Changing to New Merit (Seeking Follow-up Reads)

"I see."

Lin Changheng nodded. It seemed he truly needed to continue strengthening his survival methods and improving his cultivation; otherwise, he wouldn't even dare to leave the clan, and too many opportunities would slip through his fingers.

But this was also a side effect of being steady. He was mentally prepared and naturally had to bear it.

Before long, several clansmen came to inquire about the prices of his medicinal pills.

Lin Changheng quoted a price of sixty percent of the market value.

It was not because he was kind-hearted, but because the Xu Family stipulated that pills, talismans, and the like sold to fellow clansmen could not exceed the clan's buy-back price, which was seventy percent.

So, he simply went with sixty percent!

Lin Changheng didn't care about that small difference; instead, he used it to show his face and attract some attention.

Sure enough, once this price spread, many people rushed to buy, and the pills were sold out in an instant.

Everyone also became acquainted with this unfamiliar alchemist.

"Everyone, because I wish to fully master pill formulas and intend to craft talismans, I require a certain amount of monster beast essence blood. If any fellow Daoist can provide a stable supply of any type of essence blood, I can continue to sell them authentic pills at a low price."

Seeing that the timing was right, Lin Changheng cleared his throat and spoke loudly, "You may also pass this on to your friends and family; there will be a finder's fee for you as well."

"Is that true?" Someone's eyes lit up as they confirmed.

"Naturally, I would not lie. If you have any news, you may come to the Tide-Listening Dojo to find me."

The crowd dispersed, and no one stepped forward.

Lin Changheng wore a detached expression, watching the scene calmly.

He had never sought immediate returns; he was merely planting a seed in everyone's hearts.

Perhaps, one day, it would take root and sprout?

Another half-month passed.

In his small courtyard, Lin Changheng, who had been sitting cross-legged with his eyes closed, finished his session, and the gathered spiritual energy dissipated from his body.

A look of frustration appeared on his face.

The speed of his cultivation was simply too slow.

Although he had pushed the Flowing Fire Art to the "Minor Accomplishment" realm, allowing for a somewhat acceptable speed during the early stage of Qi Refining, it was clearly "incompatible with the environment" after reaching the middle stage, becoming increasingly sluggish.

The level of the technique is too low.

After some deliberation, he reached a conclusion.

This meant it was time to change his cultivation technique.

He had originally thought that the high realm of "Minor Accomplishment" could compensate for the inherent shortcomings and flaws of this low-grade technique.

As it turned out, he had thought too much.

Inherent deficiencies were difficult to overcome, much like a person's spiritual root; if it was inferior, it could not be compensated for by mere diligent practice.

Heavenly treasures, fortuitous encounters, temperament, and wisdom—possessing even one of these might still not be enough.

However, now that he held the status of a registered guest elder, he had the authority to exchange for middle-grade techniques. Finding a suitable fire-attribute technique shouldn't be too difficult.

Early the next morning.

Lin Changheng arrived at the "Returning Peak Dojo," the core of the clan. The "Scripture Repository" was located on the edge of the dojo, heavily guarded by a high-grade first-tier formation, and could not afford any mishaps.

Using his special token to enter, Lin Changheng stated his purpose directly: he wanted to exchange for a middle-grade fire-attribute technique.

After verifying his credentials, the tall, thin steward decisively took out three jade slips and let Lin Changheng choose.

They were the Burning Fire Art, the Flame Breath Technique, and the Warm Sun Scripture.

Lin Changheng hadn't expected this; a flash of surprise crossed his face. For a Qi Refining family, having this many middle-grade techniques of a single attribute was truly impressive.

It could be considered a fairly extensive collection.

He immediately pressed the jade slips to his forehead to examine them one by one, only to find that the techniques within revealed only an introduction and a portion of the opening content.

The rest was like a layer of mist, locked away by restrictions and impossible to peek at.

After a while, Lin Changheng had made his decision, but he still casually asked, "Senior, I wonder if there are any other fire-attribute techniques?"

To his surprise, the moment the question left his lips, the tall, thin steward was visibly stunned.

Lin Changheng happened to see this and was also taken aback.

He just asked—was there really more?

"Wait here."

The tall, thin steward gave a brief instruction and turned to busy himself. Before long, he returned carrying an old booklet that had been dusted off and handed it to Lin Changheng. At the same time, he explained, "This is a significantly damaged high-grade fire-attribute technique. It is categorized among the middle-grade ones, but I don't really recommend you choose it. The entry threshold is higher, and you will likely have to switch techniques later on."

Lin Changheng nodded, thanking the steward for his well-intentioned reminder, and flipped open the book.

Departing Fire Night-Illuminating Guide.

The five large characters caught his eye.

The name certainly carries a touch of mystery.

This was Lin Changheng's first impression. Unlike the previous "Burning Fire," "Warm Sun," or "Flame Breath," which were straightforward and bland, this one held a deeper meaning.

Reading further, the opening introduction stated that a deceased elder of the clan had obtained it from the outside world in his early years. It could have been cultivated to the Foundation Establishment Early Stage, but due to a dispute with another, the manual was split in half, leaving it incomplete.

This half could only be cultivated to the seventh level of Qi Refining!

With the path forward severed, one would eventually have to either switch to a different technique or find the original to continue—those were the only two options.

"I choose this one."

Lin Changheng chuckled and announced his decision to the steward.

"Are you sure you don't want to reconsider?"

The tall, thin steward still offered a kind warning.

"This technique can be cultivated to the seventh level of Qi Refining, and given the limitations of my spiritual roots, I will likely stop there anyway. I might as well spend my time cultivating something more powerful; perhaps a miracle will occur."

Lin Changheng offered an excuse, insisting on the exchange.

"Very well."

The tall, thin steward stopped trying to dissuade him, lifted the restrictions on the old manual, and copied its contents onto a jade slip. "The cost is three hundred contribution points. You must also swear a Dao oath never to leak its contents."

"Understood."

Lin Changheng did as instructed.

By the time he emerged from the Scripture Repository, the contribution points he had accumulated over the past two years from alchemy and processing waste pills were essentially wiped out, leaving him with only twenty-some points remaining.

Yet, it was worth it—he had even obtained more than he bargained for!

A high-grade technique was in his hands!

Even an incomplete high-grade technique was still a high-grade technique!

As for the Flame Breath Technique he had previously decided to exchange for... sorry, we aren't acquainted!

Lin Changheng's heart burned with excitement.

As for the difficulty of mastering the technique, it was no problem at all for him, given the comprehension boost provided by his [First-Level Origin Treasure Seed].

And as for the path being cut off... he still had many years before he reached the seventh level of Qi Refining, and who knew what changes might occur in the meantime?

There was no point in worrying or feeling anxious ahead of time.

Just cultivate it!

Lin Changheng mastered the Departing Fire Night-Illuminating Guide in less than three days.

While practicing within the Spirit Gathering Array, he discovered that the rate of refinement during each cycle was a sliver faster than his minor-accomplishment Flowing Fire Art.

"It truly lives up to being a high-grade technique."

Lin Changheng sighed deeply; its foundation was indeed profound.

Knock, knock, knock!

A knocking sound arose; someone was visiting.

Aside from a few fellow immortal seedlings, Lin Changheng had no close acquaintances.

He rose to open the door and saw a tall, elegant figure exuding an air of nobility.

"Fairy Dantai, it has been a long time."

Dantai Feiyue rolled her eyes at Lin Changheng with a charming pout. "If it has been a long time, isn't that thanks to you, Brother Lin?"

Seeing that he remained standing in the doorway, she couldn't help but ask in surprise, "Does Brother Lin intend to keep blocking the door and not let this young lady in? Could it be... that this is Brother Lin's way of treating guests?"