Steady Mortal Path: Starting from Obtaining the Golden Core Inheritance

"I've heard Sister Wan Ning mention Master Lin before, but I didn't expect him to be so young and accomplished. I pay my respects."

Although Chen Hui, a True Person of the Qinglan Sect, had a mid-stage Golden Core cultivation level, she still treated Lin Changsheng with great respect and courtesy.

They even brought a valuable Tier 3 'Beast Pill' as a gift.

Before coming, Chen Hui had already investigated and found out the identity of Lin Changsheng, a Golden Core cultivator.

He was a native cultivator of the Yue Kingdom in his early years, born into the Xi Danhe family. During his cultivation, he was kind to others, was proficient in talisman making, and had an excellent reputation in the industry. He never cheated anyone.

As for cultivation level and combat strength, there are few records of him making a move, and he has always been mediocre.

More than forty years ago, it is suspected that it found its way into the ruins of the Wanfeng Mountains and then disappeared without a trace.

Before leaving, he used a third-tier talisman to injure the Three Corpse True Man of the Great Zhou Kingdom, causing a sensation.

When he reappeared, he had already achieved the Golden Core True Person status and had a third-tier Great Demon under his command. He was suspected to be related to the fourth-tier Demon King who had advanced to the border of Yue Kingdom back then.

In short, this Master Lin, also known as Master Lin, has now achieved a high level of cultivation and is virtually unshakeable.

He is skilled, ruthless, and reliable, making him a worthy partner and someone to be courted.

On the other hand, Lin Changsheng also knew something about Chen Hui's background.

After years of war, the previous 'Qingyun Zhenren' of the Qinglan Sect was seriously injured by an attack from an unknown cultivator, and was then succeeded by this Chen Hui Zhenren.

He passed the examination of the previous 'Qingyun Zhenren' and gained the support of many elders within the Qinglan Sect.

At least in terms of cultivation and character, there are no major problems.

In fact, in such a face-to-face meeting, both parties already have a basic understanding of each other's situation, intentions, and goals beforehand.

If they are still willing to meet, it means that both parties are interested and the cooperation is already largely complete. They just need to finalize some details in person.

"It is an honor to receive such a generous gift upon our first meeting. Unfortunately, I am not as wealthy as your sect. Please do not find this talisman too inadequate."

Lin Changsheng accepted the third-tier beast pill without hesitation, and at the same time took out an exquisite third-tier magic talisman.

Now he possesses multiple third-tier demon beasts, each of which is a major consumer of resources. These third-tier beast pills are precious resources, and he can never have too many.

This third-tier spell talisman is equivalent to a strike from a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator, and its value is also considerable.

Besides the exchange of gifts, giving away this talisman also serves to demonstrate one's talisman-making skills.

After all, the topic the two were about to discuss was related to their cooperation in talisman making.

"The talisman that Master Lin used was indeed extraordinary. The purity of the magic power contained in it was at least 30% higher than that of other talismans of the same level."

Master Chen Hui took the talisman, examined it carefully, and praised it with great delight.

Even if the casters are of similar cultivation levels, the final power of the same spell will be affected by factors such as their main cultivation method, their own condition, their proficiency with the spell, and the surrounding environment.

The same applies to talismans.

The skill of the talisman maker, as well as the materials used such as talisman paper, spiritual ink, and talisman brush, can all affect the power of the completed talisman.

The impact is slight, but perhaps not very noticeable for low-level spells.

However, third-tier spell runes are already precious, so even slight differences cannot be ignored.

Ultimately, after witnessing the quality of Lin Changsheng's magical talismans, Chen Huizhen's desire to cooperate became even stronger.

"Hehe, my skills are crude, fellow Daoist, please forgive my ignorance."

Lin Changsheng smiled at Chen Hui's reaction, not surprised at all.

Then he casually announced the price for asking him to make the talisman.

Most of these transactions will be settled using high-grade materials.

The reason is that high-level spells require meticulous craftsmanship and emphasize 'quality,' so their success rate is naturally lower than normal.

Upon hearing the price, Chen Hui was taken aback, her expression showing some hesitation.

Although Lin Changsheng's talisman-making skills were superb, his prices were indeed exorbitant, far exceeding the normal price of talismans.

As for the low success rate, Chen Hui herself naturally didn't believe it.

The success rate of drawing high-level runes is a secret to every rune master and is not easily revealed.

She guessed that Lin Changsheng must have a special talent in talisman-making, and his success rate was probably higher than that of others.

After some haggling, the two finalized their agreement to collaborate.

Lin Changsheng was only responsible for providing high-level spell talismans to the Qinglan Sect.

Low-level talismans don't require high-quality materials and aren't rare, so there's no need for Master Lin to help.

High-level spells, limited by materials, are destined not to be used easily, but rather as trump cards or means in critical moments.

Although it costs more, it can greatly increase the chances of survival for Foundation Establishment disciples, and even Pseudo-Core and Golden Core elders of the sect.

Especially for Foundation Establishment disciples, as the backbone of the sect, it takes a considerable amount of effort to cultivate even one, and the loss of each one is a loss for the sect.

The two finalized the details of their collaboration, each delighted, and raised a toast to celebrate.

"Master Lin has a bright future ahead of him. Would you be willing to become an elder of my Qinglan Sect?"

"With Fellow Daoist Lin's talisman-making skills, plus the third-tier great demon under his command, it can be converted into two elder salaries."

Chen Hui Zhenren sipped her spiritual tea, then suddenly looked at Lin Changsheng and tried to ask him a question.

"It's quite a coincidence. Back then, joining the Qinglan Sect was something that was beyond my reach."

"However, given the current state of war and turmoil in Vietnam, I have no intention of joining any faction."

Lin Changsheng politely declined, half-jokingly.

"There's such a thing?"

Chen Hui looked slightly taken aback, quite surprised.

She understood the implication in Lin Changsheng's words and quickly guessed what had happened to him back then.

Most of them were unable to pass the Qinglan Sect's selection process because their cultivation aptitude was mediocre.

Later, he may have other opportunities to discover his talent in talisman making, thus mastering the art, accumulating resources, and eventually using his accumulated knowledge to improve his cultivation.

"Even someone as amazing as Fellow Daoist Lin says so, it seems that our sect's method of selecting disciples still needs improvement."

"However, my promise today still stands. The gates of the Qinglan Sect will always be open to Fellow Daoist Lin."

Chen Hui looked regretful, then sincerely promised to invite him.

Lin Changsheng quietly sipped his spiritual tea, smiling without saying a word.

He remained unmoved by the invitation from the major sect that had previously rejected him.

……

A month later.

Lin Changsheng left behind a list of materials that needed to be collected, and then flew away from the temple.

Not long ago, the Fengling Chamber of Commerce received an invitation from the Nangong family to hold a Core Formation Ceremony.

Su Qin, the newly appointed elder of the Nangong family, has successfully advanced to the Golden Core Realm.

"I never expected that Fellow Daoist Su Qin would also advance to the Golden Core Realm."

Lin Changsheng urged the Water Cloud Boat forward, and couldn't help but sigh in his heart.

Lin Changsheng was not too surprised that Su Qin had reached this point.

After all, the other party secretly harbors the guidance of a Nascent Soul expert.

My uninvited visit was not only due to the occasion of Su Qin's Core Formation celebration, but also to pay a visit to the Nangong family and express my gratitude in person for their continued support of Changchun Peak.

There seemed to be some old acquaintances in the Nangong family home.

Several days later, Lin Changsheng arrived at the territory of the Nangong family.

After losing the Wanfeng Mountains, the Nangong family moved their entire territory and settled in a place called the Qianlin Mountains in western Yue.

Similarly, a third-tier spiritual vein can support approximately three or four Golden Core cultivators simultaneously.

However, the Nangong family has only had one Golden Core cultivator, who needs to stay in the clan territory year-round, so he can only play a strategic deterrent role.

Now that a second Golden Core cultivator has appeared, the people of Nangong no longer have to support the family alone.

Before long, Lin Changsheng suddenly felt two powerful magical forces collide, and the aftershocks spread outwards.

"Two Golden Core level magical powers clashed."

"Are two Golden Core cultivators battling it out?"

Lin Changsheng looked somewhat puzzled, and immediately unleashed another burst of magical power, transforming into a streak of green light that streaked across the sky.

……

The Nangong family's territory.

"Hehe, Fellow Daoist Su Qin's magic power is still a bit lacking. It looks good but is not very useful. It seems that advancing to the Golden Core stage is a bit of a stretch."

A slightly sarcastic remark echoed faintly throughout the Nangong family.

"Hmph, Master Qinghuan only advanced a few years earlier than me, he's not much stronger."

Immediately afterwards, a clear and stubborn voice rang out.

In the arena, a young man in a black robe with a resolute face and a middle-aged man in colorful clothes with a slightly overweight figure looked at each other.

The two of them were continuously emanating the unique aura of power possessed by Golden Core cultivators.

"Huh, it's him?"

Not long after, Lin Changsheng looked slightly surprised.

He sensed the presence of six or seven Golden Core cultivators at the scene.

There were about ten fake alchemists.

The two people fighting in the middle were actually old acquaintances.

They are the main characters of this Core Formation Ceremony, Su Qin.

And his old friend, Xu Qinghuan.

Both of them exuded a faint aura of Dan power, clearly reaching the level of a Golden Core cultivator.

In comparison, Xu Qinghuan's magical aura was slightly superior.

"Xu Qinghuan has also advanced to the Golden Core stage."

This was somewhat unexpected for Lin Changsheng.

It seems that after many years apart, this former friend has had another opportunity.

Lin Changsheng was genuinely happy for his friend.

Among the Golden Core cultivators watching the battle, Lin Changsheng also saw several familiar figures.

The dignified-looking Master Nangong had recently met Master Qingyun, Chen Hui.

Another exquisite carriage, crafted entirely of white jade and shimmering with light, was quietly parked not far away, its alluring silhouette faintly visible within.

Lin Changsheng's gaze was quickly drawn to the white jade magical carriage, and his expression became somewhat strange.

At the same time, Su Qin and Xu Qinghuan engaged in another fierce battle, their violent collisions creating a huge commotion.

Xu Qinghuan activated a pair of sharp, colorful double-ring magical artifacts, which were agile and versatile, combining offense and defense, giving him a slight advantage.

On the other hand, Su Qin, perhaps because he had only recently advanced to the Golden Core stage and had not yet had time to refine a third-tier magic weapon, could only barely defend himself with a pitch-black, near-third-tier spear.

Everyone present could see that Xu Qinghuan, relying on the longer time he had spent advancing to the Golden Core stage and the compatibility between his magical artifact and his own aura, suppressed the inexperienced Su Qin.

However, both of them were just entering the Golden Core realm, and there was no overwhelming difference in their abilities, so it was difficult to determine a winner in a short period of time.

“Master Qinghuan, our Elder Su Qin has just advanced to the Golden Core stage, and his magical power is not yet consolidated. How about we stop our sparring today when we have only scratched the surface?”

Below, Master Nangong uttered a voice imbued with the aura of Dan power, interrupting the two.

In terms of strength, Master Nangong, as a veteran Golden Core cultivator, possesses a far more profound and powerful aura than the other two.

"Fellow Daoist Nangong, you can't take advantage of your superior cultivation to bully our newly promoted elder of the 'Chayin Palace'!"

A melodious and clear female voice rang out from inside the white jade carriage, interrupting Nangong Zhenren's imposing aura.

In an instant, a woman dressed in a light blue robe with a graceful figure flew out from the carriage and landed barefoot on the roof of the white jade carriage.

"Today is the Core Formation celebration of Elder Su Qin of my Nangong family. What is the meaning of this by your Chayin Palace?"

Master Nangong looked displeased and questioned him in a deep voice.

As they spoke, Su Qin, who was gradually losing ground, looked up with a worried expression.

"It was just a friendly sparring match. How could Master Nangong, as the ancestor of a clan, be so petty?"

The woman covered her mouth and chuckled softly, her movements graceful and light, her voice soft and melodious.

However, the magical energy within his body was secretly circulating, blocking Nangong Zhenren's path.

Suddenly, an extremely cold atmosphere filled the room.

Sensing something, everyone instinctively looked upwards.

As their magical powers intertwined and collided, a powerful yin-attribute aura suddenly emerged.

A palm-sized, jet-black lotus flower silently flew out from Xu Qinghuan's sleeve, transforming into a black shadow about ten feet tall. Black mist surrounded it, and its dark eyes gleamed with a fierce light as it coldly stared at Su Qin.

"A succubus! The guardian spirit of the Spirit Control Sect!"

"Damn it, how did this demon end up here!"

With a moment's senses, Master Nangong immediately recognized the origin of the ghost, and his expression changed drastically!

Su Qin had just entered the Golden Core stage and was no match for this third-tier ferocious beast!

The experienced Master Nangong understood the situation and immediately decided to take action against the succubus.

But the alluring, noble, and pure woman in front of him stood smilingly in his way.

"Yin Shuxuan, how dare you directly attack a Golden Core cultivator from my Nangong family!"

Concerned for Su Qin's safety, Master Nangong took action in anger.

boom!

A terrifyingly powerful aura of magic surged forth and swept across the land.

A perfectly good Core Formation celebration instantly turned into a battlefield.

Those Foundation Establishment cultivators who got even slightly close to the spot were blasted away by the powerful fluctuations of Nangong Zhenren's magic power.

Yin Shuxuan, however, remained motionless, her slender figure standing barefoot on the roof of the white jade carriage.

However, a hint of surprise still flashed in her bright eyes.

The Golden Core cultivators around, including True Person Chen Hui, were surprised by the sudden turn of events, but none of them rashly intervened; they all watched coldly from the sidelines.

Although the major powers in the Yue Kingdom resisted foreign enemies, they were still in competition with each other.

The resources in the cultivation world are constant, and the birth of each Golden Core cultivator will inevitably have some impact on the surrounding situation.

“Young Su, this mid-stage third-tier demonic creature has an astonishing aura. Only by using that secret technique can we have a chance to escape.”

Su Qin heard an urgent voice transmission in his ear.

"But... having just advanced to the Golden Core stage, using secret techniques could very likely lead to instability in my cultivation level."

Su Qin hesitated, finding it difficult to make a decision.

At this critical moment, a light purple talisman suddenly pierced through the layers of black and landed in front of the succubus.

In an instant, the talisman, which was surrounded by purple lightning arcs, burst out with a dazzling light.

'boom! ’

The deafening sound reverberated, forcing the succubus back several dozen feet.

Wait a moment.

A calm-looking man in white appeared here.