https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-191-The-Foundation-Establishment-Ceremony-The-Power-of-a-Single-Stroke/12920523/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-193-Studying-the-Scripture-Taking-on-a-Disciple-and-Entering-the-City/12920525/
Chapter 192: Luo Chen's Guidance, Resolving Past Grievances
Chapter 192: Luo Chen's Guidance, Resolving Past Grievances
"Fellow Daoist, your strength is truly remarkable!"
Facing Wang Hai Chao's praise, Luo Chen remained composed, unmoved by the compliment.
"It's just a trivial skill, nothing to boast about."
"Fellow Daoist, please take a seat."
Wang Hai Chao didn't hesitate and sat down in the designated spot, as if the previous confrontation had never happened.
With a grand sweep of his sleeves, he took his seat in the reserved position.
Min Long Yu and Li Da, the two juniors, obediently sat cross-legged behind him at the long table.
Before taking their seats, Min Long Yu's gaze at Luo Chen was filled with astonishment.
"During the Slanted Moon Valley battle, he was only at the eighth layer of Qi Refinement, and now he's truly reached Foundation Establishment."
"I thought it was just a bluff, but I never expected his strength to be so impressive!"
"Indeed, his progress is incredibly fast!"
Min Long Yu wasn't the only one with this thought.
Younger generations like Nan Gong Qin and Li Ao were also amazed when they witnessed Luo Chen effortlessly dispelling Wang Hai Chao's spell.
Hearing about it was one thing, but witnessing the might of Foundation Establishment firsthand was another.
If it were them, they would have never been able to block that attack.
Especially Luo Chen, who remained unmoving as a mountain, and with a simple wave, he dispelled it. It's truly awe-inspiring," they thought.
At this moment, in the hall."
The cultivators of Luo Tianhui were also startled.
"The president, having just entered Foundation Establishment, is already this formidable?"
Unlike their shock, Nan Gong Jin and Li Yixuan's eyes revealed a hint of solemnity.
Luo Chen's seemingly casual wave contained a profound mystery.
"What kind of spell is this?"
Wang Hai Chao's test was an expected occurrence.
During Foundation Establishment and Nascent Soul ceremonies, it was customary for someone to challenge the cultivator.
It wasn't about saving face, but rather providing a reason for both parties to acknowledge each other as peers from then on.
Nan Gong Jin and Luo Chen had previously formed an alliance, so it wouldn't be appropriate for him to challenge Luo Chen.
Li Yixuan, due to his possession of the Jade Elm Emperor Scripture, had also made a private deal with Luo Chen.
On such a joyous occasion, it wouldn't be suitable for them to challenge him.
Thus, the task fell upon Wang Hai Chao.
Firstly, the two had a past grudge, providing a valid reason.
Secondly, a simple exchange of moves would allow Luo Chen to accept the challenge, and with a mutual smile, the past grievances could be put aside.
However, they had expected Luo Chen to struggle a little.
This way, they could treat him as a junior in the future.
But to their surprise, he remained unmoving like a mountain, effortlessly dispelling the attack with a wave.
Now, they were truly on equal footing.
Moreover, this wave, devoid of any hint of aggression, compelled them to view Luo Chen with even more respect.
Luo Chen, sensing the thoughts of the crowd, saw through them like an open book.
However, his face remained expressionless, revealing nothing.
He nodded to Sima Huiwang, who was standing below.
She clapped her hands, and soon, various delicious dishes were brought in one after another.
The clinking of cups and plates filled the air, replacing the previous tense atmosphere.
After some time, Luo Chen and the three Foundation Establishment cultivators began to exchange their insights on Foundation Establishment.
"For cultivators like us, refining Qi is the primary focus, with refining the Divine Soul as a supplement. Therefore, the Spirit Energy Gate is the most crucial aspect in Foundation Establishment."
"When facing this gate, people often rely on Spirit Pills and Potions to borrow external forces to break through the stage."
"There's nothing much to discuss here; it's just a matter of resources."
"What I want to talk about is the importance of the Divine Soul during the breakthrough to Foundation Establishment."
"Whether it's calmly mobilizing a vast amount of Spirit Energy to impact the Dantian, or recasting the foundation, or gathering the surging Spirit Energy to condense it into liquid, the Divine Soul plays the most crucial role in all these processes."
"If the Divine Soul is insufficient, even if one manages to break through by chance..."
As Luo Chen spoke eloquently, all the Qi Refinement ninth-layer cultivators in the hall stopped their movements and listened intently, their eyes gleaming with anticipation.
They focused all their attention on Luo Chen, memorizing every word he said, especially the profound statements that resonated deeply.
Even Zeng Wen and Granny Yuan, whose cultivation paths had come to an end, were fully engaged and not the least bit distracted.
Although they couldn't use these insights themselves, they could pass them on to future generations.
Among them, Nan Gong Qin, Li Ao, Min Long Yu, and Li Da, the four outsiders, listened with utmost attention.
They had been brought here by their elders specifically for Luo Chen's guidance.
This was a customary process for any cultivator after breaking through a stage and holding a ceremony.
They were here to benefit from Luo Chen's wisdom.
Luo Chen's guidance lasted for half an hour.
The audience listened with utmost concentration, hanging on to every word, afraid to miss even the slightest detail.
When Luo Chen finished his guidance, a light applause sounded from Li Yixuan.
Li Yixuan's eyes shone with admiration, and he said, "I never expected that your insights into breaking through Foundation Establishment would be so profound! Even after decades of being at the Foundation Establishment stage, I've never considered the profound mysteries you spoke of."
It was truly an eye-opening and enlightening experience!"
"You flatter me, fellow cultivator Luo," said Luo Chen, bowing his hands to her.
"With your extensive knowledge, my insights are but a drop in the ocean."
A carriage carried by people, with people inside!
However, Wang Hai Chao's words left Luo Chen stunned.
He sat there, his eyes filled with a dazed expression.
"So, it was like this all along!"
"Back then, I managed to obtain a Foundation Establishment Pill and used it to break through to the Foundation Establishment Stage. During the process, I endured countless hardships, and only by a stroke of luck did I manage to establish my foundation."
"Even after succeeding, my vitality was severely damaged."
"If I had heard this from fellow cultivator Luo earlier, perhaps I wouldn't have suffered such a severe injury."
Luo Chen was slightly taken aback.
Beside him, Nan Gong Jin whispered to Nan Gong Qin, "Did you get all that?"
Nan Gong Qin bit her lip and nodded firmly.
What he had just shared was even clearer and more detailed than what his father had experienced during his own Foundation Establishment.
Luo Chen even had a feeling that if he were given a Foundation Establishment Pill now, he would dare to challenge the Foundation Establishment Gate!
Seeing the reactions of the crowd, Luo Chen realized how much valuable information he had just revealed.
He hadn't been aware of it before.
Like him, using five sets of Foundation Establishment Spirit Medicines, he rushed to the Foundation Establishment Stage in one go, which was extremely rare in the cultivation world.
Especially with his powerful Divine Soul, except for the first attempt, the subsequent four times, each time enduring immense pain, he constantly felt the intricate reactions during the breakthrough.
This experience and insights were something ordinary people couldn't accumulate!
Even with Wang, Li, and Nan Gong's years of Foundation Establishment experience, they couldn't achieve this!
Their initial Foundation Establishment also had a bit of luck.
If they were asked to share their insights, they would only offer a few words, how could they speak of profound truths?
After realizing all this, Luo Chen couldn't help but smile wryly.
He had done a good deed today.
Oh well!
Scanning the numerous Essence Refinement Stage 9 cultivators below, he wondered how many of them would benefit from his teachings and successfully establish their foundations in the future.
After Luo Chen's speech, the ceremony continued.
However, this time, it was the turn of the other three Foundation Establishment cultivators to repay the favor.
"I'll go first!"
Li Yixuan smiled gracefully, facing the many gazes with poise and elegance.
There was no trace of the elusive and mysterious personality described in the rumors.
"I thought fellow cultivator Luo was just laying the groundwork, but I never expected you to directly present a treasure."
"In that case, I can't hide my shortcomings anymore."
She looked at Luo Chen, her cherry lips slightly parted.
"I started cultivating at the age of eight, reached the Essence Refinement Stage at twelve, and after thirty years of Essence Refinement Stage Great Perfection, I've now been in the Foundation Establishment Stage for over eighty years."
"My combat abilities may be lacking."
"However, I've gained insights in both Huai Yin Dao and Yi Mu Dao. In my opinion, the Spirit Energy obtained from the Yi Mu Technique is characterized by its dense and enduring nature. Therefore, when cultivating..."
As Li Yixuan began to speak, everyone listened intently.
However, most people were left confused, unable to grasp the true meaning.
Only Luo Chen's eyes shone with brilliance, and his mind was filled with surging thoughts.
He was thrilled!
Li Yixuan, what an incredible woman!
Knowing that he primarily cultivated the Yi Mu Dao, she was now sharing her years of insights.
Even if she held back in certain aspects,
The portion he heard was still immensely beneficial to him.
Luo Chen, who had previously felt uncertain about his path, now had a glimpse of his future cultivation direction!
"So, after establishing the foundation, it's like this, completely different from the Essence Refinement Stage!"
After Li Yixuan finished speaking, Luo Chen expressed his gratitude.
"Thank you, fellow cultivator Li!"
Li Yixuan smiled and nodded, not declining this sincere gratitude.
Then, Nan Gong Jin and Wang Hai Chao shared their cultivation insights after reaching the Foundation Establishment Stage.
One cultivated Ice and Snow Techniques, while the other cultivated Water Attribute Techniques.
Although their primary cultivation paths differed from Luo Chen's, through analogy and association, Luo Chen still gained valuable insights.
Thus, the Foundation Establishment Ceremony continued until the evening.
By then, the celebrations of the numerous cultivators from Luo Tianhui outside had already concluded.
The Grand Cosmos Hall slowly closed its doors.
All Essence Refinement Stage 9 cultivators voluntarily left the hall, leaving the space inside for the four Foundation Establishment True Cultivators to discuss important matters.
After they exited, Sima Huiwang and her companions were ready to receive the guests.
However, Nan Gong Qin declined their hospitality and went straight to Qin Liangchen and his wife.
"Hmm?"
Qin Liangchen furrowed his brows, looking at the approaching Nan Gong Qin.
Facing his wariness, Nan Gong Qin sighed, "During the initial incident, we were all serving our respective masters. Please accept my apologies, fellow cultivator."
During the ambush on Slanted Moon Valley, Nan Gong Qin had led his family's cultivators to intercept Qin Liangchen's reinforcements.
The outcome of this encounter left Qin Liangchen unleashing the Jade Cauldron Sword Pavilion's deadly move, inflicting heavy losses on his opponent.
This incident caused a huge uproar.
The Nan Gong family, eager to establish themselves in Da He Fang, had even issued a kill order.
However, after the establishment of Luo Tianhui, considering the backing of Miao Wen, the Nan Gong family voluntarily withdrew the kill order.
At this moment, facing Nan Gong Qin's belated apology, Qin Liangchen was momentarily caught off guard.
He had expected a harsh warning, but never imagined it would be an apology.
As a straightforward and unrefined man, he didn't know how to respond, but Murong Qinglian, who had reached the pinnacle of social grace, was adept at handling such situations.
With a slight smile, Murong Qinglian said, "As you said, each serves their master, and no one is to blame. Moreover, you didn't strike out of the blue; instead, you initially chose to face my husband in a fair fight."
The intricacies of that battle were unknown to outsiders.
But they, on the other hand, were well aware of the details.
Nan Gong Qin did possess a touch of gentlemanly demeanor back then. Despite setting an ambush beforehand, he still opted for a one-on-one confrontation with Qin Liangchen.
It's hard to say whether he should be criticized for his youthful arrogance and the burden of his reputation or praised for his integrity and upright conduct, unlike most loose cultivators.
Seeing Murong Qinglian's words, Nan Gong Qin couldn't help but relax.
"While that's true, the fact that Qin Daoist lost an arm is indeed our fault," Nan Gong Qin said.
"Now that our families are connected, this past incident remains like a thorn in our throats, a barrier between us. It's truly uncomfortable."
"The other day, my younger brother was fortunate to obtain a piece of Lotus Seven-Hole Lotus."
When the name Lotus Seven-Hole Lotus left his lips, Qin Liangchen's expression changed dramatically.
Even Murong Qinglian's beautiful face trembled slightly.
"Although it's just a fragment, it can't restore the body. But Qin Daoist, you only lost an arm."
"If used as a supplement, it might be able to reconstruct the energy points, allowing you to pursue the Great Dao without hindrance."
As he finished speaking, he flipped his wrist, revealing a piece of lotus root the size of a palm in his hand.
The lotus root had seven holes, and its entire body was as white as jade.
Moreover, strands of spirit energy, like lotus root fibers, circulated back and forth within the seven holes.
"I'm willing to offer this to Qin Daoist, putting aside all past grudges and forging an everlasting friendship!"
Facing Nan Gong Qin's sincere gaze, Qin Liangchen hesitated.
"Then, I thank you, Daoist!" Murong Qinglian swiftly took the lotus root from his hand.
Then, turning to Qin Liangchen, her eyes shone with excitement, anticipation, and even a hint of plea.
"Husband, let bygones be bygones!"
Seeing this, Qin Liangchen sighed, leaping over Murong Qinglian.
He cupped his hands towards Nan Gong Qin.
"Indeed, I was too ruthless back then."
"Now that you've given me face, how can I not reciprocate?"
"If I have the time, I'll pay a visit to the Nan Gong family and offer incense for the fallen Daoists who died at my hands, expressing my apologies."
This was his way of offering an apology.
Nan Gong Qin also heaved a sigh of relief. This was a task specifically arranged by his father before his departure.
They both knew that Qin Liangchen and his wife had a deep connection with Luo Chen, having emerged from the same small courtyard as friends.
Now that the Nan Gong family had formed an alliance with Luo Tianhui,
the issue between them and Qin Liangchen had been a lingering concern.
While it might not be a problem in the short term, it could potentially become a hidden source of trouble in the long run.
To resolve it with a third-stage spirit material was undoubtedly a good thing.
In truth, if Qin Liangchen paid a visit to offer incense for the deceased cultivators, it would be considered a concession to the Nan Gong family.
They would gain face, and the past incident could be put behind them.
On the other hand, Qin Liangchen, with the Lotus Seven-Hole Lotus, could reconstruct his energy points, gaining substantial benefits.
Both parties would obtain what they desired most.
After some more polite exchanges, Nan Gong Qin slowly made his way back to the small building where the guests were waiting.
As he entered the building, he nodded at Li Ao.
The two were old rivals, having faced off on the debate stage at least five times.
Qin Liangchen had won three times, while Li Ao had won twice.
Upon entering, Nan Gong Qin was slightly startled.
Two ninth-layer Qi Refinement cultivators from the Da Jiang Gang were present, one muttering to himself, and the other pacing restlessly.
"The divine soul has such wondrous uses; if used to restrain ghosts..."
Nan Gong Qin's eyebrows furrowed slightly. The man's name was Li Da, and he exuded a sinister aura, unlike that of a righteous cultivator.
His words were incoherent and confusing.
As for Min Long Yu, he was fidgeting uneasily, his face alternating between gloom and cheerfulness, his thoughts unknown.
"What a peculiar pair," Nan Gong Qin thought to himself.
After his internal musings, he paid them no further attention and sat down on his own.
Sipping his tea, his mind wandered back to Luo Chen's earlier lecture.
"Foundation Establishment... Foundation Establishment..."
(End of Chapter)
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