An Alchemist's Path to Eternity

As the overseers of Dahe Market, the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect’s, Sword Pavilion, typically had little presence. Its primary existence seemed to revolve around monthly rent collection, which often left local rogue cultivators grumbling. As for the Zhongding Restaurant established by the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect, it was merely a tavern.

With its worldly atmosphere, even the cultivators who frequently visit found it hard to associate Zhongding Restaurant with the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect.

Despite the Sword Pavilion being the tallest and most prominent building in Dahe Market, for local rogue cultivators, it had far less significance compared to places like the Spirit Herb Pavilion or Treasure Pavilion.

However, after today, everyone would have to acknowledge the towering presence of the Sword Pavilion.

With three days left until the opening of the Debate Platform, the Sword Pavilion convened a critical meeting.

Within the Sword Pavilion, a resolute-looking man sat in the highest position, adorned in a long golden robe that exuded the aura of a Golden Core cultivator.

This was Pang Renxiong, a Golden Core Adept from the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect.

Below him sat eight Foundation Establishment cultivators. Seven were inner disciples who had just arrived from the sect, while one was the resident outer sect steward.

From his elevated position, Pang Renxiong remained silent while Steward Miao respectfully presented his report.

”The Five Market Trade Fair, uniting Snow Lotus Market, Taishan Market, Glowing Stream Market, and Lancang Market, will commence tomorrow. The city’s defensive array will be fully activated. Entry fees are tentatively set at one low-grade spirit stone. The fair will last for seven days, strengthening collaboration between our Dahe Market and the other four markets.

”After the Debate Platform’s opening ceremony, the sect’s designated auction will take place. Participation is limited to late-stage Qi-Refining to Nascent Soul cultivators. Luo Tianhong will act as the host and, Elder Pang, we request your presence to oversee the event.”

Pang Renxiong nodded slightly, his expression remaining as serious as ever.

Although the auction allowed for Nascent Soul cultivators, it was unlikely many Golden Core cultivators would attend. Based on the information he had, perhaps four or five at most. If it was just him overseeing the event, it would be more than enough.

This level of auction was primarily targeted at Qi-Refining and Foundation Establishment cultivators.

His gaze swept across the room, and an inner sect Foundation Establishment disciple perceptively stepped forward and said, ”Tianhong will ensure the success of this event!”

Next, this Foundation Establishment disciple listed the various key items to be auctioned at the event. Some of the rare and valuable treasures had to be meticulously arranged in the auction sequence based on their value. Otherwise, unsold items or low bids would be a loss for the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect.

”If this auction is a success, it will become a tradition, held once every ten years,” Pang Renxiong declared.

Pang Renxiong’s statement formalized the importance of the auction, making Luo Tianhong, who was in charge, grow increasingly nervous. Events like this offered substantial personal gains, and he resolved not to allow any mistakes.

Luckily, the Luo family was renowned within the Jade Cauldron Sect for their vast knowledge and expertise in handling such affairs.

”The main focus still needs to be on the Debate Platform’s opening,” Pang Renxiong reminded.

Steward Miao quickly nodded. ”The preparations for the opening have been completed, and the process is as follows.”

As Steward Miao explained, the origins of the Dahe Market Debate Platform’s establishment were laid out in detail.

From the initial funding to the construction process, this time, they bypassed the array masters of Tianfan City and relied entirely on the Jade Cauldron Sect’s internal array masters, with significant contributions from the cultivators of Ai Lao Mountain in the Jade Cauldron Domain.

Then came the invitations sent out before the opening, most of which had received positive responses. Dozens of nearby cultivation families and representatives from seven markets would attend the ceremony.

The final focus was on the various performances planned for the opening ceremony.

”We’ve assigned the singing and dancing segment to Tianxiang Tower, a subsidiary of the Hehuan Sect. They will handle the opening act and the interludes with various performances.

”The man-beast battle is set as the opening event. Three relatively weak second-tier demonic beasts will be released. Several Foundation Establishment cultivators have already signed up for the fight. The winner’s rewards include all the materials from the defeated demonic beasts, a supreme-grade enchanted artifact, a qi-consolidation pill, and a sword orb crafted by our sect.

”The local factions’ Eighteen Death Matches is a newly added event. Although it’s only Qi-Refining cultivators fighting, the life-and-death stakes make it just as thrilling as the second-tier man-beast battle.”

At this point, the other Foundation Establishment cultivators became intrigued.

Most of these Foundation Establishment cultivators had risen to prominence in the last two to three centuries.

They were all sword cultivators, devoted to combat. However, in recent years, most battles had been cultivators against demonic beasts. Battles between cultivators were primarily sparring matches.

Now, with the chance to witness large-scale life-and-death battles among cultivators, everyone was eager to watch.

”I heard from Sun Shou that this isn’t just about a simple clash between two factions?” Luo Tianhong asked curiously.

Steward Miao nodded. ”Indeed, the Dajiang Gang has the backing of the Lianyun Trade Alliance.”

At the mention of the Lianyun Trade Alliance, Luo Tianhong and two other cultivators looked visibly surprised.

”Is that the rogue cultivator alliance that rose to power two hundred years ago? I heard they already have over twenty Foundation Establishment cultivators among them.”

Over twenty Foundation Establishment cultivators made them a significant force. They only lacked a strong Golden Core leader; otherwise, they’d rival a mid-sized sect.

”Yes, they were one of the earliest alliances to establish themselves in Dahe Market, and they understand boundaries well. They don’t compete with us for the main heavenly treasures.”

Steward Miao nodded. ”So this time, we’ve decided not to interfere and let them fight it out.”

”Doesn’t that mean the Poshan Gang is destined to lose?”

”Pretty much! I reviewed the lists submitted by both sides, and the cultivators sent by the Poshan Gang are hardly noteworthy.”

Steward Miao casually handed out seven copies of the lists. Everyone glanced at them and couldn’t help but laugh.

The Poshan Gang’s lineup was filled with unremarkable individuals, even including some at the seventh stage of Qi-Refining.

After some thought, Steward Miao added cautiously, ”But the outcome isn’t entirely certain. These are rogue cultivators who survive in the mountains daily. They definitely have the courage to fight to the death.”

”That’s even better! The more brutal the fight, the easier it is to excite the audience,” Luo Tianhong laughed heartily.

The others smiled as well, the atmosphere gradually loosened as they eagerly anticipated the battles.

Perhaps displeased by the relaxed atmosphere, Pang Renxiong let out a cold snort from above.

”Miao Zhen, has the Elite Prodigy Board been properly installed?”

Steward Miao straightened up instantly and nodded quickly.

”That enchanted treasure has been nurtured in the foundation of the Debate Platform at Luofeng Mountain for a hundred years. No mistakes will be made.”

Pang Renxiong’s gaze turned stern as he said, ”It better not go wrong. If it does, none of you can bear the consequences.”

Everyone instinctively lowered their heads.

The Debate Platform was not only a major industry for the Jade Cauldron Sect but also deeply tied to the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect’s reputation and foundation.

The Jade Cauldron Sword Sect was a sect primarily built on master-disciple inheritance. Even though there were a few small families within the sect, they had little influence.

This was because the path of the sword cultivator demanded exceptionally high aptitude from its practitioners.

As a result, despite establishing dominance over the Jade Cauldron Domain in recent years, the sect’s number of cultivators had not grown significantly.

Consequently, the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect struggled to exert strong control over the Jade Cauldron Domain.

To address this, the upper echelons of the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect devised a plan.

This plan was to implement the Debate Platform throughout the domain.

The Debate Platform functioned similarly to arenas. Its primary purpose was to offer cultivators who enjoyed combat a fair venue for fighting.

Winners would gain fame, cultivation resources, and a spot on the Elite Prodigy Board.

The rankings on the Elite Prodigy Board were decided annually. High-ranked individuals would not only receive substantial rewards but might also have the opportunity to join the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect. They could become either outer sect stewards or inner sect disciples.

Those with exceptional aptitude might even be taken as disciples by Golden Core Adepts, who would help them advance to Foundation Establishment as true inheritors.

This was the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect’s plan: through the Debate Platform, they could not only generate spirit stones but also discover outstanding talents to address the sect’s shortage of cultivators.

If this everything went according to their plan, they could also strengthen their control over the Jade Cauldron Domain. Of course, fostering such a system and a culture of combat would require time.

The success of the opening event would set the tone for future development.

After discussing a few more matters, the Sword Pavilion meeting was nearing its conclusion.

Before adjourning, Pang Renxiong made a solemn remark.

”Keep the rogue cultivators in the outer district under control, especially those who enjoy murdering and robbing others. Arrest and deal with them one by one. Do not let these bandit cultivators ruin the reputation of Dahe Market.”