https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-422-Luo-Chen-s-Bold-Move-A-Prodigal-s-Strategy/12934790/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-424-Luo-Chen-s-Three-Strategies-Horizontal-and-Vertical-Alliances/12934792/
Chapter 423: Alone in Green Cauldron Valley, Do You Know the Great Calamity that Awaits?
Chapter 423: Alone in Green Cauldron Valley, Do You Know the Great Calamity that Awaits?
A gentle breeze blew, and white clouds drifted in the sky.
A flying vessel soared through the air, departing from Heavenly Sail City and rapidly heading towards Green Cauldron Valley.
Crossing over thousands of miles of bamboo forests, it flew past the Verdant Valley Marketplace, and numerous mountains of varying heights came into view.
Standing atop the vessel, Luo Chen, clad in white, allowed the cool breeze to brush against his face, causing his white robe and black hair to flutter noisily.
Looking down at the many small mountains below with their broken walls and ruins, he felt a hint of confidence growing within him.
Especially when he arrived at the outskirts of Green Cauldron Valley and saw the once-familiar Yuan Hua Mountain, now reduced to half its original size, he became even more certain.
Yuan Hua Mountain.
The gateway to Green Cauldron Valley!
Not only was it a place where Tier Three Spirit Veins converged, but it was also a crucial peak among the Five Peaks Encircling the Valley.
But now!
The three-thousand-foot-high peak had been sliced in half by a sword at its waist.
The mountain's waist became its new peak.
At the break, a slanted plane, smooth as a mirror, remained.
Above it, an extremely terrifying sword aura still lingered.
One could imagine how magnificent and awe-inspiring the sword strike of Yao Guang Elder must have been! Luo Chen even suspected that it wasn't the work of a Golden Core Senior.
Golden Core Seniors could crush mountains and sever rivers, even Luo Chen himself had the confidence to physically destroy a thousand-foot-high mountain with his physical strength.
But all of this was only possible if the target of the attack was unclaimed.
A place as important as Yuan Hua Mountain would definitely be protected by a grand formation and guarded by Golden Core Cultivators of the same level.
How could an ordinary Golden Core sword strike easily sever it?
The only explanation was that the late-stage Golden Core Yao Guang Elder had used the method bestowed upon him by Jade Cauldron True Master from Sword Sect.
Otherwise, with the Green Cauldron Valley's preparations and defenses, even if Sword Sect emptied its nest, they could still hold out for decades.
"Who goes there?"
As Luo Chen observed, a cultivator from Green Cauldron Valley approached.
From a distance, he shouted loudly.
Luo Chen took out a token and threw it over.
"Tao Family Offering, Luo Chen!"
The person caught the token and looked at Luo Chen with a mix of belief and doubt.
But suddenly, he seemed to recall something.
He approached, hesitating as he said, "Could it be Senior Dan Chenzi?"
Luo Chen nodded slightly, "Indeed, it is me."
After confirming his identity, the cultivator's expression became more respectful.
"Senior, are you here to visit the Tao Family? If so, please fly south for a while, and you will reach the location of the Tao Family, the Small South Mountain."
Luo Chen smiled and waved his hand, "Actually, I wish to meet your sect's Daoist, Tao Wan. I wonder if she is available now?"
Seeking an audience with Daoist Tao Wan?
The disciple was taken aback.
Although Tao Wan was from the Tao Family, her current main identity was as a Daoist of Green Cauldron Valley.
When Luo Chen mentioned her identity, it seemed that his intention was not related to the Tao Family but to Green Cauldron Valley.
He hesitated for a moment and said, "I am of low status and do not know if Daoist Tao Wan is available. Please wait a moment, Senior, while I report this."
"Of course!"
Luo Chen smiled slightly.
Then, under the guidance of the cultivator, they descended from the sky and landed at the foot of Dragon Head Peak.
"I apologize, the place for receiving guests is usually the Welcoming Pavilion on Yuan Hua Mountain. But since it is currently under renovation, we had to temporarily move it to Dragon Head Peak."
"No problem, I don't mind."
The disciple immediately arranged for someone to bring tea and snacks to Luo Chen, then left Dragon Head Peak and flew towards Azure Cloud Peak, where the Sect Leader and Daoist Tao Wan resided.
After he left, Luo Chen's thoughts stirred.
He stepped out of the grand hall and gazed into the distance.
With his excellent eyesight, he could clearly see the scenery dozens of miles away.
On Yuan Hua Mountain, countless cultivators from Green Cauldron Valley were busy transporting materials and repairing the foundation.
There were even powerful Foundation Establishment True Cultivators personally carrying large stones to fill in the gaps on Yuan Hua Mountain.
Although they were busy and energetic, many of them had an unmistakable look of anxiety on their faces.
Although Luo Chen was not present at the scene, he had gathered information from various sources and knew what they had experienced.
That stunning and breathtaking sword strike had not only severed Yuan Hua Mountain but had also cut through the pride of Green Cauldron Valley cultivators that had lasted for hundreds of years.
What could a large sect do when faced with an Upper Sect of Nascent Soul?
Compared to that, no matter how wealthy Green Cauldron Valley was, if the enemy had the intention, they would be nothing more than a lamb waiting to be slaughtered.
In this situation,
The once arrogant disciples of Green Cauldron Valley, stripped of their pride, became even more anxious and lost than wandering cultivators.
Looking at these uncertain cultivators from Green Cauldron Valley, Luo Chen felt a hint of calculation in his heart.
Even during the most difficult times of the Luo Tian Association, there were people who stepped forward to control the thoughts of the lower-ranked members.
But now, the lower-ranked cultivators of Green Cauldron Valley were so lost.
It seemed that the upper-ranked members' thoughts were not with them.
In other words, there was a greater conflict brewing within.
His arrival seemed to be perfectly timed?
He had a sudden realization and turned around, looking up at the top of Dragon Head Peak.
After a long while, he slowly withdrew his gaze.
Just then, a divine sense had scanned him, with little attempt to conceal it.
It was more like an observation and a warning.
Luo Chen was deep in thought.
Dragon Head Peak was where the most skilled warriors of Green Cauldron Valley resided.
It would be reasonable to accommodate visiting guests at Yuan Hua Mountain, citing its ongoing repairs.
However, they should also be accommodated at Azure Cloud Peak, which had many administrative tasks.
Yet, he was assigned to Dragon Head Peak, where the majority of martial cultivators resided.
This wasn't specifically targeting Luo Chen, but rather, all recent visitors to Green Cauldron Valley.
"Green Cauldron Valley is like a bird startled by a bowstring!"
Unconsciously, Luo Chen's lips curled upwards slightly.
...
Azure Cloud Peak, Azure Cloud Pavilion.
Except for a few cultivators in seclusion, all Golden Core Seniors of Green Cauldron Valley were gathered here.
The five peak masters, Azure Pill Zi, Azure Cloud Zi, Dragon Head Elder, White Su Elder, and Yuan Zhen Elder, each took their respective seats.
Additionally, there were other Golden Core cultivators like Red Cauldron Elder, Traveling Cloud Elder, Dragon Spring, and many more from Green Cauldron Valley.
The only Foundation Establishment cultivator present was the Green Cauldron Daoist, Tao Wan.
She stood respectfully behind the Sect Leader, Azure Cloud Zi, listening to the arguments among the elders in the hall. Her face remained calm, but her heart was filled with irritation.
Argue, argue, argue!
Ever since Sword Sect surrounded the mountain, these elders had been arguing incessantly.
Up until now, they hadn't come up with a solution.
Some suggested handing over the Core Formation Pill formula, but Azure Pill Zi refused, citing the restriction of their alliance with Falling Cloud Sect.
Others proposed seeking assistance from Falling Cloud Sect, but the Sect Leader, Azure Cloud Zi, bluntly stated that the current situation was sensitive. Taking a side might provoke Sword Sect to attack again.
Someone mentioned the instability of the sect's vassals, and Dragon Head Elder bluntly asked, "Would they dare?"
There were also suggestions to seek justice from Jade Cauldron Sword Sect based on the 500-year alliance.
However, none of the numerous Golden Core cultivators present dared to go to Jade Emperor Mountain.
The only proposal that gained unanimous approval was to repair Yuan Hua Mountain and restore the Five Peaks Encircling Valley formation.
But the terrifying sword intent lingering on Yuan Hua Mountain became a significant obstacle to the restoration of the spirit mountain.
Unless a Nascent Soul cultivator of the same level was invited, they wouldn't be able to eliminate that trace of sword intent within a hundred years.
Consequently, the Five Peaks Encircling Valley formation couldn't be restored within a century.
And by then, the Inner Core Valley formation would be solidified, making it impossible to advance to a fourth-rank spirit ground for life.
Just as Tao Wan was feeling annoyed, her heart stirred.
A jade pendant fell into her hand, emitting a radiant glow.
"Sect Leader, there's an urgent matter outside seeking you."
Azure Cloud Zi glanced at her and nodded slightly.
Tao Wan tiptoed and quietly exited the Azure Cloud Pavilion from the back.
After leaving the Sect Leader's hall, she breathed a sigh of relief in the mountain breeze.
Even with the usual abundance of tasks, she had never felt this way.
Hesitating and looking back and forth, she was indecisive.
The entire sect seemed like a donkey without reins, unsure of its direction.
Although it was still spinning in place, it was essentially doing nothing.
This feeling... was very unpleasant!
She shook her head and activated the jade pendant.
"Daoist, Senior Dan Chenzi has an urgent matter to discuss with you. I've arranged for him at the Welcoming Pavilion at the foot of Dragon Head Peak."
Tao Wan's eyebrows furrowed, "Luo Chen?"
Why was he looking for her at this time?
Although it was just a small force.
But being small had its advantages!
As the founder, Luo Tian Association was Luo Chen's personal domain.
He could do as he pleased.
Unlike Green Cauldron Valley, with its vast scale and numerous constraints.
She, as a Daoist, enjoyed glory in front of others, but behind the scenes, she toiled like an ox and horse, enduring great hardship.
"If I had known, I wouldn't have bothered with this Daoist position."
"It's exhausting, like being a cow or horse, not as carefree as Senior Brother."
She laughed at herself and then rode the clouds down the mountain, heading straight for Dragon Head Peak.
...
Soon, she arrived at her destination.
Before entering the pavilion, she laughed and said, "Daoist Luo, how are you?"
As she stepped into the hall, Luo Chen looked at her with a smile.
"I'm doing well, but I wonder if you're comfortable in your position as a Daoist?"
His smile gradually faded, and his expression became solemn.
"It's not my intention, but Green Cauldron Valley is facing a crisis. When the nest is destroyed, no egg remains intact. As a Daoist of Green Cauldron Valley, can you remain safe?"
"Nonsense!"
"If I'm speaking nonsense, why didn't you prepare earlier?"
"Those preparations were for Falling Cloud Sect, and they haven't targeted Green Cauldron Valley."
"Haha, what's the difference between Falling Cloud Sect and Jade Cauldron Sword Sect taking action? It's just a borrowed knife to kill scheme!" Luo Chen's expression turned stern.
The woman was stunned.
Her emotions surged within her, making it difficult to remain composed.
Borrowed knife to kill!
For many days, the arguments in Azure Cloud Pavilion had been incessant, discussing the past and future.
Some of those viewpoints were now attached to these four words, "borrowed knife to kill," making everything seem reasonable and logical.
Falling Cloud Sect's initiation of war wasn't solely reliant on Han Zhan's advancement to the Nascent Soul stage.
A newly advanced Nascent Soul cultivator, a Great Golden Core Sect, how dare they challenge the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect, who has dominated the Jade Cauldron Domain for three centuries?
Their backing is the Heavenly Sail City, which has been pushing waves behind the scenes!
Heavenly Sail City is a renowned artifact-forging sect in the Eastern Wilderness, with three Nascent Soul Masters and hundreds of Golden Core cultivators under its command. They monopolize the domain with over ten thousand Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Not only do they frequently create Soulbound Artifacts for Golden Core and Nascent Soul cultivators from other domains, but their crafted magical treasures are also bestsellers across the Thirty-Six Domains of the Eastern Wilderness.
In front of Heavenly Sail City, there is no distinction between enemies and allies; there are only those who buy their artifacts and those who do not.
If one were to speak of enemies, then some sects renowned for their artifact forging, like the Falling Cloud Sect, could be considered their foes.
The Falling Cloud Sect, instead of exploring the Soul Transformation Relic or attacking the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect, inexplicably chose to attack the Yan Meng, a sect known for its artifact forging.
This move might have been influenced by the Heavenly Sail City.
According to Luo Chen's speculation from two years ago, the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect also had intentions to purge various major sects in the Jade Cauldron Domain.
This explains why when the Yan Meng was attacked, the Sword Sect, instead of directly aiding them, chose to put on a show of rescuing Zhao by surrounding Wei.
The Sword Sect was also using this opportunity to eliminate their enemies!
If we shift perspectives, could the Sword Sect's suppression of the Green Cauldron Valley be seen as the Falling Cloud Sect borrowing the Sword Sect's hand to seize the Inner Core Valley, a spirit land with the potential to reach the Fourth Rank Spirit Vein?
However, this doesn't quite add up.
If the Falling Cloud Sect was using the Sword Sect to take over the Inner Core Valley, why would the Sword Sect then cut off Yuan Hua Mountain and destroy the Inner Core Valley's spirit vein promotion?
Is it a case of burning bridges after crossing the river?
Or a change of heart?
What about the future? Sandwiched between two powerful sects, how should the Green Cauldron Valley position itself?
As Tao Wan looked at him with confusion, Luo Chen realized that his brief words had sparked numerous associations in her mind.
When she regained some composure, he continued, "The current situation in the Green Cauldron Valley, despite being an ally of the Falling Cloud Sect, is merely a tangled web of interests, with no solid foundation. It's akin to skinning a tiger for its fur."
"I'm not sure if the rumors about your sect possessing a Core Formation Pill Formula are true. But I know that the Jade Cauldron Domain, as small as it is, can never accommodate a third Nascent Soul Sect!"
"Today, you shattered Yuan Hua Mountain and destroyed the Inner Core Valley's chance for promotion. Tomorrow, you might target the Core Formation Pill Formula, blocking your path. One day, the two major sects will directly descend upon the Green Cauldron Valley, devouring your flesh and sucking your blood!"
"Tao Wan, am I wrong in saying that a great calamity is upon the Green Cauldron Valley?"
Tao Wan opened her mouth to speak but hesitated, unable to find any rebuttal to Luo Chen's words.
The Jade Cauldron Domain, though vast, is only so in the context of Foundation Establishment and Golden Core sects.
When it comes to the level of Nascent Soul Sects, it becomes insignificant.
Looking at the Thirty-Six Domains of the Eastern Wilderness, each domain is dominated by a single sect, like the Heavenly Sail City and the Medicine King Sect.
Even with their dominance, these sects still find their territories insufficient, extending their reach to other domains.
Currently, the Spirit Herb Pavilion, Divine Talisman Pavilion, and Ten Thousand Treasures Tower in the Jade Cauldron Domain are all businesses of sects from other domains.
Despite the twenty-plus years of internal conflict in the Jade Cauldron Domain, these sects thrive, even better than before.
Under such circumstances, how could the Jade Cauldron Domain accommodate a third Nascent Soul sect?
Why can't the Supreme Elders, usually so wise, see such a straightforward matter?
Tao Wan smiled bitterly, unaware that Qing Dan Zi and the others, faced with the opportunity for Nascent Soul cultivation and limited lifespans, had no time to worry about such matters.
Their sole concern was Nascent Soul cultivation.
Shaking her head, Tao Wan looked at Luo Chen with a bitter smile.
"Your analysis is insightful, but do you have a way to save our sect?"
Luo Chen chuckled self-deprecatingly, "I'm just a Foundation Establishment loose cultivator. My vision, scope, and cultivation level are far inferior to yours. How could I possibly have a way to save the Green Cauldron Valley? Daoist friend, you give me too much credit."
Tao Wan's face flushed with anger.
You came here with nothing but talk, wanting to watch the spectacle?
But beneath her anger, she fixed her gaze on Luo Chen, catching a glimpse of composure in his eyes.
Tao Wan took a deep breath and bowed slightly to Luo Chen.
"In my opinion, you've never done anything without confidence. You must have a plan in mind for coming here today."
"There's no need for us to beat around the bush."
"Please speak frankly!"
Luo Chen looked at her in surprise, pursing his lips.
He had intended to continue circling, applying more pressure to get her to help him.
But now, it seemed she had lowered her stance, and his words might only irritate her.
He paused before speaking candidly, "Fine, we're friends. This roundabout approach isn't appropriate."
"I have three strategies, upper, middle, and lower, that might resolve your sect's current predicament."
Upper, middle, and lower three strategies?
You, with your bold eyes, claim that your vision and scope are insufficient?
Are you mocking me?
Tao Wan, unsure if she should be angry or delighted, bowed slightly to Luo Chen again.
"Please, teach me!"
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
