Chapter 938: A Marriage Alliance; Sixth Stage of Golden Core; The Six Shields Completed
In the main hall of Luo Chen’s dwelling on Surging Island, the main guests took their seats and chatted cheerfully. The two juniors left to explore outside under Zhang Jiadi's lead. After a round of pleasantries, the conversation shifted to the main topic.
"Azure Yang, I'm here on behalf of Endless Valley to invite you to join our sect. Of course, if you're interested, the Chen family of Sky Passage and the Zhou family of Coral Sea are also options for you," Huo Fang said seriously.
Luo Chen's reply came immediately. "I'm used to living freely, and I can't handle the constraints of a sect. Fellow Daoist Huo, I appreciate the offer, but it’s not for me."
Huo Fang was not surprised by this answer. In fact, Devil's Cloud had rejected him the same way back then. Nevertheless, he still pressed on. "Won't you at least hear what we're offering?"
Luo Chen smiled. "Better not. If your terms are too good, I might actually be tempted."
Huo Fang fell silent. Endless Valley had indeed prepared generous terms to win over this master artisan who specialized in defensive enchanted treasures. They were planning to put up a mid-grade third-tier cave residence and an annual allowance of five hundred thousand spirit stones. They also intended to provide servants, along with as many as five concubines below the Golden Core Realm. If Luo Chen had other requests, they were willing to negotiate further as long as it was within acceptable limits.
Naturally, such terms came with conditions. Luo Chen would need to establish an artifact creation department within the sect, teach their low-tier disciples the craft and even create custom defensive enchanted treasures for the Adepts. Now that Luo Chen did not even wish to hear the offer, there was little left to discuss. Still, this was not unusual for rogue cultivators.
Huo Fang shook his head and sighed. "What a pity that we won't be in the same sect."
Luo Chen's expression was gentle. "Even if we're not in the same sect, we still walk the same path. You are welcome to visit Surging Lake whenever you have the time."
Huo Fang chuckled. "Then let's collaborate!"
"What do you have in mind?"
"Our three forces will take seventy percent of the enchanted artifacts and treasures you produce each year. At market price, of course."
"Fellow Daoist Huo, you must be joking. Artifact creation takes unpredictable amounts of time, and failure is common. How could I guarantee a steady output? Besides, spending too much time on this would affect my cultivation. I can't chase small profits at the expense of my Great Dao."
Huo Fang frowned and studied Luo Chen's face. His face had a strange, reddish hue, yet he was unmistakably young. Now that he thought about it, none of their intelligence had mentioned Luo Chen's age. They had assumed that a master artisan had to be someone advanced in age. A person like that, with little hope of reaching the Nascent Soul Realm, would naturally pursue comfort and profit. Now it seemed he had misjudged the man and his resolve toward the Great Dao.
After some thought, Huo Fang relaxed the conditions. "Then let's not base it on yearly output; make it over ten years instead. How about that?"
Luo Chen's brow arched. "That's more flexible. But what do I get out of it? Defensive enchanted treasures are always in demand. Even if I don't sell to you, there are plenty of buyers. I'm not short on spirit stones."
"That's simple," Huo Fang said with a smile. "I suppose you’re not a fan of the Demon Hunter Division's mandatory missions, are you?"
Luo Chen hesitated slightly and glanced at the Angler and Purple Empress. Both gave him a light nod. Then, he turned back to Huo Fang and asked, "What are you getting at?"
"Well, our forces can't interfere with the internal affairs of the Society, but we do have our connections. If you're willing to work with us, we can... smooth things over with the division and make things much easier for you. Of course, if you don't take on missions, your rank will likely stay stuck at four stars. Actually, Fellow Daoist Devil's Cloud, why don't you share your experience?"
At Huo Fang's prompt, Devil's Cloud gave a light cough. "You may rest easy on that score, Azure Yang. I've been working with them for nearly a hundred years, and aside from wartime conscription, I've never been sent out on missions. Even during beast tides, we can stay in support roles and keep clear of the front lines."
Luo Chen fell into thought. The offer was indeed appealing. Setting aside the danger of missions, the time they consumed was just as troublesome. If they could handle these matters for him, he would gain far more time for cultivation. They clearly had the means to do so; in fact, the presence of Angler and Purple Empress spoke volumes about Huo Fang’s influence. Moreover, he needed to hone his skills for crafting defensive enchanted treasure before his final refinement of the Demon Emperor's remains. There would be byproducts anyway, so he would lose nothing whatsoever by selling them to the three forces.
He did not take long to decide and agreed on the spot. He gave them one caveat, however: For the time being, he would not accept custom orders. Whatever he created, the three forces could only purchase as it was.
Huo Fang also agreed without further thought. Enchanted treasures were common in the cultivation world, but defensive ones were rare. Regardless of attribute or style, it was best to secure them first. Even if they did not suit the initial purchaser, a large force would never lack people who could use them.
After settling this matter, Huo Fang took advantage of the momentum to discuss cooperation in other areas. "I've taken a look at your black-golden carps in the lake; they're excellent quality. Once they mature, why not reserve half for us? We can talk about the price later. As for this spirit land, you're not making full use of it yet. I've got a few ideas, which you may consider if you have the manpower.
"Speaking of which, you really don't have enough people under you. The Zhang family only has a handful of core members. I wouldn’t really call that a proper cultivation family. Why not have their family head expand the family line? It would give you more support in the long run. As you saw, I brought two juniors from the Chen and Zhou families today. They're both capable and of good character, and they seem to get along well with Zhang Jiadi. A marriage alliance might work out nicely... What do you think, fellow Daoist?"
At first, Luo Chen listened with a smile. Yet as he listened on, something felt off. A marriage alliance? Trying to place people under him? Were they offering to help develop Surging Lake... or eyeing this spirit land?
Under Huo Fang's expectant gaze, Luo Chen replied calmly, "The Zhang family may be under me, but they're not my servants. As for the rest... I’d say let things take their course."
I see, so you don’t want to give me a definitive answer. Fine then. Huo Fang laughed. "Very well then. Let the younger generation handle things themselves."
With that, the topic came to an end. Luo Chen turned toward his other guests. Purple Empress tried to explain about Huangfu Song and why he’d provoked Luo Chen, but he brushed it off with a smile and said he no longer cared. She relaxed immediately and even suggested that a banquet be held, at which Huangfu Song would personally pour tea and apologize for his rudeness. Whether that banquet would actually take place was another matter; Luo Chen very much doubted something like that would happen. But that was irrelevant. The important part was that her stance was clear.
As for the Angler, their conversation was brief. Luo Chen only said that his seclusion had been interrupted and that he would soon resume it. In other words, the Angler would not be seeing him again for some time. Naturally, he was disappointed, but with Huo Fang and Purple Empress watching, he could not voice his thoughts.
It was too bad for him, however. Even if he had spoken, the others would not have cared. Huo Fang had Endless Valley behind him, and Purple Empress carried the inheritance of the Great Zhou. Both had access to methods for forming a Nascent Soul, so what they needed to consider was not how to do that but how to reach Perfected Mastery of Golden Core and survive the lightning tribulation. Only rogue cultivators like the Angler had trouble finding a way to form their Nascent Soul.
Once the two of them were done, it was Devil's Cloud's turn. As soon as he began, he eagerly asked about Luo Chen's artifact creation methods and specifically how he had managed to perfectly integrate formations with the enchanted treasure embryo. Of course, Luo Chen had no intention of revealing the secret of his cauldron. Instead, he redirected the conversation elsewhere. He spoke about some of the techniques of Hundred Craft Mountain and the Tempered Edge Workshop. He also brought up some things he had picked up by chance in the Eastern Wilderness. He made sure not to monologue too much, and invited Devil's Cloud to share his own insights. The latter had come with a purpose, so he spoke openly and held nothing back; Luo Chen took advantage to pick up a few tricks from him.
In the end, he said seriously, "At the end of the day, formations are still just formations. They are more or less set in stone, and everyone uses the same patterns and methods. What really matters is the enchanted treasure embryo itself. If you can refine a perfect embryo, it'll naturally match with most formations."
A perfect embryo? Devil's Cloud frowned. Does that mean you need exceptional materials? But that Bright Yellow Rock Armor... its materials weren't anything special. So how did Azure Yang take something ordinary and turn it into something like that? How did he refine a perfect embryo?
While he was still lost in thought, the night slowly set in. Huo Fang set down his cup and stood up lazily. "We've already disturbed your seclusion today, and that's trouble enough. Let's stop here."
Luo Chen stood up with a look of regret. "Sorry, the time's a bit tight. Otherwise, I'd stay up with you all and talk through the night about the Great Dao."
Huo Fang laughed and waved his hand. "There'll be plenty of time in the future. No need to rush! Once you're out of seclusion, you are always welcome to visit Endless Valley."
Luo Chen smiled as well. "Endless Valley... the place even demons avoid! I've long heard of it. If I get the chance, I'll definitely pay a visit."
The two walked out side by side, with the others following behind. When they reached the shore of Surging Island, Luo Chen saw them off one by one. But when it came to Devil's Cloud, the man seemed to finally snap out of his thoughts. "Azure Yang... are you fooling me?"
"What do you mean?"
"A perfect embryo isn't something you can just make. These things are crafted by us, humans, and they're bound to have flaws. They’re not like those legendary Dao Artifact embryos born when heaven and earth first formed. How could they possibly be perfect?"
Luo Chen blinked. "But the principle isn’t wrong, now is it?"
Devil's Cloud was speechless.
"As for how to actually do it, that comes down to our own methods. Those are closely guarded secrets. Just like your Thirteen Hands, for instance. You've never let that leak, have you? Surely you don't expect me to just give mine away."
Devil's Cloud's expression shifted; his face turned red, then pale. He seemed embarrassed and slightly irritated, but at the same time, resigned. Though Luo Chen's words were blunt, he was entirely right. Devil's Cloud had pushed things too far. He took a moment to steady himself and said, "Apologies. That was too much."
Luo Chen smiled. "It's fine. We can't share the actual techniques, but our styles are different. If we exchange ideas more in the future, we will both improve."
Devil's Cloud nodded and added, "Actually, I'm not the only one who wants to exchange ideas and such with you."
"Are you referring to the Angler?" Luo Chen asked casually.
Devil's Cloud waved it off. "Someone else. It’s actually someone you know, and I'd say it won't be long before he finds the time to come visit you."
"Someone I know?" Luo Chen frowned. "Who?"
Devil's Cloud smiled mysteriously and shrugged. "You'll find out soon enough."
With that, he strode onto the large ship under the watch of Huo Fang and the others. Luo Chen stood by the lakeside, unable to make sense of it. In the end, he shook his head and smiled. So he felt that I’d been playing him, and yet before leaving, he still managed to throw me a curveball. What an interesting old man.
Luo Chen did not dwell on such trivial matters and simply let go with a smile. When this so-called acquaintance came, he would naturally find out who it was.
***
Luo Chen had expected it to happen soon. Instead, several years passed, and the person Devil's Cloud had mentioned never appeared. Meanwhile, the territory of Surging Lake underwent dramatic changes.
The trigger was the marriage of Zhang Jiadi to a daughter of the Zhou family from the Coral Sea.
On that day, the formation over Surging Lake was lifted. The wedding procession set out from Lotus-Picking Island and traveled to the Coral Sea. Flying boats filled the sky, and ribbons fluttered in celebration. On the return journey, sea beasts followed along, and many rogue cultivators came to offer their congratulations. Azure Yang, who had not appeared for years, attended the ceremony in person and served as the officiant for Zhang Jiadi. To mark the occasion, he even presented the bride with a Compliant Jade Scepter enchanted treasure embryo, said to possess offense and defense abilities and bring success in all things.[1]
The woman was named Zhou Shanshan. She bore a son for Zhang Jiadi in the following year, allowing him to continue his bloodline. Not only that, but as she became a member of the Zhang family, Zhou Shanshan also brought new industries with her. She introduced a batch of Jade Green Coral, a rare species of freshwater coral, into the waters of the eight-hundred-li Surging Lake. These would only reach the first tier after a hundred years, but even so, they could improve water quality and gather spirit energy from the surroundings. Over time, they could greatly enhance the environment of an entire stretch of water. Waters with these corals could support the growth of other aquatic species, and even spirit beasts from the ocean could be introduced.
Due to this, the Zhang family gained several new industries, and Zhou Shanshan's position as matriarch grew more and more secure. In contrast, Wen Xiu and her daughter, who had never held much presence, were pushed further to the side. Wen Xiu rarely returned to Lotus-Picking Island now, and spent most of her time alone at the Azure Yang Shop.
In response to Heavenjade’s confusion, Luo Chen only commented, "Things may stay the same, but people's hearts change."
After that, he ignored the matter and focused entirely on crafting enchanted treasures.
***
Five years went by in a flash.
Inside the Starry Palace, a white-robed Daoist sat cross-legged. From time to time, thunderous sounds rang from within his body—the crackling of his bones. At last, a long stream of air poured out from his mouth, taking the shape of a misty white dragon. He opened his eyes, and a white glow flashed from within them, a glow of unmistakable joy.
"Finally... I've reached the sixth stage, and all Six Shields are ready. After all these years of preparation, everything is in place. It's time to start refining Demon Emperor Profound Rock’s remains."
An ancient-looking turtle shell filled with the marks of time appeared before him.
1. The original is 如意 (rúyì), which is a decorated S-shaped scepter purportedly originating as a backscratcher. It is used for various ceremonial purposes in Chinese Buddhism and Daoism. The term 如意 is also in the name of Sun Wukong's magical staff, which can extend or contract according to the user's will (hence the name Compliant Golden Staff). ☜
