Chapter 439: This Young Man Is Deeply Scheming, Every Action Has Hidden Intent!

In the end, the jar containing more than a thousand portions of Netherworld Yin Fiend went to Wang Yuan. The price, however, was staggering. Thirty thousand low-grade spirit stones were enough to purchase a low-grade enchanted treasure like the Mystic Flame Sword.

By all rights, it should not have cost so much. At the end of the day, it was merely a first-tier or second-tier material with limited applications. Its only advantage and also major drawback was its rarity. Its scarcity drove the price up, especially with so much of it being offered at once.

After winning the item, Wang Yuan lost interest in the rest of the auction. He was clearly itching to leave and have Luo Chen begin refining immediately, but Luo Chen held him back and continued bidding in the remaining lots.

“You still want something else?” Wang Yuan asked, puzzled.

Luo Chen pointed at a name on the catalog. “A Daoist robe?”

Wang Yuan raised a brow. “Didn’t you already spend a fortune on that Crimson Cloud Robe from Tianyi Tower? What now? You’ve got nowhere to throw your spare spirit stones, so you’re buying supreme-grade robes for variety?”

Luo Chen shook his head with a quiet laugh. Though his attire was always refined and dignified, it had nothing to do with shallow extravagance. As the leader of a society, he had to maintain appearances. He could not walk into negotiations in tatters. To do so would be disrespectful to both his peers and himself.

The same principle applied to Sima Huiniang. As a fellow pillar of the organization, she was entitled to equal courtesy.

"This robe is for Huiniang," Luo Chen explained. "She has successfully reached the Foundation Establishment Realm, and I have yet to give her a suitable gift."

Wang Yuan opened his mouth but said nothing. Instead, a soft warmth flickered in his eyes. After spending so much time with Luo Chen, he understood his character well. Luo Chen had risen swiftly in the cultivation world by riding on the efforts of hundreds, but he was far from a ruthless exploiter.

On the contrary, he treated those under him with generosity whenever possible. Before they reached Foundation Establishment, he instructed and guided them with patience. Afterward, he never withheld his congratulations, nor did he begrudge them their rewards.

When Wang Yuan achieved his breakthrough, Luo Chen immediately gifted him with Huo Hu’s newly unlocked storage pouch. At the time, unlocking the restriction of a Foundation Establishment cultivator’s pouch had demanded considerable effort from Luo Chen, as he had only just entered that realm himself. Later, Luo Chen had even secured a Physique Refinement technique for him at auction. These were all congratulatory gifts, though no such thing had ever been said between them.

Without doubt, he had shown the same generosity to Duan Feng and Min Longyu. The formation disc in Min Longyu’s possession alone was clearly worth a fortune; there was no possibility that he had obtained it by his own means.

Wang Yuan lowered his gaze, that thought weighing in his heart.

Thinking about it now... when he broke through to Foundation Establishment, we didn’t prepare anything for him.

While Wang Yuan was lost in thought, Luo Chen had already joined the bidding for a supreme-grade defensive robe, the Ice-Spun Jade Robe crafted by Tianyi Tower.

It was made from a high amount of ten-thousand-year black ice from Ice Fortress, glazed jadeite, and special threads from the Chen family of Tianyi Market. The intention had been to make it into an enchanted treasure, but due to the complexity of using fourth-tier materials like the ancient black ice, the refinement had failed.

Even Luo Chen’s Ice Emperor Cauldron had met with a similar fate—made possible by the black ice, yet hindered by it at the same time. It was clear that Ice Fortress still lacked a proper refining technique for such high-tier resources.

But even as a so-called “failed” product, the robe retained the full power of a supreme-grade enchanted artifact. Under Shi Boying’s demonstration, the Ice-Spun Jade Robe displayed remarkable defensive strength. Its entire surface shimmered with crystalline white light, laced with faint highlights of jadeite blue, as though its very composition had been reversed.

In the end, Luo Chen secured the robe for nine thousand spirit stones. It was the most expensive enchanted artifact he had ever purchased, and it was not even for himself.

Watching Luo Chen wince as he handed over the spirit stones, Wang Yuan burst into laughter. "Why bankrupt yourself just to look wealthy?"

Luo Chen rolled his eyes. "Do I look as if I care about a mere ten or twenty thousand spirit stones? Please. That is pocket change."

He spoke boldly, yet after the auction, he still muttered complaints to Shi Boying. "You really gutted me today, old friend."

Shi Boying sighed. “It wasn’t my intention. If I had a choice, would I do this to you? The truth is, these items were consigned by one of our sect’s Golden Core Adepts. If we didn’t auction them for a decent price, we would've been punished.”

So that’s how it is!

Luo Chen asked curiously, “Was it one of the Golden Core Adept from your Ruthless Lineage?”

“Not at all!” Shi Boying let out a deep sigh. “It was Adept Light Frost.”

From just a few casual remarks, Luo Chen was able to piece together the general power structure of the Ice Fortress. The sect housed nine Golden Core cultivators: one at the late stage, two at the middle stage, and six at the early stage. These nine were divided across five lineages.

The Ruthless Lineage had once possessed formidable strength. Everything changed, however, when their leading figure, Fairy Ruthless, personally executed her own Dao companion, who had been a Golden Core cultivator as well. The fallout from that act crippled the lineage, reducing its influence to the lowest tier within the sect’s hierarchy.

In time, the lineage was sent to Tianlan Immortal City, nominally under the pretext of “guarding the city.” In truth, it was little more than a courteous exile. Their former authority within the Ice Fortress had nearly vanished.

Adept Light Frost stood in stark contrast. As one of the sect’s two mid-stage Golden Core cultivators, she held real power and commanded unquestionable authority. Whenever she gave an order, cultivators like Shi Boying had no choice but to obey.

The more Luo Chen listened, the more convoluted the political landscape of the Ice Fortress seemed, and the heaviness of it left him with a dull headache.

At last, he understood why Fairy Ruthless valued his Jade Dew pills so greatly. Those pills could drastically enhance the strength of the Ruthless Lineage. If she managed to nurture another Golden Core Adept, she might one day restore her lineage’s standing within Ice Fortress’s inner circle.

The tale of Fairy Ruthless personally slaying her Dao companion and earning the title “Ruthless” particularly piqued Luo Chen’s interest. Unfortunately, this sort of gossip was not something Shi Boying dared to talk about freely. All Luo Chen managed to learn was that the slain Golden Core Dao companion was named Shang Yun.

As they chatted, Luo Chen casually browsed through Snow Lotus Palace, purchasing a few ingredients he needed. Ingredients like Phantom Shade Herbs and first-tier demon fox blood, used in refining the Spirit Passage pill, were specialties of the Ice Fortress and available in ample supply.

Just as he was about to take his leave, he suddenly paused, smacked his forehead, and drew a jade bottle from his storage pouch.

"Fellow Daoist Shi," he said with a warm smile, "when Fellow Daoist Tantai protected me in secret last time, I could not help but feel that your kind words played a part in it. I never had the chance to thank you properly. Please accept this small token of my appreciation."

Shi Boying’s eyes lit up slightly, though her face remained composed as she accepted the jade bottle. She could guess what it was: likely, another precious Jade Dew pill.

In truth, she was not surprised. A single bribe was rarely the end. Once such exchanges began, they tended to become a habit. By now, she had grown accustomed to this unspoken understanding.

She personally walked Luo Chen to the gates of Snow Lotus Palace, her demeanor warmer than ever. “Take care, Fellow Daoist!”

Luo Chen waved with a smile and disappeared into the crowd alongside Wang Yuan.

After they departed, a faint smile tugged at the corners of Shi Boying’s lips. Her weathered face radiated satisfaction.

In all her years of cultivation, Luo Chen was the most tactful and admirable man she'd met. He handled people and matters with meticulous precision, not missing a single detail.

"Only someone like him could carve out a world of his own without backing or powerful patronage," Shi Boying murmured in admiration. With a soft sigh, she turned away and went upstairs to tally the day’s earnings.

As she passed the counter, her gaze fell upon Qiu Liangyue, who was busy attending to customers. A faint frown touched her face. Qiu Liangyue was a rogue cultivator who had managed to join the Ruthless Lineage, yet Shi Boying could not bring herself to like her.

It wasn't that Qiu Liangyue was a terrible person or anything, but in comparison to Luo Chen, the difference was painfully stark.

She really has no idea how to handle matters properly.

Qiu Liangyue, seemingly unaware, continued serving guests with quiet diligence. Only after Shi Boying departed did she lift her head from behind the counter, and a trace of bitterness flickered across her features. Years spent as a rogue cultivator had allowed her to see through people clearly, and there was no way she could have missed the disdain hidden in Shi Boying’s eyes.

In fact, it wasn’t just Shi Boying. Most of the other Foundation Establishment disciples from the Ruthless Lineage didn’t treat her well either.

She was powerless to change any of it. What she found within Ice Fortress was far from the haven she had imagined. There was no guidance from seniors, no care or support, only scorn and contempt. Her days were consumed with menial errands and meaningless tasks. Under such circumstances, forming a Golden Core was nothing more than an empty dream.

"I thought that being transferred to the Tianlan Immortal City, closer to Adept Ruthless, would earn me a measure of favor. But to this day, I have not even seen her face. Those two were rogue cultivators just like me, yet they are thriving in this city and earning everyone’s respect. Did I... choose the wrong path?”

Just as she was murmuring to herself, hurried footsteps came down the stairs. Moments later, she saw Shi Boying rushing past in haste.

"Senior Sister, what has happened?" Qiu Liangyue asked quickly.

"It is none of your concern. Guard Snow Lotus Palace. I must find Junior Sister Tantai," Shi Boying replied curtly. Without a glance, she disappeared into the crowd outside.

Qiu Liangyue opened her mouth but said nothing, shaking her head helplessly. Another warm smile had been met with a cold back. The cultivators of the Ice Fortress truly lived up to their name; no matter how much warmth she offered, their hearts remained frozen, beyond her reach.

***

Within the cave residence blanketed in snow and ice, Tantai Jin held a perfectly snow-white pill between her fingers. Her usually cold and aloof face couldn’t help but reveal a hint of emotion.

“Mid-grade Jade Dew pill!”

"Yes, that is correct!" Shi Boying replied, her voice tinged with excitement. "The moment I got it, I rushed to you. Junior Sister, should we inform Master immediately?"

Although she had been stationed in Tianlan Immortal City, Fairy Ruthless seldom involved herself in daily affairs. She had delegated all authority to Tantai Jin, her most favored and highest-ranked disciple. Unless the matter was truly momentous, their master rarely appeared in person. Only Tantai Jin was permitted to approach her.

Tantai Jin suppressed her excitement and forced herself to speak calmly. “Luo Chen gave this to you?”

Shi Boying’s enthusiasm froze at once, as if doused by cold water. A trace of awkwardness crossed her pale face. "Yes. The bottle mainly contains low-grade Jade Dew pills, with a single mid-grade pill mixed in. He probably made a mistake and accidentally packed one in. Perhaps he did not even notice it himself."

Tantai Jin let out a soft sound, neither confirming nor denying the guess. The possibility existed, but it was infinitesimal. With someone as calculative as Luo Chen, such an oversight was practically unthinkable.

This situation felt perfectly deliberate.

But to what end? Was he showing that he already possessed the skill to refine mid-grade Jade Dew pills? Did he intend to use this as leverage to demand greater benefits or stronger protection? Or was there an entirely different motive hidden beneath his calm smile?

Until she had clarified his intent, she dared not report this to her master. She knew her master’s temperament extremely well. Ordinary people wouldn’t dare cross her even slightly. In fact, when her Dao companion showed signs of betraying Ice Fortress, even though the Supreme Elder had intended to handle it, she had personally taken action without hesitation and ended it. If Tantai Jin disturbed her for something unclear like this, she would undoubtedly be punished.

Tantai Jin’s gaze lingered on the pill in her hand. Her throat moved as she swallowed unconsciously. Even the low-grade version had already proven far more effective for her cultivation than the Ascending Dragon pill or qi-consolidation pills. And this one... was mid-grade.

If she consistently consumed mid-grade pills, she was confident she could reach the ninth stage of Foundation Establishment within twenty years! At that point, she could return to the Ice Fortress represent the Ruthless Lineage to contend for the Dao Scion position. If she succeeded, her chances of forming a Golden Core would increase dramatically.

One day, she might even stand alongside her master, holding up the Ruthless Lineage's banner and enjoying access to the Ice Fortress’s top-tier resources.

Deep down, she had already made a decision. No matter Luo Chen’s intent, she intended to agree to his terms. All for the sake of the Dao!

Pulled back from her thoughts, Tantai Jin turned to Shi Boying. "Senior Sister, until we reach a clear conclusion, do not disturb Master’s breakthrough to the middle stage."

Shi Boying was momentarily stunned, but she quickly nodded. “Of course. Master’s cultivation takes top priority!”

"Even so, this matter cannot be disregarded," Tantai Jin said slowly, drawing in a deep breath. "Whether it was intentional or not, Luo Chen has already proven his ability to refine mid-grade Jade Dew pills. That alone means master’s investment in him has begun to bear fruit."

Seeing Shi Boying nod, Tantai Jin gave a direct order. "From this point forward, gather comprehensive information on Luo Chen and the Luo Tian Society. Present it to me when the time comes, so that I may properly address his demands."

Shi Boying frowned in puzzlement. "Is that really necessary? Would it not be simpler to ask him directly?"

Tantai Jin shook her head. “Luo Chen is extremely shrewd. Every move he makes carries purpose. Back when he formed a contract with me using low-grade Jade Dew pills, that move was a huge concession. This time, with a mid-grade Jade Dew pill, he’s got a grip on my lifeline. His new demands will likely be outrageous. I don’t want to be on the back foot, so I must act first!”

After hearing her analysis, Shi Boying felt as though a pail of enlightening water had been poured over her head. Her face was tinged with shame. She had lived this long, yet it was as if she’d been living in a cave all her life. It was one thing to fall short of a rising power like Luo Chen, who had clawed his way up from the bottom, but to be outdone in insight by her own junior sister?

With the course of action settled, Shi Boying departed from Tianlan Peak. From a distance, she gazed in the direction of Luo Chen’s cave residence with a complex look in her eyes.

These ten short years in Tianlan Immortal City have truly been an eye-opening experience.

***

Inside Cave Residence Bing Seventeen, Luo Chen watched as Bai Meiling carefully processed the medicinal ingredients for Imperial Nectar. She sorted them neatly into categories and placed them within his reach.

Once everything was ready, he drew out the corpse of the Icefrost Demon Wolf from his storage pouch. From experience, the flesh, blood, and bones of a second-tier demonic beast were enough for ten batches. Even its demon core could be added to the process, and it would make the resulting Imperial Nectar far more potent.

The fact that he had advanced to the second stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm in a single breath after his initial breakthrough was not solely due to the second-tier spirit vein beneath Fallen Phoenix Mountain, but also because the lingering medicinal power from two Foundation Establishment pills and three servings of Imperial Nectar had also played a decisive role.

In particular, the Imperial Nectar had contained the power of a Blazing Cloud Roc’s demon core. That was the demon core of a genuine second-tier demonic beast! Even just one-tenth of it carried a staggering amount of spirit power. However, this also meant the refining process would be significantly more complex and difficult.

Luo Chen wasn’t particularly concerned. Even back in the Qi Refinement Realm, he had been able to refine second-tier pills. Now, with his alchemical skills elevated by ten or even a hundredfold, producing a successful batch posed no challenge at all. His confidence was unshakable.

What piqued his curiosity at the moment was something else.

Why hasn’t Ice Fortress sent word yet? Could it be that Shi Boying hasn’t noticed the mid-grade Jade Dew pill yet? Right now, the Luo Tian Society is still in a consolidation phase. It can’t offer me much support. My hopes are on the profit potential of those mid-grade Jade Dew pills. You better not keep me waiting too long.

His thoughts were completely contrary to Tantai Jin’s assumptions. Luo Chen’s intention this time was pathetically simple; he just wanted to earn a few more spirit stones.

In the end, overthinking was often the fastest path to ruin.