Tianlan Immortal City was merely a name of a city on the surface. However, to cultivators who lived and trained within its bounds, it was an expansive region that encompassed not only the city itself, but also the surrounding mountain ranges, spirit veins, and waterways.
Of particular note were the region's two major bodies of water, one river and one great waterway. The river, known as Yunjin, was modest in scale and couldn't compare to the mighty Lancang River near Dahe Market. Its waters stemmed from the torrents that flowed beneath Tianlan Peak.
The great waterway, however, was an entirely different matter. Known as the Qinhua River, it was born from the convergence of countless tributaries throughout the Jade Cauldron Domain. Its waters flowed steadily eastward, stretching all the way to the eastern sea. With its breadth and depth, the Qinhua River was brimming with resources. It was said that the Li family had prospered for more than two centuries simply by controlling a narrow stretch of its banks.
Yet time did not spare any family. As the Li family's Foundation Establishment grand elder approached the end of his lifespan, uncertainty began to loom. The future of the family wavered in the shadow of succession and instability.
Just as unease was beginning to settle in, a major event brought renewed hope. The Li family was about to form a marriage alliance with one of Tianlan Immortal City's most rapidly rising factions—the Luo Tian Society.
That very day, the leader of Luo Tian Society had come in person with a formal betrothal gift, proposing a union with Li Yingjun, the direct granddaughter of the Li family's Foundation Establishment grand elder.
The engagement proceeded smoothly, but what puzzled many was the identity of the groom-to-be. Li Yingjun, esteemed descendant of a prestigious family, was set to marry a relatively unknown figure in Luo Tian Society. It wasn't entirely accurate to call him unknown, but the match still raised eyebrows, after all, her betrothed was merely an elder in the spirit plant division of the Medicine Hall.
Luo Chen, however, paid no mind to the murmurs of lesser cultivators. He understood Grand Elder Li Jinhuang's reasoning all too well.
Sima Xian, despite his prestige, had already reached a bottleneck in cultivation. With little hope of further breakthrough, such a man might eventually grow restless, turning his ambitions toward the Li family's estate.
By contrast, Yuan Dongsheng wasn't well-known, nor was his cultivation high. But he was exactly the kind of person who, though not powerful but held real influence. Among the hundreds of first-tier spirit fields managed by the Luo Tian Society, a great portion had long been entrusted to him. That alone spoke volumes. He was someone Luo Tian Society clearly relied on.
Given the scale of responsibility on his shoulders, he would hardly have the time or energy to cast greedy eyes on the Li family's holdings. In Luo Chen's eyes, the old grand elder had made a clever and calculated move.
Crafty old fox, Luo Chen mused silently.
Across the table, Li Jinhuang wore a serene smile. "President Luo, would you care to try our Li family's spirit medicine tea?"
Luo Chen nodded and lifted the porcelain teacup, sipping slowly. The liquid was warm and fragrant, flowing smoothly down his throat. He set the cup down gently and spoke with a measured tone.
"Fresh and rich, with a sweet aftertaste. The medicinal aroma is subtle, but the spirit energy bursts like sunlight across the dantian and sea of qi. The art of infusing medicine into tea is truly remarkable."
Li Jinhuang's eyes, once clouded with age, lit up at the compliment. "You are a man of tea, Fellow Daoist!"
Luo Chen responded with a modest smile and a few humble words. In truth, he was more familiar with spirit wine than spirit tea. That elegant description? He'd memorized it from intelligence gathered on the Li family's preferences and customs.
Outside, the engagement celebration was in full swing. Laughter echoed through the courtyards, the clink of toasts and cheerful music forming a lively backdrop. But inside the quiet chamber, between two Foundation Establishment cultivators, the atmosphere was measured, the words formal and restrained.
Luo Chen, however, had not come all this way merely to oversee a wedding. If that had been his only intention, he would've simply left the formalities to Sima Huiniang.
Luo Chen placed his cup down and said calmly, "Let's speak frankly."
Li Jinhuang's demeanor grew solemn as well.
"As for the Tianlan Immortal City auction, I've never participated and know little of its taboos or hidden rules. I'd ask Fellow Daoist Li to enlighten me."
This was Luo Chen's true reason for coming.
Li Jinhuang had operated in Tianlan Immortal City for over two centuries, and his experience was vast. Now that his lifespan was nearly spent and his family would rely on Luo Chen's protection, he had no reason to keep secrets.
Compared to people like Shi Boying or Xuan Yunzi, Luo Chen trusted someone like Li Jinhuang whose interests were tied directly to his own.
Sure enough, Li Jinhuang soon began explaining details Luo Chen hadn't been aware of. "Unless it's hosted solely by the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect, the Immortal City Auction is usually co-hosted by two major sects. Events of this scale inevitably attract Golden Core cultivators."
He leaned in slightly, his tone more serious. "There's one strict taboo. If a Golden Core cultivator takes interest in an item, no matter how wealthy we Foundation Establishment cultivators are, it's best not to get involved. The consequences could be fatal."
Luo Chen frowned. "Has that ever actually happened?"
"Yes," Li Jinhuang nodded. He recounted an incident from decades ago, when a powerful faction tried to outbid a Golden Core cultivator using its immense wealth. They succeeded only for their entire faction to be obliterated in a single attack of fury. Tianlan Immortal City didn't offer any explanation and made no move to punish the Golden Core cultivator responsible.
"For us at the Foundation Establishment cultivators," Li Jinhuang continued, "the most coveted items are always those related to forming the Golden Core. But unless you're already in the late stage of Foundation Establishment, my advice is to stay out of those particular contests."
Luo Chen's frown deepened. " Then, does treasure plundering happen too?"
"That's hard to avoid," Li Jinhuang admitted. "But the real danger comes from the top, the Golden Core sects. There used to be six of them, but now only five remain. Without their support, the path to Core Formation is nearly impossible."
He paused, tapping his fingers lightly against the table. "I don't know all the internal workings, but you're young and already quite advanced. You'll learn those truths in time."
Taking a slow breath, Luo Chen asked, "Then who are the Core Formation treasures at the auction really meant for?"
"For Golden Core Adepts, late stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, and those closely allied with major sects," Li Jinhuang said. "You've got a decent relationship with Ice Fortress, don't you? That should give you some access."
Luo Chen nodded vaguely.
Luo Chen offered a faint nod. It wasn't entirely true. His ties weren't with Ice Fortress as a whole, it was only with Tantai Jin personally. And if Core Formation treasures came into play, even she might be tempted to compete against him.
Shifting topics, Li Jinhuang gave him a knowing smile. "And as for Foundation Establishment resources... I'm guessing you're very interested in acquiring a spot?"
Spots!
That was exactly what Luo Chen had come for. Back at the Dahe Market auction, he had seen firsthand how Foundation Establishment pills were distributed, one for the rogue cultivators, and the rest divided among the four dominant Foundation Establishment powers. Clearly, behind the scenes, those powers had coordinated in advance.
Different cities might vary in details, but the rules were usually the same. Tianlan Immortal City was no exception.
Luo Chen had already asked Chu Kui about it and confirmed that spots for Foundation Establishment pills were only granted to forces that had been rooted in the city for over fifty years.
New factions like Luo Tian Society weren't even considered. If they wanted a pill, they'd have to fight it out with rogue cultivators and pay an exorbitant price for the privilege. And they might even offend the major Golden Core sects in the process.
"Seems Fellow Daoist Li has seen through my thoughts," Luo Chen admitted openly.
Li Jinhuang sighed. "In that case, I'll give the Li family's quota to you this time. The fixed price per Foundation Establishment pill is five thousand spirit stones."
"That high?" Luo Chen raised his brows in surprise. Back in Dahe Market, the going rate for Foundation Establishment pills among private Foundation Establishment cultivators had only been around two thousand spirit stones per pill.
"Foundation Establishment pills are always precious, and most come from Nascent Soul sects. This time, it's the Luoyun Sect and the Medicine King Sect who're offering them," Li Jinhuang explained seriously. "And we must give face to the Luoyun Sect."
That said it all. Luoyun was a newly elevated Nascent Soul sect, and with their ally Green Pill Valley co-hosting the auction, their contribution to Foundation Establishment pills was clearly a gesture of support. Luo Chen didn't dwell on the political layers behind it. When the time came, he would simply go with the flow.
"In addition," Li Jinhuang added, "before the auction begins, the city will open a special trade market. It's a rare chance for Foundation Establishment powers like ours to conduct business freely. Fellow Daoist Luo, you can't afford to miss it."
Luo Chen gave a nod. He already knew this part. Back in the Dahe Market, the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect had done the same. It was a standard practice by now.