Steady Mortal Path: Starting from Obtaining the Golden Core Inheritance

Chapter 211 Identification and Working Together

"Does Fairy Zhao really think of me as a 'refining vessel' for the Chamber of Commerce...?"

Lin Changsheng smiled helplessly, looking at the woman in front of him with a near-perfect figure.

"I would never be willing to share Lin Lang with someone else."

Zhao Wanning inhaled the fresh, herbal scent emanating from Lin Changsheng, her eyes filled with infatuation.

Zhao Wanning is now completely captivated by the aura emanating from Lin Changsheng.

As the two engaged in intimate relations on numerous occasions, this atmosphere became increasingly captivating and alluring to her.

"Lin Lang's grand gesture yesterday was probably not just to bolster my reputation, was it?"

Zhao Wanning closed her eyes slightly, looking very satisfied, but her words were very calm.

"Indeed, I do have some private matters to ask of you."

Having worked together for many years, Lin Changsheng knew that although Zhao Wanning had very special feelings for him, she was also a very rational woman and unlikely to be swayed by emotions.

Sufficient rationality is also the reason why she has been able to hold a high position in the Fengling Chamber of Commerce for many years.

Even after the fall of Master Feng, Zhao Wanning was still able to stabilize the situation single-handedly through her own skill.

Now he has successfully advanced to the False Core stage and completely taken control of the Fengling Chamber of Commerce.

"Alright, in a few days you will come with me to deal with someone. After it is done, I will naturally grant you any request you make, Lin Lang."

After putting on her dress, Zhao Wanning raised her hand to put her long, black hair up, and gazed at Lin Changsheng with clear eyes, her beautiful eyes captivating.

The fact that the woman acted this way indicates that what the two were discussing had nothing to do with their previous intimate relationship, and that they were each talking about their own things.

"Even Fairy Zhao, now a pseudo-core cultivator, is not confident in dealing with you. Your opponent is most likely also a pseudo-core cultivator. With my limited abilities, interfering in the battle between you cultivators might just become a burden."

Lin Changsheng said calmly, without directly stating his opinion.

With his current methods and trump cards, he is not afraid of ordinary fake alchemists.

In earlier years, there were even instances of them killing fake Core Formation cultivators.

However, there are differences between fake cultivators and true cultivators, and even their backgrounds and identities may differ. If one were to act rashly, the results would be very different.

"We have enjoyed each other's company for many days, and Lin Lang has never asked me for help. Now that I have just advanced to the False Core stage, Lin Lang is making such a generous offer. What he wants must be quite something, most likely requiring my status as a False Core True Person. In that case, it is only right that I take some risks."

Zhao Wanning personally served a cup of specially made nourishing tea, then nestled into Lin Changsheng's arms like a little bird, and said softly.

"I wonder who Fairy Zhao wants to deal with?"

Lin Changsheng took the tea and asked calmly.

"Tie Antong, a defector from the Nangong family and a cultivator of the Yuling Sect of the Great Zhou Kingdom."

Zhao Wanning parted her cherry lips slightly and uttered a name.

Upon hearing this, Lin Changsheng's face showed understanding, but he wasn't surprised.

Multiple rumors circulating in Thousand Crane Immortal City confirm that Zhao Wanning had a close relationship with True Person Feng.

Although neither of them has ever directly addressed the matter, the rumors seem quite plausible, suggesting there might actually be some truth to them.

Therefore, it is highly likely that Master Feng was murdered by Tie Antong when he traveled with him and was subsequently attacked and killed.

It is at least closely related to the latter.

“I know a bit about Tie Antong. He is a very shrewd and resourceful man, not an ordinary pseudo-core cultivator. To deal with him, we need to plan ahead. If Fairy Zhao has any trump cards or tricks, I need to know them in advance to assess the feasibility of taking action before considering whether to get involved.”

Lin Changsheng pondered for a moment before speaking.

Having dealt with Tie Antong several times in his early years, Lin Changsheng had some understanding of him.

His exquisite weapon-refining skills alone have amassed him considerable wealth over the years, making him far more accomplished than ordinary fake alchemists.

Fortunately, the False Core Immortal has a flaw: he cannot advance in his cultivation level, which greatly limits his development.

In addition, Zhao Wanning has also advanced to the False Core stage and has the backing of the Fengling Chamber of Commerce, making her a powerful figure who is in no way inferior to Tie Antong.

Most importantly, Zhao Wanning is steady and meticulous in her actions; since she dared to take action, she must have some confidence in her abilities.

"Don't worry, Lin Lang. As long as we are of one mind, dealing with Tie Antong shouldn't be too difficult. However, this matter must not involve the Chamber of Commerce, nor can our identities be exposed."

Zhao Wanning's tone was ambiguous, and her eyes were filled with tenderness.

“Alright, but Fairy Zhao will still need to take the lead in fighting against her. My abilities are limited, and I can only assist from the sidelines at most. Regardless of the outcome, I need an identity certificate issued by the Fengling Chamber of Commerce, as well as a border crossing permit.”

Lin Changsheng's eyes flickered, and he said calmly.

Having reached the Foundation Establishment stage, one has already transcended the category of low-level cultivators. While not as famous as a Golden Core cultivator, one is certainly not an unknown figure.

After all, a Foundation Establishment cultivator with considerable strength could easily wipe out some small, scattered forces if he acted recklessly.

They even have the ability to cause some damage to a major power.

Therefore, regardless of the country, there will be corresponding management measures for cultivators of different realms. It is impossible to ignore or let go of a strange Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Logically, if Lin Changsheng wanted proof of his innocence and border crossing documents from various countries, he should have sought help from the Nangong family.

However, with the war currently at a stalemate, the Nangong family may not be willing to let such a skilled and strategically valuable talisman master leave.

Moreover, although the Fengling Chamber of Commerce does not have much influence in this area, it is widely distributed and its business has even expanded beyond the cultivation world of Qianzhou.

In the long run, a certificate issued by the Fengling Chamber of Commerce might be more useful.

"Identity document and customs clearance certificate? Lin Lang, are you leaving this place?"

Upon hearing Lin Changsheng's conditions, Zhao Wanning's pretty face changed slightly, revealing a look of surprise.

"Indeed, Lin's aptitude is limited. If he cannot take advantage of his youth and strength to seek a breakthrough opportunity, he will probably find it difficult to advance to the late stage of Foundation Establishment in this lifetime."

Lin Changsheng sighed softly, seemingly dejected, and slowly spoke.

"So this is what Lin Lang is worried about. There's nothing difficult about that. As long as you're willing to join the Chamber of Commerce as a steward and work obediently under my command, I will certainly not treat you badly in the future. I guarantee that you will break through to the late Foundation Establishment stage within thirty years. Anyway, I'm in charge of the Chamber of Commerce now. With my protection, Lin Lang can still be a carefree person in the Chamber of Commerce without worrying about what others say."

Zhao Wanning grabbed Lin Changsheng by the collar, pulled him close, and greedily sniffed his scent before making a suggestion.

……

For the next period of time, Lin Changsheng secluded himself at Changchun Peak to prepare for dealing with Tie Antong in the future.

Tie Antong has now broken away from the Nangong family and returned to the Yulingmen of the Great Zhou Kingdom.

Occasionally, he would also be active on the battlefield of the Wanfeng Mountains. With his familiarity with the terrain of Yue Kingdom, he would often lead his team to infiltrate and ambush some high-level cultivators of Yue Kingdom.

All of this intelligence was gathered by the Fengling Chamber of Commerce.

What he needs to do is organize his methods to reach at least 'quasi-third rank' and simulate the battle against Tie Antong in the future.

Nowadays, Lin Changsheng has many effective methods to deal with 'fake core' cultivators.

They've accumulated twenty or thirty 'quasi-third-tier' spell runes alone.

Forming a 'quasi-third-order' rune array would be extremely dangerous for an ordinary fake Core Formation cultivator who were accidentally trapped inside, and could even die.

In addition, there are more than ten talisman treasures that have been nurtured over the years, and the aura contained in them is much greater than that of 'quasi-third-tier' talismans.

Its power has even surpassed that of a 'pseudo-magic weapon'.

There's also the puppet-like creature that barely reaches the 'quasi-third tier' level.

Strictly speaking, the Qilin was only made from materials that reached the 'quasi-third rank', but because Lin Changsheng did not receive a definite follow-up inheritance at the time, his refining techniques were somewhat lacking, so its true power was the weakest among those at the Pseudo-Core True Person level.

Then there's Master Nangong's natal magic weapon, the "Diamond Bracelet."

After more than a decade of careful nurturing, Lin Changsheng had refined almost half of this magical artifact.

And under the nourishment of his Changchun Gong technique, he recovered four or five tenths of his power.

With Lin Changsheng's pseudo-core level spiritual sense, coupled with the special power of the Changchun Gong technique, he could activate this magic weapon once with all his might!

Even if a Golden Core cultivator's natal magic weapon only replicates four or five tenths of its power, it could still directly and head-on kill a False Core cultivator.

The only drawback is that after he unleashes an attack, he will be in an awkward state of damaged consciousness and depleted mana, requiring at least several months to recover.

Besides that, there's the Azure Wood King Butterfly Demon Infant on his body.

Under Lin Changsheng's control, the source of the Green Wood King Butterfly Demon Infant has always been in a state of deficiency.

If they encounter a cultivator at the same Nascent Soul stage, they would probably be suppressed instantly.

Even against some highly skilled Golden Core cultivators, it would be extremely dangerous.

However, if it is only a fake Core Formation cultivator, the illusion released by the demon infant can still play a good role.

……

Six months later, Zhao Wanning personally flew to Changchun Peak.

She brought news that Tie Antong might soon infiltrate the rear of the Wanfeng Mountains.

At the same time, she also brought Lin Changsheng an identity certificate and proof signed by the Fengling Chamber of Commerce.

According to the contract, Lin Changsheng will serve as the steward of the Fengling Chamber of Commerce branch, appointed by the fake Dan Zhenren Zhao Wanning.

Finally, there is a signature unique to the Fengling Chamber of Commerce, which can help distinguish the genuine from the fake.

"Thank you very much."

Lin Changsheng put away the certificate and sincerely thanked him.

… …

Three days later.

Two figures flew out of the Changchun Peak cave together.

After flying for about two hundred miles, the two landed on a nearby low hill.

A quarter of an hour later, two figures dressed in black robes flew out from below and entered the Wanfeng Mountains.

These two people were none other than Lin Changsheng and Zhao Wanning, who were hiding their identities.

Led by Zhao Wanning, the two rode together on a flying magical artifact, flying at low altitude and deliberately choosing secluded and rarely visited sections of the road to travel.

Both of them possessed pseudo-core-level divine sense, and with their deliberate avoidance, they were difficult for ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators to detect.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, are you really not going to consider accepting the resource support from my Fengling Chamber of Commerce?"

During their flight, Zhao Wanning suddenly asked a question out of the blue.

Lin Changsheng was taken aback when he heard this, and he understood Zhao Wanning's feelings.

Although the woman was rational, it was, after all, her first time being so intimate and joyful with a man. Having tasted the sweetness, she was now in high spirits.

Before long, they discovered that Lin Changsheng intended to leave, and for a moment they felt a little reluctant to part with him.

"So what if I'm in the late Foundation Establishment stage? I'm still quite far from Fairy Zhao's Pseudo-Core Formation stage. Besides, I'm just going out for some training, and I'll probably be back in a few years."

Sensing Zhao Wanning's thoughts, Lin Changsheng offered words of comfort.

Actually, what he said wasn't a lie.

If you search around and still can't find a satisfactory place to practice, it might be better to temporarily stay at the Fengling Merchant Guild and observe the situation.

If the war ends in a few years, he may return to Changchun Peak and continue to enjoy the spiritual energy of this place.

"Very well, then I wish Fellow Daoist Lin all the best and a speedy return. Don't keep me waiting too long..."

Zhao Wanning smiled, and her mood quickly returned to normal.

Lin Changsheng admired such a rational mindset.

He could sense that in Zhao Wanning's heart, he could only be considered a special man.

She neither rejects nor hates herself, that's all.

Zhao Wanning is obsessed with power within the Chamber of Commerce and has a strong desire to control both the Chamber and Lin Changsheng.

Lin Changsheng disregarded power but coveted immortality.

Both of them have their own clear goals and will not easily compromise with others.

……

a few days later.

A quiet valley overgrown with weeds.

The valley is shady and receives no sunlight.

The fallen leaves below accumulated, emitting a putrid smell.

It is home to many venomous creatures such as snakes, ants, insects, and scorpions.

Before long, a rustling sound suddenly came from the crevice of the valley.

Several figures swept across the valley.

"coming!"

Zhao Wanning and Lin Changsheng exchanged a glance, both showing wariness.

On the other side, five figures appeared at the edge of their line of sight.

"Something's wrong!"

Suddenly, a cry of surprise came from the valley below.

The five figures instantly froze.

A powerful pseudo-core level divine sense swept across the surrounding mountains.

Almost at the same time, a powerful and sharp aura suddenly rose up around the feet of the leader of the five.

A bright curtain of light, like a large bowl inverted on the ground, enveloped it.

"This is... a near-third-tier rune array!"

A voice filled with shock and anger came from the person trapped in the talisman array.

"Iron Man!"

Around the array of runes were four Foundation Establishment cultivators who were in a panic.

"The near-third-tier rune array is not sturdy. Quickly help me break this array!"

Trapped within the talisman array, Tie Antong quickly regained his composure and instantly conjured a golden, cone-shaped treasure in his hand.

With its sharp end, it continuously bombarded the rune array.

The four Foundation Establishment cultivators outside also reacted, activating their respective magical artifacts to prepare for a coordinated attack on the formation from both inside and outside.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, I'll deal with Tie Antong. I'll leave the remaining four Foundation Establishment cultivators to you."

Seeing that Tie Antong was trapped in the talisman array, Zhao Wanning urgently spoke to Lin Changsheng.

"I'll use the talisman array to temporarily entangle Tie Antong, while Fairy Zhao takes action to quickly kill those four Foundation Establishment cultivators, and then we can join forces to deal with Tie Antong."

After observing for a while, Lin Changsheng made a suggestion.

Of those four Foundation Establishment cultivators, two were at the late Foundation Establishment stage and dared to infiltrate the Yue Kingdom with Tie Antong, so their strength must be considerable.

If I want to kill a few people in a short time, I will have to use up my trump cards, which will be detrimental to dealing with Tie Antong later.

On the contrary, Zhao Wanning, who had advanced to the False Core stage, was able to deal with the group relatively easily by suppressing their cultivation level.

"Okay, do it!"

With a clear division of labor, the two exuded a sharp aura.

Lin Changsheng flew to the front of the talisman array, gathering his magic power in his hands to maintain the array's normal operation.

At the same time, several pre-buried near-third-tier spell runes rose up, were activated within the rune array, and concentrated towards Tie Antong.

"You brat, a mere Foundation Establishment mid-stage cultivator, dare to attack me, a true immortal!"

Amidst a series of deafening explosions, Tie Antong roared in fury!

On the other side, Zhao Wanning unleashed a pseudo-core-level aura, her terrifying pressure intimidating the four Foundation Establishment cultivators.

With a flick of his wrist, he summoned a bright silver soft sword, instantly killing one person and severely injuring another.

The other two Foundation Establishment cultivators were horrified, their fighting spirit completely gone.

Under the suppression of realm, without special means, the battle situation was almost one-sided.

Just then, Lin Changsheng, who was trying his best to maintain the talisman array to trap Tie Antong, suddenly seemed to realize something, his brows furrowed slightly, and his expression became serious.

"Fairy Zhao, quickly deal with those people! Another fake Core Formation cultivator is approaching this place!"

Lin Changsheng transmitted the situation he had sensed to Zhao Wanning, and immediately felt that it was extremely troublesome.