Steady Mortal Path: Starting from Obtaining the Golden Core Inheritance

Chapter 349 Power Conflict, Sect Master's Secret Letter

After discussing the matter of breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage, the two exchanged a few pleasantries, and Chen Xingzhou made a move to leave.

Before leaving, he suddenly stopped and asked casually, "I heard that the Supreme Elder met with Master Lin Kui a few days ago. I wonder what the matter was about? Does Sect Master Huang know?"

"That is indeed the case, but since it concerns the Supreme Elder, I have ordered all disciples to refrain from discussing it. Master Chen's information network is quite extensive."

Huang Jia smiled, seemingly praising, but actually looking at Chen Xingzhou with a deeper meaning.

On that day, Lin Changsheng met with Master Lu in a secret room within her dojo, a fact known to few.

Today, Chen Xingzhou pointed this out in a single sentence, which shows that the other party has many spies within the sect.

"Hehe, Sect Leader Huang has only been in charge of the sect for a short time and may lack experience. He may not yet know that these so-called guest elders, although they have the title of elder, are still outsiders in essence. We still need to be wary and not be careless."

"Take this Lin Kui Master, for example. He became a guest elder of our sect with his superb skills, but he never revealed before that he kept two third-tier demonic beasts. It can be seen that this person is scheming and may be harboring evil intentions. In my opinion, Sect Master Huang still has to be wary."

Chen Xingzhou chuckled, feigning profundity, and spoke in the tone of a senior expert who relied on his age and status.

"Master Chen is indeed worthy of being an elder of our sect. Even while preparing to break through to the Nascent Soul realm, he still has no forget to worry about the sect."

"However, since joining the sect, Master Lin has mostly been well-behaved, honest, and quiet, and has never overstepped his bounds. If we follow Master Chen's opinion, how should we deal with him?"

After offering a few casual compliments, Huang Jia adopted a humble and eager-to-learn demeanor, as if he highly valued Chen Xingzhou, who was about to advance to the Nascent Soul realm.

"Hehe, Sect Leader Huang is still inexperienced. It seems that he was deceived by Master Lin's honest and unassuming appearance."

"This person has a mysterious background, and his cultivation methods are completely different from those of the local cultivation world. He has never reported to his sect."

"If Sect Leader Huang wants to test this person's loyalty, it's not difficult. A few days ago, several remote mines in our sect were plundered by wandering cultivators. Unfortunately, they are too far from the Willow Smoke Sect's homeland, and our control over them is weak. Sending sect elders there specifically for this purpose would be a waste of their talents. Fortunately, the two demonic beasts under Master Lin Kui's command have been receiving sect salaries for many years. In my opinion, they can be put to good use."

"This will not only test the loyalty of the Forest Puppet Master to our sect, but also strengthen our control over the remote areas."

Chen Xingzhou first whispered a few words of reminder, and then made a suggestion.

After saying that, he didn't say anything more, looking at Huang Jia with a half-smile, as if waiting for something.

His suggestion, seemingly a test of Lin Changsheng, was more of a targeted move.

This proposal is entirely in the interests of the sect, and sect leader Huang Jia has almost no reason to refuse it.

If Lin Changsheng disagrees, it will expose that he is not of one mind with the sect, and his situation will be extremely passive.

If agreed, sending the two demonic beasts away would serve to divide their strength, since these two third-tier demonic beasts would be isolated and helpless if they were far from their master.

Even if something unexpected happens in the end, it will only cause a rift between Lin Changsheng and Sect Master Huang Jia.

"This matter is one that I, the sect master, will decide. Master Lin Kui needs to complete the tasks assigned by True Lord Yunmiao in the coming days, so please do not disturb him, lest you delay True Lord's important business."

"As for Elder Chen, he should focus on breaking through to a higher realm, distinguish between primary and secondary matters, and not be distracted by trivial sect affairs."

Upon hearing this, Huang Jia pondered for a moment and then calmly declined Chen Xingzhou's proposal, citing the reason that he wanted to meet with True Monarch Yunmiao.

At the same time, he changed the subject and reminded the latter to focus on his own spiritual realm.

"Hehe, it seems Sect Master Huang intends to protect this newcomer, the Puppet Master. In that case, I just hope he won't regret it later..."

Upon hearing this, Chen Xingzhou's expression changed slightly, and then he spoke with a profound meaning, his eyes revealing a strange light, as if his words had a double meaning.

"There's no need for Elder Chen to worry about that. After all, I am the sect leader, and I will naturally consider the sect's interests."

Huang Jia's expression was calm, and her eyes were indifferent.

……

A few months later.

On this day, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth gathered within Qingxia Peak, converging and surging in a small area above a side peak.

That year, Lin Changsheng was 178 years old.

Before long, a newly established Foundation Establishment aura emanated from it.

"From preparation to foundation building, it only took a few months. The process was completed in one go. Even after advancing to foundation building, there is still potential to be explored."

"But the fact that this process went so smoothly is probably also related to my state of mind."

Lin Changsheng stood quietly atop Qingxia Peak, gazing calmly into the distance. After a moment's reflection, he felt a surge of emotion.

Three or four months ago, Han Feng, who had just completed his cultivation and was about to break through to the Golden Core realm, was approached by Lin Changsheng, who personally visited the 'Master Zhuo' who occupied the Han family's spiritual vein.

Facing Lin Changsheng, whose cultivation was at the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm and who was also a guest elder of the Willow Smoke Sect, Master Zhuo naturally dared not be negligent in the slightest.

For a rogue cultivator like Master Zhuo who has no background, Lin Changsheng, whose cultivation level and social status are both higher than his, is someone he would never dare to offend.

Lin Changsheng didn't say much, but came as Han Xinlan's elder to observe Han Feng's breakthrough to the Golden Core realm.

During this conversation, he subtly revealed that he had high hopes for Han Xinlan's talent.

Since then, Master Zhuo, filled with fear, behaved himself properly and dared not make the slightest move.

Not long after, Han Feng successfully advanced to the Golden Core realm.

The entire Han family was overjoyed that the crisis had been averted.

Perhaps due to her family's strong support, Han Xinlan's advancement to the Foundation Establishment realm was a natural progression, requiring little effort.

As for the spiritual item that enabled him to advance to the Foundation Establishment stage, it was also provided by Lin Changsheng.

For him now, producing a mere Foundation Establishment spiritual item is not a difficult task.

There's no need to worry about attracting the covetousness of others.

Before long, a woman's figure appeared from the cave; it was none other than Han Xinlan.

"Thank you, Master Lin..."

With a look of joy, Han Xinlan flew to Lin Changsheng's side, her eyes sparkling.

Having just broken through to the Foundation Establishment stage, she was still unable to control the new magical power within her body, so she hurriedly came out of seclusion to thank Master Lin.

Even so, she still took the time to touch up her makeup lightly.

Having followed Master Lin for many years and received his guidance, Han Xinlan was able to cultivate without distractions and successfully advance to the Foundation Establishment stage.

If it were anyone else, they might have seized the opportunity and naturally become Lin Zhenren's disciple.

However, she always insisted on referring to herself as "Master Lin".

Over the years, as she got to know him better, Han Xinlan's admiration for Master Lin grew stronger.

To outsiders, Master Lin appears to be a man of few words, spending his days either in seclusion cultivating or researching and creating puppets, occasionally teasing the demonic beasts he rides, living a very leisurely life.

But Han Xinlan knew that Master Lin was a truly capable person, yet he was low-key, disliked showing off, valued inner qualities, and occasionally revealed a deep gleam in his eyes, which had already secretly won the heart of the naive young girl.

For some reason, although Master Lin doted on her, he always treated her like a junior, which made her secretly distressed.

Fortunately, an elder in the clan has advanced to the Golden Core realm, and the Han family's power will inevitably grow rapidly in the near future, which has given Han Xinlan some confidence.

……

A few days later, Han Xinlan, who had just broken through to the Foundation Establishment stage and whose realm was not yet fully stable, went to the Han family on behalf of Lin Changsheng.

Not long ago, while Han Xinlan was in seclusion trying to break through to the Foundation Establishment realm, a Foundation Establishment elder from the Han family visited her with generous gifts to thank Lin Changsheng for his help and also sent an invitation.

Han Feng, the second person to achieve the title of "True Person" after the Han family patriarch "Heavenly Poison True Person", will soon hold a Golden Core celebration.

Unlike Lin Changsheng's low-key approach, the Han family, a pseudo-Dan-level family for many years, had been silent for many years after their ancestor left.

Now that the opportunity to revitalize the family has finally arrived, of course we will not let such an opportunity slip by.

Therefore, this Golden Elixir Ceremony, in addition to celebration, also sends a signal to surrounding forces.

Newly established Golden Core families must expand their size; otherwise, their existing resources are simply insufficient to sustain the needs of a Golden Core cultivator.

After all, although Han Feng's realm improved from Foundation Establishment to Golden Core, if he wanted to completely elevate his strength to the level of a Golden Core True Person, he would inevitably need to change some third-tier methods.

This will inevitably lead to conflicts with some surrounding forces.

If they have some connections, things are fine; if they don't, they'll either be swallowed up by the Han family or become its vassals.

"The Han family came here specifically to invite me, most likely because they also want to leverage my influence as a puppeteer."

Lin Changsheng was well aware of the Han family's ulterior motives.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have come with such a generous gift.

After all, although Han Feng had advanced to the Golden Core stage, he was only slightly stronger than an ordinary fake Core cultivator.

Having just entered the Golden Core stage, his foundation is still shallow. For at least ten years, he will likely find it difficult to contend with ordinary Golden Core cultivators.

Lin Changsheng, however, was different. Several years ago, before he joined the Willow Smoke Sect, he had already made a name for himself in a battle in Willow Oriole Immortal City.

Now, with Han Xinlan following Lin Changsheng for many years and being quite pampered, the Han family has gained a deeper understanding of Lin Changsheng's true strength.

When he first entered the Willow Smoke Sect as a guest elder, he was ostracized. After enduring for a long time, he suddenly erupted, causing even the well-known veteran late-stage Golden Core cultivator Chen Xingzhou to suffer a considerable loss.

Not only is he proficient in the art of puppetry, but he also possesses two third-tier great demons!

If we can get Lin Kui Shi involved, it will be of great benefit to the future development of the Han family.

"Unfortunately, this puppeteer has more important matters to attend to."

Lin Changsheng shook his head, his eyes flickering uncertainly.

Not long ago, he received a secret communication jade slip from within the sect. After reading it, the jade slip shattered before his eyes with a 'bang'.

However, the contents of the document greatly surprised Lin Changsheng.

In a neighboring immortal city of Yan Kingdom, there is a Nascent Soul-Gathering Spiritual Object called 'Earth Infant Fruit' for sale. Chen Xingzhou and Sect Master Huang Jia will go there together.

In the message, Sect Master Huang Jia made clear hints and even provided a detailed route for the two of them to and from the meeting, as well as Chen Xingzhou's new methods in recent years, including a newly subdued third-tier demon.

It even subtly hinted that there were other backup plans along the way. The message to Lin Changsheng was simply because there was an irreconcilable conflict between him and Chen Xingzhou. If Chen Xingzhou were to perish along the way, it would benefit both of them. As for the ownership of the Nascent Soul Spiritual Object, that would depend on their respective methods.

"The 'Earth Infant Fruit,' a spiritual treasure that condenses into an infant spirit, is indeed a rare find. If we miss it, we may not encounter another one for some time to come..."

"Very well, it's worth making a move this time."

Lin Changsheng made his decision after only a moment's thought.

Of course, he didn't want to see Chen Xingzhou successfully form his Nascent Soul. This opportunity would allow him to obtain the chance to form his Nascent Soul in the future and also eliminate potential future problems. Why not take advantage of it?

Chen Xingzhou had been planning to condense his Nascent Soul for many years, and as a master alchemist, he had probably already accumulated quite a few spiritual items for this purpose.

If we could also get our hands on the 'Earth Infant Fruit', even if we abandoned our current stable cultivation environment and ran away again, it would still be a profitable deal.

Of course, some risks are inevitable in this process.

For example, since Chen Xingzhou dared to go out to buy 'Earth Infant Fruit', he should have made risk assessments and preparations, and would not have succeeded so easily.

Furthermore, Sect Leader Huang Jia may not be trustworthy.

Having known each other for several years, Lin Changsheng knew very well that this rather beautiful Sect Leader Huang was not just a pretty face.

It was no secret that Elder Chen and Sect Master Huang had always been at odds within the sect.

However, the factional and power struggle between the two did not become too intense, precisely because the Supreme Elder, Yunmiao Zhenjun, was there to oversee things.

If Chen Xingzhou were truly killed, it would inevitably attract the attention of the True Lord.

Although as a supreme elder, he might not necessarily punish the sect leader too harshly because of a deceased elder.

But this guest elder was different.

If the sect leader Huang Jia tries to protect himself and shifts the blame onto Lin Changsheng, Lin Changsheng may have to bear all the consequences.

After all, the only communication jade slip between him and Huang Jia had already self-destructed.

Without clear evidence, even if others have doubts, they would not provoke Sect Master Huang Jia for no reason.

At least on the surface, Huang Jia, a native of the sect and from a local background, is definitely more trustworthy than the visiting elder who has a grudge against Chen Xingzhou.

However, for Lin Changsheng, nothing was more important than the Nascent Soul Spirit Object.

Even if you don't need it in the short term, it's better than desperately needing a Nascent Soul artifact later but being unable to obtain it.

Just like the 'Heavenly Poison True Man' back then, who clearly possessed remarkable skills and strength, he competed with others for opportunities because he needed them to break through to the Nascent Soul realm, and was ultimately killed by the Nascent Soul True Man of Zihong Palace.

Lin Changsheng originally planned that when he reached the late stage of the Golden Core realm, he would follow in the footsteps of the 'Heavenly Poison True Man' to explore the secret realm of the Star Moon Continent to find out about the Nascent Soul stage, and at the same time inquire about the other parts of the 'Withered Wood Everlasting Technique'.

Unexpectedly, he encountered a Nascent Soul Spiritual Object in the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm.

……

Half a month later

A burly and imposing figure appeared on the outskirts of the border of the Smoke Kingdom.

This is a desolate desert. Near the sand dunes piled with yellow sand, there are some broken walls and ruins, as well as some dead trees that have been dry for many years and are almost weathered.

Before long, the wind and sand swept across the desert, yellow sand filled the sky, and the burly, ruthless man's figure appeared and disappeared in the sandstorm.

Two or three more days passed.

Two figures, one in front and one behind, appeared on the distant horizon.

The man and woman were none other than Huang Jia, the sect leader of the Willow Smoke Sect, and Elder Chen Xingzhou.

However, the two of them looked rather disheveled at the moment, their breaths were uneven, and they looked like they had been traveling.

"Once we cross this desert, we will be approaching the heart of our country. This journey has been completed safely, albeit with some close calls."

Chen Xingzhou gazed into the distance, seemingly sighing as he spoke.

A pretty woman beside him seemed relieved upon hearing this, but secretly felt a little anxious.