https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-817-Grand-Procurement-for-the-Star-Master-s-Birthday/12545257/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-819-Devouring-the-Thunderous-Toad-Treasure/12545259/
Chapter 818: Gathering of Nascent Soul Cultivators
Chapter 818: Gathering of Nascent Soul Cultivators
Before Lu Chen could finish his sentence, an elder clad in coarse cloth appeared before the group.
Despite his ordinary appearance, his eyes seemed to hold an infinite sword intent, and he carried a rough wooden sword in his hand.
"I never expected it to be you, old fellow, representing the Dao Sect," Lord Lei Huo said slowly.
"There was no other choice. The other elders in the sect were all occupied, so they could only send me, the one who loves to stick his nose into others' business, to take a look," the elder said with a smile, his face creasing into wrinkles.
"Hai Lou Commerce's Master Mu has arrived!"
"Tian Xing Cave's Master Qing Wood has arrived!"
"Jin Yao Island's True Lord Jin Yao has arrived!"
...
After the arrival of the elder from the Li Yang Dao Sect, Nascent Soul Cultivators appeared one after another outside the hall, like bamboo shoots after a spring rain.
Among them, Lu Chen recognized two familiar faces.
One was Zhang Qing, the master of the Evergreen Sect, whom he had met at the Hundred Flowers Banquet.
The other was Lord Jin Yao from Lei Hai, whom he had encountered when he was trying to kill the ancient thunderous ox hidden deep within Lei Hai.
Lu Chen, who had secretly infiltrated their group, had used the Divine Wood Green Pot to ripen the sixth-grade Heavenly Yuan fruit and, along with the longevity-granting tortoise-crane pills that the light group had offered, helped the ox return to its peak strength, teaching Lord Jin Yao a valuable lesson in the process.
However, judging from his appearance, Lord Jin Yao seemed to have recovered well from his initial failure.
After more than a dozen Nascent Soul Cultivators arrived, the longevity feast officially began.
Delicate and beautiful maidens served various rare spirit fruits and spirits, as well as high-grade demon beast meats cooked in a variety of ways.
Among them were fifth- and sixth-grade delicacies, which satisfied Lu Chen's appetite, leaving him feeling full for the first time in a long while.
Among the spirits offered, there were, of course, the three types he had brewed.
"Fellow cultivator Lu, are these three spirits your handiwork?" Ye Xuan asked curiously during the feast.
Having visited Lu Chen's cave abode several times, she was deeply impressed by the spirits he had brewed.
She was surprised to see them at the Nascent Soul Cultivator's birthday celebration.
"Indeed. After Qi Wu Heng Xing learned of my proficiency in spirit brewing, he came to purchase quite a lot," Lu Chen acknowledged with a slight nod.
"I never expected Fellow Cultivator Lu to have such a skill."
"One of these spirits has a hundred changing flavors, each distinct and clear, and it can slightly enhance one's spiritual power."
"Another is pristine and pure, with the wondrous effect of cleansing the body of foreign energies."
"The third is icy to the bone, like a rare icy jade marrow found in the infinite fiery sea, freezing one's body."
"Each is extremely rare, and I never expected all three to be brewed by Fellow Cultivator Lu."
Those sitting nearby revealed looks of surprise upon hearing this, gaining a direct insight into Lu Chen's skill in spirit brewing.
"Since ancient times, spirit plants and spirits have been inseparable. I, Lu, have spent countless days and months researching spirit plants, so it is only natural that I have achieved a little in spirit brewing," Lu Chen said humbly.
"Haha, when we return, we must find an opportunity to visit Fellow Cultivator Lu's cave abode and buy more of these top-quality spirits."
Cultivators skilled in spirit brewing were even rarer than spirit plant cultivators, and many of the Golden Core cultivators present were greatly impressed by the three spirits. They all expressed their intention to visit Lu Chen's cave abode to purchase them.
"Looks like I'll have quite a few returning customers," Lu Chen remarked with a sense of emotion, taking the opportunity to recommend the miscellaneous store within the Star-Plucking Tower to them.
"I am grateful for your support, fellow cultivators. If you wish to further indulge in these three spirits, you may visit the Star-Plucking Tower, where I have a small shop that will surely satisfy your spirit needs," he said.
True Lord Jin Yao's face darkened as he replied, "Friend, please don't bring up that unfortunate event."
"I couldn't find any trace of that ox, but when I stumbled upon it and engaged in battle, I thought victory was assured. Yet, even joining forces with two other cultivators, we couldn't defeat that beast," he said through gritted teeth, the memory filling him with hatred.
He still couldn't comprehend how that aged ox with its withered horns could have suddenly returned to its peak strength.
The instigator of his failure was currently downstairs, drinking merrily with the newly acquainted Golden Core cultivators.
"Fellow cultivators, if you ever come across high-level spirit plants in secret realms, feel free to look for me. I will offer a higher price than what you'd get on the market," Lu Chen invited, his speech slightly slurred from the alcohol.
"I can't help it; I'm just too obsessed with all kinds of rare and exotic spirit plants," he added.
As the wine flowed, the cultivators around him readily agreed, enticed by the prospect of a better deal.
Just as the feast was drawing to a close and Lu Chen prepared to retire, a tall, elderly man approached him.
His features bore a resemblance to those of Wood Daoist, whom Lu Chen had befriended.
Lu Chen's drunken haze cleared instantly, and he bowed respectfully. "Junior Lu Chen greets Senior Wood."
The elderly man had entered the hall after the Nascent Soul True Lord from the Li Yang Dao Sect, indicating his superior strength and status.
Lu Chen recalled from the earlier introductions that this senior was the head of the Mu family, one of the major families of the Hai Lou Commerce, and a predecessor of Wood Daoist.
"You indeed live up to your reputation, young friend. You possess exceptional talent and have such dense wood and plant spirit energy," the elderly man said with a smile.
The surrounding Golden Core cultivators took the hint and, after greeting the senior, found excuses to leave.
"Elder Qi Ling holds you in high regard and has mentioned you to us old fellows more than once," the elderly man continued.
"I took the opportunity to come and see you for myself while attending True Lord Lei Huo's longevity feast."
"We are grateful for your favor, senior," Lu Chen replied humbly.
"You're too modest, young friend. For Elder Qi Ling to value you so highly, you must have unique qualities," the elderly man said. "Also, my good-for-nothing nephew, Mu Wei, was well taken care of by you, and I am indebted to you for that."
Lu Chen's mind conjured an image of Wood Daoist, who loved collecting all sorts of peculiar treasures.
"I dare not take the credit, Senior Mu. Wood Daoist's innate talent and strength far surpass mine," he replied.
"It's just that I've had the support of my family, unlike you, who started as a wandering cultivator and have reached the Golden Core stage on your own," Mu Wei added.
After a pleasant conversation and some words of encouragement, the head of the Mu family took his leave.
As the feast concluded, the Nascent Soul True Lords began to depart. A late-stage Golden Core cultivator from the Star-Plucking Tower flew into the air.
"Fellow cultivators, today is a joyous occasion, and we have prepared a few games and small gifts for everyone. We hope you will participate enthusiastically," the cultivator announced.
After a brief explanation of the game rules, runes lit up in the hall, transporting the guests to a mountain peak with a flattened summit.
The first game didn't involve the Golden Core cultivators; it was a common contest between the Foundation Establishment cultivators from Tian Xing Cave and those who had accompanied their elders from various sects and clans. They would compete in battles of magic and skill, winning various treasures.
"I never thought I'd have a day of being both an audience member and a judge," Lu Chen said with interest as he watched the proceedings below.
(End of Chapter)
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