https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-348-Rapid-Progress-Core-Formation-Pill-Formula/12932115/
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Chapter 349: A Traveler in the Snowstorm (Part 1)
Chapter 349: A Traveler in the Snowstorm (Part 1)
In the Daoist Master's chamber.
Tao Wan, who had been busy all day, returned from outside the sect.
She rubbed her forehead, feeling slightly tired.
It wasn't physical exhaustion, but mental fatigue.
A few days ago, she had represented Qingdan Valley at a Core Formation Ceremony of an affiliated sect.
That originally weak sect was not even on Qingdan Valley's radar.
Perhaps it was due to ancestral favor that a Foundation Establishment cultivator, who was already in the twilight of his life, took a desperate gamble and luckily achieved the Golden Core stage.
With this, what was once a small sect suddenly became a top-tier power!
Such an affiliated sect naturally couldn't be taken lightly.
According to common sense, Qingdan Valley would usually send a Golden Core Elder of the same rank to offer congratulations.
Considering that this would help build connections for the current Daoist Master, Tao Wan, Qingyunzi decided to send her.
Tao Wan gladly accepted the task.
The other party naturally received her with great ceremony.
She didn't feel belittled by her Foundation Establishment Ninth Level cultivation, and was even quite pleased.
After all, as long as Tao Wan didn't make any mistakes, she would undoubtedly become the future Sect Leader of Qingdan Valley!
If she could curry favor with them, it would be like finding shade under a big tree.
Moreover, the other party was a newly established Daoist Master with few supporters, and if she could impress them...
Thus, they were especially attentive!
However, for Tao Wan, the journey there and back was not only tiring, but she also met many new faces she had never seen before, which was quite exhausting for her.
But it was a good thing!
Now that Tao Yisheng was in charge of the Tao family, she began to take over the sect's affairs.
In the future, the prosperity of the Tao family was just around the corner!
After resting for a while, Tao Wan had a thought and summoned an attendant.
"Greetings, Daoist Master!"
Looking at the Foundation Establishment attendant dedicated to serving the Daoist Master, Tao Wan spoke slowly.
"During this time, how has that person been?"
It was clear who she was referring to.
The attendant respectfully replied, "In the past half a year, he often visited the Great Pill Institute, but now he rarely goes there. Every day, he is either cultivating or practicing spells. Even during his rest time, he is mostly studying scriptures."
Tao Wan's face showed surprise.
"An ascetic cultivator?"
According to her knowledge, Luo Chen seemed to have nothing to do with ascetic cultivators.
The collection of information about Luo Chen began when it was decided to ask for his help.
After the sect's elders secretly instructed her to keep Luo Chen in Qingdan Valley temporarily, another group of people specifically collected detailed information about him after he arrived in Tianlan.
Based on the information, whether it was his association with the Ice Castle, or his establishment of the Luo Tian Association in Tianlan, it was clear that Luo Chen was someone who couldn't bear solitude.
But unexpectedly!
Since his arrival in Qingdan Valley, whether before or after the Dao Seed Competition, he had been quiet and rarely went out.
This demeanor was very similar to many Golden Core Elders in the sect who dedicated themselves to quiet cultivation and ignored worldly affairs.
Moreover!
Although the weak Third Tier Spirit Ground was a good cultivation environment, it was specially set up for powerful cultivators like Tao Wan, who had reached the Foundation Establishment Ninth Level.
If it were an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator, practicing for a few days would be fine. But to persist like Luo Chen, staying in one place for months without moving, was astonishing.
It was a shocking matter.
Even Tao Wan often cultivated for a few days and then rested for one or two days.
After all, the high concentration of essence energy put a significant burden on the meridians and divine soul when transporting it too frequently.
"Could it be that he encountered such an excellent cultivation environment and doesn't want to waste it, so he seizes every minute and second to grit his teeth and cultivate?" Tao Wan muttered.
The attendant also sighed, "I rarely see such a diligent person. If his talent is excellent, he will definitely have a place in the Jade Cauldron Core Formation. It's just a pity..."
Tao Wan knew what he meant.
Luo Chen's talent was also mentioned in the information.
He had a five-elemental spirit root constitution, not considered useless, and was even praised in the Five Elements Divine Sect as a top-tier talent comparable to the Celestial Spirit Root.
It was even higher than Tao Wan's Wind Spirit Root.
But for ordinary cultivators, it was the weakest talent, almost equivalent to having none.
Without abundant resources, such a person would find it difficult to achieve Foundation Establishment in their lifetime.
Luo Chen's fortunate achievement of Foundation Establishment had already shocked Tao Wan.
But after Foundation Establishment, the path of cultivation would only become more challenging.
"Talent... resources..."
Tao Wan seemed deep in thought.
She vaguely understood.
Luo Chen, who couldn't bear solitude, was striving for resources.
And that tireless pursuit of resources was also for cultivation.
Therefore, now that he had encountered the best among various cultivation resources, the Spirit Ground, he would naturally cultivate tirelessly.
So, from start to finish, Luo Chen was still the same Luo Chen.
There was no contradiction!
After understanding this, Tao Wan sighed.
"Have all the resources allocated by the sect been distributed?"
The attendant nodded, "Most of them have been allocated. According to your instructions, Qi Lingyun, Tan Xiao, Tao Yisheng, Jia Shaquan, Ding Kuo... these people have been given their fixed quotas, and they will receive them regularly every year."
"What about the batch of Superior Dragon Ascension Pills that you were asked to set aside?"
The attendant subconsciously glanced at the side hall where Luo Chen was and spoke softly, "Daoist Master, are you preparing them for him? This... I'm afraid it's a bit..."
"Hmm?"
Tao Wan lightly acknowledged, and her tone made the attendant's body tremble unconsciously.
In a short time, Tao Wan had interacted with many powerful Golden Core cultivators, and her imposing aura had become increasingly heavy.
The body follows the mind, and the mind follows the essence energy.
The attendant quickly lowered his head, "They are all ready."
"Set aside a portion every year. Rest assured, it's not for free. Dan Chenzi will pay the equivalent spirit stones, and I will inform the Sect Leader myself."
At this point, Tao Wan paused.
She remembered Luo Chen buying a large number of Meridian Protection Pills in the market, which were necessary for Qi Condensation Cultivators during Foundation Establishment.
Those Meridian Protection Pills were of low grade.
For Luo Chen cultivating in the weak Third Tier Spirit Ground, they might not be very useful.
"Bring out a bottle of Second Rank Superior Meridian Protection Pills. Tomorrow, deliver them to the side hall."
The attendant's heart trembled.
Second Rank Superior Meridian Protection Pills! Those were auxiliary pills that only a Daoist Master could enjoy!
One pill could protect the meridians for ten days, preventing injuries.
These pills were even more precious than the so-called Nourishing Meridian Liquid.
In the entire Qingdan Valley, only Xing Yun Shangren occasionally refined a batch.
He wanted to advise, but looking at Tao Wan's serene expression as she wandered through the skies, he couldn't find the words.
The Daoist Master's orders must be obeyed without question!
...
"A Second Rank Superior Grade Meridian Protection Pill!"
In the side hall, Luo Chen, who had just finished his cultivation, looked at the item sent by the steward Chen with astonishment and even shock.
Steward Chen gazed at the small bottle with envy, saying, "This was specially sent by our Daoist Master. Take it before cultivation to protect your meridians from Essence Energy backlash and severe injury."
"Fellow Daoist, you've been pushing yourself in your cultivation lately. Be sure to be mindful and not overdo it, or you might fall into a demonic path."
"The Daoist Master is considerate, so he sent this."
It seemed that he was afraid Luo Chen wouldn't understand Tao Wan's intentions.
He even went out of his way to explain how precious this Meridian Protection Pill was.
In truth, Tao Wan had never instructed him to do so.
But since he had already made up his mind to follow Tao Wan, he naturally wanted to win people over for her.
After hearing this, Luo Chen was deeply touched.
"Steward Chen, please convey my gratitude to Daoist Master Tao."
"It's impolite to receive without giving in return. Some time ago, with the help of Xing Yun Shangren from the Great Pill Institute, I refined a batch of Youth Preservation Pills. Although they aren't of much use to us cultivators, they can still express my gratitude."
"Please pass on a few on my behalf."
Steward Chen took the Youth Preservation Pills with surprise.
Indeed, these pills weren't very useful, but female cultivators would surely appreciate them.
This Dan Chenzi was quite skilled in dealing with people!
After he left, Luo Chen played with the Meridian Protection Pill, his expression thoughtful.
Was Tao Wan trying to acquire low-grade Meridian Protection Pills from Qingdan Valley to determine if she needed such pills? But those low-grade pills were prepared by him for some Qi Condensation Cultivators of the Luo Tian Association.
For himself, they were of no use.
Unblocking and connecting the meridians was no trivial matter.
At least, in this Weak Third Tier Spirit Ground, he only felt a slight burden, and after a few hours of rest, he could recover completely.
However, this pill was indeed precious.
A Second Rank Superior Grade, exclusively for the Daoist Master!
"She is quite thoughtful."
"The Great Pill Institute hasn't invited me for two months now, and they're becoming colder. She, on the other hand, hasn't changed from before and is even more enthusiastic."
"This woman is worth befriending!"
Luo Chen had a clear distinction between friends, enemies, partners, and acquaintances.
He considered Tao Yisheng a friend, even if they weren't at the level of sharing their innermost thoughts, they could still talk selflessly.
But from the beginning, his relationship with Tao Wan had been solely based on mutual interest.
Now that their cooperation had ended, she had given him both the Weak Third Tier Spirit Ground and the Meridian Protection Pill, which left Luo Chen in awe.
The image of Tao Wan's proud demeanor from their first meeting was gradually fading from his mind.
What became more vivid was her smile a few months ago, deep in the white clouds of Qingyun Peak, as she said, "Let's show some hospitality as the host."
"On the path of cultivation, amidst the harsh winds and bitter frost, with blades and swords at your side, there are also companions like Wang Yuan and Tao Wan. Such a grand path is never lonely."
Luo Chen smiled lightly and put the Meridian Protection Pill away.
...
Half a year later!
A ray of light shot out from Qingyun, passing through Yuanhua Mountain and landing on Little Nanshan.
After a brief stop, it departed without hesitation, heading towards the direction of Tianlan Immortal City.
On Little Nanshan.
The frost and snow covered the land, withering all things, yet many rare and exquisite chrysanthemums still bloomed brilliantly.
Tao Yisheng watched as the ray of light gradually disappeared, a look of disappointment on his face.
"If only he could have stayed for another half a year, he would have been able to attend my wedding."
"He couldn't stay."
Behind him, a woman's faint voice echoed.
Tao Yisheng turned around, "Sister."
Tao Wan walked forward, her long skirt trailing in the snow, as she passed him by.
"He's not a disciple of Qingdan Valley. Staying in the Daoist Master's Hall for a year has already caused controversy."
"Staying any longer would bring disaster, not fortune, for both of us."
"Moreover, his friends and Dao partner are in Tianlan. That's the foundation he built from scratch."
Tao Yisheng nodded.
He knew these principles all too well.
After Luo Chen's guidance in the Ink Lotus Garden, Tao Yisheng combined it with his own experiences and gradually untangled the complex relationships within the Fu family.
He was still clear about such simple matters.
But...
"Dao partner?" Tao Yisheng was shocked. "How come I never heard that Luo Chen has a Dao partner? Who is it? I didn't see him hold a Dao partner ceremony either."
"Sima Huiwang, the president of the Luo Tian Association. Although they don't have the title of Dao partners, they are already like one."
Tao Wan spoke calmly.
Tao Yisheng suddenly understood.
No wonder Luo Chen had held a grand Foundation Establishment Ceremony for a female cultivator who had just entered the Foundation Establishment stage.
So, there was this relationship behind it all.
"What a pity," Tao Yisheng lamented.
"What's the pity?"
"It's a shame that Brother Luo, with his profound pill alchemy skills, couldn't become your Dao partner. If he had, with you managing external affairs and him internal, this vast Qingdan Valley would eventually fall under the control of our Fu family..."
His words were cut short.
Facing the woman who exuded a dangerous aura, Tao Yisheng forced a smile and stepped back.
"Oh, Miss Fu is coming tomorrow to admire the chrysanthemums. She's my future Dao partner, so I need to make some arrangements..."
As he spoke, he disappeared into the snowy landscape.
Tao Wan opened her squinting eyes, blinking her long lashes, gazing at the snow-filled sky.
Clean and clear.
Finally, she let out a carefree laugh.
...
In the snow-filled sky.
A small, mid-grade flying boat sailed steadily.
The extended defensive shield blocked out the snow.
Inside, a man in a red cloud Daoist robe sat cross-legged, his eyes fixed on the void ahead.
The attribute panel appeared and then disappeared.
Luo Chen was satisfied as he withdrew his gaze.
He had arrived at the Fifth Layer of Foundation Establishment and was leaving at the Sixth Layer!
Just this alone made the trip to Qingdan Valley worthwhile.
One First Rank Alchemy Formula, two Second Rank Formulas, and three incomplete Third Rank Ancient Formulas.
A newly acquired Alchemy Technique.
Additionally, several Spell Techniques were either broken through or perfected during this year of cultivation.
Most importantly, he had successfully negotiated a trade with Tao Wan regarding the Superior Dragon Ascension Pill.
Now, in his storage bag, there were forty bottles of Superior Dragon Ascension Pills, obtained at a cost of one hundred thousand low-grade Spirit Stones!
A bit pricey, at two thousand five hundred each.
But it's worth it!
For something priceless, it's understandable to sell it at a high price.
Other major Sects wanted this, and even Spirit Stones couldn't buy it. They had to exchange it with corresponding resources, bartering for mutual benefit.
This batch of pills alone is enough for Luo Chen's needs for a year.
Moreover, from now on, every year, Tao Wan will send someone to provide him with the corresponding portion of pills.
As long as there is no drug resistance, Luo Chen can rely on the Superior Dragon Ascension Pill to accelerate his cultivation.
"Although I no longer have access to a weak Third Tier Spirit Ground, I now have high-grade pills as a supplement. Even if my cultivation speed drops drastically, it's still within an acceptable range."
After a simple inventory check, without the meticulous scrutiny of the past, Luo Chen put away his attribute panel.
After all, he was still on his journey.
Even though Luo Chen could multitask and pay attention to the outside situation, he didn't want to be caught off guard by any sudden attacks.
Right now, his mind was solely focused on returning to Tianlan.
"I wonder if Hui Niang is comfortable living in my cave abode, and how Ling's cultivation has progressed. How has the Luotian Assembly developed, and what conditions will the Heartless Immortal offer me..."
Thinking about the matters awaiting him upon his return, Luo Chen wasn't worried; instead, a smile graced his lips.
This time, he had been away for a year and a half.
There were no setbacks, and instead, he gained a lot, causing the name Dan Chenzi to spread throughout the Jade Cauldron Domain.
Now that he was returning, it was definitely a case of returning home in glory.
Thinking about meeting his friends after returning and sharing stories about his journey to Qing Dan Valley, drinking and laughing together, Luo Chen infused more spiritual energy, accelerating the speed of his flying boat.
His heart was eager to return, unafraid of the wind and snow.
...
In the dead of night.
Outside the Danxia Peak, covered in heavy snow.
Luo Chen landed his flying boat, smoothly descending outside the mountain gate.
"In the middle of the night, Luotian does not receive outside guests. Halt your steps!"
The mountain-guarding cultivator stepped forward, about to inquire about Luo Chen's identity, but upon seeing Luo Chen's face, he immediately became excited and bowed in greeting.
"Greetings, President!"
"Hmm, you've worked hard," Luo Chen smiled and waved his hand. Just as he was about to ascend the mountain, he casually asked, "Who is guarding Danxia tonight?"
The Luotian Assembly had this tradition.
(End of Chapter)
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