https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-297-Breaking-the-Array-Repelling-Enemies-and-the-Myth-of-Unbreachable-Defenses/12920700/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-299-Rewarding-Achievements-and-Punishing-Mistakes-Luo-Tian-Nine-Palaces-Wild-Growth-Unti/12920702/
Chapter 298: Graceful and Noble, But with Boundless Ambition
Chapter 298: Graceful and Noble, But with Boundless Ambition
What's the Danger City?
Sima Huiwang felt perplexed.
With two Late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators and a Foundation Establishment Sixth Level cultivator watching from the sidelines, how could this not be considered a dangerous situation?
Luo Chen smiled slightly and pointed towards the direction of Heavenly Wave.
"In the next decade, the Ice Fortress will still be in charge of the Immortal City!"
Upon hearing these words, Sima Huiwang's face turned pale with shock.
If this was a certainty, then there was indeed no danger to speak of.
Especially with the meaning behind Luo Chen's words, he had even gained the full support of the Ice Fortress!
Under these circumstances, the Late-stage cultivators who were still in the Heavenly Wave Immortal City would naturally not offend Luo Chen too much.
She had just emerged from seclusion, and through her subordinates, she only knew about the surface-level events.
She was unaware of the behind-the-scenes details.
Luo Chen chuckled, "Moreover, I don't have any fundamental conflicts of interest with them. The conditions promised by Fei Changqiu are like a mirage until they are fulfilled."
"In this situation, with the Nine Turns Flame Dragon Array's intimidation, they naturally won't provoke me."
After hearing this, Sima Huiwang finally understood why Chairman Luo Chen had such confidence.
Facing two powerful cultivators alone, he remained calm and composed.
He even personally killed Fei Changqiu right in front of the three of them.
"Chairman Luo Chen is truly remarkable, I was just overthinking it," Sima Huiwang said.
Luo Chen shook his head, it was just a matter of having more information.
Instead, he looked at Sima Huiwang with a frown, "You've just achieved Foundation Establishment, why not solidify your cultivation first? Why are you in such a hurry to leave Heavenly Wave Peak?"
Sima Huiwang sighed, "I was in seclusion for just half a month, and so many things happened in the Celestial Assembly during that time. How can I possibly focus on solidifying my cultivation with all these distractions?"
She couldn't help but think about how she had just achieved Foundation Establishment.
No one came to greet her, and the place was eerily quiet.
Before she could even find someone to share her inner joy, she heard about all the recent events in the Celestial Assembly.
Numerous powerful Foundation Establishment cultivators, countless battles, and the destruction of entire sects.
And then there was the mountain of resources on Crimson Peak, enough to make anyone envious and awe-struck.
She couldn't possibly stay idle at a time like this.
She knew that this was when the Celestial Assembly and Luo Chen needed her the most.
So, without any hesitation, she gave up on solidifying her cultivation and immediately left Heavenly Wave Peak.
Especially after learning that Luo Chen had been attacking the Divine Craft Sect for eight whole days, she brought a group of people straight to the sect.
Fortunately, nothing major had gone wrong.
"Chairman, about the harvest from this operation..." Sima Huiwang began.
Luo Chen raised his hand, interrupting her, "We'll take stock of it after we return!"
Sima Huiwang nodded, knowing that taking stock of the harvest was an incredibly tedious and complex task, and Luo Chen usually didn't enjoy such work.
However, she still wanted to mention the bigger picture.
"What should we do with the Storage Bags of the two Foundation Establishment cultivators?"
These were Storage Bags with Spirit Sense imprints, and even if the owner perished, it would take a long time to unlock the imprints.
Moreover, it couldn't be done by Qi Condensation cultivators.
It had to be done by Foundation Establishment cultivators who also possessed Spirit Sense.
Usually, after battles, the Storage Bags of Foundation Establishment cultivators were the first to be dealt with among the various spoils of war.
Luo Chen didn't hesitate, as he already had a plan in mind.
"In this battle, Min Longyu made exceptional contributions. As for the rest of the rewards, you can sort them out later. First, give the Storage Bag of the Divine Craft Sect's Senior Elder to him."
"I heard that he's also an Array Master, and I think he'll appreciate this reward."
Sima Huiwang nodded.
She had also heard about Min Longyu's numerous achievements over the past period.
Within the Celestial Assembly, he had gained the admiration of countless cultivators.
"As for Fei Changqiu's Storage Bag, give it to me. I'll take care of unlocking it."
Luo Chen paused for a moment, then continued, "Inside, there's said to be Foundation Establishment Pills, and not just one of them!"
Sima Huiwang nodded subconsciously.
But soon after, she sensed something amiss.
Luo Chen didn't elaborate further and asked her to leave first.
After she left, Luo Chen took out the Crimson Fire Sword.
This artifact wasn't particularly powerful.
At least, the other cultivators' evaluation of it was far inferior to the Heavenly Moon Purple Gold Wheel that Uncle Mi had obtained.
Compared to the artifacts of other renowned Foundation Establishment cultivators, it didn't have any advantages.
But now, Luo Chen was confident that if he fought against someone of the same cultivation level, he would have a significant advantage in using artifacts.
"If artifact refinement also had a progress bar, I would have only reached about forty percent before."
"After the Nine Turns Flame Dragon Array, I was able to increase my artifact refinement progress to about sixty percent in one go!"
This progress was truly remarkable.
It meant that with sufficient spiritual energy, Luo Chen could unleash sixty percent of the sword's power.
Even Foundation Establishment Late-stage cultivators could only unleash seventy to eighty percent of their artifact's power at most.
And even that was limited by the thickness of their spiritual energy.
Moreover, Luo Chen's control over the sword was more flexible and versatile.
Unlike other Foundation Establishment cultivators who often relied on brute force and speed when using artifacts, he could make subtle adjustments due to his familiarity with the artifact.
This made it even more practical in combat!
In a single clash, he had killed Fei Changqiu, who was also at the Foundation Establishment Fourth Level, proving the effectiveness of his method.
"Refining artifacts with the help of arrays is truly efficient!"
"If I could continue using the Nine Turns Flame Dragon Array..."
Luo Chen couldn't help but smile at the thought of such a wonderful prospect.
What a dream come true! To maintain the array, this battle had consumed all the Medium Grade Spirit Stones he had accumulated over the years.
Along with Min Longyu's array tools.
The overall consumption exceeded one hundred thousand!
Even if he was a spendthrift, he wouldn't take such a shortcut.
The sixty percent power was already sufficient for his needs.
This had saved him decades of painstaking artifact refinement.
As he caressed the warm sword, Luo Chen's gaze seemed to turn distant.
Battles, chaos, fame, and authority.
For now, it was enough! Next was to digest all the gains from this operation.
If he could thoroughly digest them, both his and the Celestial Assembly's overall strength would rise to a whole new level!
If it were the previous situation, this digestion process might have been a bumpy road.
While digesting the information, they also had to remain vigilant against unknown enemies.
But now, with the confirmation that the Ice Fortress would continue to govern Heavenly Wave Immortal City, it undoubtedly provided the most comfortable environment for him and the Celestial Assembly.
……
On the flying boat.
Sima Huiwang was busy sorting through the spoils of war and looking for someone to get a detailed understanding of the recent situation.
She wanted to know more than just the sequence of events.
She also had to consider the families and sects that had been annihilated by the Celestial Assembly, whether there were still friendly forces with good relationships, or enemies with originally poor relationships.
The impact of this battle was far-reaching.
The follow-up handling could no longer be as grand and dramatic as during the war.
It had to be like cooking small fish, with oil, salt, sauce, and vinegar added in just the right amounts, neither excessive nor lacking.
How should the Celestial Assembly approach those originally friendly forces in the future? Should they continue to be hostile or turn enemies into friends, converting them to their side?
And for those sects with poor relationships, like the Dan Yuan Sect and Celestial Eagle Peak, could the Celestial Assembly take this opportunity to develop them into allies?
Even if they couldn't become allies, with this connection, they could still engage in some business dealings.
During the process of gathering information, Sima Huiwang's mind occasionally flashed with Luo Chen's words.
"There's more than one Foundation Establishment Pill in Fei Changqiu's storage bag."
"Supposedly?"
"But the Chairman hasn't even opened the storage bag yet!"
She frowned slightly and paused in her actions.
With the Divine Craft Sect having been rooted in Heavenly Wave for a hundred years, it was normal to have one or two Foundation Establishment Pills as reserve resources.
But there wouldn't be too many!
Why did the Chairman say there were many?
What he meant was...
"Create a false impression for outsiders!"
Suddenly, Sima Huiwang vaguely understood the meaning behind Luo Chen's words.
"Give outsiders the impression that the Celestial Assembly obtained many Foundation Establishment spirit pills in this battle!"
"This way, it would be very natural for the Celestial Assembly to have more Foundation Establishment cultivators in the future."
This guess was very much in line with Luo Chen's usual style.
When doing something, he always laid the groundwork first.
Whether it was attacking the Fu family and spreading rumors in advance.
Or before the battle at Little Huan Mountain, where he connected with Nangong Jin and used benefits to win over the Great River Gang, the Li family, and others.
So, the question arose.
With the groundwork laid, would the Celestial Assembly really have many Foundation Establishment cultivators in the future?
To help Qi Condensation cultivators break through to Foundation Establishment, especially those with mediocre talents like scattered cultivators, they would need an ample supply of Foundation Establishment spirit pills.
Sima Huiwang, who had just successfully established her foundation, understood this deeply.
Without Luo Chen's full support, her Foundation Establishment would not have been so smooth.
But where could they get Foundation Establishment spirit pills? They weren't easy to come by. The Immortal City's large-scale auctions only happened once every ten years, and the Foundation Establishment Pills that appeared were always shared among the major sects.
Foundation Establishment Pills were in high demand on the black market.
Whenever they appeared, they would immediately be snatched up at high prices.
So, were there large workshops and markets below the Immortal City? But the Celestial Assembly's reach wasn't that long!
"Unless the Chairman has a unique channel to obtain a large number of Foundation Establishment spirit pills?"
For some reason, Sima Huiwang thought of this as the only explanation.
"President, we're approaching Crimson Peak!"
Xiao Liu's voice sounded in her ear.
Sima Huiwang snapped out of her daze.
Looking at the nearby Crimson Peak, filled with vibrant life, Sima Huiwang took a deep breath.
"I understand the Chairman's intention; spreading the word is enough."
"As for the other details, it's not something I should delve into!"
After understanding her position, Sima Huiwang no longer dwelled on it.
She waved her hand.
"Prepare for landing!"
……
On Crimson Peak.
Cultivators came and went, bustling with activity.
Despite the busyness, everyone's faces were filled with joy and happiness.
The Celestial Assembly had won another battle!
Although this battle lasted longer than the previous ones, no one doubted the Chairman's capabilities.
This time, they attacked a nearly intact small sect.
The sect had a Mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator in command, a Second Stage defense array for protection, and even invited two Late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators and a Sixth-level Foundation Establishment cultivator as reinforcements!
Even in such circumstances, the Chairman managed to bite down on this hard bone.
This feat was extremely exhilarating.
After this battle, the cultivators of the Celestial Assembly could walk with their backs straight.
They could proudly declare, "Our Celestial Assembly is not only good at making spirit stones; we are also fearless in battle!"
Amidst the bustling cultivators, a figure moved against the flow.
As he passed by, people occasionally bowed and greeted him:
"Greetings, Hall Master Sima!"
"Hall Master, you've worked hard."
Sima Xian suppressed his anxiety and nodded to each person.
Finally, he arrived at the Benevolent Heart Pavilion.
As soon as he entered the pavilion, he saw at least five high-ranking members of the sect queuing up to report to Sima Huiwang.
Among them was even Duan Feng, a Qi Condensation cultivator.
Sima Xian restrained his emotions and waited at the back.
Finally, after two hours, when everyone had dispersed.
He hurriedly stepped forward.
"Hall Master Sima, is there something you need?"
Normally, Sima Huiwang would not address Sima Xian and Sima Wenjie by their familial relationship.
She would call them by their positions.
Seeing her busyness, Sima Xian worriedly said, "Second Sister, you've just established your foundation. Instead of consolidating your realm, why are you already busy with work?"
Hearing these words filled with concern, Sima Huiwang smoothed her messy hair.
She said, "Big Brother, is it because of such a small matter?"
"This is not a small matter!" Sima Xian exclaimed, "This is a matter concerning your cultivation path!"
"Cultivation path?"
Unexpectedly, upon hearing these two words, Sima Huiwang smiled.
"Big Brother, you're giving me too much credit. Do you think I can aspire to higher realms?"
"Golden Core? Nascent Soul? With my talent?"
After a series of rhetorical questions.
Sima Xian was left speechless.
Sima Huiwang stopped her work and stood up from the desk.
Having just established her foundation, the unstable Foundation Establishment spiritual energy fluctuations occasionally spread around her.
A higher realm, causing Sima Xian to subconsciously feel intimidated and retreat.
Sima Huiwang smiled apologetically.
She descended from the platform and slowly strolled towards the exit of Benevolent Heart Pavilion.
"Sometimes, we should be more clear-headed."
"Being able to reach Foundation Establishment is already a great blessing from the Chairman."
"In this situation, how could I ask for more?"
Sima Xian followed closely behind her.
He couldn't help but ask, "But what if...?"
"There are so many 'buts'!"
Sima Huiwang wore a loose yet dignified Daoist robe, her hair neatly tied up. Her originally beautiful face now carried an additional air of authority after managing the Celestial Assembly for many years.
After reaching Foundation Establishment, her temperament became even more unique, exuding a subtle sense of nobility and dignity.
"Sometimes, we should know our own limits."
"Wang Yuan yearns for the Great Dao, so he can let go of power and wealth, devoting himself wholeheartedly to cultivation."
"Min Longyu only seeks mastery in Array Dao; he has no other desires."
"What about me?"
Sima Huiwang stopped at the entrance of Benevolent Heart Pavilion, gazing down at the scenery below. Her eyes slowly moved upwards, settling on Luo Tian Palace, which stood taller than Benevolent Heart Pavilion.
"My talent is average, and I may never be able to advance to the late-stage of Foundation Establishment."
"If that's the case, why should I spend so much time on cultivation?"
"The Chairman has blessed me with the ability to reach Foundation Establishment, and I've already gained an additional two hundred years of lifespan. This is already a tremendous blessing."
"So, I should dedicate these extra two hundred years to something more meaningful."
Sima Xian didn't understand.
As cultivators, shouldn't we strive for the Great Dao? Even if we know it's impossible, shouldn't we still make the effort?
Moreover!
"You say these meaningful things, but are they just these trivial chores?"
Sima Huiwang glanced at him, "Chores may be trivial, but does that mean they have no significance? If I didn't focus my energy on these tasks, do you think I could have reached Foundation Establishment so quickly?"
Once again, Sima Xian was left speechless by his younger sister's rebuttal.
Yes!
If Sima Huiwang hadn't demonstrated exceptional talent and managed the Celestial Assembly so efficiently, how could she have obtained Foundation Establishment resources ahead of time, given her initial status as an outsider?
It's worth noting that even Gu Caiyi and Qin Liangchen, who were closer to Luo Chen, hadn't received their Foundation Establishment Pills yet.
"My value, my value to the Chairman, lies in these trivial chores!"
"He is a man with a heart for the Great Dao and unwavering determination."
"These things will only hinder his cultivation."
"I have the obligation and responsibility to handle these matters for him."
Obligation?
Responsibility?
Sima Xian seemed to understand. She was probably referring to the life-saving favor from years ago! Even though Luo Chen had never brought it up, Sima Huiwang had been loyally repaying her debt of gratitude all these years.
As a high-ranking member of the Celestial Assembly, Duan Feng's cultivation progress had been slower than Sima Huiwang's.
Yet, he had managed to find ample time for cultivation.
Sima Huiwang, on the other hand, had dedicated herself to the Celestial Assembly, causing her to reach the peak of Qi Condensation later than him and even delaying her Foundation Establishment by several years.
But she had never complained!
"Moreover, you're worrying too much about my stability in this realm."
Sima Huiwang understood Sima Xian's concern for her.
Rarely did she show such gentle affection towards her family.
"Whether my realm is stable or not, it doesn't affect the overall situation."
"Do you expect me, the President of the Celestial Assembly, to fight on the front lines?"
Sima Xian opened his mouth to speak but found himself at a loss for words.
In the face of combat, he would always be the first to rush into battle.
Even against an insurmountable enemy, any member of the Celestial Assembly could perish, but Sima Huiwang would undoubtedly be among the last to fall.
As Sima Xian fell silent, Sima Huiwang suddenly spoke up, "Let's be honest here!"
"I never intended to seclude myself for half a year to stabilize my realm."
"The Celestial Assembly is currently at its most crucial juncture in history!"
"You can't comprehend the importance of this period unless you're in my position."
"So many resources, so many industries, each with the potential to flourish a family. If the Celestial Assembly can manage these assets, we will undoubtedly rise to a higher level!"
"Given some time, I'm confident that I can develop the Celestial Assembly into the second most powerful force in Heavenly Wave Immortal City, just below the Golden Core sects!"
"Even in the Jade Cauldron Region, we will be among the top-tier Foundation Establishment forces!"
As she spoke, her face grew more passionate, and a flame of ambition burned in her dark eyes.
Sima Xian's mouth hung open in astonishment.
He had never seen such an expression on his younger sister's face—an ambition typically associated with male rulers, a burning desire for success.
The little sister who had accompanied them on their travels, always nitpicking, now possessed such grand aspirations.
He was caught off guard.
He shuddered.
Was it sudden?
No, he had simply subconsciously overlooked it.
Ever since she became the President of the Celestial Assembly, changes had been gradually taking place.
Now, it was only because of his urgency to stabilize her realm that he suddenly became aware of it.
"Alright, big brother, don't worry about me."
Sima Huiwang's expression returned to its usual calmness, and her emotions settled.
"Stabilizing my realm is a minor matter. With some cultivation, I can perfect it with time."
"I have many other matters to attend to, so I won't keep you any longer."
Before entering the pavilion, Sima Huiwang seemed to remember something.
She turned around, her face turning serious.
"Hall Master Sima, please submit the list of members from the Battle Hall who have made outstanding contributions or committed mistakes during this battle."
"Later, I will review it with Hall Master Murong and issue appropriate rewards and punishments."
Sima Xian's face stiffened.
Alright then!
It seemed that nothing had changed; everything was the same as before.
When it came to official matters, even family members were treated as such.
(End of Chapter)
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