Chapter 451: Gathering the Power of a Sect to Aid One's Breakthrough

Chapter 451: Gathering the Power of a Sect to Aid One's Breakthrough

In the sky, a flying boat parted the clouds and sailed gracefully.

Within the boat, Luo Chen was going through Miao Wen's inheritance.

Miao Wen had been operating in Great River Market for many years, and his wealth was substantial.

Even compared to Luo Chen, who currently carried nearly ten million in assets, Miao Wen's wealth was far less, but it was still significantly more than that of an ordinary Foundation Establishment True Cultivator.

In terms of spirit stones alone, there were a whopping twenty million!

It didn't sound like much, but Miao Wen was merely a Foundation Establishment Early Stage sect administrator.

Aside from spirit stones, there were also various rare materials in abundance.

There were second-rank, third-rank, and even a few fourth-rank mineral materials.

Miao Wen's storage bag contained three pieces of the same kind of Through-the-Sky Crystal that Luo Chen had already accumulated a significant amount of.

If one were to calculate the value of these materials, it would roughly amount to several hundred thousand.

However, aside from spirit stones and materials, there weren't many other resources.

There were only a few talismans, mostly for communication, cleaning, and invisibility, which were commonly used in daily life.

The pills, on the other hand, were of decent quality, appearing to be of the second-rank middle grade.

There weren't many cultivation techniques or formation techniques either.

The reason for this severe imbalance was not hard to guess.

As a sword cultivator, one's resources were often limited to what was needed for cultivation, and not much else.

Even so, Miao Wen's wealth was still considered abundant.

Many direct disciples from major sects couldn't compare to him.

"No wonder Miao Wen was willing to spend a hefty price to curry favor with the upper echelons of the Sword Sect and stay in Great River Market. This place is indeed an excellent spot to gather rare resources and amass wealth, all while avoiding excessive oversight from the sect."

With the emperor so far away, there was nothing to fear.

Luo Chen held a box in his hand, opened it for a glance, and then carefully put it away.

Sevenstar Heaven Lantern Fruit!

A third-rank spiritual herb, its value far surpassing that of most fourth-rank materials.

The reason for its value was that this spiritual fruit could prolong one's lifespan.

With six out of seven stars already lit, it could extend one's life by eighteen years!

This treasure was something Luo Chen himself greatly desired.

In the past, in order to refine the Withering Flourishing Fire, a hundred years of his lifespan had been extracted.

Although Luo Chen's cultivation progress was swift, and he seemed unhurried, the sense of urgency occasionally resurfaced like a sharp sword hanging over his head.

The Sevenstar Heaven Lantern Fruit arrived just in time, giving Luo Chen a boost of confidence.

After putting away the life-extending treasure, Luo Chen took out another item from Miao Wen's storage bag.

A treasure!

A peculiar treasure!

A palm-sized disc with purple and golden crescent moons engraved on its surface.

Upon infusing a bit of spiritual power...

Whoosh!

Sharp, ferocious blades extended from the edges of the disc.

With a flick of his finger, the disc began to rotate in front of him, hinting at the emergence of more spinning moon discs.

Luo Chen's thoughts stirred, and he retracted his spiritual power.

"The Heavenly Moon Purple Gold Wheel, I never thought that after all these twists and turns, it would end up back in my hands."

Indeed, this treasure was the first one Luo Chen had ever seen since beginning his cultivation journey.

It was the very treasure that had been auctioned off at the Sword Pavilion Auction in Great River Market, and Mi Shuhua had purchased it for a high price of eighty thousand spirit stones! Later, this treasure was taken by the scattered cultivator, the Golden Core Master hired by the Lianyun Business Alliance, and then captured by Pang Renxiong during the Lancang River battle.

That powerful sword cultivator had no use for such an external object and bestowed it upon Miao Wen, while the Worn Black Chess piece was given to Luo Tianhong.

But who would have thought that, after forty years, both the incomplete Worn Black Chess piece and the Heavenly Moon Purple Gold Wheel would end up in Luo Chen's hands.

"Miao Wen didn't spend much time refining this treasure, and the imprints on it are easily removable."

"However, to thoroughly refine this treasure and wield it at will would likely require a great deal of my effort."

Luo Chen hesitated as he looked at the spinning disc in his hand.

Finally, he turned his gaze towards the direction of the Magnetic Mini Valley in Absolute Cloud Mountain.

"A moment's hesitation, and you buried yourself and your clan. Yet, I also gained the treasure you spent so much effort to acquire at the auction. Is this a gift?"

"I'll decide what to do about it after returning!"

Luo Chen didn't lack treasures.

The number of treasures he possessed was unimaginable in the cultivation world.

He had once owned more than thirty flying sword-type treasures.

However, most of them had been given to Min Longyu to be buried in Danxia Peak as the formation eye of the mountain-guarding array.

In a way, after reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, Luo Chen had never lacked ordinary treasures.

Naturally, such treasures wouldn't stir his heart too much.

The reason he viewed the Heavenly Moon Purple Gold Wheel differently was partly due to its connection with Mi Shuhua and partly because of its considerable value and potential hidden benefits.

After going through Miao Wen's possessions, Luo Chen had essentially sorted through his inheritance.

The last item was the jade slip that Miao Wen had written before his death.

It contained a simplified version of the Sword Sect's 'Wisdom Sword Technique'—'Calming the Storm'.

As a reward for allowing Miao Wen to die with dignity, Miao Wen voluntarily unlocked his storage bag's imprint and wrote down a secret technique beneficial for cultivation.

The Sword Sect cultivators solely focused on the sword, refraining from relying on external objects or other cultivation methods.

However, this approach could lead to various cultivation drawbacks, as one couldn't borrow from other methods to refine their own.

Recognizing this, the Sword Sect's ancestors established a set of cultivation methods and secret techniques to aid in practice.

One such secret technique, 'Wisdom Sword Technique', allowed one to infuse their essence, energy, and spirit into a sword, thereby achieving the Sword-Heart Clarity realm.

Upon reaching this realm, not only would cultivation progress rapidly, but one could also use the wisdom sword to slay external demons.

Especially during major breakthroughs, it has extraordinary effects!

To outsiders, this technique is not a secret art for breaking through realms, but it is even more effective than such arts!

Unfortunately, Ming Wen had long since stopped specializing in the Sword Path and was naturally unable to cultivate the Wisdom Sword Technique.

But he couldn't bear to give up the unique effects of this Sword Sect secret technique.

Therefore, he modified it to suit his own circumstances and created the Calming the Storm technique.

When cultivated to perfection, the effect of this technique is not even half as powerful as the Wisdom Sword Technique, but it is also simpler to cultivate and is not limited to the weapon of the sword. Other physical items can be used as substitutes.

The reason Ming Wen was able to survive in the Magnetic Mini Valley and coexist with the remnants of the Third Stage Demon King for forty years was because he had cultivated this Calming the Storm technique.

One could even say that over the forty years of resistance, his understanding of this technique had deepened significantly.

After personally transcribing the entire technique for Luo Chen, Ming Wen frankly stated that once his improved Calming the Storm technique reached perfection, its effect could match about seventy percent of the Wisdom Sword Technique.

"I see that you have the determination to form a Golden Core, and this technique might be of some help to you. It can also be considered a resolution to our past grudges."

"Luo Chen, I will trade this technique for a dignified death."

Ming Wen's last words still echoed in Luo Chen's ears.

Luo Chen carefully stored the jade slip into his Thunder-Accumulating Treasure Ring.

He wasn't sure if the technique was genuine or if it contained any hidden tricks.

After all, his relationship with Ming Wen wasn't that close.

The saying that a person's last words are always good doesn't apply to everyone.

After returning, he would need to carefully consider his research on this technique.

Suddenly, the flying boat paused slightly.

Luo Chen stood at the bow, his sharp eyes gazing into the distance.

The eerie Demon Realm with its dense demonic energy came into view in an instant.

Its range had expanded several times compared to before.

From the inner city to the outer city's shanty town, all the way west to the Lancang River, the once-familiar Slanted Moon Valley, Small Globe Mountain, and Clear River Long Street had all disappeared, swallowed up by the Demon Realm.

But!

"Is it over just like this?"

The territory of a Third Stage Demon King shouldn't be limited to such an extent.

Just as Luo Chen was puzzled, he suddenly exclaimed in surprise.

"Huh?"

"That is..."

In his line of sight, a streak of escaping light flew out from another direction of the Ancient Original Mountain Range.

They were carrying a huge demonic beast, and it was unclear whether it was dead or alive, but they flew straight into the Demon Realm.

After a long while, they slowly flew out.

With Luo Chen's eyesight, he could vaguely see the relieved expressions on their faces and the emblems on their clothing.

"Sword Sect disciples!"

Luo Chen was startled.

He didn't know what the Sword Sect disciples were doing here.

Logically, the appearance of Sword Sect members in Great River Market was a reasonable thing, and one could even say that they had come too late. They should have arrived decades earlier.

The fact that they hadn't come before was attributed to being held back by the Falling Cloud Sect.

But now, it seemed like something was amiss.

These people had sent a living Tier 2 demonic beast into the Demon Realm...

"Could it be that they are helping Pang Ren Xiong cultivate?"

This sudden thought sent a shock through Luo Chen's heart.

Without further delay, he concealed his spiritual light and hurriedly left the Great River Market in his flying boat.

...

Following the old route, Luo Chen rushed along.

What had taken him several months before now only took him three days to reach Heavenwave Immortal City.

Along the way, he passed through Mount Tai Market, Radiant Light Market, and Yuanzhao Kingdom, places he had visited before.

However, Luo Chen didn't bother the locals and only briefly scanned the area with his spiritual perception.

During this journey, he didn't encounter any troubles.

Just like that, he quietly and silently entered Danxia Peak.

In the Luotian Main Hall.

Xing Zonghan received the imperial edict and hurried back to report the intelligence.

This trip wasn't particularly long, only about half a year.

But if you add the time spent preparing for the trip, it would be nearly ten years.

Therefore, the intelligence that Xing Zonghan gathered was particularly complex.

"The target of the Colony War has been definitively set as the Howling Moon Mountain Range!"

"The initiator is the Falling Cloud Sect, and in addition to the initial five Nascent Soul Supreme Sects and the thirteen Great Sects, four more Nascent Soul Supreme Sects and five Core Formation Great Sects have decided to join the Colony War. Below is the list of new sects joining the Colony War: Divine Talisman Sect, Five Elements Divine Sect, Splendor Palace, Skyreach Cliff, Dream Spring Cave, Return Pearl Tower..."

"In total, there are nine Nascent Soul Supreme Sects and eighteen Core Formation Great Sects, and this campaign is also known as the Twenty-Seven Sects' Conquest of Howling Moon."

Twenty-seven sects joining the conquest of Howling Moon?

This is no different from the Sixteen Sects' Conquest of Lianxia four hundred years ago.

Above, Luo Chen silently recited the names of the new sects.

The addition of the Divine Talisman Sect and the Five Elements Divine Sect was expected.

When the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect opened up the Lianxia Mountain Range, they had the help of two sects.

This time, in addition to the six Eastern Sects, there are also two more Nascent Soul Supreme Sects: Splendor Palace and Skyreach Cliff.

A vast and untamed mountain range indeed holds immense potential.

But is it necessary to attract the attention of nine Nascent Soul Supreme Sects? Moreover, those eighteen Core Formation Great Sects are not to be underestimated.

As far as he knew, the Dream Spring Cave of Mount Jiuhua was a well-known Core Formation Great Sect in the Splendor Domain, famous for its various spirit springs. The Dream Spring Cave cultivators were quite wealthy due to their spirit spring business.

The Return Pearl Tower was also not weak; it was a renowned assassin organization, rumored to have a Nascent Soul Master backing them.

As for the Liu Sen Zhai, it was said...

"With so many forces, the Howling Moon Mountain Range might not be enough to divide among them all!"

Luo Chen's brows furrowed as he couldn't understand why so many sects had joined this Colony War.

The sheer number of people is naturally a great advantage for war.

However, when it comes to dividing the spoils after the war, it becomes a significant disadvantage.

The cake is only so big, and as the leading force, is Falling Cloud Sect willing to settle for just a twenty-seventh of it?

Jade Cauldron Sword Sect has endured for so many years, but they can't bear it any longer.

He doesn't believe that Han Zhan, the Nascent Soul Master of Falling Cloud Sect, is that short-sighted.

If it were him, he would rather suffer greater losses during the war and be willing to claim a larger share afterward.

The former is merely a short-term loss, while the latter is a long-term benefit!

Suddenly, Luo Chen recalled the scene of the White Bone Dao Palace in the Great Snow Mountain.

One Howling Moon Mountain Range is not enough to divide, but if there's another Great Snow Mountain, it seems more than enough.

If Cang Lang Senior successfully advances to the Nascent Soul Stage and takes advantage of this momentum to initiate the Colony War for the Ice Fortress, then these additional forces can be fully utilized, right?

If this speculation is true,

Then it makes sense for Han Zhan to personally intervene and protect Cang Lang Senior's cultivation path.

Of course, whether the two have a prior relationship is a secret that Luo Chen is unaware of.

But if Cang Lang Senior fails to advance to the Nascent Soul Stage...

Luo Chen pursed his lips and asked, "Is Gu Caiyi in charge of the business on the Ice Fortress side, right?"

Xing Zonghan nodded, "Yes, she has always been in charge of this aspect."

"Dispatch some of the Luotian Association's people to the merchant team and regularly gather intelligence on the Ice Fortress, then report back to me."

Xing Zonghan was puzzled, "What kind of intelligence?"

Luo Chen wanted to say something about the Nascent Soul Master.

But at the last moment, he changed it to, "All intelligence!"

In his opinion, if Cang Lang Senior successfully breaks through, the news will naturally spread, and there's no need to actively collect it.

But if he fails...

"Also, the trade route to Mount Tai Market can be opened up. I'll discuss this with Sima Hui Niang, and you can send someone ahead to gather intelligence on the Radiant Light, Mount Tai, and Great River Markets, and make preparations."

"Yes!"

Xing Zonghan accepted the task and left.

Luo Chen's thoughtful gaze didn't stop.

The scene at the Great River Market was still fresh in his memory.

Over the past few days, as he reminisced, he vaguely realized the truth behind Jade Cauldron Sword Sect's abandonment of Pang Ren Xiong over the years.

It's not that they didn't care; instead, they let things slide, intentionally giving Pang Ren Xiong time to turn to Ghost Cultivation!

Ghost Cultivators are also a type of true cultivator on the path to immortality.

As long as they don't harm the heavens or commit mass slaughter, they won't be branded as Demon Cultivators.

However, what Pang Ren Xiong has been doing these years can hardly be considered a proper Ghost Cultivation method.

Precisely because of this, his progress has been incredibly fast, and in a short time, he has cultivated to the Third Stage Demon King level, comparable to his previous Golden Core cultivation.

Jade Cauldron Sword Sect didn't intervene before because it was difficult to do so.

If they had, Pang Ren Xiong wouldn't have been so reckless in his pursuit of rapid advancement, after all, Jade Cauldron Sword Sect still upholds the idea of eradicating demonic influences.

By not intervening, they can wait until the right time to see the results.

Now, Sword Sect has sent Foundation Establishment Cultivators to assist Pang Ren Xiong's cultivation.

They probably want to put an end to this matter before the Colony War begins in forty years.

After all, by then, there will be many people involved, and cultivators from other sects won't care about Sword Sect's intentions; they'll only be shouting for battle.

As Luo Chen was sorting out these matters,

More people gradually entered the main hall.

Sima Hui Niang and Duan Feng walked in.

"President, you're back? Did you encounter any difficulties on your trip?" Sima Hui Niang asked with concern.

With their perception, they couldn't sense Luo Chen's current condition.

Luo Chen naturally reported the good news but kept the bad news to himself.

After some casual conversation, he brought up the matter of opening the trade route from Luotian Association to Mount Tai Market.

"Once the Colony War begins, the four markets adjacent to the Howling Moon Mountain Range—Radiant Light, Mount Tai, Great River, and Snow Lotus—will undoubtedly become the most critical strongholds."

"The interests involved are also immeasurable!"

"Our Luotian Association is a small sect, and we certainly can't claim the lion's share of the benefits. But by taking the initiative and seizing some opportunities in advance, we can still benefit greatly. Even if we only get a small share, it will be invaluable!"

"So, it's time to take action on this matter that has been brought up before."

After hearing him out, Sima Hui Niang nodded heavily.

"I've been thinking the same, but I've been holding back this impulse due to the enforcement teams of the Falling Cloud and Jade Cauldron Sects."

Luo Chen smiled, "Don't worry about those rules; they only restrict Golden Core and above major powers. And this time, we're not acting under the pretext of opening trade routes."

Sima Hui Niang was taken aback.

"Then what pretext are we using?"

Luo Chen looked at Duan Feng beside him.

"The pretext of revenge!"

Duan Feng seemed to have already realized this, and he nodded slightly, "I have a grudge with the Pine Family of Radiant Light Market. Now that I've made progress in my cultivation, it's time to avenge my father. No one can say otherwise."

Sima Hui Niang instantly understood and broke into a brilliant smile.

"In that case, I'll make the arrangements right away!"

"No, we need to be more cautious." Luo Chen shook his head and brought up his observations from the journey. "Many smart people have the same idea. From what I've seen, there are already many Foundation Establishment True Cultivators in Radiant Light Market, clearly the vanguard of other forces.

So, if we're not going to do it, then let's drop it. But if we do, we should make a firm decision."

In front of the two of them, Luo Chen took out a painting scroll from his storage bag.

Upon seeing the scroll, Duan Feng's eyes widened in surprise.

"This is..."

"Your family heirloom should now be returned to its rightful owner."

Luo Chen smiled and generously gave the Zeguo Gui Tu, a defensive treasure, to Duan Feng.

A strand of spiritual energy carried the scroll to Duan Feng.

For a moment, he was so excited that he couldn't control himself.

After all, this was a defensive type of treasure! It was only through the combined efforts of several generations of the Duan family, along with some of the family's founding heritage, that they were able to forge it by chance.

In the cultivation world, it could also fetch an extremely high price!

"Go back and refine this treasure well. You must be able to use it simply within ten years."

"When attacking the Radiant Light Market and the Pine Family, you will be the main leader, with Hui Niang and Xing Zonghan as your assistants. The Battle Arena Hall cultivators will be under your command, and if you have any other needs, you can also bring them up after considering them in these years."

"I only have one request. After taking over the Radiant Light Market and occupying the Pine Family's land, establish a branch of the Danxia Pavilion for the Luo Tian Association!"

Duan Feng nodded excitedly and then left to carry out his orders.

After he left, Sima Hui Niang watched his departing figure, deep in thought.

Behind her, Luo Chen's playful voice reached her ears.

"What's the matter? Are you envious that I gave him a water attribute defense treasure?"

Sima Hui Niang turned around, shaking her head. "I don't often go out, and battles rarely involve me, so how could I envy such a treasure? I was wondering why you value the Radiant Light Market so much."

As she thought about it, she slowly understood.

"You're interested in the poor spiritual energy environment of the Radiant Light Market?"

Luo Chen nodded in approval.

Once the Colony War begins, the front line will undoubtedly offer great benefits, but to transform some resources into spirit stones, one must rely on the thirty-six great domains in the rear! Therefore, the first few markets that come into contact with these resources naturally become the hub of commercial operations.

However, whether it's the Mount Tai Market or the Great River Market, they are all places with extremely favorable geographical environments.

Such good places are completely out of reach for the Luo Tian Association.

It's likely that the original landowners will be driven out.

On the contrary, the Radiant Light Market is somewhat special.

As a former mining market, this place suffered damage to its spirit vein due to excessive mining by the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect, resulting in an unsuitable environment for cultivation. Therefore, it's not highly regarded.

Additionally, since it's not adjacent to other domains, major sects won't place much importance on it.

If the Luo Tian Association can occupy this place in advance, relying on Luo Chen's good relationship with the Falling Cloud Sect and the Ice Fortress, as well as their own strength, they might be able to establish a foothold.

If they can also bring the Kang Family on board, they will naturally have the backing of the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect.

At that time, by relying on this second-line market, the Luo Tian Association can seize the initiative without causing jealousy from others.

Of course!

These thoughts were just random ideas that Luo Chen had on his way back.

His next focus would definitely not be on these trivial matters.

"Hui Niang, I'm going to prepare for Core Formation!"

This simple statement caused the woman's breathing to quicken instantly.

She asked subconsciously, "Is there anything I can help with?"

Luo Chen smiled slightly, "There's quite a lot, actually!"

Core Formation is a significant matter.

Especially since Luo Chen's talent is too dull, although Cang Long Senior had a different opinion and provided sound reasoning.

But in the end, Luo Chen still has the five elemental root constitution, which is considered worthless in the cultivation world.

Therefore, to achieve Core Formation, one must strive for excellence in every aspect! And this means a massive amount of resources are needed!

Fortunately, Sima Hui Niang, who oversees the Luo Tian Association, can be of great help during Luo Chen's seclusion.

In front of her, Luo Chen listed the various resources he required.

Healing potions, medicinal herbs for alchemy, supporting elixirs for transformation, plans for lifebound treasures, and even life-saving pills needed in case of failure.

Currently, many cultivators from the various domains in the Eastern Wilderness are gathering in the Jade Cauldron Domain under the pretext of the Colony War.

With more people, resources will naturally circulate.

The Luo Tian Association can relatively easily collect the resources Luo Chen needs.

"Lastly, I need a large number of demonic beasts, both first and second-stage, and they must be alive!"

After hearing the last request, Sima Hui Niang nodded.

"That's not a problem. We're already in the spirit beast business, so we have a legitimate reason to acquire them. Although it's a bit more troublesome to get live ones, I can find a few channels to get them for you."

Seeing that she had assured him of meeting every demand, Luo Chen couldn't help but sigh.

"To have a wife like you, what more could a man ask for? Thank you for your help this time."

"It's my pleasure, and I dare not ask for anything in return. Helping you with Core Formation is my duty." The woman's eyes were filled with tenderness as she looked at Luo Chen, but suddenly, she hesitated. "President, you will succeed, right?"

Core Formation is a significant matter and a challenging endeavor filled with risks.

Failure could result in decades of difficulty in recovering one's vitality, or even death on the spot.

It's no wonder that Sima Hui Niang, who is usually calm and composed, would show concern.

To this,

Luo Chen smiled confidently.

"Definitely!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end