Chapter 672: The Core Formation Ceremony (III)

Thanks to Fei Ming's appetite for centennial Lightning Essences, Danxia Peak had once undergone full reconstruction. Because of that, the grounds were now spacious enough to host even today's grand Core Formation Ceremony.

Beyond the Grand Hall, the ground was paved with white jade and the steps covered in gold. Dragons and phoenixes adorned the eaves in flowing patterns, while mist rose and colored clouds drifted around the mountain. It was truly a scene of celestial splendor!

Graceful attendants moved between the guests. They offered them refreshments, tea, and wine. All the Initiates of the Luo Tian Society had returned to the peak to warmly receive the distinguished visitors.

Luo Chen himself did not hide away. He appeared early to welcome them in person. After all, though he was the host and the day's center of attention, the powers behind these guests were not ones to be taken lightly.

He exchanged greetings with his former Foundation Establishment allies and accepted their congratulations. With the Adepts he had once looked up to, he now spoke as an equal. If he met familiar faces, he would chat a little longer.

Throughout the entire process, Sima Huiniang and Gu Caiyi followed at his side. In truth, many had already noticed that the attire of the three made their relationship unmistakably clear.

The two women wore phoenix crowns and flowing robes, azure-and-crimson sashes at their waists, and jade ornaments clinking softly with each step. It was the unmistakable attire of brides. On the other hand, Luo Chen was clad in a crimson robe embroidered with golden dragon patterns, boots embroidered with golden clouds, a white jade belt, and a bright golden crown.

Together, the three formed a vivid image of dragon and phoenix in harmony. It was truly radiant and auspicious! Elder Fei Ming of Ailao Mountain had just arrived when he caught sight of them, and he shook his head with a chuckle.

"Dan Chenzi, you've made a loss today!" he said.

Luo Chen asked in puzzlement, "A loss? How so?"

Fei Ming pointed at the gift he had just presented. "I thought today was only your Core Formation Ceremony. I didn't expect you to combine it with your sect's founding

and

your Dao Companion Ceremony! That means I should've brought three gifts, but I only prepared one. Tell me, isn't that a loss on your part? If it were only me, that'd be one thing, but with so many guests here, doesn't that mean you've really lost out?"

Luo Chen was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter. Fei Ming, very much the kind of man who put profit first in all things, joined in with a hearty laughter of his own. Afterward, Luo Chen introduced the two women, specifically noting that Sima Huiniang was the leader of Luo Tian Sect and Gu Caiyi the leader of its Gold Palace.

"That much I know already," Fei Ming said with a grin. "In fact, who in the entire Jade Cauldron Domain doesn't know that you have two beautiful companions?"

Luo Chen waved a hand with a laugh. "My two ladies' cultivation is still a bit on the lower. Fellow Daoist, when they travel the cultivation world in the future, I must ask you to look after them."

"Of course! Certainly," Fei Ming said, cupping his hands and nodding to the two women.

Luo Chen was about to continue when he saw new lights arriving from outside the mountain.

"My apologies, it seems Fellow Daoist Tao has arrived. I must excuse myself for the moment," Luo Chen said.

"No problem. Do as you please today. I'll find Fairy Ruthless and have a little chat about cultivation," Fei Ming said with a grin.

After parting with Fei Ming, Luo Chen led his two wives toward the new arrivals. His disciple Qu Lingjun was guiding them in.

"Master, Sect Leader Tao has arrived," Qu Lingjun reported respectfully.

"Good. You may go," Luo Chen said.

As soon as Qu Lingjun departed, Luo Chen turned his gaze to the approaching figure. Her poise and grace had grown even more captivating than in the past.

Tao Wan's gaze swept over him, seemingly ignoring the two women at his side. She said softly, "Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Luo."

"Fellow Daoist Tao, the same to you," Luo Chen replied with a smile.

Tao Wan curved her lips slightly. "When I held my own Core Formation Ceremony, I don't recall you coming to offer congratulations."

Luo Chen chuckled. "If I had gone back then, I would've had to call you Senior Tao. Wouldn't that have made things feel rather awkward between us?"

Tao Wan paused in surprise. Then the corners of her lips lifted into a faint smile. She shook her head slightly before turning her gaze toward the two women behind Luo Chen.

"Introduce them properly," she said.

Luo Chen gestured to his left. "This is my wife, Sima Huiniang. She is the leader of the Luo Tian Sect."

𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

Then to his right. "This is my wife, Gu Caiyi. She is the leader of the Gold Palace."

The two women remained composed and graceful, bowing politely to Tao Wan. Compared to Fei Ming's stingy humor, Tao Wan was far more generous. Though she had already presented a Core Formation gift, she took out two additional items from her storage pouch and personally handed them to the women.

"Congratulations to you both," she said warmly. "May your union be full and bright as the moon, bound in harmony for three lifetimes!"

Thankfully, she hadn't said the "hundred years of harmony" customary in the mortal world, or that might have sounded like a curse. After the exchange of pleasantries, Tao Wan withdrew her smile and met Luo Chen's eyes again.

"Are you free sometime soon?" she asked.

"

Hm

? Is there something going on?" Luo Chen asked in mild surprise.

"Our sect's Supreme Elder wishes to see you. He invites you to Green Pill Valley."

Luo Chen tilted his head in surprise. He was about to ask for details when his gaze shifted toward the distance. "My apologies, more guests are arriving. Huiniang, please accompany Fellow Daoist Tao for me."

At his signal, Sima Huiniang smoothly stepped forward to deal with Tao Wan.

What kind of guest would warrant Luo Chen leaving in the middle of this important conversation? That was irrelevant. The real question was why the Supreme Elder of Green Pill Valley would want to see him so suddenly. To avoid any awkwardness, it was better to let the ever-diplomatic Huiniang sound things out first.

Tao Wan gave Luo Chen a long and inquisitive look before taking her seat.

As for Luo Chen, he found himself slightly caught off guard—the foreign Adepts were not among those he had invited. Even so, he remained composed and greeted Diwu Qi and the other visiting Adepts with steady warmth. After all, no one would slap a smiling face. Moreover, during the battle at Incense Burning Valley, Diwu Qi and his companions had offered their help.

Once they met, Luo Chen immediately understood why they were here. Alchemists, especially master alchemists, often maintained vast circles of connection. They tended to know many people, and their networks were rich in resources. Back in the Foundation Establishment Realm, he had already gained favor from both the Ice Fortress and Green Pill Valley, and even from an upper sect like the Falling Cloud Sect. Now that he had reached the Golden Core Realm, he naturally drew even more attention from high-tier cultivators. In the past, those people had merely sent him invitations. Now, coming in person was hardly unexpected.

The one person that truly surprised him was Fu Jiusheng. The man's ruddy face carried a complicated look as he approached. "Fellow Daoist, congratulations."

Luo Chen forced a smile and said, "And to you as well."

It truly was a joy they shared. Of the five who had ventured into the Great Snowy Mountains that day, only the two of them had survived, and looking back, it was clear enough why. Fu Jiusheng had also formed his core! But even so, Luo Chen had not expected him to visit in person with congratulations, much less to bring such a lavish gift. A third-tier formula!

"This is the formula of the Starfield Pill. Although it is complicated to refine, costly to produce, and somewhat mild in potency, it's still a proper third-tier cultivation pill. Fellow Daoist, I hope you will not find it lacking."

Luo Chen's brows rose. "How could I? Such a gift earns only my gratitude."

He meant it sincerely. After forming his core, he had been troubled over precisely this kind of cultivation pills and had even considered simplifying the Nether Origin Pill. Yet that formula had been created by an Ascendant. Simplifying it was easier said than done.

Now that Fu Jiusheng had suddenly delivered a third-tier alchemical formula, it felt like a pillow appearing the moment he felt like taking a nap. Were it not for the ongoing ceremony, Luo Chen would have locked himself in his room this very moment and studied it.

"Fellow Daoist Fu, you have formed your core as well. I still owe you a congratulatory gift," Luo Chen said.

"That will not be necessary," Fu Jiusheng said and waved.

Luo Chen frowned slightly. "Then perhaps you have come with a request?"

After a pause, Fu Jiusheng said with a solemn and sincere tone, "No. I genuinely ask for nothing."

Luo Chen grew more puzzled. A moment later, the announcement of the Falling Cloud Sect's arrival rang out, and Fu Jiusheng's expression grew visibly heavier.

At that moment, Luo Chen realized what was going on, and a smile touched his lips. "Alright, I understand your intentions. If there's a chance, I hope we can cooperate in the future. For now, I must apologize and take my leave."

"Right, right! Do not mind me. I have yet to exchange cultivation insights since forming my core. With so many peers gathered here today, the timing is perfect."

Fu Jiusheng nodded magnanimously, and when Luo Chen left to receive the guests from the Falling Cloud Sect, he finally let out a long breath.

Watching Luo Chen's departing figure, the weight pressing on his heart lifted at last. Rumor had it that Luo Chen conducted himself like a true gentleman, but at the same time, he was by far not the kind of man who would let himself be bullied.

Certainly, the manner in which he acted toward his own people was gentle and benevolent. But at the same time, he behaved ruthlessly toward his enemies and was known for repaying every slight without fail. Back in the Great Snowy Mountains, Fu Jiusheng had once tried to lay a formation to ambush and kill him. Although he had offered a map later as a gesture of goodwill, the more he reflected after forming his core, the more uneasy he became. After all, he had plotted Luo Chen's death! Such hatred could never be dissolved by merely giving some road indications.

If Luo Chen still held a grudge, things could be seriously troublesome. The man had been hailed as the foremost Foundation Establishment cultivator of the Jade Cauldron Domain, and his combat power was overwhelming. Worse still, he was far from alone. As a master alchemist, his network after Core Formation would surely grow. If he ever decided to find Fu Jiusheng and settle the old accounts, Fu Jiusheng knew that his days in the Eastern Wilderness would be counted.

After much deliberation, Fu Jiusheng had chosen a moment when Luo Chen would have no reason to turn hostile. He had then presented a gift so generous that no offense could possibly be taken. Only in this way could he hope to dissolve their past enmity. And for now, it seemed Luo Chen had let the matter pass. In fact, he'd even mentioned cooperation himself. After all, an alchemist and a herbalist were natural partners.

It seems my choice was absolutely right

, he thought.

Fu Jiusheng looked around. Just as he'd noted earlier, a good number of Adepts stood nearby. Even though they suppressed their auras, their combined presence weighed heavily on him. More than that, even the upper sects had sent people to congratulate Luo Chen in person. If he'd failed to resolve the old grudge, he would have dug his own grave.

"

Tsk tsk

, and it is not just one upper sect either," he murmured.

With a sigh, Fu Jiusheng looked toward the skies beyond Danxia Peak. A streak of sword light appeared, flashing across the horizon like a rainbow. It was so swift that by the time all cultivators present turned to look, the rainbow arc had already swept past the reception area and descended straight onto the Luo Tian Square.

A clear and youthful voice rang out. "Hong Ling of the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect comes to congratulate Fellow Daoist Luo Chen!"

This visitor obviously did not come with peaceful intent. Luo Chen, who had been speaking with Qu Xibai and Qin Yuanjiang, looked over with a deep frown. The newcomer was dressed in crimson battle garb, and her face was cold and filled with hostility; her arrival looked less like a congratulation and more like a challenge.

Suddenly, a thought stirred in Luo Chen's heart.

This woman... Hong Ling? Isn't she Pang Renxiong's personal disciple?

Just as he was about to speak, Qu Xibai shot him a glance. Luo Chen understood at once—he meant to ease the tension. Yet before Qu Xibai could say a word, another honored guest arrived.

A bold voice boomed like thunder and crashing waves. It shocked the hearts of everyone present. "Jin Buque of the Five Elements Divine Sect congratulates Adept Luo Chen and presents one Five Elements Divine Pill!"