Chapter 279 - 202: Generous Reward, Seeking New Blood
Only now had it been brought out.
However, it required Lin Changheng to make a Daoist Oath to ensure the knowledge would not be leaked.
...
The other Pill Furnace was only Tier Two Middle Grade, but it was on par with a Tier Two Middle Grade Spiritual Artifact. Valued at around twenty thousand Lower Grade Spirit Stones, it was undeniably precious!
In terms of price alone, it was more expensive than the Tier Two Upper Grade Alchemy Inheritance he had just received—nearly double the value.
Besides, Lin Changheng’s Flame was so fierce that he sometimes had to hold back to avoid damaging his Pill Furnace. Now, with a Tier Two Middle Grade Pill Furnace that had higher durability, this problem would be alleviated.
"Then I shall gratefully accept."
Lin Changheng immediately accepted, expressing his gratitude.
These two items were precious and rare to him, but not so for the Immortal City. The first, the inheritance, was merely a copy that could be made in an instant. For the second, the furnace, they only needed to pay for the raw Materials. This was because the Immortal City had its own subordinate Artifact Hall, which was far better developed than the Pill Hall and had a well-established hierarchy of talent.
The Pill Hall had this very goal in mind when they first tried to recruit Lin Changheng.
But Lin Changheng had refused.
’Facts have proven that my choice was correct. Now, being treated as an honored guest by a core True Inheritance disciple of the Immortal City... isn’t that far better than slaving away like an ox for the subordinate Pill Hall?’
’The Immortal City’s core is offering such a high-priced "reward" now. They must be hoping to build a closer relationship for future collaborations.’
Lin Changheng, for his part, would naturally not refuse this.
Everyone knew of his status as the Huang Family’s Honored Guest Elder. The Immortal City wouldn’t be so audacious as to try and recruit him outright. At most, they would invite him for "freelance" work or short-term collaborations.
...
The two chatted for a while longer. The atmosphere was harmonious, a pleasant time for both guest and host.
Seeing that the atmosphere was right, Lin Changheng brought up another matter: an inquiry about the Demon Beast Essence Blood of the Cyan Rain Mist Toad.
The old Steward of the Spiritual Materials Hall had hinted at it.
Therefore, this was the perfect opportunity for Lin Changheng to ask.
There would be no harm in asking, even if he were to be refused.
But there was another matter that he absolutely could not bring up at this time.
This was the matter concerning the roots of the Core Formation Spiritual Medicine. The time wasn’t right, and Lin Changheng could not be so presumptuous.
’Knowing what actions are appropriate for a given level of relationship is very important.’
"The Demon Blood of the Cyan Rain Mist Toad?"
Bai Hengwan asked in surprise, her gaze probing as she looked at him, clearly curious as to how he knew about this.
"When I was replacing the Ancient Medicine, I needed the Demon Core and Essence Blood of the Cyan Rain Mist Toad. I went to the Spiritual Materials Hall to procure them, but they only had the Demon Core, no Essence Blood. However, the old Steward, seeing that I was trying to complete my mission, revealed a bit of information..."
Lin Changheng’s story was nine parts truth and one part lie. "Although the replacement of the Ancient Medicine was a success, I sensed a particular aura from the Demon Core. It seems it could have a beneficial effect on another elixir I’m currently refining."
"I just recalled it a moment ago and decided to be bold and ask."
"I see."
Bai Hengwan listened, a thoughtful look on her face. She didn’t comment on the truth of his story, and it was impossible to tell if she believed him.
"I truly need this Demon Beast Essence Blood. I can purchase it with Spirit Stones at a premium, and I would certainly be in Bai Zhenchuan’s debt. Alternatively, I would even be willing to trade the reward you just gave me for it."
Lin Changheng never expected to obtain the Essence Blood with just a few words; that would be too naive. If she agreed so easily, it would mean she had ulterior motives. So, he continued to raise the stakes.
"Alchemist Lin, you are being too serious. I was simply considering how to respond."
Bai Hengwan denied his assumptions with a slight smile.
Lin Changheng’s interest was piqued. He remained silent, waiting for Bai Hengwan to continue.
Bai Hengwan tucked a stray strand of hair, lifted by the lake breeze, behind her ear. Her red lips parted slightly as she continued, "The Inner Lake does indeed have the Essence Blood of the Cyan Rain Mist Toad. But they aren’t raised in captivity. Instead, High Tier Cultivators are specifically sent to the Wilderness River Marsh to capture them and harvest their organs for a unique purpose. The remaining materials are then dissected, divided, and distributed among us disciples."
"As it happens, the Body Refining Technique I am currently cultivating requires this very Essence Blood as a supplement."
"So, this isn’t much of a secret. It’s not surprising that you learned of it, Alchemist Lin."
Bai Hengwan’s explanation was vague, but Lin Changheng understood perfectly. An operation of this scale meant the Cyan Rain Mist Toad’s organs were incredibly valuable; they were the real prize, and everything else was a byproduct.
But that had nothing to do with him. The crucial point was that most of this Essence Blood had likely fallen into Bai Zhenchuan’s hands.
And from the sounds of it, she had a real use for it.
This made it difficult for Lin Changheng to speak up, as he would be asking her to give up something she needed.
But after a moment’s thought, Lin Changheng decided to swallow his pride and try anyway. ’What’s the harm in asking? It might just work.’
"Ahem... I was wondering if Bai Zhenchuan might be willing to spare some of that Essence Blood for me?"
"If, now or in the future, Bai Zhenchuan has any need—so long as it is within my power, and doesn’t risk my life or put me in mortal danger—I can take care of it for you."
Lin Changheng laid out his terms.
"Within your power? Without risking your life or putting you in mortal danger?"
Hearing this, Bai Hengwan couldn’t help but smile. "Everyone in the Outer World says Alchemist Lin’s Alchemy Dao is astonishing, but in practice, you are exceedingly cautious. You even managed to hide your Foundation Establishment breakthrough for over a decade. It seems those rumors are true after all..."
"Ahem... I am not skilled in Magical Combat, so naturally, I must do my utmost to avoid danger. I have to preserve this useful body of mine to continue seeking the path to immortality."
Lin Changheng was quite frank about this.
"You’re certainly an honest man, Alchemist Lin."
Bai Hengwan glanced at Lin Changheng, not yet yielding. Instead, she asked, "Alchemist Lin, you know that I was in seclusion for half a year and have, in fact, already broken through to the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment. Therefore, my needs can no longer be met by something like Tier Two Lower Grade Alchemy. I wonder, how exactly could you help me or do something for me?"