Immortality Begins With The Alchemical Master Chapter 418: A Visitor Arrives, and a Friend Prepares to Depart - Novel Cool

Chapter 418: A Visitor Arrives, and a Friend Prepares to Depart

Chapter 418: A Visitor Arrives, and a Friend Prepares to Depart

"Han Zheng is paying a visit to pay respects?"

Inside Jia San's mansion, Luo Chen asked with confusion.

Standing before him was a burly man—Xing Zonghan.

The former head of the Xing family, now the leader of the intelligence department of the Luo Tian Association, the Luowang.

He respectfully said, "The visitor claims to be Han Zheng, and his identity should be genuine. After all, no one would dare to impersonate the grandson of a Nascent Soul cultivator."

Luo Chen furrowed his brows, "Why is it so sudden? There wasn't even a prior notice or invitation."

Visits and exchanges between cultivators often required prior arrangements.

Otherwise, if someone was in seclusion, an unannounced visit could result in a futile trip or an interruption to the other party's cultivation, which would be considered extremely impolite.

Han Zheng's sudden visit was no different from a casual visit between ordinary people.

No wonder Luo Chen was so perplexed.

However, after Xing Zonghan's explanation, he understood the reason for Han Zheng's casual approach.

"Qin Yuanjiang has arrived!"

Qin Yuanjiang's arrival could explain Han Zheng's casual visit.

Because he was genuinely visiting family!

Han Zheng, being idle, might have decided to pay a casual visit along the way.

"Did he specifically mention wanting to see me?"

Luo Chen asked one more question.

Whether the visit had a purpose would be revealed by the answer to this question.

If it was a deliberate attempt to meet Luo Chen, then this visit would be worth pondering.

Xing Zonghan replied, "He did mention wanting to admire the president's demeanor, but upon hearing that you were in seclusion, he didn't insist."

Luo Chen slightly furrowed his brows.

For a moment, he couldn't discern Han Zheng's intentions.

Accompanying his junior, and taking a casual stroll?

Or did he suspect that Luo Chen was the mysterious person who saved him in the Divine Transformation Ruins?

Or perhaps, there was another reason?

"Oh, by the way, not only Han Zheng and Qin Yuanjiang have come to Heavenly Wave Immortal City, but also more than ten Foundation Establishment disciples from Falling Cloud Sect, including some direct disciples."

After saying this, Xing Zonghan looked at Luo Chen.

"President, do you want to come out of seclusion to meet Han Zheng?"

Facing this question, Luo Chen walked to the entrance of the mansion, with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing into the distance, overlooking the entire Heavenly Wave Immortal City.

After a moment of contemplation, he slowly nodded,

"Coming out of seclusion is necessary."

"However, meeting Han Zheng is secondary; the most important thing is Qin Yuanjiang."

Xing Zonghan was puzzled.

Qin Yuanjiang was just an ordinary inner sect disciple of Falling Cloud Sect.

Compared to Han Zheng, who was the grandson of a Nascent Soul cultivator, their statuses were as different as heaven and earth.

Was it necessary for the president to pay so much attention?

Looking at Luo Chen's slightly lonely figure, he suddenly thought of some people and matters he wasn't very familiar with.

Qin Yuanjiang was not only the son of the Merit Pavilion's hall master, Mengruo Qinglian, but also the son of the former outer sect elder, Qin Liangchen.

These two had an extremely close relationship with the president before he rose to prominence.

And now, Qin Liangchen was dead!

"President, do you want me to make arrangements?"

"No need, go and take care of your own matters!"

Luo Chen waved his hand, and for a moment, he felt hesitant in his heart.

The last time he felt this way was when he went to face Xiugu after the death of Ceng Wen.

...

Crimson Cloud Peak.

In a large spirit field with flat terrain.

A little girl squatted on the ground, curiously examining something in front of her.

"Big sweet potato, such a huge sweet potato!"

"Daddy, aren't we going to eat this sweet potato?"

"Why do we have to cut it up?"

Yuan Dongsheng looked at her with affection, his deep voice filled with magnetism, "This is a new type of spirit potato developed by the Wu Xing Divine Sect, with extremely high yields, and it can even replace spirit rice. To plant it on a large scale, we must cut it into small pieces and bury them in the soil."

"Next year, it will grow, and Yuan Xijun will be able to dig up even bigger sweet potatoes!"

The little girl opened her big eyes, listening to these words with a mix of understanding and confusion.

The first part she seemed to understand, but the latter part was clear to her.

For a moment, she excitedly carried a large purple sweet potato to the pit dug in the spirit field, stumbling as she walked.

"Bury it!"

"Next year, we'll dig up big sweet potatoes!"

However, when she reached the small pit, the enormous sweet potato couldn't fit.

"Daddy, Yuan Xijun can't bury it, why is that?"

Yuan Dongsheng smiled gently, "Because we need to cut it into pieces!"

"But like this, won't the big sweet potato hurt?" Yuan Xijun held the sweet potato tightly, not minding the mud.

Yuan Dongsheng shook his head, "The big sweet potato won't feel pain, and even if it does, the temporary separation is for it to grow bigger and more numerous in the future."

As he spoke, a profound sadness filled his weathered eyes.

The little girl responded with a confused 'oh'.

She stumbled back, carrying the large sweet potato, and let her father use a special wooden knife to cut it into evenly sized small pieces.

On the spirit field.

A remarkably handsome young man, with eyes that seemed to contain the stars, squatted at a distance, observing this scene with great interest.

It wasn't until clear footsteps approached from behind that he stood up straight.

"Dan Chenzi?"

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Han." Luo Chen cupped his hands in a Daoist salute.

Han Zheng straightened his clothes and returned the salute with equal solemnity.

Luo Chen walked to his side, standing shoulder to shoulder, gazing at the vast, well-tended spirit fields below the mountain.

Some of the spirit fields were cultivated exceptionally well, already showing signs of Second Stage.

Evidently, the Farming Hall had accomplished much under Yuan Dongsheng's leadership.

"You're quite unique, Fellow Daoist. Others who come to Crimson Cloud Peak often stroll through the mountains, admiring the scenery.

Alone, you thanked a peer for their exchange and came to this mountain field for a stroll."

Han Zheng gave a carefree laugh, "Scenery and beauty are common in the cultivation world. But this rural charm has a unique flavor."

Luo Chen raised his eyebrows and shook his head, "You see it as a hobby, but for low-level solitary cultivators, it's hard labor."

Han Zheng shrugged slightly.

"Since you're so considerate of your subordinates, why not reduce their workload and give them more time for cultivation?"

Luo Chen calmly said, "It's not easy for me to provide them with a livelihood. Reducing their workload would affect their income instead."

He spoke the truth.

For Luo Tian Association to have its current status in Heavenly Lan, it was indeed not easy.

On a larger scale, it was a battle of blood and fire.

On a smaller scale, it was inseparable from the struggles and efforts of low-level cultivators.

Currently, Luo Chen couldn't afford to have disciples free from labor like in large sects, focusing solely on cultivation.

Even he, Luo Chen, still had to personally refine pills from time to time to solidify the relationship with the Ice Fortress.

Han Zheng had a different opinion.

"Our Falling Cloud Sect has recently developed a small puppet that can replace cultivators in labor. Even if it can't do fine work, it can manage rough farming."

"One or two spirit fields may not show much effect, but with more, it can greatly reduce the burden on low-level cultivators."

"If you're interested, I can mediate and order a batch for you."

Luo Chen was taken aback.

He hadn't expected that Han Zheng, the renowned true disciple of Falling Cloud Sect, would be concerned with selling their sect's puppets, aside from cultivation and combat.

He smiled wryly and waved his hand, "Never mind, Luo Tian Association doesn't have many spirit fields, and we're not at the stage where we need puppets."

Han Zheng didn't insist, as he had just casually mentioned it.

However, after this casual chat, the initial awkwardness between the two had dissipated.

The following conversation flowed more naturally.

"I heard that you, Daoist Luo, rescued three junior disciples of our Falling Cloud Sect on the Jilei Mountain battlefield?"

"It was a minor effort."

"Although it was a minor effort, you also killed Zheng Tianfang, offending the Zheng family of Gulongji and triggering a fierce battle."

"The Zheng family's attack had other reasons, not just this. You need not worry."

Han Zheng frowned.

His gaze constantly assessed Luo Chen, trying to find a hint of familiarity.

Based on the information he had gathered, Luo Chen was the most likely person to have rescued him in the Divine Transformation Ruins and the White Night Mansion.

But some things needed further confirmation.

"It's rumored that you personally opened the Divine Transformation Ruins and were the first to enter..."

Luo Chen calmly nodded, "That's true, but I was severely injured at the time and only sought to recover. I didn't explore the ruins."

He intended to stick to this story.

Otherwise, others might ask about it in the future.

Moreover, he hadn't explored the Divine Transformation Ruins much, as it was beyond the opportunities his realm could access.

Han Zheng didn't mind and asked pointedly, "When did you leave your mansion?"

"Probably half a year after the ruins opened!"

Half a year?

Han Zheng frowned, the timing didn't match up!

He persistently asked, "Did you engage in any battles on your way out?"

"No, I've always kept a low profile and dislike fighting."

Another denial.

Han Zheng felt a hint of confusion.

But!

After a brief moment of confusion, he realized that Luo Chen seemed to be consciously distancing himself from the Falling Cloud Sect. Or perhaps, not just the sect, but from himself?

If he had indeed rescued Han Zheng, he would have to bear the karma of killing Xuan Yu of Peach Mountain.

And behind Xuan Yu was the Peach Blossom Ancestor of Hundred Flowers Palace...

Gradually, Han Zheng understood Luo Chen's thoughts.

He didn't press further but smiled and said, "Regardless, I still want to thank you for saving the members of our Falling Cloud Sect."

This statement was ambiguous!

Did he mean saving Qin Yuanjiang and the other two, or saving Han Zheng himself?

They were all members of the Falling Cloud Sect!

Luo Chen looked deeply at Han Zheng, not saying more.

He knew that some of his methods couldn't be hidden from others.

In the Divine Transformation Ruins, his battle with Xuan Yu had revealed his exceptional speed, robust physique, and the Flaming Cloud Wings, despite the haste.

These three characteristics were also exposed during the Luo Tian battle outside Crimson Cloud Peak.

Otherwise, the outside world wouldn't widely spread his impressive record of instantly killing several powerful cultivators.

If Han Zheng was determined, he could deduce that Luo Chen had saved him.

But some things were better left unspoken, understood by both parties.

Luo Chen would never admit it himself.

"Since Daoist Han rarely visits Heavenly Lan, why not stay a few more days, and I'll host a banquet for you."

"That's not necessary."

Facing Luo Chen's invitation, Han Zheng seemed to have anticipated his refusal.

"I still have sect tasks to attend to, and I won't be staying in Heavenly Lan for long."

Sect tasks?

Luo Chen frowned, his gaze scanning the surroundings.

"Where's Qin Yuanjiang?"

Han Zheng sighed, "My junior apprentice brother is probably still in the back mountain. I can't bear to see others in pain, so I came here to wait for him."

The back mountain... the cemetery.

Luo Chen nodded.

"Sorry, I have to take my leave."

Han Zheng smiled, "No problem, I'll accompany you."

Luo Chen looked at him in surprise. Didn't he just say he couldn't bear to see others in pain?

Amidst the lush greenery, the incense smoke never ceased, wafting through the air.

In a cemetery, a young man knelt on the ground, his face expressionless, devoid of tears.

Yet, the sorrow in his eyes was palpable, unable to be suppressed.

"Father, I've returned late."

"You worked so hard to raise me, sending me off to the Immortal Sect from a thousand miles away, but I didn't even get to see you one last time..."

"It's Yuanjiang's fault for being unfilial!"

He left home at the age of twelve and only returned at thirty-eight.

The once young boy had now become a Foundation Establishment True Cultivator.

However, the once joyful family life was now forever separated by the heavens.

So much pride and honor, so many cultivation experiences, yet there was no one to share them with, leaving only a lingering regret in his heart.

A gentle voice came from behind.

"Little Tiger."

"Mother," Qin Yuanjiang lowered his head, feeling hesitant to face his mother's eager gaze for a moment. "Before Father passed away, did he leave any last words?"

Mengruo Qinglian stood behind him, tears streaming down her face.

"No, he left in such a hurry, he didn't have time to say anything."

Qin Yuanjiang opened his mouth, unsure of what to say.

He once thought he had plenty of time to show filial piety to his parents.

He had secretly rejoiced that his parents hadn't gone to the Jilei Mountain battlefield, where there was no danger to their lives.

He believed that his parents would be extremely happy to hear that he had advanced to the true transmission stage ahead of schedule due to his merits at Jilei Mountain.

But everything had changed.

The emotions that should have surged and the tears that should have flowed uncontrollably were, for some reason, forcefully suppressed within him.

He forced himself to stand up and face his mother.

"Mother, come back to Falling Cloud Sect with me!"

"This time, you don't have to stay in Thousand Leaves Immortal City. I'm already a true transmission disciple, and I can bring family members to live in Falling Cloud Sect for a long time."

Mengruo Qinglian's sorrowful mood paused.

She reached out and caressed her son's face, who was taller than her.

"Old Qin, did you hear that?"

"Your son has not only reached Foundation Establishment, but he is now a true transmission disciple of the Upper Sect of Nascent Soul. His future is limitless."

"If Father knows in the afterlife, he should be very happy too!"

Qin Yuanjiang listened quietly as his mother chattered on.

As a child, he used to find it annoying.

But at this moment, he felt like he could listen forever without feeling bothered.

Perhaps, only after losing something do we learn to cherish it.

After a long while, he spoke seriously again, "Come back to Falling Cloud Sect with me!"

"But, what about Luo Tian Association here..." Mengruo Qinglian hesitated.

Qin Yuanjiang said anxiously, "After we go back, I can ask the elders of the sect to personally help treat your severed hand injury."

The woman lowered her head and murmured, "Elder Sun and the President are also collecting materials to treat my hand."

"That's not the same!" Qin Yuanjiang said confidently, "In our Falling Cloud Sect, there is the famous Yansheng Technique. In treating severed limbs, it is even more effective than the Six Sects of Jade Cauldron. Once it's healed, it won't affect future cultivation at all. Mother, you're still young, and your cultivation realm is not bad either. In the future, you might even have a chance to break through to the Golden Core Stage."

Mengruo Qinglian still hesitated.

Qin Yuanjiang thought for a moment and suddenly said, "Actually, there's a junior sister in the sect who has taken a liking to me. Mother, don't you want to meet her?"

This time, Mengruo Qinglian's heart stirred.

However, she still said, "I have to ask the President for permission first."

Qin Yuanjiang frowned, "Uncle Luo?"

If it were before, he wouldn't have cared about someone from a loose cultivator's background.

But Luo Chen had saved his life!

He had to respect Luo Chen's wishes.

As the mother and son chatted about their future plans in front of their deceased relative's grave, two figures quietly watched from a distance.

"Friend Luo, can you bear to let go of such a capable assistant?"

Luo Chen calmly replied, "There's no such thing as being willing or unwilling. My sister-in-law has contributed so much to Luo Tian Association over the years. If she wants to rest and enjoy family life, I will support her decision."

"Friend, you're so understanding!" Han Zheng praised.

Luo Chen shook his head, "For Luo Tian Association, the Qin family has already lost a life. How could I force her to stay?"

At this point, a flash of anger crossed his face.

Han Zheng's eyebrows raised slightly, noticing the fleeting expression.

"Actually, you've already avenged the Qin family. I heard that the Zheng family at Gulongji suffered a terrible fate, and not even a Qi Condensation Cultivator survived."

Luo Chen remained silent.

He knew very well that the true enemy was not the Zheng family or the miscellaneous members of the Iron Sword Hall.

Han Zheng said leisurely, "Friend, don't worry too much. For Luo Tian Association, Yan Meng is a formidable force that you can't afford to provoke for now."

Luo Chen looked at him in surprise, seeing through his thoughts.

However!

Luo Chen said confidently, "Just because it's not possible now doesn't mean it won't be in the future. One day, I will make Yan Meng pay back tenfold, a hundredfold, for the humiliation they brought upon Luo Tian Association!"

"Friend, you have great aspirations!" Han Zheng praised, then added, "But sometimes, the greater the expectation, the greater the disappointment."

Luo Chen frowned.

Was he looking down on him?

The pride of an Upper Sect disciple, even though he had witnessed it many times, still made him feel displeased. Even though Han Zheng behaved with sufficient elegance and ease, it was still the same.

He didn't argue.

The words he had just spoken were already a rare slip of the tongue for him.

Saying more would only lead to a pointless argument.

Han Zheng didn't say much either. After a brief chat and reiterating his gratitude for Luo Chen's aid in saving the Falling Cloud Sect disciples, he left Crimson Cloud Peak.

Luo Chen didn't stop him.

Because the person who was about to leave was more important than him.

(End of Chapter)

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