Steady Mortal Path: Starting from Obtaining the Golden Core Inheritance

Chapter 396 Decisive Retreat

When the two immense divine senses collided, the invisible spiritual power fluctuated, and the residual force alone exceeded the Golden Core realm.

Not only Jin Mengqiao, but everyone else was stunned and deeply shocked.

"The other side actually has a late-stage Golden Core cultivator in charge!"

"This person's spiritual sense is powerful, almost on par with mine, and has also reached the quasi-fourth rank. Could he be from a Nascent Soul level force?"

Not far away, a bloated man on a palanquin had a somber expression and was filled with doubt and unease.

In the world of cultivation, although the strength of a cultivator's spiritual sense varies, the difference is never too great within the same realm.

Only by being nourished by rare and precious materials, or by practicing some special secret techniques, can one establish a slight advantage.

Ordinary independent cultivators or cultivators from small forces can make improvements in their cultivation techniques, secret arts, magic weapons, and treasures by spending the same amount of money, which is more cost-effective.

Therefore, usually only those from powerful forces or those with special opportunities will specifically cultivate their divine sense.

"As a third-tier array master, I have studied array formations for hundreds of years, honing my skills day and night. With the addition of spiritual items and secret techniques, I have achieved my current 'quasi-fourth-tier' level of spiritual sense. This boy is able to rival me in terms of spiritual sense, so he is probably not an ordinary late-stage Golden Core cultivator."

As he pondered, the overweight man raised his head, his gaze fixed on the carriages behind the caravan, a thoughtful expression on his face.

In their previous encounter, he not only confirmed that the opponent's spiritual strength was no less than his own, but also felt a sense of crisis when the opponent made a move, which made him immediately wary.

"It is truly remarkable that I have achieved such cultivation. I have also put in a lot of effort to integrate the five sects of the Sand Alliance. If I plan properly, I am expected to break through to the Nascent Soul realm within twenty years. At this time, it would be a loss to fight against an unfamiliar late-stage Golden Core cultivator."

Beside him sat numerous cultivators wearing black bamboo hats. Facing a late-stage Golden Core cultivator, they dared not make any rash moves and remained waiting for his orders.

A moment later, the fat on his face trembled, and he slightly opened his mouth, using his quasi-fourth-level divine sense to send a telepathic message that only a Nascent Soul cultivator could detect.

Upon hearing this, Lin Changsheng, who was sitting calmly in the carriage, was slightly taken aback but not surprised after sensing the content of the telepathic message.

After a moment's thought, he also initiated a telepathic communication.

At this moment, the arena was completely silent.

The two groups of cultivators maintained a standoff, but neither dared to make a move.

Only the two Golden Core cultivators could vaguely sense the fluctuations of divine sense transmission coming from in front of them, clearly indicating that the late-stage Golden Core cultivators behind them were engaged in some kind of negotiation.

However, the specific details remain unknown to outsiders.

……

During this period.

Jin Meng and Liu Huan exchanged glances, their magical auras slowly rising as they prepared for a tough battle that could come at any moment.

Although the situation is unfavorable to them and the outlook is not optimistic.

Fortunately, our side also has a late-stage Golden Core cultivator in charge, so we are not entirely without the ability to fight.

But to their surprise, after a short while, the enemy cultivators seemed to receive some kind of command, began to regroup, and then decisively retreated.

"The cultivators... have retreated!?"

"How is this going?"

The unexpected scene surprised Jin Mengqiao and Liu Huan, but also made them feel deeply relieved.

They immediately turned their gazes toward the carriage behind them.

"This person's spiritual sense is not weak, surpassing that of ordinary Golden Core cultivators. It seems he also has a chance to reach the Nascent Soul realm. Moreover, he exudes a subtle aura of restriction, suggesting he is proficient in the art of formations and restrictions. In this light, it is not surprising that he possesses extraordinary spiritual sense."

Sensing the other person's aura recede, Lin Changsheng had a rough assessment of their strength.

Both of them were late-stage Golden Core cultivators with exceptional spiritual senses and keen perception, enabling them to detect subtle dangers to a certain extent.

Although the previous encounter was brief, it was enough to reveal some clues.

Lin Changsheng possessed the spiritual strength of the early Nascent Soul stage, far surpassing that of his opponent, and naturally captured more information.

This person is proficient in the art of formations, and to some extent, his strength is close to that of the 'Heavenly Poison Master' from my memories.

In particular, the array formations and restrictions, if prepared in advance, can make one stand out among cultivators of the same level in both offense and defense.

"With such methods, yet still maintaining a clear mind and avoiding risks, if 'Master Tiandu' had been this cautious back then, perhaps he wouldn't have met such a tragic end."

Without a doubt, even an outstanding late-stage Golden Core cultivator would not be able to avoid being suppressed by Lin Changsheng, who possesses numerous trump cards and methods.

The other party's decisive retreat and their fortunate survival made Lin Changsheng sigh with gratitude.

"Thanks to Fellow Daoist Lin for his help this time!"

At this moment, Jin Mengqiao and Liu Huan had collected all the magical treasures and arrived in front of Lin Changsheng's carriage.

"You two are too kind. If anyone should be thanked, it is Fellow Daoist Jin for his foresight and strategic planning."

"I was just doing my job because I was paid. Fortunately, I did not fail in my mission, and those robbers were willing to retreat."

Lin Changsheng remained calm and did not take credit for it.

Despite this, Jin Mengqiao and Liu Huan still dared not be negligent and showed great respect to Master Lin.

The late-stage Golden Core cultivator opposite them possessed astonishing magical power. Honestly, even if the two of them joined forces, they probably wouldn't be able to contend with him.

The fact that the opponent retreated while still having a numerical advantage naturally indicates their fear of Lin Fushi, who is also a late-stage Golden Core cultivator.

From then on, Lin Changsheng became even more unfathomable in their hearts.

……

The rest of the journey was relatively smooth.

Although they encountered a few minor setbacks along the way, Lin Changsheng did not need to intervene.

Finally, the caravan safely arrived at the territory of the Blood Demon Palace in Gunzhou, the City of Blood Demons.

Looking into the distance, one sees a vast expanse of blood-red desert, surrounded by steep, blood-red rock walls and numerous strangely shaped stone pillars. The overall landscape is predominantly black and dark red, and a faint, bloody aura permeates the air, stirring a restless urge within one's heart.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, this is the list of goods transported by the Chamber of Commerce this time. You can choose your favorite items from it, or you can choose to pay with spirit stones as payment for this task."

Upon arriving at the territory of the Bloodthirsty Immortal City, Jin Mengqiao handed over a list as promised, fulfilling her commitment before the escort.

Lin Changsheng didn't stand on ceremony. After glancing at the list briefly, he felt somewhat disappointed.

Most of them were special materials that were not suitable for transport in storage bags, so they were not of much use to Lin Changsheng. After selecting a few third-tier mother ores to expand his reserves, he paid for the rest with spirit stones.

But Jin Mengqiao seemed somewhat troubled, and said apologetically:

"I'm really sorry, but in order to participate in this auction, the Chamber of Commerce has staked almost all of its circulating spirit stones on supplies, and we are unable to make a one-time payment at the moment."

"If Fellow Daoist Lin is not in a hurry, could you please allow some time? After the auction ends, I will personally pay the outstanding spirit stones and some interest."

"Of course, if Fellow Daoist Lin takes a fancy to any treasure during the auction, our Xuanmiao Chamber of Commerce can bid for it on his behalf."

Jin Mengqiao spoke softly, seemingly having considered everything very carefully.

"It's alright. Xuanmiao Chamber of Commerce is a large and powerful organization, so I have no worries."

Lin Changsheng gave Jin Mengqiao a meaningful look with a half-smile.

Although the woman's explanation was reasonable, Lin Changsheng saw through her intentions.

The settlement of the spirit stones in one lump sum also marked the end of this employment partnership.

While it appears that they are in arrears on spirit stones, they are actually still connected with Lin Changsheng.

Lin Changsheng was well aware of Jin Mengqiao's little scheme, but he simply chose not to point it out.

After exchanging contact information, Lin Changsheng boarded a carriage and slowly drove towards the Bloodthirsty Immortal City.

However, because the carriage was unremarkable in appearance, it was quickly stopped by the disciples on duty at the city gate.

"get off!"

“Recently, there has been a large flow of people in the Bloodstained Immortal City. Everyone must verify their identity and complete the ‘temporary residence permit’ before they can enter the city.”

Outside the city gate, a Blood Demon Palace disciple responsible for verifying identities stepped forward and stopped Lin Changsheng's carriage.

Suddenly, a terrifying pressure emanated from inside the carriage, sending chills down one's spine.

Under the corrosive influence of this aura, the poor Blood Demon Palace disciple instantly turned deathly pale, and his blood seemed to freeze.

"Jindan Zhenren!"

Although the commotion was small, it instantly alerted a fake alchemist who happened to be patrolling nearby.

"I don't know which senior has graced us with their presence. I am a junior and have offended you. I hope you will forgive me."

"My surname is Hong. I have come here specifically to meet you all, Golden Core cultivators who have come from afar."

As they were talking, an elderly man in his sixties, dressed in the robes of the Blood Demon Palace, came over with a smile.

The old man held a beautifully bound booklet in gold thread as he approached the carriage.

"My surname is Lin. I am a wandering cultivator from out of town. I heard that True Monarch Blood Shadow is holding an auction, so I came here to admire your demeanor."

Lin Changsheng stepped out of the carriage and introduced himself in a friendly manner.

His words and attitude were befitting of a wandering cultivator from out of town.

"Hehe, so it's True Person Lin. Our Blood Extreme Demon Palace has specially prepared a VIP resting place for True Person Lin who has come from afar. Please come with me to that place later."

Upon hearing this, the elderly man surnamed Hong glanced at Lin Changsheng again and then began to write down his thoughts in the booklet in his hand.

Lin Changsheng glanced at it casually and found that the book contained about eighteen or nineteen names, all of whom were Golden Core cultivators.

And among the names on the list, two familiar ones were conspicuously present.

Guigu Sect, Demon Light Master.

Guigu Sect, Shen Wenyao.