An Alchemist's Path to Eternity

”You were hot-tempered today, weren’t you?” Wang Yuan said.

Inside a quiet chamber aboard the flying boat, Wang Yuan sat atop a crate, a wide grin on his face as he looked at Luo Chen with amusement.

Luo Chen shot a glance at the crate beneath him and let out a cold snort. ”It’s not about temper; some people just have no shame.”

Wang Yuan chuckled and shook his head. ”Still, what a waste of that Skyhawk Flying Boat. It might’ve been close to scrap, but stripping it for parts could’ve brought in a few hundred spirit stones at least.”

”You can’t put a price on my satisfaction.”

Wang Yuan raised an eyebrow. ”Oh? Was it really about satisfaction?”

At that, the faint tension in Luo Chen’s expression eased. The anger faded, replaced by a small smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. As expected, Wang Yuan, as someone who knew him, could see through the surface.

Luo Chen spoke in a steady tone, ”Beneath Danxia Peak lies property belonging to the Divine Craftsman Sect. Once we take possession of the mountain, those assets are mine for the taking. Clashing with the Divine Craftsman Sect is only a matter of time. If they’ve carved out a stake in the docking platform, then they clearly have ties to Tianlan Immortal City’s administration. Taking them lightly would be foolish. What happened today was just a little eye drop to irritate the Divine Craftsman Sect.”

Lu Rong from the Divine Craftsman Sect had broken the rules, but after Luo Chen ”angrily” destroyed his flying boat, the story that spread would be very different. Soon, the public focus wouldn’t be on Lu Rong’s misconduct; instead, it would be on Tianlan Immortal City’s failure to maintain order at its docks.

Tianlan Immortal City would never allow such a stain to linger on its reputation. Which meant Lu Rong would take the fall. Even if the punishment wasn’t harsh, some form of reprimand or warning was inevitable.

Relationships in the cultivation world, especially those built on power, rarely collapse in one dramatic moment. They frayed quietly, undone by small betrayals, subtle embarrassments, and moments just like this.

Wang Yuan paused briefly before nodding in understanding. Yes, this was the Luo Chen he knew, one who never acted without benefit in mind, yet always made his move ahead of others.

”How’s your injury?” Luo Chen asked suddenly.

The sudden concern didn’t surprise Wang Yuan as he replied, ”Just some superficial wounds, I have picked up spirit medicine in Tianlan Immortal City. It healed a few days ago.”

Luo Chen let out a quiet breath of relief. ”Then all is well. There might be a confrontation today. If we can avoid spending favors from Li Yixian and Nangong Jin, all the better.”

He looked at Wang Yuan, gaze steady. ”I may need you to act.”

Wang Yuan raised a brow. ”You want me to go for the kill?”

”Judge yourself,” Luo Chen replied, his eyes narrowing. Beneath his long lashes, a glint of danger flickered. ”But today, we make a statement.”

***

During the day, Danxia Peak was rather lively. Though it couldn’t rival a major marketplace, the flow of cultivators was constant. Beams of light streaked through the sky as rogue cultivators came and went from the valley below and the mountain above. The hum of life pulsed through the region, familiar and unhurried.

That hum shattered the moment a massive flying boat descended into view. The vessel hovered outside Danxia Peak, casting a long shadow that rippled across the foot of the mountain. At first, no one paid much attention. Flying boats came and went all the time; most assumed it was just another passing vessel, stopping briefly before continuing its journey. But when the flying boat remained suspended for the time it took to steep a cup of tea, it became like dark clouds looming over a city, oppressive and foreboding.

Everyone began to realize something was wrong. Curious and wary gazes gathered from all directions. They saw groups of Qi-Refining cultivators, firm-bodied, cold-eyed, emanating killing intent, step up to the vessel’s edge, weapons already in hand. Each of them radiated strong spirit energy, poised as if preparing to launch an assault on Danxia Peak.

Under the gaze of the crowd, a streak of golden light suddenly unfurled.

Swish!

Suddenly, a golden radiance lit up the sky. A scroll unfurled, floating high above the ship, gleaming under the sun.

Shanhai Calendar, Year Three Thousand Four Hundred and Fifteen, Ninth Month, First Day. The Luo Tian Society hereby leases Danxia Peak for a ten-year term...

Approved by Binglan Palace of Tianlan Immortal City.

Signed: Luo Chen

Witness: Shi Boying

The contract shimmered like a mirage, the text rippled across the sky for all to see, and at this moment, everything changed.

Danxia Peak had been rented! From this day forward, it was no longer an unclaimed land!

The rogue cultivators occupying the mountain were struck into silence, some in disbelief, others exchanging uneasy glances. Then, a mighty voice rang out, echoing in the ears of every being on the peak. ”The Luo Tian Society officially takes Danxia Peak today. You have one incense stick’s time to pack and vacate the premises. Any who remain after that will be killed without mercy.”

With that, murmurs erupted almost instantly.

”They want us to leave? What kind of joke is this? I’ve lived here seven years, this is my home! I’m not leaving!”

”The Luo Tian Society... they’re not here to play nice!”

”Of course not. Didn’t you see them? Armed to the teeth, looking like executioners!”

”I’ve never even heard of them before. Where did they come from?”

”No idea, but if they could lease this mountain for ten years outright, the amount of spirit stones involved is beyond anything we can comprehend. This is a river-crossing dragon!”

”What do we do?”

”What else? We’ve been freeloading here for years. Did you think it was ours? Grab your stuff and run!”

A streak of light shot down from the mountainside.

There was no storage pouch, just a large red wooden bucket stuffed with odds and ends. A sign of someone who knew when to leave.

Some cultivators glanced at one another, muttered uncertainly, then began hurriedly packing what they could. Others, more shameless or self-assured, crossed their arms and stood their ground.

”Kill without mercy? Ridiculous! My cousin is a steward on the Debate Platform. Let’s see if they dare touch me.”

”Should we just wait and see?”

”My advice? Pack up and move outside the mountain. Let’s see how this plays out.”

”You mean...?”

”Yes, there are still three Foundation Establishment Seniors on the peak. If they’re driven out like dogs, won’t they be furious?”

”Yeah! Three Foundation Establishment cultivators! What gives the Luo Tian Society the guts to act this high and mighty?”

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh...

Dozens of escape lights streaked out from Danxia Peak, but none truly left. They stopped at the Purplemist Bamboo Grove at the foot of the mountain, lingered in the shadows waiting as their gazes stayed locked on the skies above

From Biyou Valley, more than a hundred cultivators emerged. At the forefront stood ninth-stage Qi-Refining experts from the Divine Craftsman Sect and the Geng family. They attempted to step forward and negotiate, but under Sima Xian’s icy stare, they faltered and retreated.

”Inform the patriarch!”

”Report to the sect master at once! We cannot lose our holdings in Danxia Peak!”

Several streaks of light flew off to deliver the message. Sima Xian simply watched with a cold expression. He had long since received his orders; there would be no negotiations today, only brute force. The Luo Tian Society needed to make a show of strength. If they wished to survive in this territory, they could not afford even the slightest hint of weakness. This relocation was the perfect opportunity to establish their dominance.

”I hope some of them don’t run straight into my hands.” Sima Xian licked his lips, his eyes like a predatory tiger scanning the hundreds of rogue cultivators below.

In the Luo Tian Society, he had been far from the only one radiating such bloodthirst. More than ninety percent of the cultivators who had followed the society to Tianlan Immortal City had survived blood and war. They might not have possessed refined techniques like the city’s native cultivators, but in sheer killing intent, they had been second to none. They had hailed from the Dahe Market, a place where one had to fight demonic beasts simply to survive. Against such hardened fighters, the city’s low-tier rogue cultivators had been in a completely different league.

The time it had taken to burn an incense stick had passed in tense silence. The Luo Tian Society had remained perfectly still, but it had been the stillness of a drawn bowstring, ready to unleash a storm at the slightest movement. The oppressive atmosphere had been like thunder poised to strike, enough to make the air itself feel heavy.

Finally, someone made a move. Three white clouds drifted down from the summit of Danxia Peak. Their descent was not graceful, not calm. There was no trace of dignity, only hesitation and unease.

”Bian Zhong and his Dao companion, here to visit Fellow Daoist Luo Chen.”

”Cao Wanchun here. I ask Fellow Daoist Luo Chen for a brief conversation!”

The voices had rung out clearly, carrying across the sky without any attempt at concealment.

From atop the towering Langqi Flying Boat, a lone figure had emerged, moving with deliberate, unhurried steps. He had worn a long robe trimmed in white, fastened at the waist with a jade-green belt. His jet-black hair had been neatly tied back with a simple hairpin, cascading down his back. His features had been pale as carved jade, his brows fine and sharp like drawn blades.

But it was his eyes that caught the breath, dark as obsidian, deep as an ancient abyss, calm and still as if no storm in the world could have touched him. He stood tall, posture straight as a spear’s shaft, a silver folding fan resting lightly in his hand. A faint smile curved his lips, as though the world beneath his feet was no more than passing scenery. His piercing gaze turned toward the newcomers, unhurried and composed.

”Luo Chen here. What instructions do the three of you bring?” said Luo Chen.

The three figures had descended on drifting clouds, their robes billowing gently. Their faces had betrayed nothing, yet behind the composure a ripple of uncertainty had flickered.

Only one Foundation Establishment Initiate? Bian Zhong had exchanged a glance with Cao Wanchun. Their eyes had met briefly, and a silent understanding had passed between them.

Bian Zhong offered a polite smile. ”Instructions? I wouldn’t dare. We only came to discuss a small matter with Fellow Daoist Luo.”

Hmm? Luo Chen’s gaze fell on him, mild and unremarkable at first glance, but it struck like a silent hammer. Bian Zhong felt his heart tighten beneath its weight.

He steadied his breath. ”Could you grant us one year? My wife and I will leave of our own accord after that.”

A faint curve appeared at the corner of Luo Chen’s lips, neither a full smile nor a clear sneer, lingering somewhere between amusement and scorn. He didn’t reply to anything and simply turned his gaze to the second figure.

”And what about you, Fellow Daoist Cao Wanchun?” asked Luo Chen.

Cao Wanchun scoffed, his eyes sweeping over Luo Chen with thinly veiled contempt. Second stage of Foundation Establishment, and he dares to posture like this?

He sneered sarcastically. ”What do you think someone would say, living here peacefully for years, only to be kicked out suddenly?”

Luo Chen gave a calm nod. ”So, what you’re saying is that you have no intention of leaving.”

For some reason, Bian Zhong felt a sudden tightening in his chest.

The next instant, Luo Chen’s expression darkened. ”There’s an old saying, beside one’s own bed, how can one allow others to sleep soundly? [1] Surely I don’t have to explain it to you.”

Cao Wanchun’s face twisted with fury. ”And what do you intend to do?”

”Fellow Daoist, surely we can talk this through,” Bian Zhong interjected gently, squeezing his Dao companion Lu Xiaoyan’s hand.

Luo Chen slowly shook his head. ”I don’t wish to escalate either. But I’ve already stated the terms, and the incense stick we lit is nearly burned down. Only a cup of tea’s time remains.”

He unfolded the silver fan in his hand. ”Let’s settle it this way—one move.” He raised a long finger and fixed the three of them with a cold, detached gaze. ”If you can withstand a single move from me, I’ll allow you to remain here on Danxia Peak and continue cultivating.”

Bian Zhong looked stunned. ”One move each?”

Luo Chen scoffed. ”No need for such trouble. All three of you may take the blow together. If you can endure it unharmed, I’ll concede this matter.”

Bian Zhong’s heart leapt with delight, and Lu Xiaoyan even let out a soft laugh. Who was this arrogant fool, thinking so highly of himself?

Cao Wanchun snorted, ”Good, it’s a deal. I’m eager to see what so-called brilliance Fellow Daoist has to offer.”

Luo Chen’s gaze swept over them with open contempt. He took a single step forward. Without casting Cloud-Riding or using any enchanted artifacts, he simply walked on air, hovering above with effortless poise.

***

Inside the Langqi Flying Boat, at its very core, stood a grand and spacious miniature palace.

This was the Langqi Hall. Within its silent interior, three figures stood motionless, their gazes fixed upon a massive water mirror that shimmered with flowing light. The surface reflected not their faces, but the unfolding events outside.

Li Yixian spoke with concern, ”Is Luo Chen being too reckless? Facing three Foundation Establishment cultivators alone, and still limiting it to one move? If he fails, today will turn into a huge embarrassment for the Luo Tian Society.”

Nangong Jin furrowed his brow, unable to determine the source of Luo Chen’s confidence. He admitted that Luo Chen was indeed powerful. Ever since reaching Foundation Establishment, he had only grown more unfathomable. Back then, he had even slain Wang Haichao and Tu Shan, two fellow Foundation Establishment cultivators, on his own. But this wasn’t a life-and-death battle. There’s no need for any one-move wager at all.

”We only need the three of us...” Nangong Jin began, then glanced at Wang Yuan, who sat silently with his eyes closed, and corrected himself. ”With the four of us appearing together, we could suppress them with sheer presence alone and take Danxia Peak without lifting a finger.”

Li Yixian nodded. That much made sense. She couldn’t understand why Luo Chen insisted on handling it this way. To show off? Or had he grown arrogant? Overconfident?

Wang Yuan opened his eyes and gave the two of them a faint glance. ”Luo Chen always has his reasons.”

The two of them were stunned for a moment. Though curious why Wang Yuan had such unwavering faith in Luo Chen, they didn’t press the matter. After all, Luo Chen had consistently been more meticulous than either of them had expected. Perhaps they were just overthinking it.

In the stillness of the room, the three of them continued watching the outside world through Nangong Jin’s Water Mirror.

And in the next moment, Nangong Jin’s expression changed. ”That move?”

***

Luo Chen stood high above, his gaze cool and unflinching as he looked down at the three cultivators before him. With a snap of his wrist, he closed his silver folding fan.

His ten slender fingers began to dance, interweaving in the air like butterflies threading through blossoms. A surge of immense spirit power erupted from his body, flooding outward in all directions. From the ground to the heavens, it shot upward in an instant, climbing skyward with unstoppable force.

Cao Wanchun, Bian Zhong, and Lu Xiaoyan all turned pale, their faces filled with alarm.

Luo Chen paid them no heed. His gaze had shifted to his hands, now glowing with layers of intricate seals. To the outsiders, his movements seemed complex, almost arcane. But to those who understood cultivation, his spellcasting flowed like drifting clouds and running water.

Wave after wave of immense spirit power gathered into his hands. In mere moments, a blazing sun began to rise from his palms. He lifted it high with both hands, and the crimson sun burst forth with radiant light, shining in tandem with the sun high above the heavens.

More and more spirit power was involuntarily drawn into it. The blazing sun grew ever larger. Its unstoppable power flow swept outward, sweeping over everything in its path. At that moment, two suns hung in the sky!

Even before reaching Foundation Establishment, Luo Chen’s Solar Flare had been enough to threaten long-established cultivators like Duan Qiankun. Now, at the second stage of Foundation Establishment, his spirit power was dozens, even hundreds, of times stronger. His understanding of Solar Flare had reached new heights. And this time, he was casting it unhurriedly, with ample time to gather energy.

With all that combined, the resulting power was immeasurable.

”Perfect,” Luo Chen said with a sneer, ”you’ll make good practice.”

With a sinister smile, Luo Chen slammed both hands downward. The blazing sun plummeted, its light blotting out all else beneath the heavens.

Bian Zhong had long discarded any trace of arrogance. He summoned his defensive enchanted artifact and pushed it to its limit. Lu Xiaoyan did the same, layering multiple defensive techniques atop her activated enchanted artifact. Cao Wanchun, visibly shaken, activated a green wooden shield to its maximum, hiding fully behind it.

The collision came in the blink of an eye!

Boom!

A thunderous explosion erupted, sending waves of fire roiling outward. The searing heat warped the very air, space itself shuddering under molten ripples.

The three cultivators were blasted backward like rag dolls, their bodies engulfed in the shockwave. Blood spewed from their mouths in a torrential spray as blazing flames clung to them, devouring flesh and searing bone.

Such was the terror of Luo Chen’s single strike.

In the span of a heartbeat, they were utterly defeated.

Luo Chen hovered above, hands clasped behind his back, his gaze sweeping over every cultivator who had come to watch the commotion on Danxia Peak. Wherever his eyes fell, none dared to meet them.

Everyone now knew, Tianlan Immortal City had gained a terrifying newcomer. With one move, he crushed three fellow Foundation Establishment cultivators

1. 卧榻之侧，岂容他人酣睡 (wo ta zhi ce, qi rong ta ren han shui) is a classical Chinese idiom that is used to express the idea that one cannot tolerate threats or rivals operating too close to home. It emphasizes territorial vigilance, the refusal to tolerate encroachment, and the instinct to eliminate potential dangers before they grow. It is often cited in political, military, or strategic contexts. ☜