https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-571-Writing-and-Enlightenment-in-the-Secluded-Valley/12942294/
Chapter 570: The Dockside Misunderstanding and the So-Called Holy Land
Chapter 570: The Dockside Misunderstanding and the So-Called Holy Land
Luo Chen's excitement was not without reason.
Throughout his journey, he had independently created two sets of cultivation techniques: the 'Confluence of Ten Thousand Paths' and the 'Dusty Essence Art'.
However, the former was not entirely his own achievement.
It was only through the system's assistance and the expenditure of a significant amount of achievement points that he was able to complete the 'Heavenly Phoenix Transformation' technique.
His contribution was merely the accumulation of vast knowledge.
To put it metaphorically, he had gathered numerous article fragments and submitted them to an AI, which, for a fee, helped complete and generate the missing parts of an incomplete article.
With some effort, anyone could accomplish this.
Therefore, creating the 'Confluence of Ten Thousand Paths' was not something he could be particularly proud of.
The same could be said for the 'Dusty Essence Art'.
Although he didn't use the system to derive the 'Dusty Essence Art', the five Golden Core secret techniques that comprised it were each complete and capable of leading to the Golden Core path.
Luo Chen had personally practiced and perfected all five secret techniques, then summarized them into the 'Dusty Essence Art' cultivation technique.
This process involved first achieving results and then generalizing and summarizing them.
Among ordinary Golden Core cultivators, he might be considered exceptional, but ultimately, it was just a minor technique.
It was far from the level of establishing a sect, writing books, and becoming a revered master.
Looking back on his past self-satisfaction, he couldn't help but find it a bit laughable.
Only now, with his creation of a Demon Cultivation technique, could Luo Chen truly feel proud!
He was not a demon, and among the various cultivation techniques and secret arts he had learned, only one involved transformation into a demon-like state.
In this situation, by combining the strengths of various schools and understanding the conversion of power, without relying on the system and purely relying on his own wisdom and experience, he had created a Demon Cultivation technique.
How could he not be proud?
Such an achievement was not something ordinary Golden Core cultivators could accomplish, let alone some Primordial Soul True Monarchs.
Even some Primordial Soul cultivators might struggle to achieve this.
This was evident from Han Zhan's astonished tone!
"It's a pity it's not a human cultivation technique. Otherwise, with just this technique and my Golden Core secret art, the 'Dusty Essence Art', I could have established a new Dao lineage and left behind my legacy."
Despite his pride, Luo Chen still felt a twinge of regret.
In the Eastern Wilderness, he had also established a sect, the Luo Tian Sect.
However, within the sect, there was only the 'Dusty Essence Art' that he had left behind, and no other cultivation techniques created by him.
The techniques practiced by the inner disciples were all collected from external sources and could not be considered secret sect transmissions.
Even the 'Confluence of Ten Thousand Paths' was merely a body cultivation technique, and not a traditional one at that. It was purely for tempering the body, and even Wang Yuan only borrowed from it without cultivating it.
In essence, his so-called establishment of a sect was incomplete, and at best, it was just another variant of the Flame Alliance.
At this moment, the outside world's clamor seemed to disappear.
When Tianxuan learned that Luo Chen had truly created a cultivation technique for her, she covered her mouth in excitement.
Plop!
The woman knelt on the ground, her emotions overflowing, "Thank you, Master! Tianxuan will never forget your kindness!"
Luo Chen smiled lightly, "It's just a minor matter, no need to worry."
Although he downplayed it, the magnitude of the favor was beyond words.
It was common knowledge that ordinary demons usually lacked cultivation techniques and relied on their instincts to absorb spiritual energy from the heavens and earth, gradually accumulating it over time to improve their cultivation.
Only those with bloodline inheritances, upon reaching a certain level, would occasionally awaken to one or two cultivation techniques.
Luo Chen had two powerful spiritual beasts under his command.
Black King, after consuming a large amount of high-grade Imperial Essence Plasma, had luckily gained a bloodline inheritance, but it was still unclear.
Tianxuan, aside from having a more solid foundation, had hardly changed.
Now that Luo Chen had bestowed a cultivation technique upon her, it was akin to a gift of rebirth and a blessing of bloodline.
The word 'Master' was filled with sincere emotion.
Seeing the harmonious exchange between master and servant, Han Zhan felt a hint of jealousy.
"Why did you burn it so quickly? You should have let me see it first!"
Luo Chen waved his hand, "The original draft is too rough, and some details still need refinement. Once it's revised, Senior can borrow it. After all, you also contributed significantly to the creation of this technique."
Han Zhan was curious, "Does it still need refinement?"
Luo Chen nodded, "Yes, the transformation technique at the end is based on a transformation pill formula that I improved. Although it can be cultivated, there are still some issues with it."
Tianxuan stood up, puzzled, "But I've already transformed, why do I need to cultivate a transformation technique?"
Luo Chen thought for a moment and carefully explained, "In my understanding, the transformation tribulation is both a trial and an opportunity. By enduring the tribulation, not only can demons freely control their physical size, but their divine souls will also be tempered, thus converting their advantage in cultivation time into purity and refinement. This makes up for the disparity in divine souls between demons and human cultivators."
Tianxuan listened, still a bit confused.
Han Zhan, on the other hand, seemed to understand.
Normally, demons cultivated for far longer than cultivators.
Logically, their divine souls should be much stronger.
However, in reality, below the Primordial Soul stage, cultivators' divine souls were more powerful than those of demons of the same level.
This difference was a matter of quality versus quantity.
The transformation tribulation was the way of heaven's means of making up for this shortcoming in demon cultivators.
Unexpectedly, Luo Chen had understood this point.
Han Zhan, on the other hand, had realized it later.
He sighed, "It seems that through this creation of a cultivation technique, you've gained quite a lot!"
A smile appeared on Luo Chen's lips, "A little, a little."
Although he downplayed it, his heart was filled with joy.
He needed some time to consolidate his gains and transform them into tangible power.
This way, the efforts of July wouldn't be wasted!
Through the window, thousands of sails were lowered, and hundreds of boats gathered.
The man stretched lazily.
"Let's go, it's time to head to Cold Glow Island and then Cold Jade City," he said.
He cast a Purification Spell to remove all traces and scents related to himself in the cabin, then wrapped the Soul Refining Banner in white cloth and carried it behind his back. He calmly exited the cabin, dressed in black.
Tianxuan followed behind, full of admiration, keeping pace with him.
...
Their footsteps paused on the deck.
Luo Chen, with Tianxuan, hid among the crowd, silently observing the scene on the dock.
It was Wu Qi!
He had brought a group of people to specifically wait at the dock to welcome someone.
It was unclear where he had gotten the news, but it was a coincidence that he had managed to intercept the Bai Family's merchant ship.
However, unfortunately, after such a grand preparation, the person they welcomed was not the main person they were expecting!
He Yuan initially didn't notice.
He was a little surprised, but when he saw that Wu Qi, a capable general under Blood Nightmare Demon King, had come to greet him with a group of people, he thought that they must have known about his arrival.
After all, throughout the journey, he had not restrained his aura at all.
Anyone with a little bit of attention could have discovered his whereabouts.
He himself had used this method to inform Blood Nightmare Demon King of his arrival, as a direct lineage of the Yuanmo Sect's Yuanmo branch.
This kind of welcome was only natural.
In fact, he felt that this welcoming party was not grand enough.
Just three Golden Core Cultivators and over ten Foundation Establishment True Cultivators—this lineup was indeed a little shabby.
When the Yuanmo Sect was still around, the direct disciples of the three main branches would have a large number of followers, and when they traveled, they often had multiple cultivators of the same level at their disposal. Those who were highly regarded would even have a branch True Monarch as a guardian by their side.
He Yuan comforted himself, "This is one time, but it will be different in the future. After we restore the Yuanmo Sect, all the pomp and glory will be within our grasp."
However!
When his gaze met Wu Qi's gaze, which was filled with doubt and uncertainty, and when he felt the unrestrained divine perception scanning his body, he finally realized something was wrong!
The two Golden Core Early Stage Cultivators beside Wu Qi had not met the main person they were waiting for.
They only knew that they were welcoming an extremely powerful Pill Master today, and they were also on good terms with Wu Qi, so they had this opportunity to get to know him in advance and become familiar with him. It would be easier for them to ask for pills in the future.
When they saw the person arrive and descend from the ship, his aura was very strong, and his eyes were filled with arrogance and pride, indeed possessing the demeanor of a Holy Land disciple.
They thought they had received the main person.
Although they wondered why Wu Qi stopped and didn't approach, they couldn't help but speak up first.
"This must be the Celestial Fire Demon Lord!"
"We've heard so much about you, Celestial Fire Demon Lord!"
Just as the two spoke, Wu Qi's face changed slightly, sensing something amiss.
He quickly said, "Fellow Daoists, don't..."
But it was too late.
He Yuan, surrounded by the crowd, had an angry expression and his spiritual pressure overflowed, "What Celestial Fire Demon Lord! I am He Yuan, the direct lineage of the Yuanmo Sect. Tell Blood Nightmare Demon King to come and see me!"
The powerful Golden Core spiritual pressure surged forward, directly forcing the two Golden Core Ascendants who wanted to approach and get acquainted to retreat in embarrassment.
The surrounding onlookers also showed surprise and shock.
The surprise was due to the sudden outburst, and the shock was because he directly called out to Blood Nightmare Demon King and spoke in a commanding tone.
Blood Nightmare Demon King was the master of the Demon King's Flow!
How could a dignified True Monarch of the Primordial Soul Stage be treated so casually?
If this news got out, how would the Demon King's Flow maintain its standing in the Northern Sea's cultivation world?
However, before anyone else could speak, Wu Qi's pupils shrank.
He saw the profound and pitch-black magical energy fluctuations beneath He Yuan's powerful spiritual pressure.
It was demon energy!
Pure demon energy!
Recalling the information he had received, he suddenly realized the truth.
He pushed away his two friends and walked forward, enduring He Yuan's spiritual pressure.
As he walked, his lips moved, but no sound came out.
He Yuan, who was initially furious, heard Wu Qi's sound transmission and raised an eyebrow.
Then, he coldly snorted.
"I have important matters to attend to, and I won't argue with you now. But I've taken note of this offense."
"Hmph!"
After a heavy, displeased snort, he strode forward.
Wu Qi, who was blocking the way, quickly stepped aside and signaled everyone to follow He Yuan.
The two Golden Core Cultivators with pale faces approached, wanting to clarify the situation.
Wu Qi shook his head and only gestured for them to follow.
Before leaving, Wu Qi glanced at the Bai Family's merchant ship with a hint of regret in his eyes, but in the end, he didn't find the figure he wanted to see.
...
On the Bai Family's merchant ship, the lively atmosphere became a little oppressive after the farce.
After the main characters left, the crowd whispered and discussed in low voices, like a swarm of mosquitoes.
"We thought He Yuan was warmly welcomed by the Demon King's Flow, but it turned out to be a misunderstanding."
"Who is this Celestial Fire Demon Lord? How come Wu Qi, the Witch God, personally brought people to welcome him? Why haven't we heard of this person before?"
"This name sounds familiar, like I've heard it somewhere before."
"Never mind that, He Yuan hasn't even joined the Demon King's Flow, and he's already caused trouble with their Golden Core Cultivators. I'm afraid that Chen and the others will have a hard time following him."
"I don't see it that way. He Yuan is very strong, and just by revealing his cultivation, he made two cultivators of the same level breathless. In his words, he was not polite to Blood Nightmare Demon King, a True Monarch of the Primordial Soul Stage. His identity must be extremely noble."
Chen Daoyou and the others had probably hitched their wagon to a powerful figure!"
"Never mind, let's not talk about this for now. Let's start by taking inventory of the goods on the ship and prepare for trading on the island. By the way, let's also inform the other passengers... Hey, where's Luo Haidaoyou?"
Bai Xiang's divine sense scanned the area, but there was no sign of Luo Hai.
Someone nearby casually remarked, "Maybe he took the opportunity to disembark during the chaos!"
Bai Xiang frowned slightly. Luo Hai was indeed peculiar.
He was well-versed in social skills and adept at negotiations, but after boarding the ship, he had acted rather strangely. Now, upon reaching Cold Glow Island, he had left without even a word of farewell.
After some thought, Bai Xiang shook his head helplessly.
"Maybe I misjudged him. He's just a novice who has learned some social skills from his family elders, which is why he sometimes acts appropriately and sometimes acts rashly. But with the complex mix of forces on Cold Glow Island, if he offends someone he shouldn't, he'll have to rely on his own luck."
...
The novice Luo Hai that Bai Xiang spoke of was currently walking on Cold Glow Island.
As he stepped onto the solid ground, the feeling of drifting aimlessly on the ship instantly dissipated.
Luo Chen gazed around, taking in the local customs and culture.
The buildings eroded by the sea breeze, the distinct clothing style different from the Eastern Wilderness, the accents with a hint of regional flavor...
These were all surface-level observations!
In reality, he was communicating with Han Zhan through divine sense, and their conversation was lively.
"You're right, the Demon Luo Region has been paying close attention to you. Even before your arrival, someone was already waiting for you."
"Hehe, it's a good thing I have the He Yuan disguise, so I won't immediately fall into their sights."
"It seems they value you highly. Why don't you just go straight to them?"
"Before I fully understand what kind of person Blood Nightmare Demon King is, I dare not approach his side."
At this point, Luo Chen's steps slowed down slightly.
"It's strange. Why is He Yuan, a Golden Core True Man, so blunt in his words towards Blood Nightmare Demon King, a Primordial Demon True Man? This completely contradicts my previous impression of the cultivation world, where strength and cultivation level are paramount."
Han Zhan chuckled lightly, "Is it really contradictory? Think about it carefully!"
Luo Chen's eyebrows furrowed slightly, and his thoughts raced in his mind. Finally, an image suddenly flashed into his mind.
It was Tao Wan, after becoming the successor of the Divine Seed and the disciple of Green Flame Valley, making her first visit to Heavenly Wave Immortal City.
He clearly remembered that at that time, Tao Wan was merely at the Foundation Establishment stage, yet she had a Golden Core True Man accompanying her, and it was evident that he was following Tao Wan's instructions.
Luo Chen seemed to be deep in thought.
Han Zhan spoke slowly, "It seems you've figured it out. Although you established a Golden Core sect, you didn't come from a traditional sect and don't know some of the inner workings of major sects."
"Within a sect, cultivation level and strength can indeed affect a cultivator's status. But there is one type of person who can transcend these limitations."
"That's a genius!"
"A genius with exceptional talent is the hope of a sect. For this future hope, a sect is willing to invest disproportionately in resources for them. Pills, magical treasures, cultivation techniques... Even high-level cultivators will personally protect them to ensure their success in unleashing their potential and becoming a top expert of the sect."
Luo Chen replied, "Do you mean that He Yuan is such a genius?"
Han Zhan nodded, "More or less! After all, he's someone who can cultivate pure demonic energy at the Golden Core stage, and he's from the most prestigious Yuan Demon lineage of the Demon Tribulation Sect. In such a Divine Transformation Holy Land, the number of Primordial Demon True Men far exceeds that of ordinary Upper-stage Nascent Soul Sects. This leads to the status of Primordial Demon True Men within the sect not being as revered as you loose cultivators imagine."
When there are many, they become less valuable.
It's all about scarcity, and Luo Chen understood this principle.
Understanding it was one thing, but for a Primordial Demon True Man to be looked down upon by a Golden Core cultivator was indeed quite out of place.
"Holy Lands don't care about how many Primordial Demon True Men they produce. What they want are cultivators capable of reaching the Divine Transformation stage. This also leads to Golden Core cultivators with the potential to reach the Divine Transformation stage having a higher status than some ordinary Primordial Demon True Men."
Luo Chen found this hard to accept, "How can someone who has achieved the Primordial Demon stage be considered ordinary?"
"Ordinary excellence is not determined by cultivation level but by horizontal comparison. Our cultivation journey is like sifting through a hundred miles to find one pearl. A Foundation Establishment cultivator among thousands of Essence Condensation cultivators is naturally exceptional. But even among a hundred Foundation Establishment cultivators of the same level, there are still distinctions of superiority and inferiority. This standard can also be applied to Primordial Demon True Men."
Luo Chen opened his mouth to speak but eventually sighed, "Perhaps it's not that I don't understand Primordial Demon True Men, but that I don't understand the so-called Divine Transformation Holy Lands!"
Han Zhan smiled, but this time, it wasn't lighthearted; there was a hint of heaviness and bitterness.
In front of a Divine Transformation Holy Land, they, who had emerged from millions of cultivators to become Primordial Demon True Men, were actually nothing special.
Even powerful cultivators like the Divine Essence True Man of the Five Elements Divine Sect and the Harmony Ancestor of the Harmony Sect, these famous late-stage Primordial Demon Great Cultivators, still begged for a chance to cultivate in a Holy Land but to no avail.
The Divine Transformation Holy Lands were the true rulers of the Heaven and Earth Realm, the ultimate existence!
Skipping over this heavy topic, Han Zhan asked, "What do you plan to do next?"
Luo Chen managed a faint smile, "Didn't I already decide? I'll go to Jade Cold City to settle down and then act according to the situation."
Han Zhan did not object.
In the fading glow of the evening sun, the black-clad man, carrying a white pole, slowly approached a majestic city that was entirely emerald green, emitting a cold and mysterious aura.
(End of Chapter)
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