Upon returning to Tianlan Peak, Luo Chen's days appeared to settle into their previous rhythm, devoid of dramatic twists and turns.
Every day was spent in secluded cultivation behind closed doors, with little interaction with outsiders.
Only Wang Yuan would drop by on occasion to discuss matters regarding *Myriad Dao Confluence*.
Yet remaining indoors did not mean he paid no heed to the outside world.
With the Luo Net operating at full capacity, large volumes of intelligence were delivered into Luo Chen's hands almost every few days.
After the Luotian Association adopted the strategy of halting external expansion to digest its battlefield gains, those adversaries who had previously opposed the association openly or concealed daggers in their smiles suddenly found themselves without an immediate target, prompting them to stick their necks out in unchecked arrogance.
With backers behind them and believing they held numerical superiority, they grew increasingly brazen in their conduct.
Incidents targeting the Luotian Association occurred with frequent regularity.
In response, Sima Huiniang completely shifted from her past style. Apart from dispatching powerful experts to closely escort the few merchant caravans under her banner, she exercised patience and forbearance wherever possible.
To the outside world, it looked as though the Luotian Association had cowered under the overwhelming pressure of the Yan Alliance.
Even within the Luotian Association, some voices expressed dissatisfaction.
Only Sima Huiniang knew that they had to wait for the right opportunity.
Though the enemies were scattered, their combined influence was vast. If the Luotian Association took the initiative to strike and defeat them piecemeal, it would only bog down their own momentum and drag them into a quagmire.
It was better to wait until the opposition gathered together, and then wipe them out in a single sweep.
Before this opportunity arose, what the Luotian Association needed to do was elevate the strength of its internal cultivators as much as possible.
At Sima Huiniang's behest, Murong Qinglian led the Merit Hall in conducting a broad assessment and evaluation of merits for all the association's late-stage Qi Refining cultivators.
From among them, they would select suitable Foundation Establishment seeds, preparing to distribute Foundation Establishment Pills.
Before long, a roster was laid before Luo Chen.
[Battle Hall Disciplinary Elder Zhou Yuanli; Battle Hall combat cultivators Liu Qiang, Gui Jiang]
[Spirit Herb Hall Bian Zhen, Feng Xia]
[Merit Hall Auditing Deacon Sima Wenjie]
[Outer Sect Elder Xu Xiaoliu]
……
Beside each name was a detailed account of the distinguished contributions they had rendered to the Luotian Association over the years.
The amount of merit recorded determined the tier of Foundation Establishment resources they could redeem.
Yet simply appearing on this roster guaranteed at least one Foundation Establishment Pill!
After browsing through it, Luo Chen found no issues with the selections, though he made a special annotation beside Zhou Yuanli's entry:
"Allocate maximum resources. Grant him two Foundation Establishment Pills, and make all Foundation Establishment insights within the Luotian Association freely available for his perusal."
Sima Huiniang raised no objection to this extra favor.
Zhou Yuanli was different from the others.
He had served as a guard ever since Luo Chen was still weak.
Though one could not claim he had saved Luo Chen's life, he had remained loyal and steadfast at Luo Chen's side through numerous crises, earning Luo Chen's deep trust.
Moreover, he was steady and upright, yet decisive and ruthless when handling matters.
Over the years, the Luotian Association's Disciplinary Hall had always remained under his control, which demonstrated just how highly Luo Chen regarded him.
"These individuals are all at the great perfection of Qi Refining and can make a push for Foundation Establishment at any time."
"In addition, here is another roster of those who have accumulated sufficient merits, but whose realms are relatively lower, having only recently advanced to the ninth layer of Qi Refining."
"I intend to focus on nurturing them as prospective Foundation Establishment seeds."
Major sects selected outstanding talents from their Foundation Establishment true disciples to designate as Golden Core seeds.
Now, the Luotian Association was beginning to do something similar, merely replacing the term with Foundation Establishment seeds.
The cultivators chosen were likewise disciples in the late stage of Qi Refining.
As Sima Huiniang spoke, she handed another roster to Luo Chen.
Luo Chen looked down, and with the very first glance, his eyes caught his disciple's name.
[Alchemy Hall Qu Lingjun, thirty-three years old, newly entered the ninth layer of Qi Refining. Merits: Concocted medicinal pills for the Luotian Association over many years, earning spirit stones and rendering great service to the association's growth. Under his leadership, the Alchemy Hall has reached a considerable scale, comprising five Tier-1 alchemists, thirty fire tenders, herb apprentices... Evaluation: First Class Superior!]
Seeing this name, Luo Chen could not help feeling a surge of nostalgia.
The once-ignorant youth had unknowingly entered his thirties.
Even with the poor aptitude of four spiritual roots, under Luo Chen's generous provision of resources, he had steadily and unhurriedly attained the ninth layer of Qi Refining.
Though far slower than his peer Qin Yuanjiang, for an independent cultivator, this was already remarkably hard-won.
"However, Hall Master Qu does not seem to be in any rush to establish his foundation."
"Oh?" Luo Chen looked up in surprise.
Sima Huiniang said with keen interest, "Ever since Elder Li returned from the battlefield, he has grown quite close to Qu Lingjun, often personally guiding his cultivation. He remarked that while Qu Lingjun's aptitude is poor, his disposition is steadfast, and since he is still relatively young, there is no need to rush in haste."
"Not only that, he even modified his ancestral secret technique, *Ninefold Origin Restoration*, cobbling together a *Three Origins Returning to One Method*, which he taught Qu Lingjun in person."
"In Elder Li's words, having four spiritual roots doesn't mean one cannot scale the Great Dao—so long as the foundation is laid solid enough and external resources keep pace..."
*Li Yingzhang?*
Luo Chen fell into thought.
According to Sima Huiniang, he had only done this after returning from the battlefield.
Especially after Luo Chen became trapped in the Deity Transformation ruins, Li Yingzhang's care for Qu Lingjun had grown even deeper, and the *Three Origins Returning to One Method* had been brought out at that time.
*Could this be considered returning a favor?*
Because Luo Chen had saved his life, and with no way to repay him directly, Li Yingzhang had directed his heartfelt gratitude onto Luo Chen's disciple.
Perhaps this was what it meant for love of the house to extend even to the crow on its roof!
"Furthermore, over these years, Qu Lingjun has constantly sought medical help for Mi Li, taking her to visit Sun Shengshou multiple times."
"Even after Hall Master Murong awarded him a First Class Superior merit evaluation, he still attempted to exchange his merits for internal healing pills within the Luotian Association."
"A year ago, I purchased a Canghai Pill at the Tianlan Auction, which possesses the effect of reshaping the dantian and meridians."
"Presumably, that was also prepared for Mi Li."
After listening to Sima Huiniang's explanation, Luo Chen could not help shaking his head.
This disciple of his was truly a hopeless romantic!
He recalled the scene of their conversation back in the Luotian Main Hall on Mount Xiaohuan, prompting a sigh.
He had almost forgotten about the matter.
He remembered saying back then that he did not favor a future between Qu Lingjun and Mi Li, though he had left a promise: Qu Lingjun was to reach the ninth layer of Qi Refining before deciding whether to become dao companions with her.
Before anyone realized it, Qu Lingjun had already stepped into the ninth layer of Qi Refining.
"Very well. I cannot go back on my word either."
Luo Chen set down the roster. "Huiniang, inform Qu Lingjun in secret to bring Mi Li to Tianlan Peak for a visit!"
"You wish to see him?" Sima Huiniang asked, surprised.
"Yes." Luo Chen gave a soft affirmation, a wistful tone in his voice. "He is, after all, my only disciple. It is time I saw him. Oh, right—bring that Canghai Pill over to me as well."
Sima Huiniang nodded in understanding.
……
Three days later.
A middle-aged man, accompanied by a blooming beauty, arrived at the foot of Tianlan Peak.
It was broad daylight, and the mountain-guarding cultivators paid little heed to the cultivators coming and going, so long as they presented their entry-and-exit identity jade talismans.
Yet upon catching sight of this man, the guardian's eyes lit up.
"Little Friend Qu, long time no see!"
Qu Lingjun paused, only then realizing that the Foundation Establishment True Cultivator guarding the mountain was addressing him.
Releasing Mi Li's hand from his arm, he gave a respectful bow.
"Greetings, Senior!"
The cultivator scrutinized Qu Lingjun briefly, a look of appreciation surfacing on his face.
"Having not seen you for a year or two, your cultivation has not lagged behind in the least. Though you have only just entered the ninth layer of Qi Refining, your foundation is extraordinarily solid."
Qu Lingjun felt surprised inside.
He did not know this person.
The cultivator surnamed Wang whom he had once befriended was said to have perished on the battlefield.
In recent years, he had been preoccupied with alchemy and cultivation, rarely visiting Tianlan Peak.
He had never expected that this man would recognize him and even offer praise for his cultivation.
Not daring to neglect the elder, Qu Lingjun exchanged a few pleasantries, then retrieved some fresh fruits from his storage bag.
"These are spiritual fruits native to our Danxia Peak. While they aren't worth many spirit stones, their taste is excellent—crisp, refreshing, and juicy."
"Senior may sample them in your leisure to pass the time."
The cultivator's eyes brightened, and his demeanor toward Qu Lingjun grew even warmer.
After chatting a bit longer, Qu Lingjun led Mi Li up Tianlan Peak.
"Master Qu's acquaintances are truly vast and varied; even a Foundation Establishment True Cultivator deigns to mingle with you on equal terms. It is quite something to behold!" Mi Li teased from the side with a smile.
Yet to this playful remark, Qu Lingjun shook his head.
"I don't actually know this cultivator surnamed He."
Mi Li blinked in confusion.
"Perhaps he is a friend of Master's!"
Qu Lingjun thought for a moment and whispered, "In recent years, due to the war, many strong figures in Tianlan have fallen. Consequently, the spiritual cave abodes on Tianlan Peak have opened up considerably; even Tier-2 high-grade abodes have plenty of vacancies. President Sima set aside a large sum of spirit stones to lease cave abodes on Tianlan Peak, even upgrading the Tier-2 mid-grade abodes originally allocated under our benefits policy to Tier-2 high-grade abodes."
"Because of this, more and more cultivators from our Luotian Association will be coming and going on Tianlan Peak."
"If we can maintain good relations with this mountain guardian, we will save ourselves plenty of trouble in our daily travels. Once I return, I can mention it to the President and have the association prepare some gifts to win this person over from time to time."
Hearing her beloved plan and deliberate in this manner, Mi Li pursed her lips into a smile.
She said wistfully, "Ever since the Guild Leader went missing, you have become far more mature and steady than before. Now you even consider matters for the entire Luotian Association."
Qu Lingjun let out a wry smile. "If Master were here, naturally it wouldn't be my place to worry about such things. But as matters stand, I must contribute whatever strength I have to ensure the Luotian Association runs into as little trouble as possible."
Mi Li nodded.
Looking up at the majestic, imposing Tianlan Peak, the thunderous roar of the waterfall filled her ears.
"I wonder why the President asked us to visit the Guild Leader's cave abode?"
Qu Lingjun hesitated. "Could it be... that Master has already returned?"
……
The moment Qu Lingjun caught sight of Luo Chen inside the cave abode, he was overcome with emotion.
With a thud, he dropped to his knees before Luo Chen, crying out softly,
"Master, you truly are safe and sound!"
"Get up and sit down before we talk!"
Luo Chen released a strand of spiritual energy to lift him up.
After exchanging a few casual words of small talk, Luo Chen guided the topic toward his cultivation and alchemy.
Just as Sima Huiniang had said, under Li Yingzhang's personal tutelage, Qu Lingjun's cultivation realm was indeed exceptionally firm and reliable.
While one could hardly call it outstandingly brilliant, the overall emphasis was placed entirely on "stability."
Not only that, the *Three Origins Returning to One* secret technique he practiced seemed uniquely suited to Qu Lingjun's constitution of four spiritual roots.
It allowed Qu Lingjun to continuously refine and purify the spiritual energy in his body at the ninth layer of Qi Refining, achieving a concentrated purifying effect.
From this alone, it was evident that Li Yingzhang had genuinely invested great effort.
As for alchemy, the current Qu Lingjun was already capable of stably concocting superior-grade Jade Marrow Pills.
In addition, he had dabbled in two other Tier-1 medicinal pills—Myriad Wonders Pills and Peiyuan Pills—and could easily produce them at inferior grade.
Considering he had only been exposed to alchemy for twenty years, to attain such proficiency truly qualified him as an alchemy genius.
After all, not everyone possessed a proficiency panel like Luo Chen.
Even if Qu Lingjun were placed in a grand alchemy sect like Azure Pill Valley, he would still count as a first-rate alchemist.
If he could advance to the Foundation Establishment stage and produce Tier-2 medicinal pills, given a century or so, he might well have a shot at contending for the Daoist title of the next generation of the Seven Sons of Azure Pill!
After testing him thoroughly, Luo Chen showed a look of satisfaction.
"It seems you have worked very hard over these years! Neither your cultivation nor your alchemy has fallen behind. I am very pleased."
Receiving Luo Chen's affirmation and praise, Qu Lingjun was overjoyed.
"It is all thanks to Master's nurturing!"
Luo Chen shook his head, refusing to claim unearned credit.
Regarding Qu Lingjun, he had only provided guidance in the youth's early days.
For the most part, his support had been in the form of resources.
That his disciple had reached this point today was still due to his own diligent efforts, as well as the constant pointers and guidance given by the Luotian Association's Foundation Establishment True Cultivators out of their fondness for Luo Chen.
Strictly speaking, he had not been a very attentive master.
"Lingjun, along my own path of cultivation, I had no masters or elders to guide me, and this was my first time acting as a master myself. Therefore, there may have been areas where I failed to look after you or consider your feelings. You must bear with me."
Qu Lingjun froze, then hurriedly shook his head.
"No, Master has treated me wonderfully! I have never held the slightest grievance!"
Luo Chen wore a benevolent smile, gazing at the middle-aged man before him who bore a faint resemblance to the Qu Hancheng of years past.
With pointed meaning, he asked, "Truly no grievances?"
"None whatsoever!" Qu Lingjun answered resolutely.
"Then what about Mi Li?"
Qu Lingjun hesitated for a brief instant, but soon replied with firm resolve, "That was Master's care and affection for me; you did nothing wrong. Choosing Mi Li is merely my own personal persistence."
The unspoken meaning was clear: he recognized the goodwill in Luo Chen's intentions, but he still refused to comply.
Luo Chen let out a sigh. "It seems this is indeed your choice."
*Thud!*
Qu Lingjun knelt once again.
"This disciple is unfilial!"
"Yet this time, I beg Master to grant your consent to my choice."
He had reached the ninth layer of Qi Refining.
And his answer was even firmer than it had been years ago!
It was clear that over these past years, he had contemplated this matter more than once, which was why he could respond so swiftly.
Luo Chen looked at him intently, and silence fell over the cave abode.
Viewed from outside, a young Daoist sat upon a stone chair, while the older-looking Qu Lingjun knelt prostrated on the floor.
In the mortal world, this might have seemed absurd.
Yet in the cultivation world, there was nothing strange about it.
Many cultivators skilled in youth-preserving techniques had disciples and followers who appeared far more aged than themselves.
Silence was destined to be broken.
With a soft sigh, Luo Chen spoke:
"Enough!"
"Call Mi Li inside!"
Qu Lingjun shuddered, his face displaying a mix of joy and apprehension.
"Master..."
"Consider it an advance congratulatory gift from me for your Foundation Establishment," Luo Chen said with a smile.
"Thank you, Master!"
Qu Lingjun stood up in sheer ecstasy and immediately sprinted out of the cave abode.
Before long, he returned, leading Mi Li inside.
Twenty years had passed in the blink of an eye.
The young maiden of the past had now taken on the poised demeanor of a mature woman.
Yet when Luo Chen's divine sense swept over the pair and sensed that her primordial yin remained intact and his primordial yang had not been lost, he could not help feeling pleased that despite their deepening love over all these years, they had never crossed the line.
When a cultivator established their foundation, they had to face the Three Passes and Three Calamities.
The Three Passes were the soul, the physique, and spiritual power.
The Three Calamities were the Calamity of the Tongue Root, the Undertaking of Turning the Dantian into a Sea, and the Loss of Primordial Yang or Primordial Yin.
These Three Calamities corresponded precisely to the ancient scriptures' doctrine of the threefold spirit root:
*Above lies the Yellow Court, below lies Guanyuan; behind stands the Dark Gate, in front rests Mingmen. Breath travels between the cranium down into the dantian; clear water from the Jade Pool irrigates the spirit root. He who cultivates this can endure forever!*
The spirit root was rooted in the tongue!
A cultivator's spirit root did not manifest within a single organ, but was divided through the unseen workings of nature among the tongue root, the dantian, and the essence chamber and womb.
This was precisely the origin of the common advice in the cultivation world that one should avoid excessive indulgence before Foundation Establishment.
Having undergone Foundation Establishment multiple times, Luo Chen possessed an understanding far surpassing that of ordinary True Cultivators.
Seeing that the two had known, understood, and stayed beside each other for so many years yet still remembered his admonition, he was naturally immensely pleased.
"Since Lingjun has set his heart on you, then as his master, I naturally will not place endless obstacles in your path."
"However, to be my disciple's dao companion, you cannot simply be a passing traveler of a fleeting few decades."
Looking at the bewildered Mi Li, Luo Chen said leisurely, "If I cure your innate defect, do you possess the resolve toward the Dao to strive for the path of Foundation Establishment?"
Mi Li froze, almost doubting her own ears.
Qu Lingjun was already tugging at her sleeve. "Hurry and thank Master!"
"Thank you, Guild Leader!" Mi Li knelt in a daze, kowtowing to Luo Chen.
In her ears echoed Luo Chen's gentle chuckle.
"Rise. Let me first inspect your condition."
……
Under Luo Chen's examination, Mi Li's condition became plain as day!
Her supposed innate defect did indeed exist.
Her meridians were far too narrow!
The inner wall of her dantian was far too thin!
These two factors prevented Mi Li from engaging in rigorous cultivation.
Even though the couple had earned abundant resources over the years, they could not funnel them into Mi Li's cultivation.
As a result, at her current age, she remained only at the sixth layer of Qi Refining, unable even to step into the late stage of Qi Refining.
For such a condition, ordinary people had no way to treat it.
Even Sun Shengshou, the famed medical master of Tianlan Immortal City, found it impossible to resolve.
Yet for Luo Chen, it was not particularly difficult.
Because he possessed the Canghai Pill!
This was a Tier-3 spirit pill capable of reshaping the dantian and meridians, which had once commanded an astronomical price of fifty thousand spirit stones at auction!
Even at that price, demand far outstripped supply.
The Medicine King Sect rarely offered them for sale.
However, the pill's grade was too high, while Mi Li's cultivation was too weak; to make use of it, Luo Chen had to be at her side to protect her.
*Her condition is still much better than Caiyi's was back then.*
*With me watching over her, nothing should go awry!*
While Luo Chen pondered the treatment plan, Mi Li sat respectfully opposite him.
Even knowing that Luo Chen intended to treat her personally, she still felt as though she were dreaming.
Years ago on Mount Xiaohuan, Luo Chen had reprimanded Qu Lingjun while she waited outside the door, helpless and alone.
Now, she had been accepted by Luo Chen and invited into his cave abode.
The contrast between then and now was truly like heaven and earth.
Turning her head slightly, she looked with deep affection at Qu Lingjun, whose face was brimming with hope.
It was this man's persistence that had moved his master!
"Don't worry, Master is extraordinary and omnipotent! If he says he can cure you, he definitely can!"
Luo Chen naturally noticed the couple's little exchange.
At their heartfelt reverence, he merely smiled faintly.
He could hardly claim to be omnipotent.
Yet to cure her, he already had a rough plan in mind.
Before long, he retrieved an assortment of bottles and jars from his storage bag.
In addition, he brought out several aged medicinal herbs and handed them to Qu Lingjun.
"First, brew three portions of the medicinal decoction prescribed by Sun Shengshou. They will be of great use shortly."
"Furthermore, Mi Li, go outside the cave abode and cast spells to exhaust the spiritual energy within your dantian and meridians as completely as possible."
The two immediately took their orders and departed.
Once they were gone, Luo Chen sighed wistfully and tapped his storage bag.
A lifeless human puppet materialized beside him.
"Old Man Mi, when Miao Wen slaughtered the remaining members of your Mi clan in Yuanmagnetic Valley back then, I was powerless to stop it."
"Now, if I cure Mi Li and allow her to embark once more upon the path of the Great Dao, it can be considered repayment for your kindness in nurturing me back in those early years."
The human puppet stood there in silence, without the slightest change in expression.
Naturally, it could not have any.
It was merely a deceased Foundation Establishment True Cultivator refined into a puppet by Tianxingzi.
Yet had Mi Li been present, she would likely have recognized his identity in an instant.
It was none other than her grandfather, Mi Shuhua!
When Luo Chen slew the Blood Demon in the Deity Transformation ruins, the sole trophy he had taken from the relics of the Luoyun Sect disciple was this puppet of Mi Shuhua.
How could the body of an old acquaintance be left to serve as another's puppet?
A gentleman judged actions, not hearts!
Regardless of what sinister intentions Mi Shuhua had harbored toward Luo Chen back then, at least until his death, he had never done anything truly excessive against Luo Chen.
On the contrary, Luo Chen had leveraged the man's schemes to shear a massive amount of fleece from him.
This principle applied to Mi Shuhua.
It applied equally to Luo Chen.
Luo Chen was treating Mi Li now for the sake of his disciple Qu Lingjun.
Yet if she truly were cured, then should Mi Shuhua have awareness in the Netherworld, he would surely feel gratified as well.
Chapter 402