In the great hall, dominated by shades of red, square tables and cushioned divans were laid out in neat rows.
Luo Chen quietly observed the attendees without drawing attention to himself.
Aside from the serving maids, everyone present was a Foundation Establishment True Cultivator.
Seated opposite were Kang Dongyue and Yu Rou from the local immortal cultivation clans, alongside two Foundation Establishment True Cultivators from the Spirit Herb Pavilion and Wanbao Tower.
There was no sign of any Foundation Establishment True Cultivators from other foreign sect properties.
Or rather, they had never stationed Foundation Establishment True Cultivators at Taishan Market in the first place.
After all, Taishan Market was nowhere near as important as Dahe Market, and the great sects did not have an endless supply of Foundation Establishment cultivators to dispatch abroad.
The elderly cultivator with a head of snow-white hair likely hailed from Snow Lotus Market.
There was also a sallow-faced Foundation Establishment True Cultivator whose background was unclear; he was likely an independent cultivator from the surrounding region.
Adding in the four Foundation Establishment cultivators from Dahe Market, there were around ten people in total.
For a mere market town, this number was quite substantial.
Yet this was right after the conclusion of an auction.
Compared to Dahe Market in its heyday, however, it paled in comparison.
"Hm?"
While observing the others, Luo Chen suddenly sensed a gaze fixed upon him.
Without making a display of it, he glanced out of the corner of his eye toward the source.
*It's that sallow-faced Foundation Establishment True Cultivator. Why is he glaring at me?*
Though it was only a fleeting glance, the sinister, sullen expression on the man's face did not escape Luo Chen's notice.
*Since establishing my foundation, I haven't made many enemies. Why would he look at me like that... Could it be the Clear Source Wondrous Elixir Method?*
That was it!
In an instant, Luo Chen deduced the reason behind the man's deep hostility.
During the auction earlier, it was this very man who had contested him for the *Clear Source Wondrous Elixir Method*.
Observing his complexion, it lacked the ruddy, healthy glow typical of a Foundation Establishment cultivator.
He had likely damaged his origin foundation in his youth or while breaking through realms.
Given how desperately he craved the *Clear Source Wondrous Elixir Method*, could that injury be related to pill toxins?
In the span of a breath, countless thoughts flashed through Luo Chen's mind, yet he made no overt move.
He simply waited in silence.
Before long, a radiant, ruddy-faced Huo Hu appeared at the head seat.
"I am deeply grateful to everyone for gracing the Huo family with your presence today!
"This banquet was hosted to express our appreciation.
"Please, take your seats!"
Wang Haichao, who had been standing and chatting, took his leave from Kang Dongyue and Yu Rou and walked back to take a seat on the Dahe Market side.
However, his seat was positioned further forward, noticeably distancing himself from Luo Chen and the other two.
This movement did not escape the eyes of the three cultivators from Dahe Market.
What it implied was clear to everyone.
After three rounds of wine, Huo Hu offered a few courteous pleasantries, speaking in broad terms about relying on everyone's support and goodwill for Taishan Market's future development.
Finally, the conversation turned toward the four major factions from Dahe Market.
Looking at Wang Haichao and the other three, Huo Hu set aside his smile.
"Our Taishan Market is small and meagerly endowed with resources; we truly cannot sustain so many Foundation Establishment True Cultivators.
"Therefore, this time, we can only accommodate one of your factions to settle here.
"After much deliberation, my Huo family has reached a decision on behalf of Taishan Market.
"Fellow Daoist Wang's Great River Gang specializes in water transport and can make excellent use of the Lancang River's geography. As such, we can only permit the Great River Gang to stay."
Once the decision was declared, Huo Hu said no more, beaming pleasantly as he looked around at the guests.
Nangong Jin's expression instantly darkened.
Wang Haichao did not hesitate. He stood up immediately, expressing his commitment to living in harmony with Taishan Market's three major clans and pursuing mutual prosperity.
Even though she had anticipated this, the scene still cast a shadow of dejection over Li Yixian's heart.
She could not help glancing sideways at Luo Chen, only to find him sitting composed and thoroughly unbothered, his expression calm as water.
*That's true. After all, the outcome was known all along. Clinging to false hope was nothing more than fooling myself.*
With the Great River Gang's stay confirmed, this banquet had essentially lost any reason to continue.
Shifting the topic, Huo Hu asked where Nangong Jin and the others planned to go.
"Actually, if you have no good place to settle, I can recommend somewhere.
"Liuguang Market!
"A century ago, it was a prosperous market town in its own right. Although it declined after the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect stirred up trouble there, its foundation still remains.
"Now, only the Bai family resides there, so there is plenty of room to accommodate you all."
Nangong Jin seemed slightly swayed.
Li Yixian, however, wore a hesitant look.
The atmosphere and morals in that place were notoriously foul!
"Of course, that is merely a suggestion. Whether you go or not is entirely up to you.
"However, as for Taishan Market, I'm afraid you cannot linger here for long."
Li Yixian and Nangong Jin exchanged glances.
This was an eviction notice!
Huo Hu was very satisfied with how things had turned out.
The auction had concluded successfully, and the Great River Gang remained to serve as an arm of the Huo family.
Moreover, he had personally steered clear of the vortex that was the Flame Alliance's involvement in the war between the two Nascent Soul superior sects.
In a few more years, once the Huo family had expanded and grown strong, he could return to the Flame Alliance to resume his cultivation. Everything was progressing smoothly.
Sweeping his gaze over the somber Nangong Jin and the pensive Li Yixian, a faint smirk surfaced on his lips.
*Just stray dogs with no home to return to!*
*And they still hoped to wedge themselves into Taishan Market.*
While this place was hardly a sacred land of cultivation, it was the foundation of his Huo family.
Yet when his gaze fell upon Luo Chen, who remained calm and silent, his smile stiffened slightly.
He truly disliked this man.
***
After the banquet concluded, the Foundation Establishment cultivators descended Red Toad Mountain one by one.
Luo Chen walked off to the side with Kang Dongyue.
The old man retrieved a scroll of maps from his storage bag and placed it into Luo Chen's hands.
"This is the map you asked for. In total, there are three safe routes leading to Tianlan Immortal City."
Luo Chen's eyes lit up as he gripped the map tightly.
"Thank you, Fellow Daoist."
Kang Dongyue waved his hand. "No need for thanks between us. Once you settle down, I hope you will continue concocting pills in large quantities and keep up your partnership with my Kang family's Gold and Stone Pavilion."
"Certainly!"
"Additionally, I must warn you: calling these three routes 'safe' is only relative. I've marked several locations where bandit cultivators frequently lurk; be on your guard when the time comes."
Luo Chen nodded heavily.
He had paid a steep price for this map.
In truth, he already possessed a fragmented route toward Tianlan Immortal City, attached to the autobiography of Loose Cultivator Soul Refiner.
However, that path dated back one or two centuries, and the landscape had surely changed beyond recognition.
The Kang family had operated in this region for many years and undoubtedly updated their maps regularly.
Thus, obtaining a fresh one had been necessary.
"Fellow Daoist Kang, this journey spans tens of thousands of li. I hope our paths will cross again someday," Luo Chen said, cupping his hands in genuine sincerity.
Kang Dongyue smiled faintly and returned the gesture.
"May you have smooth sailing. I wish you a bright future and the Great Dao of immortality in sight!"
Watching Luo Chen's figure depart upon a cloud, Kang Dongyue was filled with immense sentiment.
How wonderful it was to be young!
Once reaching Foundation Establishment, with no strings attached, one could leave whenever one pleased.
Unlike him, trapped in one place, growing more averse to turmoil the older he got.
"Fellow Daoist Kang, are you very close with that Foundation Establishment cultivator from Dahe Market?"
A gentle voice drifted into his ear.
Kang Dongyue chuckled. "Hardly close, but he is certainly an intriguing person."
Yu Rou stood at his side, a thoughtful look in her eyes.
"Do you wish to make his acquaintance?" Kang Dongyue asked curiously.
Yu Rou hurriedly shook her head. "No, merely curious."
Kang Dongyue frowned slightly. *Merely curious?*
***
By the time Luo Chen returned to the ship, night had grown late.
Yet the Luotian Association's vessel remained brightly lit.
"President, when do we depart?" Sima Huiniang asked curiously.
Luo Chen took out the scroll of maps and placed it into her hands.
"First thing tomorrow morning!"
Sima Huiniang was startled. *So rushed?*
Yet she raised no objection. Within the association, Luo Chen's word carried absolute weight.
Since departure was set for early morning, tonight would be a busy night.
Once Sima Huiniang stepped down, Luo Chen finally brought out the *Clear Source Wondrous Elixir Method*.
Settling in Taishan Market?
From the very beginning, that had never been his first choice!
The land was cramped, resources scarce, and far inferior to Dahe Market.
Most importantly, there was no superior environment for cultivation here.
With aptitude as poor as his, if he wanted to form a core early, he needed access to a second-tier or even third-tier spiritual ground!
Taishan Market could never satisfy that requirement.
In fact, the vast majority of established market towns could not meet such standards.
Only an immortal city—a grand immortal city!
Coming here was solely to safely navigate the initial phase of leaving Dahe Market, and incidentally to temper the Luotian Association's cultivators along the way.
After all, on a long journey, the beginning was often the most troublesome period.
If they could be forged into a single cohesive cord right from the start, everything they did later would be far easier.
Besides that, Luo Chen's most vital objective was the poison-neutralizing method in his hands.
"*Clear Source Wondrous Elixir Method*."
According to Kang Dongyue, during the early skirmishes between the two Nascent Soul superior sects, when their affiliated allies clashed, the Flame Alliance had obtained this from the legacy of a Foundation Establishment disciple of Green Elixir Valley.
"Green Elixir Valley..."
Murmuring the name, Luo Chen felt deeply intrigued.
Most independent cultivators in Dahe Market only knew of the wondrous medicinal pills from the Medicine King Sect.
However, nearly all sects dabbled in alchemy.
After all, supplementary pills tied to their own divine arts and Daoist methods were their lifeblood; naturally, they would never allow themselves to be held by the throat by others.
It was just like the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect's specialty, Lucid Fluid.
This Green Elixir Valley was a prominent Golden Core sect in the Jade Cauldron Domain exceptionally skilled at pill refinement.
For Foundation Establishment pills in particular, they had several specialty products.
It was only due to their limited sect reach that they couldn't spread their industry across the entire Jade Cauldron Domain, leaving them relatively obscure among low-tier independent cultivators.
Such a sect pushed their research into every facet of alchemy to the absolute limits of their capability.
A byproduct like pill toxins—seemingly unremarkable yet profoundly impactful on a pill's true value—would undoubtedly be subject to rigorous study.
*According to what's written here, reaching the Entry level allows one to gently neutralize trace amounts of pill toxins.*
*Achieving Minor Mastery takes three years, at which point the accumulation of pill toxins can be suppressed.*
*To thoroughly resolve the pill toxins requires at least five years.*
*To reach Major Mastery, a minimum of ten years is required, and that depends heavily on whether the cultivator has an aptitude for mastering spells.*
*Yet once Major Mastery is achieved, the benefits are immense. While consuming pills, running this art periodically can dissolve pill toxins at any time. It can even convert part of the medicinal essence within into absorbable spiritual energy, clearing the meridians, firming the foundation, and cultivating one's origin.*
Time!
After studying it briefly, the insight Luo Chen gleaned was that cultivating this technique demanded an immense investment of time.
No wonder it had never circulated widely among low-tier cultivators.
For low-tier cultivators, time was precisely what they lacked the most.
Ten years!
In the life of a low-tier cultivator, how many ten-year spans could there be?
Moreover, even if one mastered this art, where would they secure a vast supply of pills to take?
Never mind Qi Refining cultivators—even for Foundation Establishment True Cultivators, this technique was somewhat of a white elephant.
Anyone capable of cultivating to Foundation Establishment, even an independent cultivator, would not have particularly terrible aptitude.
Rather than spending time purging pill toxins, it was better to strictly regulate the frequency of pill consumption and cultivation from the start, preventing pill toxins from forming in the first place.
*Yet I am the one in dire need of this technique to purge the pill toxins inside my body.*
*Furthermore, my talent in spell cultivation far outstrips my cultivation aptitude and alchemical talent. While Major Mastery might be hard to guarantee, achieving Minor Mastery will certainly not be difficult.*
At the Minor Mastery stage, the generation of new pill toxins could already be suppressed.
When that time came, he could consume pills to accelerate his cultivation.
Given ten-odd years, bolstered by the proficiency panel, Major Mastery would be well within reach.
A span of ten or so years would not yet push him up against the bottlenecks of Core Formation.
Once the residual harm of pill toxins was eliminated, he would still have plenty of time to prepare resources for Core Formation.
Luo Chen set his sights far into the distance!
He did not choose to give up simply because of a temporary predicament.
Back then, he had been willing to pour immense time into researching the Fireball Art, bringing forth the new from the old, starting from scratch, and continuing to deduce further developments even after reaching Great Perfection.
It could be said that he had never lacked patience and resolve.
After skimming through it once more, Luo Chen immediately began cultivating according to the prescribed method.
"The sea of qi must not be fouled; how could the Dao foundation permit taint?"
"Returning as one knows no early or late; purging the poison relies on the clear source..."
Channeling a wisp of faint spiritual energy within, he attempted to form a small vortex.
"Ugh!"
With a muffled groan, Luo Chen's face paled for an instant.
The first attempt had failed.
Attempting to form a vortex of spiritual energy within the tranquil, unruffled sea of qi inevitably disrupted the calm internal environment.
The turbulence of that instant caused his sea of qi to shudder briefly.
The resulting consequence was damage to the countless tiny meridians connected to the sea of qi.
*Fortunately, my body refinement has reached perfection. This trivial bit of damage won't affect anything.*
*If all else fails, I can still consume Mending and Nourishing Meridian Liquid.*
*Though doing so would amount to drinking poison to quench a thirst.*
The medicinal potency of the meridian-nourishing liquid had to circulate through the meridians and sea of qi to exert its restorative effects.
Naturally, that would also produce trace amounts of pill toxins.
It was virtually equivalent to ingesting poison while trying to detoxify.
Yet under the current circumstances, it was an unavoidable alternative.
Taking a deep breath, Luo Chen tried once more.
It had to be said—Luo Chen's talent in spells was truly exceptional.
After enduring several failures, a tiny vortex of spiritual energy abruptly took shape.
Pouring his mental focus into it, Luo Chen controlled the spiritual vortex, keeping it spinning steadily.
***
A night passed, and a misty white fog blanketed the surroundings.
Luo Chen quietly emerged from his deep state of bitter cultivation in the *Clear Source Wondrous Elixir Method*.
In merely an instant, an unpleasant, foul stench met his nostrils.
"Huh?"
Reaching beneath his clothing, Luo Chen swept a finger across his lower abdomen.
A thin, damp layer of black grime coated his fingertip.
A feeling of discomfort clung to his entire body.
Activating the Spirit Eye Art, he saw a thin layer of grime covering him from head to toe, with the navel being particularly repulsive.
"So the saying about 'pooping through one's pores' really holds true!"
Luo Chen gave a soft chuckle. Far from being annoyed, he was delighted.
This meant the Clear Source Wondrous Elixir Method was genuinely effective.
Right now, at merely the initial Entry stage, it was already expelling surplus pill toxins from his body.
If he could cultivate it to a respectable level of mastery, he would be able to dissolve the hardened barriers of pill toxins clinging to the inner walls of his sea of qi.
Taking clean water from his storage bag, he stripped off his clothes and washed himself thoroughly from head to toe.
Afterward, he changed into fresh garments.
Driven by a lingering psychological unease, even though he could no longer smell anything, Luo Chen habitually cast a Cleansing Art upon himself.
Only then did he feel completely clean, untainted by a speck of grime.
Indeed, after just one night, Luo Chen's complexion had visibly improved.
Even his middle-aged skin had become somewhat fairer and smoother.
This *Clear Source Wondrous Elixir Method* actually possessed the added benefit of expelling toxins and nourishing one's appearance.
Luo Chen shook his head with a smile and walked out the door.
Misty white fog drifted over the Lancang River, above which a massive flying boat hovered.
With a shift of his body, Luo Chen landed steadily onto the flying boat.
Gazing outward, three towering mountains stood amidst clusters of white clouds, exuding a touch of the grandeur fit for an immortal sanctuary.
Luo Chen curled his lip slightly and turned his gaze toward the riverbank.
Li Yixian and Nangong Jin, accompanied by their respective clan members, were looking up at him.
The Luotian Association's movements from the previous night could not be concealed.
Hence, this parting scene.
With hands clasped behind his back, Luo Chen looked down upon the two Foundation Establishment cultivators.
No words passed between them.
Finally, Luo Chen gave a gentle nod.
Between heaven and earth, a streak of golden light broke over the distant river.
"Let's go!"
Chapter 210