https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-196-Subduing-the-Ghost-General-the-Worn-Chess-Piece/12920528/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-198-Have-you-ever-thought-about-personally-erecting-a-monument-for-her-in-the-future-/12920530/
Chapter 197: Returning to Luo Tian, Foundation Establishment Second Level
Chapter 197: Returning to Luo Tian, Foundation Establishment Second Level
Xiao Huan Mountain.
Once the territory of the Segment Family, it is now the main base of the Luo Tianhui.
The once serene and tranquil atmosphere has faded, replaced by the bustling and secular vibes.
With Luo Chen's Foundation Establishment.
Luo Tianhui instantly became the fifth largest Foundation Establishment force in Da He Fang.
Unlike the Immortal Families that rely solely on bloodline connections, many solitary cultivators choose to join.
Over the past few years, Luo Tianhui's influence has grown significantly, gradually resembling the former might of the Mountainbreaker Gang.
Moreover, unlike the disorganized mindset of the Mountainbreaker Gang.
Luo Tianhui, with the presence of the alchemist Luo Chen, has indeed attracted numerous Advanced Qi Condensation experts.
Even three solitary cultivators at the Ninth Level of Qi Condensation have been drawn to join over the years.
This situation is not unusual.
Those who can advance to the Advanced Qi Condensation stage or even the Ninth Level of Qi Condensation before the age of sixty often harbor some expectations for Foundation Establishment.
If it were any other Foundation Establishment force, they might fear suppression from higher-ups.
But Luo Tianhui is different.
The leader, Dan Chen Zi, is quite accommodating.
Along the way, he has supported those around him and his subordinates.
Being an alchemist, he might one day refine alchemy pills suitable for breaking through Foundation Establishment.
In that case, joining Luo Tianhui early.
Wouldn't it be like having the advantage of proximity?
The only unsettling factor is that after Dan Chen Zi achieved Foundation Establishment, he immediately announced his seclusion to stabilize his realm.
Three years have passed, and he is still nowhere to be found.
Luo Tianhui's alchemy pill business was temporarily suspended.
Although it resumed later, the pills sold were merely Low-grade Jasper Pills.
Low-grade Jasper Pills.
There's no profit to speak of!
Moreover, the production is especially low.
Under such circumstances, Luo Tianhui's financial pressure gradually increased.
Under Sima Huiwang's decision, Luo Tianhui's salary policy was also changed from the previous fixed distribution.
It is no longer a fixed distribution.
Instead, it is based on individual contributions.
The more contributions, the higher the salary.
The cultivators of the Battle Hall also started taking on tasks.
Hunting yao beasts in the mountains, delivering goods for others, and escorting shipments, among other tasks.
In comparison, the Medicine Hall and Alchemy Hall's tasks became more appealing.
These tasks are safer and more secure, with only slightly lower salaries.
In the streets of the outer city of Da He Fang.
Luo Chen was drinking and eating fresh yao beast meat.
He nodded to a nearby Initial Qi Condensation solitary cultivator, gave him a Low-grade Spirit Stone, and the young man left in high spirits.
This information came from this person.
"It seems that Huiwang is doing a decent job."
Luo Chen paid the bill and walked out.
The specific situation couldn't be inquired about solely through such a low-level solitary cultivator.
He would have to wait until he returned to understand the details.
After leaving the outer city, Luo Chen casually summoned a condensed Water Cloud, which formed beneath his feet.
Stepping on it, he felt incredibly soft and unstable.
"The method of cloud riding at the Foundation Establishment stage is indeed different from the Qi Condensation stage."
The wind brushed against his face.
Blowing in Luo Chen's heart, a sense of clarity emerged.
"Perhaps I should consider spending some time researching the Grand Completion Freedom Wind Technique and integrating it into normal cloud riding."
"This way, my flying speed will definitely increase."
"Of course, if I could learn a Five Elements Escape Technique, that would be even better."
The Five Elements Escape Technique is different from normal flight.
It is a profound method of rapid flight using external spiritual energy.
The speed far surpasses normal flight.
The reason Danxiu was able to evade Misha Hua's pursuit was that he had a Second Stage Water Escape Talisman.
Among the Five Elements Escape Techniques.
The most practical ones are Earth Escape and Water Escape.
They can borrow from the omnipresent Earth and Water Spiritual Energy in the world, allowing for unrestricted use.
In comparison, Wood Escape, Fire Escape, and Metal Escape are limited by the environment.
However, these three escape techniques also have their intricacies.
They are often of high rank and not easily mastered by ordinary people.
Amidst his thoughts, Luo Chen's figure soon appeared outside Xiao Huan Mountain.
He stopped at the lake at the foot of the mountain.
Three years had passed, and the lake's area had expanded, no longer just a hundred zhang in radius but now reaching a li in diameter.
It had almost doubled in size.
A boundary marker was erected outside the lake.
Inscribed with the words "Feng Hai."
It was amusing to call such a small lake a sea.
But in Luo Chen's heart, there was only a faint warmth.
This was probably done by Duan Feng.
At the foot of Qinghe Mountain, the Fenghai Forging Family's shop had closed down.
Now, they've created a 'sea.'
Just as he paused, the lake's surface surged.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh...
In a moment, a long waterway appeared before him.
Following the wave-formed steps, Luo Chen stepped into it.
A copper door appeared.
Clang, clang, clang...
The copper door opened wide.
Inside the cave.
Wang Yuan smiled, "You're back."
Luo Chen smiled slightly, "Yeah, I'm back."
Looking at Luo Chen, Wang Yuan's lips gradually curled into a surprised expression.
The sharpness from his initial breakthrough was gone.
There were no more erratic and restless spiritual energy fluctuations.
Instead, there was a sense of harmony and simplicity, a feeling of being down-to-earth and unpretentious.
Standing there, he exuded an aura of immortality, devoid of worldly desires.
Such a significant difference could only mean...
He couldn't help but ask, "Have you stabilized your realm?"
"Hehe, indeed." Luo Chen strolled around the renovated cave, "Not only that, but I've also taken a small step forward."
Not only has he stabilized his realm.
Luo Chen has even entered the Foundation Establishment Second Level, now a solid Foundation Establishment Initial Stage cultivator.
Wang Yuan repeatedly shook his head, expressing his amazement.
"Unbelievable, truly unbelievable."
"You were only at the third level of Essence Condensation Stage back then, and now, in just a few short years, you've already reached Foundation Establishment."
"You've even surpassed me."
If one were to compare cultivation realms, Wang Yuan had just entered the second level of the Body Tempering Realm, equivalent to Luo Chen.
But in the current cultivation world, what mattered was one's Immortal Cultivation.
In this aspect, he was far behind.
Luo Chen didn't seem to mind and instead said, "Brother Wang, your Essence Condensation Stage has become even more profound and harmonious, no longer as restless as before."
"Three years of effort, and this is as far as I've gotten."
Luo Chen stopped walking.
It was evident that this underwater cave mansion had been specially renovated for Wang Yuan.
Not only was there a boundary monument outside, but a copper gate at the entrance.
Inside the cave, it was paved with green bricks and white jade, adorned with moonstones, allowing light to pass through, dispelling the previous darkness.
"Have there been any major events in the Luo Tianhui during these three years?"
"The second-rank Explosive Ape that you enslaved escaped."
"Hmm?"
Luo Chen's eyebrows rose slightly.
Xiao Hong was a genuine second-rank demonic beast, and it couldn't be kept in the Spirit Beast Bag for long.
The Ghost City wasn't suitable for its combat, so Luo Chen released it before entering the city, leaving it to the care of the Luo Tianhui cultivators.
But who would have thought it could escape?
"Without your continuous control, its restraints gradually loosened. On the night of the full moon, it escaped with its bloodline baby ape."
"After all, it's your tamed beast, and no one dares to treat it harshly, so..."
After hearing the explanation, Luo Chen shook his head.
He had gained a Ghost General and a defensive magical treasure, but he had also lost a second-rank tamed beast.
With this gain and loss, he didn't know how to evaluate the situation.
"Forget it, I'll find a way to get it back later!"
The Ten Thousand Beasts Scripture's beast taming methods didn't focus on violent enslavement but emphasized gradual and orderly subjugation.
The best enslavement method wasn't the Soul Binding Seal but allowing the beast to recognize its master through daily companionship.
"Have there been any other major events?"
"No."
"Oh, then that's good news."
"After all, with your reputation, who would dare to challenge you?"
Hearing this, even Luo Chen couldn't help but laugh.
When had he achieved such a status in the cultivation world?
Time had truly flown by, and it was enough to make one sigh in amazement!
After the laughter, Luo Chen got straight to the point.
"I've found a way to remove Duankunqian's Remnant Soul from your body."
"Really?"
Wang Yuan's eyes lit up instantly.
Under his gaze, Luo Chen took out a flag, its color pitch-black and exuding a sinister aura.
...
Luo Chen had emerged from seclusion!
This news quickly spread throughout Xiao Huan Mountain.
In an instant, all cultivators were filled with excitement.
After all, knowing that there was a Foundation Establishment True Cultivator in their sect was one thing, but having one by their side at all times was entirely different.
The former could only act indirectly, while the latter could openly show off their strength.
Amidst the excitement, some high-level cultivators from the sect began to visit the Universe Hall to pay their respects to Luo Chen.
Inside the Alchemy Hall.
Gu Caiyi stood up abruptly.
"Has he really come out of seclusion?"
Across from her, Mi Li smiled slightly, "Yes, the news has already spread. It's possible that soon, the Alchemy Hall will welcome the Sect Leader's personal alchemy."
Seeing Gu Caiyi's hesitation, Mi Li said, "Sister Caiyi, you're the Hall Master of the Gold Hall, and you should go and meet him too."
"Yes!"
Gu Caiyi, who had been hesitant, immediately left.
After she left,
A figure emerged from the alchemy room.
With sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes, he exuded an extraordinary aura.
It was none other than Qu Lingjun.
"Lingjun, are you going to see your Master as well?"
Over the years, Qu Lingjun's changes had become increasingly apparent.
Standing next to Mi Li, he was even taller by a head.
He nodded, "Of course I'll go and see my Master. Firstly, to report on the situation in the Alchemy Hall, and secondly, I've accumulated many questions over the years that I need to consult with him."
After speaking, he paused.
"Sister Mi Li, come with me!"
Facing those sincere eyes, Mi Li's face turned slightly unnatural.
"I won't go."
"No, you must come with me!"
Qu Lingjun's words were firm as he stared at the increasingly mature and graceful woman.
"After Grandpa passed away, I only have my Master and you as close relatives."
"Our relationship should be made known to my Master."
"But..."
"There are no buts, come with me!"
His burning hand grasped the delicate hand of the woman, pulling her towards the Universe Hall.
Mi Li followed unsteadily, her eyes fixed on his back, a hint of infatuation in her gaze.
...
"Currently, the number of Ninth Level Qi Condensation cultivators in the sect has increased from the initial ten to fifteen."
"Three of them are from the Da He Fang's wandering cultivators, and the other two are our own disciples."
"Liu Qiang and Su Xiaolin."
Hearing these two familiar names from Sima Huiwang, Luo Chen nodded slightly.
It was expected that Liu Qiang had broken through to the Ninth Level Qi Condensation.
He had partnered with Zhou Yuanli for many years, mastering the combined attack technique, and their cultivation bases were already comparable.
Zhou Yuanli had broken through to the Ninth Level Qi Condensation six years ago.
It was considered slow for him to break through only now.
The latter, however, surprised Luo Chen.
"Su Xiaolin?"
"Yes, it's that Advanced Qi Condensation cultivator whom you personally treated after the Xiao Huan Mountain battle."
Sima Huiwang smiled, "He deeply appreciates the kindness you showed him, so he's been very dedicated in the Luo Tianhui these years. He takes the initiative in many matters, setting a good example for others."
"
This is indeed an unexpected turn of events.
Luo Chen chuckled lightly, "Go on."
Sima Huiwang nodded and continued reporting on the situation within the Luo Tianhui over the past three years.
In truth, there weren't many significant changes.
After all, before Luo Chen's seclusion, he had already formulated the corresponding strategies, and Sima Huiwang only needed to execute them.
Luo Chen had also discussed the external environment with Nangong Jin, Li Yixian, and the others.
There wouldn't be any major changes.
The changes within the Luo Tianhui mainly manifested in three aspects.
The salary system, without the support of Luo Chen's alchemy business, Sima Huiwang adjusted it to the standard of a normal loose cultivator organization.
The more you work, the more you earn; if you don't work, you don't get paid.
In simple terms, the basic salary was reduced.
This way, the financial pressure on the Luo Tianhui could be significantly relieved.
It also forced some of the cultivators within the sect to take the initiative to find work.
This was a good thing!
Initially, Luo Chen had offered high salaries because of the immense external pressure.
He had to rely on a large number of Spirit Stones each month to keep his people loyal.
Now that the situation had changed, reducing salaries was a reasonable decision.
Sima Huiwang took the initiative to make this change and ended up bearing the brunt of the criticism.
Later, Luo Chen rewarded them with some alchemy pills, which not only kept the Advanced Qi Condensation cultivators loyal but also enhanced his reputation.
Luo Chen, the great philanthropist, couldn't be more benevolent!
The second change was the suggestion to establish a new Law Enforcement Hall during the Six Halls meeting.
This hall didn't require many people.
But they had to be experts!
It was for internal law enforcement, working alongside the Merit Hall to punish those who violated the rules.
Of course, this suggestion had not yet been fully implemented.
They were waiting for Luo Chen's decision.
After some contemplation, Luo Chen approved the suggestion.
As for the position of the Law Enforcement Hall's hall master, Zhou Yuanli was the best choice.
Luo Chen had already given him the honorary title of Law Enforcement Elder.
With this, all the departments and halls within the Luo Tianhui were now fully established.
Although small, it was complete in every aspect.
Even without Luo Chen's presence in the short term, the sect could still function independently.
The third change was a piece of good news.
"Qu Lingjun can now stably refine Jade Pills."
"How stable?" Luo Chen's spirit lifted.
Sima Huiwang replied, "Of course, it's not as supreme as your alchemy skills. Qu Lingjun can refine one pill from about fifteen portions of raw materials, and the current grade is Low-grade."
Fifteen portions of raw materials would cost around seventy-five Low-grade Spirit Stones.
Currently, Qu Lingjun couldn't control the number of pills refined stably, and each cauldron would produce around fifteen or sixteen pills.
When sold externally, each pill was worth only a dozen or so Spirit Stones.
In other words, each time he refined pills, he was at a loss, with no profit to speak of.
However, upon hearing this news, Luo Chen was delighted.
"As expected, I did not misjudge him. His alchemy talent is truly exceptional."
From initially memorizing the Hundred Herbs Chart, doing odd jobs in the Alchemy Hall, to later refining pills himself, and then with the full support of the Luo Tianhui, providing him with a large number of raw materials to refine.
In total, only six years had passed.
This time seemed long.
In reality, for high-level cultivators, it was just a fleeting moment.
Within a great sect, it takes at least ten years to cultivate an alchemist who can stably refine first-grade low-grade pills.
If you want to make a profit, it will take even more decades.
As for Master-level and Grandmaster-level alchemists, it's not a matter of counting in "decades."
Now, Qu Lingjun had only spent six years to complete the first step of becoming an alchemist within a great sect.
His alchemy talent was undoubtedly excellent.
Of course, this was also related to the insights into alchemy that Luo Chen had shared.
He was a Grandmaster-level existence in refining Jade Pills.
Calling him a Grandmaster-level alchemist was not an exaggeration.
With Luo Chen's assistance and Qu Lingjun's own alchemy talent, this exceptional result was achieved.
Sima Huiwang saw the smile on Luo Chen's face and felt relieved.
For the past three years, she had been handling the Luo Tianhui's affairs alone, which was indeed exhausting.
Now that she had Luo Chen's approval, she finally felt at ease.
However, the matter she was about to bring up made her feel a bit apprehensive.
"Sect Leader, about that demonic beast..."
"Yes, I already know about it, and I don't blame you."
"But, it's still a second-tier battle force!"
Luo Chen shook his head, a hint of regret flashing across his face.
Sima Huiwang was about to mention Xiao Hong's escape.
Xiao Hong, a second-tier Explosive Ape.
During the Beast Tide Battle, it was captured by Luo Chen and Wang Yuan.
Later, after obtaining the Beast Taming Technique, they enslaved it.
In the battle at Xiao Huan Mountain, it had also made significant contributions.
However, in the second year after Luo Chen entered seclusion in the Dahan Ghost City, this beast escaped from Xiao Huan Mountain.
Not only did it escape, but it also took its bloodline descendant, the little ape, with it.
"Without my suppression, no one in the sect can control it for an extended period."
"Moreover, my Ten Thousand Beasts Scripture is only at the beginner level. Even if I constantly apply the Soul Binding Seal to control it, it's still a challenge."
Luo Chen could still feel the faint connection between him and Xiao Hong.
But this connection was gradually weakening.
Evidently, Xiao Hong had escaped deep into the mountains and was moving further away from him.
"Oh well, let it be!"
Luo Chen didn't dwell on it, and his gaze fell on the grand hall.
As Sima Huiwang reported on the sect's affairs, the various high-ranking members of the Luo Tianhui gradually gathered.
Facing these familiar gazes, Luo Chen made a decision that caught everyone off guard.
"Three months later, we leave Dahan Fang!"
(End of Chapter)
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