Chapter 843: The Pill Sect's Wisdom, Post-War Harvest, and That Corpse

Chapter 843: The Pill Sect's Wisdom, Post-War Harvest, and That Corpse

Could a powerful Essence Transformation cultivator intervene? If this rumor were spread during a time of low cultivation, Luo Chen would have believed it.

But after the battle at Cangwu Mountain, he no longer trusted this rumor.

Initially, even with Qing Shuang the Demon Sovereign stationed at Cangwu Mountain, it was impossible for three Supreme Empress Cultivators to do anything, no matter how powerful they were.

It was only after the powerful cultivator from the Abyss Sect personally took action that Cangwu Mountain was forced to retreat into the void.

This single example was enough to prove that powerful Essence Transformation cultivators could indeed take action.

And such examples were not few and far between!

How did the Northern Sea Demonic Dharmic Sect meet its demise? Those two old ancestors of the Demonic Dharmic Sect were also powerful Essence Transformation cultivators, extraordinary beings beyond their realm. Who could have killed them?

The grandmaster of the Array Dao, Li Canghai, had also openly acted under the watchful eyes of many, seizing the Ice Apex Sect's Spirit Artifact and refining it.

Such instances all proved that the rumor was incorrect.

Of course, perhaps it wasn't entirely wrong, but rather, not entirely accurate!

Ever since mastering the True Meaning of Life and Death, Luo Chen had vaguely sensed a mysterious sense of harmony with the world.

It was subtle, but it did exist!

Initially, Luo Chen thought it was due to the influence of the world assimilating his Primordial Spirit and his unstable cultivation, so during that time, he dared not cultivate excessively and only focused on consolidating his realm.

Later, as his cultivation stabilized, he realized that this sense of harmony still existed.

It was then that Luo Chen realized that it wasn't a matter of the world assimilating him, but rather, he had vaguely obtained some sort of authority, similar to that of the world, which gave him that ambiguous feeling.

The Principle True Meaning!

The reason lay in the Principle True Meaning.

Luo Chen guessed that once a cultivator comprehended a certain Principle True Meaning, it was equivalent to grasping a portion of the world's authority.

In such a situation, even without being assimilated by the world, they were almost indistinguishable from the world itself.

However, cultivators who could grasp the Principle True Meaning at the Primordial Spirit level were still a minority. Even the Heavenly Origin Dao Sect would only produce two or three such cultivators every five hundred years.

Those who truly mastered this profound mystery were among the group of Essence Transformation cultivators!

They were akin to the world itself, with their spiritual power having limits, but as long as they possessed a Primordial Spirit and comprehended the Principle True Meaning, they could draw upon the world's energy at any time for combat, making their energy supply infinite.

These were the mighty ones, the possessors of great divine abilities, the best description for them!

Once such beings unleashed a battle against each other without restraint, the destructive power they could unleash would be extremely terrifying!

It would never be like Primordial Spirit cultivators, limited to a single mountain or region, a thousand or even a hundred thousand li of land.

The most likely outcome would be the sinking of continents and the overturning of mountains and seas—a truly terrifying spectacle!

But the world had its own consciousness; how could it stand by and watch as the parasites within its body wantonly destroyed its physical form?

Therefore, there must be certain restrictions on powerful Essence Transformation cultivators.

This was the origin of the rumor that powerful Essence Transformation cultivators couldn't easily intervene.

This conclusion was made by Luo Chen, a well-traveled and knowledgeable cultivator, based on his own specific circumstances.

Perhaps some aspects of it were incorrect, but it was enough to explain why during the war between the races, powerful beings like the Ancient Demon Emperor Tian and the Abyss Sect's mighty cultivator, who possessed decisive combat power, didn't directly intervene, but instead had their subordinates fight each other, indirectly determining the victor.

It wasn't that they didn't want to fight directly, but rather, there were restrictions in certain areas that prevented them from easily taking action.

But if they were truly provoked, what harm would there be in tearing apart those restrictions?

In the current situation, had the Eastern Wilderness' Demonic Race angered the Abyss Sect?

Luo Chen's judgment was that they seemed unhurried, but in reality, they were already impatient.

What did it mean that they seemed unhurried?

The Abyss Sect's strength was almost unaffected, and they still sat high above in the clouds, issuing commands with an unhurried demeanor.

But!

Earlier, the eight grand marshals had acted simultaneously, leading tens of millions of demons to invade the thirty-six regions, even reaching the deep rear areas, and some places could be described as a scene of devastation.

The intensity of this war had already exceeded the Abyss Sect's expectations.

If this continued, the entire Eastern Wilderness would be torn apart. If a few more places like the Lost Soul Region appeared, then even if the Abyss Sect unified the region in the future, all they would gain would be a mess.

So, they couldn't sit still any longer.

The fact that the Abyss Sect sent out six Supreme Empress Cultivators and nearly forty Supreme True Monarchs in one go was a testament to this.

"So, as long as we kill the Ancient Demon Emperor Tian, the leader of the Eastern Wilderness' Demonic Race, we can completely dismantle the demon army!"

Facing Luo Chen's speculation, Fenghua Fairy didn't dare agree.

"Essence Transformation cultivators, how could they be so easily killed?"

Luo Chen smiled bitterly, "Even if we can't kill him, as long as we force the Ancient Demon Emperor Tian to make the first move, the Abyss Sect's mighty cultivator will have the upper hand in the situation. Whether it's war or peace, the initiative will be in their hands, and sometimes, the name of righteousness is very important!"

Fenghua Fairy frowned, the name of righteousness?

Luo Chen put his hands behind his back and strolled along the quiet path on Pill Luo Mountain, explaining his thoughts on this war.

"After the ancient times, the human and demon races signed a ceasefire treaty, prohibiting large-scale racial wars. Only small-scale wars like the opening of new territories were allowed, and they were often limited to the scale of a single sect or faction."

"But in the war to open the Xiu Yue Mountain Range, the human side was the first to break the agreement. Han Zhan invited four cultivators from other sects to besiege and kill the Proud Demon Emperor."

"Not only that, the Harmony Sect, which had grown powerful, also got involved, attempting to open two regions together with the Falling Cloud Sect."

"These are all betrayals of the original ceasefire agreement!"

"The most crucial point is that the Great Power of Abyss Sect has appeared in the Feathered Clan's Holy Land, Cangwu Mountain, and personally taken action!"

"It is precisely because he holds the moral high ground that the Ancient Demon Emperor Tian has the justification to ignite the anger of the Demonic Race's powerful beings and unify the million-mountain Demonic Race. Under his call, countless powerful beings serve him, including the Wolf Lord Ao Kuang, who once rivaled the Ancient Demon Emperor Tian. Even they cannot disobey him."

"These are all the benefits brought about by the name of righteousness!"

"And the result is evident. Out of the thirty-six regions, fifteen have fallen. Even the twenty-one regions in the rear have suffered heavy losses. Splendor Palace was breached, Seven Grottoes Mountain was destroyed, Iterating Cloud Sect was brought down to the dust, and even the mighty Heavenly Capital Sect is visibly declining."

"This is what we have witnessed with our own eyes. The situation elsewhere is only more dire. The Void Emperor Sect, Tai Shan Sect, Ten Thousand Swords Pavilion, Hundred Beasts Sect, Mu Manor..."

"If we compare this war to a game of chess..."

At this point, Luo Chen inexplicably thought of the Heavenly Origin Dao Sect.

But it was only for a fleeting moment.

He shook his head and continued his eloquent speech.

"We, the multitude of living beings, are like chess pieces, and the Essence Transformation beings of the Eastern Wilderness are the players."

"The outcome of the game between the chess pieces represents the victory or defeat of this war."

"But if the player decides to intervene and personally eliminate some of the chess pieces, then it's like overturning the chessboard, and the other side will naturally no longer follow the rules."

"Do you think the Ancient Demon Emperor Tian can stand against the three old ancestors of the Abyss Sect?"

Fenghua Fairy frowned, "In the Eastern Wilderness, there are also three ancient demons on the Demonic Race's side. It's not like they're afraid of the three old ancestors of the Abyss Sect."

Luo Chen chuckled.

He had heard of the three ancient demons of the Eastern Wilderness.

The most prominent one was undoubtedly the Mountain Calmer, Emperor Tian.

The other two were the master of Cangwu Mountain, Qixia Prime Minister, and a mysterious being named Qing He Immortal.

It was with the support of these two great beings, along with the right timing and location, that Emperor Tian dared to start the war.

But from the current situation, it seemed that one of their supports hadn't been fully realized.

Qixia Prime Minister!

Thinking of this greatly renowned Great Power, Luo Chen's smile became somewhat forced.

But despite the heaviness in his heart, it didn't affect his judgment of the situation.

"Out of the nine commanders, eight have taken action."

"Only the side representing the Cangwu Mountain lineage, Qing Shuang Demon Sovereign, has not made any substantial moves, aside from rescuing the Thunder Hell Divine Phoenix."

"Is she truly supporting the Ancient Demon Emperor Tian with all her might?"

Facing this rebuttal, Fenghua Fairy hesitated.

"Do you mean that the Demonic Race is not as united as it seems on the surface?"

Luo Chen continued his discourse, "At the very least, Qixia Prime Minister's support for this war is insufficient. Otherwise, who could stop Qing Shuang Demon Sovereign if she joined the war? Is it the renowned Thunder Daoist, or the one who holds the Twelve Divine Cities God-Slaying Flag, or perhaps those who have cultivated diligently within the Abyss Sect?"

"As for Qing He Immortal, after thousands of years of solitary cultivation in the million-mountain range, her name is not well-known, and it's uncertain if she is truly that enthusiastic about fighting for territory."

"So, in my opinion, Emperor Tian has been manipulating the name of righteousness from the start, using the accumulated power of the million-mountain range over thousands of years to take a risky move. Once he personally intervenes, this war will inevitably head towards its conclusion."

When the player enters the game, it's either a victory with half the pieces remaining, or a stalemate until death on the chessboard.

Luo Chen didn't hold high hopes for Emperor Tian, just as he had never been optimistic about this war between humans and demons from the beginning.

The victors would not be them, the small sects, nor would it be the Demonic Race. The only winner would be the Abyss Sect!

The only unexpected factor might be Qixia Prime Minister, the possible mastermind behind the destruction of the North Sea Demonic Dharmic Sect.

After listening to Luo Chen's analysis, Fenghua Fairy stood there in a daze.

After a while, she looked at Luo Chen's profile with a complex expression and spoke in a desolate tone, "I don't know what the future holds, but Brother Luo, your insightful words are not something ordinary people could come up with."

"Fenghua has learned a lesson today!"

The way one addresses another often reflects their attitude towards that person.

At first, she called Luo Chen "Luo Daoyou" as a courtesy.

Later, she called him "Dan Zong," respecting his ability in pill cultivation and showing a desire to curry favor.

Now, she calls him "Luo Xiong," just like Jiu Ling Yanyun, actively trying to get closer and improve their relationship.

This process of changing their relationship has been ongoing for a long time, and it was only today, after Luo Chen's words, that she was truly convinced.

Luo Chen smiled, feeling satisfied.

In reality, it's not that Fenghua Fairy and the others are "stupid," but from the very beginning, they were already in the game, and their thinking was limited by their circumstances.

Luo Chen is currently in the game as well, but at the start, he was outside of it! Especially after his travels in the North Sea and Central Plains, he was able to consider this war in the Eastern Wilderness, the largest-scale war since ancient times, from a comprehensive perspective, which is why he could make so many judgments.

However, he is also clear that he is not an Essence Transformation powerhouse and cannot truly stand at that height to observe the entire situation.

His thoughts and considerations may contain errors.

"Great Palace Master, you flatter me!"

Fenghua Fairy smoothed her hair, which had become disheveled from days of travel, and spoke in a desolate tone.

"My junior sister is dead, and I'm the only Supreme True Monarch left in Splendor Palace. There's no need to differentiate between the Grand Palace Master and the Second Palace Master." She spoke with a hint of sadness, "Just call me Fenghua, like you did earlier."

Luo Chen opened his mouth, seeing the resemblance between her current expression and the one she had worn during their previous encounters.

He could only comfort her as he had once done for Heavenly Capital Master, "The foundation of Splendor Palace still stands, and there are talented individuals like Feng Yue and Xia Lan. If they are well cultivated, it won't be difficult to nurture another Supreme True Monarch or two."

"As for them..." Fenghua Fairy shook her head unconsciously, "If they were truly exceptional, they wouldn't still be stuck at the late Golden Core stage after three to four hundred years, let alone reaching the Primordial Spirit stage, which seems like a distant dream. Among the juniors, the one with the most potential to reach the Primordial Spirit stage is your good disciple, Meng Qin'er, who you sent to Luo Tian Sect."

As she spoke, she glanced at Luo Chen with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, hinting at something.

Luo Chen cleared his throat twice.

"Those two are deeply in love. Let's not separate them! We'll see how things go in the future, we'll see!"

He laughed it off, moving past the topic.

But in his heart, he had taken note of Meng Qin'er.

This girl had exceptional talent, advancing to the Golden Core stage in less than a century, and now, at a young age, she had already reached the middle stage of the Golden Core.

Although she had received help from Qu Lingjun's pills, which allowed her to digest a large number of pills without suffering from pill poison, this was also a sign of her innate talent!

If she could stay in Luo Tian Sect permanently, she would be a great asset in the future!

After Fenghua Fairy left, Luo Chen muttered to himself.

"Speaking of which, I should go and check on my unaccomplished disciple."

...

The reconstruction of Heaven Ascending Pass was the top priority at the moment.

Abyss Sect provided the necessary materials and resources, while other sects and factions contributed manpower. The entire majestic city was bustling with activity.

Any cultivator with talent was given important responsibilities.

During one of his inspections, Luo Chen happened to see a Golden Core cultivator from Ailao Mountain in Jade Cauldron Region, someone he had met years ago.

Unfortunately, they weren't close, so Luo Chen didn't greet him. Instead, he watched from the sidelines as the man was excitedly taken away by a Supreme True Monarch from Abyss Sect.

Luo Chen couldn't help but sigh.

In the past, the six major Golden Core sects of Jade Cauldron Region had seemed unattainable to him.

But times had changed; the Flame Alliance had been destroyed, Falling Cloud Sect was in disarray, Ice Fortress was in name only, Hundred Flowers Palace had long ceased to exist, and now, even Ailao Mountain, renowned for its spirit artifacts, seemed to have only a few remaining cultivators.

"What about Green Pill Valley?"

Luo Chen suddenly thought of the small sect with which he had a connection.

He wondered if the last Sect Master, Tao Wan, whom he had helped greatly, was still alive. He also wondered if there were any surviving sect members and if anyone had inherited the sect's legacy.

With these thoughts in mind, Luo Chen went to the City Lord's Mansion and asked Lingtian Lord for a leave of absence.

"It's fine. During the last battle at Heaven Ascending Pass, we suffered heavy losses, and the Demonic Race also took a significant hit. There won't be any conflicts in the short term, so if you have personal matters to attend to, go and take care of them first!"

Lingtian Lord remained as amiable as ever.

He also asked about Luo Chen's injuries.

Luo Chen didn't have any injuries; it was just an excuse to decline invitations from others.

With his newfound free time, he left Heaven Ascending Pass and quietly returned to Luo Tian Sect.

...

"Has he reached the eighth layer of Foundation Establishment?"

Luo Chen stood in a quiet courtyard, his eyes fixed on a thick wall as if he could see through it to the middle-aged man sitting in meditation on the other side.

Meng Qin'er, dressed as a young married woman, stood respectfully behind him.

Hearing the murmurs, she gathered her courage and spoke up for her husband, "Lingjun has been working very hard. In just over a decade, he has advanced through two cultivation layers."

Indeed, when Luo Chen had first returned to the Eastern Wilderness, Qu Lingjun's cultivation was at the sixth layer of Foundation Establishment, and he was close to advancing to the next layer.

Now, after more than a decade of focusing solely on cultivation, without any distractions from worldly affairs and attachments, he had finally entered the late Foundation Establishment stage and was on the verge of breaking through to the eighth layer.

Sensing the worry in the woman's voice, Luo Chen smiled and waved his hand.

"Don't worry, I'm not blaming him. I'm actually pleased. The fact that he understands my intentions and is dedicated to his cultivation shows that his Dao heart hasn't been completely obscured."

Meng Qin'er breathed a sigh of relief but quickly held her breath again.

"It's just that..."

Luo Chen sighed, "In the end, it's still too slow!"

In Qu Lingjun's life, he hadn't been through many battles, and he didn't have any major injuries, so he should be able to reach the theoretical limit of his lifespan.

But even if a Foundation Establishment cultivator could live for a long time, it was still only around two hundred and fifty to sixty years!

He only had two or three decades left.

With four spirit roots, it would be incredibly challenging to cultivate from the eighth layer of Foundation Establishment to the ninth layer, and then to the Great Perfection state, and finally attempt to break through to the Golden Core stage within two or three decades.

Luo Chen himself had taken thirty years to take that final step, and he had five spirit roots, while Qu Lingjun only had four, both of them having seemingly useless talents.

Meng Qin'er bit her teeth and said, "Even if it's slow, we have to give it our all! My husband said that he doesn't seek the Great Perfection state. Even if he only reaches the eighth layer of Foundation Establishment, he will still try to break through to the Golden Core stage before his lifespan ends!"

"His Dao heart is admirable!" Luo Chen praised, then said proudly, "But my disciple is not that mediocre."

As Meng Qin'er looked on in surprise, Luo Chen handed her a storage bag.

"Inside are the auxiliary resources I prepared for Lingjun."

"There are third-grade Ethereal Leaves from Ethereal Sect. Burning them in a furnace and absorbing their essence can ensure a clear mind and a relaxed spirit.

"There's an Ice Silkworm Cushion from the Ice Fortress, a treasure-tier item. Sitting on it allows one to refine the external spiritual energy through ice, making it less volatile and easier to absorb."

"As for this ointment, it's a specialty of the Tai Shan Sect. Remember to apply it all over your body when cultivating; its effects are extraordinary..."

"The Through Yin Pill won't be of much use to him, but I've refined the Soul Calming Powder, a third-grade spirit medicine from the Medicine King Sect. It's even more effective than the Through Yin Pill."

"Lastly, these jade bottles contain the Starlight Pills I've refined! They contain the essence of the Five Elements and are suitable for cultivators of any attribute. They are a great supplement for Ling Jun. Considering the difference in cultivation levels, I've adjusted the potency. Take one pill every half-moon, hold it in your mouth, and slowly absorb it!"

Meng Qin'er's hands trembled as she listened to Luo Chen's introduction.

This entire set of cultivation resources was invaluable, even for a Golden Core cultivator.

But Luo Chen generously offered them, almost as if he had prepared them in advance.

In her mind, she couldn't help but recall the words her husband had once said to her.

"Master has always treated him well!"

Indeed, it was true!

The only strange thing was, if Luo Chen had such consideration for Qu Lingjun, why didn't he bestow these things earlier?

She dared not ask this question.

Instead, Luo Chen bowed to her, "Disciple, on behalf of Lingjun, thanks Master for your great kindness and virtue!"

Luo Chen smiled and lightly held her hand.

"There's no need for that."

Then, he suddenly took out a storage bag.

"You've been by Lingjun's side all these years, and it hasn't been easy. Here are some resources I had left over from my Golden Core stage. If you don't mind, take them!"

Meng Qin'er was stunned.

Who was this Luo Chen?

A Supreme True Monarch, a master of the Pill Sect! The resources he used during his Golden Core stage were dream-like treasures for any Golden Core cultivator.

How could she refuse?

Indeed, after Luo Chen left, she carefully took out a jade bottle.

With just a glance, her eyes lit up.

A high-grade third-stage pill!

Holding the jade bottle, the young woman murmured,

"Is Master showing his affection for the disciple as well?"

...

After leaving Qu Lingjun's cultivation site, Luo Chen didn't return directly to the mountain peak palace. Instead, he first went to a small stone platform.

This place was originally Sima Hui Niang's cultivation ground. After she left for the Heaven Ascending Pass, she gave this place, rich in spiritual energy, to her disciple, Yao Mingyue.

As the second generation sect master in the history of the Heavenward Sect, Luo Chen wouldn't neglect her upon his return.

After a scan with his divine sense, Luo Chen revealed a satisfied look.

Yao Mingyue's talent wasn't bad; it was just that she had been burdened by worldly matters in the past.

In recent years, with more free time, her cultivation had progressed steadily. She was just a step away from reaching the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage.

To condense a Golden Core, she only needed to refine her skills and master the Heavenward Sect's core-forming secret technique, the Micro Dust Technique.

"I hope she succeeds!"

Luo Chen offered a simple blessing, not leaving behind cultivation resources like he did for Qu Lingjun.

The Heavenward Sect had already provided what Yao Mingyue needed, including the third-stage Condensing Liquid Pills required for core formation.

After all, she was a meritorious disciple, and the sect wouldn't mistreat her.

The reason for Qu Lingjun's different treatment was actually intentional.

As his only disciple, she had been burdened by her talent and wasn't enthusiastic about cultivation. After years of struggle, her determination to seek the Dao had become less firm.

Luo Chen's previous cold treatment was also meant to temper her character.

Now that Qu Lingjun had awakened, he wouldn't be stingy with his rewards.

With the support of a Supreme True Monarch, it was almost certain that a Foundation Establishment cultivator seeking core formation would succeed, as long as their luck wasn't too bad.

"The departure of the two elders, Fu Jiusheng and Chu Kui, is a significant blow to the Heavenward Sect."

"If Lingjun and Mingyue can fill their roles, it will also boost the sect's morale."

Luo Chen sighed, then leisurely made his way up the mountain.

Upon reaching the long-cold mountain peak palace, he cast a Purification Technique at his residence, which was already cleaned daily, making it look brand new.

Then, he patted the armrest of a chair.

"Come out!"

As if sensing something, the ground trembled slightly.

Many Heavenward Sect cultivators lowered their brows, looking towards the ground, but without much surprise.

After the previous battle with the Demon Sovereign's invasion, they had learned that their sect also had a Mountain Guardian Beast.

Moreover, unlike other sects, their Mountain Guardian Beast was incredibly powerful. According to the sect leader, its strength was no less than a Supreme True Monarch!

This slight earthquake was most likely caused by the "Black King" turning over in his sleep.

It was something they had to get used to!

However, contrary to their expectations, the Black King didn't just turn over; it woke up.

A figure emerged from the ground and respectfully bowed to Luo Chen.

"Master, what are your commands for Blackie?"

Luo Chen smiled slightly, "Spit out what you swallowed earlier!"

"Yes!"

As the words fell, Blackie's abdomen bulged, constantly moving upwards. Then, amidst the sticky liquid, various items were gently expelled.

Within sight, the hall was filled with neatly arranged ancient jars containing various kinds of thousand-year-old fine wines.

And there was also a lifeless corpse!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end