"Fellow Daoist Luo, you won't blame this old man for seeking a favor in return, will you?"
Fu Chaosheng spoke with a beaming smile, his small eyes glittering as he continually sized Luo Chen up.
Luo Chen gave a sheepish smile, genuinely caught off guard.
Back then, Han Zhan had indeed analyzed the situation and pointed out that Fu Chaosheng's excessive friendliness must stem from an ulterior motive.
Yet Luo Chen had not expected him to be so direct, seizing the opportunity to press forward immediately without any of the roundabout maneuvering typical of merchants.
Still, since the matter had arrived at his doorstep, Luo Chen could hardly push it away outright.
"How could I? What are you saying, Fellow Daoist? Please, speak plainly. If it lies within my capabilities, I will certainly do everything I can to help!"
'What a fine "within my capabilities"!'
Fu Chaosheng cursed silently. He knew full well that this Demonic Lord Qingyang, whom he had met in passing years ago, was by no means a recluse oblivious to worldly affairs.
While one might not claim he saw through every secret of the world, his worldly wisdom and shrewdness in handling interpersonal relations were not a whit inferior to veteran merchants like themselves.
His expression sobered, and Fu Chaosheng tucked away his smile, saying earnestly, "This matter does not concern me directly, but rather one of my granddaughters. I would like to ask you to protect and look after her for a period of time."
Act as a bodyguard?
Luo Chen frowned slightly. "What is your granddaughter's cultivation level?"
"Comparable to yours."
"This..." Luo Chen's face grew even more solemn. "With a realm comparable to mine, and as a disciple of a sacred ground, she must surely possess formidable skills. Furthermore, as an esteemed member of the Tianyuan Dao Sect, you have countless experts within the sect to support you, not to mention your vast network across the Northern Sea as an elder of the Commerce Alliance. Forget about me—you could likely enlist even mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators. What sort of affair could possibly require the protection of an insignificant newly ascended Nascent Soul cultivator like myself?"
As he said this, Luo Chen was already beating a retreat in his heart.
Fu Chaosheng sighed and asked softly, "Have you ever heard of the Tianyuan Grand Competition?"
"A sect competition?" Luo Chen nodded. "Naturally, I have heard of it. It is said to take place once every century, and each time, powerhouses from major factions across the Five Continents gather to observe and celebrate the rise of a new generation of prodigies from the Tianyuan Dao Sect. A contest of such scale ranks at the very top, even among the internal tournaments of sects across the world. However, as an outsider..."
"Have you heard of the Mirage Dragon Grotto-Heaven, then?"
Luo Chen looked blank.
Looking as though he had expected this response, Fu Chaosheng began to recount the origins of the Mirage Dragon Grotto-Heaven.
In ancient times, desolate beasts roamed the Mountain Sea Realm; they were the true masters of this world.
Back then, humanity was weak and scattered across the lands, at the mercy of beasts.
That lasted until the five sacred grounds emerged and waged an ancient war spanning ten thousand years. Powerful desolate beasts were either slain or suppressed, while others were driven back into the untamed wilderness.
Fighting for every inch of ground, the five sacred grounds carved out the Five Continents—the most fertile lands best suited for human cultivation across the vast Mountain Sea Realm.
Clearing thistles and thorns, the five sacred grounds achieved monumental feats!
That conflict was known as the ancient Human-Demon War. The reason it was not called the Human-Desolate War was that during its middle and late phases, many weaker desolate beasts switched to the path of demon cultivation to accelerate their breakthrough, subsequently switching allegiances and identifying themselves as demons.
Even now, many demonic beasts in the Mountain Sea Realm could decide upon reaching the fourth rank whether to take human form: they could either pursue the path of demon cultivators, or shatter their demon core to undergo atavism and revert to desolate beasts.
The Black King was the product of such a choice. Having lost his demon core, he had naturally—or rather, forcibly—trodden the path of desolate beasts.
Setting aside the rift between demons and desolate beasts, in that ancient war, the Tianyuan Dao Sect had sacrificed the most and achieved the most glorious triumphs. Consequently, after the war, they claimed the Central Plains—the cream of the crop within the Mountain Sea Realm!
There, they faced neither the threat of endless demonic beasts from the Eastern Desolation and Northern Sea, nor the corrosive miasma and Gu insects of the Southern Border, and its resources were vastly richer than those of the barren Western Desert.
And the Mirage Dragon Grotto-Heaven was one of the spoils of that ancient war.
"The Mirage Dragon was one of the supreme desolate beasts. It exhaled clouds and mist, conjured illusions of the sun, moon, and stars, and formed a grotto-heaven within its body.
"Even in death, its immense cultivation did not dissipate, lingering in the Central Plains as a source of endless calamity.
"The experts of our sect could have eradicated it, but under the resolute leadership of our founding Sect Master, who overrode all objections, the Mirage Dragon's carcass was transformed into a secret realm. That is how the Mirage Dragon Grotto-Heaven came to be."
Fu Chaosheng caught his breath before continuing, "After its transformation, the secret realm developed its own natural wonders. With the power of the Mirage Dragon, a Nascent Soul cultivator can merge their spirit with the world to comprehend the true meaning of the worldly laws."
Luo Chen's face showed astonishment. "When a Nascent Soul cultivator merges their spirit with heaven and earth, aren't they afraid of being assimilated by the world?"
"Weren't you doing the exact same thing just now?" Fu Chaosheng countered.
Luo Chen explained, "Through a stroke of luck, I resonated with the true fire within my body, using the echo between the flame and heaven and earth to touch upon the truth of the world from an angle."
Fu Chaosheng smiled faintly. "Isn't that a coincidence? The Mirage Dragon's power shares a similar wonder with your source true fire. Moreover, the Mirage Dragon itself was a master of illusion, capable of confounding the fake with the real. Not only does it allow cultivators inside to grasp the true meaning of laws, but because the grotto-heaven within its body creates a natural barrier separating it from the external world, it maximizes protection against having one's divine soul assimilated by heaven and earth."
Luo Chen opened his mouth, momentarily at a loss for words.
After absorbing the Netherfire from Old Monster Netherfire, his Wither-Bloom Fire underwent an alternation of life and death, allowing him by a stroke of luck to stumble into that state of sudden enlightenment.
Yet he had never imagined that such a method had already been standardized within the Tianyuan Dao Sect.
Furthermore, the Mirage Dragon Grotto-Heaven was likely opened to more than just a single person, meaning the practice had been expanded on a broader scale.
Seeing Luo Chen's shock, Fu Chaosheng shook his head and continued:
"Such an opportunity is a supreme fortune even within the Tianyuan Dao Sect, something countless disciples dream of.
"Yet not everyone is qualified to enjoy it.
"Because the Mirage Dragon's power is finite, each depletion requires centuries to recover even a fraction.
"Therefore, our Dao Sect fixed the interval to once every five hundred years. This timing happens to coincide with our sect competition, so every five centuries, that tournament among internal disciples becomes the most ferocious and carries the most lavish rewards."
What kind of reward could be considered the most lavish?
Dharma instruments and magic treasures? Pills and spirit herbs?
No!
Compared to those, merging one's spirit with heaven and earth to comprehend the Great Dao was undoubtedly the prize cultivators yearned for most.
Normally, the Tianyuan Dao Sect's competition was divided into three cultivation realms—Nascent Soul, Core Formation, and Foundation Establishment—with a separate contest held for each.
However, in this five-hundred-year tournament, almost all participants were early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators!
As for why it was open only to early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators rather than Core Formation disciples, or mid-to-late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators?
Fu Chaosheng provided a brief explanation on this point as well.
For Core Formation cultivators, using such an opportunity was simply too wasteful; moreover, illusory beasts roamed the Mirage Dragon Grotto-Heaven, making it exceedingly difficult for Core Formation cultivators to survive.
Mid-stage cultivators, having practiced for many years, had developed thicker barriers around their violet palaces, lacking the level of resonance with heaven and earth that early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators still retained.
As for late-stage Nascent Soul Great Cultivators?
Practically every late-stage cultivator in the Tianyuan Dao Sect had already participated in a grand competition after ascending to the Nascent Soul realm.
Even if one had not coincided with the five-hundred-year tournament, at their advanced age, they would hardly stoop to snatching opportunities from their juniors.
"In the three thousand-plus years since the ancient war, our sect has held the five-hundred-year competition six times. Over that time, the rules and details have been continually refined. As of now, it has been made clear that only those who have ascended to the Nascent Soul realm within the past century or below are permitted to enter the Mirage Dragon Grotto-Heaven.
"It is fraught with peril inside, especially when merging one's spirit with the world to comprehend the Dao, facing attacks from illusory beasts and interference from opponents. Therefore, each participant is permitted to bring along one Dao protector who meets the rule restrictions.
"Luo Chen, you are the most suitable Dao protector I have chosen for my granddaughter!"
This thorough explanation finally laid out the circumstances in full clarity.
Whether Fu Chaosheng was still withholding anything remained to be seen, but Luo Chen now had a basic understanding of this five-hundred-year tournament.
Under the other man's watchful gaze, he posed his first question.
"Why me?"
"Why couldn't it be you?" Fu Chaosheng retorted, then perked up as he continued, "Over the years, I have cultivated extensive connections and scouted several suitable candidates for a Dao protector, but compared to you, every one of them falls short."
He then recited Luo Chen's feats like treasures from his own collection:
The battle at Lengguang Island, where he fought against superior numbers, clashed across cultivation realms, and ultimately departed with ease.
During his time with the Myriad Immortals Association, traversing the Three Oceans Defensive Line and slaughtering countless powerful demonic beasts, cementing Demonic Lord Qingyang's illustrious name.
In the Land of the Fallen Demon, turning the tables and slaying Feiyunzi!
"And all of these were stellar accomplishments you achieved while still in the Core Formation realm. While I won't say no one will ever match them in the future, they certainly have no precedent in the past."
Luo Chen's lips twitched. "You certainly have paid a lot of attention to me, Fellow Daoist!"
"Haha!"
Fu Chaosheng chuckled heartily. "Don't be cross. The influence of my Tianyuan Commerce Alliance spans the Northern Sea; we do enjoy a slight edge when it comes to intelligence."
The next moment, his tone suddenly shifted.
"You were already so formidable in the Core Formation realm. Now that you have achieved the Nascent Soul realm, you will only reach even greater heights!
"Nine days ago, your pure Nascent Soul domain completely suppressed the third-tier Nascent Soul Sky Splitter Stream Lord. That alone speaks volumes.
"As a Dao protector for my granddaughter, it has to be you!"
Luo Chen fell silent.
Indeed, any single deed he had performed could be recounted as a legend.
An ordinary Core Formation cultivator could boast for a lifetime about just one such feat, yet he had accomplished many.
And there were even some that Fu Chaosheng hadn't discovered.
After a moment of silence, Luo Chen posed his second question.
"Is there danger in this five-hundred-year competition?"
"If I claimed there was none, I would be far too dishonest. However, it will absolutely, definitely not lead to death. After all, even within our sect, Nascent Soul cultivators are vital talents; how could we allow them to be squandered lightly during an internal contest?"
"Are you positive?"
"Certain!"
Luo Chen lapsed into silence once more, lowering his head in thought.
Fu Chaosheng did not disturb him; an affair like this naturally required careful consideration.
He had indeed done Luo Chen a favor in the past, but that was between a Nascent Soul cultivator and a Core Formation cultivator.
Now that both shared a comparable cultivation realm, that past kindness could only be considered a modest favor.
If Luo Chen chose not to honor it, there was nothing Fu Chaosheng could do.
One could hardly expect a drop of water received in need to be repaid with a gushing spring!
Their relationship had not reached such an intimate depth.
After a long while, Luo Chen finally raised his head.
"I took too long deliberating; thank you for your patience. But for me, this matter is indeed a difficult choice. After all, if I decide to become your granddaughter's Dao protector, I will inevitably clash with other prodigies of the Tianyuan Dao Sect. A single misstep could easily breed enmity."
Fu Chaosheng's expression shifted slightly. "Though my Fu family cannot be counted among the preeminent clans of the Dao Sect, we are still an aristocratic family with a heritage spanning thousands of years. Any grudges, I imagine..."
"If that were truly the case, why didn't you choose a Dao protector from within your own clan, Fellow Daoist?" Luo Chen countered.
Fu Chaosheng's face froze. Those words hit a bit too close to home.
If the Fu family were truly that formidable, they would never lack suitable experts within the clan.
Moreover, the post of elder in the Tianyuan Commerce Alliance seemed immensely revered to outsiders.
Yet transposed into smaller sects, it was essentially nothing more than a steward handling mundane external affairs.
What kind of person and clan would be assigned such duties?
Evidently, Luo Chen was no fool.
This time, it was Fu Chaosheng's turn to fall silent.
Under Luo Chen's prolonged gaze, Fu Chaosheng could only offer a bitter smile.
"I've made a fool of myself before you. My Fu family truly suffers from a shortage of successors. Before my granddaughter, I was the only Nascent Soul True Person barely keeping our family from falling out of the aristocratic ranks. Now that she has ascended to the Nascent Soul realm, I dare to hope for more. I hope she can break through to Deity Transformation in the future, elevating the Fu family to the ranks of the preeminent clans. To that end, I have no choice but to risk everything."
At this point, his spirits lifted.
"You seem to be in great need of this, aren't you?"
A colored glaze bottle appeared in his hand.
Luo Chen took it; it was precisely the Soul Essence that Old Monster Netherfire had handed over earlier.
"If you agree to help, I can give you two more bottles."
Luo Chen raised an eyebrow. "Also containing the souls of tens of millions?"
"Do not underestimate me. The Northern Sea cultivation world has witnessed torrential slaughter in recent years, and who knows how many demonic scoundrels have secretly refined Soul Essence. With my status as an elder of the Commerce Alliance, gathering a mere couple of bottles of ten-million-soul essence is well within my reach."
Luo Chen felt somewhat swayed.
"Not only that, if you agree, I can also recommend you to become a guest elder of our Dao Sect. When the time comes, even if you offend other prodigies within the Mirage Dragon Grotto-Heaven, with the status of a guest elder, they will not dare move against you openly."
A guest elder of the Dao Sect!
Luo Chen took a deep breath, having already made up his mind.
However, since the other party was beseeching him rather than the other way around, he had to bargain to maximize his gains.
"To tell the truth, I am grateful for your past kindness and genuinely wish to assist. But having only recently attained the Nascent Soul realm, there are countless tangled threads on my path of cultivation, leaving me sleepless night after night. If you can help me resolve a few trivial matters and save me that time, I will surely be able to focus on cultivating, enhance my abilities, and exert my utmost effort in the five-hundred-year competition!"
Trivial matters?
Fu Chaosheng smiled faintly. "Speak freely!"
Luo Chen smiled as well, immediately laying out the so-called trivial matters one by one.
Fu Chaosheng felt a headache coming on as he listened, but realized none of them were truly colossal tasks. With his authority within the Commerce Alliance, accomplishing them wouldn't be difficult.
Moreover, Luo Chen was not merely making demands; he was willing to pay remuneration, merely asking for his assistance.
Rather than calling this third matter a condition, it was more like ordinary business.
...
Inside a secret chamber in Mulan Court.
Old Ghost Nanqi barged in hurriedly.
"Sky Splitter, you failed to deliver on what you promised me before. This time, you must help me!"
The moment he entered, he cut straight to the chase.
The Sky Splitter Stream Lord frowned in displeasure. "It wasn't that I failed to deliver, but that Old Monster Netherfire gave me no opportunity whatsoever."
"I don't care about that! You wouldn't possess your current prowess without the immense help of my Wind Edict Gu. You ought to return the favor!"
The Sky Splitter Stream Lord took a deep breath. "Fine, tell me what it is."
"It's simple. You and I will find an opportunity to finish off that Desolate Hermit! Everything on him will belong to you, except for that bottle of ten-million-soul Soul Essence, which belongs to me!"
Old Ghost Nanqi looked sinister. "A mere loose cultivator who only just attained Nascent Soul, yet possesses such strength and wealth—it's obvious his net worth is immense. Don't tell me you aren't tempted. Besides, on the square of Guiyuan Palace, not only did you fail to establish your dominance, but you were also trampled as a stepping stone. Don't tell me you bear no grudge or resentment in your heart?"
The Sky Splitter Stream Lord did not refute him.
After pondering for a while, he nodded slowly.
"When do we make our move?"
"When the Armistice Conference concludes!" Old Ghost Nanqi said with supreme confidence. "By then, everyone will be returning to their respective territories, and no one will meddle in others' business. With the two of us joining hands, the Desolate Hermit and True Person Langya will be no match for us."
"That is indeed a fine opportunity." The Sky Splitter Stream Lord smiled. "I heard that while treating Netherfire's injuries, that boy suffered severe depletion of his vital qi and will likely have to stay in Mulan Court for a while. That window will give us plenty of time to plan the details."
Old Ghost Nanqi also broke into a smile, as though victory was already in the palm of their hands.
Yet what they did not know was that Luo Chen was already far away from Mulan Court.
In the deep, dark sea, a flickering candlelight slowly rose within a dim, foul-smelling wall of flesh.
"Is this the Black King's stomach pouch?"
Looking at the terrifying acid secreted by the fleshy walls, goosebumps actually rose on Luo Chen's powerful physical body.
If he did not put up any defense at all, this acid could probably corrode and digest even his physique!
"True Person, where are we heading now?" Sang Jinghe asked curiously.
Luo Chen smiled faintly. "First, we'll make a trip to our planned destination, Lengguang Island, and then head to Shenyuan City to await True Person Fu."
With that, he brought out a chair and reclined comfortably.
A thin beast-skin booklet appeared in his hand, and he quickly became engrossed in it.
Sang Jinghe felt nothing in particular toward Lengguang Island, but he was intimately familiar with Shenyuan City—it was extremely close to the Myriad Immortals Association!
It was also very close to his Tusang Island!
For a moment, he felt a sudden pang of hesitation and trepidation as he drew near his home.
He wondered how his fellow disciples back at the Tusang Sect were faring now.
Deep in the ocean, a black flood dragon surged forward through the currents, skirting around spiritual vein islands one after another as it sped toward Lengguang Island.
Chapter 725