Eternal Life: I Can Harvest Demon Beast Talents

"Oh?"

Lin Changheng’s heart stirred. ’This is the benefit of having a connection,’ he thought. ’That’s why he’s giving me this kind reminder.’

’Otherwise, he would just rent out the Spiritual Land, collect the Spirit Stones, and be done with it. Whatever situations I might encounter—good, bad, or risky—would have nothing to do with him...’

"I see. Thank you for the reminder, Mr. Shangguan."

Lin Changheng naturally expressed his gratitude.

"It’s nothing."

Steward Shangguan shook his head. "However, there are two other Spiritual Lands that meet your requirements. You can hear me out and not rush to a decision."

It had to be said, Steward Shangguan’s way of doing business and handling people was exceptionally pleasant.

He was clearly a smooth operator, sharp and sophisticated.

"Please, go on."

Soon, Steward Shangguan introduced the details of two Spirit Land Cave Mansions.

He stroked his beard, objectively and clearly stating the pros and cons. His speech was steady and well-organized:

"The first location is Cui Ping Mountain, a thousand miles northwest of the Immortal City."

"The Spirit Vein in this mountain is of superior quality, reaching Tier Two Upper Grade. The Spiritual Qi is abundant and dense, enough to support a Late Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator’s Cultivation and even an attempt to break through to Core Formation."

"There are seven peaks in total available for rent, and one is currently vacant."

"On this peak, there is a spacious natural cave mansion that comes with a Warm Jade Spring, which has the effect of nourishing one’s meridians. The previous owner was an Independent Cultivator Alchemist, so a well-equipped Pill Room and prepared Spirit Fields have been left behind. This would save you a great deal of effort in setting things up."

Steward Shangguan paused for a moment before his tone shifted slightly:

"However, this place also has its shortcomings. First, its location is a bit remote. There’s no Marketplace nearby, making it somewhat inconvenient to purchase supplies and exchange information. You would have to trouble yourself with traveling back and forth to Floating Immortal City."

"Second, Cui Ping Mountain is near the outskirts of the Endless Wilderness, and Demon Beasts occasionally wander over. While it’s not a major issue, it does require extra vigilance. As for the rent, it’s one thousand five hundred Lower Grade Spirit Stones per year."

Lin Changheng nodded. The explanation had been exceptionally clear.

Steward Shangguan continued:

"The second location is on an island in Jade Belt Lake, three thousand miles southeast of the Immortal City, on the very edge of our Sect’s territory."

"Although the Spirit Vein in the lake is slightly inferior to Cui Ping Mountain’s, at about Tier Two Middle Grade, its Water Spirit Qi is exceptionally abundant and pure. It is extremely suitable for Fellow Daoists who cultivate Water or Wood Attribute Cultivation Techniques or have similar needs."

"The environment is quiet and elegant, and the Three Islands are positioned to support each other. The islands also have many unique Water Attribute Spirit Plants growing on them, which can be considered an additional source of income."

"Its drawbacks are also obvious," Steward Shangguan said frankly. "First, the Spirit Vein’s Grade is a bit low. If your Cultivation is profound or you need to make a breakthrough in the future, you might find it insufficient. Second, it’s surrounded by water. Although a Water Avoidance Array is in place, living there long-term, you’ll inevitably have to deal with some dampness, which some Cultivators may not adapt to."

"Third, it’s located on the border between two Sects, neighboring the Bixiao Sect, so security is slightly lower. There might be Tribulation Cultivators roaming and causing trouble. If something were to happen, it would be difficult for our Sect to pursue them across the border."

"The rent is a little cheaper: one thousand Spirit Stones per year."

Having finished his introduction, Steward Shangguan said no more. He simply smiled at Lin Changheng, waiting for him to deliberate, his attitude perfectly measured.

After listening, Lin Changheng quickly began to weigh the options in his mind.

’Cui Ping Peak has more abundant Spiritual Qi and comes with a Pill Room. But it’s remote, on the Wilderness Border, and carries some risk.’

’Jade Belt Lake has a nice environment, and the Spirit Vein’s Grade is sufficient. Renting the Three Islands would certainly be quieter than the seven peaks of the former option, with fewer neighbors. But the risk is also greater—there might be wandering cultivators causing trouble.’

He mulled it over for a moment, not making an immediate decision. "Thank you for the detailed explanation, Steward Shangguan," he said. "I can’t decide right away. I plan to inspect the locations myself in the coming days. I wonder, is there a detailed map available?"

"Heh heh, Alchemist Lin is indeed cautious."

Evidently, Steward Shangguan had heard of Lin Changheng’s prudent reputation. He chuckled and said, "However, choosing a cave mansion is a major decision. Alchemist Lin, you should go take a look. This is the map in a Jade Scroll."

As he spoke, a Jade Scroll flew over, and Lin Changheng reached out and caught it.

"Besides, Alchemist Lin, you can also take the opportunity to visit your potential neighbors. See what their character and temperament are like, and whether they’d be easy to get along with..."

"Thank you."

Lin Changheng did not linger. Having achieved his goal, he flew off directly.

Afterward, Lin Changheng also visited the residences of two other Sects and Daoist Schools, obtaining information about three other cave mansions for rent.

But they were clearly not as frank as Steward Shangguan, concealing certain details just to get the properties rented out, which made Lin Changheng feel uneasy.

There was a lack of trust.

The next morning, someone knocked on the door of Lin Changheng’s cave mansion.

"Is Alchemist Lin in?"

Yan Mingyi opened the door to find none other than the round-faced Lü Tong, who was looking at her with a cheerful smile.

"My master is in. Please come in, Elder Lü."

Following a command from Lin Changheng that sounded in her ear, Yan Mingyi smiled and invited him in.

The host and guest took their seats.

After some conversation, Lin Changheng learned the purpose of Lü Tong’s visit. It turned out that Lü Tong had gone to see Artifact Master Guo a few days prior on some business, and Guo had mentioned this matter during their chat.

It wasn’t exactly a secret.

So, Lü Tong immediately went back to confirm and organize the information, then came to pay a visit.

"That’s very thoughtful of you, Mr. Lü."

Lin Changheng immediately raised his cup, inviting him to drink tea.

"It’s nothing. We’re neighbors, and quite close at that. Of course I’d help with a small matter like this."

Lü Tong raised his cup in response and said with a smile.

Soon, Lin Changheng had gathered more information to weigh in his decision. It was more or less confirmed that the Spirit Vein Cave Mansions from the Bixiao Sect and Cyan Mist Temple did indeed have hidden problems.