Clang! Clang! Clang!
Three tolls of the bell echoed across ten thousand li, piercing straight into the azure skies.
In an instant, countless cultivators rode streaks of light, flying in from all directions toward the five immense mountain peaks.
Spiritual energy shimmered like radiant luster, steaming and rising in dense mist.
Streaks of light assumed the colors of the Five Elements, a dazzling spectacle of multicolored brilliance.
Furthermore, numerous Foundation Establishment True Cultivators, dressed in robes with broad sashes, came riding clouds and mist, chatting and laughing pleasantly.
Luo Chen and Tao Yisheng were among the crowd.
Looking all around, Luo Chen momentarily felt in a daze, overwhelmed by the spectacle.
Such a grand sight could truly be called a pilgrimage of ten thousand immortals, could it not?
Compared to this, the Foundation Establishment Grand Ceremony back on Danxia Peak had truly been child's play.
No wonder Foundation Establishment cultivators rarely held grand ceremonies in the cultivation world.
Before a grand event hosted by a major sect like this, a mere Foundation Establishment ceremony was truly laughable.
Gathering his wits, Luo Chen sized up their own group.
Led by Tao Wan.
Supported by Tao Daonan and Qi Lingyun.
There was also a senior martial brother at the eighth level of Foundation Establishment who had participated in the previous True Transmission combat tournament.
With that, the core force for the Dao Seed contest was fully assembled.
Naturally, Luo Chen, standing amidst them, would compete alone in the second round and was an equally vital member.
As for the other cultivators, most were relatives and friends who had come to cheer Tao Wan on.
Beside him, Tao Yisheng explained to Luo Chen, "Three tolls of the bell are usually only struck during the contest for the Dao Seed.
"If it rings six times, it means a new Core Formation Master has arisen in our sect.
"When the bell sounds nine times, it either means Azure Pill Valley has produced a Nascent Soul Perfected Person, or the sect is facing a crisis of life and death."
Luo Chen asked curiously, "Is it only Azure Pill Valley that does this, or is it the same for other sects across the Eastern Desolation cultivation world?"
"It is the same for all of them!" Tao Yisheng said slowly.
Luo Chen felt a surge of yearning.
He resolved that if given the chance in the future, he would set up something like this for the Luotian Association too.
He would just lower the bar a bit.
When a Core Formation Master was born, they'd ring it nine times!
While conversing, the group flew past the five peaks and arrived inside Pill Valley.
Seeing the scene in Pill Valley, Luo Chen couldn't help but feel astonished.
After not seeing it for some time, it had changed so drastically!
The rough forms of the nine high platforms had already been completed.
The spiritual light shrouding them had been dispelled, revealing their towering, lofty appearances.
Upon them stood tall pavilions, with battle arenas set below them.
In addition, the nine high platforms formed a surrounding ring.
At their very center, an enormous circular platform stood conspicuously.
Currently, this platform was not yet open; presumably, it was not meant for the first round.
Furthermore!
A floating heavenly palace had been suspended high above since who knew when, looking down upon the entirety of Pill Valley.
Indistinct figures could be seen upon it, where quite a few cultivators had already appeared.
Standing beside him, Tao Yisheng explained to Luo Chen:
"That Heavenly Palace is a flying vessel of magic treasure rank, fashioned in the likeness of a palace. It serves as the carriage for the Sect Master of Azure Pill Valley when traveling.
"This Dao Seed contest is being held under unexpected circumstances, but the protocol and standards will definitely not be slighted in the least.
"From all five peaks, Masters will come to observe the battles.
"Those Foundation Establishment cultivators up there are guests from other sects who have come to spectate during this period.
"Speaking of which, Brother Luo, you will need to go up there in a moment."
Luo Chen said, "To collect the pill formulas?"
"Correct!"
"The Master sent by Danyang Peak each time is an elder of the Grand Pill Academy. The new pill formulas usually originate from the Grand Pill Academy."
Having heard this, Luo Chen took a deep breath, a faint anticipation stirring within him.
Sure enough.
Not long after Tao Yisheng finished speaking, Core Formation Masters rode clouds out from the five peaks.
Tao Yisheng introduced them to him.
The one emerging from Qingyun Peak was the Sect Master of Azure Pill Valley; the one from Danyang Peak was an elder of the Grand Pill Academy; and the Core Formation Master from Dragon Head Peak was also renowned.
"The one from Mount Luojia is my sister's master, Master Baisu, at the early Core Formation realm. I didn't expect her to come and watch as well. She must be here to back my sister!"
Luo Chen was surprised.
Hadn't they said Tao Wan didn't have the backing of a Core Formation Master?
So she did have a master after all!
Yet judging by Tao Yisheng's words, her appearance seemed to have caught him by surprise as well.
As the two conversed, even more grand streaks of light flew out from Mount Yuanhua.
All were Core Formation Masters, their numbers clearly exceeding the five Tao Yisheng had mentioned.
"They're all guests from the Seven Jade Cauldron Sects who have come to observe, though fewer came this time than in the past. I heard only Luoyun Sect, Mount Ailao, Hundred Blossoms Palace, and Ice Fort sent representatives."
In other words, neither Sword Sect nor the Flame Alliance had sent anyone?
Could that be understood as the Seven Jade Cauldron Sects being divided into two factions, led by Luoyun Sect and Sword Sect respectively?
Yet Hundred Blossoms Palace had always remained neutral.
Within their sect, there were only three Core Formation Masters; they shouldn't be getting involved in such affairs, right?
And then there was Ice Fort, with whom Luo Chen was familiar. They had secured Azure Pill Valley's management rights in Tianlan Immortal City for the next ten years, but they had maintained an ambiguous stance in the war between the two suzerain sects.
Even up until now, they had never personally taken action.
All sorts of thoughts rose and fell in his sea of consciousness.
Until Tao Wan's voice rang out from amidst the crowd.
"First, seize a platform. Defend it for a full fifteen days, and you become one of the Nine Great True Transmissions!
"Danchenzi, you can go up to collect the pill formulas now."
Over a dozen Foundation Establishment True Cultivators turned their gazes upon Luo Chen all at once.
There was curiosity, doubt, anticipation, and envy.
Facing these scrutinizing looks, Luo Chen remained completely at ease.
He gave his sleeves a flick, summoned a white cloud, and flew upward from below toward the Heavenly Palace.
As he flew, he looked around and saw many others heading toward the Heavenly Palace just like him.
"These must be my opponents in the second round!"
Luo Chen gave a light chuckle and soon set foot on the Heavenly Palace.
The moment he landed, two gazes instantly locked onto him.
Without the slightest concealment!
He instinctively looked over, and met a familiar pair of icy eyes head-on.
Ice Fort's Fairy Jueqing!
He hadn't expected her to come observe.
Beside her stood two female Foundation Establishment cultivators.
One of them Luo Chen also recognized—none other than Shi Lan!
Without him realizing it, she had actually reached Foundation Establishment.
She was even by Fairy Jueqing's side, appearing quite valued.
However, between the two gazes that had scrutinized him so brazenly, the other had not come from Shi Lan.
He slowly raised his head, looking toward the source of the other gaze.
Mount Luojia's Master Baisu, Tao Wan's master.
"Are you the alchemist Wanwan invited?
"Make sure to perform well in the second round!"
The voice transmission entered his ears, carrying a tone surprisingly lively and youthful.
Luo Chen's expression tightened, and he replied respectfully, "This junior will certainly do his utmost!"
Master Baisu offered an elegant smile and said nothing further.
Afterward, guided by Azure Pill Valley disciples, the group of alchemists entered a large hall within the Heavenly Palace.
A white-bearded old man was waiting for them with an air of utter impatience.
"You all know the rules, yes?
"The pill formulas for the competition may be used for personal purposes, but they must not be disseminated, nor may they be mass-produced for profit.
"This old man will give them to you in advance. Half a month from now, whether you can refine them or not depends entirely on your own abilities."
Two pill formulas, spanning Tier 1 and Tier 2.
And newly developed ones at that.
Given only half a month to study and refine them.
The immense difficulty left even the crowd of Tier 2 alchemists feeling apprehensive.
Yet having come this far, none of them would back down.
Soon, someone stepped forward as the first to collect the formula copies.
He walked at the very front, and no one dared block his path; everyone instinctively stepped aside to clear the way.
"This person...?"
"That is our sect's Eldest Martial Brother, Danyangzi!"
A familiar voice reached him. Luo Chen turned his head and saw Xuan Yunzi's face.
Xuan Yunzi smiled slightly. "Fellow Daoist, long time no see!"
Luo Chen returned the greeting, "I trust you have been well!"
Xuan Yunzi shook his head, his gaze following Danyangzi. That Core Formation elder of the Grand Pill Academy gave no pleasant expressions to anyone, yet the moment his eyes landed on Danyangzi, a smile appeared on his face.
As Danyangzi turned to leave, the elder even patted him on the shoulder in encouragement.
"What a pity. If Eldest Brother hadn't made a mistake, there would have been no need for him to go through this.
"Fortunately, it is precisely because of this that our generation has a chance to make a name for ourselves!"
Hearing his murmured words, Luo Chen, like the others, scrutinized Danyangzi closely.
His bearing and appearance were naturally extraordinary.
Between his brows, a profound self-confidence radiated outward.
As if starting over from scratch was nothing more than a simple matter.
Under the scrutinizing gazes of the crowd, his stride did not slow in the slightest as he walked straight out of the hall.
"He's going to prepare for the first round of platform battles!
"Eldest Brother will likely find things difficult this time," Xuan Yunzi lamented.
Luo Chen withdrew his gaze, a subtle pressure mounting in his chest.
Everyone said that in this generation of Azure Pill Valley, Danyangzi excelled in both alchemy and swordsmanship, standing peerless and supreme.
His attainments in the alchemical arts ranked at the very top of the Seven Azure Pill Prodigies.
If Luo Chen wished to help Tao Wan secure a top placement, Danyangzi was undoubtedly his greatest competitor.
However.
Strangely enough, there seemed to be little worry on Xuan Yunzi's face.
Luo Chen asked probingly, "You don't seem particularly worried about your Eldest Brother. Could it be that your alchemy skills surpass his?"
Xuan Yunzi shook his head and laughed.
"How could that be possible? Eldest Brother's alchemy is renowned throughout Azure Pill Valley. Though still young, his name has long been registered with the Grand Pill Academy. As a junior, how could I compare to him?
"However..."
At this point, he revealed a sly smile.
"Alchemy depends heavily on one's state of mind and form.
"Eldest Brother must pass the first round before he can participate in the second, and he has no one to help him.
"Lastly, he cannot use his most adept source true fire.
"Under such conditions, we might just be able to compete on equal footing with him!"
Luo Chen agreed with the preceding points.
Yet... source true fire?
In an instant, he recalled the details about various opponents that Tao Wan had briefed him on before their departure.
Danyangzi posed the greatest threat.
Yet he was not invincible.
After reaching Foundation Establishment, Danyangzi had absorbed a sourceless flame into his body, which allowed his progress in alchemy to advance by leaps and bounds.
One could say that more than half of his alchemical skill relied upon that sourceless flame known as the Purple Zenith Heavenly Fire.
If forbidden from using it during the alchemy contest, his threat would be vastly reduced.
"Sourceless flame, source true fire..."
Luo Chen murmured these terms to himself, anticipation welling within him.
In the cultivation world, there were many marvelous treasures.
The most widely rumored were things such as rootless water, sourceless flame, stainless wind, and soundless thunder.
Should a cultivator obtain any one of them, it would provide an enormous boost to their cultivation, combat prowess, and the hundred arts of immortal cultivation.
For alchemists in particular, possessing rootless water or sourceless flame was like adding wings to a tiger!
Based on his observations and knowledge of alchemy, Luo Chen had categorized the four paths of alchemical fire:
Flame Control, Flame Merging, Flame Incorporation, and Flame Transformation.
If he could also absorb a sourceless flame into his body to form a source true fire, his alchemical craft would surely undergo a qualitative leap!
"Speaking of which, I actually know a method for creating a sourceless flame. Should I try experimenting with it in the future?"
Luo Chen recalled information he had browsed through in a fire-attribute cultivation manual titled *Green Sun Art* while scouring the collection in the Luotian Association's library pavilion.
Recorded within was the crafting and cultivation method for something called the "Green Sun Demonic Fire."
It came with many taboos!
Yet for an alchemist, the benefits would certainly be immense!
While he was lost in reverie, Xuan Yunzi beside him suddenly reminded him:
"It's our turn!"
"Right!"
Luo Chen gathered his focus and walked forward, preparing to collect the pill formulas.
As he passed an elderly man, the other glared venomously at him.
It was Huanghezi.
Luo Chen's expression remained unchanged. Acting as if he had not seen the resentful glare, he walked straight up to the Grand Pill Academy elder.
"You are not an alchemist of our Azure Pill Valley?"
"Junior Luo Chen pays respects to Elder."
"Let me see your contract... Mm, there are no issues. Take your pill formulas! Additionally, the Grand Pill Academy will supply you with the corresponding medicinal ingredients. During this period, you may practice concocting the pills to your heart's content."
"Thank you, Elder!"
After their brief exchange, Luo Chen collected the two corresponding pill formulas.
By the time he exited the Heavenly Palace, the battles below were already unfolding in full swing.
"Fellow Daoist, we part ways here. See you in the second round."
"Until then!"
Having bade his farewell, Xuan Yunzi headed straight down from the Heavenly Palace.
Luo Chen glanced back at the Core Formation Masters seated high above, and then descended from the Heavenly Palace without hesitation.
...
"Go, Senior Martial Brother Chen!"
"Senior Brother Yun's sword-kinesis technique is truly magnificent!"
"Junior Brother Zhou is younger than me, yet his cultivation has progressed so rapidly. His opponent will probably suffer defeat within twenty bouts!"
Cheers, chatter, and clamor.
Every sound entered his ears.
As Luo Chen rode his cloud downward, he looked down around him, feeling shaken to the core.
All nine arenas already had masters occupying them.
And challengers for each platform were stepping up in endless succession.
With so many Foundation Establishment cultivators—even though each fought in single combat—their sheer numbers produced a chilling aura of slaughter that prickled the skin.
A Core Formation Master stood atop the large, vacant platform in the center, his piercing gaze sweeping over the surroundings.
This was a Core Formation elder from Dragon Head Peak, responsible for controlling the intensity of combat.
He was to prevent mortal struggles as much as possible.
Injuries were acceptable; death was not.
"Suppressing nine battlegrounds with a single person's might... Core Formation cultivators are far more formidable than I imagined when I was in Qi Refining."
While Luo Chen was marveling inwardly, on one of the high platforms, Tao Yisheng was waving at him.
"Tao Wan has already led her people to claim a high platform?"
"That was fast!"
Luo Chen flew over.
As he stepped onto the stairs, the gazes of the Tao clan cultivators fell upon him one after another.
The meaning in their eyes had shed much of the earlier doubt, leaving only hope and anticipation.
"Did you get the formulas?"
"Mm." Luo Chen nodded, glancing around. "The Grand Pill Academy elder said they prepared plenty of medicinal ingredients for me. Where might they be?"
Tao Wan pointed toward the rear.
On each high platform, the front was an arena, while the rear held a tall pavilion.
Earth fire was channeled within, ready for pill refinement at any moment.
Luo Chen had no intention of dawdling.
Time was far too pressed.
A mere fifteen days to study two pill formulas—he had never been rushed like this in his entire life.
He nodded to Tao Wan and was about to head toward the rear.
Just as he turned around, a clear, ringing voice resounded from outside the arena.
"Senior Martial Sister Tao Wan, this junior brother desires this Great True Transmission seat. Might you do me a courtesy and make way?"
Luo Chen turned back to look.
A young man had flown up from below the arena.
Behind him stood three late Foundation Establishment cultivators, poised for battle!
Watching this scene, Luo Chen sighed.
Since when had late Foundation Establishment cultivators become so commonplace and cheap?
The more deeply he understood these great sects, the more he felt that the Luotian Association, which he had struggled so hard to build up, was hopelessly weak.
"Forget it. What does that have to do with me?
"Honestly securing the portion I can take into my own mouth—that's what truly counts."
He did not stay to watch the battle, leaving the scene directly.
Tao Wan glanced at his receding back before turning around.
"Junior Martial Brother Qi!"
Among her retinue, Qi Lingyun smiled faintly, flew out from the crowd, and landed upon the arena.
"First battle, Qi Lingyun!
"Which fellow Daoist will step up first?"
Chapter 334