Chapter 417: Breaking Free, Blood Enhancement, Returning Home, and Han Zheng's Mountain Visit

Chapter 417: Breaking Free, Blood Enhancement, Returning Home, and Han Zheng's Mountain Visit

Several days later, at the Jade Pavilion.

Once covered in ice and snow, the place was now transformed into an ancient and elegant mansion, adorned with various potted flowers and plants, creating a vibrant and pleasing atmosphere.

An elder in a brocade robe sat within, feeding fish in a small pond before him.

Footsteps hurriedly approached.

Soon, a young disciple entered and respectfully said, "Elder, Dan Chenzi requests an audience."

Upon hearing this name, Fei Ming's eyes lit up.

So, he did come!

It wasn't in vain that he had shown such hospitality.

Just as rumored, Dan Chenzi was indeed a clever and quick-witted person, easily understanding the situation.

"Please invite him in!"

Outside the mansion.

Luo Chen casually stood to the side, contemplating the topics they might discuss during their meeting.

There were things the other party desired, and he wasn't opposed to providing them.

However, there had to be a suitable price.

"Friend Dan Chenzi, Elder Fei Ming invites you in!"

"Mm, thank you."

Luo Chen nodded and followed the Ailao Mountain disciple into the mansion.

As they walked, the newly renovated mansion revealed the new owner's personality, which was vastly different from the previous owner, Heartless Immortal.

Heartless Immortal preferred solitude and seclusion, often spending her time in quiet cultivation.

Although she appeared to be in charge of Heavenly Lan Immortal City, she rarely made public appearances, leaving all matters to her disciples.

Fei Ming, on the other hand, was quite the opposite.

Ever since his arrival in the city, he had been very active.

Not only did he frequently invite nearby Core Formation Cultivators for gatherings and exchanges, but he was also enthusiastic about various city affairs.

For example, he had helped with the reconstruction of Crimson Cloud Peak, something Heartless Immortal would never have done.

"Those who are passionate about power and external matters are actually easier to communicate with."

"As long as you cater to their interests, many problems can be easily resolved."

"Someone with an unpredictable temperament like Heartless Immortal can make it very stressful to interact with for those of lower cultivation realms."

Various thoughts flowed through his mind.

Soon, Luo Chen met the person he had come to visit.

Fei Ming tossed all the fish feed into the pond, clapped his hands, and smiled at Luo Chen.

"Young friend, aren't you supposed to be diligently cultivating? Why do you have time to visit me?"

Luo Chen bowed, "Junior has come to thank Senior for helping with the reconstruction of Crimson Cloud Peak."

Fei Ming waved his hand, "You paid us, so I'm just doing what I was hired to do. There's no need for thanks."

Luo Chen's mouth twitched.

Look at how he's talking.

A dignified Golden Core Senior, so thorough in his work, no one would believe it if they heard this.

Being overly eager to please without reason is either deceitful or dishonest.

The other party's intentions were clear; they wanted the remaining century-old Thunder Essence in Luo Chen's possession.

However, due to the presence of Vast Profound Child and Heartless Immortal, he couldn't force a sale.

That was why he had been showing such hospitality.

If Luo Chen didn't respond, it would mean he wasn't understanding the situation, giving Fei Ming a reason to target him later.

High-level cultivators had countless ways to manipulate lower-level cultivators.

Resorting to force was the simplest but also the most lowly method.

Showing a little goodwill would force Luo Chen to accept, whether he wanted to or not!

Of course, on the surface, they still needed to maintain a good appearance.

After all, Luo Chen also held the position of Ice Fortress Guest Elder.

What Luo Chen needed to do now was to give the other party an opportunity to back down, and he would take the initiative to offer the century-old Thunder Essence!

It sounded a bit humiliating.

But if handled well, there could still be benefits.

"Senior, with your vast knowledge and experience, do you know about the materials Lotus Seven Orifices Lotus Root and Mud Trace?" Luo Chen asked.

Fei Ming smiled, "Although the former is a Third Stage material, it's always been rare, and I'm not familiar with it. However, the latter..." He paused, "Do you want this material to craft a Soulbound Artifact?"

Luo Chen was taken aback.

"Mud Trace can be used to craft a Soulbound Artifact?"

Fei Ming nodded, "Of course. This Fourth Stage material has natural self-repair abilities. Those so-called Inferior Artifacts you use now are actually quite inferior. Even a slightly stronger attack can easily destroy them."

Luo Chen deeply agreed.

Nowadays, Inferior Artifacts were prevalent in the Jade Cauldron Domain, and even Foundation Establishment True Cultivators might have one.

But those with some wealth could save up and eventually afford one or two.

However, these artifacts had obvious flaws.

They were difficult to refine, slow to release powerful attacks, and made of mediocre materials, making them prone to destruction.

This was why damaged artifacts often appeared.

"If a Core Formation Cultivator's Soulbound Artifact incorporates Mud Trace, and it gets destroyed, with just a bit of repair, it can be restored to its original state."

"Such a precious item is no less valuable than your century-old Thunder Essence!"

Fei Ming spoke with a hidden meaning.

Luo Chen went along and nodded.

But in his heart, he scoffed.

One had a simple memory function, and after being destroyed, it required additional materials for repairs.

The other might affect the Nascent Soul Tribulation.

How could their value be compared?

Moreover, the Thunder Essence in his possession wasn't just a decade-old one but a century-old one!

Did Fei Ming think he didn't understand?

Perhaps sensing that he had been a bit unkind, Fei Ming added, "Of course, a sufficient quantity of Mud Trace is needed to match a portion of Thunder Essence."

"Unfortunately, I only have a few pounds of Mud Trace left."

"How many jin?"

Luo Chen's eyes lit up as he thought about the amount of Mud Trace needed to reattach his sister-in-law's severed limb. Two jin would be more than enough.

With this amount, there would be plenty to spare.

"Elder, would you be willing to part with it?" Luo Chen asked.

Fei Ming smiled, "I can't say I'm willing to part with it, but it depends on what you're offering in return."

"How about a hundred-year-old Thunder Essence?" Luo Chen blurted out.

Fei Ming's heart leaped with joy. As expected, Luo Chen understood.

He was eager to agree.

However, if such an unequal trade were to be discovered by Heartless Immortal and Vast Profound, they might ridicule him for taking advantage of a weaker cultivator and abusing his power.

Fei Ming suppressed his excitement and said with a smile, "In that case, I'd be getting too much of a bargain. Are you really willing to let it go?"

"There's nothing to be reluctant about," Luo Chen replied calmly. "As long as you stay in Heavenly Wave Immortal City for a day and continue to support the Luo Tian Association, that's all I could ask for."

Was it that simple? Fei Ming's smile was almost uncontrollable.

Supporting a loose cultivator's power was a simple matter.

A few words from him would be enough to express his attitude.

He was ready to finalize the deal immediately, but after some thought, he added, "Are you sure you don't have any other requests?"

Luo Chen had thought that was the end of it, but seeing the other's expression, his thoughts suddenly changed.

The other party truly didn't want to leave any room for criticism.

After getting a good deal, he still wanted to act cute.

In that case, why should he be polite?

Luo Chen immediately said, "Elder, you should know that I exchanged a lower-tier Core Formation Secret Art from your sect."

"Yes, I know, the 'Escape from the Cage' technique. That secret art was obtained by a junior from our sect during his travels in another realm," Fei Ming paused and looked at Luo Chen with a smile, "Are you interested in learning more about this Core Formation Secret Art?"

He spoke nonchalantly, as if he didn't think much of the technique.

However, Luo Chen would not pass up any opportunity to learn a method that could aid in Core Formation.

"Please, Senior, guide me."

"I dare not guide you, but I can share some of my experiences and knowledge," Fei Ming waved his hand, his gaze falling on Luo Chen, and he revealed a face full of appreciation, "To be honest, this secret art is absolutely perfect for you!"

Perfect?

Luo Chen was taken aback.

Following Fei Ming's gaze, Luo Chen looked at his own body.

He vaguely realized something.

As he was still in doubt, Fei Ming's guidance slowly reached his ears.

"The cage, what is the cage? The body is the cage."

"How to break free?"

"Break free with the Golden Core!"

"The stronger the body, the stronger the cage, and the stronger the Golden Core that can be condensed. It won't be just a rudimentary Golden Core seed."

"With your physique, using this method will be no less effective than a mid-tier Core Formation Secret Art."

"Of course, this also requires the use of corresponding external objects as catalysts. Otherwise, relying solely on one's own strength, it's impossible to condense a powerful Golden Core that can break free from the cage."

...

After returning from Fei Ming, several days had passed.

The hundred-year-old Thunder Essence in his hands was already traded to Fei Ming at the time.

Fei Ming was delighted and extremely satisfied.

In Fei Ming's eyes, Luo Chen was merely a Foundation Establishment cultivator, and having one Thunder Essence was enough. Having more would only be a burden.

Fei Ming had repeatedly shown goodwill, helping him and providing the fourth-tier material Mud Trace, as well as answering questions related to Core Formation.

In exchange for a hundred-year-old Thunder Essence, it was more than enough to give Luo Chen face.

Of course!

Luo Chen didn't feel that he had lost out either.

The hundred-year-old Thunder Essence was indeed valuable, but currently, he had no use for it, and in the future, he would have numerous thousand-year-old Thunder Essences in reserve.

Trading it for something he could use at the moment was a more reasonable choice.

Moreover, he had also gained the friendship of a Golden Core Senior!

In the days after returning, Luo Chen, in addition to his cultivation, spent time studying the 'Escape from the Cage' secret art.

Combining Fei Ming's words, his understanding deepened.

This secret art was different from the Dragon Phoenix Tribulation's approach of balancing water and fire. It involved condensing a Golden Core seed under the impact of violent spiritual energy.

First, it required a Core Formation medicinal herb containing vast spiritual energy.

Fei Ming suggested three options: the Secret Medicine Ascent Pill from the local Jade Cauldron Sword Sect, the Evergreen Pill from the Medicine King Sect, and the Dark Sea Pill from the Abyss Sect.

All three met this requirement.

Next, it required a physique capable of withstanding this massive surge of spiritual energy.

Otherwise, the Golden Core seed would not have formed before the cage was broken, making it impossible to break free from the cage.

This was why Fei Ming said that 'Escape from the Cage' was very suitable for Luo Chen.

He had witnessed Luo Chen's terrifying physique on the Crimson Peak battlefield, where Luo Chen withstood a strike from Qin Taiyan and survived.

Luo Chen's body was naturally a sturdy cage!

The last condition was one that all Core Formation secret arts must meet.

The divine soul must be intact!

Regardless of its strength, it should at least have no defects.

Otherwise, even if the Core Formation was successful, there was a possibility of failure at the last moment.

"This technique is indeed very suitable for me."

"However, the success rate is relatively low, and like other methods, it can only increase success by one-tenth. Who knows if it can withstand the test and produce a bit of real gold."

"Moreover, I don't have the corresponding Core Formation medicinal herbs."

The Dragon Transformation Pill from Green Cauldron Valley was still too weak.

Luo Chen had taken it before, which helped him breakthrough to the seventh layer of Foundation Establishment.

But that was the limit.

If combined with the Ice Phoenix Pill from the Ice Fortress, the efficacy might be stronger.

However, its strength was also extremely limited.

"The Sword Sect's Ascent Pill, the Medicine King Sect's Evergreen Pill, the Abyss Sect's Dark Sea Pill..."

Luo Chen's eyes flickered, and he made a decision.

First, he would have the Luo Tian Association help him pay attention and collect one or two.

If he could gather some, then when he reaches Foundation Establishment Grand Perfection, and with no other options, he could still use this secret technique for Core Formation.

"Speaking of which, I have four Core Formation secret techniques in my possession. Chu Kui is experimenting with the Lock Pearl Curtain, and I can also obtain the required Dragon Transformation Pill from Green Cauldron Valley to complete the Dragon Phoenix Tribulation. Additionally, my understanding of Escape from the Cage is gradually deepening."

"In terms of Core Formation preparation, I should be ahead of most Foundation Establishment True Cultivators!"

Out of the four secret techniques, three are in the process of being perfected or prepared for experimentation.

It would take at least a few decades to reach Foundation Establishment Grand Perfection.

Once he reaches the peak of his realm, the experimentation with these secret techniques should also be mostly completed.

By then, Luo Chen could choose the most suitable technique without any hindrance and attempt to break through to the Golden Core Stage in one go!

Planning ahead for everything has always been Luo Chen's habit.

The same was true when he established his foundation.

When he was at the eighth or ninth level of Qi Condensation, he had already made arrangements with Tian Xingzi for a Foundation Establishment Pill, and he even prepared the Imperial Stream Elixir as a backup.

Now, with Core Formation, it was even more important and dangerous.

Naturally, his preparations had to be more thorough.

And these were just the major directions.

He also made smaller plans from time to time.

...

Two months later.

Inside the pill chamber.

Luo Chen looked at the pill in his hand, which resembled a red agate, and his face lit up with excitement!

The Blood Enhancement Pill was successful!

For the past two years, he had been cultivating in Vast Profound's mansion.

The weak Third Rank Spirit Ground had allowed his cultivation speed to soar.

He was not far from reaching the eighth level of Foundation Establishment! But amidst this encouraging progress, there was a hidden concern.

Once Vast Profound returned, he would no longer be able to borrow this Third Rank mansion.

In that case, he would have to return to his previous Second Rank Superior mansion.

If that were the only issue, it wouldn't be a problem! The Second Rank mansion, combined with pills, still allowed for an extremely impressive cultivation speed.

It would take over a hundred years, but he could still reach Foundation Establishment Grand Perfection.

However, he had hit a bottleneck with pills.

The Superior Ascending Dragon Pill had lost its effectiveness due to his developed tolerance, and it was now useless to him.

The Superior Ascending Dragon Pills that Tao Wan regularly sent were sold by Luo Chen at the original price to members of the Luo Tian Association, such as Chu Kui and Long Yu.

Under these circumstances, once Luo Chen left the Third Rank mansion, his cultivation speed would not only drop significantly, but it might not even reach half of its original speed! In other words, instead of a hundred years to reach Foundation Establishment Grand Perfection, it might take twice as long, over two hundred years.

Luo Chen naturally couldn't accept such a situation.

So, he had been trying to find a new pill that could replace the Superior Ascending Dragon Pill with a Second Rank pill.

Over the years, he had indeed collected many pill formulas.

Especially from the spoils of the Jilei Mountain battlefield, he had gathered some scattered pill formulas.

From first to third rank, incomplete, complete, unorthodox, and orthodox—a hodgepodge of formulas.

After Luo Chen's careful selection and research, he finally found a set of pills that might be the most suitable for him.

Considering various factors such as efficacy, ease of refinement, material acquisition convenience, and cost-effectiveness, this set of pills was the best overall choice!

Yes, not just one, but a set of pills.

"The Dust Suppressing Pill!"

"Originating from the Green Cauldron Valley's Pill Refining Competition, this new pill formula was provided by the Grand Pill Institute. It is extremely simple to refine, low in cost, and the materials are easy to collect. Its only drawback is that it focuses on refining and transforming blood and qi, tracing back to the source."

"With my Ancient Third Rank physique, the blood and flesh essence I can refine is enough to push me to the level of Foundation Establishment Grand Perfection."

Of course, only a fool would destroy their own foundation.

Luo Chen would never destroy the Ancient Third Rank physique that he had obtained through life-threatening trials.

This was one of his greatest trump cards!

However, he had another way to supplement his blood and flesh essence.

The Blood Enhancement Pill!

This pill formula was obtained from a small pill refining force called the Dan Yuan Sect.

The sect leader, Dan Yuanzi, had become a somewhat famous Second Rank pill refiner in Heavenly Lan Immortal City by relying on this pill.

However, after gaining the reputation of a Second Rank pill refiner, Dan Yuanzi no longer refined the Blood Enhancement Pill.

The reason was simple.

The main material required to refine this pill was too sensitive.

It needed the blood of Second Rank demonic beasts, the sap of the Rainbow Wood Tree, and... cultivator essence blood!

When Luo Chen first obtained this pill formula, he had given it an evaluation.

"Similar to a Demon Dao pill that uses human cultivator essence blood as an ingredient!"

Any pill formula that uses the essence blood of human cultivators can be considered unorthodox and evil.

If it were in the past, Luo Chen naturally wouldn't have considered this pill formula.

But now, he had a large stockpile of essence blood from Foundation Establishment True Cultivators.

Moreover, it was the essence blood of powerful cultivators!

Not to mention whether using it would lead to a loss of conscience and falling into the Demon Dao, just letting it sit unused would be a waste of resources.

Luo Chen didn't have a strong concept of distinguishing between good and evil.

In his opinion, as long as it didn't bring about deadly trouble, all resources were simply divided into useful and useless.

Since he had the pill formula and the main ingredient, why not make use of it?

The Blood Enhancement Pill, as its name suggests, can increase a cultivator's blood and qi significantly.

"I'll first consume the Blood Enhancement Pill to increase my blood and qi. Then, I'll take the Dust Suppressing Pill to refine and transform it into spiritual energy."

"Although it's a bit troublesome, it's also a way to improve one's cultivation through medicine."

"Moreover, although the effects of these two pills are ordinary, with my personal refinement, they will definitely reach the Superior or even Supreme grade."

"Supreme-grade pills!"

"The medicinal effects will certainly not be inferior, and surpassing the Superior Ascending Dragon Pill is not impossible, after all, it's the combined power of two pills!"

Luo Chen's eyes were filled with joy.

After so many years, he could finally refine and consume his own cultivation pills.

The Jade Marrow Pill he refined before, although a legitimate cultivation pill, had mediocre effects, and it was still not as good as buying better Nourishing Qi Pills from outside.

It was quite laughable.

The renowned Pill Refining Master of the Jade Cauldron Domain, Dan Chenzi, couldn't refine pills for his own use and had to purchase them from elsewhere.

If this was told to others, they wouldn't dare to believe it.

But this was the truth.

In the cultivation world, legitimate cultivation pills were monopolized by the major sects, especially those controlled by pill-refining sects.

Even a Nascent Soul upper sect like Jade Cauldron Sword Sect could only achieve self-sufficiency.

Only now had Luo Chen reached this step.

Even so, it was still because of his accumulated wealth and Xuan Yu providing the resources that he could barely accomplish this.

Once the Foundation Establishment Cultivator Essence Blood in that vessel was consumed, this set of cultivation pills would likely be sealed away.

After all, Luo Chen wasn't a bloodthirsty person.

He couldn't perform demonic acts like Xuan Yu and Wang Yuan, killing to obtain blood.

"However, this Essence Blood should be enough for me to cultivate to the Foundation Establishment Grand Perfection."

Luo Chen made a rough estimate and got an approximate figure.

He even felt there would be a considerable surplus.

At that time, the excess could be given to Wang Yuan!

He cultivated the Blood and Qi Transformation technique, and the Blood Enhancement Pill's effect on him was no less than the Blood Slaughter Pill.

Dust Suppressing Pill and Blood Enhancement Pill.

Luo Chen had already entered the Beginner level in both pill refinement techniques.

What he needed to do next was to increase his proficiency and improve the pill grades.

With a weak Third Rank Spirit Ground, there was no need to rush to consume the pills.

After Vast Profound returned, he would also go back to his original Second Rank Mansion.

By then, when the proficiency of both pills was maxed out, it would just make up for Luo Chen's slowed cultivation progress.

In just over two months, Luo Chen had already planned out his future cultivation path.

As Luo Chen diligently cultivated and increased his pill proficiency, a distinguished guest arrived at the Luo Tian Association...

"Is this Crimson Cloud Peak of Dan Xia Luo Tian?"

Outside the bustling Jade Obscure Valley Marketplace, a group of over ten people stood.

The leader looked up at the Crimson Cloud Peak shrouded in clouds and colorful mists, with palaces standing tall and pavilions dotting the landscape, and occasionally, flying birds and spirit eagles circling above—a truly magnificent immortal scene.

"Small as a sparrow, all organs are complete. This Crimson Cloud Peak must have been constructed under the guidance of a powerful master, resulting in such a grand and majestic atmosphere!"

As he spoke, the dozen or so cultivators beside him nodded slightly.

Even if some of them held disdain in their eyes, they didn't dare to show ridicule during his speech.

A young man beside them, slightly excited, said,

"Senior Apprentice Han, this is also my first time at the Luo Tian Association. I never expected it to be as extraordinary as my father described in his letters!"

Senior Apprentice Han smiled at him and slowly spoke,

"Upper Sect disciples are allowed to travel outside the domain after reaching the Foundation Establishment Stage."

"However, our Falling Cloud Sect is currently in a tumultuous period, and since you can't leave the Jade Cauldron Domain, you can only travel within the domain to broaden your horizons."

"Junior Apprentice Qin, you've been in the sect for nearly thirty years, condensing qi all the way to Foundation Establishment, and aside from participating in the Jilei Mountain battle, you've hardly ventured outside."

"This time, leaving the sect to travel, you can also reunite with your family and ease your longing."

Having experienced the battlefield and walked the line between life and death, Qin Yuanjiang had matured significantly.

However, with his long-unseen family before him, his heart couldn't help but feel extremely excited.

"Thank you, Senior Apprentice, for making this the first stop and bringing me to the Luo Tian Association."

The person he referred to as Senior Apprentice Han smiled and waved his hand.

He turned to look at the dozen or so fellow disciples behind him.

"This trip is for Junior Apprentice Qin to visit his family, so you don't need to follow. A large group like this might make others feel uneasy."

"Those who want to explore the marketplace can do so freely. Those who wish to visit the Heavenly Surge Immortal City can go together. As for the meeting place, let's choose the shop our sect has in the Immortal City."

"Everyone, please feel free to do as you wish!"

The Foundation Establishment Cultivators from Falling Cloud Sect nodded in agreement upon hearing this.

Ordinary wandering cultivators would have at most a dozen Foundation Establishment Cultivators.

This group had over ten Foundation Establishment True Cultivators.

If they all visited as guests, it might scare others.

Moreover, having seen the grand mountains and rivers of Falling Cloud Sect since childhood, they didn't find anything extraordinary about Crimson Cloud Peak, no matter how well it was built.

After the group dispersed, Senior Apprentice Han smiled and said, "Junior Apprentice Qin, aren't you going up the mountain?"

Qin Yuanjiang nodded repeatedly.

However, just as he took a step forward, he stopped in confusion.

"Senior Apprentice Han Zheng, are you coming with me?"

Han Zheng smiled slightly.

"Let's go together!"

"I also want to meet that renowned Dan Chenzi of the Jade Cauldron Domain, the Ice Fortress Elder who surpassed his realm to slay the Yan Meng Golden Core Cultivators, the Luo Tian Fire Spirit Lord."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end