Chapter 180

In the ancient forest among the mountains.

The snow is heavy, and the cold wind is biting.

Two figures walk side by side.

One has his hair tied up in a white robe, his eyes as bright as stars, and his figure is thin.

The other has loose hair, wearing hemp clothes and straw sandals, with knotted muscles and a sturdy figure.

"How was the chat?"

"Not bad, ruled out the Nangong family's suspicion, and confirmed that Nangong Jin has the intention to form an alliance."

"Then the beast tide, where did it come from?"

"The Li family, the Duan family... I lean more toward the Duan family."

"Oh?"

Crack!

The man's footsteps landed on a dead branch, and he stopped moving forward.

Looking at a small mountain ahead, the snow at the foot of the mountain showed faint signs of melting.

Luo Chen said with a calm expression, "The Li family and we have no direct conflict, and we even have close dealings in the elixir business."

"If they just wanted to target the Nangong family, with the style of that woman Li Yixian, it wouldn't be so simple and crude."

Wang Yuan stopped his steps.

This is already borrowing a knife to kill and framing others, and you still call it simple and crude?

You people, your hearts are so dirty!

"Comparatively speaking, the Duan family has too many reasons to take action against us."

"Many?" Wang Yuan frowned and said subconsciously, "Isn't it just this one reason of Duan Feng?"

Luo Chen nodded lightly.

"Duan Feng is indeed a reason; his progress speed is very fast, and his hatred is extremely deep. If it were me, I would also be unable to resist killing him quickly."

"But besides being a reason, it can also be a trigger."

"Using Duan Feng to draw Duan Qiankun's attention to my Luo Tian Society."

Wang Yuan was puzzled, "Is the Luo Tian Society worth being valued by a Foundation Establishment True Person?"

Everyone knows that the Luo Tian Society looks powerful.

But in reality, it is built around Luo Chen, this one alchemist.

Setting aside Luo Chen, this force is just a pile of loose sand.

Even if they really used Duan Feng as the core to build a magic tool business, with Duan Feng's casting attainments and personality, he could not support this force.

Therefore, those Foundation Establishment True Persons actually do not value the Luo Tian Society.

What they value is "Dan Chenzi"!

And it just so happened that Luo Chen used the name of the Yuding Sword Sect to intimidate these Foundation Establishment True Persons.

Therefore, this peaceful situation of the past few months was created.

Facing Wang Yuan's doubt, Luo Chen looked at the small mountain in the distance that was not tall or steep.

This mountain is called Xiaohuan Mountain and is the ancestral land of the Duan family.

"An average Foundation Establishment True Person naturally would not value a mere Luo Tian Society. However, Duan Qiankun is not an average Foundation Establishment True Person."

"You mean... lifespan?"

"Yes, his deadline is approaching!"

Luo Chen sighed, "A person whose deadline is approaching is undoubtedly most concerned about their legacy."

"The Duan family is his weak point."

"If Duan Rui successfully establishes his foundation, then even if he passes away, the Duan family can continue to exist. But unfortunately, Duan Rui is useless."

"And once that situation arises, the Duan family will become a lamb for the slaughter."

"Brother Wang, it is not just a few Foundation Establishment forces that can take a knife to slaughter this lamb!"

As soon as the last sentence came out, Wang Yuan understood instantly.

The root of this matter still lies in the Luo Tian Society's attack on the Fu family back then.

At that time, there was Miao Wen holding them back from above, and the channels were not smooth below.

In order to break the situation, Luo Chen chose to attack the relatively weakest Fu family.

After success, it did indeed play a significant role.

But now, because of this criminal record, it is naturally easy to be feared by Duan Qiankun.

If he goes, then in front of the Luo Tian Society, which has dozens of late-stage Qi Refining cultivators and over two dozen at the ninth level of Qi Refining, the Duan family is completely vulnerable.

It can be said that the Luo Tian Society, which absorbed the essence of the Poshan Gang, occupies an absolute advantage in terms of intermediate strength when facing most forces.

"This is the second reason."

"As for the third reason..."

A cold smile hung on the corner of Luo Chen's mouth, "If the Luo Tian Society falls, I will naturally be isolated. At that time, the several major forces will inevitably focus their attention on me."

"In this way, can't the Duan family avoid the attention of big figures?"

"If Duan Qiankun's methods are good enough, recruiting one or two external Foundation Establishment retainers for the Duan family would make them even more worry-free."

After listening to this analysis.

Wang Yuan clicked his tongue in wonder.

"If it is really like this, then there is no need to doubt; it can be confirmed that it was done by the Duan family."

"Then now, what should we do? Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, attack the mountain directly?"

That was quite a statement!

It actually shocked Luo Chen.

"Brother Wang, you seem to have inflated a bit recently!"

Wang Yuan laughed, "I have studied those few methods of the second realm of body refining quite well, and I really want to find someone to test them on."

"Human Foundation Establishment cultivators are different from dull and stupid demon beasts." Luo Chen specifically reminded him, fearing he would become arrogant.

Wang Yuan smiled confidently, "If it were before, I would indeed be worried. But as of now, I really want to try a Foundation Establishment sword!"

Seeing him so confident, Luo Chen did not try to persuade him further.

Confidence is a good thing; it means the Luo Tian Society truly has Foundation Establishment combat power.

But as of now, it is indeed not the time to take action.

"No rush, I still need a little time."

Luo Chen said simply, then turned and left.

Wang Yuan did not force it; when not in a combat state, he was still very calm and steady.

Time!

The time Luo Chen needs is actually not long.

Just a year or two.

He needs this time to cultivate to the Great Perfection of Qi Refining and obtain those three Foundation Establishment Pills from Tian Xingzi to impact Foundation Establishment.

If he can establish his foundation, then even without Wang Yuan, he will have enough confidence to face the major Foundation Establishment forces calmly.

But facing the situation where it is highly likely that the Duan family has ill intentions, Luo Chen has not done nothing.

In the market, actions to monitor the Duan family have become more frequent.

To prevent any accidents.

And in private, Luo Chen spent more time on cultivation.

Now that the Fireball Art has reached Great Perfection, Luo Chen has pushed it to the extreme through deduction and optimization.

In this way, he has more time to study other methods.

And it was while he was quietly cultivating that Duan Feng hesitated and came to his door.

In the quiet stone house, after listening to Duan Feng's purpose, Luo Chen raised his eyebrows and said,

"You mean to say that the beast tide might have come from the Duan family?"

"Not might, it should be."

Duan Feng's face was not very good; he did not expect that because of himself, such a great disaster would be brought to the Luo Tian Society.

Eleven brothers died in battle, and two late-stage Qi Refining cultivators lost their combat power.

Such a loss is not insignificant.

Looking at Luo Chen's calm and relaxed appearance, Duan Feng was stunned.

"You are not surprised?"

Luo Chen is naturally not surprised; the circle of suspicion is just that small.

It was just a matter of finding someone to verify it a little.

However, what Duan Feng said next really surprised him.

"They have a good plan, thinking that after dismantling the Luo Tian Society, I would return to the Duan family."

"They even spared no effort to offer more conditions to tempt me."

"But how could I be swayed? A blood feud, how can it not be avenged!"

Luo Chen was stunned.

How come it sounds like they don't want to kill Duan Feng, but instead want to isolate him so he returns to the Duan family?

Suddenly, he remembered that the Duan family had been frequently contacting Duan Feng some time ago.

That's right, how could Duan Qiankun be willing to kill this former grandson.

What he wants to do most now is to let Duan Feng discard his previous grudges and return to the Duan family, perhaps offering many generous conditions for this.

"In this way, the beast tide matter might be more of a warning, wanting Duan Feng to see the truth of the Luo Tian Society's weakness."

"But they miscalculated the combat power of Wang Yuan and me; we withstood the beast tide."

Luo Chen was thoughtful.

But not only did he not relax, he became even angrier.

The warning of a higher-level cultivator is a life-and-death test for them, the lower-level cultivators.

"I still need time, I must hold back!"

Taking a deep breath, Luo Chen suppressed the restlessness in his heart.

Another month, the black market auction started at the designated time.

Luo Chen, familiar with the road, sat in the VIP seat, looking at the auction hall where the number of people was gradually thinning, his expression solemn.

There is a reason for so few people.

This has to do with the fact that the Zhenlong Black Market is bringing out fewer and fewer things.

And the appearance of this sign made Luo Chen even more uneasy.

It means that the Zhenlong Black Market is handling the finishing work, and the subsequent actions will become smaller and smaller.

It is highly likely that it will affect his cooperative relationship with Tian Xingzi.

Suppressing the unease in his heart, Luo Chen quietly watched the auction proceed.

Piece by piece of magic tools, one kind of material after another, were auctioned off like water.

Tian Xingzi's pursuit of price was not that high, giving a feeling of a big clearance sale.

"Next to be auctioned is a beast-taming cultivation method — Ten Thousand Beast Scripture."

"This scripture was passed down from outside the territory; although it is only at the second-tier level, the techniques in it are quite wonderful."

"Cooperating with corresponding techniques and specific elixirs, it can allow cultivators to command low-tier demon beasts."

"It is rumored that this scripture comes from the Ten Thousand Beast Sect, which is a powerful sect far superior to the Yuding Sword Sect!"

"Second-tier cultivation method, starting price of three thousand spirit stones, each increment no less than one hundred."

The cultivators became interested after hearing the name of this cultivation method.

It is not because the grade reached the second-tier Foundation Establishment level.

But because this cultivation method can enslave demon beasts.

For the rogue cultivators of the Dahe Market who deal with demon beasts all year round, this cultivation method is indeed helpful.

And the price is not expensive.

General second-tier cultivation methods usually start at five thousand spirit stones.

Three thousand is indeed a significant drop.

Looking at that jade slip, Luo Chen's eyes flickered.

"Beast taming?"

"There is a second-tier explosive ape locked under the Slanting Moon Valley; I wonder if it can be subdued using this cultivation method?"

A few thousand spirit stones are nothing to him now.

He simply joined the bidding.

Finally, he successfully took it for five thousand five hundred spirit stones.

This price is not high, but it is definitely not cheap.

After all, it is not a life-bound cultivation method, and cultivators do not have a must-have mentality.

After obtaining the "Ten Thousand Beast Scripture," Luo Chen lost interest in the subsequent auction items.

Good things had already been auctioned off in the auctions of the previous few months.

The things left now might be attractive to ordinary rogue cultivators.

But to him, they really couldn't catch his eye.

Soon, Tian Xingzi finished handling the auction matters and came to Luo Chen's side.

"This is the quantity of Blood-Burning Pills for this month, Senior, please count them."

Without declining, nor pretending to be generous.

Tian Xingzi honestly scanned with his spiritual sense, and after confirming the quantity was correct, he settled the payment with Luo Chen.

The two sat in the VIP seats, relying on a soundproof barrier, and people outside could not hear what they were saying.

Tian Xingzi sighed, "Without the stationing of major sects, although it gave many rogue cultivators a chance to grow wildly, the number of cultivators has been constantly decreasing!"

This is the truth.

The number of rogue cultivators in the Dahe Market has been decreasing.

There is the threat of the Ghost City inside, and frequent invasions by demon beasts outside.

Even if it is a place of abundant spiritual energy, it is not that safe.

Many rogue cultivators have already left the Dahe Market.

As for those who remain, many are waiting until after spring to see the specific situation of the Dahe Market before making plans.

But this is only for rogue cultivators who are alone!

For major forces with large numbers of people, the current situation is actually what they hope for most.

Without the constraints of sects, all kinds of resources, as long as they are taken and sold, can make them earn a full pot of gold.

"Little friend, this might be our last cooperation."

Ordinary words, abruptly sounded.

In Luo Chen's heart, it was no less than a thunderbolt from the blue.

"You are leaving?"

Tian Xingzi nodded, carrying a touch of unease, a touch of expectation, and a touch of regret.

He said in an extremely complex tone,

"It will be within these few days."

"It's a pity that many things have not been handled well yet."

Luo Chen opened his mouth slightly, which really caught him off guard.

No matter how you look at it, the Zhenlong Black Market had plans for a long-term stay; how could they be leaving so hastily?

Or is it that the "war" he guessed is about to break out?

Seeming to feel Luo Chen's confusion, Tian Xingzi did not act coy.

He took out a large pile of elixirs from his storage bag.

"This is the Clear-Mind Liquid promised to you, a total of three bottles, which can be used for a long time."

"This is the second-tier Spirit Elixir your friend wanted. As for the first-tier Spirit Elixir you wanted, I am very sorry, it was bought by someone else, and I am powerless."

First-tier or second-tier is not important; he can use both.

Luo Chen took these two portions of elixirs, staring at Tian Xingzi with expectation.

Under this gaze, Tian Xingzi felt a bit unnatural.

Both sides know very well what Luo Chen wants most.

He said awkwardly, "The Foundation Establishment Pill was indeed contacted for you, but it was said at the beginning that it would take some time, so..."

Damn it!

Luo Chen knew that the time concept of high-level cultivators is completely different from that of their Qi Refining stage cultivators.

A "quick" time for a Qi Refining rogue cultivator is ten days or half a month.

But a "quick" time for a Foundation Establishment cultivator might be measured in years.

And if the Zhenlong Black Market is no longer operating here, how will he find Tian Xingzi in the future?

"Are the so-called three Foundation Establishment Pills just a big pie drawn for me?"

This thought flashed through Luo Chen's mind, and even the smile on his face was quite forced.

Tian Xingzi also knew that what he did was not honorable.

But changes in some things, even if he is a Foundation Establishment True Person, are beyond his control.

In front of Luo Chen, he took out a silver-white five-pointed star.

Made of wood, a puppet?

Taking the five-pointed star, Luo Chen looked at the other party in confusion.

"This is my token."

"I am not a person who goes back on his word; I will never break my promise to you."

"Keep this token; in a few months at the shortest, or a few years at the longest, someone will surely deliver the Foundation Establishment Pill to you, and at that time, use the token as proof."

Speaking to the end, Tian Xingzi became slightly more natural.

He stroked his beard and laughed, "At little friend's age, I suppose you can afford to wait this long!"

Luo Chen was helpless; the situation is such, what else can he do?

At least, this Foundation Establishment True Person has indeed put his heart into it.

Even if the cooperation is about to end, he did not say that there is no hope for the Foundation Establishment Pill.

"In that case, I will trouble you a lot, Senior." Luo Chen said reluctantly.

Tian Xingzi did not care about Luo Chen's attitude.

Collecting so many Blood-Burning Pills is enough for him to account to certain people.

And on Luo Chen's side, he has also done his best to have a clear conscience.

Before the black market closed.

Tian Xingzi called out to Luo Chen, who was about to leave.

"Three months are approaching, the ice and snow are melting, and it is highly likely that the Yuding Sword Sect will not be coming back."

"You, and your alchemist friend, should prepare early."

"If you can't stay here anymore, you can use my token to find me at the Puppet Tower in Tianlan Immortal City."

Luo Chen's eyes flashed.

The Puppet Tower is an industry under the Luoyun Sect.

Is Tian Xingzi not hiding anything at all now?

He squeezed the small five-pointed star puppet and nodded lightly.

When he returned to the Luo Tian Society, Luo Chen faced the wind in the mountains, his heart clear.

Three months are approaching, the ice and snow are melting.

Spring arrives and all things grow.

But for the Luo Tian Society and him, Luo Chen, the biggest test is also about to arrive.

"Have I made enough preparations?"

Luo Chen took out the "Ten Thousand Beast Scripture" he had just obtained and remained silent.

(End of chapter)