https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-441-The-Great-Perfection-of-Burning-Pestilence-Let-s-Go-/12934832/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-443-Mountain-Borer-and-the-Four-s-Backgrounds/12934834/
Chapter 442: The Great Snow Mountain
Chapter 442: The Great Snow Mountain
In the cozy and spring-like quiet room within the ship's cabin, Luo Chen carefully examined each material that He Lianyun handed to him, one by one.
Each material was prepared with enough quantity for at least ten uses, and most of them were of extremely high quality. It was evident that He Lianyun and his team had not skimped on the ingredients for refining the Shadow Essence Pill.
However, even with such high-quality ingredients, Luo Chen still found many shortcomings.
"Why wasn't the Crimson Crystal Jujube peeled in advance?" Luo Chen asked.
"Er, won't the medicinal properties be lost after peeling it?" He Lianyun replied.
"Who told you that? This herb has extremely volatile medicinal properties. If it's not peeled in advance to release some of its potency, it's impossible to use it for pill refining."
"Ah, what should we do now?" He Lianyun asked in dismay.
"Don't worry, give me some time to handle it. In three to five days, the medicinal properties will dissipate to the appropriate level," Luo Chen assured him.
"Hmm? What about this Cold Star Grass..."
"What's wrong with it?"
"Sigh, is this the best your Lianyun Business Alliance's alchemists can do? Even this herb is not handled properly. Forget it, just leave everything here, and I'll reprocess each ingredient myself."
He Lianyun handed the storage bag filled with herbs to Luo Chen and left the room with a sullen expression.
On the deck, Fu Jiusheng glanced at him.
"What's wrong?" Fu Jiusheng asked.
He Lianyun sighed, "The herbs I collected don't seem to meet Luo Chen's standards. He said that several of them were not processed correctly. But I had them processed according to the most standard methods in the market. I suspect Luo Chen is just nitpicking."
"Oh, I see," Fu Jiusheng replied nonchalantly.
Seeing Fu Jiusheng's indifferent reaction, He Lianyun was perplexed.
"Don't you think he's just being picky?" He Lianyun asked.
Fu Jiusheng smiled and explained, "It's not your fault. Luo Chen might not be nitpicking on purpose. I know many powerful sect alchemists, and even when they refine the same pills, requiring the same ingredients, they still have different standards for processing."
He Lianyun became even more confused after hearing this explanation.
"For the same pill, shouldn't the ingredient proportions and standards be the same?"
"No, no, no..." Fu Jiusheng shook his head, "It depends on the alchemist's skill level. If their pill refining technique is strong enough, they can weaken the potency of overly powerful herbs. And if the herbs are weak, they can compensate through other means. During the actual refining process, it also depends on the alchemist's mastery of a specific pill technique. If their skill in a particular technique is low, they might abandon an ingredient that is crucial for that technique and use an alternative herb that is easier to handle with other techniques..."
As Fu Jiusheng's explanation became more complex, He Lianyun felt his head spinning.
He waved his hands, "Stop, stop! Are you saying that all of this depends on the alchemist's skill level and personal preferences?"
Fu Jiusheng smiled and nodded slightly.
He Lianyun exhaled in frustration, "Fine, let's assume Luo Chen isn't just being difficult."
However, beneath Fu Jiusheng's cheerful exterior, there was a hint of doubt.
"Luo Chen probably hasn't personally experimented with refining the Shadow Essence Pill before, as he lacked the main ingredient," Fu Jiusheng said.
"But how can he precisely understand the requirements for each ingredient?" He Lianyun wondered.
Fu Jiusheng's doubt remained unknown to him.
As they gazed at the passing scenery outside the flying boat, their expressions turned solemn.
"Fellow Daoist Fu, it's about time you revealed our true destination," Luo Chen said.
...
Back in the cabin, Luo Chen quickly processed each herb according to his preferences and then put them away.
Yes, it was a simple process.
The herbs prepared by He Lianyun were already quite comprehensive.
With his solid foundation in pill refining techniques, these ingredients could be used for pill refining at any time.
His nitpicking was actually a ploy to claim some of the extra herbs for himself.
Over the past six years, Luo Chen had been tirelessly researching the Shadow Essence Pill formula.
In the end, he had made no significant progress.
After all, this pill formula originated from a sacred sect and had been refined by a Nascent Soul Master.
With his current skill level, he had reached his limit and could not make further improvements.
However, in the absence of a major breakthrough, he took a different approach and attempted to simplify the pill formula.
He didn't aim for better results but rather for something inferior. Even if it was a step down, it would still be a Tier Three pill formula related to Core Formation.
If he could simplify the formula and create a new one, even if it was less effective than the Shadow Essence Pill or the original Dark Sea Pill, it would still be a significant achievement for Luo Chen.
With such a simplified formula, he could try refining it himself, consume it internally, or even sell it externally. Alternatively, he could use it as an opportunity to establish connections and expand his network with other sects.
Of course, the latter two options were too risky.
Luo Chen's primary goal was to derive a formula with relatively suitable effects that could be used by himself and the Luo Tian Association cultivators.
If he succeeded, the Luo Tian Association cultivators would never again be held back by major sects during their Core Formation stage.
For this reason, Luo Chen needed more ingredients related to the original pill formula.
Even though his current cultivation level was insufficient to simplify the Shadow Essence Pill formula, he believed that with higher cultivation in the future, he might be able to accomplish this task.
After all, cultivation was not just about the present.
After putting away the various herbs, Luo Chen was left with only the Indigo Thunder Flower in front of him.
It was crystal clear, and from time to time, blue arcs of electricity flickered across its surface.
"Nascent Soul White Night, Lightning Path Master," Luo Chen murmured.
"The various heritage resources in his palace are almost all related to the Lightning attribute."
"Could it be that after a cultivator advances to the Nascent Soul stage, they specialize in a specific attribute, to the extent that even their daily life is influenced by that attribute?"
Luo Chen carefully stored away the Indigo Thunder Flower, treating it with utmost importance.
With this, two of the three main ingredients required for refining the Shadow Essence Pill had been gathered: the Heavenly Mountain Rejuvenation Water and the Indigo Thunder Flower.
Only the Nine-Striped Snake Saliva Fruit was missing.
Luo Chen's gaze turned deep as he looked towards the cabin.
His profound eyes seemed to see through the cabin walls, gazing into the distant Great Snow Mountain.
"Fu Jiusheng is too cautious!" Luo Chen thought.
"When I used the Water Mirror Spell and Fragrant Recognition to track him, he seemed to be heading towards the far east, but the real Nine-Striped Snake Saliva Fruit is located in the Great Snow Mountain, which is off to the side."
"The other three are also hiding something. That Xiao Sanren appears to still be at the Foundation Establishment Ninth Level, but his external spirit energy fluctuations are too stable, which makes me suspect that he has already reached Grand Completion."
"He Lianyun hasn't changed much, but having led the Lianyun Business Alliance for many years, he undoubtedly has numerous hidden cards up his sleeve, and we can't underestimate him."
"Yinsha Lady seems the weakest, but I can't shake the feeling that she's hiding something."
Ever since deciding to cooperate with these four individuals, Luo Tian Association has been continuously gathering intelligence on them.
Knowing oneself and the enemy is the key to victory in every battle.
Even though Luo Chen has faced stronger enemies and encountered more formidable situations, being alone in the outside world means he still needs to be cautious.
...
The flying boat continued its journey, bypassing densely populated areas and specifically choosing secluded and quiet paths.
Within half a month, five figures gathered in a forest lush with trees.
Fu Jiusheng looked at everyone, especially Luo Chen, who had arrived on the flying boat, and his gaze lingered.
"Ahead lies the Great Snow Mountain!"
"The Great Snow Mountain is just a general term; in reality, it's a colossal mountain range spanning over tens of thousands of miles. It's perpetually covered in snow, with countless famous peaks and mountains. Innumerable low-level demonic beasts inhabit the area, primarily those with ice, snow, and earth attributes. Aside from the countless low-level beasts, second and third-rank demonic beasts also frequently appear. There's even a fourth-rank Demonic Emperor named Boneless Black Snake residing within."
Upon hearing this introduction, the group's expressions remained unchanged.
These were common facts that any cultivator near the East Wilderness Million Great Mountains would be well aware of.
Fu Jiusheng paused before continuing, "And the spirit land we're heading to is one I've named Ten Thousand Serpent Cavern."
Ten Thousand Serpent Cavern? The name alone caused everyone's eyebrows to furrow slightly.
Just from the name, they could tell that the place was likely teeming with serpent-like demonic creatures.
"The Nine-Striped Snake Saliva Fruit is a spirit herb that grows where numerous snow serpents gather, nurtured by their saliva."
"But in the world, there are many types of snow serpents. Only the saliva of the Seven Ring Snow Serpent can cultivate the Nine-Striped Snake Saliva Fruit."
When the name Seven Ring Snow Serpent was mentioned, everyone's expressions, including Luo Chen's, changed.
Everyone knew that the Seven Ring Snow Serpent was part of the Boneless Black Snake's lineage.
Fu Jiusheng had set his sights on such a demonic beast! As for why serpents are descendants of snakes, there was no need to dwell on such questions; it wasn't something these Foundation Establishment Cultivators could easily investigate.
However, facing such a formidable opponent, at least a third-rank demonic beast, how could they not be afraid?
Fu Jiusheng looked at them, "Are you scared?"
"How can we not be afraid? If it were just a third-rank demonic beast, it wouldn't be a problem. But for a group of beasts like this, it's likely the strongest Beast King among third-rank beasts." Xiao Sanren's face showed fear, and even he would retreat from a Beast King.
He Lianyun sighed, "Friend Fu, why didn't you inform us earlier? At least give us some time to prepare."
Fu Jiusheng's face turned cold.
He had mentioned snow serpents before, and he didn't believe these people hadn't made the necessary preparations.
Scanning the group, he said coldly, "If anyone is afraid, they can withdraw now."
Everyone exchanged glances, but no one voiced their intention to withdraw.
Of course not, after planning for so long and coming this far, no one would back down now.
Suddenly, a young voice spoke up from the crowd.
It was Luo Chen.
"I want to know, with a third-rank Beast King and a habitat of Seven Ring Snow Serpents, how will you create a peaceful environment for alchemy?"
This question went straight to the heart of the matter.
Fu Jiusheng's expression softened slightly, "Good, since no one is backing out, it shows our hearts are aligned. As for Fellow Daoist Dan Chenzi's concerns, I can offer some explanations."
Through his explanation, the group finally understood why he dared to take them to the tiger's den, knowing there was a third-rank Beast King.
It turned out that the Nine-Striped Snake Saliva Fruit's growth area was not in the heart of Ten Thousand Serpent Cavern.
The third-rank Seven Ring Snow Serpent, as the king of its species, couldn't possibly watch over a single spirit plant all the time.
So, it had only assigned a few second-rank snow serpents to guard and care for it.
"I have a relatively safe route to Ten Thousand Serpent Cavern."
"Once we arrive, we'll kill the guarding snow serpents, and then I'll set up an illusionary array, which should give Dan Chenzi enough time and a suitable environment."
For demonic beasts with relatively lower intelligence, the effect of illusionary arrays often surpasses that of offensive and defensive arrays.
However, as the group looked at Fu Jiusheng, their eyes held a hint of surprise.
No one expected that he was also an array master.
"Enough talk."
"Everyone, take a short rest, and then we'll quietly enter the Great Snow Mountain!"
"This journey is long, and unexpected situations may arise. Let's ensure we're in good condition."
After speaking, Fu Jiusheng found a spot and sat down in a meditative posture.
Seeing this, the others followed suit.
Especially Yinsha Lady and Xiao Sanren, who had been piloting the flying boat and were likely more fatigued.
Luo Chen, on the other hand, was in excellent condition.
He flew alone to the top of a mountain, gazing at the distant snow-covered mountains with a contemplative look in his eyes.
Occasionally, he would turn to look in another direction.
That was where the Heavenly Mountain was located, the Ice Fortress Sect's base.
The two were less than a thousand miles apart.
For high-level cultivators, this distance was nothing.
During his time at the Ice Fortress, especially in the last six months, he often heard that Ice Fortress disciples would enter the mountains to hunt and gather resources.
Sometimes, there would be beast tides from the Great Snow Mountain, attacking the Ice Fortress.
But here was the problem.
With such close proximity, why wasn't the Ice Fortress afraid of the fourth-rank Beast Emperor, the Boneless Black Snake, easily destroying them?
As cultivators progress in their cultivation, the gap in strength becomes more pronounced.
A fourth-rank Beast Emperor was comparable to a Primordial Soul Master!
If the Boneless Black Snake attacked, the Ice Fortress might not withstand it for even a moment.
So, how could the Ice Fortress be so bold as to establish their sect in such a dangerous location?
As he pondered this question, the four people in the forest had finished their rest.
"Dan Chenzi, it's time to depart!"
"I'll be there soon!"
Luo Chen replied, suppressing his doubts. With a movement of his body, he flew to join the others.
Fu Jiusheng saw that everyone had arrived and was in good condition, with full spiritual energy.
With a wave of his hand, he said, "Let's go!"
Five figures, suppressing their auras, flew into the snow-covered mountains using a simple Wind Riding Technique.
...
Contrary to the rumors about the Great Snow Mountain being a barren land of ice and snow, they found it teeming with life.
The deeper they ventured into the snowy wilderness, the more extraordinary Luo Chen and his four companions found it to be.
Even without lush greenery, the area was teeming with vibrant spirit trees and vegetation.
As they drew closer to the snow-capped peaks, the more they could sense the exuberant spirit energy.
"Wow, this snow mountain may not seem extraordinary, but it's actually a natural Tier Three Spirit Land! If a Golden Core Cultivator occupied this mountain, they could establish a sect and found their own lineage. Even without establishing a sect, it would be an excellent place for personal cultivation!"
Xiao Sanren gazed at the small snow mountain, a few hundred zhang tall, located dozens of li away, and marveled with a hint of greed in his eyes.
However, his fantasy was shattered by Fu Jiusheng.
"Don't even think about it!"
"In the vast wilderness of Donghuang, there are countless natural Tier Three and Tier Four Spirit Lands. Do you think they're that easy to occupy?"
"These places already have owners!"
Xiao Sanren pouted but couldn't refute.
That's how the world worked. Whether in the wilderness mountains, the Four Seas, or the Five Continents Cultivation World, high-tier Spirit Lands were often claimed.
They were either occupied by high-level demonic beasts or dominated by powerful sects.
There was no chance for loose cultivators like them.
He Lianyun also looked at the small snow mountain with envy. "To occupy a place like this, loose cultivators like us would never succeed in our lifetime based on our own strength. Only when the human cultivators launch a Colony War, thoroughly conquering a giant mountain range and transforming it into a cultivation realm, can we cultivate peacefully within."
His words resonated with everyone.
Human cultivation realms were mostly established this way.
The Jade Cauldron Domain where they resided was once a wilderness dominated by demonic beasts, known as the Lianxia Mountain Range over four hundred years ago.
At that time, it was an insignificant part of the vast wilderness of Donghuang, with only average resources.
Compared to the Great Snow Mountain, it was far inferior.
"I wonder which giant mountain range will be conquered in this Colony War held by Luoyun Sect?"
"It should be the Ancient Original Mountain Range! That's the territory most familiar to Jade Cauldron Domain cultivators."
"It's hard to say. Jade Cauldron Sword Sect has always disliked the small size of the Jade Cauldron Domain and the large number of cultivators. In recent years, they've not only sent cultivators to the Ancient Original Mountain Range but also established numerous marketplaces like Dahe Fang and Taishan Fang nearby. Do you think they'll give up the long-developed Ancient Original Mountain Range to Luoyun Sect?"
"It can't be the Howling Moon Mountain Range! I heard it's much more dangerous, with mostly wolf clans among the demonic beasts. That's a tough nut to crack for Luoyun Sect."
"Hmph, demonic beasts are reckless and unintelligent. No matter how powerful they are, what can they do? Luoyun Sect has the combined strength of several sects, and with Mysterious Abyss Sect as their backer, they can definitely conquer it if they set their minds to it!"
"If we all succeed in Core Formation, perhaps we can form an alliance and establish a Core Formation Great Sect. Then, in the Colony War, we can claim a Tier Three Spirit Land for cultivation."
"Daoist friend, you're thinking too far ahead, but it's indeed a good suggestion."
On their tedious journey, the five of them remained vigilant, occasionally chatting about interesting stories to lift their spirits.
After all, being cautious in the vast white wilderness could also be a burden for cultivators' spiritual souls.
The small snow mountain with a Tier Three Spirit Vein, which they had passed two days ago, was already far behind them.
Along the way, they encountered numerous scattered Spirit Lands of various tiers and sizes.
There were Tier One, Tier Two, small, and large Spirit Lands.
They even came across several Tier Three Spirit Lands.
Among them, one Spirit Land had spirit energy that reached an extreme point.
Even from a distance of a thousand li, they could sense its might from the towering, snow-covered mountain.
A large Tier Three Spirit Land!
Within it, there must be a Tier Three Spirit Vein stretching for thousands of li.
Such might was rarely felt in the human cultivation realm.
Human cultivation sects often used various secret techniques, spells, and large formations to restrict Spirit Lands, ensuring that excessive spirit energy didn't leak out.
Only in these undeveloped wilderness mountains could they sense such pure and unrestrained Spirit Lands, boldly exuding their vibrant vitality.
Of course!
This unrestrained spirit energy also gave rise to countless wild demonic beasts in the region.
Despite following the safe route as described by Fu Jiusheng, they still encountered numerous low-level demonic beasts.
On this day, as Xiao Sanren led the way, he suddenly stopped.
"Daoist Xiao, what's wrong?" Fu Jiusheng asked.
Xiao Sanren's expression darkened. "Are you sure this is the safe route?"
Fu Jiusheng was puzzled, but when he flew ahead, his face also turned grim.
"Strange! Why are there Striped Snow Owls here? I remember there weren't any when I passed by three years ago!"
Xiao Sanren took a step back.
"That's not the key issue. The question is, how do we proceed?"
Fu Jiusheng was stumped.
He Lianyun suggested, "Should we take a detour?"
"Absolutely not!" Fu Jiusheng said with a serious expression. "There's a pack of Ice Plains Wolves ahead, including a Tier Three Wolf King. Taking a detour is seeking death. Moreover, it's a waste of time, and we might miss the ripening of the Nine-Striped Snake Saliva Fruit. Then, this trip would be in vain."
"So, what do you suggest?" He Lianyun asked.
Fu Jiusheng looked at the four of them and made a decision after biting his lip.
"Let's charge through!"
"After all, they're just a group of Tier One Striped Snow Owls. If we're quick, we won't cause much trouble."
Before entering the mountain, they had already discussed this.
During the journey, they decided to let Fu Jiusheng, an experienced herb gatherer, make the final call, while the other four could question and suggest.
At this moment, he decided to charge through.
Since it was decided, there was nothing more to say.
Luo Chen stood in the center of the five, the safest position.
As the four took out their weapons, he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
After long-term consumption of Spirit Penetrating Pills, his spiritual soul's foundation had surpassed the Foundation Establishment Stage, allowing him to perceive more.
The enemy wasn't just a group of Striped Snow Owls!
However, he said nothing.
This was a good opportunity to observe their abilities.
(End of Chapter)
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