Core Formation Grand Ceremony!

Half a month ago. In an unbroken mountain range in the east of the Jade Cauldron Domain. A young man walked out from a magnificent, imposing black palace set amidst the clouds. As he emerged, a youthful maiden hurried forward to greet him. "Senior Brother, how about it? Wasn't I right! You can take me out to play this time." The young senior brother shook his head. "This journey is not for amusement; it is official business." "I don't care! Either way, I can finally go out. I heard the outside world is lots of fun." The girl pouted coquettishly, paying no heed to the streaks of light darting in and out around them, and naturally linked her arm through his. The young senior brother sighed. "No rush. I must inform Mother before we depart." "Mm, Huan'er will listen to Senior Brother." ... Before long, the young man steered a white cloud down to a small hill not far from the Sect Leader's main peak. Parting the mist as he drew closer, an elegant courtyard came into view. Stepping into the courtyard, a faint fragrance of sandalwood wafted over, accompanied by the gentle, rhythmic tapping of a wooden fish. The young man paused. Before he could speak, a gentle voice drifted out. "Is that Yuanjiang?" Qin Yuanjiang responded and entered the courtyard. Soon, the familiar face of his mother, Murong Qinglian, met his eyes—dressed in plain white, holding prayer beads in one hand and tapping a wooden fish with the other. "Your son greets Mother." Seeing his mother like this, Qin Yuanjiang felt an inexplicable pang of heartache. He had thought that by bringing his mother to the Luoyun Sect, he could fulfill his filial duties and let her live out her days in comfortable leisure. Yet some things could not be summed up merely by "the joy of family life." Throughout her life, his mother may not have been overbearing, but she had always been independent, never relying on anyone. Back when she and his father drifted among the rogue cultivators, they had supported each other every step of the way. In the Luotian Association, she had held great authority, overseeing and directing thousands of cultivators. To suddenly cast aside all those affairs and come to the Luoyun Sect had left her unable to adapt even after several years. After all, though technically an elder by generation, his mother was a Foundation Establishment True Cultivator and barely over a hundred years old—still in the prime of her life. To have her idle away was simply against her nature. After he begged a sect elder to heal his mother's severed arm, she spent years failing to accustom herself to life in the Luoyun Sect. In the end, she had an epiphany, choosing to keep company with the blue lamp and ancient Buddha, saying she would pray for her late husband and for her son. The stark contrast had once made Qin Yuanjiang wonder whether he had made a mistake in bringing her away. The mother in his memories had been gentle yet resilient, tender yet possessing an inner strength one could rely upon. Yet in this small courtyard cloister... "Is something the matter?" While Qin Yuanjiang was lost in thought, Murong Qinglian's gentle voice sounded. Qin Yuanjiang shook his head and composed himself. "Master has ordered me to travel outside the mountains to attend the Core Formation Grand Ceremony of the Luotian Sect's Supreme Elder Danchen... Uncle Luo." The tapping of the wooden fish abruptly stopped. "I came to ask if Mother would like to come along to see old friends?" Having said that, he fell silent. His master was the current Sect Leader of the Luoyun Sect. Mundane administrative affairs were essentially dictated by his master, and sending congratulations to external forces was naturally arranged by his master as well, both in personnel and protocol. Leading the contingent to congratulate Luo Chen this time was Core Formation Elder Qu Xibai. Qu Xibai just happened to be on rotation duty at Tianlan Immortal City. Even so, the sect still needed to dispatch someone to deliver the corresponding gifts. The Luoyun Sect Leader knew of Qin Yuanjiang's ties to the Luotian Sect, and knew even better of his deep history with Luo Chen. Therefore, the errand of delivering the gifts fell onto his shoulders. At the same time, his master had him take his youngest daughter, who had just broken through to Foundation Establishment, out to travel and gain experience. It was also meant to bring the two juniors closer together. Qin Yuanjiang had readily accepted the task, hoping he could also take his mother out to relax. She couldn't very well sit withered away in a small cloister year after year! Such had been his hope. Alas... Murong Qinglian pondered for a moment, then murmured softly, "My heart has finally found peace with great difficulty. I won't go." Qin Yuanjiang opened his mouth, wanting to persuade her, but had no words. He understood that his mother feared that visiting Danxia Peak would only stir up painful memories of the past. "Since..." "However, even if I don't go, your Uncle Luo has finally succeeded in forming his Core after enduring countless hardships. Congratulations must certainly be delivered." Murong Qinglian rose from her prayer cushion. Noticeably more slender, she walked over to Qin Yuanjiang. With a flick of her fair wrist, a pitch-black iron slip appeared in her hand. "Is this... that Tier 3 metal-attribute cultivation art?" Qin Yuanjiang asked hesitantly. Murong Qinglian nodded, caressing the iron slip as a faint smile appeared on her face. "During my first few years at the Luoyun Sect, I wasn't used to things, so I wandered around the neighboring immortal city markets. I don't know why, but when I saw this Tier 3 metal-attribute cultivation art, as if possessed, I bought it." Was it really being possessed? Qin Yuanjiang knew in his heart that his mother still pined for his father. His father, Qin Liangchen, had primarily cultivated the metal attribute, but unfortunately failed to reach Foundation Establishment. When his mother instinctively bought this art back then, wasn't she simply missing his father, subconsciously imagining he was still alive and preparing cultivation resources he might need? "I know the Luotian Association's situation very well," Murong Qinglian continued. "There is no shortage of low-tier cultivation arts, but high-tier arts are few and far between. Although the power of this Great Gengjin Temple Art is ordinary, it is complete and seamless from Qi Refinement all the way to the Core Formation stage. Present it to Luo Chen on my behalf to enrich the collection of the Luotian... the Luotian Sect's library, so that it may serve as an inheritance. Consider it the Qin family's congratulations on the founding of the Luotian Sect." Qin Yuanjiang reverently received the black iron slip. He knew his mother still couldn't entirely let go of the Luotian Association. It was a faction she had personally recruited members for and nurtured step by step from its inception. To see a once-insignificant little force from Dahe Mill become a first-rate power boasting a Golden Core master must bring her immense gratification. "Aside from the congratulatory gift, does Mother have any words you wish for me to convey?" Murong Qinglian thought for a moment, as if recalling a certain memory. A smile crept into her eyes as she said, "There's nothing much to say. Just wish the venerable Luotian Supreme Elder to redouble his efforts, advance to the Nascent Soul realm in the future, and shake the Eastern Wasteland!" Qin Yuanjiang froze, somewhat baffled. For a cultivator to achieve the Golden Core realm was already exceedingly difficult. Even in his superior Luoyun Sect, only Supreme Elder Han Zhan had become a True Person over all these years. Let alone Luo Chen, who had risen from a rogue cultivator background. Yet seeing his mother's smile, he diligently committed the words to memory. 'Mother surely understands Uncle Luo better than I do. She knows he has grand ambitions and will never be content stopping at the Core Formation stage. From my few interactions with Uncle Luo, he truly is a man of great vision and lofty aspirations. This congratulatory message is truly fitting, far more apt than those ordinary well-wishes for forming a Core.' With these thoughts flashing through his mind, Qin Yuanjiang bowed deeply. "Your son will remember." ... That same day, Qin Yuanjiang departed from the Luoyun Sect and headed straight for Danxia Peak together with Ruan Huan'er, the Sect Leader's daughter and his junior sister. Along the way, Huan'er repeatedly wanted to stop and play, but he refused every time. Even when she threw tantrums, sulked, or acted unreasonably, he paid no heed, fixated only on rushing straight to Danxia Peak and the Luotian Sect. Amidst her complaints, they arrived at their destination before long. However, upon reaching the foot of Danxia Peak, he halted and stood waiting for a long while before turning toward Tianlan Immortal City. "Senior Brother, why didn't we just deliver the gifts and congratulations right away and then go enjoy ourselves?" Facing Huan'er's confusion, Qin Yuanjiang replied solemnly, "It isn't time yet. Presenting our congratulations during the Core Formation Grand Ceremony will help bolster the Luotian Sect's prestige." "Oh!" The young girl nodded, yet tilted her head in curiosity. "Then why not go up first to meet your uncle? I heard he's very famous—even Senior Brother Han Zheng can't match half his renown." Qin Yuanjiang replied, "Uncle Luo came out of seclusion not long ago and is bound to be extremely busy. How could I impose on his time? The priority right now is to deliver our sect's gift into Martial Uncle Qu's hands. Didn't you want to see the sights of the cultivation world? Once this is done, I'll take you on a proper tour." "Mm, Huan'er will listen to Senior Brother." This time, Ruan Huan'er did not question Qin Yuanjiang. Back in the Qi Refinement stage, what she had liked was that spunky, headstrong Senior Brother Qin who could take her up the mountains and down the rivers to fool around. Now, although she was somewhat unused to the changed Senior Brother Qin, he gave her a greater sense of security. Ever since experiencing the battle of Mount Thunder Accumulation and the raid on the Yan Alliance, she had noticed that Senior Brother Qin had grown increasingly steady, handling matters with far greater thoroughness. Such a senior brother might not be as entertaining as before, but he was far more dependable. Her father had not thought much of Senior Brother Qin in the past, and it was only after those events that he looked upon him with new respect. Next, they went to Tianlan Immortal City. Qu Xibai took time out of his busy schedule to meet the two, then permitted them to move about freely. His only warning was not to stir up trouble. Now that the War of Opening had begun, countless cultivators from outside domains were passing through Tianlan Immortal City on their way to the front lines. If they provoked some ruthless cultivator, that person wouldn't care what grand sect stood behind them; killing for treasure and vanishing without a trace was an everyday occurrence. Qin Yuanjiang naturally kept this firmly in mind. Therefore, his outings with Ruan Huan'er remained mostly in the vicinity of Tianlan Immortal City. Thus, time quietly slipped by. Amid the anticipation of many, the Luotian Sect's Core Formation Grand Ceremony slowly raised its curtain. ... On this day, the sun shone brightly—an auspicious day and favorable hour. Early in the morning, Ruan Huan'er dragged Qin Yuanjiang down to the massive square temporarily cleared at the foot of Danxia Peak. Qin Yuanjiang felt helpless; they could have easily arrived alongside his martial uncle. Yet his junior sister was entirely self-justified! "What's the fun in attending the ceremony with him? Isn't it just streaks of light flying back and forth? It's much better to arrive early and watch the spectacle from another perspective!" Indeed! Participating in that official manner was rather dull. The Luoyun Sect had also held Core Formation ceremonies before. Guests had arrived in endless streams, but after watching from the host's perspective a few times, it lost its novelty. Qin Yuanjiang also wanted to see, from an outsider's perspective, just how glorious Uncle Luo's Core Formation Grand Ceremony would be from start to finish. The two had arrived early, but others had arrived even earlier. Many low-tier rogue cultivators from around Tianlan Immortal City had rushed down to the foot of the mountain early in the morning to join the excitement. For these low-tier rogue cultivators, they might not witness a Golden Core cultivator's ceremony once in a lifetime. Being able to watch it in person would serve as bragging rights for the rest of their lives. If they were fortunate enough to catch the eye of an expert and obtain a fortunate encounter, it would be an astronomical stroke of luck. Mingling among the rogue cultivators, the two waited for the Luotian Sect's ceremony to begin. As the sun gradually climbed, Danxia Peak showed no extraordinary phenomena beyond the mist slowly dispersing. The lack of grand spectacles stirred up discussion instead. "Strange, how strange!" "I heard that seventy years ago, when the Luotian Sect held the Foundation Establishment ceremony for Sect Leader Sima Huiniang, it was quite grand—cranes welcoming guests, divine rainbows spanning as bridges. Why is it so plain this time?" "Yeah! There's no reason it should be so modest now that they've established a sect, when they were so lavish back in the Luotian Association days!" Murmurs reached the ears of Qin Yuanjiang and Ruan Huan'er. The little junior sister asked curiously, "Shouldn't they activate a massive formation, with golden lotuses, auspicious clouds, and myriad rays of colored dawn mist to display the ceremony's grandeur?" Qin Yuanjiang was also somewhat puzzled at first. Yet after thinking carefully, a look of realization dawned on his face. He slowly transmitted his voice: "When weak, one naturally dresses up the facade to bolster prestige." "Once established, there is no need for such ostentatious bluster." "Besides, the focus of today's ceremony rests solely on Uncle Luo, Master Danchen. Whether external trappings are humble or grand is no more to him than passing clouds and a gentle breeze." "Lastly..." At this point, he pointed between the two of them. "Among the guests attending today's ceremony, there will surely be Golden Core sects, and even our superior Luoyun Sect. Before such behemoths, no matter how grand a display the Luotian Sect put on, no one would care." Hearing this explanation, Ruan Huan'er was enlightened. Looking at Danxia Peak's spiritual energy environment, which had not even reached Tier 2, she chuckled and said, "That's true. Although the scenery on this peak is lovely, the spiritual vein's grade is too low to pull off anything fancy anyway." If Luo Chen were present, he would surely agree with both of them. What Qin Yuanjiang said earlier matched his thoughts perfectly. As for the latter remark and Ruan Huan'er's observation, that had come from Fairy Jueqing's guidance. With a mere Tier 1 spiritual vein, what grand display could be produced? An illusion of grandeur before the distinguished guests who might arrive today would only appear as gold and jade on the outside and rotten within, inviting ridicule. Discarding costly and labor-intensive pretenses to cultivate inner substance was the proper path. Amidst the chatter of countless rogue cultivators, guests finally arrived. One flying vessel after another flew in from all directions in an endless stream. After mooring at the square, powerful Foundation Establishment True Cultivators surveyed their surroundings before riding their lights up Danxia Peak. Before long, heralds calling out gifts in the mountain resonated outward. "The Kang family of Taishan Market presents one Warm Sun Precious Jade in congratulation to Master Luo Chen!" "The Luo family of Luosha Workshop presents three pieces of Xuanluo Gold Essence in congratulation to Master Luo Chen!" "The Chen family of Tianyi Workshop presents a pair of Tier 3 demon silkworm eggs in congratulation to Master Luo Chen!" "Foundation Establishment rogue cultivator Kuang Zhou of Tianlan Immortal City presents one eight-hundred-year spiritual herb..." "Foundation Establishment rogue cultivator Qin Yousheng of Tianlan Immortal City presents..." "Foundation Establishment rogue cultivator of Tianlan Immortal City..." Resounding announcements proclaimed each visitor's identity, affiliated power, and presented gift. Most of the cultivation families were familiar to the low-tier rogue cultivators, who knew they had been staunch allies of the Luotian Association for years. Now offering congratulations was only natural. The gifts presented were also of immense value. For instance, Xuanluo Gold Essence was a Tier 3 mineral refined from the essence of Xuanluo Gold, the Luo family's most famous Tier 2 mineral. It was rumored to be exceptionally well-suited for forging lifebound magical treasures. Normally it was never sold externally and only supplied to Mount Ailao, who looked after them. To present three whole pieces at once demonstrated great sincerity! Amidst the commotion, some people grew curious. "Why are so many Foundation Establishment rogue cultivators coming to congratulate him?" "There are even Foundation Establishment cultivators from outside domains, and late Foundation Establishment grand cultivators at that!" This confusion was soon answered by someone nearby. "You don't know? Ten years ago, when Senior Danchenzi successfully formed his Core, he recited a poem! It's said that the poem contained the mysteries of Core Formation, and countless Foundation Establishment cultivators benefited greatly from it. In that sense, Senior Danchenzi can be considered their guiding mentor!" "These powerful Foundation Establishment rogue cultivators are here to return the favor!" "Who knows, maybe they even want to seize this opportunity to join the Luotian Sect!" As soon as these words were spoken, an uproar erupted! A single poem actually contained the mysteries of Core Formation! Invisibly, Danchenzi had become the "Teacher of One Poem" to countless Foundation Establishment True Cultivators in the immortal city back then. At this moment, an eager meddler recited the Core Formation poem from memory. At the end, he sighed with deep emotion. "I merely thought Senior Danchenzi possessed great literary talent, never imagining it held such profound mysteries. I will definitely pass this poem down to my descendants. Perhaps several hundred years from now, my Li family might produce a Golden Core cultivator too!" "Haha, if that day ever comes, won't you have to come kowtow to Senior Danchenzi on Danxia Peak?" "Of course! I, Li Qiang, am no ungrateful scoundrel." "Tsk tsk, Senior Luo Chen is so generous even to rogue cultivators. If one joins the Luotian Sect, wouldn't he impart everything without reservation?" "Heh, that's no lie. Even if it's not everything, who doesn't know Senior Luo's broad-minded nature and his penchant for fostering juniors?" "I can attest to that! Among the Luotian Sect's twenty-five Foundation Establishment True Cultivators today, aside from a few who joined from the outside, most broke through internally. Ordinary forces aren't generous enough to provide so many breakthrough resources!" "What a pity. If I had come to Tianlan Immortal City earlier and joined the Luotian Sect, maybe I would be the twenty-sixth Foundation Establishment cultivator by now." ... Amidst the clamorous chatter, Ruan Huan'er tugged at Qin Yuanjiang's sleeve with flushed cheeks. "Your uncle not only has great renown, but his reputation is so stellar too!" Qin Yuanjiang was also somewhat moved. He thought of his mother; even when she left, Luo Chen had presented her with a generous gift. He could not help praising, "Uncle Luo is indeed very generous!" Listening to the surrounding praise and watching the streaks of light flying toward Danxia Peak, Ruan Huan'er grew impatient. "I really want to see just what kind of bearing this Uncle Luo possesses to receive such high acclaim." Qin Yuanjiang smiled and squeezed her hand. "No rush. These are only Foundation Establishment guests at the start. Next should be the Golden Core guests. As an emissary of our superior Nascent Soul sect, Martial Uncle Qu must be mindful of the entrance order." Ruan Huan'er nodded. Certain rules, though unspoken, were tacit conventions. Relatively weaker forces generally appeared first, while stronger ones appeared later. In this way, the weak would not be slighted, and the strong would not be outshone. Unless there was an intimate relationship and one arrived early to bolster the host's presence! And the next sect to be announced was precisely such an existence. "Fairy Jueqing of Ice Fort presents two bottles of Ice Soul Jade Marrow in congratulation to Master Luo Chen!" Ice Soul Jade Marrow—a Tier 4 material that could be used in alchemy or as an offensive measure. To give away two entire bottles at once! Ice Fort was truly worthy of being the Luotian Sect's former patron; how generous! Following Ice Fort, Mount Ailao and Azure Pill Valley arrived in succession. Azure Pill Valley in particular sent Sect Leader Master Tao Wan herself! Such high regard for Luo Chen drew gasps of astonishment. Yet once someone mentioned that sixty years ago, Luo Chen had provided crucial help when Master Tao Wan suppressed her fellow true disciples to seize the Dao Seed position, it all made sense. Outside Danxia Peak, powerful streaks of light suddenly rose and fell in rapid succession, flying into the mountain. "Clan Head Diwu Qi of the Diwu Clan of Fenghua Domain presents one piece of meteoric iron in congratulation to Master Luo Chen!" When this name rang out, a stir rippled through the crowd. Diwu Qi was a renowned Golden Core cultivator of Fenghua Domain. Earlier, together with another Golden Core master, he had occupied Incense Valley of the Yan Alliance and established a power called Wind and Rain Villa. Over the years, experts from Fenghua Palace had frequently stayed at Wind and Rain Villa, showing that they had the backing of Fenghua Palace! No one expected him to come as well. "Cen Qiuzi of Shenfu Domain presents one thousand-year spiritual herb in congratulation to Master Luo Chen!" Another Golden Core cultivator from an outside domain! No, far from just that. Afterward, several more Golden Core cultivators from other domains appeared one after another. Toward the end, low-tier rogue cultivators in Tianlan Immortal City didn't even recognize the origins of some Golden Core masters' names. For instance, with a Golden Core master named Fu Jiusheng, many had never heard of such a person. Yet he acted with immense generosity, presenting a complete Tier 3 pill recipe, triggering a wave of astonished gasps. One had to know that pill recipes were strictly controlled in the Eastern Wasteland cultivation world, even more so than cultivation arts and secret techniques. And this was a Tier 3 pill recipe! The world knew that Luotian Sect Supreme Elder Luo Chen's dual Daoist moniker included Danchenzi. Obtaining this recipe was truly giving wings to a tiger! No one had anticipated that so many clan and rogue Golden Core cultivators from outside domains would come to congratulate Luo Chen today. This gave people their first true glimpse of just how glorious an accomplished alchemy master was in the cultivation world. He didn't even need to venture out to forge connections; people naturally came knocking on his door, deliberately courting his favor. And this was only right after he had formed his Core! If Danchenzi were given a few hundred more years, wouldn't Foundation Establishment disciples be everywhere, Golden Core friends countless, and even superior Nascent Soul sects invite him as an honored guest? Speaking of superior Nascent Soul sects, one arrived! In the crowd, Qin Yuanjiang and Ruan Huan'er felt a stir. Exchanging a glance, they leaped out of the crowd and flew into the sky. A streak of light with surging dharmic power and imposing aura swept in from Tianlan. With a flick of its aura, it scooped up the two and headed straight for Danxia Peak. Shortly after, a rousing herald rang out within Danxia Peak, resounding to the clouds: "Elder Qu of the Luoyun Sect presents one Tier 3 puppet in congratulation to Master Luo Chen!" In an instant, Danxia fell dead silent! ... Thanks to Fei Ming's previous rebuilding of Danxia Peak when seeking Luo Chen's century-old Thunder Core, the grounds were spacious enough for today's Core Formation Grand Ceremony. Outside the Grand Hall of Luotian, white jade paved the ground, gold overlaid the cinnabar steps, and carved dragons and phoenixes wound around the eaves. Clouds rose, and colored dawn mist swirled, presenting an immortal atmosphere. Charming maidservants bustled about, serving fruits, tea, and wine. All Foundation Establishment True Cultivators of the Luotian Sect had returned to the mountain, warmly receiving one distinguished guest after another. Naturally, Luo Chen did not put on airs and showed himself early on. After all, though he was today's protagonist, none of the powers represented by those guests could be lightly offended. He held brief meetings with former Foundation Establishment allies to accept their congratulations, conversed with Golden Core masters he had once looked up to, and exchanged a few more words with familiar acquaintances. Throughout this process, Sima Huiniang and Gu Caiyi remained close behind him. Or rather, many had already noticed that his and the two women's attire today explained everything. The two women wore phoenix coronets and embroidered robes, upper blouses and lower skirts, with blue silk and red ribbons. Ornaments jingled softly—clearly wedding attire. Luo Chen wore a bright red robe embroidered with gold dragon patterns, cloud-patterned shoes woven with gold thread, a white jade belt at his waist, and a bright gold formal crown on his head. It paired seamlessly with the two women's garments, forming a harmonious picture of dragons and phoenixes bringing auspiciousness. Elder Fei Ming of Mount Ailao had just arrived. Seeing the three, he shook his head and laughed: "Danchenzi, you've taken a huge loss!" Luo Chen was puzzled. "Where is the loss?" Fei Ming pointed at the gift he had just handed over. "I thought today was merely your Core Formation ceremony, never expecting you to combine it with dissolving the association to establish a sect and your Dao Companion ceremony—three major events all at once! As a result, I should have given three generous gifts, but now I've only given one. Tell me, didn't you lose out? If it were just me, it wouldn't matter, but with so many guests today, haven't you taken a huge loss?" Luo Chen paused, then burst into hearty laughter. Fei Ming, an old fellow who always prioritized profit, also laughed heartily. Afterward, Luo Chen introduced the two women to Fei Ming, specifically mentioning Sima Huiniang's status as Sect Leader of the Luotian Sect and Gu Caiyi's status as Hall Master of the Gold Hall. "I know this. In fact, who in the entire Jade Cauldron Domain doesn't know that you, Danchenzi, have two bosom confidantes?" Luo Chen smiled and waved his hand. "My two wives' cultivation is somewhat modest. When they travel the cultivation world in the future, I must trouble Fellow Daoist to look after them." "Certainly, certainly!" Fei Ming cupped his hands and nodded slightly to the two women. Just as Luo Chen was about to say more, another streak of light arrived from outside the mountain. "Pardon me, it seems Fellow Daoist Tao has arrived. I must excuse myself." "No matter. Go about your business today. I'll go seek out Fellow Daoist Jueqing to exchange cultivation insights." After parting with Fei Ming, Luo Chen led his two wives to greet the light arriving from outside. Guiding her was his disciple, Qu Lingjun. "Master, Sect Leader Tao has arrived." "Mm, you may step down." As soon as Qu Lingjun left, Luo Chen looked at Tao Wan, whose grace and elegance surpassed the past. Tao Wan sized him up, seeming to turn a blind eye to the two women beside him. "Fellow Daoist Luo, congratulations." "Fellow Daoist Tao, congratulations to us both!" Tao Wan pursed her lips. "When I held my Core Formation ceremony back then, I didn't see you come in person to congratulate me!" "If I had gone then, I would have had to address you as Senior Tao. Wouldn't that have created distance between us?" Luo Chen chuckled. Tao Wan was taken aback. Then the corners of her mouth curved upward slightly. She shook her head and only then turned to look at the two women behind Luo Chen. "Introduce them formally!" Luo Chen gestured to his left. "My humble wife, Sima Huiniang, Sect Leader of the Luotian Sect." Then he gestured to his right. "My humble wife, Gu Caiyi, Hall Master of the Luotian Sect's Gold Hall." Neither woman shrank back, curtsying to Tao Wan with poise and elegance. Unlike the stingy Fei Ming, Tao Wan was much more generous. Even after having already presented a Core Formation congratulatory gift, she retrieved two additional gifts from her storage pouch and personally handed them to the two women. "Congratulations." "May the flowers bloom under a full moon, and may your three lifetimes share the same covenant!" Fortunately, it wasn't "may you grow old together for a hundred years," or that would have been a curse for cultivators. After offering her congratulations, Tao Wan put away her smile and looked at Luo Chen. "Do you have time anytime soon?" "Hmm? Is something the matter?" "My sect's Supreme Elder wishes to meet you, arranged at Azure Pill Valley." Luo Chen's mind stirred. Just as he was about to inquire, his gaze flickered. "My apologies, more guests are arriving. Huiniang, please accompany Fellow Daoist Tao." He gave a look, and Sima Huiniang smoothly stepped forward to accompany her. Why would the Supreme Elder of Azure Pill Valley want to meet him out of nowhere? To prevent any awkwardness, it was best to let the tactful and adept Huiniang test the waters first! Tao Wan gave Luo Chen a deep look and took her seat accompanied by Sima Huiniang. Meanwhile, Luo Chen was caught slightly unprepared. The next batch of Golden Core cultivators had not been invited by him in advance. They had arrived uninvited. Yet despite being caught off guard, Luo Chen handled things steadily, chatting warmly with Diwu Qi and the other outside-domain Golden Core cultivators. One does not strike a smiling face! Back during the battle of Incense Valley, Diwu Qi and others had lent a hand. Besides, Luo Chen had a fair understanding of why this was happening. An alchemist, especially a renowned alchemy master, often possessed wide connections and extraordinary networks! Back in his Foundation Establishment days, he had Ice Fort on the left and Azure Pill Valley on the right, with a superior sect like the Luoyun Sect looking upon him with favor. Now that he had reached the Golden Core realm, he naturally attracted even greater attention from high-tier cultivators. Previously, they had only sent invitations; showing up in person now was not entirely surprising. The only one who caught Luo Chen by surprise was Fu Jiusheng! His face flushed red, Fu Jiusheng looked at Luo Chen with a complex expression. "Fellow Daoist, congratulations." Luo Chen managed a smile. "Congratulations to us both!" Indeed, congratulations to both. Of the five who ventured into the Great Snow Mountain back then, only the two of them had survived. Now it seemed there was truly a reason they had survived. Just like him, Fu Jiusheng had successfully formed his Core! However, the fact that he came in person to offer congratulations today was truly beyond Luo Chen's expectations. Moreover, he had presented such a heavy gift—a Tier 3 pill recipe! "This Tier 3 pill recipe is called the Fanxing Pill. Although its refining process is complex, its cost high, and its medicinal efficacy somewhat weak, it is genuinely an orthodox cultivation-type Tier 3 pill recipe! I hope Fellow Daoist will not look down on it." Luo Chen's brow rose. "How could I? For Fellow Daoist to present such a gift, I am more than grateful." He truly was grateful. After forming his Core, he had been troubled by cultivation pills, even considering simplifying the Nether Origin Pill. Yet that was a recipe deduced to its peak by a Soul Formation grandmaster; simplifying it would be anything but easy! Now that Fu Jiusheng had suddenly delivered a Tier 3 pill recipe, it was like a pillow handed to a sleepy man. If not for hosting the ceremony, Luo Chen would have loved to feast his eyes on it immediately. "Fellow Daoist Fu has formed your Core, yet I have not even presented a congratulatory gift." "No need for that," Fu Jiusheng waved his hand. Luo Chen frowned slightly. "Then... do you seek something?" "No, I seek nothing at all!" Fu Jiusheng paused, speaking earnestly. Luo Chen grew even more puzzled. However, when the voice announcing the Luoyun Sect's arrival rang out, and Fu Jiusheng's expression grew even graver, Luo Chen realized what was happening. A smile tugged at the corner of Luo Chen's lips. "I understand your intentions. There may be opportunities for cooperation in the future. But for now, I must excuse myself. My apologies!" "Mm, don't mind me. I haven't had the chance to exchange cultivation insights with anyone since forming my Core anyway. With so many peers here, it's a fortunate coincidence for me." Fu Jiusheng appeared very magnanimous. Once Luo Chen walked away to receive the emissaries from the Luoyun Sect, Fu Jiusheng finally breathed a long sigh of relief. Looking at Luo Chen's back, the stone in his heart finally settled. Rumor had it that Luo Chen possessed the demeanor of a gentleman! Yet he was by no means a pedantic gentleman who could be deceived with righteous pretense. Beneath his gentle and benevolent approach toward his own people, he was ruthless toward outsiders, renowned for seeking vengeance for the slightest grievance! Back in the Great Snow Mountain, Fu Jiusheng had attempted to set up an array to ambush and kill him. Although he had tried to resolve the grudge back then with a map, the more he thought about it after forming his Core, the more uneasy he felt. He had once tried to end the man's life! How could a life-and-death grudge be resolved with a mere map? If Luo Chen turned out to be petty... Luo Chen already bore the title of the number one Foundation Establishment cultivator in Jade Cauldron, possessing immense combat strength. What's more, he was not alone. The title of alchemy master meant that after forming his Core, he would inevitably command vast networks. If Luo Chen intended to deal with him, Fu Jiusheng would surely die—or at least be unable to remain in the Eastern Wasteland. After thinking it over repeatedly, Fu Jiusheng chose an occasion where Luo Chen would never turn hostile, presenting an absolute grand gift so he could have a chance to extinguish the grudge. From the looks of it, Luo Chen had indeed let the past go, even taking the initiative to mention cooperation. Alchemists and herb gatherers were naturally meant to be partners anyway. 'Now it seems my choice was entirely correct.' Fu Jiusheng surveyed his surroundings. Powerful Golden Core cultivators gathered together, and even though they restrained their spiritual pressure, their collective presence still weighed heavily on his chest. Furthermore! Even a superior Nascent Soul sect had sent someone in person to congratulate him. If he hadn't resolved the grudge, he truly would have been courting death. "Tsk tsk, and it's not just one superior Nascent Soul sect either!" Fu Jiusheng sighed with emotion, gazing far beyond Danxia Peak. A sword light arced through the sky like a rainbow. Its speed was so fast that everyone looked on in shock. The rainbow light bypassed the reception table in front and landed directly before the Luotian Square. A crisp, fierce shout rang out within a hundred li: "Hongling of Jade Cauldron has come specially to congratulate Fellow Daoist Luo Chen!" Trouble was at the door! Luo Chen, who was conversing with Qu Xibai and Qin Yuanjiang, frowned deeply as he looked toward the newcomer. Red martial attire, a face filled with killing intent. This did not look like a congratulatory visit; it looked like someone seeking revenge. This woman... Suddenly, Luo Chen's heart gave a start. Hongling? Isn't she Pang Renxiong's personal disciple? Just as he was about to speak, Qu Xibai shot him a meaningful glance. Luo Chen understood; Qu Xibai intended to smooth over the atmosphere on his behalf. However... Before Qu Xibai could speak, another distinguished guest arrived outside Danxia! A hearty voice rolled in like thunder and tide, shaking the soul: "Jin Buque of the Five Elements Divine Sect presents one Five Elements Divine Pill in congratulation to Fellow Daoist Luo Chen!"