228: Ranked on the Hidden Dragon List! Cultivating Furiously in Seclusion! Qiangzi's Trouble

The selection of Longevity Seed by the Longevity Sect has come to a close, and Chen Dengming has been selected as one of the new generation of the Longevity Sect Longevity Seed. This result spread throughout all the sects in the Eastern Region at an extremely fast pace.

Even the sects in the other three regions have observed this trend.

The Longevity Sect is not a small sect or faction. As one of the top behemoths in the Eastern Region, its influence extends to a very wide area.

Those selected by the Longevity Sect Longevity Seed, provided they do not die young, will almost certainly become the future Longevity Sect, wielding real power and truly entering the Longevity Sect's upper echelons.

He might even break through to the Nascent Soul in the future, becoming the new patriarch of the Longevity Sect, Summon Wind and Rain, and considered a top figure in the four regions.

Therefore, all sects in the four regions pay close attention to and attach great importance to the Longevity Seed selected by the Longevity Sect.

Chen Dengming had already demonstrated his terrifying combat power and potential to the outside world. Chen Baimao's reputation was earned on the Battlefield of the Eastern and Western Regions, making it a truly prestigious title.

The Divine Strategist Sect, renowned for its expertise in divination and fortune-telling, included Chen Dengming on the Four Regions Hidden Dragon, placing him twenty-ninth on the list.

Prior to this, even though Chen Dengming Reverse Kill Golden Core, the Hidden Dragon Ranking only included him in the candidate list, but never actually recorded him.

"The Hidden Dragon Ranking? This ranking is just a boring game for idle people. Having so many empty titles is not a blessing, it's just trouble."

Unexpectedly, Old Qiao was also recently selected, ranking twenty-seventh. That's not much higher than my ranking."

Inside the cave abode, Chen Dengming wore a helpless smile as he gazed at a scroll floating before him, its unfolded surface shimmering with spiritual light.

On the scroll, in the twenty-ninth column, his name, nickname, current Strength Realm, identity, battle record, and major events were clearly written.

It even includes a portrait, which is quite detailed, showing even the iconic white hair at the temples.

Upon hearing this, He Yingyu, who was gracefully approaching with a pot of spiritual tea, shook her head with a playful smile.

"Junior Brother, the Hidden Dragon Ranking only includes Golden Core Cultivator who are famous and have the potential to break through to the Nascent Soul stage within the four Inner Domain. Even the Dao Child of the major sects are unlikely to be selected before breaking through to the Golden Core stage."

If Qiao Zhaoxian hadn't recently been officially selected as Dao Child and broken through to the Golden Core stage, he might not have been selected at all.

You're still only at the nascent stage, yet you've already been selected for the Hidden Dragon List; that's truly remarkable.

The old master of the Divine Mechanism Sect who created the Divine Mechanism Ranking has high hopes for you.

Whether he thinks highly of me or not won't increase my chances of forming a Nascent Soul. Besides, I'm not even a Golden Core cultivator yet. Being listed on this list would just attract unwanted attention.

Chen Dengming shook his head.

Being included on this list of Hidden Dragon will not benefit him at all. It's not like becoming more famous will bring more resources; it will only bring more trouble.

However, he still made a note of some of the people ranked high on the Hidden Dragon List.

If you encounter them in the future, try not to provoke them.

The top-ranked member on the Hidden Dragon List is Hong Zuozhou, the Heavenly Devil Sect Devilish Son. He is currently at the peak of the Golden Core Perfection stage and has inherited the Heavenly Devil Sect Devilish Immortal Way lineage.

Although the Devilish Immortal Way lineage is not one of the five major immortal paths, and was even once classified as a wild immortal or god, known as the path of the outer realms, it is still an extremely powerful lineage, just like the Sword Immortal lineage. It is a side path that the Heavenly Devil Sect is proud of and even considers to surpass the five major immortal paths.

This Devilish Son also has an amazing record. He once fought against a Nascent Soul Early Stage Dragon Transformation Sect and escaped unscathed. He also once killed a Golden Core Late Stage cultivator while in the Golden Core Early Stage.

The second-ranked person on the Hidden Dragon List is Zhong Yizhu, the former Sword Son of the Shu Sword Pavilion. He has now reached the Golden Core Perfection lineage of the Shu Sword Pavilion.

The third person on the Hidden Dragon List is Xing Huiguang, a former Longevity Seed of the Longevity Sect, who possesses the strength of Golden Core Perfection cultivator and has inherited the Immortal Celestial Lineage the Longevity Sect.

"Not bad, Sect Leader Xing even managed to get into the top three. He helped me keep the limelight at the front."

Chen Dengming gave a thumbs up to the former Longevity Seed. From the rankings, he could also see that the rumors that Xing Huiguang could break through to the Nascent Soul at any time were not unfounded.

I fear that people like the Devilish Son are in the same boat.

He then took a closer look at the people behind him.

It was discovered that almost all of the top ten were cultivators who had reached the Golden Core Perfection, and they were all Dao Child or former Dao Child of major sects; there wasn't a single grassroots cultivator among them.

This is normal. Power also represents potential. If one has all the elements of wealth, companionship, law, and land, the probability of achieving Nascent Soul is higher.

Once he was selected Longevity Seed, it meant that he would not lack resources in the future, and his potential naturally skyrocketed.

However, beyond the top twenty, there are still some less conventionally promising talents.

For example, Yan Fangjin, the Gu King of the Myriad Gu Sect, possessed the strength of the Golden Core Late Stage and inherited the Gu Immortal legacy of the Myriad Gu Sect.

This was the first time Chen Dengming had ever heard of the existence of a lineage of immortals in the Gu Dao, such an obscure path.

However, the fact that the opponent was able to break through the encirclement indicates that they must have some extraordinary abilities.

At that moment, a respectful call came from outside the cave abode.

He Yingyu reminded him, "Junior Brother, it's the Steward Che from the Spirit Mansion Department."

"Um."

Chen Dengming put away the Hidden Dragon List, got up and walked out of the cave abode.

A Foundation Establishment Deacon was waiting outside the cave abode with several disciples.

Upon seeing Chen Dengming, he immediately stepped forward respectfully, smiling and bowing.

"Your Highness Daozi, your new cave abode has been cleaned and prepared. Some of the facilities have also been renovated according to your requirements. You may move in now. This is your cave abode control token."

As she spoke, Che Zuxin handed over a token that shimmered with spiritual light, which floated lightly to Chen Dengming's front.

Becoming Longevity Seed means that one's status is equivalent to that of an elder within the sect.

Once Chen Dengming breaks through to the Golden Core stage, his status will be even higher than that of an elder, and he will enjoy some jurisdiction and the right to make suggestions. He will also be called His Your Highness Daozi, and none of the sect disciples dare to disrespect him.

Chen Dengming took the token, smiled with satisfaction, and said, "Good! Steward Che, you've gone to great lengths."

Upon hearing this, Che Zuxin was flattered and bowed, saying, "It is my honor to serve you, Dao Child."

He Yingyu watched this scene with a smile, her pretty face beaming with pride.

Who could have imagined that the rookie Rogue Cultivator who stumbled and fell into the Evergreen Sect through back channels would reach this point so quickly?

"Okay. Let's go there now."

Chen Dengming waved.

"Waaah--"

The Black Cloud Leopard, which had been impatiently waiting, immediately puffed up and grinned, gesturing for Chen Dengming to hurry up and get on its back.

It was even more eager than Chen Dengming to move into the new cave abode dwelling. Wherever the Spirit Vein were better, that would be its home; it was impossible for it to be nostalgic.

Chen Dengming kicked away the fawning Blackie with disdain, finding the leopard's spineless behavior somewhat shameful.

The Steward Che immediately led the way.

After becoming Longevity Seed, even though Chen Dengming has not yet broken through to the Golden Core stage, he can still go to the Longevity Sect Changle Peak, which has Third-Rank Spirit Vein, and choose a cave abode to live in.

In the entire Longevity Sect, only Longevity Peak has a main vein of a Fourth-Rank Spirit Vein.

Then there are the two Third-Rank Spirit Vein veins on Changqing Peak and Changle Peak, followed by four Second-Rank Spirit Vein and numerous First-Rank Spirit Vein.

Chen Dengming had previously lived in cave abode dwelling on Second-Rank Spirit Vein, but now that he could move into cave abode on Third-Rank Spirit Vein, it meant that his speed of breaking through to the Golden Core Realm would be greatly increased.

After becoming a Golden Core cultivator, he can apply to move into cave abode dwelling on Longevity Peak and enjoy a higher level of Longevity Seed benefits, which is a privilege that surpasses that of ordinary Golden Core Elder.

Changle Peak is very large, but there are only fifteen cave abode dwellings.

Most of the cave abode dwellings were vacant, with only three cave abode inhabited.

Chen Dengming moved in, making them the fourth household.

"Your Highness Daozi."

As Che Zuxin led the way, he remarked with emotion, "More than six hundred years ago, our Longevity Sect once had a glorious period with two Nascent Soul and twenty-eight Golden Core cultivators."

The cave abode on Changle Peak and Changqing Peak were almost all preserved after they were developed at that time, and they are all located at the best nodes of the Third-Rank Spirit Vein Spiritual Qi.

Therefore, despite continuous repairs, reinforcements, and renovations over the years, its location has remained unchanged, and no new additions have been made."

Chen Dengming nodded.

More than 600 years ago, the Longevity Sect had two Nascent Soul and twenty-eight Golden Elixir cultivators.

This was indeed an unprecedented and unparalleled spectacle.

At least since then, more than six hundred years have passed, and the number of Golden Core Cultivator in the Longevity Sect has been gradually decreasing, rather than continuously increasing.

Now, of the six remaining Golden Core cultivators in the Longevity Sect, only Ran Yiqiang, the Golden Core Late Stage elder of the Merit Hall, is one of the twenty-eight Golden Core cultivators from over six hundred years ago, and is now nearly nine hundred years old.

The longevity advantage of the Longevity Sect was also evident in this person.

If it were any other Golden Core Cultivator from another sect, they would have long since passed away. But Ran Yiqiang is still alive and well, and has become a pillar of support for many disciples of the Longevity Sect.

However, due to an injury sustained in his early years, this person was stuck in the bottleneck of the Golden Core Late Stage and could not break through it. Even though his lifespan was long, he could only count the days until he passed the rest of his life.

"Your Highness Daozi, you've moved in?"

As Che Zuxin to the vicinity of the cave abode, Gongshu Zai emerged from one of the cave abode, which was hidden among green trees. He greeted Chen Dengming with a smile, but no longer addressed him as "Nephew Disciple," but as "Dao Child."

"Elder Gongshu!" Che Zuxin and the others immediately greeted him.

Chen Dengming smiled and bowed, saying, "From now on, I will be your neighbor, Uncle Gongshu. Uncle Gongshu, you are welcome to visit me often when you have time."

"Dao Child has invited me, I will certainly go."

Gongshu Zai smiled and nodded, thinking that he should go and pay a visit to Dao Child Daozi and present him with a congratulatory gift to celebrate his new home.

Although it won't be long before Dao Child breaks through to the Golden Core stage, he will most likely move away again to live on Longevity Peak.

Watching Chen Dengming's figure disappear, Gongshu Zai a pang of emotion, vaguely remembering the scene of Chen Dengming's careful visit with gifts years ago.

It's true, the person is still the same Bai Mao Chen, but his status and position have changed drastically.

"Waaah!--"

Upon arriving at the new cave abode, the Black Cloud Leopard was jumping around excitedly, even happier than Chen Dengming. It had already fallen in love with the new cave and forgotten about the old cave abode.

Because it was once the cave abode Golden Core Great Cultivator, the new cave abode feels more luxurious and spacious.

Chen Dengming's first impression upon entering was its sheer size.

It is five times larger than the original cave abode, not including the Spirit Plant garden and garden outside the cave abode.

Inside the cave abode, there are all sorts of functional spaces, such as Alchemy Room, Artifact Refining Room, Spirit Text Room, Spirit Pet Room, Meditation Room, a reception room, and a hot spring bathing room.

Simply by being inside the new cave abode, Chen Dengming could experience the extraordinary nature of cave abode built on Third-Rank Spirit Vein node; he felt as if every breath he took was filled with spiritual crystals.

"The treatment of Golden Core Great Cultivator is indeed luxurious. I'm enjoying it ahead of time, absorbing Spiritual Qi for free."

Chen Dengming stood in front of the Spirit Plant Courtyard, feeling very content.

The Black Cloud Leopard completely occupied the Spirit Pet Room and wouldn't come out, rolling around comfortably inside. It seemed that living in such an environment, it might be about to break through to a higher level soon.

That evening.

After Chen Dengming and He Yingyu cultivated frantically for a while, they activated the array plate and ordered the Little Array Spirit to dance, eager to experience the Spiritual Qi amplification of the Third-Rank Spirit Vein.

One day later.

Chen Dengming changed his training location four times in succession within the spacious cave abode, making full use of the effects of the Second-Order Spirit Seizing Array Disk and the advantages of the cave abode's large size.

In just Heavenly Timing, he cultivated the Evergreen Merit to 182 points of proficiency.

At such an astonishing rate of cultivation, he only needs 862 days to break through to the Golden Core Realm, increasing his cultivation speed several times over.

"If I cultivate like this for less than three years, I can break through to the Golden Core stage. Indeed, to do something well, you must first have the right tools. After becoming Longevity Seed, breaking through to the Golden Core stage will be much easier with all the resources available."

Chen Dengming strolled in the garden outside the cave abode, watching He Yingyu busily planting the flowers and plants that had been moved from the old cave abode, and felt quite excited.

Before this, who would have dared to imagine breaking through to the Golden Core stage in less than three years?

First, opportunities for peaceful cultivation are hard to come by; one must perform Duty Assignment.

But now that he is Longevity Seed, he enjoys the privilege of only having to perform his duties once every five years. He can even ask for leave or request a change of Duty Assignment when his term is up.

Secondly, the density of Spiritual Qi in Second-Rank Spirit Vein and the size of the cave abode will also limit his cultivation speed.

The spirit-stealing effect of the second-tier Spirit Seizing Formation is very strong and has a wider range.

However, the cave abode was only that big before.

Therefore, Chen Dengming would often find that after cultivating for half a day, the Spiritual Qi in his cave abode would be depleted, and he would have to move to a nearby area outside the cave abode to cultivate.

The Spiritual Qi outside the cave abode is not as concentrated as cave abode, so it's difficult for him to increase his cultivation speed much.

However, this geographical problem was easily solved after the cave abode was replaced with a larger new cave abode.

The territory is large enough, and the Spiritual Qi is plentiful.

After vacuuming one area, move on to another.

After replacing four pieces, the first area was restored, and the day's training was over.

"It's endless, there's simply no way it can all be inhaled."

In an instant, Chen Dengming's enthusiasm for cultivation surged.

He rediscovered the feeling of frantically cultivating during his Qi Refining Stage in the Gathering Place.

He turned back and went back to his cave abode, summoning the Little Array Spirit to continue his cultivation.

For a period of time afterward, Chen Dengming spent most of his time cultivating, except for the occasional visits to the Golden Core Elder of his neighboring sects when cultivation became tedious.

This frenzied enthusiasm also drove He Yingyu to join in the infighting.

When the two got tired of cultivating alone, they began cultivating together.

When they grew tired of cultivating together, they would practice alone, trying out seventy-two different methods, wanting to be husband and wife in harmony and embark on the path of the Golden Elixir together. They were single-mindedly focused on cultivating the Dao of Alchemy and ignored everything outside the sect.

This period of seclusion and intensive cultivation made the increasingly fierce Battlefield between the Eastern and Western Regions less lively, as the absence of Chen Baimao, Reverse Kill Golden Core, made the situation less exciting.

However, Qiao Zhaoxian, the Daoist disciple of the Tiandao Sect Dao Child, dominated the Battlefield with his formidable Golden Core strength. After powerfully killing a Golden Core elder from the Western Regions, he escaped gracefully from the attacks of two Golden Core cultivators. Qiao Taotao's name soared in popularity, and he was unparalleled in the limelight.

A year and a half later.

The war situation in the Eastern and Western regions has deteriorated rapidly, gradually drawing in numerous sects from both the Northern and Southern regions.

Even at the border between the North and South, small-scale invasions and counterattacks have gradually begun to break out.

The cultivators from the North and South fought fiercely in the Ten Thousand Mile Frontier and the Mingyun Mountain Range, creating Battlefield of carnage and bloodshed. Both sides' Golden Core Cultivator frequently intervened, making the borderlands, where Golden Core Cultivator were rarely seen for years, unusually lively.

Lüojia Mountain.

Within the now more magnificent and fortified Lüoshan City, rebuilt a year ago.

Black Wind and Jiang Qiang were smiling obsequiously as they conversed with a group of arrogant cultivators from major sects.

"Fellow Daoist Fan, it's not that we're unwilling to move, but this Lüoshan City is a property we've painstakingly built up over many years. Spirit Vein, every blade of grass and every tree here represents our hard work and dedication."

"Um?"

The Daoist priest in the green robe, sitting in the chief seat, snorted coldly. His back was as straight as a javelin, exuding an imposing aura, as if even a thousand-pound burden could not crush him. He stared intently at Black Wind Daoist.

"Fellow Daoist Black Wind, this is the third time we've tried to communicate with you. As they say, things shouldn't happen more than three times."

Now that it is wartime, the Wind Hành Sect has granted us, the Cold Extreme Gate, battlefield jurisdiction. We have the right to requisition this land and demand that you move out without paying a single penny.

"But we, the Cold Extreme Gate Sect, understand your difficulties and are willing to pay you five hundred High-grade Spirit Crystal as compensation for your relocation. This is already very generous of us, yet you have repeatedly refused. Do you really intend to defy the will of the Wind Hành Sect?"

Upon hearing this, Black Wind's smile became somewhat awkward.

Jiang Qiang's face turned even uglier.

To attempt to seize Lüoshan City and its Marketplace, which now possess two First-Rank Spirit Vein, for a mere five hundred High-grade Spirit Crystal is tantamount to robbery.

Even disregarding the value of the Spirit Vein, the construction costs and Formations of this city alone are worth at least five hundred High-grade Spirit Crystal.

Moreover, Lüoshan City and the Marketplace can generate at least 500 High-grade Spirit Crystal in profit every year, of which they will hand over 300 High-grade Spirit Crystal to Chen Dengming.

The Cold Extreme Gate is wielding its power like a chicken feather, taking advantage of the Wind Hành Sect's influence, and trying to drive them out of Lüoshan City by offering 500 High-grade Spirit Crystal. Their behavior is truly disgusting.

"Senior."

Jiang Qiang forced a smile, stepped forward, and bowed, saying, "We have already consulted our elders about this matter. To be honest, Lüoshan City Non-Self property, and we dare not act rashly. Please forgive us."

Before he could finish speaking, the blue-robed Daoist opposite him shot out a cold, piercing light from his eyes, seemingly able to see through people's hearts and enveloping him.

Jiang Qiang immediately let out a muffled groan, his face turned pale, and his eyes glazed over.

Black Wind immediately stepped forward to block Jiang Qiang, radiating the power of Foundation Establishment. His face was gloomy as he said, "Fellow Daoist Pan, why are you being so aggressive?"

"Pressing?"

The man in the blue robe sneered, staring disdainfully at Jiang Qiang, and said, "If I wanted to force you, you would have been kicked out of here the first time."

My patience has been completely worn down. How dare a Qi Cultivation Cultivator try to negotiate with me? Nonsense.

I've investigated your background thoroughly. All you have is a Foundation Establishment Ghost Cultivator backing you up. Let him come out. I want to see if he can stand in your way and defy the will of the Wind Hành Sect!

"This is outrageous!"

Jiang Qiang's face flushed red with humiliation. He let out a low shout, then suddenly pursed his lips and spoke towards the direction of the palace roof.

"Bang!"

Several cultivators from the Cold Extreme Sect were taken aback and looked up at the direction of the palace roof.

Huh?

What does this mean?

Suddenly, the temperature inside the hall plummeted, a Yin Wind swept through, and a suffocating and malevolent aura instantly enveloped the entire hall.

"Such a strong Evil Qi?"

The Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Cold Extreme Sect suddenly changed his expression and was about to get up, but in the next instant he felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave, his bones were getting cold one by one, and his neck was emitting cold air, as if he was being stared at by a pair of malicious eyes.

If he was like this, the others were even more pale, their bodies stiff and unsteady on the ground, their vision blurred, and their hearts were about to stop.

A strange sound, seemingly mixed with eerie laughter, entered my ears, like the sound of shooing away dogs.

"Chehehe"

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