https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-823-Cruel-Demonic-Path-An-Old-Acquaintance-s-Passing/12943015/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-825-The-Feast-of-Division-the-Pseudo-Fifth-Tier-Divine-Pill/12943018/
Chapter 824: A Full Moon Surrounded by Stars, the Demon Monarch's Legacy
Chapter 824: A Full Moon Surrounded by Stars, the Demon Monarch's Legacy
Three days later.
Outside Ling Tian Pass Shouyang Mountain.
Carriages and horses lined up like dragons, and pedestrians filled the area like a bustling marketplace.
Countless low-level cultivators gathered outside the mountain, spontaneously forming large and small markets, engaging in various businesses.
Such a scene was incredibly unbelievable for ordinary people.
The reason was that Shouyang Mountain was the temporary cave abode of a Primordial Spirit True Man, and who would dare to do business at the doorstep of such a person?
But this Primordial Spirit True Man with the surname Lu was different. He was from Dongyang Sect, and as soon as he arrived at Ling Tian Pass, he lifted many commercial restrictions under his initiative.
Furthermore, he led by example, setting aside a large area outside Shouyang Mountain for low-level cultivators to conduct business openly.
In the market, streaks of escaping light shot into the sky, entering the mountain shrouded in clouds and mist.
Seeing these streaks of light, the low-level cultivators couldn't help but feel envious.
"Another Golden Core Venerable has entered the mountain, right?"
"I heard that inside the mountain, there's a special gathering for Golden Core Venerables, and many have gained profound insights from it."
"I wonder when I'll be qualified to participate in such a gathering."
"Dream on! And even if you dream, why not dream bigger? It's the gatherings of higher-level True Men that we truly yearn for."
"I heard that during the last True Men's gathering, someone brought a young Demon Monarch cub..."
Just as the low-level cultivators were feeling envious, they suddenly saw a streak of crimson escaping light flying in from outside the market, directly entering Shouyang Mountain.
This scene immediately drew exclamations of surprise.
Ling Tian Pass had a ban on aerial flight!
Even Golden Core cultivators couldn't fly freely unless it was wartime, and even then, they were restricted to specific areas.
To fly through Ling Tian Pass directly from outside the mountain, only a True Man at the Nascent Soul Realm could do so without any restrictions!
Another True Man had joined that mysterious gathering!
...
In contrast to the bustling outside world, Shouyang Mountain was slightly desolate.
But it was only "slightly" so.
At the mountain peak and its waist, the two distinct groups of cultivators from different realms interacted with each other, each showing restraint. Yet, they also displayed an air of numerous talented individuals.
Especially at the mountain peak, the number of Primordial Spirit True Men attending today's gathering was astonishingly high, reaching over twenty people!
This number accounted for nearly two-thirds of Ling Tian Pass.
In the entire Donghuang human cultivation world, excluding the Abyss Sect, they made up half of the cultivators.
This was truly a gathering of elites.
However, in this gathering of over twenty people, several small groups had formed.
One group was led by Dongyang Sect's Elder Lu, and upon closer inspection, it was found that the Primordial Spirit True Men within had some connections to the Abyss Sect.
Another group was led by the Nine Spirit Lord, and most of the people inside were familiar faces, such as Elder Fu Lao, Xiao Shiniang, Ling Fengzi, and others. These individuals shared a common trait—their sects had fallen, leaving them homeless, and many of them came from the fifteen territories that had been conquered.
From a certain perspective, if not for this war between humans and demons, this group of people could be considered the newly emerged powerhouses of the Donghuang humans.
After all, the closer the domains were to the Million Great Mountains, the more likely they were to have been established by ancient beings, and the sects within them were often new forces that had emerged over the past three thousand years.
The last group was a bit more intriguing.
About seven or eight people, each wearing different sect insignia, carried an innate air of arrogance.
They didn't have a clear leader, and their gathering was more of an unconscious action.
This group belonged to the kind that was relatively ancient, naturally not in conflict with the new forces, but also had a somewhat ordinary relationship with the Abyss Sect.
They were the neutral forces that swayed between both sides.
Among these seven or eight people, one was particularly active, often speaking up, and the others would smile and chime in agreement.
The reason for this person's prominence wasn't their profound cultivation level; a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator at this gathering wasn't particularly impressive.
What mattered was their identity as a fourth-stage pill concocting master!
In the hundred arts of cultivation, pill concocting led the way.
All major sects would cultivate their own pill concocting masters.
Ordinary pill concocting masters were easy to cultivate, and even third-stage masters, as long as the sect was willing to invest resources, could often be nurtured.
But when it came to fourth-stage pill concocting masters, it wasn't that simple.
One had to simultaneously satisfy three conditions: talent, resources, and cultivation level!
Those without talent couldn't enter the path.
Those without resources would find it difficult to achieve profound skill.
Even if the first two conditions were met, long-term pill concocting would greatly delay their personal cultivation, leading to a lower cultivation level.
And once the cultivation level dropped, it would be impossible to satisfy the powerful control required for refining fourth-stage pills.
For example, Qingdan Valley's Supreme Elder Qingdanzi, his pill concocting skills had touched the threshold of the fourth stage, but due to his insufficient cultivation level, he still failed when the entire sect's efforts were focused on refining the Nascent Soul Pill.
In summary, fourth-stage pill concocting masters were extremely rare talents in the entire Mountain Sea World.
In the vast Donghuang, there were only six or seven named fourth-stage pill concocting masters.
Among them, more than half had been recruited by the holy land, the Abyss Sect.
The most famous one left outside was none other than the Pill Emperor from the former Pill King Sect.
At this moment, within the gathering of True Monarchs at Shouyang Mountain, a man who was being treated amicably by the crowd was another fourth-rank pill concocting master.
His name was Yao Ping, from Seven Peaks Mountain, and everyone referred to him as Yaosheng.
Everyone was currying favor with him, each with their own requests.
"Yaosheng, regarding the Nectar Essence Pill I mentioned last time, have you made any progress in your research?"
"Deng Taiyue, why are you so impatient? Although the Nectar Essence Pill is a fourth-rank pill, it was once known in ancient times as a pseudo-fifth-rank divine pill. How can it be easy to refine? Moreover, the pill formula you gave me is missing a full forty percent, especially the most crucial main ingredient. How can I possibly deduce the complete formula in a short time?"
"Yaosheng, I need the Essence Strengthening Pill..."
"This pill is not difficult. I have already refined it, but in a hundred years, I can only provide you with ten bottles at most."
"Ten bottles?"
Upon hearing this answer, the one who asked showed a hint of disappointment on his face.
The Essence Strengthening Pill was a fourth-rank cultivation-type pill that required long-term consumption to be effective.
With ten bottles over a hundred years, it would be one bottle every ten years and one pill per year. How could it have any effect? Someone nearby laughed and said, "Why don't you invite Danzong to help since he's coming today? I heard that Danzong's pill concocting skills are exceptional, and he rarely makes mistakes. If you want a stable supply..."
Before he could finish speaking, Yaosheng, with his white-streaked beard, let out a cold snort.
"Danzong Luo Chen is just a young upstart who hasn't even cultivated for three hundred years. How can his pill concocting skills be profound?"
The person who had made the suggestion earlier spoke awkwardly, "But the fellow cultivators at Lingtian Pass have spread the news with certainty. Moreover, that Jiu Ling Yuan Jun is only at the sixth layer of Nascent Soul Stage, yet his status is no different from that of a great cultivator. It's all thanks to Danzong's pill concocting skills."
Yaosheng's face turned somewhat unpleasant, and he spoke in a deep voice, "Danzong might have some ability, but in my opinion, he's just a trickster. Looking at the pills he refines for others, they are often one-time transactions, and long-term cooperation is rare. The Essence Strengthening Pill that Zhang Daoyou needs is a cultivation-type pill, and the most crucial aspect is a stable supply. In my opinion, Danzong might be able to refine it, but for a stable supply..."
Before he could finish his sentence, Zhang Zhenren hurriedly nodded.
He realized that Yaosheng was a bit upset, so there was no need to provoke him further.
So be it, ten bottles in a hundred years. With proper planning of the usage time, it would still save ten years of bitter cultivation!
Seeing his agreement, Yaosheng's expression became much more pleasant.
But once the conversation started, it didn't stop.
Stroking his beard, he continued talking.
"There are many pill concocters in this world, but few are of the fourth rank. In the past, only Danhuang could rival me, but now that Danhuang has fallen, Biandaoyou and Hunyuanzi have been staying in the Abyss Sect for a long time, and I haven't even had the chance to find someone to exchange pill concocting techniques with."
"I heard that another pill concocting expert has emerged in the Eastern Wilderness. I've traveled a long way to meet and exchange ideas with him."
Everyone knew who he was referring to.
It was none other than Danzong Luo Chen, whom they had discussed earlier!
"I sent three invitation letters in a row, but he has been avoiding me. It seems he's all talk and no substance..."
Everyone suddenly realized why Yaosheng had left the safe Seven Peaks Mountain and come to Lingtian Pass despite the dangerous situation ahead.
So, he wanted to seek guidance from Danzong!
But the other party was avoiding him. Could it be that he was truly as Yaosheng had said, a person with an inflated reputation?
Before Yaosheng could finish his thought, the atmosphere in the hall suddenly halted.
A streak of escaping light descended gracefully.
Revealing a tall figure, he wore a white robe and a high hat, and his features were handsome.
"Another unfamiliar Nascent Soul Stage cultivator has arrived," Zhang Zhenren muttered.
Yaosheng nodded, not overly concerned.
Observing that his cultivation was only at the third layer of the Nascent Soul Stage, slightly higher than his own, but it wasn't impressive.
As a fourth-rank pill concocting master, he treated everyone equally, regardless of whether they were at the third layer or even the middle or late stages of the Nascent Soul Stage.
But soon, he sensed something amiss.
"Brother Luo, I heard you've emerged from seclusion. I didn't expect it to be true. This trip hasn't been in vain for me."
Jiu Ling Yuan Jun stepped forward, his face filled with a smile.
The young man also smiled and asked with concern, "How is the injury you suffered back then?"
Jiu Ling Yuan Jun patted his left arm and said, "It's fine now, thanks to the healing pills you sent. It was completely healed in the second year."
Another person approached, it was the Elder Fu from the Divine Talisman Sect.
The young man smiled and asked, "I heard that Nightfall Daoyou has emerged from seclusion?"
Elder Fu spoke with relief, "Yes, he has emerged, although it was a bit rushed. But his cultivation base is finally stabilized. With the Divine Talisman Sect's future successor, I can rest in peace even if I were to leave now."
"You're joking, old man. During the Spirit Extinction Battle, the figure who controlled the Golden Armored Giant to slay the Six-Winged Golden Cicada Demon King was full of vigor. You can still live another five hundred years."
While chatting, the young man responded to others who greeted him.
"Xiao Daoyou, after five years apart, you've become even more beautiful!"
"Li Gezhai, let's discuss that matter later.
"Great Palace Master, why are you here?"
...
Along the way, it was quite a lively scene.
It seemed like everyone had an extremely close relationship with him!
Even those he didn't know, after announcing their names, the young man approached them without a hint of arrogance.
After the small group led by Nine Spirit Lord greeted him, the host, Elder Lu, appeared with a hearty laugh.
"Daoist Lu, it's been a long time, and your demeanor is even more impressive than before!"
"Elder Lu, your words are ambiguous. I almost thought you missed me."
"Haha, let me introduce you to a few fellow cultivators!"
"As you wish, I would be honored to meet them!"
"Grandmaster Hua, this is the fourth-rank pill concocting master you've been thinking about, Luo Chen of the Alchemy Sect!"
...
"So he's the one from the Alchemy Sect!"
In the crowd, Yaosheng tightly clenched his white beard.
The dignified image of a celestial cultivator instantly crumbled.
As a fellow fourth-rank pill concocting master, since his arrival, although some praised and flattered him, none compared to this level of grandeur. Those people couldn't even be considered as actively getting to know him; it was pure flattery and sycophancy, without a trace of a true cultivator's demeanor!
Such a stark difference, was it really that significant? Just as jealousy ignited in his heart, the footsteps of those around him made him widen his eyes.
"Elder Deng, you..."
Deng Taiyue turned back and glanced at him, offering an awkward explanation, "I heard that not only is the Alchemy Sect skilled in pill concocting, but they also actively collect incomplete pill formulas. Perhaps he can complete the missing parts of the Elixir Pill formula. I want to get to know him."
After saying this, he turned around without hesitation and squeezed into the crowd, becoming the next person who wanted to meet Luo Chen.
Yaosheng stood in his original spot, his mouth wide open, and his body trembled slightly.
Suddenly, he turned to look at the others around him.
"Elder Zhang, you don't want to go over there, do you?"
Elder Zhang had a request for him, so naturally, he wouldn't speak carelessly at this moment.
"What about you all?"
The rest of them looked at each other, and then one of them naturally said, "Those who are here are all fellow cultivators. What's wrong with getting to know each other? Moreover, Yaosheng, didn't you say you wanted to discuss the pill concocting path with him? Don't you want to meet him?"
"Yes, such a young pill concocting master with such a high level of cultivation must have some extraordinary qualities. I, too, am eager to get to know him."
At this moment, Yaosheng's heart sank.
He had only advanced to the Nascent Soul stage at an old age, and his future path seemed hopeless.
That's why he pursued fame and wanted to use his own strength to revive Seven Peaks Mountain.
But compared to Luo Chen, the difference was obvious.
The other party had built a Nascent Soul Upper Sect from scratch, and at a young age, he possessed profound pill concocting skills. If nothing unexpected happens in the future, he might even be recruited by the Abyss Sect, which means he has the potential to reach the Divine Transformation stage!
One is a setting sun, and the other is a rising sun.
No wonder the cultivators here were so opportunistic.
"But I am still a senior in the pill concocting path, and I became famous before him. If he knows what's good for him, he should take the initiative to come and pay his respects!"
Yaosheng clenched his teeth. Even if only a few people remained by his side, he suppressed the thought of bowing down.
He was waiting for Luo Chen to come and see him.
However, until the gathering officially started, that young man didn't even glance in his direction.
It was as if he didn't even know of his existence?
"Pretending to ignore me, how infuriating!"
...
"Everyone has already introduced themselves, so I'll get straight to the point!"
Elder Lu sat at the head, smiling at the crowd.
"Let's leave the exchange of cultivation insights for later and first conduct the most anticipated part—sharing resources and trading!"
As he said this, he raised his hand in an inviting gesture.
"In the previous gatherings, I almost emptied my sect's treasury. This time, which fellow cultivator would like to go first?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Luo Chen, who was specially invited to sit at the upper seat, spoke calmly and confidently.
"This is the first time my sect is participating in this gathering. As a newcomer, I'll take the lead and offer something first!"
Upon hearing this, the crowd looked at him with hopeful eyes.
Luo Chen was renowned in the Alchemy Sect, so whatever he offered must be high-level pills.
Pills of this caliber were rarely seen, and who wouldn't want them?
Even if they weren't useful to oneself, buying one or two would be like selling the Alchemy Sect a small favor.
Just as everyone was expecting, a streak of light flew out and smashed into the center of the spacious hall.
A bloody aura burst forth!
The remaining powerful aura surged out without restraint, shocking many, causing their divine souls to tremble and their spiritual power to surge.
Upon closer inspection, a "slender" giant creature, over several dozen zhang long, with a bat-like upper body and a scorpion-like lower body, appeared before everyone.
It was covered in blood, without a trace of fur, truly terrifying! A complete—Demon King Remains! Amidst the crowd's shock and awe, Luo Chen, harmless as a lamb, smiled gently.
"A fourth-rank Lightless Beast remains, complete except for the fur."
"Who wants it? You can trade it for Crimson Heaven, Purple Celestial, or Crimson Celestial Qi."
(End of Chapter)
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