Chapter 507: Chapter 292: Cultivation Breakthrough, Overall Enhancement

Hearing this, Lin Changheng’s expression remained unchanged. He reached out, took out a Jade Scroll, and after quickly inscribing something on it with his Divine Sense, tossed it directly into Yun Zhi’s hand. "Miss Yun, I mentioned before that Spiritual Materials would also be acceptable. As it happens, I am in need of some Artifact Refining Spiritual Materials. I wonder if your esteemed family could help provide a few?"

"Please see the details recorded inside."

There’s a saying that you can get away with something once, but not twice, and certainly not a third time. Lin Changheng was using this exact mentality to increase the success rate of his subsequent demands.

In his past life, this was known as the "Demolition Effect." You first propose a very high demand, like "tearing down the roof." If the other party refuses or balks, you then retreat and make a relatively smaller request, like "opening a window." The chances of them agreeing to this second request increase dramatically.

And on the list Lin Changheng had provided, the item of lowest value—or, to be more precise, the one easiest for the Yun Family to obtain—was...

[Centennial Warm Jade]!

This was the one and only key Spiritual Material Lin Changheng still lacked for the Refining of his Lifebound Treasure Embryo!

This item was quite rare, with a wide range of uses and stable demand. Whenever one appeared, it was typically intercepted by major Influences and added to their treasuries, never making it to the open market. For an ordinary Loose Cultivator, obtaining even a single piece was next to impossible, no matter how much time and Energy they spent searching.

This was the perfect moment to propose this "open a window" request!

Yun Zhi immediately lowered her head to inspect the Jade Scroll. Her expression shifted multiple times as she read, her heart sinking with every moment. It was clear this cultivator surnamed Li was making an exorbitant demand, giving her the distinct feeling of having just escaped a tiger’s den only to fall into a wolf’s maw.

But having just escaped mortal danger and been snatched from the jaws of death, she had a profound appreciation for life. Her desire to live was incredibly strong, so she certainly wasn’t about to argue, defy him, and throw her life away.

After all, this was the life-saving promise she herself had made!

Just as she was struggling with her decision, the last item on the list of Materials made her eyes brighten!

"Centennial Warm Jade?!"

The appearance of this item was like a ray of light piercing her heart, dispelling the gloom.

Its value was clearly a tier below the others, looking as if it had been tacked on as an afterthought.

But she had to grasp this opportunity firmly. With almost no hesitation, she immediately agreed, her tone even carrying a hint of cheerful relief, as if she had gotten a bargain:

"I always keep my word! Within my scope of authority, I can procure a piece of [Centennial Warm Jade]. Let this serve as my thanks to Brother Li for saving my life!"

Then, as if afraid Lin Changheng might change his mind, she quickly locked in the agreement. "Leave this to me! Once I return to my family, I will absolutely present you with the finest quality Warm Jade!"

Seeing her reaction, Lin Changheng smiled to himself. His goal was achieved.

The "Demolition Effect" had worked.

Not only had he obtained the [Centennial Warm Jade] he desperately needed, completing the final piece of the puzzle for his Magical Treasure Embryo, but he had also made Yun Zhi feel that she was the one getting the bargain. She thought she’d found a steal among a list of outrageously expensive items, making her exceptionally proactive!

The transaction was, in a word, perfect.

What followed was simple. Under Lin Changheng’s direction and witness, Yun Zhi immediately swore a Daoist Oath, turning her words into a binding promise.

Lin Changheng nodded in satisfaction and casually tossed the [Little Sumeru Sword Seal] back to Yun Zhi.

Now that the Daoist Oath was sworn, he had no fear that this core disciple of the Yun Family would tarnish her cultivation path over a single Spiritual Material. It simply wasn’t worth the price.

Besides, keeping the [Little Sumeru Sword Seal] was useless to him and could even attract the Yun Family’s hostility, which would be terrible.

’One must know when to stop!’

...

Then, Lin Changheng’s gaze swept over the ravaged battlefield and the faint, lingering scent of blood. His tone shifted as he reminded them, "This is not a place to linger. You two should clean up the scene and focus on recovering your Magical Power and healing your injuries. I have other matters to attend to, so I won’t be staying."

After speaking, he gave Yun Zhi a slight nod in acknowledgment, then spared a glance for the green-robed Female Cultivator who had been standing silently to the side. With a flicker, his form melted into the shadows of the forest as soundlessly as he had appeared, leaving the two women staring at each other, utterly bewildered.

His departure was clean and decisive, without the slightest hesitation, as if he had truly just concluded a simple, mutually beneficial transaction.

Yun Zhi gazed in the direction he had vanished, stunned for a moment before letting out a soft sigh. She turned to the green-robed Female Cultivator and said, "This Brother Li... he’s truly mysterious and unpredictable. Never mind. Let’s do as he said and leave this place as quickly as possible."

’He clearly doesn’t want to get too involved with us,’ she thought. ’This "debt of gratitude" can probably only be repaid in the "transactional" way he’ll accept.’ A burgeoning curiosity about this "Brother Li" took root in her heart, making her want to learn more about him.

...

Soon, a figure in a green robe appeared over Jade Belt Lake.

The figure paused mid-air, seemingly observing the area below, before diving straight down onto Moonrest Island.

"Brother Lin!"

Yan Mingyi, who had been watching three Spirit Beasts frolic, suddenly detected an unfamiliar presence. Her Divine Sense swept out, and an instant later, pure, unadulterated joy blossomed on her beautiful face.

"I’m back..."

Before Lin Changheng could even come to a complete stop, a soft, warm, fragrant figure threw herself into his embrace. A pair of slender arms wrapped tightly around his waist, her overwhelming longing and joy palpable.

He could feel her genuine emotions for him—it was a spontaneous eruption of feeling, not an act that could be feigned.

Feeling a wave of emotion, Lin Changheng wrapped his arms tightly around Yan Mingyi, savoring this moment of tranquility and warmth. After all, they hadn’t seen each other in over two years.

In the days that followed, Lin Changheng spent his nights in tender reunion with Yan Mingyi, recounting his experiences. He also inspected the Spirit Medicine Garden on the back of the mountain and spent some time with the three Spirit Beasts.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.