Chapter 411: The Mighty Bai Ye, the Legacy of Vast Wisdom, We are the True Victors!

Chapter 411: The Mighty Bai Ye, the Legacy of Vast Wisdom, We are the True Victors!

Three Golden Core Senior Cultivators stood before him.

Leading them was the Heartless Immortal, followed by the Elder of Ailao Mountain, Fei Ming, who had once spoken on Luo Chen's behalf.

The last one, however, was not Long Quan of Qingdan Valley, but a stranger.

Although unfamiliar, Luo Chen was aware of the stranger's origins.

He was once a cultivator from the Vast Wisdom Sect, a prominent Golden Core sect.

His name was unknown, but his Daoist name, Vast Peace Monarch, was renowned among Golden Core Senior Cultivators in the Jade Cauldron Region.

This Daoist name was not given to him by others.

After advancing to the Golden Core stage, he chose this name to commemorate and honor his late sect, which had fallen into decline.

Over the years, he had been in secluded meditation on Heavenly Wave Peak, occasionally receiving tributes from the seven sects and helping to suppress the Heavenly Wave Immortal City.

He appeared middle-aged, but his weathered eyes betrayed his advanced age.

His aura, restrained to the extreme, gave Luo Chen a sense of pressure that surpassed even that of the Heartless Immortal and Elder Fei Ming.

As the three gazed upon Luo Chen, he stood tall and proud, neither arrogant nor timid.

Even the Heartless Immortal's occasional leakage of spiritual pressure due to her recent breakthrough failed to faze him.

The serene atmosphere was broken by Vast Peace Monarch's exclamation of admiration.

"Extraordinary talent, with a pure and lofty spirit."

"A promising seed indeed."

"However, he is too cautious and ruthless, which does not align with the path of true cultivation."

Luo Chen's eyes widened in surprise, and he bowed respectfully.

"Junior Luo Chen, greetings to Senior Vast Peace Monarch."

Vast Peace Monarch smiled slightly, "No need for such formalities. As a guest elder of the Ice Fortress, you hold the same status as us. Please, be at ease."

At his words, the Heartless Immortal's eyebrows furrowed slightly.

Fei Ming, on the other hand, seemed to have an epiphany and patted his forehead.

"I almost forgot, this friend is also a senior elder of a major sect. How could we treat him with such disrespect?"

"Blame me, blame me!"

As he spoke, he casually waved his hand, and a yellow-brown stone chair materialized behind Luo Chen.

This display of earth-based magic, executed with ease, revealed Fei Ming's mastery in the art of earth cultivation.

Luo Chen's eyebrows rose, and he glanced at the Heartless Immortal.

She maintained her usual cold demeanor, merely uttering two words.

"Sit down."

Luo Chen thanked her and calmly took a seat on the stone chair.

As soon as he settled, Vast Peace Monarch eagerly began his interrogation.

His questions were as expected by Luo Chen.

"You were the first to enter the White Night Mansion. Did you discover anything?"

"White Night Mansion?" Luo Chen furrowed his brows.

Vast Peace Monarch explained, "It's the Divine Transformation ruins on Thunder Mountain. We've recently discovered that it was the residence of the ancient mighty cultivator, Bai Ye, from the Abyssal Abyss Sect. He was an expert in thunder techniques and even advanced to the Divine Transformation stage through his mastery of thunder. However, a thousand years ago, he went on a journey and disappeared without a trace. Who would've thought that he had passed away in the Lianxia Mountain Range?"

The Lianxia Mountain Range was now known as the Jade Cauldron Region.

Luo Chen exclaimed in surprise, "Passed away? Have you found his remains?"

Vast Peace Monarch shook his head, "No, we haven't found his body. But when a Divine Transformation cultivator perishes, there's often a unique celestial phenomenon. The Jade Cauldron Sword Sect lacks the depth of understanding to recognize the special environment of the Nine Thunder Mountains. When the ruins were opened, the unique environment was intensified, confirming Bai Ye's demise."

The Vast Wisdom Sect had a history of producing Nascent Soul True Persons.

However, due to their decline and inability to thrive in their original domain, they joined the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect during its establishment.

In terms of knowledge and experience, the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect paled in comparison to the now-extinct Vast Wisdom Sect.

Even the Heartless Immortal and Fei Ming, who were already privy to these secrets, remained thoughtful at Vast Peace Monarch's revelation.

Luo Chen, too, was surprised to learn that the demise of a Divine Transformation cultivator could create a celestial phenomenon.

No wonder the Nine Thunder Mountains were perpetually shrouded in thick thunderclouds, occasionally erupting in thunderstorms.

It was the resting place of a mighty thunder cultivator! Initially unnoticed, but after the mansion's doors were opened, the phenomenon was contained within, intensifying the effect.

Vast Peace Monarch continued, explaining the nature of this place.

Ordinary Nascent Soul True Persons would likely avoid such a place.

Only cultivators below the Nascent Soul stage could freely enter and exit.

However, Vast Peace Monarch didn't elaborate on why Nascent Soul True Persons dared not venture in.

They questioned Luo Chen about his experiences within the mansion because he had earned the trust of the seven sects through his years of guarding the Heavenly Wave Immortal City. As a reward, the two Nascent Soul True Persons granted him access to the ruins.

Therefore, before entering, Luo Chen had gathered as much information as possible.

After some thought, Luo Chen decided to be forthright.

"When I entered, it was under duress, and I had been severely injured in a battle with Di Wan Yun of the Flame Alliance."

"So, upon entering, I sought out a secluded corner to recover."

"After a year of healing, I quietly left without participating in any exploration of the ruins."

Hearing this, Vast Peace Monarch couldn't help but express his disappointment.

"Is that so?"

Luo Chen hesitated, then said, "I heard that several true treasures were discovered within. I'm not sure if this information is of any use to you."

To this, Vast Peace Monarch could only shake his head.

"True treasures are indeed valuable, but I'm not worthy of possessing them. They can only be wielded by Nascent Soul True Persons."

"Did you truly gain nothing? Even something related to the map!"

Luo Chen sighed, "I'm afraid not. The only thing I have is a vague impression of the area I visited. If you need it, I can record it for you."

Vast Peace Monarch considered this and nodded.

Although it was just a remote area, it was better than nothing.

With a map, they would have an additional escape route if needed.

Luo Chen promptly took out a jade slip and meticulously recorded a map for him.

He detailed the routes he took to enter and exit, along with some locations he passed through, relying on his hazy memory.

As he recorded, he could sense the attention of the other two cultivators.

A thought flashed through Luo Chen's mind, and he took out three pale white flowers from one of his storage bags.

"Actually, it wasn't a complete waste. In that remote place, I obtained a few Thunderflowers, which I'd like to present to you elders for your appreciation."

As soon as he finished speaking, exclamations of surprise echoed within the cave mansion.

"Thunderflowers!"

"Hundred-year-old Thunderflowers!"

"Wow, you're so lucky! To think you'd find such a treasure."

Luo Chen feigned surprise, "So, this is the famous Thunderflower?"

Vast Wisdom Monarch reached out and the pale white Thunderflower, still covered in sand and dirt, landed in his hand.

He examined it closely, nodding repeatedly.

"Indeed, it's a hundred-year-old Thunderflower. Its effects are several times that of the ordinary Thunderflower, which takes a decade to form. If we add this to our innate magic tools, it will not only increase our resistance to impure methods but also, when we face the Nascent Soul Tribulation, it will enhance our chances of successfully overcoming the tribulation."

Luo Chen couldn't help but ask, "Is it really that miraculous?"

Vast Wisdom Monarch caressed the flower in his hand and said matter-of-factly, "Of course! Your cultivation years are too short, so you don't understand the secrets of higher realms. It's often said that after the pill is crushed, the Nascent Soul is formed, but in reality, there's an additional process of merging the divine soul. The divine soul is Yin in nature and is most afraid of thunder and fire, especially the tribulation lightning that breaks through realms! If Thunderflowers are added to innate magic tools and refined daily, the divine soul of cultivators will naturally develop a certain resistance to thunder power. This way, when facing the tribulation, the Nascent Soul will be less fragile, and..."

As he spoke, he suddenly paused and looked up.

Absolute Emotion Immortal and Fei Ming were staring at him, eagerly waiting for him to continue.

Ah, so that's it.

Whether it was the Ice Fortress behind Absolute Emotion Immortal or Fei Ming from Ailao Mountain, neither of their sects had produced any Nascent Soul True Persons, so they were unaware of the secrets of overcoming tribulations.

To them, what Luo Chen said seemed like common knowledge for upper-level cultivators.

But for them, it was like a guiding light on the path of cultivation.

Vast Wisdom Monarch smiled and pushed the Thunderflower towards Luo Chen, and the pale white flower flew steadily towards him.

However, halfway through its journey, a slight resistance emerged.

Luo Chen was taken aback and looked at Vast Wisdom Monarch in confusion.

"Senior, with just a few words, you've saved me from many detours when I face the tribulation in the future. As a token of gratitude, I offer this hundred-year-old Thunderflower."

Vast Wisdom Monarch was reluctant to accept, but looking at the century's worth of Thunderflowers, he couldn't bear to refuse.

As he hesitated, Luo Chen pushed the other two Thunderflowers towards Absolute Emotion Immortal and Fei Ming.

"You two saved my life. I have nothing to repay you with, so please accept this small token of my gratitude."

Fei Ming's eyes lit up, and without a moment's hesitation, he stored the Thunderflower in his storage bag.

"You're not bad, no wonder the Ice Fortress and Qingdan Valley are fighting over you. It's all my junior disciple's fault for not bringing you back then. Otherwise, we would be fellow sect members now."

Absolute Emotion Immortal held the Thunderflower in her hand and lightly pursed her lips.

She had heard that Thunderflowers were best added to innate magic tools, but she didn't know why this mineral was needed.

The Jade Cauldron Sword Sect had occupied the Nine Thunder Mountains for centuries, and the Thunderflowers produced there rarely left the Inner Domain, which also limited their understanding of this mineral.

Now, after hearing Vast Wisdom Monarch's explanation, she understood its essence.

By nurturing innate magic tools with spell power, the divine soul is influenced, allowing it to adapt to thunder power, making it easier to condense the Nascent Soul during tribulations.

It sounded simple, but the experiences and lessons involved were invaluable.

After all, who would dare to test tribulation lightning with their divine soul?

At this moment, Absolute Emotion Immortal's gaze towards Luo Chen softened.

What he offered was not an ordinary Thunderflower.

It was a hundred-year-old Thunderflower with effects several times greater!

If she could infuse this into her innate magic tool, with her longevity, she might be able to endure until the Nascent Soul stage.

With a flick of her wrist, the Thunderflower, still covered in sand and dirt, entered her storage bag.

As for Vast Wisdom Monarch, the first to receive the Thunderflower, he still hadn't stored it away.

He looked at Luo Chen with hesitation, "Since you have such grand aspirations to overcome the tribulation and form the Nascent Soul, why not keep this for future use?"

Luo Chen smiled embarrassedly, "To be honest, I have two more in my storage bag, which should be enough for my needs."

"Two more!" Fei Ming's eyes lit up.

"Ahem!"

A light cough dispelled some of his thoughts.

Vast Wisdom Monarch glanced at him and nodded, "In that case, I'll take this. After all, I do want it."

Luo Chen was a bit surprised.

This Golden Core Senior's actions and style were quite impressive.

He asked directly for what he wanted.

He didn't hide what he desired.

His straightforwardness carried a hint of a gentleman's demeanor.

He even helped dispel Fei Ming's sudden greed.

In fact, Luo Chen had already prepared to give up two more hundred-year-old Thunderflowers.

This item was useless to him!

In the storage ring he had left in his cave mansion, there were eighteen Thunderflowers.

Moreover, they were all thousand-year-old Thunderflowers!

If classified by mineral rank, they might have far surpassed the fourth-rank, reaching the fifth-rank!

These were more than enough for his future needs after forming his Golden Core.

Back when he was mining in the White Night Mansion, in addition to the eighteen thousand-year-old Thunderflowers, he had also found some scattered hundred-year-old Thunderflowers, which he casually put into his storage bag.

Now, they were the perfect gifts.

With these three gifts, the attitudes of the three Golden Core Seniors towards Luo Chen also changed.

Especially Absolute Emotion Immortal.

She wasn't unaware of the Luo Tian Association's situation.

However, first, she was about to break through, second, the years of effort in Heavenly Wave had been noticed by the sect master, and finally, Luo Chen's whereabouts were unknown, and he was presumed dead.

Under these circumstances, she naturally didn't want to spend more effort on the Luo Tian Association.

When Xu Xiao Liu brought Luo Chen's letter to her, she knew that he hadn't perished but had safely escaped from the Divine Transformation Ruins.

But even after his escape, he didn't come to see her!

So, she wanted to teach Luo Chen a lesson.

So she deliberately intervened at the perfect moment, saving Luo Chen and making him grateful, while also subtly reprimanding him.

As for the minor losses of the Luo Tian Association, they were of no concern to her.

However, now that Luo Chen had offered a resource of great use to her, she found herself in an awkward position.

If it were a simple exchange, this hundred-year-old Thunderflower could easily repay her life-saving favor.

But as for the rest of her reprimand, she didn't know how to conclude it.

"Why should I have to explain myself to him?" she thought with a hint of disdain.

The Heartless Immortal then revealed the reason for summoning Luo Chen.

"In the next twenty years, the rotating authority of the Heavenly Wave Immortal City will be transferred to Ailao Mountain. Luo Chen, at that time, if you have any matters, you can seek out Fei Ming."

A simple sentence, but it stirred up a huge wave in Luo Chen's heart.

Does this mean a change in leadership? If so, wouldn't it significantly weaken the Luo Tian Association's support?

He had a sudden realization and somewhat understood why the Heartless Immortal had intentionally delayed her appearance.

In the end, she still looked down upon the Luo Tian Association, a minor power! Or rather, ever since he became a guest elder of the Ice Fortress, the Ice Fortress wanted to fully incorporate the association into the sect, not allowing it to remain independent.

The Luo Tian Association, which bound Luo Chen, was an obstacle.

The Heartless Immortal's late intervention was not without the consent of the Ice Fortress's leadership.

He calmed himself and turned to Fei Ming.

"Senior, I'll be troubling you a lot from now on."

"Heh, there are indeed some troubles," Fei Ming stroked his beard and smiled.

Luo Chen was taken aback.

The Heartless Immortal spoke up, "Your recent actions have been excessive. Killing and wiping out entire families, we don't mind. But destroying mountains and veins has already affected the interests of the Immortal City itself."

The once-renowned Rolling Dragon Ridge, under Luo Chen's mountain-collapsing spell, had its terrain collapsed, and the earthfire erupted.

That large first-rank Spirit Vein was, for a short time, rendered unusable.

Not only Rolling Dragon Ridge, but also Constant Stream Canyon, had its terrain partially destroyed.

The Golden Core Sect didn't care about the lives of small family and sect cultivators.

After all, when one generation died, another would emerge.

There were plenty of other solitary cultivators from various places who gathered in the Heavenly Wave Immortal City to spread their branches and seek resources.

But destroying Spirit Veins was unacceptable.

In the past, the Min family of Crimson Cloud Peak had excessively extracted the earth's energy, which greatly displeased the Golden Core Sect.

It took a hundred years to restore it to its original state.

What Luo Chen had done was even more excessive than the Min family a hundred years ago.

As Luo Chen's heart sank, Fei Ming waved his hand, "But considering this hundred-year-old Thunderflower, I won't hold these matters against you."

Luo Chen's eyes lit up, and he immediately expressed his gratitude.

"This time, I'm here on behalf of the Ice Fortress to handle the affairs of the Immortal City with you. In a few days, after everything is settled, you can return to the Ice Fortress with me!" the Heartless Immortal said.

"Return to the Ice Fortress?" Luo Chen frowned.

The Heartless Immortal nodded, "Yes, after all, you are a guest elder of my sect. Whether it's the Grand Elder or the Sect Master, they all want to meet you in person."

So, it has come to this! To be honest, Luo Chen wasn't too keen on going to the Ice Fortress.

In the Heavenly Wave Immortal City, he still had some autonomy.

But if he went into the inner sect, many things would become less convenient.

Currently, the only thing the Golden Core Sect could offer him was probably something related to the Golden Core realm.

However, he already had four Golden Core cultivation secrets in his possession.

Moreover, his current cultivation base was only at the seventh level of Foundation Establishment, far from reaching the bottleneck of the Golden Core realm.

There was no need to rush.

The Heartless Immortal noticed his hesitation and said indifferently, "Could it be that you don't want to go?"

Luo Chen sighed.

"It's not that I'm unwilling."

"But now, the Luo Tian Association is in disarray, with many casualties within and threats from outside."

"Those people have accompanied me all this way; if I were to abandon them, I truly couldn't do it."

At this point, he stood up from his chair.

With both hands clasped in a fist, he said, "I beg the Senior to grant me a few years. After I restore the Luo Tian Association to its former glory, I will definitely go to the Ice Fortress."

Regarding this response, if it were before, the Heartless Immortal would have certainly ignored it.

Why bother with a group of ants?

But now, she was indebted to him, so it was inappropriate to make a harsh demand.

But as for the sect...

"Luo Chen, you are a man of loyalty and justice," Fei Ming said with a slight smile. "I was there and saw it clearly. That Array Master was only at the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment, yet he dared to draw his sword against Qin Liangchen for your sake. It shows that their bond is indeed deep."

"Absolute Emotionless Friend, in my opinion, it's not a bad idea to be a little flexible," the Vast Peace Monarch agreed. "We Golden Core cultivators have a lifespan of hundreds of years, and it's just a matter of waiting a few years. I believe your sect's Canglang Friend will also understand."

They had said everything that needed to be said.

What else could the Heartless Immortal say?

Although she was known as the Heartless Immortal, she wasn't devoid of reason.

So, she agreed to Luo Chen's request on the spot.

The conversation was about to end.

However!

Before leaving, Luo Chen unexpectedly made a request.

"Now that the two major upper sects have ceased their battle, can I borrow the vacant third-stage cave mansion on Heavenly Wave Peak?"

The Heartless Immortal wasn't surprised by this unreasonable request, but the other two were astonished.

A mere Foundation Establishment cultivator actually dared to covet a third-stage cave mansion!

The Heartless Immortal shook her head, "The Sword Sect's influence still lingers, and besides the Falling Cloud Sect, who dares to touch their possessions? Moreover, without the appropriate means, we can't even open that third-stage cave mansion."

Upon hearing this answer, Luo Chen couldn't help but show his disappointment.

Ever since he experienced a weak third-stage Spirit Ground in Qingdan Valley, he couldn't get it out of his mind.

Even though he could still adapt to a high-grade second-stage cave mansion, who could be content with the status quo after experiencing something better?

The Vast Peace Monarch asked in confusion, "Shouldn't the concentration of spiritual energy in a third-stage Spirit Ground be too much for a Foundation Establishment cultivator to bear? What do you need it for?"

Before Luo Chen could answer...

"No, not at all!"

"In my opinion, Young Friend Luo Chen's foundation is exceptionally solid and unparalleled. With his robust physique, tempered to perfection, I'm not sure if a third-stage cave mansion can withstand it, but a weak third-stage spirit ground definitely won't be a problem."

Fei Ming spoke with conviction, his gaze upon Luo Chen filled with admiration.

"Is that so?" Vast Peace Monarch was astonished as he examined Luo Chen from head to toe.

Luo Chen's physique was robust and tall, no longer thin as before, but there was nothing unusual about it.

He never expected to receive such high praise from Fei Ming.

Luo Chen was surprised by Fei Ming's sharp observation, seeing right through him.

However, he had no intention of hiding.

He said, "I once experienced a weak third-stage spirit ground in Qingdan Valley for a year, and my cultivation efficiency increased seven to eightfold. Therefore, even after a long time, I still can't forget it."

"Unfortunately, the third-stage cave mansion on Heavenly Wave Peak is willing to be left vacant and wasted rather than be given to me."

His words carried a hint of regret.

But to his surprise, Vast Peace Monarch gave him a delightful surprise.

"After some time, I'm going to explore the White Night Mansion. Since my cave mansion is empty, why don't you borrow it for cultivation for a while?"

Luo Chen's eyes lit up, and he swallowed his saliva.

"This... isn't it a bit inappropriate?"

Vast Peace Monarch laughed, "Why not? You gave me the map and presented me with Thunderflower. I should repay you with a precious treasure. Don't refuse; otherwise, I'll feel guilty."

The conversation had reached this point.

To refuse further would be impolite.

Besides, Luo Chen wasn't a fool.

He sincerely thanked him and agreed on the arrangement.

Then, he bid farewell to the three and hurriedly left Heavenly Wave Peak.

After he left, Vast Peace Monarch sighed, and his face showed a hint of regret.

Absolute Emotion Immortal was puzzled, "Friend, you seem to favor Luo Chen. Is it because of his alchemy skills?"

Fei Ming, who was sitting leisurely, was also perplexed.

Although the century-old Thunderflower was extremely precious and of great use to them, it was just a token of respect from a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Why would Vast Peace Monarch offer his cave mansion in return?

In response to their confusion, Vast Peace Monarch shook his head.

"He's just a first or second-stage alchemist, which may be of great use to your sect, but I'm alone, and I don't value it much. What impresses me is that he is a rare Dao cultivation seed, very suitable for my Vast Wisdom Sect lineage."

"Er..." Absolute Emotion Immortal's expression froze.

Before she could politely decline, Vast Peace Monarch waved his hand.

"Don't worry, I won't compete with your Ice Fortress for him. Although his foundation is not bad, he has been in the cultivation world for too long, and his Dao heart is filled with cunning thoughts, no longer compatible with our Vast Wisdom Sect's inheritance."

Most cultivation methods focus on spirit roots and talents.

But some methods also consider temperament and disposition.

Those with a straightforward nature are not suitable for gentle and nimble techniques.

The Vast Wisdom Sect's righteous and upright methods are naturally not suitable for those with complicated minds and thoughts.

If Luo Chen had encountered the Vast Wisdom Sect's inheritance at the beginning of his journey, he might have been able to cultivate it.

But now, it was absolutely impossible.

His heart had become utilitarian due to countless schemes and calculations.

Of course, there are two sides to every story.

Without those schemes, he wouldn't have the profound foundation that even Golden Core Senior was impressed with.

Without this foundation, how could he have caught the eye of Vast Peace Monarch?

Everything is predestined!

...

After leaving Heavenly Wave Peak, Luo Chen was unaware of these subsequent events.

The only thing he knew was that the previous conversation with the three Golden Core cultivators was just a casual exchange.

What he was about to face was a devastated Luo Tian Association.

The contrast was so great that it was hard to accept.

It was as if the fierce battle that took place on Crimson Cloud Peak was just a dream.

But when Luo Chen rushed back to Crimson Cloud Peak and saw the white spirit banner hanging high, he knew it wasn't a dream.

Some people had indeed left him.

"President, this battle yielded abundant resources beyond imagination. Look..."

Luo Chen raised his hand.

Zhou Yuan Li promptly stopped his report on the task he was responsible for.

"Where's the President?"

"She's currently receiving the Foundation Establishment cultivators who helped us, preparing to finalize the cooperation for the next step. Moreover, after this battle, many business opportunities have opened up in Heavenly Wave Immortal City. The President feels that the Luo Tian Association alone cannot handle it all, so she plans to contact allies..."

"I understand."

"Then, do you want to meet those people? Some of them came specifically for you, like Kang Dongyue from Taishan Manor, who wanted to leave but stayed to meet you."

Luo Chen thought for a moment and slowly shook his head.

"Not for now, I'll go to the Spirit Medicine Pavilion first!"

Zhou Yuan Li was taken aback, then remembered something.

His excitement over the rich spoils of war turned into gloom.

After enduring this battle, the Luo Tian Association had almost secured its position in the vicinity of Heavenly Wave Immortal City, second only to the Upper and Great Sects.

It was a second-tier powerhouse, unafraid even when facing first-tier forces with Golden Core Seniors.

But the Luo Tian Association had sacrificed a lot for this battle.

Watching Luo Chen's lonely figure, Zhou Yuan Li shook his head firmly, and his eyes became determined again.

The path to immortality was long, and some people would inevitably fall behind for various reasons.

Like his close friend Liu Qiang, who had fallen in battle, or Qin Liangchen, who couldn't advance to Foundation Establishment due to physical disabilities.

Even he himself might fall behind in the future.

But for now, the only thing he could do was to do his best in his duties.

He kept his emotions in check and focused on his tasks.

This battle was a great victory!

The President managed the overall situation, and he was responsible for the post-battle arrangements.

Therefore, he should naturally show the joy of victory.

"We are the victors!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end