Chapter 329: The Dao Seed Battle begins; ascending the Heavenly Palace to receive the pill recipes

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Three bell tolls spread for ten thousand miles, piercing straight into the azure void.

In an instant, countless cultivators rode their escape lights, flying from all directions toward those five massive mountain peaks.

Spiritual energy shimmered like light, swirling and rising.

The escape lights transformed into the five elements, a riot of colorful hues.

There were even many Foundation Establishment cultivators, dressed in wide robes and belts, riding clouds and mist, arriving with laughter and chatter.

Luo Chen and Tao Yisheng were among the crowd.

Looking around, he felt momentarily dazed and unable to collect himself.

Could this magnificent scene be described as "ten thousand immortals coming to pay homage"?

By comparison, the Foundation Establishment ceremony at Danxia Peak back then was truly a small, trivial affair.

No wonder Foundation Establishment cultivators in the cultivation world rarely hold such ceremonies.

Before a large-scale event held by such a major sect, that mere Foundation Establishment ceremony was truly laughable.

Regaining his composure, Luo Chen examined their group.

Led by Tao Wan.

Assisted by Tao Daonan and Qi Lingyun.

There was also a senior brother who had participated in the previous True Transmission battle, at the eighth level of Foundation Establishment.

With this, the main force for the Dao Seed struggle was assembled.

Of course, Luo Chen, positioned among them, would fight alone in the second round, also serving as a quite important member.

As for the other cultivators, most were friends and family who had rushed over to cheer for Tao Wan.

Beside him.

Tao Yisheng explained to Luo Chen: "The three bell tolls usually only ring during the Dao Seed struggle."

"If it rings six times, it means our sect has birthed a new Jin Dan True Person."

"When the bell tolls nine times, it is either because the Qingdan Valley has birthed a Nascent Soul True Person, or we have encountered a matter of life and death."

Luo Chen asked curiously: "Is it only like this for the Qingdan Valley, or is it the same for other sects in the Eastern Wasteland cultivation world?"

"It is the same for all!" Tao Yisheng said slowly.

Luo Chen yearned for this.

He planned to set up something like this for the Luotian Society if he had the chance in the future.

With a lower standard.

When a Jin Dan True Person is born, ring it nine times!

During their conversation, the group had already crossed the five peaks and arrived inside the Pill Valley.

Seeing the scene in the Pill Valley, Luo Chen could not help but be surprised.

It had only been a short time, yet it had changed so much!

The prototypes of the nine high platforms were already completed.

The spiritual light that had shrouded them was removed, revealing their towering appearance.

Above them were high pavilions, and below the pavilions were dueling rings.

Besides this.

The nine high platforms circled in a ring.

In the very center, a massive circular platform stood prominently.

This platform was not yet open, so he assumed it was not set up for the first round.

Furthermore!

There was also a floating Heavenly Palace, hanging high above, overlooking the entire Pill Valley.

Shadows flickered upon it, and many cultivators had already revealed their forms.

Tao Yisheng stood to the side, explaining to Luo Chen:

"This Heavenly Palace is a flying boat at the magic treasure level, shaped like a palace; it is the carriage used by our Qingdan Valley Sect Master."

"This Dao Seed struggle was held unexpectedly, but the corresponding specifications will absolutely not be lowered."

"True Persons from all five peaks will come to watch the battle."

"Those Foundation Establishment cultivators are from other sects who have come to observe the ceremony during this time."

"Speaking of which, Luo brother, you will have to go up there in a moment."

Luo Chen said: "To receive the pill recipes?"

"Correct!"

"Every year, the True Person sent from Danyang Peak is an Elder of the Tai Dan Academy. The new pill recipes usually come from the Tai Dan Academy."

After hearing this.

Luo Chen took a deep breath, feeling a faint sense of anticipation.

Sure enough.

Not long after Tao Yisheng finished speaking, Jin Dan True Persons rode clouds out from the five peaks.

Tao Yisheng introduced those individuals to him.

The one from Qingyun Peak was the Qingdan Valley Sect Master, the one from Danyang Peak was an Elder of the Tai Dan Academy, and the Jin Dan True Person from Longshou Peak was also famous.

"The one from Mount Luojia is my sister's Master, True Person Bai Su, at the early Jin Dan stage. I didn't expect her to come out to observe the ceremony; she must be here to back my sister!"

Luo Chen was surprised.

Wasn't it said that Tao Wan had no Jin Dan True Person supporting her?

So, she did have a master!

However, judging by Tao Yisheng's words, the other party's appearance seemed to have exceeded his expectations as well.

While the two were talking, more massive escape lights flew out from Yuanhua Mountain.

They were all Jin Dan True Persons, and their number clearly exceeded the five Tao Yisheng had mentioned.

"They are all here from the Seven Sects of Yuding to observe the ceremony, though fewer came this time than before. I heard that only the Luoyun Sect, Mount Ailao, the Hundred Flower Palace, and the Ice Fortress sent people."

Does that mean the Sword Sect and the Flame Alliance did not send anyone?

Could one interpret this as the Seven Sects of Yuding being divided into two factions, led by the Luoyun Sect and the Sword Sect?

But the Hundred Flower Palace has always remained neutral.

Within the sect, there are only three Jin Dan True Persons; they shouldn't be getting involved in these matters, right?

And there is the Ice Fortress, which Luo Chen is familiar with; they obtained the Qingdan Valley's operating rights in Lanxiancheng for the next ten years, but they maintained an ambiguous relationship during the war between the two major sects.

To this day, they have not personally taken action.

Various thoughts surged within his spiritual sense.

Until Tao Wan's voice rose from among the group.

"Occupy a ring first, and hold it for fifteen days, then you shall be one of the Nine Great True Transmissions!"

"Danchenzi, you may go up and receive the pill recipes."

More than a dozen Foundation Establishment True Cultivators cast their gazes upon Luo Chen in unison.

There was curiosity, skepticism, as well as anticipation and envy.

Facing these scrutinizing gazes, Luo Chen remained calm and composed.

He flicked his sleeves, rode a white cloud, and flew from below toward the Heavenly Palace.

While flying, he looked around and saw many people heading toward the Heavenly Palace just like him.

"These must be my opponents in the second round!"

Luo Chen chuckled and soon reached the Heavenly Palace.

As soon as he landed, two gazes instantly fell upon him.

Without the slightest concealment!

He looked over instinctively, and was met with a familiar pair of cold eyes.

The Ice Fortress, Fairy Jueqing!

He didn't expect her to be the one observing the ceremony.

Standing beside her were two female Foundation Establishment cultivators.

He recognized one of them; it was Shi Lan!

He didn't know when she had reached Foundation Establishment.

She even seemed to be highly valued, following right beside Fairy Jueqing.

However, the other gaze that had scrutinized him so brazenly earlier, besides Fairy Jueqing's, did not belong to Shi Lan.

He slowly raised his head and looked toward the source of the other gaze.

Mount Luojia, True Person Bai Su, Tao Wan's Master.

"Are you the alchemist Wanwan invited?"

"You must perform well in the second round!"

The voice transmitted directly into his ears, sounding surprisingly lively and youthful.

Luo Chen's expression tightened, and he said respectfully: "I will certainly do my best!"

Bai Su smiled gently and said nothing more.

Afterward, the group of alchemists, guided by Qingdan Valley disciples, entered a large hall within the Heavenly Palace.

An old man with a white beard was waiting for them, looking very impatient.

"You all know the rules!"

"The pill recipes used for the competition can be used for yourselves, but they must not be spread, nor can they be used for large-scale production for profit."

"I will give them to you in advance; whether you can refine them in half a month depends on your own abilities."

Two pill recipes, both first and second tier.

And they were newly developed ones.

To be given only half a month to study and refine them.

The difficulty was so great that even the group of second-tier alchemists felt uneasy.

But since they had reached this point, no one would back down.

Soon, someone stepped forward first to receive the copy of the pill recipes.

That person walked at the front, and no one dared to block his path, all instinctively making way.

This person?

"This person is our sect's Senior Brother Danyangzi!"

A familiar voice came, and Luo Chen turned his head to see the face of Xuanyunzi.

Xuanyunzi smiled slightly. "Fellow Daoist, long time no see!"

Luo Chen returned the greeting, "I hope you have been well!"

Xuanyunzi shook his head, his gaze following Danyangzi; that Jin Dan Elder of the Tai Dan Academy was cold to everyone, but only showed a smile when he saw Danyangzi.

As he was leaving, he even patted Danyangzi on the shoulder to show encouragement.

"It's a pity; if Senior Brother hadn't made a mistake, there would be no need for him to go through this."

"Fortunately, it is precisely because of this that our generation has a chance to make a name for ourselves!"

Listening to his muttering, Luo Chen, like everyone else, carefully examined Danyangzi.

His demeanor and appearance were naturally extraordinary.

Between his brows, there was a powerful sense of self-confidence.

As if starting over was merely an easy task.

Facing the scrutiny of the crowd, his pace did not slow down in the slightest as he walked straight out of the hall.

"He is off to prepare for the first ring battle!"

"Senior Brother will likely have a difficult time this time."

Xuanyunzi sighed.

Luo Chen withdrew his gaze, feeling a faint pressure in his heart.

The world says that in this generation of the Qingdan Valley, Danyangzi is peerless in both alchemy and swordsmanship, standing alone at the top.

His attainments in alchemy rank first among the Seven Sons of Qingdan.

If he wants to help Tao Wan achieve a high ranking, the other party is undoubtedly his greatest competitor.

However.

Strangely, Xuanyunzi did not seem to have much worry on his face.

He asked tentatively: "You don't seem too worried about your Senior Brother? Could it be that your alchemy is even better than his?"

Xuanyunzi shook his head and smiled.

"How could that be? Senior Brother's alchemy is famous throughout the Qingdan Valley. Although he is young, he has long been registered in the Tai Dan Academy. As a latecomer, I naturally cannot compare with him."

"However..."

At this point, he revealed a cunning smile.

"Alchemy is very dependent on one's state."

"Senior Brother must pass the first round before he can participate in the second, and no one can help him."

"Finally, he cannot use his most proficient Source True Fire."

"In this way, we might be able to compete with him!"

Luo Chen agreed with the earlier part.

But, Source True Fire?

Instantly, he recalled the situation of the many opponents Tao Wan had introduced to him before they set off.

Danyangzi was the biggest threat.

But he was not invincible.

After reaching Foundation Establishment, the other party had incorporated a Source-less Fire into his body, which was why his progress in alchemy was so rapid.

It could be said that most of his alchemy attainments were pinned on that Source-less Fire called the Purple Extreme Heavenly Fire.

If he were not allowed to use it during alchemy, his threat would be much reduced.

"Source-less Fire, Source True Fire..."

Luo Chen muttered these terms, feeling quite expectant.

There are many strange objects in the cultivation world.

The most rumored ones are Rootless Water, Source-less Fire, Immaculate Wind, and Silent Thunder.

If one possesses such an object, it provides a great boost to a cultivator's practice, combat, and the hundred arts of cultivation.

Especially for alchemists, having Rootless Water or Source-less Fire is like a tiger gaining wings!

Based on his knowledge of alchemy, Luo Chen categorized alchemy fire into four stages.

Fire Control, Fire Fusion, Fire Absorption, and Fire Transformation.

If he could also incorporate a Source-less Fire into his body and achieve Source True Fire, his alchemy would likely undergo a qualitative leap!

"Speaking of which, I actually know a method to create a Source-less Fire; should I try to operate it in the future?"

In his mind, Luo Chen recalled the information he had browsed in a fire-type cultivation technique called "Qingyang Manual" when he was searching through the Luotian Society's library.

It recorded a method for creating and practicing something called "Qingyang Demonic Fire."

There were many taboos!

But for an alchemist, the benefits would certainly not be few!

While he was lost in thought.

Xuanyunzi beside him suddenly reminded him.

"It's our turn!"

"Hmm!"

Luo Chen gathered his spirits and walked forward, preparing to receive the pill recipes.

As he passed an old man, the other party glared at him fiercely.

It was Huang Hezi.

Luo Chen's expression remained unchanged, as if he hadn't seen the resentful gaze, and walked straight to the Tai Dan Academy Elder.

"You are not an alchemist from our Qingdan Valley?"

"Junior Luo Chen, greets the Elder."

"Let me see your contract... Hmm, no problem, take the pill recipes! Also, the Tai Dan Academy will provide you with the corresponding medicinal materials; during this time, you can practice refining pills to your heart's content."

"Thank you, Elder!"

After a brief conversation, Luo Chen received the two corresponding pill recipes.

When he left the Heavenly Palace, the battles below were already in full swing.

"Fellow Daoist, let us part here; see you in the second round."

"See you!"

Xuanyunzi greeted him and went straight down from the Heavenly Palace.

Luo Chen looked back at the Jin Dan True Persons high above, then left the Heavenly Palace without hesitation.

"Go, Senior Brother Chen!"

"Senior Brother Yun's sword control technique is truly handsome and peerless!"

"Junior Brother Zhou is younger than me, yet his cultivation progress is so fast; his opponent will likely be defeated within twenty rounds."

Cheers, discussions, and noisy clamor.

Every sound reached his ears.

As Luo Chen flew down on his cloud, he looked down at his surroundings, feeling shocked.

All nine rings were already occupied.

And the respective challengers were also emerging one after another.

With so many Foundation Establishment cultivators, even though it was individual combat, the sheer number created a murderous aura that made one's skin crawl.

A Jin Dan True Person stood on the massive, vacant platform in the center, scanning the surroundings with piercing eyes.

This was a Jin Dan stage Elder from Longshou Peak, responsible for controlling the intensity of the battles.

Trying to avoid life-and-death struggles as much as possible.

Injuries were allowed, but deaths were not.

"To suppress nine battlefields with the power of one person; Jin Dan cultivators are far more powerful than I imagined when I was in Qi Refining."

As Luo Chen felt this emotion.

On a high platform, Tao Yisheng was waving at him.

"Has Tao Wan already led people to occupy a high platform?"

"That was fast!"

Luo Chen flew over.

As he stepped onto the stairs, the gazes of the Tao family cultivators fell upon him.

The meaning in those eyes had already cast aside much skepticism, leaving only hope and anticipation.

"Did you get the pill recipes?"

"Yes." Luo Chen nodded and looked around. "The Tai Dan Academy Elder said they prepared many medicinal materials for me; where are they?"

Tao Wan pointed to the back.

For each high platform, the front was the ring, and the back was a high pavilion.

Earth fire was channeled into them, so one could refine pills at any time.

Luo Chen did not intend to delay.

Time was too tight.

A mere fifteen days to study two pill recipes; he had never been this urgent in his life.

He nodded to Tao Wan and headed toward the back.

Just as he turned around, a clear, resonant voice rang out from outside the ring.

"Senior Sister Tao Wan, this Junior Brother desires this position of Great True Transmission; could you please make things convenient?"

Luo Chen turned around to look.

A young man flew up from below the ring.

Behind him, there were three late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, ready for battle!

Watching this scene.

Luo Chen sighed.

Since when did late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators become so worthless?

The deeper he understood these major sects, the more he felt that the Luotian Society he had worked so hard to build was so weak.

"Forget it, what does it have to do with me."

"Honestly taking the portion I can eat is what's real."

He did not stay to watch the battle and left the scene directly.

Tao Wan glanced at his back before turning around.

"Junior Brother Qi!"

Under her command, Qi Lingyun smiled indifferently, flew out from the crowd, and landed on the ring.

"First battle, Qi Lingyun!"

"Which Fellow Daoist will come first?"