An Alchemist's Path to Eternity

Under the watchful eyes of the entire mountain.

Bang!

Cao Wanchun’s body smashed into the cliffside like a ragdoll, rock shattering under the thunderous impact. The sound echoed across the valley, drowning beneath the roar of the rain. His face twisted with horror, yet his bloodshot eyes blazed with unrestrained fury.

“You bastard!” he roared, a bloodshot gaze fixed on Luo Chen. “I’ll kill you!”

With a hoarse shout, Cao Wanchun summoned his flying sword. The blade shot forward in a streak of silver, cutting through the air toward Luo Chen like a vengeful comet.

Luo Chen didn’t flinch. His hands remained calmly folded behind his back, a cold disdain carved into his expression as he stood unmoving. Without warning, a massive spectral hand materialized beside him, broad and ghostly, yet solid as forged steel. It clamped down on the oncoming sword, halting it mid-flight. The blade trembled violently, straining as though against invisible chains, but could not break free.

From beside Luo Chen, a figure stepped forward. He wore plain black linen, quiet and unassuming, yet the oppressive power radiating from him left no doubt of his strength.

He gave Luo Chen a single, deliberate nod.

In the blink of an eye, he became a crimson whirlwind.

Wang Yuan’s voice rang out, low and merciless. “Defeated Dog, you dare go back on your word? You have brought your death!”

Before Cao Wanchun could react, the blood-red whirlwind slammed into him like a hurricane of blades. The massive spectral hand tore through his defensive spells as though they were no more than paper and closed around his throat.

Crack!

Without another word, Wang Yuan snapped his neck, hoisted the limp corpse like a sack of grain, and turned back.

“President, the petty cur has been slain.”

A suffocating silence fell over Danxia Peak. All eyes were locked upon the scene.

A Foundation Establishment Initiate was dead! He was not wounded, nor was he defeated in a fair duel, but executed like a stray dog. His neck broken and his corpse dangling from another man’s hand.

Not a single soul dared to breathe too loudly. All the rogue cultivators who had watched from the slopes, from the trees, from the safety of the shadows, every last one of them stood frozen in stunned silence.

That black-robed cultivator was terrifying. He had seized a flying sword bare-handed and attacked like a living tempest. He had killed a Foundation Establishment cultivator like slaughtering livestock.

But as the black-robed man turned to look up, so too did everyone else gazing with dread at the figure high above.

Luo Chen, the president of the Luo Tian Society!

He was the true threat.

With a single move, he had crushed three peers of the same cultivation realm. What kind of monster was this? Perhaps only the undefeated sect elites on the Debate Platform’s Elite Prodigy Board could match him.

Only now did the crowd fully grasp what they had just witnessed. No wonder Luo Chen had seemed so arrogant. In his eyes, those three were merely waiting to be executed. He had the confidence to look down on them and the power to back it up.

Suddenly, a ragged cough echoed through the air.

All eyes turned toward Bian Zhong, who, supporting his Dao companion Lu Xiaoyan, was slowly approaching Luo Chen.

Not fleeing? Coming closer? Had they not seen Luo Chen’s subordinate kill so ruthlessly?

Under the weight of countless stares, Bian Zhong offered a bitter smile. ”Thank you, Fellow Daoist, for showing mercy.”

The crowd was stunned. Mercy? After being beaten so badly?

Yet Bian Zhong meant every word. Despite the overwhelming force of Luo Chen’s spell earlier, he had clearly held back. The strike, while devastating, had not been fatal. Even after injuring them, Luo Chen had not delivered the finishing blow. If he had pressed the advantage... at least one of them would have died. Likely more.

”I said one move, so it’s one move,” Luo Chen replied coolly.

Bian Zhong paused, meeting Luo Chen’s gaze. The contempt he had seen earlier in those eyes was gone.

He gave a deep bow and said, “Since we’ve lost... my wife and I have no reason to linger where we are not welcome. We’ll take our leave.”

Luo Chen nodded calmly. “Until we meet again.”

Bian Zhong offered a wry smile and turned away, supporting the wounded Lü Xiaoyan as they took flight. The two of them, clearly weakened, dared not draw attention to themselves. In their current state, even the most minor provocation could invite predators looking for an easy target. For now, there is only one sensible course, which is to seek out a trusted friend. Someone who could offer shelter and keep them safe while they recovered, even if only for a little while.

Luo Chen watched them go, then withdrew his gaze. ”One incense stick’s time is up.”

As his voice faded into the wind, countless streaks of multicolored light burst forth from the Langqi Flying Boat, streaking down toward Danxia Peak like shooting stars.

Moments later, the air was filled with shrill screams, agonized cries from those who had stubbornly remained behind, hoping to defy fate.

Only when the last scream faded did the Langqi Flying Boat resume its course, rising steadily toward the mountainside of Danxia Peak. Wherever it passed, cultivators stepped aside in haste, none daring to bar its path.

In the Biyou Valley, a group of shaken cultivators emerged from the shadows, their faces pale as they stared toward the peak. Two Qi-Refining cultivators stood at the valley’s edge, gazing up at the mountain’s looming silhouette.

“That man is far too powerful, and his subordinate isn’t weak either. If our families only send one Foundation Establishment cultivator each, I fear it won’t be enough.”

“We need to report this.”

“Right. I’ll notify the family immediately.”

Without another word, the two took off into the distance, racing to deliver the news to the forces that had sent them.

***

Thud!

A heavy hum echoed across the valley. The massive flying boat settled slowly onto a broad platform halfway up the mountain.

Min Longyu stepped out in a single stride. The sight before him was both familiar and strange, transformed beyond what he remembered. His eyes reddened with emotion. The disgraced descendant of the Min family had returned in such a fashion.

A figure appeared ahead of him. Min Longyu bowed deeply. ”President!”

”No need for formality,” Luo Chen said lightly, waving his hand. In his other hand, he held the white jade folding fan gifted to him by Qin Liangchen. ”How does it feel to be home?”

Min Longyu opened his mouth but was choked with emotion, unable to speak. After a long pause, he finally choked out, “I never imagined returning like this. President, your great kindness I would repay it even with a hundred deaths.”

”Don’t speak of death,” Luo Chen said, his gaze lifting to the mist-shrouded peak above. ”Though you return not as a son of the Min family, the Luo Tian Society is your home now. Since that’s the case, treat Danxia Peak with everything you have. Now I’ve got a task for you.”

Min Longyu cupped his fists solemnly. ”I await your command!”

Luo Chen said, ”Scout out every corner of Danxia Peak. Within a month, I want to see a brand-new mountain-guarding formation. If you lack spirit stones or materials, go to Sima Huiniang. If you lack manpower, speak with Murong Qinglian. They’ll give you full support.”

Min Longyu replied with confidence, ”I won’t need a month. I’ve known Danxia Peak’s terrain since childhood and have studied the Min family’s great formation thousands of times. As long as I have enough materials, give me half a month and I can lay down a basic formation.”

The Min family’s great formation? Luo Chen glanced at him and nodded approvingly. “Then go.”

Task in hand, Min Longyu dashed off in excitement. The way he flew off like a gust of wind, it was clear he didn’t want to waste a second.

Luo Chen, too, was eager to see the outcome of his work. From what Shi Lan had said, he knew just how formidable the Min family’s formation once was. It had held out for an entire year against enemies several times their number. Had the Min family not run out of supplies, they might have lasted even longer. Min Longyu’s accomplishments in formations stemmed from his lifelong study of that second-tier formation.

“Though second-tier, it’s nearly on par with a third-tier formation. With this formation guarding it, unless a Golden Core cultivator appears, the Luo Tian Society shall be unshakable!” Murmuring to himself, Luo Chen turned and began walking up the mountain.

***

Within the mountain, Li Yixian and Nangong Jin strolled at an unhurried pace along a stone path, towering pines and cedars rising on either side in tranquil grandeur. Clusters of azure oaks and golden-leaved Golden Phoenix Trees blended seamlessly into the landscape, turning the mountainside into a scene of celestial beauty. Further down, Fire Maple Trees spread out in a sea of crimson, their leaves like drifting clouds aflame.

Haih... Li Yixian sighed.

“Why the sigh, Fellow Daoist Li?” Nangong Jin asked.

Li Yixian halted, her gaze falling on a nearby cave dwelling brimming with spirit energy, half-hidden in the mountainside.

”I sigh because Luo Chen came here with us from Dahe Market. In a foreign land, he should have been cautious, yet instead he moved boldly and effortlessly secured a cultivation ground for the Luo Tian Society.”

“Luo Chen is indeed remarkable,” Nangong Jin agreed.

Li Yixian shook her head. ”He’s more than just remarkable. Do you know how much it costs to rent Danxia Peak each year?”

Nangong Jin looked at her in surprise. He had been focused on his recovery these past days and hadn’t paid attention to such matters.

”I made inquiries at Binglan Palace when arranging housing for the Li family,” Li Yixian continued. ”I learned quite a bit about the cost of various spirit lands around Tianlan Immortal City. Those spirit lands easily go for several thousand spirit stones a year, and it’s terrifying.”

Li Yixian paused, gazing at the weathered bluestone beneath her feet. “Danxia Peak is among the highest tier. The yearly rent alone is fifteen thousand low-grade spirit stones.”

”That much?” Nangong Jin gasped.

”Yes, and it requires a minimum ten-year lease.”

Nangong Jin drew in a sharp breath, shaking his head. ”Unbelievable. Luo Chen really went all in.”

”He certainly did. And don’t forget the new flying boat he purchased. That grade...” She let the words trail off, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. ”I really don’t know what lies ahead for the Li family.”

”Don’t worry so much. Things will improve,” Nangong Jin said, trying to reassure her.

Would they? Li Yixian wasn’t so sure. All she knew was that ever since they left Dahe Market, she had felt increasingly powerless, as if everything had slipped from her grasp.

Just then, as they were conversing, a sound transmission landed softly in their ears. At the same time, a gruff voice roared from beyond the mountain.

”Fei Changqiu of the Divine Craftsman Sect, here to pay a visit!”

Li Yixian and Nangong Jin exchanged a glance, their expressions shifting. Now they understood why Luo Chen had kept them from acting earlier.

Their turn had finally come.

***

”Geng Lie and Geng Shuzhen of the Geng family, here to pay a visit!”

Outside Danxia Peak, cultivators once again gathered in numbers. Unlike last time when they were expelling rogue cultivators, now the Luo Tian Society stood as the defenders.

Luo Chen stepped out from the crowd, his gaze icy as he looked ahead.

The Divine Craftsman Sect had brought three Foundation Establishment cultivators, while the Geng family brought two. All were early stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, and together they formed a force that could not be underestimated.

Yet Luo Chen merely sneered. “What is it you intend to do?”

Fei Changqiu frowned. He found it hard to believe Luo Chen could remain composed while facing five Foundation Establishment opponents. He had assumed Luo Chen’s confidence stemmed from that formidable subordinate of his, but this level of calm still bordered on arrogance.

Before he could speak, a furious voice rang out behind him. ”What do you mean by that? Young brat, Danxia Peak isn’t a place for the likes of you to meddle with. If you know what’s good for you, take your old, weak, and sick and get lost!”

Fei Changqiu turned and looked at Lu Rong in confusion. He couldn’t understand why Lu Rong was so riled up.

Luo Chen’s eyes slid to Lu Rong, his sneer deepening. ”Did you sweep the ground clean? Seems your mouth’s still filthy.”

“You—!”

“Enough!” Fei Changqiu cut in sharply.

He said in a measured tone, “Fellow Daoist Luo, Danxia Peak truly shouldn’t be so easily seized. The Divine Craftsman Sect and the Geng family both have business here. For you to take it by force, isn’t that a bit unrighteous?”

”Righteous?” Luo Chen let out a cold laugh. ”Why don’t you ask the cultivators at Binglan Palace? I paid spirit stones to lease this mountain. You’ve been squatting here for years, and have you even paid a single spirit stone to the city? If I were to report this...”

“You wouldn’t dare!” Fei Changqiu’s face darkened.

“Why wouldn’t I?” Luo Chen grinned, baring white teeth.

Fei Changqiu’s eyes narrowed, a flash of killing intent within them. Behind him, Lu Rong and another Foundation Establishment cultivator shifted subtly, ready to strike.

”Do you realize that once an outer spirit land is leased, its safety is entirely the tenant’s responsibility? Even the enforcement teams won’t intervene.”

“Is that a threat?” Luo Chen grinned, raising his hand ever so slightly.

Boom! Two massive waves of Foundation Establishment spirit power erupted from the peak. A black-clad figure strode forth, unflinching, to stand behind Luo Chen.

Fei Changqiu’s expression changed at once, and Geng Lie and Geng Shuzhen’s faces tightened as well.

Wasn’t there only supposed to be one Foundation Establishment cultivator? And now suddenly there were three!

That black-robed man’s gaze was blade-sharp, filled with deadly intent.

Lu Rong secretly sent a voice transmission, “Sect Master, those two cultivators probably arrived with him.”

Fei Changqiu frowned as he replied to the voice transmission. “So they’re in this together?”

He took a deep breath and looked once more at Luo Chen. “Must you escalate this so far?”

Luo Chen’s expression remained calm, but his tone was steely. “You’re welcome to try. The Luo Tian Society doesn’t seek trouble, but we’ll never fear it.”

Fei Changqiu fell silent. The reports had been accurate; Luo Chen had indeed defeated three Foundation Establishment cultivators alone. If his cultivation realm was slightly higher, he certainly couldn’t claim to achieve the same. If a real battle broke out... It wouldn’t be worth it!

“Very well, take care of yourself,” Fei Changqiu muttered, shaking his head and turning to leave.

Lu Rong was seething with resentment, but as a member of the Divine Craftsman Sect, he ultimately answered to Fei Changqiu and dared not act without permission. He cast Luo Chen one last venomous glare before following after him.

Now, only the two Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Geng family remained.

Luo Chen turned his gaze toward the two. “Fellow Daoists, are you visiting as guests?”

Geng Lie gave him a deep look, said nothing, and turned to leave.

A battle that had been moments from erupting dissipated with nothing more than a few exchanged words. The rogue cultivators lurking nearby were clearly disappointed. What about the promised Foundation Establishment clash? They had been eager to scavenge whatever spoils remained afterward.

As the last of them departed, Wang Yuan let out a long breath. When he turned toward Luo Chen, he found him as calm as ever, as if everything had unfolded exactly according to plan.

”Since coming to Tianlan Immortal City, Foundation Establishment Initiates are everywhere. Feels like they’re not even worth much anymore,” Wang Yuan sighed.

Luo Chen’s sharp gaze swept over the surrounding hundred li. Wherever it landed, rogue cultivators flinched and quickly retreated.

Luo Chen said, “This isn’t a small place like Dahe Market anymore. It’s only natural that there are more Foundation Establishment cultivators here.”

”But are you really not afraid of offending so many people?” Wang Yuan asked curiously.

“Are you?”

Wang Yuan shook his head. ”I’m not. But meaningless conflict... that’s not something I enjoy.”

He paused for a moment, feeling an urgent pressure in his chest. “Luo Chen—about Huo Hu...”

Swish!

Luo Chen suddenly turned, his gaze locking sharply onto Wang Yuan. “We can’t move against him just yet!”

He knew exactly what Wang Yuan was thinking. The man had been stuck at the Perfected Mastery of Qi-Refining for years, and a conventional breakthrough was no longer possible. His only real chance lay in using the Blood Fiend Seizing Formation to devour a cultivator who had just stepped into the Foundation Establishment Realm. And Huo Hu fit that requirement perfectly.

But no, he couldn’t act on him yet! The threat from Huo Quan still hung over them like a thorn at their throats, and for now, Huo Hu was the only piece they could move to counter it.

Wang Yuan frowned. He understood Luo Chen’s reasoning, but that tempting prize was right in front of him every day. Even with his strong will, the urge to break through and extend his lifespan gnawed at him relentlessly.

”Haven’t you been refining the Blood Fiend Seizing Formation?” Luo Chen asked. ”Now that we have Min Longyu, an expert in formation arts, why not ask him for help?”

Wang Yuan blinked, then his eyes lit up with a spark of realization.

Of course. His grasp of formations was only average. If he could learn from Min Longyu, then when the time came for his breakthrough, the process would be far smoother.

Luo Chen spoke leisurely. “You could hand over the original formation, the Heavenly Spirit Seizing Formation, to Min Longyu. If he can master it, the Luo Tian Society’s strength might just reach another level.”