Chapter 148: Funeral, Descendants, Heart Test, We Have a Long Future Ahead!

Chapter 148: Funeral, Descendants, Heart Test, We Have a Long Future Ahead!



"Long time no see, Senior Miao."

"Good to see you, Luo Chen. You look so radiant and spirited; I guess you've been doing pretty well lately!"

"Haha, all thanks to your blessings, Senior."

"Sit down!"

In the private room on the third floor of the Bell and Tripod Family.

Miao Wen and Luo Chen sat down one after the other, smiling warmly.

Although they had met several times before, most of the time, Luo Chen knew Miao Wen, but Miao Wen didn't know who he was.

So, in a strict sense, this was only their third formal meeting.

However, the familiarity they showed made it seem like they had known each other for decades.

Miao Wen's skill in this area came from his long experience as an Outer Sect Executor, constantly honing and exercising his abilities.

Luo Chen's ability to put on such a good face impressed Miao Wen, who couldn't help but praise the young man's potential.

Many young people, once they start on the path of cultivation, talk about grand battles and defying the heavens.

Luo Chen was different.

Practical, diligent, and knowing when to advance and retreat, he always maintained a clear sense of his own position.

Even when Miao Wen acted very familiar, Luo Chen always showed him the respect he deserved.

Miao Wen enjoyed this atmosphere, as it allowed him to discuss business without compromising his identity as a Foundation Establishment True Cultivator.

These days!

Working for a major sect is not easy.

While Inner Sect Executors have many opportunities, they must act like subordinates in front of True Disciples, Dao Seed Disciples, and even Golden Core Elders.

They must always maintain their status.

Even if their realm is higher than some Inner Sect True Disciples, they must still endure humiliation.

This is because these True Disciples and Dao Seed Disciples have a high chance of advancing to the Golden Core Stage.

Becoming a presence above the Inner Sect Executors!

Therefore, Inner Sect Executors must be humble, serve their superiors with all their heart, and hope that their superiors might share some resources to aid their cultivation.

In comparison, Outer Sect Executors have it a bit better.

They have a lot of autonomy, and even if dispatched to a small place, they are far from the sect's central authority, giving them some leeway to act locally.

The downside is that "even in a small place," cultivation resources are limited.

For example, in the Great River Market, the spirit vein is only of the first rank. Even with a Spirit Gathering Array, it only marginally aids cultivation.

Therefore, any Outer Sect Executor dispatched to a small place must, while completing their sect tasks, find ways to gain additional resources.

Where do these resources come from?

They absolutely cannot encroach on the sect's interests.

If discovered, the penalty is death.

A sect like the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect, which dominates a region, may lack many Foundation Establishment Cultivators, but they certainly don't lack a few.

So, these Outer Sect Executors must use their wits.

Miao Wen had some small tricks in the past.

Tributes from various families, a cut from some obscure resources, and occasionally acting as a mediator to resolve conflicts, earning some tributes in the process.

For example, he acted as a mediator between the Great River Gang and the Mountain Breaker Gang.

But these things were not enough to sustain him long-term!

Especially since the Great River Market is strategically important and is designed to attract tens of thousands of independent cultivators.

Previously, an additional Foundation Establishment True Disciple, Luo Tianhong, was sent here.

Though she only stayed for a while, it significantly impacted his ability to gain resources.

In the future, more Outer Sect Executors might be dispatched, and a true "Pavilion Master" might be appointed.

Therefore, Miao Wen has been trying to find a stable and lucrative source of income.

He found one.

The Mountain Breaker Gang, Uncle Mi!

As long as he agreed to vouch for the Jade Marrow Pill, withstand the pressure from the local Spirit Medicine Pavilion, and promote the circulation of the Jade Marrow Pill, a mainstream cultivation pill.

He could receive two thousand spirit stones every month.

Not a lot, but Uncle Mi promised it would increase over time.

At that point, he knew Uncle Mi had secured a Pill Master.

He was envious but couldn't force the issue.

Firstly, Outer Sect Executors must follow some unwritten rules and not create chaos in the area.

Secondly, Uncle Mi's control over the Mountain Breaker Gang provided sufficient manpower and resources.

Even if he took over the Mountain Breaker Gang, he wouldn't have the time to manage it.

So, he could only envy.

However, an opportunity arose!

When he received Uncle Mi's message, Miao Wen made his decision without hesitation.

He promised to rescue him immediately.

But in reality, he stayed in the Jade Cauldron Sword Pavilion, only sending his junior, Luo Tianhong, to clean up the mess.

This way, Uncle Mi died.

He could then step in and collaborate with Luo Chen, ostensibly for a good reason.

It wasn't entirely legitimate, but as long as no one reported it, who would care?

The locals would give him face, and Elder Pang was focused on cultivation, turning a blind eye.

Thus, he now had a stable and lucrative source of income!

Looking at the young man across from him, Miao Wen smiled more warmly than ever.

"Luo Chen, how is your Sky Ascension Assembly developing?"

Luo Chen perked up; this was the "investor" who had funded his venture.

Now was the time for a progress report.

"Though it's not as large as the Mountain Breaker Gang, it's taking shape. In about half a month, it will be fully operational."

Miao Wen's eyes lit up!

Operational in half a month, a month for pill refinement, and another month for sales.

In other words, within three months, he would see the returns!

Before, he might have doubted Luo Chen's alchemy skills.

But after seeing nearly three thousand Medium Grade Jade Marrow Pills in that small storage bag, he had no more doubts.

This was a true alchemy genius!

If he had been dispatched as an executor at the beginning, he would have done everything to recommend Luo Chen to the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect.

---

For the sect's network to gather talent!

But after all these years, he has finally seen the light.

What is known as "executive affairs" is just a mix of sect business.

Instead of pushing the Luo dust forward, leaving the sect to profit, it's better to stay in the Dahan Workshop, working together.

This way, he can earn even more.

In the future, he can also leave behind a substantialasset for the family.

Who knows, depending on this asset, the Miaofamily might produce a true Golden core practitioner in the Jade Tripod sect.

"Great, great!"

"Even though you can go boldly, don't worry about those miscellaneous people."

"With me taking the lead, Luo Tianhui will only get stronger!"

Showing gratitude, "That's too much to thank Miao Senior."

"Who are you calling? I'm almost two hundred, and you just call me Uncle Wen."

Luo dust relaxed his tone.

"Uncle Wen is much better than MiaoYe!"

He climbed up smoothly, "Uncle Wen!"

"Uh-huh!"

Miao Wen nodded in Satisfaction, asking about Luo Tianhui'sspecific situation.

As long as he has the heart, he can easily investigate.

In the Dahan Workshop, as long as the elder Pang Renxiong leaves, he is the only earth emperor!

"Luo Tianhui, what's still missing? Do you need my help?"

At this, Luo dust revealed a troubled look.

"Still something!"

"Uh?"

"First, the safety issue!"

Luo dust Sighed, worriedly, "The XieyueValley you've been, it's been broken and destroyed, even isolated the workshop outside."

"As long as a strong person passes, there's a risk of a raid or beast attack."

"This safety is too critical."

Miao Wen sneered, "Isn't this simple?"

Done talking, he took out a large flag and a small round plate from the Storage Bag.

Seeing the round plate, Luo Dust's eyes immediately sharpened.

With the array plate!

"Second-rank array technique?"

"What's the matter, giving you a second-rank array technique, you can't even use it!"

Indeed, there's no spirit vein in the Xieyue Valley to support a second-rank technique's enormous consumption.

But any second-rank large Technique requires at least one first-rank spirit vein, preferably of the corresponding rank.

If not, you'd need to make up with Quantity.

For example, a first-r ank spirit vein!

"This is a set of supreme first-rank large defensive technique, equipped with this array plate, it's a supreme magical device."

"Normally, its power is comparable to the earth defense array."

"But if powered by a medium-grade spirit stone, driving the array plate, it can briefly match a second-rank defensive technique."

Good stuff!

Convenient and fast, though it requires a medium-grade spirit stone, at least it can escape the spirit vein's restriction.

Moreover, Luo Dust was clear, the Xieyue Valley actually has a micro spirit vein.

"What's the name of this technique?"

"Small Five Elements Array, if you want to set up an array, you'll need to modify the Xieyue valley somewhat, at least to conform to the five elements generating principle."

Miao Wen grabbed the array plate, asking, "Do you have someone who understands the technique?"

Luo Dust blinked, there actually is one.

Duan Feng understood the technique, otherwise wouldn't be able to repair the magical device.

Confirming there's an array master,,,,,,M M Wen Dust Luo the " "ly Tang.

.

.

.

.

"Two days later, Luo Dust sighed,ally, "This is too trivial."

He instructed, "A few words will do."

However, upon hearing Luo Tianhui's name, a strange look.

Luo Dust noticed, but only regarded the other as a memory.

He then mentioned a few trivial matters, such as the alchemy furnace, and the herb source.

'these matters, quite troublesome for the starting Luo Tianhui.

But in Miao Wen's hands, they were just small matters.

A few words could make Luo tian hui take many wrong turns.

Many matters, but Miao Wen never showed impatience.

ly.

Years of external affairs had honed him well.

He also knew, only by resolving these trivial matters could Luo tian hui progress.

Finally, Luo dust mentioned about continuing Qin Liang Chen's limb.

"Any limb damage at all? Was it retained?"

"Uh, that battle was utterly unrestrained."

"Turns out it was, after all, not my sword sect practitioner, unable to control that move."

Miao wen thought for a moment, this qin Liang Chen was personal talent, restoring hisStrength, could safeguard Luo Tian hui.

"Continuing a true arm, I'm afraid it's impossible."

Luo Dust was somewhat disappointed, even the Jade Tripod was impossible?

Suddenly, he sensed the Underlying meaning of those words.

"Fake can?"

"Uh!" Miao Wen Smiled Slightly, "This isn't hard, but it requires your effort, we've done our best."

"Oh, still need to polish a few more things, to ensure proper preparation."

As long as the new arm is connected, Qin liang chen will be willing.

Luo dust agreed immediately.

At the Banquet's End, Miao Wen Suddenly Brought up A Matter.

"If you have time tomorrow, accompany me on a visit, to attend a funeral."

"A Funeral?" Luo Dust was surprised, "Whose?"

"Do you think it's who's?"

Miao Wen rose, slightly Nodding, at that moment, Luo Dust's expression finally showed a Change.

Miao Wen was satisfied, then left with a wave of his hand.

---

Two days Later, Luo dust, with the grain of rice, followed Miao Wen to a deep mountain.

The Clouded mountain!

Upon arriving, Luo dust looked at Qin Liang Chen.

The scene describes a group of people, including Luo Chen, Miao Wen, Qin Liangchen, and Mi Li, arriving at a hidden valley in Jue Yun Mountain. The valley is said to be a safe haven, protected by a layer of yuan ci energy, which is known to repel evil creatures.

As they enter the valley, they notice that the trees are all dead and have been arranged to form a defensive barrier. Miao Wen uses his spiritual energy to reveal the true nature of the barrier and the valley.

Translated Line:

However, Miao Wen soon reveals that he has come to pay his respects to Mi Family's former leader, Mi Shu Hua, who is believed to be dead. He uses his spiritual energy to uncover the grave, but instead of finding a body, he finds a pile of clothes and realizes that the grave is actually an "empty tomb", a symbolic grave without a body.

Miao Wen then turns to the remaining Mijia members and tells them that they are no longer needed, as they do not have the body of their former leader. He then uses his sword to kill the remaining Mijia members, leaving no survivors.

The scene unfolds with the aftermath of a brutal massacre, where everyone has been killed, including Sikong Yuanhong, who died at the hands of Jianwan. The Sikong family has been wiped out, leaving no survivors.

The full-English line with the provided Chinese characters is:

Here is the translated line in full English:

In the end, Luo Chen decides to spare Mi Li's life, and Miao Wen surprisingly agrees, stating that the matter is closed. However, it is clear that Miao Wen's intentions are far from pure, and that he may have ulterior motives for sparing Mi Li's life.

The mineral veins of the mountain rocks have been rerouted, creating a spectacular scene of gold and earth.

Additionally, cultivators have diverted the mountain spring water from the Crescent Moon Valley, forming several small pools both inside and outside.

Furthermore, the valley's terrain faces north and sits south, situated in the Li Palace, which, combined with the daily activities of cultivators, naturally generates a fire attribute.

As a result, the inside and outside of the Crescent Moon Valley have achieved a harmonious cycle of the Five Elements.

This kind of transformation did not happen overnight. It is currently only in its initial stages, and much more improvement will be needed in the future.

However, the Sky Ascension Assembly finally has a place to stand.

But seeing this scene, Luo Chen, who should have been joyous, felt no happiness at all.

In his mind, he kept recalling the satisfied smile that Miao Wen had shown him.

"Leaving the clan members behind to lure the snake out of its hole?"

"Eliminating future threats by making an example of killing the chicken?"

"All these were part of the plan for the Cloudcut Mountain and Yuanmagnetic Valley expedition, merely achieving three goals with one action."

"Even without these events, I would not have defied him."

"But why did he still use Mi Li as a topic at the end?"

"Did he guess that I would one day work against the Sky Ascension Assembly? Hence, he wanted to intimidate me in advance?"

Luo Chen squatted on the ground, picking up small pebbles and occasionally throwing them, creating small holes on the mountaintop.

But why was he satisfied?

He hadn't made any decisions at all!

Why?

Just as Luo Chen was puzzled, he suddenly remembered those words.

"You're a smart person!"

"Smart person!"

Luo Chen's body stiffened.

After a while, a bitter smile slowly spread to the corners of his mouth.

"Right, what he was satisfied with was that I am a smart person."

Before the decision to protect Uncle Mi's lineage, Qin Liang Chen had instinctively blocked his actions.

Using this as a reference, when Luo Chen was deep in thought, he had already achieved Miao Wen's goal.

At that time, whether Luo Chen directly refused to kill Mi Li or decisively destroyed the flower, both were the results Miao Wen least wanted to see.

Because such a Luo Chen would either be a gentleman driven by instinct and emotion or a petty person acting purely out of self-interest.

Neither of these was what Miao Wen wanted to see.

The former is prone to mistakes, driven by emotions, and hard to achieve great things.

The latter is prone to betrayal, ready to turn against him if someone offers better benefits.

What Miao Wen wanted was a partner who could weigh pros and cons, not impulsive or reckless, but still capable of independent thinking.

Such a person is easy to control and won't hold him back!

That question, "Luo Chen, what do you think," was clearly a heart test.

Under multiple layers of setup, Miao Wen left satisfied.

Luo Chen's face showed a complex expression. After realizing everything, he felt a sense of loss.

"Turns out, I am such a person!"

The result of the heart test made him feel embarrassed.

Or rather, anyone finds it hard to face the "true self."

Because they always subconsciously beautify themselves and find excuses for what they do.

Luo Chen has always had such actions.

He has always thought of himself as someone who can stand up for friends, doesn't bully the weak, and is relatively kind within his capabilities.

However, under the bright sunlight, all the dirt has nowhere to hide.

He is neither a true gentleman nor a pure villain.

He is just an ordinary "smart person" among the masses.

Under the pressure of the Foundation Establishment power, he would bully the weak like Mi Li.

If Miao Wen blamed Qin Liang Chen, he would be powerless, and the best he could do would be to watch the other die.

So-called kindness is just the pity of the strong!

In front of Miao Wen, he is not strong, so he is not kind.

"But!"

At some point, Luo Chen's body was trembling, his teeth clenched, and the veins on his forehead prominent.

"All this is not my intention!"

"Why should others force me to make a decision!"

"Why should they test my heart!"

"Whether a gentleman or a villain, a smart person, it all boils down to the survival of the fittest!"

"If I were strong enough, being a gentleman or a villain would be a matter of a single thought, and good or bad deeds would be a matter of the heart."

Suddenly, Luo Chen stopped trembling and released his bleeding lips.

He gave a self-deprecating smile.

What was his mistake?

Being weak is the original sin!

If he were also at the Foundation Establishment stage, Miao Wen wouldn't have tested his heart without any limits.

He leaped into the air, floating like a bird, slowly descending.

"Showing me my true self is a favor."

"Making me so embarrassed is a grudge."

"Uncle Wen, we have a long time ahead!"

...

...

"Luo Chen, what do you think?"

In the newly built Jintang Hall, Gu Caiyi led ten women and looked at Luo Chen with a smile.

Looking at the row of women, for a moment, Luo Chen almost blurted out, "Change them."

He rubbed his chin and then slowly shook his head.

"Not quite right, they are too humble."

"Too humble?"

Gu Caiyi was puzzled, looking back at her sisters, and suddenly realized something.

Most of these female cultivators were her former friends.

Some were independent cultivators from the Great River Market, while others were female cultivators who had left the Heavenly Fragrance Tower.

Among them, two female cultivators at the Seventh Level of Qi Refinement with a sickly appearance were even more pitiful.

They were not originally at the Seventh Level but had the full Ninth Level of Qi Refinement, on par with Gu Caiyi.

But after the Heavenly Fragrance Tower changed management, they met a tragic fate.

They were coveted by a Foundation Establishment cultivator surnamed Hua, who extensively drained their essence, causing their foundation to weaken and their realm to drop.

They fell directly from the Ninth Level of Qi Refinement to the Seventh Level.

If not for their sisters secretly saving them, they might have already died.

Most of these women came from the Heavenly Fragrance Tower. Although their appearances were top-notch, they had done too much servile work.

Naturally, there was a hint of humility in their demeanor.

Luo Chen didn’t point it out but said calmly, "We need to provide guests with a reception that makes them feel as comfortable as a warm spring breeze. Besides the sales terms, your demeanor should also be poised and graceful."

"We must treat all guests equally, neither being overly humble to those in higher positions nor discriminating against low-tier independent cultivators."

"Remember, only when they are satisfied can we earn spirit stones."

"The specific standards are actually quite easy to grasp."

"Have you all been to the Spirit Medicine Pavilion?"

Seeing everyone nod, Luo Chen continued, "As long as you act a bit more gentle and enthusiastic than the attendants at the Spirit Medicine Pavilion, you’ll be fine."

With that, everyone understood.

Many of the shop assistants hired by major sects were locals. However, once they entered the shop, they inexplicably felt superior.

When faced with those who were financially strained or dressed plainly, they often didn’t treat them well.

Though they wouldn’t outright insult or scold them, ignoring and neglecting them was a common occurrence.

Being a bit more passionate than them wasn’t difficult.

"Our pill quality might not be the best, but our service must be excellent."

"Besides these, the Sky Ascension Assembly will also support you in other ways."

"For example, the VIP system. The Sky Ascension Assembly will introduce three VIP levels: Bronze VIP, Star Silver VIP, and Gold VIP."

"Each level corresponds to a consumption of 100 spirit stones, 1,000 spirit stones, and 10,000 spirit stones, respectively."

"Under this system, you must remember the benefits VIPs will enjoy and actively promote them."

Luo Chen gradually instilled his philosophy.

The female cultivators of Jintang all listened attentively and took notes.

They weren’t fools; they just needed a little guidance.

The new ideas introduced by the Sky Ascension Assembly were quite surprising to them.

It turned out that selling pills involved so many nuances.

Bronze VIPs could enjoy a free cup of carefully prepared Fuzhu milk tea with each visit.

Star Silver VIPs would have a dedicated attendant, providing services such as milk tea and snacks. Additionally, they would enjoy a 10% discount on pill purchases.

For Gold VIPs, the benefits would be even greater, including a 20% discount, home delivery, and holiday greetings.

"But, will anyone really spend 10,000 spirit stones on Jade Marrow Pills?"

Gu Caiyi was puzzled.

Luo Chen smiled calmly, "Of course, but such VIPs aren’t aimed at independent cultivators but at major forces."

"But don’t major forces usually buy better Qi Nourishing Pills from the Spirit Medicine Pavilion?"

Suddenly, Gu Caiyi understood.

Luo Chen was going to compete with the Spirit Medicine Pavilion for customers! The Qi Nourishing Pills were effective but expensive!

Those who spent spirit stones to buy pills from major forces were usually high-level cultivators. They wouldn’t take Qi Nourishing Pills or Jade Marrow Pills themselves but would buy them for their subordinates.

As long as the effect was there, they could compensate with quantity.

With a larger quantity, they could enjoy the benefits of Gold VIP status.

In comparison, buying pills from the Sky Ascension Assembly would be much more cost-effective.

Once she understood this, Gu Caiyi couldn’t help but marvel at Luo Chen’s talent for business.

Luo Chen, of course, wouldn’t say that these ideas were already commonplace in his previous life.

He could easily apply them here.

Of course, among cultivators, there were no shortage of intelligent individuals. The Spirit Medicine Pavilion wasn’t unaware of these tactics.

They just considered them beneath them! It was simple: the pill market was a seller’s market, and they didn’t need to go out of their way to please customers or beg them to buy more.

For the Sky Ascension Assembly, however, it was essential.

As a newly established minor force, they hadn’t opened up sales channels or stabilized their customer base.

These tactics could effectively bind major clients.

They could also win the favor of smaller clients.

If the Sky Ascension Assembly launched other products in the future, these clients wouldn’t hesitate to try and buy them.

Luo Chen then explained some other things and, before leaving, gave Gu Caiyi a small booklet.

It contained his insights on selling pills, such as how to handle a cultivator’s hesitation, how to persuade them to buy in bulk, or how to encourage them to purchase complementary items.

When Luo Chen left Jintang, the group of young women, under Gu Caiyi’s lead, were practicing their demeanor and sales pitches.

Just as he left Jintang, Luo Chen ran into Qin Liangchen and his wife.

"Are all the preparations ready?"

Meng Rong Qinglian took a deep breath, "Everything is ready. Liangchen has been recuperating at home for a few days and is in his best condition. We also have enough spirit stones."

Luo Chen glanced at Qin Liangchen, who nodded.

"Then let’s go!"

Without hesitation, the three of them used the Wind Control Technique and flew out.

As they were about to leave the valley, Qin Liangchen suddenly exclaimed.

Luo Chen followed his gaze and saw a young woman in a white dress sitting on a branch of a transplanted Chinese parasol tree, swinging her white legs.

Her delicate face, shaped like a melon seed, had an unusually pale, sickly hue.

Her eyes looked blankly at the bustling construction site nearby.

"Mi Li seemed to have been shocked a few days ago and said she forgot many things."

Meng Rong Qinglian sighed, "It’s probably because the entire Mi Family was wiped out, which was a huge blow to her."

Luo Chen and Qin Liangchen exchanged a look and remained silent.

They couldn’t divulge what had happened in the Cloudcut Mountain.

---

Congratulations to Xiaomin for becoming the patron of this book!

Thank you very much!

I won’t forget the extra chapter, but I had a burst of updates at the beginning of the month and need to maintain daily updates of over 10,000 words. I’m truly drained.

I will definitely write more today and tomorrow to catch up on the extra chapters as soon as possible.

Finally, thank you again, Xiaomin, for your strong support of this book!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end