https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-742-I-am-Zhu-Yan-the-Alchemy-Sage-of-the-Mountain-and-Sea-Realm/12942751/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-748-The-Gap-Between-Heaven-and-Earth/12942753/
Chapter 743: Seven Elders' Decision, Temporary Guest Scholar
Chapter 743: Seven Elders' Decision, Temporary Guest Scholar
"I am Chu Yan, and the cultivators of the Mountain and Sea Realm revere me as the Alchemy Sage."
Even after Luo Chen left through that door, the gentle and soothing words, like a spring breeze and light rain, still echoed in his mind.
No wonder he felt a sense of familiarity the first time he saw her.
Both from the Eastern Wilderness Cultivation World, both alchemists, and both having accomplished the great feat of refining Fifth Rank Alchemy in the Nascent Soul Realm.
All these similarities merged, creating a subconscious sense of closeness.
However, some aspects were surprising.
In Luo Chen's imagination, the Alchemy Sage should be an old cultivator with flowing white beard and an aura of immortality, but from the ethereal figure, it was clearly a delicate and graceful young woman.
Of course, when she abruptly asked, "Can you refine Fifth Rank Alchemy?" Luo Chen could no longer view her as a weak woman.
This was a Soul Transformation powerhouse about to ascend to the heavens!
Furthermore, she seemed to have sensed that he had once refined Fifth Rank Alchemy, which was why she asked.
Luo Chen did not want to boast about the Fifth Rank Derivation Pill, so he fudged his way through the question.
The Q&A inside the Star Gate became less important once he met the Alchemy Sage, Chu Yan. It was merely a recitation of the words Fu Chaosheng had instructed him to say.
Luo Chen left the Star Gate with a calm expression and returned to the Welcoming Immortals.
Fu Chaosheng, who had been waiting for a long time, eagerly came out to greet him, bringing along a genuine "young" woman.
"This is my granddaughter, Fu Qinglan. Qinglan, have you not yet met Fellow Luo?"
Looking at the young Luo Chen, Fu Qinglan's fair cheeks showed a hint of hesitation.
Luo Chen noticed her awkwardness.
It was just a matter of generation in the cultivation world.
He was considered a peer of her grandfather, but in terms of realm, they were roughly equal, making the title a bit tricky.
"Let's each use our own terms, Fu... Little Fellow Fu?"
The words sounded awkward to him as well.
Fu Qinglan smiled, "The more capable one comes first. I will call you Dao Brother. Fellow Luo, you don't need to call me Little Fellow Fu, just call me Qinglan. Friends call me by my name."
Her smile dispelled the awkward atmosphere.
Fu Chaosh eng was skilled at easing tensions. His previous aloof stance was to give the two some time to get to know each other. Seeing that the conversation had started, he would not remain aloof. He warmly invited Luo Chen to the prepared feast and asked him about the Seven elders' evaluation at the Star Gate.
...
In a space dotted with starlight, flickering on and off.
Seven ethereal figures began to discuss after Luo chen left.
"A Northern sea cultivator, claiming to be a wanderer without a sect. His mana is noble and upright, and his divine soul's foundation is far beyond that of an average first-stage nascent soul cultivator. This person's background is unclear. I, the Elephant Clan supreme elder, believe he should not be approved!"
This was the representative of the Thirty-Six Great Clans, the Elephant Clan Supreme Elder.
But soon, others began to refute his statement.
"The Star Gate has always been open to all talents, even demon cultivators are accepted. Everyone has secrets. We, who have achieved the Great Cult ivator of the Primordial, all have had some unique encounters. Must we really dig into every detail?"
"Indeed, for the Star gate to grow, the concept of embracing all rivers and swallowing all four continents is essential. When the wanderer entered the star gate, the fire attribute spirit qi in this space became extremely active, indicating he might have a fire spirit body. Considering his age, he is no more than three hundred years old, making him a prime candidate for Soul transformation. I believe he would be a suitable guest scholar for the star gate."
"Let's set aside his age and potential for now. I observe that this person is like a rootless waterweed. If the star gate accepts him, over time, he will gain recognition. According to intelligence, Fu chaosheng also mentioned that this person values emotions and righteousness..."
Three elders from the outer continents spoke one after another, quickly changing the tone set by the Elephant Clan supreme elder.
The seven elders' evaluation is conducted by five elders from the outer continents, representatives of the Thirty-Six Great Clans, and twelve great halls.
The outer continent elders speaking in such a unified manner clearly indicates that they were not really moved by Luo Chen's impressive demeanor.
Their words were measured and proper, but what was the real reason?
The answer, upon careful consideration, is not complicated.
Simply put, the Alchemy Sage, Chu Yan, from the five outer continent elders is about to ascend, leaving an open slot.
Her departure also significantly weakens the influence of outer continent cultivators within the star gate.
Therefore, they are now eager to recruit an outer continent cultivator with similar experiences to bolster their numbers.
With this as the starting point, the subsequent promotion of new elders will be smoother.
However, when the fourth person spoke, the tone suddenly shifted.
"You all talk about his potential and character, saying he is a promising candidate for soul transformation."
"Are such existences rare on Axehandle Mountain?"
The three outer continent elders immediately changed their expressions.
"Oriental Bai, what do you mean?"
Oriental Bai sneered, "You must first understand the star gate's philosophy! When recruiting talents from the outer continents, the focus should be on immediate combat capability, higher realms, and older ages.
Speaking bluntly, the robust branches and trunks of the Five Continents of the Mountain and Sea Realm are absorbed, transformed into nourishment, to nurture the land of this region and the younger generation of this continent. This might not be a pleasant thing to say, but you and I understand it in our hearts. It's just that the Dao Sect is merciful and has given us, the withered bones in the tombs, a hope, a hope for Huashen longevity, so we are content with it."
"That little Luo Chen, so young and with such talent. Do you want him to come and consume the Star Gate's resources and plunder the Lingji of Zhongzhou?"
"Therefore, I believe that he should not be admitted!"
No one expected that there would be a rift among the elders of the Outer Continents, who were supposed to be united.
The three of them were momentarily speechless and instinctively looked towards the frail woman.
Dongfang Bai spoke up, "Regarding this matter, we usually only provide suggestions. The one who truly makes the decision should be the representative of the Twelve Great Halls, Elder Zhan. What do you think?"
The person referred to as Elder Zhan had a domineering tone.
"I am one who upholds the principles of the Star Gate. I do not wish for Luo Chen to join my Heaven Earth Peak. However..."
As soon as these two words were spoken, Dongfang Bai and the Elephant Clan Supreme Elder sensed something amiss.
As expected, Elder Zhan's tone softened slightly.
"Dan Sheng, this time, it's up to you to make the decision!"
"Elder Zhan!" Dongfang Bai exclaimed.
Elder Zhan glanced at him, his gaze icy.
The three elders from the other continents secretly smiled in their hearts. The emperor wasn't in a hurry, but the eunuch was, and the local Zhongzhou cultivators weren't taken seriously. Instead, an outsider like you seemed to care more than anyone else.
For example, the Elephant Clan Supreme Elder was calm and collected at this moment, looking up to Elder Zhan for guidance.
Although they didn't know why Elder Zhan suddenly handed over the decision-making power to Dan Sheng, the three of them felt that it was almost a sure thing.
Since they were all cultivators from the Outer Continents, they believed that Dan Sheng should be generous and approve it!
The frail figure spoke softly, "Heaven Earth Peak has too much of a corrupt flavor."
"Having such a young person join is also quite good."
"However, Dongfang Bai's consideration is not without merit. Admitting young talents from the Outer Continents into Heaven Earth Peak goes against the principles of the Star Gate. Once this precedent is set, not only will it result in the loss of Zhongzhou's young talents, but it will also cause resentment among the top great sects of the Three Continents. They will join forces to resist the Heavenly Yuan Dao Sect, just like when I left the Eastern Wilderness..."
"Therefore, granting him the status of a Temporary Guest Scholar is sufficient."
Temporary Guest Scholar status?
The three elders from the Outer Continents looked at each other in surprise.
Dongfang Bai was taken aback and somewhat surprised.
The Elephant Clan Supreme Elder frowned.
Elder Zhan spoke in a deep voice, "There is no such precedent."
Yes means yes, and no means no. Where does this temporary status come from? Zhu Yan smiled softly, "Elder Zhan, didn't you say that I would make the decision?"
Elder Zhan was startled, then laughed casually.
"Since it's like this, then let's follow Dan Sheng's words. Grant the loose cultivator Luo Chen the status of a Temporary Guest Scholar, allowing him free access to Heaven Earth Peak. However, all resources will remain closed, and he will need to make corresponding contributions to exchange for them."
"The mansion... Mansion Number 78 will do!"
...
"Luo Chen, you must be tired. Let's stop drinking here, and we won't disturb you any further."
Facing the Fu family's request to leave, Luo Chen readily agreed.
He was indeed a bit "tired."
Among the Seven Elders of the Star Gate, six were comparable to Moon Ascendants and were Primordial Great Cultivators, while one was a Huashen Great Power on the verge of Ascension.
In their presence, even with Luo Chen's unassuming demeanor, the pressure was immense.
If it weren't for Dan Sheng Zhu Yan dispersing the pressure the others had placed on him during their conversation, the questioning within the Star Gate's space might not have gone as smoothly.
The banquet allowed him to relax a great deal.
However, no matter how relaxed he was, it couldn't compare to privately meditating and cultivating in his room.
Before leaving, he intentionally glanced at Fu Qinglan.
Regarding her, he felt a bit surprised.
He had encountered many Nascent Soul Realmen, and each of them had a formidable aura.
This woman also had quite a temperament, but it was difficult to associate her temperament with that of a Nascent Soul Realman.
How should he put it?
She possessed both the resilience to shoulder the rise and fall of her family and a carefree innocence, as if she were unfamiliar with the ways of the world.
Luo Chen could only attribute this temperament to the fact that this place was simply too peaceful.
Without experiencing the trials of blood and fire, the cultivators here, despite their high cultivation, seemed somewhat immature in their interactions with others.
It was similar to when he had seen Changfengzi, Guan Xiaoping, and the other two at the Ten Thousand Immortals Assembly.
Coincidentally, as Luo Chen looked over, Fu Qinglan was also secretly glancing at him.
When their eyes met, Luo Chen remained calm and composed, while she slightly shifted her gaze, feeling a bit unnatural.
"She's just a fledgling!"
On his way back to his room, Luo Chen couldn't help but chuckle silently.
If such a person were in the Eastern Wilderness Northern Sea, he could sell her and probably even make a profit.
He wore a smile on his face, but his heart couldn't help feeling a hint of jealousy.
Even such a person could achieve the realm of a Nascent Soul Realman?
...
Two streaks of escape light, taking advantage of the moonlight, departed from Heaven Earth Peak and flew towards the distant Worn Chessboard Mountain across the river.
Under the night sky, Fu Qinglan gently bit her lips and suddenly spoke up.
"Grandfather, is that person really capable?"
Fu Chaosheng, who was initially in a good mood, suddenly stopped in his tracks, puzzled. "What do you mean by capable or not?"
But soon, he realized what she was referring to.
"Are you questioning your grandfather's judgment?" Fu Qinglan shook her head, a hint of worry in her voice. "It's not that I doubt, but this Grand Competition is different from the past. Setting aside the participants from our sect who are at the Golden Core and Foundation Establishment stages, there are thirteen newly advanced Nascent Soul Cultivators. Each of their chosen Bodyguard Cultivators is either a powerful cultivator carefully cultivated by their families or a leader of a major sect from the Outer States. In comparison, Luo Chen is too..."
"Too what?" Fu Chaosheng's face turned angry.
Fu Qinglan took a deep breath and said calmly, "Too young. Although I call him 'Dao Brother,' I even feel that he's younger than me. Can such a person truly protect me and allow me to focus on comprehending the Principle Essence in the Mirage Dragon Cavern?"
"Young?" Fu Chaosheng's anger turned to laughter. "Since when has the Immortal World judged capability by age? I've lived for nine hundred years, yet I'm only at the third layer of the Nascent Soul stage. Do you think the famous Mingren Gu Daoyin, who lived for only five hundred years, is more formidable than me?"
Fu Qinglan pursed her lips, "It's not the same. Dao Brother Gu Daoyin is a true genius who emerges once in a thousand years from a Holy Land."
"Such a genius, and there are three of them in this generation of the Heavenly Yuan Dao Sect!" Fu Chaosheng's words were as solid as iron, his eyes sharp. "Moreover, in my opinion, the accomplishments of a Wilderness Loose Cultivator are no less than those of any Holy Land's geniuses. Don't underestimate him."
Fu Qinglan opened her mouth, unsure why her grandfather had such confidence in that man.
Seeing that she still looked half-believing and half-doubting, Fu Chaosheng's anger dissipated.
He had protected her too well.
If she had gone to the Northern Sea for a hundred and eighty years like that kid Liu Yuan, she would have understood that one's appearance doesn't reveal their true capabilities, and the sea is unfathomable.
Sighing, Fu Chaosheng tossed her a jade slip.
"It wasn't appropriate to explain in the previous letter, but now you can take a look!"
"What is this?"
"It records Luo Chen's achievements, big and small. After reading it, you should understand why your grandfather is so certain about him."
Fu Qinglan hesitated, then sent her Divine Perception into the jade slip.
Gradually, her face became more and more astonished.
...
Middle Core Formation, self-realization of Embryo Formation.
In the Cold Light Island battle, he instantly killed a cultivator of the same rank and achieved a Transcending Rank Victory while being pursued and blocked by several Golden Core Cultivators.
Within the Ten Thousand Immortals Assembly, he suppressed a powerful Late Core Formation Cultivator.
On the shores of the Sinking Sea, the name of the Demon King echoed in all directions.
There was even a suspected Transcending Realm Kill of a Nascent Soul Cultivator! In just a hundred years, without any support from a sect or family, he independently formed his Nascent Soul.
As soon as he entered the Nascent Soul Realm, his extraordinary abilities became apparent. Langya proactively befriended him, and Lietai suffered a small loss. Even Shen Wanding, who came from the same sect as him, couldn't accurately gauge Luo Chen's capabilities.
The name of the Wilderness Loose Cultivator rose rapidly, though not as renowned as the three major Loose Cultivators of the Northern Sea.
However, in terms of the speed of rise and future potential, he surpassed the three Loose Cultivators!
When Fu Qinglan returned to the Welcoming Immortal Hall of the Heaven Earth Peak, her mind kept flashing through Luo Chen's resume from the jade slip.
Each achievement, each event, all told the story of those stimulating and dangerous paths of cultivation.
In comparison, the sect competitions and the secret struggles among noble clans that she thought were very dangerous seemed too childish.
"No wonder his gaze was so complex when he looked at me back then. A bit of curiosity, a bit of disdain, and even a hint of hidden envy and jealousy."
"Such an existence is indeed worthy of being my Bodyguard Cultivator."
"However, I can't let him underestimate me too much. Today, we need to have an honest and open conversation."
When Fu Qinglan arrived at Luo Chen's courtyard, she happened to see an Elder from the Outer States of the Star Gate handing over a set of tokens to him.
Had he become a Guest Scholar of the Star Gate? However, on Luo Chen's peculiar face, she also sensed something amiss.
"Dao Brother Luo, has something unexpected happened?"
Luo Chen held the jade token in his hand, perplexed. "Does the Star Gate have something called an External Affairs Guest Scholar?"
Fu Qinglan also became confused.
In the Heaven Earth Peak, there were only three types of existences.
Guest Scholars of the Star Gate, Heavenly Origin Offerings of the Heavenly Yuan Dao Sect, and Elders of the Heaven Earth Peak.
The Guest Scholars were the simplest, and with that title, they could enjoy certain privileges.
The so-called Offerings, with the addition of the Heavenly Yuan title, also meant that the Heavenly Yuan Dao Sect would support their cultivation.
As for the Elders of the Heaven Earth Peak, they were more special. These existences could participate in some decision-making processes of the Heaven Earth Peak and even the Heavenly Yuan Dao Sect.
But she had never heard of an External Affairs Guest Scholar.
Based on the literal meaning, was it a Guest Scholar specifically tasked with external affairs?
Seeing that she couldn't provide a clear explanation, Luo Chen didn't ask further.
"Let's go and meet my Mansion first."
He smiled and took large strides out of the courtyard.
Fu Qinglan hurriedly followed behind.
Unknowingly, she had already begun to think from his perspective.
(End of Chapter)
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