mtl008 Chapter 244 Li's Approach, Third-Tier Celebration
Chapter 244 Li's Approach, Third-Tier Celebration
A month later.
Dafang Township, the ancestral home of the Li clan.
On a 'Clear Spring Island' within the clan, covering an area of several hundred acres, a branch stream was specially diverted from the eye of the spiritual spring and channeled here to serve as the new training ground for Lin Changsheng and the Crimson Centipede.
"Master Lin, I wonder if Fellow Daoist Red Insect is satisfied with this cultivation ground?"
On this day, Li Chongyuan and his wife Qu Jiao came to visit.
The way he addressed her changed from "Little Friend Lin" to "Master Lin Dan".
"This place is beautiful and tranquil, like a paradise. The younger generation and my subordinate Chichong are very satisfied. It has caused trouble for the Li family."
Lin Changsheng came out personally, greeting him with a smile.
The great demon 'Red Worm' was the name Lin Changsheng gave to the Crimson Centipede.
According to the customs of the cultivation world, after advancing to the Golden Core realm, one possesses a lifespan of over five hundred years and becomes a powerful ancestor who commands respect in the region. They usually give themselves a resounding 'Daoist title'.
Even a third-tier demon can imitate a human.
The Crimson Centipede was simple-minded, but its intelligence increased after advancing to the third-tier Great Demon realm.
But it has long since developed the habit of not using its brain.
When asked if it had a favorite name, the Crimson Centipede could only remember that Tian Fu had always respectfully called it "Senior Insect".
Based on its appearance, Lin Changsheng named it the great demon 'Red Worm'.
"As long as you're satisfied."
Li Chongyuan seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, then said with a slightly apologetic tone:
"To be honest, it's all because of my limited abilities and inferior skills. During the advancement of 'Fellow Daoist Red Insect,' I almost let True Person Yu Huai ruin everything. Fortunately, with the strong support of Alchemist Lin De, I was able to deter this person. I am truly ashamed."
As he spoke, Li Chongyuan looked guilty, and his words made it seem as if he regarded Lin Changsheng as a fellow cultivator.
At this moment, his wife Qu Jiao spoke up, "However, please rest assured, Master Lin, if a similar situation occurs again, my husband and I will definitely act together and will never implicate Master Lin again."
As she spoke, Qu Jiao smiled sweetly, her charm still undiminished.
"You two seniors are too kind. We, the master and pet, are already greatly benefited from the Li family to have a place to cultivate. Naturally, we will not stand idly by when we encounter a crisis. This was true before, and it will remain true in the future."
Lin Changsheng understood the unspoken meaning in their words and immediately spoke calmly.
Sure enough, upon hearing this, the couple looked at each other and their expressions relaxed.
Now that we have offended Master Yu Huai, it is natural to try to win over Master Lin.
Or perhaps it's the third-tier demon 'Red Worm' behind Lin Changsheng.
"With Master Lin's words, that is enough."
With the promise in hand, Li Chongyuan breathed a sigh of relief, having essentially achieved his goal for the trip.
Then, he glanced at the center of 'Clear Spring Island,' a place where a vast amount of demonic power was gathered.
"Fellow Daoist Red Insect's demonic power has increased considerably, and it seems your cultivation level has stabilized. Would it be convenient for my wife and I to pay you a visit?"
Li Chongyuan asked questions with expectant eyes, seemingly intending to make friends with him.
"I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you, senior. The Red Worm has only recently advanced in cultivation, and its demonic power is not yet fully stable. It is currently in a period of violent temper and is somewhat averse to seeing strangers."
Lin Changsheng politely declined, refusing without hesitation.
"Alright, in that case, my husband and I will visit again another day."
"This is a third-grade low-level 'Beast Core,' which is perfectly suited to 'Fellow Daoist Red Insect's' current realm and will greatly help it consolidate its demonic power. Please ask Alchemist Lin to pass it on."
Li Chongyuan was slightly disappointed, but he still took out an exquisite porcelain bottle from his sleeve and handed it over.
"Alright, I will thank you on behalf of Red Worm, and I will pass on the message and explain the situation later."
Lin Changsheng accepted the third-tier 'beast core' without any hesitation.
This bottle of third-grade low-level beast core is quite valuable, and it is a great tonic for the Crimson Centipede, enough to be equivalent to several years of its cultivation.
He was well aware of the intentions of the Li couple.
The reason they're willing to invest so much is entirely for the sake of the Crimson Centipede, a third-tier powerful demon.
Lin Changsheng was merely a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator. Even if he possessed some skills, he was not qualified to be treated with such courtesy by a Golden Core cultivator.
Normally, once a third-tier great demon reaches the realm of spiritual intelligence and becomes a hegemon ruling over a region, it will not remain subservient to others for long.
Even if the master and pet have an excellent relationship, the master is only a Foundation Establishment cultivator with a limited lifespan. As long as he cannot advance to the Golden Core stage, there will always be a day when his lifespan runs out.
At that time, the third-tier demon 'Red Insect' was in its prime and could very well have been stationed in the Li clan's territory as a guardian spirit beast.
"Thank you very much, Master Lin."
After thanking them and exchanging a few pleasantries, the couple took their leave.
"If the Li family really intends to 'eat the childless's offspring, then we'll probably have to wait and see."
Lin Changsheng toyed with the porcelain bottle in his hand, watching the couple's departing figures, and revealed a meaningful smile.
……
Outside Qingquan Island.
After the Li couple flew more than ten miles,
"My lord, having another third-tier demon is a great help to the Li family, but it is also a potential source of instability. I wonder if you have any way to control it?"
A hint of worry flickered in Madam Qu Jiao's eyes.
Unfortunately, she was only at the Pseudo-Core stage. Even if it was a newly promoted third-tier great demon, she would be helpless once it went berserk.
Upon hearing this, Li Chongyuan first turned around and looked towards Qingquan Island.
Sensing the immense demonic power emanating a fierce aura, he showed no worry, but rather confidence, and said in a gentle tone:
"Don't worry, Madam. Other great demons might be a bit troublesome. But this 'Red Worm' demon has both earth and fire attributes, which greatly limits its strength in the vast waters. It can only unleash about 80% of its power at most."
"In addition, this insect's bloodline potential is mediocre. Being able to advance to the third rank is basically the end of its life. At most, it can serve as a powerful demon for guarding the house and have some deterrent effect."
“Otherwise, even if this insect were to cross water over a long distance, it would be extremely dangerous. After all, a third-tier demon with limited strength would almost always treat it as food if it encountered a demon of the same tier.”
"It's good that my husband knows what's going on."
Qu Jiao nodded in agreement, the worry in her eyes fading.
……
Return to the center of Qingquan Island.
Lin Changsheng casually activated the restriction, and the entire island was instantly shrouded in a thick layer of water vapor, truly isolating it from the world.
Third-order isolation restriction.
Even a Golden Core level divine sense would find it difficult to penetrate.
In the center, there is still a man-made spring that connects directly to the earth's veins.
In the spring water, oval-shaped carp leisurely wriggle their plump bodies and swim freely.
Thanks to the Crimson Centipede, the Flower Carp, already at the early stage of the second tier, enjoyed the benefits of a third-tier spiritual vein. Coupled with Lin Changsheng's generous resource feeding, the Flower Carp grew at an extremely fast pace.
On the other side, the Crimson Centipede used earth-attribute magic to build itself a small underground cave.
At this moment, it is half-hidden in the cave, motionless, absorbing and exhaling the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, and surrounded by a pure demonic power.
Under the influence of this demonic power, the Crimson Centipede's carapace became increasingly hard, almost as strong as an ordinary third-tier defensive magic weapon.
"That's right. If I don't use my full strength now, I'm afraid I'm no match for them."
Lin Changsheng estimated.
Then, he took out the third-tier 'beast core' that Li Chongyuan had given him.
The moment the lid was opened, a strong, pungent smell of blood emanated from it.
The Crimson Centipede's massive body trembled, and it sprang forward with a 'whoosh,' its eyes fixed on the porcelain bottle in Lin Changsheng's hand.
But since its owner didn't say anything, it had no further ideas.
It simply conveys a persistent sense of longing and urgency.
They even fawn over their owner just like they did when they were larvae.
In short, after advancing to the third-tier Great Demon, the Crimson Centipede showed no intention of devouring its master, and the contract between master and pet remained stable.
"Good worm, good worm..."
Lin Changsheng gently stroked the ferocious head of the Crimson Centipede, quite satisfied with the result of this test, and then poured out a beast core to feed it.
Only after the beast core landed did the Crimson Centipede go berserk and suck it into its mouth.
"Thank... thank you, Master."
The Crimson Centipede's steady voice came through.
"Don't thank me, this was sent by the Li family to curry favor with you."
Lin Changsheng said with a smile.
The Crimson Centipede stopped there and continued to lie in the burrow, taking a nap and refining the beast core.
While the Crimson Centipede was resting, Lin Changsheng came up to it, placed his hand on its body, and channeled a wisp of magic power into it.
The Crimson Centipede, which was taking a short rest, was only slightly startled. After sensing its master's magical aura, it became very compliant, allowing the aura of the Everlasting Spring Technique to penetrate its body.
Soon, Lin Changsheng discovered a dark yellow golden pill inside the head of the Crimson Centipede, surrounded by streams of pure demonic energy.
"A demon beast's golden core!"
Lin Changsheng was amazed as he closely observed the golden elixir condensed by the Crimson Centipede.
……
Three months later.
The ancestral home of the Li clan in Dafang Township.
At the suggestion of Mr. and Mrs. Li, a third-tier celebration was held for Lin Changsheng's newly advanced Crimson Centipede, which had reached the third-tier Great Demon realm.
the reason is simple.
In the Yu Huai River basin, there have always been only two Golden Elixir True Persons.
Now that a third-tier great demon has appeared, it has naturally attracted the attention of many other forces.
Many forces from the surrounding rivers and lakes sent people to inquire, wanting to find out the true strength of this newly promoted third-tier great demon.
As a result, the number of people visiting him in recent months has been countless.
So the Li couple met with Lin Changsheng and, after discussing it, decided to hold a three-stage celebration, inviting many friends to stand out and satisfy everyone's curiosity, which would also solve the problem once and for all.
This also prevents others from suspecting or spying.
As the host family, the Li family bore all the expenses for this third-level celebration.
Aside from Yu Huai Immortal City and a few forces that were on good terms with True Man Yu Huai, Li Chongyuan invited all the other forces in the surrounding area.
The intention is clear.
Prior to this, the Li family of Dafang Township had been suppressed by Master Yu Huai.
Now, however, the Li family has gained a third-tier demon, and the situation has changed.
In the Yu Huai River basin, various powerful families also sent people to admire the splendor of the third-tier great demon.
Even the Golden Core level forces from several nearby river basins sent people to offer their congratulations.
The three-tiered celebration lasts for a total of three days.
Lin Changsheng, carrying the Crimson Centipede, only made an appearance on the morning of the second day.
That morning, in front of dozens, even nearly a hundred, cultivators who came to offer their congratulations, a ferocious centipede, four or five zhang long and surrounded by demonic energy, flew down from the sky.
The mere unintentional release of malevolent energy was enough to turn the faces of cultivators of slightly lower cultivation levels pale, cause them to break out in a cold sweat, and fill them with fear.
The power of a third-tier great demon is terrifying!
As they approached, the crowd soon noticed a refined young man in white standing with his hands behind his back atop the ferocious centipede demon. His white robes fluttered in the wind, exuding an otherworldly and unrestrained air.
This casual action stunned everyone!
Although everyone had long heard that the master of this third-tier demon was a lucky Foundation Establishment cultivator.
The fact that a second-tier demon beast under its master has advanced to the third tier greatly benefits its master is extremely rare in the cultivation world.
Because under normal circumstances, cultivators who raise demonic beasts will prioritize reserving advancement resources for themselves.
Unless a demon beast obtains a great opportunity by chance, it will advance to a higher realm before its master.
But in any case, a third-tier cultivator is a third-tier cultivator, a great demon realm, a regional overlord.
Even if they don't immediately devour their master, they will at least coexist as equals or occupy a dominant position.
This great demon willingly became a mount, allowing a Foundation Establishment cultivator like himself to step on its head; this is simply unbelievable.
For a moment, the cultivators in the arena were filled with envy for Lin Changsheng.
Even Li Chongyuan showed a hint of surprise in his eyes when he saw this scene.
This great demon, the 'Red Worm,' actually has such a deep bond with its master!
After the Crimson Centipede appeared, it lay silently on the ground, exuding a chilling aura that kept strangers away.
Out of consideration for his reputation, Lin Changsheng, as the host, exchanged a few pleasantries with everyone.
A moment later, he met two familiar gazes.
"Congratulations, Master Lin, on your excellent nurturing skills! Your beast has advanced to the third rank."
With a respectful expression, the dark-skinned Master Madan raised his wine glass and went forward to offer his congratulations.
His words no longer carried the arrogance of yesteryear.
He sensed a faint aura of impending death emanating from Ma Danshi.
In as little as three to five years, or at most ten years, this person's time will come.
He knew that the other party had come to make peace.
"Hehe, Master Ma Dan, you flatter me."
Lin Changsheng looked at the former with a half-smile and said in a light tone.
"Master Lin, these are some rare pill formulas that I have accumulated over the years. I hope you will accept them as a congratulatory gift."
Seeing Lin Changsheng's expression, Master Ma gritted his teeth, took out a spirit wood box and handed it over in a fawning manner, but a hint of reluctance was revealed in his eyes.
"Hehe, Master Ma Dan is so kind, I will gladly accept it."
Lin Changsheng chuckled as before, waving his hand over the wooden box in Ma Danshi's hand, and a stack of paper scrolls inside disappeared into thin air.
Seeing that the gift had been accepted, Master Ma breathed a sigh of relief.
The next moment, the eldest son, Li Hongtai, also walked over, holding a wine glass and with a smile on his face.
……
The next day.
Many people wanted to visit him privately, including some powerful pseudo-Dan Masters, but Lin Changsheng politely declined them all.
He only met a fake Core Formation cultivator at the new Daoist temple, 'Qingquan Island'.
This was an elderly man, thin and hunched over, resembling a frail old man in his twilight years. His name was 'Gus', and he was a steward of the 'Xuanmiao' Trading Company in Onozawa.
The latter came to discuss cooperation after learning that Lin Changsheng had a newly promoted third-tier great demon.
Having previously collaborated with the Chamber of Commerce, he was well aware of the advantages of maintaining good relations with them.
This led to the later scene where Gus, the old deacon, was invited to the island.