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Chapter 461: Refining Treasures, The Absolute Emotion Fairy Arrives
Chapter 461: Refining Treasures, The Absolute Emotion Fairy Arrives
Having achieved the Golden Core, how can one climb the peak of the Nascent Soul Stage?
It's a matter of taking one step at a time, accumulating small gains to reach the realm of a true immortal.
When it comes to cultivation, Luo Chen must now consider two crucial issues.
Spirit Land and Alchemy Pills!
The former is the most important, but it's simply impossible to address in a short time.
The cave mansions on Heavenly Wave Peak are highly coveted.
Even with his wealth... well, Luo Chen doesn't have many spirit stones on him at the moment.
Renting Cave Mansion Three for thirty years has left both Luo Chen and the Luo Tian Association completely broke.
Excluding fifty superior-grade spirit stones and the thousand intermediate-grade spirit stones that must be kept in Danxia Peak, his pockets are emptier than his face.
Qin Tai Ran's storage bag remains unopened.
The storage bags of the other Foundation Establishment Cultivators, however, have all been emptied.
But the resources inside, along with Luo Chen's previous savings, have all been handed over to Heavenwave Immortal City, barely covering the previous debt of spirit stones.
Now, he truly has nothing in his pockets.
A Tier 3 Spirit Land?
Let's not think about that for now.
Like the Golden Core Cultivators from other domains, he'll have to make do with a Tier 2 Superior Mansion.
If a suitable Spirit Land is unattainable, then the alchemy pills that can accelerate cultivation are a must-have.
Over the years, Luo Chen has also collected quite a few Tier 3 pill formulas.
However, most of them are incomplete.
During the dispute over the Azure Pill Dao Seed, he obtained several ancient pill formulas from the Grand Pill Academy of Green Pill Valley.
One of them is suitable for cultivation.
But two of the main ingredients have become extinct, making it a case of a skilled cook lacking the necessary ingredients.
As for the other pill formulas?
Imperial Flowing Jelly, a Tier 2 Foundation Establishment pill, contains a decent amount of spiritual energy.
However, its main ingredients are various types of beasts.
Although each type of Tier 2 beast used in its refinement has boundary-breaking effects, long-term consumption can easily make one's bloodline impure.
After careful consideration, Luo Chen naturally decided against it.
In the end, Luo Chen set his sights on the Dark Essence Pill!
This is a Tier 3 boundary-breaking pill with an extremely domineering medicinal effect! It's not suitable for cultivation.
Moreover, its main ingredients are hard to find.
But Luo Chen had deeply researched it for ten years and gained entry through the system.
If he could replace the main ingredients, even if the medicinal effect of the refined Dark Essence Pill is reduced to one-tenth, it would still be an excellent cultivation pill!
However, the effort required to simplify and reverse-engineer a pill formula derived from a Divine Transformation expert is unimaginable.
Luo Chen could only try it step by step.
Perhaps someone might ask, why not just buy it?
The Medicine King Sect is in the business of selling alchemy pills, after all.
But the reality is far more complex.
The difficulty of refining Tier 3 pills far exceeds the capabilities of ordinary alchemists.
The Medicine King Sect has a mature refining system, but their sales channels are also fixed.
Basically, the Tier 3 pills refined by the Medicine King Sect are supplied directly to the Golden Core Cultivators of various major sects.
It's extremely challenging for loose cultivators to establish stable transactions for Tier 3 pills.
This is why Luo Chen insisted on establishing the Luo Tian Sect.
Only after establishing the Luo Tian Sect would he have the confidence to negotiate with the Medicine King Sect for a stable supply of Tier 3 cultivation pills.
Moreover, he had to consider one more thing.
His demand for pills far exceeds that of a typical cultivator.
Even if the Medicine King Sect is willing to sell to him, the quantity would never be substantial.
Precisely for this reason, Luo Chen decided to refine pills for his own use.
After experiencing the top-grade Descending Dust Pill and top-grade Blood-Increasing Pill, he increasingly felt the benefits of refining pills for personal use.
Since achieving Core Formation, Luo Chen has appeared calm and collected to the outside world.
But only he knows that after Core Formation, the tasks at hand are truly numerous.
Consider Spirit Land, consider the main cultivation pills, consider the Lifebound Technique.
The Convergence of Ten Thousand Paths has been organized, and body tempering can now be incorporated into daily cultivation.
Is that all?
No!
There's much more to it.
The Lifebound Treasure still doesn't even have a shadow of existence.
It's not right to achieve the Golden Core without a Lifebound Treasure! He doesn't want to be like those ordinary Golden Core Cultivators who are content with mediocrity, casually buying a mid-grade treasure and starting to nurture and refine it.
The Lifebound Treasure—a companion that cultivates alongside the cultivator! It not only involves daily cultivation but also affects future cultivation after Nascent Soul and Divine Transformation.
If one is fortunate enough to attain immortality one day, the Lifebound Treasure will also transform into the rumored Immortal Artifact!
Therefore, a truly excellent Lifebound Treasure is one that can complement the cultivator.
Take the Sword Orb of the Sword Sect, for example. It can aid in cultivation, combat, and refining the sword intent of the Sword Sect cultivators.
Luo Chen, before achieving Core Formation, managed to solidify his foundation.
There's no reason for him to seek quick fixes after Core Formation.
Amidst the myriad of tasks, it's quite vexing.
However, Luo Chen slowly sorted things out.
Everything takes time!
Whether he can cultivate to the Nascent Soul Stage with his life span increased to four hundred years is another matter, but at least he's still young.
Tasks can be tackled one by one.
In the cave mansion.
Luo Chen looked at the three treasures before him, his eyes clear.
"Without a suitable Tier 3 Spirit Land and Tier 3 pills, my cultivation speed won't soar, and I've just reached the first level of the Golden Core realm, so there won't be much improvement in the short term."
"
"The most urgent task is to thoroughly master the combat methods of the Golden Core stage!"
Longevity is currently out of reach.
But immortality is a must.
Only by mastering the combat methods of the corresponding realm and possessing the power to protect oneself can one pursue longevity.
"In terms of spell cultivation, I need a venue, time, and proficiency."
"The quickest way to increase my strength is through treasures!"
At this moment, the three treasures before Luo Chen are carefully selected by him.
The three items were the Mystic Flame Sword, Soul-Breaking Tridents, and the Heavenly Moon Purple Gold Wheel.
Qi Condensation Cultivators often only mastered one or two magical tools due to their insufficient spiritual power.
After Foundation Establishment, spiritual power was sufficient to control multiple magical tools.
Unfortunately, the power of these tools was inadequate.
In pursuit of greater destructive force, cultivators usually only refined one inferior-grade treasure.
Why not refine more?
This was due to the limitations of spirit perception.
With insufficient soul foundation and weak external spirit perception, having more treasures was useless.
Even Luo Chen, during his Foundation Establishment stage, despite being able to multitask, often only used the Mystic Flame Sword in battles.
Quality over quantity! Of course, there were those who craved more options and hidden aces.
Like He Lian Yun.
Flying swords, golden bricks, soul-breaking spikes, and the Ze Country Gui Chart.
He alone controlled four treasures!
What were the consequences?
It seemed he had forced Luo Chen to reveal his Heavenly Peng True Body, covered in blood, but in reality, even with thorough preparation, he couldn't kill Luo Chen and failed to inflict severe injuries. Luo Chen's injuries were actually caused by being chased by a group of third-stage beasts afterward.
This shows that He Lian Yun's control over the four treasures was far from proficient.
His attacks lacked coordination and couldn't connect smoothly.
If he had used the golden brick and soul-breaking spikes simultaneously instead of one after the other, Luo Chen wouldn't have had the chance to transform into the Heavenly Peng True Body.
He Lian Yun was a negative example.
After reaching the Core Formation stage, cultivators possessed abundant spiritual power and even stronger spirit perception, theoretically allowing them to master multiple treasures.
However, at this stage, Core Formation Cultivators wouldn't be greedy for more.
They would focus their energy on nurturing and refining their lifebound treasures.
Even if they had additional treasures, the number would usually be limited to one or two.
For example, Qin Tai Ran, who, apart from his lifebound treasure Taiyang Furnace, also refined a flying sword.
Luo Chen's upcoming choice went against the traditional path of Core Formation Cultivators.
He planned to master three treasures, not out of arrogance but because he had the confidence.
His abundant spiritual power and strong spirit perception were beyond question, and he also possessed the ability to multitask.
Moreover!
Luo Chen's gaze fell upon the Heavenly Moon Purple Gold Wheel.
This was a treasure, but also a set of treasures.
Once activated, it could unleash 360 crescent-shaped flying wheels in its full glory.
As for set treasures, Luo Chen discovered during his Qi Condensation stage, when he had mastered the Tractional Technique, that he was more adept at using set treasures.
His favorite weapon back then was a set of seven mother-child blades made of jade.
Later, when using the Green Musk Dragon Banner, he could control nine green musk dragons by himself.
It could be said that the most suitable treasure for Luo Chen was a set treasure!
In the absence of a lifebound treasure, this set of the Heavenly Moon Purple Gold Wheel became Luo Chen's most significant reliance.
He had already inspected it.
This treasure was quite extraordinary, and even at the inferior grade, its quality far surpassed that of the Mystic Flame Sword.
Evidently, it wasn't a poorly made treasure from Tianfan City but a genuine inferior-grade treasure!
It was indeed worthy of being refined as a lifebound treasure and justified the price of 80,000 spirit stones it fetched back then.
If he could master this treasure proficiently, it would greatly enhance his combat power.
Aside from the Heavenly Moon Purple Gold Wheel, Luo Chen also had high hopes for the Soul-Breaking Tridents.
Break armor, break essence, break soul.
These three spikes could easily inflict severe injuries on enemies when used unexpectedly.
They were the perfect choice for ambushes.
As for the Mystic Flame Sword, it wasn't chosen for its power but merely because it was a fire-attributed treasure.
Moreover, Luo Chen had already refined it for many years, achieving about 80% control.
Now that he had formed his core, completing the remaining 20% refinement wouldn't take much time.
Additionally, this sword could be used in conjunction with Luo Chen's 'With the Treasure, Control the Technique' skill.
In normal combat, it was quite useful.
Looking at the three treasures, a faint smile appeared on Luo Chen's face.
Even without a lifebound treasure, if he could fully master these three weapons, he wouldn't be weaker than others in early-stage Core Formation battles.
If he combined them with his techniques and the Heavenly Peng True Body, he might even have a chance to defend himself against fourth-layer Core Formation Cultivators.
If outside cultivators knew Luo Chen's thoughts, they would likely be perplexed.
You had the strength to slay two Core Formation Cultivators during your Foundation Establishment stage, one of whom was at the fourth layer, but now you seem more cautious?
Luo Chen had no choice but to be careful.
In those two battles, he had relied on clever tactics.
Especially when killing Qin Tai Ran, with the help of Fei Ming and Absolute Emotion, two mid-stage Core Formation Cultivators, he had to use a Thunder Immortal Pearl and even reveal his Heavenly Peng True Body to barely defeat him.
Even then, he couldn't destroy Qin Tai Ran's soul.
Qin Tai Ran's golden core survived, and if he hadn't been caught by other Core Formation Cultivators later, he might have been able to resurrect through soul transference.
Now, without any help and without the Thunder Immortal Pearl, Luo Chen had to be more cautious.
After making his decision, Luo Chen didn't hesitate and immediately started refining the treasures.
Unlike the cautious refinement during Foundation Establishment, now, at the Core Formation stage, he directly unleashed his spiritual power and spirit perception.
First, he removed the previous owner's imprints from the Heavenly Moon Purple Gold Wheel and Soul-Breaking Tridents.
This step was completed quickly.
In the blink of an eye, the two treasures were free from any foreign influence.
Subsequently, Luo Chen put away the two treasures and began refining the Mystic Flame Sword.
Just as one should eat one bite at a time, refining treasures should also be done one at a time.
...
Time passed.
As Luo Chen seized the opportunity to refine his treasures, three months flew by in the blink of an eye.
The night before the Core Formation Ceremony.
Inside the 17th cave mansion.
A figure sat cross-legged.
Seemingly unmoving, his breathing was rhythmic, with each inhalation and exhalation.
His entire body, muscles, and bones trembled from time to time.
If one approached closely, they could even hear the surging sound of his blood flowing like a tidal wave.
This was the perfected Convergence of Ten Thousand Paths cultivation method.
If one looked inside, they could even see wisps of azure flames roasting Luo Chen's body and soul.
As Luo Chen was cultivating the Convergence of Ten Thousand Paths, a sudden thought crossed his mind.
He took out a shiny Sound Transmitting Jade Pendant from his storage ring, and a strange expression flashed across his face.
After a quick clean-up, he left his Cave Mansion and headed straight for Crimson Dusk Hall.
Soon after, laughter echoed through the Luo Tian Main Hall.
"Absolute Emotion Fairy, it's been a long time since we last met!"
Hearing this voice, the graceful figure turned around, her expression complex as she looked at Luo Chen.
Luo Chen didn't mind her scrutiny, standing with his hands clasped behind his back, relaxed and unconcerned.
After a long while, Absolute Emotion Fairy finally said, "Dan Dust Master, congratulations on your successful Core Formation."
Luo Chen didn't address her as Master as he had in the past.
She also didn't maintain her demeanor, directly calling him by his name, but instead used a more appropriate title.
A Daoist title was, after all, a form of respect.
At this moment, both parties tacitly changed their interaction style.
What surprised Luo Chen was that he had previously interacted with Qu Xiabai and others, allowing him to adapt effortlessly.
This Absolute Emotion Fairy had always been proud, and her attitude towards him had never been particularly friendly. How could she change so quickly?
Suddenly, he thought of Cang Lang Fairy!
Although he wanted to inquire about her recent situation, Luo Chen remained mindful of his words.
"It's truly an honor for me that you came early to celebrate, fellow Daoist."
Absolute Emotion Fairy's lips twitched, managing a slight smile, but it seemed forced.
Luo Chen's thoughts shifted, and he vaguely realized something.
After some thought, he said, "Dantu Jin is a pity."
Mentioning her beloved disciple, Absolute Emotion Fairy sighed.
"I advised her, but she insisted on entering Ice Hell for closed-door cultivation. If she had waited another ten to twenty years, she might have had the chance to stand alongside us."
Core Formation is not something to be rushed.
Unlike breaking through Foundation Establishment, which has a high success rate.
If Core Formation fails, the consequences are severe.
Even Luo Chen had made thorough preparations before daring to attempt it.
Dantu Jin was indeed impatient.
However, this was probably also related to the current situation in Ice Fortress.
Luo Chen and Absolute Emotion Fairy rarely had such an exchange.
Their conversation was calm, without any specific tasks, just a casual chat.
Gradually, Luo Chen's words touched upon the core issue.
"How has Senior Sister Cang Lang been lately?"
Absolute Emotion Fairy's eyes trembled, staring intently at Luo Chen.
"What do you know?"
Luo Chen shrugged, "Some things can't be hidden from others. The mysterious deaths of the four Golden Core cultivators in Ice Fortress, the consecutive closed-door cultivations of the junior disciples... If it weren't for the mishap with the Divine Needle Elder, the most senior among you, I believe you wouldn't have lost your composure."
Absolute Emotion Fairy opened her mouth, but after a long pause, she said, "Senior Sister... her Soul Formation failed."
These four simple words contained countless pieces of information.
Even Luo Chen, who had his suspicions, couldn't help but show surprise.
But after the initial shock, he quickly gleaned more from these words.
Soul Formation failed, but she didn't mention life or death, suggesting she was still alive.
However, judging by the chaos in Ice Fortress, even if she survived, she probably couldn't manage the sect's affairs.
In silence, Luo Chen said softly, "Please accept my condolences."
Absolute Emotion Fairy shook her head, looking at the confident Luo Chen, feeling a sense of frustration.
The once-dominant Ice Fortress was now in decline.
Luo Chen, who had once relied on others, was now flourishing.
Even with her icy heart, she felt the unpredictability of life.
She couldn't help but say, "I heard that many major sects have invited you to be a Guest Elder in recent years."
There was a hint of accusation in her words.
"Hmm."
This slight sound of agreement made the woman feel even more anxious.
However, before she could say anything else, Luo Chen directly clarified, "My cooperation with Ice Fortress will not change!"
"You don't have to worry about this."
"I've rejected invitations from other sects."
"I may not be a true ancient gentleman, but I'm not ungrateful. Although our relationship with Ice Fortress is primarily based on mutual benefit, Senior Sister Cang Lang and you have protected me numerous times. I remember this favor."
"From now on, the Jade Dew Pill business will continue, and Luo Tian Sect and Ice Fortress will remain allies."
"Fellow Daoist Absolute Emotion, can you rest assured now?"
The woman's body trembled, her eyes fixed on Luo Chen.
He stood tall and open, meeting her gaze without hesitation.
After a long while, Absolute Emotion Fairy bowed slightly, "Congratulations, fellow Daoist, on your immortal ascension. May your brilliance shine upon the Eastern Wilderness!"
This time, her congratulations were sincere, without any mixed emotions.
Luo Chen smiled slightly and returned the bow.
"My Luo Tian Sect has a shallow foundation, and tomorrow's Core Formation ceremony may have some lapses in protocol."
"I'm spread thin, so I ask you to take care of my disciples tomorrow."
A smile naturally appeared on Absolute Emotion Fairy's face.
"As allies, I wouldn't dare ask for such a small favor."
With this, a weight was lifted from Luo Chen's heart.
Seeing his ambitious and confident demeanor, Absolute Emotion Fairy sighed, "With your reputation, tomorrow will likely be lively."
Will it be lively?
How many of the invitations sent out will be accepted, and how many will be declined?
Tomorrow's events, in a sense, also represent Luo Chen's future status in the Jade Cauldron Domain.
This time, he eagerly anticipated it!
(End of Chapter)
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