Immortality begin with Alchemy Grandmaster Chapter 2697 - 995:

Recalling the heavy losses from the Human-Demon War, Jiuling Yuanjun brimmed with deep sorrow.

Yet speaking of the tributes and offerings forced upon the Daoist Sect, his anger surged even more fiercely, barely contained.

Luo Chen asked curiously, "With everyone having departed, why do you still consent to offering tribute?"

Jiuling Yuanjun replied bitterly, "Who would want to? All wish to recover and rebuild, channeling every resource into strengthening the sect. But that’s the Tianyuan Daoist Sect!"

Luo Chen furrowed his brow. "You know the upheavals in Zhongzhou, yet unaware that the Tianyuan Daoist Sect has fractured into five—no, four factions? Now only one Divine Transformation Great Power remains. They struggle to sustain themselves, let alone dominate the Eastern Wasteland."

Jiuling Yuanjun froze upon hearing this revelation.

The mighty Daoist Sect that once lorded over the Mountain Sea Realm, now torn into four?

Of the legendary Five Elders of Tianyuan, just one survives?

Noting his shock, Luo Chen understood that Eastern Wasteland cultivators lacked precise intel on Zhongzhou.

His own knowledge stemmed from Cangwu Mountain Holy Land.

As bitter foes of the Tianyuan Daoist Sect, none grasped Zhongzhou’s shifts like Cangwu Mountain.

Leaderless factions in the Eastern Wasteland couldn’t possibly track distant changes across the sea in a mere year.

Luo Chen shook his head with a sigh. "At its zenith, the Tianyuan Daoist Sect wouldn’t wait for your tributes—they’d sweep into the Eastern Wasteland directly, not hide behind the East Sun Sect as puppets."

Pondering recent years’ events, Jiuling Yuanjun saw the truth in this.

The East Sun Sect merely borrowed the tiger’s ferocity as a pretentious fox.

Even the remaining Daoist Sect Masters in the Eastern Wasteland appeared hollow and weak.

For an instant, complex emotions flickered across Jiuling Yuanjun’s face.

Luo Chen left him to his reflections, savoring the Jiuling Sect’s precious wine alone.

Years had passed since he last indulged in such delights; his Dieyun Sect spirit wine stash had vanished during the South Border trek and Soulbreak Cliff cultivation.

This sip brought pure refreshment.

Moments later, Jiuling Yuanjun regained his composure.

"Thanks for sharing this vital news."

Luo Chen smiled. "What’s your next move?"

Jiuling Yuanjun tugged at his lips. "My actions matter little—what counts are the choices of other Eastern Wasteland allies. After all, it remains the Tianyuan Daoist Sect!"

Luo Chen shrugged nonchalantly. "Suit yourself then! Beyond reminiscing, I have another favor to ask this time."

"Oh?" Jiuling Yuanjun raised his brows in surprise. "The Alchemy Sect needs something from me?"

Luo Chen felt a touch helpless; he wasn’t all-powerful, bound to have gaps.

Composing himself, Luo Chen voiced his request plainly.

"I’d like to borrow your sect’s heirloom True Device."

"The Nine Heavens Jar?"

"Precisely!"

"It’s yours!"

With a casual wave, Jiuling Yuanjun summoned a massive black jar that thudded onto the floor.

This treasure had been crucial in his clash against Peng Xiang Taoist of White Deer Cave.

Luo Chen marveled at the swift agreement, lent without probing its use.

He paused before explaining, "I possess a technique demanding vast Sky Qi, as you’re aware. But market purchases gather it far too slowly. Your sect’s heirloom excels at harvesting Nine Heavens Sky Qi, so I boldly asked. This loan could span years, far beyond one or two."

Jiuling Yuanjun laughed booming. "Luo Chen, no need for such courtesy. You once rushed to the Medicine King Realm to rescue me, enduring the Three Great Demon Emperors’ ambush—this debt alone makes lending a mere object effortless!"

Luo Chen had no retort. "Very well, I’ll take it then."

Jiuling Yuanjun nodded, producing a jade slip and imprinting it with divine consciousness.

As he inscribed, he remarked, "This treasure has usage nuances; to spare mishaps, here’s a recording of the Treasure Control Technique!"

Deeply thankful, Luo Chen replied, "Much appreciated."

Suddenly, Jiuling Yuanjun halted.

"No bother at all, though I have a small request of my own."

"Oh?" Luo Chen grew intrigued.

At once, mana churned around Jiuling Yuanjun like raging tides, his immense aura bearing down steadily.

Luo Chen narrowed his eyes. "Years apart, and friend has advanced so far. Congratulations on reaching the Great Cultivator realm!"

Jiuling Yuanjun’s robes billowed without breeze, eagerness lighting his features.

"Since stepping into Great Cultivator, I’ve lacked worthy sparring foes. Friend, who matched Demon Emperor Qing Shuang, must be a true equal here. Care to test our strengths?"

Luo Chen smiled faintly, extending his palm.

"Bring it on!"