Immortality Begins With The Alchemical Master Chapter 334: Dual Dao Titles? No Cause for Fear! - Novel Cool

Chapter 334: Dual Dao Titles? No Cause for Fear!

Chapter 334: Dual Dao Titles? No Cause for Fear!

"Tao Wan, this woman, is very strong!"

"Generally speaking, after a cultivator advances to the late Foundation Establishment stage, without using magical artifacts, the gap between them isn't as significant."

"Everyone has abundant Spirit Energy reserves, and the power that ordinary magic tools can unleash is limited."

"Therefore, when evaluating the strength of late Foundation Establishment stage cultivators, it's more about the degree of refinement they have achieved with their magical artifacts."

"The deeper the refinement, the greater the power of the magical artifact, and the stronger the strength they can display."

Upon hearing this explanation, Luo Chen couldn't help but ask, "Is this too one-sided? In a cultivator's battle, shouldn't other factors be considered, such as talismans, spells, secret techniques, formations, and puppets?"

Chu Kui shrugged.

"That's why I said, it's generally the case."

"As for the things you mentioned, high-level talismans are rare and hard to come by, spells are easy to learn but difficult to master, secret techniques are seldom seen, and formations require advance preparation..."

Luo Chen raised his hand, "Alright, I understand what you mean."

Chu Kui smiled, but he had forgotten that Luo Chen had earned his reputation in the Qinhuajing battle by relying on his exquisite spellcasting skills.

Thinking about it more carefully, there was indeed a Five Elements Divine Sect in the Eastern Wilderness Cultivation World that was famous for its spellcasting prowess.

He had indeed been too one-sided in his assessment.

"Let's just say that magical artifacts have a significant impact on the strength of Foundation Establishment stage cultivators!"

"Those in the early stages can only manage to grasp one or two percent, and they are considered to have some strength."

"For a mid-stage cultivator like you, if you can refine it to three or four percent, with a sudden burst of power, few enemies of the same level can withstand it."

Luo Chen nodded in agreement.

The power of magical artifacts indeed far surpassed that of ordinary magic tools.

It could even be said that it wasn't a weapon that Foundation Establishment stage cultivators at this level should possess.

Just like how Wang Haichao forcefully activated the Profound Fire Sword, destroying his ultimate magic tool, the Green Musk Dragon-Gathering Flag.

If it weren't for his temporary defense with the Rankan Black Chess, he, also being in the early Foundation Establishment stage, would have likely suffered severe injuries.

However!

Chu Kui had underestimated him.

With his powerful divine soul foundation and the means of refining through spirit sense restrictions, his control over the Profound Fire Sword was exceptionally high.

Later, after being refined in the Nine-Turns Flame Dragon Formation, he had already refined the Profound Fire Sword to around sixty percent in the mid Foundation Establishment stage.

In other words, he could unleash sixty percent of the artifact's power!

It was also for this reason that he could suddenly unleash a sword strike and instantly kill Fei Changqiu of the Divine Craft Sect.

According to Chu Kui's theory, a late Foundation Establishment stage cultivator is considered a peerless expert if they can refine their magical artifact to unleash fifty percent of its power.

So, how should Luo Chen's current strength be evaluated?

"Tao Wan is strong, and her strength lies in the fact that she has a magical artifact left behind by the Southern Mountain Ancestor since she was young—the Flowing Clouds and Flying Sleeves!"

"In the cultivation world, there are countless magic tools and artifacts named Flowing Clouds and Flying Sleeves. But Tao Wan's artifact is exceptionally powerful, rumored to have been personally crafted by the Supreme Elder of Tianfan City in the past, making it a worthy object for refining as a primary magic tool."

"Tao Wan has been familiar with this treasure since childhood, and after reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, she diligently refined it, to the point where she can use it with divine transformation!"

"In my opinion, she has refined it to seventy, or even eighty percent!"

Chu Kui sighed repeatedly, his eyes filled with admiration.

It was common knowledge that Foundation Establishment cultivators could only unleash around eighty percent of a magical artifact's power due to their cultivation level.

Any higher, and it was limited by their cultivation realm.

"I once fought her on the Debate Platform."

"Although it was just a simple spar without life-or-death combat, her magic artifact had a clear suppressing effect on my powerful Heaven-Defying Staff."

"That's why I'm ranked seventh, and I respect her being ranked third."

Luo Chen was surprised, "It's rare to see you so respectful towards a peer! When you mentioned Dan Tai Jin, you didn't show much respect."

"What's there to respect about the woman from the Ice Castle? She's fickle and temperamental."

Chu Kui shrugged.

It was only because they were far from Heavenly Wave Immortal City that he would speak ill of the female cultivator from the Ice Castle behind her back.

Back to the topic!

"In my opinion, in the vast Qingdan Valley, not counting the older generation of late Foundation Establishment stage cultivators, among the peers, only Danya Peak can suppress Tao Wan, while He Yuanqing and Fu Li are on par with her."

Surprised by this high evaluation, Luo Chen asked, "What about Shangguan Yan?"

"Pfft, a proud and arrogant foolish woman, she can't even get her own sect's Immortal City into the top three of the Talents Ranking, what does she have to compare with Tao Wan?"

Is Shangguan Yan's evaluation that low?

Recalling the brief encounter at the External Affairs Hall, Luo Chen pondered.

She used underhanded methods to weaken Tao Wan's competitiveness.

Evidently, her strength wasn't that formidable.

"So, you're quite optimistic about Tao Wan winning the Dao Seed position?" asked Luo Chen.

Chu Kui smiled.

"This is hard to predict."

"How so?"

Chu Kui confidently explained, "The Dao Seed Competition in Qingdan Valley isn't just about personal strength, but also comprehensive abilities like wealth, pill refining skills, connections, and more."

"This is something you should have analyzed from the Great True Transmission Disciple rankings before the True Transmission Sword Duel."

Luo Chen pondered over these words.

In the end, he had to admit that it was indeed similar to what Chu Kui had said.

Whether it was the first round of the Great True Transmission Disciple competition or the second round of the pill refining contest, they all involved the cultivators' comprehensive strengths.

If not, relying solely on one's combat abilities might not even be enough to secure a position among the nine Great Lineage Disciples.

Only the final round of the True Transmission Sword Duel will truly test one's personal strength.

Chu Kui couldn't help but glance at Luo Chen, "Speaking of which, since she invited you, will you be taking the stage for a few rounds during the competition?"

He acknowledged the Fire Spirit Lord's abilities.

But when it came to battles between Foundation Establishment Late Stage Cultivators, he wasn't so optimistic.

Luo Chen looked at him with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Have you forgotten my other Dao title?"

Chu Kui was taken aback.

Then he burst out laughing.

"I did forget, you were originally known as Dan Chenzi."

...

"Dan Chenzi?"

"Interesting, very interesting!"

"A mere Foundation Establishment Mid-stage Cultivator, yet he has two Dao titles. Is it that easy to make a name for oneself in the Loose Cultivator community these days?"

Yu Xuan Mountain.

He Yuanqing looked at the intelligence gathered by his subordinates about Luo Chen and couldn't help but laugh.

He already knew that Luo Chen wasn't a competitor in the competition, but rather a Pill Master invited by Tao Wan in desperation after Huang Hezi's betrayal.

This was likely for the second round's Pill Competition.

Thinking that he was just a Pill Master who had struggled his way up from among the Loose Cultivators, He Yuanqing didn't pay much attention at first.

But when he saw in the intelligence report that He Yun, a member of his family, had previously interacted with Luo Chen, He Yuanqing's gaze froze.

"Someone, please invite He Yun to see me."

"Young Clan Leader, Xuan Yunzi has been diligently studying Alchemy in preparation for the Pill Competition."

He Yuanqing's eyes turned cold.

"Do you think I don't know that Alchemy competitions are about accumulated skills?"

"How much improvement can last-minute preparations bring?"

"Go and invite him quickly!"

The He Family Cultivator didn't argue and hurriedly left with his head lowered.

After about the time it takes to brew a cup of tea.

Xuan Yunzi, one of the Azure Pill Seven Sages, arrived outside with a frustrated expression.

"Brother Yun, the Young Clan Leader is waiting for you inside."

"Alright, you can go now!"

Waving his hand to dismiss the person, Xuan Yunzi took a deep breath and forced a smile onto his face.

He pushed open the door and entered.

"Brother Yuanqing, what did you call me for?"

He Yuanqing stared at him intently, scrutinizing him before a slight smile appeared on his lips.

"He Yun, are you planning to follow in Huang Hezi's footsteps, focusing solely on Alchemy and neglecting your cultivation?"

Xuan Yunzi replied matter-of-factly, "The path of Alchemy is vast and profound. I've only scratched the surface of the iceberg. If I don't devote all my energy to it, how can I hope to become a great Pill Master?"

"Moreover, with my low aptitude, the family has already supported me to the Foundation Establishment Stage. How dare I even dream of the Golden Core Dao?"

"The family already has you, Brother Yuanqing, as its pillar. I only need to focus on Alchemy and contribute to the family!"

He spoke calmly and steadily.

His words were as refreshing as a spring breeze to the listener.

The smile on He Yuanqing's face became more apparent.

"Your ambition is admirable!"

"If I obtain the Dao Seed position, I will definitely invite you to the Great Pill Institute when I take over Qingdan Valley in the future!"

Upon hearing the words "Great Pill Institute,"

Xuan Yunzi's face lit up with joy.

"Little brother will do his best to help you win the Pill Competition!"

"I believe in your Alchemy skills. Although you are a latecomer, aside from Pill and Sword Sage, who can easily surpass you, the other five Sages are no match for you!"

"Brother Yuanqing, you flatter me. I can only say that I will do my best!"

After some friendly banter, He Yuanqing suddenly asked, "Do you know Dan Chenzi Luo Chen?"

Upon hearing Luo Chen's name,

Xuan Yunzi's face stiffened unconsciously, but soon, he nodded.

"Yes, I know him. He's a very interesting friend."

"Just interesting?" He Yuanqing asked, looking at Xuan Yunzi, who seemed confused. He spoke frankly, "He's also participating in the Pill Competition, representing Tao Wan. Do you have any insight into his Alchemy skills?"

So, that's what this was about!

Xuan Yunzi breathed a sigh of relief.

Then, stroking his chin, he said, "For Luo Chen to earn the name Dan Chenzi, his Alchemy skills must be exceptional. As far as I know, he's very skilled at refining a First Rank Pill that can easily reach High-grade quality."

"Easily achieve High-grade quality for a First Rank Pill!"

He Yuanqing exclaimed, his face showing his surprise.

Refining Pills, whether First Rank or Second Rank, was not uncommon.

But being able to consistently refine high-quality Pills was terrifying.

This meant not only having talent,

But also a thousandfold practice and refinement.

His Alchemy skills had been honed to an incredibly solid level! Most of the current Azure Pill Seven Sages couldn't achieve this level.

They sought to refine higher-ranked Pills, paying less attention to the repetitive and mundane lower-ranked Pills.

Only the senior Pill Masters in the Great Pill Institute on Danya Peak, who dedicated their lives to Alchemy research and were over two hundred years old, possessed such skills!

Xuan Yunzi casually said, "That Pill is called the Jade Marrow Pill. I've tested it, and the power of a High-grade Jade Marrow Pill is equivalent to a Low-grade Qi Cultivation Pill from the Medicine King Sect."

"Whoa!"

"So that's the case!"

"You should've told me earlier!"

He Yuanqing visibly relaxed.

This type of High-grade Pill, which was only equivalent to a Low-grade Qi Cultivation Pill, was likely some inferior product on the market.

In the process of refining, there wasn't much difficulty at all.

As long as one pays attention, many people in Qingdan Valley can reach that level.

Speaking of which, Luo Chen is not someone to be feared.

As for Dan Chenzi's Dao name, it's likely that he's an incapable loose cultivator, and seeing that he can refine pills, they specifically flattered him.

With that, there's nothing to worry about on Tao Wan's side.

All the worries in his heart dissipated.

He Yuanqing smiled and said, "I have a great grasp on the first round, and I will join forces with others to exhaust Master Brother Danya Zi as much as possible, creating favorable conditions for you. At that time, you must not disappoint me!"

Xuan Yunzi felt a sense of pressure and bowed, saying, "Little brother will do his best!"

"It's not just doing your best, but giving it your all!" He Yuanqing spoke slowly, emphasizing each word, "I will enter the third round with the rank of the first true lineage disciple!"

Xuan Yunzi's waist bent even deeper.

That nearly obsessive gaze fell upon him, like a sharp thorn in his back!

...

After returning to Ink Lotus Garden, Luo Chen instructed the two Tao family Qi Cultivators who were attending to him to be mindful of possible visitors in the near future.

He had conducted numerous transactions at High Sun Tower using jade bi as currency.

The contact address he left was the Little Southern Mountain Tao Family.

After giving these instructions, Luo Chen entered the courtyard and closed the main gate.

This familiar scene left the two Tao family Qi Cultivators who were accompanying him in deep contemplation.

Other external cultivators, after being invited to Qingdan Valley, were always eager to move around, socialize, and visit the true lineage disciples within the valley.

They would expand their connections, gather resources, and exchange cultivation insights.

But the guest invited by the Tao family was different.

After arriving, if there was nothing to do, he would remain inside, neither stepping out of the main gate nor venturing beyond the second gate.

He was like a dedicated cultivator! Perhaps this was why even a loose cultivator could reach Foundation Establishment and possess a decent pill refinement technique!

In reality, Luo Chen was indeed a dedicated cultivator, but he wasn't neglecting his social connections.

The reason he came to Qingdan Valley and remained quiet, not moving around, was simple.

The Tao family was already the limit of his current social connections.

Without demonstrating more outstanding value, he had already been labeled as a member of the Little Southern Mountain Tao Family since his arrival in Qingdan Valley.

In this situation, what new connections could he possibly establish? Casual acquaintances? Drinking buddies?

No! Frequent outings would only invite suspicion from Tao Wan.

After all, she had just experienced Huang Hezi's betrayal.

As long as the difference in cultivation realms wasn't too great, Luo Chen could discern others' thoughts.

Like now, honestly researching pill refinement techniques and cultivating behind closed doors every day was probably the situation Tao Wan most wanted to see!

Returning to his cultivation room, Luo Chen took out the Life Revival Pill and examined it carefully.

From time to time, he used some pill techniques to separate tiny amounts of powder and gauge the pill's power.

This was something an ordinary Foundation Establishment Cultivator couldn't do.

For a master-level pill refiner like him, it wasn't that difficult.

After a thorough examination, Luo Chen was satisfied and put away the Life Revival Pill.

Liao Liang had exaggerated a bit, but he hadn't lied.

This Life Revival Pill, though not as potent as claimed, still retained three-tenths of its power.

Although it wouldn't have much effect on a Golden Core Elder's realm, for a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, it was more than enough.

And he, at this moment, was indeed a Foundation Establishment stage cultivator.

"Another life-saving trump card!"

Luo Chen smiled lightly and adjusted his state of mind, beginning to meditate and cultivate.

Although Little Southern Mountain was a Second-Rank Spirit Ground, its spiritual energy concentration was rather average.

Tao Wan had arranged the best cultivation area for him, but the spiritual energy concentration was only on par with a medium-rank cave mansion in Tianlan Peak.

As a result, his cultivation speed had slowed down by half.

However, this was only temporary.

The True Transmission Sword Duel and Dao Seed Contest were about to begin, and it would only delay him for a month or two.

He had already been in the Tao Family of Qingdan Valley" for a month.

Without pausing his cultivation, his cultivation base had been slowly increasing.

There was nothing to report that night.

The next day, Luo Chen woke up.

He checked the system panel.

[Cultivation Realm: Foundation Establishment Fifth Layer 2/100]

It took a full month to increase by this much.

To reach the sixth layer of Foundation Establishment at this speed would take at least ten years!

"I need to finish things here quickly, then return to Heavenly Wave Immortal City and cultivate in the high-grade cave mansion."

After reaching Foundation Establishment, the importance of spirit grounds to cultivators soared to the top!

Luo Chen had already begun to miss the dense spiritual energy of the high-grade cave mansion.

Exiting the cultivation room, Luo Chen was about to eat the rich breakfast prepared by the Tao family when his gaze fell upon a woman crouching by the pond in the courtyard, playing with the lotus leaves in the Ink Lotus Garden.

Because she was crouching, her curves were more pronounced, and her hips protruded.

The soft silk clung to her jade-like back, and her hair draped over it, reflecting a deep luster in the morning sun.

Some strands of hair fell towards the water's surface.

In the clear water, a face full of anticipation and anxiety was reflected.

As if sensing his gaze, Tao Wan lifted her head and looked towards Luo Chen, standing by the window, his spirit high.

She gracefully stood up, tucking her hair behind her ear.

"Fellow Daoist, the Dao Seed Contest has begun!"

(End of Chapter)

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