Chapter 596: Dragon Quake Immortal City, Assessment Task

Chapter 596: Dragon Quake Immortal City, Assessment Task

Wrong, it must be wrong!

This dilapidated giant city was indeed the once-famous Dragon Quake Immortal City.

Even during the Primordial Demon Sect's existence, it was a shining pearl among their sect's assets.

It was said that back then, high-level cultivators came and went like clouds, and powerful ones were as numerous as dragons in the abyss.

The reason for its decline to its current state was the great war a hundred years ago.

After the Primordial Demon Sect's destruction, the Blood Scattered Hermit took the lead, personally going to Dragon Quake and forcefully slaying a Nascent Soul Immortal stationed there.

That battle, though brief, had immense destructive power, turning half of Dragon Quake City into ruins.

In the hundred years since, the Ten Thousand Immortals Assembly cultivators have continuously rebuilt, restoring it to its current state.

Wanderers, by nature, patch things up, unlike top-tier major sects with comprehensive planning; they only fix what they need.

Moreover, rebuilding a super immortal city of this scale would require at least a Fourth Rank Array Master to oversee the entire project!

Among wanderers, many excel in other skills, but when it comes to arrays, they are few and far between.

A Fourth Rank Array Master?

Currently, I haven't heard of any such existence among Northern Sea wanderers.

Additionally, the Three Loose Cultivators leading the Ten Thousand Immortals Assembly usually don't bother with management, appearing as infrequently as dragons, with only the Moon Hermit making more frequent appearances.

As a result, the so-called main city of the Ten Thousand Immortals Assembly has become what it is today, an "unremarkable" sight.

"Don't worry, Elder," Zhang Jiadi reassured, "Although Dragon Quake City looks dilapidated from the outside, it's fully functional inside, with all necessary facilities."

Luo Chen surveyed the surroundings, gazing at the bustling streets and unfamiliar shops, his heart slightly easing.

It seemed he had underestimated the situation.

"As for the Spirit Land Cave Abodes, the spirit vein in Dragon Quake City was destroyed during the battle between Nascent Soul Immortals. Even after a Sage's restoration, only one Fourth Rank Cave Abode was restored, while the remaining spiritual energy wasn't gathered, covering the entire city and forming scattered Second Rank Cave Abodes."

Luo Chen frowned, "Then how are Golden Core cultivators supposed to cultivate?"

In response to this question, Zhang Jiadi calmly pointed in a distant direction.

Luo Chen looked up, and even from the tall city walls, he could see a faintly visible, winding, and undulating mountain range in the distance.

"What's that place?"

"Dragon Soaring Mountain Range!"

Zhang Jiadi's eyes gleamed with envy as he said, "That place was once an external palace of the Primordial Demon Sect, with several Fourth Rank Spirit Veins crisscrossing within. It's a true immortal cultivation ground. Most of our Ten Thousand Immortals Assembly's high-level wanderers and Three-Star and above Monster Hunters choose to cultivate in the Dragon Soaring Mountain Range."

Upon hearing this, Luo Chen's hanging heart finally settled.

After all, it was a major power, and without their own Spirit Land, it would be a significant loss of face.

But according to Zhang Jiadi's description, the Dragon Soaring Mountain Range had several Fourth Rank Spirit Veins, and it was just an external palace of the Primordial Demon Sect?

Such a Spirit Land, even in the Eastern Wilderness, would be fiercely contested by Nascent Soul Upper Sects! Luo Chen could only sigh, realizing that the Sacred Land was indeed wealthy.

Even the peripheral areas became the foundation of the Ten Thousand Immortals Assembly.

The other leftovers in the Northern Sea must also be enough to satisfy everyone.

"I will definitely go to the Dragon Soaring Mountain Range."

Luo Chen muttered to himself, then followed Zhang Jiadi and his wife to their residence in Dragon Quake City.

It was a two-courtyard house, elegantly decorated, not as shabby as they had described.

After all, they were Foundation Establishment True Men.

Even wanderers wouldn't live in such poor conditions.

Moreover, this couple's private business dealings earned them much more than ordinary wanderers, and owning this property in Dragon Quake City was not a burden.

Upon returning home, Zhang Jiadi offered his cultivation chamber to Luo Chen.

But Luo Chen declined.

In the end, it was just a difference between a Second Rank Medium and Low-grade Cave Abode, not a significant distinction for him.

In the evening, the couple hosted a banquet for Luo Chen and Tian Xuan.

During the meal, Luo Chen inquired about Dragon Quake City and the Dragon Soaring Mountain Range in detail.

"The Dragon Quake City Lord is the rumored Nine-Star Monster Hunter. After advancing to the Nascent Soul stage fifty years ago, he has been in closed-door cultivation in the Fourth Rank Cave Abode within the city, supposedly consolidating his new realm."

"His real name is unknown, and his path name during his Monster Hunter period was also Dragon Quake Master, likely a casual name he came up with after seeing Dragon Quake City."

"It's because of his presence that Dragon Quake City can stand in the Northern Sea without a defense formation array, becoming the main city of the Ten Thousand Immortals Assembly."

"As for the Dragon Soaring Mountain Range, the entry requirements are quite strict."

"Ordinary wanderers, even Golden Core cultivators, must participate in three Three Seas Campaigns to qualify. And this is just the qualification; the Spirit Stones required for renting a cave abode are also a huge amount. It's said that even the weakest Third Rank Cave Abode costs five hundred thousand Spirit Stones per year. Foundation Establishment Ninth Level cultivators would find it challenging to earn so many Spirit Stones in a year, even with their hunting monster earnings."

"As for the standard Third Rank Low-grade Cave Abode for Golden Core cultivators, it starts at seven hundred thousand Spirit Stones, double for Medium-grade, and the High-grade Cave Abode requires a whopping three million Spirit Stones per year, far beyond what ordinary wanderers can afford."

"Of course, there are numerous powerful cultivators currently in the Dragon Soaring Mountain Range. As far as I know, there are over a hundred Golden Core cultivators alone! Wow, to be honest, I was surprised to hear that the Ten Thousand Immortals Assembly had so many Golden Core wanderers."

"Husband, you're mistaken. In fact, most of the Golden Core cultivators weren't wanderers from the beginning.

Over the past hundred years, due to various reasons, some sects were destroyed, while others fell from grace. With the oppression of major powers, they had no choice but to seek refuge at the Wan Xian Conference to barely survive."

As they chatted, not only Zhang Jiadi spoke, but his Dao companion, Wen Xiu, also chimed in from time to time.

Luo Chen was initially surprised, but after Wen Xiu's explanation, he was able to understand a thing or two.

There was a perfect example of this!

Yan Nantian!

He wasn't just a Wanderer; he actually came from the Yan family on Lao Yan Island. Later, after being destroyed by the Demon Tide Sect, he went into exile in the Northern Sea Immortal World.

However, his ending was quite tragic.

In a place like the Flying Swallow Archipelago, it may be secluded, but without the protection of a major power, he ended up with the tragic fate of being attacked by Luo Chen, with nowhere to run.

On the other hand, if one were to end up in Yan Nantian's situation, the Wan Xian Conference would actually be a better place to settle.

Because of this example, Luo Chen understood why there were so many Wanderers with Golden Cores at the Wan Xian Conference.

Wen Xiu poured a cup of wine for Luo Chen and Zhang Jiadi and sat down to explain further, "Moreover, not all of the hundreds of Golden Core Cultivators at the Wan Xian Conference cultivate in the Dragon Soaring Mountain Range. Some of them are assigned to other islands within the Wan Xian Conference. For example, on the Thousand Star Island that we passed by on our way here, there are always three Golden Core Cultivators taking turns to station there."

Luo Chen understood, and then asked in confusion, "According to what you said, the cave abode rental prices in the Dragon Soaring Mountain Range are so high. How can these people afford to stay there year-round?"

At this, Zhang Jiadi smiled slightly.

"Could it be that the Elder has forgotten the privileges I mentioned earlier regarding the Star-Ranked Monster Hunters?"

Luo Chen raised his eyebrows, "Are you saying that those discounts also apply to cave abode rentals?"

Zhang Jiadi nodded and took out his Two-Star Token.

"Yes, what I just said applies to ordinary Wanderers. For Star-Ranked Monster Hunters, there is a separate set of standards."

"This star-ranking corresponds to discounts!"

"A One-Star Monster Hunter can enjoy a 10% discount on cave abode rentals."

"A Nine-Star Monster Hunter can enjoy a 90% discount."

Luo Chen furrowed his brows, and then realized that the star-ranking discounts were the opposite of what he had assumed.

A One-Star could get a 90% discount, while a Nine-Star could get a 10% discount.

A 10% discount!

Luo Chen's heart raced. If he could become a Nine-Star Monster Hunter, it would mean that renting a Low-grade Third Rank cave abode would only cost a few tens of thousands of Spirit Stones per year.

Even for a High-grade Third Rank cave abode, which is coveted by Golden Core Cultivators, it would only cost three hundred thousand per year.

Any Golden Core Cultivator who isn't incredibly foolish could afford this amount of Spirit Stones.

And how could someone who has achieved the status of a Nine-Star Monster Hunter be foolish?

"The Wan Xian Conference has tied so many resources to the star-ranking of Monster Hunters!"

"It seems that to save funds, I must become a Star-Ranked Monster Hunter."

Luo Chen pondered this in his mind.

He currently had a large sum of money, with 1.8 million Spirit Stones in cash alone, not to mention other miscellaneous resources.

However, this vast wealth was still insignificant compared to the high rental prices.

Only by obtaining a 'local residence permit' could he continue to support his future cultivation.

"Indeed, no matter where you are, real estate is always the most profitable. Even if you're a landlord, collecting rent will fill your pockets."

After this reflection, Luo Chen took the initiative to stand up and leave, ending this welcoming banquet.

When he returned to his room, he didn't rest right away.

Instead, he borrowed the Ten Thousand Souls Banner from Tian Xuan and inspected it.

Han Zhan was still busy.

Ever since Luo Chen had removed the bad luck from the Soul Nourishing Tree for him, Han Zhan had been occupied with dealing with it.

According to Han Zhan, once it was ready, he could completely bid farewell to the Ten Thousand Souls Banner and have his soul reside in the Soul Nourishing Tree.

After all, there were too many demonic souls within the Ten Thousand Souls Banner, and living there for an extended period could easily lead to assimilation.

The Soul Nourishing Tree was the most suitable habitat for remnant souls.

After a century or two, perhaps he could restore his Nascent Soul to its original state, even without a physical body!

Seeing that Han Zhan wasn't responding, Luo Chen took the Soul Nourishing Tree out of the Ten Thousand Souls Banner and handed it to Tian Xuan.

"I'm currently lacking a handy magical treasure, so I'll use this Ten Thousand Souls Banner for now. As for Han Zhan's Soul Nourishing Tree, you can carry it with you!"

Tian Xuan found this a bit strange. Previously, the master and Han Zhan had been inseparable, so why were they suddenly separating without informing each other today?

However, she didn't dare ask further upon receiving her master's instructions.

After Tian Xuan left with the Soul Nourishing Tree, Luo Chen heaved a barely noticeable sigh of relief.

It was as if, in that moment, a burden had been lifted from his shoulders.

...

The next day.

Early in the morning, Luo Chen and Zhang Jiadi hurried out and didn't return until noon.

He had completed the registration at the Wan Xian Conference and became a Wanderer under the Wan Xian Conference, entitled to a certain level of protection.

Not only that, but he also registered as a Star-Ranked Monster Hunter.

"Next, Elder, you just need to wait for the task assignments from Dragon Abyss City."

"You should be familiar with the assessment tasks. Tell me about them."

Zhang Jiadi cleared his throat and explained to Luo Chen.

The assessment tasks for Star-Ranked Monster Hunters at the Wan Xian Conference had only been established and improved in the past few decades.

Initially, there were no related assessment tasks, and anyone who registered would become a One-Star Monster Hunters.

However, it was later discovered that some Wanderers, after registering, showed no ambition for improvement and used their One-Star Monster Hunter status to avoid wartime conscription for the Three Seas Campaign. They also took advantage of the Wan Xian Conference. Since then, the Monster Hunter Bureau under the Wan Xian Conference has gradually supplemented and improved the rules to address these loopholes.

"Actually, Elder, there's no need to worry. The One-Star assessment tasks aren't that difficult."

"Either escort and deliver some goods over a short distance, or kill some Second Rank demon beasts, and you'll pass."

"In the past, some even used Spirit Stones to hire others to complete tasks for them, but it's only recently that they've established an inspector to accompany and oversee the task process."

"For someone like me, a mere one-star task is a piece of cake!"

Luo Chen heaved a sigh of relief after hearing this.

If it was just a matter of killing some low-level demonic beasts, he was more than capable, and there was nothing to worry about.

Upon returning to the courtyard, only he and Zhang Jiadi were present, while Tian Xuan and Wen Xiu were nowhere to be seen.

Luo Chen wasn't surprised.

Earlier that morning, before leaving, Tian Xuan had mentioned that she would take Wen Xiu around Dragon Abyss City to familiarize herself with the area.

In the future, it would also be convenient for her to assist Luo Chen.

With no one else around, the two men were left alone, and Zhang Jiadi felt a bit uncomfortable.

Suddenly, Luo Chen asked, "How many months has it been?"

Zhang Jiadi was taken aback for a moment, then a hint of warmth crept into the corners of his mouth as he replied, "It's been five months, but it doesn't show."

"What about the future? Have you given it some thought?"

The warmth in Zhang Jiadi's voice faded slightly as he spoke in a somewhat subdued tone, "I have thought about it. I'm a wanderer, but Ah Xiu used to be from a cultivation family, so she knows more. In this world, if we want to protect a child and ensure they grow up safely, it's not enough for just the two of us. Unless we watch over them day and night, something will eventually happen."

"According to her idea, we should establish a cultivation family, recruit some low-level cultivators as vassals, and let the family protect the child."

"My aptitude isn't that great, and I'm already at an advanced age. I won't have the chance to advance to the Golden Core stage in this lifetime. Therefore, the star-rating of a Monster Hunter doesn't make much difference between three stars and two stars as long as it's not four stars."

"That's why I gave up on advancing my star-rating and instead secretly sold most of my monster-hunting earnings to obtain more Spirit Stones."

"These Spirit Stones are the funds for establishing the family in the future."

At this point, he looked at Luo Chen cautiously.

"Senior, I hope you can keep this matter a secret for me."

If he were to break the rules and his secret dealings were exposed, he would undoubtedly face severe punishment from the Monster Hunter Bureau, and he might even lose his life.

He didn't want any trouble, especially since he had an unborn child.

Previously, Luo Chen was aware of this, but after spending some time together, Zhang Jiadi decided to be straightforward and seek a definite answer to ease his daily anxiety.

In his anticipation, Luo Chen smiled slightly, "Your affairs are none of my concern, and I won't gossip about them."

Then, changing the topic, he asked about some details from their earlier conversation.

"Why is it that a four-star Monster Hunter is so different from a three-star one? Isn't it just a difference in resource exchange discounts?"

"The discount is just one aspect," Zhang Jiadi said, visibly more relaxed after receiving Luo Chen's promise. He pointed in the direction of the Dragon Soaring Mountain Range, "In fact, the cave abode's grade is also tied to the star-rating. Only a four-star Monster Hunter can rent a weak third-rank or higher cave abode. This rule, though unspoken, has always been implicit."

"How so?"

"The Ten Thousand Immortals Assembly, at its core, is a loose cultivator power where the weak are preyed upon by the strong. The struggles within are no less intense than those in the outside world. Senior, having reached the Golden Core stage, should understand how significant the cave abode's grade is for cultivation, especially for us Foundation Establishment Cultivators. After reaching the ninth level of Foundation Establishment, if we want to have a smoother time during Core Formation, it's best to first adapt to the spiritual energy environment of a weak third-rank Spirit Land. But such a precious land is coveted by countless Foundation Establishment True Cultivators. Without sufficient strength, there will be an endless stream of enemies vying for it, even to the point of occupation."

Luo Chen frowned, "Won't the Ten Thousand Immortals Assembly do something about this?"

Zhang Jiadi spread his hands, "They only rent it to us, and after that, they don't care about what happens. Perhaps Golden Core seniors feel too superior to forcefully seize a weak third-rank Spirit Land, but Foundation Establishment Cultivators at the ninth level, or even those at the peak of their cultivation, won't bother with such chivalrous notions. In this situation, a four-star Monster Hunter's status not only symbolizes their identity but also reveals their strength. Only then can they deter the endless stream of potential enemies."

Luo Chen couldn't help but nod in agreement.

To have achieved such a star-rating as a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, a level that only Golden Core Cultivators could reach, was indeed a testament to their power!

Trying to covet such a person's cave abode was akin to seeking death.

"What about me?"

Luo Chen suddenly asked.

"If I, as a one-star Monster Hunter, were to rent a high-grade third-rank cave abode, what would happen?"

Zhang Jiadi was momentarily stunned, not quite understanding the question.

He cautiously looked at Luo Chen, "I don't know the specifics of your cultivation level, Senior."

Luo Chen smiled faintly, "Mid-stage Golden Core."

Zhang Jiadi's face showed a fascinating expression. With such a cultivation level, he was seeking a high-grade third-rank cave abode that even ordinary Golden Core wanderers yearned for?

Zhang Jiadi forced a smile, "Senior, why bother? A low-grade or medium-grade third-rank cave abode should be sufficient for you..."

"No, I want a high-grade third-rank cave abode. With your experience and knowledge, analyze the situation for me. What will happen when the time comes?"

Zhang Jiadi sighed, "What else can happen? Those with lower cultivation levels than you, or even those with the same or higher cultivation levels but insufficient financial resources, will swarm like bees. Even if you obtain the high-grade third-rank cave abode, Senior, I fear you won't have peace during your cultivation."

Luo Chen pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "In other words, I can only first obtain a star-rating that matches my strength, or even a higher one, and after displaying sufficient strength to the outside world, can I avoid those troubles."

"That's right," Zhang Jiadi agreed.

Seeing that Luo Chen had come to a realization, Zhang Jiadi also felt relieved.

Unconsciously, his feelings towards this Golden Core Cultivator, who held his secret, had changed. The initial resistance and fear had transformed into a sense of closeness.

If he were to establish a Cultivation Family in the future, the Foundation Establishment realm alone might not be sufficient for protection.

Having a Golden Core Cultivator as a powerful backer would ensure peace of mind.

The conversation came to a close as the sun passed overhead, and Tian Xuan and Wen Xiu had not yet returned. Luo Chen didn't chat much with Zhang Jiadi, but instead went inside to continue his attempts at the Yuan Dan Technique.

This secret technique was indeed one of the two most advanced among the three skills and two techniques of the Luoyun Sect.

The difficulty of cultivation far surpassed that of the "Locking Pearl Curtain."

In the past half a year, Luo Chen had already failed six or seven times, almost failing once every month.

It was only because the quality of the Veiled Dust Sand in his possession was high enough; otherwise, it would have been ruined long ago.

Even so, according to Han Zhan, this Veiled Dust Sand could only support Luo Chen's attempts three or four more times at most.

If he tried more times, even if he succeeded, the quality of his second Golden Core would not be very high, and his achievement ceiling would be clearly visible.

He couldn't even think of condensing a second Nascent Soul after reaching the Nascent Soul stage in the future.

Luo Chen didn't want it to come to that, so recently, whenever he had free time, he had been pondering how to better enter this secret technique.

If it weren't for the ample time and the fact that the corresponding cultivation environment had not yet been established, he would have used the achievement points from the system to enter this secret technique.

For now, every bit of savings mattered.

In the evening, Tian Xuan and the others finally returned.

When Luo Chen came out, Tian Xuan told him about her experiences during the day and mentioned that she needed to go out again tomorrow.

Luo Chen didn't stop her, as he knew that most of his time in the future would be spent on cultivation. The more familiar Tian Xuan became with the situation here, the more she could help him.

Moreover, he took out one million Spirit Stones from his savings and gave them to her.

"Take it!"

"What's the point of just looking and not buying? You can also use this opportunity to understand the prices in Dragon Abyss City."

"Keep the remaining Spirit Stones for when you need a small amount. You won't have to look for me every time."

Tian Xuan, who was delighted by the favor, felt her heart lighten after receiving the standard-sized Spirit Stones.

Time passed bit by bit as Luo Chen meticulously studied the Yuan Dan Technique.

Just as Luo Chen was about to lose patience from the wait, news finally arrived.

A Sound Transmission Talisman, grand and dignified, flew into the Zhang family's courtyard.

Luo Chen clenched his fist in the air, and the divine perception attached to the Sound Transmission Talisman entered his Sea of Consciousness.

"Greetings from the Monster Hunter Bureau. The assessment task has been prepared."

Luo Chen's expression turned solemn, and he murmured, "Is it finally ready...?"

Then, he stood up, changed out of his white robe, and put on the third Crimson Robe that Cheng Haixin had prepared for him.

Furthermore, he used a Jade Hairpin to tie up his long hair, which had been loose during his solitary cultivation.

Standing before the Water Mirror, he looked at his reflection.

Although his face was flushed, affecting his appearance, his features were sharp, and his figure was tall and straight, like a lush green pine tree.

Under his elegant red robe, he wore a finely crafted Jade Belt around his waist, and a Jade Hairpin adorned his head.

At first glance, he even exuded a graceful and elegant air.

This style was quite eye-catching.

It was completely different from the low-key style preferred by Wanderers.

But Luo Chen in the mirror revealed a satisfied smile.

Even at the Ten Thousand Immortals Assembly, where the strong preyed on the weak, being eye-catching had its advantages!

At the very least, it could save him from the troubles brought by weaker cultivators.

After storing the Ten Thousand Souls Banner in his Storage Talisman, everything was prepared.

Luo Chen didn't bother to greet Zhang Jiadi and the others. He left the Zhang family's courtyard and headed straight for the Monster Hunter Bureau in the city.

...

A semi-new palace complex stood in the center of Dragon Abyss City.

Carved above the central hall were the three characters "Monster Hunter Bureau," marking the headquarters of the Star-rated Monster Hunters of the Ten Thousand Immortals Assembly!

Standing outside, Luo Chen observed the constant stream of cultivators entering and exiting.

His sharp eyes occasionally fell upon these cultivators, and even if they were merely at the Qi Condensation stage, he couldn't help but take a few more glances.

"These Wanderers may not have very high cultivation levels or pure mana, but they exude a formidable aura of ferocity. It's clear that they are battle-hardened, and their combat experience among their peers is undoubtedly extensive."

"It is said that the term 'Tribulation Cultivator' originated from the pirates of the Northern Sea and then spread to the other continents."

"Now it seems that the temperament of these Wanderers is exactly as described in the rumors."

After a brief examination, Luo Chen entered the Monster Hunter Bureau without hesitation.

As soon as he stepped inside, a hearty laugh echoed.

"Long time no see, Fellow Daoist Luo!"

Luo Chen smiled slightly and cupped his hands towards the old man with white hair, "Long time no see, Old Fisherman."

The old man's true name was unknown, but all Wanderers in the Ten Thousand Immortals Assembly referred to him as Old Fisherman.

He didn't look impressive at first glance.

But judging by appearances would be a grave mistake.

Old Fisherman was over four hundred years old, with a cultivation base at the Ninth Level Golden Core, and he was one of the few Eight-star Monster Hunters in the Monster Hunter Bureau!

His advanced cultivation and formidable strength made even Luo Chen cautious.

Seeing Luo Chen's polite gesture, Old Fisherman returned the courtesy.

Without further pleasantries, Luo Chen got straight to the point.

"May I ask what my assessment task is?"

"No rush!"

Old Fisherman chuckled, "First, let me introduce you to two fellow cultivators. This time, your assessment task will be completed simultaneously. It's better to get acquainted first to increase the chances of success."

Then, he clapped his hands.

The crisp sound of his palms echoed within the hall.

Two figures walked in from outside the hall.

But as soon as Luo Chen saw them, his brows furrowed.

"What kind of assessment task requires three Golden Core Cultivators to complete together?"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end