Chapter 449: Things Remain, But People Have Changed; A World of Difference

"Fellow Daoists, please disembark and come in. I would like to offer you a humble host's courtesy."

An immense aura belonging to the sixth stage of Foundation Establishment spread out unhindered. It rippled through the air with a clear, resonant voice, diffusing like wind and cloud.

Inside the flying boat, Zhou Qing’s expression changed drastically.

When did the Luo Tian Society manage to hire a sixth-stage Initiate? And it's Xu Haizhen, of all people!

That name was by no means unfamiliar to him. He had nearly been invited to join the Lianyun Trade Alliance once, but because of severe internal struggles early on and his distaste for fighting over authority, he had declined the offer.

Zhou Qing swallowed hard. The other party’s strength left him uneasy. He had only just reached the middle stage of Foundation Establishment, and against someone like Xu Haizhen, he felt no confidence at all. This sudden turn of events made his aggressive stance difficult to maintain.

As he hesitated, Nangong Jin spoke up behind him. "Elder Zhou, I’ve visited Danxia Peak before. Its scenery is truly splendid. Why don’t we disembark and enjoy the view as we walk?"

Zhou Qing paused, then exhaled.

Very well, I’ll give Xu Haizhen this courtesy!

Without the slightest hesitation, he stepped down the stairs. After glancing back at Nangong Jin and Li Yixian, he straightened his robes and left the flying boat.

Under the watchful eyes of many Qi Refinement rogue cultivators, Elder Zhou Qing of the Lianyun Trade Alliance walked off the flying boat. Alongside the Palace Leader of Luo Tian Society’s Beast Palace, he stepped onto the rainbow bridge and entered Danxia Peak. It now seemed as if his earlier domineering momentum had merely been the result of a hurried journey.

The flying boat slowly descended. Nangong Jin and Li Yixian exited the flying boat, with the younger Li Ao following closely behind. Cultivators in the uniforms of the Luo Tian Society had already gathered beside them to guide the flying boat to its designated docking area. Their demeanor was respectful and enthusiastic, and their guidance was meticulous and thorough.

Li Yixian and Nangong Jin exchanged a glance and then sighed, both filled with emotion.

"Fellow Daoist Nangong, let us go," Li Yixian said.

Nangong Jin nodded. "Let’s go. I want to see how Luo Chen has developed that small organization we all once looked down on."

The two of them walked side by side with Li Ao in tow, stepping onto the rainbow bridge. Their feet pressed against its surface. Though clearly illusory, the bridge felt remarkably solid beneath them.

Nangong Jin was rather amazed. "What a marvelous formation!"

Li Yixian nodded. "This must be Min Longyu’s handiwork. Even when he served under Zhou Qing, his talent with formations was already outstanding."

Nangong Jin chuckled. "I wonder how Zhou Qing will act when he meets his old subordinate again."

Old acquaintances meeting after so long—what kind of meeting would that be?

Li Yixian let out a quiet sigh. They too, were old acquaintances of Luo Chen. In the past, they had looked down on him, treating the then-Qi-Refinement cultivator with the pride of their own Initiate status.

Now, however, Luo Chen had built a magnificent organization from scratch. By comparison, their own circumstances had worsened. Within the Lianyun Trade Alliance, they now lived cautiously under the authority of others, struggling daily just to maintain a place for cultivation.

For Li Yixian especially, burdened by the weight of her family, compromise had become a necessity. Her life had turned bitter and unsatisfying.

"

Hm

? Someone else is arriving?" Nangong Jin halted and turned to look beyond the mountain.

Li Yixian narrowed her eyes at the approaching light, surprise flickering across her face. "That looks like Fellow Daoist Chen Xiuli of the Chen family from Tianyi Market."

The two exchanged glances, both clearly stunned. The Chen family of Tianyi Market was no minor force. Their old patriarch stood at the late stage of Foundation Establishment, and three more of their members had already reached the early stage. The entire Tianyi Market was firmly under their control. For a cultivation family, they were undoubtedly considered a dominant power. Why would they attend the Luo Tian Society’s Foundation Establishment Ceremony?

Without further delay, the two of them stepped down from the rainbow bridge, giving way to the more honored guests.

Once they descended and passed through the drifting clouds, the sight before them changed again. Lush forests stretched in every direction, thick with abundant spirit energy. Eagles circled overhead, and white cranes danced gracefully through the sky.

The Luo Tian Society cultivators moved about hastily, yet their faces were filled with joy and pride.

"This way, seniors!" Murong Qinglian, dressed in fresh new robes, looked at them with a bright smile.

Li Yixian recognized her as one of Luo Chen’s trusted subordinates. Rumor had it she had followed Luo Chen loyally from the very beginning. Luo Chen had treated her well too, even helping her attempt Foundation Establishment once, though she had failed. Otherwise, she would now be one of their peers and address them as fellow Daoists, not seniors.

Li Yixian gave her a nod, then followed alongside Nangong Jin and Li Ao as Murong Qinglian led them deeper into Danxia Peak.

Behind them, a solemn voice rang out clearly.

"Fellow Daoist Chen Xiuli of Tianyi Market, welcome to Danxia Peak!"

Li Yixian paused at the announcement and glanced at Nangong Jin. He nodded in quiet understanding.

As expected, they had not been mistaken earlier; it was indeed Chen Xiuli. Could it be that the Luo Tian Society’s influence had already reached beyond Tianlan Immortal City to distant marketplaces?

With their own Lianyun Trade Alliance already present, this would mark the second faction boasting a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator to arrive and offer congratulations. Would there be more to come?

***

Deep within Huixin Hall, a man and a woman sat across from each other.

"How are you feeling?"

"A little uneasy."

"Not nervous?"

"Not really. With you here, President, there’s nothing for me to be nervous about." Sima Huiniang gently brushed a strand of hair aside.

She wore plain white robes, free of any ornamentation, and not even a trace of makeup. In contrast with her usual authoritative presence, her elegant and refined features now carried a rare softness.

Luo Chen studied her delicate face and nodded approvingly. "As expected, you did not disappoint me. Though your progress was slower than others', your foundation is solid and without the slightest trace of hollowness. It seems that rogue cultivator's Waterside Pavilion Art truly suits you."

Although she knew Luo Chen was merely evaluating her cultivation, Sima Huiniang still felt a faint shyness beneath his gaze. For some reason, her heart had been restless since early morning.

It was not anxiety but anticipation. Perhaps it was because she would soon stand with dignity before many of Tianlan Immortal City’s Foundation Establishment cultivators. Or perhaps it was because, with Luo Chen’s support, she would officially announce her entry into the Foundation Establishment Realm.

She pressed her rosy lips together and whispered, "It was not my own doing. I owe it entirely to the Jade Dew pill you gave me, President."

Luo Chen shook his head. "You have an important role today. Aside from sharing your Foundation Establishment Insights, the main focus is negotiating with representatives of various powers afterward."

At the mention of business, her fleeting girlish demeanor vanished at once.

Sima Huiniang quickly adopted her professional persona. "Rest assured! I have already committed the intel on each major power and the personal preferences of those Foundation Establishment Initiates to memory. I will see today’s mission through without fail."

Luo Chen smiled faintly. "I hope that after today, your name will be known throughout Tianlan Immortal City and that the Luo Tian Society will truly take flight."

"I hope so too," she replied. Her tone was graceful and light, yet beneath it lay a thread of solemn determination.

Luo Chen rose to his feet and made for the door. "I will go meet the guests first. You should begin preparing as well."

His voice, warm and deep with its natural magnetism, lingered faintly even after he had left, as if still brushing against her ear.

Sima Huiniang stood silently for a moment, then drew a steady breath and pushed herself to her feet. A single sound transmission left her lips.

Moments later, soft footsteps approached from outside the chambers.

"Enter!"

At her command, several female cultivators stepped into the room under the lead of Gu Caiyi. Each carried a jade tray carefully in their hands. A young girl holding a whisk and a boy bearing the ceremonial Autumnwater Sword flanked them from either side.

Upon seeing Sima Huiniang, they all saluted in unison and called out, "Greetings, Director!"

"Let’s begin!"

Without delay, Gu Caiyi waved her hand, and the female cultivators from the Gold Hall gathered around. They shaped her brows, applied rouge, and brushed her with fragrant incense. Her long black hair was combed neatly, cascading down to her slender waist. A finely crafted phoenix crown with lotus-shaped tassels was placed gently upon her head. Silver ornaments gleamed on either side, and the dangling beads chimed softly with her every movement.

Finally, Sima Huiniang extended her arms. A nearby cultivator approached, carrying a beautifully crafted white gown embroidered with subtle pale blue patterns. As the gown slipped over her form, it draped elegantly to the floor, covering her long legs. Her graceful figure was veiled beneath the flowing fabric.

Gu Caiyi stepped back, a flicker of surprise flashing in her eyes. The delicate beauty from moments earlier had vanished. In her place now stood a woman of noble bearing, proud and commanding. Only such a presence was truly worthy of the title "Director of the Luo Tian Society."

"Is it done?" Sima Huiniang asked calmly.

Gu Caiyi pressed her red lips together. "Just need to adjust your jade earrings. One moment."

She moved forward and carefully shifted the earrings into place.

In her younger years, Sima Huiniang had spent her life wandering through mountains and valleys, seldom caring for her appearance. Even the simplest accessories, worn casually by most female cultivators, had rarely adorned her attire. For this reason, Gu Caiyi had taken it upon herself to personally oversee every detail of today’s preparations.

As she adjusted the earrings, she could not help but remark, "This Daoist robe can change its design on its own! It suits you perfectly, Director."

"Does it?" A rare, soft smile curved across Sima Huiniang’s lips. "I think so too. The president’s eye for clothes is just as exceptional as his insight into people and situations."

Gu Caiyi's hands paused slightly. “It was a gift from the president?”

"Yes. A supreme-grade Daoist robe from Tianyi Tower, acquired at a Snow Lotus Palace auction."

At some point, Gu Caiyi had stopped her adjustments entirely.

Sima Huiniang smoothed an imaginary crease from her robe, then stepped gracefully out of the bedchamber. The boy with the sword and the girl with the whisk quickly followed. Behind them, the other female cultivators gathered their trays of makeup and accessories and fell into step. Today would be the most radiant day of her entire cultivation journey!

***

Luo Chen exited the bedchamber and made his way toward the grand and solemn Huixin Hall. With each stride, the calm expression on his face softened into a warm smile. By the time he reached the hall, his features shone with cheerful radiance, like the fresh breeze of spring.

"Elder Zhou, it has been many years since we parted at Dahe Market. I have heard that not only has your cultivation deepened, but you have also risen to the position of Fourth Elder in the Lianyun Trade Alliance. Truly worthy of celebration!"

Zhou Qing, who had been exchanging pleasantries with Min Longyu, was caught slightly off guard by Luo Chen’s enthusiasm. He cleared his throat and forced a polite smile. “I wouldn’t dare compare myself to you, Luo Chen. You’ve built all this from the ground up. Even though we’re of the same generation, I can only admire what you’ve achieved.”

Luo Chen noted the courteous but hollow response. He smiled lightly, offering no further comment, and gently instructed Min Longyu to continue hosting Zhou Qing. Then he turned to greet Wei Bufan, who had approached to join them.

Surprisingly, Wei Bufan seemed completely unconcerned about the grudge between them. But it made sense—after all, Luo Chen had slain Wei Tuo, and that act had paved the way for Wei Bufan’s own rise. Now, the entire Xuchen Mountain belonged to him alone, its resources and influence fully in his grasp. As a leader, he was in a position to hold a grudge, but on a personal level, he actually owed Luo Chen gratitude.

"Fire Spirit Lord, allow me to introduce a few Fellow Daoists," Wei Bufan said warmly. "Chang Dongliu of Changliu Gorge. Elder Bai Xuzi of the Yuhua Sect. And this is..."

𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

One after another, Foundation Establishment cultivators were introduced. Each greeted Luo Chen with sincere smiles, and he responded graciously, exchanging pleasantries without once letting his smile slip.

When an attendant’s voice rang out from outside, calling new arrivals, Luo Chen cupped his hands in farewell. "Please enjoy yourselves. Some other Fellow Daoists have arrived; I must go greet them."

No one tried to stop him. By rights, such duties were not his to perform, but today’s host was Sima Huiniang, and the other Foundation Establishment members of the Luo Tian Society lacked sufficient status. Only Luo Chen, who bore the title of Fire Spirit Lord and led the Luo Tian Society, could meet these guests as an equal.

He stepped forward and left the hall. Soon after, he returned, accompanied by a beautiful female cultivator in flowing robes.

As she entered, the eyes of many Foundation Establishment experts lit with recognition. The Chen family of Tianyi Market was a true cultivation powerhouse. They controlled a large-scale market, possessed several Foundation Establishment members, and even had a Grand Elder at the late stage. Their status, wealth, and strength far surpassed any other faction present.

At once, the crowd gathered around Luo Chen and Chen Xiuli, greeting the latter with warm and welcoming voices.

In a corner, Zhou Qing finished a brief exchange before returning to Li Yixian and Nangong Jin. All traces of his earlier arrogance had vanished. Only a heavy solemnity remained.

Watching Luo Chen move effortlessly through the crowd, the center of attention, Zhou Qing sighed. "Truly, how the times have changed.... Everything is different now. The little Qi Refinement cultivator who once came to me begging for a few medicinal herbs has become a figure of influence."

Nangong Jin nodded with a bitter chuckle. "No doubt about it. I still remember how he schemed with me again and again to bring down Duan Qiankun. Even back then, you could see it. He was already fit to be a great leader."

Li Yixian remained silent. Her gaze lingered on Luo Chen’s back as he smiled and laughed among the guests, and waves of emotion stirred in her heart. Once, they had advanced and retreated together. Now, she could not even find the chance to speak with him for a few brief moments.

Just then, a new wave of ceremonial announcements rang out from outside.

"Sect Leader Zuo Song of Iron Sword Hall congratulates the Director of the Luo Tian Society on achieving Foundation Establishment, presenting a supreme-grade flying sword as a gift!"

"Family Head Luo Feng of Luosha Market congratulates the Director of the Luo Tian Society, presenting refined Black Iron as a gift!"

"Elder Qiao Xiyue of Peach Mountain congratulates the Director of the Luo Tian Society, presenting a Flowing Cloud Sleeve robe as a gift!"

Before the announcements ended, the entire hall had fallen silent. These were three great factions, each led by a late-stage Initiate. Peach Mountain, in particular, was a branch of the Hundred Flowers Palace under Grand Elder Peach Blossom, yet even they had sent someone to attend!

A bright, clear laugh echoed through the hall. Luo Chen’s face glowed with joy. "Fellow Daoists, you have journeyed from far away. What a joyous day this is! Please, come in and enjoy a cup of wine!"