Steady Mortal Path: Starting from Obtaining the Golden Core Inheritance

Chapter 407 Returning to Familiar Places

a few days later.

A streak of azure light streaked across the sky above Gunzhou at an extremely terrifying speed, entering the Ghost Valley Sect mountain range.

Before long, the light faded, revealing an exceptionally handsome and enormous bird of prey, which was none other than a mutated third-tier demon, the 'Wind Crow'.

On the broad, stable back, a young couple, like a pair of immortals, stood shoulder to shoulder. Behind them was a petite girl named Hu Xiaoli and an adorable little girl named Jiaoli.

In the distance, amidst towering mountains, there was a lush and verdant mountain range, filled with birdsong and fragrant flowers, its dense wood-attribute spiritual energy standing out starkly against the surrounding environment imbued with a chilling yin-attribute aura.

On the main peak, the three large characters 'Mingling Peak' are vigorous and powerful, covered with moss and vines, and look quite old.

At the foot of the mountain, a green ancient tree stands tall, its thick branches strong and powerful, intertwined and stretching out like a dragon or snake, with layers of lush leaves displaying vigorous vitality.

Among the many types of vegetation, the ancient green tree stands out like a crane among chickens, making it quite unique.

"Netherworld Peak..."

Returning to his familiar surroundings, Lin Changsheng gazed into the distance, and the power of his Everlasting Spring Technique seemed to sense something, becoming active and joyful.

When he was in the late stage of Foundation Establishment, he established a Daoist temple here, took on disciples, taught them skills, accumulated resources, and advanced to the Golden Core stage. This was an important turning point in his cultivation journey.

Lin Changsheng sighed inwardly.

At this moment, a lazy, dark red centipede coiled beneath the ancient tree seemed to sense something and suddenly twisted its body. Its enormous body, nearly ten feet long, and its ferocious appearance gave people an extremely strong sense of oppression.

"Could this aura be... Master has returned!"

A deep male voice rang out, filled with joy.

In an instant, the Crimson Centipede unfolded its narrow, thin, translucent wings, and its body, as large as a small hill, leaped up, impatiently transforming into a crimson haze and leaving the Netherworld Peak.

The powerful aura of demonic energy spread, immediately affecting some disciples within the Netherworld Peak, who then began to discuss it amongst themselves.

"Senior Red Insect has always preferred quiet, so why has he made such a commotion today? Could it be that True Person Azure Phoenix has encountered some crisis outside?"

"Such a powerful sense of oppression! Could this be the true strength of the guardian spirit insects of my Netherworld Peak?"

"It is said that this 'Red Insect' demon was left behind by Elder Zhang Meng, the previous master of the Netherworld Peak. Although it is not a rare species, it mutated during its growth and awakened a special earth attribute talent. In the desert region of Gunzhou, its supernatural power is comparable to that of a Golden Core cultivator."

The sudden unusual behavior of the Crimson Centipede sparked discussion among many disciples on the peak.

……

Although they were some distance apart, Lin Changsheng still sensed a hidden and restrained demonic aura, and then saw the dark red light coming towards him.

"The remaining red worms welcome their master's return..."

The ferocious, enormous crimson centipede hovered in mid-air, its wings flapping rapidly behind it, its words filled with respect, undiminished from its former glory.

"Yes, you've been loyal to guarding the dojo for many years. Thank you for your hard work."

A rare hint of tenderness flickered across Lin Changsheng's usually calm expression as he spoke softly.

Compared to its predecessor, the Crimson Centipede has become more adept at using human language, speaking fluently and with great emotion.

Although his demonic aura was restrained, it was becoming increasingly profound, comparable to a late-stage Golden Core cultivator.

Clearly, the Red Insect Centipede has not made any breakthroughs in its cultivation level over the years, but its strength has increased slightly.

“As Master commands, Red Worm will obey.”

The red worm responded in a deep voice.

Lin Changsheng nodded inwardly. The Crimson Centipede was the first spirit pet he controlled after entering the world of cultivation. Unfortunately, due to the limitations of his own realm, he could not provide too many resources in the early stage. Moreover, he used secret techniques to catalyze its growth, which overdraws its potential. Although he tried to make up for it in the later stages, he still had no hope of advancement and lost his value for cultivation.

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Shen. After guarding the Daoist temple alone for many years, you have finally achieved your wish and are looking forward to the return of your master."

Chichong paused briefly, looked at Shen Wenyao, and suddenly offered his congratulations.

Upon hearing this, Lin Changsheng did not say much, but merely glanced at the red worm in front of him with slight surprise, without pointing it out.

Red Insect was always taciturn. He seemed to be congratulating Shen Wenyao, but in reality, he had the intention of matchmaking her and was secretly helping her.

Clearly, after decades of companionship, the Red Worm, while remaining steadfast in its obedience to its master Lin Changsheng and never betraying him, also acknowledged and accepted Shen Wenyao, the human cultivator.

But the next moment, the Wind Crow beneath him suddenly let out a sharp cry, which also contained a huge amount of demonic power.

They greeted each other as if they were long-lost friends, but the greetings carried a clear sense of provocation.

Monsters are naturally warlike. As one of Lin Changsheng's spirit pets, the Crimson Centipede was the strongest in its early years, crushing the Wind Crow and the Snow Demon Wolf and dominating the market.

Now, after years of trials, Xunfeng Crow has revealed its advantages. As a late-stage third-tier demon, it is even more talented and has greater potential. Upon meeting, it was eager to test its strength and wait for an opportunity to challenge the majesty of the Red Insect.

The red centipede was equally defiant, letting out a low hiss in protest.

"What kind of behavior is this? Be quiet!"

Lin Changsheng's tone became slightly stern as he gently reprimanded him.

The two third-tier demons, who were on the verge of exchanging blows just moments before, instantly fell silent and became docile.

As the master, he held absolute dominance in the hearts of the powerful demon spirits beneath him, and naturally dared not disobey Lin Changsheng's wishes.

Only the little girl Jiao Li behind him, upon seeing the ferocious body of the third-tier demon red worm, did not show the timidity and fear that low-level cultivators like Hu Xiaoli did. Instead, her eyes sparkled, and she looked on with a drooling expression, constantly licking the corners of her mouth.

……

Not long after.

Lin Changsheng landed on Mingling Peak.

Under Shen Wenyao's management, the peak has been transformed from its previous lifeless state.

Compared to its somewhat desolate and deserted state back then, it now appears much more prosperous and bustling with activity.

Soon, Lin Changsheng's attention fell on the ancient green tree below the main peak.

"After so many years, I never imagined that the spirit tree would have grown to such a size."

In the instant he gazed upon it, it was as if there was a spiritual connection, allowing Lin Changsheng and the spirit tree to share a view.

Compared to the lush trunk and branches, he was even more surprised by the dense, interconnected roots of the spirit tree that were firmly planted in the ground.

Its roots are almost several times larger than the trunk and branches of a tree, and they spread throughout the entire Mingling Peak training ground, continuously drawing nutrients from the earth and absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth from the spiritual veins.

Its terrifying speed of absorbing spiritual energy might even make a late-stage Golden Core cultivator envious.

"The ancient tree at Fellow Daoist Lin's Daoist temple is truly extraordinary. It is a veritable giant in terms of absorbing and releasing spiritual energy. Many Golden Core cultivators who are skilled in wood-attribute techniques are very interested in this tree and have come to purchase it, but I have refused them all."

Shen Wenyao's beautiful eyes couldn't help but show a hint of curiosity.

Although she did not know the specific effects or uses of the tree, she learned from the red worm that the tree was planted by its owner in his early years. When he left the cultivation world of Yue Kingdom, he specially transplanted it here. She knew that the tree was extraordinary, so she took good care of it for many years.

Meanwhile, the fact that their elder, Fairy Qingluan, returned to the dojo with a strange man undoubtedly stirred up a huge storm among the disciples of the peak.

Some lower-ranking disciples who enjoyed gossip were very curious about this and talked about it with great interest.

The group discussed the identity of the stranger privately.

……

Lin Changsheng, the person involved, returned to the secret cultivation chamber from years ago and briefly sorted out the spoils from the previous auction.

At the Blood Demon Palace auction, Lin Changsheng spent a considerable amount of money purchasing several mid- to low-level items to aid in Nascent Soul formation, resulting in a significant reduction in his net worth.

At the same time, some materials for alchemy, talisman making, puppetry and other skills were added.

Faced with such a harvest, Lin Changsheng seemed somewhat lost in thought.

His expression was serious, and his brows furrowed slightly at times, as if he were deep in thought.

The next day.

Shen Wenyao brought news that Guigu Zhenjun had just emerged from seclusion and invited Lin Changsheng to come and have a chat.

Lin Changsheng remained calm, seemingly having anticipated this, and even let out a long sigh of relief:

"What is destined to come will come eventually. With years of accumulated experience, even a master like Guigu Zhenjun can face it with equanimity."