Could low-tier cultivators reason with a Nascent Soul True Person?
The answer was an absolute no!
This was especially true now for Luo Chen, the most renowned and sought-after Nascent Soul True Person in all of the Eastern Barrens.
Countless powerhouses curried favor with him; with a single raise of his arm, ten thousand echoed in response.
The Mingyuan Sacred Land had taken the initiative to recruit him, a God Transformation mighty being had personally invited him, and he was soon to take charge of the Hall of Alchemy Saints.
Even an established great cultivator like Perfected Shenyuan dared not play the elder in front of Luo Chen, choosing instead to negotiate with polite words and courteous compromise.
Under such circumstances, even if many of the minor factions that participated in the Motian Domain's opening war knew full well that the Luotian Sect harbored ulterior motives in mediating their conflicts, they could only hold their noses and accept the Luotian Sect's arbitration.
First, they dared not oppose the Luotian Sect.
Second, after drifting for so long, their sects had declined to their absolute lowest ebb; each and every one of them desperately needed a territory to rest and recuperate.
Consequently, without suffering major casualties, the present Luotian Domain saw ordinary third-order spirit veins cohabited by two factions, while a large third-order spirit vein might even host three Golden Core powers simultaneously.
For a sect's future development, such a compromise was virtually no different from drinking poison to quench thirst.
Yet on the surface, the Luotian Sect had indeed avoided causing losses to anyone: every faction had a place to reside, and every cultivator had spirit veins to cultivate upon.
As for the future, they could not afford to worry about it.
After all, even Luo Chen had been forced to take things one step at a time back when his cultivation was low, so how could ordinary mortals and cultivators expect to do any better?
Within the ten-thousand-li territory carved out by the Luotian Sect, massive renovation works were underway.
Led primarily by array masters from the Tiandu Sect and assisted by cultivators from the Luotian Sect as well as the six assisting Nascent Soul upper sects, specialized transformations were carried out across this relatively well-preserved spiritual land.
Mountains were relocated to fill spirit veins, and ancient trees were transplanted.
Dragon veins were surveyed and spirit nodes tapped, dividing caves and abodes for every cultivation realm.
Whenever a thorny problem arose, even Luo Chen and the other Nascent Soul True Persons had to pitch in.
They moved mountains from the Nine Spirits Domain, dredged residual water veins deep underground from the Taihu Domain, and traveled tens of thousands of li to the Fire Ridge, using grand techniques to dislodge and transport an entire flaming mountain to make up for the Motian Domain's lack of high-quality earth fire.
Several supreme-grade spirit stones that Luo Chen had treasured for years were embedded directly into the fourth-order main vein, all to reignite this spiritual vein that had lain derelict for a century.
Through day after day of renovation, the Luotian Sect's ten-thousand-li domain continually took on a fresh look, and its foundation steadily deepened.
***
On this day.
Among the peaks adjacent to Motian Cliff—a mountain slightly shorter, yet not lacking in imposing grandeur—a solemn, stately palace was finally completed.
Luo Chen stood on the newly paved white jade plaza, looking toward the palace plaque covered in red cloth.
"Yingzhang, go ahead!"
Li Yingzhang paused for a moment before bowing respectfully to Luo Chen, then drifted over through the air.
Under the expectant gazes of the crowd, he pulled away the cloth, slowly revealing the three characters: [Luotian Hall].
Seeing this, Fairy Fenghua and the other surrounding Nascent Soul True Persons voiced their congratulations to Luo Chen.
Lin Qingxuan stood among them, though his emotions were tangled.
Before he was even born, when the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect conquered the Jade Cauldron Domain, a scene like this must have taken place as well!
Yet compared to the cramped Jade Cauldron Domain, this Motian Domain was far superior.
It possessed not only a vast territory, but also numerous spirit veins and countless resources.
Though the subordinate forces were numerous, none of them had achieved significant prominence, posing no threat of an overmighty servant turning against its master.
As far as future development was concerned, the Luotian Sect was bound to have boundless prospects!
What about himself, then? What about the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect?
Although he had taken a clever shortcut to assume leadership of Wan Jian Pavilion and avoided a bloody opening war, facing Wan Jian Pavilion's profound legacy meant he would have his hands full for years to come.
Standing on the plaza, Luo Chen looked at the radiant Luotian Grand Hall. Surrounding it were banners emblazoned with the sect's insignia—"a rosy dawn bathing the elixir cauldron as the cinnabar sun rises." Luotian Sect cultivators stood beneath the banners with chests out and heads held high, their hearts brimming with joy.
Watched by dozens of gazes, Luo Chen walked forward step by step to the front of the hall.
Li Yingzhang took a step aside, retreating behind Luo Chen.
Every eye was fixed entirely on that one man.
A white robe unstained by dust, a youthful countenance resembling that of a young man—yet those eyes, having weathered countless tribulations, spoke clearly of how hard a path he had walked to get here.
Amidst everyone's anticipation, Luo Chen spoke slowly.
"Our Luotian Sect arose beside the Great River, originally nothing more than floating duckweed in the dust."
"Through countless fellow disciples defying death and stepping forward one after another, hacking through thorns and brambles, slaying demons and purging beasts over two hundred years of wind and rain, we have finally become today's Nascent Soul upper sect, establishing our mountain gate here at last."
"I, Luo Chen, proclaim that the Luotian Upper Sect establishes its mountain gate here, laying a foundation for ten thousand generations, its legacy never to be extinguished!"
Following his impassioned proclamation came cheers that shook the heavens.
Unable to suppress the excitement in their hearts, every Luotian Sect cultivator cheered wildly.
A few more sentimental disciples felt their noses sour and tears spill down their cheeks.
Luo Chen was also deeply moved. The once exceedingly frail Luotian Association had finally, step by step, made its way to this point.
He patted Li Yingzhang's shoulder. "I'll leave entertaining the cultivators of the other upper sects to you. They have helped us a great deal recently."
Li Yingzhang nodded repeatedly. These cultivators of the Nascent Soul upper sects would be the Luotian Sect's network in the future.
Once the disciples of the Luotian Sect completed their training and traveled the world, everyone would need to look out for one another.
Under such circumstances, he would never neglect them.
Today's fine wine and exquisite food could not fall short; even if it emptied the Luotian Sect's meager remaining reserves, they had to maintain a proper showing.
Meanwhile, Luo Chen led Sima Huiniang and Gu Caiyi to stand at the entrance, extending invitations to the observing Nascent Soul True Persons.
"Fellow Daoists, please come inside!"
The others entered the hall with smiles, finding tables laden with spiritual wine and fine delicacies before taking their seats.
Lingfengzi and Wang Yuan had already walked in on their own without needing Luo Chen's prompting.
With a flick of his robe, Luo Chen escorted his two Golden Core Dao companions, Huiniang and Caiyi, to the head seats.
What followed was a lively scene of clinking cups and jovial banter.
During the feast, Luo Chen specifically inquired about the upcoming plans of the Nine Spirits Sect and the Divine Talisman Sect.
The Divine Talisman Sect naturally intended to return to their ancestral land, while the Nine Spirits Sect faced a trickier situation.
The domain they intended to open up was the old territory of the Medicine King Sect.
Not only was it overrun by large numbers of demon beasts, but more critically, the Nine Spirits Sect was utterly unfamiliar with its geography and was currently scouting for intelligence.
Gu Caiyi asked curiously, "Why not choose the vacant Piaomiao Domain and Ancient Fireworks Islet? They're close to our Luotian Sect, so we could be neighbors. Or do you find those two places too small?"
Among those present, Gu Caiyi had the lowest cultivation realm. Her question seemed somewhat abrupt, yet no one reproached her.
Simply because she sat beside Luo Chen as his Dao companion!
Jiuling Yuanjun shook his head. "The size isn't really an issue; in times like these, having a place to settle is already quite fortunate. The problem is that both places already have masters."
Gu Caiyi was taken aback. How could those two places have masters?
The demon race had retreated, the Piaomiao Sect was now integrated into the Luotian Sect, and Ancient Fireworks Islet had collapsed following the fall of Xiao Shiniang.
Seeing her confusion, Lingfengzi explained, "Flags have already been planted in those two regions. Though the two clans behind them aren't overwhelmingly powerful, no one dares provoke them!"
"Which two clans?"
Just as Gu Caiyi wondered, an announcement suddenly sounded outside the doors.
"Lin Yonghua and Gu Hong of the Mingyuan Sect offer congratulations on the Luotian Sect establishing its domain!"
Luo Chen's eyelids drooped, and he whispered softly, "And here they are!"
Led by Li Yingzhang, two figures stepped into the grand hall.
The Nascent Soul True Persons stood one after another, greeting the two newcomers.
"True Person Lin!"
"True Person Gu!"
Luo Chen squeezed out a smile. "You two are busy men, yet you took the time today to congratulate my sect on establishing its gate. Our sect is truly grateful. Yingzhang, make arrangements."
Li Yingzhang promptly brought two meditation cushions and dispatched attendants to serve spiritual wine and fine delicacies matching the standards of the other Nascent Soul True Persons.
The two unfamiliar Nascent Soul True Persons took their seats without showing the slightest displeasure over being kept waiting.
Lin Yonghua looked toward Luo Chen. "Dropping by unannounced to offer our congratulations has caused trouble for Master Alchemist Luo."
Gu Hong said gruffly, "Master Alchemist Luo need not be so formal. My senior brother and I have come today not only on behalf of the Mingyuan Sect, but also representing the Lin and Gu clans. From now on, we are neighbors."
Luo Chen nodded. "Indeed. Since we will be neighbors going forward, we ought to visit one another often."
Though he wore a smile as he spoke, an icy chill gripped his body.
Lin Yonghua and Gu Hong were both Nascent Soul cultivators hailing from the Mingyuan Sect!
They had broken the ancient custom of Mingyuan cultivators training exclusively within the Sacred Land, stepping out to establish their own factions and taking up residence in Piaomiao and Ancient Fireworks Islet.
Such a move not only confirmed Luo Chen's past suspicion that the Mingyuan Sect intended to emulate the Tianyuan Dao Sect by expanding its influence across the entire continent, but also subtly hemmed in the Luotian Sect, completely dashing its hopes of distancing itself from the Mingyuan Sacred Land.
The Sacred Land was truly keeping a close eye on him!
Luo Chen sighed inwardly, yet continued chatting warmly on the surface.
The two spoke pleasantries, saying that once Luo Chen joined the Mingyuan Sect, they would all be fellow disciples; and since the Lin, Gu, and Luotian factions were so close and shared such deep ties, they naturally ought to watch over and help one another.
They also mentioned that the three high-tier alchemists within the sect eagerly awaited Luo Chen's arrival, hoping he would go over soon to discuss the Alchemic Dao together.
Finally, upon taking their leave, Gu Hong grandly offered an overture of goodwill.
"Motian Cliff and the Five Elements Divine Sect used to be at odds with you. Not long ago, they even tried to use the Piaomiao Domain where I reside as a staging ground to attack the Five Elements Domain, but I sternly refused them!"
"Offending Master Alchemist Luo is the same as offending me, Gu Hong!"
This was an immense gesture of face. After all, Old Ghost Motian was nothing to worry about, but Perfected Shenyuan was a great cultivator. For Gu Hong to confront him so bluntly on Luo Chen's behalf made it seem to any observer that he was defending Luo Chen with all his might.
Yet to Luo Chen, it felt like something else entirely.
Fellow disciples, three high-tier alchemists eagerly awaiting him, a great cultivator's face paling beside that of Master Alchemist Luo... Every single detail seemed designed to urge Luo Chen to make haste toward the Mingyuan Sacred Land.
Were they truly in such a rush?
The banquet concluded amidst bustling celebration.
In the dead of night, Luo Chen slipped away from the warm, tender embrace of his companions, casually draped a thin outer robe over his shoulders, and stepped onto the quiet mountain path.
Walking upward at an unhurried pace, the surrounding peaks came into view in the distance.
Beneath his feet was Motian Cliff; ahead lay Luotian Peak, where Sect Master Li Yingzhang resided; to the left and right were peaks bestowed upon Lingfengzi and Wang Yuan.
One had been renamed Piaomiao Peak, and the other Shendou Peak.
Further ahead lay the planned Danxia Peak, meant to commemorate the Danxia Mountain where the Luotian Sect had once resided.
In the future, that would be where new disciples recruited by the Luotian Sect were nurtured.
As for the other areas, they were still in the planning stages and would be addressed once the sect's roster gradually filled out.
"Everything is orderly and falling into place."
"Perhaps it is also time for my departure."
Just as Luo Chen murmured to himself, his brow suddenly twitched, and he slowly turned around.
The bright moon was veiled by dark clouds, and within the boundless night, a figure gradually emerged.
"Luo Chen, do you know what awaits you for betraying my Tianyuan Dao Sect?"
Luo Chen pursed his lips. "Fellow Daoist Gu, you know that was never my intention."
Under the cover of night, the figure drew closer. When it landed upon Motian Cliff, the man revealed was none other than Gu Zuokai, Great Elder of the Eastern Barrens' Tianyuan Commerce Alliance.
He gazed quietly at Luo Chen, hearing the sincerity in his voice.
In truth, according to his observations, joining the Mingyuan Sect had indeed not been Luo Chen's intention.
Previously, Castellan Lingtian had repeatedly tried to recruit him, only to be rebuffed every time.
It was only when the God Transformation mighty being, Ancestor Mingyuan, personally appeared that Luo Chen had been forced to agree.
And from what had transpired today, with the two Nascent Soul True Persons Lin Yonghua and Gu Hong leading their clans to settle in Piaomiao and Ancient Fireworks Islet, they were subtly keeping the Luotian Sect in check.
Clearly, the Mingyuan Sacred Land placed immense value on Luo Chen!
Luo Chen looked earnestly at Gu Zuokai and said in a deep voice, "I am merely an external guest elder of the Star Gate, not even a formal guest elder. To speak of betrayal—isn't that an overstatement?"
"Yet you joined the Star Gate after all, and you have a registered cave abode on Heaven and Earth Peak," Gu Zuokai said.
Luo Chen shook his head. "Then have the Star Gate and the Tianyuan Dao Sect take it up with the Mingyuan Sect, or negotiate with Mighty Heize! I am a person of little consequence, and with my disciples, old friends, and Dao companions monitored by the Mingyuan Sect, it is hardly possible for me to just walk away."
Gu Zuokai sighed. That was indeed the truth.
When all was said and done, the Tianyuan Dao Sect had failed to value Luo Chen enough early on.
They had overlooked the immense alchemic talent latent within him.
As a result, far from making him a Star Gate elder or consecrated elder, even the guest elder position they granted him was the lowliest external guest elder.
Seeing his reaction, Luo Chen breathed a sigh of relief.
"Fellow Daoist, coming here alone today, I presume you did not come to hold me accountable?"
Gu Zuokai waved his hand. "Master Alchemist Luo's talent and the Demon Slayer Perfected's might are renowned throughout the Eastern Barrens. Though I fancy myself possessing some skill, I wouldn't dare seek trouble with you on my own."
With that, he took out a jade box covered in restrictive formations.
"Here, a reply from Perfected Tianshan."
Luo Chen was stunned for a moment. He had made this trip specially just to deliver a letter?
Still, he had indeed waited many years for this reply. To resolve the parasite crisis within Huiniang, he could only place his hopes on Perfected Tianshan from the Southern Border.
Seeing Luo Chen accept it, Gu Zuokai prepared to take his leave.
Before departing, he could not resist leaving a word of warning.
"I oversee the Eastern Barrens Commerce Alliance; the Star Gate's affairs are none of my business. But out of our good relationship, I want to remind you: anyone who enters the Star Gate either dies of old age on Heaven and Earth Peak or fights for the Tianyuan Dao Sect. Your current actions are no different from betrayal, and the Star Gate Council of Elders will never sit idly by."
"Be careful in all things from now on!"
The dark clouds dispersed, and moonlight once again bathed Motian Cliff.
Gu Zuokai's figure was already gone from Luo Chen's sight; only the red jade box in his hands emitted a faint warmth.
Luo Chen tightened his grip on the jade box, his lips pressed thin.
Gradually, however, his grip relaxed, and the corners of his mouth curled upward.
Back then, when the Alchemy Saint left for the Central Continent and joined the Tianyuan Dao Sect, had the Mingyuan Sect not been furious as well?
Now, the tables were simply turned.
Alchemy Saint Chu Yan had safely cultivated all the way to the God Transformation realm without the Mingyuan Sect causing any trouble; they had even dispatched representatives specifically to observe the ceremony.
What about now?
"Since you forced me to join, then whatever pressure comes from the Tianyuan Dao Sect, you can bear it yourselves."
Chapter 874