https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-267-Guests-Delight-Foundation-Establishment-Gifts/12920641/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-269-Blood-River-Realm-Luo-Chen-s-Hardship/12920643/
Chapter 268: Turtle Spirit Armored Shell, Deception
Chapter 268: Turtle Spirit Armored Shell, Deception
As he stared at the flickering terms, Luo Chen was stunned.
His Strength Method cultivation had been recorded by the system?
However, what did this long string of ellipses mean?
Under his gaze, behind the term 'Body Tempering Second Stage', characters appeared one by one.
"Sinew Transformation," "Marrow Cleansing," "Organ Refinement," "Meridian Permeation"...
In the end, all the characters converged, forming a number.
"3/100"
Luo Chen couldn't hold back his surprise.
"After all this, it's just a progress bar!"
He was completely speechless.
But when his gaze fell on the number in the progress bar, the '3' kept flickering faintly, as if it were about to rise at any moment.
"Is this related to the slow transformation my physique is currently undergoing?"
Luo Chen pondered silently.
He could feel that after reaching the Body Tempering Second Stage, his body seemed to possess infinite potential.
There were many aspects to explore.
He just couldn't find the right approach.
If he had a proper cultivation method, perhaps he could uncover the treasures within his body one by one.
Speaking of proper cultivation methods, he did have one in his possession.
It was the 'Wang Family Secret Scroll' given to him by Wang Yuan, which included cultivation methods for the first stage of body tempering and some initial methods for the second stage.
Among them, the terms 'Sinew Transformation', 'Marrow Cleansing', 'Organ Refinement', and 'Meridian Permeation' were specifically mentioned.
This was probably why the system kept hesitating in categorizing the Strength Method.
However, Luo Chen's cultivation of the Strength Method had always been disorganized.
Therefore, the system couldn't determine his progress and gave him a progress bar similar to the cultivation realm.
"If only I had enough time to explore these treasures within my body."
"Unfortunately, time is never enough!"
Shaking his head, Luo Chen decided not to pay further attention to this new term.
He would casually discuss it with Wang Yuan in the future to gain some basic knowledge.
For now, he preferred to focus on spells that had quick effects and were beneficial to him.
For instance, the 'Turtle Spirit Armored Shell'!
...
Time had reached the dawn hour.
This was the time Luo Chen had set aside for reading.
Two hours a day wasn't much, but it could provide significant assistance in his journey through the cultivation world.
In the face of absolute power, influence and cultivation realms weren't always reliable.
A slight mistake, like touching a poisonous plant or entering a secret realm, could lead to a cultivator's death.
Therefore, reading and gaining knowledge about the cultivation world was always beneficial.
The 'Turtle Spirit Armored Shell' was a wondrous spell that could potentially save Luo Chen's life in times of great danger.
This technique originated from an unknown loose cultivator from the Da Jiang Gang during the Gaoling Plain Battle.
At that time, the cultivator pretended to be dead on the battlefield, even deceiving Luo Chen's spirit sense.
Its mysterious nature was evident!
After browsing through this technique, Luo Chen's interest in it never waned.
It was a complete second-stage spell!
Moreover, it was a second-stage spell that could be learned in parts!
It was divided into four parts: Turtle Breath, Armored Shell, Death Avoidance, and Life Extension.
Turtle Breath, as the name suggested, was a breathing technique like that of a turtle, concealing one's vital signs almost completely.
Armored Shell was a defensive spell that used essence energy to form armor, covering the entire body, including hidden areas like the eyes and navel. It was a comprehensive close-range defensive spell.
Death Avoidance was a profound technique. Cultivators could sever a piece of flesh from their body to avoid fatal damage, only suffering minor injuries.
Life Extension, when facing certain death, allowed one to use all their essence energy to create a breath, forcing themselves to linger for three days. However, if they couldn't find a way to revive within three days, death was still inevitable.
This entire set of techniques was indeed mysterious and profound.
It had kept Luo Chen's attention for three years, and he often took out the turtle shell that recorded this technique to study it.
But due to his tight schedule, he hadn't started practicing it until now.
Finally, he had grasped the essence of the first two parts.
He felt ready to begin.
"If I can master this technique, it will be a lifesaver in uncontrollable situations!"
Luo Chen muttered to himself.
The loose cultivator from before had only learned Turtle Breath, yet he could deceive Luo Chen's spirit sense across cultivation realms.
This demonstrated the technique's power!
With Luo Chen's talent in spells and ample resources, mastering this second-stage spell wouldn't be a challenge.
He carefully read through the content once more.
Two hours had passed without him realizing it.
After a quick meal, Luo Chen decided to attempt the technique.
He started with Turtle Breath. One exhalation and one inhalation constituted one breath.
The duration of this breath varied from person to person.
Some had rapid breathing, with each breath lasting only five or six seconds, while others had longer breaths, taking tens of seconds.
Those with short lifespans, like chickens and dogs, breathed every two or three seconds.
And this set of techniques imitates the ancient giant turtle Xuan, who lived for thirty thousand years!
It is said that during its normal activities, it only breathes three times a day.
If it falls into deep slumber, it only breathes once every three hundred years.
During these three hundred years, it remains as still as a mountain, like a dead object, without any signs of life. When it breathes once after three hundred years, it is as if it is swallowing the heavens and the earth, a truly bizarre sight that is incredibly shocking.
This mere second-stage technique, of course, cannot reach the level of the Xuan Turtle.
But according to its methods, if one masters it, a cultivator can also barely manage to breathe once every three years.
Even at the initial stage of mastery, one can achieve the state of being like withered wood for three months.
No one can tell if they are alive or dead!
"In terms of practice, initially control the first breath for about one minute. Seven times in a row, repeating the cycle, with a brief rest, completing seven sets, until seventy-seven times, and that's it!"
It sounds simple.
But in reality, one must follow specific hand gestures and the flow of spirit energy to cultivate.
With eyes closed, the gaze is focused on the nose, the nose on the mouth, the mouth on the heart, the tongue pressed against the upper palate, and the heart, spirit, and mind are concentrated on the navel, ensuring that the mind remains unwavering.
The left thumb and middle finger are joined together, forming a circle.
The right thumb is inserted into this circle.
The middle fingers are locked together, and the other four fingers are crossed.
The overall posture is slightly shifted horizontally, swirling into a narrow oval shape.
When this posture is formed, Luo Chen opens his mouth and takes a deep breath.
At this moment, he holds his breath for one minute.
After one minute, he slowly exhales gently.
In this manner, the cycle repeats.
...
Time flies, and five months pass in the blink of an eye.
On this day, a flying boat leaves Heavenly Wave Immortal City, heading straight for Crimson Peak.
Outside the boat, snow is falling.
On the boat, two people stand.
They are Min Longyu, who has just broken through and stabilized his cultivation base, and Luo Chen, who has spent half a year at home enduring the mundane days.
"As you know, this is no longer the small-scale Dahedao Market. Therefore, your Foundation Establishment Ceremony cannot be a grand affair."
Luo Chen casually says, looking at his companion.
Min Longyu smiles in understanding, "It's fine, I don't care about those who are concerned with superficial etiquette."
"It's good that you don't mind," says Luo Chen, intertwining his fingers and covering his palms with his sleeves like an ordinary mortal. "This time, for the internal Foundation Establishment Ceremony, Hui Niang has recalled all the Qi Condensation Stage Cultivators who were outside. At that time, you should share your Foundation Establishment insights with them."
Min Longyu nods heavily.
He has been a member of Luo Tianhui for three and a half years.
Previously, without an official position, he had to work hard for Luo Tianhui to exchange Essence Cultivation Elixir and Spirit Gate Pills.
This was the period when he had put the most effort into his cultivation journey.
During this time, he gradually developed a sense of identification with Luo Tianhui.
Especially after Luo Chen helped him establish his foundation, this identification turned into emotion.
He knew that relying solely on oneself was extremely difficult in the cultivation world.
Especially after reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, the demand for resources became unimaginable for Qi Condensation Cultivators.
Only by strengthening Luo Tianhui could he go further on this path!
Sharing Foundation Establishment insights and helping Luo Tianhui produce more Foundation Establishment Cultivators was undoubtedly the fastest way to increase the sect's strength.
Moreover!
He wasn't the first to do this.
Whether it was Luo Chen, Duan Feng, or Wang Yuan, who had established his foundation a year ago, they had all personally done these things.
When sharing Foundation Establishment insights, they were almost completely open.
He didn't know if the other small sects and factions in Heavenly Wave Immortal City were like this.
But at least, the upper echelon of Luo Tianhui was genuinely unreserved in this regard.
They truly embodied the spirit of unity and collective effort.
"And all of this is because of the man by my side!"
Min Longyu quietly glanced at Luo Chen's profile and noticed a strange phenomenon.
The other party seemed to be... not breathing?
"What's wrong?"
Luo Chen suddenly spoke, slowly exhaling a long, continuous breath.
In this winter season, with snowflakes dancing in the air, it was as if he had exhaled a white dragon.
Witnessing this bizarre scene,
Min Longyu was astonished, "Chairman, what cultivation technique are you practicing?"
"Yes!" Luo Chen smiled slightly, "Why, do you want to learn? I can teach you!"
Min Longyu quickly waved his hand, "Never mind, the path of arrays is vast and profound. I haven't truly entered the realm, so how can I afford to be distracted?"
"You're being modest!"
Min Longyu came from a family with a rich heritage, and his foundation in array techniques was exceptionally solid from a young age.
During the Qi Condensation Stage, he was already a renowned array master.
Now that he has advanced to the Foundation Establishment Stage, he can use his spirit sense to set up arrays and has begun researching incomplete array disks. Calling him a master of arrays would not be an exaggeration.
If he hasn't truly entered the realm, other array masters would be ashamed to death!
"But it's good that you think this way."
Luo Chen sighed, "People like us seem to have a sudden increase in lifespan. But on the long path of cultivation, time is never enough. Being proficient in one or two techniques is already an incredible feat."
Min Longyu also sighed in agreement.
Not entering the mountain, one cannot fathom its height.
Not treading its path, one cannot grasp its challenges.
Qi Condensation Stage Cultivators envy the longevity of Foundation Establishment Cultivators, but they too feel the brevity of life.
During their brief conversation, the Langqi Flying Boat traversed three hundred li, arriving at the Crimson Peak.
The Foundation Establishment Ceremony had been mentioned earlier.
Thus, upon arrival, everything was already prepared.
A grand gathering of high-level cultivators from within the Luo Tianhui was about to unfold.
Luo Chen sat at the head.
But the true protagonist was Min Longyu, the newly advanced Foundation Establishment Cultivator.
He spoke eloquently, sharing his experiences and insights on the potential challenges one might encounter during Foundation Establishment, and how he overcame them.
Luo Chen occasionally chimed in, offering his own understanding.
However, his gaze wandered around the Luo Tian Grand Hall.
Over the years, everyone had been busy.
Busy taking root, busy developing, and busy expanding the Luo Tianhui.
During this process, everyone had their own gains.
Sima Huiwang was the busiest, but her cultivation had not stagnated. She was estimated to be only one or two years away from reaching the Great Perfection of Qi Condensation.
In her hand, she held a Foundation Establishment Pill bestowed by Luo Chen.
Based on her talent, temperament, and various preparations, along with her constant attention to Luo Chen's teachings and the simulation results from the Ghost God Heart Inquiry Mirror, her chances of successfully establishing her foundation were perhaps the highest.
Luo Chen wasn't overly concerned about her.
His worry was for the other two.
...
After Min Longyu's Foundation Establishment Ceremony, everyone dispersed.
Duan Feng approached Min Longyu, and they enthusiastically discussed the matter of a treasure.
However, Luo Chen asked the two to stay.
"Chairman."
"Sis, stop! There's no one else here, no need to be so distant."
Luo Chen descended the stairs and approached the two.
"Can you tell me what's going on between the two of you?"
Under his Spirit Eye Technique, the couple before him were both at the Great Perfection of Qi Condensation.
This progress was not far off from Luo Chen's assessment from a few years ago.
The only discrepancy was that Qin Liangchen had also reached the Great Perfection of Qi Condensation so quickly, without being surpassed by Meng Juan Qinglian.
This discrepancy arose because, half a year ago at an auction, they had spent a hefty sum to acquire a precious First-Rank Spirit Pill.
This allowed Qin Liangchen to catch up and finally reach the Great Perfection of Qi Condensation.
Logically, at this stage, they should attempt to break through to Foundation Establishment.
As for the Foundation Establishment Pill required for the breakthrough?
They also had one in their possession.
If they were worried that one pill wouldn't be enough for both of them, they could have let one person establish their foundation first!
But now, both were stuck.
Meng Juan Qinglian glanced at the silent Qin Liangchen beside her, then turned back with a bitter smile.
"Xiao Luo, please convince your brother Qin for me!"
"If he doesn't break through soon, he'll truly miss the best opportunity for Foundation Establishment."
Qin Liangchen moved his lips but shook his head.
"No need to convince me, it's best if you use that Foundation Establishment Pill."
Meng Juan Qinglian pleaded, "But you're already sixty-one years old, if you don't establish your foundation now, it will only become more difficult in the future."
"You're not much younger than me, you should seize the time."
"What about you?"
"Me? This arm has been severed twice, and even after healing, it's not as good as before. What's the point of establishing my foundation? Can I even aspire to the Golden Core Stage?"
"If you don't establish your foundation, I will. If I succeed, my lifespan will double. Don't you want me to be alone and miserable a hundred years from now, waiting for you to wither away?"
"Where would I be alone and miserable? Isn't there still Xiaohu? We've been in contact, and he's now valued by the Falling Cloud Sect, so he also has great hopes of establishing his foundation in the future!"
"You know that's not what I mean."
The couple's argument suddenly erupted.
This caught Luo Chen off guard.
In all these years, he had never seen Qin Liangchen and Meng Juan Qinglian argue.
Seeing their familiarity, it seemed that such arguments had occurred more than once during this period.
What had marriage brought to men and women?
He shivered and quickly raised his hand.
"Stop, I said stop!"
Looking at the now quiet couple, Luo Chen sighed, "Foundation Establishment isn't that simple, and it's not guaranteed. Instead of you two pushing each other away, it's better to let one of you try first. Regardless of success or failure, we can make further arrangements afterward!"
Qin Liangchen nodded, "That's true, so I also plan to let your sister-in-law try first."
Hearing this, Meng Juan Qinglian felt both angry and amused, and even a little like crying.
"You're the one who needs Foundation Establishment the most!"
"But Luo Chen also said that Foundation Establishment isn't simple, and in my current state, the chances of failure are undoubtedly very high. Why waste that Foundation Establishment Pill? You should..."
Seeing that they were about to argue again, Luo Chen was at a loss for words.
Was it really that difficult for a Foundation Establishment Cultivator to convince two Qi Condensation Stage Cultivator partners?
This couldn't go on!
Regardless of Meng Juan Qinglian or Qin Liangchen.
The longer they delayed, the greater the loss.
Luo Chen had achieved Foundation Establishment at the age of thirty-two, and even he felt that time was not enough.
These two were already in their fifties or sixties, and they couldn't afford to delay any further.
After some thought, Luo Chen made a decision.
"Sister-in-law, please leave, and let me have a private chat with Brother Qin."
The root of the problem was obviously with Qin Liangchen.
Meng Juan Qinglian looked at him with pleading eyes, and only after Qin Liangchen's urging did she leave the grand hall.
...
After she left, Qin Liangchen suddenly sighed.
With that sigh, he seemed to age several decades, lacking the aura that a Qi Condensation Great Perfection cultivator should possess.
Was his usual strength and indifference just a man's pretense? Luo Chen couldn't help but speak up, "Brother Qin..."
"Luo Chen, I won't call you 'Chairman' or 'Luo Chen.' I'll use the name we used when we were peers back in Dahedao Market," Qin Liangchen interrupted, his words taking them back to the past.
Luo Chen closed his mouth, allowing him to continue.
"Luo Chen, speak from your heart. In my current state, can I achieve Foundation Establishment?"
Facing those eyes that no longer held the sharpness of the past, Luo Chen wanted to say "maybe," "perhaps," or "possibly," but in the end, he remained silent.
Someone in Qin Liangchen's current state could not achieve Foundation Establishment.
It had nothing to do with the perfection of his cultivation stage or the sufficiency of his preparations.
The most crucial factor was his mindset! Without the unwavering determination to forge ahead, the already slim chance of success in breaking through, no matter how excellent the spirit pills and elixirs, would be futile.
He would not utter those insincere words! Seeing Luo Chen's genuine reaction, Qin Liangchen smiled bitterly.
"See, you know my current state is not suitable for Foundation Establishment. Why force it upon me?"
He walked to a desk and poured himself a cup of wine.
"You know why, even though I've reached Qi Condensation Great Perfection and have the Foundation Establishment Pill you gave me, I don't attempt Foundation Establishment?"
"Afraid of failure? Afraid of wasting it?"
"No!"
"In this life, I fear many things, but not these."
"I fear that after failure, I'll be severely injured and have only a few years left to live. I won't have time to accompany your sister-in-law or wait for Xiaohu to complete his training."
"With my current physical condition, combined with the insights of you four Foundation Establishment Cultivators, if I fail, I'll be lightly injured and have my lifespan reduced, or I might even die on the spot."
"Instead of taking these risks, I'd rather enjoy the remaining decades of my life."
"If I die this way, I'll have no regrets."
Cup after cup of wine went down his throat.
His words were spoken with calmness and openness.
It was as if he was that man from the past, once again bold and heroic.
Luo Chen pursed his lips, finding it difficult to speak, "But what about your sister-in-law?"
Qin Liangchen smiled lightly, "Her ambition for Foundation Establishment is even more resolute than mine!"
"As her husband, I know her best."
"She loves me, she can't let go of Xiaohu, and she can't bear to leave behind the Luo Tianhui that she built brick by brick."
"If given the chance, even though she seems weak, she will walk with more determination than anyone!"
Luo Chen fell silent.
It was also because of love.
One chose to retreat, and one chose to advance.
He understood, but it was difficult to truly grasp the essence of their choices.
If it were him, even if he was severely injured and had only one day left to live, he would take the risk! "So, don't try to persuade me."
"Persuade your sister-in-law instead!"
"Later, let's deceive her together. Tell her that you found a more suitable Foundation Establishment spirit medicine for my physique, and I'll attempt Foundation Establishment in a few years."
"Don't worry, I won't let her blame you. At that time, I'll pretend to enter closed-door cultivation for a month, and finally, I'll pretend to fail Foundation Establishment but emerge unscathed."
"Compared to being severely injured, she will definitely accept the failure but my intact self."
Luo Chen couldn't help but smile wryly.
What kind of logic is this! You really do understand your partner!
"Luo Chen, you must agree!" Qin Liangchen put down his wine cup with emphasis, staring earnestly at Luo Chen, "This time, consider it as a favor from your brother!"
Luo Chen opened his mouth.
In the end, he still didn't say the words of refusal.
When the door opened, Meng Juan Qinglian rushed in anxiously, and Qin Liangchen showed a long-awaited smile.
"Darling, it's all settled. We can both achieve Foundation Establishment!"
"Luo Chen knows of a more suitable Foundation Establishment spirit medicine for my physique, but it needs time to gather. So, that Foundation Establishment Pill, don't push it back and forth between us."
Meng Juan Qinglian was taken aback and subconsciously looked at Luo Chen, who had his back turned to her.
"Luo Chen, is this true?"
Qin Liangchen clenched his lips, his eyes fixed tensely on Luo Chen's back.
Finally, as he had hoped.
Luo Chen turned around, revealing a smile as natural as a century-old veteran actor.
"It's true."
This was the first time he had lied to a friend about something concerning them.
In that moment, he felt a bit uncomfortable.
But seeing the couple's heartfelt smiles, he felt that perhaps there was nothing wrong with this lie?
(End of Chapter)
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