Immortality Begins With The Alchemical Master Chapter 500: Arrival at the Front Line, Tricks of the Demon Realm - Novel Cool

Chapter 500: Arrival at the Front Line, Tricks of the Demon Realm

Chapter 500: Arrival at the Front Line, Tricks of the Demon Realm

"Boom!"

In a luxurious room aboard the Crimson Flame Dragon Boat, Luo Chen abruptly awoke from his meditation.

The sound he had just heard echoed in his ears, like thunder yet not thunder, resembling a drumbeat but not quite. It seemed to originate from neither the heavens nor the earth, but rather from beneath the ground.

Intrigued, Luo Chen stepped out of the meditation room.

"Have we arrived at Thunder Drum Plain?"

Xing Zonghan, familiar with Luo Chen's ways, had already been waiting outside.

Luo Chen nodded and replied, "We're almost there. That sound earlier was likely caused by a battle between a Golden Core Sage and a Demon King of the same level, resulting in a faint tremor of the earth."

Luo Chen slightly nodded in agreement.

Ao Xiao Wolf Courtyard was located in the very center of the Roaring Mountain Range.

The Fourth Rank Spirit Vein it occupied was vast, spanning a range of ten thousand li.

Within its boundaries, mountains stood tall like forests, and lakes were scattered like stars on a chessboard. Countless Heaven's Materials and Treasures thrived in this place.

But what it was most famous for was the vast and boundless plain.

At first glance, this plain seemed ordinary, but if one ascended to a high altitude and looked down, they would discover that the plain's altitude was significantly higher than the surrounding areas, resembling a giant drum protruding from the depths of a mountain.

If powerful cultivators fought here, the reverberations of their energy would cause the earth to resonate with a sound akin to thunder yet not thunder, resembling a drumbeat yet not quite. It was as if a divine being was beating a drum in the heavenly realm, shaking the three realms.

Hence, this plain was named Thunder Drum Plain, a place of extraordinary fortune!

According to many, the final battle would most likely take place on Thunder Drum Plain. Therefore, the current situation was a standoff between the Falling Cloud Sect, which held the advantage, and the Ao Xiao Wolf Courtyard, which was entrenched in its position, with both sides amassing their forces on opposite sides of Thunder Drum Plain.

Especially on the human side, they continuously gathered powerful cultivators from the rear, relentlessly eliminating outlying demon beast outposts, thereby putting immense pressure on the Ao Xiao Wolf Courtyard.

As of now, a three-to-one encirclement strategy was already taking shape.

The reason it was only 'almost' in place was due to the failure to capture that top-grade Third Rank Spirit Vein, which had led to the downfall of the five sects years ago.

That Spirit Vein could be considered one of the gateways to the Ao Xiao Wolf Courtyard.

If it wasn't captured, it would be easy for the enemy to launch a surprise attack during the final battle.

"Thunder Drum Plain is too dangerous. Demon wolves of the Celestial Wolf Bloodline patrol it day and night. Therefore, the Falling Cloud Sect's main camp is established on a large Third Rank Spirit Vein outside of Thunder Drum Plain."

"Grand Elder, we'll arrive in a few dozen breaths."

Xing Zonghan spoke.

Luo Chen acknowledged with a hum, choosing not to return to the meditation room. Instead, he stood outside, his Spirit Eyes constantly scanning the surroundings.

On the flying boat, the cultivators from the other three families also emerged one by one and gathered together.

Luo Chen glanced at them, inwardly scoffing.

It seemed that these families were still quite stingy, fearing that their powerful cultivators would be wasted on the battlefield. Thus, they had sent only minor characters at the early and middle stages of Foundation Establishment.

Only the Ten Thousand Symbols Sect and the Rothean Sect were different.

On the Ten Thousand Symbols Sect's side, two late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators appeared, their faces tense.

They couldn't afford any losses.

If they died on the battlefield, the Ten Thousand Symbols Sect would truly have no future.

As for the Rothean Sect, Zeng Yilong, who had returned to the front line, was eager to test his skills.

This kind of place was ideal for Body Refinement cultivators to hone their strength.

The last time, after experiencing several battles, he had completely mastered the Bright Force and had even caught a glimpse of the Dark Force.

It seemed that he was still not as strong as Wang Yuan when he first arrived at Heavenly Wave Immortal City.

But in reality, it wasn't that simple.

Wang Yuan's path of Body Refinement had been full of twists and turns, and his cultivation lacked a proper system.

He first understood the transformation of qi and blood, then went back to strengthen his foundation.

In comparison, Zeng Yilong had a solid foundation from a young age, and after advancing to the second realm of Blood River, he systematically practiced the Book of Changes Bone Piercing, Organ Refining and Meridian Connection, and so on. After achieving enlightenment and completion, he accumulated infinite qi and blood within his own body's cavities.

It could be said that he had a rock-solid foundation and then naturally understood the transformation of qi and blood.

This was the principle of the predecessors planting trees for the benefit of future generations.

Nowadays, as long as Zeng Yilong's combat experience could keep up, his strength would absolutely surpass Wang Yuan's by tenfold when he first arrived at Heavenly Wave Immortal City. Even fighting against late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators was not impossible!

Especially this time, returning to the front line, he had already mastered the Nine Ten Thousand Li, a Third Stage Flying Technique taught by Luo Chen.

With every twist and turn, his lethality increased!

It could be said that as long as Zeng Yilong could survive this Opening War, he would definitely secure a place among the strong cultivators at the Foundation Establishment level.

"Wang Yuan said he doesn't care about the sect, doesn't consider the inheritance, and feels that these things will hinder his cultivation."

"In fact, the resources and effort poured into this junior disciple over the years have been enormous."

"Since that's the case, let me, as his master's uncle, sharpen this heavy sword a bit more!"

Luo Chen smiled slightly.

He deeply understood that top-tier cultivators were never created through frugality or by being confined to a closed-door environment.

Only by combining theory, cultivation, and practice could true top-tier cultivators be nurtured.

Within the Rothean Sect, there were numerous cultivators with higher cultivation levels than Zeng Yilong, such as Gu Caiyi and Sima Wenjie.

However, Luo Chen never considered them as strong cultivators; he categorized them as internal affairs talents.

Only those like him and Wang Yuan, who continuously honed their combat skills through life-and-death battles, could be considered true cultivators. They would occasionally exhibit so-called 'surpassing-tier' combat abilities.

Zeng Yilong was destined to walk this path!

"Grand Elder, we've arrived!"

As Xing Zonghan whispered, Luo Chen raised his hand.

The massive Crimson Flame Dragon Boat slowly descended into a spacious valley.

Nearby, disciples from the Falling Cloud Sect came to greet them and take over from Xing Zonghan.

They recorded names, arranged for cultivators from Celestial Sail City to come and inspect the flying boat, and collected a fee in the process.

These were all standard procedures, and Xing Zonghan handled them effortlessly.

It was evident that they were well-versed in these processes.

Even with the arrival of a Golden Core Sage like Luo Chen, they showed no curiosity, appearing nonchalant.

Zeng Yilong moved closer, pointing to a tall spirit mountain beside the valley and said, "That is Thousand Leaf Peak. Go there, Master, and register, stating that the Luo Tian Alliance has replaced the person in charge of the Zhijian Hall."

Luo Chen nodded and looked at them, "What about you two?"

Xing Zonghan had already handed over the duties, and immediately took over the conversation, "I'll take care of it."

Luo Chen hummed in agreement and mobilized his spiritual power, floating lightly up to Thousand Leaf Peak.

The Luoyun Sect disciples, who had already received the notice, greeted him immediately.

Upon seeing the visitor, Luo Chen couldn't help but smile.

"Qu Daoyou, it's been many years, and you're still well!"

Qu Xibai walked and laughed, "Where is there such a carefree and leisurely life like yours, Luo Daoyou? I, on the other hand, can't afford to relax for even a moment. Come, please come in!"

He extended his right hand, making an inviting gesture.

"Oh, your sect has many talented individuals, so it's quite busy, isn't it?"

Luo Chen followed beside him, walking shoulder to shoulder.

Qu Xibai sighed, "You don't know how stressful it is to lead a war. Outsiders think that we, the newly promoted Nascent Soul High Lord, are commanding the various sects, and no one dares to disobey, making it seem glorious. In reality, the worries and troubles inside are countless!"

"Formulating strategies, coordinating with the Golden Core Grand Lords under your command, negotiating with the eight Grand Lords, and most importantly, hunting down demon beasts..."

"Tsk tsk, I hope that one day, you'll also get to experience this kind of suffering!"

Luo Chen was taken aback, then smiled and cupped his hands, "Then I'll take your kind words!"

Qu Xibai waved his hand and began to explain the current situation.

Currently, the nine Grand Lords and the eighteen major sects all followed the lead of the Luoyun Sect.

On the Luoyun Sect's side, the one in charge of the overall situation was the late-stage Golden Core Venerable Cheng Yan.

Qu Xibai, the current Sect Leader Ruan Jing, and another Golden Core Sage were by his side, ready to carry out his orders.

These three Golden Core Sages had specific tasks.

Qu Xibai was responsible for welcoming and seeing off guests, coordinating and resolving conflicts and frictions between the various sects.

Sect Leader Ruan Jing was in charge of logistics and managing the allocation of strategic resources.

The responsibilities of the other Golden Core Sage were not specifically mentioned, but Luo Chen had heard from Xing Zonghan that he was in charge of intelligence gathering.

And this was just the situation at the main camp.

Several Golden Core Sages were also sent to command the Foundation Establishment and Qi Condensation disciples of the Luoyun Sect.

Additionally, at the Zhijian Hall of the nine sects, a Golden Core Mid-stage cultivator, Ling Huo Jie, was arranged to be the leader.

Now, Luo Chen's task was to first report to Venerable Cheng Yan and then meet with Ling Huo Jie.

The process was a bit tedious.

But after going through the procedure, he had a general understanding of the front-line situation.

In the rear hall of the grand hall, Luo Chen met Venerable Cheng Yan for the second time.

The last time was during the Golden Core exchange meeting in Moonbreaker Immortal City.

This time, Cheng Yan carefully and meticulously examined Luo Chen, then took out an identity token.

Holding the iron token with a handle, Luo Chen was surprised. It was a high-grade magical artifact.

"Leave your spiritual power imprint, and you can temporarily recognize this treasure as your master."

"This token not only represents your identity but can also alert the main camp when activated."

"Of course, there's also a defensive spell on it, but it's not very effective against us."

Luo Chen nodded, "Thank you, Cheng Daoyou, for your guidance."

Cheng Yan was very kind. He smiled, "You're here to help, so there's no need to thank me. If anyone should be grateful, it's me."

Luo Chen humbly thanked him a few times, and then, led by Qu Xibai, they flew towards another mountain where the Zhijian Hall of the nine sects was stationed.

After he left, Cheng Yan's smile faded, and he looked up at the sky.

A message transmission fell.

He nodded slightly, "It's good that it's not a demon spy."

After a pause, he suddenly asked, "Disciple, the time is ripe. When should we launch the general offensive?"

In the void, a gentle voice replied, "Wait a little longer."

Cheng Yan's eyebrows furrowed. Currently, the various sects were working together, and they had already conquered all the territories they could.

That spirit ground, which the five sects couldn't conquer back then, was now within their grasp.

It was clear that the strong cultivators from the Ao Xiao Wolf Courtyard were still increasing in number.

Shouldn't they launch the general offensive in this situation? What was the point of delaying it?

"Waiting for someone!"

...

After leaving the Thousand Leaf Hall, Luo Chen subconsciously turned back to look at the peak.

There was a breath that, even though it was suppressed to the extreme, still inspired awe and occasionally revealed itself.

If there were no unexpected events, it should be the newly promoted Nascent Soul cultivator, Han Zhan True Man, of the Luoyun Sect.

It was rumored that this person was not very old, with less than four hundred years of cultivation!

Even within the Luoyun Sect, he was not considered an elder.

Like Cheng Yan and Ling Huo Jie, whom Luo Chen had met before, they were actually considered senior brothers to Han Zhan True Man.

Of course!

After Han Zhan True Man achieved Nascent Soul, their seniority was naturally redefined.

Only Cheng Yan, who was nearing his limit, had been like a father to Han Zhan True Man in his early years, so he still maintained the title of senior brother.

Such an existence, constantly stationed at the main camp, was probably to prevent high-level demon beasts from the Ao Xiao Wolf Courtyard from carrying out decapitation operations!

Seeing Luo Chen's gaze, Qu Xibai smiled but didn't speak, only leading the way.

After a while, the two landed on another mountain peak.

As soon as they landed, several divine perceptions probed towards them.

Luo Chen's expression changed slightly.

Qu Xibai smiled, "They are all strong cultivators from the sect. There's no need to worry. It's just that your Luo Tian Alliance changes people every three years, which is a bit frequent, so the fellow cultivators are curious about who the new arrival is."

Luo Chen understood and lightly nodded.

Those divine perceptions also withdrew after a brief touch, friendly and polite.

A few divine perceptions seemed hesitant and lingered for a while before withdrawing.

Seeing this, Qu Xibai stroked his beard, "Fellow cultivator, your reputation for participating in the refinement of the Incarnation Pill and being able to refine the third-stage Starlight Pill has long spread among us. Now that you're here, I estimate that there will be many human cultivators who will proactively visit you."

"It's just a small name, you flatter me." Luo Chen humbly replied.

As the two spoke, they had already entered a grand hall, entirely crimson, as if drenched in fresh blood.

An elderly man with a solemn aura stood within, as if he had been waiting for some time.

Upon seeing him, Qu Xibai cupped his hands in greeting.

"Senior Brother Ling Hu, I've delivered the person to you. I'll take my leave now."

Ling Hu Jie nodded, "Go about your business, Junior Brother!"

After Qu Xibai left, Ling Hu Jie finally took a good look at Luo Chen.

Luo Chen remained calm and composed, also observing the other party.

Their first encounter was at the Grand River Market.

At that time, he recognized the other party, but the other party probably didn't recognize him.

Dressed in a black robe, he unsealed the market's restrictions, controlling three Ghost Kings to besiege Pang Renxiong, his arrogance was overwhelming.

Although his killing intent had intensified over the years, his demeanor had become more composed.

It was evident that his cultivation had progressed, and he was probably just a step away from the late Golden Core stage!

Luo Chen could only sigh, truly worthy of a newly promoted upper-tier sect!

Even if the older generation was about to wither, the middle-aged generation could still fill their shoes, and some even surpassed their predecessors. Among the younger generation, there were countless geniuses.

As long as the Falling Cloud Sect secured the Howling Moon Mountains and obtained the fourth-rank spirit vein, they would soar to new heights.

In comparison, the previous Jade Cauldron Sword Sect, which initiated the war, had far less potential.

Their formidable strength was only temporary.

To thrive in the long run, one needed proper management.

In the Eastern Wilderness, where the cultivation world was already considered "orderly," having combat power was the foundation for survival, but to develop well, one still needed some skills.

Luo Chen had the thought of leading the Rothean Sect out of the Jade Cauldron Region, secretly harboring this ambition.

His pill refinement technique could indeed create significant profits, but the Jade Cauldron Region already had a major pill sect, the Verdant Pill Valley, and the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect was also interested in this field. Moreover, the Medicine King Sect had been laying the groundwork for centuries.

That place was a fiercely competitive red ocean, and only a new domain could be a blue ocean.

Just like the hidden meaning in Qu Xibai's words.

After hundreds of years, there might be a scene of the Rothean Sect, led by Luo Chen, initiating a war of expansion!

The two appraised each other for a long time.

Suddenly, Ling Hu Jie nodded and said, "Follow the guidance of the identity token to enter the cave dwelling. From now on, let's work together to overcome the demon race!"

This simple statement caused Luo Chen to raise his eyebrows.

He had thought the other party had some profound insights, but after waiting for so long, this was all he had to say?

However, Luo Chen still asked seriously.

"May I inquire about the tasks for our sect?"

"The tasks of the Nine Great Yuan Ying's Hall of Swords are generally divided into three categories: patrolling, firefighting, and law enforcement. The regular patrol tasks were already completed before Fellow Daoist Cen left, and there's still more than a month until the next patrol. Until there's an urgent task, you can do as you please."

This was excellent!

The other party didn't want to say more, and Luo Chen wouldn't keep pestering with questions.

A month's time was enough for him to familiarize himself with the front-line life.

After Luo Chen left, Ling Hu Jie contemplated for a moment and summoned someone with a sound transmission.

As soon as the person entered the hall, he greeted Ling Hu Jie, "Han Zheng, greetings to Senior Uncle Ling Hu."

Han Zheng, the grandson of Han Zhan True Man, was actually a disciple of Venerable Cheng Yan.

Therefore, despite being younger than his grandfather, he addressed Ling Hu Jie as Senior Uncle.

Seeing the other party, a warm smile appeared on Ling Hu Jie's stern face.

"I asked you here because I want to inquire about your understanding of the Rothean Sect's Grand Elder Dan Chenzi."

Han Zheng was taken aback, "He's here?"

But soon, he realized and quickly explained, "This person is very strong. Even during the Foundation Establishment stage, his combat power was exceptional. Even though my little nephew has now reached the ninth layer of Foundation Establishment and can control a third-stage puppet, if we were to face him from back then, the odds of victory would only be three out of ten. I have three, and he has seven!"

"He's been in the Golden Core stage for over a decade, and his strength and means are probably even more extraordinary."

"Little nephew, I can't estimate accurately."

Ling Hu Jie didn't get a precise answer, but he didn't get angry. Instead, he instructed Han Zheng to go to his master, Venerable Cheng Yan, and retrieve intelligence about Luo Chen.

Han Zheng seemed very familiar with this situation.

Since childhood, his grandfather had taught him that some things, even though his cultivation was low, he understood them better than many others.

The Nine Great Yuan Ying's Hall of Swords was nominally a team of nine great Yuan Ying upper-tier sects.

But in reality, it included many powerful cultivators from Golden Core sects.

Among them, there were some sects planning to settle in the Howling Moon Mountains and establish roots for future development.

Such sects were currently allies, but in the future, when the Falling Cloud Sect reached its limit, they might become obstacles.

To be honest, no upper-tier sect would want another Yuan Ying sect to emerge in their territory.

Especially with the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect and Falling Cloud Sect as precedents.

Therefore, many things had already been set in motion during the war of expansion.

For example, consciously weakening the potential power of some sects!

For the leading Falling Cloud Sect, this was very simple, just by adjusting the difficulty of tasks.

Just like the Rothean Alliance, who knew if there were any hidden schemes behind Jiang Yu's fall and Cen Qiusheng's safety?

It was known that Jiang Yu's strength was even stronger than Cen Qiusheng's!

Now, Senior Uncle Ling Hu wanted to understand Luo Chen's strength better, probably to make appropriate arrangements later.

Han Zheng hurried out of the Hall of Swords and retrieved intelligence about Luo Chen from his master, Venerable Cheng Yan.

As he was about to return, he hesitated slightly.

Luo Chen had saved his life, and if possible, he wanted to repay the favor.

But despite being the grandson of a True Man, at this critical juncture, his words carried little weight. He couldn't speak rashly and damage his grandfather's prestige.

"Perhaps, I can ask Senior Uncle Mu to make a trip?"

With this thought, he went to the Sect Leader first.

"Sect Leader, is Qin Shidi here?"

(End of Chapter)

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