Immortality begin with Alchemy Grandmaster Chapter 2582 - 950: Breaking the Deadlock, Hundred Poison King Gu (Part 2)

Yet, this kind of conduct was exactly what one would anticipate from "Ba Xiu Qi Tian".

Furthermore, with this abrupt revelation, it ought to draw the Burial Elder’s notice!

Should the counterpart indeed prove to be the Demon Heart Gu Emperor, especially since the full Evil Mountain Zombie Alliance was openly hunting for clues about them, some reaction from that side was bound to emerge.

Any such stir would let Luo Chen counter as needed.

And what of Zhan Bingtao?

Luo Chen conceded that the rival possessed great power and hailed from an influential lineage.

Still, the one who had provoked them was Ba Xiu Qi Tian, not Luo Chen of the Alchemy Sect; why should it involve him at all?

While Zhan Bingtao smoothly outlined strategies for rallying troops and striking the Gate of Life and Death, Luo Chen kept his gaze subtly locked on the Burial Elder.

"Indifferent?"

Luo Chen's spirits slowly plummeted.

…

"Even though the Gate of Life and Death has barred its mountain gates for ages, a fallen giant remains mightier than most. Across the expansive South Border, numerous factions still pledge loyalty to the Gate of Life and Death, such as Unicorn Mountain and the Golden Lion Dynasty... The Unicorn King of Unicorn Mountain stands as a key guardian of the Gate of Life and Death. To force our way inside, we need to first clip their wings, allowing us to advance without fear."

"Leave these minor tasks to us in the Evil Mountain Zombie Alliance!"

"Indeed, as locals, you understand the terrain far better than cultivators from the Tianyuan Daoist Sect; it's fitting to entrust this to you. Still, one issue may require assistance from Songyang Alliance Leader."

"Does it concern the Fierce Mountain Seal?"

"Precisely!"

In the grand hall, Songyang Alliance Leader spoke for the entire Zombie Alliance, hashing out the major scheme with Zhan Bingtao.

This exchange unfolded right before every Nascent Soul powerhouse from the Zombie Alliance, done with clear intent.

Leaks of secrets didn't trouble them much.

This push against the Southern Border Sacred Land was a bold, overt scheme; even if Gate of Life and Death spies lurked among the assembly, it made no difference.

Clashes were inevitable in due time!

Luo Chen felt a spark of interest, "What exactly is the Fierce Mountain Seal?"

He turned to the Purple Robe Marquis beside him.

Facing Luo Chen's inquiry, the Purple Robe Marquis wore a mixed look, his voice carrying a clear hint of jealousy.

"The Fierce Mountain Seal is a restrictive art crafted by Songyang Alliance Leader, centered on his lifebound Gu insect, the Fierce Mountain Gu, and infused with Master Li Tian’s hidden method."

"Applied to Nascent Soul True Masters, it bolsters the Purple Mansion, blocking any silent slip into Heaven and Earth Assimilation during practice."

"At its core, the Fierce Mountain Seal acts as a binding lock. Bearing this mark lets us unleash Nascent Soul might in combat without dreading Heaven and Earth Assimilation. Yet, the trade-off slashes our routine cultivation speed, slowing our progress far more than usual."

Upon grasping this, Luo Chen gained a sudden insight.

Back when he first reached Mi Realm Mountain, he'd wondered how True Master Songyang had quietly assembled so many mighty figures.

Turns out it was through such a clever tactic!

By centering the Fierce Mountain Gu to cast the Fierce Mountain Seal, locking the Purple Mansion and fending off Heaven and Earth Assimilation's pull.

From what he gathered, this approach bore some likeness to his own mighty Purple Mansion Barrier.

That said, a man-made restraint couldn't match the innate strength of a natural Purple Mansion Barrier.

For Luo Chen, it wouldn't hinder him much; quite the opposite, it would aid him, boosting his cultivation pace immensely.

"You're an exception."

The Purple Robe Marquis remarked with envy, "As a true Body Refiner, your strength stems purely from yourself, shattering all arts with raw might, so you have no need for such a seal."

Luo Chen offered a faint smile, "You flatter me. The Body Refinement path has long waned; haven't you noticed how someone like Qi, having attained this level, still hunts endlessly for diverse Body Refinement Methods?"

The Purple Robe Marquis agreed with a nod; the logic held firm.

Following their exchange, the Evil Mountain Zombie Alliance sealed its pact with the Tianyuan Daoist Sect.

That said, the finer points of true partnership remained unresolved.

For example, should defeat come in the looming fight, the Tianyuan Daoist Sect might withdraw to Zhongzhou, but how would South Border cultivators endure the Gate of Life and Death's fury?

Conversely, victory would mean carving up the sprawling Southern Border Domain— what fate awaited its powerhouses?

How exactly would the Tianyuan Daoist Sect embed itself in the South Border?

No one voiced these concerns outright, yet all pondered them deeply.

Zhan Bingtao appeared eager to leave matters hanging, feigning exhaustion.

"I've journeyed far and grow fatigued; might we cover the details at a later time?"

Songyang Alliance Leader eyed the uneasy gathering in the hall and merely gave a subtle nod.

"This assembly ends for now; everyone, depart!"

With lingering looks exchanged, the ten-day Mi Realm Mountain Nascent Soul Gathering wrapped up, as attendees streamed away.

From atop the hall, Zhan Bingtao's eyes lingered briefly on one exiting form.

"Songyang, that Qi Tian cuts an impressive figure!"

True Master Songyang replied steadily, "A powerhouse of his caliber lacks the meekness to serve beneath anyone. If you're thinking of bending him to your will, best abandon it swiftly."

Zhan Bingtao gave a casual shrug, "He may resist taming, but proposing him as a Guest Elder at Heaven and Earth Peak remains an option. Down the line, he might even cultivate by your side."

True Master Songyang drew a steady breath and stated, "Heaven and Earth Peak serves as my final sanctuary. Should this endeavor triumph, you must honor our earlier pact and award me a Fifth Order Spirit Vein from the Gate of Life and Death!"

Zhan Bingtao chuckled deeply, "That hinges on your contributions in this fray, and whether you earn Liancheng Ancestor’s favor."