"Jin Buque of the Five Elements Divine Sect presents a Five Elements Divine Pill in celebration for Fellow Daoist Luo Chen!"
The rousing proclamation rolled outward like a surging wave.
At these words, inside and outside the Luotian Sect fell utterly silent.
Then came a tumultuous uproar.
The Five Elements Divine Sect!
The overlord-level force of the Five Elements Domain!
Although it did not dominate an entire domain all to itself like the Medicine King Sect or Tianfan City—where only a single sect ruled throughout the whole territory—in the Five Elements Domain, virtually every sect, large or small, shared ties of kinship or allegiance with the Five Elements Divine Sect.
They were either absolute vassals entirely subordinate to its command, or their founding ancestors had hailed from its ranks.
This was tied to the unique internal environment of the Five Elements Divine Sect.
Within the sect, disciples from top to bottom loved delving into all kinds of divine techniques and secret arts, constantly producing novel cultivation methods year-round.
Those who held differing philosophies, or those whose lifespans were drawing to a close, would choose to leave the sect and establish clans or smaller sects outside.
Over time, though the Five Elements Divine Sect did not monopolize the entire domain under a single banner, its control and development over its territory surpassed even that of Tianfan City and the Medicine King Sect.
In years past, among the Far East Six Domains, if the Medicine King Sect was the wealthiest and the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect—hailed as invincible among peers of the same rank—was the strongest in combat prowess, then the one with the deepest foundation was none other than the Five Elements Divine Sect.
How could such a colossal behemoth dispatch a Golden Core elder to congratulate the Luotian Sect?
This was truly beyond everyone's expectations.
Leaving aside the clamor outside the mountain, at the ceremony itself, visiting VIPs rose to their feet one after another in shock, murmuring among themselves.
Take Fairy Jueqing, who was conversing with Fei Ming; she turned her head almost instantly toward the old man, Jin Buque, as he flew straight toward Danxia Peak.
Her expression was an uncertain mix of shock and suspicion, her thoughts churning.
Fei Ming murmured with quiet emotion, "Previously, Luo Chen's fame was confined to the Jade Cauldron Domain. But now, the moment he formed his Core, he caught the eyes of the superior sects from beyond our domain. As the saying goes: 'How could a golden-scaled fish remain confined to a pond? At the first stir of wind and clouds, it transforms into a dragon!'"
Hearing this, Fairy Jueqing's heart thumped heavily.
She said in a strained voice, "It is the War of Expansion that accelerated his rise to fame."
Indeed!
Had it not coincided with the War of Expansion, which gathered experts from the sects of several domains into this single small territory, then no matter how capable Luo Chen was or how great his reputation, his rise would never have been so swift.
Fei Ming shook his head. "Even without the War of Expansion, give him one or two centuries, and he would still become an illustrious figure across the Eastern Wilds."
Fairy Jueqing could not refute this at all.
To achieve the title of the Jade Cauldron Domain's number one in Foundation Establishment combat power and the foremost alchemist of the younger generation as a mere rogue cultivator—such talent, character, and perseverance destined him to shine with peerless brilliance.
What was more!
He was still so young!
In particular, he had no master's lineage, and his past background was relatively clean.
Any Nascent Soul superior sect would go out of its way to win over such a figure.
Today, they were merely seizing the opportunity to drop by and offer congratulations.
Perhaps in the future, they would offer even more generous terms to recruit Luo Chen.
Yet if so, how much would remain of the rapport that Ice Fort had painstakingly forged with him?
'I only hope the promises he made to me won't change!'
Fairy Jueqing murmured inwardly, unconsciously lowering her expectations.
Perhaps even if Luo Chen broke his promise, she would not—and would not dare—harbor too much resentment.
Meanwhile, on the other side.
Surrounded by a circle of Golden Core cultivators like stars around the moon, Tao Wan's expression shifted drastically at almost the same time.
The Luoyun Sect's arrival was only natural.
Earlier on, rumors had leaked from within the Luoyun Sect saying that True Person Han Zhan thought highly of Luo Chen and held him in high esteem.
Furthermore, a child of a high-ranking member of the Luotian Sect was a core disciple of the Luoyun Sect.
The two factions shared deep roots.
Thus, Qu Xibai presenting congratulatory gifts was no surprise.
What was slightly odd was the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect; they had actually sent someone as well, even if she had arrived with aggressive momentum.
Yet this, too, was unexpected yet reasonable.
The Sword Sect had just taken over Tianlan Immortal City. As the closest Golden Core faction, they were bound to send someone over to exchange greetings.
Regardless of any attempt to recruit him, simply paying a courtesy visit to get acquainted was necessary.
However, for a colossal entity like the Five Elements Divine Sect to arrive uninvited was truly astonishing.
Thinking of the instructions given by Supreme Elder Qingdanzi before her departure, Tao Wan's heart felt rather heavy.
'I only hope the Five Elements Divine Sect is merely offering congratulations in passing and makes no moves to recruit him. Otherwise, our Azure Pill Valley's grand undertaking will surely face countless obstacles.'
...
Those present with their own calculating thoughts were countless.
The various Foundation Establishment factions that had previously befriended the Luotian Sect were already dazzled by the successive arrivals of Golden Core powerhouses.
When the Luoyun Sect and the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect arrived, their hearts were struck with awe.
And now, even the Five Elements Divine Sect was here!
They had gone entirely numb.
Only Fu Jiusheng, after his initial shock, wore a look that found this only natural.
'This is precisely the appeal that a renowned rogue alchemist master ought to command!'
A Foundation Establishment alchemy master merely possessed potential.
Limited by cultivation realm, they could not concoct overly high-grade pills.
Limited by lifespan, one or two centuries were of little use to top-tier sects, who naturally would not expend immense effort to recruit them.
But a Golden Core alchemy master was entirely different!
With a lifespan of four to five hundred years, they could reliably concoct Tier 3 pills, yielding immense benefits even to a Nascent Soul superior sect.
If one possessed extraordinary alchemical talent, they might even craft Tier 4 pills beyond their realm.
Those were precious treasures coveted even by Nascent Soul cultivators!
Who could afford to ignore such an individual?
One could say that as long as Luo Chen did not actively court death, his future was utterly predictable.
Smoothly navigating all circles, with wide-reaching connections.
Fawned over by low-level cultivators, aided by Golden Cores of major sects, and treated with respect by Nascent Soul superior sects.
Across the entire Eastern Wilds cultivation world, Luo Chen could practically walk with his head held high anywhere he pleased.
'Thank goodness, thank goodness!'
When no one was looking, Fu Jiusheng wiped away cold sweat.
Fortunately, prior to this, he had made repeated efforts to mend his relationship with Luo Chen.
Otherwise!
Had Luo Chen shown the slightest displeasure toward him, plenty of people in the future would deliberately cause him trouble just to curry favor with Luo Chen.
At the thought of such a prospect, he could not help but shudder.
...
Under the gaze of countless onlookers, Luo Chen smoothed his robes and stepped forward.
"Fellow Daoist Hongling, Luo greets you."
"Fellow Daoist Jin, traveling from afar to celebrate my breakthrough, I am truly honored."
The two greetings came one after the other.
The first one he addressed was actually Master Hongling, who had arrived earlier with such fierce, unfriendly momentum.
This scene caught many off guard.
Even the female cultivator Hongling was somewhat surprised.
She furrowed her brows. Even if resentment lingered in her heart, it was difficult to lose her temper now.
One does not strike a smiling face, not to mention today was Luo Chen's home ground.
She could only grunt in acknowledgment.
Seeing her rein in her posture and suppress her concealed fury, Qu Xibai beside her could not help but look upon Luo Chen with even greater esteem.
Good lad!
With superb alchemical arts and formidable combat prowess, one would assume he was merely a cultivator engrossed in ascetic training.
Who would have thought his social tact would be just as remarkable?
He had not deliberately given Hongling the cold shoulder due to her hostile attitude, but had instead accorded her ample face.
And upon reflection, this conduct was the wisest choice.
For Hongling represented the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect, the master of the Jade Cauldron Domain!
If Luo Chen and the Luotian Sect he founded wished to keep thriving in the Jade Cauldron Domain, offending anyone was better than offending the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect.
Jin Buque was momentarily taken aback, but after noticing the change in Hongling's expression, he understood in a flash.
Looking at Luo Chen with admiration, he brought out his congratulatory gift.
Following Luo Chen's words, he laughed and said, "Hardly traveling from afar.
"Moreover, for a genius such as Fellow Daoist to form his Core, with boundless prospects ahead, how could I not make a special trip to become acquainted?"
These words left Luo Chen somewhat at a loss for how to respond.
'You're a Golden Core elder from a superior sect. Even if you think highly of me, there's no need to humble yourself so thoroughly to befriend me!
What happened to the innate arrogance typical of sect cultivators?'
He gave a strained smile and accepted the gift.
"A Five Elements Divine Pill?"
"Indeed! Although this pill is Tier 3, its medicinal potency is no less than that of a Tier 4 pill. More importantly, it is not restricted by a cultivator's spiritual roots or physique, perfectly suiting anyone who possesses any of the five elements. I heard Fellow Daoist possesses five spiritual roots, so this pill is truly tailored specifically for you!"
These words left Luo Chen thoroughly stunned.
In particular, the properties described made him instinctively tighten his grip on the brocade box in his hand.
Medicinal pills without restrictions were exceedingly rare in the cultivation world.
The various pills he had refined in the past were essentially all subject to constraints.
The Jade Dew Pill was limited to female cultivators, the Dust-Settling Pill was restricted to those with vigorous vitality, and the Tier 3 Nether Origin Pill required tremendous spiritual power and could only be used when breaking through a realm.
If this Five Elements Divine Pill was truly as Jin Buque described, it truly deserved the moniker of "divine pill."
At least among Tier 3 pills, it was an absolute god-tier elixir!
Seeing Luo Chen attach such importance to it, a smile appeared on Jin Buque's face as well.
Luo Chen reined in his emotions and invited everyone to take their seats.
He himself floated up to the seat of honor.
Sima Huiniang and Gu Caiyi sat demurely to his left and right behind him. One was dignified and graceful, while the other was charming and gorgeous; neither stole his spotlight, serving instead as exquisite foils to his presence.
With his seating, the grand ceremony officially commenced.
The cultivators who had previously dispersed across the grounds to converse with one another were guided by the Foundation Establishment True Cultivators of the Luotian Sect to take their seats in turn.
Luo Chen looked down upon the white jade plaza at the crowd who had come to celebrate. Even if they had their own hidden motives and agendas, Luo Chen felt only pride and satisfaction in his heart.
Years of painstaking cultivation had finally paid off!
Three Nascent Soul superior sects, three major Golden Core sects, as well as ancestors from first-rate forces and prominent cultivation clans—all had gathered to congratulate him.
These were not guests invited by sect scions relying on the influence of their backgrounds.
All of this was status he had earned purely by his own strength.
'Across this generation, there are likely few who can match what I have achieved!'
Just as he was feeling such emotion and preparing his opening address, outside the mountain, two magnificent streaks of escaping light pierced through the horizon.
"Eh?"
"Is that Old Ye?"
A well-traveled cultivator instantly recognized the master of one of the escaping lights.
For a moment, everyone turned curious eyes toward Luo Chen.
Luo Chen was also somewhat taken aback. How could there still be guests arriving?
The next moment, a voice sounded:
"Ye Xiang, Elder of the Divine Talisman Sect, was passing through your esteemed lands and came specially to beg a cup of plain wine. Fellow Daoist will not mind, will you?"
Luo Chen stood up at once, suppressing the doubt in his heart.
"How could I mind? I could not be more delighted! Attendants, prepare a seat of honor for Fellow Daoist!"
The escaping light retracted.
An old man accompanied by three Foundation Establishment True Cultivators—one man and two women—instantly came into view.
Yet what captured Luo Chen's attention at first glance was not the old man, but rather the two women.
Beside him, Gu Caiyi let out a soft exclamation.
"It's Sister Xiuxiu!"
Luo Chen naturally recognized that gentle, serene female cultivator right away.
It was none other than Fu Xiuxiu, his former neighbor in the quadrangle courtyard of Dahe Mill!
Not only that!
Beside her, another pretty, vivacious woman was blinking at Luo Chen.
Her spirited, mischievous demeanor felt intensely familiar to him.
With such an attitude, she clearly knew Luo Chen as well.
Yet for a moment, Luo Chen could not recall her identity.
'Could it be little Shuyi?'
Suddenly, Luo Chen recalled Old Daoist Chen, who had a granddaughter named Chen Shuyi who had returned to the Divine Talisman Domain with the Divine Talisman Pavilion's merchant caravan back then.
Calculating the years, if she had smoothly achieved Foundation Establishment, her features would indeed mature into such an outline.
However, this was hardly the time to reminisce.
He turned his gaze toward the master of the other escaping light.
"Fellow Daoist Fengyue, long time no see."
The newcomer was none other than Fairy Fengyue, head of the Pill Cauldron Courtyard of Fenghua Palace!
Fairy Fengyue nodded toward Luo Chen.
"Excuse the intrusion today. I have prepared a modest gift to congratulate Fellow Daoist on your successful Core Formation!"
After presenting her gift, she too was escorted to a seat of honor under the guidance of Luotian Sect cultivators.
Throughout this, the nearby cultivators remained practically dead silent.
No one had anticipated that following the three Nascent Soul superior sects, two more VIPs from superior sects would make an appearance.
The caliber of this celebration had almost surpassed what ordinary cultivators could conceive!
Even a sect leader of a major sect like Tao Wan felt an uneasy tremor in her heart.
When she held her Core Formation Grand Ceremony, only three Nascent Soul superior sects had sent representatives to congratulate her.
A spectacle like Luo Chen's was something only seen when Dao Children of superior sects formed their Cores.
No!
In truth, even Dao Children of superior sects could hardly achieve this.
They relied merely on the prestige of their sects.
Luo Chen, on the other hand, had attracted so many mighty figures entirely on his own!
Once the news of today's ceremony spread, it was unimaginable just how dazzling Luo Chen's renown and standing would become throughout the neighboring domains!
Luo Chen naturally sensed the peculiar atmosphere in the courtyard.
He himself had never anticipated the unexpected arrival of these three parties: the Five Elements Divine Sect, the Divine Talisman Sect, and Fenghua Palace.
It had truly caught him off guard.
However, having witnessed numerous life-and-death spectacles, and with today being his momentous occasion, how could he show any timidness?
Years of practicing Bright Spirit Fiend Breaking and Calming the Waves had honed his composure to an extraordinary degree.
In the span of a breath, a bright smile spread across his face.
"For all of our distinguished guests to grace Danxia today brings boundless honor to my humble abode.
"Allow me to offer this cup of wine to express the sincerity of my heart."
As he raised his cup, the guests below lifted their cups in unison.
And with that, they drained them in one draught!
Chapter 462