https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-323-Consecutive-Failures-Luck-Has-Abandoned-Us-/12931931/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-325-Foundation-Establishment-Stage-Five-Terrifying-Harvest/12932010/
Chapter 324: Taking the Initiative, Well-Prepared, and Full of Confidence!
Chapter 324: Taking the Initiative, Well-Prepared, and Full of Confidence!
Several days later.
In Luo Chen's cavern mansion, Tao Yisheng personally paid a visit!
This time, it wasn't as simple as sending a sound transmitter. Instead, he waited patiently for a long time.
Finally, he met Luo Chen.
"My apologies, I've kept you waiting, fellow cultivator."
Luo Chen's body was enveloped in a rich essence qi, and his eyes were filled with a profound spirit.
He opened his crimson cloud robe and sat down opposite Tao Yisheng with unwavering confidence.
Tao Yisheng couldn't help but ask, "What have you been busy with lately? It's been difficult even for a younger brother like me to meet with you."
Luo Chen smiled slightly and casually replied, "I've made some breakthroughs in the alchemy path, and I'm attempting to break through to higher-grade pills for second-rank and third-rank medicines."
He didn't explicitly state which pills he was referring to.
But the rich essence qi around him was so evident.
At the very least, he must have refined high-grade pills to accumulate such an aura.
Tao Yisheng's eyes lit up, and his heart was filled with even greater anticipation.
serving Luo Chen, eagerly said, "Didn't you want to learn about the high-grade pills of Qingdan Valley?"
Was he willing to share the information?
Luo Chen raised the corners of his mouth and asked in response, "Do you have the information?"
"It's not that I only found out now, but I wasn't sure before, so I didn't want to boast."
Tao Yisheng shook his head and said seriously, "In Qingdan Valley, even the inner sect disciples or direct disciples can only obtain a limited amount of high-grade pills each year."
"When you wanted to purchase them before, even if we were willing, we couldn't provide them."
"But now, there's an opportunity!"
Luo Chen's spirits lifted, and he said, "Please, tell me more!"
"You see, in Qingdan Valley, apart from Golden Core Elders, only those with the Dao Seed of our sect can obtain a large quantity of high-grade pills!"
Listening to Tao Yisheng's words, Luo Chen revealed a surprised expression.
But in his heart, he had expected as much.
The intelligence gathering of the Celestial Assembly over the years had not been in vain.
Through that intelligence, he had already analyzed the situation faced by the Tao siblings.
Only by winning the Dao Seed position.
The sect's vast resources would then be inclined towards them.
The simplest advantage would be in cultivation resources.
Only with sufficient cultivation resources could the Qingdan Dao Seed quickly cultivate while also nurturing a large number of subordinates.
In this way.
Upon reaching the Golden Core realm, they would have a large number of powerful subordinates at their command.
Their cultivation realm would not lag, and their connections would not be scarce.
This would also greatly benefit the management of the sect.
In fact, this model was not uncommon among major sects.
Instead of loosely managing their disciples, they would selectively choose one or two talented individuals for focused cultivation.
Only by doing so could they ensure the continuity of the sect's inheritance, preventing interruptions due to generational gaps.
Especially in Qingdan Valley!
They had taken this aspect to the extreme.
Every hundred years, they would select one Dao Seed.
This meant that every hundred years, Qingdan Valley had a high chance of producing a Golden Core Elder.
In this way, the sect's inheritance would be guaranteed! Other sects also did this, but since they were not as wealthy as Qingdan Valley, the cultivation of the Dao Seed sometimes fell short.
As a result, after several hundred years, Qingdan Valley had far more Golden Core cultivators than other sects.
Tao Yisheng took a deep breath, "Currently, my sister Tao Wan is competing for the Dao Seed position, and once successful, she will receive the sect's full support, including high-grade pills."
"At that time, what you need will be just a drop in the ocean."
Luo Chen's expression showed sudden realization.
He then offered his blessings, "In that case, I wish Tao Wan success in securing the Dao Seed position!"
He made it sound simple.
But Tao Yisheng felt a bit embarrassed, "I'm afraid it's still quite challenging at the moment."
"Oh?"
Luo Chen raised his eyebrows, "What difficulties are you facing? Please explain in detail, and if there's anything I can help with, please don't hesitate to ask!"
This time, Tao Yisheng didn't hold back.
Instead, he revealed everything he knew.
For example, how exactly was the competition for the Dao Seed in Qingdan Valley conducted?
It was divided into three rounds!
In the first round, one had to secure a position among the nine direct disciples.
Only by becoming a direct disciple could one advance to the next round of the competition.
The second round was the alchemy contest.
Finally, the results of the first two rounds would determine the ranking of the nine direct disciples.
Until this point, they would reach the third round.
The nine direct disciples would personally compete to seize the sole Dao Seed position.
In the first two rounds, those competing for the Dao Seed should refrain from revealing their abilities.
This was to avoid depleting their foundation and exposing their techniques.
They needed to conserve their energy for the third round.
The ranking of the nine direct disciples also determined the order of their competition.
The lower the ranking, the more disadvantageous it was.
They would have to fight their way up one by one.
The time arrangement was especially tight, leaving almost no room for rest.
Therefore, the ranking of the nine direct disciples became crucial.
If one were ranked ninth, it was almost impossible to obtain the Dao Seed position.
Because that meant facing eight opponents of the same rank consecutively!
In the first round, Tao Wan had already made preparations, gathering a group of experts under her command, both from within and outside the sect.
Round two, she had also prepared three second-rank Alchemists.
But Huang Hezi, the one she valued most, betrayed her at the last moment, putting her in an awkward situation.
This was also the reason she traveled far to personally invite Luo Chen.
After listening to the detailed introduction, Luo Chen finally understood the role he was about to play.
"Round two?"
"Indeed! With your alchemy prowess, I believe there's no second-rank Alchemist who can surpass you!" Tao Yisheng looked at Luo Chen with respect and fervor, "If you compete on my sister's behalf, you will surely secure a good ranking for her."
"You seem to have a lot of confidence in me!" Luo Chen chuckled.
"You deserve it!" Tao Yisheng affirmed.
Luo Chen took a sip of his drink, "Since that's the case, I can help, but before that, I'd like to meet your sister first."
"My older sister is currently in Heavenly Wave Immortal City, and you can meet her tomorrow."
"Okay, then tomorrow it is!"
By now, there was no need for any more hesitation.
The matter had been made clear.
Next, it was time for negotiation.
Not everyone was like Wang Yuan, who could ask Luo Chen to refine pills without compensation.
With Tao Wan's enthusiasm for the Dao Seed position, she had to offer something substantial; otherwise, a master-level second-rank Alchemist wouldn't be so easy to invite!
...
"Is it settled?"
"Yes, he will come to meet us tomorrow."
Hearing her brother's reply, Tao Wan, who had just returned from Dan Tai's cave mansion, nodded slightly.
Tao Yisheng sighed, "After not seeing him for a few months, it seems Luo Chen's alchemy skills have improved even further."
Looking at his sister, Tao Yisheng couldn't help but praise Luo Chen again.
"Sister, Luo Chen's alchemy technique, while unconventional and seemingly unstructured..."
"...has a solid foundation, and he can effortlessly perform various alchemy techniques."
"A person like him will surely help you achieve a good ranking!"
Tao Wan nodded but didn't respond.
She had heard similar praises many times before.
She understood her brother's intentions.
He wanted to introduce his friend since he couldn't help directly.
This way, he could also show his support.
If it were before, she wouldn't have paid any attention.
But after meeting Dan Tai, she felt respect for Luo Chen in his words and actions.
"After acting so coy for so long, I'm curious about your ambitions."
Tao Wan narrowed her eyes slightly, her mind faintly recalling the two previous encounters with Luo Chen.
...
Early the next day.
Inside Yi Wu Cavern Mansion.
With everyone else dismissed, only a man and a woman remained.
Looking at the man's calm expression, Tao Wan was a bit surprised.
Unlike their first meeting, when he was pale and cautious, or their second encounter at Binglan Palace, where he was full of vigor.
At this moment, Luo Chen appeared carefree, but his entire being exuded composure and confidence.
This composure stemmed from his self-assurance and strength!
Such a demeanor seemed out of place for a solitary cultivator.
Solitary cultivators often led arduous lives, constantly striving for cultivation resources, their faces etched with toil and hardship.
Only the proud disciples of major sects could afford such leisure.
With abundant cultivation resources, they cultivated their talents and refined their appearances.
Luo Chen's profound and majestic presence resembled that of an alchemy master.
Tao Wan nodded in agreement, his appearance was already impressive, but the price remained unknown.
Without unnecessary pleasantries, she got straight to the point.
"I'd like to request your assistance in securing the Golden Core Dao Seed position for me."
"Regarding compensation, what are your requirements?"
Luo Chen's eyes lit up.
He praised, "Tao Wan's directness is befitting of the descendant of the South Mountain Ascetic, truly embodying his spirit."
The South Mountain Ascetic was the gold core ancestor of the Tao family, and this information was collected by the Celestial Assembly.
Luo Chen offered a brief compliment.
Then he stated his conditions.
"Since that's the case, I won't beat around the bush. I have three conditions, and I hope you can fulfill one or two of them."
Three?
Tao Wan furrowed her brows slightly, "Go on."
"First, I want superior-grade Ascending Dragon Pills, thirty bottles a year!" Luo Chen stated without hesitation.
Tao Wan had anticipated this request, but she still replied, "Premium medicines are rarely traded outside of major sects."
Luo Chen shook his head, "That's just a general statement. In reality, you do occasionally trade a portion. I'm not asking for them for free; I'll pay the market price with spirit stones!"
Superior-grade Ascending Dragon Pills were not cheap on the market.
Each bottle sold for two thousand spirit stones!
Thirty bottles would cost sixty thousand spirit stones a year.
This exceeded the rental price of a superior-grade cave mansion.
Considering Luo Chen already rented a superior-grade cave mansion on Celestial Wave Peak, which cost an additional forty-eight thousand spirit stones annually.
The earning power of Luo Chen's Celestial Assembly was terrifying!
No wonder Dan Tai and the Unfeeling Lineage valued them so highly!
Tao Wan stared deeply at Luo Chen.
"I can consider this condition, but it can only be fulfilled after I secure the Dao Seed position."
"If I fail..."
Luo Chen understood.
In the event of failure, Tao Wan wouldn't be able to provide so many superior-grade Ascending Dragon Pills.
She wasn't a powerful alchemist herself.
"My second condition is for the formula for second-rank cultivation pills!"
Luo Chen didn't hesitate to bring up this condition, which Dan Tai hadn't mentioned.
And Tao Wan's response seemed to be what he had expected.
"Impossible!"
"Our sect has long prohibited the disclosure of cultivation pill formulas."
Without hesitation, Luo Chen said, "I don't want Qingdan Valley's, I want your family's!"
"Hmm?"
"Your family's ancestor, Nan Shanren, is a renowned Third Rank Alchemist. He must have collected or developed numerous cultivation pill formulas. Qingdan Valley has no control over these formulas. I want them!"
Tao Wan fell into a dilemma.
She realized that Luo Chen was well-prepared.
Almost every condition seemed to be within her capabilities.
Indeed!
Luo Chen was prepared and confident.
Not only did he have the intelligence gathered by the Celestial Assembly, but during their discussions about the Alchemy Path, Tao Yisheng had occasionally revealed some pill formulas.
For example, the Rejuvenation Pill formula was clearly a specialty of the Medicine King Sect.
But Tao Yisheng knew the medicinal ingredient ratios, indicating the depth of Tao family's accumulation.
Facing Luo Chen's question, Tao Wan struggled to make a decision.
"Tell me about your third condition!"
Luo Chen's heart was slightly pleased, as Tao Wan's reaction indicated that this condition was indeed feasible.
Suppressing his excitement, Luo Chen calmly stated the third condition.
"Core Formation Secret Art!"
"This is impossible!" Tao Wan refused outright, then said, "Didn't Dan Tai Jin give you a Core Formation Secret Art? How greedy can you be?"
Luo Chen scoffed, "You should know better than me what kind of thing that secret art is."
Tao Wan pursed her rosy lips, her eyebrows furrowed.
In the end, she shook her head firmly.
"I can't agree to this condition. Otherwise, I won't be able to secure the Dao Seed position."
It was evident to the naked eye.
Luo Chen's face darkened.
"You're not being sincere at all!"
Tao Wan opened her mouth, but was at a loss for words.
Three conditions, one pending, one unanswered, and one outright rejected.
Anyone would think she lacked sincerity.
But each condition was so difficult that she was at a loss for words.
The negotiation suddenly reached an impasse.
The air in the cave mansion seemed to grow heavy in their silence.
After a while, Tao Wan let out a bitter laugh.
"Your last two conditions are indeed quite difficult for me, especially the last one."
"Let me tell you what I can offer in return!"
Luo Chen looked at her, waiting for her to continue.
"The first condition remains unchanged, and we can trade after obtaining the Dao Seed position."
"As for the second one, I need to return to my family and discuss it with the elders before giving you a response."
"As for the third condition, it's impossible for me to provide the Core Formation Secret Art. Qingdan Valley has its rules regarding this."
"Of course, since I'm asking for your help, I won't make empty promises."
Tao Wan looked at Luo Chen and stated her bottom line.
"Didn't you obtain the Dragon Tribulation Secret Technique from the Absolute Heart Lineage? I can give you the Dragon Transformation Pill and Ice Phoenix Pill to save you the trouble of searching."
Luo Chen frowned, "You should know that if I wanted to find these two pills, it would only cost me around ten thousand spirit stones."
Initially, at the Heavenly Wave auction, these two pills were sold for over ten thousand spirit stones each.
The value didn't lie in the two Third Rank pills.
The true treasure was the Dragon Tribulation Secret Technique.
Luo Chen already had a corresponding secret technique, so gathering the two pills wouldn't be difficult.
Not to mention, he had his own connections with the Ice Castle.
Tao Wan nodded, she was well aware of these facts.
"To make up for it, I can give you a copy of my ancestor's Core Formation Insights. What do you think?"
Hearing this, Luo Chen fell into deep thought.
Two Third Rank pills that could complement the Dragon Tribulation Secret Technique, along with a set of Core Formation Insights.
This condition was indeed very attractive.
If released, it would be worth several hundred thousand spirit stones.
Others aside, Chu Kui would definitely be willing to pay a high price for it.
Moreover, since the other party was willing to compromise, he couldn't be too demanding.
After all, although they were seeking his help, their strength and background far surpassed his own.
Sometimes, one had to consider each other's face.
Luo Chen didn't push his luck further and reluctantly agreed to this compromise.
At this moment, Tao Wan finally breathed a sigh of relief.
She realized that Luo Chen was truly difficult to deal with.
Once he had her in a bind, he boldly made his demands.
She wondered how Dan Tai Jin usually dealt with him.
"There's still a year before the Dao Seed Competition begins. Do you plan to return to Qingdan Valley with me or stay in Heavenly Wave?"
With the matter settled, both of them smiled.
Luo Chen shook his head with a smile, "I won't go back for now. There are too many people there, and the interests involved are significant. It's probably in the midst of turmoil."
"Mmm, you're right." Tao Wan thought for a moment and said, "Let's stay here for now, so they won't be able to figure out your background easily."
Luo Chen casually said, "In a year's time, if I can make some progress in my cultivation, I might be able to provide you with more assistance. I'm sure you still have some Middle Grade or Superior Grade Ascending Dragon Pills, right?"
The smile on the woman's face froze.
(End of Chapter)
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