Immortality Begins With The Alchemical Master Chapter 424: Luo Chen's Three Strategies, Horizontal and Vertical Alliances - Novel Cool

Chapter 424: Luo Chen's Three Strategies, Horizontal and Vertical Alliances

Chapter 424: Luo Chen's Three Strategies, Horizontal and Vertical Alliances

"The lower strategy is to attack the Yan Meng."

"The middle strategy is to merge the entire sect into the Upper Sect of Nascent Soul, or alternatively, seek an Upper Sect ally in the Outer Realm."

"The upper strategy is to reopen the expansion war."

Within the Azure Cloud Pavilion, a crisp female voice rang out like the chimes of a jade bell.

Under the gaze of the Golden Core Seniors, Tao Wan seemed a little nervous as she spoke these three strategies.

After she finished speaking, she stood quietly with her hands clasped, awaiting the follow-up.

Inside the pavilion.

In just a moment after hearing these three strategies, voices of discussion arose.

"Nonsense! How can these three strategies resolve the worries of our Green Cauldron Valley?"

"After all, she's just a loose cultivator, a young and inexperienced one at that, talking about major matters."

"I, however, think that there are indeed one or two points worth considering in these three strategies."

"What's worth considering? How can our Green Cauldron Valley, a mere Golden Core sect, initiate an expansion war?"

"And attacking the Yan Meng, when we are already struggling to manage ourselves, is just asking for trouble!"

"That's not how it should be said; there must be some calculation behind it."

...

"Sect Leader, what do you think?"

In the end, everyone's gaze fell upon the Sect Leader, Qingyunzi.

Although his cultivation was not the highest, he was still the one in charge of the sect.

Especially since Tao Wan, who brought the news, now belonged to Azure Cloud Peak, it was up to him to make the decision.

Facing the crowd's gaze, Qingyunzi, who had appeared increasingly weary in recent days, sighed.

"What do I think?"

"These three strategies, aside from the last one, have all been mentioned by us recently."

The crowd nodded slightly.

Indeed, these ideas had been brought up internally before.

But as they couldn't reach a unanimous agreement, the arguments continued.

"However, being in the midst of it, there are some things we can't see clearly."

"Tao Wan, why don't you tell us about the three strategies mentioned by Luo Chen, so that we can gain some inspiration from his perspective as an impartial observer."

Facing Qingyunzi's earnest gaze, Tao Wan swallowed her saliva and recounted Luo Chen's words in detail:

"The lower strategy of attacking the Yan Meng may not be beneficial for the future, but it can stabilize the morale of the Green Cauldron Valley disciples in the present. He frankly stated that, without our notice, the disciples of the Green Cauldron Valley are currently anxious and restless. Moreover, among the vassal forces outside the valley, there are those who collude with the Falling Cloud Sect, seeking a backup plan."

"If we don't stabilize the current situation, the Green Cauldron Valley might face internal chaos even before external enemies arrive, causing trouble from within."

As she spoke, some of the elders remained unconvinced, while others' faces changed instantly.

"It's just baseless fear-mongering!"

"If there were no external disturbances, how could there be disloyalty within the sect?"

"That's not how it's said. During my recent inspection of the Yuan Hua Mountain construction site, I did indeed hear many disciples discussing it. Among them, quite a few felt anxious and held a pessimistic attitude towards the future."

"As for those vassals of the Green Cauldron Valley, how many have visited our sect in the past few days?"

"Indeed, the unity of our people has been affected!"

"If we attack the currently weakened Yan Meng, we will surely achieve victory and release internal tensions. Furthermore, we can use this victory to reshape the morale of our disciples. Regardless of what the future holds, at least for now, we can unite our sect members."

"No, no, this statement of Junior Apprentice Sister is inappropriate..."

As the debate was about to start again, a dry cough echoed within the pavilion.

"Ahem..."

The crowd quieted down involuntarily.

Qingyunzi turned to look back and then refocused his gaze on Tao Wan.

"You continue!"

Tao Wan responded with a sound of acknowledgment.

At this moment, her heart was less agitated and more composed, thanks to the composure brought by Luo Chen!

"The middle strategy has two approaches. The first is to merge our sect into the Falling Cloud Sect or the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect, which can resolve the danger faced by our disciples. Moreover, we don't have to worry about their refusal, as no sect would reject a large number of pill concocting experts."

"The other approach is to seek aid in the Outer Realm, which would create a tripartite balance of power within the Jade Cauldron Domain, transforming our Green Cauldron Valley's wealth into combat strength."

"This way, we might be able to counter the Falling Cloud Sect and the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect."

The crowd was most averse to this extremely far-fetched middle strategy.

As the discussion was about to resume, Qingyunzi shook his head, "Tao Wan, tell us your thoughts on these two middle strategies."

"The first one is a self-destructive move, which we absolutely will not consider!"

Without hesitation, Tao Wan expressed her stance.

What a joke! How could the prestigious Green Cauldron Valley merge into another sect? Would it not dishonor our ancestors and devalue our efforts? If it were just to preserve themselves, they would have surrendered when the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect came knocking.

With her words, the impending arguments subsided.

Many people looked at her with satisfaction, showing their appreciation.

Indeed, she was a disciple of our sect!

Even in such a crucial matter, she maintained a clear understanding.

Tao Wan composed herself and said, "As for the second approach, I believe it does have the potential to stabilize the situation for the next hundred years."

Seeing some people showing signs of disagreement, she couldn't help but recall Luo Chen's words.

"Could the rise of the Falling Cloud Sect be solely attributed to Han Zhan?"

"I don't think so!"

"Setting aside other factors, where did he, Han Zhan, obtain the fourth-rank spirit land necessary for condensing the Nascent Soul?"

"It's clear to everyone that behind the Falling Cloud Sect is the Heavenly Sail City. In other words, they had already attached themselves to an Upper Sect of the Outer Realm during the Golden Core Stage."

"If they can do it, why can't you?"

At this moment, Tao Wan was recounting Luo Chen's words.

For a moment, everyone fell into deep thought.

Only Qingyunzi sighed.

"I fear this will be like inviting a wolf into the house!"

Everyone was startled by this sudden exclamation.

Indeed, Luo Chen's two middle strategies seemed to address the concerns of the Green Cauldron Valley for the next hundred years, but one would sever the Dao lineage, and the other would invite a wolf into the house.

The first one was immediately rejected.

As for the latter, if the first to do so was a genius, the second to follow suit would likely be considered a fool.

"Junior Tao Wan, tell us about Luo Chen's upper strategy!"

"Yes, I also want to know. Why should our Great Golden Core Sect initiate an expansion war?"

"Has Luo Chen lost his mind?"

Amidst the various discussions, Tao Wan shook her head, "To be honest, I was shocked when I first heard this upper strategy. But after his explanation, I found it quite reasonable."

"It's not our sect initiating the expansion war, but we will do it on behalf of the Falling Cloud Sect!"

Upon hearing these words, everyone was astonished.

In the ensuing silence, faint cheers of approval gradually emerged.

"This plan is brilliant!"

"Indeed, the Falling Cloud Sect has already met the conditions to initiate an expansion war."

"If they proceed with the expansion war, not only can they resolve the internal conflict within the Jade Cauldron, but they can also divert all the internal conflicts within the domain."

"But at that time, will our Green Cauldron Valley participate? Fellow disciples, you should know that expansion wars are always the most dangerous and terrifying wars!"

"Indeed, fellow junior disciples, you may not be fully aware of the situation during the expansion war four hundred years ago. In that battle, three entire sects were annihilated, and several others declined afterward. Even our Green Cauldron Valley took three hundred years to gradually recover to its current state."

For human cultivators, expansion wars are about expanding territories and vying for cultivation resources.

But for the countless demonic beast clans in the Eastern Wilderness Million Mountains, it's a war for racial survival.

In such a situation, high-rank demonic beasts won't adhere to the unspoken rules of the cultivation world.

At that time, there's a high possibility of a Primordial Soul Beast King of the fourth rank appearing, facing thousands of Qi Condensation Foundation Establishment Loose Cultivators.

Just a single breath of demonic energy could result in countless casualties.

No sect would dare to bear the burden of such a war!

However, the younger Dragon Head Elder and White Su Elder had different opinions from the elders' advice.

"If we don't participate, we can still profit by selling pills."

"By participating, we're sharing the risks, but our Green Cauldron Valley has a large population and abundant resources. With the same level of damage, we can preserve more of our vitality."

"Most importantly, regardless of whether the expansion war succeeds or not, the crowded power structure within the Jade Cauldron Domain will be broken and cleared. At that time, the Jade Cauldron Domain will naturally create enough space for our survival."

"Luo Chen's plan is excellent. Although it may not have immediate effects, if successful, it can at least provide our Green Cauldron Valley with hundreds of years of stable development opportunities."

When Dragon Spring Elder finished his last sentence, others also expressed their agreement.

Especially after pondering the three strategies, many people's eyes shone with admiration.

Regardless of whether these three strategies were feasible, they had undoubtedly planned for the Green Cauldron Valley's short-term, mid-term, and long-term development, providing a solution to break the stalemate.

"Such talent, if in our Green Cauldron Valley, could become a great pill concocting master and an excellent statesman."

"It's a pity that the Ice Fortress, with its small population and limited resources, has already taken the lead."

Amidst the expressions of regret and admiration, the Dragon Head Peak Elder suddenly spoke up, "But how can we help the Falling Cloud Sect initiate the expansion war? We should know that without their initiative, an expansion war cannot be easily launched."

Before Tao Wan could finish explaining Luo Chen's method, a hoarse voice came from the highest seat in the hall.

"The White Night Palace!"

Everyone was taken aback, and their eyes gradually lit up with realization.

Tao Wan's heart skipped a beat, and she subconsciously glanced at the boy with the dragon-and-phoenix appearance, whose complexion resembled the spring dawn.

The Supreme Elder's idea was exactly the same as Luo Chen's!

The Soul Transformation Relic in Jilei Mountain was the site where a Soul Transformation expert from the Abyss Sect, one of the Eastern Wilderness's sacred lands, had passed away.

If they proactively informed the Abyss Sect about this, it would attract the attention of the sacred land's cultivators.

Naturally, the Abyss Sect wouldn't sit idly by while the Jade Cauldron Domain was in chaos.

At that time, they would only need to exaggerate the situation slightly, and following past precedents, there's a high possibility that the Abyss Sect would urge the Falling Cloud Sect to initiate the expansion war.

"Senior Brother!"

"Elder!"

"Senior Brother Qingdanzizi, what do you think we should do now?"

Facing the gazes of the crowd, Qing Danzi, who appeared youthful, waved his hand wearily.

"Let's implement the lower strategy first!"

Zhenren Qing Yunzi nodded subconsciously.

Suddenly, he realized the hidden meaning in his words.

"First?"

Qing Danzi spoke softly, "Luo Chen seems to have given three strategies, allowing us to choose one. But isn't it also a method to execute all three strategies at once?"

The crowd was stunned.

They pondered the implications of his words.

Gradually, everyone came back to their senses.

The lower strategy to stabilize the hearts of the people, the middle strategy to protect the sect, and the upper strategy to seek survival space.

Where was the freedom to choose one? It was clearly the execution of all three strategies to safeguard the sect's Daoist traditions.

Qing Danzi sighed, "There's no other way. No one expected the Falling Cloud Sect to break the five-hundred-year alliance. This gave the Sword Sect an excuse to take action. Otherwise, why would we need to face the pressure from the Sword Sect!"

In the end, it was all about the situation being beyond one's control.

Suddenly, he shifted the topic.

"Let's leave this matter to Tao Wan to handle!"

"The only requirement is not to involve our sect's Golden Core Senior!"

The first sentence brought joy to Tao Wan's heart.

But the second sentence left her somewhat perplexed.

She hesitated, "If our sect's seniors don't take action, how can we boost the confidence of our disciples?"

Qing Danzi scoffed, "Our Green Cauldron Valley has a thousand-year heritage. Our sect's unity isn't that fragile. The lower-rank disciples are just temporarily fearful. If you show yourselves more often, it will naturally stabilize their hearts."

"Luo Chen is clearly exaggerating, trying to make our great sect serve him and become his tool for killing."

The people in the hall showed confusion on their faces.

Some who were aware of the recent major events in the Jade Cauldron Domain explained a few things.

The rest then understood the grudge between Luo Chen and the Yan Meng.

Now they understood why Luo Chen was putting so much effort into considering the Green Cauldron Valley.

He wanted to take advantage of the Green Cauldron Valley's internal and external troubles, using their knife to kill.

However, they weren't particularly angry.

Because the three strategies proposed by Luo Chen were indeed feasible and worth considering for the Green Cauldron Valley.

Only Tao Wan felt a bit troubled.

Without using the power of the Green Cauldron Valley, how could she target the Yan Meng?

After all, there were still three Golden Core Seniors on the Yan Meng's side!

Just as Tao Wan was feeling perplexed, Qing Danzi spoke again.

"Qing Yun, give your sect leader token to Tao Wan!"

"All the vassals of the Green Cauldron Valley, including those two first-rate forces, will be under her command."

"Whether it succeeds or not, this matter will not shake our sect's foundation."

"As for the rest, let's not worry about it and let Luo Chen deal with it!"

Zhenren Qing Yunzi quickly nodded and handed over the sect leader token to Tao Wan.

Holding the token, Tao Wan felt as if her entire body had become three times heavier.

Amidst this heaviness, there was also a strange sense of relief.

The identity of a Daoist, the sect leader token...

She pressed her dry, hot lips and respectfully bowed.

"I will definitely complete the task and not disappoint the seniors!"

...

The next day.

A flying vessel rose into the sky and gradually left the influence of the Green Cauldron Valley.

On the vessel, without anyone paying attention, Luo Chen's face showed dissatisfaction.

He hadn't expected the Green Cauldron Valley to be so cautious, not even willing to utilize their sect's foundation.

This made his plan somewhat incomplete.

"I originally wanted to rely on the Ice Fortress and the Green Cauldron Valley's power to annihilate the Yan Meng."

"Now it seems the Green Cauldron Valley doesn't want a big fight, and the Ice Fortress will likely hesitate with the conditions I offered."

"It's not enough!"

A long sigh echoed in the wind.

After a long while, Luo Chen suddenly laughed at himself.

"That's right, I'm not the only smart person in this world. It's not that easy to get others to fight and die for me just by talking."

"Being able to borrow two Golden Core Seniors from the Green Cauldron Valley's vassals is already fortunate. How can I not be satisfied?"

After a smile, Luo Chen regained his calm.

If the aid here isn't enough, then I'll seek it elsewhere! In the vast Jade Cauldron Domain, those coveting the current weak Yan Meng are not just one or two.

With a thought, the flying vessel changed direction and headed towards an unfamiliar realm.

After another day.

Luo Chen, traveling alone, quickly arrived outside a vast immortal city.

Looking up at the huge red plaque, a flash of sharpness appeared in Luo Chen's eyes.

Heaven Fire Immortal City!

The immortal city built by the Yan Meng, though smaller in scale than the seven-sect-built Heavenly Surge Immortal City, still ranked among the top ten immortal cities.

Currently, the Yan Meng was busy dealing with its own affairs, but how was their control over this immortal city?

A figure walked out of the immortal city, looked around, and then headed straight towards Luo Chen.

"President, we've already inquired about everything."

Luo Chen slightly nodded, and a embroidered ball appeared in his hand.

"In that case, let's contact them!"

Restored two more chapters, feeling okay.

How about a double monthly vote at the end of the month?

(End of Chapter)

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