Chapter 105: The Secret of the Primordial Cauldron
Chapter 105: Chapter 105: The Secret of the Primordial Cauldron
’With this, all the [Mortal Filth Treasure Seeds] have finished evolving. All five Species Positions are now empty, having reverted to [Muddy Evil]. In other words, I now have a full ten Muddy Evil Species Positions available for Spirit Stealing Metamorphosis.’
Lin Changheng let out a sigh, then used his [Spirit Detecting Skill] to inspect the condition of his Spirit Roots.
The most prominent, of course, was his Fire Spirit Root, with twenty-five strands of Spiritual Charm!
’Just six more strands of Spiritual Charm, and it’ll upgrade directly to thirty-one strands, becoming a Middle Grade Spirit Root.’
’The [Flame-tailed Spirit Fox Treasure Seed] is already at the Third Layer, with the potential for two more. All I need to do now is find some Fire Element [Muddy Evil] Essence Blood and perform Spirit Stealing up to the Fourth Layer, and that should be enough.’
’Once I’ve settled matters here, I’ll head straight to the Cyan Spirit District and begin collecting.’
Now that his status had risen and his strength had reached the Eighth Layer of Qi Cultivation—not to mention having a Divine Power True Intent and three great Demon Techniques at his disposal—he could afford to be a little more conspicuous. As long as he didn’t overdo it, he wasn’t afraid of a little trouble.
He then inspected his remaining Spirit Roots—
Wood Spirit Root: nineteen strands of Spiritual Charm.
Earth Spirit Root: twelve strands of Spiritual Charm.
Metal Spirit Root: eight strands of Spiritual Charm.
Water Spirit Root: five strands of Spiritual Charm.
His newly transformed Earth Spirit Root had now reached the Lower Grade.
...
Gazing at the dozen or so remaining bottles of [Mountain-moving Ape] Essence Blood on the table, Lin Changheng’s eyes flickered with thought.
’I can continue with Spirit Stealing and evolve a new [Muddy Evil] Treasure Seed.’
However, he first pulled the Study of the Wild Demonic Spirit Beasts from his Storage Bag and began flipping through it, searching for the entry on the [Mountain-moving Ape].
It didn’t take him long to find it.
He scanned the entry, a little surprised at what he read.
The [Mountain-moving Ape] was mostly found in mountainous regions, getting its name from its habit of throwing boulders, as if it were "moving" mountains.
It was an Earth Element, ape-type Demon Beast.
Its body was almost entirely covered in white fur, except for a ring of long, hard black mane around its neck, which protected that vital point.
Reading further, he saw that the compendium recorded four Demon Skills for the [Mountain-moving Ape]:
"Giant Strength," "Rock Armor," "Thunderous Roar," and "Melt Mountain"!
For some reason, perhaps because the beast was unusual, the compendium dedicated a surprising amount of text to its Demon Techniques, not skimping on the details.
[Giant Strength] was self-explanatory; an augmentation of physical power was necessary to hurl massive boulders, after all.
[Rock Armor], as its name implied, was a defensive Demon Beast Talent. The beast could condense earth and rock to form a hard layer of armor over its body, causing its defensive power to skyrocket. It could even reflect certain magical attacks.
[Thunderous Roar] was likely an evolution of its chest-beating habit. By tilting its head to the sky, pounding its chest, and letting out a furious roar, the sound waves would mix with Demonic Power to trigger an earthquake. The ground would fracture and rock spikes would jut out, causing enemies within range to become unsteady and suffer internal injuries.
[Melt Mountain] was suspected to be a cultivation technique that allowed the beast to cultivate by consuming mountains and peaks. The compendium lacked detail on this, only offering a single note: "Suspected to be related to the powerful physique of this race."
After reviewing these four abilities, Lin Changheng realized they were all akin to Body Refining techniques, designed for a powerful demonic physique.
This also matched what Mo Zhaoli had said earlier about them being "tough-skinned and thick-fleshed" and "extremely difficult to kill."
Lin Changheng was currently most interested in [Giant Strength] and [Melt Mountain]. The former was a direct boost to strength, while the latter, if it was truly a cultivation technique, was something quite mysterious and profound.
’These Talents are barely satisfactory, but acceptable.’
That was Lin Changheng’s assessment after careful consideration.
’The fact that these beasts are numerous is a huge advantage, since it means I can acquire enough Essence Blood.’
"Spirit Stealing."
Lin Changheng had made his decision.
He poured the remaining Essence Blood into a basin and absorbed it all in a single pull.
A dark-yellow Treasure Seed slowly materialized within his Primordial Cauldron.
[Mountain-moving Ape Treasure Species - Spirit Stealing Metamorphosis]
[Spirit Stealing: 7/100]
[Utility: Possesses Muddy Evil Bloodline and innate Earth Attribute. Carries the Lifebound Talents "Giant Strength," "Rock Armor," and "Melt Mountain." Upon Spirit Stealing Success, one may be chosen to be Refined into the user.]
’I can only choose one of three Talents to Refine into myself?’
Lin Changheng was taken aback.
’What about the [Thunderous Roar] Talent? Did the Primordial Cauldron not extract it via Spirit Stealing because it was too weak? Or was it simply not prominent enough within the bloodline to manifest?’
But then he recalled that his own Origin Treasure Seed had only yielded three Talents through Spirit Stealing—[Clear Heart], [Wisdom], and [Enhanced Enlightenment]. ’As a member of the Human Race, I definitely have more than just three Talents!’
’It must be prioritizing them according to some rule.’
’That’s it!’
A look of understanding dawned in Lin Changheng’s eyes. ’That’s it! Whether it’s my Origin Treasure Seed, a Demon Beast Treasure Seed, or any other Treasure Seed in the future, it’s like a great tree laden with countless fruits. The Primordial Cauldron uses Essence Blood to nurture it, and from among all those fruits, it selects the three best, strongest, or most suitable options, presenting them through the Treasure Seed for me to choose from.’
’So that’s why every time I choose one Talent, the other two options wither and fade. Their hazy energy and spiritual charm are channeled into my remaining Treasure Seeds. I’ve noticed it afterward—the remaining seeds of that same type become fuller, their glow more brilliant!’
’So it’s not that each Demon Beast Race only has three Talents, but that these three simply have the most value for cultivation!’
With the passage of time and his continuous exploration and contemplation, Lin Changheng was slowly uncovering the secrets of the Primordial Cauldron, one corner at a time.
...
「Three days passed in a flash.」
The previous day, Ink Master had sent a messenger to invite Lin Changheng, and the three of them—Lin Changheng, Ink Master, and Mo Zhaoli—had shared a simple meal.
During the meal, Mo Zhaoli had bid Lin Changheng farewell, explaining that with her mission drawing near, she had little time left and needed to depart soon.
Lin Changheng did not make a show of trying to keep her. He merely gave a slight nod and said a simple, "Be careful."
He also learned that Mo Zhaoli and the Xu Family had reached a special mutual support agreement. The Xu Family would provide Mo Zhaoli with certain resources, and in return, she would be expected to "look after" the Xu Family in the future.
The exact nature of this "looking after" wasn’t specified, leaving it entirely up to Mo Zhaoli’s "conscience" in the future.
This was a calculated gesture of "goodwill" from the Xu Family, designed to prevent Mo Zhaoli from feeling resentful or pressured.
It looked like a high-stakes gamble.
In reality, however, it was a display of the Xu Family’s confidence in their control over the family and their grasp of human nature.
The crux of the matter was Ink Master and Lin Changheng.
As long as they didn’t alienate these two, and with the addition of the Xu Family’s essentially unconditional gift, Mo Zhaoli would naturally feel indebted. If, in the future, Mo Zhaoli—as a Foundation Establishment Cultivator of an Upper Sect—were to speak up for them at a critical juncture, a single sentence might be enough to change the Xu Family’s fate.
For Mo Zhaoli, it was even simpler.
’How could there be such a good deal?’ Only a fool would turn down Spirit Stones, and she had already taken the Xu Family’s favor to heart.
Even if she hadn’t, she wouldn’t have been able to get it past her grandfather.
She was able to venture out with peace of mind knowing that Ink Master was living so comfortably and enjoying his retirement with the Xu Family. In this, the family’s role was significant.
...
As an observer, Lin Changheng saw the situation even more clearly.
On one hand, Mo Zhaoli was truly strapped for cash and needed the support.
On the other hand, the Xu Family had been promoted to a Foundation Establishment Clan. With their new Marketplace flourishing, they had plenty of Spirit Stones on the books and needed to continue investing in their future foundation.
It was a perfect match, so their immediate agreement was only natural.
...
The evening he saw off Mo Zhaoli.
Tantai Feiyue, knowing Lin Changheng was also about to leave, came to pay a "formal visit."
And then, she didn’t leave.
In fact, she was exceptionally proactive, requiring no effort from Lin Changheng whatsoever.
At one point,
Tantai Feiyue even took out the ceremonial pheasant robe she wore when she had been granted her additional title.
The robe, embroidered with twelve rows of pheasant patterns amidst five-colored clouds and dragons, was draped halfway across her body.
On her head sat a phoenix coronet, lavishly adorned with pearls and jade, from which beaded tassels dangled at her temples. A long, embroidered stole draped over her shoulders, and a jade belt was loosely fastened at her waist...
"Such pleasure... I fear I will never forget this moment for as long as I live..."
The sound of a sharp intake of breath came from the dumbfounded Lin Changheng, his voice slowly following, echoing off the rafters, unending, until the light of dawn.