His first words, however, were blunt and left no room for uncertainty. "In short, Tao Wan is extremely strong. Generally speaking, once cultivators reach the late stage of Foundation Establishment, the gap between them isn't all that wide, at least when they're not using enchanted treasures. Everyone possesses ample spirit power reserves, and the offensive might of standard enchanted artifacts has its limit. "That's why the real measure of a late-stage Initiate's strength lies in how thoroughly they've refined their enchanted treasures. The deeper the refinement, the greater the power they can draw from their treasure, and thus, the more formidable they appear." Hearing that explanation, Luo Chen couldn't help but ask, "Isn't that a little one-sided? Shouldn't a cultivator's combat prowess also take into account things like talismans, spells, secret techniques, formations, or even puppets?" Chu Kui shrugged. "That's why I said 'under normal circumstances.' Those things you mentioned are certainly valid, but top-grade talismans are hard to come by, spells are easy to learn but hard to master, secret techniques are rare, formations require setup in advance…" Luo Chen raised his hand. "Alright, alright, I get your point." Chu Kui chuckled. He'd almost forgotten, Luo Chen had made a name for himself at Qinhua River by relying precisely on his spellcraft. And when he thought about it more carefully, the Eastern Wilderness did have that famous Five Elements Divine Sect, known for using techniques over treasures. He had to admit, his point of view was too narrow. "Okay then, let's just focus on enchanted treasures alone," Chu Kui said. "Early-stage Initiates can barely control ten, maybe twenty percent of an enchanted treasure's power. Mid-stage ones like you, if they've refined thirty or forty percent, can likely take down their peers in a surprise strike." Luo Chen nodded in agreement. The offensive might of enchanted treasures did indeed surpass that of regular enchanted artifacts. One could even argue that they weren't meant for cultivators at the Foundation Establishment Realm at all. For instance, Wang Haichao had forcefully activated the Mystic Flame Sword and ended up destroying Luo Chen's supreme-grade enchanted artifact, the Blue Musk Gathering Serpent Banner. If it hadn't been for his emergency defense from the Forsaken Black Chess piece, he might have been gravely injured, despite both of them being at the early stage of Foundation Establishment. Of course, Chu Kui vastly underestimated Luo Chen. Due to his powerful divine soul and the refinement techniques he could use that employed his spirit consciousness, Luo Chen had developed an exceptional mastery over the Mystic Flame Sword. After further refining it through the Ninefold Flame Dragon Formation, he had reached a level that allowed him to control roughly sixty percent of the sword's power. In other words, he could now unleash sixty percent of the sword's full power! That was exactly how he had managed to erupt with a single strike and instantly slay Fei Changqiu of the Divine Craftsman Sect. By Chu Kui's own standards, a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator would be considered top-tier if they could refine their treasure to fifty percent. So how strong did that make Luo Chen? Chu Kui said, lowering his voice slightly, "Tao Wan's strength lies in the fact that she's had an enchanted treasure since childhood, a Flowing Cloud Sleeve. It is a relic passed down from her ancestor. Well, as you know, many enchanted treasures go by the name of Flowing Cloud Sleeve, but Tao Wan's version is a powerful one. I heard that it was personally refined by the Grand Elder of Tianfan City, and it's worthy of being cultivated as a life-bound enchanted treasure. She has been getting familiar with that treasure since childhood, and after reaching Foundation Establishment, she has refined it continuously. Her control over it is quite a sight to behold. I'd say she's refined it to about seventy percent, maybe even eighty percent." Chu Kui sighed in admiration, and a rare trace of genuine respect showed in his eyes. After all, even elite Initiates could only ever draw out eighty percent of a treasure's power. Anything higher was impossible due to cultivation limitations. "I once faced her on the Debate Platform back in the day. It was just a spar, not a duel to the death, but her enchanted treasure clearly restrained my Heaven-Equaling Staff, even though it's tough and overbearing. So she placed third, and I placed seventh, which I accept wholeheartedly." Luo Chen said in surprise, "It's rare to hear you speak so highly of a peer. When we mentioned Tantai Jin back then, you weren't nearly this respectful." "Pft, what's there to respect about the women from the Ice Fortress? They're moody and unpredictable." Chu Kui curled his lip in disdain. Back in Tianlan Immortal City, he would never have dared to badmouth an Ice Fortress cultivator behind their back. But here, far from their reach, he could speak freely. Still, he quickly returned to the point. "Anyway, if we're only looking at the current generation in Green Pill Valley, not the older cultivators, then Tao Wan ranks near the top. Only Dan Yangzi can overpower her. He Yuanqing and Fu Li are about equal to her, at best." Such high praise left Luo Chen thoughtful. He asked with curiosity, "What about Shangguan Yan?" "Huh? That arrogant fool can't even make it into the top three of her own city's Elite Prodigy Rankings. What right does she have to compare with Tao Wan?" So she's really that far behind? Whoa… Luo Chen thought. He recalled their brief interaction at the Outer Affairs Palace. She had clearly tried to poach his allegiance, hoping to undermine Tao Wan. That alone hinted at her lack of confidence. "So based on that, you're betting on Tao Wan to win the Dao Scion spot?" Luo Chen asked. Chu Kui chuckled. "That's hard to say." Chu Kui spoke with confidence. "The Dao Scion competition at Green Pill Valley isn't just about personal strength. It's a matter of overall capability in terms of wealth, alchemy skill, connections, all of it. You could've figured that out just by looking at the Grand True Inheritor rankings before the duel." Luo Chen mulled over his words. In the end, he had to admit Chu Kui had a point. Both the first-round battle and the second-round alchemy competition to become a Grand True Inheritor had involved comprehensive ability. If brute force were all it took, many wouldn't have made it into the Nine True Inheritors. Only the final True Inheritor duel was purely a test of individual strength. Chu Kui cast him a sidelong glance. "Now that I think about it, since she invited you, are you going to step into the ring for a few rounds?" He had a decent opinion of the Fire Spirit Sovereign's capabilities, but when it came to late stage Foundation Establishment battles, he wasn't entirely confident in him. Luo Chen looked at him with a faint, knowing smile. "Did you forget my other Dao title?" Chu Kui blinked and laughed. "I completely forgot about it! Alright, I suppose this time I'll get to see Dan Chenzi at work!" "Dan Chenzi, is it?" He Yuanqing chuckled, tapping his fingers lightly against the surface of the desk as he read over the report. "Interesting. Very interesting! A mere mid-stage Initiate possessing two Dao titles? Has it really become so easy to stand out among rogue cultivators these days?" Upon Yuxuan Mountain, He Yuanqing chuckled as he glanced through the intelligence gathered below regarding Luo Chen. He now understood that Luo Chen hadn't been meant for the arena bouts but was instead an alchemist that Tao Wan had invited in desperation after Huang Hezi's betrayal. Most likely, his role was for the second round—the alchemy competition. At first, He Yuanqing dismissed the name as just another rogue alchemist clawing his way up. Then, a note in the report caught his attention. He Yun of the He family had once dealt with this Luo Chen. "Summon He Yun," he said flatly. "Young Patriarch," the attendant hesitated, bowing low, "Xuan Yunzi is currently in secluded study, he's focused on alchemy for the upcoming trial." He Yuanqing's expression turned cold. "You think I don't know that alchemy is all about long-term practice? What good is a last-minute cram? Fetch him immediately!" The He family cultivator dared not argue again and rushed off with head lowered. Roughly the time it takes to brew a cup of tea had passed when He Yun, one of the Seven Prodigies of Green Pill Valley and also known by the title of Xuan Yunzi, arrived at the door with a face that betrayed his irritation. "Brother Yun, the young patriarch awaits you inside." After waving the attendant away, Xuan Yunzi drew a deep breath to get himself together, smoothed his robe, forced a smile, and entered the chamber. "Brother Yuanqing, what do you need from me?" He Yuanqing studied him for a long moment before allowing a smile to show on his lips. "He Yun, are you trying to follow in Huang Hezi's footsteps to abandon cultivation and bury yourself in cauldrons?" Xuan Yunzi met his gaze calmly. "The path of alchemy is vast and profound. I've only scratched the surface. If I don't devote myself fully, how could I ever hope to become a true alchemist master? Besides, my talent is limited. Foundation Establishment alone has taken our family's full support. I wouldn't dare dream of the Golden Core Realm. Our family already has you as its pillar, Brother Yuanqing. My part is to refine pills and contribute from that end." His words came steadily, flowing like a spring breeze. Warm, smooth, and genuinely pleasant to hear. He Yuanqing's smile now bloomed freely. "Such devotion to the family! Very good. If I claim the Dao Scion title and take charge of Green Pill Valley one day, I'll surely bring you into the Grand Alchemy Institute!" At the mention of the Grand Alchemy Institute, Xuan Yunzi's face lit up with delight. "I will give everything I've got to help you win the alchemy competition!" "I've always trusted your skill," He Yuanqing said. "Among the Seven Prodigies, only Dan Yangzi can outshine you. The rest aren't anywhere near." "You flatter me, Brother Yuanqing. I can only promise to do my best!" Looking at the way they interacted, an outsider might well have been convinced the two genuinely admired and respected each other. Suddenly, He Yuanqing asked, "Do you know a certain Dan Chenzi? Luo Chen?" At the mention of Luo Chen, Xuan Yunzi's expression stiffened ever so slightly, but he nodded. "I do. He's an interesting character, to say the least." "Just interesting?" He Yuanqing pressed. Seeing his interlocutor look rather puzzled, he stated bluntly, "He's competing in the alchemy competition, on behalf of Tao Wan. Do you know how skilled he is?" So that's what this is about! Xuan Yunzi let out a breath of relief. "I don't know all the details, but he genuinely earned the title of Dan Chenzi, so he must be good. From what I've seen, he specializes in a first-tier pill and he consistently produces top-grade results." "He can easily refine top-grade first-tier pills?" He Yuanqing blurted out in disbelief, his shock plain as day. It was one thing to refine pills, even an accidental second-tier one. But to consistently produce top-grade results… that was terrifying. That signaled not just talent, but a terrifying technical foundation that could only be acquired through endless repetition. In other words, he was a pill-making machine! Even among the Seven Prodigies, few could boast such consistency. They yearned to refine top-tier pills, but they often ignored the first-tier ones. Only those elder brothers in the Grand Alchemy Institute at Danyang Peak, aging past two hundred and dedicating their days to refinement, could match that. "Well, I wouldn't be so worried. The pill he's skilled at is called the Jade Essence pill. I've tried it, and the top-grade version is only comparable to a low-grade qi-nourishing pill from the Medicine King Sect." He Yuanqing let out a breath and laughed. "Whew! So that's it! You should've said so earlier!" He visibly relaxed. A top-grade pill that was merely on par with a low-grade qi-nourishing pill had to be some kind of second-rate product circulating among the rabble. In terms of refinement, it likely wasn't all that difficult. Anyone in Green Pill Valley could pull it off with some effort. In other words, Luo Chen was nothing to fear. He was certainly well-practiced, but what use was it if all he practiced was making trash out of worse trash? That so-called title of Dan Chenzi was likely just a flattering name given by inept rogue cultivators impressed by basic skills. With that, there was nothing to worry about from Tao Wan's side either. All his concerns melted away. He smiled confidently. "I'm sure I'll take the first round. I'll even coordinate with others to exhaust Senior Brother Dan Yangzi and give you the best setup possible. Don't let me down then, alright?" Xuan Yunzi felt the pressure mounting. He bowed and said, "I will do my best!" "Not just your best, I want your absolute all!" He Yuanqing enunciated every word. "I will enter the third round as the First True Inheritor!" Xuan Yunzi bowed even deeper. That near-obsessive gaze fell upon him, pricking like needles against his back! When Luo Chen returned to Mohe Garden, he instructed the two Tao family cultivators assigned to attend him to stay alert, warning them that visitors might soon come seeking him. The contact address he had left at Gaoyang Tower during his recent trades was none other than his courtyard at the Tao family's estate, and he expected inquiries to follow. Tʜe source of this ᴄontent ɪs 𝗇𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗅•𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾•𝗇𝖾𝗍 After giving his instructions, Luo Chen entered the courtyard and shut the door behind him. The familiar sight stirred deep emotions in the two Tao family cultivators. Most visiting cultivators, once invited to Green Pill Valley, would usually roam about eagerly, seeking introductions to the valley's True Inheritors. They networked, gathered resources, and exchanged cultivation insights. Their guest was entirely different. Ever since his arrival, he hadn't stepped out once, unless it was really necessary. He resembled a true ascetic cultivator! That, perhaps, explained how a rogue cultivator like him had managed not only to reach Foundation Establishment but also to acquire such formidable alchemy skills. The impression wasn't wrong. Luo Chen indeed mostly lived the life of a hermit, though he was not the kind that forsook human relationships… of any kind. The reason he remained quiet in Green Pill Valley without mingling around was very simple: The Tao family was already the upper limit of the connections he could reach for now. Any attempt to network further would be futile; the moment he entered the valley under Tao Wan's banner, his identity card had been firmly stamped with the Tao family's mark. Under such conditions, what new connections could he possibly build? Nods of acquaintance? Fair-weather friends? Nothing could be less recommended. Frequent outings would only raise Tao Wan's suspicions. After all, she had just suffered betrayal from Huang Hezi. Luo Chen's divine soul was strong enough to catch the thoughts of nearby cultivators as long as they weren't too far above his level, and with that advantage, he had no need to court attention. Quietly researching alchemy and cultivating was likely what Tao Wan most hoped to see from him, and he was happy to provide. Back in his cultivation chamber, Luo Chen took out the Revival pill and examined it meticulously. Now and then, he applied alchemy techniques to separate microscopic amounts of powder and assess their medicinal properties. What an ordinary Initiate found nearly impossible posed little difficulty for a master of alchemy at his level. After his analysis, Luo Chen was satisfied and put away the Revival pill. Liao Lang had exaggerated, but he hadn't lied… entirely. Though it wasn't true that most of its potency remained, there was indeed thirty percent of medicinal strength left. And indeed, it would not be effective on a Golden Core Adept, but for an Initiate, it was more than sufficient. And wasn't that exactly what he was right now? Another life-saving trump card, and this time pretty literally. Nice. With a light chuckle, Luo Chen calmed his thoughts and entered meditation. Though Xiao Nanshan was a second-tier spirit land, its spirit energy concentration was rather average. Tao Wan had already given him the best cultivation space available, yet its spirit energy density was merely on par with a mid-grade cave residence at Tianlan Peak. As a result, his cultivation speed had been reduced by nearly half. Still, this was only temporary. The True Inheritor duels and the Dao Scion competition were fast approaching; this delay would last no more than a month or two. By the time a full month had passed at the Tao family estate, he had not skipped a single day of cultivation. His strength had grown steadily, albeit only by small increments. The night passed without incident, and when dawn broke, Luo Chen rose from meditation and checked his system panel. Realm: Foundation Establishment Stage Five (2/100) A month of effort had only advanced his realm by a single point. At this rate, reaching the sixth stage would demand nearly a decade. I need to wrap things up here and get back to Tianlan Immortal City to cultivate in a top-grade cave residence, Luo Chen thought to himself. Once the foundation was established, a proper spirit land became the topmost asset of a cultivator. Luo Chen was already starting to miss the dense spirit energy of a premium cave residence. He got up, preparing to enjoy the breakfast arranged by the Tao family. However, the moment he left his room, his gaze landed on a woman crouched by the pond, gently playing with the black lotus leaves. Since she was squatting, her curves were accentuated, with her waist and hips prominently displayed. Soft silk clung to her jade-like back, and her cascade of hair shimmered darkly under the morning sun. Stray strands dipped toward the water's surface. In the clear reflection was a face tinged with anticipation and uncertainty. As if sensing his gaze, Tao Wan lifted her head and looked toward the radiant Luo Chen standing by the window. She rose gracefully, tucking behind her ear the strands of hair hanging by her cheek. "Fellow Daoist, the Dao Scion competition is about to begin!"