Free Web NovelChapter 157: Chapter 147: Seventh Layer of Origin, Tier Two Alchemy Dao
He then looked over at a half-man-tall Puppet standing quietly to the side, which had just been delivered, a flicker of interest in his eyes.
It was identical to the Puppet he had seen serving tea in the Yan Family’s home.
A creation of Yan Mingyi.
"Puppet Control Skill."
Lin Changheng pressed the accompanying Jade Scroll to his forehead and saw three large words.
Tier One [Puppet Control Skill]. As the name suggested, it was a Magic technique for controlling Tier One Puppets.
With this Skill, one could command and control a Puppet.
However, the final precision of the Puppet’s control and the extent of the power it could display depended on the Cultivator’s mastery of the [Puppet Control Skill] and the level of their Divine Thought.
"Move."
After refining the Puppet according to the Magic Technique, Lin Changheng immediately cast the [Puppet Control Skill] with a silent command.
Given Lin Changheng’s current comprehension, he grasped this Basic Level [Puppet Control Skill] in an instant, understanding it completely.
The effect was immediate. A yellow light flashed in the Puppet’s eyes, and it began to move.
In less than fifteen minutes, he had familiarized himself with its practical operation.
Serving tea, tilling soil, pulling weeds, feeding the young turtle...
There were no issues.
From now on, Lin Changheng could avoid doing these chores himself.
However, to have it perform tasks "automatically," he would need at least a Tier Two Puppet, which would have a small, built-in Array to solidify its behavior patterns.
’This is a support-type Tier One Lower Grade Puppet of Masterpiece quality. It’s perfect for daily use, a gift personally refined by Yan Mingyi, but it’s far too weak for combat.’
’However, Puppet Master Yan also promised to refine two Upper Grade Masterpiece Puppets for me, which I can use for fighting then.’
’He only charged me the cost of materials, which is roughly the same as an Upper Grade Masterpiece Magical Artifact. I saved a few hundred Spirit Stones.’
Lin Changheng smiled faintly.
This was the result of cultivating his network.
After three years of friendship, when Lin Changheng made his request, Puppet Master Yan agreed with almost no hesitation, even moving him up the queue to refine them.
Yan Mingyi, a Lower Grade Puppet Master approaching Middle Grade, had even taken the initiative to offer to refine this support-type Lower Grade Puppet for "Brother Lin," since Lin Changheng had shown considerable interest in them when they first met.
It could also handle some miscellaneous tasks for him.
Lin Changheng naturally didn’t refuse and even gifted her a [Solid Face Pill].
Three years had passed, and Yan Mingyi was now nineteen, just beginning to blossom into a young woman.
She had become quite concerned with her appearance and had asked Lin Changheng for beauty tips on several occasions. So, when she saw this Masterpiece-quality [Solid Face Pill], her limpid, autumn-water eyes immediately lit up.
"Thank you, Brother Lin!"
Yan Mingyi was overcome with surprise and delight, quickly accepting it with both hands. She looked up at Lin Changheng and saw his calm expression and the faint smile on his lips, which seemed especially gentle at that moment.
...
The Immortal City Auction was set to begin today.
Lin Changheng had his Spirit Stones ready and was waiting to spend them.
However, it was worth noting that Lin Changheng’s reputation had been growing. His fame for his exquisite Alchemy Skill had spread, eventually reaching the ears of the auction’s organizers.
As a result, just as he was about to buy a ticket for the auction, he received an early gift from the organizers: a VIP seat in the Earth Pavilion.
There were four levels in total: Celestial, Earth, Profound, and Yellow.
The seats arranged in the main hall below the auction platform were the Profound and Yellow Levels. The difference was that the Profound Level seats were more comfortable, more spacious, and had a better view than the Yellow Level.
Naturally, they were also more expensive!
The Celestial and Earth Levels were both VIP seats, located in private pavilions above the Profound and Yellow levels.
There was no difference in luxury between them; the Celestial Level simply consisted of larger pavilions that could accommodate more people and were situated at a higher position.
Lin Changheng graciously accepted and established a connection with the auction organizers. They mentioned that in the future, they might ask Alchemist Lin to help appraise Elixirs or refine special ones to be sold as auction items, adding to the variety.
"Of course, of course."
One doesn’t turn away a friendly gesture, so Lin Changheng naturally wouldn’t refuse.
...
Arriving at the auction house’s location.
A massive palace appeared before his eyes.
It was constructed entirely of Profound Black Jade, which gleamed with a cold luster under the sunlight. The roof’s eaves curved up like swords, and a lifelike Flood Dragon statue coiled on top. Its eyes were inlaid with Crimson Crystal Stones, and a faint Spiritual Light flowed within them, making it seem as if it could soar into the sky at any moment.
"I heard it was modeled after Qing Lan Wanderer’s Tier Three Spirit Beast, the [Cyan Glaze Flood Dragon]."
A low voice explained from nearby. The Flood Dragon was so eye-catching that it immediately drew the attention of most people arriving.
’The Cyan Glaze Flood Dragon?’
Lin Changheng repeated the name to himself, his gaze on the Flood Dragon statue turning slightly fervent with a certain longing.
’How wonderful would it be if I could take its Essence Blood?’
But it was just a fleeting thought. A Tier Three Spirit Beast was equivalent to a Human Race Cultivator at the Core Formation Stage. A single Breath from this Flood Dragon could probably turn him to dust!
’No wonder Qing Lan Wanderer’s position in the Immortal City is as firm as a mountain. This Tier Three Spiritual Flood Dragon must play a significant role.’
It was equivalent to having two Core Formation Cultivators who cooperated with perfect synergy and unquestioning obedience!
The deterrent effect was even greater!
...
He followed the crowd forward.
In the square before the palace, dozens of cultivators in uniform black robes stood solemnly. Jade Tokens engraved with the two characters "Fusheng" hung from their waists. Their auras were stable; all of them were at the Ninth Layer of Qi Cultivation.
The leader, whose Late Stage Foundation Establishment pressure was contained, had a pair of sharp, knife-like eagle eyes. He watched as his subordinates inspected the qualifications of the attendees one by one.
"Fellow Daoist, please present your token," a Black Robe Cultivator said coldly.
Lin Changheng’s expression was calm as he retrieved a gilt-edged invitation from his sleeve.
The cultivator’s eyes flashed upon seeing it. He immediately stepped aside. "So it is an honored guest. Please follow the attendant to the Earth Pavilion."
A pretty Maid quickly stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Senior, please follow me."
Following a special passage, he stepped into the hall, and the space opened up before him.
The dome was over a hundred feet high, embedded with countless Luminous Pearls like an inverted river of stars. In the center was a massive White Jade Auction Platform, flanked by seating that was almost completely full.
Encircling the space above were two levels of private pavilions, shrouded in a faint Spiritual Mist that was difficult to penetrate even with Divine Sense, though one could vaguely make out the flickering shadows of figures within.
’This really can’t be compared to a Marketplace auction.’
Lin Changheng praised silently.
Entering one of the Earth Pavilions, he sniffed lightly. The air was filled with the scent of Clear Heart sandalwood, and he could faintly hear the pleasant sound of string and bamboo instruments.
The Maid explained softly, "The Auction will begin in half an hour. Senior may enjoy some Spirit Tea and Spirit Fruits first."
Lin Changheng nodded slightly. His gaze passed through the Spiritual Mist, seeing everything clearly without obstruction.
After looking around for a moment, Lin Changheng noticed the Maid was still standing quietly to the side and had not left. He couldn’t help but frown slightly.
"Why haven’t you left? Is there something else?"
The sudden question startled the Maid. She quickly explained, "The Auction has a rule. If we are attending to a senior or young master in the Celestial or Earth Pavilions, this servant is to accompany them for the duration of the auction."
As she spoke, her fair cheeks flushed slightly.
Hearing this, Lin Changheng’s expression turned strange. He looked the woman up and down; she was indeed graceful, slender where she should be slender, and buxom where she should be buxom.
It was obvious she was his to command, for him to do with as he pleased.
’But I have my own secrets, and I plan to bid on items. It’s not appropriate to have someone else present.’
"That’s enough. There’s no need for you to serve here."
He waved his hand, dismissing her.
"Yes, Young Master."
The Maid replied respectfully, but there was a hint of regret in her voice.
...
Time slowly passed until a melodious bell suddenly chimed throughout the hall.
CLANG—
Everyone’s gaze involuntarily turned toward the auction platform as they roused their spirits.
The Auction had begun.
A beautiful Female Cultivator walked onto the stage. Her posture was elegant, and her pretty face held a smile that was both comforting and convincing.
Then, her clear and melodious voice rang out, "Welcome, everyone, to..."
In the Earth Pavilion, Lin Changheng completely ignored these pleasantries. He closed his eyes and continued to refine his Magical Power with the [Red Sky Profound Flame] in his Dantian.
He left only a sliver of his Heart and Spirit focused on the outside world, listening for any strong reactions and for the names of the auction items announced by the female host.
WHOOSH~
The flame danced, and time passed with it.
About two hours later.
Lin Changheng finally heard a certain phrase.
"Tier Two Alchemy Dao!"
