Chapter 485: Competing Offers and the Golden Core Scramble

The first time Luo Chen ascended the steps to the Celestial Palace, he had blended into the crowd of alchemists, unnoticed and dismissed as a nameless nobody. The second time, he arrived as the brilliant Dan Chenzi, the alchemist who had crushed the Seven Prodigies of Green Pill Valley with three consecutive victories.

As soon as Luo Chen arrived, countless curious and admiring gazes turned toward him. Most came from Foundation Establishment disciples of other sects, who were eager to glimpse the rising star. He paid little attention to them. What mattered was the attitude of the Golden Core Adepts, and what he hoped to see appeared at once.

"Dan Chenzi, please take a seat!"

Although they were not addressing him as "Fellow Daoist," neither had they called him by his name. A Dao title carried weight and marked a cultivator as someone to be respected.

The middle-aged man who had spoken bore a warm expression. He was none other than Sect Leader Qing Yunzi.

Luo Chen cupped his hands respectfully. "Many thanks, Sect Leader Qing."

He then took a seat at the end of the row beneath the watchful gazes of the Golden Core Adepts. Qing Yunzi nodded approvingly upon seeing his composed demeanor.

He shows neither arrogance nor servility and remains steady whether honored or slighted. Truly, a fine young man.

While Qing Yunzi started with some polite conversation, Adept Chi Ding showed far less patience. "Dan Chenzi, have you considered my earlier proposal?"

The proposal was, of course, his invitation to join the Grand Alchemy Institute as a guest elder.

Although he had been interrupted mid-sentence, Qing Yunzi simply smiled, showing no displeasure. Adept Chi Ding clearly valued the young man's alchemical talent, and from Qing Yunzi's perspective, it was a favorable outcome. Luo Chen's alchemy techniques had overshadowed the Seven Prodigies of Green Pill Valley and stirred quite a commotion. If he could be recruited into the sect, all problems would resolve themselves. Thus, Qing Yunzi also turned his gaze toward Luo Chen, waiting with a calm smile for the youth's answer.

At that moment, Luo Chen's heart tightened. He had already decided not to enter the Grand Alchemy Institute, yet rejecting Green Pill Valley in front of so many Golden Core Adepts carried unpredictable consequences. However, he soon found he didn't need to make the decision himself.

"A rising talent like Dan Chenzi would be a perfect fit for Ailao Mountain," declared the Adept from that sect.

The Mistress of Fragrance from Hundred Flowers Palace followed with a faint smile. "Qing Yunzi, your Green Pill Valley already has no shortage of skilled alchemists. Why not let Dan Chenzi join my Hundred Flowers Palace instead?"

She ignored Qing Yunzi's stiff expression and turned to Luo Chen. "Dan Chenzi, my palace is filled with female cultivators. If you join us, I'll pair you with two exceptional Dao companions. You could pursue alchemy while enjoying bliss, what could be more perfect?"

The offer was shamelessly bold, and in all fairness, nobody would fault him for giving in to the temptation.

The Adept of Ailao Mountain grew visibly anxious. "If you join us, I will personally oversee the construction of a top-grade alchemy room designed just for you. After you form your core, I will even procure enchanted treasure alchemy tools for your exclusive use. What do you say?"

The Mistress of Fragrance arched a brow in response.

So this is the wealth of Ailao Mountain. They are offering enchanted-treasure alchemical tools. Not the cheap things everywhere on the market, but genuine works crafted by master artifact forgers.

Faced with this tug-of-war, Adept Chi Ding could no longer restrain his anger. "You go too far! Luo Chen already serves as a retainer of the Tao family, a family of Green Pill Valley. He belongs to us."

The Mistress of Fragrance sneered in reply. "Does he now? Or is he just here for the competition?"

The Adept of Ailao Mountain scoffed in turn and declared, "Come to Ailao Mountain, and Dan Chenzi will immediately hold the position of elder."

Adept Chi Ding quickly countered, "Join our Grand Alchemy Institute, and you'll be granted the position of guest elder!"

With that, he turned a solemn gaze toward Luo Chen. "Dan Chenzi, think carefully! Our institute possesses endless alchemical resources and can offer you the greatest support. As for cultivation, don't worry. I'll apply to the sect on your behalf, and you may cultivate in a third-tier cave residence for one full year out of every ten."

As he laid out these generous terms, the Mistress of Fragrance and Ailao Mountain Adept were both stunned. Cave residences of the third tier were exceedingly rare, even within a land as vast as Green Pill Valley. Though the sect held many such spirit lands, the overwhelming number of Golden Core cultivators meant competition for them was fierce. For Luo Chen to be promised access, even for only a single year out of ten, was an extraordinary and coveted opportunity.

For a brief moment, even the most composed cultivators wavered. However, Adept Chi Ding stood tall in smug satisfaction, unable to conceal his triumph. He felt certain that Luo Chen could not possibly resist such a generous offer.

In truth, Luo Chen was somewhat tempted, but he refrained from answering. Instead, he turned his gaze toward a female cultivator. The crowd soon followed his line of sight, which rested upon Fairy Ruthless, the Adept of the Ice Fortress.

Several Golden Core Adepts frowned at once. To their eyes, Dan Chenzi seemed to be playing coy, deliberately holding out after three great sects had already offered terms, as if waiting for Ice Fortress to add its bid.

However, they had guessed wrong!

"There's no need to argue," Fairy Ruthless said calmly. But just as the others thought she was not interested, she continued, "Dan Chenzi is already one of us. He is a member of the Ice Fortress."

The moment those words were spoken, shock spread among them. Adept Baisu of Luojia Mountain covered her mouth and chuckled. "Sister Ruthless, isn't your recruitment a bit too aggressive? The rest of us are still offering terms, and you just go ahead and claim Dan Chenzi is yours! Surely you cannot just snatch someone in this fashion?"

Fairy Ruthless did not flinch under the protests. Her expression remained cold and impassive. "I am not claiming anything. I am merely stating facts. If you don't believe me... Dan Chenzi, show them the

Shang Hu Alchemy Insights

."

Luo Chen silently took out a book from his storage pouch. Inscribed on the cover were four words:

Shang Hu Alchemy Insights

.

The moment they saw the book, everyone fell silent. The spectators below wouldn't have understood, but among cultivators of their level, none could fail to recognize the significance of the name Shang Hu. That was the name of Fairy Ruthless's Dao companion from years past. He had been both a Golden Core cultivator and a talented third-tier alchemist. Something had happened, and he had been ultimately killed by Fairy Ruthless herself. Yet the fact that his alchemical insights had been personally bestowed upon Dan Chenzi showed just how much she valued him.

Adept Chi Ding was struck by a sudden understanding, and the way he looked at Luo Chen now held a touch of admiration. "No wonder someone so young possesses such extraordinary mastery of alchemy. So it turns out you inherited the legacy of Fellow Daoist Shang Hu. I still recall vividly the day he came to our Grand Alchemy Institute for a debate on alchemy."

Even Qing Yunzi, who had maintained a somewhat stern expression all this while, began to relax. A trace of understanding flickered across his face. They were all aware of Shang Hu's alchemical prowess. In terms of alchemy alone, he was no less skilled than Green Pill Valley's third-tier alchemists, so for his disciple to surpass the Seven Prodigies wasn't so surprising.

𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

Luo Chen's expression tightened briefly before a faint smile touched his lips. It was clear that Green Pill Valley, unable to recruit him, was now trying to salvage some reputation. Now, when the story got out, it wouldn't be that their new generation lost to a rogue cultivator, but to the successor of one of the seven great sects. That was a far less humiliating tale.

Although Luo Chen was not truly Shang Hu's disciple, much less his personal heir, he knew that Fairy Ruthless would not deny the claim. And sure enough, his expectation proved correct, as she tacitly accepted it without a word.

Now that you've made it public... what will you offer to truly hold me in place?

Luo Chen thought.

After all, the others made offers no Foundation Establishment cultivator could turn down.

Luo Chen quietly studied Fairy Ruthless. In the past, he could only bow his head and respectfully listen, but now, he could finally meet her gaze as an equal. Her beauty was beyond compare, yet her eyes were like icy starlight, and her gaze cold as ice.

Fairy Ruthless sensed his gaze and returned a sharp glance, her voice as cold as her demeanor. "You are here because Tao Wan is close to Tantai Jin. That was why you were recommended. I can sense the energy of my own Black Ice talisman on you."

The words startled Luo Chen. That talisman was sealed inside his storage pouch. How could she detect it so easily?

"Take it out," she said, her tone clipped. "That talisman was made for Tantai Jin. It's not suitable for you."

Once Luo Chen retrieved the Black Ice talisman Tantai Jin had given him, Fairy Ruthless beckoned it into her hand and, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, handed him a new one.

This scene completely confirmed that Luo Chen indeed had a significant connection with the Ice Fortress. Otherwise, Fairy Ruthless's Black Ice talisman, which all of them had seen before, would never have appeared in Luo Chen's possession.

Everyone felt a sense of regret. Such a talented alchemy master had already been brought under Fairy Ruthless's command. Rumor had long held that after her Dao companion's death, she regarded all men with cold indifference. Yet here she was, making such an exception!

The moment Luo Chen gripped the bone-chilling new talisman and received her voice transmission instructing him to bind it with his blood, relief settled in his heart. Clearly, this was one of the conditions she had prepared for him in advance. The generosity was undeniable.

The Black Ice talisman contained the full power of a Golden Core Adept's strike. At a critical moment, it could even be shattered to generate divine protective ice, buying time for Fairy Ruthless's rescue. For a cultivator at the Foundation Establishment Realm, its value surpassed that of any ordinary enchanted treasure.

Luo Chen could not help wondering what other gifts she might later prepare for him. For the moment, however, this proved one thing beyond doubt. His decision to make a name for himself in Green Pill Valley had been the wisest choice of his life.

The obscure and nameless lived without security. Only by demonstrating undeniable value could one win recognition and protection. Besides, unlike becoming a guest elder at the Grand Alchemy Institute, his relationship with the Ruthless Lineage was rather unique. He could enjoy much greater autonomy and freedom!

Now, all that's left is to await the results of the True Inheritor Sword Duels. If Tao Wan can win, then this trip will have been well worth it!

***

The third and most decisive stage of the Dao Scion struggle, the True Inheritor Sword Duels, had finally begun. Unlike the earlier rounds, where many participants avoided direct combat by delegating others, this round demanded personal action. Each contender was required to step onto the stage to prove their strength in battle and earn their rightful place at the top.

Since Luo Chen had already ascended to the Celestial Palace, received honors, and been granted a seat, he did not return to the arena. Instead, he remained among the Golden Core Adepts, observing the duels through a Water Mirror that floated before them.

Watching from this elevated position felt entirely different from viewing the battles as a fellow Foundation Establishment cultivator. Within the Grand Hall of the Celestial Palace, Luo Chen could occasionally hear the commentary of the Golden Core Adepts. Their insights, spoken from such a lofty perspective, laid bare the flaws and shortcomings of each contestant's techniques. To Luo Chen, this experience was profoundly enlightening.

"These two are ranked too low. They have no chance of seizing the Dao Scion's position, and no will to fight. Watching them is pointless."

"Du Changfeng is in sixth place. That is interesting!"

"He's the son of Fellow Daoist Du from Yuanhua Mountain. No wonder he refuses to settle for such a rank."

"Unfortunately, even though he won, he spent too much spirit power. He probably won't last long in the next round."

Time passed quickly as each victor was allowed only the briefest rest before being called again. By the second day, Du Changfeng, holding sixth place, stepped forward to challenge Shangguan Yan, who ranked fifth. Honoring his status as a descendant of Golden Core cultivators from Yuanhua Mountain, he fought with unyielding resolve and gradually pressed the advantage.

Yet despite gaining the upper hand, his dwindling spirit power betrayed him. A hesitation when activating his enchanted treasure gave Shangguan Yan the opening to counterattack and seize victory.

On the dueling platform, Shangguan Yan's face was filled with lingering fear, while Du Changfeng, heavily injured and filled with regret, was escorted away. He had come so close!

Inside the Celestial Palace's Grand Hall, the Adept of Ailao Mountain grimaced as though suffering indigestion. "Qing Yunzi, why are Green Pill Valley's disciples so dependent on enchanted treasures they cannot fully control? They may be powerful, but without mana and divine consciousness, those weapons are dangerous. Are they not afraid of backlash?"

Qing Yunzi answered only with a helpless smile. Green Pill Valley, after all, was one of the wealthiest sects in the domain. Any disciple with a few years of savings could afford an enchanted treasure. With such weapons readily available, who would willingly rely on ordinary enchanted artifacts?

The situation was hardly unique to Green Pill Valley. Throughout the Jade Cauldron Domain, Foundation Establishment disciples of other sects followed the same path. Such was the prevailing trend, one that could not be curbed through simple warnings.

The true source of the problem lay not within Green Pill Valley, nor even among the Seven Sects of the Jade Cauldron Domain. Responsibility rested with Skysail City, the stronghold of artifact creation. It was there that countless enchanted artifacts and treasures had been produced and released for sale into the domain. After several centuries of unchecked distribution, who could possibly estimate how many of these enchanted artifacts or treasures now saturated markets in the Jade Cauldron Domain?

Luo Chen sat quietly at the side, listening as the Adepts spoke. Their discussion stirred many thoughts within him. As expected, his choices regarding combat techniques had indeed been the right ones. As powerful as enchanted treasures were, they were never meant to be relied upon excessively. These weapons simply did not belong to the tier of Foundation Establishment cultivators. By comparison, focusing on supreme-grade enchanted artifacts and combining them with various spells would allow cultivators of this stage to maximize their combat capabilities. The might of enchanted treasures should instead serve as a hidden ace used only for that one critical blow to secure victory!

Now, looking once more at the battles below, even though Luo Chen's cultivation was far below the Grand True Inheritors, he found the fights just as uninteresting as the Golden Core Adepts.

What True Inheritor Sword Duel? It is nothing more than a contest of who wields the stronger enchanted treasure. There is no finesse and no display of tactical skill, just a test of who can control their weapon better. Boring. Utterly boring.

"

Haaah...

" someone yawned aloud. The Mistress of Fragrance stretched lazily in her seat, revealing her slender waist and her ample curves. With her eyelids drooping, she spoke with faint disinterest, "Now I understand why Green Pill Valley, Ailao Mountain, and the Falling Cloud Sect together still cannot rival the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect. Their disciples rely too heavily on external treasures, and their combat is rigid and inflexible. By contrast, the Sword Sect's disciples specialize in the sword. Every move follows their will, and their power is under perfect control. In a true duel, before one of your disciples can even activate a treasure, a Sword Sect disciple will cut them in a hundred pieces."

Her remark left several of Green Pill Valley's Golden Core Adepts visibly embarrassed. The most painful part was that none of them could offer a rebuttal. A few years back, when tensions flared between the two great sects, their disciples had taken part in the conflict, and indeed, the casualties on their side had been devastating.

Qing Yunzi, as the sect leader, tried to salvage some dignity. He forced a smile and said, "It is true that the younger generation has grown somewhat rigid, but the upcoming top-three duels will showcase the best of this cohort. Fellow Daoists, let us withhold judgment until then!"

Mistress of Fragrance curled her lips, clearly not optimistic about the duels to come. The Adept of Ailao Mountain let out a long sigh, perhaps recalling the many junior disciples their sect had lost over the years. Only Fairy Ruthless occasionally glanced at Luo Chen. As a Golden Core cultivator stationed in Tianlan Immortal City, she had vaguely heard of Luo Chen's other Dao title and of how that title came to be. He had fought multiple peers without relying on enchanted treasures, and in terms of combat strength among the younger generation, he likely stood in a league of his own.

Luo Chen didn't notice Fairy Ruthless's gaze; his eyes remained fixed on the Water Mirror. The duel on the platform had advanced to the fourth-ranked Fu Li facing the third-ranked He Yuanqing. As Tao Wan's ally, what choice would Fu Li make when faced with He Yuanqing, a potential future opponent of hers?