Chapter 328

"Tao Wan, this woman, is very strong!"

"Generally speaking, after a cultivator advances to the late stage of Foundation Establishment, the gap between them is actually not that large, provided they do not use magic treasures."

"Everyone has a deep reserve of spiritual power, and the limit of the power that ordinary magic tools can unleash is just about that much."

"Therefore, the standard for judging the strength of a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator lies more in the degree of refinement of their magic treasure."

"The deeper the refinement, the greater the power of the magic treasure they can unleash, and the stronger the strength they display."

Hearing this explanation.

Luo Chen couldn't help but ask: "Is it that one-sided? A cultivator's battle should also consider other things, such as talismans, spells, secret techniques, formations, puppets, and so on."

Chu Kui shrugged.

"That's why I said, under general circumstances."

"Like the things you mentioned, high-grade talismans are hard to come by, spells are easy to learn but hard to master, secret techniques are rare, and formations must be prepared in advance..."

Luo Chen raised his hand, "Fine, I get what you mean."

Chu Kui smiled; he had forgotten that Luo Chen's fame in the Qinhua River battle was built solely on his exquisite spellcasting.

Thinking about it carefully, in the Eastern Wasteland cultivation world, there really is a Five Elements God Sect famous for its spells.

What he said was indeed too one-sided.

"Let's just talk about the influence of magic treasures on the strength of Foundation Establishment cultivators!"

"Like those in the early stage, being able to master one or two tenths is considered having a bit of strength."

"For a mid-stage cultivator like you, if you can refine it to three or four tenths, a sudden strike would be hard for enemies of the same rank to block."

Luo Chen nodded in agreement.

The power of a magic treasure is indeed far beyond that of ordinary magic tools.

It could even be said that it shouldn't be a sharp weapon mastered at the Foundation Establishment level.

Like that Wang Haichao, forcibly activating the Profound Fire Sword destroyed his top-grade magic tool, the Green Musk Gathering Dragon Flag.

If not for his temporary defense with the Lanke Black Chess, being in the same early Foundation Establishment stage, he would likely have been severely injured.

However!

Chu Kui had underestimated him.

With his powerful soul foundation and refinement through spiritual sense restrictions, his mastery of the Profound Fire Sword was extremely high.

Later, after refinement through the Flame Dragon Nine Turns Formation.

Now in the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment, he had already refined the Profound Fire Sword to about six tenths.

In other words, he could unleash six tenths of the power of this magic treasure!

It was precisely because of this that he was able to strike suddenly with one sword and instantly kill Fei Changqiu of the Shen Gong Sect.

According to Chu Kui's theory.

A late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator is considered a powerhouse of the same rank as long as they refine a magic treasure to five tenths power.

Then, how should his, Luo Chen's, current strength be judged?

"Tao Wan's strength lies in the fact that she has had a magic treasure left behind by the Nanshan Ancestor since she was a child: the Flowing Cloud Flying Sleeves!"

"In the cultivation world, there are countless magic tools and treasures named Flowing Cloud Flying Sleeves. But that one of Tao Wan's is quite powerful; it is rumored to have been personally refined by the Supreme Elder of Tianfan City in his early years, and it is a good item qualified to be refined as a life-bound magic treasure."

"Tao Wan has been familiar with this treasure since childhood, and after establishing her foundation, she has refined it diligently, and can now use it with supernatural skill!"

"In my opinion, she has already refined it to about seven, or even eight tenths!"

Chu Kui sighed repeatedly, his eyes filled with admiration.

You must know that for a magic treasure, a true Foundation Establishment cultivator can at most unleash about eight tenths of its power.

Anything higher is limited by the realm barrier and cannot be achieved.

"I once fought her on the Dao Discussion Platform years ago."

"Although it was just a simple sparring match, not involving a life-and-death struggle. But her magic treasure had a very obvious restraining effect on my fierce and domineering Qitian Staff."

"Therefore, I am quite convinced that she is ranked third and I am ranked seventh."

Luo Chen said in surprise: "It's rare to see you admire a cultivator of the same rank like this! When you mentioned Dantai Jin before, you didn't show much respect."

"What's there to respect about the women of the Ice Fortress? Fickle and changeable in temperament."

Chu Kui curled his lips.

It was only because he was far away from Tianlan Immortal City; normally, he wouldn't speak ill of the female cultivators of the Ice Fortress behind their backs like this.

Back to the main topic!

"In my opinion, in the vast Qingdan Valley, not counting those old-generation late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, among the same generation, only Danyangzi can steadily suppress Tao Wan. He Yuanqing and Fu Li are just on par with her."

The evaluation is actually this high?

Luo Chen asked curiously, "What about Shangguan Yan?"

"Pfft, that arrogant and stupid woman, she can't even rank in the top three of the Heaven's Pride List in Qingdan Valley's own immortal city, what does she have to compare with Tao Wan?"

Is Shangguan Yan's evaluation really that low?

Thinking of that brief meeting at the Foreign Affairs Hall, Luo Chen was thoughtful.

The other party used poaching tactics to weaken Tao Wan's competitiveness.

It can be seen that her own strength is indeed not very impressive.

"So, you are very optimistic about Tao Wan winning the Dao Seed position?" Luo Chen said.

Chu Kui smiled.

"That's hard to say."

"How so?"

Chu Kui spoke eloquently, "The struggle for the Dao Seed in Qingdan Valley looks at more than just individual strength, but comprehensive ability. Such as financial resources, alchemy, connections, and so on."

"You should have analyzed this from the ranking of the Great Inheritors before the Great Inheritor Sword Fight."

Luo Chen chewed on these words.

In the end, he had to admit that it was indeed very similar to what Chu Kui said.

Whether it was the first round of arena battles for the Great Inheritor or the second round of the alchemy competition, both involved their respective comprehensive strengths.

Otherwise, just relying on being able to fight, they might not even be able to sit in the positions of the nine Great Inheritors.

Only the final round of the Great Inheritor Sword Fight truly looks at individual strength.

Chu Kui couldn't help but look at Luo Chen, "Speaking of which, you were invited by her, won't you also have to go on the arena to fight a few rounds?"

He still recognized the ability of the Fire Spirit Lord.

But if it involved a battle between late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, he wasn't very optimistic.

Luo Chen looked at him with a half-smile.

"Forgot my other Dao title?"

Chu Kui was stunned.

Then he laughed.

"I did forget, you were called Danchenzi at the beginning."

"Danchenzi?"

"Interesting, interesting!"

"A mere mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, actually having two Dao titles, is the rogue cultivator world so easy to get by in now?"

On Yuxuan Mountain.

He Yuanqing looked at the intelligence about Luo Chen collected by the people below and couldn't help but laugh.

He already knew that Luo Chen was not a candidate for the arena battle, but an alchemist invited by Tao Wan in desperation after Huang Hezi defected to the enemy.

The purpose should be for the second round of the alchemy competition.

Thinking that he was just an alchemist who had struggled in the rogue cultivator circles, He Yuanqing didn't care much at first.

But seeing in the intelligence that his He family's He Yun had once had dealings with Luo Chen.

He Yuanqing's gaze stopped.

"Someone, invite He Yun to come here."

"Young Patriarch, Xuanyunzi is currently concentrating on researching alchemy, preparing for the alchemy competition."

He Yuanqing's gaze turned cold.

"Do I not know that the alchemy competition depends on accumulation?"

"Sharpening the spear at the last minute, how much improvement can there be?"

"Go and invite him quickly!"

The He family cultivator didn't dare to refute, lowered his head, and ran out in a hurry.

About a cup of tea's time later.

Xuanyunzi He Yun, one of the Seven Sons of Qingdan, arrived outside the door with an irritable look on his face.

"Brother Yun, the Young Patriarch is waiting for you inside."

"Alright, you go down first!"

Waving his hand to dismiss the servant, Xuanyunzi took a deep breath and squeezed a smile onto his face.

He pushed the door and entered.

"Brother Yuanqing, is there anything you need me for?"

He Yuanqing stared at him with a pair of eyes, and after looking him over carefully, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.

"He Yun, are you planning to imitate Huang Hezi, only keen on alchemy, not even caring about cultivation?"

Xuanyunzi said as a matter of course: "The path of alchemy is broad and profound, and I have only glimpsed the tip of the iceberg. If I don't devote all my energy to it, how can I talk about becoming a master alchemist of a generation."

"Besides, my aptitude is low, and Foundation Establishment is already the result of the family's all-out cultivation, how dare I dream of the Golden Core Great Dao."

"The family has you, Brother Yuanqing, as the pillar of heaven, and that's enough. I just need to exert my alchemy skills and contribute to the family!"

These words were spoken unhurriedly and clearly.

It really sounded like a spring breeze!

The smile on He Yuanqing's face was no longer concealed.

"It's excellent that you have this heart!"

"If I win the Dao Seed position and take charge of Qingdan Valley in the future, I will definitely summon you into the Tai Dan Institute!"

Hearing the three words "Tai Dan Institute".

A look of joy appeared on Xuanyunzi's face.

"Little brother will definitely do my best to help you win the alchemy competition!"

"I believe in your alchemy skills. Although you are a rising star, except for Danyangzi who can steadily suppress you, the other five sons are definitely not your opponents!"

"Brother Yuanqing praises me too much, I can only say that little brother will try my best!"

A bit of pulling and pushing, brotherly and respectful.

He Yuanqing suddenly said: "Danchenzi Luo Chen, do you know him?"

Hearing the name Luo Chen.

Xuanyunzi's expression stiffened subconsciously, but soon, he nodded.

"I do know him, he is a very interesting friend."

"Just very interesting?" He Yuanqing asked back, looking at Xuanyunzi who didn't know the reason, he said bluntly: "He is also going to participate in the alchemy competition, fighting on behalf of Tao Wan, do you have any understanding of his alchemy attainments?"

So it was for this matter!

Xuanyunzi breathed a sigh of relief.

Then, he rubbed his chin and said: "Luo Chen being able to obtain the name Danchenzi means his alchemy skills are definitely not bad. As far as I know, he is very good at refining a type of first-grade elixir, which can easily reach top-grade."

"Easily reach first-grade top-grade!"

He Yuanqing gasped, his face showing unconcealable surprise.

Alchemy, whether it's refining first-grade or second-grade, is nothing strange.

But if one can stably achieve high-grade elixirs, that's a bit terrifying.

This means not only talent.

But also this hard-tempered practice.

His alchemy skills have already been polished to be extremely solid!

Most of the current Seven Sons of Qingdan find it difficult to achieve this level.

They crave refining higher-grade elixirs and don't care much about repetitive and boring low-grade elixirs.

Only those senior brothers in the Danyang Peak and Tai Dan Institute who study alchemy all day and are over two hundred years old have this level of attainments!

Xuanyunzi said casually: "That elixir is called Jade Marrow Elixir, I have tested it, the medicinal power of a top-grade Jade Marrow Elixir is only equivalent to the low-grade Qi Nourishing Elixir of the Medicine King Sect."

"Phew!"

"So that's it!"

"You should have said so earlier!"

He Yuanqing obviously breathed a sigh of relief.

This kind of elixir that reaches the top-grade level but is only equivalent to a low-grade Qi Nourishing Elixir must be some inferior goods circulating outside.

There is no difficulty at all in refining it.

As long as one puts in some effort, many people in Qingdan Valley can reach that level.

In this way, Luo Chen is nothing to fear.

The so-called Dao title of Danchenzi is probably just a compliment given by rogue cultivators who have no capable people and see that he can refine elixirs.

In this way, there is nothing to worry about on Tao Wan's side.

All worries in his heart were gone.

He Yuanqing smiled and said: "I have great confidence in winning the first round, and I will unite with others to consume Senior Brother Danyangzi as much as possible to create good conditions for you. When the time comes, don't let me down!"

Xuanyunzi felt a pressure and bowed: "Little brother will definitely do my best!"

"Not just do your best, but exert all your strength!" He Yuanqing spat out the words almost word by word, "I want to enter the third round with the ranking of the first Great Inheritor!"

Xuanyunzi's waist bent even lower.

That almost paranoid gaze fell on him, like thorns on his back!

Returning to Mohe Garden, Luo Chen instructed the two Tao family Qi Refining cultivators serving him to pay attention to guests who might come to find him recently.

He had conducted a large number of transactions on the Gaoyang Building trading jade tablet.

The contact address left was the Tao family of Little South Mountain.

After giving instructions, Luo Chen entered the courtyard and closed the gate.

This familiar scene made the two Tao family Qi Refining cultivators serving him feel very emotional.

Other outside cultivators, after being invited to Qingdan Valley, are always keen on walking around, making friends, and visiting the Great Inheritors in the valley.

Expanding connections, collecting resources, exchanging cultivation insights, etc.

Only this guest invited by their Tao family.

After coming, if there is nothing to do, he never steps out of the door.

Very much like a bitter cultivator!

Perhaps, this is why others, as rogue cultivators, can establish their foundation and possess extraordinary alchemy skills!

In fact.

Luo Chen is indeed a bitter cultivator, but he is not one who doesn't manage connections.

The reason why he came to Qingdan Valley and stayed quiet without walking around.

The reason is simple.

The Tao family is already the limit of the connections he can make at present.

Before showing more outstanding value, since entering Qingdan Valley, he has already been labeled with the Tao family of Little South Mountain.

Under these circumstances, what new connections can he manage?

Nodding acquaintances? Drinking buddies?

No!

Frequent outings would easily arouse Tao Wan's suspicion.

After all, the other party just experienced Huang Hezi's betrayal.

As for other people's thoughts, as long as the realm difference is not too great, Luo Chen can still figure them out clearly.

Like now, honestly researching alchemy and closing the door to practice every day is exactly what Tao Wan wants to see!

Returning to the cultivation room, Luo Chen took out the Rebirth Elixir and examined it carefully.

From time to time, he used some alchemy techniques to separate a little powder to judge the approximate medicinal power.

Things that ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators cannot do.

In front of him, a master-level alchemist, it is actually not that difficult.

After a round of testing, Luo Chen put away the Rebirth Elixir with satisfaction.

Liao Liang was a bit exaggerating, but he didn't lie.

This Rebirth Elixir, although it didn't have the remaining medicinal power as boasted, it indeed still had 30% medicinal power remaining.

Although it doesn't have much effect on the realm of Golden Core masters.

But for true Foundation Establishment cultivators, it is already enough.

Isn't he a Foundation Establishment cultivator now?

"Another life-saving trump card!"

Luo Chen chuckled, adjusted his mood, and began to meditate and practice.

Although Little South Mountain is a second-grade spiritual land, the concentration of spiritual energy is quite average.

Tao Wan has already arranged the best cultivation area for him, but the concentration of spiritual energy is only at the level of a mid-grade cave dwelling on Tianlan Peak.

As a result, his cultivation speed has slowed down by nearly half.

However, this is only temporary.

The Great Inheritor Sword Fight and the Dao Seed struggle are coming soon, so it's just a delay of a month or two.

He has been at the Tao family of Qingdan Valley for a month.

Under the condition of not stopping cultivation every day, his cultivation base is slowly increasing.

One night passed without a word.

The next day, Luo Chen woke up.

Checked the system panel.

【Realm: Foundation Establishment 5th Layer 2/100】

A full month, and only one progress point increased.

To reach the 6th layer of Foundation Establishment at this speed, wouldn't it take nearly ten years!

"Must end the matters here early, then return to Tianlan Immortal City and use the top-grade cave dwelling to practice."

After Foundation Establishment, the importance of spiritual land to cultivators jumps to the first place!

Luo Chen has already started to miss the rich spiritual energy of the top-grade cave dwelling.

Out of the cultivation room.

Luo Chen was about to eat the rich breakfast prepared for him by the Tao family, when his gaze fell on the woman squatting in front of the pond, fiddling with the ink lotus leaves in front of the courtyard.

Because she was squatting.

The curves were exquisite, and the waist and hips were prominent.

The soft silk clung to her jade back, and three thousand green silks stuck to it, emitting a deep luster under the reflection of the morning sun.

A few strands of hair hung towards the water surface.

In the clear water surface, a face that was somewhat expectant and somewhat uneasy was reflected.

Seeming to notice someone's gaze.

Tao Wan raised her head and looked at Luo Chen, who was standing by the window, looking energetic.

She stood up gracefully and tucked the hair at her cheek behind her ear.

"Fellow Daoist, the Dao Seed struggle has begun!"

(End of this chapter)