https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-352-Inventory-Summary-Heartless-Please-/12932133/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-354-Civil-War-in-Jade-Peak-Twenty-Years-Unchanged/12932135/
Chapter 353: Luo Tian Joins the Battle, Annihilating Jade Peak Sword Sect
Chapter 353: Luo Tian Joins the Battle, Annihilating Jade Peak Sword Sect
This was Luo Chen's first time stepping into a Tier Three Cave Mansion on Tianlan Peak.
The moment he entered, he felt a concentration of Essence Energy that was no less than a weak Tier Three Spirit Ground.
And this was just the living room of the cave mansion.
If he were in the cultivation room with the highest concentration, what level of concentration would it reach? How much faster would his cultivation speed be?
Amidst his astonishment, a detached voice reached his ears.
"You sure have a lot of patience."
Luo Chen's heart trembled.
He knew that the person was referring to his delayed visit to Tianlan and the fact that he had to be invited to come.
Such treatment of a Golden Core Elder was unimaginable for a Foundation Establishment Cultivator.
He immediately clasped his hands together and performed a Daoist salute.
"Please forgive me, Elder. A red-clothed beauty I know suffered severe injuries during her failed attempt at Foundation Establishment. After returning, I've been doing my best to heal her."
"And after hearing what Dantu Daoist Friend said about your closed-door cultivation, I only came to visit later."
After saying this, he bowed his head and remained silent, appearing to be asking for forgiveness.
In a place he couldn't see, the Cold Fairy's expression changed.
Healing a red-clothed beauty?
After a while, the Cold Fairy spoke in a cold voice, "How is that red-clothed beauty doing now?"
Luo Chen raised his head and explained the situation in detail.
In the end, he sighed, "If I had returned with you earlier, perhaps this wouldn't have happened. Because of me, she suffered such a severe injury. I will do my best to treat her injuries and help her back onto the path of cultivation."
Calculating the time, Gu Caiyi's attempt at Foundation Establishment was during the month after Luo Chen's victory in the Dao Seed competition.
If he had returned earlier, under his care, even if she failed, she wouldn't have ended up in her current near-paralyzed state.
After listening to his explanation, the Cold Fairy's expression softened, and her anger dissipated.
Luo Chen had been paying close attention to her mood changes, and at this moment, she didn't seem to have the so-called "cold" temperament! She was quite understanding.
After clearing the air, the Cold Fairy didn't pursue Luo Chen's tardiness, but instead brought up the incident where various sects from Qingdan Valley scrambled to win him over.
"The benefits they offered you were given in the name of their sects. My Cold Fairy lineage isn't as wealthy."
Luo Chen immediately replied, "Elder, please don't mind it. Having your protection is already a blessing for me in my three lifetimes. I dare not ask for more."
Although he said this, his eager expression clearly showed that he was waiting for more.
The Cold Fairy tugged at the corners of her mouth and reached out her hand, offering two items.
One was broken, resembling a pot or a cauldron.
The other was exquisite, a crystal-clear bracelet.
Luo Chen was surprised as he accepted both items.
"What are these?"
"This cauldron is the Chancellor Cauldron, originally a Golden Core Cultivator's primary treasure..."
At this point, the Cold Fairy's eyes flashed with a hint of sadness and nostalgia, but it quickly disappeared, and she continued,
"Although this treasure is damaged, it has only lost its combat ability. Its alchemy function remains intact. You can use it as a lower-grade Daoist treasure for alchemy without any issues."
Luo Chen stared at the broken and dilapidated copper cauldron in his hand, unable to associate it with a high-end and dignified Daoist treasure.
Shouldn't it be something like the Medicine King Sect's 'Hutong Mid-Autumn' or Qingdan Valley's 'Qing Tian Liuli Ding'? Could this cauldron even be used for alchemy? But since she said so, she wouldn't deceive him.
"Thank you for the gift, Elder!"
The Cold Fairy averted her eyes, not wanting to look at the broken cauldron, and began to explain the use of the other treasure.
"The Azure Serpent Bracelet is a lower-grade water-type treasure, sealing within it the essence of a Tier Three Water Serpent. When infused with Essence Energy during combat, it can summon the water serpent, making it a decent treasure."
She paused here, adding,
"It's not for you, but for your red-clothed beauty."
Such generosity!
Luo Chen couldn't help but exclaim, "But she hasn't even reached Foundation Establishment yet, and she might not be able to use it."
"With your abilities, can't you help her reach Foundation Establishment?" The Cold Fairy asked.
Luo Chen was stunned, then nodded.
Indeed, at his level, if he were willing to invest a large amount of resources, he would have a high chance of pushing a Qi Condensation Stage cultivator to the Foundation Establishment stage.
He wasn't Duan Qiankun; his current wealth and connections far surpassed Duan Qiankun's.
As long as he was willing to pay the price, Gu Caiyi would definitely reach Foundation Establishment! This was Luo Chen's confidence!
This time, he sincerely bowed again.
"Thank you, Elder!"
The Cold Fairy nodded and said, "Lastly, the old man from Qingdan Valley said he could apply to the sect to provide you with access to a Tier Three Spirit Ground once every ten years, right?"
Luo Chen's heart stirred with anticipation as he looked at the Cold Fairy.
Could it be!
"I can offer you the same conditions here, but..."
At the first part, Luo Chen's heart raced with excitement.
But when he heard the word "but," he knew it wouldn't be that simple.
"But this Tier Three Spirit Vein on Tianlan Peak is only artificially enhanced. Only three Tier Three Cave Mansions can be formed for cultivators to practice, and there are only three of them."
"There is a Tier Three Cave Mansion under the domain of Jade Peak Sword Sect. Even if it's vacant, it will never be given to others. I don't have the corresponding formation key to unlock it."
This was only to be expected.
Even though the Heavenly Wave Immortal City was built by seven sects, Jade Peak Sword Sect was once the master of Jade Peak. It was normal for them to have some privileges.
"There's a cave mansion that has been occupied by a Golden Core Elder for many years. He's from the declining Vast Ethereal Sect and is now nominally under the Heavenly Wave Immortal City, serving as a tribute."
This was something Luo Chen hadn't expected.
He had heard that there was a Golden Core tribute stationed in the Immortal City for a long time.
When the Golden Core Cultivators of the rotation sects left, this person would be responsible for protecting the Immortal City.
Unexpectedly, it turned out to be a cultivator from the Vast Ethereal Sect.
According to the records, the Vast Ethereal Sect was also one of the sixteen sects that had joined forces to attack Lianxia.
However, just like the Ghost God Valley and the Minghuang Sword Sect, the Vast Ethereal Sect had also disappeared into the long river of history.
Unexpectedly, there were still descendants of the sect surviving in the world, and they had even cultivated to the Golden Core stage.
"Lastly, there's the Imperial Pavilion I'm residing in now."
Heartless Immortal's tone was indifferent as she pointed to the enormous cave mansion beneath her feet, comparable to an imperial pavilion.
"The Alpha Cave Mansion doesn't belong to any one sect but is under the jurisdiction of the Heaven Wave Rotation Sect."
"In other words, I'm using it now, but it doesn't mean I'll always be using it in the future."
Luo Chen's eyebrows furrowed involuntarily.
It was uncertain how long Ice Fortress would continue to preside over the Heaven Wave.
Moreover, when presiding, Heartless Immortal would undoubtedly use the cave mansion herself.
In that case, where would there be an opportunity for him to use it?
Wait a minute!
If that was the case, why would she bring this up? In other words, she could make an opportunity for him to use the cave mansion?
Luo Chen looked at Heartless Immortal with a mix of belief and doubt.
The stunningly beautiful woman's lips curled slightly upwards.
"Now, there's an opportunity before us to free up a Tier Three Cave Mansion!"
"Luo Chen, it's up to you to seize this chance!"
Luo Chen asked curiously, "What opportunity?"
"It's simple. If your Luotian Assembly joins the battle and defeats the Jade Peak Sword Sect, you can use the other vacant Tier Three Cave Mansion for a hundred years!"
"Absurd!"
Luo Chen blurted out without thinking.
But when he saw the narrow eyes of the woman above, his heart trembled.
He quickly said, "What merits or abilities do I, Luotian Assembly, possess to dare challenge the Jade Peak Sword Sect? Elder, please don't joke with me."
"Do you think I'm kidding?"
Heartless Immortal spoke softly, her eyes narrowing slightly, and her long eyelashes hung like icicles outside her eyes.
Luo Chen felt a chill.
Yes!
What merits or abilities did he have to make a Golden Core Elder joke with him?
Moreover, for Luotian Assembly to participate in such a high-level conflict was like hitting a rock with an egg.
The foundation he had painstakingly accumulated would be in jeopardy once they joined the battle. How much would be left?
Furthermore!
Luo Chen's voice turned hoarse as he said slowly, "The war between the two Nascent Soul Supreme Sects has been calming down in recent years, hasn't it?"
Heartless Immortal replied indifferently, "You've been cultivating in the Qingyun Peak Daoist Pavilion for a year, so you're a bit out of touch. Ever since the dispute over the Dao Seeds in Qingdan Valley ended, the two Supreme Sects' negotiations have failed, and they've completely fallen out. Now, both sects have successively sent Foundation Establishment True Disciples, and even Golden Core Elders, to join the battle. Not only that, but the allies of the Supreme Sects and their subordinate forces are also heading towards the main battlefield."
"Ice Fortress is an ally of Falling Cloud Sect!"
At this point, she lowered her head and looked down at Luo Chen.
"And your Luotian Assembly is Ice Fortress's subordinate, so naturally, you're also an ally of Falling Cloud Sect!"
"Joining the battle is reasonable!"
Luo Chen's body trembled slightly.
How could this be?
How could this be?
While Luo Chen remained silent, Heartless Immortal's lips curled into a smile that seemed forced.
"Of course, you're the alchemist I value the most, a genius alchemist master renowned in the Jade Domain. I wouldn't mistreat you."
"You don't have to participate in this war. Just focus on cultivating at Tianlan Peak."
Luo Chen raised his head, forcing himself to meet the gaze of those still cold eyes beneath the smile.
"What about my Luotian Assembly?"
"All members above the 7th layer of Qi Condensation will join the battle. Foundation Establishment Cultivators can stay behind to manage Danxia Peak for you."
"Elder, isn't this a bit too..."
"I'm informing you, not consulting you!"
With a light sentence, the powerful pressure of the Golden Core stage enveloped him.
At this moment, Luo Chen's hands and feet turned cold.
...
Luo Chen stumbled out from the highest point of Tianlan Peak.
He rode the clouds, descending from the sky in a daze.
Me... My seat...
The change in address seemed to reflect her regard and even respect for him.
But the thought of Luotian Assembly joining the battle made Luo Chen shudder.
Even the true disciples of major sects often perished in such wars. How many of the scattered cultivators of Luotian Assembly, who had barely reached Foundation Establishment, could survive?
I brought them out of Great Market River, we struggled and cultivated together, and they all reached Foundation Establishment. Now, am I supposed to send them to their deaths?
Even though Luo Chen always prioritized interests, at this critical juncture, he still couldn't make up his mind.
Or perhaps, he didn't need to make up his mind.
Heartless Immortal did not consult with him but bluntly informed him that the Luo Tian Association must participate in the war!
If I hadn't attached myself to the Ice Fortress and borrowed their power, would this have happened?
No!
Without the Ice Fortress's support, the Luo Tian Association would have been like the Heavenly Eagle Peak and the Divine Artisan Sect, stranded at the bottom.
In the face of overwhelming forces, the situation would only get worse.
What's the point of all my hard work and dedication if I have to face such a predicament?
What's the point of my connections with various powers in Tianlan?
What does my three consecutive victories as the top disciple in Qingdan Valley mean?
Luo Chen descended into a daze, reaching the height of a Tier 2 High-Grade Cave Abode.
Suddenly, a long whistle sounded!
A figure emerged from the 13th Cave Mansion, soaring into the clouds.
The formidable might of a 9th-layer Foundation Establishment cultivator spread unabashedly.
The surging spiritual energy waves showcased the strength of the whistler.
The joy in the whistle further revealed the person's triumphant spirit.
Looking at the figure's back, Luo Chen's mouth curled into a bitter smile.
Being a lone cultivator is indeed great!
Alone, I am free from entanglements.
Cry if you want to cry, laugh if you want to laugh.
Come and go as you please, roaming the cultivation world.
As he gazed upwards, the figure spun around and landed in front of Luo Chen.
"Hey, isn't this the famous Dan Chenzi?"
It was meant as a playful compliment, but at this moment, it sounded oddly ironic.
Luo Chen forced a smile uglier than crying, "Congratulations, Brother Chu. I offer my congratulations. With this breakthrough, the Golden Core stage is within reach."
Chu Kui burst into hearty laughter!
During the trip to Qingdan Valley, He Yuanqing, whom he had supported, didn't win the Dao Seed position, but the various rewards promised were indeed given to him after the first round.
After all, he had exerted great effort to secure the second place in the true transmission.
It was with the help of those resources that he was able to return and break through from the 8th layer of Foundation Establishment to the 9th.
Now, he only needed to cultivate this last minor realm to perfection and then attempt to form his Golden Core.
He waved his hand and pretended to be modest, saying, "Hey, the path of cultivation is long and arduous. Forming the Golden Core is still a long way off."
"Let's go!"
"Today, I feel like having a few drinks at my place."
Luo Chen shook his head, politely declining the invitation, and turned to leave with a hint of dejection.
Chu Kui was left baffled, wondering what had happened to Luo Chen.
This dispirited Luo Chen was a far cry from the triumphant top disciple who had dominated the Seven Verdant Pill Sons.
Just as he was puzzled, Luo Chen suddenly turned around.
"Brother Chu, you were right about that!"
With that, he flew back to the not-too-distant 17th Cave Mansion.
Leaving Chu Kui with a blank expression.
What did I say before?
...
That night.
On the main street of Qingdan Borough, the moon shone brightly in the sky.
Chu Kui scoffed.
"What's so respectable about the Ice Fortress woman? She's fickle and temperamental."
Now, Luo Chen deeply agreed!
The Ice Fortress woman was indeed fickle and temperamental!
Previously, he had heard that Heartless Immortal personally killed her Golden Core partner, earning the title of Heartless Immortal.
At that time, he thought she was ruthless and ungrateful, disowning her own kin.
But after a few brief encounters, although her attitude was cold, she was actually quite approachable.
Moreover, she had given him many benefits.
Even just a short while ago, in front of a group of Golden Core cultivators from her sect, she had given him a Mystic Ice Talisman for protection.
Today, she had also given him a treasure without hesitation.
If you add the Tier 3 alchemist's insights, the Ice Emperor Cauldron, the Ice Deity Jade, and even the arrangement of a High-Grade Cave Abode with an adjusted order per her suggestion, the gifts were abundant.
One could say that Heartless Immortal was the most generous high-level cultivator Luo Chen had ever met! She gave generously without him even having to ask.
But today, that sentence, "I am informing you, not consulting you," made him fully realize that all the gifts of fate had a hidden price tag.
The favors of the high-level cultivator were given on a whim, and they could just as easily take away life with a word!
"Indeed, my realization from the other day was correct."
"A mere Foundation Establishment at the 6th layer is nothing in the cultivation world."
Inside the Cave Mansion.
Luo Chen took a deep breath, his expression gradually returning to normal.
Self-pity was of no use.
The urgent task was to solve the current problem.
The Luo Tian Association participating in the war?
He couldn't accept that!
This was his lifeblood!
There were many friends within!
They had gathered around him due to interests, friendship, or gratitude, and over time, they had grown accustomed to looking at him with respect and admiration.
Now, he had to push them into the fire pit himself.
This was something Luo Chen couldn't accept.
"The set departure date for the campaign is one month from now. All powers in the Tianlan Immortal City associated with the Ice Fortress, Qingdan Valley, Ailao Mountain, and even the Falling Cloud Sect will mobilize."
"This time is enough for me to do many things."
"Now, I must know what has happened in the past year!"
With a thought, he took out the Teleportation Jade Disc.
(End of Chapter)
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