https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-505-Buying-a-Horse-s-Bone-with-a-Thousand-Gold-Slaying-the-Dragon-and-Dispelling-the-Golde/12941950/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-507-The-Great-Battle-of-Thunder-Drum-Plain-Part-1-/12941980/
Chapter 506: Family Letter, The Battle Begins!
Chapter 506: Family Letter, The Battle Begins!
Time passed slowly.
A month's time flew by in the blink of an eye.
As Luo Chen exhaled a long breath, the golden lights that dotted the air dissipated like a dream, and he felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders, instantly feeling relaxed.
Nothing could compare to this sense of relief!
"It seems I've finally gotten rid of the demonic energy of the Golden Wolf King!"
Luo Chen subconsciously touched his chest, and as he circulated his cultivation, he felt no more obstructions.
That Golden Wolf King was indeed a rare but well-known Glorious Golden Wolf among the wolf clan.
These demon wolves were known for their intelligence.
However, the Golden Wolf King he had encountered previously focused his cultivation on tempering his demonic body and had achieved remarkable results.
"It's rumored that the Roaring Wolf Emperor is a Glorious Golden Wolf with a pure bloodline. After achieving human form, he awakened the Celestial Wolf bloodline and obtained the inheritance. His three children, due to their different skin and fur, are believed to have different mothers."
"The Golden Wolf King excels in body refinement, the Black Wolf King in demonic arts, and although the youngest one didn't inherit the bloodline of the Glorious Golden Wolf, he possesses exceptional intelligence. He combines sound wave attacks with divine soul attacks, earning the favor of the Roaring Wolf Emperor."
"It seems the information gathered by Falling Cloud Sect is somewhat biased. The Golden Wolf King is not as reckless and unwise as he appears. With his powerful body refinement, his demonic power is equally formidable."
Luo Chen sighed.
Fortunately, the withering and flourishing true fire he refined was of a high enough grade to suppress the demonic power injected by the Golden Wolf King.
Otherwise, with both internal and external troubles, he would have died on the spot!
Now, with the help of Spirit Dissolving Liquid and Dragon Slaying Technique, he had completely removed the demonic power. Additionally, with the Sea Stabilizing Pill to consolidate the turbulent Qi Sea and the Pulse Nourishing Pill to replenish his meridians, the internal crisis was finally resolved.
And!
During the continuous treatment, his proficiency in Dragon Slaying Technique, a fourth-stage spell, had also greatly improved.
He had now reached the level of mastery and was not far from perfection!
Achievement unlocked!
This could be considered an unexpected joy!
With the internal crisis averted, he could now focus on treating his external injuries.
Luo Chen felt his physical condition, which had improved significantly compared to the initial state, but he still couldn't transform into the Great Peng's true body in a short time.
Through this, Luo Chen also discovered the flaw in his body refinement technique.
The physique refined by the Ten Thousand Paths Converging was strong and robust.
However, it was prone to brittleness!
It could easily overpower those with weaker physiques.
But when faced with stronger opponents, it was the one that was more susceptible to injuries.
To address this issue, Luo Chen had two methods in mind.
One was to cultivate Wang Yuan's body refinement technique, understanding the changes in qi and blood. By combining external and internal cultivation, balancing hardness and softness, he could buffer against external forces during extreme collisions.
The other method was to rely on the withering and flourishing true fire to devour the vitality of numerous beasts, granting this sturdy physique even greater regenerative abilities.
However, both methods sounded simple, but in practice, they were daunting.
The first method required time, energy, and a certain level of comprehension.
The second method represented an immeasurable amount of beast resources, or rather, "living being" resources.
Any living being with strong vitality could be refined and absorbed, such as human cultivators!
"Let's not think about these things for now."
"Let's focus on recovering from the injuries first!"
Luo Chen took out a black jar from his storage ring, which still contained more than half of the Black Emperor Ointment.
During this long month, he had been practicing the Five Elements Returning to Viscera Technique, Bone Regeneration Technique, and Healing Technique, already adjusting his five viscera and six bowels, meridians, and bones.
As a result, his body's absorption efficiency of the Black Emperor Ointment had greatly increased.
It wouldn't take long for his physique to recover to its original state.
Luo Chen had discovered that the Black Emperor Ointment, a secret medicine of Falling Cloud Sect, had an excellent body refinement effect!
It had unimaginable auxiliary effects, especially when injured, as the absorption effect was even better.
It gave people the illusion that if they were completely shattered and then reassembled, they would advance to the next level.
"This idea is too dangerous!"
Luo Chen shook his head vigorously, dismissing the thought from his mind.
Rather than taking such a risky approach, it would be better to find a way to obtain more Black Emperor Ointment from Falling Cloud Sect for future body refinement.
Slow absorption would also yield good results!
...
"Xu Zhenxuan, why are you here?"
"The news of the night battle at Thousand Leaf Peak has spread throughout Moonbreaker Immortal City. I'm in charge of the beast resource business, and after that battle, Falling Cloud Sect collected many beast corpses. Since they couldn't handle them all at once, we got them at a bargain. Also, the Supreme Elder, your deeds have become the talk of the town. The Sect Leader is worried about you, so he asked me to come here personally."
Xu Zhenxuan cautiously raised his head to look at Luo Chen, "Supreme Elder, are you alright?"
Luo Chen shook his head and smiled, "I'm fine, just a minor injury, nothing serious."
Upon hearing this, Xu Zhenxuan's expression relaxed.
"That's good, that's good."
Then he continued, "The Rothean Alliance is concerned that you don't have enough people, so they sent another group of Foundation Establishment cultivators."
Hearing this, Luo Chen waved his hand.
"There's no need. You can take them back with you when you leave!"
Xu Zhenxuan was puzzled.
Luo Chen explained, "In this battle, the Rothean Alliance suffered heavy losses. The Swordsmanship Hall won't assign me any tasks for the time being. It's more important for them to return and guard our spirit land."
So that was the case!
Xu Zhenxuan nodded in understanding.
"By the way, when you go back, take Wan Ting and Zeng Yilong of Ten Thousand Phenomena Sect with you!"
As he spoke, a hint of gloom appeared on Luo Chen's face.
He had left with ten people, but now he was only bringing back two. It was his fault.
Of course, he felt guilty, but others wouldn't think that way.
At least Xu Zhenxuan felt that under such circumstances, it was already a miracle for the Supreme Elder to achieve such a feat, and it would be unreasonable to ask for more.
After chatting for a while, Xu Zhenxuan prepared to take his leave, not wanting to disturb Luo Chen's rest.
Before leaving, he presented a letter.
"This is a personal letter from the Sect Leader, who instructed me to deliver it to you personally."
"Is it from Hui Niang?"
Luo Chen murmured and took the envelope.
"To My Husband"
"Hui Niang, with utmost respect, I bow to you, my husband.
Since our parting at Tianping, a year has passed in the blink of an eye. In the vast world, time passes by, and I am left with only memories. The long days and nights are filled with loneliness and resentment.
Although I am in charge of the Rothean Alliance, with disciples and followers at my disposal, and I make decisions on various matters, you are alone, relying on others for plans. Who can you consult with?
When you left, the sect was in a state of chaos, but in a year, we have achieved results.
Our fellow cultivators in Ailao have embarked on a grand construction project, moving three mountains, diverting two rivers, and building twelve towers, which can be used for the nine halls of the Rothean Alliance, your main hall, and two halls for secular affairs.
……"
In the first half of the letter, apart from expressing her longing, Sima Hui Niang mentioned the changes in the Luo Tian Sect and the situation within the alliance.
The Fifth Wonder kept the promise he made before Luo Chen's departure and didn't cause any trouble.
The Cen family, on the other hand, changed their previous aggressive style and began to focus on nurturing their clan members, probably because Cen Qiusheng's lifespan was extended by seventy years, giving him a sense of calm and making him more composed in managing the family.
However, the Ten Thousand Phenomena Sect was showing signs of unusual activity.
A large number of Qi Condensation stage disciples had defected or were trying to switch allegiance to the Luo Tian Sect.
Sima Hui Niang provided solutions to these situations.
Luo Chen was pleased with what he read.
He knew that although he had gained some insights into sect management, he was no longer as clueless as he had been at the beginning. But compared to Sima Hui Niang, who had years of experience, he still had a long way to go.
She had only taken one year to sort out the internal affairs of the Luo Tian Sect in the Howling Moon Mountains.
Additionally, she had established closer cooperative relationships with the other families.
Feeling content, Luo Chen continued reading.
"Upon hearing of your great name, renowned throughout Thousand Leaf Peak, I, your humble servant, am overjoyed. But upon learning the truth, I find that you are gravely injured, your life hanging by a thread.
Cai Yi sent seven messages in a row, her concern overflowing from her words.
I believe that a man should not hold deep grudges, nor should he seek excessive gratitude. Regarding the Falling Cloud Sect, you have done your best, so why exhaust yourself to death?
Only by acting within your means can you stay on the right path! However, I am but a mere woman, not present at the scene, and unaware of the details. My words may not be appropriate.
I only ask that you cherish yourself and return safely.
The Luo Tian Sect cannot do without you for a day, and Sima and Gu cannot live without you either.
Eagerly awaiting your return.
—Sima Hui Niang"
Luo Chen's hands hung down as he read, and he fell silent for a while before shaking his head and smiling.
"It seems the great lady has brought Cai Yi along too."
As for the content of the letter, he only sighed and didn't think much of it.
Or perhaps, he had already thought it through before reading this letter.
Hui Niang was right.
In some matters, one should act within their means and not seek excessive attention.
Just like in the previous battle, upon reflection, there were better ways to handle it.
With his extreme speed, leading two Tier Three initial-stage Wolf Kings away from the main battlefield was the optimal solution!
Once in a secluded area, whether to kill or escape, the initiative was entirely in his hands, and there wouldn't have been any subsequent issues.
So why should he care about the Falling Cloud Sect being slaughtered by the Wolf army?
In the end, he had considered the favor owed to Qu Xi Bai for releasing the Tianlan Immortal City's formation during his Core Formation, so he wanted to contribute more on the battlefield.
Now, Qu Xi Bai had also fallen.
Luo Chen considered this favor repaid.
As for the future?
He would be cautious and think thrice before acting!
Luo Chen carefully folded the letter and placed it deep within his storage ring, planning to enter seclusion to fully recover from his injuries.
However, this plan was temporarily interrupted.
Zeng Yilong came to see him.
"I'm not going back!"
Luo Chen stared at him intently, but Zeng Yilong kept his head high and didn't lower it.
Under Luo Chen's gaze, he couldn't withstand the pressure and said in a low voice, "Master is fighting on the battlefield, how can I sit idly in the rear?"
"And... I also want to witness the grandeur of the final battle!"
Luo Chen's eyebrows furrowed, "Who told you about this final battle?"
Zeng Yilong replied without hesitation, "Everyone outside is talking about it. They say the Falling Cloud Sect doesn't plan to rest and recuperate but is preparing to fight the Ao Xiao Wolf Courtyard to the death on Thunder Drum Plain to dominate the Howling Moon Mountains."
"Moreover, I secretly asked Aunt Murong, and she did reveal some news. She said the Falling Cloud Sect is gathering all its members and amassing strength, showing a stance for a major battle."
"Such a grand event may only be witnessed once in a cultivator's lifetime."
"I don't want to regret it!"
Luo Chen fell silent.
After a long while, he said softly, "Then you can stay. I can still protect you, but you must follow my orders, understand?"
After receiving his reply, Zeng Yilong's eyes lit up.
"I'll remember that, Master!"
After sending Zeng Yilong away, Luo Chen turned and left the cave mansion, heading towards Jueqing Xianzi's residence.
...
"Is the news of the final battle true?"
"I can't guarantee complete accuracy, but based on the Falling Cloud Sect's actions and the speculations of the major powers, it's highly likely."
"What about the Golden Core Cultivators from those Nascent Soul Stage sects?"
"How can they guess the thoughts of a True Person? They're in the same situation as us, combining intelligence and speculating in private. Dan Chenzi, why are you so concerned about this?"
"It's always good to be prepared."
Jueqing Xianzi said indifferently, "You don't need to worry. In the previous battle, you made a great contribution, and the Luo Tian Alliance also suffered heavy losses. Even if there is a final battle, the Swordsmanship Hall won't assign you a dangerous task."
"I hope so!"
Seeing that Jueqing Xianzi couldn't obtain accurate information, Luo Chen decided to take his leave.
Jueqing Xianzi stopped him, "Recently, there have been many private gatherings of Golden Core Cultivators, including one tonight. Do you want to go?"
Luo Chen hesitated but declined, citing his injuries and the need for rest.
Of course, he also asked her to help collect a few Fire Spirit Drills if she encountered them.
Jueqing Xianzi agreed.
Seeing her enthusiasm, Luo Chen became curious.
"You don't seem to enjoy these gatherings usually, why the sudden interest?"
Jueqing Xianzi rolled her eyes, "Do you think I want to?"
She didn't give a specific reason.
But after returning, Luo Chen gradually understood.
With Cang Long Ascetic injured and several Golden Core Cultivators lost, the Ice Fortress lacked figures to maintain its presence.
Jueqing Xianzi was taking on the responsibility of representing the sect.
"She's really taking on a tough task."
Back home, Luo Chen sighed and resumed his previous healing process.
...
Half a month later, Xu Zhenxuan returned to the sect with his team.
Luo Chen wrote two letters, asking Xu Zhenxuan to deliver them to Sima Hui Niang and Gu Cai Yi.
As for the rest, he didn't say much.
However, before leaving, Wan Ting from the Ten Thousand Phenomena Sect looked at him with an expression as if he wanted to say something but held back, which made Luo Chen secretly concerned.
So, he secretly conveyed a message to Xu Zhenxuan, asking him to inform Sima Hui Niang to pay close attention to the Ten Thousand Phenomena Sect's movements when he returned.
At this moment, Luo Chen temporarily felt unburdened.
He declined various social engagements and continued his seclusion.
...
In the cave mansion, the clanging of metal rang out incessantly.
It was only when the sound of a weapon breaking pierced through that the noise finally ceased.
Luo Chen looked at the white mark on his arm, his eyes widening in surprise.
Not long ago, his injuries had fully healed, and he no longer had any internal or external worries.
After his recovery, he was astonished to find that his Physique Realm attribute panel had undergone a noticeable change.
It had advanced from Primordial Stage Three 26/100 to Primordial Stage Three 28/100.
A full two progress bars had been filled!
He had expected some improvement, as he had been consistently consuming nourishing elixirs and cultivating the Ten Thousand Paths Converging technique, using Primordial True Fire to temper his body.
But to jump two progress bars was beyond his expectations.
Now, even a top-grade flying sword, when wielded with all his strength, could not harm him in the slightest!
Clearly, this sudden change was due to the Black Emperor Ointment!
"What a fantastic item!"
"If I had a steady supply of Black Emperor Ointment to aid my body cultivation, within a hundred years, I might be able to achieve a major breakthrough in my physique and advance to Primordial Stage Four!"
For a moment, Luo Chen's heart burned with excitement, and he became extremely interested in the Black Emperor Ointment.
However, after his initial enthusiasm, he felt a bit dejected.
As far as he knew, this secret medicine was also extremely scarce in the Falling Cloud Sect.
Ordinary puppets were not worthy of using this ointment.
Only those at Tier Three and above were allowed to apply a small amount.
Han Zhan True Man's willingness to bestow him with a portion was already extremely generous.
Moreover, with the news of the impending grand battle spreading, the Falling Cloud Sect's chief elixir refiner, Mu Yunyan, was focusing her efforts on refining other elixirs, leaving no time to refine the Black Emperor Ointment.
This dashed Luo Chen's hopes of purchasing it at a high price.
"If I can't get the Black Emperor Ointment, what about the elixir formula?"
Suddenly, this thought popped into Luo Chen's mind.
Sect elixir formulas were rarely passed down, especially those related to the sect's inheritance.
However, it was evident that the Falling Cloud Sect's inheritance was not limited to puppet techniques; it also included a cultivation method for the divine body!
The sect's favoritism towards him was apparent, especially after he presented the Mystic Passage Pill.
One could even say that for cultivators, external puppets were merely a means, while the cultivation of the divine body was the foundation.
"If I use the Mystic Passage Pill formula to exchange for the Black Emperor Ointment formula..."
There was a gap in the ranks of the two formulas; one was second-tier, while the other was third-tier.
However, the Mystic Passage Pill was a rare elixir that enhanced the foundation of the divine body, and although the latter seemed more valuable, the cultivation of the physical body had long been in decline, and the Falling Cloud Sect used it primarily for puppet refinement. Therefore, in terms of value, the elixir formula for tempering the body did not match its rank.
"Perhaps it's feasible."
Luo Chen muttered to himself, then began to carefully consider the specifics of the trade.
After some time, he had a rough plan in mind.
There was no need to rush!
If he approached them now, it would be him seeking their help, and they might demand an exorbitant price.
However, if he waited until after the Ding Ding Zhan in the Howling Moon Mountains, the Falling Cloud Sect, already greatly weakened, would undoubtedly need to restore their strength.
As someone capable of refining the Mystic Passage Pill, he would undoubtedly catch their attention.
At that time, it would be their turn to seek him out.
Then, he could negotiate calmly, offering the Mystic Passage Pill formula, which would likely delight the Falling Cloud Sect.
After realizing this, Luo Chen's heart settled.
That day was not far off!
The grand battle was imminent!
...
With his injuries healed, Luo Chen continued to decline visitors.
For the time being, he had sufficient cultivation resources and had already clarified his doubts about cultivation during the previous Golden Core gatherings.
At least, until he reached the late Golden Core stage, his path was smooth and stable.
Therefore, socializing was unnecessary.
Instead, by maintaining a low profile, he could also build his reputation.
He was waiting, anticipating the arrival of the grand battle.
Or rather, it wasn't just him waiting; everyone was awaiting the same event!
The Falling Cloud Sect's preparations were no longer a secret.
All the sect's powerful cultivators returned one after another, and powerful puppets were continuously delivered, crafted by the sect's artisans in Heaven Sail City.
Furthermore, the Falling Cloud Sect had somehow acquired a warship from Heaven Sail City!
Yes, a warship! It was Heaven Sail City's prized war treasure.
Eight hundred years ago, during Heaven Sail City's opening war, it had shone brilliantly.
After that war, Heaven Sail City rarely deployed it, and other sects were unable to purchase or borrow it.
Luo Chen had seen it once when he went out; it hovered above the sect's headquarters, a gigantic and intimidating flying boat.
It was intimidating, but its full capabilities remained hidden.
Perhaps only when the battle commenced would the true might of the Heaven Sail Warship be revealed.
The Falling Cloud Sect's preparations didn't stop there.
They summoned all the sects participating in the opening war, ordering them to dispatch their cultivators to gather on the outskirts of Thunder Drum Plain.
Countless cultivators began to converge like clouds.
Ten thousand, twenty thousand, and eventually one hundred thousand!
These were all battle-ready cultivators, not a motley crew of weak cultivators with their families in tow.
Beyond the one hundred thousand cultivators, there were countless unaffiliated cultivators.
They had all heard the news and came to claim a share of the spoils.
Those who dared to come were naturally confident in their abilities.
The atmosphere in the camp became increasingly agitated.
It was like a volcano ready to erupt at any moment, waiting for someone to rally them.
Clearly, the one to rally them would be the Falling Cloud Sect.
As time slowly approached the tenth year of the opening war, the legendary Nascent Soul stage cultivator of the Falling Cloud Sect finally revealed himself to the world.
On Thousand Leaf Peak, under the watchful eyes of the masses, Han Zhan True Man, clad in a blue robe and with a solemn expression, shouted.
"Begin the war!"
His shout, empowered by his profound cultivation, reverberated like a raging wolf's tide, rolling forward and echoing in all directions.
The response to his call was not only the rapid crustal rumblings on Thunder Drum Plain but also a single word that echoed like a tidal wave.
"Fight!"
"Fight!"
"Fight!"
---
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(End of Chapter)
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