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https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-815-Withering-Prosperity-Divine-Fire-Instantly-Annihilating-the-Enemy/12942992/
Chapter 814: The Alchemy Sect's Presence at Ling Tian Pass
Chapter 814: The Alchemy Sect's Presence at Ling Tian Pass
After a period of calm lasting over half a month, the battle between humans and demons at Ling Tian Pass resumed.
Unlike the initial tension, anxiety, and fear, the city's cultivators had become accustomed to this rhythm, finding it as routine as daily meals.
But this meal was a tough one to swallow.
One misstep, and they could choke themselves.
Luo Chen remained in the relatively safe Western District, guarding his small territory.
From time to time, he received updates on the frontline battles from his disciples.
For instance, the demons had deployed more troops than before.
There was also news of a confrontation between a Primordial Spirit True Man and a Demon Sovereign outside the city, the details of which were unclear, but Ling Tian Pass claimed an easy repulsion.
Furthermore, it was said that the Overlord Huang Man had personally come to observe the situation outside Ling Tian Pass, remaining silent after a long observation before leaving.
This last piece of news, in particular, relieved many of their worries, confirming that the defenses of Ling Tian Pass were indeed impenetrable.
Even with the combined might of the two Overlords, they dared not act recklessly.
Luo Chen maintained his interest in these developments, but his primary focus remained on his cultivation.
He had gradually come to understand the changes in the Thousand Zenith Ten Thousand Transformation Sword Scripture.
Just as he had anticipated, with an improvement in proficiency, the speed at which Vermilion Heaven Qi was refined into Sword Qi increased, saving a significant amount of time.
Based on his specific assessment, this reduction in time was directly doubled!
In other words, what previously required half a year to refine a single strand of Sword Qi, now only needed three months.
Luo Chen understood the implications of this better than anyone.
Originally, it would take five hundred years to reach the Great Proficiency Thousand Zenith Flowing Realm, but now it would only take two hundred and fifty years.
Furthermore, if his proficiency continued to improve, he might even be able to shorten this time further.
"This sword technique was practically tailored for me!" Luo Chen exclaimed with excitement after refining the eleventh strand of Sword Qi.
He saw the possibility of achieving the Great Proficiency realm within his lifetime.
Moreover, with increased efficiency, he could also make up for the consumption of Vermilion Heaven Sword Qi.
However, another challenge presented itself to Luo Chen.
It was the issue of the quantity of Vermilion Heaven Qi required!
Even with improved proficiency, the lack of sufficient resources was still a troublesome matter.
Vermilion Heaven Qi was not something that could be artificially created; it had to be obtained from Azure Heaven, and only Primordial Spirit True Men were capable of this task.
Consequently, there was virtually no market for such resources, and the only option was to barter.
"It would be too troublesome for me to search on my own."
"It seems I'll have to release the information and wait for sellers to approach me."
Spreading the word was a simple matter.
At Ling Tian Pass, Primordial Spirit cultivators frequently interacted, and private gatherings were common.
Luo Chen often received invitations to these gatherings.
The reputation of the Alchemy Sect carried weight, and his presence at these gatherings brought prestige to the hosts.
During these gatherings, he could casually mention his need for Vermilion Heaven Qi, and the news would naturally spread among the Primordial Spirit cultivators.
...
For lower-level cultivators, large-scale wars were akin to enduring a day that felt like a year.
However, for high-level cultivators like Luo Chen, it was but a fleeting moment.
Unbeknownst to Luo Chen, the deadline for his patrol duty was fast approaching.
His replacement was the Second Palace Lord of Fenghua Palace.
"Guarding the Western District is a good task; it's the safest area with the fewest demons."
During the handover, Luo Chen chatted amicably with the Second Palace Lord.
The latter was clearly satisfied with this assignment.
"I'm grateful that Ling Tian City considered my situation and didn't assign me to one of the other three districts; otherwise, it would have been troublesome."
"Haha, it's probably because you're familiar with this area!"
Luo Chen smiled and, after the subordinates completed the handover, he descended from the city walls with Zeng Yilong, Yang Ping, and the others.
After that, he no longer needed to keep a constant watch on this area.
As for his next arrangements, following the usual custom, he could return to his sect for a period of rest.
Unfortunately, these were not ordinary times.
Therefore, like the Primordial Spirit cultivators who had come to support Ling Tian Pass, he had to remain within the pass, ready for any call to action.
In summary, Luo Chen's new role was that of a mobile force! This role appeared leisurely, but in the event of an incident, he would have to step up, even if reluctantly.
After descending from the city walls, the Cold Immortal and Chu Kui joined them.
Luo Chen led the four of them, strolling leisurely through the bustling streets of the Western District of Ling Tian Pass.
Surrounding cultivators hurried by, forming a stark contrast with their leisurely pace.
The usually indifferent Cold Immortal suddenly sighed.
"As cultivators, we should strive for detachment and tranquility, distancing ourselves from the bustling world. But how have we ended up in this state, fighting like ordinary mortals every day?"
Yang Ping nodded in agreement, sharing her sentiment.
Chu Kui scoffed, "You speak as if cultivation should be devoid of desires and ambitions. The path to immortality is crowded, and everyone wants to get ahead. How can one advance? By stepping on others' corpses, seizing their resources and territories, and taking their disciples. That's how one can travel further than others!"
"Chu Shishu is right!" Zeng Yilong agreed wholeheartedly.
Luo Chen listened to the conversation behind him with a knowing smile.
It was normal for there to be differences within the sect. Jue Qing and Yang Ping had both come from prestigious sects in their early years, and while they weren't spoiled, their competition had always been within a structured order.
Now, that order had been broken, and the high-ranking sect disciples had to follow the orders of others, accompanied by the blood and gore of battle.
Even if they adapted, they would still complain.
In comparison, Chu Kui, a wandering cultivator who had always struggled to secure cultivation resources, was already accustomed to this environment.
It was just that the competition had shifted from person to person to person versus beast.
Unexpectedly, Zeng Yilong agreed with Chu Kui's thoughts, which surprised Luo Chen.
But upon reflection, he realized that it was probably due to Wang Yuan's teachings from a young age.
What about himself?
What kind of life did he desire?
Did he want to hold supreme power, admired by millions, like the Tian Yuan Sect Leader, Mo Shou Zhuo, standing above all?
Or did he want to travel far and wide, fighting various opponents and enjoying the thrill of life-and-death battles?
Or perhaps, did he seek a tranquil life, devoid of desires, amidst the clouds and mountains, seeking nothing but immortality?
No!
All he sought was immortality, and any life was merely a fleeting scene on his pursuit of longevity.
For this goal, he could abandon all desires.
Because immortality was the greatest desire in the world!
After deep contemplation, Luo Chen's expression became neither joyful nor sorrowful, and he was as calm as could be.
He stopped at the entrance of his cave abode.
"You all can go and rest. If there's a call to arms, you must protect yourselves," he said.
"Yes, Supreme Elder!"
The four disciples responded and dispersed down the mountain.
In the wind, their discussion could be faintly heard.
"Have you noticed that it's becoming harder to see through Senior Brother?"
"Haha, it's like you're saying that the Supreme Elder was already hard to see through when you were a kid."
"Brother Zeng is right. When the Supreme Elder first returned to the Eastern Wasteland, his aura was at its peak, and he had an air of keeping others at a distance. At that time, he was indeed powerful, but I only regarded him as similar to an ordinary Primordial Spirit True Man. But over these years, the Supreme Elder has hidden his capabilities, and his aura is completely restrained, not showing even a fraction of its former intensity. Although he's become more approachable, my reverence for him has only deepened, and I dare not even guess what he's thinking."
"What about you, Immortal Jue Qing?"
"Me? I can't see through him either. Before, I could guess some of his thoughts, but now, I can't guess at all, and I don't dare to."
...
After his patrol duty, Luo Chen suddenly had free time on his hands.
Back in his cave abode, Luo Chen put aside all mundane affairs and dedicated himself entirely to cultivation.
With the Mid-stage Primordial Spirit Realm drawing closer, and with this rare Fourth-Rank Middle-Grade Spirit Vein cave abode, he naturally wanted to make the most of it before Ling Tian City Lord took back the rights to the cave.
His Fire Spirit Body granted him a cultivation speed comparable to a Heaven Spirit Root.
The profound Purple Mansion Barrier allowed him to ignore the danger of being assimilated by the heavens and earth, and he opened himself to absorb the external spiritual energy.
Each high-grade Fourth-Rank Hong Yuan Pill contained immense medicinal power, and refining just one was equivalent to a month of full-power cultivation for an ordinary Primordial Spirit.
Additionally, the Fifth-Rank Withering Flourishing True Flame could help him refine the impurities in his cultivation.
With all these advantages, Luo Chen solidified his cultivation and began cultivating without restraint.
His cultivation base began to soar at an astonishing speed.
A month later...
The abundant spiritual energy within the cave abode was absorbed by Luo Chen, almost forming a cloud-filled sea of smoke.
He inhaled a large amount of spiritual energy into his body.
Suddenly, the smoke and clouds dispersed, and Luo Chen exhaled a long breath of turbid air.
He glanced at his attribute panel: 【Primordial Spirit Layer 3, 90/100】.
"I'm just one step away from the Mid-stage. Who dares to disturb me at this time?"
Luo Chen frowned, his mood not the best as he picked up the waist token that was emitting a shimmering light.
He infused his cultivation into it, and Tian Du Zi's calm and weathered voice emerged.
"The Western City is under attack. Don't let the Fourth-Rank Demon Sovereign ruin the city's large and small formations. Fellow Daoist Luo, please go and assist."
Luo Chen's frown deepened.
The Western City was a relatively safe area, but now, had the beasts started to expand their attack range to this side? It seemed they realized that the human races in the Eastern Wasteland were using Ling Tian Pass as a barrier against the beast army. If they couldn't cut off the connection between Ling Tian Pass and other forces, reinforcements would continue to arrive.
That's why they started to extend their forces to the west.
Luo Chen didn't hesitate and stood up.
As soon as he reached outside the cave abode, he saw a sound-transmitting talisman swirling with wind, flying aimlessly within the cave abode's maze formation.
He casually pointed a finger, and the talisman burned up.
Instantly, the anxious voice of the Second Palace Master of Fenghua Palace echoed from within.
"There's an enemy attack, and there's more than one Fourth-Rank Demon Sovereign. Please come and help, Fellow Daoist!"
Luo Chen extinguished the sound-transmitting talisman.
"The situation doesn't seem very optimistic!"
He muttered to himself, then soared into the sky, transforming into a ray of fire and headed towards the western city.
...
At the Western City...
It had always been peaceful, with only sporadic appearances of beasts.
But now, it had become a place of overwhelming stench and raging spiritual energy.
Countless beasts were swarming in from a distance, like an ocean of beasts.
Disciples rose into the air, their faces tense as they watched the scene outside.
The gaze fell upon the city walls.
The disciples of Tiandu Sect were leading the activation of the formation, launching attacks towards the city's exterior.
Meteorites descended, black winds raged, and light pillars swept across...
When the formation reached its limit, the Tiandu Sect disciples would quickly replace the spirit stones to repair the formation's gaps.
At this moment, the city's cultivators would need to withstand the onslaught, buying time for the disciples.
The second palace master of Fenghua Palace dispersed her divine sense, precisely conveying instructions to the Golden Core cultivators leading the teams amidst the chaotic battlefield. These cultivators would then command lower-level cultivators to resist the demon beast attacks.
The second palace master's gaze occasionally turned towards the sky, ten li away from Lingtian Pass.
There, dark clouds gathered, and demonic aura soared into the sky!
Amidst the raging winds, several shadowy figures appeared.
There were not just one, but at least four Demon Sovereigns!
The second palace master smiled bitterly, "When did I, the western city, attract so many Demon Sovereigns? If the other fellow Daoists don't arrive soon, I'll have to request Tian Du Zi to activate the city defense formation."
The Black Tortoise Four-Directional Formation was indeed powerful!
But it was not something that could be activated at will; each activation required a significant cost.
The Lingtian City Lord had no choice but to activate this formation back then.
Just as the second palace master was growing anxious, three rays of light suddenly descended upon the city walls.
She looked out and couldn't help but exclaim with joy.
"Fellow Daoist Jin Ling, you've finally arrived."
The arrivals were none other than Jin Ling, Shen Huo, and Mo Tian Old Ghost.
They were the three most powerful Nascent Soul cultivators residing in the Fenghua Domain.
As soon as they landed, Jin Ling's gaze narrowed as he looked into the distance.
Beside him, Shen Huo's expression changed slightly, "Four Demon Sovereigns, why such a grand formation?"
However, Mo Tian Old Ghost surveyed the surroundings but didn't see the person he wanted to see. He scoffed, "Where's that little brat, Luo Chen? Is he afraid when facing a formidable enemy?"
The second palace master had some doubts in her heart, but she didn't show it on her face. Instead, she hurriedly said, "Those few people have been watching for a long time, and they might not be able to hold back. When they make their move, please stop them, fellow Daoists. If necessary, I will also take action."
Without turning his head, Jin Ling said, "Leave that fourth-stage mid-level demon cultivator to me, and the rest to you."
Upon hearing this, the second palace master's heart settled.
With Jin Ling's intervention, the battle would be much more stable.
However, why hadn't Luo Chen arrived yet? He had already sent a sound transmission talisman.
...
In the distance, the four demons watched the Lingtian Pass city walls, observing their demon beast army attacking the city.
Amidst the flickering light of the formation, they kept searching for openings.
"The Lingtian Pass has high walls and deep moats, and numerous cultivators. But what truly hinders our advance are these large and small formations."
"Indeed, it's the crystallization of human wisdom. With various materials and spirit stones as energy sources, they can unleash power comparable to the Golden Core and Nascent Soul stages."
"We can't wait any longer. Our subordinates are suffering increasing casualties. We should try to break these large and small formations. Once we break through these formations, especially the Sky Restriction Formation, our troops can advance into the city in one fell swoop."
"Remember, we must not forcefully enter the city, lest the city defense formation is activated!"
After a brief conversation, the four demons acted simultaneously.
Immense demonic power filled the sky.
Gigantic palm prints, blazing fireballs, black raging winds, and even lightning bolts descended from the heavens.
Four massive attacks surged forward.
Swish!
A light curtain rose from the city walls, blocking the four attacks.
But after a moment, the light curtain gradually weakened.
A Tiandu Sect disciple anxiously shouted, "True Man, the energy of this fourth-stage defensive formation is temporarily exhausted. We need to replenish spirit stones, or the Demon Sovereigns' attacks will break through!"
Before the second palace master could speak, she saw three figures fly out from the city walls, each heading towards an enemy.
"It's my turn!"
The second palace master took a deep breath, then opened her mouth, and a small fan appeared in her hand.
Just as she was about to depart, a red light passed over her head.
A voice came from within, "Fellow Daoist, it's better if you stay here. Leave that remaining Demon Sovereign to me, Luo Chen!"
It was Luo Chen! The second palace master's expression relaxed.
However, upon seeing the cultivation level of the remaining Demon Sovereign, her face changed slightly.
Jin Ling and the others had chosen three opponents, but the remaining one was shockingly at the third level of the Nascent Soul stage.
"If Luo Chen doesn't come, is this Demon Sovereign meant for me?"
She was only at the second level of the Nascent Soul stage!
Each small advancement in the Nascent Soul stage represented a significant improvement.
Similarly, each small gap in cultivation represented an absolute disparity in power.
Without formidable means to suppress the enemy, even a small cultivation gap could be deadly!
Why did Jin Ling and the others leave this opponent for her? The second palace master didn't have time to think; her gaze followed Luo Chen intently.
According to rumors, Luo Chen of the Alchemy Sect had once withstood Jin Ling at the Golden Core stage during his Golden Core ceremony and had the heroic feat of facing a Thunder-type Great Peng alone during the battle at the pass.
Could he stop this demon?
Ten li was a short distance for a Nascent Soul cultivator, and they arrived in an instant.
Swish!
The fleeing light stopped, and a white-robed, high-crowned Daoist bowed to the eagle-nosed Demon Sovereign.
"The Alchemy Sect is here, but Lingtian Pass is impenetrable."
"Please, fellow Daoist."
(End of Chapter)
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