novelden Chapter 341 Actively Seeking Out and Dealing with Difficulties
Chapter 341 Actively Seeking Out and Dealing with Difficulties
A few days later.
Lin Changsheng and the young girl Han Xinlan officially settled in the 'Qingxia Peak' of the Liuyan Sect.
However, having a special 'great demon' as a neighbor made Han Xinlan's experience less than pleasant.
On the other side of the mountain range, the 'Blood-Striped Python' often exudes a powerful demonic energy, twisting its massive body as it passes by Lin Changsheng's dojo.
Han Xinlan lived with Lin Changsheng at the temple, but she dared not wander around freely and spent her days in fear, hiding inside the defensive formation.
Although the Blood-Striped Python is a demonic beast, it has reached the third tier, and its life level far surpasses that of Han Xinlan, thus exerting a natural suppression.
On this day, Han Xinlan cautiously arrived outside Lin Changsheng's cave, her uneasy gaze constantly glancing around.
About half an hour later, a man in white appeared at the entrance of the cave.
"Master Lin, the entire Daoist temple has been thoroughly cleaned, but outside the defensive formation, there's still that giant snake..."
Han Xinlan's high nose turned red, and she spoke with a wronged expression, her dark eyes instantly welling up with tears.
It turns out that even though the third-tier 'Blood-Patterned Python' took half of the entire Qingxia Peak training ground, it still occupied nearly several hundred acres.
However, the entire temple was empty, with no maids or servants, only Lin Changsheng and Han Xinlan present.
This is highly illogical.
Not to mention a Nascent Soul level sect like the Willow Smoke Sect, even ordinary small and medium-sized forces would have maids and stewards in the dojo of a Foundation Establishment cultivator to handle daily affairs.
Moreover, Lin Changsheng was already a Golden Core cultivator and served as a guest elder of the Willow Smoke Sect. Elder Yao Yun's actions clearly indicated that he was 'neglecting' Lin Changsheng.
These past few days, the heavy cleaning and tiring work has temporarily fallen on Han Xinlan's shoulders.
However, Han Xinlan dared not step outside the range of the teleportation array of the dojo.
That giant snake was really unfriendly. It often dragged low-level demonic beasts to the vicinity of the dojo to devour them, crushing many ornamental spiritual plants and making a mess of the place. Then it would swagger away and return to the other side of the mountain to rest.
On one occasion, when the Blood-Striped Python saw Han Xinlan, a human girl, it deliberately opened its blood-red mouth to intimidate her. Its ferocious aura made Han Xinlan's face turn pale on the spot.
Nevertheless, Han Xinlan remained calm and did not go to Lin Changsheng to complain.
In her view, although Master Lin was highly skilled in cultivation and possessed puppetry skills, he was merely a guest elder in a Nascent Soul level power like the Willow Smoke Sect and did not have much say.
Even the assigned training ground was separate from the sect, and there wasn't even a maid or servant girl. This shows that Master Lin might not have a very high status in the Willow Smoke Sect.
The giant serpent was also a mid-stage third-tier demon, comparable to Master Lin, and its ferocious appearance made it seem like a formidable opponent. Furthermore, its master was a late-stage Golden Core cultivator, an elder of the Willow Smoke Sect, and a high-grade third-tier alchemist.
Regardless of cultivation level, social status, or skills, they are all above Master Lin.
Perhaps even Master Lin was helpless against such a 'big shot', and dared not provoke him.
Han Xinlan felt that if she complained to Master Lin, it would not only fail to solve the problem, but would also embarrass Master Lin.
"Thank you for your hard work. I'll go see Elder Yao later and bring up the issue of the nunnery maids."
Lin Changsheng comforted the little girl for a few words, then said:
"As for that third-tier demon, I will do my best to communicate with the sect or Elder Chen Xingzhou to make it behave as much as possible."
Faced with Master Lin's calm words, Han Xinlan nodded obediently, but couldn't help feeling a little disappointed.
Although she knew that Master Lin, as a rogue cultivator, had achieved what he had, he was already someone that most cultivators could only dream of.
But when you actually see with your own eyes the Golden Core cultivator you follow being suppressed by other cultivators without showing any temper, and even seeming to swallow your anger, you can't help but feel a sense of disparity.
……
In the following days, Lin Changsheng indeed took the initiative to find Elder Yao Yun and explained some problems that existed in the dojo.
When Lin Changsheng asked her question, Elder Yao Yun's beautiful eyes flickered, seemingly unsurprised.
"After receiving the sect leader's instructions, I heard that Elder Lin did not yet have a place to live in, so I hurriedly urged the construction to be completed, for fear of making Elder Lin wait too long. Therefore, the corresponding servants and managers have not yet been finalized. After all, the candidates to serve our sect elders must be carefully screened."
"It's all my fault for not explaining things clearly that day, which has troubled Elder Lin to make a special trip. It is truly my fault."
Then came a full apology, and he stated frankly that the selection of the person to serve at the dojo would be finalized that very day.
His words were sincere and his attitude was excellent; he seemed to care deeply about Lin Changsheng's affairs.
Looking at the gentle and beautiful woman in front of him, who seemed so sincere and earnest, Lin Changsheng thought to himself that this woman's words were so eloquent, she was indeed worthy of being an elder of the Liuyan Sect.
On the surface, he appeared slightly apologetic, clasped his hands in a fist and said:
"Elder Yao's considerations are thorough; it is I, Lin, who was a bit hasty."
Then, Lin Changsheng brought up the matter of the third-tier great demon 'Blood-Patterned Python', hoping to communicate with Elder Chen Xingzhou in person.
However, they were told that Elder Chen Xingzhou had recently gone into seclusion to help the Supreme Elder refine a top-tier third-order pill and was unable to spare any time for him.
As for the third-tier great demon 'Blood-Patterned Python', Elder Yao Yun repeatedly reassured Lin Changsheng that this demon beast had grown up within the sect's territory since childhood and had never accidentally harmed even a Qi Condensation disciple, so Lin Changsheng didn't need to worry.
Lin Changsheng hesitated and said that he also raised a third-tier demon beast, but it was only at the early stage of the third tier and had been with him since childhood, lacking experience in independent survival and facing other powerful demon beasts.
Therefore, the presence of a mid-stage third-tier demon on the adjacent side of the dojo has a significant impact on his demon beasts.
"Oh? Elder Lin also raises a third-tier demon?"
Elder Yao Yun's bright eyes showed a hint of surprise, then he shifted his gaze and said tactfully:
"I will find an opportunity to inform Elder Chen about this matter. Please wait a while, Elder Lin."
……
Inside the Willow Smoke Sect, in a cave dwelling filled with the fragrance of elixirs.
"Master Chen, the newly arrived Elder Lin has come to see me personally. Although he is a guest elder, it is still a matter assigned by the sect leader, so I cannot make things too difficult for him."
Yao Yun wore a light yellow silk dress, exuding elegance and grace.
Before Elder Yao Yun stood a Taoist priest in a green robe, with a goatee, standing nine feet tall, and prominent cheekbones.
The two sat down and drank tea, appearing to be quite familiar with each other.
"Hehe, it seems that this newly promoted Elder Lin is not as capable as rumored. I only made things difficult for him a little, and he obediently came to ask for an audience."
"If it were Master Ben, would he really set aside his dignity as a Golden Core cultivator and take the initiative to inquire for the sake of a few mere attendants from the Daoist temple?"
"Then the monster is even simpler. Who cares who its master is? If it dares to overstep its bounds in the slightest, capture it first, and then go and argue with its master."
This tall, thin Taoist in a green robe was none other than Chen Xingzhou, a third-tier high-grade alchemist from the Willow Smoke Sect.
At this moment, Chen Xingzhou was listening to Elder Yao Yun's words, his face showing pleasure, but his eyes held a hint of mockery.
"If that's the case, wouldn't that be exactly what Master Chen wanted?"
"Not to mention the wrath of a late-stage Golden Core alchemist that would result from doing so, that 'Blood-Patterned Python' alone is not something an ordinary Golden Core cultivator can handle, right?"
Master Yao Yun smiled faintly, looking at the Taoist in the green robe in front of him, and said jokingly.
"That is, that is."
"My 'Blood-Striped Python' is a distant relative of the dragon species, containing a trace of dragon blood within its body."
"After years of careful cultivation by this alchemist, consuming countless spiritual materials and pills, the bloodline of the dragon was stimulated, so that even when encountering a late-stage Golden Core cultivator, it can cope with the situation."
"If this time it wasn't just meant to be a show of force, that Elder Lin and the so-called third-tier demonic beast he mentioned would have long since become food for my beloved pet."
"Please trouble you, Sister Yao Yun, to tell Elder Lin that my 'Blood-Striped Python' would never harm anyone indiscriminately. It's just that the third-tier demon beast he raises might fight with the 'Blood-Striped Python,' which is the nature of demon beasts. It's normal for demon beasts to have some fights; they'll get used to each other after a while."
Hearing the slightly flattering words from the beautiful woman in front of him, Chen Xingzhou felt elated and said with an arrogant expression.
He naturally harbored some resentment towards this newly appointed Elder Lin.
As a late-stage Golden Core cultivator and an expert in alchemy, he served as an elder of the Willow Smoke Sect.
Chen Xingzhou was riding high, enjoying a prestigious position in the surrounding cultivation world.
Even the Supreme Elder, True Monarch Yunmiao, occasionally needs him to refine some top-tier third-order pills.
At the auction, the other Golden Core cultivators, upon learning that it was Chen Xingzhou who intended to bid for the demon core, all gave him face and stopped bidding.
However, Elder Lin kept making bids, which greatly displeased him.
So he took the initiative to find Yao Yun, who was in charge of the sect's assets, explained the matter, and asked him to help make things difficult for the newly arrived Elder Lin.
As long as he remained within this small territory, he had plenty of ways to make Elder Lin obediently hand over the third-tier demon core.
"Since Master Chen has said so, I will naturally follow his advice."
"Anyway, Elder Lin's residence is large enough to meet the standards for a guest elder, so the sect leader can't say anything. As for Alchemist Chen's 'Blood-Patterned Python,' which also serves as a guardian spirit beast of the mountain, it's up to me to arrange a place for it."
Elder Yao Yun smiled and elegantly sipped the spiritual tea.
"Hehe, this is the kind of elder of our Willow Smoke Sect. We elders should be of one mind and one branch. In comparison, those so-called guest elders are always just outsiders."
"This time, I, the alchemist, owe Yao Yun a favor. If she ever needs anything in the future, I will never refuse."
Chen Xingzhou was in a great mood, and his gaze wandered slightly, taking in Yao Yun's graceful figure from head to toe, his eyes revealing a hint of passion, as if he were making a suggestive remark.
Facing Chen Xingzhou's intense gaze, Elder Yao Yun remained calm, adjusted her posture slightly, and then smiled gently:
"It's such a trivial matter, why would it be worth using Master Chen's personal connections?"
"However, Master Chen, have you finished refining the mid-grade third-tier 'Rejuvenation Pill' that you promised my sister?"
Although it was a change of topic, Yao Yun's eyes showed a hint of anticipation when the 'Rejuvenating Pill' was mentioned.
Although she appears young, like a young girl, her lifespan has actually exceeded that of a Golden Core cultivator, and her appearance is gradually aging.
Only by spending resources on daily life to buy various treasures with anti-aging effects can one maintain this youthful appearance.
"Mid-grade third rank?"
When asked, Chen Xingzhou first feigned surprise, then smiled and said:
"I, the alchemist, have poured my heart and soul into refining a batch of top-grade third-tier 'Rejuvenation Pills' just a few days ago..."
As he spoke, a flash of light appeared in his hand, and a delicate white jade bottle the size of a palm appeared, his eyes revealing a meaningful look.
"A high-grade, third-tier 'Rejuvenation Pill'!"
"Master Chen has really given me a pleasant surprise today."
Yao Yun's beautiful eyes lit up, and her face showed surprise.
……
A few more days passed.
Qingxia Peak Taoist Temple.
Lin Changsheng received news about Elder Chen brought by Yao Yun.
As for Elder Chen himself, he did not show up, citing his busy schedule with alchemy.
They simply asked Elder Yao Yun to deliver a message.
"Elder Chen's words are enough."
Lin Changsheng smiled and said calmly.
In the following period, Lin Changsheng had thirty more attendants present.
Ten of them were men, who were responsible for some of the rough, tiring, and physically demanding work within the dojo.
The remaining twenty women were assigned to lighter, more delicate tasks.
Han Xinlan was finally freed from these trivial matters and devoted herself to cultivation with Lin Changsheng.
As time went on, Lin Changsheng also discovered that Han Xinlan was making remarkable progress in cultivating the 'Netherworld Poison Scripture,' as if she were perfectly suited to this poison technique.
He grasped Lin Changsheng's guidance with great comprehension, often applying what he learned to other situations, and his cultivation progressed rapidly.
As her cultivation level soared, Han Xinlan secretly wondered why Master Lin knew so much about the 'Netherworld Poison Scripture' she was practicing.
Lin Zhenren did not inquire about some obscure and profound aspects of the cultivation method that had troubled her for many years. He could accurately deduce them and provide guidance simply by observing her cultivation state.
Even the elders in her clan didn't know that she practiced this technique.
If she hadn't secretly confirmed multiple times that Master Lin always carried a vibrant wood-attribute aura, she would have almost suspected that he had also cultivated the 'Netherworld Poison Scripture' and reached an extremely profound level.
……
This night.
Under Lin Changsheng's guidance, Han Xinlan made a breakthrough in her cultivation level, advancing to the tenth level of Qi Condensation.
A surge of spiritual energy rose in the sky, which she absorbed entirely by using the 'Netherworld Poison Scripture' technique, transforming it into her own magical power.
Feeling an unprecedented surge of power within her body, Han Xinlan was overjoyed.
At this moment, a hoarse sound, similar to a hiss, came from the other side of the mountain range, accompanied by the wailing of a monster.
Under the moonlight, a crimson python with blood-red markings was slowly chasing a second-tier spirit rat.
The panicked second-tier spirit rat, pursued and intercepted by the enormous creature behind it, plunged headlong into the area of Qingxia Peak.
Following closely behind was an immense, almost suffocating, aura of powerful demonic energy.
Inside Qingxia Peak, all the servants trembled with fear under the oppressive aura of this demonic power.
"Hmph, you stinking snake, I'll feed you poison one day!"
The little girl trembled subconsciously under the pressure of this demonic aura, her heart filled with vicious thoughts.
"It's one thing for you to bully others around here, but you dare to trespass on my sacred ground. It's time to teach you a lesson."
Inside the cave, Lin Changsheng opened his eyes, revealing dark and deep pupils.
He then shook the spirit beast pouch, and two streaks of light, one blue and one white, shot out swiftly.
"You two have been holding back for so long, it's time to get out and move around a bit."