Chapter 179: Every Faction Strikes, Encirclement and Interception

Rush? Panic?

Why should Luo Chen panic? It was obvious that the enemy had surrounded Crescent Moon Valley but hadn’t attacked, which meant they weren’t intent on slaughtering everyone inside.

This was especially evident in how they treated the elderly, the women, and the weaker cultivators in the early and mid stages of Qi-Refining.

In the cultivation world, there was no such thing as mercy for the weak. On the contrary, older cultivators and women were often viewed with heightened caution.

The elderly had survived decades of bloodshed and competition, those who lived long enough to grow old in this world all had their own tricks, techniques, or backing. As for female cultivators, those who had climbed to higher realms of cultivation were often far more ruthless than their male counterparts. Without such traits, they wouldn’t have stood out from the countless others striving for survival.

So why, then, were these hundred or so "weak" cultivators in Crescent Moon Valley being spared?

The answer was simple—they were valuable.

Most of them were production cultivators. Spirit botanists, alchemists, healers, as well as pill apprentices, fire handlers, and pill caretakers from the Alchemy Hall.

Such individuals posed no threat and could generate significant value for any major faction. Not just other factions, even Luo Chen himself wouldn’t kill cultivators like them. And above all, someone like Luo Chen, who had mastered alchemy, was of even greater importance.

Especially now, after months of careful promotion by the Poshan Gang, the name "Dan Chenzi" had gained considerable weight in Dahe Market. Luo Chen’s reputation as an alchemist was no longer obscure.

Any faction leader with a shred of foresight would hesitate to kill him outright. More likely, they’d try to befriend him, recruit him, or if possible control him.

With that in mind, Luo Chen’s identity as an alchemist was essentially a life-saving talisman.

So why should he rush? Why should he panic?

No matter what happened, he wouldn’t be the first to die. At worst, he would just run and he had already made preparations for escape. Though he hadn’t yet collected the spirit stones owed to him, his storage pouch was filled with mid-grade Jade Essence pills he had personally refined over the past twenty days.

The only thing Luo Chen needed to consider was Second Brother Gao. He still owed him five spirit stones. What was his stance toward Luo Chen now? Had he learned something? If Second Brother Gao had begun harboring murderous intentions, Luo Chen would have to respond accordingly.

Meanwhile, Sikong Shoujia stood nearby, glaring daggers at Luo Chen. His mustache bristled with fury at Luo Chen’s calm demeanor, even taking the time to invite them all for tea, as if nothing were wrong.

Granny Yuan and Murong Qinglian, however, exchanged quiet glances. They had begun to understand something, though they chose not to speak.

At the very least, for now, Luo Chen was still on their side.

And yet... As Luo Chen calmly brewed tea on the cliffside, his composed demeanor under crisis began to show its effect.

The previously panicked cultivators of Crescent Moon Valley gradually regained their composure. Especially those maintaining the defensive formation, their hands no longer trembled as they replaced the formation’s spirit stones.

If the sky collapsed, it was the tallest who would bear it.

And if the Hall Leader wasn’t afraid... What reason did they have to fear?

***

"Strange? The people inside seem to be calming down. They're not panicking at all." Shan Xiu flew around the grand formation once before landing. He spoke with a puzzled expression.

The ninth stage Qi-Refining cultivator responsible for patrolling the formation was named Lan Tianyun. He always wore blue robes and had followed Gao Tingyuan for a long time.

Back at Qingjiang Restaurant, he had also accompanied Gao Tingyuan when they first met Luo Chen.

He said calmly, "Maybe it's because we held back earlier, and they've realized something."

Shan Xiu snorted. "You people from Dahe Market are too soft. If it were Snow Lotus Market’s way, we'd kill a batch first, then capture a batch. That’s how you establish authority."

"And that’s exactly why, despite being founded decades before Dahe Market, Snow Lotus Market has never managed to surpass fifty thousand cultivators!" The mocking voice came from Fuzhang.

Shan Xiu glared at him with fury. Ever since he had lost a hand while being hunted, his temper had become increasingly volatile. Just a single taunt from Fuzhang was enough to ignite his rage.

Of course, some wouldn’t stand by and watch their own allies quarrel at a time like this.

Lan Tianyun, known for his mild temper, tried to smooth things over. "Snow Lotus Market’s stagnant numbers are due to its harsh environment. It has nothing to do with their approach."

"Hmph!" Fuzhang snorted and couldn’t be bothered to argue with Shan Xiu any further.

Ever since the Fu family had relocated from Glowing Stream Market to Dahe Market, they had struggled to escape the influence of the lawless rogue cultivators that thrived in desolate, chaotic regions.

Moving to a new place had been a decision made purely for the survival of their clan. But in the end, no matter where they went, one truth remained the same—making too many enemies was never a wise move.

Establishing ties with the right factions was crucial. Powerful groups like Lan Tianyun, Gao Tingyuan, and Dajiang Gang were far more suitable allies.

At first, the Fu family had set their sights on forming a connection with the Poshan Gang. Yet, the more they interacted, the more they found themselves coveting what Poshan Gang possessed.

The sheer wealth of resources under their control was staggering. It was almost as if they were looking at a miniature immortal sect.

From spirit beast breeding to mining operations, from spirit fields and herb cultivation to demonic beast hunting, fur trading, and even alchemy, their industries covered everything. With such a well-rounded system, it could be called a fully developed cultivation powerhouse, even if it wasn’t a large sect.

If the spoils could be divided among multiple factions...Then even a modest share for the Fu family would be more than enough to significantly elevate their status.

Before the war was decided, Fuzhang had represented the Fu family in a strategy meeting led by Foundation Establishment cultivators. Humbly, he had only requested control over the demonic beast fur and blood trade.

The Foundation Establishment cultivators had barely spared it a glance. It was beneath their notice, and so they had readily agreed, once the battle was won, that trade would belong to the Fu family.

What they saw as worthless, however, was invaluable to the Fu family.

With control over demonic beast fur and blood, the Fuzhang family could complete the final link in their talisman production chain, never again would they have to rely on outside suppliers or be at anyone’s mercy.

And yet—

“Are we really just going to sit here and let them watch from the sidelines?” Shan Xiu growled, eyes filled with venom as he glared at the cultivators within the valley.

Of all those present, his thirst for blood seemed the fiercest—but in truth, it wasn’t bloodlust that drove him.

It was hunger. A deep, gnawing hunger for resources.

His time spent in hiding, constantly on the run, had drained nearly all the wealth he had spent years accumulating. The only way to recoup those losses was to breach Crescent Moon Valley and strip it bare.

Lan Tianyun sighed helplessly. "The cultivators inside have already been assigned by the big shots. Don’t stir up trouble now!"

"Damn it! If I had known, I would’ve killed that old man back then without leaving any loose ends," growled Shan Xiu.

Lan Tianyun was about to say something else when a hand stopped him.

"Second Brother!" Lan Tianyun greeted respectfully.

Gao Tingyuan gave a slight nod before stepping up to the edge of the grand formation. His eyes swept across the valley calm, calculated until they came to rest on a distant cliffside.

There, faintly visible, was a lone figure, seated with unhurried grace. Luo Chen, completely at ease, was brewing and sipping tea as if none of the chaos beyond the barrier concerned him.

“Far too comfortable,” Gao Tingyuan murmured. “Unfortunately... that peace won’t last.”

Gao Tingyuan took a step back, retreating a full li before raising his hand. "Let’s give them a little scare!"

At his command, more than sixty mid stage Qi-Refining cultivators surged forward.

Inside Crescent Moon Valley, the atmosphere shifted immediately. The late stage cultivators stationed along the formation walls stiffened, their eyes narrowing.

“What are they trying to do?” someone muttered.

“They’re not launching a full assault, are they?!”

Zhou Yuanli’s voice cut through the tension like a blade. “Everyone, stay alert! Be ready to rotate the formation stones on my signal! Backup cultivators, prepare for battle!”

Under his swift and steady command, the defenders sprang into action. Even under pressure, their movements were crisp and coordinated, a sign of excellent discipline.

From afar, Luo Chen quietly observed the scene, nodding to himself in approval.

This Zhou Yuanli... quite the capable man.

Whether in routine security matters or managing crises, his performance was commendable. What a shame he wasn’t one of mine!

But before the thought could fade, his eyes suddenly narrowed.

Beyond the valley’s defensive barrier, dozens of enemy cultivators had begun to move in eerie unison. Hands formed seals, incantations rolled from their tongues and at once, waves of spirit energy pulsed outward.

The next moment!

Boom!

Boom!

Boom!

Low-tier spells rained down like a torrential flood, Fireball, Water Arrow, Golden Spear, Thrusting Blade, Wood Spike, Vine Bind, wave after wave of attacks pounded the barrier.

The impact was immense. The first-tier Earth Guardian Array trembled violently, its yellow earthen glow flickering under the pressure as if on the verge of collapse.

Luo Chen stood silently, watching from afar. His expression remained calm, but deep down, a flicker of concern stirred.

Is it going to break just like that...?

In the end, the yellow light barrier steadied itself.

"As expected of a formation strong enough to protect a small cultivation family. With the mountainous terrain as reinforcement, it’s as solid as an iron wall!" Luo Chen praised with admiration.

In front of the formation, Zhou Yuanli was already barking orders, swiftly organizing teams to replace the drained spirit stones. That single wave of attacks had already burned through over a hundred low-grade stones.

Maintaining the formation under normal conditions was one thing. Defending it under bombardment? That was another matter entirely. If the assault continued like this, the spirit stones reserves of both halls would run dry in no time.

Outside the valley, Lan Tianyun frowned as he turned to Gao Tingyuan.

"Second Brother, why did you suddenly order an attack? Didn’t Gang Leader Wang say to surround them without engaging, focusing on capturing them alive?"

Gao Tingyuan’s expression remained impassive. “A siege isn’t just about standing around. You have to wear them down. Otherwise, when it’s time to move in, they’ll still be at full strength and that’s when things get messy.”

The explanation was reasonable enough.

Under Gao Tingyuan’s orders, the mid stage Qi-Refining cultivators launched another four or five rounds of bombardment against the formation. Only then did they stop to take recovery pills and meditate to replenish their spirit energy.

Turning back, Gao Tingyuan added, "Besides, if we don’t attack, how can we lure their reinforcements into the open?"

He revealed a jade token, from which an arrogant voice echoed.

"The Mi family cultivators have set out. I will lead my men to slaughter them at Yinma Ford!"

Lan Tianyun was startled. "Li Ao?"

Gao Tingyuan nodded before pulling out another sound-transmission jade token. This time, a steady voice spoke. "I have stationed my men in the Green Hemp Forest, awaiting Qin Liangchen’s arrival!"

Lan Tianyun was surprised. "Even Nangong Qin has taken action?"

Putting away both tokens, Gao Tingyuan clasped his hands behind his back, his voice relaxed yet cold. "Indeed. Since they’ve already made their moves, we can’t just slack off.

A faint smile curved on his lips. “We’ve got to put on a good show, after all. Otherwise, when it’s time to divide up Poshan Gang’s spoils, someone might say we didn’t do our part.”

Roughly two incense sticks of time passed before Gao Tingyuan waved his hand again.

"Continue the assault! This time, don’t hold back—use your most powerful spells!"

Lan Tianyun stood silently behind him. At first, he had accepted his Second Brother Gao’s reasoning. But as he watched that cold, merciless glint flicker in Gao Tingyuan’s eyes, his heart grew heavy.

So he still hasn’t let go...

This wasn’t just for appearances. It was a deliberate attempt to drain Crescent Moon Valley’s spirit stone reserves. Once their spirit stones ran out, those inside wouldn’t be able to hold them back.

By then, all Second Brother had to do was give the command, and under the pressure of the overwhelming tide, a certain someone inside would find their fate sealed.

"But this way... Second Brother, aren’t you afraid of offending those Foundation Establishment Initiates?"