I Cultivate Immortality With Scientific Thinking

Chapter 8: Selling Magic Tricks

In this world of cultivating immortality, practitioners comprehend the Great Dao, obtain a method from the Dao, and seek an art from the method.

Lin Chen is not quite clear about what the Great Dao mentioned in this world refers to, but according to his estimation, it should be something similar to the Riemann Hypothesis and quantum physics from his previous life, which appear to be quite terrifying.

In any case, it is extremely difficult, but once mastered, it allows one to understand the entire world.

As for the method, it refers to the knowledge that summarizes and expands upon cultivation techniques, alchemy basics, and feng shui.

As for the art, it refers to the means by which cultivators manipulate spiritual energy. For example, pill formulas, spirit weapon crafting methods... and most importantly, the crucial art of protecting the Dao.

The art of protecting the Dao is referred to differently based on the practitioner's realm and abilities.

For example, the art of protecting the Dao at the Qi Refining Stage is called "magic tricks" because cultivators at this stage cannot mobilize the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. They can only use their own True Qi for attacks, which has limited power and means, hence it is called "magic tricks".

When one reaches the Foundation Building Stage, cultivators give birth to "spiritual perception" and can forcibly mobilize the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. The power and means become stronger and more diverse, hence it is called "spiritual arts".

As for the Gold Core stage? According to the records in the sect's classics, at the Gold Core stage, one needs to transform all their means and thoughts during cultivation into a fundamental art, from which countless methods can be derived.

This art is not only used for protection and killing, but also for one's own cultivation. More importantly, according to the speculations of the predecessors, cultivators can even comprehend the unfathomable Dao through this.

This fundamental art is called "magic arts".

However, to summarize one's cultivation with a broad perspective and achieve the unity of all methods, this is the ability possessed by cultivators at the Gold Core stage. Lin Chen is still far from this. What he is more concerned about now is whether he can sell his improved magic tricks at a good price.

If we were to talk about a stable and profitable business in the shops of the Immortal Cultivation World, it would not be arrays, talismans, or even pills and spirit weapons, but rather cultivation techniques and secret arts!

Because arrays are generally unaffordable for ordinary cultivators, talismans require manual labor costs no matter how much they are squeezed, and special talismans require higher prices. Pills and spirit weapons are even more risky. If one is lucky, they can make a big profit, but if luck is not on their side and they invest a lot of spirit medicine and spiritual materials only to fail in refining, then it would be a huge loss.

Cultivation techniques and secret arts are different. As long as the original purchase is made and the transmission is restricted by special prohibitions, the shops can repeatedly sell them, thus obtaining a continuous source of profit.

Not to mention, Lin Chen's improved magic trick templates have never appeared in the market before and have special value, which can bring in huge profits!

Moreover, the Bai Bao Tower can turn these improved magic tricks into its own signature, establishing a unique characteristic and increasing its competitiveness, thus gaining more fame in the market!

And fame in the market is directly linked to profits!

Lin Chen smiled faintly, seeing the other party's words and actions, and couldn't help but feel a little moved. It seems that these improved magic trick templates are far more valuable than he imagined.

Fang Mingyuan picked up the jade slip and carefully read a part of its contents. Only then did he realize his own loss of composure and that Lin Chen had seen through many things, which would greatly disadvantage him in negotiating the price later on.

But at this moment, he was more concerned about another issue. He looked at Lin Chen with a piercing gaze, his tone containing a hint of urgency: "I wonder if this improved magic trick was done by Fellow Daoist?"

Compared to this improved magic trick, he cared more about the person who could improve it.

Because in the Immortal Cultivation World, most people rarely think about the essence of cultivation, only focusing on resources, promotion, and lifespan. They rarely consider improving their methods and techniques.

This is partly due to the inertia of thinking, and partly due to their own comprehension.

Ordinary people don't even know how long it takes to learn various magic tricks and spiritual arts, let alone integrate and improve them.

And the uniquely improved magic tricks not only have a power different from ordinary ones, but can even become the foundation of a family or a sect's inheritance!

Therefore, those who can achieve this level are enough to become honored guests of major families and sects.

"Manager Fang, don't joke around," Lin Chen smiled bitterly, "If I had such ability, I would have long become an honored guest of the Qingyun Sect. Why would I come here?"

"This is just something I obtained from a senior's Cave Mansion. If it weren't for the urgent need for a defensive Spirit Weapon, I wouldn't even bring it out."

This magic trick was naturally improved by Lin Chen, but of course, he wouldn't admit it.

Although exposing himself could potentially make him an honored guest of major forces and enjoy abundant cultivation resources, he could also be imprisoned and used for research.

Lin Chen wasn't that foolish to leave his safety in the hands of others and rely on their kindness.

So far, he had never had any intention of revealing himself.

If it weren't for deducing the possibility of war and the urgent need for abundant resources for the research of the Soul Nurturing Incense 3.0 version, which would affect his future path, he wouldn't take this risk.

Although this move also carried risks, Lin Chen was clear that he didn't have a system or an Immortal Weapon. He could only obtain resources by himself, so he had to take risks and fight for it in order to advance further.

Lin Chen was never the kind of person who would always choose to be cautious. In his opinion, caution was only to hide his edge. But if he discovered an opportunity where the benefits outweighed the risks, he would definitely take action.

Moreover, he was not a person without a plan.

"I only brought out an improved magic trick, not a creative one, so it shouldn't attract the attention of Foundation Building Stage cultivators. Even if I can't beat Qi Refining Stage cultivators, I can still escape..."

Lin Chen had also made the worst-case scenario calculation after bringing out the improved magic trick.

"Is that so?" Fang Mingyuan stared at Lin Chen intently, as if trying to see something from his face. But the other party's expression was so genuine that he couldn't figure it out.

Could it be that the other party really just happened to obtain it?

"Manager Fang, since we're doing business, as long as there's profit, the source doesn't matter, right?" Lin Chen asked in return.

"Fellow Daoist is right," Fang Mingyuan nodded in agreement, realizing that he couldn't extract any useful information.

"However, even though it's an improved trick, we still need to test its power. Would Fellow Daoist be willing to test it with us?" Fang Mingyuan asked.

"Of course," Lin Chen nodded.

Soon after, Fang Mingyuan made hand gestures as if communicating something, and shortly after, a middle-aged man pushed open the door and walked in.

Hmm?

Lin Chen's eyes moved and looked at the man. He had a strong build, a stern face, and emitted a sharp aura. Especially his eyes, they had an indescribable sharpness.

"This is Wang Ping, the captain of our Bai Bao Lou's guard team," Fang Mingyuan explained with a smile. "Please cooperate with us in testing this newly improved trick, Fellow Daoist Zhang."

Lin Chen glanced at him and nodded, "Alright."

"This is our guest, Fellow Daoist Zhang Ping. We hope you can cooperate with us in testing this new improved trick," Wang Ping looked at Lin Chen indifferently and nodded, "Naturally."

Since there was no testing ground available in Bai Bao Lou, the three of them had to go to a specific location in the market for the test.

Inside the testing ground.

"Next, please use this trick on Wang Ping, Fellow Daoist," Fang Mingyuan said after they arrived at the location.

"No target practice?" Lin Chen glanced at him.

"This trick is meant for actual combat," Fang Mingyuan replied.

Lin Chen understood his meaning. Target practice could only test the power of the trick, but couldn't determine its value in actual combat.

Lin Chen looked at Wang Ping, who stood about ten meters away, surrounded by a small yellow shield. It was a normal defensive Spirit Weapon that matched the defense and evasion abilities of ordinary cultivators.

"So, we're using the defense and evasion abilities of ordinary cultivators as a reference to judge the value of this trick?" Lin Chen thought to himself.

"Since that's the case, then I'll do as Manager Fang said," Lin Chen smiled confidently.

Then, Lin Chen raised his right hand abruptly, and his entire aura underwent a tremendous change, emitting a chilling aura.

Wang Ping's pupils contracted as, in his perception, Lin Chen transformed from a harmless little white rabbit into a ferocious tiger ready to devour its prey.

"Condense!" Lin Chen coldly uttered a syllable, and then True Qi surged within him, forming a long spear in front of him.

The spear was golden, with vivid fiery red patterns spreading along its body, exuding a scorching and sharp aura that directly distorted the surrounding air.

"Go!" Lin Chen glanced at Wang Ping and then directly controlled the golden spear to fly towards him.

"This is... the Golden Spear Technique?" Wang Ping was stunned.

The Golden Spear Technique was a powerful Qi Refining Stage spiritual art in terms of attack power, but it was only used in conflicts between forces because of its slow flight speed, which made it easy to dodge.

"Where is the improvement in this spiritual art? Could it be..." Wang Ping hadn't finished his thoughts when the golden spear in front of him suddenly exploded.

Raging flames surged forth, accompanied by a dazzling golden light.

Not good!

Wang Ping's expression changed, and his muscles tensed as he raised his shield.

Bang!

With one strike, Wang Ping was sent flying backward. Before he could stabilize his figure, the flames immediately engulfed him completely.

"Good!" Fang Mingyuan, who was on the side, had a burning gaze and didn't care about Wang Ping's situation. Instead, he cheered loudly.

Obviously, he was more concerned about the power of this trick.

"Cough cough!" As the flames dissipated, a figure walked out.

Wang Ping wiped away the blood from the corner of his mouth and looked at the obvious cracks on his shield, speaking with some wariness.

"This... this spiritual art's attack power and speed have surpassed the Golden Spear Technique. If caught off guard, it will definitely result in a big loss."

"However, this spiritual art requires extremely high predictive ability for aiming, and if it's used at close range, there won't be an opportunity to execute it," Wang Ping analyzed.

"Even so, its power is not to be underestimated. Moreover, Fellow Daoist Wang Ping seems to have forgotten one thing," Lin Chen smiled faintly, "Even if the opponent blocks this attack, the engulfing flames are enough to disrupt the enemy's response. Afterward, whether it's escaping or launching a sneak attack, enough opportunities can be created, right?"

"That's right," Wang Ping fell silent for a moment and said.

"Indeed, that's right," Fang Mingyuan chuckled, his tone changing, "Although this trick has great power, it also has many limitations. I wonder what price Fellow Daoist is willing to pay?"

"Then it depends on whether Manager Fang's offer is generous enough," Lin Chen chuckled lightly.

Usually, these merchants would overcharge their customers, so now that he had the opportunity, Lin Chen felt it would be a waste not to take advantage of them.

(End of this chapter)