in2ebook Chapter 246 Mysterious Great Demon
Chapter 246 Mysterious Great Demon
Upon hearing Li Chongyuan's voice, Lin Changsheng stood up to greet him.
Shortly afterward, the two appeared in the island's reception hall.
Maid Li Rou respectfully served the two of them spiritual tea.
"A level three demon has appeared near the Li clan's territory? That's rather strange."
Lin Changsheng's tone betrayed a hint of surprise.
Once a demon reaches the level of a third-tier great demon, it usually will not leave its own territory or venture into unfamiliar lands unless there is a reason.
However, in recent years, he has been stationed at the third-tier spiritual spring eye's dojo, focusing almost entirely on cultivation and rarely paying attention to external affairs.
Even the only creature connected to the outside waters, the Flower Carp, has been drawn to the third-tier spiritual spring eye over the years, spending all its time on Clear Spring Island and refusing to venture out, thus lacking exploration of the surrounding waters.
Even the territory they once conquered in the surrounding waters has now been reclaimed by other wild monsters.
For a fleeting moment, Lin Changsheng even suspected that Li Chongyuan was after the Crimson Centipede.
However, upon closer reflection, unless the master dies naturally, given the current bond between them, even if Li Chongyuan shows the slightest hostility, it will be difficult to win back the Crimson Centipede's heart in the future.
After all, a third-tier demon is almost indistinguishable from a human in terms of intelligence.
However, there are still differences in behavior and thinking patterns, which is why some third-tier monsters seem dull and not as intelligent as humans.
However, based on his understanding of Li Chongyuan's character, Li might have some designs on the Crimson Centipede, but it was unlikely that she would actively harm him. Otherwise, there would be no need for her to pretend to leave and test him for so many years.
“Indeed, when I returned from my trip a few days ago, I caught a glimpse of a third-tier demon near the clan's territory. But this demon seemed to be very good at hiding itself; after revealing only a faint trace of its aura, it disappeared without a trace.”
Li Chongyuan recounted what had happened to Lin Changsheng.
"Even Senior Li couldn't identify what kind of demon this is?"
Hearing this, Lin Changsheng felt a surge of curiosity.
Li Chongyuan has been a Golden Core cultivator for many years. Although he is still in the early stage of Golden Core, his magical power is approaching perfection, and his divine sense and perception are not weak.
However, it was unusual that the great demon hid after they only sensed a trace of the demon's aura.
He knew very well that in previous years, Li Chongyuan had used going out as a pretext to actually hide around the Li family for many years.
With a third-tier demon appearing around the clan's territory, Li Chongyuan would probably be more concerned than anyone else and would definitely investigate the matter as soon as possible.
"At the time, I was in a hurry to return to my clan's territory and did not carefully explore the surrounding waters. Perhaps it was disturbed by my aura that caused the third-tier demon lurking in the shadows to reveal its presence. But what is certain is that this third-tier demon's realm is most likely beyond the early stage of the third tier."
Li Chongyuan felt uneasy and said with a slight flicker in his eyes.
In fact, he had sensed the aura of that third-tier demon a few years ago when he was hiding in the surrounding waters.
However, this demon is skilled at concealing its presence and is proficient in water escape techniques, making it extremely difficult to find in the vast marshes.
He had been searching for it for over a year, even using his supernatural powers to dive into the water several times, but he only vaguely sensed the beast's aura a few times before it detected him and he used his escape technique to flee.
Therefore, he had no choice but to invite Lin Changsheng and the Crimson Centipede, who was also a third-tier great demon, to take action and try their luck.
After all, being fellow demonic beasts, their mutual sensing might be clearer.
Moreover, although the Crimson Centipede is a third-tier great demon, its cultivation level is slightly weak, and it is severely restrained by the water, making it difficult to unleash the true power of a third-tier great demon.
Such a weaker 'fire' and 'earth' dual-attribute demon appearing on the water would undoubtedly be extremely attractive to the other third-tier demons.
A third-tier demon core is considered a rare and highly nourishing substance by other demon beasts.
Using the Crimson Centipede as bait might make it easier to 'fish' for that Tier 3 Great Demon.
It's better than him searching alone.
Subsequently, Lin Changsheng took the initiative to ask Chi Huang Centipede for his opinion.
Considering that the Crimson Centipede is a ferocious insect, and now that it has advanced to the third-tier Great Demon realm, it has not yet made a formal move, which is not conducive to its future development.
This insect has basically exhausted its potential and will mostly be used as a henchman from now on.
Upon learning of its master's inquiry, and because of the presence of outsiders, the Crimson Centipede remained silent, but still conveyed a strong desire for battle.
"It seems you are quite the warmonger. For many years, I have only focused on letting you concentrate on cultivation and improve your realm. This was an oversight on my part."
Lin Changsheng's face showed a hint of contemplation.
……
Two months later.
The Yu Huaihe River Basin.
The enormous figure of the Crimson Centipede swept across the water's surface.
Its long, narrow wings flapped at a high frequency, making a 'buzzing' sound.
The air blast broke through the water's surface, creating waves that spread outwards.
Lin Changsheng sat quietly on the head of the Crimson Centipede, constantly sensing the water below the surface.
Within the marshland grows a variety of aquatic plants and mayflies, providing a large amount of wood-attribute energy.
Lin Changsheng activated his senses, using these wood-type plants to understand the situation beneath the water's surface.
After searching for a while, he was surprised to find that there was indeed an unknown third-tier demon lurking in the waters near the Li family in Dafang Township!
However, this monster was far too cunning and extremely perceptive of changes within the swamp.
They will disappear at the slightest disturbance.
During this period, Lin Changsheng, relying on his senses, detected the aura of a great demon at the bottom of the swamp three times.
But whenever he gets close, the other person instantly disappears from his perception range.
"Senior Aoki, could you confirm the species of this third-tier demonic beast?"
Having lost sight of the great demon once again, Lin Changsheng gave up the search and turned to Qingmu Wangdie for help.
"I am not in good condition right now, so I can only vaguely sense the situation of this demon. I can smell a trace of ancient bloodline in its body, and I am also proficient in water-attribute escape techniques. Such a large body of water is a natural cover for it. Perhaps only those at the late Golden Core stage can barely detect the traces of this great demon in the water."
Aoki Ocho shook his head, feigning an air of maturity as he spoke.
But her eyes also revealed a strong curiosity as she continuously probed the waters below with her divine sense.
"Ok."
Lin Changsheng nodded, slightly disappointed.
He was curious about what kind of monster it was.
But now it seems that we can't keep up with the other party's speed, so we have no way of knowing.
An hour later.
Lin Changsheng, who was riding the Crimson Centipede, encountered Li Chongyuan in a certain body of water.
"Master Lin, have you made any progress?"
“I have traveled thousands of miles around the Li family and found nothing wrong. There are no other discoveries.”
Lin Changsheng remained calm and spoke indifferently.
Upon hearing this, Li Chongyuan, though having anticipated it, still showed a slight disappointment.
……
Back to Qingquan Island.
Lin Changsheng pulled the carp out of the pond and ordered it to go out and patrol every few days to find out the condition of the nearby waters.
After all, it was quite strange that a third-tier demon had suddenly appeared in the surrounding waters without a fixed place to cultivate.
Three or four days later, just as Lin Changsheng finished his practice in the secret chamber, Steward Gu brought a woman in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage to visit him.
Lin Changsheng waved to open the restrictions around the island, welcoming the two to land on the island.
The old steward still looked like an elderly man in his twilight years, while beside him was a young girl in a purple dress, whose beauty was also top-notch.
"Since Senior Gu has arrived before the appointed date, he must have brought good news, right?"
Lin Changsheng invited Steward Gu to take a seat, and after a brief look, his gaze swept over the purple-clad girl sitting next to Steward Gu, before asking with anticipation.
The old deacon, his face wrinkled and his skin loose, spoke with a kind smile:
"Hehe, I really have to congratulate you, little brother. A new batch of resources just arrived at the meeting, and among them is a 'spiritual item' for a demon beast to break through to the third rank. The grade is not low, slightly exceeding the category of low-grade spiritual items."
"That's it?"
"Don't you have any 'Core Formation Spiritual Items' used by cultivators?"
Hearing this, Lin Changsheng seemed somewhat disappointed.
He had initially agreed to cooperate with Steward Gu, providing the production of third-tier low-grade magic talismans.
One of the conditions is that the other party can provide a spiritual item for one's Core Formation.
It can be used by humans or monsters.
Even if the price is a bit higher, he can accept it given his financial resources.
After all, besides the fact that he himself had reached the late stage of Foundation Establishment.
The two demonic beasts, Xunfeng Crow and Snow Demon Wolf, are gradually approaching the perfection of their cultivation levels.
Within a decade or so, they will face the challenge of reaching the third-tier Great Demon realm.
Preparing three sets of Core Formation spiritual items in a row made Lin Changsheng gradually feel anxious.
Ideally, the scene of leading a three-headed, third-tier demon through the streets would indeed be dazzling.
But before that, providing enough material for a three-headed demon to break through was something that ordinary people couldn't handle.
This is also why Lin Changsheng is so eager to find a third-tier great demon.
If no other spirit items can be found to break through to the next level, then refining a third-tier demon core with compatible attributes would be just as good as a superior spirit item for a demon beast that is about to break through to the third level!
"There was a piece of 'Goblin Sand' among the Core Formation spiritual items, but it was intercepted by another young fake Core Formation steward in the merchant guild."
Lin Changsheng's words made Steward Gu look a little embarrassed. He quickly tried to make amends and comfort him, saying, "However, our branch's chief elder has already promised that next time there are inferior Core Formation spiritual items, he will give me priority to choose."
Upon hearing this, Lin Changsheng simply nodded slightly, remaining silent, his expression not improving much.
He worked with Steward Gu and knew a little about the latter's situation.
Although Elder Gu was a pseudo-core cultivator, he was too old and his vitality had declined severely; he was no longer in his prime.
Therefore, its status within the chamber of commerce has gradually become marginalized.
Otherwise, given the reputation of the 'Xuanmiao' Chamber of Commerce in the Great Wilderness, a normal fake Dan steward would not have come to the remote Yu Huai River Marsh to look for a partner.
But I don't have that much time to wait.
If Steward Gu's position in the Chamber of Commerce cannot be secured, and he cannot secure more benefits for himself, then the cooperation between the two should be reconsidered.
"Brother Lin, this is Jin Mengqiao, our branch's newly transferred steward."
“If I’m too busy in the future, then Steward Jin will act as my liaison to you and discuss cooperation.”
The old steward's tone seemed somewhat dejected, with a hint of resentment in his eyes.
Then the girl in purple beside him also spoke up:
"I've long heard that a highly skilled third-tier talisman master has emerged in such a remote place as the Yu Huai River basin. I've long admired him, and today I've finally met the real Master Lin."
Jin Mengqiao spoke eloquently, her starry eyes seemingly tinged with a faint purple hue, and she smiled sweetly.
However, his words carried a hint of arrogance, and he unintentionally exuded an air of nobility, suggesting that he came from an extraordinary background.
Despite it being their first meeting, Lin Changsheng had a general idea that the purple-clad girl who had snatched a 'cooperative client' from Steward Gu was probably someone of considerable importance.
However, this was an internal matter for their chamber of commerce, and Lin Changsheng was not in a position to inquire further.
"Deacon Jin flatters me. My rudimentary skills are not worth mentioning."
Lin Changsheng smiled and said modestly.
He seemed unconcerned about the woman's arrogant attitude.
“Master Lin, I know you desire a spiritual item for Core Formation. Elder Gu cannot grant your wish, but perhaps I can.”
"However, you need to sign a contract with my 'Xuanmiao' Chamber of Commerce to serve us for thirty years as a talisman maker. After the term expires, you will receive a Core Formation spiritual item. How about that?"
"Of course, if Master Lin can complete enough tasks and make outstanding contributions during this period, I can decide to add the contribution to that Core Formation spiritual item, and there is a great chance that it will be converted into a 'Golden Core'."
Jin Mengqiao's beautiful face radiated confidence as she spoke eloquently.
This confidence and self-assurance alone are something that the old steward beside him can't match.
However, upon hearing this, Lin Changsheng felt a strange sensation in his heart.
Is Jin Mengqiao just making empty promises to him?
Before even seeing any tangible benefits, they've already made themselves work tirelessly for merchants for thirty years.
Only at the very end is there a chance to obtain a Golden Elixir.
"I'm sorry, but I'm currently enjoying cultivation with the Li Clan's Spiritual Spring Eye and have no other plans at the moment."
"Besides, by thirty years from now, I will be old and frail. Even if I find a Golden Core, it will be of little use to me. Let's stick to the old rules we had with Steward Gu for our transactions."
Lin Changsheng remained calm and composed, smiling warmly.
"Alright, but if Master Lin changes his mind in the future, he can always explain to my little sister."
Upon hearing this, Jin Mengqiao looked regretful.
In fact, her first impression of this Lin Fu Master was quite good.
His appearance and temperament are outstanding among male cultivators.
His unhurried, detached, and refined demeanor gave her a feeling of being bathed in a spring breeze.
To everyone's surprise, the other party admitted that he was an old Foundation Establishment cultivator.
Pity.
……
half a month later.
Li Chongyuan, who lived deep within the Li clan's territory, received the news.
News of the 'Ice Marrow Pill' appeared at an auction in the southern part of the Great Wilderness.
This pill is especially important for Golden Core cultivators who practice ice-attribute techniques, as it has the effect of assisting in 'breaking through' their cultivation level.
Upon learning of this news, Li Chongyuan immediately discussed it with his wife and several important members of the clan.
They finally decided to set off and spend the clan's savings to try and buy the pill.
Originally, Li Chongyuan was rather indifferent to cultivation levels.
However, in recent years his relationship with Yu Huaizhen has become strained.
The clan's territory now boasts a new alchemist, Lin Danshi, whose skill rivals that of a Golden Core cultivator, as well as a true third-tier demon.
Stimulated by this, Li Chongyuan felt uneasy and thus conceived the idea of advancing to the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm.
……
Lin Changsheng didn't care when he learned of this news.
After Li Chongyuan finally left, he continued to diligently cultivate as usual.
He would only occasionally go out, ostensibly to patrol the area around the Li clan's territory, but secretly to track down the trail of that third-tier demon.
However, Li Chongyuan's wife, Qu Jiao, seemed somewhat guilty.
He would visit Qingquan Island every few days.
It seemed that only after seeing Lin Changsheng's calm demeanor in person could I feel a little at ease.
Time passed year after year.
Li Chongyuan seemed to have vanished without a trace, disappearing without a trace.
Although Qu Jiao was a fake Dan Zhenren, she was still a woman after all. She seemed to have lost her backbone and was anxious all day long.
Upon learning this, Lin Changsheng smiled calmly and offered words of comfort.
Perhaps Li Chongyuan took the 'Ice Marrow Pill' directly after acquiring it because he was afraid of unforeseen circumstances on the long journey and would only return after breaking through to the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm.
Qu Jiao listened to Lin Changsheng's words of comfort, and her downcast expression improved considerably.