An Alchemist's Path to Eternity-Chapter 665: Lets Get Married (II)

Luo Chen then asked Qi Yi about his current needs after reaching Foundation Establishment and his plans for further alchemical study. He offered him a few words of encouragement before turning his gaze toward a young man.

"Lou Ying, isn't it?"

The young man rose to offer a bow. Yet recalling Luo Chen's earlier words that formality was unnecessary, he sat back down awkwardly.

"President, you still remember my name; it's an honor for me," he said with a smile.

Since the Luo Tian Society had yet to publicly announce its change into a sect, its members still habitually addressed Luo Chen as "President." Qi Yi did so, and so did Lou Ying.

Luo Chen paid it no mind. He smiled and said casually, "The Outer Hall has prospered under your management these past years. You've nurtured many fine talents for the Inner Hall."

"This is merely my duty," Lou Ying replied.

"I recall you came from the Battle Palace?"

"Yes, I used to serve under Elder Su Xiaolin."

"Su Xiaolin... Tell me, do you find the Outer Hall better, or the Battle Palace?"

"Better? It is hard to say. The Outer Hall has more duties, but it's safer; the Battle Palace has fewer tasks, yet frequent battles. If you ask me, as long as I can contribute to the sect, I don't mind where I serve."

Luo Chen gave Lou Ying a thoughtful look. The once naïve young man had clearly matured through his years of tempering in the Outer Hall; his manner of speech now carried weight and poise.

After offering him a few words of praise, Luo Chen spoke with several others in turn. The cool distance that had lingered after years apart gradually faded, replaced by a sense of warmth and familiarity. At last, the conversation turned to serious matters.

"The date for the Core Formation ceremony will be set for three months from now," Luo Chen said. "There will be many guests in attendance. Everyone must make preparations carefully and ensure that not a single honored visitor is neglected. That day will be the moment our Luo Tian Sect truly makes its name known. If our Luo Tian Sect still endures centuries from now, you all will be remembered as the founding elders who established it beside me. Therefore, during this ceremony, uphold the dignity befitting of our Initiates. Do not bring shame upon our name."

When Luo Chen finished speaking, the hall fell silent. Then everyone rose solemnly to their feet. "Your orders will be fulfilled!"

***

The world beyond was in turmoil, and within the Luo Tian Sect, matters were just as busy.

Luo Chen did not keep the people for much longer. Once most of them had gone, he stepped to the entrance of the hall. His gaze stretched into the distance, falling upon the faint and bustling silhouettes that moved tirelessly through the mountains. Behind him stood Sima Huiniang and Gu Caiyi with their arms folded within their sleeves, both graceful and poised.

A soft sigh escaped his lips. "It has been a long eighty years. From Dahe Market to Tianlan Immortal City, we've endured countless hardships, and at last, we've built a foundation that stands solid."

Sima Huiniang and Gu Caiyi exchanged a look. Although they were not usually on good terms and preferred not to interact on a personal level, at this moment, even they were unable to hide the emotions stirring within their hearts.

They were Luo Chen's closest companions and the ones who knew his past best. Along his path had been not only the refined grace of Dan Chenzi's glory, but also the blood and dust of the Fire Spirit Lord's battles across the land.

When they first left Dahe Market, the Luo Tian Society had barely over a hundred members. At that time, Luo Chen had been the only Initiate in the society. Yet now, the sect counted no fewer than twenty-five Initiates!

The longest-standing ones were Wang Yuan and Duan Feng. Those who joined midway were Chu Kui, Xu Haizhen, and Xing Zhonghan. The rising generation bore Qu Lingjun, Zeng Yilong, Yuan Xiaoyue, Yao Mingyue, Lou Ying, and many others. Some had risen alongside him, some had been lifted by his guidance, and others were still thriving under his protection.

Luo Chen had built everything from nothing through his own strength. Within the Jade Cauldron Domain and throughout the Eastern Wilderness, he stood as a living legend. And now, he had succeeded in forming his core!

As countless emotions welled up, the two women's eyes shone most of all with pride. They were truly proud of Luo Chen, and they were proud of themselves, because the man before them was theirs!

Suddenly, Luo Chen turned around. His eyes burned brightly as he gazed at the two women.

"We should become Dao companions."

The words caught them both completely off guard.

Gu Caiyi blurted out instinctively, "Sure!"

Sima Huiniang also opened her mouth to agree, but after a brief pause, she asked softly, "Are we not already Dao companions?"

Luo Chen gently took her hand. "That may be so in fact, but it is not so in name. I owe you both more than I owe anyone else, and first of all, I owe you acknowledgement in front of the whole world."

This was not a sudden thought, but something he had long considered. The two women had followed him through everything. Though they had been under his care, they had given just as much in return. Sima Huiniang had borne the weight of leadership and upheld the Luo Tian Society even when she was under heavy criticism. Gu Caiyi had worked tirelessly managing the Danxia Hall's businesses and opening countless trade routes, allowing the society to expand. Their devotion to the organization was beyond doubt.

As for their devotion toward him... When Luo Chen went to Green Pill Valley, vanished in the war at Thundernet Nine Mountains, or spent years in secluded cultivation, the two had never complained. Even at the cost of slowing their own cultivation, they had kept the Luo Tian Society thriving because that was his life's work. What more could a man ask for?

Not just one, but two exceptional women, each with her own talent and brilliance! They were not mere ornaments relying on a man, but extraordinary figures who fully deserved to stand beside him—not just as followers, but as his equals! He had reached this point only because of their irreplaceable contributions.

Luo Chen took Sima Huiniang's hand in one of his and drew Gu Caiyi into his other arm, gazing at the endless glow of sunset beyond the mountains.

"I have already made up my mind. At the Core Formation Ceremony, the three of us will officially become Dao companions. At the same time, the Luo Tian Society will take the name of Luo Tian Sect and become an official sect with a proper legacy. Three blessings at once!"

A faint light of surprise and joy appeared in Gu Caiyi's eyes, as though she could already picture that moment before her. She wrapped her arms tightly around Luo Chen's waist, as if afraid that vision might fade away like the moon reflected in a pond.

Sima Huiniang opened her mouth to speak, but in the end only sighed softly and leaned into his embrace. And this time, she neither hesitated nor resisted. She simply whispered, "I will follow your will."