Immortality begins with Becoming an Alchemy Grandmaster

Chapter 1688: Chapter 620: Cooperation and Marriage Alliance, Sixth Layer of Golden Core Achieved, Liu Jia Complete, Everything is Ready_2

”Speaking of manpower, Qingyang Zi, the people under your command are truly too few. That Zhang Family Clan, its core members barely amount to a handful—it hardly qualifies as an Immortal Cultivation Clan. Why not suggest their Family Head to expand the lineage, flourish the descendants, and better assist you?”

”Today, I’ve brought along two young talents of exceptional demeanor and appearance from the Chen Family and Zhou Family. They seem to have a natural affinity with Zhang Jiadi upon their first meeting. Perhaps a favorable bond could be formed between them. Of course, I wonder what your thoughts might be?”

At the beginning of these collaborations, Luo Chen listened with an amused smile.

But as the conversation progressed, things began to feel slightly off.

Marriage alliance?

Or inserting spies?

Do they want to help him develop Penghu or covet this piece of Spirit Land?

Under Huo Fang’s cheerful gaze, Luo Chen calmly replied, ”The Zhang Family may be my vassal, but they are not my servants. As for what happens, let nature take its course!”

So, that’s neither taking initiative nor rejecting outright!

Huo Fang burst into laughter, ”Indeed, matters regarding the younger generations should be left to follow their natural course!”

And with that remark, this particular topic came to an end.

Later, Luo Chen also conversed separately with Zi Hou and the Fishing Elder.

The former came to explain the provocation from Huangfu Song earlier, which Luo Chen brushed off lightly, saying he didn’t take it to heart long ago. Hearing this, Zi Hou naturally felt relieved and even suggested organizing a banquet someday, where Huangfu Song could personally pour tea and offer an apology to Luo Chen.

As for whether this banquet would happen?

Chances were slim, but at least Zi Hou’s attitude had been established.

As for the Fishing Elder, their conversation was brief. Luo Chen mentioned that although his Closed-Door Cultivation had been interrupted, he would resume shortly.

In other words, the Fishing Elder wouldn’t be seeing him anytime soon.

The elder was naturally quite disappointed, but under the watchful gaze of Huo Fang and Zi Hou, he couldn’t voice his true thoughts.

Of course, even if he did, those two would only respond with dismissive indifference.

Huo Fang, backed by Wu Zhong Valley, and Zi Hou, inherited the Nascent Soul Legacy from the Great Zhou Dynasty, both possessing their own methods for Nascent Soul Formation.

What they were concerned with wasn’t the methodology of Nascent Soul Formation, but rather how to finalize their Golden Core and overcome Heavenly Tribulations.

Meanwhile, the likes of the Fishing Elder—true Rogue Cultivators—had yet to even find a path to Nascent Soul Formation.

After chatting idly with those two, it came time to speak with the Moyun Cave Lord.

Right away, the Cave Lord eagerly asked about Luo Chen’s Tool Casting Method—how he managed to achieve such perfect alignment between Arrays and Magic Item Embryos?

Luo Chen, of course, couldn’t reveal the core secrets of his Primordial Chaos Tripod.

He merely deflected the topic, discussing Hundred Craft Mountain and the Refining Sharpedge techniques at one moment, then casually mentioning the East Desolate Refining Method he had once learned in passing, occasionally prompting the Moyun Cave Lord to give his own insights.

The other had a strong desire, so naturally he spoke freely and openly.

Luo Chen even took the opportunity to pick up a few minor techniques from Moyun Cave Lord for casting items.

Finally, he said earnestly, ”In truth, Arrays are always just Arrays—regardless of who uses them, all they need to do is follow the diagrams and adhere to the rules. What truly matters is the Magic Item Embryo itself. If the Embryo is refined to perfection, it can naturally align with the vast majority of Arrays.”

Perfect Magic Item Embryo?

Moyun Cave Lord frowned deeply—did it require exceptional raw materials?

Recalling the Minghuang Rock Armor he had handled before, its material quality didn’t seem particularly remarkable.

How had Qingyang Zi transformed ordinary materials into something extraordinary, crafting a perfect Magic Item Embryo?

While he pondered this, the sky had already darkened.

Huo Fang placed his teacup down and rose leisurely.

”We’ve troubled you today during your Closed-Door Cultivation; it’s been quite the inconvenience. We’ll take our leave now!”

Luo Chen stood up to accompany them, an apologetic look on his face.

”I’m sorry, time is indeed tight—otherwise, I’d gladly stay up with you all to discuss Dao Cultivation through the night.”

Huo Fang chuckled heartily, waving it off.

”There’s plenty of time ahead—no rush at all! When you’ve finished your cultivation, Wu Zhong Valley will always welcome your visit.”

Luo Chen smiled as well, ”The legendary Wu Zhong Valley, where even Thousands of Demons never return—I do admire it greatly. Should I get the chance, I’ll certainly come to pay my respects.”

The two walked side by side toward the exit, the others trailing behind.

When they reached the shore of Peng Island’s lake, Luo Chen bid farewell to each person one by one.

When it was Moyun Cave Lord’s turn, the man seemed to suddenly snap out of his thoughts.

”Qingyang Zi, are you deceiving me?”

”What makes you say that?”

”Creating a perfect Magic Item Embryo—how is that even reasonable? Such items are entirely human-made and thus inherently flawed. They’re not legendary Dao Artifact Embryos born from the heavens and earth at the opening of creation. How can they be perfect!”

Luo Chen blinked, ”At the very least, the direction I’ve mentioned isn’t wrong, right?”

Moyun was rendered speechless.

Luo Chen continued, ”As for how to achieve it, that’s where each individual’s methods come in—it’s always a closely guarded secret. Much like your Moyun Thirteen Techniques, which haven’t leaked a single detail over the years. Surely, friend, you wouldn’t expect me to be overly generous and casually disclose my methods to you?”

Listening to this, Moyun Cave Lord turned red then pale, seemingly both embarrassed and frustrated, yet he couldn’t deny the truth behind Qingyang Zi’s words.

Indeed, he had been overly presumptuous.

After a brief moment of adjustment.

His expression returned to calm, ”I truly did overreach.”

Luo Chen chuckled, ”No matter—the core secrets can’t be shared, but our casting styles each have their own merits. Sharing insights in the future may allow us to progress together.”

Moyun Cave Lord nodded, then suddenly added, ”You’re not the only one I wish to exchange ideas with.”

”You’re referring to the Fishing Elder?” Luo Chen replied indifferently.

However, Moyun Cave Lord shook his head.

”Not him—another individual. Someone you also know, who I believe will soon have time to visit you on the island.”

”Someone I know?” Luo Chen asked, intrigued, ”Who?”

Moyun Cave Lord offered a cryptic smile, dodging the question with a laugh.

”You’ll find out eventually.”

And with that, under the gaze of Huo Fang and the others, he strode onto the Big Ship.

Luo Chen stood by the shore, utterly perplexed.

Ultimately, he could only chuckle and shake his head.

This Moyun Cave Lord had been outwitted by him, yet in departing, he managed to turn the tables and leave Luo Chen with a riddle.

Quite an amusing character.

Yet someone like Luo Chen wouldn’t agonize over trivialities like this—a simple laugh and dismissal sufficed.

After all, when the mystery visitor arrived, he’d know their identity.

...

Luo Chen had assumed the visitor would appear soon.

But to his surprise, several years passed without seeing the acquaintance Moyun Cave Lord had mentioned.

Instead, Penghu underwent earth-shattering changes.

The first of these was the union between the Family Head of Lotus Picking Island’s Zhang Family and the Zhou Family Girl from Coral Sea!

On the wedding day, Penghu’s Arrays dispersed, the bridal procession set out from Lotus Picking Island, reaching Coral Sea territory. Flying Boats clustered like clouds, colorful silk ribbons danced in the air, and jubilation filled the skies.

Upon returning, Sea Beasts followed the procession, as numerous Rogue Cultivators gathered to offer their congratulations.

During the ceremony, Qingyang Zi, who hadn’t made a public appearance in years, personally hosted the wedding as the officiant for Zhang Jiadi.

He even specially gifted the bride with a Jade Ruyi Treasure Embryo, deemed both offensive and defensive, symbolizing prosperity and harmony.

The Zhou Family Girl was named Zhou Shanshan.

After marrying into the Zhang Family, she bore Zhang Jiadi a son the following year, ensuring the continuation of Zhang Jiadi’s lineage.

Moreover, after Zhou Shanshan became the Zhang Family’s matron, she brought in new assets.

She planted a batch of Jade Wave Coral within the Eight Hundred Li Penghu—a rare freshwater coral. Though its rank was low, even after a century of growth, barely reaching First Order.

Still, this coral could significantly improve water quality and automatically attract Heaven and Earth Qi.

Over time, entire water bodies’ Spirit Qi environments could be drastically enhanced.

Furthermore, areas with Jade Wave Coral could cultivate other specialized aquatic resources, even transplanting Sea Beasts into the waters.

Due to these transformations, the Zhang Family instantly acquired several new industries.

Zhou Shanshan’s position as the matron became ever more solidified!

In contrast, the presence of Wen Xiu and her daughter faded even further into obscurity.

Wen Xiu herself rarely returned to Lotus Picking Island and spent most of her time isolated in Longyuan City’s Qingyang Boutique.

Luo Chen merely remarked to the puzzled Tian Xuan, ”The human heart changes with fleeting fortunes,” without offering much commentary.

He remained indifferent to these upheavals, pouring all his focus into crafting Magic Items.

Thus, five years passed in a flash.

Within Star Dou Palace.

A white-robed Daoist sat cross-legged, a thunderous boom erupting within his body.

His entire frame shuddered, bones crackling and popping audibly inside him.

Suddenly, a long white Qi dragon flowed out from his mouth.

The Daoist slowly opened his eyes, and for an instant, white arcs of electricity seemed to flicker across them.

Within the radiant light, Luo Chen’s eyes gleamed with elation.

”Sixth Layer of Golden Core—effortlessly achieved.”

”Six sets of Mysterious Armor—all fully prepared.”

”After years of planning, everything is in place. The next step is to formally refine the Demon Emperor’s Metamorphosis.”

Muttering to himself, an ancient, time-worn turtle shell exuding an aura of profound age drifted to his front.