The first time he ascended to the Heavenly Palace, he had blended in among a crowd of alchemists, an unknown nonentity whom no one paid any mind.
The second time he ascended to the Heavenly Palace, he was Danchenzi—the champion who had overwhelmed the Seven Azure Pill Prodigies and seized top honors three times in a row!
The moment he drew near, countless curious and admiring gazes fell upon him. They belonged to the Foundation Establishment disciples of the other sects.
Luo Chen cared little for these looks.
The only thing that mattered to him was the attitude of the Gold Core Masters.
And what he wished to see appeared immediately.
"Danchenzi, please take a seat!"
Though Qingyunzi did not address him as a fellow Daoist, neither did he refer to him directly by his secular name. A Daoist title was itself a mark of respect toward a cultivator!
Looking at the genial middle-aged man, Luo Chen cupped his hands. "My thanks to Sect Master Qingyun!"
With that, beneath the watchful eyes of the gathered Gold Core Masters, he took a seat in a chair at the far end.
Seeing his composure, Qingyunzi nodded in silent admiration. *Neither obsequious nor supercilious, undisturbed by honor or disgrace—a fine talent indeed.*
While he exchanged polite pleasantries, Master Chiding was far less patient.
"Danchenzi, have you considered my earlier proposal?"
The so-called proposal was none other than joining the Grand Alchemy Court as a guest consecrated elder.
Interrupted though he was, Qingyunzi merely smiled, taking no offense. While his senior brother simply cherished Luo Chen's alchemy talent, from his own vantage point as sect master, it was undeniably a good thing. For Luo Chen to suppress the Seven Azure Pill Prodigies in alchemy would indeed sound terrible for Azure Pill Valley's reputation if word got out. But if he became one of their own, that embarrassment would vanish. And so he, too, looked at Luo Chen with a smile, awaiting his reply.
At this moment, Luo Chen's heart rose into his throat. Even though he had already made up his mind, rejecting Azure Pill Valley before so many Gold Core Masters carried unpredictable consequences.
Yet!
Very soon, he did not need to make the decision himself.
"A young talent like Danchenzi would be a perfect fit for my Mount Ailao!" the Mount Ailao master declared.
Shi Xiangzhu of Hundred Blossoms Palace smiled faintly. "Qingyunzi, your Azure Pill Valley is full of outstanding alchemists; you hardly lack this one man. Why not let him come to Hundred Blossoms Palace instead?"
Without waiting for Qingyunzi's stiff expression to soften, she turned directly to Luo Chen. "Danchenzi, our Hundred Blossoms Palace has no shortage of female cultivators. If you join us, I will arrange two outstanding Dao companions for you. You can delve deep into the Dao of alchemy while enjoying supreme bliss. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"
Her recruitment pitch was blatantly forward, the terms dripping with temptation.
The Mount Ailao master grew anxious. "If you come to Mount Ailao, I will personally construct an exquisite, tailor-made alchemy chamber for you! Once you form your Golden Core, I can even purchase magic-treasure-grade alchemical implements on your behalf. What say you?"
Shi Xiangzhu raised an eyebrow.
As expected of the fabulously wealthy Mount Ailao! To go so far as promising magic-treasure-grade alchemy implements... Those were not shoddy, ordinary magic treasures; they were fine treasures that required dedicated grandmaster weapon-smiths to forge personally!
Faced with the pair scrambling over him, Master Chiding blew his beard and glared. "You go too far! Luo Chen still holds the status of consecrated elder to the Tao clan of Azure Pill Valley. He is already one of us!"
"A mere temporary consecrated elder," Shi Xiangzhu scoffed.
The Mount Ailao master was equally dismissive. "If he comes to Mount Ailao, Danchenzi will be an elder!"
Master Chiding hastened to add, "If he joins my Grand Alchemy Court, he will likewise hold the rank of guest consecrated elder!"
Turning to Luo Chen with complete earnestness, he said, "Danchenzi, you must think this through carefully! My Grand Alchemy Court possesses boundless alchemical resources to offer you the greatest possible support. As for your cultivation, you need not worry either. I can petition the sect to permit you one year of cultivation in a Tier 3 grotto-abode once every decade!"
When these generous terms were voiced, both Shi Xiangzhu and the Mount Ailao master were taken aback.
Though Tier 3 spirit grounds existed, grotto-abodes suited for cultivation were exceedingly rare. Azure Pill Valley sat on a large Tier 3 spirit vein, but they also possessed an overwhelming number of Gold Core cultivators. To carve out a share for Luo Chen—even if only for a single year every ten years—was an astonishing concession!
For a moment, even they hesitated.
Master Chiding looked thoroughly pleased with himself, unconvinced that Luo Chen could possibly resist such terms.
Truth be told, Luo Chen was indeed somewhat tempted.
Even so, he gave no answer. Instead, his gaze drifted toward a female cultivator.
The crowd followed his look.
It fell squarely upon the master from Ice Fort, Fairy Jueqing.
Seeing this, several of the Gold Core Masters frowned in displeasure. *Is this Danchenzi pushing his luck, holding out for the highest bidder?*
Three major sects had laid out exceptionally generous terms, yet he remained unsatisfied, seemingly angling for Ice Fort to make an offer as well.
However, they had guessed wrong!
"There is no need for everyone to squabble," Fairy Jueqing said indifferently.
Amid their confusion, she uttered a few words.
"Danchenzi already belongs to my Ice Fort."
The moment she spoke, everyone was stunned.
Covering her mouth, Master Baisu of Mount Luojia chuckled softly. "Sister Jueqing, isn't your way of recruiting a bit too overbearing? Everyone else is putting forward terms, yet you simply declare Danchenzi belongs to your Ice Fort. That is hardly how one competes for talent!"
Faced with doubt, Fairy Jueqing's expression remained detached.
"It is simply the truth. If you do not believe me... Danchenzi, take out your *Shanghu Alchemy Exposition* for all to see."
Without a word, Luo Chen reached into his storage pouch and brought out an ancient text.
Emblazoned across the cover were four archaic characters: *Shanghu Alchemy Exposition*.
Upon seeing this volume, everyone fell silent.
Those below might not understand, but as fellow Gold Core Masters, who among them did not know what the name "Shanghu" signified?
That had been the name of Fairy Jueqing's Dao companion back in the day.
He had been both a Gold Core cultivator and an exceptional Tier 3 alchemist.
Although he had ultimately been slain by Fairy Jueqing's own hands for certain reasons, the fact that she had personally bestowed the alchemical notes he left behind onto Danchenzi proved beyond doubt that this junior was deeply valued by her.
Understanding dawned on Master Chiding.
Looking at Luo Chen, admiration colored his eyes once more. "No wonder he commands such extraordinary alchemical skill at such a young age. To think he inherited the mantle of Fellow Daoist Shanghu! I can still vividly recall the scene when Daoist Shanghu visited our Grand Alchemy Court to discuss alchemy all those years ago."
The stern look on Qingyunzi's face gave way to relief as well.
They were well aware of Shanghu's alchemical mastery. In pure alchemy, he had been no weaker than Azure Pill Valley's own Tier 3 alchemists. For his chosen disciple to outperform the Seven Azure Pill Prodigies was hardly shocking.
Luo Chen frowned slightly, then relaxed his brow.
Evidently, having failed to recruit him, Azure Pill Valley was salvaging its own sect's pride. In the future, word would not spread that Azure Pill Valley's new generation of alchemists had lost to a rogue cultivator, but rather that they had lost to a cultivator from one of the Seven Sects. It saved them considerable face.
Though he was by no means Shanghu's mantle heir, Fairy Jueqing would hardly dispute the claim.
Sure enough, Fairy Jueqing offered tacit consent.
*Even so, what terms will you offer to keep me steady?* Luo Chen thought, gazing quietly at her. *The others laid out exorbitant prices that no Foundation Establishment True Cultivator could refuse.*
In the past, whenever he stood before her, he could only bow his head and listen respectfully to her voice. Never before had he looked upon her so openly and uprightly as today.
Her features were like a painting, her eyes like cold ice, her skin pale as frost and snow.
Fairy Jueqing felt his gaze.
Casting a cool look at Luo Chen, she parted her lips. "You stepped forward this time because that girl Tao Wan is close with Tantai Jin, and so she recommended you, correct? I sense the aura of a Profound Ice Talisman I crafted on your person."
Luo Chen's brow twitched.
He had kept that talisman stored inside his pouch. She could sense it even through that?
"Bring it out. That Profound Ice Talisman was made for Tantai Jin; it is not suited for you."
After Luo Chen produced the talisman Tantai Jin had given him, Fairy Jueqing beckoned it over with a wave. Then, before everyone's watchful eyes, she handed him a new one.
This sight thoroughly confirmed that Luo Chen shared an intimate connection with Ice Fort. Otherwise, Fairy Jueqing's renowned Profound Ice Talisman would never have appeared on him.
The onlookers could not help but feel it was a pity. An outstanding alchemical grandmaster like this had already been brought under Fairy Jueqing's banner long ago. Hadn't people said that ever since her Dao companion died, she never showed a shred of warmth toward any man?
Clutching the bone-chilling Profound Ice Talisman while hearing Fairy Jueqing's voice transmission instructing him to bind it with a drop of blood, Luo Chen felt a weight lift from his heart.
Presumably, this was one of the perks she was granting him in advance! Rather generous of her!
A Profound Ice Talisman contained a strike from a Gold Core Master. At a critical juncture, one could even shatter the talisman to conjure divine protective ice and safely await Fairy Jueqing's rescue. For a Foundation Establishment cultivator, its value far exceeded ordinary magic treasures.
There was no telling what other fine things she might grant him once they returned. But at the very least, it proved one thing: making a name for himself in Azure Pill Valley was the wisest move he could have made!
Nameless nobodies lived on borrowed time, their survival precarious at every turn. Only by displaying sufficient value could one command true respect!
Moreover, unlike becoming a guest consecrated elder of the Grand Alchemy Court, his ties to the Jueqing lineage were far more unique. He could retain far more freedom and autonomy!
*Next, I just have to wait for the outcome of the True Disciple Sword Contest. If Tao Wan can win, my trip here will not have been in vain!*
***
The third round of the Dao Seed contest—and by far the most critical—the True Disciple Sword Contest, commenced!
Unlike the first two rounds where the Grand True Disciples avoided fighting in person whenever possible, in this round, no one could rely on proxies. They had to take the stage personally, demonstrating their strength with cold steel to forge their glory and seize a top ranking!
Having ascended to the Heavenly Palace, received honors, and been granted a seat, Luo Chen did not descend again. Instead, he sat alongside the Gold Core Masters, watching the battles below through a water mirror projected before them.
Watching the matches from here was entirely different from spectating among peers of the same realm. Seated within the main hall of the Heavenly Palace, Luo Chen could occasionally hear the critiques of the Gold Core Masters. From their lofty vantage point, they often pointed out flaws and oversights in the combat methods of the Foundation Establishment cultivators. For Luo Chen, spectating in this manner proved immensely beneficial!
"These two are ranked near the bottom with no hope of vying for the Dao Seed. Neither possesses any fighting spirit; dull indeed."
"Du Changfeng, ranked sixth, is somewhat interesting!"
"He is the child of Fellow Daoist Du from Mount Yuanhua, so naturally he refuses to settle for such a rank."
"A pity. Though he won, he exhausted too much spiritual power. He likely won't make it far in the next round."
Time slipped past swiftly.
Between each battle, the rest period granted to the victor was extremely limited.
Soon came the second day, when sixth-ranked Du Changfeng challenged fifth-ranked Shangguan Yan.
As expected of a Gold Core scion from Mount Yuanhua, fighting with all his might, he gradually seized the upper hand. Yet an accident occurred: despite clearly holding the advantage, Du Changfeng's spiritual power faltered, causing a momentary hitch as he manipulated his magic treasure. His opponent seized the opening and turned the tables to win.
On the sword platform, lingering fear showed on Shangguan Yan's face. Du Changfeng, heavily wounded, was carried down with indignation burning in his eyes. He had fallen short by just a hairsbreadth!
In the Heavenly Palace hall, the Mount Ailao master wore a grimace.
"Qingyunzi, why do your Azure Pill Valley disciples rely so heavily on magic treasures they can barely control? Such weapons are powerful, yes, but they are not suited to their current realm after all. Lacking genuine Core realm magic power and divine sense, their might can be unleashed but not recalled. Are they not afraid of suffering a backlash?"
Qingyunzi sighed helplessly. Azure Pill Valley was a very wealthy sect; disciples who scrimped and saved for a few years could usually afford a magic treasure. With vastly more powerful magic treasures available, who would be foolish enough to use ordinary spirit tools? And it was not just Azure Pill Valley—Foundation Establishment disciples from other sects across the Jade Cauldron Domain were likely the exact same! It had become the prevailing trend, beyond all persuasion.
The root lay neither in Azure Pill Valley nor in the Seven Jade Cauldron Sects, but in that supreme weapon-crafting power, Tianfan City!
Tianfan City had dumped spirit tools and magic treasures into the Jade Cauldron Domain without restraint, resulting in the current state of affairs. After several centuries, heaven only knew how many spirit tools and magic treasures saturated the domain!
Luo Chen sat quietly to the side, listening to their conversation in contemplation.
Sure enough! His previous choices regarding combat methods had been correct. While magic treasures were formidable, one could not rely on them excessively, as they simply did not belong to the Foundation Establishment tier. By contrast, relying primarily on top-grade spirit tools paired adeptly with other minor techniques maximized the combat power of their realm. The might of a magic treasure was best reserved as a trump card—a decisive strike to secure total victory!
Looking back at the battles below, even though Luo Chen's cultivation was far lower than that of the Grand True Disciples, he found himself watching with the same boredom as the Gold Core Masters.
How was this a true contest of swords? It was clearly nothing more than a showcase of the raw power of their respective magic treasures. There was no finesse to speak of, no combat intellect. As Chu Kui had said, it was merely a contest of who had attained a higher degree of mastery over their magic treasure.
Dull—truly dull!
"*Yawn*..."
Someone let out a yawn.
Shi Xiangzhu stretched languidly in her seat, showing off her slender waist and voluptuous figure. Drooping her eyelids, she said lazily, "I finally understand why the combined forces of your Azure Pill Valley, Mount Ailao, and the Luoyun Sect still couldn't defeat the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect. Relying so heavily on items beyond one's realm inevitably makes one stiff in combat. By contrast, the Sword Sect's disciples specialize solely in the sword. They release and recall it at will, keeping its power under precise control. In a clash between peers, in the time it takes an Azure Pill Valley true disciple to unleash a single killing move with a magic treasure, a Sword Sect disciple could poke hundreds of holes in them."
Her words left the Gold Core Masters of Azure Pill Valley red-faced, yet they could not refute a single word. A few years ago, when the conflict between the two supreme sects had intensified, their disciples had been deployed to battle. Back then, the casualties had indeed been devastating!
As sect master, Qingyunzi tried to salvage some face. Squeezing out a strained smile, he said, "This new generation of disciples is indeed somewhat inflexible. However, the battles for the top three are up next. As the leaders of this generation of true disciples, they should be able to show us something new. Fellow Daoists, let us watch with open minds!"
Shi Xiangzhu curled her lip, not holding much hope for the upcoming matches. The Mount Ailao master sighed, seemingly recalling the many juniors his sect had lost over recent years.
Fairy Jueqing, on the other hand, glanced at Luo Chen from time to time. As a Gold Core cultivator stationed at Tianlan Immortal City, she had caught wind of Luo Chen's other Daoist title—as well as the origin behind it! A man who could battle several peers simultaneously without relying on the might of a magic treasure possessed combat ability that was exceedingly preeminent among the younger generation.
Luo Chen did not notice Fairy Jueqing's scrutiny.
His sharp eyes were fixed intently on the image in the water mirror.
The battle had now reached fourth-ranked Fu Li versus third-ranked He Yuanqing.
As Tao Wan's ally, facing He Yuanqing—a man who might well become her opponent—what choice would Fu Li make?
Chapter 342