bookrebus Chapter 253: Conditions Agreed Upon, Another Great Demon
Chapter 253: Conditions Agreed Upon, Another Great Demon
Half a day later, Lin Changsheng took his leave.
Qu Jiao gazed at the white-clad figure from behind, sighed softly, and looked at him with a complicated expression.
The feeling of voluntarily handing over a Core Formation spiritual object is naturally not very pleasant.
In particular, the Li family is currently lacking a true Golden Core cultivator to oversee things.
"Aunt, are you really going to give the Core Formation artifact to Alchemist Lin?"
"This person keeps saying he wants to take the 'Red Worm' out, which is clearly a way of blackmailing him."
"Master Lin is also a diligent cultivator. As long as we insist on not giving it up, can he really give up the third-tier spiritual spring eye of Qingquan Island?"
Qu Ping spoke with a hint of resentment and defiance.
“Ping’er, whether it’s a Golden Core cultivator or a third-tier demon, they are all extraordinary and far beyond what we pseudo-core cultivators can compare to. If it weren’t for Alchemist Lin’s third-tier demon guarding us, not to mention Master Yu Huai who has always been eyeing our Li family, the covetousness of other forces around us would pose a great threat to us.”
"Moreover, our Yu Huai River basin is located in a remote area, and there are often roaming water bandits passing through. If it weren't for the deterrent aura of the third-tier great demon, our Li family's foundation would probably have been completely divided up by others long ago."
"In contrast, this Master Lin has been living in the Li clan's territory for many years. He is pure of heart and has few desires. His character is trustworthy. If he can truly become a Golden Core True Person, coupled with a third-tier Great Demon, his strength will already surpass that of your uncle back then. In this way, not only will we be able to deter the surrounding waters, but we can also use his name to support more members of the maternal clan."
Qu Jiao, her face filled with worry, explained earnestly.
Based on her years of observation and testing of Lin Changsheng, she determined that this Master Lin was indeed a rare person with a pure heart, whose devotion to the Dao was firm and who was not swayed by external things.
Even if such ascetic practitioners advance to the Golden Core stage, they will most likely remain unchanged and it will be difficult for them to change.
In this way, it is equivalent to the Li family having an additional Golden Core cultivator who can intimidate this place, but without interfering with the development of the clan, allowing her to take full control.
“That’s right. If Master Lin becomes a Golden Core True Person, the Li Clan’s territory will be even more unshakeable. We can openly allocate resources to our maternal clan members without having to worry about our uncle’s thoughts as we did back then.”
"From this perspective, handing over the Core Formation artifact to Alchemist Lin isn't entirely unacceptable. Auntie is truly shrewd!"
Qu Ping first looked thoughtful, but quickly figured out the key point, and his tone was full of admiration.
Clearly, he agreed with Qu Jiao's idea.
Because he himself was a beneficiary of his uncle Li Chongyuan's disappearance.
A few years ago, a letter from his aunt summoned him from his maternal clan to the Li family in Dafang Township.
He enjoyed resources that many members of the Li family were not even qualified to access, and used a lot of precious resources to break through to the Core Formation realm.
It is truly a pity that he ultimately failed to achieve the Golden Elixir.
But having managed the Li family business with his aunt for so many years, he also secretly embezzled a lot of resources and kept them for himself, distributing them to his brothers and sisters in the maternal clan who were far away.
Those Li family members who used to be arrogant and looked down on their weak maternal clan, now have to respectfully call him 'Elder Qu' when they see him.
"This is not a scheme at all. I am just going with the flow. Since I can't keep the Core Formation Spiritual Object anyway, I might as well hand it over to win over Alchemist Lin and at the same time seek the greatest benefit."
"Even if Master Lin is ultimately not able to achieve the Golden Core stage, breaking through to the Pseudo Core stage should not be too difficult. A Pseudo Core cultivator is not much of a threat to us. At that time, Master Lin will be unable to continue cultivating and will most likely start thinking about issues such as his Daoist partner and offspring."
"Back then, he could casually give a second-tier cultivation technique to Lu Xun, that mortal boy, which shows that he has a gentle personality. I will find some women of suitable age from my maternal clan and take the initiative to contact Master Lin. Once we have offspring, there is no reason for Master Lin to keep his skills in alchemy and talisman making to himself."
The two chatted in the room about future developments.
……
The next day.
Qu Jiao brought the Core Formation artifacts treasured by the Li family to the island for a visit.
Upon seeing Lin Changsheng, she took out the three exquisite boxes she had prepared in advance without saying a word.
"What I hold in my hand is the last spiritual artifact of our Li family that has reached the Core Formation stage. I hope it can be of some help to Alchemist Lin."
Although I had already planned out my options, I was still very reluctant to give up the Core Formation artifact.
This was the wealth accumulated over many years by her husband, Li Chongyuan, and his ancestors.
"Madam Qu truly keeps her promise, but is she really willing to bestow such an opportunity upon me?"
Lin Changsheng smiled, looking at the treasure Qu Jiao handed him, unmoved, and only softly reminded her:
"If Madam Qu is unwilling, she may take back this treasure. I will consider yesterday's words spoken in a drunken stupor and they shall not be counted."
"No need. Currently, there is no one in our Li clan territory who is suitable to break through to the Golden Core stage, and this item is a necessity for Alchemist Lin. Rather than letting the spiritual object gather dust, it is better to let it play its role."
"However, if Master Lin truly achieves the Golden Core Realm in the future, will he not forget the conditions he promised me yesterday?"
Seeing that Lin Changsheng could still restrain himself from the Core Formation artifact placed before him, Qu Jiao admired Lin Changsheng's character even more and no longer hesitated.
"Hehe, Madam Qu, you can rest assured about that. I am a straightforward person, and I will naturally do what I promise."
"Whether I ultimately advance to the Golden Core stage or the Pseudo-Core stage, I will continue to stand guard over the Li family as always; if I, Lin, unfortunately die during my future advancement, the 'Red Worm' will belong to the Li family."
Lin Changsheng expressed his opinion with a smile.
"I naturally believe that. Master Lin has cultivated in Dafang Township for many years and is already as close as family with the Li family. Master Lin, please rest assured that if there are indeed powerful individuals beyond your capabilities in the future, Master Lin will prioritize protecting your own safety."
Qu Jiao smiled gently, showing her understanding nature.
……
After seeing Qu Jiao off.
Lin Changsheng instructed Li Rou to lead a group of maids to clean Qingquan Island inside and out.
Then everyone was given a holiday to leave the island and go home to rest.
Three days later, on the entire Qingquan Island, apart from Lin Changsheng, there were only a few demonic beasts keeping him company, and no other members of the Li family were to be seen.
On the same day, several large arrays lit up outside the island, including some third-order arrays.
The formation was set up with great fanfare, drawing upon the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, which attracted many members of the Li clan to watch from afar, filled with awe.
"Third-level formation!"
"This alchemist Lin is really cautious. Not only did he clear everyone off the island, but he also set up such a sophisticated formation. It seems he doesn't trust us."
Qu Ping gazed at the profound array and couldn't help but be moved, offering a slightly dissatisfied remark.
He could vaguely sense a murderous intent.
Clearly, the third-order formation outside Qingquan Island is no mere decoration.
Qu Jiao stared intently, her gaze carrying a hint of complexity.
He recalled the words Lin Changsheng had spoken that day.
If Lin fails to break through to the Golden Core stage and dies, the great demon 'Red Insect' will be arranged to remain in the Li family to guard the area.
As time went by, news of Master Lin Dan's breakthrough to the Golden Core realm within the Li clan's territory spread like wildfire.
The clansmen all knew that the master of that third-tier demon, the always low-key alchemist Lin Danshi, was attempting to break through to the Golden Core realm.
As a result, the Li clan's territory was placed under martial law for a period of time afterward.
Every day after meals, people would gaze in the direction of Qingquan Island, filled with anticipation.
The Li family of Dafang Township has not had a Golden Core cultivator for too long, and the people are uneasy about it.
Lu Xun also came to Qingquan Island every day to observe from across the shore.
Unfortunately, under the isolation of the third-order formation and the precise restrictions, not a single trace of aura could escape, and divine sense could not penetrate it.
No one knows how far Lin Danshi on the island is progressing in his attempt to break through to the Golden Core stage.
……
Until one day, a rich spiritual energy of heaven and earth gathered above Qingquan Island.
In less than half a day, a massive amount of spiritual energy accumulated, condensing into an ocean of spiritual energy that was almost tangible.
With such a huge commotion, it would be difficult for the Li family members not to notice.
Several figures flew to a distance of a thousand feet from Qingquan Island, watching nervously.
Qu Jiao, Qu Ping, the two young masters of the Li family, Lu Xun, and others were among them.
"A celestial phenomenon has occurred, and spiritual energy is flowing into my body!"
"This is the scene of achieving the Golden Core!"
"Could it be that Master Lin has truly achieved the Golden Core Realm?"
'call! '
A moment later, the array on Qingquan Island was activated, and the thick fog dissipated.
Everyone's anxious gazes turned in that direction, and several divine senses also instantly probed into it.
But what happened on the island afterwards stunned all the onlookers.
Lin Changsheng, dressed in white, was seen piloting the Water Cloud Boat, a smile on his face, quietly hovering in mid-air.
His aura remained at the late Foundation Establishment stage.
Instead, a wild and unfamiliar demonic aura emanated from behind it, accompanied by the powerful pressure of a great demon.
"This is... yet another third-tier great demon?!"
Everyone stared in astonishment, frozen in place, seemingly unable to process what had just happened.
Immediately afterwards, a magnificent and enormous bird of prey let out a sharp and high-pitched cry, spread its wings and took flight, transforming into a streak of blue light that shot straight into the sky.
In the blink of an eye, the bird, with a wingspan of four or five zhang, disappeared from everyone's sight in less than a few breaths, its speed so fast that it was difficult for the naked eye to keep up.
"Master Lin, you...you haven't broken through to the Golden Core realm!"
"Is this third-tier flying beast also one of your spirit beasts?"
Qu Jiao stared at the sky in astonishment for a long time before slowly coming back to her senses.
“That’s right. Last night, I suddenly felt that breaking through to the Golden Core realm was of great importance, and it would be best to be cautious and make thorough preparations.”
"As for this third-tier flying bird, I have always used it as a mount for traveling and have not paid much attention to it. Who knew that it would advance to the third tier without my knowledge."
Lin Changsheng remained calm and spoke casually.
As his casual words fell, the atmosphere became somewhat awkward.
The members of the Li family were clearly still in a state of shock and had not yet recovered.
"Congratulations, Alchemist Lin! You have gained another third-tier great demon under your command!"
Qu Jiao suppressed her chaotic thoughts and was the first to react. She looked deeply at the young man in front of her and offered her congratulations.
"Congratulations, Alchemist Lin, on the addition of another third-tier Great Demon to your ranks!"
With Qu Jiao taking the lead, everyone around her followed suit and offered their congratulations.
They all looked different, as if they each had something on their minds.
About fifteen minutes later, the Wind Crow, which had just advanced to the third rank, was still nowhere to be seen.
However, through his connection with the divine sense, Lin Changsheng was able to sense that Xunfengya's feedback indicated that it was in an extremely excited state.
However, he still took the initiative to issue the recall order.
The Xunfeng Crow is a mutated bloodline of the Cold Crow, and it already possesses extremely high intelligence. Now that it has advanced to the third rank, it is almost equivalent to a human in their teens.
This time, they let loose and had so much fun that they lingered there, reluctant to leave.
However, he still obeyed Lin Changsheng's orders and returned voluntarily.
Before long, another clear sound rang out from within the Li clan's territory, and a massive aura of demonic power descended once more.
"Owner!"
A clear, cool female voice rang out, tinged with dissatisfaction.
However, judging from the fluency of his speech, it was clearly better than when the Crimson Centipede had just advanced to the third rank.
"What's wrong? Are you unhappy?"
"I'm just worried that since you've only just entered the third tier, you might offend other powerful demons. If your master isn't around, you might suffer the consequences."
Lin Changsheng smiled and stroked the downy feathers on Xunfeng Crow's neck, sensing the state of Xunfeng Crow's body through his divine sense imprint.
"I can fly incredibly fast now! Most powerful demons can't catch me!"
"Master, let me carry you out for a ride!"
Xunfengya enjoyed Lin Changsheng's gentle caress, its fluent language revealing pride.
"it is good."
Lin Changsheng nodded in agreement.
After some investigation, he confirmed that Xunfeng Crow's potential was indeed superior to that of the Crimson Centipede, and that its demonic power was abundant, leaving room for further advancement.
After advancing to the third tier, Xunfengya clearly gained more independent thinking ability.
Although the bird still relies on its master, if it forcibly suppresses the bird's nature and cannot release it for a long time, it will eventually affect the relationship between the master and the bird.
Sure enough, the moment he agreed, I could feel a surge of joy.
As for the slight dissatisfaction that he had forcibly brought back earlier, it all dissipated.
Upon arriving, Lin Changsheng lightly leaped up in front of the Li clan members.
The Wind Crow obediently flew over and steadily caught its master with the softest part of its back.
Immediately, its wings flapped, and a gust of wind swept across the water below, causing ripples to spread.
Immediately afterwards, several whirlwinds seemed to surge around Xunfengya, and he disappeared from everyone's sight in an instant.
This third-tier demonic bird is so obedient to Alchemist Lin!
This was everyone's first reaction!
"Now, Alchemist Lin has become the master of two third-tier demons!"
Qu Jiao stared blankly at the departing figure of Xun Fengya carrying Lin Changsheng, feeling somewhat caught off guard.
Why did he use the excuse of his own attempt to break through to the Core Formation stage, while secretly allowing the demon beast to advance in rank?
"Could it be... that they don't trust us enough and are testing us like this?"
She had no idea what Lin Changsheng was really thinking.
All I know is that from this day forward, I will be the master of two third-tier great demons.
The Li clan could no longer do anything to Master Lin.
Even if Master Yu Huai were to take action, it's not certain that he could easily suppress two third-tier demons.
Even if Master Lin achieves a false elixir in the future, he will not fear ordinary Golden Core cultivators.
If they successfully break through to the Golden Core stage, they will also have two powerful demons at the Core Formation stage.
This is equivalent to the combat power of three Golden Core level cultivators.
It is almost comparable to some medium-sized sects.
Qu Jiao couldn't help but recall the days when she first arrived at the Li Clan, when Lin Changsheng's cultivation was only at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage.
Faced with bandits of the same rank, none dared to raise their heads in resistance, surrendering without resistance and allowing themselves to be locked up.
In the end, she was saved by her husband.
Who would have thought that this person would cultivate two third-tier great demons in just over twenty years!
He himself also cultivated to the peak of Foundation Establishment, and at the same time obtained the Core Formation spiritual object from the Li family.
"This person's scheming...is so profound!"
For a moment, Qu Jiao felt a chill run down her spine.