https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-342-True-Transmitter-First-Ascend-to-the-Celestial-Palace-Again-/12932084/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-344-Dragon-Binding-Pillar-Purple-Apex-Heavenly-Flame/12932086/
Chapter 343: Recruitment Offers and the Scramble for a Golden Core
Chapter 343: Recruitment Offers and the Scramble for a Golden Core
First time at Celestial Palace.
Amidst the crowd of alchemists, no one paid him any mind, an unknown among them.
Second time at Celestial Palace.
He was the one who had outshone the Azure Pill Seven Sages and consecutively claimed the top spot thrice—Dan Chenzi!
As he approached, pairs of curious and admiring eyes fell upon him.
These gazes belonged to Foundation Establishment disciples from other sects.
Luo Chen didn't pay much attention to these looks.
He only cared about the attitudes of the Golden Core Elders.
And the thing he wanted to see appeared right away.
"Dan Chenzi, please take a seat!"
Though they weren't calling each other fellow cultivators, they didn't address each other by name either.
A cultivator's Dao name was a sign of respect in itself!
Looking at the amiable middle-aged man, Luo Chen cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Qingyun Sect Master!"
After speaking, he sat down in the last chair under the watchful eyes of the Golden Core Elders.
Qingyunzi, seeing his demeanor, nodded in approval.
"Not arrogant nor humble, unmoved by honor or disgrace, he's indeed a talented individual."
As he spoke these polite words, the Crimson Cauldron Elder couldn't contain his impatience.
"Dan Chenzi, what do you think about my suggestion?"
The so-called suggestion was to join the Great Pill Institute as a guest elder.
Interrupted, Qingyunzi smiled slightly, not showing any anger.
Although the senior apprentice brother pitied him, from his perspective, it was indeed a good thing.
Luo Chen had outperformed the Azure Pill Seven Sages in alchemy, and his reputation, if spread, wouldn't sound very pleasant.
But if he could become a part of Qingdan Valley, there would be no issue.
Hence, he smiled at Luo Chen, eagerly awaiting his response.
At this moment, Luo Chen's heart was racing.
Even though he had already made a decision, refusing Qingdan Valley in front of so many Golden Core Elders could have unpredictable consequences.
However!
Soon, he wouldn't need to make the decision himself.
"A young talent like Dan Chenzi is most welcome at Ailaoshan!" said the Ailaoshan Shangren.
The Food Fragrance Master of the Hundred Flowers Palace smiled slightly, "Qingyunzi, Qingdan Valley has many excellent alchemists, and you don't need Dan Chenzi. Why not let him join my Hundred Flowers Palace?"
After speaking, she didn't look at Qingyunzi's stiff expression but turned to Luo Chen instead.
"Dan Chenzi, my Hundred Flowers Palace has numerous female cultivators. If you come, I can arrange two excellent Dao companions for you."
"Not only can you delve into the path of alchemy, but you can also enjoy the utmost pleasure. Isn't that wonderful?"
Her recruitment was overly explicit.
The conditions were so alluring.
The Ailaoshan Shangren grew anxious, "If you join Ailaoshan, I'll personally create a tailor-made, exceptional alchemy chamber for you. I can even procure treasure-grade alchemy equipment for you after you form your Golden Core!"
The Food Fragrance Master raised her eyebrows.
Indeed, the wealthy Ailaoshan was offering treasure-grade alchemy equipment!
These weren't inferior ordinary treasures but high-quality items crafted by specialized master forgers!
Facing this scramble, the Crimson Cauldron Elder huffed, "You're going too far! Luo Chen is a servant of the Tao family in Qingdan Valley, and he's already a part of our sect!"
"It's just a temporary servant status," the Food Fragrance Master scoffed.
The Ailaoshan Shangren was disdainful, "If he joins Ailaoshan, Dan Chenzi will be an elder!"
The Crimson Cauldron Elder hurriedly said, "If he joins the Great Pill Institute, he'll also be a guest elder."
After speaking, he looked at Luo Chen seriously.
"Dan Chenzi, you must consider this carefully!"
"My Great Pill Institute has countless alchemy resources to offer you the greatest assistance."
"Regarding cultivation, you don't need to worry. I can request from the sect to allow you to cultivate in a Second-Rank Spirit Land cave mansion for a year every decade!"
Such generous conditions were spoken.
The Food Fragrance Master and the Ailaoshan Shangren were both astonished.
Although there were Second-Rank Spirit Lands, suitable cultivation cave mansions were scarce.
Qingdan Valley possessed a large Second-Rank Spirit Land, but they had too many Golden Core cultivators!
Could they really spare one for Luo Chen, even if it was only once a decade, for one year at a time?
For a moment, even they hesitated.
The Crimson Cauldron Elder was smug, confident that Luo Chen couldn't resist these conditions.
Well, Luo Chen was indeed a bit tempted.
However, he still didn't give an answer, his gaze falling on a female cultivator.
Following his gaze, everyone looked in that direction.
It was the Ice Castle Shangren, the Heartless Fairy.
Seeing this, several Golden Core Elders frowned, somewhat displeased.
This Dan Chenzi seemed to be taking advantage of the situation, haggling over the price!
The three major sects had offered favorable conditions, yet he wasn't satisfied and even wanted the Ice Castle to make an offer.
However, they were wrong!
"You all should stop arguing," the Heartless Fairy said calmly.
Amidst their confusion, she uttered a few words.
"Dan Chenzi is already a part of my Ice Castle."
Upon hearing this, everyone was shocked.
White Su Senior of Luojia Mountain covered his mouth and smiled.
"Sister Heartless, your recruitment is too domineering! Everyone else is still offering conditions, and you directly say that Dan Chenzi is from your Ice Castle."
"To snatch someone away, you don't do it like this!"
Facing the doubts, the Heartless Immortal's expression remained indifferent.
"This is the truth. If you don't believe me... Dan Chenzi, bring out your 'Shanghu Danjie' and let everyone have a look."
Luo Chen remained silent and took out a book from his storage bag.
Written on it were the four ancient characters of 'Shanghu Danjie'.
Upon seeing this book, everyone fell silent.
Those below might not know, but as fellow Golden Core Elders, who among them didn't understand the meaning behind the two words 'Shanghu'?
This name was the Heartless Immortal's Dao Companion from years ago.
He was a Golden Core Cultivator and also an excellent Third Rank Alchemist.
Although he was killed by the Heartless Immortal herself for certain reasons, the fact that she personally bestowed his 'Danjie' to Dan Chenzi showed that he was a junior she valued.
The Crimson Cauldron Elder suddenly understood.
Looking at Luo Chen, he couldn't help but show appreciation.
"No wonder, at such a young age, you have achieved such alchemy prowess."
"I never expected that you inherited Shanghu's legacy!"
"I vaguely remember the time when Shanghu came to our Supreme Alchemy Institute to discuss alchemy."
Qingyunzi, who originally had a solemn expression, now revealed a relieved look.
They were also aware of Shanghu's alchemy techniques.
In terms of alchemy alone, he was no weaker than the Third Rank Alchemists of Qingdan Valley. It wasn't surprising that his legacy disciple could surpass the Azure Pill Seven Sages.
Luo Chen furrowed his brows and then relaxed.
It was obvious that Qingdan Valley, after failing to recruit him, was now trying to save face for their sect.
In the future, it wouldn't be spread that a new generation alchemist from Qingdan Valley lost to a loose cultivator.
Instead, it would be known that he lost to a fellow cultivator from the Seven Sects.
In terms of face, it wouldn't be as difficult.
Although he wasn't the so-called heir to Shanghu's legacy, he believed that the Heartless Immortal wouldn't deny it.
Indeed!
The Heartless Immortal tacitly acknowledged this statement.
However, with this, what conditions would she offer to keep him? Others had already given conditions that no Foundation Establishment Cultivator could refuse!
Luo Chen silently observed the Heartless Immortal.
In the past, he could only bow his head and listen to her jade-like voice. How could he dare to look at her so openly and upright as he did today?
Her eyes were like a beautiful painting, her gaze like ice, and her skin as fair as snow.
The Heartless Immortal sensed his gaze.
She glanced at Luo Chen coldly and slightly parted her lips.
"The reason I came out this time is because of Tao Wan's close relationship with Dan Taiyi, so I recommended you."
"I sensed the aura of the Mystic Ice Talisman I made on you."
Luo Chen's eyebrows furrowed.
That thing, he had kept it in his storage bag.
Could she even sense that?
"Take it out! That Mystic Ice Talisman was made for Dan Taiyi and isn't suitable for you."
Luo Chen took out the talisman given to him by Dan Taiyi.
The Heartless Immortal directly summoned it over and, under everyone's gaze, gave him a new one.
This scene completely confirmed Luo Chen's close connection to the Ice Castle.
Otherwise, the Heartless Immortal's famous Mystic Ice Talisman wouldn't appear on Luo Chen.
Everyone felt it was a pity.
Such an excellent alchemy master had already been recruited by the Heartless Immortal.
Wasn't it said that after her Dao Companion's death, she no longer showed any interest in men? Holding the bone-chilling Mystic Ice Talisman and hearing the Heartless Immortal's transmission instructing him to acknowledge her as his master, Luo Chen's heart relaxed.
This must be one of the conditions she had given him in advance!
How generous!
The Mystic Ice Talisman stored the power of a Golden Core Elder's strike.
Crucially, it could shatter and transform into protective divine ice, allowing one to safely await the Heartless Immortal's rescue.
For a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, its value far surpassed that of ordinary treasures.
He didn't know what other benefits she would offer after returning.
But at the very least, it proved one thing.
This time, gaining fame in Qingdan Valley was undoubtedly the most worthwhile thing Luo Chen had done!
Those without reputation often had uncertain futures.
Only by displaying sufficient value would one be taken seriously!
Moreover, unlike becoming a guest elder of the Supreme Alchemy Institute, his relationship with the Heartless Immortal's lineage was even more special.
He could have more autonomy and independence!
"Next, we await the results of the True Transmission Sword Duel."
"If Tao Wan wins, my trip won't be in vain!"
...
The third round of the Dao Seed Competition, the most crucial one—the True Transmission Sword Duel, began!
Unlike the previous two rounds where the Grand Disciples tried to avoid fighting, this round required personal participation.
Everyone had to take the stage themselves, showcasing their true abilities, displaying their prowess, and fighting to be in the forefront!
After ascending to the Celestial Palace and receiving the audience, Luo Chen didn't go back down.
Instead, he remained with the Golden Core Elders, observing the battles below through the Water Mirror Technique.
Unlike watching from the same cultivation realm, Luo Chen could occasionally hear the Golden Core Elders' commentary while sitting in the Celestial Palace's grand hall.
High above, the opponent could often point out the flaws in the Foundation Establishment Cultivator's combat methods.
From this perspective, Luo Chen benefited greatly!
"These two, ranked at the back, have no hope of competing for the Dao Seed position, and they have no intention of fighting, it's boring."
"This sixth-ranked Du Changfeng is quite interesting!"
"He's the child of Yuanhua Mountain's Du Daoist, naturally unwilling to be relegated to this rank."
"Unfortunately, although he won, he consumed too much spirit energy and will likely not last long in the next round."
Time passed quickly.
After each battle, the winner had very limited rest time.
Soon, the second day arrived.
The sixth-ranked Du Changfeng challenged the fifth-ranked Shangguan Yan.
Being from Yuanhua Mountain, he fought with all his might and gradually gained the upper hand.
However, an unexpected event occurred.
Du Changfeng had the advantage, but due to insufficient spirit energy, he hesitated for a moment while controlling his treasure, allowing his opponent to seize the opportunity and win.
On the Sword Dueling Platform, Shangguan Yan's face showed a hint of fear.
Du Changfeng suffered severe injuries and was carried away, his face filled with unwillingness.
So close!
In the Celestial Palace Hall.
Ailaoshan Elder had a constipated look.
"Qingyunzi, why do the disciples of your Qingdangu Valley rely so much on treasures that they are not proficient in using? Although the treasure's might is great, it's not a weapon of their own realm. Without the power of the law and spirit sense, the might of the treasure can be released but not controlled, don't you fear backlash?"
Qingyunzi was helpless.
Their Qingdangu Valley was a wealthy grand sect, and after a few years of cultivation, their disciples could afford a treasure.
With even more powerful treasures, who would foolishly use ordinary magic tools? Not to mention Qingdangu Valley.
Nowadays, in the Jade Cauldron Domain, the disciples of other sects probably do the same!
With such a trend, it's hard to persuade them otherwise.
The root of the problem is not in Qingdangu Valley or the Seven Jade Cauldron Sects.
But in the grand sect of Tianfan City, the master of forging treasures!
They flooded the Jade Cauldron Domain with magic tools and treasures, creating the current situation.
After hundreds of years, who knows how many magic tools and treasures there are in the Jade Cauldron Domain!
Luo Chen sat quietly on the side, listening to their conversation with a thoughtful expression.
Indeed!
His previous choices for combat methods were correct.
Although treasures are good, they shouldn't be overly relied upon.
Because these weapons are not suitable for Foundation Establishment Cultivators like them.
In comparison, using ultimate magic tools as the main weapon and skillfully combining them with other minor methods can maximize their combat power at this level.
The might of treasures can be used as a trump card.
When making the decisive strike, it can secure victory!
At this moment, he looked down at the ongoing battle.
Although Luo Chen's cultivation realm was much lower than the Grand Disciples, he was like the Golden Core Elders, finding the battle rather uninteresting.
Where was the True Transmission Sword Duel? It was clearly just a display of the might of their treasures.
It couldn't be called ingenious, nor could it be considered combat wisdom.
The competition was merely about who had better control over their treasures, as Chu Kui had said.
Boring, truly boring!
"Ha..."
Someone yawned.
The Food Fragrance Master stretched lazily in her seat, revealing her slender waist and large fruit.
She drooped her eyelids and said lazily, "I understand why your Qingdangu Valley, Ailaoshan, and Luoyun Sect couldn't defeat the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect when they joined forces."
"Relying so much on things that don't belong to your own realm will inevitably make you stiff and unyielding."
"In comparison, the disciples of the Sword Sect specialize in sword techniques, controlling their swords with their hearts. In battles between the same realm, your Qingdangu Valley's Grand Disciples use their treasures' killing moves once, and they'd be pierced by the Sword Sect's Grand Disciples hundreds of times."
These words made the Golden Core Cultivators of Qingdangu Valley lose face.
However, they couldn't refute it at all.
A few years ago, when the conflict between the two grand sects intensified, their disciples had participated in the battles.
At that time, there were indeed many casualties!
Qingyunzi, as the sect leader, tried to save face.
He forced a smile and said, "These new generation disciples are indeed a bit inflexible. However, the top three battles are next, and as the leaders of this generation's Grand Disciples, they should be able to bring out something new."
"Fellow Daoists, please watch calmly!"
The Food Fragrance Master pouted, not very optimistic about the upcoming battles.
Ailaoshan Elder sighed, seemingly thinking about the many disciples their sect had lost in recent years.
The Heartless Immortal, on the other hand, occasionally glanced at Luo Chen.
As a Golden Core Cultivator guarding Tianlan Immortal City, she had heard a bit about Luo Chen's other Dao name.
And the origin of that Dao name!
He fought several opponents of the same realm without relying on the might of treasures.
His combat abilities among the younger generation were likely exceptional.
Luo Chen didn't notice the Heartless Immortal's attention.
His spiritual eyes were fixed on the water mirror, watching the ongoing battle.
The current battle was between the fourth-ranked Fu Li and the third-ranked He Yuanqing.
As an ally of Tao Wan, how would Fu Li choose when facing He Yuanqing, who might become her opponent?
(End of Chapter)
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