Only by Fighting!

The Duan family of Dahe Market! They boasted a three-hundred-year heritage. It was said that their founding ancestor was not a native of this domain, but had risen near the end of the War of Reclamation. By befriending a cultivator from Tianfan City, he had learned the basics of artifact forging, and through years of personal experimentation and study, he eventually carved out his own path. Feeling the fierce competition in the inner domain, the ancestor had journeyed over two hundred years ago to the newly founded Dahe Market. There, he claimed a parcel of spiritual land and established his clan. By now, nearly a dozen generations of descendants had succeeded him. The current clan head was of remarkably high seniority, said to be a third-generation scion. Yet none of that mattered right now. What mattered was that they were competing with the Luotian Association for talent. Li Wanchun was formerly of the Wanbao Pavilion, and by no means a simple errand boy who merely welcomed guests at the door. He was an assistant who helped Tianfan City disciples forge magical artifacts. When it came to artifact forging, although he lacked an individual style, he knew the craft inside and out. It was entirely possible he had picked up a few genuine secrets from those disciples as well. Luo Chen had intended to recruit such a talent into the Luotian Association to assist Duan Feng. Luo Chen had always wanted to enter the artifact business! The sole hindrance had been that only Duan Feng understood the craft within the Luotian Association, making expansion impossible. But with Li Wanchun on board, they could at least gain a modest foothold. By establishing a forging hall and combining his skills with the numerous artifacts captured across several major battles, they could comfortably sustain an initial operation. Unfortunately, the Duan family shared the same ambition. When Luo Chen’s hawk-like gaze swept over, the Duan cultivator—who had been chattering away, laying out generous terms—froze in his tracks. That man was also a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator. Although his cultivation was slightly lower than Luo Chen's, he did not consider himself inferior in the least, puffed up by the pride of hailing from a cultivation clan. Realizing his brief fluster, he immediately flushed with embarrassment and irritation. "What are you staring at? Fellow Daoist Li Wanchun has every right to choose where he goes!" "Besides, it is common knowledge that our Duan family excels at artifact forging. It is naturally the best destination for Fellow Daoist Li." "If you're unhappy about it, feel free to offer better terms to recruit him." He spoke with righteous indignation, his tone turning smug toward the end. The Luotian Association cultivators bristled with indignation and moved forward to confront him. After all, Li Wanchun had already agreed to join the Luotian Association beforehand. "Stand down!" Luo Chen stopped his men. Remaining where he stood, he shifted his gaze onto Li Wanchun, who was caught in an awkward dilemma. "Where to go is for Fellow Daoist Li to decide for himself. My Luotian Association will never use force to bully others." Standing right between the two factions, Li Wanchun felt his scalp tingle. The past half-month in the inner city had been the most grueling period of his life. Every day, no one knew what horrors might unfold next. The nightmarish ghost realm outside the building had shaken him to his core. Back then, he had thought that if he could only make it out alive, nothing could ever be worse. After escaping, he had felt deeply dejected when Old Chu abandoned him to fend for himself in Dahe Market. But almost immediately afterward, he had been invited to join the Luotian Association. That had lifted his spirits considerably. At least he had secured a foothold. He had never expected that the renowned Duan family would extend an offer as well. *Perhaps my fortunes have finally turned!* That had been his earlier thought. To be fought over by two factions was truly a fortunate headache! Yet when Luo Chen, the master of the Luotian Association, told him to "decide for himself," Li Wanchun felt a sudden chill run through him. In the short term, joining the Duan family was undeniably the best choice. They specialized in artifact forging, providing the ideal platform for him to make the most of his life's training. But there was also a drawback: the Duan family had no shortage of forging talent, so he might not receive much importance there. From a long-term perspective, the Luotian Association was unquestionably the superior option. Joining them would likely give him the opportunity to shed his former low status as a mere assistant, allowing him to take charge of a department and spread his wings. Li Wanchun was not a short-sighted man. And so, he chose—"I am deeply grateful for President Luo's regard, but I would prefer to join the Duan family." "Very well. I respect your decision!" With a mirthless smile, Luo Chen left those words behind and led his men away. Watching him go, Li Wanchun could not help but sigh inwardly. In the end, he had still offended this local power. The Duan cultivator beside him sneered. "Does he really think he's somebody? Just an organization of Qi Refining rogue cultivators!" "Our Duan family is a major power backed by a Foundation Establishment True Cultivator!" Li Wanchun nodded in agreement. Regardless of short-term or long-term benefits, he knew one fundamental truth: any organization lacking a Foundation Establishment True Cultivator to anchor it would never survive for long. Aside from the properties of the five superior sects, Dahe Market had hosted numerous other shops, including those belonging to the other six sects of the Jade Cauldron Domain. Yet in the end, only the five major establishments had walked out of the ghost city alive. For no other reason than that each had a Foundation Establishment True Cultivator presiding over it! He saw this clearly, and that was why he chose the Duan family. As for offending Luo Chen, he cared little once he had joined the Duan clan. Having lived in Wanbao Pavilion for so long, he had never paid ordinary rogue cultivators any heed. Let alone Luo Chen, he had hardly thought much of the Luotian Association in the first place. A fine bird chose a fine branch upon which to roost; the Duan family was that branch! *** Luo Chen understood the reasoning behind Li Wanchun's choice all too well. Though he claimed to respect the decision, his heart felt as cold as ice. Lacking a Foundation Establishment True Cultivator was the Luotian Association's greatest weakness. Because of this, they were at a tremendous disadvantage against other factions when competing for talent. He had not lingered earlier because he knew that no matter how generous the terms the Luotian Association offered, any cultivator who survived the inner city would make the sensible choice and join an established power. "It won't just be a struggle for talent. Other issues will likely surface soon as well." Luo Chen had felt a sense of freedom and ease after Pang Renxiong's death, but now a heavy weight settled onto his chest once more. The coming days would hardly be easy. Yet no matter how difficult the road ahead became, he had to see it through; giving up so lightly was out of the question. Upon returning to the Luotian Association, Luo Chen called a small meeting. Only a few people were present: Murong Qinglian, Gu Caiyi, and Duan Feng representing the Battle Hall. "The inner city has turned into a ghost realm, and the cultivators of the major sects have withdrawn one after another. At least for the near future, they won't be returning." After breaking the news, Luo Chen gave the three ample time to absorb it. He watched their expressions shift from shock to heated discussion, and finally settle into deep worry. Luo Chen spoke again: "In the short term, I will certainly not abandon the Luotian Association. So long as we can keep operating, even if Dahe Market declines, we can still relocate to other markets to survive. At the very least, we won't end up isolated and alone." "That is true," Murong Qinglian agreed with a nod. "Going it alone makes it difficult to achieve anything. Barring miraculous fortune, rogue cultivators who achieve Foundation Establishment almost always rely on various factions to succeed." This was the hard-earned wisdom rogue cultivators had gathered over many years. To say nothing else, the two rogue cultivators in Dahe Market who had reached Foundation Establishment, Mi Shuhua and Wang Haichao, had both relied on the Mountain Breaker Gang and the Great River Gang to finally cross that threshold. Banding together for warmth was no hollow phrase. Only with the backing of an organization could one gather sufficiently comprehensive cultivation resources to keep climbing the realms. Furthermore, having a faction behind you meant you rarely had to worry about sudden ambushes or robberies. Seeing Gu Caiyi and even Duan Feng nod in agreement, Luo Chen addressed the circumstances the Luotian Association was about to face. From the restless stirring of minor forces to the potential suppression from major powers, he laid everything bare, breaking it down into plain detail for the three of them. After hearing him out, their worry deepened, yet none of them suggested disbanding the Luotian Association to go their separate ways. Luo Chen looked at the three with relief. His sincerity had not been wasted; at least their hearts remained united. That made the matters that followed much easier to discuss. "The current situation is perilous, but it also presents our greatest opportunity!" "Rogue cultivators with sufficient strength are confident enough to cross the wilderness and seek a living in other markets. But weaker rogue cultivators have no choice but to stay in Dahe Market." "Besides, only the inner city was destroyed." The others nodded in agreement. Although Dahe Market had centered around the inner city, years of development had allowed the outer city to cultivate its own ecosystem. In fact, because of the sheer number of rogue cultivators in the outer city, that ecosystem was even more pervasive. The Mountain Breaker Gang had maintained many enterprises in the outer city, had they not? Even the former five black markets had all operated out there. Factoring in the rich resources in the mountains, many high-realm rogue cultivators would not readily abandon the soil where they had fought and bled for years. "Under these circumstances, the departure of the Spirit Herb Pavilion leaves a massive vacuum in the pill market." "If we can seize it, the Luotian Association will surely make a fortune!" Gu Caiyi frowned. "But without Baicao Hall supplying medicinal herbs, can you still reliably refine Jade Marrow Pills?" "Without Baicao Hall, there is still the Lianyun Merchant Alliance!" Luo Chen said calmly. Murong Qinglian started, then quickly caught on. Indeed, when it came to raw medicinal ingredients, the Lianyun Merchant Alliance was not inferior to Baicao Hall in the slightest. At the end of the day, Baicao Hall was merely an outsider force, whereas the Lianyun Merchant Alliance was a deeply rooted local power. Gu Caiyi asked cautiously, "Will they be willing to do business with us?" At this question, the group exchanged glances. Luo Chen cast an appreciative glance at Gu Caiyi; that was the crux of the issue. Without a word, he supported an object with spiritual power and floated it into the center of the room. "What is this?" Duan Feng's brows twitched. He felt a sharp, cutting sword intent radiating from the miniature sword. It was a high-grade magical artifact! Luo Chen said softly, "A token bestowed upon me by Jade Cauldron Sword Sect Elder Pang Renxiong, a Golden Core Master. Seeing this token is as good as seeing the man himself." "But he's already dead!" "Yet the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect still lives!" Luo Chen looked around at everyone and smiled. "Outsiders do not know the true nature of my relationship with the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect. Therefore, there is great room to maneuver." Duan Feng hesitated. "President, are you saying... we pass ourselves off as something we're not?" "No, we borrow the tiger's might as the fox!" Murong Qinglian said decisively, turning her gaze toward Luo Chen. Luo Chen nodded with a smile. Rising to his feet, he clasped his hands behind his back and paced slowly across the room, speaking as he walked: "My ties with the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect have always appeared ambiguous to outsiders." "First, Miao Wen partnered with me, intending to amass wealth through my alchemy, and he issued warnings to the major local powers." "Later, I secured the help of true disciple Luo Tianhong to personally reattach Brother Qin's severed limb." "None of this could be hidden from others." "In the eyes of those paying attention, my connection to the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect runs very deep." Listening to his measured explanation, the three hall heads fell into thoughtful reflection. Murong Qinglian, with her wealth of experience, grasped the point even faster. "No wonder half a month has passed since that battle, yet the other Foundation Establishment forces have made no move. If this were in the past, they would have long set their sights on your alchemy skills, Luo Chen." Gu Caiyi came to an epiphany. "They're wary of your connection to the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect?" "Precisely!" Luo Chen halted, his gaze turning profound. "However, if we remain quiet forever, someone will eventually lose patience." "Therefore, we must take the initiative." "As long as we establish deep partnerships with several of these powers, they won't easily sever those ties, regardless of whether we have a backer." "And this token left by a Golden Core Master is our best stepping stone!" *** On the Lancang River, a massive ship spanning a hundred zhang lay moored by the riverbank. The surging current rushed against its hull, yet the vessel remained steadfast and motionless. Accompanied by cultivators of the Great River Gang, Luo Chen stepped onto the deck. A figure stood at the bow, facing the gentle breeze without turning around. "I commissioned this ship from Tianfan City. Its frame is built from the bones of a dragon whale, reinforced with various water-attributed demon beast materials." "Luo Chen, what do you think of this ship?" Luo Chen walked forward step by step. With his keen vision, he naturally recognized its grade. "Its rank is only low-grade, yet its might surpasses most high-grade artifacts." Wang Haichao turned his head to look at him. "A sharp eye. It is precisely because my Great River Gang possesses such vessels that we can dominate the Lancang River and the numerous waterways across Jade Cauldron." Luo Chen gave a faint twitch of his lips. *Isn't that obvious?* Who else possessed a low-grade artifact of such colossal scale? Ordinary Tier 1 demon beasts could not inflict any fundamental damage upon it. Perhaps realizing that such an opening held little meaning, Wang Haichao shifted the subject: "To be frank, I am quite surprised you dared to meet me alone." During the aftermath of the battle in Crescent Moon Valley, two Foundation Establishment True Cultivators had rushed to the scene: Wang Haichao and Elder Zhou of the Lianyun Merchant Alliance. Their hurried arrival had a clear purpose: to seize the resources of the Pill and Medicine Halls, and most importantly, to gain control of Luo Chen. Now that Luo Chen had come to his door in person, how could he not be surprised? Luo Chen let out a light laugh and casually produced the miniature sword artifact. "What is this?" Wang Haichao asked, puzzled. "Surely you haven't forgotten Elder Pang's token, have you?" Luo Chen looked at him with a knowing smile. Wang Haichao's expression shifted slightly, though a trace of doubt lingered in his eyes. Ignoring his suspicion, Luo Chen put the miniature sword back into his storage bag. Resting his hand on the railing, he got straight to the point: "I have come merely to resume our cooperation and stabilize the Huanyu jade business." "Gang Leader Wang, what say you?" Wang Haichao furrowed his brows, skirting around the proposal. "It seems your ties with the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect truly run deep!" "Then let me ask you: after such a catastrophe occurred in Dahe Market, why hasn't the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect returned?" Luo Chen's expression remained steady as he replied calmly, "Those who are meant to return will return eventually. You don't honestly believe the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect will remain indifferent to the loss of a Golden Core elder and two Foundation Establishment True Cultivators, do you?" Hearing this, Wang Haichao raised an eyebrow. No sect would overlook the death of a Golden Core cultivator, especially one ambushed and slain in an attack that laid waste to a major market. "Gang Leader Wang, you must understand one thing: a great sect is not like our humble operations. They have far more to weigh, so it is only natural for their actions to take time." "Consider the death of that late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator at Mount Ailao. It took the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect more than half a year to address the matter." "Yet looking at the importance they attached to it—dispatching a Golden Core cultivator directly—one can see that while they are slow to move, their strike falls with thunderous force." "By the same logic, the tragedy at Dahe Market is dozens, even hundreds of times worse than the matter of Fei Baiwen!" "When they arrive, it may well involve far more than just a single Golden Core Master." Luo Chen paused briefly. He watched the birds swooping down to pluck fish from the vast river, then smiled faintly. "Originally, I should have accompanied Elder Pang and Deacon Miao back to the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect by now." "Yet with this turn of events, I could only stay behind." "Once the cultivators of the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect return, I will report everything that has transpired here, large and small." "Naturally, that includes the actions of the local powers at the time, as well as their subsequent moves." Wang Haichao's heart sank. "Are you threatening me?" Luo Chen waved his hands in denial. "How could a junior like me dare!" "I merely wish to conduct business properly with you so we can prosper together." "Besides, you are not the only one dealing in Huanyu jade within Dahe Market. The reason I sought you out specifically was out of consideration for our past cooperation." "Gang Leader Wang, this junior has always held great respect for you." Wang Haichao's expression gradually softened. Luo Chen's words had firmly planted reassurance in his mind. In truth, the Foundation Establishment True Cultivators of Dahe Market had met several times recently, trying to deduce the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect's reaction and the retribution that might follow. With Luo Chen—a figure closely tied to the sword sect—present, it opened up ample room for maneuver. "It is only the Huanyu jade business. I agree." "Then everything continues as before?" "As before!" "In that case, this junior takes his leave. We can leave the details to our subordinates!" Cupping his hands, Luo Chen departed with an unhurried stride. Wang Haichao stood on the deck, his gaze trailing the departing figure until Luo Chen melted into the bustling crowd. *** Only when he returned to the protection of Zhou Yuanli and the others did Luo Chen let out a long breath. Without realizing it, cold sweat had soaked his back. Dealing with Foundation Establishment cultivators was indeed perilous. He had only pulled it off thanks to Pang Renxiong's token; otherwise, many things could never have been put on the table so openly. *The Great River Gang is settled, but I still have to visit the other powers.* *Once these matters are in order, I can truly calm my mind to refine pills, cultivate, and sprint toward the Great Perfection of Qi Refining!* *May everything proceed smoothly!* Luo Chen sighed inwardly. He had always leaned toward a peaceful life, both in his past life and this one. Yet so many things refused to bend to human will. At first, he had merely wanted to refine a few Myriad Wonders Pills to support his own cultivation, only for Mi Shuhua to forcibly appoint him as head of the Pill Hall. Later, he thought he might as well adapt to the situation, using the Mountain Breaker Gang's resources to build his alchemy proficiency and reap a few benefits along the way—a viable cultivation path in itself. Yet Mi Shuhua had returned severely injured from an exploration of the ancient ruins, shattering that peaceful life. When he prepared to pack his bags and flee, hoping to amass some funds before departing, the siege by the five major factions upended everything. Fine then; if the Mountain Breaker Gang was gone, so be it. With Miao Wen, a sect Foundation Establishment cultivator, backing him, he would have a grander stage. Yet before Miao Wen could even pocket his first month of profits, Pang Renxiong had taken a liking to Luo Chen. And of course, Pang Renxiong being mobbed and slain had caught Luo Chen completely off guard. He had already packed his belongings, bid his friends farewell, and even arranged the future affairs of the Luotian Association—the small faction he had built with his own hands. In the end, all those preparations had come to naught. *Though the three men who tried to use me met terrible ends, I have had more than enough of feeling powerless and pushed around by fate.* *I came prepared to live in peace, yet the world would not grant it to me!* Walking along the rebuilt Qingjiang Long Street, Luo Chen watched the rogue cultivators coming and going. Their faces bore none of the sorrow of the inner city's destruction; instead, they showed an eager anticipation for the future. Without the Jade Cauldron Sword Pavilion and the sect shops, life did not seem all that miserable. The local powers continued to purchase resources gathered by rogue cultivators, offering prices even higher than before. Bartering and black markets were more active than ever. *Peaceful cultivation is never so easily attained.* *Only by struggling, only by persevering, only by fighting can one seize a thread of hope along the Grand Dao.* Luo Chen would no longer place his faith in mere hope. Leveraging this vacuum left by the sect cultivators in Dahe Market, he would seize the opportunity with all his might and carve out a space of his own!