Immortality begin with Alchemy Grandmaster Chapter 2755 - 1017: Luo Chen Emerges, Final Arrangements (2)

Sharp fingernails dug deep into her palm, drawing forth crimson blood.

Her hand rose, bloodied fingers tracing over a visage meticulously preserved yet inevitably showing the passage of time.

"Had my beauty not faded with age, had I not expended ten years of my Qi and blood to safeguard Lingxi, dooming my Nascent Soul Formation prospects, why would I have ever brought a wolf into my own house!"

"Very well, if you wish for a contest, then let there be one. After all, I specifically brought Cang Long here for her to contend with you."

"Fight! Go ahead and fight! Just wait until my child Lingxi matures!"

...

Within the Grand Luo Tian Hall.

All assembled in the lower seats, while Luo Chen occupied the sole seat of honor at the head.

Matters of consequence, both major and minor, concerning the Sect were presented to Luo Chen for his consideration whenever his schedule permitted.

Naturally, the majority of reports leaned towards favorable news, omitting any unpleasantries.

On occasion, unfavorable news was disclosed with the ulterior motive of securing greater benefits and resources.

Consider, for instance, Ling Fengzi, who persistently sought additional cultivation pills from Tai Dan Court for the disciples of Piaomiao Peak.

However, the Luo Tian Sect had maintained isolation from the external world for many decades, subsisting entirely on self-cultivated herbs, and thus couldn't excessively favor one peak, leading Li Yingzhang to consistently deny the requests.

Now, with Luo Chen's intervention, a decision was inevitably reached.

This decision, however, did not specify any particular quantity but rather served as a firm endorsement of Li Yingzhang's authority.

"Li Yingzhang holds the position of Sect Master; all his actions are undertaken for the sect's advancement. You are all required to respect and implement his decisions and directives!"

Li Yingzhang was inwardly delighted and proceeded to speak with even greater conviction.

Ling Fengzi muttered in response but ceased his insistence on acquiring more pills.

Luo Chen observed this exchange, a subtle smirk playing on his lips.

Despite his seemingly unhindered progress, to those around him and even his adversaries, his ascent appeared unnaturally swift and precipitous.

Describing it as earth-shattering would hardly be an exaggeration.

This meteoric rise had caused his followers to frequently harbor various ulterior motives, and engaging in minor stratagems was not an uncommon occurrence.

Indeed, not only the disciples of the sect but even his own Dao Companion cultivators might harbor extraneous thoughts.

Luo Chen perceived their intentions and maneuvers but remained unperturbed.

To him, the Luo Tian Sect, in its current state, offered little significant assistance; it was merely a logistical burden.

To impede his own cultivation due to this responsibility would constitute a regrettable loss.

Consequently, Luo Chen observed with detached indifference.

Even when his companions occasionally succumbed to petty jealousies, as long as these sentiments did not impede him directly, Luo Chen found little reason to intervene.

The sole aspect for which he felt a modicum of gratitude was the Luo Tian Sect's continued seclusion within the Elixir Saint’s Blessed Land throughout these past decades.

Otherwise, given his notorious reputation across the Southern Border and Western Desert, who could predict how his disciples might have leveraged his influence, sowing discord and creating endless troubles for him.

He certainly had no desire to manage the repercussions of their actions, akin to a scenario where retribution followed swiftly after mischief.

As Luo Chen listened to the reports from the senior members of the Luo Tian Sect, time gradually advanced.

By the conclusion of the proceedings, Luo Chen possessed a comprehensive understanding of the entire Sect's operational landscape.

Apart from his own Supreme lineage, there were five distinct lineages comprising the Luo Tian Sect.

These were Piaomiao Peak, under the leadership of Ling Fengzi; War God Peak, headed by Wang Yuan; Ghost Emperor Peak, the domain of Bai Meiling; the lineage of Tianshan Ice Castle, inherited by Fairy Cang Long; and the lineage established in Upper Nether City, overseen by Hao Ranzi.

Beyond these five primary lineages, numerous functional departments operated beneath them.

Notable examples included the Tai Dan Court, the Law Enforcement Hall, the Chuan Gong Hall, and the Treasure Hall, among others.

Despite the apparent multitude of departments, the total staff numbered slightly over a thousand individuals, many of whom held dual roles.

Disciples from the six lineages would contribute their service to various halls and chambers.

A clear illustration was Luo Chen's own disciple, Qu Lingjun, who served as the dean of the Tai Dan Court.

This organizational structure, when viewed favorably, could be described as compact yet self-sufficient; conversely, it manifested as rampant factionalism.

In this regard, Luo Chen felt rather helpless.

After all, the genesis of this situation could not be entirely divorced from his own actions.

In the past, in order to recruit individuals like Ling Fengzi and Cang Long, he had explicitly permitted them to establish their own spheres of influence within the Luo Tian Sect, allowing them to preserve their original traditions.

In hindsight, with Luo Chen's initially meticulous approach to governance, it was anticipated that this situation would gradually evolve towards complete integration within the Sect.

However, over the intervening years, Luo Chen had been either away exploring or engrossed in his cultivation, paying insufficient attention to sect administration. This negligence had resulted in the present circumstances, where the subsidiary branches had grown too extensive to be easily managed.

"Enough!"

"As long as I remain, the more influential and formidable our affiliated lineages grow, the more it benefits the Luo Tian Sect."

"However, should I depart..."

Such a scenario would necessitate a thorough examination, as the ramifications for the Sect would drastically differ depending on whether my absence was sudden or a consequence of glorious ascension.

Luo Chen, uninterested in further contemplation, let out a soft cough.

Instantly, the great hall fell into hushed silence.

"I have three crucial matters to address!"

"Firstly, moving forward, when you seek advancement, do not limit your endeavors solely within; cast your gaze outward! I shall personally forge and mass-produce a specialized set of mystical tools to aid your exploration of the Nether Abyss."

Upon hearing this declaration, a spark ignited in everyone's eyes.

The Nether Abyss had typically evoked trembles of fear, primarily due to the pervasive presence of Ming Shui. Yet, if Luo Chen could craft a tool capable of facilitating exploration, the Nether Abyss would transform from a source of dread into a realm of fervent desire.

After all, this Abyss was the resting place of an entire generation from a Holy Land of Divine Transformation!

The sheer quantity of treasures and opportunities concealed within remained an open question.

However, all present understood a fundamental truth: the sooner these discoveries were made, the greater the advantages for them.

Luo Chen observed their reactions with satisfaction, unconcerned by the impending effort required to refine the promised batch of mystical tools.

Having already mastered the Ming Water Spring Eye, his confidence in his abilities had soared.

Gaining control over the Ming Water Spring Eye was, in essence, equal to mastering the Nether Abyss – a statement that held no mere hyperbole.

Although Luo Chen had not yet reached the pinnacle of direct control over the Nether Abyss, enabling the sect disciples to explore its depths at will was a straightforward matter.

Once the initial announcement had settled amongst the disciples, Luo Chen resumed his address.

This time, his gaze settled upon the elegant figure of Fairy Cang Long.

"I intend to formally take Junior Sister Cang Long as my Dao Companion and wish to hold a public ceremony to commemorate this union, sharing our joy with all fellow disciples."

It was clear that this announcement was something everyone had anticipated.

Yet, before any congratulations could begin, a graceful figure suddenly rose to her feet.

Luo Chen calmly inquired, "Caiyi, is there something you wish to voice?"

Beneath his scrutinizing gaze, Gu Caiyi's complexion was faintly pale, but the words she uttered were delivered with unwavering steadiness.

"My congratulations to husband on gaining another soulmate. I rise now to volunteer my services in managing this auspicious event as your wife, humbly seeking your approval."

Luo Chen's eyebrows lifted slightly, a smile gracefully unfurling across his lips.

"Excellent. Such a profound understanding of the broader implications, truly befitting of being my woman. Then, regarding this matter..."

"Senior Brother, I believe it would be most appropriate if we were to forgo this celebratory ceremony!"

Luo Chen's brows knitted subtly as he turned his attention to the speaker.

Fairy Cang Long, who had been quietly seated, offered a gentle smile. "While the Luo Tian Sect has long enjoyed a period of tranquility, there is no necessity for such ostentatious display. Without the presence of outside guests, people will naturally become aware of our union in due time."

Gu Caiyi appeared perplexed. "Husband previously held a Dao Companion Union Ceremony for Sima Huiniang and myself; do you not desire to openly become his Dao Companion?"

Ironically, the most visibly unsettled individuals were those positioned behind Cang Long.

From her vantage point within the Ice Castle, the Fairy Jueqing, Shi Lan, seemed particularly affected.

Fairy Cang Long simply shook her head with a serene smile. "I thank Sister Caiyi for her kind intentions, but my preference leans towards modesty. Let us therefore set this matter aside!"

Gu Caiyi remained unable to fully grasp the situation.

However, Luo Chen had begun to perceive the underlying reasons.

It wasn't that Cang Long lacked desire for the status, but rather that her circumstances were fundamentally different from those of Gu Caiyi and Sima Huiniang.

The latter two had endured considerable hardship alongside Luo Chen, serving as "wives through a difficult journey." They were fully capable of accepting any bestowed gift or honor, as in the eyes of others, they had rightfully earned them.

Conversely, Fairy Cang Long had not significantly contributed to the Luo Tian Sect's development. She had attained the Nascent Soul Stage shortly after awakening and then became a Dao Companion to the Supreme Elder.

Such a progression might appear, to some, as merely reaping the rewards of another's labor.

Under these specific circumstances, orchestrating a grand celebration could easily incite resentment among the sect members of lower standing.

"In that case, we shall accede to Junior Sister's wishes!"

Luo Chen stated calmly, before smoothly transitioning to the third item on his agenda.

"I shall be departing from the Luo Tian Sect. The duration of my absence is indefinite, and my return is uncertain!"

The disciples, who had previously remained indifferent to Luo Chen's personal matters, were suddenly plunged into a state of widespread agitation, and the grand hall erupted into a cacophony of murmurs.