Chapter 496: Chapter 496

"Master, you're back!"

As soon as the formation opened, a flickering figure darted over. Yet as she drew near, her steps halted, and her gaze locked onto the woman in Luo Chen's arms.

"Caiyi?" Bai Meiling gasped, her expression shifting to one of alarm. "What… what happened to you?"

Gu Caiyi forced a smile. "It's nothing, just a minor injury."

Before Bai Meiling could press further, Luo Chen's calm, steady voice interjected, "Is the room ready?"

Bai Meiling quickly nodded. "I received the Sound-Transmitting Paper Crane from the director. The room's already been cleaned and prepared."

Luo Chen gave a faint hum of acknowledgment and carried Gu Caiyi inside. As he set her down, she couldn't help but frown in pain.

"If it hurts, you can say so. It's alright," he murmured, his voice low with concern.

Gu Caiyi blinked playfully, trying to maintain her usual spirit, then sank back onto the bedding.

Luo Chen let out a soft sigh, a heaviness settling in his heart. The renowned healer had been right. At this stage, Gu Caiyi truly couldn't withstand any external spirit energy. Back at Danxia Peak, protected by Min Longyu's formation, the pain hadn't been so apparent. But now, at Tianlan Peak, even without active absorption, the rich spirit energy lingered thickly in the air. As a result, it easily stirred the spirit power within her, worsening the damage. Still, some things couldn't be stopped forever. Suppression only delays the inevitable.

Luo Chen cast Heal, carefully combing through her meridians. Only once Gu Caiyi fell asleep did he finally step out.

Bai Meiling stood outside with eager eyes.

"What is it?" Luo Chen asked. "Still not used to living with someone, even after spending a year with Huiniang?"

"No… I just missed you a lot, Master."

He chuckled and reached out to ruffle her hair, only to pause when his fingers brushed her head. The moment his hand touched her, he paused in surprise. "Your body… is going well, I gather?"

She grinned, slipping from his reach and twirling through the wide stone halls of the cave residence. "You've noticed! I've been studying the Divine Ghost Secret Record and cultivating with it. This time, I've made real progress!

Luo Chen raised a brow, and she rushed to explain. "I've been following the methods in the manual and using that wisp of Profound Yin Qi I absorbed earlier as the core. My ghostly body has mostly solidified. Give me ten more years, and I'll fully form a body and step into the Ghost General Realm!"

The young girl boasted excitedly as she shared her cultivation progress. Luo Chen waved her over with a smile, and she fluttered back to his side. He ran his fingers through her smooth, silken hair.

"You've worked hard. Good job," he said warmly.

It was a rare compliment. She purred as she rubbed her cheek against his hand, clearly thrilled. He had always been strict with her, scolding her for slacking off in both the Soul-Refining True Art and this ghost-cultivation path. After more than a year apart, her progress had finally earned his approval.

After praising her a few more times, Luo Chen yawned and retired for the night. He slept straight through until morning.

He woke refreshed and clear-headed. He stepped into the front chamber and found Gu Caiyi in a wheelchair, wrapped in a thick robe, as Bai Meiling gently pushed her toward the open balcony. She gazed quietly at the snowfall.

He chose not to disturb them and sat to enjoy the breakfast Bai Meiling had prepared, pulling several medicinal prescriptions from his storage pouch. They were the prescriptions Master Healer Sun had written for Gu Caiyi. They focused on stabilizing meridians, guiding qi, invigorating blood, and resolving stagnation. Clearly, his reputation was well earned; he truly understood that it was better to let things flow than to block them.

However, Gu Caiyi's condition was too severe. If that immense spirit power was released, her already fragile body would only suffer. Worse, if it was fully drained, the cultivation she had built over decades would vanish like spring water flowing away.

He could not accept that. Maybe Gu Caiyi would accept it, but he did not want her to. He had a solution, though—he could use the Revival Pill he had purchased from Green Pill Valley's market.

He stared at the prescriptions and fell into thought.

The Revival pill was a third-tier pill meant for Golden Core cultivators. With only thirty percent of its medicinal strength remaining, a Foundation Establishment strength was enough to endure it, but Gu Caiyi was far from it right now. If he wanted to use it without putting her life in danger, he would need thorough preparation.

With everything he knew in mind, he laid out a new treatment plan. He acknowledged that Master Sun's prescription for stabilizing meridians was a good foundation to prevent further injury. In addition, he planned to cast Heal continuously, channeling wood-element spirit power purified through the Eternal Youth Evergreen Sutra to mend her damaged meridians. He also intended to use a spirit solution he had once developed, a custom formula tailored to conditions like Gu Caiyi's.

He drew from a refined version of the essence-nurturing liquid formula, enhancing it with the Kang family's supreme-grade Golden Jade Liquid from Taishan Market, along with his own wood-element spirit power. The result was a unique bathing spirit solution he named the Golden Jade Essence Nurturing Liquid, an exclusive creation with no equal.

Its effects had already proven remarkable. After Luo Chen forcefully opened all his meridians in the past, it was this very solution that had healed him. Used on Gu Caiyi, whose cultivation foundation was more stable, the effect would be even greater.

With the treatment plan finalized, Luo Chen felt at ease. What he needed now was time. When his thoughts returned to the present, he noticed both women standing at the doorway, watching him quietly.

Gu Caiyi blinked, then teased with a faint smile, "Are you planning last-minute? It seems like you're not that confident about healing me after all!"

Luo Chen laughed. "Then you're underestimating me. I've already found a solution. But as I said earlier, it'll take a year."

Gu Caiyi was momentarily stunned. He actually found a way?

After a long pause, she whispered, "After waiting all these years… what's one more year?"

For a cultivator, a year was indeed not long at all.

Two days later, the Grand Hall of the Luo Tian Society bustled with solemn order. Luo Chen sat at the head of the hall, with Sima Huiniang seated calmly beside him.

In front of them were the nine palace leaders of the Luo Tian Society: Wang Yuan of the Succession Palace, Xu Haizhen of the Beast Palace, Duan Feng of the Artifact Palace, Murong Qinglian of the Merit Palace, Sima Xian of the Battle Palace, Qu Lingjun of the Alchemy Palace, Bian Zhen of the Medicine Palace, Yuan Dongsheng of the Agriculture Palace, and Yuan Xiaoyue of the Gold Palace.

Alongside them was Qin Liangchen, leader of the Outer Hall[1], and two more Foundation Establishment elders, Min Longyu and Li Yingzhang. Min Longyu, though holding no formal position since his breakthrough, had become widely known for his constant support. Whenever a formation was required, he would quietly lend his aid across different departments.

Li Yingzhang, the new patriarch of the Qinhua River Li family, had finally reached Foundation Establishment just the previous year, completing cultivation of the Ninefold Reversion Sutra after years of painstaking cultivation. As per the agreement made long ago between Luo Chen and the late Li Jinhuang, his place among Luo Tian Society's elders was assured the moment he broke through. He had been invited today as a sign of that recognition. It showed that over the years, he had truly integrated into the Luo Tian Society and earned everyone's trust.

A surge of pride welled in Luo Chen's chest as he looked down at the gathering. After years of struggle, the organization he had built had become a grand one. Nine great palaces, eight Foundation Establishment cultivators, and over a thousand members. Numerous thriving industries under its banner. Outside, it had many partners and the backing of two powerful factions: the Ice Fortress and Green Pill Valley.

Although Luo Tian Society still lacked a Golden Core cultivator and could not yet rival a first-rate faction, it had become one of the top among the second-rate forces. Once he advanced to late-stage Foundation Establishment, he could even challenge established names like Iron Sword Hall and the Lianyun Trade Alliance in Tianlan Immortal City. Even now, those old factions treated the Luo Tian Society with respect!

If Mi Shuhua were alive to see the Luo Tian Society that rose from Poshan Gang's remains, he'd likely be speechless with shock! Luo Chen mused with no small sense of satisfaction.

As he was lost in thought, the palace leaders were delivering their reports in an orderly manner. Though the Luo Tian Society was split into nine palaces, each had different core responsibilities. Most focused on internal development, while the Battle Palace, Gold Palace, and Outer Hall handled external affairs. Hence, the reports were presented from internal to external matters.

The Beast Palace reported on the taming and breeding of spirit beasts, along with the measures taken to maintain their food supply. The Artifact Palace followed with an account of the tiers of enchanted artifacts it could produce, annual output, and current sales performance.

When the Alchemy Palace's turn arrived, Qu Lingjun stepped forward. His report brought encouraging news. Over the past year, the Luo Tian Society had continued operating without depending on Luo Chen to refine Jade Essence Pills. What should have been a difficult period had been sustained by the steady progress of six alchemists—Qu Lingjun, Mi Li, Ma Shoupu, Qiu Ying, and the newly joined Qi Yi and Xu Jie, from the fallen Danyuan Sect, had worked together to ensure both variety and volume. Thanks to Tao Yisheng having filled plenty of their gaps in theory, even the most challenging first-tier pills were being produced consistently and in large batches.

Even better, the Luo Tian Society no longer relied solely on pills to sustain itself. Yuan Dongsheng's Agricultural Palace had begun to extract real value from the many spirit fields on Danxia Peak. The Medicine Palace had partnered deeply with the Li family of Qinhua River and, through their channels, the society had gradually secured a foothold in Tianlan Immortal City's medicinal market.

One by one, the departments concluded their reports. At last, the turn came to the Gold Palace. Every gaze shifted toward a woman standing there quietly, her cultivation only at the eighth stage of Qi Refinement. Yuan Xiaoyue—once a mere vendor girl selling trinkets in Dahe Market, she now stood with quiet dignity, tempered by nearly two decades of perseverance.

Gu Caiyi was the head of the Gold Palace, but since she began preparing for Foundation Establishment, the responsibilities had been temporarily handed over to Yuan Xiaoyue. After her failure, the Gold Palace couldn't remain leaderless, so Sima Huiniang thus promoted Yuan Xiaoyue to Deputy Palace Leader. For the past year, she had been managing de facto all of the Gold Palace's affairs.

Now, as she faced the top leadership of the Luo Tian Society, the weight of the moment pressed heavily on her. The others in the hall were either Foundation Establishment cultivators or Qi Refinement experts with decades of experience. Compared to them, her cultivation still felt far too low. The thought stung bitterly.

A gentle motion from Luo Chen sent a warm wave of spirit power washing over her. The crushing pressure seemed to melt away, and her spirit steadied. She looked at Luo Chen with gratitude, then collected her thoughts and began to speak with clarity and confidence.

"Our Danxia Palace is no longer confined to just Tianlan Immortal City. We've established branches in Biyou Valley, Tianyi Market, and Luosha Market. After the fall of the Divine Craftsman Sect, the city opened a rogue cultivator market beyond the walls. We've secured a storefront there as well. Currently, our main merchandise comes from within the Luo Tian Society: pills, enchanted artifacts, medicinal herbs, spirit fruits, spirit rice….

"We also resell physique tempering medicine from the Kang family, spirit fish and herbs from Elder Li's household, and talismans and medicines from three Foundation Establishment rogue cultivators. A few Foundation Establishment rogue cultivators have expressed interest in long-term partnerships, and they are regularly supplying us with wares to sell.

"Senior Kang Xianqiong mentioned that after the Huo family of Taishan Market was wiped out, a portion of the market is now vacant. She's offering us support and favorable terms if we want to expand there. However, the route is long, and the Glowing Stream Market in between remains unstable. Because of this, I have been hesitant. Now that you are here, President, I will have to ask you to make a decision on this matter."

Yuan Xiaoyue laid out every detail clearly. When she finished, her eyes turned toward Luo Chen.

Luo Chen gave a faint smile. Instead of replying directly, he turned to Sima Huiniang. "What are your thoughts on this matter, Director Sima?"

Sima Huiniang, clearly prepared, replied steadily, "Regarding cooperation with rogue cultivators, as long as their origins are clean, you can make the decision. It's not just about earning spirit stones, but also maintaining good relations with these Foundation Establishment rogue cultivators. The more allies we have, the more paths we can take. As for opening a branch in Taishan Market, that requires long-term planning. The Bai family of Glowing Stream Market bears a grudge against us. During the battle at Gaoling Plains, they allied with Huo Hu. While they did not act against us directly, they held down the Nangong family. Furthermore…"

At that, she turned toward Duan Feng. "Palace Leader Duan, the Bai family is also responsible for killing your father, isn't that right?"

Duan Feng nodded. "Indeed. But the decision rests with you and the President. I won't let personal matters interfere with public duty."

Sima Huiniang shook her head. "Personal matters? No such thing. Right now, both publicly and privately, the Bai family is obstructing us. They have only one Foundation Establishment cultivator and no major backing. Eliminating them would be effortless!"

At those words, Duan Feng's eyes lit up, yet a chill ran through many others present. In recent years, the director had become not only stricter internally but increasingly ruthless externally.

"The exact plan still requires some discussion, but the direction is already clear. Within one year, or at most three, a trade route to Taishan Market will be opened. Establishing a branch there is not simply about profits; it is about gaining access to the vast resources of the Great Million Mountains, including demonic beasts, medicinal herbs, and precious minerals."

Luo Chen sat at the head, listening to Sima Huiniang speak. She had clearly considered everything, from personal vendetta to broader strategic benefit, from spirit stone gains to trade route expansion, and the Luo Tian Society's long-term development. All of this had been thoroughly considered, and it was only the decision regarding the Gold Palace.

Before this, she had been able to offer precise and effective judgment on every department's matters. To be this methodical and composed was not something achieved overnight.

After hearing the entire meeting, Luo Chen couldn't help but sigh inwardly. He had truly found a treasure! He had once thought that Mi Junping would've been the ideal person to manage the Luo Tian Society, but compared to Sima Huiniang, she paled into insignificance. If Luo Chen had to manage all these matters himself, his hair would've turned gray from worry. As for cultivation, he could simply forget about it. Only thanks to Sima Huiniang's assistance could he focus entirely on cultivation and participate in things like the Dao Scion competition at Green Pill Valley without any worries.

Finally, Sima Huiniang looked over at Luo Chen. "President, what do you think?"

Luo Chen clapped softly and said with admiration, "You are the director. Naturally, these decisions are yours to make. Everything has been handled excellently. I have no objections." Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn novel•fire.net

She nodded and instructed her disciple, Yao Mingyue, to record the meeting in full. Once the session was adjourned, the high-tier members departed one after another. Even Yao Mingyue withdrew from the hall at her master's signal.

Now, the hall was empty. Sima Huiniang stood up gracefully and walked over to sit beside Luo Chen. "Take a look. This is what we've earned over the past two years."

Luo Chen wrapped one arm around her soft waist and accepted the storage pouch with the other. It was full to the brim, packed with spirit stones.

For a moment, Luo Chen stared in a daze. Power, beauty, and wealth—everything seemed to be within his grasp.