Chapter 868: Fleeing to the Abyss, Awakening an Old Friend

Amidst the deep blue, a flying shuttle of dull, dark light traveled silently.

It moved at extreme speed, yet because its surface was covered in the hide of a light-absorbing beast, its aura remained hidden.

Even if a Nascent Soul cultivator were in this same region, they would find it difficult to detect the existence of the Frost Eagle Shuttle without releasing their spiritual sense for a careful search.

Inside the shuttle, after the excitement of Luo Chen's safe return had passed, a gradual sense of unease began to stir.

"Why did we suddenly leave the Luo Tian Domain after operating there for eighteen years?"

"It was too sudden. One moment I was listening to Uncle-Master Qu preach, and the next, the Grand Elder appeared and brought us onto the shuttle."

"I still have a rare, high-grade spirit herb planted in my cave dwelling."

"Junior Brother, that's nothing. I had commissioned a piece of auxiliary cultivation magic treasure at Ye Lingtian Pass. I'd already paid for the materials and the deposit; leaving now means a total loss."

"Will Xiao Wan wait for me to return?"

"The Rock Gang and the Heavenly Wolf Society have been fighting fiercely lately, and they paid a high price to invite me to act as a mediator. Now that I've left without a word, I fear they..."

"So, where exactly are we going?"

When this final question was thrown out, it instantly captured everyone's attention.

For a time, they couldn't help but engage in a heated discussion.

Unlike the cabins where the disciples resided, Luo Chen's quarters were relatively quiet.

Only Qu Qu Lingjun remained by his side, listening to Luo Chen explain some precautions for cultivation during the Jin Dan stage.

These were things a Master ought to do, and Luo Chen could not avoid them.

At this moment, Qu Qu Lingjun had not only achieved the Jin Dan stage but had also changed into the garment Luo Chen had gifted him. Wearing it made him look spirited and vibrant; the exhaustion and weariness of the past were gone, replaced by a sense of ease.

"As expected, this garment doesn't suit me; it suits you better."

The Snow-Descending Frost Robe was a water-attribute magic treasure, specifically crafted for alchemists to guard against the fire poison that might be encountered during long-term alchemy.

But Luo Chen was already a master of fire arts; he had no need for such a thing.

In fact, wearing it for long periods even made him feel slightly uncomfortable.

Qu Qu Lingjun smiled, then looked outside with a hesitant expression.

"Master, shouldn't you manage them?"

Luo Chen waved his hand and said calmly, "There is nothing to manage. When we left Dahe Market back then, didn't we go through the same thing?"

Qu Qu Lingjun nodded in understanding, a look of reflection in his eyes.

He had been a child back then, but having lost his parents at a young age, he was quite precocious.

He had always known the story of the Luo Tian Sect leaving their homeland by heart.

At that time, the Luo Tian Society didn't have many members, let alone cohesion, and they didn't even have many experts.

When they left, many people were equally unable to let go of their attachment to their homeland.

After leaving, they encountered a Demon King blocking their path, were looked down upon by the natives of Taishan Market, and even suffered heavy losses from ambushes along the way.

In the end, didn't they settle down in Mount Tianlan Immortal City?

And after moving to a new place, the Luo Tian Society achieved new development, which led to the current Luo Tian Sect.

He believed that the decision made by his far-sighted Master would surely be the most beneficial for the current development of the sect.

However, just because Luo Chen ignored the thoughts of those below didn't mean no one cared.

Li Li Yingzhang appeared before the sect members and disciples at the right moment.

"Sect Master!"

"Sect Master!"

Facing the pairs of curious and doubtful eyes, Li Li Yingzhang paused slightly before explaining the reason for their departure and their destination.

"The demon race has massed troops outside the six domains of the Far East; you must all know this news."

"The Heavenly Origin Dao Sect has landed in the Eastern Wasteland; you might not be aware of this yet."

"Yes, the behemoth from the Central Plains, even more formidable than the Mingyuan Sect!"

"In the coming days, whether the demon race makes a comeback or the Dao Sect seeks to establish a firm foothold, a bloody storm in the Eastern Wasteland cultivation world is inevitable."

"Our Luo Tian Sect has suffered much hardship. Even after eighteen years of recuperation, we have not fully recovered our vitality, and we cannot be compared to those old-school Nascent Soul sects. Once we are dragged into the vortex of such a war between the two races, you can imagine what our fate would be."

"You surely don't want to experience those days of having no tomorrow again!"

"Therefore, for the sake of the sect's future, the Grand Elder risked his life to cross the Mingyuan Abyss and found a blessed land for the Luo Tian Sect that is in no way inferior to the Luo Tian Domain."

"When that time comes, our Luo Tian Sect will simply hide within the blessed land, unified and secure, regardless of the spring, summer, autumn, or winter outside!"

A disciple asked curiously, "Where are we going?"

Li Li Yingzhang answered steadily, "The former site of the Mingyuan Abyss, the Alchemy Saint's Blessed Land!"

Hearing this answer, gasps of surprise couldn't help but erupt inside the shuttle.

They might not understand the significance of the Alchemy Saint's Blessed Land, but who didn't know the weight of the four words "former site of the Mingyuan Abyss"?

That was the cultivation site of the former Eastern Wasteland hegemon, the Mingyuan Sacred Land!

"But isn't it said that the Mingyuan Sect was submerged by the Boundless Ming Water? How can we get in? And are we going to hide for a lifetime?"

Regarding these questions he himself had once asked, Li Li Yingzhang was now full of confidence.

Because Luo Chen had already told him the answer.

"How to cross the Mingyuan Abyss, the Grand Elder has his own methods; you need not worry."

"As for when we will open the sect gates and restore contact with the outside world?"

Li Li Yingzhang paused, his gaze falling upon everyone with earnest expectation.

"When you have all achieved success in your cultivation and can withstand any storm in the cultivation world, that will be the time when our Luo Tian Sect opens its gates and our members walk the Mountain and Sea Realm."

"Everyone, cultivate diligently!"

Li Li Yingzhang had taken no soundproofing measures for what he said to the Foundation Establishment and Qi Refining disciples.

Many Jin Dan cultivators, and even the upper echelons of the Luo Tian Sect, released their spiritual sense to listen in.

In this way, Luo Chen was spared from having to explain to everyone one by one.

After listening, they finally understood the Grand Elder's painstaking efforts.

Although the Luo Tian Sect had many strong individuals, in terms of sect foundation, it truly could not compare to the old-school Nascent Soul sects.

If they were to experience another war between humans and demons, the outcome would likely be even more miserable than before.

Finding a secluded place and cultivating diligently—didn't this coincide with the secular philosophy of "accumulate grain, build high walls, and delay claiming the title of king"?

In reality, this also had to do with the Luo Tian Sect's currently small number of members.

A larger Nascent Soul sect would definitely not have it so easy.

It can only be said that a small boat is easy to turn!

Inside the room, Luo Chen withdrew his spiritual sense and looked at Qu Qu Lingjun.

"Are you at ease now?"

Qu Qu Lingjun smiled, "With Master here, I am at ease with everything. It's just that I had promised Meng Qiner that after achieving the Jin Dan stage, I would accompany her to visit the Fairy Fenghua Palace, and now I fear that won't be possible."

"In the future, there will be opportunities."

Luo Chen sighed as he stood up and walked to the window alone.

The vast, trackless scene in the deep blue, with only dots of starlight, entered his eyes, bringing a sense of inexplicable loneliness.

Fortunately, he had his disciples, family, friends, and hundreds of disciples and grand-disciples who respected and admired him; he was not as lonely as he had imagined.

"It's just that once I break through this azure void in the future and ascend to the Immortal Realm, I fear I shall become a lonely soul once again, won't I?"

Thinking of the future, Luo Chen couldn't help but smile.

That was too far away!

Several months later, a flying boat, without anyone noticing, "fearlessly" charged into the Mingyuan Forbidden Land.

At that time, heavenly thunder met earthly fire, and spatial rifts appeared in layers, causing all the Luo Tian Sect cultivators to tremble with fear.

It was under these circumstances that Luo Chen left the shuttle alone.

"Come out!"

As his spiritual sense spread, the figure of the Mysterious Turtle that lingered in this place slowly emerged beneath the water's surface.

Seeing this, Luo Chen couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

Without this Mysterious Turtle to carry them, he didn't know how much effort it would take to bring the Luo Tian Sect cultivators in by himself.

Now, it was much more convenient.

The Nirvana Sacred Fire spread out, enveloping the Frost Eagle Shuttle, and they escaped into the deep abyss. Then, they landed on the back of the Mysterious Turtle.

At the same time, Luo Chen put away the shuttle, allowing all the Luo Tian Sect members to meet the Mysterious Turtle.

Gasps of admiration and wonder erupted instantly.

The Mysterious Turtle seemed somewhat dissatisfied with so many people standing on its back, blowing hot air from its nostrils.

"Remember their auras; they are all my disciples."

Luo Chen said lightly, then waved his hand.

"Let's go, to the Alchemy Saint's Blessed Land!"

The Mysterious Turtle let out a low moo, black light bloomed on its body, covering everyone, and with a huge dive, it escaped into the depths of the Mingyuan Abyss.

The once-renowned Luo Tian Sect vanished with the waves, completely disappearing from the eyes of the world.

Some said they were destroyed by the enemies of the Alchemy Saint Luo Chen, with not a single person left alive.

Some said that experts from the Heavenly Origin Dao Sect arrived and took the Luo Tian Sect cultivators away, because someone had indeed seen Dao Sect experts appearing on Ye Motian Cliff.

Others said that the Alchemy Saint Luo Chen did not die but survived, and fearing that the Heavenly Origin Dao Sect would hold him accountable for switching sects, he took the entire sect and hid in a spirit land somewhere in the Million Great Mountains to cultivate.

Various speculations abounded.

Yet few could guess that the most dangerous place is the safest; Luo Chen had actually taken his disciples into the Mingyuan Abyss, which was now considered a forbidden land of this world.

This crossing of the Mingyuan Abyss was much easier than the previous one.

Luo Chen knew the general route and direction, and with the Mysterious Turtle that had grown up here carrying them, while he kept his spiritual sense spread to guard against the surroundings, it took only two months to reach the entrance of the Alchemy Saint's Blessed Land.

Under the curious gazes of the cultivators, the Alchemy Saint Palace, which had been eroded by the Ming Water to the point of being unrecognizable, suddenly lit up with light.

A massive dragon head poked out from within.

"Master, you're back!"

"Hmm."

Luo Chen nodded and waved for everyone to enter.

President Sima President Sima Hui Niang was the first to rush to the front, unable to wait to see her son, Luo Luo Lingxi.

Luo Chen called Li Li Yingzhang to stop, and the two walked at the very back.

"Grand Elder?" Li Li Yingzhang looked at Luo Chen with confusion.

The other party took out a thick piece of animal hide.

"This records the detailed situation of the Alchemy Saint's Blessed Land, the grade of each spirit vein, the general distribution of herbs and mineral veins, as well as some dangerous places; I have already explored them. I am handing the map to you; the rest of the sect construction will be left to you."

Li Li Yingzhang respectfully took the map of the blessed land, and at just one glance, his eyes widened.

No wonder the Grand Elder had previously said the new sect site would only be better than the Luo Tian Domain, not worse.

At this one glance, he saw the five most prominent landmarks.

All were fourth-grade spirit veins!

Think about the vast Luo Tian Domain; it only had one fourth-grade spirit vein, and the number of cave dwellings that could be opened for Nascent Soul cultivators to cultivate was very few.

Unlike this blessed land space, there were five!

Any one of them was not inferior to Ye Motian Cliff, and just by opening a few cave dwellings, they could accommodate a dozen or twenty Nascent Soul True Persons to cultivate together.

The other party's shock naturally fell into Luo Chen's eyes.

Wasn't he the same at the beginning?

Later, thinking about it, he felt it was only natural.

As a spirit land highly valued by the three ancestors of the Mingyuan Sect, the Alchemy Saint's Blessed Land could not only serve as a refuge during a great sect disaster, but its ability to give birth to a fifth-grade spirit mountain like Mount Yanfu Mountain was enough to show its deep foundation.

Later, it was sealed by the Alchemy Saint Chu Yan for hundreds of years, making the spiritual energy within even more abundant.

In the future, it even had the potential to be promoted to a fifth-grade spirit vein again!

Such a special place was more than enough for the mere few hundred people of the Luo Tian Sect to cultivate.

After handing over all the trivial matters of the sect to Li Li Yingzhang, Luo Chen also entered the Alchemy Saint's Blessed Land.

At first glance, he saw Luo Luo Lingxi, who was opening his arms and letting President Sima President Sima Hui Niang hug him, looking at a loss and embarrassed.

Others also looked at this scene with curiosity.

Thinking that after eight or nine years of not seeing him, the Grand Elder's son had become even more handsome and extraordinary, especially those eyes, which were almost exactly the same as the Grand Elder's.

However, the onlookers were immediately called away by Li Li Yingzhang.

They didn't care; after all, he was just a "useless person" who couldn't cultivate.

At eighteen, with no spiritual power revealed, if this wasn't "useless," what was?

At the exit, gradually only Luo Chen's family remained.

Gu Gu Caiyi stood by Luo Chen's side and laughed, "President Sima Hui Niang, stop hugging your good son; he's already this big, leave him some face in front of others!"

"Mother?"

Luo Luo Lingxi called out awkwardly, and President Sima President Sima Hui Niang woke up as if from a dream, only then loosening her tight grip.

"My son, you don't know how worried I've been about you all these years. Especially after hearing about the Mingyuan Sect..."

Luo Chen walked over and said calmly, "He has already grown up and matured; there is no need to treat him like a child anymore."

President Sima President Sima Hui Niang stroked Luo Luo Lingxi's cheeks, which were gradually revealing firm contours, no longer the thin and weak appearance of the past.

Matured?

In her view, Luo Luo Lingxi was far from grown up!

"Father!" Luo Luo Lingxi called out respectfully to Luo Chen.

"Hmm, you should spend some time with your mother these days; she misses you dearly."

"The child understands."

Luo Chen nodded and passed by the other party.

But at the moment of brushing shoulders, Luo Chen's heart stirred, and he turned back to look at Luo Luo Lingxi carefully.

The young man couldn't be called broad-shouldered and thick-waisted, but after practicing some martial arts, he had indeed shed his thin and weak appearance from the past.

But why did he feel a trace of unease in his heart just now?

As his spiritual sense swept over, Luo Luo Lingxi was like transparency before him.

There was nothing unusual about his whole body, and if there was, it was only the most familiar Demon Heart Gu.

"Father, is there anything else?"

In front of Luo Chen, Luo Luo Lingxi appeared somewhat nervous.

Luo Chen frowned and said there was nothing.

But when he left, he summoned Black King over.

Man and dragon flew in the vast, boundless high sky.

"During the time I was away, did anything happen in the blessed land?"

"Reporting to Master, nothing major happened, only a wave of low-grade ghosts attacked. But their target wasn't the Alchemy Saint's Blessed Land; it was just that after the Alchemy Saint Palace formation was eroded, the fragrance of a large amount of elixir leaked out, attracting them to scramble for it."

"And Luo Lingxi?"

"With me here, it's even more impossible for the young master to have any trouble!"

"That's good!"

Luo Chen suppressed the unease in his heart, just thinking that he hadn't seen Luo Luo Lingxi for a while, and the atmosphere between father and son, which had finally become harmonious, had become distant again.

Black King asked curiously, "Master, where are we going now?"

Luo Chen's gaze focused, his eyes cast on a mountain peak where figures were bustling and busy.

"There is an old friend who has been sleeping for a long time; it is time to wake her up."

The giant dragon landed on a third-grade spirit mountain containing pure spiritual energy, attracting the gazes of a group of female cultivators.

The Master Jueqing Fairy walked out from it and bowed respectfully.

"Greetings, Grand Elder, greetings, Lord Black King."

Luo Chen waved his hand, "No need for formalities, take me to see Fellow Daoist Fairy Canglong!"

The Master Jueqing Fairy's eyes lit up, and she hurriedly led the way. (End of chapter)