Immortality Begins With The Alchemical Master Chapter 269: Blood River Realm, Luo Chen's Hardship - Novel Cool

Chapter 269: Blood River Realm, Luo Chen's Hardship

Chapter 269: Blood River Realm, Luo Chen's Hardship

When he arrived, he wasn't alone.

On the way back to the city, the group had grown even larger.

Wang Yuan, Qin Liangchen and his wife, Gu Caiyi, all boarded Luo Chen's boat.

Luo Chen felt a bit down, but to avoid revealing his thoughts to the Qin couple, he pretended to be nonchalant and chatted with Wang Yuan about body cultivation techniques.

"The 'Unity of Gases' is indeed a complete second-stage body cultivation technique, created during the decline of body cultivators."

Luo Chen was surprised, "Isn't that a technique from several thousand years ago? Can it still be applicable to the current cultivation world?"

Wang Yuan smiled slightly, "Of course, it's still applicable. Several thousand years is a long time for us, but for the truly powerful cultivators, it's just the snap of a finger."

Luo Chen suddenly understood.

In the cultivation world, there was no notion that ancient cultivators were superior, nor was there a theory that old methods were inferior to new ones.

The power of a cultivation technique primarily depended on its suitability for the individual.

Although it seemed that times had changed, the powerful cultivators who created these techniques might have only blinked or meditated for a short while.

After all, it wouldn't make sense if they closed themselves off for centuries and then emerged as outdated cultivators.

"This technique elaborates on the Blood River Realm's cultivation stages, allowing one to cultivate systematically up to the Furnace Refining Realm. For me, it's a great opportunity." Wang Yuan explained, expressing his relief in his words.

In the past, he had learned bits and pieces from various sources.

Relying on his experience and instincts, he had gradually improved his cultivation system.

But now, with a proper body cultivation technique, his path ahead was finally clear.

Speaking of which, he had Luo Chen to thank for acquiring this technique.

"Blood River Realm? Furnace Refining Realm?" Luo Chen was puzzled.

Wang Yuan smiled slightly and explained the division of body cultivation realms to Luo Chen.

Before the Great Vajra Realm, all was mundane.

The limit of the mundane realm was the Great Vajra Realm after the Precelestial state.

At this stage, the body becomes as sturdy as vajra, unbreakable, marking the true first realm of body cultivation.

According to the 'Unity of Gases', the second realm focuses on refining qi and blood, as well as developing the body's major organs.

"Blood flowing like a river, qi soaring to the heavens, bright and shadow energy transforming into essence, and the four energies merging as one. This is the second realm's great achievement."

"Hence, the second realm is also known as the Blood River Realm."

"As for the Furnace Refining Realm..."

Wang Yuan shook his head, "The book's description is brief, and I'll have to wait until I reach that realm to truly experience it."

Luo Chen curiously asked, "So, you're saying you already have a clear understanding of how to cultivate in the Blood River Realm?"

"I wouldn't say I have a complete grasp, but at least I know the direction."

Wang Yuan waved his hand and casually explained the stage-by-stage cultivation of the Blood River Realm.

Just like the Foundation Establishment Stage, which is divided into nine layers, the Blood River Realm is also divided into nine minor stages.

[Organ Refinement] [Sinew Transformation] [Marrow Cleansing] [Meridian Permeation] [Point Opening] [Bright Energy] [Shadow Energy] [Energy Transformation] [Essence Energy]

Luo Chen listened with surprise.

Are body cultivation techniques categorized so meticulously?

"Developing the body's major organs is an extremely dangerous process, so it's necessary to have a detailed understanding."

"Although it seems meticulous, many aspects are actually practiced simultaneously."

"Even Foundation Establishment Cultivators might unknowingly cultivate certain parts during their practice."

Wang Yuan explained everything in detail, not holding anything back from Luo Chen, and even provided some examples.

"In the Organ Refinement stage, I had already achieved great success even before I entered the cultivation world. That set of Five Organ Nourishing Fists can train the internal organs and nurture the five energies."

"As for Sinew Transformation and Marrow Cleansing, every time you cultivators break through a major realm, the essence energy will automatically transform your sinews and cleanse your marrow."

"And Meridian Permeation is even easier to understand. By opening up all the meridians, large and small, the flow of qi and blood becomes unobstructed, surging with every movement. When you Qi Condensation Cultivators transport essence energy, you are also partially opening up your meridians."

"The significant difference lies mainly in Point Opening and the cultivation of the four energies."

Wang Yuan paused and mentioned the Bright Spirit Slaughter-breaking technique.

This technique also had some methods for opening points, but it only developed thirty-six acupoints in the human body.

However, the human body, this vast treasure trove, contains far more than just thirty-six acupoints.

As for the four energies?

It's about refining the chaotic and vigorous qi and blood into energy!

Bright and shadow energy transforming into essence, the four energies merge as one.

In his early days, Wang Yuan had unknowingly embarked on this cultivation path.

His killing move, Blood God Tribulation Finger, was a type of bright energy he cultivated by condensing his qi and blood.

It could be said that Wang Yuan's previous cultivation was not systematic.

He cultivated a bit here and there, relying on his own exploration.

To have discovered the Bright Energy Blood God Tribulation Finger in the early Blood River Realm was a testament to his exceptional talent.

But now, with a systematic cultivation technique, he could specifically enhance himself in the later stages.

After listening to Wang Yuan's explanation, Luo Chen suddenly exclaimed, "No wonder body cultivators have declined!"

Others didn't understand his exclamation, but Wang Yuan felt the same way.

Indeed!

The process of developing the body's major organs was so tedious.

Moreover, without the rapid lifespan increase that Qi Condensation Cultivators experienced after Foundation Establishment, few could fully complete the Blood River Realm's cultivation.

And lifespan was just one aspect.

The decline of body cultivators was also due to the fact that Qi Condensation Cultivators, while absorbing essence energy, were also unintentionally cultivating their bodies.

Whether it was Sinew Transformation, Marrow Cleansing, Meridian Permeation, or even the development of acupoints after the Golden Core Stage, Qi Condensation Cultivators could passively enhance their physiques during cultivation.

Why would they need to focus on body cultivation?

Decline was the natural trend of the times!

As for the powerful techniques mastered by body cultivators?

Bright Energy? Shadow Energy?

Qi Condensation Cultivators had spells, artifacts, arrays, and talismans that were even more convenient and powerful.

No one would choose a more complicated and less efficient path.

During the conversation, the flying boat quickly entered the Celestial Wave Peak.

As they were about to part ways, Wang Yuan handed Luo Chen a piece of beast hide as thin as a cicada's wing.

"I've thoroughly studied this set of Heavenly Peng Transformation, take it and read it in your free time!"

Luo Chen nodded as he accepted the beast hide.

After Wang Yuan left, Luo Chen, carrying the remaining three, arrived at his previous Second Rank Inferior Cave Mansion.

It now belonged to Min Longyu.

However, he had just consolidated his cultivation realm, and during this time, he would be staying at Crimson Peak, discussing with Duan Feng how to refine the embryo of a defensive artifact and complete his array disk.

Therefore, the cave mansion was left unused.

Just in time, Meng Juan Qinglian had reached the Great Perfection of Qi Condensation, and was attempting to breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment stage.

So, Luo Chen decided to let her use it.

...

Upon reaching the entrance of the cave mansion, Luo Chen used his spirit technique to quickly open the array.

Meng Juan Qinglian entered and took a look around, feeling quite satisfied.

"What a great place!"

"It's just a pity that it's too expensive."

Even a Second Rank Inferior Cave Mansion required a thousand spirit stones per month.

For an ordinary Foundation Establishment Cultivator, a normal monthly income was only two to three thousand spirit stones.

In other words, at least one-third, or even half, of their monthly income had to be spent on rent!

Some might say, why not just practice without a Second Rank Spirit Ground?

But only after a true Foundation Establishment Cultivator experiences the difference between the first and second ranks, would they insist on investing spirit stones into this endeavor.

The cultivation speed between the two was like the difference between heaven and earth!

Not to mention, take Li Yixuan as an example.

She had been at the Qi Condensation stage in Dahedao Market for two to three decades, and after reaching the Foundation Establishment stage and cultivating to the second layer, she found it difficult to continue.

But after coming to Heavenly Wave Immortal City and renting a cave mansion for just one year, she advanced to the third layer of Foundation Establishment.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have been noticed by Lianyun Merchant Alliance and recruited as an elder.

Such a rapid cultivation speed, could it be that her talent had improved?

No!

It was simply that her external cultivation environment had changed.

Luo Chen smiled and said, "Sister-in-law, as long as you're satisfied, that's good. After you reach Foundation Establishment, the Luo Tianhui will adjust your salary, and you can also rent such a cave mansion on Celestial Wave Peak."

Meng Juan Qinglian was about to agree.

But her gaze fell on Qin Liangchen, who was walking around in the room, and her words changed.

"Renting a cave mansion is indeed a huge expense."

"However, cultivators don't practice uninterruptedly every day. During their free time, the spirit energy of the cave mansion would be somewhat wasted."

Luo Chen's eyebrows twitched, sensing what she was implying.

"What do you mean?"

Meng Juan Qinglian smoothed her hair, "Now the Luo Tianhui has several Foundation Establishment Cultivators, and under your leadership, there will likely be more in the future."

"If each person rents a cave mansion, it would result in a significant waste of spirit stones."

"As far as I know, the Celestial Wave Peak only prohibits the subletting of cave mansions, but it doesn't prohibit family members or friends from sharing one."

At this point, Luo Chen finally understood her intention.

"Share a cave mansion?"

Meng Juan Qinglian nodded, "Yes! Instead of wasting it, we should make good use of each time period. After all, we're only absorbing the earth's spirit energy from Heavenly Wave Immortal City, and it's not something we need to be stingy about."

"Moreover, there's one more thing, President, I must bring it up to you!"

From the previous casual conversation, she seamlessly switched back to her role as president.

This meant that what she was about to discuss was serious business.

Luo Chen's expression turned slightly solemn, waiting for her to continue.

"The Luo Tianhui is just beginning to thrive, and its future is vast. But as of now, it's still in its infancy."

"The profits from the spirit fields haven't materialized yet, and the Armory Hall's business with artifacts is also consuming the spoils of war saved up from before, and it will take more time to increase the commission from Jade Hollow Market."

"As of now, what's supporting the Luo Tianhui is still the medicinal pills you refine."

"In this situation, to simultaneously support four, five, or even more Foundation Establishment Cultivators in the future, the financial pressure will be immense!"

"As far as I know, any force capable of supporting five or more Foundation Establishment Cultivators must have at least a thousand Qi Condensation Stage Cultivators under its command!"

"Our Luo Tianhui, with its mere two hundred people, can't bear such a burden. Instead, it's squeezing the value of the president herself!"

Meng Juan Qinglian spoke slowly, her voice growing heavier towards the end.

Listening to this, Luo Chen's expression kept changing.

He recalled the time in Dahedao Market when Uncle Mi, with his vast Broken Mountain Gang of thousands of Qi Condensation Stage Cultivators, supported him alone.

Wang Haichao was the same.

Having mastered alchemy, Luo Chen's pressure was much less than theirs.

But no matter how small, he couldn't support the consumption of so many Foundation Establishment Cultivators in the future!

At that time, it wouldn't be them supporting Luo Chen, but Luo Chen supporting them!

In the end, it was because the Luo Tianhui was developing too fast!

Especially after absorbing the elite Qi Condensation Stage Cultivators from Dahedao Market.

Additionally, his overly generous nature led to the instant formation of a Foundation Establishment boom upon arriving in Heavenly Wave Immortal City, a place abundant in resources.

Thinking of the future scenario depicted by Meng Juan Qinglian,

Luo Chen felt heavy-hearted.

That would definitely be a situation of misplaced priorities!

Seeing Luo Chen deep in thought, Meng Juan Qinglian sighed and said, "I've also been in the position of Xun Hall President for a long time, and I've only now realized the inappropriateness of it."

"But as for how to resolve it, it's something that you and President Sima need to discuss and decide."

Luo Chen forced a smile, "Thank you, sister-in-law, for worrying about these matters even before reaching Foundation Establishment."

"It's just my duty, no need for thanks."

"Okay, I'll take my leave. If you need anything, just have Qin Liangchen come to the Yi Seventeen Cave Mansion above to find me."

Luo Chen left the cave mansion and boarded the flying boat, heading upwards.

On the flying boat, there was still one person standing quietly.

Seeing Luo Chen's furrowed brows, Gu Caiyi bit her red lips with her pearly teeth, her eyes flashing.

...

Soon after,

The two of them entered the cave mansion.

Bai Meiling floated out from the small bedroom where the Ghost Mill was placed and greeted Gu Caiyi.

There was a hint of estrangement, but Gu Caiyi didn't mind.

She knew that Bai Meiling had become a Ghost Cultivator, and her personality had undergone a drastic change, but it wasn't that she disliked her.

"Caiyi, come with me. This is where the owner has been refining Jade Marrow Pills for the past six months."

Bai Meiling floated ahead and entered a massive pill refining room.

Gu Caiyi had come here to "pick up the goods."

Luo Chen now rarely left his cave mansion, and when he did, it was only to refine pills within it.

After refining, he would have someone come to collect them regularly.

As the hall master of Jin Hall and the one in charge of Crimson Peak Pavilion in the city, Gu Caiyi was the perfect person to retrieve the pills.

Before entering the pill refining room, she subconsciously glanced at Luo Chen in the living room.

He paced with small steps, his brows furrowed in worry, never dissipating.

Inside the pill refining room.

Countless pills were stored in several storage bags.

Gu Caiyi carefully counted them.

She needed to have an idea of the number of pills to later divide them into bottles for sale, and every bit of revenue had to be recorded.

Bai Meiling squatted on the ground, drawing circles with a stick out of boredom.

"Xiao Ling."

"Hmm?"

"Is he usually like this?"

"Him? Oh, you mean the owner!" Bai Meiling stuck out her tongue, looking a bit creepy, "The owner isn't usually like this. He's always cultivating or reading, rarely appearing so idle."

It wasn't idleness; it was thinking about the future of Luo Tianhui.

Gu Caiyi shook her head; she realized she couldn't get any information from Bai Meiling.

Soon!

Before nightfall, Gu Caiyi had counted the exact number of Jade Marrow Pills.

In half a year, there were a full twenty thousand pills!

If sold, without considering various costs, they could bring in seventeen thousand low-grade spirit stones."

This was a substantial profit.

But compared to Luo Chen's peak period, it was a bit less.

This was because he spent half his time on cultivation and refining other pills.

Moreover, he no longer had the assistance of the Pill Hall's supporting cultivators.

So, the output had decreased.

In fact, it had actually increased a bit.

With his soul advancing to the late-stage Foundation Establishment level, the second-stage Earth Fire, and the Ice Emperor Cauldron improving the success rate of pill refinement, Luo Chen achieved a ten percent increase in the same amount of time as before.

Gu Caiyi didn't know about the latter, but she wasn't the same as when she was a beginner at Tianxiang Tower, never touching the sun's warmth.

Her long-term high position made her extremely knowledgeable about the salaries of cultivators at various levels within Luo Tianhui.

She had only calculated this batch of pills and, after deducting various costs, roughly estimated Luo Chen's earnings.

"It's about three to six thousand spirit stones!"

This income was an astronomical sum for any Qi Condensation Stage cultivator, something they could only dream of.

Even for a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, it was an income that ordinary cultivators at this stage rarely obtained.

But Gu Caiyi knew that Luo Chen's demand for resources was also enormous.

Not to mention!

Just this second-stage superior cave mansion cost forty-eight thousand spirit stones a year.

"No wonder Qinglian said that Luo Tianhui would start squeezing Luo Chen."

After some thought, she attached these storage bags to her body.

Gu Caiyi left the pill refining room.

"Chairman, there's something I want to say, but I don't know if I should."

Luo Chen raised his head and said speechlessly, "Then say it. I can't grant you immunity from punishment beforehand!"

Pfft!

Gu Caiyi, who had been full of worries, couldn't hold back her laughter.

However, after this, the atmosphere became less heavy.

"I think the treatment you give everyone is too good."

Luo Chen tilted his head and thought seriously.

It did seem a bit too good.

Gu Caiyi sat down opposite him, her hands resting on her lap, her posture dignified and graceful.

"Your kindness to everyone is well-known."

"But sometimes, it's too much."

"As far as I know, the treatment of Luo Tianhui's cultivators is unique among the small forces near Heavenly Wave Immortal City. It even rivals those of medium-sized forces that have been operating for over a hundred years."

"But sometimes, it's not that the more you give, the better. You should understand the saying, 'Small favor, big grudge.'"

"Moreover, now that you're refining pills yourself, and we're selling them for you, some of the labor costs in the middle have already been eliminated."

"In my opinion, some people's treatment should be adjusted."

After hearing these words, Luo Chen lowered his head and fell into deep thought.

After a while, he raised his head.

Looking at the captivating Gu Caiyi, he suddenly said, "You know, if others find out about what you just said, wouldn't the lower-level cultivators gossip about you behind your back?"

Gu Caiyi's mouth opened slightly, a bit taken aback.

"I, I just..."

"I know, you're thinking of me." Luo Chen smiled, "But in the future, be more cautious. Some responsibilities aren't yours to bear, and they're not something you can handle."

Gu Caiyi nodded, but she still couldn't help asking, "You should also consider yourself. In fact, even if you earn a little more, the people below won't say anything."

Yes!

What could they say?

Their cultivation levels were inferior, and they lacked confidence.

Moreover, Luo Chen had brought them from remote areas to Heavenly Wave Immortal City.

They had found a new home and a reliable organization to rely on.

But some things can't be said openly!

"Enough, I understand your good intentions. Don't worry about these matters in the future."

His attitude suddenly turned cold.

Gu Caiyi didn't know why.

But since she had already collected the Jade Marrow Pills, there was no reason to stay longer.

"Then I'll head back to Crimson Peak Pavilion."

She stood up and walked towards the exit of the cave mansion.

"Wait!"

Suddenly, Luo Chen called her back.

Looking at the woman who had turned around, looking a bit lost, Luo Chen sighed for no apparent reason.

"The Jade Dew Pills I gave you last year, have you used them all up?"

(End of Chapter)

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