https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-177-Preparations-for-the-Beast-Tide-Riding-the-Six-Dragons-and-the-Second-Stage-Explosive/12920500/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-179-Soul-Suppressing-Interrogation-Blazing-Sun-Technique-Success/12920502/
Chapter 178: A Critical Moment, Emulating the Past
Chapter 178: A Critical Moment, Emulating the Past
How valuable is a living second-stage Explosive Ape Demon?
This demon is of the Fire Attribute, with an aggressive temperament and a lack of human understanding, making it extremely difficult to tame.
Without special beast taming techniques, this demon isn't worth much. It's only good for slaughter and extraction, fetching a mere four to five thousand spirit stones at most.
However, it's different from the Flame Cloud Phoenix that Luo Chen bought.
Although the Flame Cloud Phoenix is also a second-stage demonic beast, it's an extremely difficult-to-capture flying demonic beast. If its wings are intact, they are the best second-stage casting materials in themselves.
Hence, the price of the Flame Cloud Phoenix has always been high.
In comparison, the value of the Explosive Ape is quite low in the hands of others.
But, that's only for others.
Luo Chen is different!
He is an alchemist and happens to have a pill formula specifically for the Explosive Ape's demon blood.
At this moment, Luo Chen looks at the miserable and bloody Explosive Ape, his heart filled with excitement.
"What if I use the demon blood of a second-stage Explosive Ape to refine the Blood-Boiling Pill? What kind of power would it have?"
"Does that mean it can be used by Foundation Establishment True Cultivators?"
With this, the value of the Blood-Boiling Pill will skyrocket.
Although the price of the Blood-Boiling Pill is already comparable to that of ordinary second-stage pills, it's because of its unique effects.
If the main ingredient is second-stage demon blood, it will undoubtedly become a true second-stage pill, plus its special effects.
"Hehe..."
"What are you grinning about?"
On the devastated plain, which could be called a wasteland, Wang Yuan walked over as if it were nothing.
As he approached, he raised an eyebrow.
"Not killing it?"
"This beast, I'll keep it for now; it's useful."
He didn't plan to kill this second-stage Explosive Ape; instead, he intended to keep it alive, breed it, and draw its blood for pill refinement, maximizing its utility.
"Then I'll take this demon core."
As he spoke, Wang Yuan casually threw the demon core he had taken earlier to Luo Chen.
Just as Luo Chen caught it, the unconscious Explosive Ape on the ground twitched.
"Oh! Its instincts are trying to reclaim its life-saving demon core."
Luo Chen smiled, examining the demon core in his hand.
Numerous bloodlines, like little snakes, tightly wrapped around a fist-sized crystal nucleus.
Within the crystal nucleus, one could vaguely see a large amount of pure demon energy.
Outside the crystal nucleus, in addition to the bloodlines, there was also a thin layer of green barrier.
This was the Musk Summoning Dragon Flag's Musk Poison Fragrance.
The reason Wang Yuan was able to calmly stop the demon core from self-destructing was also partly due to Luo Chen's help.
The two didn't linger, as there were still many matters to attend to in Crescent Moon Valley.
Luo Chen's spiritual energy surged out, forming chains that bound the Explosive Ape's corpse.
Dragging the unconscious body, they headed towards Crescent Moon Valley.
"It's a pity that it has shrunk so much; otherwise, we would have made a fortune just by selling the demonic beast's meat."
Hearing Luo Chen's greedy tone, Wang Yuan, walking side by side with him, couldn't help but smile.
"Demonic beasts aren't better just because they're bigger."
"Hmm?"
"When you have time, you should really take a look at the book 'Heavenly Peng Transformation'. It contains a lot of information about demonic beasts."
With Wang Yuan's explanation, Luo Chen finally understood why the second-stage demonic beasts had such extreme variations in size.
The larger the size, the greater the demand for food.
Even with slight movements, the consumption of qi and blood would be significant.
Therefore, many demonic beasts instinctively start to transform their cultivation direction when they reach the second stage.
They shift their focus from body refinement to the accumulation of demon energy.
Demon Core!
This is the result of demonic beasts' cultivation.
Unlike human cultivators, who often need to reach the Golden Core stage to condense a Golden Core, demonic beasts condense their Demon Cores at the second stage.
At this point, they embark on a cultivation path similar to that of humans.
They store the absorbed spiritual energy in the Demon Core, transforming it into their life-force demon energy.
Once in a combat state, a vast amount of demon energy is released, which can not only unleash demon techniques but also expand their bodies.
After hearing this explanation, Luo Chen finally understood why most of the demonic beast meat sold on the market was from first-stage beasts.
Although second-stage demonic beasts have larger bodies and greater weight, the amount of meat they yield should theoretically be more.
It turns out that all their essence is concentrated in the demon core.
When Bear Kun sold him the Flame Cloud Phoenix, the focus was on the demon core and wings.
He didn't pay much attention to the tens of thousands of pounds of meat on the Flame Cloud Phoenix, thinking of selling it casually to Qi Condensation Stage wandering cultivators.
"It seems that the 'Heavenly Peng Transformation' indeed has some unique insights."
Luo Chen praised, and then a thought occurred to him.
He happened to have a corpse of a Peng-type demonic beast in his storage bag.
If he refined it, he could extract a lot of refined blood, which could be used for Wang Yuan's cultivation of the Heavenly Peng Transformation.
Wang Yuan, unaware of Luo Chen's thoughts, sighed, "After all, it's a third-stage body refinement technique; it can't be completely useless."
"So, was the way you changed your body size just now also from the 'Heavenly Peng Transformation'?"
Wang Yuan shook his head, "Not exactly. I've known that move for a long time; it's about the manipulation of qi, blood, and body. But the 'Heavenly Peng Transformation' has indeed given me a lot of inspiration."
Luo Chen blinked, "So, do you want to cultivate the Heavenly Peng Transformation?"
He had already decided that if Wang Yuan truly needed it, he would give him part of the refined blood from the Flame Cloud Phoenix's corpse.
The remaining portions were more than enough for him to refine the Imperial Flowing Plasma in the future.
Unexpectedly, Wang Yuan couldn't help but smirk.
"The Demonic Transformation is far inferior to the true human body. This method is only for reference. If I can perfect my second stage Body Refinement innate technique, it would already be worthwhile."
"As for comprehensive cultivation, I would never forsake the fundamentals for the superficial."
Upon hearing this, Luo Chen couldn't help but nod.
Demonic Beasts are indeed powerful, but not that powerful.
Humans of the same cultivation level, with slightly more diverse means, can deal with Demonic Beasts.
The Demonic Transformation indeed seems undesirable.
Moreover, the Heavenly Peng Transformation technique is incomplete, making it impossible to cultivate even if one wanted to.
Unknowingly, as the two chatted, they had already returned outside Crescent Moon Valley.
...
"The President is back!"
"Look, what is that?"
"Hiss, a Demonic Beast!"
"It seems to be alive!"
As Luo Chen and Wang Yuan returned, the Luo Tianhui cultivators who had finished their battle gathered around them.
Cheers filled the air, one after another.
Especially after seeing the Explosive Ape, they couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.
Even Sima Huiwang and the others who approached couldn't help but show fear in their eyes.
This was a Second Stage Demonic Beast!
Ordinary Qi Condensation cultivators were no match for it.
Winning against it was as difficult as climbing to the heavens, and killing it was unimaginable.
Now, Luo Chen and Wang Yuan had joined forces to capture it alive.
Didn't this mean that the two of them, working together, had surpassed the strength of a Second Stage Demonic Beast? Compared to Foundation Establishment humans, they might not even be far off!
In the crowd, Duan Feng watched this scene, his eyes burning with intensity.
"A true man should act like this!"
With many eyes upon him, Wang Yuan frowned.
This battle had exhausted him considerably.
There was no need to linger here; Luo Chen was more suitable for handling these matters.
Without saying much, Wang Yuan flew directly into Crescent Moon Valley.
Luo Chen walked through the crowd, his eyes scanning the surroundings like sharp swords. Everyone unconsciously moved out of his way.
But soon, passionate gazes followed Luo Chen's silhouette.
Today's battle once again solidified Luo Chen's position within the sect.
It wasn't just about mastering an advanced alchemy technique; he also possessed formidable strength that convinced everyone! With his own power, he navigated the beast tide with ease, coming and going as he pleased.
Even when facing a Second Stage Demonic Beast, he could capture it alive.
Everyone understood that Battle Hall Master Wang Yuan was powerful, surpassing everyone's understanding.
But even Wang Yuan would find it difficult to capture a Second Stage Demonic Beast alive.
In other words, Luo Chen had also contributed significantly in the battle at the wasteland.
Arriving at the city gate, Luo Chen turned around.
He didn't waste words and immediately gave instructions.
"Bring two late-stage Qi Condensation cultivators to lock this Explosive Ape in the underground prison."
"Don't worry about it breaking free. I have its demonic core, and it's been poisoned, so it won't have the strength to resist for a short time."
Soon, two late-stage Qi Condensation cultivators stepped forward and directly used the Pulling Technique.
Using spirit energy as chains, they pulled the Explosive Ape's body and flew into Crescent Moon Valley.
When Crescent Moon Valley was first built, the underground area was expanded.
There was already a naturally large mine cave below, and with some minor renovations, it could be used.
Now, it was more than enough to imprison this Second Stage Demonic Beast.
After dealing with the Explosive Ape, Luo Chen continued to command.
"Hall Master Murong, please tally the casualties and calculate merits. We will reward and punish accordingly tomorrow."
"Gu Caiyi, you and Granny Yuan, take care of the injured brothers."
"Duan Feng, lead a team to repair the defensive structures and fill in the gaps in the array. Make sure no petty thieves take advantage of the situation."
It was impossible for no one to notice such a major battle in Crescent Moon Valley.
However, as the situation wasn't clear yet, the wandering cultivators dared not act rashly.
Just now, when Luo Chen swept his eyes around, he noticed many wandering cultivators approaching.
He issued one command after another, preparing for any eventuality.
He even ordered Sima Xian and Qin Liangchen to patrol the area with two teams.
Finally, he said in a low voice, "President Sima Huiwang, Law Enforcement Elder Zhou Yuanli, please come with me."
...
In the Moonlit Hall.
Luo Chen sat high up, his eyes slightly closed.
He had just taken a Dust Cleansing Pill, and with the automatic recovery function of the Eternal Spring Technique, the large amount of spirit energy he had consumed was slowly recovering.
Below him, Sima Huiwang and Zhou Yuanli stood respectfully on both sides, not daring to breathe heavily.
After experiencing the battles at Crescent Moon Valley, the Fu Family Fort, and the recent beast tide, Luo Chen's killing intent grew stronger.
Holding a high position for a long time, his every word and action exuded the aura of a superior.
Zhou Yuanli, who had followed him the longest, felt this deeply.
In the past, Luo Chen often joked and teased, pretending to be cute.
But now, he rarely saw such scenes.
Perhaps it was inappropriate for the times, or perhaps it was a matter of cultivating one's demeanor in one's position.
After a while, Luo Chen opened his eyes.
Looking at the two, his tone was calm, neither gentle nor harsh.
"Where did the beast tide come from?"
The first question went straight to the heart of the matter.
Zhou Yuanli bowed and replied, "The Spirit Vein Array in the inner city of Dahexian Market was shattered, causing a large amount of spirit energy to spread over a thousand-mile radius, forming a Spirit-Rich Land.
So, long before, there were low-level demonic beasts that instinctively entered the outer city."
"The answer I want is not this." Luo Chen slowly shook his head.
Sima Huiwang hesitated, "According to the reports from below, this wave of demonic beasts is mainly composed of ape-like demonic beasts. Among the nearest mountains, only the Zhou Yi Mountain, belonging to the ancient Yuan Mountain Range, is home to a large number of such beasts."
"Therefore, the wave of beasts must have come from Zhou Yi Mountain."
Luo Chen's expression turned slightly somber as he gazed at the two of them.
"Zhou Yi Mountain is hundreds of miles away from Crescent Moon Valley. Even if the beasts run fast and can quickly reach here, why would they give up the nearby territory and seek a distant one?"
"If they want to seek a place rich in spiritual energy, they should also go to the nearest outer city."
"Right?"
Sima Huiwang and Zhou Yuanli looked at each other.
For a moment, they were stumped by the question.
Luo Chen narrowed his eyes slightly, "This matter... someone must be targeting our Luo Tianhui!"
Upon hearing this, the two seated below couldn't help but shudder.
They also knew that this wave of beasts was strange, but they hadn't thought deeply about it.
After all, just outside Dahexian Market, there had been cases of demonic beasts running amok.
The only thing that puzzled them was why the beasts from Zhou Yi Mountain had come to this side.
At this moment, Luo Chen's revelation sent a chill down their spines.
Who would go to such great lengths to deal with Luo Tianhui?
Luo Chen sighed in his heart, feeling a sense of foreboding.
It had been three to four months since the inner city of Dahexian Market had turned into a ghost town.
Such a long time had passed, and there was still no news from Jade Cauldron Sword Sect.
For a wandering cultivator, this might be good news.
But for him, it wasn't so great.
This meant that the days of him holding Pang Renxiong's token and pretending to be mighty were coming to an end.
If Jade Cauldron Sword Sect didn't return in two months,
Sooner or later, someone would no longer be able to resist taking action against Luo Tianhui.
This wave of beasts was likely an early test.
And those few Foundation Establishment Cultivators were the prime suspects!
"The beast tide must have been led here by someone!"
"But how it was done, there must be corresponding methods. Otherwise, no force in Dahexian Market could withstand the repeated onslaught of beast tides."
Luo Chen looked at the two of them, "Thoroughly investigate Luo Tianhui's internal affairs! Find everything that might attract Second Stage Explosive Apes and the people involved."
"Yes, sir!"
"Yes, sir!"
As the two of them withdrew, Luo Chen rubbed his forehead.
The tree desires tranquility, but the wind does not cease! The seemingly peaceful Dahexian Market was teeming with hidden undercurrents.
The increasingly prosperous Luo Tianhui would undoubtedly become a juicy target for many.
He had to come up with a solution.
He was concerned but not afraid.
Because as early as the beginning, when he decided to stay in Dahexian Market, he had already anticipated the current situation.
Now, he was about to face it head-on.
"This is indeed a critical moment for our survival... Perhaps we can emulate the past?"
The murmuring voice echoed eerily in the spacious hall.
...
The next morning.
Qi Condensation Ninth Level cultivators entered and exited the Moonlit Hall one by one.
Zhou Yuanli, Duan Feng, Qin Liangchen, Mengmou Qinglian...
Luo Chen sat at the head, not speaking, leaving everything to Sima Huiwang to preside over.
He just listened from the side, only intervening when there were critical issues.
"Last night's battle resulted in minimal casualties among the cultivators in the valley. The only significant loss was in the Battle Hall."
"Eleven Battle Hall cultivators perished in the beast tide. Additionally, two more lost their combat abilities and are unlikely to ever recover to their peak."
Eleven dead, two severely injured.
This was almost half of the Battle Hall's numbers.
If not for Luo Chen's timely return, even if Luo Tianhui won this battle, they would have lost this sharp weapon of the Battle Hall.
Even so, it was still considered a heavy loss.
Mengmou Qinglian's report continued.
"The damage to the defensive structures wasn't severe, but it consumed ten medium-grade spirit stones, which is a significant expense."
"Elder Duan is expediting the repairs to restore the Minor Five Elements Array to its peak condition."
"For this, we'll need additional funds."
...
"President Sima, what are your thoughts?"
After the report concluded, Sima Huiwang's eyebrows furrowed.
She replied without hesitation, "The repair of the defensive structures is of utmost importance. Tell me the amount of spirit stones needed, and I'll have them replenished immediately."
"The remaining Battle Hall cultivators should be heavily rewarded."
"The reward standard will be based on my pre-battle mobilization, but we can relax the restrictions slightly, allowing them to exchange equivalent items for high-level magical treasure talismans."
"Injured cultivators should not be humiliated. My suggestion is to incorporate them into the logistics department to utilize their remaining potential."
One by one, she made decisions.
From start to finish, Luo Chen, sitting beside her, didn't say a word to stop her.
In fact, Sima Huiwang had already discussed these matters with him beforehand.
Luo Tianhui's losses were indeed significant.
But they were mainly concentrated in personnel casualties.
The actual material losses were not that substantial.
The assets of the eleven deceased Battle Hall cultivators were directly confiscated.
Just this confiscated wealth could be used as rewards and distributed.
And those two hundred-plus demonic beasts that were slain on the spot.
A portion of the spoils belonged to the Slayer.
The rest, however, were personally claimed by Luo Chen.
These Tier 1 Demon Beast meats were valuable goods.
With some processing, they could be sold.
At one Spirit Stone per ten pounds of meat, he could easily recoup over ten thousand Spirit Stones.
Not to mention the additional value of the pelts, blood, and bones.
The only thing Luo Chen interfered with was the rewards for the surviving cultivators.
He instructed Sima Huiwang to relax the restrictions and not just adhere to the standard.
Instead, he allowed the cultivators to exchange their points for numerous high-quality magical tools and talismans from Luo Tianhui.
The intention behind this move was self-evident.
If the quantity was insufficient, then quality would make up for it.
The remaining cultivators must have their combat strength increased!
Fortunately, Luo Tianhui indeed had an ample supply of high-quality magical tools.
After three wars, although many tools were destroyed, they had also captured a significant number of valuable items.
Previously, Duan Feng had repaired many of these tools, and now, with everything on offer, the Battle Hall cultivators of Luo Tianhui would be well-equipped.
After Murong Qinglian left satisfied, peace finally returned to Moonlit Hall.
However, Sima Huiwang still dared not relax.
After all, it had only been a few days since she took office, and the sect had already suffered significant casualties.
Regardless, she couldn't escape responsibility.
But Luo Chen did not blame her.
Some things were not her fault.
"You've done well. With you managing the sect's affairs, I can rest assured," Luo Chen said with a rare smile, encouraging Sima Huiwang.
The woman finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Luo Chen gestured, and Sima Huiwang approached.
Before her, Luo Chen produced a paper crane and two crane nests.
"This is a Thousand Paper Crane for Communication. We'll each keep one of the nests."
"In the future, if there's an urgent matter, we can directly notify each other within a thousand miles."
Sima Huiwang hesitantly took the crane, her face filled with surprise.
When did such a magical tool appear in the cultivation world?
The communication range of this crane was far superior to that of a communication talisman.
Just as she was about to speak, hurried footsteps sounded from outside the door.
Soon, Zhou Yuanli entered with a somber expression.
"President, we've found it!"
"Hmm?"
"Please come this way."
Luo Chen's eyes flickered, and he immediately followed Zhou Yuanli.
In a short while, they arrived outside a building filled with a strong stench.
He looked at the place in confusion, "The Beast Hall?"
Zhou Yuanli nodded and pushed open the door.
Liu Qiang's embarrassed expression appeared before the two of them.
"President, I..."
Luo Chen stepped in, and his gaze immediately fell upon a completely red young ape.
"A Tier 1 Explosive Ape, is this the method used to lure the beast tide here?"
As his voice fell, Liu Qiang knelt on one knee.
"It's my fault!"
"This beast, I purchased it from outside, but I never expected it to be like inviting a wolf into the house."
Luo Chen slowly shook his head.
This wasn't Liu Qiang's fault.
Because purchasing live demon beasts was a task Luo Chen had personally instructed Liu Qiang to do, and it couldn't be delegated to anyone else.
These live demon beasts were for Luo Chen's own consumption after taking the Path to the Netherworld Pill, to aid in his Soul Suppressing Technique cultivation.
Now, in the depths of winter, the mountains were covered in snow.
Ordinary wild beasts were scarce, and hunting demon beasts was even more challenging.
Liu Qiang alone couldn't capture many live demon beasts, which was why they had to resort to purchasing them.
For this, Luo Chen had even allocated a sum of Spirit Stones.
Examining the Explosive Ape, its demonic energy was weak, but it seemed to have just entered Tier 1.
Its fur was smooth and lustrous, and the all-red glow reminded Luo Chen of the Tier 2 Explosive Ape imprisoned in the mine's depths.
"Is it the offspring of that Tier 2 demon beast?"
Without turning his head, Luo Chen asked.
"Most likely," Zhou Yuanli replied gravely. "I've already sent someone to perform a bloodline test. The two demons have a direct bloodline connection, and it's very strong."
Demon beast bloodlines were easier to test than human bloodlines, and the results were more prominent.
It was rumored that some demon beasts even relied on bloodline inheritance for cultivation.
This explained the situation.
The Tier 2 Explosive Ape had lost its young, and it was the one with the strongest bloodline.
No wonder it had gone into a rage and led the beast tide here.
Without the Inner City Array's deterrence, the demon beasts in Dahexian Market had gradually lost their fear.
This could be seen from many small incidents.
The Tier 2 Explosive Ape was just the first Tier 2 demon beast to approach Dahexian Market.
One could imagine that more would follow.
But none of this mattered!
Luo Chen turned back to Liu Qiang.
"Stand up and speak."
Liu Qiang stood up, meeting Luo Chen's gaze.
"Where did you purchase this beast?"
"From the Nan Gong family's beast arena."
"The Nan Gong family?"
Luo Chen's eyebrows furrowed. "Who sold it to you?"
Liu Qiang subconsciously replied, "It was the old man from the Po Shan Gang, the Beast Hall Master Ke YueLin. He's now affiliated with the Nan Gong family, managing their beast arena. This beast was sold to me personally by him. I observed its strong spiritual nature, which might be of help to you, President..."
"Ke YueLin..."
Luo Chen narrowed his eyes, muttering the name.
(End of Chapter)
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