Chapter 365: Tianxing

The second day.

An old man passed through several encampments and, under the gaze of many Ice Fortress cultivators, stepped into the Luo Tian Society's encampment.

"Is that Tianxingzi of the Luoyun Sect?"

Some cultivators looked at the old man's back, their expressions grave.

A person nearby whispered, "It is indeed him. Despite being only at the late Foundation Establishment stage, he was exceptionally granted the position of Luoyun Sect Elder. Even if he is the lowest-ranked one, he cannot be underestimated."

Tianxingzi's reputation had not been outstanding in his earlier years.

Although listed as a true disciple, he had achieved nothing in terms of cultivation realm, combat techniques, or even the puppet arts that the Luoyun Sect was most proud of.

However, this man had spent years traveling, handling various miscellaneous affairs for the Luoyun Sect.

No one knew what monumental contribution he had made to become the only Foundation Establishment Elder in the Luoyun Sect's history.

At this moment, seeing him step into the Luo Tian Society's encampment, the many vassal forces stationed at the Ice Fortress were filled with astonishment.

They had thought someone might visit that Luo Tian Society President.

But they never expected the first visitor to be such a heavyweight figure!

And inside the Luo Tian Society.

Luo Chen looked at the familiar figure opposite him and that "unfamiliar" face, breaking into a smile.

"Elder Tianxingzi's arrival truly makes my Luo Tian Society shine!"

At this moment, the other party had removed the golden mask he had worn for years back at Dahe Market.

But that did not stop Luo Chen from recognizing him at all.

Tianxingzi smiled, "Luo Chen, that you could spare time from your busy schedule to see me, I am also deeply honored."

"Please, sit!"

Once the two were seated.

Luo Chen had expected some polite pleasantries, but Tianxingzi went straight to the point.

"Murong Yuan?"

"Haha, just a pseudonym, don't laugh at me, fellow Daoist."

Luo Chen knew that the pseudonym he used when participating in the Zhenlong Black Market could not have been hidden from the other party.

It was fine at first, but as he later conducted a large number of medicinal herb trades with him, it was bound to be exposed.

After all, back then, Dahe Market only had a few slightly larger forces.

The only one capable of swallowing so many herbs was the Luo Tian Society, an entity primarily focused on the elixir business.

Luo Chen's name, Danchenzi, had also circulated outside at that time.

His background was naturally easy to guess.

Perhaps the only thing Tianxingzi wasn't sure about back then was one thing.

Seeing Luo Chen not hiding it, Tianxingzi couldn't help but nod, then asked again:

"That Foundation Establishment friend of yours?"

"It is indeed me!" Luo Chen said calmly.

Tianxingzi raised an eyebrow; while he had a sudden realization, he wasn't surprised.

He had had similar suspicions initially, only to dismiss them later.

But as the great name of Danchenzi rose to fame throughout the Yuding Domain, the suspicions he had once dismissed became perfectly logical.

He scrutinized Luo Chen carefully.

Tianxingzi couldn't help but show a look of amazement.

"Ten years have passed in a flash; your progress today is truly impressive."

Luo Chen smiled nonchalantly, "Luo Mou's current state is largely thanks to the Foundation Establishment Pills you sent people to deliver."

"It was only three Foundation Establishment Pills; I cannot claim such credit," Tianxingzi laughed.

Luo Chen's smile stiffened for a moment.

Three?

He had only received two back then!

Tianxingzi did not notice the change in Luo Chen's expression; it was only for an instant, and Luo Chen recovered, still smiling warmly and enthusiastically.

Seeing that the atmosphere was good and that he and the other party had quite a history.

He got straight to the point, bringing up old matters.

"Your alchemy skills were already quite impressive back at Dahe Market. Now, the name Danchenzi is like thunder in the Yuding Domain, like a dragon entering the sea, accompanied by wind and clouds."

"You flatter me."

"It is by no means an exaggeration. For example, the Blood-Burning Pill you refined back then, although first-grade, was pushed by you to the peak level, and even early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators found it effective. This is not something an ordinary second-grade alchemist could do."

The real business was coming.

Luo Chen smiled without speaking.

Tianxingzi's heart sank, but he still forced himself to say: "I wonder if you have any extra peak-grade Blood-Burning Pills for sale now? I am willing to pay the price of second-grade elixirs."

"Sorry, you should know my current situation."

As he spoke, Luo Chen glanced toward the Ice Fortress outside.

Although Tianxingzi had expected this, he felt dejected.

Sure enough, even if such elixirs could be refined, the quantity would likely not be high.

After supplying the Ice Fortress, there was no way there would be any left for him.

Thump!

Tianxingzi was curious, looking at the jade bottle on the table.

"This is?"

"I don't have many peak-grade Blood-Burning Pills on hand right now, but these three are a gift for you. You can take them back to bestow upon close juniors for life-saving purposes."

Tianxingzi was tempted, "That wouldn't be right; one shouldn't accept rewards without merit."

Luo Chen smiled slightly: "This is not a trade, just a gift between friends. What, now that you've been promoted to a Luoyun Sect Elder, you don't recognize me as your little friend anymore?"

Tianxingzi was stunned.

Then, he laughed heartily.

"How could I be such a person!"

Saying this, he accepted the three Blood-Burning Pills without refusal.

"Speaking of which, when you reached Foundation Establishment, I should have personally sent a small gift. I didn't expect you to be the one giving me something."

Tianxingzi shook his head, then suddenly said:

"It is said that your subordinates are looking for a Foundation Establishment cultivator named Wang Yuan?"

Luo Chen's expression turned solemn.

"You know? Please, tell me in detail!"

"I don't know much," Tianxingzi apologized first, then said slowly: "But I have indeed learned some news about him through my sect's spies."

"Do you know which of the Nine Thunder Mountains is the only one not yet occupied by the two sides?"

Luo Chen hesitated, "The Ninth Mountain?"

Tianxingzi nodded solemnly, "Indeed..."

Tianxingzi left.

He had come with high spirits, and though one couldn't say he left having exhausted his interest, it could be called a pleasant conversation.

Moreover, he had exchanged a piece of not-so-important intelligence for three peak-grade Blood-Burning Pills from Luo Chen.

Most importantly, he had continued his friendship with the other party.

That "little friend" from back then had truly not been called in vain!

However, the intelligence he considered unimportant was a timely gift for Luo Chen.

"President, is it true that there is news about Hall Master Wang?"

Inside the room, Xu Zhen, Duan Feng, and Li Yingzhang, who was now able to move freely, looked at Luo Chen with anticipation.

Facing their gaze, Luo Chen nodded slowly.

"There is indeed."

The three were overjoyed.

Wang Yuan's capabilities had been demonstrated time and time again over the years.

Calling him the number one expert in the Luo Tian Society, besides the President, was no exaggeration.

During that night battle at the Seventh Mountain, first Min Longyu used a grand formation to kill five early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, and then Wang Yuan covered the retreat, intercepting three mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators and one late-stage Foundation Establishment master single-handedly.

Such ability was truly jaw-dropping.

If Wang Yuan could be found and united with the President, even if the Luo Tian Society encountered a team led by a great master in the upcoming war, they would have enough power to protect themselves.

However, with such good news, why was the President's expression still so serious?

Could it be...

Just as they were having bad guesses, Luo Chen shook his head.

"He has not fallen."

Before they could breathe a sigh of relief, Luo Chen continued: "But if his current news were to leak, I fear it would be disadvantageous for our Luo Tian Society's situation."

"Eh?"

"How so?"

"Could it be that he has gotten into some big trouble?"

Facing these three questions, Luo Chen sighed.

Big trouble? What kind of big trouble could there be?

Even if he killed the descendant of a Jin Dan cultivator on the battlefield, or a true disciple of the Sword Sect, it would just be a matter of the battlefield.

When two armies clash, life and death are up to fate.

He said with difficulty: "Do you know about the Blood Demon legend currently circulating?"

Blood Demon!

As soon as these two words were spoken, the three changed color simultaneously.

Li Yingzhang said urgently: "Is it that Blood Demon who, wherever he passes, all cultivators below Jin Dan die, and even their essence blood is sucked dry?"

Xu Huanzhen frowned, "Hall Master Wang doesn't seem like the type to be so bloodthirsty!"

Duan Feng's expression was somber, vaguely recalling some rumors from the Dahe Market period.

Although they were just hearsay, the finger had always pointed toward Wang Yuan.

However, because of the changing winds and clouds at Dahe Market during that time, too many things happened in just two or three years, so no one paid attention to Wang Yuan.

Now, the Blood Demon...

Looking at the changes in the three's expressions, Luo Chen felt a slight relief in his heart.

Whether it was true or not, at least everyone was still of one mind, and they hadn't issued an order that everyone should kill him like the Luoyun Sect and the Sword Sect.

The Yuding Domain cannot tolerate demonic cultivators!

This was no longer a matter of sectarian bias or conflict of interest.

It was a deeper distinction between righteous and demonic.

Regardless of how everyone usually acts in petty, hypocritical, and deceitful ways, on the surface, they still follow the style of the righteous path.

Those who are slightly out of line are labeled as bandit cultivators or evil cultivators.

But if there are those who practice demonic arts and do evil, they have no place to stand.

Just like the Soul-Refining Rogue Gu Yue back then, even though he was only an early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, he was still a rat crossing the street, shouted at by everyone.

"The Blood Demon legend is indeed related to Wang Yuan, circulating within the range of the Ninth Mountain and the Ten Thousand Li Yellow Sands, so Wang Yuan's whereabouts are naturally in these places."

"This matter, only the four of us should know; it must not be spread."

The three were stunned, then nodded one after another.

The distinction between righteous and demonic is not as important as the closeness between people.

Wang Yuan is one of our own, and he has never done anything to harm everyone; even if he really became a demon lord shouted at by everyone in the Yuding Domain, everyone would still choose to shield him within their capabilities.

"If you are lucky enough to meet him, try your best to persuade him to come back, or notify me immediately."

Luo Chen took out three sound-transmission jade talismans from his storage bag.

Such magic tools could communicate quickly within a thousand miles.

"Alright, you may go out!"

The three still had things they wanted to say, but seeing Luo Chen's tightly furrowed brows, they didn't disturb him further.

After they left.

Luo Chen couldn't help but sigh deeply.

"Brother Wang..."

He never expected that Wang Yuan would eventually embark on this path.

It was almost identical to the future he had simulated for the first time through the Ghost God Heart-Questioning Realm.

Blood Demon!

Luo Chen had always known that Wang Yuan had a secret technique that could quickly recover physical injuries and even increase cultivation by absorbing the essence blood of cultivators!

Back when the Dajiang Gang launched an all-out attack on the Poshan Gang, they sent three ninth-level Qi Refining experts to surround Wang Yuan.

That battle turned the Qingjiang main street into ruins.

Wang Yuan killed one, injured one, and perished together with the Broken Blade Xu Renke, falling into the Lancang River.

But later, Wang Yuan not only returned safely, but his realm had also greatly improved!

At that time, Wang Yuan was permeated with a thick bloody aura because he had absorbed the entire bone and flesh essence of the Broken Blade Xu Renke.

Later, in order to prepare the raw materials for the Blood Evil Pill, he slaughtered wantonly in the Jin Dan ruins, collecting the essence blood of many cultivators.

That was how Luo Chen came to refine the Blood Evil Pill later.

Now that similar things are happening again, it is indeed very consistent with Wang Yuan's style.

If it were said that in the previous battle at the Seventh Mountain, Wang Yuan was seriously injured to cover the retreat and had to use this secret technique again, it would be completely understandable.

But the Blood Demon legend circulating on the battlefield now is no longer just targeting one or two enemies.

It is on a large scale!

Many bodies of cultivators who had just died in battle had all their essence blood extracted.

Even some living Foundation Establishment true cultivators were often ambushed.

Expanding the scope like this is truly somewhat insane.

Luo Chen can understand, but he cannot agree; this is not a way to survive, but a path to death!

Now, both the Luoyun Sect side and the Sword Sect side have each sent a Jin Dan master to investigate this matter thoroughly.

Once caught...

"In the simulation back then, Wang Yuan was only chased by a Jin Dan master, but the name of the Blood Demon was created by me after my lifespan was running out, in order to extend my life, by slaughtering wantonly."

"Now, it has been snatched away by you first, Brother Wang."

Luo Chen smiled bitterly.

For a moment, his mood was extremely complicated.

Clearly, he had already made enough effort.

He not only bought an orthodox second-grade body-refining technique for Wang Yuan but also opened up all the Luo Tian Society's techniques for the other party to study.

Unexpectedly, the other party still embarked on this path.

The Blood Path!

It is indeed the path in the demonic way that is easiest to get addicted to!

Taking a deep breath, Luo Chen cheered himself up.

Regardless of whether the Blood Demon is Wang Yuan or not, he could not abandon the other party.

Along the way, without Wang Yuan's support as both a teacher and a friend, he would never have achieved his current success so quickly.

Luo Chen does not consider himself a person who seeks revenge for the slightest grievance, but he also knows the principle of repaying kindness.

Moreover, they are friends!

"The matter of finding Wang Yuan must continue!"

"Also, half a month later, it will be the Luo Tian Society's turn to rotate to the Sixth Mountain, so I must heal Li Yingzhang as soon as possible and let him take Yuan Xiaoyue and others back to Tianlan."

"The method of opening apertures I am exploring cannot stop; this is likely the only means I have to improve myself before the great war."

In just a short moment, Luo Chen sorted out the things he needed to do next.

The future is still confusing.

But every step of the path under his feet must be taken firmly!

The second day.

He continued to remove the Earth Fire Sha energy for Li Yingzhang, using the Spring Breeze Turns to Rain Technique, which was constantly increasing in proficiency, to treat the hidden injuries in his body.

At the same time, he gave orders to Duan Feng, letting him use the connections he had made on the Golden Sand Floating Island during this time to inquire about news regarding the Ninth Mountain in the Nine Thunder Mountains.

The battlefield of the Ten Thousand Li Yellow Sands cannot be ignored either.

Finally, he let Yuan Xiaoyue use the Ice Fortress's connections to collect second-grade Earth Fire Sha energy for him on the Golden Sand Floating Island.

The Golden Sand Floating Island is the base camp of the Luoyun Sect side!

Naturally, it is also a place where massive resources are gathered.

It is only second-grade Sha energy; buying it is not difficult as long as there are spirit stones.

Not long after, Yuan Xiaoyue collected ten portions for him.

"It's not expensive, it only cost five hundred spirit stones. It is said that many Yan Alliance disciples carry this material with them, so the price is so cheap after the great war."

Yuan Xiaoyue said with a smile.

Luo Chen shook his head; this price is not cheap.

Ten portions of first-grade Earth Fire Sha energy only cost fifty or sixty spirit stones.

It's not that Yuan Xiaoyue was deceived.

It's just that for Sha energy, the higher the grade, the more expensive it is.

Back then, Wang Yuan spent a full thirty thousand spirit stones to buy the Yellow Spring Yin Sha.

It can only be said that now, affected by the war, the price of this seemingly common material has also risen with the tide.

"Well done, continue to collect for me next."

"Yes, I understand, President!"

"You may go down first!"

After Yuan Xiaoyue left, Luo Chen activated the defensive formation.

Looking at the floating rock in his hand, his eyes revealed anticipation.

He had recently explored a method of opening apertures with Sha energy, inspired by the first-grade "God-Illuminating Sha-Breaking," the second-grade "Gas and Body Same Origin," and the third-grade body-refining technique "Heavenly Roc Transformation."

Inside, it also involved many body-refining theories that Wang Yuan had instilled in him during their usual exchanges.

With such accumulation, he had the confidence to refine his body and open apertures.

Now that everything was ready, he could begin!

"Although I still can't reach the level of the self-created technique of Wang Yuan, this aperture-opening secret technique I tailored for myself shouldn't be bad!"

"Even if I fail, I have familiar means to clear the Sha energy."

"Trying it out will never be a loss."

With everything ready and ensuring that no major problems would occur, Luo Chen controlled his spiritual power and easily drew a strand of fierce and domineering Sha energy from the floating rock!