"Xu Huanzhen of the Luotian Spirit Beast Hall is here to welcome our fellow Daoists from the Lianyun Merchant Alliance!"
"Please disembark to talk, and allow Huanzhen to extend some modest hospitality as host."
A powerful surge of spiritual energy at the sixth layer of Foundation Establishment radiated outward without the slightest concealment, accompanying a clear, resonant voice that drifted through the air like a fresh breeze through white clouds.
Inside the flying boat, Zhou Qing's face changed drastically.
Since when did the Luotian Association have an expert of the sixth layer of Foundation Establishment?
And Xu Huanzhen!
He was not unfamiliar with that name in the slightest.
In the past, Xu Huanzhen had nearly been invited to join the Lianyun Merchant Alliance.
It was only because internal power struggles had been far too fierce in the alliance's early days, and he disliked fighting for authority and influence, that he had declined the invitation.
As for the man's strength...
Zhou Qing swallowed hard. Having only just broken into the middle stage of Foundation Establishment, he was by no means a match for Xu Huanzhen.
Yet with things turning out this way, his earlier aggressive posturing became an awkward dilemma, like riding a tiger with no way to dismount.
Just as he was caught in his predicament, Nangong Jin spoke up timely from behind him.
"Elder Zhou, I have visited Danxia Peak before, and the scenery is quite wonderful. Why not disembark and proceed on foot to take in the glorious sights of Danxia?"
"Very well, I shall grant Xu Huanzhen this face!"
Without the slightest hesitation, Zhou Qing readily took the step down that was offered to him.
He glanced back at Nangong Jin and Li Yixian, straightened his robes, and stepped out of the flying boat.
Under the gaze of numerous Qi Refining rogue cultivators, Elder Zhou Qing, Fourth Elder of the Lianyun Merchant Alliance, walked out of the vessel. Together with the Luotian Association's newly appeared Master of the Spirit Beast Hall, he stepped onto the rainbow bridge, side by side, entering Danxia Peak.
It was as if their earlier aggressive momentum had merely been haste on the road.
The flying boat descended slowly.
Nangong Jin and Li Yixian exited the vessel, with the junior Li Ao following closely behind them.
Nearby, disciples clad in the white standard robes of the Luotian Association had already approached to direct their flying boat to its mooring area.
Their demeanor was respectful yet warm, and their guidance was meticulous and attentive.
Li Yixian and Nangong Jin exchanged a glance, both sighing with deep emotion.
"Daoist Nangong, let us go," Li Yixian said.
Nangong Jin nodded. "Let us go. I too want to see what Luo Chen has made of that little organization we once looked down upon."
The two walked side by side, leading the junior Li Ao onto the rainbow bridge.
Stepping onto the bridge, though it was formed of illusions, it felt remarkably solid beneath their feet.
It felt as if a powerful force were lifting and supporting them out of thin air.
Nangong Jin was quite astonished.
"What an ingenious formation!"
Li Yixian nodded. "Most likely the work of Min Longyu. When he was under Zhou Qing, he had already displayed exquisite mastery in the Dao of arrays."
Nangong Jin chuckled. "I wonder, when old acquaintances meet shortly, with what attitude Zhou Qing will face Min Longyu?"
Meeting an old acquaintance—what attitude could one have?
Li Yixian sighed.
Were they not also meeting an old acquaintance in Luo Chen?
Back then, they had stood on high, using their prestige as Foundation Establishment cultivators to manipulate Luo Chen when he was still merely in the Qi Refining realm.
Now, he had started from scratch and built such a magnificent enterprise.
They, on the other hand, were faring far worse than before.
Subordinate to others in the Lianyun Merchant Alliance, they toiled conscientiously day after day just to secure a place to cultivate.
Li Yixian in particular was weighed down by her clan.
In many matters, she had to swallow grievances and make concessions, living far from comfortably.
"Eh? Someone else has arrived?"
Nangong Jin paused and looked back toward the outside of the mountain.
Li Yixian looked in surprise at the streak of light in the distance. "Could that be Daoist Chen Xiuli of the Chen family from Tianyi Workshop?"
The two exchanged a glance, thoroughly stunned.
The Chen family of Tianyi Workshop was no small faction.
The clan ancestor possessed the terrifying strength of late Foundation Establishment, and they had three other early Foundation Establishment cultivators besides.
The entire Tianyi Workshop belonged to the Chen family.
For a cultivation clan, this was undeniably an exceptionally powerful existence.
Why had they come to attend the Luotian Association's Foundation Establishment Grand Ceremony as well?
The two did not linger long and soon walked off the rainbow bridge, yielding this welcoming immortal bridge to a more distinguished guest.
Leaving the bridge and passing through the clouds and mist, the sight before their eyes was completely different.
Lush trees and vibrant foliage flourished amid abundant spiritual energy.
Eagles wheeled overhead, and white cranes danced in the air.
Numerous Luotian Association cultivators bustled to and fro in haste, yet their faces were filled with joy and pride.
"Seniors, this way please!"
Murong Qinglian had changed into a new set of robes, greeting them with a beaming smile.
Li Yixian recognized her as a subordinate Luo Chen had trusted deeply back then.
It was said she had followed him quietly from the very beginning of his rise.
Luo Chen had treated her well too, previously helping her make an attempt at Foundation Establishment.
Unfortunately, she had failed.
Otherwise, she would now be a fellow Daoist rather than addressing them as Seniors.
Nodding to her, Li Yixian and the others followed behind her into the depths of Danxia Peak.
Around the same time, a formal announcement rang out:
"Welcome to Daoist Chen Xiuli of Tianyi Workshop, gracing Danxia Luotian with her presence!"
Li Yixian paused in her steps and glanced at Nangong Jin, who nodded in mutual understanding.
Indeed, they had not been mistaken earlier—it was Chen Xiuli, the head of the Chen family from Tianyi Workshop!
Had the Luotian Association's influence already extended beyond Tianlan Immortal City, reaching markets at such a distance?
Counting their Lianyun Merchant Alliance, this was already the second faction possessing a late Foundation Establishment grand cultivator to come offer congratulations.
Were there more to come?
...
Deep within Huixin Hall, a man and a woman sat facing each other.
"How do you feel?"
"A bit apprehensive."
"Not nervous?"
"Not really nervous. With you here, Association Head, I have nothing to be nervous about."
Sima Huiniang smoothed a stray lock of hair.
Dressed in plain white robes without a single ornament, she had not even put on simple makeup.
Unlike her usual authoritative presence when holding supreme power, her delicate, graceful face now bore a rare softness.
Luo Chen looked at Sima Huiniang's lovely face and could not help but nod.
"As expected, you did not disappoint me. Though it took some time, your realm is solid and firm, without the slightest sign of instability. It seems that rogue cultivator's *Pavilion of Waters* technique suits you very well."
Though she knew Luo Chen was evaluating her cultivation and strength, facing his bright, appraising gaze, Sima Huiniang still felt a touch of shyness.
For some reason, ever since early this morning, her heart had been fluttering.
It was not nerves, but anticipation.
Perhaps it was because she was about to present herself in grandeur before Tianlan's many Foundation Establishment True Cultivators?
Or perhaps it was because, backed by Luo Chen, she would formally declare her entry into the circle of Foundation Establishment?
She pursed her rosy lips and said softly, "It was not my doing; it was all thanks to the Jade Dew Pills you bestowed, Association Head."
Luo Chen shook his head.
"Your duties are heavy today. Aside from sharing your insights on Foundation Establishment, the main focus will be liaising with the representatives of the major factions afterward."
The moment serious matters were raised, that fleeting girlish demeanor vanished instantly.
Sima Huiniang slipped naturally into her role.
"Rest assured!"
"I have already memorized all the intelligence on the major factions, as well as the life backgrounds and preferences of those Foundation Establishment True Cultivators."
"I will complete the task flawlessly today!"
Luo Chen smiled faintly. "I hope that after today, your name will spread across Tianlan, and the Luotian Association will truly take flight."
"I hope so as well!"
Luo Chen stood up and walked toward the door.
"I shall go meet with those people first. Prepare yourself as well!"
The warm, magnetic male voice faded into the distance, yet it seemed to linger beside her ear.
Sima Huiniang took a deep breath, stood up, and sent out a voice transmission.
Soon, steady footsteps approached from outside the chamber.
"Enter!"
Led by Gu Caiyi, several female cultivators stepped inside, each carrying a jade tray.
A young girl holding a horsetail whisk and a young boy carrying an autumn-water treasured sword took up positions on either side.
Upon seeing Sima Huiniang, the group bowed in unison and called out together:
"Greetings, Director-General!"
"Begin!"
Without hesitation, Gu Caiyi waved her hand, and the Gold Hall female cultivators gathered around.
Tracing her eyebrows, applying powder, donning rouge, and diffusing incense.
Her long black hair was combed back, cascading down to her slender waist.
An elaborate, exquisite openwork lotus-tassel phoenix crown was gently set upon her head.
Silver-white hairpins adorned either side, their silver beads chiming softly as she moved.
Finally, Sima Huiniang opened her arms.
A female cultivator stepped forward carrying an exquisite white gown adorned with faint azure embroidery.
As the gown slipped over her, her long, taut legs were concealed, and her curvaceous figure was veiled beneath the folds.
Gu Caiyi stepped back two paces, a flicker of astonishment flashing in her eyes.
The previous delicate, pure look was gone; standing before them now was an aura dignified, noble, and aloft.
Perhaps only such an aura was worthy of the director-general of the Luotian Association!
"Is it done?" Sima Huiniang asked calmly.
Gu Caiyi pursed her red lips. "I still need to adjust the jade pendant earrings. Wait a moment."
She stepped forward and carefully adjusted the placement of the earrings.
Throughout the first half of her life, Sima Huiniang had roamed far and wide, rarely dressing up.
She had seldom even worn the earrings common among female cultivators.
Thus, for this grand ceremony held in her honor, Gu Caiyi, who was skilled at grooming and styling, had personally come to dress her.
As she adjusted them, Gu Caiyi praised, "This Daoist robe can shift styles, and it truly suits you, Director-General!"
"Is that so?"
On Sima Huiniang's composed face, the corners of her mouth curved slightly upward involuntarily.
"I think so too! The Association Head's eye for clothing is just like his eye for people and affairs—equally outstanding!"
Gu Caiyi's hands paused for a moment.
"The Association Head gave it to you?"
"Yes. A peak-grade Daoist robe, crafted by Tianyi Workshop, acquired from the Snow Lotus Hall auction."
Without anyone noticing, Gu Caiyi had withdrawn her hands.
Sima Huiniang smoothed out the nonexistent creases on her robe, took light, graceful steps, and walked out of the chamber.
The golden boy and jade girl carrying the sword and whisk quickly followed behind her.
The other female cultivators gathered the jade trays that had held the cosmetics and jewelry, following close behind.
Today would be the most radiant day of her cultivation journey!
...
Luo Chen left the chamber and arrived at the grand, dignified Huixin Hall.
As he walked, a smile gradually built upon his calm face.
By the time he entered Huixin Hall, he was all smiles, exuding an air as refreshing as a spring breeze.
"Elder Zhou, many years have passed since we parted by the Great River. I hear your cultivation has grown profound, and you have even been promoted to Fourth Elder of the Lianyun Merchant Alliance. Truly worthy of congratulations!"
Faced with Luo Chen's warmth, Zhou Qing, who had been reminiscing with Min Longyu, was momentarily caught off guard.
He gave a dry cough and forced a smile.
"How can that compare to you, Luo Chen? Starting from scratch to build such an enterprise. Even as a peer, I admire you immensely!"
Looking at the insincere Zhou Qing, Luo Chen smiled slightly, unbothered. After instructing Min Longyu to entertain him well, he greeted Wei Bofan, who had walked over.
Wei Bofan did not seem to care in the slightest about their past enmity.
Luo Chen killing Wei Tuo had benefited him the most!
Now, on Mount Xuchen, he reigned supreme; all the resources and wealth belonged to him alone.
In truth, he practically owed Luo Chen his thanks.
"Fire Spirit Lord, allow me to introduce these fellow Daoists to you."
"Chang Dongliu of Changliu Gorge!"
"This is Baixuzi of the Yuhua Sect!"
"This is..."
Under Wei Bofan's introductions, one Foundation Establishment True Cultivator after another warmly greeted Luo Chen.
Luo Chen did not put on airs either; polite words flowed effortlessly, and the smile never left his face.
When he heard the roll call of arriving guests announced outside, he cupped his hands.
"Please make yourselves at home, everyone. Another fellow Daoist has arrived, and I must go welcome them."
With him saying so, naturally no one stopped him.
Danxia Peak was his territory.
Ordinarily, such reception tasks would not fall to him.
However, the honoree of today's ceremony was Sima Huiniang, and the other Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Luotian Association lacked the standing.
Only Luo Chen, bearing the Daoist title of Fire Spirit Lord and serving as head of the association, could converse with these guests on equal footing.
He strode outside.
A moment later, he returned to the hall escorting a beautiful female cultivator clad in a wide-sleeved flowing celestial dress.
Upon seeing her, the eyes of many Foundation Establishment True Cultivators lit up.
The Chen family of Tianyi Workshop was an absolute powerhouse among cultivation clans!
They held sole control over a major market city, possessed several Foundation Establishment cultivators, and their ancestor was a late Foundation Establishment grand cultivator.
Their status, wealth, and strength far exceeded anyone else in the hall.
Before long, the crowd clustered around Luo Chen and Chen Xiuli, conversing warmly.
In a corner, after exchanging a few brief pleasantries with others, Zhou Qing returned to Li Yixian and Nangong Jin's side.
The arrogance he had carried before arriving had long vanished, replaced only by a touch of solemnity.
Watching Luo Chen move with ease amid the crowd, surrounded like stars clustering around the moon, he let out a sigh.
"Truly, circumstances change and people remain, yet the difference is as vast as heaven and earth!"
"That petty Qi Refining cultivator who once came to my door begging for a few medicinal ingredients has now become a major figure in his own right."
Nangong Jin took up the conversation, equally sighing with emotion.
"Is that not so!"
"Back then, to deal with Duan Qiankun, he schemed and planned with me multiple times."
"Thinking carefully on it, even back then, he had already displayed the demeanor of an ambitious hegemon!"
Li Yixian did not speak.
Her graceful, beautiful eyes followed Luo Chen's silhouette, waves churning in her heart.
Once upon a time, they had stood together through thick and thin.
Now, she could not even find an opportunity to speak a few words with him.
Right at that moment, formal announcements from outside rang out one after another:
"Sect Master Zuo of Iron Sword Hall congratulates the Luotian Director-General on attaining Foundation Establishment, gifting a peak-grade flying sword in celebration!"
"Patriarch Luo Feng of Luosha Workshop congratulates the Luotian Director-General on attaining Foundation Establishment, gifting profound iron essence in celebration!"
"Senior Qiao Xiyue of Peach Mountain congratulates the Luotian Director-General on attaining Foundation Establishment, gifting Floating Cloud Flying Sleeves in celebration!"
Before the voices faded, the hall had already fallen dead silent.
These were all major powers backed by late Foundation Establishment cultivators!
Peach Mountain in particular was an estate belonging to Ancestor Taohua of the Hundred Blossoms Palace, yet they too had sent someone to celebrate?
Suddenly, a clear, hearty laugh broke the silence.
Luo Chen beamed, his eyes shining brightly.
"Friends coming from afar—is that not a delight!"
"Please enter and share a cup of wine!"
Chapter 311