https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-915-Upper-You-the-City-of-Hua-Fei-and-the-Dao-Zong-in-Dong-Huang/13150597/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-917-Condensation-Great-Ceremony-Luo-Chen-s-Appearance/13150599/
Chapter 916: A Time of Turmoil, Harvesting Spiritual Essence
Chapter 916: A Time of Turmoil, Harvesting Spiritual Essence
The once mighty Jianchuan Shen Clan, now renamed as the Tuo River Shen Clan.
The river that once flowed in front of the family, the Jianchuan, was no longer the vibrant and powerful river it used to be, but had transformed into the Tuo River, a muddy and chaotic stream filled with silt and sand.
However, all of this was unavoidable.
Under the moonlight.
Luo Chen stood by the window, sighing deeply.
"I never imagined that in just three short years, the outside world would change so drastically."
The changes in Donghuang were beyond anyone's expectations.
The Mingyuan Sacred Land was submerged by the You ming shen yuan, filled with countless ghosts, which was shocking enough.
But in the vast mountains, the yao beasts returned and launched an attack on the human cultivators in the Xiu Xian Realm, which was even more unexpected.
Moreover!
Leading this war was none other than the Yu Zu Cangwu Mountain!
Led by the deputy leader of the Du Zhen Palace, You quan, along with the three great Yao Kings, Niu Gui, Bizheng, and Juan Kuang, they formed an elite force with countless low-level yao beasts, charging towards the human territories.
Compared to the previous time, the yao beasts' offensive was not as grand and mighty.
However, the human cultivators had also suffered greatly after over a hundred years of fierce battles, leaving them severely weakened.
Especially with the collapse of the Mingyuan Sacred Land, the situation became even more dire.
For a moment, people's hearts were filled with unease.
The most surprising thing was that the yao beasts' attack was not as violent as the previous time. They merely stationed their troops outside the Six Domains of the Far East, remaining immobile.
It seemed more like a show of force rather than an all-out offensive.
"Could Cangwu Mountain's involvement in this matter be related to Qixia Yuanjun?"
Luo Chen pondered the connections, combining the Mingyuan War, and gradually formed a guess.
When Qixia Yuanjun left, she was definitely not in a good state.
The three great Yao Kings, facing heavenly tribulations and earthly calamities, along with the countless ghosts, would have left even an iron-bodied person with some injuries.
Especially according to many rumors among the ghosts, the woman had a sky full of tribulation clouds above her head before she left.
"So, it's very likely that she had Cangwu Mountain lead this war to intimidate the powerful human cultivators, preventing any troublemakers from disturbing her during her heavenly tribulation."
Luo Chen was unsure about this speculation.
The arrival of the Tian Yuan Dao Zong in Donghuang was indeed unexpected, but it was also within reason! They had always harbored great ambitions towards the entire Shan Hai Jie.
Sending troops to the North Sea, laying out plans in the Western Desert, and dispatching spies to Nanjiang, all their actions clearly demonstrated their desire to swallow the entire realm.
Perhaps the Donghuang cultivators, being far away, did not feel the full extent of the situation.
But Luo Chen had once stayed in Zhongzhou and clearly remembered the self-confidence and arrogance emanating from the Tian Yuan Dao Zong cultivators.
Especially this time, the Donghuang side had indeed given them a reason to act.
The Dao Zong delegation, consisting of a late-stage Yuan Ying Elder from the Star Gate, a Grand Elder from the Donghuang Tian Yuan Merchant Alliance, a family patriarch, and dozens of low-level disciples, had all perished within the Mingyuan Sacred Land.
Such a significant event would undoubtedly draw the attention of the Tian Yuan Dao Zong.
Invading Donghuang with a large number of powerful cultivators was more than justified.
And the neighboring Dongyang Domain, located along the coast, became their first foothold.
The Dongyang Zong and the Jianchuan Shen Clan were truly unlucky.
During the previous yao beast invasion, they hadn't suffered any losses, but now they were driven out of their homes.
"Perhaps it's not just a senseless disaster?"
Luo Chen recalled what Shen Qiuhua had just said.
The arrival of the Dao Zong's powerful cultivator to pressure the Dongyang Zong's Grand Elder into submission was not a simple matter.
It was common knowledge that the Dongyang Zong was a subordinate of the Mingyuan Sect and their number one "lackey."
Now that the Mingyuan Sect had been destroyed and the Dongyang Zong had submitted to the Tian Yuan Dao Zong, didn't it mean that the entire Donghuang had completely changed?
"From now on, it's likely to be another time of turmoil."
Just then, dark clouds obscured the bright moon.
Luo Chen felt a sense of foreboding.
"Is Qixia Yuanjun really that weak now?"
Luo Chen's figure flickered, and a tiny spark disappeared into the night sky.
...
"Big brother, we both see the weakness of Donghuang."
"Those Yuan Ying cultivators at the forefront, having experienced the previous great war, are already severely weakened. It's impossible for them to hold back the yao beast onslaught."
"In this situation, if the Tian Yuan Dao Zong wants to establish a foothold, they will have to face this wave of attacks."
"But will they sacrifice their own disciples?"
"I don't think so. Just like the Mingyuan Sect, they will most likely drive other cultivators to the forefront. We will inevitably become cannon fodder."
"That's why I've been actively recruiting guest advisors recently, to strengthen our Shen Clan's power and prevent a situation like the last time where you had to personally join the battle."
In a quiet room, Shen Qiuhua spoke passionately.
His face was flushed, his emotions were high, and his sincere concern for the family was evident.
Shen Qiu Bai, dressed in a simple white robe, remained calm. He said, "I understand your intentions, but are the people you've recruited reliable?
Shen Qiuhua was taken aback and blurted out, "It should be reliable!"
Shen Qiu Bai shook his head, "Today, I can't see through this Daoist Gui Xuan."
Shen Qiuhua asked in confusion, "What's so hard to see through? His style and manner of speech are undoubtedly that of a Sanxiu."
Shen Qiu Bai calmly stood up, leaving amidst his brother's puzzled gaze.
"When I say I can't see through, I'm referring to his strength."
"Just as the Tianyuan Dao Zong wants to use us as cannon fodder, it's because our strength is fundamentally incomparable to that of the Dao Zong. Even if my Shen family recruits outsiders as guest advisors, they must possess absolute suppression."
"But that Daoist Gui Xuan, his apparent cultivation level is at the early Jin Dan stage, yet the threat I sense from him is no less than those Yuan Ying old monsters I encountered at Lintian Pass on Shouyang Mountain."
"If you invite such a top-tier expert, I'm afraid my Shen family has brought a wolf into our home."
Shen Qiuhua's mouth hung open, his face filled with disbelief.
"Can a Sanxiu reach the Yuan Ying stage?"
Shen Qiu Bai didn't answer him and headed towards the courtyard where Luo Chen was staying, knocking gently on the door.
"Daoist friend, I've come to pay a visit. Please see me."
There was no response.
Shen Qiu Bai pushed open the door.
The room was empty, illuminated only by the silver moonlight after the dark clouds had passed.
Shen Qiuhua released his divine sense, scanning the area, "Leaving without a word?"
His older brother, Shen Qiu Bai, heaved a sigh of relief, feeling unburdened.
"It's good to leave, very good!"
...
Luo Chen didn't go to Dongyang Domain to take a look at the visitors from Tianyuan Dao Zong.
Even with his fast movement technique, the distance between the two places was too close for him to consider.
As far as he knew, the Tianyuan Dao Zong was continuously sending people across the vast ocean to land in Dong Huang.
This act of amassing troops clearly indicated their intention to establish a foothold in Dong Huang.
This meant that in the future, whether it was dealing with the remnants of the Mingyuan Abyss or the various local powers in Dong Huang, or even the covetous Yaozu, conflicts and frictions would inevitably arise.
He had no desire to get involved in the affairs of these major powers.
Being deeply entangled in such matters would always result in a loss of control.
Regardless of whether you are a Zhujing or Yuan Ying stage cultivator, personal factors or coercion from others could lead to various unavoidable decisions.
In comparison, he chose to stay away from the mundane world.
This journey had only one purpose.
To take away the Luo Tian Zong! There were people he couldn't let go of and matters he couldn't sever. As his cultivation level increased, it had gradually become his soft spot.
How could such a soft spot be exposed to others?
Only by hiding it could he act freely.
From the Tuo River to the Luotian Domain, the distance spanned a million li.
To avoid being discovered, Luo Chen chose a shortcut.
He soared into the sky, entering the Qingming Realm.
A dark and silent shuttle flew like an arrow released from a bowstring.
With his full power driving it, it took only a month to reach Lintian Pass.
It could have been faster, as the modified Frost Eagle Shuttle's speed far surpassed its previous capabilities.
The reason for the delay of a few days was the numerous dangers within the Qingming Realm. From time to time, there were creatures like the Xia Guang Beast, preventing him from flying at full speed.
But upon reaching Lintian Pass, the distance to the Luotian Domain was not far.
Luo Chen didn't return directly; instead, he chose to find a secluded place to land and then headed towards Lintian Pass.
Since he planned to escape the mundane world, it was still necessary to stock up on supplies and inquire about the situation on the Luo Tian Zong side, to avoid blindly stumbling into unknown dangers.
Luo Chen, with his altered appearance and aura, revisited the pass and entered Lintian once again.
The most ⊥new ⊥small ⊥say ⊥in ⊥six ⊥9 ⊥⊥book ⊥⊥bar ⊥⊥first ⊥send!
Contrary to the imagined post-war desolation, this ancient fortress, after experiencing brilliance, now exuded a different kind of splendor.
The thick and tall city walls were gone, and they hadn't been rebuilt after the war.
The mountains and rivers within were exposed to everyone's eyes.
Numerous buildings stood inside, with pavilions and towers blending into the landscape.
The wide streets were bustling with people and vehicles, a hive of activity.
The sounds of hawkers, solicitations, and conversations filled the air.
It was clear that this war fortress had successfully transformed into a commercial center connecting the east and west.
Every day, a vast amount of resources and treasures gathered here.
Luo Chen paused for a long time before locating a shop established by a Yuan Ying-level sect based on his memory.
"Daoist friend, you seem unfamiliar," an elder said, waving away the female attendant and greeting him.
The reason he approached Luo Chen was that the spiritual power fluctuations Luo Chen displayed were at the Jin Dan stage, not something a mere Qi Refinement stage attendant could handle.
Luo Chen's gaze swept over the goods in the shop, and the restriction arrays were like paper tigers to him. He casually responded while examining the items.
"The Lintian Pass is filled with countless cultivators. Can you really know every one of them?"
"This old man doesn't have the ability to recognize them all, but for Jin Dan cultivators, I rarely fail to recognize them."
"Hehe, I've recently advanced to the Jin Dan stage, so it's normal for you to be unfamiliar with me."
"I see. What brings you here? Are you looking to purchase something?
Consolidating resources at the Jin Dan Stage is difficult, but I have no shortage of them in this building."
Unexpectedly, a divine sense transmission from Luo Chen reached the shopkeeper's mind.
"Do you have any Spiritual Essence?"
The old man's expression froze, then he said with a complicated look, "That kind of thing is against the laws of nature. We don't have it here."
"None at all?" Luo Chen looked at him with a smile that wasn't quite a smile, then his gaze slowly shifted upstairs.
This action startled the old man, and indeed, in a secret room upstairs, a large collection of Spiritual Essence was stored.
"You!"
Luo Chen waved his hand, "Don't be agitated. I am mediocre in all other aspects, but my divine sense is quite powerful. I heard that Spiritual Essence greatly benefits the cultivation of the soul, so I wanted to purchase some to see if I could make further progress."
"Is that so?" The old man was half-believing and half-doubting, his gaze constantly assessing Luo Chen.
However, due to Luo Chen's concealment technique, the old man couldn't discern his true cultivation level. He only felt that Luo Chen's aura was ordinary, just like any other early-stage Jin Dan cultivation practitioner.
After a moment of hesitation, the old man said, "Spiritual Essence is indeed valuable, and many people can see its worth. Many powerful cultivators secretly procure it, but few know how to utilize it effectively."
Luo Chen searched for information, "How do you usually conduct these transactions?"
"A large number of high-quality Spiritual Stones, or bartering with other items!" the old man replied.
Luo Chen nodded, "In that case, I happen to have a treasure I'd like to trade. I'm not sure if it will be to your liking."
The old man showed curiosity, wondering what kind of item could be considered a treasure.
"Let's discuss this in a quieter room!" Luo Chen suggested, his gaze sweeping across the bustling shop.
The old man readily agreed and led Luo Chen to a quiet room.
After about half a day, Luo Chen left the shop, his expression unreadable, neither satisfied nor disappointed.
However, the old man wore a delighted smile.
The reason for his joy was that their shop would soon have a new treasure to display.
"A True Artifact!"
He never expected Luo Chen to be so generous, offering a True Artifact in exchange.
Although this True Artifact was tainted by some unknown force, causing a significant loss of its spiritual nature.
But with enough time and effort, perhaps a decade or so, the taint could be gradually removed, restoring some of its power.
The appraiser he had just hired was now puzzled, examining the flying sword with curiosity.
"It seems to be tainted by the Mingyuan Waters," the appraiser said.
The old man froze, then recalled the events related to the Abyss Sect.
"Could it be that the person who just left was someone who had recently returned from the You ming shen yuan?"
His suspicions were confirmed.
The damaged True Artifact that Luo Chen had just traded was indeed something he had stumbled upon while crossing the You ming shen yuan.
It wasn't just one, but several.
Most of them were at the level of magical treasures, and there were only two or three damaged True Artifacts.
Xuan Gui, seeing Luo Chen's interest in these items, intentionally led him to places where similar treasures could be found.
If it weren't for Luo Chen's urgency to continue his journey, he might have obtained even more.
These items were of no use to Luo Chen.
Even if he bestowed them upon his disciples, the taint of the Mingyuan Waters would require significant effort to remove, necessitating careful cultivation.
So, Luo Chen decided to trade them for what he needed.
"The quantity of Spiritual Essence is a bit small, and the trading process is too complicated," Luo Chen thought.
With a shift in his thoughts, he headed towards some secluded corners of Ling Tian Pass, relying on his memory.
These large shops had too many rules.
It was far more convenient to conduct transactions in the black market.
Although black market dealings might come with other risks, Luo Chen's strength allowed him to ignore them.
"The method of creating Spiritual Essence was once spread from these black markets. Now that I'm reaping the fruits, I should start from where it all began."
"By the way, they also have better information. I can inquire about the situation in the Luotian Domain."
...
While Luo Chen was immersed in Ling Tian Pass, gathering resources and gathering information, something was happening on the coast of the Dongyang Domain.
The Demon-revealing Mirror, which had been hanging high for thousands of years, reflected a scene from the coast.
A long, narrow ship, resembling a sword-like whale, cut through the wind and waves, rushing towards the shore.
The ship was filled with figures, and banners fluttered in the wind.
As the ship approached the coast, a young girl ran towards a palace with the name "Kunxiao" hanging above it.
"Senior Sister, we're about to reach Dong Huang!" the girl exclaimed.
The palace doors opened with a boom, and a graceful figure slowly emerged.
She wore a long skirt made of moon-white silk, embroidered with silver threads that flowed like smoke. As she walked, her sleeves seemed to carry the essence of clouds and mist.
Her black hair was tied in a bun, adorned with a hairpin that swayed with her movements.
A few rice pearl hairpins adorned her temples, and her forehead was adorned with a faint green leaf pattern, further enhancing her snow-white skin.
Compared to the typical aristocratic young ladies, Fu Qinglan at this moment exuded an even more noble and unapproachable aura.
She glanced at the Dong Huang continent, which was within arm's reach, then turned her gaze towards the vast sea behind her.
"Shiju will probably arrive soon too, but I can't let him get here before me," she thought.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
