https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-492-Master-of-Illusion-Visitors-from-Falling-Cloud-Sect/12936270/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-494-Cultivation-Speed-Advancing-by-Leaps-and-Bounds-Success-and-Failure-Rely-on-the-Body-/12936272/
Chapter 493: The Intricacies and Face of the Rothean Sect
Chapter 493: The Intricacies and Face of the Rothean Sect
"Though we part ways, I bid you farewell!"
Outside the newly constructed defensive works of the Rothean Alliance, a gray-haired elder turned to face the five Golden Core Cultivators who had come to see him off.
Before the five could speak, he casually glanced at the nearby crude defensive structures.
"If you wish to retain this territory after the conquest of the Howling Moon Mountains, you should seriously consider what I'm about to say!"
Hearing these words, the faces of the five across from him stiffened.
Luo Chen adjusted his mood and bowed respectfully.
"Thank you, Friend Qu, for your advance notice. We will respond as soon as possible."
"Hmm, as long as you understand the situation, I'll take my leave first."
"Safe travels, Friend Qu!"
The five, led by Luo Chen, watched as Qu Xi Bai's departing figure faded into the distance, each of them falling into a strange silence.
Standing beneath the short city wall, the five Golden Core Cultivators remained silent.
Luo Chen's heart was heavy.
He had anticipated this day, as the Heartless Immortal had specifically warned him about it, but he never imagined it would come so soon!
It had been less than a year!
Qu Xi Bai's purpose for coming today was actually quite straightforward.
He had come to invite the Rothean Alliance to participate in the Expansion War.
Some might wonder, wasn't the Rothean Alliance already involved in the Expansion War targeting the Howling Moon Mountains?
Why the need for this additional gesture?
The reality was different!
This time, the invitation was for the high-level cultivators of the Rothean Alliance to join the Nine Sect Sword Hall and carry out missions on the most dangerous frontlines.
The so-called high-level cultivators here were at least at the Foundation Establishment Stage, with Golden Core Cultivators being the ideal choice.
For the Rothean Alliance, this group of cultivators was undoubtedly their top-tier battle force.
The missions would take place on the most perilous frontlines.
Hence, the five members of the Alliance fell into an eerie silence.
No one wanted to be the first to speak up, fearing they would be the ones sent out.
Amidst this strange atmosphere, someone eventually broke the silence.
A young man with his hands behind his back strolled forward.
Gazing at the serene mountains and clear waters beyond the Alliance's defensive works, he spoke with a hint of melancholy, "Why put on such a show, my friends? This is merely a matter of time."
"After we took a shortcut and cunningly seized this Spirit Vein, executing the Mountain Moving Plan, it was inevitable that we would attract the attention of those with ulterior motives."
Wu Diqi, the Fifth Eccentric, suddenly spoke up, "Dream Spring Cave, Jade Beauty Dragon?"
The other three were startled, then their faces filled with indignation.
In response, Luo Chen smiled indifferently.
"Perhaps it was her, or perhaps not. What does it matter?"
"Don't you think that by sending people from our three families to the frontlines to gather resources, then processing and reselling them for profit, the other Golden Core Great Sects, aside from the Dream Spring Cave, would notice?"
"My Rothean Sect's Monster Beast business, the Cen family's medicinal ingredient business..."
"Haha, while others fight for their survival, we sit back and reap the benefits in the rear. We enjoy the fruits of their labor with mouths full of grease. The Rothean Alliance isn't a High Lord, nor is it an old and powerful Golden Core Great Sect. Bound by the alliance treaty, they can't openly take action, but that doesn't mean they'll accept this situation."
"Some targeting is to be expected."
"Moreover, they're only asking us to send people, not to die, and not to give up our land."
Luo Chen calmly explained.
His words were well-reasoned and clear.
The others gradually understood the logic, but understanding and acceptance were two different matters.
"What's the difference between joining the Nine Sect Sword Hall and facing death? If our Alliance's Golden Core Cultivators die in large numbers, reducing us to three or fewer, losing our Great Sect status, can we still hold on to this Blessed Land that we've worked so hard to secure?"
The speaker was still the Fifth Eccentric.
He was the only one in the Alliance who could rival Luo Chen.
Especially now that the Blessed Land had been secured, the constraints of the alliance treaty were almost non-existent.
The three families had long been acting independently.
The only reason they maintained the Alliance identity was to have a nominal Golden Core Great Sect status.
"In my opinion, this proposal is a plot targeting our Rothean Alliance!" The Fifth Eccentric declared.
Luo Chen couldn't help but laugh.
"This is as obvious as an open conspiracy."
"After all, this territory is nominally ours for now. But for it to truly be allocated to us, we must wait until the new realm is stabilized, and the High Lords will decide based on our merits."
"If we don't join the Nine Sect Sword Hall, it means giving up this Tier 3 Spirit Vein."
"Can you... bear to do that?"
In an instant, the faces of the four revealed their determination.
Of course, they couldn't bear to give it up!
Among those present, some were from solitary cultivator backgrounds, while others were from small families; none were from established sects.
After reaching the Core Formation Stage, they had never enjoyed the benefits of a free Tier 3 Spirit Vein.
Now, none of them wanted to give up their own Tier 3 Spirit Vein.
"So, the answer is quite clear, isn't it!"
Luo Chen turned around and spread his hands.
"We will definitely send people to the Nine Sect Sword Hall."
"Moreover, with Qu Xi Bai's advance notice, we have ample time to prepare. Let's discuss who to send next."
"So, who is willing to take the initiative and fight for the Alliance?"
Facing Luo Chen's gentle gaze, the three took a step back in unison.
They were not joking; the Alliance wasn't their personal property.
No one had such a sense of dedication.
Only Fu Jiusheng remained in place, standing out.
Fu Jiusheng felt awkward; he didn't want Luo Chen to be alone, making him seem out of place.
But he never expected to be the one left behind.
Luo Chen shook his head, "Old Fu can't go. He still needs to oversee the ongoing arrangement of the Dragon-Confining Array, a long-term project that will take at least ten years to complete."
The three, including the Fifth Eccentric, exchanged glances, but they had to admit that Luo Chen made sense.
Fu Jiusheng heaved a sigh of relief.
He genuinely didn't want to go to the battlefield.
In terms of combat, he wasn't weak.
As a former herb gatherer, he had never feared battle.
However, battles on the frontlines involved direct confrontations and were often accompanied by various residual energies. With his current Golden Core Stage cultivation, the odds of survival were slim!
Luo Chen's words had relieved him of this predicament.
Moreover, they had guaranteed his safety for the foreseeable future.
As a weight lifted from his heart, Luo Chen spoke again.
"As the Alliance leader, I should volunteer myself."
Upon hearing this, the three's faces lit up with joy.
But this joy was short-lived, as their attention was soon drawn to the pill in Luo Chen's hand.
"However!"
"Recently, I've had a breakthrough in my alchemy, and I've gained an opportunity to refine an Intermediate Starlight Pill. I really don't want to be distracted by external matters, delaying my alchemy."
"You all must be eager to experience the effects of the Intermediate Starlight Pill, right?"
"Indeed, according to my estimation, the medicinal power of the Intermediate Starlight Pill is no weaker than the Dragon Transformation Pill produced by Verdant Pill Valley or the Golden Blue Pill of the Medicine King Sect."
Seeing Luo Chen's beaming smile, everyone felt a bit unsure of how to react.
It was clear that he had no intention of going to the frontline.
He even presented a seemingly reasonable excuse.
And if they were to force him, it wouldn't make sense.
The Alliance was established solely by Luo Chen's efforts.
During the process of securing the Spirit Vein, Luo Chen had contributed significantly.
Especially in the later stages of the Mountain Moving Plan, he mobilized his connections and gathered five Golden Core Cultivators.
No matter how you look at it, he shouldn't be the first one to take the lead.
Moreover, there is no precedent for directly deploying the leader of a Sect in combat.
If the Rothean Alliance is considered a legitimate Sect with a traditional lineage, then Luo Chen is that leader.
Cen Qiusheng suddenly spoke up, "I'm already old, and I don't have much time left to live. My life is not of great importance. However, the Cen family still lacks a successor, and I can't abandon my family. So, I can't go now!"
This made sense.
However, with this, the focus of the issue directly shifted to the two Golden Core Cultivators of Fengyu Mountain Villa.
Wu Diqi narrowed his eyes.
"What's the meaning of this, both of you?"
The atmosphere immediately became tense.
Luo Chen frowned and shook his head inwardly.
With such disunity, leading the team would be challenging!
He waved his sleeves and turned to leave.
"There's still some buffer time, we can discuss it further after returning!"
"What's the point of staying here and getting cold?"
As he left, the tense atmosphere gradually eased.
However, it was clear that until this matter was resolved and a decision was made, the Alliance's internal stability would remain uncertain.
...
Deep within the mountain.
Luo Chen stood outside a brand-new stone door, lingering for a long time.
After a while, he sighed and left.
Wang Yuan's injuries had healed.
However, he was still in seclusion, attempting to gather his will and form a pill to advance to the Cauldron Refining Realm.
This was a good thing!
In fact, if he succeeded, he would become the key to breaking the stalemate.
At that time, the three Golden Core Cultivators of the Rothean Sect would form an absolute leading force within the Alliance!
With such power, he could freely assign tasks without hesitation.
Unfortunately, it was unknown how many years it would take for Wang Yuan to emerge from seclusion.
"When I formed my Golden Core, it took ten years, and consolidating my realm took another ten years."
"As a crucial stage for the transformation of the body cultivation path, it's impossible to achieve it overnight. It seems I was too hasty."
Returning to the Snow Wolf Plateau.
Luo Chen strolled slowly, his thoughts swirling.
Suddenly,
His gaze landed on Chu Kui, who had been waiting in the distance for a long time.
A thought crossed his mind, and he immediately called Chu Kui over.
"How's your progress with the Dragon-Slaying Technique?"
Chu Kui replied honestly, "With your guidance, I've entered the initial stage, but currently, purging the foreign energy within my body is quite challenging, and my progress is very slow."
Hearing this, disappointment was evident on Luo Chen's face.
As long as Chu Kui couldn't purge the foreign energy from his body, he couldn't attempt to form his Golden Core.
Luo Chen asked again,
"What about the Dust Essence Technique?"
Chu Kui sighed, "This technique is too complex. Although it's a Tier 3 technique, I feel that cultivating it is even more difficult than the Tier 4 Dragon-Slaying Technique. I'm afraid I won't be able to form my Golden Core with this method."
Another piece of bad news.
Wang Yuan had entered seclusion, and before doing so, he hadn't produced a simplified version of the Dust Essence Technique.
Currently, Luo Chen had only cultivated this technique to the Proficient stage, and with his expertise, he couldn't simplify this Golden Core Secret Technique.
Chu Kui couldn't help but ask, "Are you troubled by something?"
Luo Chen shook his head and patted Chu Kui's shoulder.
"Don't worry about these things, just focus on your cultivation."
"I hope that one day, I can hold a Golden Core Formation ceremony for you!"
Luo Chen left with his hands behind his back.
External help couldn't be borrowed.
In the short term, it was also unlikely for the Rothean Sect to produce a surge of Golden Core Stage talents.
Under the current circumstances, he had to rely on himself to resolve this issue.
Luo Chen felt a bit worried but wasn't overly anxious.
It was just a matter of petty calculations and interests.
He had long been accustomed to such matters.
...
"You've all seen the intelligence from the Nine Sect Sword Hall."
"This is an institution formed by nine Great Lord Cultivators, similar to an enforcement and emergency response team."
"The cultivators within are Foundation Establishment geniuses and Golden Core experts from the nine Great Lord Sects. They deliberately participate in battles to temper their Dao hearts and combat skills."
"Such a department isn't actually that dangerous. You've seen the casualty rate for the past year, and there have been virtually no losses. Everyone doesn't need to worry so much."
...
"I know none of you are willing to go, as it's a risky endeavor."
"But the Alliance's interests aren't just mine alone; you all have a stake in it too."
"How about this, let's establish a rotation system!"
"The term will be three years. After three years, another person will take over. If someone suffers severe injuries, they can return early."
"How does this sound?"
...
"Regarding Foundation Establishment Cultivators, let's not have just one family send them. Three families, no, four!"
"In addition to our three families, let's also assign a few Foundation Establishment Cultivators from the group stationed at the Dream Return Peak of the Ten Thousand Phenomena Sect."
"What do you think, Wu Diqi?"
"I think Zong Jiulang is quite capable."
...
"The first person to go will require courage and must face risks."
"As for the rest, each person will contribute a portion of resources as compensation. As the Alliance leader, I won't be stingy. This bottle of Intermediate Starlight Pills is something I've gathered with great difficulty after countless failed attempts at alchemy recently. Even I haven't been willing to use them, so let's give them to the first person going to the frontline!"
"Additionally, I'll provide a batch of Intermediate-grade Spirit Stones!"
...
One month later.
After numerous negotiations and consultations, and constant compromises,
The Rothean Alliance finally decided on the expedition members.
Jiang Yu!
Within the Alliance, he wasn't the strongest in terms of cultivation, nor did he have the highest prestige, and he didn't possess any remarkable Immortal World techniques. Staying in the Alliance wouldn't be of much use.
However, his combat skills were relatively comprehensive, and he had a certain ability to protect himself in times of crisis.
Most importantly, he had already spent a significant amount of wealth to initiate the war.
The Mountain Moving Plan and the development of the Spirit Vein had consumed a large amount of resources.
Repairing his primary Magical Treasure and replenishing the Muddy Fluid had depleted his wealth to the limit.
Therefore, after Luo Chen and the others offered a substantial reward, he finally agreed and was willing to be the first to go to the frontline.
Stepping forward as the first to test the waters, Jiang Yu stood atop the Crimson Flame Dragon Boat borrowed from Luo Chen, exuding a spirited and confident demeanor. It seemed more like he was going on a sightseeing tour to the frontline rather than heading into battle.
On the various mountain peaks, the two Foundation Establishment Cultivators from each family were bidding farewell to their elders and friends. Over at Xue Langping, Luo Chen observed two of his juniors, Zeng Yilong and a female cultivator named Mei Ruoqi.
"This trip to the frontline is both a risk and an opportunity," Luo Chen said. "Fighting against demon beasts is still better than battling those cunning Immortal Cultivators from the past. As long as you follow the arrangements, I'm sure nothing major will happen."
"In the Nine Sect Sword Hall, there are numerous Foundation Establishment Cultivators who are direct disciples of High Lords. It's a great opportunity for you to establish connections with them."
"You don't need to worry about cultivation. The Sword Hall offers the best treatment, and you'll definitely have access to abundant cultivation resources."
"Additionally, I've prepared appropriate pills and protective treasures for you."
As he spoke, Luo Chen took out two storage bags without any additional markings. One contained Superior-grade Blood-Boosting Pills, which were left over from his own Foundation Establishment completion. The other held Superior-grade Jade Dew Pills, specially refined by Luo Chen recently for Mei Ruoqi.
Furthermore, each of them received a Superior-grade defensive artifact and a Tier Three offensive talisman.
Seeing the excited duo, Luo Chen felt a tinge of regret. If only he were proficient in talisman crafting... With his profound spellcasting abilities, sealing them into corresponding talismans would create top-tier weapons for the Foundation Establishment stage! Luo Chen had previously considered learning talisman crafting to utilize his spellcasting prowess, but the benefits of talismans weren't significant for him.
They couldn't compare to the wealth-accumulating speed of pill refinement.
In terms of combat prowess, he was already swift in spellcasting, and talismans would only be an added bonus.
After expressing their gratitude to Luo Chen, the two flew onto the Crimson Flame Dragon Boat.
Luo Chen waved his hand, and Xing Zonghan, dressed in black, approached. After many years, with the resources supplied by the Rothean Sect, he had become a powerful Foundation Establishment Cultivator at the fifth layer.
While his combat abilities were hard to gauge, his expertise in survival and stealth made him stand out among Foundation Establishment Cultivators.
Luo Chen had taught him the Breath-Holding Spirit Art and Turtle Spirit Shell Armor. Moreover, Xing Zonghan had customized a set of Superior-grade artifacts and treasures suited to his abilities.
"Senior Brother!"
"You'll also be going to the frontline. Your primary task is to gather intelligence, and if the opportunity arises, look after them."
Xing Zonghan nodded but whispered, "Zeng Yilong is quite capable, having reached the sixth layer of the Blood River Realm, comprehending Bright Qi, and learning the Blood Deity Tribulation Finger and Gigantic Body Transformation. With three layers of the Foundation Establishment stage, he shouldn't need my care, right?"
Luo Chen replied indifferently, "He has been under my and Wang Yuan's protection since childhood, sheltered from the winds of adversity. Sometimes, it's not just about strength to solve problems."
Xing Zonghan was perplexed. "If that's the case, why send him? Shouldn't there be more suitable candidates within the sect?"
Luo Chen sighed. "When the bloody gales of the battlefield blow upon others, can they not blow upon him?"
"To become the first generation of Rothean Daoist, he must experience these trials."
Xing Zonghan was stunned!
Rothean Daoist? He knew that Luo Chen would establish a sect after the Rothean Alliance, and it was likely that they would emulate other major sects by selecting Golden Core Dao Seeds and establishing the position of Daoist.
But shouldn't they consider Qu Lingjun, Senior Elder Taishang's disciple?
Luo Chen didn't offer much explanation.
He was well aware that Qu Lingjun had narrowly succeeded in Foundation Establishment, but his four spirit root aptitude limited his progress and potential.
In comparison, Zeng Yilong was the one Luo Chen had high hopes for! With the aptitude of a dual spirit root, he had received guidance from Wang Yuan since childhood and cultivated both his body and spirit.
Additionally, he had the full support of the Rothean Sect's resources!
It could be said that as long as Zeng Yilong survived, he would reap infinite benefits.
Furthermore, with Zeng Yilong's age and aptitude, he could very well surpass both Wang Yuan and Luo Chen.
Indeed, Luo Chen planned to have Zeng Yilong cultivate the Dust Essence Technique after advancing to the Golden Core stage, allowing him to condense his Golden Core.
At that time, his combat capabilities would undoubtedly surpass those of ordinary Golden Core Cultivators.
The Rothean Sect would possess a particularly formidable force.
Qu Lingjun would inherit Luo Chen's alchemy techniques and become the new generation's alchemy master, serving as the sect's external golden signboard.
Zeng Yilong would inherit the combat prowess of Wang Yuan and Luo Chen, ensuring rapid cultivation, advanced realms, and formidable strength! He would be the Rothean Sect's future reliance and a powerful force to suppress the lesser sects.
In simple terms, Qu Lingjun would become the Rothean Sect's facade, while Zeng Yilong would be its core.
This twin star cultivation method wasn't a sudden idea of Luo Chen's.
It was a conclusion drawn from his years of experience.
The Falling Cloud Sect had once followed this approach, with Han Zhan as the core and Cheng Yan as the facade. With the transformation of the core, the Falling Cloud Sect soared to the High Lord stage.
The Jade Cauldron Sword Sect also cultivated its next generation in this manner, with Ren Shengsheng as the primary force and Luminescent Upper Person handling external affairs.
More recently, the Verdant Pill Valley had also realized this, cultivating Danya Zi as the core and then having Tao Wan take on the role of the facade.
Of course, each situation was unique and required individual analysis.
For the Rothean Sect, the position of Daoist in Luo Chen's plan wasn't intended to inherit the position of the sect leader. Instead, it was a position that would receive the sect's full support and resources, acquired through legitimate means.
Luo Chen intended to simplify the sect leader's role to that of an executive officer, with the position likely to be handed over to Sima Hui'niang's senior disciple, Yao Mingyue, in the future.
In summary, the core should be solid, while the facade should be prominent, and specific tasks should be delegated to others.
Thus, even a small sect could be well-rounded!
This was perfectly suited for the Rothean Sect, which lacked both a strong foundation and abundant resources.
"I believe this is the right path," Luo Chen muttered to himself, gazing at the area where the Ten Thousand Treasure Tower's Grand Elder, Zong Jiulang, stood.
Zong Jiulang, the Grand Elder of the Ten Thousand Treasure Tower, was stepping onto the Crimson Flame Dragon Boat amidst the reluctant gazes of his junior disciples.
The Ten Thousand Treasure Tower had lost both its core and facade in one fell swoop, leading to its current predicament.
Manipulated by Luo Chen and others, they had no choice but to comply.
"For the next generation's cultivation, this is the best we can do."
"In comparison, I, who currently embody both the core and facade, still have ample room for improvement."
"The Concealment Array's proficiency has already reached the Master level, and it's not far from being engraved on my body!"
(End of Chapter)
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