Chapter 161: Only by Fighting!

The Duan family of Dahe Market!

They had a history of three hundred years of inheritance; it is said that the first-generation ancestor was not a person from this domain.

Rather, he rose at the end of the opening war, relying on forming ties with cultivators from Tianfan City, and learned some fur-deep knowledge of casting from them.

Plus years of exploration and research, he finally formed his own path.

Feeling the fierce competition in the inner domain.

More than two hundred years ago, the Duan family ancestor came to Dahe Market, which had just been founded at that time, occupied spiritual land there, and opened a family.

Inherited to the present, more than ten generations of clansmen have passed.

The current patriarch in charge has a high seniority; it is said that he is a third-generation clansman.

However, these are no longer important.

What is important is that they are snatching people from the Luo Tian Society.

Li Wanchun, who came from the Wanbao Building, was not some miscellaneous worker who welcomed and sent off guests.

But a helper in the Wanbao Building who assisted Tianfan City disciples in forging magic tools.

Regarding magic tool casting, although he had no personal style, he could be called familiar with the heart.

Perhaps, he had even learned some real things from the Tianfan City disciples.

Luo Chen wanted to recruit such talent into the Luo Tian Society and assign him to Duan Feng.

Luo Chen had always wanted to do magic tool business!

It was just that he was troubled by the fact that the Luo Tian Society only had Duan Feng who understood it, so he couldn't expand it.

But if Li Wanchun joined, at least he could open up the situation a little bit.

Establishing a casting hall, combined with the many magic tools confiscated from multiple great battles, could fully support the initial business.

Unfortunately, there was also the Duan family who had the same idea as him.

When Luo Chen's hawk-like gaze looked over, the Duan family cultivator who was talking eloquently and offering many preferential conditions couldn't help but stiffen all over.

That person was also a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator; although his realm was lower than Luo Chen's.

But relying on the name of a family cultivator, he didn't feel inferior to anyone.

Noticing his own embarrassment, he immediately became ashamed and angry.

"What are you looking at? Choosing where to go is Fellow Daoist Li Wanchun's freedom!"

"Moreover, my Duan family is skilled in magic tool casting; this is a well-known thing, and it should be the best place for Fellow Daoist Li."

"If you are uncomfortable, you can offer better conditions to recruit him."

He spoke righteously, and even became triumphant toward the end.

The cultivators of the Luo Tian Society were filled with righteous indignation and were about to reason with him.

After all, strictly speaking, Li Wanchun had already agreed to join the Luo Tian Society before.

"Don't move!"

Luo Chen called out to those few people from the Luo Tian Society.

He stood in place, his gaze falling on Li Wanchun, who was in a dilemma.

"Where to go, Fellow Daoist Li decides for himself; my Luo Tian Society will never bully others by relying on power."

Li Wanchun stood in the middle of both sides, only feeling his scalp go numb.

The half month in the inner city was the most difficult period of time he had ever experienced, and he didn't know what would happen every day.

The ghost realm scene outside the shop brought him a huge impact.

At that time, he was thinking that as long as he could live and get out, there would never be a situation worse than this.

After coming out, being abandoned by Elder Chu and left in Dahe Market, he was very lost.

But in an instant, he was invited to join the Luo Tian Society.

This made his mood gradually improve.

At least, he had a place to stay.

He never expected that the famous Duan family would also issue an invitation to him.

"This must be the turn of fortune after the extreme!"

This was his previous thought.

Being fought over by two powers, it was truly a happy trouble!

However, when Luo Chen, the President of the Luo Tian Society, said he should "decide for himself," he actually felt a bit cold.

In the short term, joining the Duan family was undoubtedly the best.

That side was skilled in casting, which could maximize his lifelong learning.

But there were also drawbacks; the Duan family had many casting talents, and going there, he might not necessarily be reused.

Therefore, in the long run, the Luo Tian Society was undoubtedly a better choice.

Going to the Luo Tian Society, he might have a chance to break away from his previous low status as a helper and stand alone in the Luo Tian Society, displaying his talents.

Li Wanchun was not a short-sighted person.

Therefore, he chose—"I appreciate President Luo Chen's high regard, but I would rather go to the Duan family."

"Very good, I respect your idea!"

Luo Chen smiled without warmth, left such a sentence, and took his people away.

Seeing this, Li Wanchun couldn't help but sigh.

He had offended this party leader after all!

Beside him, the Duan family cultivator sneered, "He really thinks of himself as a character; just a loose cultivator power at the Qi Refining stage."

"Our Duan family is a great power with a Foundation Establishment True Person!"

Li Wanchun nodded in agreement.

He didn't care about short-term or long-term; he only knew that a power without a Foundation Establishment True Person to suppress it would definitely not go far.

In Dahe Market, besides the industries of the five great superior sects, there were many other shops.

Among them, there was no lack of shops from the other six sects of the Yuding Domain.

But in the end, the only ones that could walk out of the ghost city alive were the five great shops.

For no other reason than because these five shops had Foundation Establishment True Persons sitting in them!

He saw it very clearly, which was why he chose the Duan family.

As for whether he would offend Luo Chen, after joining the Duan family, he didn't care much.

Living in the Wanbao Building for a long time, he didn't care about ordinary loose cultivators at all.

Not to mention Luo Chen, even the Luo Tian Society, he didn't really look at it in his eyes before.

The Duan family was the good bird choosing the tree to perch on!

Regarding Li Wanchun's choice, Luo Chen naturally understood the ins and outs.

While saying he respected it, his heart was cold.

Not having a Foundation Establishment True Person was the biggest shortcoming of the Luo Tian Society.

Therefore, in terms of talent competition, they would be at a huge disadvantage compared to other powers.

He didn't linger there at all just now.

Because he knew clearly that no matter what good conditions the Luo Tian Society offered, cultivators who came out alive from the inner city would wisely choose other powers.

"Not just talent competition, I'm afraid other things will also expose problems."

Luo Chen, who felt free and relaxed after Pang Renxiong died.

Now in his heart, it became heavy again.

The days ahead, I'm afraid, would not be easy.

But no matter how difficult the days were, he had to persist and walk on; there was no reason to give up lightly.

After returning to the Luo Tian Society, Luo Chen gathered everyone for a meeting.

The number of attendees was very small, only Murong Qinglian, Gu Caiyi, and Duan Feng, who represented the Battle Hall.

"The inner city has turned into a ghost realm, and the cultivators of the major sects have also withdrawn one after another; at least for a short time, they will not come back."

After throwing out this news, Luo Chen left enough time for the three to digest it.

Watching the three go from shock to heated discussion, and finally become worried.

Luo Chen spoke again, "For a short time, I will definitely not give up the Luo Tian Society. As long as we can operate, even if Dahe Market declines, we can go to other markets to survive, at least we won't become isolated and helpless."

"That is the principle." Murong Qinglian nodded in agreement, "Fighting alone, it is very difficult to achieve things. But any loose cultivator Foundation Establishment, without heaven-defying opportunities, basically relies on various powers to successfully establish Foundation."

This was the experience summarized by loose cultivators for many years.

Not to mention anything else, the two loose cultivator Foundation Establishments in Dahe Market, Mi Shuhua and Wang Haichao, both relied on the Poshan Gang and the Dajiang Gang to finally successfully establish Foundation.

Hugging together for warmth is not a joke.

Relying on a power, one can collect enough comprehensive cultivation resources to continue climbing the cultivation base.

Moreover, having a power to rely on, in many cases, one doesn't have to worry about sudden robbery and killing.

Seeing Gu Caiyi, and even Duan Feng nodding in agreement, Luo Chen talked about the situation the Luo Tian Society was about to face.

The restlessness of small powers, the possible suppression by large powers.

He analyzed them clearly, broke them apart and kneaded them, and told the three.

After listening, the three's worry became deeper, but only they did not propose to dissolve the Luo Tian Society and go their separate ways.

Luo Chen looked at the three with gratification; it was not in vain that he treated them with sincerity, at least everyone's hearts were still united together.

Therefore, the later things were much easier to talk about.

"The current situation is very dangerous, but it is also the greatest opportunity!"

"Loose cultivators with strong strength have the confidence to cross the wilderness and go to other markets to seek survival. But loose cultivators with weak strength can only stay in Dahe Market."

"What's more, here, only the inner city is destroyed."

Everyone agreed with these words very much.

Although Dahe Market was dominated by the inner city, after many years of operation, the outer city area also had its own set of ecology.

Even because of the large number of loose cultivators in the outer city area, this kind of ecology was more extensive.

Don't you see that the Poshan Gang originally operated many industries in the outer city area.

The five great black markets of the past were all set up in the outer city area.

If you add the rich resources in the mountains, perhaps some high-realm loose cultivators would not easily leave their homeland where they had fought for many years.

"In this situation, the departure of the Spirit Medicine Pavilion has left a huge vacuum in the elixir market."

"If we can grasp it, the Luo Tian Society will definitely be able to make a fortune!"

Gu Caiyi frowned, "But without the herb supply of the Hundred Herbs Hall, can you still stably refine Jade Marrow Elixirs?"

"Without the Hundred Herbs Hall, there is still the Lianyun Alliance!" Luo Chen said lightly.

Murong Qinglian was startled, and then reacted.

Indeed, in terms of raw herb materials, the Lianyun Alliance was not weaker than the Hundred Herbs Hall.

Strictly speaking, the Hundred Herbs Hall was just a power from the outer domain, while the Lianyun Alliance was a local power that had operated for a long time.

Gu Caiyi asked carefully, "Will they do business with us?"

As soon as these words came out, everyone looked at each other.

Luo Chen looked at Gu Caiyi with appreciation; this was the key to the problem.

He silently used spiritual power to hold up an object and flew it to the center.

"This is?"

Duan Feng raised his eyebrows; he felt a sharp sword intent from that small sword.

This was actually a top-grade magic tool!

Luo Chen said softly, "A token bestowed upon me by the Yuding Sword Sect Elder, Core Formation True Person Pang Renxiong. Seeing this object is like seeing him in person."

"But he is already dead!"

"But the Yuding Sword Sect is still alive!"

Luo Chen looked around at everyone and smiled, "Others don't know the relationship between me and the Yuding Sword Sect, so there is a lot of article to be made here."

Duan Feng hesitated, "President, do you mean to say that we are mixing fish eyes with pearls?"

"No, it's borrowing the tiger's prestige!" Murong Qinglian said decisively, her gaze also looking at Luo Chen.

The other party nodded and showed a smile.

Standing up, Luo Chen carried his hands behind his back and paced with small steps.

While walking, he said,

"My relationship with the Yuding Sword Sect has actually always been unclear."

"First, Miao Wen cooperated with me, wanting to rely on my alchemy to accumulate wealth, and gave warnings to those few great powers."

"Later, I invited the Yuding true disciple Luo Tianhong to take action personally to reattach Brother Qin's severed limb."

"These cannot be hidden from others."

"Especially in the eyes of those who care, my relationship with the Yuding Sword Sect is very deep."

Listening to these words told in detail, the three hall heads all showed thoughtful expressions.

The experienced Murong Qinglian even had a sudden realization.

"No wonder half a month has passed since that battle. Other Foundation Establishment powers are all holding back."

"If it were according to the previous style, I'm afraid they would have coveted your alchemy long ago, Luo Chen."

Gu Caiyi suddenly realized, "They are fearing the relationship between you and the Yuding Sword Sect, Luo Chen?"

"Yes!"

Luo Chen stopped his steps, his gaze deep.

"But if we keep quiet like this, sooner or later someone will be unable to hold back."

"Therefore, we must take the initiative."

"As long as we can reach deep cooperation with several families, by then, regardless of whether we have a backer or not, they will not easily destroy the original cooperative relationship."

"And this token left to me by the Core Formation True Person is the best stepping stone!"

On the Lancang River, a large ship a hundred zhang long was docked at the shore.

The surging river water rushed over, slapping against it, but the large ship remained motionless.

Luo Chen stepped onto the deck accompanied by Dajiang Gang cultivators.

A figure stood at the bow, facing the breeze, without turning his head.

"This ship was commissioned by me from Tianfan City; the main material is the bone of a dragon whale, supplemented by various water-attribute monster materials."

"Luo Chen, what do you think of this ship?"

Luo Chen walked forward step by step; with his eyesight, he could naturally see the rank of this ship.

"The rank is only low-grade, but the power is enough to exceed most top-grade magic tools."

Wang Haichao turned his face and looked at him.

"Good eyesight indeed; it is precisely because my Dajiang Gang has such ships that we can roam the Lancang River and many water areas of Yuding."

Luo Chen twitched the corner of his mouth.

Isn't this nonsense?

Who else could have such a large low-grade magic tool?

Ordinary first-tier monsters simply couldn't cause fundamental damage to it.

Perhaps he also knew that such an opening remark had no meaning.

Wang Haichao changed the subject, "To tell you the truth, your daring to come see me alone really surprised me a bit."

During the battle of Xieyue Valley, two Foundation Establishment True Persons arrived later.

They were Wang Haichao and Elder Zhou of the Lianyun Alliance respectively.

Their intention in rushing over was very obvious.

It was nothing more than snatching the resources of the two halls of alchemy and, most importantly, controlling Luo Chen.

Now that Luo Chen had come to his door personally, how could he not be surprised.

Luo Chen smiled lightly and took out the small sword magic tool casually.

"This is?" Wang Haichao was suspicious.

"Elder Pang's token, you haven't seen it before, have you?"

Luo Chen looked at the other party with a smile that was not a smile.

Wang Haichao's expression changed slightly, but there was still a trace of suspicion.

Luo Chen didn't care about him and put the small sword magic tool into his storage bag.

Leaning on the railing, he went straight to the point, "I came here just to restart the cooperation between the two sides and stabilize the business of washing jade."

"Gang Leader Wang, what do you think?"

Wang Haichao frowned, avoiding talking about this business.

"It seems you have a deep relationship with the Yuding Sword Sect!"

"Then let me ask you, Dahe Market had such a big event, why hasn't the Yuding Sword Sect returned yet?"

Luo Chen's expression remained unchanged, saying lightly, "Those who should return will return. You don't think the Yuding Sword Sect would be indifferent to losing a Core Formation Elder and two Foundation Establishment True Persons, do you?"

Hearing these words, Wang Haichao raised his eyebrows.

No sect would ignore the fall of a Core Formation cultivator.

Especially when they were ambushed and besieged, and even a large market was destroyed.

"Gang Leader Wang, you must understand one thing. Great sects are different from small households like us; they have many things to consider, so it is normal for their actions to be a bit slow."

"Just like the death of that late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator of Mount Ailao, the Yuding Sword Sect waited for a full half year before coming to deal with this matter."

"And looking at the degree of importance, sending a Core Formation cultivator directly shows that they don't move unless they have to, and when they do, it is like thunder."

"By the same token, the Dahe Market tragedy is ten times, a hundred times worse than the Fei Bowen case!"

"When the time comes, what arrives might not be as simple as just one Core Formation True Person."

After saying these words, Luo Chen paused.

He looked at the scene of birds catching fish on the vast river and smiled suddenly.

"Originally, I should be accompanying Elder Pang and Deacon Miao back to the Yuding Sword Sect now."

"But there was a change, so I had to stay behind."

"When the cultivators of the Yuding Sword Sect return, I will tell them everything about this place, big and small."

"Hmm, including the movements of the major local powers at that time, as well as many future actions."

Wang Haichao's heart sank.

"Are you threatening me?"

Luo Chen shook his head hurriedly, "How would this junior dare!"

"Just want to do business with you properly and make a fortune together."

"What's more, inside Dahe Market, you are not the only one doing the washing jade business. But I came to you alone, also out of consideration for our many previous collaborations."

"Gang Leader Wang, this junior still respects you very much."

Wang Haichao's expression gradually softened.

Luo Chen's words truly gave him a bottom line in his heart.

In fact, during this period of time, the major Foundation Establishment True Persons of Dahe Market had already met many times.

They were all guessing the Yuding Sword Sect's reaction and the possible accountability that might come.

With Luo Chen, an existence with a deep relationship with the Sword Sect, he had a lot of room for operation.

"It's just washing jade business, I agree."

"Then everything, as usual?"

"As usual!"

"In that case, this junior will take his leave; subsequent matters will be handled by those below!"

Cupping his hands, Luo Chen left calmly.

Wang Haichao stood on the deck, his gaze following his back.

Until Luo Chen disappeared into the vast crowd.

Returning to the protection of Zhou Yuanli and the others, Luo Chen let out a long, turbid breath.

Without knowing when, cold sweat had seeped out on his back.

Sure enough, dealing with Foundation Establishment cultivators was too dangerous.

It was only because he had the means of Pang Renxiong's token that many things could not be put on the table to talk about.

"The Dajiang Gang side is settled, the other few families still have to run a trip."

"Once these things are handled properly, I can truly calm down to refine elixirs and cultivate, and sprint to the Great Perfection of Qi Refining!"

"I hope everything goes smoothly!"

Luo Chen sighed.

He was a personality inclined toward stability, whether in his previous life or this life, it was the same.

But unfortunately, many things do not shift according to human will.

Initially, he only wanted to refine some Myriad Wonder Elixirs to satisfy his own cultivation, but he was forcibly arranged with the identity of the Alchemy Hall Master by Mi Shuhua.

Later, he thought, since he was here, he would be at peace; relying on the Poshan Gang to refine elixirs to brush proficiency, and picking up some wool when he had nothing to do, was also a kind of cultivation path.

But Mi Shuhua's ruin exploration, returning seriously injured, broke this kind of stable life.

He wanted to run away, but before leaving, he planned to get a sum of funds; the siege of the five great powers changed everything.

Fine, if the Poshan Gang is gone, it's gone.

With Miao Wen, a sect Foundation Establishment cultivator, his stage could be even bigger.

However, Miao Wen hadn't even received the first month's dividends, and Luo Chen was already taken a fancy to by Pang Renxiong.

Of course, Pang Renxiong being besieged and killed was also beyond Luo Chen's expectations.

He had packed his luggage at the time, finished saying goodbye to his friends, and even arranged various follow-ups for the small power he had built with one hand, the Luo Tian Society.

As a result, all expressions were made in vain.

"Although the three people who wanted to use me didn't have a good end."

"But, I've had enough of that feeling of being unable to control myself."

"Since I'm here, don't let me be at peace!"

Luo Chen walked on the rebuilt Qingjiang Long Street, looking at the loose cultivators coming and going; they didn't have the sadness of the inner city of Dahe Market being destroyed, but instead had hope for the future.

Without the Yuding Sword Pavilion, without sect shops, it didn't seem so miserable?

The major local powers would still acquire various resources collected by loose cultivators, and the prices given were even higher than before.

The barter between each other, the frequent holding of black markets, were even more active than before.

"Stable cultivation, how could it be so easy."

"Only by fighting, only by working hard, only by struggling, can there be a glimmer of life for the Great Dao."

Luo Chen no longer pinned his hopes on "hope."

Taking advantage of this vacuum period of sect cultivators in Dahe Market, he wanted to firmly grasp the opportunity and fight for a space for himself!

(End of chapter)

. ===== CHAPTER 162 =====