Inside the alchemy chamber.
A figure lay collapsed on the ground, life or death uncertain, enveloped only in a red protective barrier.
Luo Chen glanced at Qi Yi and breathed a soft sigh of relief.
In the end, the young man's cultivation was simply too low, and Luo Chen had been somewhat careless himself. The moment the cauldron was unsealed, a surge of alchemical power had washed in all directions, knocking him unconscious on the spot.
Had Luo Chen not reacted swiftly to shield him, Qi Yi might well have lost his life in the course of concocting pills.
Aside from the alchemist's own shortcomings, this had occurred because of the sheer potency of the medicine and the presence of the Hunyuan Cauldron!
The alchemical force of the medicine had been exceedingly strong, yet still no match for the Hunyuan Cauldron, which held it under strict suppression. Thus, when the cauldron was finally opened, that bottled-up force had erupted violently outward.
At that moment, Luo Chen looked upward with a touch of curiosity.
After that wild burst, the vast medicinal energy began to steadily draw back, funneling into nine pills that glittered like stars.
Faint low growls and roars resonated through the empty air.
It was impossible to tell whether this was caused by the rapid withdrawal of medicinal power or by the inherent oddity of the Jiuli Pill itself.
"Ordinary pills emphasize fusion and condensation before taking shape, drawing everything into extreme internal containment.
"Yet this Jiuli Pill is truly peculiar. It refuses to fuse until it has had a taste of the open world."
Luo Chen chuckled, the buzzing roars vibrating against his ears.
Yet as he listened to that roaring, his smile gradually faded, replaced by an expression of bewilderment and suspicion.
This "pill resonance" resembled an ox yet was not an ox, sounded like a wolf yet was not a wolf.
Deep and resonant, it also carried a sharp, desolate shriek.
Among the primary ingredients was indeed a Golden Core from a nine-headed roe deer, but how could such a beast ever produce a sound like this?
Instead, this cry bore an uncanny resemblance to a demon race recorded in the ancient tomes of the Demon Realm that he had read during the third trial of the Alchemy Realm in the Land of the Fallen Demon.
In an instant, memories surfaced in his mind.
*"The Nine-Headed Hao: born with nine heads, each with its own will and differing temperament, some brutal, some docile. Inhabiting vast marshes, fond of demon fruits, born with innate abilities to control earth, wind, water, and fire. Reputedly descendants of Xiangliu, one of the three ancient demons of the Demon Realm. Natural enemies of the Aberrant-Eye Clan, descendants of the ancient demon Zhulong, hunting each other for tens of millions of years. However, while the Aberrant-Eye Clan band together, the Nine-Headed Hao live in isolation; over time, this demon race gradually vanished from the Demon Realm. Taboos of this demon: lightning and thunder, the sharpness of the metal element..."*
Tracing these memories, Luo Chen pieced all the clues together.
At birth, a Nine-Headed Hao did not possess nine heads, but rather a series of fleshy nodules. Each time a nodule sprouted into a head, it mastered a new ability.
And those "demon fruits," when translated into human cultivation terms, were actually spiritual essences—extreme products refined from heaven and earth.
Bit by bit, piece by piece, Luo Chen finally arrived at a conclusion.
The cultivation technique Jiuling Yuanjun practiced truly originated from the Demon Realm, and had likely been created using the Nine-Headed Hao as a template.
That was why nodule-like growths appeared on his Nascent Soul.
And that was why he was so skilled at refining Nine Firmaments Qi!
Once he grasped this, Luo Chen experienced a sudden epiphany.
Even if these realizations brought no practical boost to his cultivation, his breadth of knowledge had broadened considerably.
Yet another question immediately followed.
How could a technique modeled after a demon race exist within the Mountain and Sea Realm?
He had never heard of demons dwelling in this realm.
Even Demonic Lord Liantian had actually hailed from beyond the heavens.
Beyond the heavens...
For some reason, Luo Chen's thoughts drifted back to the ascension of Alchemy Saint Chu Yan. The destination she had ascended to was certainly not the legendary Immortal Realm.
The spiritual opportunity that hoisted her upward had been intercepted by the sect master of the Tianyuan Dao Sect.
She had passed through the Star Gate, journeying to an entirely different realm.
Legends in the cultivation world held that while indigenous humans had always existed in the Mountain and Sea Realm, desolate beasts had historically reigned supreme.
It was not until ancient times, when the Five Great Sacred Grounds emerged out of nowhere, that desolate beasts were slaughtered on a massive scale.
To preserve themselves, the desolate beasts abandoned their original path, converting to the rapid cultivation method of demon beasts transforming into human form, which eventually gave rise to the ancient war between humans and demons.
Luo Chen remained gazing upward at the ceiling of the alchemy chamber, yet his gaze seemed to pierce through the roof, peering out into the world beyond, out past the highest heavens.
"Any mighty powerhouse, any great faction, leaves footprints wherever they tread; their rise always stirs up waves.
"The Five Great Sacred Grounds appeared out of thin air, leaving behind no past traces. The only explanation is that they were never natives of the Mountain and Sea Realm at all, but hailed from another world. That world might well lie beyond the Star Gate in the Central Plains...
"Furthermore, that world is connected to the Demon Realm. Thus, when they descended upon the Mountain and Sea Realm, they brought along countless exotic arts and profound techniques, all structured and fully formed.
"This also explains why one of the three lineages of the Yuan Demon Sect can cultivate pure demonic qi—a detail I overlooked before.
"An opening war claims a domain, a sea. If viewed on a grander scale, could the descent of the Five Great Sacred Grounds also be considered an opening war? Only on an incomparably vaster scale, conquering an entire world?"
Thought after thought, speculation after speculation, erupted in Luo Chen's mind.
It seemed fantastic and difficult to fathom, yet as the clues linked together, it felt entirely logical, drawing closer and closer to the truth.
And the origin of all these conjectures was merely the nine pills floating in the air.
Luo Chen's expression stirred slightly, and he waved his hand toward the Jiuli Pills aloft.
*Clink, clank.*
Like large and small pearls falling onto a jade plate, Luo Chen gathered the pills, scooped up Qi Yi, and walked out of the alchemy chamber.
***
Inside the stately Luotian Grand Hall atop Mount Daqing, Li Yingzhang sat in the high seat, his gaze fixed upon the three humans and one beast standing in the hall.
The leading woman possessed profound cultivation. In the vast Luotian Sect, excluding the Supreme Elder, perhaps only Wang Yuan and Sima Huiniang could hold an edge over her.
No, given that Sima Huiniang's cultivation realm had fallen, she might not even match this woman now.
Yet what Li Yingzhang dreaded most was the beast perched upon the young woman's shoulder!
Resembling a snake yet akin to a python, it bore proud horns upon its head!
At his waist, the Chilong Sword buzzed softly, emanating an instinctive dread.
Unlike ordinary magical treasures, his Chilong Sword had been forged through an unorthodox method that integrated a beast soul into the blade, granting it formidable might.
For the sword spirit of the Chilong Sword to show such dread, the only explanation was that the creature before him was very likely of the dragon lineage as well, and of a far higher echelon!
What did that mean?
A fourth-tier dragon-kin Demon Sovereign!
And a powerful Demon Sovereign capable of striding openly through the Fenghua Domain!
Li Yingzhang's expression turned grave. "May I ask what brings the four of you to seek an audience with our sect's Supreme Elder?"
Tianxuan gave no reply.
A year ago, when Luo Chen departed on his own, he had specifically warned them to speak and act with caution!
Even though they had now reached the Luotian Sect, she maintained her policy of saying and doing as little as possible until she laid eyes on Luo Chen in the flesh.
Unless someone or something worthy of her trust appeared.
Seeing that none of them spoke, Li Yingzhang furrowed his brows deeply.
Footsteps echoed from outside the hall.
Perched upon Zhang Jingqing's shoulder, Black King suddenly raised his head.
"Is it Master?"
"No, that's not him!"
At the entrance of the hall, led by Zeng Yilong, Sima Huiniang hurried inside.
With just a single glance, her eyes fell upon Tianxuan.
*What a proud beauty!* Sima Huiniang praised silently before speaking with graceful poise: "I am the Dao companion of the Luotian Sect's Supreme Elder. My husband is currently in seclusion concocting pills and cannot receive guests. If you fellow Daoists have any matters to discuss, you may speak to me."
Tianxuan studied her carefully, and in her uncertainty, could not help glancing at Black King.
Black King nodded solemnly. "She bears Master's aura in great abundance, virtually identical to the source blood Master used to save me back then."
Having received confirmation, Tianxuan hesitated no longer.
To everyone's astonishment, she bowed deeply.
"Tianxuan greets the Mistress!"
Not only her, but Black King also dropped to the floor with a swish, revealing his true form amid the crowd's shock.
A colossal black dragon coiled into a small mountain, nodding and bowing obsequiously toward Sima Huiniang.
"Little Black greets the Mistress!"
Greetings from Sang Jinghe and Zhang Jingqing followed, yet no one paid them any attention.
Black King's enormous body, which practically crammed the entire hall, was simply too staggering.
Sima Huiniang was caught completely unprepared.
Her husband had never mentioned any of this!
Earlier, she had assumed that some romantic entanglement from his travels had come knocking on their door.
Yet looking at them now, a cultivator nearing the late Golden Core stage and a fourth-tier Demon Sovereign were both addressing her husband as "Master."
This was truly incredible.
Just what had her husband experienced during his century abroad?
Just as everyone stood dumbfounded, a reprimand rang out.
"You show-off, put away your true form."
Black King's eyes lit up. As clouds and mists churned, he shrank rapidly, turning into a streak of light that shot out of the hall.
Everyone turned toward the voice as Luo Chen strode into view.
"Master!"
"Supreme Elder!"
"Husband!"
Luo Chen nodded, letting Black King coil around his right arm, and shifted his gaze to Tianxuan and the others.
"How did you arrive so quickly? Didn't you say it would take around two years?"
Tianxuan stood up and replied respectfully, "It was Senior Gu. The Tianyuan Commerce Alliance wished to establish a presence at Lingtian Pass, and he came in person to negotiate, so he brought us along."
Luo Chen's eyes flashed.
Gu Zuokai?
Given the travel speed of a Nascent Soul cultivator, bringing along a few people at an unhurried pace was more than enough to reach the Fenghua Domain in a year's time.
"Where is he now?"
"He dropped us off in the Fenghua Domain and proceeded to Lingtian Pass to request an audience with Castellan Lingtian. He also mentioned that once he has free time, he will come visit you, Master."
Luo Chen nodded.
As the Great Elder of the Tianyuan Commerce Alliance in the Eastern Desolation, Gu Zuokai certainly refused to remain confined to the Dongyang Domain.
With Lingtian Pass currently standing on the front lines against the invading demon beast army, the risks were greatest, but the potential profits were just as immense. It was only natural that he would make this trip.
Beside him, Sima Huiniang asked curiously, "Husband, who are they?"
Luo Chen smiled and made introductions for Huiniang and Li Yingzhang.
"This is Tianxuan; her true form is a demon beast, a Tianxuan Battle Gull."
At these words, both of their expressions shifted dramatically.
A transformed Demon Sovereign!
Realizing what they were thinking, Tianxuan hurriedly waved her hands.
"I am not nearly that formidable. It was only thanks to Master's assistance that I underwent early transformation."
So that was it.
Yet even so, Sima Huiniang and Li Yingzhang marveled repeatedly.
Her husband—their Supreme Elder—actually possessed such heavenly means to allow a third-tier demon beast to transform ahead of time.
Luo Chen did not offer excessive explanations, continuing, "During those years in the North Sea, Tianxuan remained by my side, handling all sorts of trivial matters for me, and she possesses ample experience. Yingzhang!"
"Present!"
"I leave Tianxuan in your hands. Familiarize her with the Luotian Sect's affairs and the overall situation across the Lingtian Five Domains. Afterward, she will assist you in managing the sect. As for specific arrangements, use your discretion."
Li Yingzhang looked at Tianxuan.
She offered a gracious smile. "I shall be relying on you from now on, Sect Master Li."
Luo Chen continued, "Sang Jinghe and Zhang Jingqing are descendants of old acquaintances. Jinghe is proficient in the art of nurturing spiritual plants; Yingzhang, arrange a suitable post for him as well."
Li Yingzhang's eyes brightened—a Golden Core spiritual planter!
"As for Xiaoqing..." Luo Chen pondered for a moment and turned to the young woman. "Would you be willing to join my Luotian Sect?"
Without the slightest hesitation, Zhang Jingqing dropped to her knees in homage.
"I shall obey the True Lord's decree!"
Standing quietly to the side, Sima Huiniang watched the scene with deep gratification.
Ever since her husband's return, the Luotian Sect had flourished more with each passing day.
Not only had internal morale stabilized, but the sect had expanded its external network, and now several capable figures had been added to their ranks.
Even Zhang Jingqing, who appeared somewhat unremarkable at first glance, carried a steady and composed demeanor, by no means a fragile, pampered maiden.
However, what she remained most curious about was the black dragon coiled around her husband's arm.
Just when had her husband subdued a Demon Sovereign as a spirit pet?
Luo Chen offered no explanation on that front, turning instead to inquire about external developments during his seclusion to concoct pills.
Li Yingzhang reported everything in detail.
"The spirit cranes delivered by the White Crane Sect have mostly been subdued by our disciples. While our beast-taming techniques cannot compare to the Hundred Beasts Sect or the White Crane Sect, our combat strength has increased considerably.
"I have also taken stock of the vast quantity of talismans you bestowed upon us. Once war breaks out, they will be distributed to the disciples.
"Additionally, the patrol rotation that was originally scheduled for us at Lingtian Pass has been deferred by Castellan Lingtian.
"The three frontline domains are in dire straits, and many cultivators from those regions have fled our way. However, they have all been ordered to remain inside Lingtian Pass and forbidden from fleeing further inland."
Luo Chen listened quietly, gaining a general understanding of conditions inside and outside the sect.
He specifically asked, "Has the Mingyuan Sect still not deployed its forces?"
Li Yingzhang shook his head. "The Sacred Ground remains utterly unmoved. Even the surviving cultivators from Tianfan City whom they previously managed have been broken up and handed over to rear-guard sects like the Qianji Sect. Aside from Castellan Lingtian, they appear not to care in the slightest about the fate of Lingtian Pass."
Luo Chen could not help but knit his brows.
According to Jiuling Yuanjun, the demon beasts were coming with overwhelming ferocity this time. If the Sacred Ground did not intervene, Lingtian Pass alone would never hold out for long.
Could it be that the Mingyuan Sect truly cared nothing for this territory of the Eastern Desolation?
"Ah, right!"
Li Yingzhang retrieved a piece of azure jade.
"While you were in seclusion, Senior Lingfengzi visited twice. Unable to meet you, he left this behind."
Luo Chen waved his hand to beckon the jade piece over; it was a resonance token.
Though it could not transmit voice messages, once crushed, the owner could sense it no matter the distance.
He had likely come seeking pill concoction as well!
Luo Chen did not contact Lingfengzi immediately. Having just finished concocting the Jiuli Pills, he felt somewhat fatigued and had no desire to take on a new commission right away.
After chatting briefly with the others, Luo Chen returned to his cave dwelling.
Accompanying him was only Black King, coiled around his arm.
"Come out!"
Mist billowed as the black markings upon his right arm suddenly sprang to life, coiling several times before gliding onto the floor.
Luo Chen pointed at the ground beneath their feet.
"What do you think?"
Black King curled his lip. "There's a large-scale third-tier spiritual vein, but it hasn't reached the fourth tier. Nothing impressive."
Luo Chen snapped with exasperation, "If it were already fourth-tier, what would I need you for?"
Black King chuckled sheepishly.
Luo Chen fell into contemplation.
Ever since emerging from the Mirage Dragon Grotto-Heaven, he had spent three years consolidating his cultivation realm. With his unsettled magic power mostly refined, he needed to give serious thought to finding a fourth-tier spiritual vein to support his cultivation.
Yet under present circumstances, where in the Eastern Desolation was there a spare spot to accommodate him?
Black King's arrival came at just the right moment.
He had never forgotten Black King's innate talent for drawing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to converge upon him voluntarily.
After musing for a moment, Luo Chen asked, "By your estimate, how long will it take to nourish this place to the fourth tier?"
Black King spoke with a hint of disdain: "This place is too small, a mere hundred li across. It cannot link up with much earth qi."
"How long!"
Black King shrank his neck. "Ten years, perhaps!"
"What if we supplement it with arrays designed to nourish spiritual lands?"
"That might shave off thirty percent of the time."
"And what if I embed supreme-grade spirit stones of all five elements into the raw ore veins of the spiritual vein?"
"Cut it in half again!"
Upon hearing this answer, Luo Chen remained somewhat dissatisfied.
Three years to forge a fourth-tier spiritual land?
It sounded wonderful, but just as Black King said, Baili Qingchuan was too small to tap into substantial earth qi. Even if it reached the fourth tier, it would be incapable of supporting his cultivation.
The duration was slightly too long, and the ceiling was far too low.
Luo Chen sighed. "Never mind, I will figure something else out later!"
"Master, what about me?" Black King poked his head forward and asked.
Luo Chen glanced at him and said flatly, "Burrow into the spiritual vein and sleep your fill. Even if I don't need you, the Golden Core cultivators of the Luotian Sect certainly do."
At present, the Luotian Sect had only five third-tier cave dwellings in total.
Yet the sect now housed nine... no, eleven Golden Core cultivators!
They indeed required more third-tier dwellings.
In that sense, Black King's arrival was quite timely.
Black King gave an understanding grunt, yet before departing, he asked another question.
"Should I release the dragon earthworms from my body?"
Luo Chen declined.
Black King pressed no further and, right before Luo Chen's eyes, burrowed straight into the depths of the earth vein.
After he departed, Luo Chen let out a deep sigh.
Baili Qingchuan was simply too small.
Not only could it not sustain his cultivation, but many of his plans could not be realized here either.
The vast amounts of spiritual soil stored within the Penglai Octagonal Pavilion, the thousands of dragon earthworms carried by Black King, and the numerous methods of nourishing spiritual veins in his repertoire...
All of these were supreme resources capable of cultivating a grotto-heaven and blessed land!
Yet, as the saying went, even the cleverest housewife could not cook a meal without rice—he lacked the territory!
"Living under someone else's roof truly leaves a bitter taste. No wonder Motian Cliff and the Five Elements Divine Sect repeatedly provoked Fenghua Palace despite the pressure of the Sacred Ground's mandates."
Luo Chen muttered to himself, flicking his wrist to reveal a pill whose medicinal potency had fully converged.
It was precisely one of the freshly concocted Jiuli Pills!
This pill could assist Jiuling Yuanjun in separating his nodules to form spiritual infants.
Luo Chen did not know the specific method.
Nor could he use the pill himself, since it contained the essence blood of Jiuling Yuanjun's Nascent Soul and was effectively claimed before it was even refined.
Yet another idea had taken root in his mind.
"My puppet avatar possesses a soul but lacks power. If I can harness the efficacy of this pill to sever part of my Nascent Soul and fuse it with a divided soul, could I forge an unorthodox secondary Nascent Soul?"
"No... as the *Soul Splitting Art* advances and I cleave out even more divided souls, might there be an opportunity to birth a third Nascent Soul, a fourth, or even a fifth...?"
Chapter 797