Steady Mortal Path: Starting from Obtaining the Golden Core Inheritance

Lin Changsheng squinted, sizing up the man in the yellow robe from afar.

This was the first Golden Core cultivator he had ever met in his life.

The impact it brought was far greater than that of any so-called fake alchemist or master.

Perhaps to demonstrate the prestige of the Nangong family, the trace of magical power that Master Nangong deliberately revealed possessed immense power.

Through this chilling aura, Lin Changsheng determined that Nangong Zhenren's cultivation level was at the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm.

Moreover, he is a seasoned mid-stage Golden Core cultivator.

However, he is still far inferior to the Golden Core Grandmaster 'Heavenly Poison True Man'.

Lin Changsheng had a clear understanding of the Nangong family's patriarch.

Tie Antong's Golden Core Ceremony lasted for three days.

Master Nangong only appeared on the first day, and then disappeared.

The guests who came to offer their congratulations took their seats according to their background, status, and cultivation level.

The newly appointed fake alchemist Tie Antong toasted everyone to express his gratitude.

"Congratulations, Master Tie."

"Hehe, thank you all for your support. Everyone here today is one of us. If you ever need my help in the future, please don't hesitate to ask."

Tie Antong, his face flushed and reeking of alcohol, arrived at the table where Lin Changsheng and the others were. He laughed heartily as everyone congratulated him, and offered a toast.

"If Master Tie says so, I must take it seriously. If I ever need anything in the future, you must not refuse me."

Upon hearing this, Xue Ningshuang smiled and said, half-jokingly.

"Haha, with Master Lin and others as witnesses, Fellow Daoist Xue, if you have any needs, just come and find me directly in a few days."

Tie Antong took a big gulp of spirit wine and mumbled something indistinctly.

After toasting the cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage and above, Tie Antong announced another important piece of news that was closely related to everyone.

In recent years, the Wanfeng Mountains, which border Qianhe Immortal City, have been frequently attacked by monsters.

The Nangong family intends to organize all cultivators above the Foundation Establishment level to conduct daily patrols and extermination operations.

This matter was then put under the management of Tie Antong, the newly promoted pseudo-Dan Master.

……

Half a day later, Lin Changsheng and the other two took their leave.

Du Hongzhou seemed to have other matters to attend to. After taking his leave, he immediately harnessed his magical artifact and hurriedly headed towards Thousand Crane Immortal City.

However, Xue Ningshuang suggested that she wanted to visit Changchun Peak.

Such a request puzzled Lin Changsheng, but he smiled and said, "I am honored that Fellow Daoist Xue would grace my humble abode with his presence."

Before long, two Foundation Establishment cultivators descended upon the Changchun Peak training ground.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, Changchun Peak is lush with spiritual plants, spring-like all year round, and the fragrance of the vegetation far surpasses that of the outside world. It is truly a treasure land of feng shui."

Xue Ningshuang smiled gracefully and praised.

But soon, the woman seemed to realize something, and a look of surprise appeared on her exquisitely made-up face.

"Fellow Daoist Lin's second-tier mountain-guarding spirit insect is quite good. Its demonic power is abundant and profound, and it seems to be of an extraordinary bloodline."

"Hehe, it's just a demonic insect that I obtained by chance years ago, nothing to mention."

Lin Changsheng glanced at the lazy Crimson Centipede lying under the spirit tree by the lake and said casually.

Then, he invited Xue Ningshuang into the cave.

"Master, Aunt Xue, please have some tea."

After serving the spiritual tea, the maid Qingzhi quietly withdrew.

"As expected, it's still you craftsmen who have mastered all the skills of cultivation who are in high demand. You don't have to worry about cultivation resources. There are only a few people in the entire dojo, making it quiet and leisurely. I envy you."

Xue Ningshuang's bright eyes held a hint of envy as she sighed.

"Lin is not good at social skills and usually only knows how to make talismans in his head, unlike Fellow Daoist Xue who is so adept at navigating social situations and has a wide network of connections in the Immortal City."

Lin Changsheng smiled modestly, then took a sip of spiritual tea and said casually, "Fellow Daoist Xue wouldn't visit without a reason, so I suppose you have something else to discuss with me today?"

Lin Changsheng was well aware of Xue Ningshuang's deeds as a neighbor, and naturally knew that this woman was complicated and had various methods. He kept his distance from her and usually just maintained a neighborly relationship.

"If I remember correctly, Fellow Daoist Lin has been at the Foundation Establishment stage for over a decade now, hasn't he? Judging from how Fellow Daoist Lin now keeps his magical power restrained and does not unleash it, it is clear that he has already stabilized his realm. I wonder if Fellow Daoist Lin would be interested in going out for some activities?"

Xue Ningshuang suddenly said in a mysterious tone.

"Active activities? I wonder what Fellow Daoist Xue means by that?"

Lin Changsheng asked calmly.

"To be honest, many years ago I found an ancient painting, and after years of studying it, I finally deciphered the mystery within. If we follow the guidance in the painting, we will eventually find a cultivator's ruins. Unfortunately, my strength is limited on my own, so after much thought, I thought I would invite Fellow Daoist Lin to explore together."

Xue Ningshuang's bright eyes revealed a solemn expression as she carefully explained the purpose of her visit.

"Cultivator ruins?"

Lin Changsheng was slightly surprised and looked at the charming woman in front of him with a strange expression. He said, "Fellow Daoist Xue, you revealed the secret so easily. Aren't you worried that I will leak this matter?"

"Since I dare to speak out about this matter, it is naturally because I trust Fellow Daoist Lin's character. Besides, it is just a map of ruins, which contains both dangers and risks. If Fellow Daoist Lin is really interested, I will just follow along and get some of the benefits."

Hearing Lin Changsheng's words, Xue Ningshuang chuckled lightly, feigning the image of a weak woman, and said softly.

Lin Changsheng found it amusing and, of course, did not take the woman's words seriously.

He secretly analyzed that this woman's purpose was nothing more than two things.

Firstly, the woman's claims about ancient paintings and ruins are completely fabricated. Her true intention is to covet the resources and wealth she has accumulated through talisman-making, and to conspire with outsiders to lure her away and kill her.

Secondly, the ancient paintings and relics she mentioned were indeed real, but it was not safe for her to explore them alone, which is why she wanted to involve me.

After all, he had been in Thousand Crane Immortal City for many years, building a good reputation and being kind and fair.

Most importantly, he has only been at the Foundation Establishment stage for a little over ten years. Under normal circumstances, his strength and methods are among the weakest of Foundation Establishment cultivators, making him easy to control.

Even if they discover some precious treasures while exploring ruins together, they are not worried about killing each other to steal them.

Even if a conflict breaks out, Lin Changsheng is at a disadvantage in terms of strength between the two.

"I apologize, but I have gained a new understanding of the art of talismans in recent years and need to meditate on it. It is not suitable for me to go out at the moment."

Lin Changsheng seemed to consider it seriously for a moment, then declined with an apologetic expression.

Unless it is a personal necessity, Lin Changsheng would never explore dangerous places such as ruins and secret realms with outsiders.

Especially Xue Ningshuang, who comes from a background of independent cultivation, has too many thoughts and complicated interpersonal relationships.

There are too many uncertainties, and the dangers come not only from the ruins, but also from the possibility of turning against those around you.

'Tian Du Zhenren' has countless similar examples in his memory.

However, most of the 'Heavenly Poison Masters' play the role of the one who double-crosses the other.

Now that he possesses the complete memories of a Golden Core cultivator and the ability to earn resources, he has enough to sustain his daily cultivation needs. His focus is on steady cultivation and improving his own strength; it's not time to take risks yet.

If it were Nangong Qingtan or Su Xuyan who brought up the matter instead of Xue Ningshuang, Lin Changsheng might have considered it.

Both women come from powerful families, have substantial resources, sound morals, and reliable character.

Even if another neighbor, Du Hongzhou, brought it up, Lin Changsheng wouldn't be too worried.

Du Hongzhou didn't have much time left, and he still hoped that Lin Changsheng could take care of his descendants. He was too busy trying to maintain the relationship to have any other thoughts.

"It seems I have been presumptuous. In that case, I wish Fellow Daoist Lin's talisman-making skills will continue to improve."

Xue Ningshuang showed no displeasure; instead, she smiled and offered her blessings.

After saying this, he took his leave, citing matters at the temple.

Although she didn't break any rules in her speech, Lin Changsheng could still sense that the woman was somewhat unhappy after he rejected her.

……

Two months later.

Two auras suddenly descended upon Changchun Peak.

Lin Changsheng, who was cultivating in the temple, suddenly opened his eyes and sensed the auras of two uninvited guests. His brows furrowed slightly.

Lin Changsheng remembered one of the two auras; it was Liu Zifeng.

The other person was unfamiliar; he was actually a fake alchemist!

"No wonder Liu Zifeng dared to appear here so openly; it turns out he has a fake Core Formation cultivator backing him up."

Lin Changsheng's expression was somewhat solemn, but he still took the initiative to walk out of the cave and cast his gaze at the two people not far away.

"I am Lin Changsheng, the peak master of Changchun Peak. I was unaware of the arrival of Fellow Daoist Liu and this True Person. I apologize for not welcoming you properly."

Lin Changsheng, dressed in white, stood in front of the cave, his gaze calm and his tone indifferent, seemingly without the slightest tension or restraint in the face of a pseudo-core cultivator.

"I had long heard from my junior brother that Master Lin was extraordinary, and seeing him today, I can confirm that he is indeed extraordinary."

Upon meeting, the simple man in linen clothes standing next to Liu Zifeng smiled and said...

This person was dressed very simply, like an ordinary farmer, with an average appearance and a simple, unassuming demeanor.

However, the aura emanating from his body far surpassed that of an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator, making him a genuine Pseudo-Core Formation cultivator.

“Master Lin, this is Senior Brother Song from my sect. We two brothers have come here today with no ill intentions, so please don’t take offense, Master Lin.”

Liu Zifeng smiled and offered his explanation.

"So it's Master Song, my apologies for my disrespect."

Lin Changsheng bowed respectfully on the surface.

However, one piece of information could be gleaned from Liu Zifeng's words: this unassuming man was his fellow disciple.

In other words, Liu Zifeng has a sect behind him, and the 'insect cultivator' from back then was very likely his fellow disciple.

If this person has a senior brother who is at the Core Formation stage, then their master must at least be a Pseudo-Core Formation True Person, or even a true Golden Core cultivator.

When did such a force emerge in the cultivation world of Yue Kingdom?

Lin Changsheng was curious.

"Master Lin, there's no need for such formalities. I've heard that you are not only a master talisman maker but also an unparalleled physician. My fellow disciple and I have come here specifically to seek your medical help. Although there has been some misunderstanding between you and my junior brother, a physician's heart is benevolent. Besides, this is a treatment that you didn't finish years ago. Surely you won't turn us away again today?"

Master Song smiled faintly, speaking in a seemingly very polite manner, but there was an undeniable air about his words.

"Hehe, Master Song, you flatter me. Since you've come seeking medical help, you are my guests. Please come in."

Lin Changsheng smiled calmly and invited the two into the reception hall.

The maid Qingzhi served the spiritual tea and then withdrew.

"Please, gentlemen."

Lin Changsheng's gaze swept over Song Zhenren and Liu Zifeng, and he couldn't help but feel a headache coming on.

Unexpectedly, Liu Zifeng has a senior brother who is a fake Core Formation cultivator. It seems that today's treatment cannot be postponed.

However, he could also tell that the two people in front of him had come openly today because of the lingering injuries in Liu Zifeng's body.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the pragmatic person offered to provide treatment.

"Thank you for your help, Master Lin."

Master Song nodded slightly, sipping his fragrant tea.

Liu Zifeng's eyes showed a hint of excitement as he thanked him.

"Fellow Daoist Liu, you needn't be so polite."

Lin Changsheng said calmly.

With Master Song in charge, the two of them tacitly chose to selectively forget the scene of their life-or-death struggle in the Wanfeng Mountains back then.

After many years, Lin Changsheng first used his magic to check Liu Zifeng's condition.

Perhaps because Master Song was present, Liu Zifeng looked relaxed and wasn't worried at all about what tricks Lin Changsheng might play.

Two hours later.

"This condition in Liu Daoyou's body has been accumulating for many years and requires treatment in batches."

With Lin's current methods, one treatment a year would be sufficient for a full recovery in five years.

Lin Changsheng withdrew his magic and calmly told the two of them.

After examination, he discovered that Liu Zifeng's old injuries had not only not healed, but had worsened considerably compared to the past. However, another pure magical power suppressed the injuries and temporarily stabilized them.

It seems that Liu Zifeng had previously received treatment from other doctors.

However, this method only treats the symptoms, not the root cause. To completely eradicate it, one must use one's own Changchun Gong (a type of internal energy cultivation technique) to gradually eliminate it.

"Alright, then I'll trouble Master Lin to see this through. If the next few times go as smoothly as today, I, Song, will definitely repay you handsomely in the future."

Master Song smiled and glanced at Lin Changsheng, then said meaningfully.

It seemed like a reminder, but it also carried a hint of threat.

Just then, the maid Lan Hua cautiously reported that Master Wu Fu had come to visit.

"Hehe, since Master Lin has guests, we two brothers will not disturb him any longer."

Master Song chuckled, the previous tension dissipated, and his face revealed a simple and honest expression.

He then flew away with Liu Zifeng.

Lin Changsheng watched the two figures gradually disappear into the horizon, his face expressionless and his gaze deep.

Before long, Master Wu arrived at Changchun Peak, led by Lan Hua.

"Disciple, I've heard you have some connection with the Nangong family. I'm being conscripted next month to exterminate demonic beasts in the Wanfeng Mountains. Could you... help me get me removed from the conscription list?"

Master Wu stroked his mustache and said with a somewhat apprehensive look in his eyes.

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