Chapter 576: The Art of Crafting Defensive Treasures for the Immortal Sect

Chapter 576: The Art of Crafting Defensive Treasures for the Immortal Sect

When a high-grade Nine Wind Banana Fan was presented to Luo Chen by a Golden Core Great Cultivator, Luo Chen was momentarily stunned.

Instinctively, he turned to Fuchao Sheng, "Elder, this..."

Fuchao Sheng smiled and said, "Don't think too much. This isn't a gift for you, and I don't have the authority to give away the treasures of the tower freely."

Fuchao Sheng smiled and pointed at the banana fan, "I observed your spiritual pet's fortunate transformation, which is three parts more likely to achieve the Great Dao Hope compared to ordinary Demon Kings. However, having the Great Dao Hope without protective means is truly unsightly. She really wants this treasure, so why don't you buy it for her?"

Luo Chen reluctantly said, "But this is too expensive."

"Although I can't give it to you as a gift, I can still offer you a discount. One million Spirit Stones, and you can take it away right now." The plump middle-aged man smiled, his words carrying an unrefusable tone.

Luo Chen opened his mouth, then finally gritted his teeth and bought the treasure for one million Spirit Stones.

Logically, this was a great bargain for him!

At least it was worth two million, or even three million, for a high-grade treasure, but he only spent one million to acquire it. No one would believe it if he told them.

He still looked reluctant, and anyone would scold him for being 'a cheapskate who is being overly dramatic.'

But he really didn't want to take advantage of this bargain!

However, it was clear that Fuchao Sheng wanted him to take this great deal, and he even asked the shopkeeper of the Heavenly Origin Tower in front of Luo Chen, "Recently, did our tower invite some close Golden Core Cultivators for a private gathering?"

Shan Shubao replied without hesitation, "Yes, it's happening tomorrow night, and I've arranged everything."

Fuchao Sheng stroked his beard, "Then it's perfect. Isn't Luo Hai interested in collecting resources and broadening his horizons? He can also be invited to join the gathering, and I'm sure he'll gain a lot. Luo Hai, you won't refuse, will you?"

...

In front of the Heavenly Origin Tower.

Shan Shubao looked at the silent Luo Chen and said with a smile, "To receive such attention from Elder Fuchao, you are among the top three in recent years. In the future, if we have the chance, we can get closer."

Luo Chen forced a smile, "Of course. Elder Leopard, I'll see you off here. Your tower is quite busy."

"Okay, see you tomorrow night!"

"Goodbye."

After bidding farewell to Shan Shubao, Luo Chen returned to the valley cottage with a dazed Tianxuan and a silent expression.

"Master, what's wrong?"

"It's nothing. I just need some quiet time."

Luo Chen waved his hand and went into the cottage alone.

After the door closed, Tianxuan still didn't understand what had happened.

It seemed that the master's visit was successful. Not only did a True Monarch personally receive him, but he also sent a senior cultivator to see him off.

When they left the Heavenly Origin Tower, it attracted the attention of many cultivators.

Why did the master still look so serious?

Inside the cottage, Han Zhan appeared, and Luo Chen recounted the details of his conversation with Fuchao Sheng.

Although Luo Chen had extensive knowledge, he hadn't reached a high enough cultivation level to fully understand the nuances of interacting with a True Monarch. Therefore, he needed Han Zhan's experience to analyze the issues in the previous process.

In the end, Luo Chen sighed, "I don't want to owe favors, and I even gave him a thousand-year Thunder Essence that I had cherished for many years, intending to use it for other treasures. But the result..."

"You can't figure out what he sees in you, right?" Han Zhan asked calmly.

Luo Chen nodded lightly, "Is it my so-called potential?"

Han Zhan didn't answer but asked instead, "If you don't want to owe favors, do you know what a favor is?"

Luo Chen frowned, "A favor is nothing more than a benefit from others, which becomes a moral shackle on oneself. Unless one is heartless, they will always repay it."

"You're wrong. A favor is actually a two-way street."

Luo Chen was taken aback.

Han Zhan said leisurely, "He gives you a pill, and you repay him with Thunder Essence. This is one interaction. It seems like you don't owe any favors, but in reality, a favor has already been established between you. Later, when he sells you the banana fan at a low price and even introduces you to a gathering of Golden Core Cultivators, it's another favor from him as a superior. If you want to repay him, do you have anything more precious than a thousand-year Thunder Essence? And even if you do, would you be willing to give it away?"

Luo Chen suddenly realized.

His understanding of favors had actually deepened the exchange of favors.

The other party's favor was given from a position of superiority, forcing him to be indebted with an unrefusable attitude.

It was clear that Fuchao Sheng had also seen through his thoughts and rejected them.

Han Zhan calmly said, "This is how things work in the world, not just with him. Haven't you done the same in the past?"

Luo Chen fell silent for a moment, recalling his past.

For Yuan Xiaoyue, he provided her with a job and a generous salary, seeking not only benefits but also a good reputation in the Broken Mountain Gang.

For Sima Huiniang, he bestowed her with a high position and great authority, helping her cultivate her foundation, in exchange for the Sima siblings' dedicated assistance. Even Huiniang, feeling indebted, offered herself to him.

More recently, he showed kindness to Cheng Haixin, promising her many resources, just to ensure his own escape route.

Wasn't all of this his bestowal of favors from a position of superiority?

The affairs of the world were cyclical, merely a replay of history from a different perspective.

The problem returned to the beginning.

"Then what does he want from me?"

Luo Chen never believed in the good fortune of free gifts falling from the sky.

In this world, all gifts come with a hidden price tag, and the price set by a Nascent Soul True Monarch was one he wasn't sure he could repay.

Han Zhan sighed, "Who knows? Anyways, you'll do your best when the time comes."

That was all he could do.

Suppressing the knot in his heart, Luo Chen used his Divine Perception to summon Tianxuan.

After Tianxuan entered, he handed her a jade slip and a small banana fan.

"This jade slip contains a cultivation method tailored for you, called the 'Secret Manual of Universal Feathers.' With diligent cultivation, it can help you reach the Nascent Soul Realm."

"As for this Nine Wind Banana Fan, I won't say much. First, you should use your blood to recognize it as your master. Later, I'll teach you some tips on refining and nurturing treasures. I believe that in a few years, you'll be able to use it with ease and unleash its formidable power."

Luo Chen spoke casually.

Kneeling before him, Tianxuan was overwhelmed with excitement.

A cultivation method tailored for her, perfectly matching her Supreme Treasure, and occasional gifts of pills.

Such treatment was something even direct disciples of major sects couldn't enjoy!

The master's kindness towards her was as heavy as a mountain!

At that moment, she repeatedly knocked her head on the ground three times.

"Thank you, Master, for your gracious gift. This great kindness will be unforgettable. Tianxuan will dedicate herself to serving you with all her might!"

Luo Chen tugged at the corner of his mouth, about to wave his hand to dismiss her.

But seeing this scene, he recalled the previous matter.

Under such great kindness, if he asked Tianxuan to die for him in the future, she probably wouldn't refuse.

What about Fuchao Sheng?

How should he repay him in the future?

It wasn't just Fuchao Sheng!

Luo Chen thought far and wide, and also close, close to those around him!

Han Zhan!

Over the years, he had been by Luo Chen's side, and although he hadn't provided much significant help, he occasionally guarded Luo Chen's side, offered assistance, and shared cultivation knowledge and life lessons from time to time. These accumulated into a substantial amount.

Previously, Luo Chen thought it was part of their initial agreement, but it was clear that sometimes it wasn't something he had actively requested.

Luo Chen couldn't help but wonder if he was treating him so well because he considered him a true friend whom he could trust with his life.

Luo Chen only acknowledged Wang Yuan as such a friend.

Even with Duan Feng and Chu Kui, Luo Chen's relationship with them hadn't reached that level.

In the silence, Luo Chen glanced discreetly at the Soul Banner in the corner.

Apparently, sometimes he needed to hold back and not reveal everything to others.

It wasn't just external affairs, but also internal cultivation!

The so-called Great Dao Oath only constrained within a certain range, and he couldn't afford to be careless!

...

The next evening, Luo Chen arrived at the Heavenly Yuan Tower alone.

He didn't bring Han Zhan or Tianxuan.

Han Zhan was worried about being discovered by Fuchao Sheng, so he hadn't been accompanying Luo Chen recently.

As for Tianxuan, after obtaining the tailored cultivation method, she began her cultivation. Previously, Tianxuan was still a demonic beast, and even after awakening her intelligence, she lacked bloodline inheritance, so all her cultivation was based on her innate and shallow understanding of absorbing and expelling spiritual energy.

Now that she had obtained the orthodox demonic cultivation method, she needed to make some adjustments.

Upon arriving at the Heavenly Yuan Tower, Luo Chen was received by Shan Shubao and led to the sixth floor.

When he stepped into the room, Luo Chen felt as if he had passed through a water curtain and entered another world.

"Is this an array containing a large number of spatial restrictions?" Luo Chen asked.

Shan Shubao stared at Luo Chen in surprise, "Could it be that Fellow Daoist Luo is also proficient in arrays?"

It seemed so.

Luo Chen said that he had some knowledge of arrays while observing his surroundings.

Just as he had thought, the sixth floor of the Heavenly Yuan Tower was indeed arranged with a spatial array.

Although the coverage area wasn't extensive, the gathering place for communication was no longer within the Heavenly Yuan Tower but in another location.

Ordinary cultivators couldn't achieve such a marvelous feat.

However, the Heavenly Yuan Tower was an industry of the Heavenly Origin Alliance, originating from the Heavenly Yuan Dao Sect. For them, such means were considered ordinary.

Luo Chen had arrived early!

Early enough that aside from some maids, there were no Golden Core Cultivators in the room.

He was giving face to Fuchao Sheng and didn't dare to keep him waiting.

But this also gave him an excellent opportunity to observe the subsequent arrivals.

After instructing the maids to attend to Luo Chen, Shan Shubao left to greet the other attendees.

Soon, other Golden Core Cultivators began to enter.

The first cultivator to arrive caught Luo Chen's attention.

The newcomer wore a wide robe with fluttering sleeves, casually fanning himself with a feather fan, and a tall crown on his head, exuding an ethereal aura.

On his sleeve, there was an eye-catching badge, which was a painting of a corner of an immortal mountain, shrouded in clouds and mist, faintly visible in the sea.

It was like a fairyland!

In an instant, a thought popped into Luo Chen's mind.

Penglai Island, Penglai Mountain, Penglai Immortal Sect!

"I came early because of Rich Immortal, but as one of the four great tyrants of the Northern Sea, why is Penglai Immortal Sect being so diligent?"

As he was pondering, the newcomer, noticing Luo Chen's extraordinary demeanor, approached to greet him.

"I am Penglai Yu Gao. Greetings, Fellow Daoist."

Luo Chen cupped his hands in a Daoist salute, "I am Luo Chen, a wandering cultivator. Greetings, Fellow Daoist Yu."

Upon hearing that he was a wandering cultivator, Yu Gao's eyebrows furrowed slightly, and he cupped his hands before choosing a seat.

His demeanor was quite arrogant.

This was consistent with the rumors about the members of Penglai Immortal Sect when they ventured outside.

Luo Chen didn't seem to mind, but a thought suddenly crossed his mind.

According to rumors, Penglai Immortal Sect and Demon Tribulation Sect have always been at odds, secretly competing for thousands of years.

However, there's a question mark here.

Although Penglai is strong, it's ultimately just a True Monarch-level sect. What gives them the audacity to challenge a Sacred Ground?

After thousands of years of peaceful inheritance, how can they simply brush it off with a phrase like "retreating overseas"?

If a Sacred Ground were to take action, an ordinary sect could be wiped out with a flick of their hand!

Moreover, with the Demon Sect's destruction, Penglai Immortal Sect will immediately return to the Inner Realm, aiming to vie for the top position in the North Sea. But above them, there's still the Vast Sea Alliance, a formidable force.

What gives them such confidence?

Recalling what Fuchao Sheng had said about Penglai Immortal Sect, Luo Chen began to have a hunch.

This so-called Penglai Immortal Sect is very likely to have some connection with the Heavenly Yuan Dao Sect.

Only in this way can everything be explained.

And the subsequent developments continued to validate Luo Chen's guess.

Afterwards, one by one, unfamiliar Golden Core Cultivators entered, and most of them greeted Yu Gao upon arrival.

Even those who didn't know each other were introduced by others and went to meet Yu Gao.

It's worth noting that these guests were all invited by the Heavenly Origin Tower and had business ties with the Heavenly Origin Alliance.

Their enthusiasm in getting to know Yu Gao must have been prompted by the Alliance.

Yu Gao's behavior was exactly as Luo Chen had expected.

He was neither cold nor indifferent towards solitary cultivators.

He was friendly and kind to sect and family cultivators.

And for those who had close cooperation with the Heavenly Origin Alliance, he was quite enthusiastic.

That so-called ethereal immortal demeanor he displayed earlier had completely vanished amidst his ever-changing attitudes.

Luo Chen observed coldly from the sidelines, and his suspicions grew stronger.

"That Fairy Cold True Person spoke down on the Ten Thousand Immortals Gathering, predicting the downfall of the Vast Sea Alliance, yet he remained neutral about Penglai Immortal Sect. Now that I think about it, he was hinting for me to join that sect."

"If the Heavenly Yuan Dao Sect is willing to accept me, I will definitely agree. But as for Penglai Immortal Sect..."

Luo Chen shook his head inwardly. Their internal unity is like an iron wall, and unfortunately, his strength doesn't reach the Sacred Ground level. If he were to reveal his situation, there's no way he could protect himself.

Therefore, he decided to give Penglai Immortal Sect a pass.

What about the Ten Thousand Immortals Gathering? Luo Chen saw some of their cultivators at this Golden Core gathering hosted by the Heavenly Origin Tower.

Unfortunately, out of the dozen or so who came, there wasn't a single solitary cultivator from the Ten Thousand Immortals Gathering.

Just as he was feeling disappointed, his heart suddenly tightened.

At the entrance, five figures walked in amidst the rippling water. The leader had a sinister face, clearly not someone to be trifled with, and his late-stage Golden Core aura further confirmed this.

The one who made Luo Chen's heart tighten was the second man among the five.

With a flying cloud bun, brown robes, and a Daoist appearance, his eyes were sharp.

An old acquaintance!

As expected, Shan Shubao introduced them one by one.

"This is Eagle Demon Daoist, a subordinate of the first-rate master of the Magar Stream."

"This is Wu Qi, a subordinate of the Blood Nightmare master of the Magar Stream."

"This is Thousand-Transformation Old Monster, a subordinate of the Rending Heaven master."

"This is..."

The Magar Stream is mostly composed of those with connections to the Demon Sect.

The Dao names of their high-level cultivators are often associated with demons and monsters.

For example, Wu Qi, who hails from the Witch God Island, calls himself the Witch God.

At first glance, Luo Chen recognized Wu Qi.

Wu Qi seemed to sense something, but with everyone's attention on him, he couldn't detect Luo Chen's gaze.

However, he paused for a moment on Luo Chen, a suspicious look on his face.

When Luo Chen came to Cold Jade City, he had disguised himself.

With his mastery of the Ten Thousand Dao Confluence, he could freely transform parts of his body and even mimic others' auras, making it difficult for ordinary people to see through his disguise.

His signature red face was also a result of consuming large amounts of True Flame Pills and prolonged cultivation of the Heavenly Phoenix Nirvana Scripture after Wu Qi's departure, gradually deepening its color.

Therefore, although Wu Qi felt a sense of familiarity, he couldn't recognize Luo Chen right away.

But at this moment, he didn't have the energy to pursue the source of that sensation. Instead, he took the initiative to befriend Yu Gao.

Luo Chen, sitting in the corner, silently observed the lively atmosphere of the gathering.

Five figures from the Magar Stream had arrived, each representing one of the five masters of the twelve streams.

They immediately engaged in enthusiastic exchanges with Yu Gao, who had come from Penglai Immortal Sect.

Does this mean that the Heavenly Origin Alliance, as an intermediary, is consciously trying to bring together Penglai Immortal Sect and the Magar Stream Alliance?

Or perhaps, at a higher level, the three parties have already been in contact for a long time.

Their Golden Core cultivators, as the backbone, are now in the stage of implementing the alliance?

Although Luo Chen hadn't analyzed the trends for many years, he was still sharp in his analysis.

Through various clues, it was clear that he had already glimpsed the truth.

At the very least, the absence of solitary cultivators from the Ten Thousand Immortals Gathering and cultivators from the Vast Sea Alliance among the attendees today could partially validate his guess!

Everyone had arrived.

So, this private gathering officially began.

The content of the gathering was not complicated.

It started with an item exchange session.

Everyone came from different regions, and as Golden Core cultivators, they had accumulated a large number of resources, whether produced by themselves or obtained through battles.

Due to differences in cultivation techniques, some seemingly precious resources were not as valuable to Luo Chen. Instead, he decided to trade them for more beneficial items.

Luo Chen had experienced this many times before and was quite familiar with the process.

However, he was mostly uninterested in the items the other cultivators brought for exchange.

Although some of the pills were good, there weren't many, and they weren't of much use to him.

As for magical treasures, he didn't have a great need for them either. His innate magical treasure, the Primordial Cauldron, had already been nurtured for over a decade, and with the help of a large number of pills, it had shown significant results, meeting his combat needs.

During the exchange, a fire-attributed short trident of medium quality appeared.

However, when another Gold Core Cultivator offered a resource of even higher value along with a large amount of spirit stones, the owner eagerly concluded the deal.

Luo Chen was tempted, but he had to give up.

He possessed many valuable items, such as the thousand-year-old Thunder King Flower and the Xuanwu Armor, which were highly sought-after treasures.

But it was clear that they weren't worth the price.

When it was Luo Chen's turn, he spoke frankly, "I'm just a wandering cultivator and don't have many valuable items. I only have a few bottles of second-rank pills called Imperial Stream Plasma, which have the effect of assisting Qi Condensation cultivators in foundation building..."

As he spoke, the people in the hall showed no change in their expressions, but their eyes held a hint of disdain.

A foundation-building resource similar to the Foundation-Establishing Pill? None of the Gold Core Cultivators present would care about that.

Was he really bringing out such a thing for exchange?

Luo Chen didn't mind their disdain and continued, "However, the main effect of this pill is to help monsters establish their foundation and advance their cultivation. Furthermore, it can also purify bloodlines and unlock the heritage of monster bloodlines."

Upon hearing this, many cultivators became interested.

"Is this true?"

Luo Chen lifted his eyelids, and the speaker was an elder-level figure from a Gold Core family.

Luo Chen replied, "I assure you, there is not a single false word. The Heavenly Origin Tower can vouch for me."

At this point, Shan Shubao, who was hosting the gathering, nodded.

Previously, the batch of gifts given to Elder Fu included the Imperial Stream Plasma, and its effects had been verified by the experts from the Heavenly Origin Tower who specialized in appraisals.

With Shan Shubao's assurance, the others became even more interested.

The Northern Sea was vast, and its resources were abundant, resulting in a large number of monsters.

Although this made the living environment more dangerous, the various sects and factions had also captured more monsters.

Over the years, the techniques for taming monsters had developed significantly.

Items like the Demon-Subduing Talisman, Spirit Beast Bag, Demon-Sealing Ring, and Spirit Nourishing Pills were not uncommon.

It could be said that most of the Northern Sea factions had industries related to monsters to some extent.

Who wouldn't be tempted by a pill that could enhance the cultivation of monsters and unlock their bloodline heritage? If they could improve the strength of the monsters under their command, it would indirectly strengthen themselves.

Someone asked, "Your pill is only second-rank, can it still be effective for third-rank monster kings?"

Luo Chen nodded, "As long as the rank is high enough, it will be effective."

"Then what rank is your Imperial Stream Plasma?"

Luo Chen smiled and twisted open the jade bottle, releasing a rich medicinal fragrance.

"Top-grade!"

The scent of the medicine surprised everyone.

A second-rank top-grade pill's medicinal power was no less than that of an ordinary third-rank pill.

In terms of rarity, it was even more valuable than an ordinary third-rank pill.

A pill of this rank could indeed have an effect on third-rank monster kings. Moreover, Luo Chen claimed to have several bottles of it!

Among the crowd, Wu Qi's eyes narrowed slightly as he watched this scene.

Someone asked, "Then what do you want in exchange?"

Luo Chen closed the jade bottle and said loudly, "After I formed my core, I lacked defensive items. Coincidentally, I obtained the shell of a third-rank monster turtle. Therefore, I want to exchange it for a defensive treasure refinement technique related to the monster turtle's shell."

Upon hearing this, some people in the hall chuckled.

"A few bottles of second-rank pills, even if they are top-grade, are not enough to exchange for a defensive treasure refinement technique. Fellow Daoist Luo, your expectations are a bit too high."

Luo Chen wasn't angry, "I can add spirit stones. The specific price can be negotiated, and I will ensure the other party is satisfied."

He continued persuasively, "Fellow cultivators, ordinary monsters are not surprising. But if we can obtain the bloodline heritage of a powerful monster, its strength will be no less than that of a genuine Gold Core Cultivator. All we have to offer is a defensive treasure refinement technique. This is a profitable deal that can only bring benefits!"

These words resonated with many of them.

It was just a refinement technique, how could it be compared to the strength of a Gold Core Cultivator?

Moreover, even if they gave it away, it wouldn't affect their own use.

Especially since Luo Chen didn't have any hostile relationship with them, there was no need to worry about aiding the enemy.

Just as everyone was hesitating, someone suddenly spoke up.

"I have a complete defensive treasure refinement technique. I'll exchange it for five bottles of your Imperial Stream Plasma, and you only need to add twenty thousand spirit stones. However, you must swear that this technique will not be passed on to others."

Luo Chen followed the voice and saw Yu Gao standing tall in the crowd.

The person waved their hand, and an iron tablet flew towards Shan Shubao.

After reviewing it, Shan Shubao nodded at Luo Chen, "It basically meets your requirements."

The Penglai Immortal Sect's defensive treasure refinement technique? Luo Chen pursed his lips and smiled, "Deal!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end