Sunrise and sunset, spring to autumn.
In the blink of an eye, eight years have passed.
Linglong Immortal City.
A small courtyard located in a secluded corner.
"Huh~ Another day."
Chen Sheng walked into the courtyard.
He slowly took off the guard robe imprinted with the city guard patrol emblem.
Casually hung it on a simple wooden rack.
Not long after arriving at Linglong Immortal City.
Chen Sheng relied on his Qi Cultivation Perfection level.
Successfully joined the patrol squad on the outskirts of Linglong.
He wasn't here to "earn Spirit Stones."
That wasn't his purpose for this trip,
it was mainly to discard his identity as an Alchemist, to avoid leaving unnecessary traces.
At the same time.
The patrol squad.
Has legitimate reasons to stay in the city long-term, move around, and pay attention to any subtle movements.
Chen Sheng held this identity.
All sorts of basic information would naturally gather around him.
The silent workings of this vast Immortal City, the details of various guards.
Even some unknown gaps.
Would gradually become known to him.
This was ideal for Chen Sheng to formulate his plans.
...
From the beginning, Chen Sheng abandoned specialized information gathering through channels like Fengyu Tower.
As the saying goes, a bird leaves a shadow, a man leaves a trace.
The more secretive the affair,
the less you can leave traces of inquisition.
You investigate others,
others can also investigate you.
These intelligence organizations operate on both sides.
Through these channels, Chen Sheng might be sold out before he even takes action.
Chen Sheng only trusts himself.
He also has enough patience!
Eights years like this.
Three thousand days and nights of rotation, patrolling, casual chat, silence.
Chen Sheng worked diligently.
In the eyes of his colleagues, he has become the diligent, taciturn, cultivation-stalled old hand "Captain Chen".
Chen Sheng became increasingly familiar with the situation of Linglong Immortal City.
The choice of patrol paths, activation of the defense array, the fastest rescue time...
He comprehended all situations clearly.
At this moment.
The plan in Chen Sheng's heart quietly perfected.
...
He pushed the door open.
And walked into the dimly lit inner hall.
Chen Sheng picked up a coarse pottery teapot and brewed himself a cup of the most ordinary Spirit Tea.
He slowly leaned back into a smooth bamboo recliner, letting out a comfortable sigh.
Chen Sheng rarely closed his eyes without meditating or adjusting his breath.
He simply "napped" for a while, like a truly exhausted old man drained by time.
As he grows older.
Chen Sheng's energy gradually wanes.
The Body Refining Cultivator's physique cannot withstand the ravages of time.
He almost sighs internally and mutters to himself:
"Come to think of it, I'm already a hundred and ten years old."
"Time passes too quickly, unknowingly, it's been fifty years since Chen'Er disappeared..."
Many memories flash through his mind.
Chen Sheng exhales a turbid breath, and a thought arises:
"It's time to get to work."
...
Chongyun Treasure Pavilion.
The entrance is grand and imposing.
This is the business of the Lin Clan of Chongyun.
For decades,
the Lin Clan has been quite prosperous, having two Foundation Establishment Cultivators in succession.
Currently, they have four Foundation Establishment Cultivators, and the ancestor Lin Tunan is a Mid-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator.
There is always a Foundation Establishment Cultivator stationed here throughout the year.
Lin Zhenbei.
He is also a heavyweight figure in the Lin Clan.
The nephew of Lin Tunan, Grand Elder of the Lin Clan.
Besides being an Early Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator, he is also the Lin Clan's only Tier Two Refiner, enjoying considerable prestige in Linglong Immortal City!
...
Chen Sheng arrives here.
Looking at the displayed magical artifacts.
A dazzling array, glimmering with Spirit Light.
Beside him stands an attendant in neat attire, with a gentle smile on his face.
Chen Sheng steps forward, cautiously stating his purpose:
"I, an old man, wish to custom order a Top Grade Puppet."
"Here are my requirements."
As he speaks,
he hands over a Jade Scroll.
Contained within is his request for the puppet.
The attendant's eyes light up upon hearing this.
He does not take the Jade Scroll but respectfully offers a cup of Spirit Tea.
"Please wait for a moment, Sir."
"I'll bring the steward over."
Soon after.
A middle-aged steward in splendid attire approaches, with Qi Cultivation Eighth Layer level.
He gives Chen Sheng a once-over, then speaks:
"I am Lin Xuan."
"Sir wishes to order a Top Grade Puppet?"
Chen Sheng hurriedly bows, lowering his posture:
"Indeed, I am Chen Yuanfu, a patrol captain in the city."
"Sigh, the descendants at home are not capable, fearing that after a hundred years there will be no one to protect."
"With lifelong savings, I wish to leave behind a protective item to safeguard the household."
"Thus, even if this old life ends, I can depart in peace."
As he speaks.
Chen Sheng passes the Jade Scroll forward.
Lin Xuan takes the Jade Scroll from Chen Sheng and scans it with Spiritual Sense, frowning:
"With Deep Sea Profound Silver as the skeleton, Top Grade Tree Resin for joints, leaving room for a pilot, enhancing melee defense, and being blood-bound."
"Tsk tsk, your requirements are far more complex than a typical Top Grade Puppet; several materials are Tier Two, making it more than twice as difficult!"
Lin Xuan glances at Chen Sheng, his expression becoming somewhat playful:
"This puppet of yours is quite challenging."
"Only Master Zhenbei can handle this task."
"The price... won't be cheap, right?"
He pauses, observing Chen Sheng's reaction.
Chen Sheng's throat moves, his expression quite hesitant, his voice somewhat parched:
"Even a Tier One Magical Artifact requires a master's hand?"
"Then I wonder... how many Spirit Stones are needed?"
Lin Xuan holds out his hand, indicating a number:
"At least, eight thousand Spirit Stones."
Chen Sheng sharply inhales, his body slightly swaying.
"Eight... eight thousand?!"
His voice carries a noticeable tremor.
This price.
Is enough to purchase a Tier Two Lower Grade Magical Artifact.
For a "patrol captain," it is undoubtedly an astronomical number.
Lin Xuan seems quite satisfied with this effect, a slight curve to his mouth, and slows his tone to explain: