https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-353-Luo-Tian-Joins-the-Battle-Annihilating-Jade-Peak-Sword-Sect/12932134/
Chapter 354: Civil War in Jade Peak, Twenty Years Unchanged
Chapter 354: Civil War in Jade Peak, Twenty Years Unchanged
At Danxia Peak.
With Luo Chen's return, the previously agitated atmosphere quickly calmed down within a short period.
The Pillar of Tranquility, indeed.
However, today, numerous cultivators were coming and going inside the Battle Pavilion.
Their urgent and anxious expressions caught the attention of those familiar with the Battle Pavilion's cultivators.
"What's happening?"
"It's rare to see so many Luo Wang cultivators appearing all at once."
Facing these curious questions, the Luo Wang cultivator responsible for intelligence gathering and processing shot a sharp, hawk-like glare.
"Don't ask what you shouldn't!"
After saying this, they held a large stack of documents and entered the Battle Pavilion.
...
"These are the latest intelligence reports from the time you left to a year and a half later."
"This pile is the general information collected within five years after the establishment of Luo Wang."
"The last pile of documents just delivered is what Su Xiaolin gathered from various channels with great effort and expense after your instructions. It has been urgently organized, although it's still a bit chaotic and incomplete. But anything related to the war between the supreme sects is basically included here."
Inside the Battle Pavilion, Sima Hui Niang neatly arranged the bamboo slips in front of Luo Chen, categorizing them.
The master of the Battle Pavilion, Sima Xian, and the Luo Wang Elder, Su Xiaolin, stood on either side, ready to take orders.
Luo Chen took a deep breath as he looked at the abundant documents.
Without hesitation, Luo Chen opened a bamboo scroll and began reading attentively.
"In the 3408th year of the Mountain Sea Calendar, in October, Han Zhan, the Supreme Elder of Falling Cloud Sect, broke through the Nascent Soul Stage. He advocated reclaiming three large markets and seven small markets controlled by Jade Peak Sword Sect within their territory."
"Their aggressive approach provoked the Sword Sect, and the conflict ended with Sword Sect cultivators withdrawing from the Falling Cloud Sect's territory."
"This incident was also considered the trigger for the war between the supreme sects."
Luo Chen paused, calculating the timeline.
At this time, he was probably at the ninth level of Qi Condensation, when Pang Renxiong had just died, and Great River City had become a ghost town.
"In November of the same year, a Foundation Establishment cultivator of the Falling Cloud Sect was suspected to have been killed by a Sword Sect cultivator. Simultaneously, the Sword Sect suspected that the mysterious disappearance of a Golden Core Elder was related to the Falling Cloud Sect. The conflict between the two sects intensified, and negotiations between the sect leaders were unsuccessful."
"The Falling Cloud Sect demanded the return of a Tier Three mineral vein, but the Sword Sect refused. It is unclear who made the first move, but a small-scale battle within the Foundation Establishment realm occurred near the Tier Three mineral vein."
"This battle, though brief, was recorded as the beginning of the civil war between the Jade Peak supreme sects."
"The real explosion of conflict originated from Ailao Mountain's refusal to repair the Immortal City for the Sword Sect. One of their core disciples was killed by a Sword Sect cultivator. In a fit of rage, the core disciple's master destroyed the city's central mechanism, attracting a large-scale attack from nearby demonic beasts."
"The Sword Sect, dissatisfied, sent three hundred Sword cultivators to hold Ailao Mountain accountable. Ailao Mountain sought help from the Falling Cloud Sect, and the two sects engaged in the first full-scale war outside Ailao Mountain's mountain gate."
Luo Chen estimated the time.
After this war, Tian Xingzi from the Black Market in Great River City hurriedly left.
It was in the spring of the following year, in March.
He joined forces with Nan Gong Jin, led their group to Huan Mountain, and annihilated the Duan family.
After that, he successfully established his Foundation and eventually left Great River City.
During this process, the conflict between the two Nascent Soul supreme sects in the Jade Peak domain intensified, and friction escalated!
Numerous wars erupted, with the two sects' Foundation Establishment true disciples at the core.
The battlefields continued to expand.
Within the Sword Sect, powerful cultivators emerged, including a Golden Core Elder leading hundreds of Sword cultivators in an attempt to invade the Falling Cloud Sect's territory. However, they were stopped by the Falling Cloud Sect's experts.
People believed that the Falling Cloud Sect's shallow foundation couldn't withstand the Sword Sect's thunderous might.
But no one expected the Falling Cloud Sect's puppet technique, known for its ingenious skills, to display formidable power in the initial battles.
In terms of combat strength, they were no weaker than the Jade Peak Sword cultivators.
There were even cases of Sword cultivators of the same level consecutively slaying five Falling Cloud Sect disciples' puppets, only to be blasted into blood mist by their opponents.
Of course!
Overall, the Sword Sect was still significantly stronger than the Falling Cloud Sect.
After the Falling Cloud Sect and Ailao Mountain withstood the initial waves of attacks, they felt the strain of fighting alone.
It was at this time that the Qingdan Valley cultivators joined the battlefield, surprisingly supporting the Falling Cloud Sect.
The Sword Sect didn't back down, sending many of their top subordinate forces to join the battle.
Not only that, but the Flame Alliance also sided with them.
By this point, the conflict had involved five supreme sects and over a dozen first and second-rate powers.
Both sides seemed to realize that the unrestricted escalation was not ideal.
So, they gradually narrowed the battlefield, focusing on three major battlefields: the Skyward Mystic Realm, the Black Water Swamp, and the Thunder Accumulation Nine Mountains.
Although there were three battlefields, there was a clear priority.
The center of the conflict was the Skyward Mystic Realm.
It was a rumored ancient ruin, half of which had been developed by the Sword Sect, and they had monopolized it for hundreds of years.
There were even rumors circulating.
The reason why Jade Peak Sword Sect had, in just a few hundred years, surpassed the wealthy Qingdan Valley in terms of Golden Core and Foundation Establishment Cultivators was because they had obtained significant benefits from the Skyward Mystic Realm.
Falling Cloud Sect dispatched Golden Core experts to try to seize this relic, intending to share it with Ailao Mountain and Qingdan Valley.
The Sword Sect, of course, refused and sent powerful Sword Cultivators to contest it.
As for the other two battlefields...
The Black Water Swamp was abundant in various resources, among which the Black Demon Swamp Mud was the most scarce for Ailao Mountain. They had to pay a high price to purchase it from the Sword Sect every year.
Therefore, the main battlefield for Ailao Mountain's cultivators was here, where they joined forces with Falling Cloud Sect's cultivators to try to dominate the area.
As for the Thunder Accumulation Nine Mountains, it was even more complex.
There was an extra-large fourth-tier Thunder Mineral Vein here, and over the years, it had even created the wonder of the Ten Thousand Mile Sand Desert.
Everyone wanted it, but no one could claim it.
Both sides deployed a large number of low-level disciples, fighting for every inch of land.
This battlefield was also the most crowded and had the most complex power dynamics.
Top sects, major sects, first and second-rate powers, and even numerous individual cultivators were all involved.
Ten years ago, the Skyward Mystic Realm suddenly closed!
Signaling the end of a battlefield.
This resulted in the absence of a battlefield where high-level cultivators from the two top sects could directly clash.
They slightly restrained themselves and no longer took action personally.
Instead, they led their subordinate forces and allies in a protracted war in the Black Water Swamp and Thunder Accumulation Nine Mountains.
"So, this is why the intensity of the war between the Nascent Soul Supreme Sects has decreased and eased in recent years?"
Luo Chen murmured.
With his powerful divine soul and wise mind, he finished reviewing the dossier of the so-called "Jade Peak Civil War" in just half a day.
There were many doubts and intriguing details, but these were not the main focus.
At least, they were not directly related to Luo Chen.
He slightly rubbed his eyebrows and took the recent intelligence from Su Xiaolin.
Compared to the previous dossier, this one was more detailed.
Regarding the Black Water Swamp, it seemed that Ailao Mountain had the upper hand, but under the united forces led by Jade Peak Sword Sect, they suffered heavy losses.
Even two Golden Core Cultivators were killed and injured.
As for the Thunder Accumulation Nine Mountains, the conflict between Qingdan Valley and the Flame Alliance had become more severe.
Many true disciples in the Foundation Establishment stage unleashed their true fire, and the number of fallen cultivators was no longer small.
Among them were also many small first and second-rate forces caught in the crossfire of the major powers, and they were scattered like clouds and mist.
For example, the descendants of Ghost God Valley, a place Luo Chen was familiar with, had their Foundation Establishment Cultivators die in battle one after another.
Finally, they were taken advantage of by a group of individual cultivators who looted their territory.
There were many such examples!
"I only thought that the Immortal City of Tianlan was filled with intrigue and survival was not easy."
"I never expected that in this cultivation world, even more intense battles are constantly taking place."
"Perhaps this is also the reason why the major Golden Core sects have restrained themselves, wanting to control their losses. Even Qingdan Valley, under the pretext of re-establishing their Dao lineage, used the opportunity of the Dao Lineage Dispute to recall many disciples from the battlefield."
From the evolution of the situation, Luo Chen discovered numerous details.
He even deduced that some sects were no longer willing to continue slaughtering in this quagmire of war.
Finally, Luo Chen looked at the intelligence Luo Wang had gathered during the year and a half he was away from Tianlan.
"In the 3425th year of the Mountain Sea Calendar, the Supreme Elder Han Zhan of Falling Cloud Sect and the Supreme Elder Jade Ding of Jade Peak Sword Sect held their first public meeting on the banks of the Qin Hua River, and the meeting ended in discord!"
Upon seeing this, Luo Chen's expression changed slightly.
He finally understood what had happened outside during the year and a half he was away.
The two sects negotiated on the banks of the Qin Hua River.
The meeting between the two Supreme Elders ended in discord.
Everyone knew what this meant.
Of course, the Qin Hua River mentioned here was not the one near the Immortal City of Tianlan.
The Qin Hua River runs through the entire Jade Peak Domain and is an undisputed major river, second only to the Lancang River in scale.
The specific negotiation location was not mentioned.
The specific negotiation content was also unknown.
But just the phrase "ended in discord" meant that the Jade Peak Civil War would continue!
Or rather, the accumulated conflicts would completely explode, and the intensity of the war would escalate.
A year ago!
Wasn't that when the Dao Lineage Dispute began?
Luo Chen recalled the numerous Golden Core Elders he had seen in the Celestial Palace.
He clearly remembered that Tao Yisheng said that the Golden Core Cultivators from Falling Cloud Sect, Hundred Flowers Palace, Ice Fortress, and Ailao Mountain had come to observe the ceremony.
However, he had not seen any cultivators from Falling Cloud Sect in the Celestial Palace.
They had come but not shown themselves, or they had come and left immediately.
"What does that mean?"
"Notification!"
"Yes, they came to announce the result and just go through the motions."
"In other words, after the Dao Lineage Dispute ended, Falling Cloud Sect's war machine was fully operational, and Qingdan Valley and Ailao Mountain still agreed to assist. Even Ice Fortress no longer hesitated and completely sided with Falling Cloud Sect, preparing to join the war!"
After understanding all this.
Time had slipped into the late hours of the night.
Leaning back in his chair, Luo Chen's mind was exhausted.
Without lifting his eyelids, he said, "You all can leave now, except for Hui Niang."
Sima Xian and Su Xiaolin, who had been standing all day, exchanged glances, then respectfully took their leave.
Watching the fatigued Luo Chen, Sima Huiwang got up and stood behind him, massaging the pressure points on both sides of his body.
"I've never seen you so concerned before. Why are you so invested in the battle for the Upper Sect today?"
"I have to be concerned!" Luo Chen closed his eyes, speaking with a heavy tone. "Because soon, we will be a part of it."
"What did you say?"
Sima Huiwang's movements slowed, as if she hadn't heard clearly.
Luo Chen sighed, "The Heartless Immortal from the Ice Fortress demands that all members of the Luo Tian Association above the seventh layer of Qi Condensation participate in the battle, leaving only one Foundation Establishment True Cultivator to guard Crimson Dawn Pavilion."
With these words, Luo Chen's fingers on the sides of his face stiffened.
Sima Huiwang's pupils shook with shock, and she sat down opposite Luo Chen.
"Is this true?"
"Would I joke about something like this?"
Sima Huiwang's voice turned hoarse. "How could it be like this..."
Yes, how could it be like this? But upon careful thought, everything had its signs.
If the Luo Tian Association were still as it was in the beginning, with only one or two Foundation Establishment Cultivators, the Ice Fortress would naturally not pay them any mind.
But now, with Foundation Establishment True Cultivators emerging like spring bamboo shoots after rain, one after another...
The Ice Fortress had already taken notice.
The Foundation Establishment Ceremony!
No! Perhaps when the Luo Tian Association initially attacked and annihilated the Pill Core Sect and the Divine Artisan Sect, showcasing their military might, the Ice Fortress had already set its sights on them.
Furthermore, they had even added fuel to the fire, sending a Foundation Establishment Pill during the Foundation Establishment Ceremony, which was completely useless to Sima Huiwang.
Wasn't the intention clear? The more Foundation Establishment True Cultivators the Luo Tian Association had, the more the Ice Fortress wanted.
At this moment, Sima Huiwang must have realized the consequences if the Luo Tian Association were to participate in a war of this magnitude.
She showed a level of shock she had never displayed in all these years.
And panic.
But when her gaze fell upon Luo Chen, for some reason, her heart calmed.
The woman smoothed her hair, as if she had come to a realization, and said, "Circumstances are beyond our control. For many years, we've enjoyed the immense convenience of being an affiliate of the Ice Fortress."
"Now, if they ask us to contribute, it's only natural."
Luo Chen wanted to say that the affiliation with the Ice Fortress was something he had bargained for with the Jade Dew Pill.
But he stopped himself.
The purchase of the Jade Dew Pill by the Heartless Immortal wasn't a one-sided deal; they had also paid a substantial amount of spirit stones.
If they were to settle the score fairly.
Even without considering the threat posed by the Golden Core Elder, it was only right for the Luo Tian Association to fight for the Ice Fortress.
In this world, where are the good deals where one only reaps the benefits without paying a price? But when faced with such a situation personally, it was still hard to accept.
Sima Huiwang took a deep breath and spoke in a hurried yet clear tone, "If we must participate in the battle, then many of the Luo Tian Association's current decisions will need to be reconsidered."
"Close down the various branch stores."
"Pause cooperation with freelance Foundation Establishment Cultivators, or else it will become a case of the tail wagging the dog."
"New cooperation methods with other powers must be negotiated quickly."
"Cancel the plan targeting the Flowing Light Shop's Bai Clan!"
"And..."
Luo Chen's wandering gaze landed on the elegant woman.
She seemed to have already accepted this fact.
And she quickly immersed herself in thoughts of the future.
Her thoughts and actions were all focused on the future.
This adaptability was incredibly strong!
"Since the Ice Fortress said the Luo Tian Association can leave one Foundation Establishment True Cultivator, Chairman, you should stay!"
"I'll take charge of the battlefield and do my best to ensure more people return alive!"
As she spoke, Sima Huiwang's voice turned slightly somber.
But her words were resolute, without a hint of fear.
Luo Chen smiled.
In the midst of Huiwang's bewildered gaze, he reached out and pinched her pert nose.
"Silly!"
"You usually handle the public affairs and lead the Luo Tian Association, but when it comes to such a critical matter, how can I let you go?"
Sima Huiwang felt a bit uncomfortable.
Such doting actions were not something she was used to.
But her heart warmed.
However, considering the unknown situations that awaited them on the battlefield, she still felt incredibly anxious.
"But..."
"There's no 'but'," Luo Chen shook his head. "The Heartless Immortal said only one person could stay, and that doesn't include me. Regardless, I'm a renowned Alchemist Master in the Jade Peak Domain, and such technical talents shouldn't be wasted on the battlefield..."
As he spoke, Luo Chen's voice grew somber.
Alchemist Master... wasted...
Subconsciously, a thought emerged in his heart.
(End of Chapter)
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