Steady Mortal Path: Starting from Obtaining the Golden Core Inheritance

Chapter 205 Wan Ning Comes to Find Us, Two People Make a Deal

Liu Qing's letter was very simple.

But the news was also quite astonishing.

There is a suspected mole planted by the Yuling Sect among the high-ranking members of the Nangong family.

For many years, they have been continuously transmitting intelligence to the Great Zhou Kingdom.

Having suffered a defeat in their initial clash, the major forces in the cultivation world of the Great Zhou Kingdom have united to prepare for a new offensive.

Furthermore, this mole, who has been planted for many years, will be put to use in this war.

At crucial moments, they might even turn against each other.

"Did the Nangong family's higher-ups plant a traitor within the Yuling Sect?"

As Lin Changsheng's consciousness withdrew, the jade slip in his hand automatically shattered into dust.

But he himself fell into deep thought.

To infiltrate the upper echelons of the Nangong family, one must at least be an elite in the late Foundation Establishment stage or a cultivator above the Pseudo-Core Formation stage.

In recent years, the Nangong family has been trying to expand its influence.

They continuously recruited outside cultivators and vigorously encouraged their family members to have offspring.

It is not surprising that a traitor was planted by a hostile force.

However, the next round of war will probably not be as easy for the cultivation world of Yue Kingdom as it was last time.

……

A few days later.

Lin Changsheng was still worried about collecting materials for the 'quasi-third tier'.

Zhao Wanning from the Fengling Chamber of Commerce took the initiative to come looking for her.

This made Lin Changsheng somewhat suspicious; he feared that this woman's visit at this juncture was likely because she wanted something from him.

They then led the person to the reception hall and served them fine tea.

"The spiritual tea here from Master Lin is indeed extraordinary. It has a tranquil and serene fragrance and sweetness that leaves a lasting impression."

Zhao Wanning, dressed in a light blue brocade dress, took a sip of spiritual tea and smiled gently as she spoke.

"The spiritual tea here was brought by Fellow Daoist Zhao through someone last time. Given our long-standing friendship, Fellow Daoist Zhao, if you need anything, you can just ask directly."

Lin Changsheng silently put down his teacup and spoke frankly.

While speaking, he was also secretly guessing the purpose of the other party's visit.

The death of Feng Baiying, a fake alchemist from the Fengling Chamber of Commerce, dealt a severe blow to the Chamber's reputation.

Leaving aside the unfounded rumors circulating about Zhao Wanning and Feng Baiying.

The fact that Master Feng had valued Zhao Wanning for so many years is now suddenly gone must be a huge blow to the latter.

However, Zhao Wanning looks quite well today, so she doesn't seem to have been greatly affected.

"is it?"

"It seems that the same spiritual tea can taste different in Master Lin's hands."

Zhao Wanning turned the teacup with her delicate fingers, her beautiful eyebrows arched, and she spoke with a smile.

"Master Lin, I would like to formally invite you to join the Fengling Chamber of Commerce."

Seeing that Lin Changsheng was about to ask another question, Zhao Wanning finally got to the point and explained the purpose of her trip.

"Is it because of Master Feng?"

Lin Changsheng did not rush to respond to the woman's invitation, but instead asked in a low voice.

"The fall of Master Feng has dealt a huge blow to the Chamber of Commerce. Some of our long-time clients who used to cooperate with us are now starting to take a wait-and-see approach. Without the support of Master Feng, it will be difficult for us to develop in the future."

Zhao Wanning hesitated for a moment, then nodded and told the truth.

"However, Lin's cultivation level is only at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, which is far from being a Pseudo-Core Formation True Person. Moreover, he has maintained cooperation with Fellow Daoist Zhao for many years, so whether or not he joins the Chamber of Commerce, there is not much difference."

Lin Changsheng said calmly.

"The Chamber of Commerce headquarters has decided to send a new fake alchemist to take over and preside over the work of the local branch. In this way, I will be no different from an ordinary branch steward and will not have the power I have now. Even some things I did under Feng Zhenren over the years, including helping Lin Fushi illegally use high-level resources several times, will be investigated by the new fake alchemist and implicated in some troublesome matters."

Zhao Wanning's voice was gentle and melodious, and her eyes were like a pool of spring water.

"Fellow Daoist Zhao has always been a master strategist; he has probably already devised a solution."

Lin Changsheng spoke calmly and expressionlessly.

Although Zhao Wanning helped him access a lot of high-level materials, she also received an equivalent return.

Both of them gained something, and neither owed the other anything.

Although this woman has a sweet appearance, she is not a naive and innocent pretty face.

A woman who can manage many affairs in the chamber of commerce and deal with all sorts of people on a daily basis is no simple woman.

Although the two have cooperated and benefited each other for many years, businessmen are profit-driven, and if they had no value, they probably wouldn't have attracted Zhao Wanning's attention.

"I have already used Master Feng's connections and influence to make arrangements at headquarters. The appointment of the new Pseudo-Dan Master will be postponed for five years. During this period, as long as a new Pseudo-Dan Master is born in the local branch, he can continue to lead the local branch."

After thinking for a moment, Zhao Wanning revealed it to Lin Changsheng.

"Fellow Daoist Zhao, could it be that you intend to help me advance to the Pseudo-Core Formation stage within five years?"

"I am only at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage. Let alone five years, even if you give me fifty years, I will definitely not be able to advance to the Pseudo-Core stage."

Lin Changsheng was speechless.

"Master Lin is overthinking it. What I want to ask you is to help me oversee the local branch while I am in seclusion to break through to the Pseudo-Core stage, and to deter any people with ulterior motives. Although Master Lin's cultivation is only at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, your exquisite talisman-making skills are unparalleled in Thousand Crane Immortal City. With you overseeing things, I can have peace of mind."

Zhao Wanning, dressed in a blue brocade dress, gently rose and moved to sit down next to Lin Changsheng.

"Fellow Daoist Zhao wishes to break through to the Pseudo-Core Realm? I observe that although your internal magical power is abundant, it has not yet reached perfection. Forcibly attempting to break through to the Pseudo-Core Realm seems somewhat..."

Lin Changsheng frowned slightly and said in surprise.

Zhao Wanning did not respond. Her alabaster arm was almost touching Lin Changsheng's body as she gracefully poured him a cup of spiritual tea.

"I heard that Master Lin has recently been collecting third-tier minerals and other materials, so I specially transferred some from other branches. Unfortunately, Master Lin hasn't asked for them, which really breaks my heart..."

"Fellow Daoist Zhao, do you have any Tier 3 materials here?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Changsheng immediately became interested.

“That’s right. As long as Fellow Daoist Lin is willing to help oversee the local branch, I will gladly offer this batch of Tier 3 materials.”

"Upon hearing this, it seems that Fellow Daoist Lin has not sought a Daoist partner for many years."

As she spoke, Zhao Wanning leaned closer, her slender body framing her face with a delicate blush.

"Has Fellow Daoist Zhao thought this through? Using yourself as a bargaining chip like this might taint our pure cooperative relationship."

Lin Changsheng smiled slightly and calmly took a sip of the spiritual tea.

"As long as Master Lin agrees to my conditions, I wouldn't mind taking our cooperation to the next level~"

Zhao Wanning leaned lightly against Lin Changsheng and whispered in his ear, while also inhaling the pleasant woody fragrance emanating from him.

“Third-tier materials are indeed something I desperately need, but I have never considered joining the Chamber of Commerce. Could Fellow Daoist Zhao perhaps offer a different condition?”

Lin Changsheng looked at Zhao Wanning, who was so close to him, and said, "She has delicate and beautiful features."

"After Master Feng's fall, several deacons in the branch were not behaving themselves, keeping a close eye on my every move, and secretly contacting other fake alchemists at headquarters. If Master Lin can help me give these people a warning, I will have the opportunity to transfer the materials out of the inventory without having to join the Chamber of Commerce."

"However, Master Lin must promise that this matter must not be leaked, otherwise I will no longer be able to manage the branch."

This time, Zhao Wanning boldly wrapped her arms around Lin Changsheng's neck, her eyes filled with affection, her breath sweet as orchids.

"With the fall of True Immortal Feng, the Chamber of Commerce is in dire need of manpower. If we were to lose Foundation Establishment Elders in succession, it would probably be detrimental to the Chamber of Commerce, wouldn't it?"

Lin Changsheng knew that Zhao Wanning probably saw his combat strength and wanted to use him to eliminate dissidents.

That's why they took this opportunity to use third-tier materials as an excuse.

"Just give them a warning, make them stay in the Chamber of Commerce for the next few years and not have the energy to cause trouble. With Master Lin's abilities, this little thing shouldn't be a problem, right?"

Zhao Wanning chuckled, her hands becoming even more outrageous as she brazenly began groping Lin Changsheng's body.

“It’s worth considering. But Fellow Daoist Zhao, paying such a price to get me to do this seems like a losing proposition no matter how you look at it.”

Lin Changsheng reached out and grabbed Zhao Wanning's unruly hands, giving her a half-smile as he reminded her.

"Entrusting such a confidential matter to Master Lin is merely a routine collaboration; I'm not entirely at ease with that..."

Zhao Wanning's beautiful face suddenly drew close, and a delicate fragrance, like that of orchids, wafted over.

After confirming several times, Lin Changsheng understood Zhao Wanning's intentions.

Surprisingly, she was somewhat uneasy, fearing that he would reveal her plans to target her fellow members of the Chamber of Commerce, and thus used herself as a bargaining chip.

Of course, there might be a desire within him to completely conquer her and be willing to risk his life for her.

After all, things are not stable within the Fengling Chamber of Commerce, and Zhao Wanning needs to find an absolutely powerful external ally.

Lin Changsheng is a renowned talisman master with unparalleled skills.

It was also discovered that he possessed combat power comparable to that of an ordinary late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, which clearly met the criteria.

On this day, an isolation barrier suddenly rose outside Changchun Peak's reception room.

The sudden turn of events startled the two maids, Qingzhi and Lanhua, who were serving outside.

The sun gradually sets in the west, and the bright moon hangs high in the sky.

Lin Changsheng and Zhao Wanning still did not come out.

Late at night, a dark cloud drifted by and obscured the bright moon.

As time went by, Lin Changsheng and Zhao Wanning stayed in the reception room for three days and two nights.

The third day at dusk.

Zhao Wan Ning, her hair disheveled, leaned lazily against Lin Chang Sheng's chest, inhaling the woody fragrance emanating from him with fascination.

Throughout the entire hall, almost no intact facilities could be found; several sets of tables and chairs made of second-tier spirit wood had suffered damage they shouldn't have had to endure.

Lin Changsheng looked at Zhao Wanning, who was carefully expelling the remaining substances from her body, but didn't say anything.

To his surprise, Zhao Wanning actually possessed the early stage of the second tier of body refinement.

The body is light and flexible, yet incredibly resilient.

Compared to the delicate nature of green branches and orchids, he found an unprecedented experience with Zhao Wanning.

But we also paid a price.

The power of the Everlasting Spring Technique within his body was slightly depleted, roughly equivalent to losing a year and a half of cultivation.

This is still a characteristic of Changchun Gong, which is characterized by its continuous vitality and extremely fast recovery speed.

If it were an ordinary cultivator, these few days would have cost them at least three years' worth of cultivation.

"Zhao Wanning used the secret technique of replenishing yin with yang energy."

Lin Changsheng finally understood why this woman had offered herself to him.

I originally thought that with Zhao Wanning's current cultivation level, it would be a bit of a stretch for her to break through to the Pseudo-Core Realm.

But now, as long as the power of the Everlasting Spring Technique within the body is refined, one will be one step closer to the completion of the Foundation Establishment stage.

As early as the first day, Lin Changsheng noticed the depletion of his magical power and immediately called for a halt.

Zhao Wanning pleaded earnestly and promised to give Lin Changsheng a 'Core Formation Spiritual Item' as a reward in addition to the third-tier materials, which barely appeased Lin Changsheng.

"Lin Lang really doesn't know how to cherish a beautiful woman."

Zhao Wan Ning looked at the mess around her, a flash of shyness crossing her eyes. She calmly tidied her hair and put on her clothes.

“When Fellow Daoist Zhao absorbed my cultivation, he also showed no mercy.”

After getting dressed, Lin Changsheng recalled the unrestrained release of the past few days and felt quite satisfied.

He unleashed almost all of his pent-up emotions from the past century.

The two continued to take what they needed without feeling any guilt.

The two have had occasional exchanges in the past few days.

Lin Changsheng also learned that Zhao Wanning had previously been extremely averse to men.

Even now, she still feels a strong aversion to men other than herself.

But he felt particularly close to the scent emanating from his own body.

However, the two have worked together for many years and know each other very well.

Both Lin Changsheng and Zhao Wanning have their own pursuits and do not want to be tied down by a Daoist partner.

However, due to their cooperative relationship, they also trusted each other quite a bit.

Since she had finally met a man she didn't dislike, Zhao Wanning took the initiative to propose the transaction.

Firstly, he used Tier 3 materials to entrust Lin Changsheng with dealing with several deacons of the Chamber of Commerce.

Secondly, he could exchange a "Core Formation Spiritual Object" for Lin Changsheng's cultivation to improve his own realm and meet the conditions for advancing to the False Core stage as soon as possible.

Ultimately, this brief encounter may lead to a deeper collaboration between the two in the future.

"Lin Lang's magic is indeed pure and sufficient for me to digest for a while. I will come to visit Lin Lang again in a month."

Zhao Wanning was full of energy, and her clear eyes shone with an unusual brilliance.

"A month later? Isn't that a bit too frequent? If I continuously deplete too much of my cultivation, it will affect my advancement in cultivation level."

Lin Changsheng frowned.

Although Zhao Wanning took the initiative to offer a 'Core Formation Spiritual Item' as a trade, she only suffered a slight loss of cultivation and was able to have an intimate relationship with such a stunning beauty without any burden.

However, if this affects his future cultivation, Lin Changsheng still needs to stop it in time.

"Don't worry, Lin Lang. These past few days have only been the first time I've broken free of the shackles and used this method, so the results have been somewhat unexpected. As time goes on, the effects of cultivation will only become more ordinary."

Zhao Wanning covered her mouth and chuckled softly.

"Okay, everything will proceed as previously agreed."

Hearing this, Lin Changsheng nodded, having no objection.

"Next time, I will bring materials and 'Core Formation Spiritual Objects', but before that, Lin Lang, please remember to help me resolve the issues with those stewards."

After Zhao Wanning finished speaking, she rode away in a flash of light.

Lin Changsheng watched Zhao Wanning's departing figure, lost in thought.

He didn't believe that this woman would fall in love with him after they had a close relationship.

It's more about mutual cooperation and utilization, with at most a slight appreciation, all based on the fact that each party can help the other.

Both of them were well aware of this.

"I wonder what kind of Core Formation spiritual item Zhao Wanning will bring."

Lin Changsheng was somewhat curious.

Logically speaking, since this woman is aiming to break through to the False Core stage, even if she has Core Formation materials, she should be the first to use them. As for him, they should be slightly inferior.

Even so, it's not bad.

This is the second Core Formation spiritual item that Lin Changsheng could potentially obtain, besides the 'Heavenly Sand Fruit' he obtained from the fake Core Formation True Person Gong Wanliang back then.