https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-576-The-Art-of-Crafting-Defensive-Treasures-for-the-Immortal-Sect/12942328/
Chapter 577: Failure? I'm Used to It.
Chapter 577: Failure? I'm Used to It.
With the help of the intermediary Shan Shubao, Yu Gao obtained five bottles of top-grade Imperial Stream Plasma and twenty Supreme Spirit Stones from Luo Chen.
Yes, the payment was made using Supreme Spirit Stones.
Luo Chen initially wanted to pay with Low-grade Spirit Stones, but twenty thousand was an overwhelmingly large quantity that couldn't fit into a regular Storage Bag.
Even if a Gold Core Cultivator had the means to purchase a larger Storage Bag, such a vast number of Low-grade Spirit Stones would still be too cumbersome.
This made Luo Chen realize that as one's cultivation level increased, the currency used in transactions also quietly changed.
Yu Gao was very satisfied with this trade.
To him, a defensive artifact forging technique, especially one not developed within the sect, wasn't that important.
Furthermore, truly forging the defensive artifact within was quite challenging.
At the very least, he had commissioned an elder within the sect to use a lot of materials, and even then, they barely succeeded once.
Exchanging a not-so-important forging technique for Imperial Stream Plasma was of great use to him.
"My spirit beast originally possessed the bloodline of an ancient wild beast, but after many years, it couldn't unlock the bloodline inheritance."
"With this pill, it might be able to lend a helping hand!"
A fifth-stage wild beast is akin to a human Deity Transformation Great Power, having already comprehended a portion of the heavenly laws.
Consequently, their descendants' bloodlines are more or less inclined towards that aspect.
If there's a divine technique derived from it, it can be hidden within the bloodline, blessing future generations.
However, since the ancient war between humans and demons, the demon race started practicing the path of transformation. Although their cultivation speed increased significantly, the original path was abandoned, leading to difficulties in unlocking their own bloodline inheritance.
It's becoming increasingly challenging! Ordinary low-level demon beasts rarely naturally awaken the hidden heritage within their bloodline.
This Imperial Stream Plasma, who knows which pill master developed it, to have such a miraculous effect?
While Yu Gao was satisfied, Luo Chen was also in high spirits.
After receiving the iron tablet from Shan Shubao, he waved his hand to remove the original owner's simple imprint, and his mind probed within.
As expected, inscribed on it was a complete set of instructions for forging an inner and outer dual-layered defensive armor.
Luo Chen skimmed through the content and immediately recognized the extraordinary nature of this technique.
Once successfully forged, it could provide both energy armor protection against energy attacks and physical armor defense against physical assaults.
As this wasn't the time for detailed research, Luo Chen put away the iron tablet and continued observing the gathering.
The first segment was an item exchange, which proceeded slowly and tediously.
Mostly, it involved rare resources whose value was difficult to determine and varied from person to person.
Therefore, during negotiations, a significant amount of time was required.
After acquiring the defensive artifact forging technique, Luo Chen didn't participate much.
However, even though he wasn't actively trading, people still privately inquired if he had more top-grade Imperial Stream Plasma.
Luo Chen consistently replied that he only had those five bottles in stock.
After interacting with Fu Zhenren.
His plan had changed.
He didn't intend to sell his refined pills extensively to showcase his identity as a pill master, avoiding attracting the attention of the Blood Nightmare Demon King.
Nevertheless, despite his intentions, some still had their suspicions.
"Fellow Daoist Luo, are you a pill master?"
Looking at the visitor, Luo Chen's heart skipped a beat, but his expression remained calm.
"Fellow Daoist Wu, you flatter me. After forming my core, like most people, I dabbled in pill refining, hoping to become a revered pill master. However, my talent is limited, and despite investing a lot of effort, I can only refine low-grade pills."
After forming their core, cultivators experience a surge in lifespan, and unless something unexpected happens, they can generally live for about five hundred years.
With such ample time, aside from cultivation, most will attempt to study one or two skills.
Pill refining is often the first choice! However, the vast majority of people can't even enter the field. Even with abundant resources, forcibly entering the field and being able to refine first-tier, second-tier, or even third-tier pills is still of no use.
The specific reason lies in the fact that being able to refine pills is one thing, but ensuring success rates and product quality are two different matters.
Normally, selling low-grade pills of various tiers results in losses, and it's fundamentally impossible to make a profit.
Only by guaranteeing a high success rate can one avoid losing the cost of the raw materials.
To make a substantial profit, one must refine middle-grade or even top-grade pills!
This is also why, in the cultivation world, there are many high-level cultivators but not as many high-level pill masters.
Wu Qi's expression turned doubtful.
He had secretly observed this scattered cultivator named Luo Hai before, and indeed, there wasn't such a dense residual pill aura on him.
This didn't match the description of Qingyang Demon Lord.
But the sudden appearance of a pill he had never heard of before made him unable to resist speculating in that direction.
Luo Chen apologized, "If Fellow Daoist Wu also wants the Imperial Stream Plasma, then I'm sorry. Those Imperial Stream Plasma were obtained from an ancient cultivator's ruins, and there weren't many to begin with. My spirit beast used some, leaving only the few bottles I traded with Fellow Daoist Yu Gao."
"Spirit beast?" Wu Qi's eyes lit up, and he subconsciously asked, "I wonder what your spirit beast is..."
Luo Chen's expression darkened.
Wu Qi immediately realized his mistake, "My apologies, I was too forward."
A cultivator's spirit beast, like their proficiency in artifacts and cultivation techniques, can be considered a trump card, not something to be disclosed lightly.
Indeed, he had been too forward.
During their conversation, the first segment finally came to an end.
Shan Shubao walked to the center of the hall and clapped his hands.
"Next, let's chat about the auction that will take place in a few days!"
What's so interesting about that auction?
Shan Shubao's curiosity grew.
Seeing the confusion in his eyes, Wu Qi quietly explained, perhaps to make up for his previous abruptness.
It turned out that this auction involved many major and minor forces.
The main participants were Fairy Cold True Person, Heavenly Origin Alliance, Magaroha Stream, Penglai Immortal Sect, and Sea Alliance.
Most of the resources to be auctioned were provided by these parties.
It was easy to imagine that the resources offered by such powerful forces, even if he didn't particularly need them, would be of exceptional quality. Once they were put up for auction, the prices would easily soar due to competitive bidding.
Currently, Shan Shubao's role was to act as an intermediary, connecting some people in advance to plan the allocation of certain items, preventing internal competition and maintaining harmony.
The atmosphere in the hall had been set by Shan Shubao, so from time to time, someone would speak up.
"As for the Ling Ting Stone offered by Fairy Cold, Chu Mou is determined to obtain it. I hope fellow Daoists will give me some face at that time."
"I'm sorry, I recently need to refine a Sea Calming Disc, and the Ling Ting Stone is of great use to me."
The Sea Calming Disc was a common magical treasure in the North Sea.
For non-water attribute cultivators, when fighting against water attribute cultivators at sea, they often suffered from terrain disadvantages.
However, the Sea Calming Disc could calm the waves, block water vapor, and eliminate terrain differences.
Moreover, if such a treasure was placed on an island and combined with the appropriate formation, it could create a small-scale environment with calm winds and gentle rains.
If a family or sect obtained it, they could use it to build a suitable living environment.
Whether for cultivation or breeding certain seafood, it would be highly beneficial.
Sea Calming Discs were common, but high-quality ones were rare.
The inferior ones were merely magical treasure-level, while the excellent ones could reach the level of artifacts.
The speaker was obviously a fire attribute Gold Core Cultivator like Luo Chen, who was at a disadvantage in sea battles and urgently needed a Sea Calming Disc of artifact-level.
Watching the dispute between the two, Luo Chen's thoughts wandered.
At lower cultivation levels, the elemental attributes' control over cultivators' battles was not so obvious because of their low cultivation. Most of the methods cultivators used relied on external objects.
However, at higher cultivation levels, like the Nascent Soul stage, cultivators could already utilize the power of heaven and earth, and even the power of laws.
Although they, as Gold Core Cultivators, couldn't reach that level, they could still fight by taking advantage of terrain.
Therefore, the elemental oppression became increasingly influential in cultivators' battles and cultivation.
"Should I also find time to get a Sea Calming Disc?"
After some thought, Luo Chen secretly dismissed the idea.
His fire attribute spiritual power was cultivated and transformed through the Heavenly Phoenix Nirvana Scripture, making it extremely domineering.
Ordinary terrain and slight water-fire elemental oppression couldn't affect him at all.
Instead of spending Spirit Stones on these things, it would be better to research other methods.
The dispute between the two cultivators gradually subsided under Shan Shubao's mediation.
The Chu surname Gold Core Cultivator eventually persuaded the other party.
The Ling Ting Stone was crucial for his cultivation, and he couldn't do without it.
However, the Sea Calming Disc didn't necessarily require the Ling Ting Stone. After the Chu surname cultivator promised to use an alternative material, both parties reached an agreement, and the latter decided not to compete with him at the auction.
Of course, if other forces at the auction strongly bid for it, the Chu surname cultivator would have to rely on himself.
The dispute over the Ling Ting Stone ended there.
After that, people continued to speak up, informing others of the resources they wanted to avoid competition from other cultivators.
"I must have the Pulse Connecting Herb. I have a direct descendant whose meridians are naturally blocked, and I need the Pulse Connecting Herb to refine the necessary pills. Although this item is only third-stage, it's of little use to fellow Gold Core Cultivators. I believe no one will compete with me for it at the auction!"
"That Nine Sun Yin Gold is already mine. I hope no one will interfere when the time comes."
"Fellow Daoist, your words are misleading. Nine Sun Yin Gold is the best among Yin Gold, and adding a small amount to gold and fire attribute flying swords will make them extremely sharp. I, too, am determined to obtain it!"
"Haha, do you really want to compete with me?"
"Let our abilities do the talking!"
"Are there any fellow Daoists interested in the Coral Crystal Umbrella?"
"Is Fellow Daoist Yue Luo interested in it?"
"It's not that I want it, but the Coral Crystal Umbrella was my friend's heirloom. Years ago, someone killed him and took it away. Now, after many twists and turns, it has appeared at the auction. I want to buy it back and return it to my friend's family."
"Since Fellow Daoist Yue Luo wants it, Xu Mou won't compete with you at the auction. After all, it's just a low-grade magical treasure."
"Thank you!"
...
Luo Chen observed this scene, and combined with Wu Qi's words, he already understood the purpose of this process.
It was nothing more than private connections to avoid unrestrained bidding at the auction and maintain harmony.
It seemed that the alliance between Magaroha Stream and Penglai Immortal Sect was a done deal, as they had already started avoiding conflicts in the details.
He was also curious about another question, "Some of the resources are provided by our three parties. Why not handle it internally instead of putting them up for auction?"
In response, Wu Qi sent a sound transmission, "This grand event was solely promoted by Fairy Cold. If we handle it internally, no one can make up for her lost profits."
Was the Cold Jade City Auction organized by Fairy Cold True Person?
Luo Chen's eyebrows rose.
Recalling Cold Jade City's neutral status over the years, he suddenly understood.
But in his heart, he found it amusing.
To satisfy Fairy Cold's profit margin and then secretly colluding to suppress the bidding price, it was as if he was reducing her share of the profits.
Such a contradiction was indeed laughable.
However, when the third stage of communication among the cultivators arrived, Luo Chen understood the reason behind the contradiction.
The third stage was a common stage for cultivators to interact.
They could either raise questions about their cultivation difficulties and seek advice from others or share their experiences and knowledge.
News about the rise and fall of various powers among the Northern Sea's immortal islands, the emergence of powerful figures, and the demise of ancient forces were all shared by these knowledgeable Golden Core Cultivators.
Even the movements of various demon clans in the Demon Sea were revealed through these cultivators' extensive knowledge.
During this process, Luo Chen learned more about Yu Gao from their casual conversations, including some information about Fairy Cold.
Apparently, this woman was from the Penglai Immortal Sect!
For some reason, she had defected from the Penglai Immortal Sect and had a vague relationship with a Nascent Soul Elder of the Demon Tribulation Sect.
With the support of the Demon Tribulation Sect Elder, she obtained the Cold Jade City as her cultivation site.
The Cold Jade City Auction Gala was also guaranteed by her, with the Heavenly Origin Alliance secretly backing it.
Penglai Immortal Sect, Demon Tribulation Sect, Magaroha Stream...
Luo Chen understood the source of the contradiction.
It was clear that the intermediary for this cooperation between the two parties was not just the Heavenly Origin Alliance; Fairy Cold was also involved.
Therefore, her share of the profits was a must.
However, compared to the two formidable powers, Fairy Cold, despite being a Nascent Soul Cultivator, was indeed insignificant.
So, giving her some benefits was enough; there was no need to give too much.
After realizing this, Luo Chen couldn't help but shake his head inwardly.
The affairs of the world were complex and winding, and even a Nascent Soul Cultivator couldn't control their own fate!
As for more inside information, Luo Chen couldn't find out.
Because this gathering of Golden Core Cultivators was already coming to an end.
After the meeting, Luo Chen did not join the others in private gatherings.
He didn't know many people here, and it wasn't in his nature to confide in those he barely knew, so he left early.
At a window on the sixth floor of the Heavenly Origin Tower.
Wu Qi watched Luo Chen's departing figure, and the strange feeling in his heart gradually dissipated.
Beside him, the old man with the hooked nose asked, "Are you interested in him? Do you know him?"
"I thought he was an old acquaintance, but his Dharmic Cloud Flight Glow is completely different. I must have mistaken him for someone else." Wu Qi shook his head and then smiled. "If I didn't know him before, I know him now, don't I?"
The Eagle Demon pouted, "You're not focusing on your cultivation. Instead, you're keen on socializing. What use is that for your cultivation?"
Wu Qi remained calm and composed, "The more friends I have, the more paths I have. You know that the Blood Nightmare Sect Master has many experts under his command, but most of them are from the Demon Tribulation Sect, and they naturally aren't on the same path as me. Especially after they joined the Magaroha Stream, they all secluded themselves for cultivation. Whenever I encounter a problem, I have to either handle it myself or seek your help. If this continues, I'll eventually run into trouble."
Hearing this, the Eagle Demon also showed a puzzled expression.
"I don't understand either. Aren't the orthodox disciples of the Demon Sect usually more flamboyant? Why do they become so dedicated to solitary cultivation and never show their faces after joining the Blood Nightmare Sect Master?"
"Also, wasn't there a survivor from the Demon Tribulation Sect who recently sought refuge with the Blood Nightmare Sect Master? What was his name again?"
Wu Qi lowered his voice, "He Yuan, a Fourth Layer Golden Core Cultivator, with considerable strength."
"Yes, his name is He Yuan," the Eagle Demon nodded heavily. "That guy was very arrogant when he appeared, but he hasn't been seen recently. Could it be that the Blood Nightmare Sect Master..."
"Eagle Demon, you're overthinking it," Wu Qi smiled, but his smile seemed forced.
He glanced in the direction where Luo Chen had left and then took a deep breath.
"Let's go, Yu Gao is still waiting for us. I wonder how many Golden Core Cultivators from the Penglai Immortal Sect came and which Hidden Cultivator Monster is leading them."
...
Upon returning to the valley.
Luo Chen immediately took out the Forge Technique and studied it carefully.
Han Zhan appeared, and with a scan of his spiritual sense, he asked, "A defensive artifact?"
"Mmm," Luo Chen responded while studying the technique.
Han Zhan was puzzled, "Why are you studying it so thoroughly? When the time comes, you can just spend a lot of money and ask a famous Forge Master to refine it for you."
Luo Chen raised his head and tugged at the corners of his mouth, "Senior, after the Primordial Cauldron incident, do you think I would still trust others to refine such a crucial treasure?"
Han Zhan was taken aback and then chuckled.
It seemed that once bitten, twice shy!
He joked, "The difficulty of refining a physical defensive artifact is second only to a Divine Soul Defensive Artifact. It's more challenging than refining a normal offensive artifact or an Array Disc Puppet. Even a renowned Forge Master wouldn't dare guarantee success. If you insist on doing it yourself, I'm afraid the outcome will be failure."
"Failure? I'm used to it," Luo Chen said softly, lowering his head to continue studying the Iron Tablet.
Han Zhan was slightly stunned, recalling Luo Chen's calm demeanor during his past failures in pill refinement. For a moment, he couldn't find the right words to refute.
Being accustomed to failure didn't mean accepting it.
Repeated failures proved that he was constantly trying, and with the right conditions, success would eventually come.
However, Han Zhan was a bit puzzled.
Luo Chen had exceptional talent in pill refinement, formation techniques, and even in the art of techniques.
It couldn't be that he also had talent in forging, could it?
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
