level at the cost of ruining one's future.

Even the signature item of a Golden Core cultivator, their natal magic weapon, cannot be condensed.

However, these fake Core cultivators have no hope of advancement in this life; they only live for appearances.

They consider themselves to be of a higher status than Foundation Establishment cultivators, and equal to Golden Core cultivators, valuing rules and respect.

At the same time, she is sensitive and cannot accept lower-level cultivators being treated differently from true Golden Core cultivators.

"Master Lin, there's no need to be so polite. Since you've chosen to cooperate with the Fengling Chamber of Commerce, we'll be on the same side from now on. You can seek help from the Chamber of Commerce if you have any problems."

Feng Baiying said with a faint smile.

"I am deeply grateful for Master Feng's guidance. However, since this is a collaboration, I have not yet made any contribution, yet I have received such a valuable treasure for nothing. I am truly unworthy of it."

Lin Changsheng appeared calm, sincere, humble, and polite.

He knew that there was no reason for Master Feng to take back something he had given away in public.

However, as a junior, it is only proper etiquette to take the initiative to come and pay my respects, even if I decline slightly, to personally express my gratitude.

"I haven't taken back what I've given away yet. Besides, this talisman originally belonged to my Fengling Merchant Guild. Lin, you can keep it without worry."

Feng Baiying chuckled and explained the situation to Lin Changsheng.

Lin Changsheng was taken aback upon hearing this. By the time he came to his senses, Master Feng had already vanished.

"As expected of a Core Formation cultivator who can lead a merchant guild, that's quite a skill."

Lin Changsheng sighed inwardly.

The method for making this talisman originally belonged to the Fengling Chamber of Commerce. When True Person Feng bid for it earlier, it was just a matter of transferring the money from one hand to the other, with only some handling fees involved.

Under normal circumstances, if I could truly establish a deep cooperation with the Fengling Chamber of Commerce, I would naturally have the opportunity to access the method of creating this 'talisman treasure'.

However, this True Person Feng publicly tied himself, a newly promoted Foundation Establishment cultivator, to the Fengling Chamber of Commerce.

To outsiders, Lin Changsheng was merely a newly promoted second-tier talisman master in the early stages of Foundation Establishment, yet the Fengling Chamber of Commerce presented him with such a generous gift, thus gaining a good reputation.

Privately, the Fengling Chamber of Commerce, including this Master Feng, did not force Lin Changsheng. On the contrary, they increased his popularity and he even received a free 'talisman' making inheritance.

But Lin Changsheng knew that these 'benefits' all came at a price.

At least in the short term, I cannot voluntarily terminate my cooperation with the Fengling Chamber of Commerce.

Otherwise, they will suffer the consequences of damage to their reputation and lose public trust.

Reputation and word-of-mouth are especially important for a craftsman.

Just as Lin Changsheng was marveling at Feng Zhenren's methods, another voice pulled him back to reality.

"It's been a long time. How have you been, Fellow Daoist Lin?"