Immortality Begins With The Alchemical Master Chapter 360: Gu Caiyi's Foundation Establishment, Chu Kui's Journey to Thunder Mountain - Novel Cool

Chapter 360: Gu Caiyi's Foundation Establishment, Chu Kui's Journey to Thunder Mountain

Chapter 360: Gu Caiyi's Foundation Establishment, Chu Kui's Journey to Thunder Mountain

The sky was covered with a thousand miles of fiery clouds, creating an awe-inspiring sight.

The scorching heat was intense, and even from a distance, one could feel the burning sensation on their skin.

In the training ground, a chaotic scene unfolded.

Chu Kui looked at Luo Chen with utmost admiration.

"Your Artifact Mastery Technique is truly profound. Did you learn it from Danyangzi during the Dao Seed Competition?"

Luo Chen nodded.

"I was inspired and explored the techniques further through ancient texts after returning."

Chu Kui praised again, "It's impressive. Your power is no weaker than Danyangzi's, proving your mastery in spells. You truly live up to your reputation!"

Luo Chen furrowed his brows.

"Is that all? Didn't you say that your training partner would also point out weaknesses and suggest ways to improve?"

"I don't believe I've mastered this technique perfectly from the start."

Chu Kui laughed heartily.

Then, his expression turned slightly serious as he looked at Luo Chen. "Your skills are formidable, and I can tell you've held back significantly. Even some powerful cultivators might not be your match if you were to unleash your full strength."

Luo Chen didn't hide his abilities and nodded directly.

However, it was just a friendly training session, so he wouldn't reveal all his cards and exhaust himself.

In the previous training, he had only used about three-tenths of his strength.

"But!"

Chu Kui's tone shifted, and he frowned slightly as he looked at Luo Chen. "I've noticed one flaw!"

"Hmm?"

"Or rather, it's not a flaw, but you haven't utilized your strengths."

"Please elaborate," Luo Chen listened attentively, showing no signs of annoyance.

Chu Kui pointed to the large area of fire spiritual energy remaining in the training ground.

"You focus too much on the power of fire-based spells, and while you've achieved remarkable prowess among your peers, your true strength doesn't lie in fire spells."

"From my observation, your spiritual energy is primarily wood-based."

"If you were to use wood-based spells against an opponent, the unleashed power should be several times stronger than other elements of the same level!"

"Your path has been misdirected since the Qi Condensation Stage."

After hearing these words, Luo Chen, who had previously been somewhat skeptical, felt a sense of realization.

Indeed, as Chu Kui pointed out, the cultivation techniques he had mastered were primarily wood-based.

'Changchun Technique'

'Yimu Medicine King Scripture'

'Immortal Evergreen Scripture'

Each step of his cultivation journey had led to the perfection and purity of his wood-based spiritual energy.

However, in actual battles, the techniques he employed were mostly fire-based.

Fireball Spell, Blazing Sun Spell, and Mountain Collapse.

Even his primary weapon for cultivation was the Mystic Fire Sword! His cultivation path appeared distorted to outsiders.

Luo Chen occasionally doubted himself, but he felt that using fire spells was not entirely inappropriate, as they were powerful.

So, he had overlooked this issue until now.

At this moment, Chu Kui clearly pointed out this flaw, and Luo Chen couldn't immediately think of a good solution.

"Chu, do you have any suggestions?" Luo Chen asked sincerely.

Chu Kui didn't hold back and spoke frankly, "Either strengthen your wood-based techniques or switch to fire-based or dual wood-fire cultivation techniques."

After hearing this, Luo Chen fell into deep thought.

The first option wasn't too difficult.

He knew several wood-based spells.

Entangling Spell, Healing Spell, Spring Rain Healing Technique, and the recently learned Flower Fairy Technique.

However, these spells didn't have much combat power.

Most of them were primarily supportive.

Indeed, with the enhancement of pure wood spiritual energy, their supporting effects were exceptional!

But to complete the offensive capabilities of wood-based techniques...

The wood element was not known for its offensive power!

As for the second option, it was even less feasible.

He had just advanced the 'Immortal Evergreen Scripture' to the Master Level. How could he easily switch his Life Essence Art?

Wouldn't that disrupt his cultivation progress?

For a moment, the situation seemed unsolvable.

Chu Kui patted Luo Chen's shoulder, "Of course, you don't need to overthink it. With your current abilities, dominating your peers shouldn't be a problem. Sometimes, focusing on strengths is better than fixing weaknesses."

"As long as your fire spells become unmatched, minor shortcomings won't matter much."

"Moreover, Foundation Establishment Cultivators often rely on external objects in battles, so spells aren't that crucial."

Luo Chen acknowledged with a sound.

After thanking him for the guidance, he realized that his cultivation path had taken a wrong turn, and forcing a correction would only waste a lot of time and energy.

Throughout his journey, the choices available to him were limited.

He could only strive to do his best within his capabilities.

Furthermore, if he could master the Artifact Mastery Technique to perfection, it would greatly enhance his fire spells when combined with the Mystic Fire Sword.

Though he wouldn't dare claim invincibility among his peers, he possessed the ability to protect himself against any Foundation Establishment True Cultivator!

After all, his fire techniques lacked the corresponding spiritual energy amplification.

However, in terms of might, he was no less formidable than a Fire Attribute Cultivator, perhaps even surpassing them!

After scheduling the next training session with Chu Kui, Luo Chen returned home.

Gu Cai Yi's injuries had healed, and he had also gained a preliminary understanding of the Divine Heart Mirror, a damaged magical artifact.

For a while, aside from alchemy and cultivation, he had a significant amount of free time.

Luo Chen decided to dedicate all this extra time to enhancing his battle techniques.

After multiple simulations...

He witnessed the scope and intensity of the Jade Cauldron Region's internal conflicts expanding.

He couldn't help but strive to become stronger in preparation for an even more chaotic future.

...

Time flowed relentlessly.

Several months later...

Inside a Second Rank Inferior Manor.

In front of Gu Cai Yi, Luo Chen took out various Foundation Establishment Spirit Herbs.

Superior Yang Restoration Water, Premium Jade Elixir, Second Rank Superior Pulse Guard Pill, Tranquilizing Incense, and a portion of Imperial Flow Elixir containing Mystic Yin Energy!

Looking at the abundant Foundation Establishment resources, Gu Cai Yi couldn't help but exclaim, "Even the disciples of the main branch of a sect might not have such excellent resources to assist them during Foundation Establishment!"

Luo Chen paused, and a smile appeared on his face.

Indeed!

When he had established his foundation, he didn't have such luxurious resources.

Ordinary Yang Restoration Water, ordinary Tranquilizing Incense.

Even the Second Rank Spirit Land was artificially created using the Ice and Fire Spirit Springs of Little Huan Mountain, combined with array formations and spirit stones.

During that Foundation Establishment, he had relied solely on five portions of Foundation Establishment Spirit Herbs.

Gu Cai Yi's situation was different.

In addition to these resources, she had also thoroughly read through the Foundation Establishment insights written by all True Cultivators of the Luo Tian Association.

Furthermore, Luo Chen had personally guided her through the process of Foundation Establishment by pushing her meridians and repeatedly demonstrating the steps.

He had even allowed her to simulate the process of Foundation Establishment using the Divine Heart Mirror.

With all these advantages!

Not only the true disciples of the main branch, but even the core Qi Condensation Stage disciples of the Nascent Soul Stage might not have such favorable conditions.

"If I still can't establish my foundation with all this, I might as well find a block of tofu and smash my head into it!" Gu Cai Yi said playfully.

Luo Chen ruffled her hair, "Don't put so much pressure on yourself. Whether you succeed or not, I'll take care of you."

"Hmph, I don't need you to take care of me."

Gu Cai Yi lifted her slender neck proudly.

Despite her words, she held Luo Chen's hand and whispered, "Thank you."

"It's unnecessary. As the saying goes, when one attains the Dao, even their chickens and dogs ascend to heaven. Although I haven't achieved the Golden Core Path yet, taking care of you is still within my capabilities."

"Alright, stop overthinking. Adjust your state, clear your mind, and prepare for Foundation Establishment!"

Luo Chen released her hand, ready to leave.

Unexpectedly, he felt a gentle touch on his back.

Gu Cai Yi hugged his broad and sturdy back, murmuring, "Wait for me to come out of seclusion!"

"Mhm!"

After a heavy affirmation, she loosened her embrace.

Luo Chen left the manor and waved goodbye to the woman inside.

The Dragon-Severing Stone descended with a thunderous rumble, prompting Luo Chen to sigh.

It wasn't that he was worried about Gu Cai Yi's Foundation Establishment failure.

But every time he witnessed this scene, it gave him a peculiar feeling.

It felt like a farewell, a parting, and even a permanent separation.

Now, it was just the Foundation Establishment stage.

In the future, when he achieves the Golden Core or Nascent Soul stage, each deep seclusion could last for decades. By the time he emerges, how many friends and family will still be around? This was why he was reluctant to develop feelings for others in his younger years.

Those who couldn't keep up, even if he didn't abandon them, would gradually fall behind.

Who knows, after one seclusion, he might return to find only a handful of yellow soil!

"I hope everything goes smoothly!"

...

At the peak of Tianlan Peak.

Chu Kui and Luo Chen sat together, sipping wine.

Occasionally, they shared their cultivation insights.

During the initial training sessions, Luo Chen had given Chu Kui his full attention.

But later, he realized that he had less and less to teach Luo Chen.

The high fee he charged for companionship training began to weigh on his conscience.

So, from time to time, he would share some insights from the late Foundation Establishment stage with Luo Chen as a form of compensation.

"Do you remember what I told you about the depth of the divine soul being crucial during Core Formation?"

"I'm not trying to scare you; it's the truth."

"According to rumors, there are three methods of Core Formation, and the Upper Core Formation relies on the power of the divine soul!"

"For example, let's take the case of alchemists like you. When condensing pills, you often use spiritual energy to manipulate the refined medicinal essence in midair and knead it into pill form."

"Core Formation is probably similar!"

"The only difference is that instead of spiritual energy, you use the power of the divine soul, and instead of medicinal essence, you use spiritual energy."

Listening to these words, Luo Chen was taken aback.

He had never heard such a comparison before!

Chu Kui shrugged, "I heard it from others, whether you believe it or not is up to you."

"However, this rumor does hold some credibility. After all, it's said that Golden Core Cultivators condense their entire spiritual power into a single Golden Core. If a Foundation Establishment Cultivator were to refine the infinite spiritual liquid in their Qi Sea into a complete pill..."

"Do you think that counts as Core Formation?"

Luo Chen fell into deep thought.

Soon after, he released the liquefied spiritual energy from his body in front of Chu Kui.

One drop, two drops, three drops...

He tried to merge them all together.

Initially, it wasn't difficult, but when the number reached nine drops, it became challenging to continue.

There were signs of losing control.

"Don't try it anymore!"

Chu Kui shook his head, "I've tried, it won't work!"

"This is a rumor about Upper Core Formation, how can it be that simple?"

"On the contrary, for Lower Core Formation, you first condense a smaller ordinary Golden Core, and then use the power of the same origin to attract and slowly merge the other spiritual energy in the Qi Sea, eventually achieving the Golden Core Path!"

The Golden Core floating in the Qi Sea?

As he spoke, he introduced a concept.

"This Lower Core Formation creates a unique realm, known as the False Core Realm."

Luo Chen's eyebrows rose, "False Core Realm?"

"Yes!"

Chu Kui pointed in the direction of Tianlan Peak, but his words went beyond Tianlan Peak, referring to the cultivator on Mount Taishan.

"Taishan Xuanyu previously failed in Lower Core Formation and is currently stuck in the False Core Realm."

"Of course, the False Core Realm is still considered the Grand Perfection of Foundation Establishment, but it might be slightly stronger."

"But the consequences are also severe; it will be even more challenging for him to attempt Core Formation in the future!"

Luo Chen retracted the failed condensed spiritual liquid back into his body.

He muttered the terms Grand Perfection of Foundation Establishment, False Core Realm, and Golden Core.

In his mind, he thought of the three Core Formation methods mentioned in the Southern Mountain Elder's Core Formation insights.

Different Core Formation methods might have differences before and after Core Formation.

He never expected that Lower Core Formation would create a realm like the False Core Realm.

"Alright, let's end the conversation here. Don't ask me to accompany you in practice anymore; there's not much I can teach you."

Chu Kui stood up.

Luo Chen looked at him and smiled, "How could that be? Brother Chu, your abilities are extraordinary, and in my opinion, you surpass Danyangzi. There's a lot you can teach me."

Chu Kui shrugged.

He could take other compliments with pride, but regarding his strength, he knew better than anyone.

In his opinion, Danyangzi from Qingdan Valley wasn't that powerful.

But the prerequisite was not using the Purple Apex Heavenly Flame.

Chu Kui stretched lazily and yawned, "It's not that I don't want to teach you, but I have to make a long journey soon, and I won't have time to be your sparring partner."

A long journey?

"Where are you going?" Luo Chen asked subconsciously.

But then, he said, "Forgive my rudeness, but I assume you've taken on some big task!"

Chu Kui sighed, "This time, it's not about taking on a task."

"Actually, there's nothing I can't tell you."

"I plan to go to the Thunder Mountain Battlefield to see if I can find something useful for Core Formation."

Luo Chen was surprised, "Thunder Mountain Battlefield? Is Brother Chu also going to wade into this muddy water? As a wandering cultivator, no one should be able to force you to do anything!"

The mountain wind, carrying moisture, brushed past, lifting Chu Kui's thick, loose black hair.

The tall and robust man rarely showed a self-deprecating expression on his face.

"Wandering cultivators may enjoy freedom, but beneath that freedom lies hardship that only they know."

"In the past, I could still take on tasks from time to time to make a living."

"But after reaching the Ninth Level of Foundation Establishment, only Core Formation resources can tempt me. It's time I take the initiative and do something for my cultivation."

This time, he was participating in the battle for himself, not for anyone else!

Luo Chen, of course, understood the struggles of wandering cultivators, having been through that phase himself.

He thought for a moment and asked, "Which side are you planning to join?"

"I'll help whoever offers more and better resources!" Chu Kui's face turned stern.

"If I have the strength, I'll help my fellow Luo Tianhui cultivators."

"How many Spirit Stones?"

Luo Chen was taken aback, then burst into curses.

"Get lost!"

Chu Kui laughed and left.

After he left, Luo Chen felt a sense of emptiness.

Although their relationship was based on mutual benefit, they had become both teacher and friend over the years.

Now, another friend was about to voluntarily get involved in the quagmire of war.

"It's just like the simulation in my Mind Mirror; as long as this war doesn't end, it will eventually drag everyone in the Jade Cauldron Region into it."

"I wonder how much longer my peaceful days will last?"

(End of Chapter)

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