https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-458-Luo-Chen-Emerges-from-Seclusion/12936115/
Chapter 459: Let's Get Married!
Chapter 459: Let's Get Married!
Luo Chen returned home, not to the 17th Cave Mansion, but to the Luo Tian Association on Danxia Peak.
The name Luo Tian Association doesn't quite fit anymore.
It should be called the Luo Tian Sect.
Over the years, under Sima Hui Niang's guidance, the members of the Luo Tian Association have gradually become accustomed to considering themselves as part of the Luo Tian Sect.
The reason it hasn't been completely turned around is simply due to the lack of a larger occasion.
If everything goes as expected, after Luo Chen's Essence Condensation Ceremony, the name Luo Tian Sect will be fully accepted.
As Luo Chen stepped onto Danxia Peak, he didn't conceal his appearance but presented himself as he was to the Luo Tian Sect's cultivators.
When Luo Chen appeared, the lower-level disciples initially reacted with shock, followed by joy and admiration.
Titles of "President" and "Supreme Elder" were respectfully uttered from their mouths.
Perhaps, in the future, Luo Chen would also be addressed as "Patriarch."
However, as the sect had only recently been restructured, and the corresponding inheritance system had not yet been expanded, the concept of a sect had not yet taken deep root in the hearts of every member.
As Luo Chen walked, his expression remained calm and composed.
He calmly observed the changes in everyone's demeanor, gracefully accepting their respect.
This time, he didn't display his usual warm smile and amiable demeanor.
It wasn't that he had changed.
But due to the vast difference in cultivation realms, his friendliness and kindness might instead impose greater pressure on those below him.
Maintaining a distant and indifferent attitude was more suitable for his interactions with the lower-level cultivators of the Luo Tian Sect.
These lower-level cultivators didn't need to worry about pleasing him or figuring out how to converse with him.
Respect and admiration were enough!
As he walked on Danxia Peak, Luo Chen's spirit sense gradually expanded.
After Foundation Establishment, cultivators could project their soul spirits, commonly known as spirit perception.
Typically, when Foundation Establishment cultivators initially advance, their spirit perception can reach a distance of one or two miles, still falling short of their visual range.
The advantage is heightened perception, allowing them to easily detect even those who are hiding.
The limit of ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators' spirit perception is around twenty miles for those at the peak of Foundation Establishment.
Luo Chen was different.
When he first entered the Foundation Establishment stage, his spirit perception could reach five miles.
Even after he achieved Grand Completion in Foundation Establishment and had divided a significant portion of his soul spirit, he could still vaguely sense the situation fifty miles away.
However, he possessed a pair of transformed spirit eyes that allowed him to see a thousand miles away in an unobstructed environment.
Therefore, he didn't rely on his spirit perception as frequently.
As cultivators progress to the Golden Core stage, their soul spirits are fully formed, and what they project is no longer just a bit of spirit perception.
It becomes spirit sense!
Normally, the difference between spirit perception and spirit sense is around five to ten times.
In other words, a twenty-mile detection range expands to about one hundred to two hundred miles.
This distance is also roughly the accurate killing range of Golden Core cultivators during combat.
For instance, in the battle between Pang Ren Xiong and Lu Ju Shi, they had struck a blow that created a hundred-mile-wide crater on the Lancang River, instantly evaporating the flowing river and exposing the riverbed.
Luo Chen's spirit sense followed this normal pattern, expanding from fifty miles to five hundred miles.
Taking the maximum value!
It might seem like that's all there is to it.
But based on Luo Chen's interactions with Qu Xi Bai and Hao Ranzi after his Core Formation, the strength of a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator's soul spirit seemed to be around this level.
The reason for this judgment is that Qu Xi Bai, a second-layer Golden Core cultivator, could project his spirit sense three hundred miles away.
Hao Ranzi, a late-stage Golden Core cultivator of unknown cultivation level, could project his spirit sense around eight hundred miles.
Therefore, Luo Chen took the middle value.
Of course!
There might be some margin of error, as Qu Xi Bai is a Falling Cloud Sect cultivator, and his soul spirit is stronger than that of ordinary Golden Core cultivators.
Nevertheless, Luo Chen was certain that his current soul spirit strength was comparable to that of a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator.
The long years of cultivation naturally strengthened his soul spirit.
But the leap to a higher realm brought about an even more significant increase in strength!
Those with a solid foundation gained the most significant benefits after breaking through to a higher realm.
Luo Chen reaped these benefits.
At this moment, under the influence of his spirit sense, the situation on Danxia Peak gradually entered his mind.
When he reached the white jade path outside the Luotian Main Hall, he couldn't help but marvel at how Sima Hui Niang and the others had indeed managed to make the Luo Tian Sect thrive over the years.
There were already two thousand cultivators residing on Danxia Peak alone.
This number might not seem significant, but it's essential to remember that the Luo Tian Sect currently has more than just Danxia Peak as its base.
The former Geng family's territory is now the primary activity area for the Spirit Beast Hall.
The Thousand Li Bamboo Sea has also been assigned a group of cultivators to cultivate various types of spirit bamboo.
Additionally, the Luo Tian Sect has established branch temples in various locations outside, each with at least ten cultivators.
The Luo Tian Trading Team is another important department, consisting of members from the Battle Arena Hall, the Golden Hall, and the Outer Gate, totaling over a hundred people.
The Luo Tian Sect has already established three such trading teams.
One team is responsible for the Ice Fortress route, another for the Great River Market route, and the third for the entire Jade Cauldron Domain.
Therefore, considering all these factors.
The current number of cultivators in the Luo Tian Sect has long surpassed the previous three thousand and is likely around five thousand.
Such a massive organization would be too fragile if it were held together solely by interests.
To establish a sect, the most appropriate model is to cultivate cohesion, mentor-disciple relationships, and bloodline inheritance, all while managing the intricacies of interests and benefits.
As these thoughts crossed Luo Chen's mind, he withdrew his spirit sense.
At the end of the white jade walkway, a group of Foundation Establishment Cultivators stood in two rows, respectfully awaiting his arrival.
Leading them was Sima Hui Niang, the current Supreme Elder of Luo Tian Sect.
Luo Chen recognized many familiar faces and, with a quick scan of his spirit sense, he knew that their cultivation had progressed slightly over the years.
At the very end of the two rows, there were also many new faces.
When they saw Luo Chen appear, they all spoke up, led by Sima Hui Niang.
"We welcome the Supreme Elder's return to the mountain!"
Luo Chen smiled slightly, "Don't stand here, let's go inside the hall and chat."
In front of Qi Cultivators, he maintained a distant and cold demeanor.
However, facing these Foundation Establishment Cultivators, the core strength of Luo Tian Sect, he was as amiable as ever.
Perhaps this was different from the modern corporate management principles he had experienced in his past life.
In those companies, the big bosses always smiled at the lower-level employees but showed no courtesy to the core strengths or high-level management.
But the cultivation world was entirely different.
This was a world where great power belonged to the individual.
High-level cultivators naturally exerted pressure on lower-level ones, and there was no need to feign courtesy.
However, for these cultivators who were just one realm below Luo Chen, he still needed to treat them well.
Otherwise, they might not feel a sense of belonging.
At best, they would slack off, and at worst, they might defect or even become traitors, secretly harming him.
Luo Chen's post-Golden Core cultivation resources still relied on the contributions of these core members.
He couldn't afford to neglect them!
Seeing Luo Chen's usual amiability, even those elders who had a good relationship with him couldn't help but feel relieved.
As Luo Chen walked to the front, the crowd quickly followed him into the Central Hall.
...
At the front of the hall, Luo Chen held a list, examining it carefully.
The list recorded the current number of Foundation Establishment Cultivators in Luo Tian Sect, and it specifically noted those with the potential to reach the Foundation Establishment Stage within the next ten years.
Twenty-five Foundation Establishment Cultivators!
This was the foundation of Luo Tian Sect! Far surpassing second-rate sects, they could now be compared to those first-rate sects with only one Golden Core Cultivator, established over many years.
The number surprised Luo Chen.
After all, there were only thirteen people in the hall at the moment.
Moreover, Luo Tian Sect had suffered significant losses among its Foundation Establishment Cultivators in numerous major battles over the years.
For example, Su Xiaolin and Bian Zhen had perished in battle.
The legendary physician Sun Sifeng had reached the end of his lifespan and passed away.
Murong Qinglian had left for Falling Cloud Sect, and so on.
Unexpectedly, after Luo Chen's extended seclusion, the number of Foundation Establishment Cultivators in Luo Tian Sect had increased.
Furthermore, many familiar names were on the list.
Luo Chen carefully studied the roster, and the people below waited quietly.
Suddenly—
"Qi Yi, where's your junior martial brother?"
The middle-aged man whose name was called stood up, looking embarrassed.
Luo Chen waved his hand, "Today is just a casual chat, relax, there's no need to be so formal."
The middle-aged man smiled awkwardly but sat back down with a sense of relief.
He replied, "My junior martial brother, Xu Jie, passed away fifteen years ago at the age of one hundred and eight, his cultivation plateaued at the ninth layer of Qi Condensation."
Hearing this news, Luo Chen's face showed a hint of regret.
Qi Yi and Xu Jie were the two "spoils of war" that Wang Yuan had brought back from Danyu Gate.
They were both first-tier alchemists with some achievements.
Luo Chen had no complaints about them and had even arranged for them to work in the Golden Hall.
Over the years, the two had gradually integrated into Luo Tian Sect and became somewhat renowned alchemists.
Unexpectedly, Xu Jie had passed away.
Seeing Luo Chen's expression of regret, Qi Yi quickly spoke up, "President, there's no need for self-blame. Although my junior martial brother passed away, his life was relatively comfortable."
Luo Chen was taken aback.
Sima Hui Niang, sitting beside him, transmitted her voice, briefly explaining Xu Jie's situation.
After integrating into Luo Tian Sect, Xu Jie's life had improved significantly due to his alchemy skills and the sect's generous treatment.
He had advanced to the ninth layer of Qi Condensation and had become quite wealthy.
Feeling the difficulty of cultivation and recognizing his inferior talent, Xu Jie gave up on the idea of reaching the Foundation Establishment Stage. Instead, relying on his substantial wealth, he often indulged in the scenery of Tao Shan...
The scenery of Tao Shan?
Alright then!
Luo Chen shook his head; indeed, Xu Jie had lived a comfortable life. It was said that he had spent a significant sum to enjoy the company of a female Foundation Establishment Cultivator from Tao Shan.
He had enjoyed the company of a Foundation Establishment Cultivator but had never reached that cultivation stage himself. He had lived to be one hundred and eight years old,
For a normal Qi Cultivator, the average lifespan was one hundred and twenty years, so he had lived about ten years less than that, probably due to his indulgences.
Luo Chen inquired about Qi Yi's needs after reaching the Foundation Establishment Stage and his requirements for alchemy techniques, and then encouraged him.
Then, he turned to a young man.
"Is that you, Lou Ying?"
The young man stood up, about to pay his respects, but then remembered Luo Chen's words about not being too formal, so he awkwardly sat back down.
"It's an honor for me that the President remembers my name."
Before the official announcement that Luo Tian Association would change to a sect, the inner sect members still habitually addressed Luo Chen as President.
This was the case for Qi Yi and Lou Ying.
Luo Chen didn't pay much attention to these things. He smiled and asked a few questions.
"The Outer Gate has developed remarkably well under your management these years, providing many promising talents for the Inner Gate!"
"It's what I should do."
"I recall you're from the Battle Arena Hall, right?"
"Yes, I was previously under Elder Su Xiaolin."
"Xiaolin... Do you feel more comfortable in the Outer Gate, or in the Battle Arena Hall?"
"Comfortable? It's hard to say. The Outer Gate has more tasks, but it's safer. The Battle Arena Hall has fewer tasks but often involves combat. If I had to choose, as long as I can contribute to the sect, I don't mind where I am."
Luo Chen looked at Lou Ying seriously.
The once shy young man had matured through his experiences in the Outer Gate, and his conversational skills were now quite impressive.
After praising Lou Ying, Luo Chen chatted with the others.
The initially cold atmosphere, which had been present for many years, gradually became more familiar.
Finally, they got to the main topic.
"The Essence Condensation Ceremony date has been set for three months from now."
"At that time, there will likely be many guests, so everyone should be prepared and not neglect any esteemed visitor."
"It will be the moment when the Luo Tian Sect showcases its strength."
"If, after hundreds or even thousands of years, the Luo Tian Sect still thrives, all of you will be the wise ancestors who founded the sect alongside me. Therefore, during this ceremony, everyone must maintain the sect's dignified reputation and not tarnish its name."
After Luo Chen finished speaking calmly, the hall fell silent, and then everyone stood up solemnly.
"We obey the Supreme Elder's command!"
...
The crowd gradually dispersed, as the outside world was in a tumultuous state, and the Luo Tian Sect was equally busy.
Luo Chen naturally didn't keep them any longer.
When most people had left, Luo Chen walked to the hall's entrance, his distant gaze seemed to fall upon the bustling shadows in the mountains.
Sima Hui Niang and Gu Caiyi stood behind him, their graceful figures with hands clasped in front.
Suddenly, a soft sigh escaped.
"In the eighty years since our journey from the Great River Market to Heavenwave Immortal City, countless trials and tribulations have been overcome, and now we have finally established this foundation!"
Sima Hui Niang and Gu Caiyi exchanged glances. Even though they didn't usually get along, at this moment, they couldn't help but tighten their lips, their hearts filled with countless emotions.
They were Luo Chen's closest confidants and the ones who knew the most about his secrets.
Along the way, there were not only the glorious moments of Dan Dust Master, but also the battles of Fire Spirit Lord, Chen, and Tu.
When they first left the Great River Market, the entire Luo Tian Association had barely over a hundred people, and Luo Chen was the only Foundation Establishment Cultivator among them.
But now, there were as many as twenty-five!
The older generation, Wang Yuan and Duan Feng.
Those who joined later, Chu Kui, Xu Hai Zhen, and Xing Zonghan.
The younger generation, Qu Ling Jun, Zeng Yilong, Yuan Xiaoyue, Yao Mingyue, Lou Ying, and more.
These people either supported each other with Luo Chen or were promoted by him, and some are still growing under his protection.
To achieve so much from scratch with his own strength was a living legend in the entire Jade Cauldron Domain, even in the entire Eastern Wilderness Cultivation World.
Especially since he had successfully reached the Core Formation Stage!
As countless emotions surged, the two women's eyes shone with pride.
They were proud of Luo Chen! They were proud of him! Because he was their man!
Suddenly, Luo Chen turned around.
His eyes fixed intently on the two women.
"Let's become Dao Companions."
The two women were taken aback, caught off guard.
Gu Caiyi blurted out, "Yes!"
Sima Hui Niang wanted to agree, but hesitated and asked, "Aren't we already Dao Companions?"
Luo Chen gently held her hand.
"That's only in name, but I still need you to give me a proper, official title."
This wasn't a sudden whim of Luo Chen's.
It had been something he had been considering for a long time.
The two women had followed him and received much care from him, but they had also made many sacrifices for Luo Chen.
Whether it was Sima Hui Niang, who, as a woman, supported the Luo Tian Association despite others' criticism, or Gu Caiyi, who worked hard to manage the Danxia Pavilion's business and opened up multiple trade routes for the Luo Tian Association, their dedication was evident.
Especially during the years when Luo Chen was away in Green Pill Valley, disappeared in the Ji Lei Shan battlefield, and secluded himself for cultivation, they even sacrificed their cultivation progress to ensure the Luo Tian Association's prosperity.
To have such wives, what more could a man ask for? Especially when they were both equally outstanding women!
They weren't just relying on men but were also striving to shine on their own.
The two women played an indispensable role in his success.
Luo Chen held Sima Hui Niang's hand and embraced Gu Caiyi, gazing at the myriad rays of light beyond the green mountains.
"I've made up my mind."
"During the Essence Condensation Ceremony, under the gaze of countless onlookers, the three of us will officially become Dao Companions."
"At that time, the Luo Tian Association will naturally transform into the Luo Tian Sect, a sect with a legacy of Core Formation."
"With three joyous occasions, why not?"
Gu Caiyi's eyes sparkled with joy, as if she could already envision the scene.
She tightly clasped Luo Chen's waist, as if afraid that the image would fade like a fleeting dream.
Sima Hui Niang opened her mouth, then sighed softly and leaned into Luo Chen's embrace.
This time, she no longer hesitated or refused.
She simply said,
"I will follow you."
(End of Chapter)
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