"Is that Yuanzhao State ahead?" Luo Chen asked in surprise.
Tao Yisheng nodded. "Indeed. This country has always been under the jurisdiction of our Azure Pill Valley, for four hundred years now. Fellow Daoist Luo, is there something confusing?"
"Haha!" Luo Chen laughed heartily. "What a coincidence! My hometown happens to be right here in Yuanzhao State."
"Oh?" Tao Yisheng looked at him with skepticism.
From Yuanzhao State, yet he didn't know the road home?
Luo Chen waved his hand. "Back then, by chance and fortune, I embarked on the path of cultivation and traveled far to Dahe Market. I was young and had a poor memory, so I truly forgot the way back home."
"Is that so?"
"I do not lie. Baixiu Commandery in Yuanzhao State is my hometown."
Indeed, Yuanzhao State had a place called Baixiu Commandery.
It bordered Qianshan Commandery, an extremely remote region of desolate mountains and vast swamps.
"I wonder if Fellow Daoist Tao could do me a favor and allow me to return home for a visit?"
"This..." Tao Yisheng hesitated.
Or rather, he wasn't the only one.
Li Yixian and Nangong Jin also showed signs of reluctance.
However, when Luo Chen's calm gaze swept toward them, both fell silent.
Perhaps it was the pressure of three Foundation Establishment cultivators, or perhaps it was Luo Chen's courteous words.
Thin-skinned as he was, Tao Yisheng ultimately agreed to Luo Chen's request.
His only condition was that the flying boats of the three factions keep a low profile and avoid disturbing the mortals.
Luo Chen and the others naturally raised no objections.
Using cloud-riding arts, they cloaked the three flying boats.
And so, they slowly sailed into Yuanzhao State.
Aboard the flying boat.
Nangong Jin looked at Luo Chen in confusion.
"Why not bypass Yuanzhao State and head straight for Tianlan Immortal City?"
Li Yixian was equally puzzled. "Every moment we delay gives Huo Quan another chance to catch up. Fellow Daoist, is your homesickness truly so urgent?"
Facing their doubts, Luo Chen said calmly, "If Huo Quan wanted to pursue us, with his solitary speed, he would have caught up three or four days ago."
"Er..."
Li Yixian wanted to argue that Huo Quan might still be in closed-door cultivation.
Yet that didn't feel right either.
Huo Quan was merely breaking through from the sixth layer of Foundation Establishment to the seventh layer—not a breakthrough of a major realm.
At fastest, it would take a day or two; at slowest, a month or two.
If he were to emerge, he would have emerged long ago.
Although they had flown relentlessly day and night at all costs recently, their flying boats still couldn't match the flying speed of an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator on his own, let alone outrun an experienced Foundation Establishment elder.
That he hadn't caught up was strange, but their situation was indeed no longer so pressing.
Perhaps he had been delayed by something else!
After this brief explanation, Luo Chen turned to Nangong Jin.
"We must go to Tianlan Immortal City, without a doubt, but we cannot go blindly!"
Nangong Jin hesitated. "You mean...?"
"At the speed of a Foundation Establishment cultivator, Tianlan Immortal City is only a single day away from here. Even with our flying boats making occasional stops, it will only take a few days."
"There is no need to rush."
"On the contrary, getting a clear picture of the situation over there first is of paramount importance!"
Li Yixian strongly agreed with these words.
Indeed!
Rushing over blindly could easily lead to trouble.
Just like when they went to Taishan Market, they operated under the assumption that the Kang clan was still in charge.
In the end, the Huo clan had taken over, and they had even drawn the avarice of Huo Hu and his ilk.
"You want to sound out Tao Yisheng for information?" Li Yixian caught on quickly.
Luo Chen nodded. "Precisely!"
"This place isn't far from Tianlan Immortal City. He's likely an Azure Pill Valley disciple sent out on a regular Foundation Establishment assignment."
"Under such circumstances, he definitely has needs for cultivation resources. The nearest place, Tianlan Immortal City, would be his frequent destination."
Nangong Jin frowned. "Will he tell us?"
Luo Chen smiled.
"For someone who can't even bring himself to refuse a request, how hard could it be to pry out some information?"
...
Half a day later, the flying boats landed within the forbidden grounds of the imperial palace.
Star-Plucking Tower!
"This is the temporary cultivation ground for disciples of our Azure Pill Valley. Members of the Yuanzhao royal family generally dare not come to disturb us."
As the flying boats touched down, they drew gazes from the surrounding tall buildings.
Most of them belonged to Qi Refinement cultivators.
Looking at the surrounding architecture, Luo Chen and the others couldn't help but sigh with feeling.
They fancied themselves cultivators, yet their dwellings were always quiet and modest.
How could they compare to this secular imperial palace, with its flying eaves, brilliant gold and jade, winding bridges over flowing water, and riot of blooming flowers?
Even though this area was reserved for Azure Pill Valley disciples and did its best to highlight Daoist tranquility, it still exuded an air of opulent majesty.
"Yuanzhao State is the only mortal vassal state of our Azure Pill Valley, which is why Qi Refinement cultivators are stationed here year-round."
"Those young ones in early-stage Qi Refinement are promising seedlings discovered recently. Having been taught basic Qi-guiding arts, they will be brought back to Azure Pill Valley later."
"You may stay here for a while..."
After making introductions, Tao Yisheng intended to take his leave, only to be stopped by Luo Chen.
"Fellow Daoist Tao, you must have established your foundation not long ago?"
Tao Yisheng looked at Luo Chen in surprise. "Your eye is quite sharp. Indeed, I reached Foundation Establishment barely ten years ago. After solidifying my realm, I was dispatched here on garrison duty."
Luo Chen broke into a smile.
"In that case, why don't the four of us sit together to discuss the Dao and exchange insights on cultivation?"
"Wonderful, wonderful!"
Delighted, Tao Yisheng readily agreed.
Though he was an elite disciple of a major sect, Nangong Jin and Li Yixian were clearly experienced Foundation Establishment veterans.
Even Luo Chen possessed a dignified, profound aura, bearing the demeanor of one who had attained the Dao.
Exchanging insights with them would surely bring him many gains.
Seeing this, Nangong Jin and Li Yixian exchanged glances.
Just that simple?
...
A discussion on cultivation insights commenced in Star-Plucking Tower.
It lasted a full day.
When it ended, Tao Yisheng departed well satisfied.
The three who remained were equally pleased.
Such an exchange could not solely revolve around cultivation experience.
Throughout the conversation, the trio took turns casually asking Tao Yisheng about various everyday affairs.
Seemingly trivial, once pieced together, the details gave them a roughly eighty-to-ninety-percent complete picture of the current situation in the region and Tianlan Immortal City.
Overall, the situation was stable.
The war between the two Nascent Soul superior sects had lasted six years, moving from initial skirmishes to outright eruption.
By rights, that should have been enough time for both sects to bash each other's brains out and determine a victor.
Yet for some reason, the situation took a sudden turn a year ago.
It had shifted from head-on clashes into a war of attrition.
During this stalemate, the two superior sects pulled back their main forces and began courting other sects in the Jade Cauldron Domain.
Mount Ailao was the first to lean toward Luoyun Sect, followed closely by Azure Pill Valley.
Jade Cauldron Sword Sect had not been idle either; the Flame Alliance, which had cooperated extensively with them, chose to submit to them immediately.
Instigated by Jade Cauldron Sword Sect, the Flame Alliance launched aggressive attacks against Azure Pill Valley, resulting in fierce localized conflicts.
Moreover, the Sword Sect was actively courting Ice Fort, located in the extreme frostlands, as well as the neutral Hundred Blossoms Palace.
All of this unfolded in succession.
Looked chaotic?
It was indeed chaotic, but for Tianlan Immortal City, it remained a very stable situation.
Because this grand immortal city had been built with joint investment from all seven sects.
Even with swords drawn and tensions high, they still maintained a tacit understanding to minimize disruption to the immortal city.
"From the looks of it, going to Tianlan Immortal City is actually our best choice," Nangong Jin mused.
Li Yixian nodded, looking at Luo Chen with admiration.
"It turns out Luo Chen had the foresight all along, picking the right destination from the start."
Luo Chen remained silent.
He was not as optimistic as the two of them.
This peace was merely the calm before the storm.
If Ice Fort and Hundred Blossoms Palace were also dragged in completely, Tianlan Immortal City would likely be engulfed as well.
Besides, beneath the seemingly calm surface, were there not dangerous undercurrents surging?
If they threw themselves headlong into it...
Shaking his head, Luo Chen said firmly, "We will rest for two days, then set out for Tianlan Immortal City immediately!"
No matter how the situation unfolded, they had to go to Tianlan Immortal City.
Virtually all high-grade spiritual lands in the Jade Cauldron Domain belonged to someone.
Consider Taishan Market: even a mere small-scale tier-two spirit vein had been carved up between two clans.
Only a great immortal city where rogue cultivators gathered would have high-grade spirit veins available for lease.
Only there could he continue his cultivation.
However...
"Two days? That long?" Nangong Jin asked, slightly dissatisfied.
He wished to arrive at Tianlan Immortal City more than anyone.
Unlike Luo Chen and Li Yixian, he was wounded and urgently needed a spiritual vein to heal.
"First, I must keep up appearances and pay a visit home."
This was only natural. Having said he would, not doing so would invite suspicion.
Luo Chen's gaze shifted to Li Yixian.
"Second, the Li family has far too many mortals, which severely hinders our movements. If something happens when we reach Tianlan Immortal City, those mortals will only become burdens."
Li Yixian opened her mouth, unable to refute him.
"My suggestion is that over these two days, you discuss things with Tao Yisheng and see if you can settle a group of mortals here in Yuanzhao State."
"Fellow Daoist Li need not worry overly. This place isn't far from Tianlan Immortal City."
"Once we settle down, you can always return to relocate your clansmen later."
Li Yixian hesitated.
She looked at Nangong Jin, who was also nodding in agreement.
It seemed the mortals truly were a drag on everyone.
She gritted her teeth. "Let us do as Fellow Daoist suggests!"
...
Early the next morning.
A streak of light flew out of the Yuanzhao royal palace, heading southeast.
Go home?
Riding atop the white cloud, Luo Chen shook his head.
What home did he have to go back to!
While his predecessor had not been strictly an orphan, he had virtually no family left in the world.
Luo Chen was not one to bring trouble upon himself by searching for distant blood relatives.
His goal was that stretch of wild mountains outside Baixiu Commandery—the site of his predecessor's fateful encounter all those years ago.
"An outer sect disciple of the Medicine King Sect, dying for no apparent reason in the Jade Cauldron Domain, and in an obscure wild mountain range at that."
"Back then, it felt natural enough, but the more I think about it now, the more suspicious it seems."
"Besides, Tao Yisheng mentioned last night that the Azure Pill Valley cultivators stationed here are by no means completely safe. Twenty years ago, they were once attacked by rogue cultivators."
Twenty years ago...
Luo Chen turned the timeframe over in his mind with interest.
He paused his flight, coming to a halt before a towering, desolate mountain.
Looking around with spiritual eyes and releasing his spiritual sense, Luo Chen quickly located his destination by following his predecessor's lingering memories.
With a leap, he arrived at the mountainside.
Parting the dense, wildly overgrown vines, he stepped into a cavern.
An earthen mound immediately met his eyes.
Looking at this mound, Luo Chen could almost see his seventeen-year-old predecessor burying the old cultivator's corpse.
"Forgive me!"
With a wave of his hand, the earthen mound was swept aside.
He looked closely: it was completely empty, with not a trace of bone or corpse.
Seeing this, Luo Chen raised his eyebrows.
"Interesting, how interesting!"
Smiling faintly, Luo Chen restored the earthen mound and turned to leave.
...
At Star-Plucking Tower.
Three flying boats emanated spiritual light, slowly hovering into the air.
Tao Yisheng beamed as he saw the trio off one by one.
"Fellow Daoist Nangong, thank you for your candid advice. It has saved me from many detours!"
Nangong Jin coughed, shaking his head. "It pales in comparison to your invaluable words, Fellow Daoist. As expected of an elite from a great sect, a few words were enough to resolve the doubts in my heart. Once my injuries heal, breaking through to the third layer of Foundation Establishment will be within reach."
"You flatter me. I was merely relaying the words of my predecessors!"
Li Yixian looked lingeringly at the three mortals before her, all hale and hearty.
Had they learned some secular martial arts, they would surely have earned the title of innate masters.
Hardening her heart, she turned and offered a graceful bow to Tao Yisheng.
"Fellow Daoist Tao, I must trouble you to look after this group of my clansmen."
"Think nothing of it! Think nothing of it!"
Tao Yisheng returned the courtesy. "They are skilled at raising dragon horses; the Yuanzhao royal court will certainly welcome them."
Having said that, Tao Yisheng walked up to Luo Chen.
"Fellow Daoist's mastery of the Dao of Alchemy is truly among the finest of our generation. Even compared to the elders of my sect, you do not lag behind in the least. I only wish I could discuss alchemy with you day and night, sharing a bed and talking through the night!"
Luo Chen smiled faintly.
Once Tao Yisheng grew familiar, he was quite warm and hospitable.
His polite social pleasantries were also becoming smoother.
Luo Chen said modestly, "It is merely a meager trick, incomparable to a Golden Core great sect with its endless stream of alchemy masters."
"Ah, you are too humble!"
Tao Yisheng's eyes shone brightly, his demeanor toward Luo Chen far warmer than toward the other two.
"In a few years, my garrison duty will be over. When that time comes, I will certainly seek you out in Tianlan Immortal City."
"I shall sweep my couch in anticipation, welcoming you with fine wine!"
"The journey ahead is long. Safe travels to all of you!"
"Until we meet again!"
"Until we meet again!"
"Until we meet again!"
Tao Yisheng stood atop Star-Plucking Tower, watching the three flying boats, wrapped in white clouds, gradually vanish beyond the horizon.
Behind him, an Azure Pill Valley disciple stepped up beside him.
"Martial Uncle, why were you so polite to three rogue Foundation Establishment cultivators?"
"Rogue cultivators?" Tao Yisheng shook his head. "They are no ordinary rogue cultivators."
The disciple was taken aback.
Before a Golden Core great sect, what difference was there between mere rogue cultivator gangs, Foundation Establishment cultivation clans, and ordinary rogue cultivators?
Tao Yisheng curled his lip, his spirits lifted. "You wouldn't understand!"
"Right now, our Azure Pill Valley is involved in the war between the superior sects. A single misstep could lead to death and the end of our Dao. Befriending these three is also my attempt to enlist external aid."
"Furthermore, my elder sister is currently competing for the position of Dao Seed. Perhaps the trio with Danchenzi can offer her some assistance!"
At the mention of Tao Yisheng's elder sister, the disciple came to a sudden realization.
He remarked with emotion, "With you and your sister united in mind and purpose, Martial Uncle, you will surely revive the glory of Azure Pill Valley's Tao clan in the future!"
Tao Yisheng smiled with smug satisfaction.
"I owe everything I have today to my sister's care. Naturally, I must do my part to run errands for her!"
Chapter 221