Within a secluded valley on Mount Qingping, a chilly mountain breeze drifted in, wailing softly.
A woman veiled in light gauze paced back and forth, seemingly waiting for something.
Suddenly, the whistling rush of someone flying through the air came from beyond the mountain.
A surge of delight washed over her, and she hurried out to meet the arrival.
The instant she saw who it was, she bowed gracefully in a practiced manner. "Tao Wan greets Sect Master Li!"
Li Yingzhang waved his hand and smiled. "Why must you be so formal, Sect Master Tao? Our two sects share deep history from the past; there is no need to stand on ceremony like strangers."
Beneath her veil, Tao Wan gave a bitter smile.
Once, Azure Pill Valley was a formidable Core Formation major sect of immense strength, while the Luotian Sect back then was still merely the Luotian Association—a second-rate power at best.
Today, Azure Pill Valley possessed only three Core Formation cultivators, barely clinging to the ranks of a major sect.
Yet the Luotian Association, which had once relied on Azure Pill Valley's favor, had risen to become the exalted, supreme Luotian Sect.
Between the two, a mournful, thick barrier had long since formed.
The only remaining link that allowed them to converse on speaking terms was likely the small shared history between herself and the Luotian Sect's Supreme Elder.
Sighing inwardly, Tao Wan gathered her spirits and asked, "Is True Person Luo willing to see me?"
Li Yingzhang replied apologetically, "Unfortunately, the Supreme Elder has been very busy lately and cannot spare the time to see you."
Tao Wan parted her lips, her face beneath the veil washed in disappointment.
Yet Li Yingzhang's next words swept all her gloom away.
"However, rest assured: for this opening war, the Supreme Elder has agreed to let Azure Pill Valley participate. Furthermore, once we secure the domain, you will be permitted to select a Tier 3 spiritual ground as a home for your sect's continuation."
Hearing this, Tao Wan was overjoyed.
"Thank you, Sect Master Li, and please convey my deepest gratitude to your esteemed sect's Supreme Elder!"
Li Yingzhang waved his hand. "Think nothing of it; it is a small matter. I still have duties to attend to, so I shall take my leave first."
"Please proceed, Sect Master Li, do not mind me. In one year, Azure Pill Valley will join the battle in full force!" Tao Wan said joyfully. She brought out a storage bag and presented it respectfully. "Though True Person Luo does not wish to see me, there are things our Azure Pill Valley has not forgotten. I ask Sect Master Li to pass this on to him."
Li Yingzhang looked at the storage bag with hesitation.
Tao Wan said earnestly, "This is what my Azure Pill Valley owed True Person Luo all those years ago. Though it may be of little use to him now, we cannot break our promise."
Li Yingzhang declined no further, accepting the storage bag before drifting away.
Only after Li Yingzhang had departed did Tao Wan let out a long breath of relief.
She did not linger either. Casting a single backward glance toward the summit of Mount Qingping, she hurried away, heading straight for Lingtian Pass.
***
At the peak of Mount Qingping, Luo Chen and Sima Huiniang stood side by side, taking stock of the magic treasures that would soon serve as the Luotian Sect's foundation and discussing how to allocate them.
Li Yingzhang arrived in haste to report on the situation, concluding by presenting the storage bag.
"I understand."
Luo Chen accepted the storage bag and nodded calmly.
Li Yingzhang lingered no longer, bowing respectfully and taking his leave.
After he left, Sima Huiniang chuckled softly. "To think Azure Pill Valley still exists. Rumors claimed they had been wiped out."
While channeling source power to strip away the flesh-and-blood marks left on the treasures by the Centipede Great Demon Sovereign, Luo Chen replied, "Rumors are only rumors. These ancient Core Formation major sects with long heritages more or less have ways to preserve their bloodlines."
As he said this, a touch of wistfulness surfaced on Luo Chen's face.
As the region on the very front lines facing the beast tide, the Jade Cauldron Domain had suffered catastrophic losses.
Among the Seven Jade Cauldron Sects, the Sword Sect's True Person had met a tragic end, leaving Lin Qingxuan, a rising talent, to shoulder the burden.
The Luoyun Sect was destroyed, its Supreme Elder Han Zhan fleeing for his life to the Northern Sea.
Mount Ailao had collapsed, the Hundred Flowers Palace withered, fewer than one in a hundred remained of the Ice Fort, and the Luotian Sect had fled tens of thousands of li.
As for Azure Pill Valley, it had first weathered the onslaught of demonic beasts, only to suffer internal strife when Xuan Yunzi rebelled and stole the Nascent Soul Formation Pill formula.
Later, rumors spread that a large contingent of Azure Pill Valley disciples was absorbed by the Medicine King Sect, after which the rest were killed or scattered as various powerhouses looted amidst the chaos.
By all rights, Azure Pill Valley could be considered erased from the annals of the Eastern Desolation.
Yet unexpectedly, its last sect master, Tao Wan, had managed to preserve a branch.
Over the years, much like Fairy Jueqing, she had led a few dozen Azure Pill Valley disciples through hiding, breaking into small groups and blending into Lingtian Pass.
They had even concealed the name "Azure Pill Valley," passing themselves off as rogue cultivators.
Luo Chen could easily guess the reasoning behind their conduct.
It was nothing more than fear that someone would covet the Nascent Soul Formation Pill formula Azure Pill Valley had once possessed—fearing that harboring such a treasure would bring ruin upon them.
Now that the situation had settled, Tao Wan hoped to lean on Luo Chen's mighty backing to re-establish her sect.
"Husband, you are quite kindhearted to let this negligible Azure Pill Valley take part," Sima Huiniang said with a teasing smile, looking at him meaningfully. "I hear that Master Tao Wan remains unwed to this day. All alone, she truly is rather pitiable."
"Heh, I used to think only Caiyi was prone to jealousy. How has my sensible Huiniang become like this as well?" Luo Chen paused his work.
Sima Huiniang lowered her head in mild grievance.
Luo Chen sighed, weighing the storage bag Azure Pill Valley had offered in his palm.
"Tao Wan is an old acquaintance after all. How could I turn a blind eye to their plight?"
"Besides, they are sensible and tactful—far more considerate than those other Core Formation major sects."
Opening the storage bag, inside was a transcribed formula for the Tier 4 Nascent Soul Formation Pill. In addition, there was a jade slip recording Azure Pill Valley's former geomantic array, the Five Peaks Shrouding the Valley, which could condense a Tier 4 spiritual vein.
The former was hardly a free gift.
Back when Luo Chen agreed to concoct the Nascent Soul Formation Pill for Azure Pill Valley, Supreme Elder Qingdanzi had promised the crafting blueprints for the Hunyuan Cauldron and the Nascent Soul Formation Pill formula as compensation.
The former had been handed over before the concoction, but the latter was meant to be given only after Luo Chen reached the late Core Formation stage.
Unfortunately, many events transpired thereafter, and Luo Chen was cast adrift into the Northern Sea, causing the promise to fall by the wayside.
Now, Tao Wan presenting the formula on behalf of Azure Pill Valley fulfilled that old pledge.
A beginning brought to its proper close brought true completion.
As for the geomantic array of the Five Peaks Shrouding the Valley, it was clearly a deliberate gift tailored to the Luotian Sect's upcoming establishment of a mountain gate.
Sima Huiniang looked at the two items with curiosity and had to admit that Tao Wan indeed acted with great magnanimity.
Either of these items could serve as a treasured heritage in the hands of a Core Formation major sect. To offer them so generously to Luo Chen in exchange for nothing more than a Tier 3 spiritual ground and the Luotian Sect's protection showed remarkable breadth of mind.
She murmured bashfully, "It was my foolish overthinking."
Luo Chen smiled faintly and affectionately took her fair, slender hand in his.
"It is fine. Once the Luotian Sect is settled, before I head to the Mingyuan Sacred Ground, I will help you fulfill the longing in your heart."
Sima Huiniang's eyes lit up.
"Really?"
"Would your husband ever deceive you?"
"Mmm... Actually, I wouldn't mind at all if Husband took several wives and concubines. I think Tao Wan, Fairy Jueqing, or even Fenghua..."
"Stop right there!"
Luo Chen promptly cut off the topic.
He knew Huiniang's temperament had changed considerably over the years, but he had not expected her thoughts to take such an eccentric turn.
In the end, the affliction of the Consonance Gu preventing her cultivation had made her overcomplicate things in her mind.
He wondered when Perfected Tianshan would send a reply.
Luo Chen shook his head, then beckoned over two True Artifacts: the Thunderbolt Gauntlets and the Gold-Binding Cord.
The Centipede Great Demon Sovereign had single-handedly wielded over a hundred magic treasures and six or seven True Artifacts—a feat far beyond an ordinary cultivator's imagination.
Yet evidently, such a method possessed an inherent flaw.
Namely, the marks used to manipulate those treasures and True Artifacts were not divine sense imprints, but flesh-and-blood imprints.
While quick and convenient, the drawback was an inability to draw forth the treasures' full might.
Thus, in that battle, even though the Centipede Great Demon Sovereign commanded sky-filling treasure radiance, he was ultimately helpless against Luo Chen's cauldron, sword, and armor.
Of course, these shortcomings transformed into advantages before Luo Chen right now.
A soul imprint would be difficult for him to erase swiftly.
But a flesh-and-blood imprint?
Luo Chen's mastery over flesh and blood surpassed even that of the Centipede Great Demon Sovereign; cleansing such marks was simple work.
"These Thunderbolt Gauntlets will go to Wang Yuan. He lacks a suitable offensive weapon, and this item happens to be compatible with the Dao of Qi and blood, making it an ideal fit."
"As for this Gold-Binding Cord..."
Sima Huiniang suggested, "Why not bestow it upon Elder Lingfengzi?"
Luo Chen turned his head, frowning slightly with reluctance.
At this moment, Sima Huiniang regained something of the poise she once held as Sect Master of the Luotian Sect.
She spoke with calm confidence: "Elder Lingfengzi joined the Luotian Sect under a mixture of intimidation and cajolery, so he inevitably harbors some resentment. Now that the situation has stabilized and even a fallen sect like Azure Pill Valley has the chance to rebuild, how could he not feel tempted to strike out on his own?"
"Bestowing a True Artifact upon him shows your respect for him while offering a measure of compensation."
"When you depart for the Mingyuan Sacred Ground, the Luotian Sect will still rely on this Nascent Soul powerhouse to hold the fort for a time. He must not be neglected."
Hearing this, Luo Chen fell into contemplation.
He had to admit that Sima Huiniang made a great deal of sense.
Furthermore, reflecting upon Lingfengzi's abilities, he was adept at concealment, aura containment, and wind evasion, while his direct combat prowess was comparatively modest.
With the Gold-Binding Cord to assist him, his combat capability would be bolstered considerably.
"Then we shall do as my wife says!"
Luo Chen hesitated no longer.
That very day, he summoned Lingfengzi.
Amid Lingfengzi's astonishment, he presented the True Artifact Gold-Binding Cord—which had once bound Luo Chen himself—to the elder.
In return, Lingfengzi gave an exceptionally earnest response:
"Thank you, Senior Brother!"
As for whether any other thoughts lingered in Lingfengzi's heart, Luo Chen did not bother to pry.
As long as Luo Chen remained, the prestige of the Dan Sovereign would weigh upon him, and the Gold-Binding Cord would tether him firmly to the vessel of the Luotian Sect.
Afterward, Luo Chen summoned Wang Yuan and handed over the Thunderbolt Gauntlets.
Not only that, but Luo Chen temporarily took back Baizao Mountain.
"Before the opening war begins, I will reforge this treasure. Once you have both the Thunderbolt Gauntlets and the newly forged Baizao Mountain, coupled with your Great Perfection in the Furnace Realm, you will be able to contend even with ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators!"
Wang Yuan never doubted himself, much less the truth of Luo Chen's words.
As for how to reforge Baizao Mountain, Luo Chen already had a well-formed plan.
***
Inside the Alchemy and Forging Hall.
Baizao Mountain, shrunk to its normal proportions, rested motionless on the ground.
With a flick of Luo Chen's hand, several streaks of light flew out from his storage ring.
There were shattered mountain stones covered in dense restrictions and formations—remnants of the great mountain True Artifact that Luo Chen's Hunyuan Cauldron had smashed to pieces, once heavily relied upon by the Centipede Great Demon Sovereign.
A jade bottle unstoppered, and black liquid flowed forth; though liquid, it exuded an overwhelmingly heavy aura.
This was Old Ghost Motian's True Artifact—Motian Cliff!
On the combat arena, Luo Chen's Wither-Bloom Divine Fire had unleashed and retracted in an instant, melting it down into this state.
Beyond these, several mid-grade and high-grade magic treasures resembling great seals, inkstones, and stone steles hovered beside Luo Chen.
Surveying the array of materials, Luo Chen's eyes held satisfaction.
For a long time, he had harbored the idea of crafting a magic treasure suited to channeling source power for himself.
Yet in this world, few cultivators could cultivate source power, let alone find blueprints to reference.
In contrast, blueprints for crafting blood-qi weapons meant for orthodox body cultivators were fairly numerous.
He intended to use the process of forging a blood-qi weapon for Wang Yuan to test several of his ideas.
If he succeeded, not only would Wang Yuan gain a formidable weapon, but crafting a source-power weapon for himself in the future would also prove far easier.
"First, melt down all these materials!"
With a thought, the Wither-Bloom Divine Fire roared into being, splitting into multiple tongues that enveloped every material and magic treasure.
Even the pristine Baizao Mountain was swallowed by the Wither-Bloom Divine Fire, shrinking gradually as copious impurities were refined away.
***
Years are hard to hold, and time easily slips away.
A mere year might feel long to a mortal, but to a cultivator it was nothing more than an ordinary spell of closed-door cultivation.
Though war preparations were exceedingly complicated, with countless cultivators pulling together, everything fell into place one after another.
Eager to reclaim their homelands, many factions had already set out ahead of schedule.
By contrast, because this was the Luotian Sect's first time waging an opening war, their preparations were considerably slower.
Yet no matter the delay, when the appointed time arrived, they set off at last.
On this day, in the Fenghua Domain, myriad cultivators gathered!
Countless cultivators looked toward Mount Qingping and saw a streak of light soar into the sky, swelling against the wind into a gargantuan flying ship over a thousand zhang long!
Like a massive storm cloud, it cast its shadow over Mount Qingping and even portions of the neighboring Fenghua Palace.
Upon the ship, palaces towered, pavilions stood in neat rows, miniature mountains and waters flowed, and spiritual energy drifted like mist.
Along the vessel's hull, intricate runes were carved, pulsing with an enigmatic might. From time to time, these patterns shimmered with faint gleams of light, imparting a contradictory aura that felt both secure and perilous.
Flanking both sides of the ship were colossal oars; once set into motion, it seemed they could row through the Celestial River at any moment.
Cries of astonishment instantly rang out across the crowd.
"What kind of flying vessel is that?"
"Hiss—could that be the legendary Tianhe Lingxu Ship, rumored to rival a True Artifact?!"
"The Tianhe Lingxu? Isn't that a treasure of the Tiandu Sect? Why is it here?"
"I heard many sects invited the Tiandu Sect to join the opening war, but the Tiandu Sect turned them all down, wanting only to recuperate behind closed doors. Who could have imagined they would choose to aid the Luotian Sect!"
"Indeed! To even lend out the Tianhe Lingxu Ship, one of their foundational treasures—it shows just how much weight the Tiandu Sect places on the Luotian Sect."
"With this ship, success in this opening war is practically assured!"
While fervent chatter buzzed below the mountain, laughter and casual conversation flowed at the summit.
"Senior Dan Sovereign, our sect's Supreme Elder is currently in seclusion nursing wounds, and Elder Tianquanzi is reorganizing sect affairs, preventing them from coming in person. Please forgive us," Ji Wanqian said with a respectful bow.
With hands clasped behind his back, Luo Chen looked up at the colossal ship with a smile.
"It is more than enough. Your esteemed sect's goodwill has been received. What follows will rely on you martial brothers."
As he spoke, he tossed over a bottle of medicinal pills.
Ji Wanqian, a late Core Formation cultivator, had intended to decline, since this assignment was ordered directly by his sect elders.
Yet a wisp of pure pill fragrance wafting from the bottle caused him to swallow involuntarily.
Tier 3 supreme-grade pills!
The Dan Sovereign was so lavish!
Declining no longer, he accepted the bottle like a peerless treasure and said reverently, "Please board the ship first, Senior Dan Sovereign. Leave the rest to us."
Luo Chen smiled faintly and took a step forward, ascending toward the flying ship under the watchful eyes of thousands as if climbing an invisible celestial stairway.
Following him, the cultivators of the Luotian Sect boarded the ship one after another under the lead of Lingfengzi and Wang Yuan.
Once the Luotian Sect disciples were all aboard, nearly ten thousand cultivators flew up from Fenghua Palace, led by Fairy Fenghua at their head.
After both factions had settled in, Li Yingzhang exchanged a few words with Ji Wanqian, then stepped to the prow of the Tianhe Lingxu Ship, gazing down below.
Infusing his magic power, he called out in a resonant voice:
"Fellow Daoists, if you wish to spare your strength, please come aboard!"
With those words, a stir rippled through the gathered crowd below.
Streaks of flight lights surged like mayflies and shooting stars, ascending in unison toward the colossal ship.
Those unwilling to share the same vessel piloted flying boats of varying sizes, flanking the sides.
Once all was ready, Li Yingzhang drew a deep breath and called out at the top of his lungs:
"Target: Motian Domain!"
"Set sail!"
At his shout, the Tianhe Lingxu Ship shuddered. Pattern after pattern lit up in undulating brilliance, and vast waves of spiritual energy surged into the sky.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
The massive oars began to sweep back and forth, parting the surrounding mist with powerful currents of air that rippled outward in wide rings.
The great ship slowly gained momentum, gliding toward the east like a looming dark cloud.
Aboard the Tianhe Lingxu, Fairy Fenghua stood facing the wind, a gleam in her eyes.
"The Motian Domain... Here I thought lending our aid this time would merely be going through the motions, but now it seems quite a good show awaits."
A disciple beside her asked in confusion, "Isn't the Motian Domain unoccupied?"
Fairy Fenghua smiled faintly. "Not long ago, the cultivators of Motian Cliff prepared to return to their ancestral land under the leadership of their Supreme Elder, Old Ghost Motian. Furthermore, that domain will serve as the Five Elements Divine Sect's rear base for retaking the Five Elements Domain."
The disciple's eyes widened in shock. "Does that mean the Luotian Sect's greatest adversary will no longer be those disorganized beasts, but a massive host of human powerhouses led by the Five Elements Divine Sect?!"
"Precisely so. One holds claim by historical precedent, while the other possesses a decree from the Sacred Ground." Fairy Fenghua's heart surged with anticipation.
In terms of legitimacy, the two were equally matched.
Yet whose hands the Motian Domain would ultimately fall into depended on their respective means.
The Dan Sovereign Luo Chen's choice was unmistakably aimed directly at Motian Cliff and the Five Elements Divine Sect.
As it happened, during the years those two sects had resided in the Fenghua Domain, they had also had frictions with her Fenghua Palace. This would be the perfect chance to settle everything at once!
Chapter 868