Chapter 451: Ceremony Ends, Chu Kui Pays a Visit

Within Danxia Peak, three figures walked side by side. The one in the lead was not Luo Chen, but Tantai Jin. She stood at the center, her gaze sweeping across the arrangements for the Luo Tian Society’s ceremony.

"It was lively," she remarked evenly, "but parts of it were far too gaudy, and some arrangements had clearly overstepped the boundaries."

Such was the judgment of a True Inheritor from a Golden Core major sect. Luo Chen responded with a helpless smile. "Our foundation is still shallow. When it came to ceremony, there's plenty we have yet to learn."

Tantai Jin gave a slight nod. "It’s fine. After all, this gathering of yours was never merely about celebrating Foundation Establishment."

Luo Chen returned her gaze with a faint smile. Both of them understood what lay beneath the surface.

As for Tao Yisheng, who walked at their side, he kept his silence. Although he bore the authority of Tao Wan from Green Pill Valley, he understood that before someone like Tantai Jin, whose status equaled or perhaps even surpassed that of his patron, he could only remain quiet. Still, he couldn’t help but feel puzzled by the hidden meaning behind their words.

The three arrived at the outer plaza together. Many Foundation Establishment cultivators, including Zuo Song, Chen Xiuli, and several others, had long since gathered to greet them.

At the sight, Tantai Jin arched her brow, cast a lingering glance at Luo Chen, and drew three items from her storage pouch.

"This is a small gift. Nothing grand," she said casually.

Luo Chen’s eyes narrowed slightly. "And what might these be?"

Tantai Jin let out a soft laugh. In full view of the assembled families and sect representatives, she spoke with clear, ringing tones. "A Foundation Establishment pill, to wish the Luo Tian Society the rise of more young talents. One piece of Divine Ice Jade, to wish Director Sima Huiniang greater insight and cultivation. And lastly, a single-use jade scroll containing the Ice Fortress’s Core Formation secret art, to wish Fire Spirit Lord Luo Chen a smooth breakthrough into the Golden Core and a step onto the Great Dao."

That's a small gift?!?!

Almost the moment Tantai Jin finished speaking, every Foundation Establishment Initiate present erupted in uproar. Every gaze turned toward the jade scroll, its radiance blazing so fiercely it seemed as though it might melt the void itself. That was a Golden Core secret art! What virtue or capability did Luo Chen possess to be held in such high esteem by the Ice Fortress? They had even gifted him their Core Formation secret art?

Even Luo Chen felt his mind buzz with disbelief. He had once dared to request this very secret art from Tantai Jin, only to be rejected without hesitation. At that time, there had not been the slightest room for negotiation. Yet now...

Why is she being so generous?

Luo Chen swallowed hard; his eyes lingered at Tantai Jin’s calm profile before he finally spoke, "Fellow Daoist Tantai, this..."

"What, you do not like it?" she asked, her lips curving into a faint smile.

"No!" Luo Chen shook his head like a rattling drum, his throat dry under the countless devouring stares. "Isn’t this... far too valuable?"

Tantai Jin gave him a half-smiling glance.

When you asked for it back then, you didn’t seem concerned about how valuable it was. Now that I offer it publicly, you don’t dare accept it?

Seeing him frozen in place, Tantai Jin spoke slowly. "A mere Core Formation secret art is nothing to the Ice Fortress. So long as the Luo Tian Society stands united with our Ruthless Lineage from this day forward, that will be enough."

Without waiting for a reply, she swept her sleeve and strode confidently into the Grand Hall. Many of the Foundation Establishment cultivators instinctively followed after her, as if she were the true host of the celebration.

Luo Chen’s expression shifted. The jade scroll in his hand, clear as frozen crystal, suddenly seemed unbearably heavy. His initial shock had already faded, and realization struck him with crushing weight.

She seized the host’s position in a single move. What a brilliant flip.

He had hoped to borrow strength through alliance, and she had indeed lent him her support. Yet the power she extended was so overwhelming that it shattered the delicate balance he had painstakingly built.

At this moment, in the eyes of all present, the Luo Tian Society was no doubt considered the Ice Fortress’s official vassal now. After all, who would give away such a secret art unless it was to their own subordinate?

I’ve hunted geese all day, only to be pecked by one... I truly underestimated these sect elites!

As Luo Chen’s expression flickered with stormy unease, Tao Yisheng stepped forward with his own offering. "Brother Luo, I came in haste. This is but a small token. Please do not take offense."

Luo Chen accepted the gift without hesitation. Inside lay a few bottles of pills and several medicinal herbs. They were great treasures for female Foundation Establishment cultivators; nothing was given specifically to Luo Chen. After all, the ceremony had been held in honor of Sima Huiniang.

"Much appreciated, Fellow Daoist Tao," Luo Chen replied.

Luo Chen entered the Grand Hall together with Tao Yisheng.

"Among the Seven Sects of the Jade Cauldron, the Ice Fortress had the fewest vassals. Who would have thought the Luo Tian Society would be regarded so highly by them? I was right about you, Fellow Daoist Luo. You are no ordinary man. Even in a city like Tianlan, filled with cultivators, you still carved out your own path."

"You flatter me, Fellow Daoist." Luo Chen replied flatly, his mind clearly elsewhere.

Tao Yisheng caught the distracted air in his expression and wisely held his tongue.

When they stepped deeper into the Grand Hall under the attendants’ guidance, the Foundation Establishment cultivators moved to their seats. The arrangement had clearly been planned with great care. Two places were reserved at the head of the hall; Luo Chen had already taken one of them, while the other remained empty, its intended occupant evident to all.

On the same elevated platform, opposite him, sat Tantai Jin and Tao Yisheng. Two figures who represented the might of the Golden Core sects, their very presence a silent declaration of the power backing this ceremony.

Beneath the raised platform, the Grand Hall was divided into two flanks. Rows of low tables stretched out, each with Foundation Establishment Initiates seated cross-legged before them. Platters of spirit fruits and rare delicacies, along with fine wines and fragrant teas, had already been laid out in abundance.

The nearer a guest sat to the front, the higher their status or the greater the strength of their sect. For instance, Zuo Song and Luo Feng sat right near the head. Not only were their backgrounds powerful, but they themselves were cultivators at the late stage of Foundation Establishment. Just behind them sat the likes of Chen Xiuli, Zhou Qing, and Qiao Xiyue, each a figure of note in their own right. The rest of the Foundation Establishment cultivators were seated progressively farther back.

The Foundation Establishment Initiates of the Luo Tian Society were seated on tiered platforms that descended diagonally from the host’s main seat at the front of the hall. The arrangement clearly reflected the society’s understanding of etiquette and its recognition of each guest’s standing.

What caught many by surprise was the presence of a lone Perfected Mastery Qi Refinement cultivator sitting among the Foundation Establishment ranks. Yet once his identity became known, no one dared to voice objection.

That man was Li Yingzhang, the family head of the Li family of Qinhua River. In the past, the Li family had been led by a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator and had once stood tall among the prominent families. Though their power had waned, they remained a steadfast ally of the Luo Tian Society. To prevent offense, Luo Tian Society had arranged his seat at the end of the Foundation Establishment row, ensuring no one felt disrespected. Instead of offense, many guests found themselves admiring Luo Chen’s sense of loyalty and thoughtfulness. To treat the family of a departed friend this well was a rare display of character.

The Qi Refinement cultivators, whether from the Luo Tian Society or brought along by the visiting factions, were seated toward the rear and along the outer edges of the hall. From top to bottom, the seating appeared orderly and impeccably arranged.

"The auspicious hour has come, Fire Spirit Lord. How about you summon today's main attraction?"

The speaker was Zuo Song. Although Luo Chen’s mind was occupied with other matters, he showed no sign of discourtesy. A calm smile touched his lips as he replied, "Fellow Daoist, you are too polite. This gathering is merely a formal assembly for the exchange of insights, not an occasion where auspicious timing matters. Huiniang will be here shortly."

Even before his words had fully settled, the clear chime of jewelry rang out from beyond the hall.

Every head turned toward the sound. A tall woman entered with unhurried steps, her movements as light as floating lotus petals. She wore a snow-white gown and a phoenix crown adorned with delicate tassels that swayed with every step, scattering a quiet brilliance across the hall. Her complexion was pure and lustrous, her features refined and composed. Beauty alone could not account for the attention she commanded; it was the calm depth of her bearing that drew every gaze. Her eyes, clear and tranquil, remained steady even beneath the scrutiny of so many Foundation Establishment cultivators, like a still pool that reflected the heavens without a ripple.

A boy and a girl followed close behind, one carrying a whisk and the other a sword, their expressions solemn. As the woman moved further into the hall, her presence seemed to brighten the very air. Even the most composed of the guests could not stop their eyes from lighting up with admiration.

What an exceptional woman this is!

It had long been said that the Luo Tian Society’s director, though once only at the Qi Refinement Realm, was incredibly capable. On her own, she had managed the vast society with admirable precision and command. Everyone beneath her command respected her fully!

Now, having stepped into Foundation Establishment, she exuded a nobility and aura that clearly set her apart from the ordinary folk. No one could understand how Luo Chen had managed to win over such a gifted woman, let alone how he'd made her follow his every order without hesitation.

"Greetings, Fellow Daoists. Thank you all for your patience." Sima Huiniang’s voice was soft yet steady, carrying a poised elegance that resonated through the hall. As she spoke, she bowed with flawless grace.

Under Luo Chen’s steady gaze, she walked to the seat of honor. Each step was light, her movements as airy as drifting willow catkins, untainted by even a trace of mortal awkwardness.

"Not bad. A solid foundation and well-refined spirit power."

The remark seemed casual, but it carried immense weight, as it was spoken by Tantai Jin. To the ears of those present, it amounted to very high praise.

At once, the Foundation Establishment cultivators across the hall voiced their admiration, offering words of praise in turn.

Sima Huiniang only responded with a serene smile. Her eyes then turned toward Luo Chen, and for a brief moment their gazes met.

"Let’s begin," Luo Chen said calmly.

Sima Huiniang took a deep breath. Without the slightest tremor of stage fright, she began sharing her insights upon stepping into the Foundation Establishment Realm. At that moment, every Qi Refinement cultivator in the hall straightened their backs, their attention locked onto her every word. They listened so intently it seemed as if missing even a single phrase would bring disaster.

***

The insights of a newly advanced Foundation Establishment cultivator were, without question, invaluable to those who still lingered in the Qi Refinement Realm. For many rogue cultivators, such knowledge was something they might never come across in their entire lives; only disciples of powerful families or sects could attend the lectures of their elders. But within the Luo Tian Society, even its most junior members had been blessed with repeated opportunities. In the span of just a decade, their Qi Refinement cultivators had already attended four or five such sessions.

For those with sharp minds and steady diligence, these teachings could dramatically enhance their chances of success when the time came to attempt Foundation Establishment. Perhaps for this very reason, a faction rising from humble origins would nurture wave after wave of elites.

Even if they were not born in renowned lands, and even if their talents seemed ordinary at first, they still had the chance to rise to prominence under the guidance of a capable leader. Step by step, through every victory and every harvest, they accumulated strength, each success forging them into something greater. And indeed, in such a short while, people had already began to wonder how this place could produce so many prodigies. In truth, it was not the land’s fortune or the blessings of feng shui that shaped such results; it was simply that the right person had risen at the right time with a unique approach to leadership.

The rogue cultivators of Dahe Market who now gathered around Luo Chen had done more than pledge their allegiance. They followed him, gained opportunities through him, and reaped their own rewards in turn.

Of course, for the Foundation Establishment cultivators in the room, these insights held little practical value. What truly mattered in such a celebration was not what happened during the event itself, but who arrived at the beginning and what they took away at the end.

Thus, as Sima Huiniang spoke, the Qi Refinement cultivators listened with full attention, while most Foundation Establishment Initiates remained distracted.

Strictly speaking, this was the first time the Luo Tian Society had hosted a public celebration since Luo Chen’s own. When people like Duan Feng and Wang Yuan advanced, their successes were celebrated only within the society itself. This time, things were different. No one dared to test Sima Huiniang’s abilities or disrupt the event. Whether it was out of respect for Luo Chen as the Fire Spirit Lord or deference to the two major sects’ True Inheritors, the celebration proceeded smoothly and without disruption.

As the final moments drew near, the evening sky burned with an amber glow, casting its radiance across Danxia Peak. One by one, the Foundation Establishment cultivators departed with their disciples. Among them were Tantai Jin and Tao Yisheng.

Yet many others chose to remain, their gazes fixed on Sima Huiniang. They were waiting for her to act.

After bidding Tantai Jin farewell, she walked beside Luo Chen across the rainbow bridge. Her earlier excitement had calmed, leaving her expression steady as she turned back to glance at the cultivators still seated in the Grand Hall.

"President, shall I?" she asked softly.

"Go on!" Luo Chen waved his hand boldly. "Negotiate freely and secure as much as you can."

Sima Huiniang smiled faintly and stepped into the hall. Once she was gone, Luo Chen watched the afterglow of Tantai Jin’s departure fade into the horizon. A quiet sigh escaped him as his thoughts drifted back to the moment before the celebration began. The journey up until now had been perilous and full of obstacles, yet he had always managed to gain something with every risk he took. To those on the outside, it all looked seamless, as if he had never faltered. This time, he had misjudged.

The power of a Golden Core major sect was not something so easily borrowed. Even a tiny trickle of support from them was more than he could handle. Today, Tantai Jin's actions had firmly branded the Luo Tian Society as a vassal of the Ice Fortress's Ruthless Lineage. In the days to come, should greater storms arise, Luo Chen would no longer be able to balance between opposing sides.

Borrowed strength is never truly your own. Once it exceeds the limits of what you can bear, it's more suffocating than relieving.

As these thoughts circled in his mind, a streak of light tore across the horizon like a racing gale. The rainbow bridge had already been withdrawn, yet Luo Chen chose to step forward to greet the visitor himself.

As the light dispersed, Chu Kui appeared before him.

"Apologies," Chu Kui said with a smile. "I emerged from seclusion too late and missed your ceremony."

Luo Chen shook his head and chuckled. "So long as you are here, it is not too late. I saved a cup of wine for you."

Chu Kui chuckled. With Luo Chen's personal invitation, he stepped onto Danxia Peak for the very first time.

As they walked and talked, Chu Kui looked around at the people and scenery of Danxia Peak. He couldn't help but admire how well Luo Chen had managed the place.

Luo Chen, however, gave all the credit to Sima Huiniang. The meaning behind his words was obvious, and Chu Kui understood at once. He was being reminded not to be stingy when time came to present his gift.

Chu Kui smiled wryly. Yet after learning which influential figures had visited the Luo Tian Society today, he felt not even a shred of regret. The stronger the Luo Tian Society grew, the more powerful its enemies would become. As long as it didn’t involve Golden Core cultivators, there would be plenty of opportunities for Chu Kui to shine.

The last time, a single cup of Taibai Wine had earned him one hundred thousand spirit stones. If he gave in a little deeper this time, the next job might well bring him five hundred thousand, or even a million.

"By the way," Chu Kui asked, "I did not see anyone from the Zheng family of Rolling Dragon Ridge. Did they send no one?"

At the mention of that name, Luo Chen let out a cold, dismissive snort. The relationship between the Zheng families and the Luo Tian Society had always been precarious, marked by unspoken rivalry beneath a facade of cooperation. They worked together when it was convenient, but neither side ever admitted to any true alliance.

Now, with the Luo Tian Society reaping great profits in alchemy, their influence was rising to an entirely new level. That very success threatened the Zheng family’s position, and under such circumstances, how could they possibly show goodwill?

The invitations Luo Chen had sent had been met with silence. Not a single word of reply had returned. On this day, when countless others had come to pay respects, not one representative of the Zheng family had appeared. Clearly, the Zheng family had made their stance known.

Though many had come to the ceremony, far fewer had arrived than Luo Chen had hoped. Several of the factions he had invited had not even bothered to send a reply, much less a representative. Their silence was more telling than any refusal could have been.

Luo Chen's tone was even, but beneath his words lingered a chill. "Those who were meant to come did. As for those who were not, I will pay them a visit myself."

The cold edge in his tone seemed to cause the air to freeze, but it only made Chu Kui’s eyes brighten with excitement.

"If you need help, just call me. I'm Chu Kui, the Rainmaker of Tianlan. I won't mess around, nor will I hold back!"

Luo Chen rolled his eyes. "Come on, let’s have a drink. I’ll introduce you to some of my Foundation Establishment friends. I wouldn't want you taking a job in the future and smacking one of them by mistake."