Longevity begins with alchemy master

call out!call out!call out!
call out!call out!call out!
A sharp explosion rang out in the sky, and streaks of light descended before the golden tower.

As the light dissipated, the figures of the sect's prodigies were revealed.

Their faces showed either tension or anticipation; some remained calm and silent, while others frequently glanced around.

Only those Nascent Soul stage experts leading the teams had a relatively easier time.

Knowing the complete process, they didn't take it too seriously after landing; instead, they chatted with close friends and family who cared about them.

"Compared to previous years, there seem to be many more people participating in this trial?"

"That's right, there used to be around a hundred people, but this time there are a full two hundred!"

Why is this happening?

"I heard that the situation inside the Dark Demon Cave is more serious this year than in previous years, so more Nascent Soul cultivators are needed to clear out the demonic moss."

"Even more serious? What does that mean?"

"I don't know, but the disturbance of the Demon Cave is not a good thing. If it is not handled properly, it may lead to a situation like the invasion of the Demon Realm ten thousand years ago."

"If that's the case, doesn't that mean this year's cultivators will face even greater danger?"

"Yes, the loss rate has been as high as one or two out of ten in the past, and it's likely to rise even higher this time. Has your sect prepared suitable self-defense methods for the younger generation?"

He appeared relaxed, but the topics he discussed were quite serious.

Perhaps only the leaders of the five major Void Refinement forces appeared outwardly normal.

For example, the one from the Azure Dragon Sect, relying on his ancestor's status in the Heavenly Origin Dao Sect and his specific understanding of this trial, did not show too much worry.

Instead, he pulled Elder Gu Mu and the other three together, chatting and laughing as they commented on the younger generation of each family.

"Old Monster Haoqiong, I heard that your Five Elements Divine Sect has produced an extraordinary genius with exceptional talent. In just five hundred years, he has reached the peak of the Nascent Soul stage and is only one step away from the Divine Transformation stage. Has he come this time?"

"He didn't come, and he doesn't need to. That child just needs to cultivate and break through step by step."

"Wow, such great confidence! Does that mean no one will be there to support the Divine Sect this time? The top spot in the trial is likely to change hands."

"Fellow Daoist Li, you are overthinking it. My sect's Chongguang is also a Nascent Soul cultivator with many years of experience. With him leading the team, there will be no problem."

"A Nascent Soul cultivator after many years, perhaps he has no hope of breaking through and has come here to seek a moment of enlightenment!"

Elder Li of the Azure Dragon Sect didn't take it seriously and looked at a smiling woman in a green dress.

"Shen Yan Ji, who did your Biluo Sect send?"

The woman named Shen Yanji covered her mouth and chuckled, "Is it too much trouble for you, fellow Daoist, to worry about such a mere junior?"

Elder Li waved his hand, "I was just bored and looking for something to talk about."

Shen Yanji readily agreed, saying, "Green Butterfly Fairy, what do you think?"

Elder Li was genuinely surprised. "Green Butterfly Fairy, isn't that the daughter of your sect's Green Robe Ancestor? You actually sent her to participate in the trial?"

Shen Yanji smiled and said, "As the ancestor, I should set an example. In addition to enjoying the blessings of the younger generation, they should also contribute to the sect."

Elder Li nodded, quite agreeing.

"Strong people are never made through cultivation. Trials are dangerous, but they also offer many opportunities. The Green-Robed Ancestor is not only willing to give, but he is also much more open-minded than some people!"

As he spoke, he glanced at Haoqiong Old Monster of the Five Elements Divine Sect beside him.

The other person twitched the corner of their mouth but didn't reply.

After Elder Li sighed and stopped asking questions, Shen Yanji couldn't help but feel a little impatient.

"Why don't you ask the geniuses of the Shadow Sect and the Pure Spirit Sect, Fellow Daoist Li?"

Elder Li shrugged. "What's the point of asking? The Shadow Cult always hides their identities; they probably won't tell you even if you ask. As for the Su Ling Sect, I've met them before. The leader was He Lan Shi, known as the master of both alchemy and swordsmanship. I know that junior; he was once as famous as Elder Kong Zhaonan of my sect, and we even had some private dealings. One is known as Zhi Bei, and the other is named Zhaonan. Kong Zhaonan successfully achieved the Nascent Soul stage a hundred years ago; I imagine He Lan Shi isn't far behind."

Shen Yanji asked in surprise, "Elder Li, do you know that you have so much confidence in the Su Ling Sect?"

The usually silent Elder Gu Mu forced a smile. "Fellow Daoist Li is too kind."

Elder Li scoffed, "Tch, you people are all hypocrites. You're all clearly full of confidence, yet you pretend like this. If you ask me, how about we make a bet and see which of our five sects has the most surviving disciples in this trial?"

"it is good!"

Unexpectedly, the one who answered him was a black-robed man who hadn't spoken during the previous discussion.

Elder Li's expression froze for a moment. "The Shadow Cult is skilled in the art of shadow-遁 (shadow escape) to save lives. This bet has come exactly into Fellow Daoist Pei's hands."

The man in black robes waved his hand. "I won't take advantage of you. The bet will be split into two parts. The first part will be based on the number of disciples who survive the trial, and the second part will be a hundred years from now, to see which family has more Nascent Soul cultivators among their survivors. How about it?"

"That's good, so that no one just tries to fool us," Shen Yanji said with a smile.

Haoqiong Old Monster of the Five Elements Divine Sect also said coldly, "Fellow Daoist Pei is right. Setting a hundred-year bet is quite interesting."

Elder Gu Mu considered the ten members of the Su Ling Sect who were participating in the trial. Xuan Luo and Jiang Huang could be ignored, and You Huang Zhenren was also a bit lacking.

But the remaining seven Pure Spirits are quite good.

In particular, Helan Shi, Tie Ma Zhenren, and Li Ting all have a great chance of breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage.

Participating in this bet is not out of the question.

In particular, he cannot tarnish the reputation of the Su Ling Sect!

"I agree. As for the prizes, since it's to be done in two sessions, there should naturally be two prizes! I may not have much else, but a Separation and Union Pill and a thousand-year-old Crimson Essence Ganoderma lucidum are enough to offer."

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent.

Haoqiong Old Monster squinted at Elder Gumu, "Your sect has become increasingly prosperous in recent years, even offering a thousand-year-old Crimson Essence Ganoderma as a bet."

Elder Gu Mu smiled slightly, "There's nothing we can do. Our sect excels at cultivating spiritual plants, and a mere thousand-year-old medicinal herb is nothing special."

This statement is both a humble remark and a statement of pride.

Elder Li clicked his tongue in admiration: "The Crimson Essence Mushroom is useless to me, but that Separation and Union Pill is the finest among the fifth-grade divine pills. I was fortunate enough to receive one from my sect's ancestor back then, which saved me a hundred years of cultivation. That one was also refined by you, Old Man Gu Mu, and supplied to the Tianyuan Dao Sect?"

Elder Gu Mu nodded confidently, “It is indeed the one I refined. It is only because the Dao Sect has had the Pill Saint in charge these past few years that we no longer need to offer the Separation and Union Pill. That’s why I have some surplus in my hands, which I can use for betting.”

Elder Li thought for a moment, then gritted his teeth and said, "In that case, I won't be stingy. I'll use my most recently comprehended Mystic Transformation Technique, plus a piece of Star Gold, as the prize!"

The value of mystical arts is self-evident.

Star Gold is also a very rare mineral.

It is said that this item is a product of the same origin as the legendary Star Crystal.

Even if the effect is only one or two out of a hundred, adding one to one's own natal magic weapon can greatly increase its foundation, and breaking through to the spirit treasure level is not impossible.

This shows that Elder Li was very confident about the bet.

Seeing that the two of them had taken out their own precious and rare items, the other three thought for a while and then each took out treasures that were no less valuable than these items.

Once the bet and stakes were finalized, the atmosphere among the group seemed to become harmonious again.

"Why is it taking so long this time? The Demon Suppression Tower still hasn't opened?"

Amidst everyone's confusion...

Suddenly, a black bird soared in the distance, and the roar of a dragon rang out.

Everyone turned to look and saw a huge chariot rushing towards them, pulled by a black bird and a dragon.

The carriage was filled with people; at a glance, there were no fewer than a hundred!

Moreover, each of them was full of vitality and had a bright, piercing gaze.

A noble air is evident on the outside.

Upon seeing this, someone exclaimed, "Tianyuan Dao Sect? Are their Nascent Soul disciples also participating in the Demon Suppression Trial?"

among the crowd.

Luo Chen was also somewhat surprised.

The Demon Suppression Trial sounds impressive, as it is believed to help Nascent Soul cultivators break through to the Divine Transformation stage.

But in reality, it's an extremely risky and arduous task.

Once inside, their task isn't just cultivation; they also have to eradicate the demonic moss and cooperate with powerful Daoist masters to disperse the demonic lair that has formed. This kind of trial is usually carried out by whoever is in charge of guarding one of the nine great holy sects.

Generally speaking, the recruitment is usually done by Nascent Soul cultivators from the Refining Void and Transforming God forces under their command, and occasionally some slots are given to vassals of the Tianyuan Dao Sect.

After all, the Dark Demon Cave is located within the territory of the Dao Sect.

However, according to past records, the nine great holy sects themselves would not send many Nascent Soul disciples into the Demon Cave.

In particular, the Tianyuan Dao Sect, which was still in the process of opening up the Mountain and Sea Realm in the previous session, did not send any Nascent Soul disciples to participate in the trial.

"Mountain and Sea Realm..."

In a flash of inspiration, Luo Chen suddenly understood something.

For the Tianyuan Dao Sect, which once possessed the entire Mountain and Sea Realm, the amount of spiritual energy was not important.

He had seen the Daoist master of the Mountain and Sea Realm use the power of the Spirit Treasure to subdue spiritual energy.

but now!
The passage to the Mountain and Sea Realm was severed by him and Qing Shuang, and the Star Gate was also taken away.

The Dao Sect lacked a place to cultivate Nascent Soul cultivators, which is why they took the Demon Suppression Trial seriously.

The luxury car was parked on top of the Demon Suppression Tower.

The powerful Daoist master on it did not come down. He first cupped his hands in a gesture of respect towards the Demon Suppression Tower, and then sent his disciples out.

Seeing this, Elder Gu Mu and the others did not go forward to greet them. After nodding in acknowledgment, they looked at each other in bewilderment.

"Should the bet continue?"

Whether or not a Nascent Soul cultivator from the Daoist sect participates is a completely different matter.

As a result, it will likely be much more difficult for this group of disciples from various sects to gain anything from the Dark Demon Cave.

Elder Li of the Azure Dragon Sect chuckled, "Of course we'll continue. You all promised just now."

Upon seeing his smile, the other four naturally realized what was going on.

Clearly, the other party already knew about this news.

Given the relationship between the Azure Dragon Sect and the Heavenly Origin Dao Sect, their disciples would naturally receive the other's protection.

It's hard to say how many of them will become Nascent Soul cultivators in the future, but in terms of survival rate, they will definitely be a cut above the rest.

Elder Li was certain to win the first bet!
No one could back out, so they had no choice but to reluctantly accept the bet.

Just then, the giant tower in front of them began to rumble.

The door opened, and a figure stepped out.

It was none other than Xiu Teng, the prodigy of the Fudi lineage!
He looked at everyone and said with utmost solemnity, "Deity Transformation cultivators, please stop here. Nascent Soul cultivators, please enter!"

Subsequently, more than three hundred Nascent Soul cultivators entered the Demon Suppression Tower one after another, amidst the encouraging or worried gazes of their elders.

……

The scenery inside the tower is not particularly magnificent.

What one sees most are crisscrossing rune patterns on the ground.

There were also ten other figures sitting cross-legged on it.

Each of them exuded an incomparably powerful aura, no less than that of the Nascent Soul elders who had led the teams from various sects and factions earlier.

In other words, these ten people are the real main force of the upcoming Demon Suppression Trial, the powerful Daoist masters responsible for dismantling the Demon Cave!
Everyone who entered immediately tensed up, their pupils shrinking.

Including Luo Chen.

What he was nervous about was not the ten powerful Daoist masters, but the rune patterns on the ground.

"These are not ordinary runes, but primordial runes that contain the complete true meaning of the laws."

"The Lord will suppress, imprison, eliminate, and even destroy!"

Especially the last point, Luo Chen even sensed an extremely powerful force within it.

It looks like it could explode in an instant!
That was the last resort. If everything before was useless, and a demon from another world broke through from this place, then this formation would explode instantly.

Its power is enough to destroy everything.

Even the entire Guangling Prefecture, and even the Tianyuan Dao Sect, will be affected.

Luo Chen took a deep breath; those who could set up such a method were no ordinary cultivators.

In his view, even a Grandmaster of the Integration Realm might not be able to achieve such a feat.

Only the Great Vehicle Celestial Venerable, who stands at the pinnacle of the Xuan Realm, could set up such an astonishing array.

In comparison, the magnificent and dazzling Demon-Suppressing Tower seems more like a cover-up.

"Using a Heaven-Reaching Spiritual Treasure as a cover? The Netherworld Source Court is truly a grand scheme."

Luo Chen was utterly shocked.

From this arrangement alone, he glimpsed the tip of the iceberg of the Netherworld Overlord.

Just when everyone was on edge.

Suddenly, a deep, rumbling sound echoed in my ears.

"Xiu Teng, administer the exorcising liquid."

"As the True Lord commands!"

Xiu Teng respectfully bowed to the direction above, then came before the crowd. With a wave of his hand, streams of light fell into their hands.

Luo Chen looked down and saw that it was a gourd.

Xiu Teng said loudly, "This is an exorcising liquid refined by my Fudi lineage. It is very effective in clearing out the demonic moss. Although it cannot eradicate it, it can make it wither. You should use your magic power to irrigate the areas where the demonic moss is dense. Remember, do not be perfunctory. This demonic spirit gourd also has the function of recording the summoning. We will check it after it comes out."

Is this the legendary Demon Spirit Gourd?
Luo Chen shook it, and the faint sound of waves and some kind of vague complaint could be heard from inside.

The demonic spirits, a specialty of the Dark Demon Cave, are refined into magical artifacts without harming their minds.

This method... Luo Chen thought of the Yuan Tu Sword.

Just after Xiu Teng finished giving his instructions, a sharp voice rang out again from inside the tower.

"The Dark Demon Cave was personally suppressed by the Great Vehicle Heavenly Venerable of the Netherworld Origin Court. The power of the laws is restricted within it, and True Monarchs like us cannot easily enter. Even Nascent Soul cultivators can only enter a maximum of ten people at a time."

"This trial to suppress the demon is different from the past; the demon's lair is pulsating frequently."

"Therefore, if a powerful demon spirit beyond the Nascent Soul stage appears, you ten should summon me!"

The ten Nascent Soul stage experts who were sitting cross-legged all opened their eyes and respectfully replied, "As you command, True Lord Vermilion Bird!"

The moment that voice appeared, Luo Chen's expression changed.

He was even more surprised when he heard how the others addressed him.

Wasn't it said that the ones who came here to suppress were the White Tiger True Lord and the Black Tortoise True Lord, two of the four great generals of the Tianyuan Dao Sect?

How did he become the Vermilion Bird True Lord?
No one could answer his question.

The group has gradually made their way to the center of the formation.

As the light flashed, figures disappeared one after another from inside the Demon Suppression Tower.

Luo Chen walked up with his fellow disciples from the Su Ling Sect, exchanging glances and encouraging each other.

Then, a flash of light appeared.

When Luo Chen opened his eyes, everything he saw was extremely dark, and the earth was covered in a dark green color.

Only occasionally, wisps of golden light flickered in the sky.

"This is the Dark Demon Cave?"

Luo Chen muttered to himself, a slight smile playing on his lips, before transforming into a streak of light and vanishing from the spot. (End of Chapter)