Immortality Begins With The Alchemical Master Chapter 775: Internal Strife in the Luo Clan, Sima's Usurpation - Novel Cool

Chapter 775: Internal Strife in the Luo Clan, Sima's Usurpation

Chapter 775: Internal Strife in the Luo Clan, Sima's Usurpation

Crane cries echoed through the clear sky, where celestial cranes formed a majestic formation, their graceful wings fluttering as they circled in the air, their calls piercing and crisp.

This magnificent scene was almost identical to the descriptions of immortal realms in legends.

However, in the vast Eastern Wilderness, only a few places could boast such a sight.

The White Crane Domain was one of them.

Within this domain resided a Nascent Soul stage sect known as the Crane Sect, which cultivated the 'Crane Cry Nine Heavens' technique, a comprehensive method from Qi condensation to the Nascent Soul stage.

Upon joining the sect, disciples were gifted a celestial crane after reaching the Foundation Establishment stage.

Together, the disciples and their cranes cultivated, forming a formidable fighting force.

Once they reached the Nascent Soul stage, they could even ride their companion cranes to soar through the Nine Heavens and roam the vast blue yonder. Of course, it was not common to see so many celestial cranes flying above the White Crane Domain.

Now, with the five domains linked together to resist the demon race, these cranes were released to patrol the skies, guarding against a sudden demon army attack.

Suddenly, the flock of cranes in the air abruptly halted, their keen eyes fixing on a palace deep within a mountain.

There, a powerful and sharp aura spread without restraint.

Several cultivators were gathering towards that location.

Far away, within a fourth-level cave abode, an elderly man with white hair and brows slowly opened his eyes.

"Who is using the teleportation array from the Dongyang Sect at this time?" he wondered.

As he pondered, he gracefully exited his cave abode.

The moment he stepped into the air, a white crane naturally flew beneath him, carrying him towards the teleportation palace.

Soon, he arrived at the palace.

As soon as he did, the disciples guarding the surroundings bowed and greeted him.

"Supreme Elder!"

"Supreme Elder!"

"Master!"

The elderly man nodded at the middle-aged man who had bowed last, then turned his attention to the figure gradually appearing within the teleportation array.

Inside the array, a man in white flashed a glance, and before his spiritual energy could stabilize, he casually spoke.

"The old pine withstands the cold wind, and the wild crane, though hungry, pecks at leisure. You must be Dongyang Sect's Xu Zhenren's friend, Xianhe Zhenren!"

Xianhe Zhenren's expression slightly froze.

The teleportation array had not fully stopped, and vast spiritual energy still surged within the void, assaulting the cultivator's body.

At this moment, the cultivator was at their most vulnerable, facing both the pressure of the void and the threat of external enemies.

Yet, the man spoke as if he were strolling in his own backyard.

Xianhe Zhenren tapped his dust whisk and bowed, "Indeed, it's this old Daoist. May I inquire about your esteemed name?"

The man in white took a step, effortlessly stepping out of the teleportation array.

"I am Luo Chen!"

With just that, Luo Chen appeared before Xianhe Zhenren.

Unknown name, unknown background? Xianhe Zhenren furrowed his brows, but recalling the mention of Dongyang Sect's Xu Zhenren, he knew the man was trustworthy.

"This is not a place for conversation. Please, this way, friend."

"Perfect, I also have some matters I'd like to seek your guidance on."

Luo Chen smiled slightly and followed Xianhe Zhenren and his disciple out of the teleportation palace.

As soon as they exited, the elderly man waved his dust whisk, and two celestial cranes flew over, landing in front of the palace square and bowing down.

Luo Chen's eyebrows rose. Third-stage spirit cranes?

The crane beneath Xianhe Zhenren's feet exuded a third-stage great perfection level aura, even surpassing the cultivation level of his disciple.

"Please!"

"Thank you for your hospitality."

Luo Chen stepped onto the crane's back, and they flew to a pavilion atop a peak.

"Zhaowu, serve the tea!"

"Yes, Master!"

The middle-aged man attending them immediately prepared tea on the stone table.

Using this opportunity, both parties scrutinized each other.

Luo Chen's mind quickly processed information about the White Crane Sect.

The sect's cultivators were skilled in battle but not warmongers.

Their aversion to conflict stemmed not only from their cultivation nature but also from allocating resources to nurture companion spirit cranes, resulting in a relatively small number of sect members.

Initially, when the twenty-one Nascent Soul stage sects of the Eastern Wilderness rear chose the five domains, including the White Crane Domain, as the Deathbound Army's settlement, this was a consideration.

Within these five domains, the White Crane Sect had few Nascent Soul stage cultivators, the Glory Palace had few female cultivators, the Mu Manor was a Nascent Soul stage cultivation family, and the Ten Thousand Swords Pavilion adhered to the principle of quality over quantity, resulting in a small number of disciples.

It could be said that within the five domains, aside from the Hundred Beasts Sect, skilled in dealing with demon beasts, the other four sects were chosen because of their small numbers and limited territories, providing space for survivors fleeing the frontlines.

Geographical factors also played a significant role.

As far as Luo Chen knew, the White Crane Sect had only two Nascent Soul stage cultivators.

One of them, he had heard, was a demon who had transformed into a human, not a traditional human cultivator.

As the aroma of tea permeated the air, Luo Chen suppressed his impatience and inquired about the matters that concerned him.

"Fellow cultivator, do you know about the Luo Tian Sect?"

Xian He Zhenren, thinking it was something of great importance, was surprised to hear that his guest was merely inquiring about a sect. He breathed a sigh of relief.

However, the Luo Tian Sect?

He looked perplexed.

It was Zhaowu, the disciple attending to him, who hesitated and then spoke up, "Master Luo, are you referring to the Luo Tian Sect that recently established the Ten Decision Battles at Heaven Gate?"

The Ten Decision Battles?

Luo Chen's eyebrows furrowed, resembling two small swords, causing one's heart to tremble.

Without hesitation, he waved his hand, and a jade bottle appeared on the table.

"This medicine can aid in the cultivation of spirit beasts. Young friend, please tell me more about these so-called Ten Decision Battles!"

Xian He Zhenren also became interested, "Zhaowu, explain in detail. I've been in seclusion, cultivating secret techniques, and am quite curious about recent events in the cultivation world."

With the approval of his master and the medicine Luo Chen offered, Zhaowu felt more at ease.

He pondered for a moment and then slowly said, "As far as I know, the Ten Decision Battles are an internal conflict within the Luo Tian Sect. It is said that the lineage of the sect leader split, and both sides wanted to consolidate power. After a century of disputes, they were forced to resort to arms."

"One side wanted to uphold the orthodoxy of Luo Tian, while the other believed in securing the internal situation before facing external threats. They wanted to establish a core leader before the Demon Race's army arrived."

"Of course, from different perspectives, the essence of the conflict is not as simple as that."

"In my humble speculation, this internal strife within the Luo Tian Sect is not as straightforward as it seems. It is more of a joint trial by Skyward Cliff and the Five Elements Divine Sect against Glory Palace!"

At this point, Zhaowu turned to Xian He Zhenren.

"Master, we in the White Crane Domain also face a similar situation. Many survivors who relocated here have relatively intact sect strengths. They have been continuously testing the limits of our White Crane Sect, seeking better spirit veins. They are trying to take advantage of us!"

Xian He Zhenren smiled, "You're not referring to the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect, are you? They're not a force to be reckoned with anymore."

Zhaowu nodded, "Master, you focus on cultivation and don't involve yourself in external affairs, so you might not know. While the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect has lost Jade Cauldron Zhenren, they don't pose much of a threat. But remember, they originated from the Ten Thousand Swords Domain. With the backing of the Ten Thousand Swords Pavilion and the breakthrough of their genius, known as the Lone Crane of the Sword World, during the battle, they pose a significant threat to our White Crane Sect!"

The elder's smile faded as he silently muttered those names.

Ten Thousand Swords Pavilion, Jade Cauldron Sword Sect, Lone Crane of the Sword World! Meanwhile, Luo Chen was eager to learn more.

Zhaowu reminded his master, then returned to the topic, discussing the Luo Tian Sect.

"Speaking of which, the Luo Tian Sect is said to have originated from the Jade Cauldron Domain, serving as the superior sect to the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect."

Luo Chen acknowledged this with a hum, which was indeed true.

All the sects that had developed in the Jade Cauldron Domain, regardless of size, nominally considered the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect as their leader.

Perhaps there was no official master-servant relationship, but to make a living, gather resources, and travel through the various immortal cities, they had all contributed spirit stones to the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect to some extent.

"What's the situation with the internal conflict you mentioned regarding the sect leader's lineage?"

Zhaowu thought for a moment and said uncertainly, "This matter probably dates back to when the first sect leader, Sima Hui'niang, passed on her position to her senior disciple, Yao Mingyue. At that time, the Luo Tian Sect was in a state of flight, and talents emerged one after another. Not to mention the older generation of powerful cultivators like War Demon and Heaven Sage, but among the younger generation, there were also promising individuals like Si Wenjun and Sha Longzi."

"According to reason, the position of the second sect leader should have been passed to Si Wenjun, the closest relative of Sima Hui'niang and the one with the highest cultivation."

At this point, Zhaowu turned to Luo Chen and smiled, "Perhaps you don't know, but Si Wenjun is actually Sima Hui'niang's younger brother, whose real name is Sima Wenjun."

Luo Chen's expression froze.

"But for some reason, Sima Hui'niang did not pass on the position of sect leader to Si Wenjun, the one with the highest cultivation among the younger generation, nor to Sha Longzi, the strongest in combat. Instead, she gave it to the unremarkable senior disciple, Yao Mingyue."

"From then on, a rift was formed!"

...

Heaven Gate!

A majestic pass, like an iron gate, stood amidst the towering mountains, blocking the only path between the frontlines and the rear.

This city was not some ancient city with a profound heritage.

Instead, it was a war fortress built over the past ten years, led by the Abyss Sect, with funding from twenty-one Nascent Soul Upper Sects and manpower from the twelve fallen domains on the frontlines. It was constructed day and night and was said to be impenetrable, even to a Late Nascent Soul Demon Emperor!

This became the second line of defense for the human race against the Demon Race's army.

As for the first question, it naturally concerns the three domains on the frontlines that are still plagued by the ravages of war.

From high above, one could see the dark green walls, the deep cannon ports, the numerous flags, and the faint outlines of formations. Countless cultivators stood in orderly rows, patrolling along the walls.

Within the city, instead of the usual bustling commercial streets of the Immortal Cities, there were sturdy fortresses and open grounds, where countless large war flying boats were lying in wait.

Everything seemed to be poised and ready for battle.

The establishment of the Deathbound Army had indeed united these "ragtag group," but it also made everyone aware of the challenges they were about to face.

They were engaged in an unending conflict with the Demon Race, and they would not retreat an inch.

Thus, the cultivators inside the city also exuded an air of murderous intent, keeping others at a distance.

However, at the very center of Heaven Gate, there was a sea of people, filled with fanatical and frenzied shouts.

"Kill!"

"Kill!"

"Kill!"

A team of neatly dressed cultivators stood in the crowd, blocking the surging masses from approaching the wide platform, which spanned an area of one li in diameter.

Compared to the fanatical and frenzied cultivators, this team appeared much calmer.

They were not homeless refugees but disciples and followers from the Five Regions and the Five Sects, assembled to form an enforcement team.

Their specific task was to maintain order within Heaven Gate.

Hearing the frenzied shouts nearby, the faces of the enforcement team cultivators turned solemn.

"How many times has this happened now?"

"Too many to count!"

"Yes, when disaster strikes, everyone scatters. Under the century-long onslaught of the Demon Race, countless cultivators have abandoned their sects and sought refuge in higher powers. There are also those who take advantage of the chaos, killing others for their own gain. Now, they have all gathered in the Five Regions, settling scores and grudges. Those who are clearing their sect's reputation are countless. The establishment of the Battle Arena provides them with a fair channel for resolution. Since its inception, the battles have never ceased."

"With such internal strife, don't the higher-ups do anything?"

"How can they control it? We cultivators value our principles. If they forcibly suppress us, who knows what private conflicts might arise, harming the innocent."

"What you say is reasonable, Junior Brother. But isn't this Ten Decision Battles of the Luo Tian Sect the largest-scale event in history?"

"Indeed! All ten duels are between Golden Core cultivators!"

"Is the Luo Tian Sect truly a sect that survived the first wave of the Demon Tide in the Howling Moon Mountain Range? In this chaotic situation, not only has it not collapsed after a hundred years, but the number of Golden Core cultivators has actually increased."

"Who would say otherwise? Not only are they individually capable, but they also have extensive connections. Si Wenjun, who wants to establish his own sect, has managed to recruit so many Golden Core Guest Scholars to assist him. How is that possible?"

"Perhaps it's not for him but for the two major upper sects behind him! You may not know this, but one of Si Wenjun's Guest Scholars, according to my knowledge, is from the Five Elements Divine Sect..."

"Never mind that. Guess who will win this fifth duel?"

"Who's fighting whom?"

"Qi Emei versus Sha Longzi!"

Upon hearing this, those who knew the inside story were taken aback.

According to rumors, weren't the two of them a perfect match, like divine lovers? During the Battle of the Border City, when they were both at the Foundation Establishment stage, they joined forces to slay the Three-Stage Fire-Eyed Ferocious Bull King with their formations, becoming an instant legend.

Later, the two often hunted demon beasts together, their cooperation seamless.

How did they end up in a situation where they had to face each other with swords drawn?

As everyone was still in shock, two figures appeared on the platform.

One of them was tall and graceful, with a red silk ribbon fluttering behind their head, accentuating their handsome and beautiful face.

The other wore heavy armor, with two metal wings spread out, holding a broadsword and tightly pursed lips. Their face was resolute, but their eyes seemed to wander, as if they dared not look at the woman across from them.

Under the gaze of the crowd, the woman slowly spoke, "Zeng Yilong, why won't you look at me?"

Sha Longzi kept his head down, staring at the hilt of the broadsword he was leaning on.

"What's there to see? We each have our own masters now; there's no going back."

Qi Emei tugged at the corners of her mouth, "If I win against you, and if Si Wenjun wins the Ten Decision Battles, the Luo Tian Sect will merge into our Five Elements Divine Sect, and everything can go back to the way it was."

Sha Longzi opened his mouth, then sighed.

"Emei, you've never been my match, and you still aren't. Especially with this terrain restriction, I'm even less of a match for you."

"Is that so?" The woman chuckled, "You underestimate me, and you also underestimate the Divine Sect's secret techniques."

As she spoke, thin red threads emanated from her fingertips.

The battle was about to begin!

(End of Chapter)

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