https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-204-Tier-Three-Demon-King-River-Devourer/12920539/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-206-Mount-Tai-s-Shock-A-Fellow-Cultivator-/12920541/
Chapter 205: Mount Tai Market, Golden Stone Pavilion, and a Door Opener
Chapter 205: Mount Tai Market, Golden Stone Pavilion, and a Door Opener
Half a day had passed since they left the Southern Wall Snow Mountain area.
Only now did the numerous cultivators from Da He Fang gradually calm down after their terrifying experience.
On the ship of Luo Tianhui.
Wang Yuan quietly entered Luo Chen's cabin.
"You really have a grand aura!"
"You just gave away so many High-Grade Jade Marrow Pills, each worth tens of thousands of Spirit Stones."
"Tsk tsk, you didn't see it, but the Loose Cultivators behind us were all stunned, their eyes wide open as if they couldn't believe it."
Facing Wang Yuan's praise, Luo Chen's expression remained calm.
By now, the Spiritual Energy he had consumed was gradually recovering.
After reaching the Foundation Establishment Stage, as long as cultivators didn't expend too much Spiritual Energy at once, they could quickly recover.
This characteristic originated from the Spirit Energy Cloud during the ninth layer of Qi Refinement.
After Foundation Establishment, the effect doubles.
Additionally, with the automatic recovery of the Yi Mu Medicine King Sutra, the effect was even higher than ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators.
"I had to do that."
"Li Clan and Nan Gong Clan lost a large number of Tamed Spirit Beasts, and Wang Haichao also spent a lot of Spirit Stones. I had to sacrifice something too, or they would feel unbalanced."
Wang Yuan nodded.
In this aspect, Luo Chen always thought more thoroughly than him.
However, he didn't understand why Luo Chen showed such excessive benevolence and love in that situation.
With his personality, he wouldn't bother with the life and death of those Loose Cultivators.
Perhaps sensing Wang Yuan's suppressed confusion, Luo Chen said indifferently, "The biggest problem when going to an unfamiliar place is not knowing the people or the land."
"There are people I've helped before, and even if they aren't Luo Tianhui cultivators, they can still provide some assistance to us."
"Moreover, Wang Haichao..."
Luo Chen took a sip of tea, and a hint of gloom appeared in his eyes.
This person is like a snake, vicious and cruel. No one knows when he will strike and take a bite.
Previously, when I recommended him as the alliance leader, it was to make him the scapegoat, dealing with potential dangers along the way.
He handled it well!
But he used others' lives as sacrifices! If I hadn't pressured him this time, he probably wouldn't have taken anything out.
Wang Yuan shook his head, "This person is not to be trusted. It's best to avoid excessive contact. He has a huge appetite, too much ambition, and no sense of morality."
"I understand."
Luo Chen hummed in acknowledgment, his gaze falling on Wang Yuan.
"After exorcising Duan Qiankun's remnant soul, how has your cultivation been recently?"
Mentioning cultivation, Wang Yuan became interested.
He shook his body, emitting a crackling sound from his trembling joints.
"My Immortal Path cultivation is stuck at the Qi Condensation Period Grand Completion."
"But during these days, I've developed a killing move, a true Second Stage Body Tempering killing technique!"
Luo Chen's eyebrows rose, "Comparable to Foundation Establishment initial stage techniques?"
"This is my all-out attack, and there's even more to it!"
Luo Chen looked at Wang Yuan in surprise.
Then, his heart settled.
"With you here, I can act with much more composure in the future."
...
A person's composure stems from their strength.
Internal strength, cultivation realm, and hidden killing techniques.
External strength, backing, connections, wealth, and more.
Through years of effort, Luo Chen had accumulated more and more of these.
Therefore, he became increasingly poised and unhurried in his actions.
The youthful impulsiveness faded, and he became more steady.
In the eyes of outsiders, Luo Chen became increasingly trustworthy and reliable.
After the incident with the River Devourer, the entire Luo Tianhui, from top to bottom, had completely pledged their loyalty! Even the Loose Cultivators who joined later mostly acknowledged Luo Chen as their leader.
He showed such benevolence and kindness to outsiders.
Following him, their future would only become brighter and more promising.
Not just Luo Tianhui.
Luo Chen noticed that occasionally, when he went on deck to relax, the gazes of the Loose Cultivators before and after him changed from the initial reverence for a Foundation Establishment Cultivator to a hint of reverence.
This was the trend in the cultivation world.
Strength commands respect, and might makes right.
When Wang Haichao sent people to their deaths, the dead cultivators cursed him, and the living, while secretly resentful, dared not show any disrespect.
Luo Chen displayed a different kind of charisma.
Naturally, he received different treatment from low-rank Loose Cultivators.
He could discern that those respectful gazes contained a mix of sincerity and pure reverence.
"This is good too. Even if not for myself, I can create more virtuous connections for those under me."
"Perhaps one day, it will have an unexpected effect."
Luo Chen finished his relaxation on the deck, put his hands behind his back, and leisurely returned to his cabin to continue cultivating.
Calculating the time, they should arrive at Mount Tai Market by tomorrow noon at the latest.
He could calculate it.
He could also sense the restlessness from the low-rank cultivators.
...
The next day.
Morning.
The sky was clear and cloudless, the wind fresh and pleasant.
The massive ship fleet slowed down and gradually docked in a huge bay.
"We've arrived! We're at Mount Tai Market!"
"Finally, we've reached Mount Tai Market."
"This is the longest journey I've ever taken!"
Outside, the bustling sounds of people filled the air.
Footsteps hurriedly approached from the deck stairs.
"Master, we've reached Mount Tai Market."
It was Qu Lingjun.
Creak!
The door opened, and Luo Chen, wearing a brand-new moon-white long robe, stepped out.
Standing on the high third-deck, Luo Chen gazed forward.
Three mountains surrounded the large market town, resembling a city.
The Lancang River raged, teeming with countless cultivators.
However, with just a glance, Luo Chen's brows furrowed slightly.
"Master, what's wrong?"
Qu Lingjun looked at Luo Chen, whose expression seemed slightly discontent, and asked in confusion.
"It's nothing." Luo Chen's eyes flickered, and he instructed indifferently, "Tell Huiwang that the brothers in the sect can go into Mount Tai Market to take a look, but they should travel in groups and try to avoid conflicts with the locals."
"Yes, I'll go tell the President right away."
As Qu Lingjun nodded, Luo Chen had already left.
...
On the Dragon Whale ship.
Luo Chen descended, just in time to meet Li Yixuan who had just arrived.
The two nodded to each other and then entered the hall together.
Nan Gong Jin had arrived early, and Wang Haichao was seated in a higher position.
The four of them took their seats and got straight to the point.
"When will they arrive?"
Wang Haichao spoke in a deep voice, "Soon! Just be patient and wait!"
Patience?
How could they possibly be patient!
They had already sent their followers to inquire about the situation in Mount Tai Market.
Affected by the war between Jade Cauldron Sword Sect and Luoyun Sect, the Jade Cauldron Sword Pavilion cultivators in this area had long since left.
The vast Mount Tai Market, without the pressure of the local hegemon, suddenly became leaderless.
Even with the presence of the six major sects, they were still external forces and had little say.
Therefore, the current decision-making power in the local market town was mainly concentrated in the hands of the three major local families.
The Huo Family of Vermillion Toad Mountain, the Kang Family of Mount Tai, and the Yu Family of Winghua Mountain.
Among these three families, the Huo Family, backed by the Flame Alliance and with a Sixth Layer Foundation Establishment Elder, held the most influence.
Whether the four major forces from Da He Fang could take root here depended on their attitude.
Without their consent, a conflict was inevitable.
Li Yixuan worried, "We have too many people here. The loose cultivators are fine, they come and go like floating duckweed, and won't have much impact. But our four families will definitely affect the local families' survival."
"I'm afraid it won't be that smooth!"
After docking, Nan Gong Jin became less agitated.
He hummed lightly, "It's best to negotiate peacefully, but if we can't, we'll have to let our fists do the talking."
Is he trying to emulate the old ways of Da He Fang?
When did Nan Gong Jin become so bold? Luo Chen glanced at him.
Then, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.
Because Nan Gong Jin was looking at Wang Haichao.
"I'm right, aren't I, Alliance Leader!"
He's asking Wang Haichao to be the vanguard!
Wang Haichao looked deeply at Nan Gong Jin, saying nothing.
The atmosphere in the room suddenly turned cold.
Nan Gong Jin felt a little embarrassed but didn't mind.
He also saw clearly that Luo Chen and Li Yixuan had similar intentions.
It's just that their sects had deep foundations and would not easily speak up.
He had to do these unpopular things for the sake of his family.
As the four of them waited in silence, the outside noise gradually subsided.
Suddenly, the four of them looked up and saw a paper crane flying in.
A sound transmission paper crane? Wang Haichao beckoned and took the paper crane.
As the message entered his ears, his face gradually darkened.
After a long while, he raised his head.
"We might have to wait for a while."
"Hmm?"
"Why is that?"
"Are they keeping us waiting?"
In response to their questions, Wang Haichao said with a hint of mystery, "The Huo Family's Elder of Vermillion Toad Mountain is in seclusion. We'll have to wait for him to come out before the various families in Mount Tai Market decide whether to accept us."
Upon hearing this, Luo Chen and the other two's expressions changed.
Is this true or false? An excuse?
Or is there another plan?
After discussing, they couldn't reach a conclusion.
Luo Chen and the others had no choice but to disperse.
After they left, Wang Haichao took out the sound transmission paper crane again and examined it carefully.
His face showed a mix of emotions.
...
After arriving at Mount Tai Market, most of the loose cultivators who followed from Da He Fang disembarked.
Most of them would stay here, and unless something unexpected happened, they would also live in the vicinity.
A small portion might wander to other market towns.
Some hoped that the major sects would return to Da He Fang to clean up the mess, and then they could go back to their hometown.
After touring the market for a day, the cultivators from the four major forces also returned to their ships in the evening.
In the dead of night, a figure with almost no aura quietly left the cabin.
Stepping over the water, she leaped towards the Li Clan's ship.
Just as Luo Chen was about to infiltrate, he suddenly raised his eyebrows.
He whispered towards a passing figure, "Fellow Daoist Li?"
In the night, a pair of bright eyes looked back at him.
"Oh? Fellow Daoist Luo?"
What a coincidence! It's her!
The direction she was heading was obviously the ship where Luo Tianhui was located.
Her purpose was self-evident.
Looking at the shadowy figure, like a withered tree, Luo Chen praised, "What a profound concealment technique!"
Li Yixuan was also amazed as he watched him.
"Your concealment technique is also remarkable!"
Earlier, it was Luo Chen who discovered her first.
"Shall we change locations?" Luo Chen suggested.
"Yes, please lead the way, Fellow Daoist."
Luo Chen didn't hesitate and flew towards a dense forest outside the Mount Tai Market.
Following the faint trail of aura left by Luo Chen, Li Yixuan closely followed behind.
"It is rumored that Luo Chen is highly skilled in spells, and now it seems that it's not an exaggeration."
"I've been practicing the Locust Shade Scripture for many years, and I can confidently say that in concealing my aura and hiding my form, I'm second to none."
"But I never expected that compared to him, I'm still slightly inferior."
Soon, the two arrived at their destination.
After landing, Luo Chen looked around to ensure no outsiders were spying.
He cast a Soundproof Spell, enveloping the two of them.
He opened his mouth to speak, then they both smiled at each other.
"What do you think?" Li Yixuan asked with a smile.
Luo Chen didn't beat around the bush, saying directly, "Wang Haichao's words were somewhat reserved."
"Indeed, with the four of us Foundation Establishment Cultivators arriving together, it doesn't make sense for Mount Tai Market to treat us like this." Li Yixuan nodded.
They weren't just some small fry.
Four Foundation Establishment Cultivators, plus the four major forces they represented.
Together, they numbered several thousand people.
Perhaps it wasn't a big deal for a major sect.
But for a mere market town, how could they act so arrogantly?
Li Yixuan spoke softly, "He might be hiding some inside information and using it to buy some time."
"I think so too. After all, Wang Haichao is in the water transportation business, and he frequently travels between several market towns. Logically, they should have communicated with us about our relocation by now."
"Do you know any Foundation Establishment Cultivators here?"
Upon hearing Li Yixuan's question, a person's face flashed in Luo Chen's mind.
He nodded.
Seeing this, Li Yixuan said directly, "I've been friends with the Yu Family's leader from Winghua Mountain for many years. Tomorrow, I can go and meet her to gather some information in advance."
"Okay, let's do that!"
Luo Chen also agreed with this suggestion.
After confirming, he turned to leave.
Unexpectedly, Li Yixuan called him back.
"What else is there?"
Looking at Luo Chen, Li Yixuan bit her lips, "Does our agreement to stand together still hold?"
Luo Chen was taken aback, then he laughed heartily.
"Of course!"
...
The next day.
On the long street, a tall and thin figure strolled towards the scorching sun.
Looking at the layout of the surrounding buildings, a curious expression appeared on his face.
"It's completely different from the inner and outer cities of Da He Fang."
Mount Tai Market, rather than being a market town, was more like a market formed under the encirclement of three large mountains on a plain.
Over time, this market town was established.
The layout of the surrounding buildings was obviously not as professionally planned as Da He Fang.
They were scattered in all directions, some in groups of three or two.
Some buildings were very tall, obviously belonging to wealthy and powerful sect industries.
Some had only a single signboard, looking rather shabby.
Undoubtedly, these were the small-scale industries of minor families.
Soon, Luo Chen's footsteps led him to an ancient-looking tall building.
Above it hung a signboard that read "Golden Stone Pavilion."
Upon entering, he was greeted by a dazzling sight.
"The Kang Family, in the strict sense, is an affiliated family of the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect. Kang Dongyue himself told me this."
"Now that the two Nascent Soul Supreme Sects are facing off, I wonder if they'll get involved?"
With these thoughts in mind, Luo Chen entered the building.
A beautiful maid greeted him.
Although Luo Chen had concealed his Foundation Establishment Stage aura, his high-grade Daoist robe, and his graceful demeanor indicated that he was no ordinary loose cultivator.
Thus, the maid was very enthusiastic.
"Senior, do you need to purchase something?"
"Our Golden Stone Pavilion specializes in the Golden Jade Elixir and Stone Yuan Dan, which are excellent pills beneficial to cultivation. If Senior is planning a long journey, we also have Poisonous Mist Powder to protect against snakes, insects, and rodents. Additionally, we have cinnabar, cloudy jade..."
Luo Chen, who had originally intended to get straight to the point, was genuinely tempted after hearing the maid's introduction.
The Mount Tai Kang Family, indeed, lived up to its reputation as an affiliated family of the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect.
After years of operation, they had accumulated so many low-tier pills.
The variety of pills was even richer than that of the Luo Tianhui.
But upon careful thought, it made perfect sense.
Many of these pills were not difficult to refine.
Some seemingly effective items had similar products on the market.
However, Luo Chen still spent several hundred spirit stones to purchase a pile of low-tier pills unrelated to cultivation.
He needed the Golden Jade Elixir but didn't buy it.
Instead, to the maid's surprise, he took out a Multifunctional Pill.
"I don't know if you accept pills here?"
"Supreme!"
The maid exclaimed in surprise, then quickly covered her mouth.
She looked around but found that the other customers hadn't noticed her.
Huh?
She realized that Luo Chen had already cast a Soundproof Spell in advance.
Swallowing her saliva, the maid nodded quickly.
"We do accept pills, but they need to be appraised by our Golden Stone Pavilion's Elder."
Luo Chen's eyes flashed, "Can you ask Elder Kang Dongyue to appraise it personally? I have more than just this one!"
As he spoke, he directly placed the Supreme Multifunctional Pill in the maid's hand.
The maid hesitated for a moment.
But when she heard Luo Chen's words, "I have more than just this one," she became determined.
A large number of Supreme-grade pills?
If she could secure this big deal for the Golden Stone Pavilion, she would surely receive praise and rewards from above.
She gritted her teeth and said, "Senior, please wait upstairs for a moment."
Luo Chen smiled slightly and strode upstairs.
The doorstopper had already been presented.
Now it was up to Kang Dongyue to be tempted!
(End of Chapter)
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