An Alchemist's Path to Eternity

”Fellow Daoist, your strength is indeed extraordinary!”

Luo Chen remained expressionless with Wang Haichao’s praise.

“It was a mere trick. Not worth mentioning,” he replied, his voice even. “Please, Fellow Daoist, take your seat.”

Without a trace of awkwardness, Wang Haichao accepted the invitation. It was as if the earlier tension had never happened. With a graceful sweep of his sleeve, he sat down in the seat reserved for him. Behind him, Min Longyu and Li Da took their places at the long table without a word.

However, before sitting down, Min Longyu couldn’t help but look at Luo Chen with eyes full of shock.

Back during the battle at Crescent Moon Valley, he was only at the eighth stage of Qi-Refining, and now he’s reached Foundation Establishment. I thought it was all a bluff, but his strength is truly exceptional!

He’s progressed so fast, and it’s unbelievable!

He wasn’t alone in his thoughts. Juniors like Nangong Qin and Li Ao were equally shaken. It was one thing to hear of someone breaking through to Foundation Establishment, but to witness it firsthand, and to see Luo Chen dismiss a powerful spell with a mere flick of the hand? That was something else entirely.

Had it been them, they wouldn’t have been able to withstand that strike.

The fact that Luo Chen hadn’t moved a step and had neutralized the attack with a single flick of his hand was even more awe-inspiring.

Even among the assembled Luo Tian Society cultivators in the main hall, a faint cold crept through the throng at that very moment.

So this is the strength of the president... and he’s only just entered Foundation Establishment?

Unlike the others’ astonishment, Nangong Jin and Li Yixian showed a trace of solemnity in their eyes.

That flick from Luo Chen, which had seemed casual, clearly contained some profound mystery. What kind of technique was that?

Truth be told, Wang Haichao’s challenge hadn’t been unexpected. During Foundation Establishment or Nascent Soul Ceremonies, someone would always make a move as a formality. It wasn’t about shaming the host, but about setting a mutual understanding, everyone present would henceforth be considered equals in cultivation.

Given the prior alliance between Nangong Jin and Luo Chen, it would’ve been inappropriate for him to make a move.

Li Yixian couldn’t step in either. She had privately traded the Medicine King Codex of Yimu to Luo Chen. On a day of celebration, it would have been unseemly to challenge him, and so, the task fell naturally to Wang Haichao.

For one, he and Luo Chen had past grievances—he had a legitimate reason.

Second, if the exchange had been light, if Luo Chen had simply received the strike with good grace and smiled, it would’ve been enough to bury old tensions and restore civility. Perhaps they even hoped Luo Chen would be forced to retreat a step or two to show that while he had advanced, he still owed them the deference of a junior.

But to their surprise, he had remained immovable as a mountain, sweeping it aside in an instant. And with that, he had not only proven himself an equal, but one they’d now have to regard with newfound respect.

In fact, his display had not just been a demonstration of cultivation, but of control, confidence, and depth.

Luo Chen could see through everyone’s thoughts as if they were written on their faces. Yet his expression remained unreadable.

He nodded toward Sima Huiniang, who was standing nearby.

She clapped her hands, and soon, all kinds of exquisite dishes were brought in from outside.

The clinking of cups and lively conversation filled the hall, replacing the previous tension with warmth and celebration.

By the time the banquet reached its midpoint, Luo Chen began exchanging Foundation Establishment insights with the three other Foundation Establishment cultivators.

“We cultivators,” he began, his tone calm but firm, “refine qi as our foundation and temper the soul as support. Because of this, the spirit energy threshold is often seen as the greatest obstacle to breaking through.

”When faced with this barrier, most people resort to mystical pills and borrowed strength to force their way through. There’s not much to say about that, because it simply comes down to resources.

”What I want to talk about is the importance of the divine soul during the breakthrough to Foundation Establishment.

”Whether it’s calmly channeling vast spirit power to break open the dantian, reconstructing the foundation, or controlling surging energy to condense spirit liquid, your divine soul plays the most critical role.

”If your divine soul is lacking, then even if you manage to break through by chance...”

As Luo Chen continued, speaking with composure and conviction, the effect on the room was palpable. All the ninth stage Qi-Refining cultivators in the hall put down whatever they were doing.

Every gaze turned to him. Every breath was held. Every ounce of attention was now fixed squarely on Luo Chen.

Whenever he uttered a particularly profound insight, they silently repeated it to themselves, memorizing it word for word.

Even those like Zeng Wen and Granny Yuan, whose paths toward advancement had long since closed, listened with quiet reverence. They knew they might never use this knowledge for themselves, but they could still pass it on to future generations.

Among the audience, four stood out—Nangong Qin, Li Ao, Min Longyu, and Li Da. Though technically guests, they listened with rapt attention.

Their elders had brought them here for this very moment. To witness the lecture of a newly risen Foundation Establishment cultivator. That alone was worth the visit.

This tradition wasn’t unique—at every breakthrough celebration, it was common for the one who ascended to share insights, a gift to their peers and juniors alike. Hence, those guests were here to benefit from it.

Luo Chen’s talk lasted a full hour. Everyone listened, if not utterly entranced, then at least with full attention—none dared to miss a single word.

When he finally concluded his lecture, the hall remained still for a breath and then came a soft, elegant sound of applause.

Li Yixian’s eyes shimmered with brilliance as she praised him, ”I didn’t expect you to have such profound understanding of Foundation Establishment, Fellow Daoist. Even after decades of cultivation, I never considered some of the subtleties you touched upon. Truly an awakening jolt of wisdom. [1].”

”You flatter me, Fellow Daoist Li,” Luo Chen replied politely, cupped his hands toward her in a courteous gesture. ”With your breadth of knowledge, what I’ve said is nothing more than a humble opinion.”

A little polite praise never hurt, he thought to himself. People liked to be lifted up—flowered sedan chairs [2] were meant to be carried, after all.

But Wang Haichao’s next words caught Luo Chen slightly off guard.

He sat there, a dazed look flickering in his eyes. ”So that’s what it was!”

”I bought a Foundation Establishment pill years ago to force my breakthrough. The process was riddled with hardships, and I stumbled through it in confusion, barely succeeding.

”Even though I succeeded, the damage to my vitality was severe. If I had heard your insights back then, Fellow Daoist Luo, I might have avoided such a serious injury.”

Luo Chen blinked, momentarily at a loss for words. He hadn’t expected that level of sincerity from Wang Haichao.

Not far from him, Nangong Jin whispered to Nangong Qin, ”Did you get it all down?”

Nangong Qin nodded vigorously, lips pressed together with determination.

That lecture... it had been clearer and more precise than even what his father had taught him during his breakthrough.

He felt something stir within him—a certainty.

If someone handed me a Foundation Establishment pill right now, I think I’d dare to leap!

Seeing the looks on their faces, Luo Chen finally understood just how much weight his words had carried. How much truth and value he had unknowingly laid bare.

For someone like him to rely on five full sets of Foundation Establishment spirit medicine and push through the Foundation Establishment Realm in one breath—such a feat was nearly unheard of in the cultivation world.

Especially with his powerful divine soul, every attempt after the first was spent enduring excruciating pain while meticulously observing the countless subtle changes that came with each breakthrough effort.

Such perception and insight were impossible for the average cultivator to accumulate. Not even veterans like Wang, Li, or Nangong—despite their years since achieving Foundation Establishment—could claim the same.

Back when they had broken through, luck had played a significant part. If they were to speak on their experience, it would amount to just a few vague remarks—hardly enough to reveal the great truths of the Great Dao.

Realizing all this, Luo Chen couldn’t help but laugh softly at himself. He had inadvertently done something truly valuable today.

So be it!

His gaze swept over the many ninth stage Qi-Refining cultivators seated below. He couldn’t help but wonder—how many of them would go on to benefit from today’s lecture? How many would succeed in crossing that final threshold because of it?

After Luo Chen’s lecture, the ceremony continued.

Only now was the time for the other three Foundation Establishment cultivators to reciprocate with their teachings.

”Allow me to go first,” Li Yixian said with a graceful smile.

Li Yixian beamed gently, facing the crowd with composed poise. There was not the slightest trace of the aloof, elusive reputation often associated with her.

“I thought Fellow Daoist Luo was just tossing out a modest stone to prompt the flow of discussion,” she said, her eyes gleaming. “But it turns out you hurled out a priceless jade instead.

”Now it would be rude of me to hold back.”

She turned slightly, meeting Luo Chen’s gaze. Her lips curved, voice soft but clear.

“I began studying Dao when I was eight. Reached Qi-Refining Realm by twelve. Spent thirty years to reach Perfected Mastery of Qi-Refining, and have now cultivated in Foundation Establishment for over eighty.

“In terms of combat ability, I may not stand out... But I have insights into the paths of Shadow Yin and Yimu. In my view, the spirit power drawn from the Medicine King Codex of Yimu cultivation techniques is known for its dense and enduring qualities. Therefore, when cultivating...”

As Li Yixian began to speak, everyone focused their full attention. Yet most found her insights veiled in mist, unable to truly grasp the meaning.

Only Luo Chen listened with gleaming eyes, his thoughts stirring with every word.

Everything she said resonated deeply with him.

Li Yixian, what a remarkable woman!

She knew he cultivated the Medicine King Codex of Yimu, and now she was generously sharing decades of her insights. Even if she held back in certain areas, what she did share was already immensely beneficial to him.

Where he had once felt uncertain about the path ahead, Luo Chen now glimpsed a clearer direction.

So this is what lies beyond Foundation Establishment... It’s an entirely different realm than Qi-Refining!

After Li Yixian finished, Luo Chen offered her a look of sincere gratitude. ”Thank you, Fellow Daoist Li.”

Li Yixian smiled and nodded, accepting the heartfelt thanks without reservation.

Next came Nangong Jin and Wang Haichao, who each shared their own post-Foundation Establishment cultivation experiences.

One cultivated ice-snow-element techniques, the other focused on water-element methods. Though different from Luo Chen’s path, their insights still proved valuable to him by analogy.

Thus, the Foundation Establishment Ceremony continued until dusk.

By then, the celebrations among the many Luo Tian Society cultivators outside had come to a close.

The Grand Universe Hall slowly shut its doors. All ninth stage Qi-Refining cultivators exited the hall of their own accord, leaving the space within for the four Foundation Establishment cultivators to discuss important matters.

Outside, Sima Huiniang took charge of entertaining the remaining guests.

What she didn’t expect was for Nangong Qin to politely thank her and walk straight toward the couple Qin Liangchen and his wife.

”Hmm?” Qin Liangchen frowned, staring at the approaching figure.

Seeing his guarded expression, Nangong Qin gave a bitter smile. ”Back then, we were merely serving our sides. I apologize, Fellow Daoist.”

During the siege on Crescent Moon Valley, it was Nangong Qin who led his family’s cultivators in an ambush to block Qin Liangchen’s reinforcements.

In the end, Qin Liangchen had unleashed a deadly technique from the Jade Cauldron Sword Pavilion, inflicting heavy casualties.

The incident had stirred a great uproar. In their eagerness to establish themselves in Dahe Market, the Nangong Family had even issued a bounty on him.

But after the Luo Tian Society was founded, with Miao Wen backing them at that time, the Nangong Family had quietly withdrawn the bounty.

They had taken the initiative to rescind the kill order. Now, faced with Nangong Qin’s belated apology, Qin Liangchen found himself at a loss.

He’d expected a threat, not an apology. He wasn’t good with such social nuance, but Murong Qinglian well-versed in worldly affairs, handled it with ease.

With a gentle smile, Murong Qinglian said, “As Fellow Daoist just said, each was acting for their side. No one can be blamed. And back then, you didn’t strike first. You chose a fair duel with my husband.”

The full details of that battle were unknown to outsiders.

But the two of them knew very well. At the time, Nangong Qin had indeed shown some chivalry—despite the ambush, he still insisted on a one-on-one duel with Qin Liangchen.

It was hard to say whether it was youthful arrogance or a desire to uphold his name. Or perhaps, he was simply a cut above the average rogue cultivator—honorable and upright.

Hearing her speak so tactfully, Nangong Qin visibly relaxed.

”Still, it was due to my side that Fellow Daoist Qin lost an arm. Now that our families are aligned, letting such grievances linger between us is hardly ideal.

”The other day, I was fortunate enough to acquire a piece of the Seven-Pored Lotus Root of Rebirth.”

As the name “Seven-Pored Lotus Root of Rebirth” left his mouth, Qin Liangchen’s expression visibly shook. Even Murong Qinglian’s composed face quivered slightly.

“Though it’s only a piece, not enough to fully rebuild the body, but it should suffice to restore a single lost limb. Its nourishing essence might allow for a full restoration of the meridians, thus removing all obstacles to the Great Dao.”

With those words, he flipped his wrist, revealing a piece of lotus root the size of a palm.

The root bore seven holes, its surface pure as jade. Threads of spirit energy swirled within the seven holes, like lotus fibers flowing endlessly.

“I wish to give this to Fellow Daoist Qin. Let bygones be bygones, and may we walk the path ahead in harmony.”

Faced with Nangong Qin’s sincere gaze, Qin Liangchen hesitated. ”Then I thank you, Fellow Daoist!”

Before he could even react, Murong Qinglian swiftly took the lotus root from Nangong Qin’s hands. She turned back to look at Qin Liangchen, eyes filled with excitement, hope, and a hint of pleading.

“My husband, let the past be carried away with the wind.”

Seeing her like this, Qin Liangchen sighed, stepping forward past Murong Qinglian.

He clasped his hands toward Nangong Qin.

”I was too ruthless back then. Since you’ve shown me respect today, how could I act arrogantly? If time permits, I’ll visit the Nangong estate and offer incense to those who perished by my hand, as a gesture of atonement.”

That was as good as the offering to formally make amends.

Nangong Qin exhaled in relief. This had been one of the tasks his father had assigned before he came. They all knew Qin Liangchen and his wife were close to Luo Chen, having come from the same humble courtyard.

Now that the Nangong Family was allied with the Luo Tian Society, this old conflict with Qin Liangchen still lingered as a thorn.

It might not be an issue in the short term, but if left unresolved, it could become a hidden threat in the future.

Now that it could be settled with just a third-tier spirit material, it was, no doubt, a fortunate outcome.

Truth be told, if Qin Liangchen visited to offer incense to the fallen, it would be tantamount to bowing his head to the Nangong Family. They would gain the honor, and the matter from the past could be left behind.

Meanwhile, Qin Liangchen received the Seven-Pored Lotus Root of Rebirth, allowing him to reconstruct his meridians, earning the true benefit.

Both sides had gained exactly what they wanted.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Nangong Qin made his way back to the guest pavilion.

As he entered, he gave a nod to Li Ao. They were old rivals who had crossed swords on the Debate Platform no less than five times.

He had won three, and Li Ao had claimed two victories.

Upon entering, Nangong Qin paused with slight surprise.

Two cultivators at the ninth stage of Qi-Refining from the Dajiang Gang were present—one muttering under his breath, the other pacing restlessly.

So the divine soul has such wondrous uses... If I could use it to bind ghosts...

Nangong Qin frowned slightly. This one was named Li Da.

He was wreathed in ghostly energy—hardly the air of a righteous cultivator. And his mutterings were downright erratic.

As for Min Longyu, he couldn’t sit still, his expression shifting like a stormy sky. No one could tell what he was thinking.

What a pair of weirdos, Nangong Qin muttered internally.

After that silent grumble, he no longer paid them any mind and sat in a corner by himself.

Sipping his tea, his thoughts drifted back to Luo Chen’s earlier lecture.

Foundation Establishment... Foundation Establishment...

1. 醍醐灌顶 (ti hu guan ding) is a Chinese idiom that literally means “to pour purified butter over the crown of the head.” Originating from Buddhist texts, it refers to a sudden moment of profound enlightenment or awakening, often triggered by a teacher’s guidance or a powerful realization. In modern usage, it describes the experience of gaining deep insight or clarity all at once, similar to the English expression “a moment of epiphany” or “an awakening jolt of wisdom.” ☜

2. 花花轿子 (hua hua jiao jii) literally means “ornate bridal sedan chair” and is traditionally used in Chinese weddings to carry the bride to the groom’s home. Covered in bright red decorations and symbols of good fortune, it represents festivity, honor, and the ceremonial significance of marriage. The phrase can also be used metaphorically in modern contexts to describe something that is flashy or ceremoniously presented, sometimes implying form over substance. ☜