Chapter 300

300. Chapter 300 Golden Core

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Protagonist:

Yu Zhangsheng

"How could that happen? Without your permission, who would dare bully your disciple."

Yu Zhangsheng hehe laughed, naturally walking behind Wei Lao, bending his waist low, massaging Wei Lao's shoulders.

"Hmm." Wei Lao's eyes slightly closed, the smile on his face deepening, revealing a trace of enjoyment, "Good. Within this Wanxiang Sect, if you need anything, go find that kid Lu Ruikai. With my face, it's still quite useful."

"Mhm mhm." Yu Zhangsheng nodded like a chick pecking rice. Not having seen him for over a year, he had experienced many things, yet still felt some nostalgia for Wei Lao, and his heart felt much more at ease.

"Speaking of which, this trip to Hui Shui Shan, you must have encountered some crisis, right?" Wei Lao exhaled a long breath, stretched lazily, turned his head to look at Yu Zhangsheng, and asked seriously, "Tell me. What exactly happened? Even Shu Fa Peak's Wang Dingsheng that kid perished. Looks like the matter isn't small."

"Oh, okay." Yu Zhangsheng obediently nodded, recounting everything that happened inside Hui Shui Shan in full detail, including the matter of Yan Tower and Tianyi Divine Water.

Wei Lao listened quietly. After an incense stick's time, looking at Yu Zhangsheng, a strange color appeared in his eyes, and he nodded in satisfaction.

"Not bad. As long as you didn't suffer any major harm. And to even have this kind of opportunity — it saves me from continuing to painstakingly think of ways to help you complete the Nine Layers of Spirit Platform."

Wei Lao hehe laughed, teasing.

"It's all thanks to Turtle Senior's merit." Yu Zhangsheng touched his nose, hehe laughing.

"It's all as it should be. This old thing is now perfectly integrated with your fate. Helping you is helping himself. Moreover, the opportunities you received aren't few, but most of the greater benefits were also taken by this old thing." Wei Lao smiled wryly, laughing softly.

"Hmph, you old thing, truly becoming more and more impolite."

Yu Zhangsheng was just about to speak when the void beside him suddenly twisted. Xuan Gui's phantom emerged from Yu Zhangsheng's Inner Landscape, coldly humphing at Wei Lao, tone unkind.

"Haha," Wei Lao heard this and laughed heartily, complexion natural, "What's wrong? Isn't it an old thing? It's been a thousand years. You and I are both half-buried, lingering on death's door."

Xuan Gui just wanted to open his mouth to refute, but suddenly fell silent. After a long while, he exhaled a breath of white air from his nostrils.

"You saying it like that isn't wrong either. We're both old things, huh."

"Hehe," Wei Lao didn't mind either, patting Xuan Gui's turtle head. Xuan Gui frowned, angrily glaring at Wei Lao, but made no other move.

Yu Zhangsheng silently watched this scene from the side, smiling gently.

"Count it as you still having some conscience, knowing to find opportunities for my disciple. In the future, this kind of thing — the more the better." Wei Lao laughed.

"Where would it be that easy? Your beloved disciple is still hard to serve. This guy, if not for me, wouldn't know how many times he'd have died."

Xuan Gui said disgruntledly, glancing at Yu Zhangsheng, yet his tone carried a trace of pride.

"Hahaha, causing trouble is perfectly normal, isn't it."

Wei Lao wasn't annoyed either. The two conversed lightly, like old friends who hadn't seen each other for many years.

"Never mind. This kid's strength is still low. Breaking through to Golden Core as soon as possible is the real deal."

Xuan Gui pursed his lips, shaking his head.

"That's indeed true." Wei Lao nodded in approval, turned his head to look at Yu Zhangsheng behind him who was pinching his shoulders, and said seriously:

"Now you've also reached Nine Layers Spirit Platform perfection. The next step is to consider the matter of forming the Core."

"Mhm!" Yu Zhangsheng's spirit shook, listening intently.

"Forming the Core, as the third major realm of cultivation, is also a watershed in the cultivation world. Looking across the entire cultivation world, only upon reaching Golden Core does one truly have the qualifications to walk abroad."

Wei Lao thought for a moment, slowly opened his mouth, and continued explaining:

"This realm is extremely crucial for cultivators. If Foundation Establishment is the entry to cultivation, forging the foundation of the Great Dao, then Golden Core is a step further — possessing the embryonic form of the Great Dao. The two words 'Golden Core' are also easy to understand: it is condensing everything you have cultivated up to this point into a single Golden Core."

Yu Zhangsheng listened carefully. The movements of his hands slowly stopped. He nodded seriously.

"One Golden Core enters the Great Dao; my life is up to me, not heaven. For cultivators, this saying, though somewhat exaggerated, is also largely accurate."

"And since forming the Core is the condensation of everything a cultivator has cultivated before, then according to each person's different understanding, the quality of the Golden Core formed naturally differs. The blessings bestowed upon the cultivator are even more worlds apart."

Wei Lao spoke, pausing slightly. After thinking a moment, he patted Xuan Gui's head, ignoring Xuan Gui's furious glare, and continued: "In common terms, Golden Core quality is divided into different grades based on purity. The main ones are: the lowest and most common Golden Core — Mortal Grade Golden Core. Though this is also a Golden Core, it is dim and lusterless. The blessings it brings to the cultivator — lifespan, combat power, etc. — are the smallest. Without other opportunities, one's lifetime achievement stops here, difficult to continue breaking through."

"One step higher is Earth Grade Golden Core. This kind of Golden Core is rich in luster. The blessings it brings to the cultivator — whether lifespan, physical body, Shenjue, etc. — are all relatively good, quite considerable. If nothing unexpected happens, with diligent cultivation, the possibility of breaking through to Nascent Soul later is still quite large."

"I see."

Yu Zhangsheng listened quietly, nodding from time to time, suddenly realizing. The higher one cultivates, the less knowledge there is about this aspect — at least in Wanxiang Sect it's like this. Therefore, this was the first time Yu Zhangsheng heard such a systematic explanation, so naturally he listened seriously.

"And above this, there is the highest grade of Golden Core." Wei Lao said, looking at Yu Zhangsheng with eyes suddenly incomparably sharp, revealing intense light.

"This kind of Golden Core is called Heavenly Dao Golden Core. Upon formation it is purple-gold in color, conforming to the Heavenly Dao. One's entire combat power receives Heaven and Earth's blessing. Every gesture carries Heaven and Earth's mighty power. Combat power is peerless, worthy of being called invincible in the same realm. Such people are phoenix feathers and unicorn horns — every one is a true heaven's favored son. Even in those Holy Lands, they are existences like Holy Sons."

"Such a person, as long as they don't perish, reaching Violet Mansion later is inevitable. Spirit Transformation is also easy. And cultivation speed is dozens of times that of ordinary people. It can be said, Heavenly Dao Golden Core — wondrous uses without end. Once achieved, the future Dao path is a smooth road, a smooth rise to high office."

Yu Zhangsheng listened quietly, secretly swallowing a mouthful of saliva, eyes flickering, heart full of anticipation.

"And the biggest factor determining Golden Core quality is the number of Spirit Platforms during Foundation Establishment! The more Spirit Platforms condensed, the higher the quality of the Golden Core naturally formed, the greater the benefits. This is also why at the Foundation Establishment realm, Spirit Platform quantity is so valued. The reason I repeatedly demanded you strive to increase Spirit Platform count is precisely this. Only when Foundation Establishment Spirit Platforms are higher, the forged Great Dao root becomes more solid. Then when you form the Core, the Golden Core quality you can condense will be better. The blessings for you, the future cultivation path — wondrous uses without end."

Wei Lao explained unhurriedly, looking at Yu Zhangsheng's thoughtful expression, smile faint.

"And with your talent — Nine Layers Spirit Platform, Spirit-Connecting Dao Body, Heavenly Dao's favor, plus Tianyi Divine Water this Heaven and Earth supreme treasure refined as your Great Dao embryonic form — your physical body, Shenjue are far beyond ordinary people. Once you form the Core, the possibility of condensing a Heavenly Dao Golden Core is very high."

"However, this matter tolerates no carelessness. Therefore, still wait until everything is prepared, then break through. And you need to note: Heavenly Dao Golden Core receives Heavenly Dao's favor, yet is also intolerable to Heaven and Earth. Because this kind of Core formation that forcibly seizes Heaven and Earth Dao Rhyme, when it appears, will be rejected."

Wei Lao spoke, meeting Yu Zhangsheng's curious eyes, paused a moment, pondered slightly, deeply exhaled a breath, complexion also becoming a few degrees more solemn.

"That is to say, Heavenly Dao Golden Core, unlike other Core formations, during its breakthrough, one hundred percent will encounter Heavenly Tribulation. And the Heavenly Tribulation's power is also the strongest."

"This point, you need to especially engrave in memory. Heavenly Dao Golden Core is a gift, and also a tempering. Only after experiencing this kind of Heaven and Earth mighty power — the Heavenly Tribulation — and being tempered afterwards, can your Golden Core truly become round and full, perfectly becoming a Heavenly Dao Golden Core, perfectly integrated."

"And not to say Heavenly Tribulation is fraught with peril, but it is indeed genuinely hard to deal with. Therefore, once you decide to break through, you must make absolutely thorough preparations. Don't end up with the Golden Core formed, yet yourself also struck by Heavenly Tribulation to the brink of death."

"Heavenly Tribulation?"

Yu Zhangsheng heard this, expression blanked for a moment, heart rippling with waves. He nodded.

"The cultivation path emphasizes gradual progression. The accumulation you make at every realm will transform into your most solid foundation, becoming the cornerstone of the Great Dao beneath your feet, ultimately leading straight to the blue clouds. Remember: never rush for quick success. Bring every realm to its peak. Only then can you walk far in the future."

"This point, whether it's you Turtle Senior or me, we both hold great expectations for you."

Wei Lao lightly shook his head, his gaze regaining its calm, patting Yu Zhangsheng's shoulder, his eyes holding deep meaning, speaking faintly with a touch of resignation.

"Good. Disciple will keep it in mind."

Yu Zhangsheng cupped his fists, speaking solemnly.

All the accumulation from before, having arrived here, if he did not condense a Heavenly Dao Golden Core, even Yu Zhangsheng himself could not get past it.

"Mm," Wei Lao nodded, then smiled easily, laughing, "But you also don't worry too much, just proceed normally, with your foundation, plus these days, I will set up a formation to defend against the Heavenly Tribulation for you in advance, normally speaking, passing the Heavenly Tribulation won't be a big problem."

"After all, your greatest advantage is that you have already surpassed your current cultivation base in flesh and soul, these two points will make your Heavenly Tribulation crossing much easier."

"In the coming days, you just cultivate well, completely fill the Foundation Establishment realm, wait until the timing is suitable, then naturally draw down the Heavenly Tribulation and condense the Golden Core."

"Troubling Master with such painstaking effort."

Yu Zhangsheng smiled, thanking him with gratitude amidst respect.

"Why must we master and disciple be so polite, good that you brat also don't lose my face, Wanxiang Sect has not seen a Heavenly Dao Golden Core appear for a thousand years, I am very much looking forward to it, the next Heavenly Dao Golden Core will still be my disciple."

Wei Lao laughed hehe, looking at Yu Zhangsheng, his eyes holding a trace of indescribable meaning, both appreciation and expectation.

Yu Zhangsheng was speechless, muttering a sentence in his heart, naturally acknowledging the meaning of these words, so he nodded, turned around and after feeding in the Beast Garden, bid farewell and left.

Leaving the Xuan Turtle projection and Wei Lao to exchange alone in this place, although the Xuan Turtle has now become Yu Zhangsheng's spirit beast, due to the special nature of its contract, to a large extent, the Xuan Turtle is still relatively free, for example, this moment's projection leaving the body is one of its methods, not needing Yu Zhangsheng's agreement.

However it would consume a certain amount of Yu Zhangsheng's mana, soul power, and the projection distance also has certain limits, but relying on Yu Zhangsheng's such heavy soul and cultivation base, as long as he does nothing else, this bit of consumption is merely a drop in the bucket, and its out-of-body distance also covers the entire Wanxiang Sect.

Seeing Yu Zhangsheng leave, Wei Lao regained his calm, turned his head and looked at the Xuan Turtle, teasingly opening his mouth: "Old thing, how is it, this period of time still adapting, stayed in that dark ghost place for over a thousand years, still used to it?"

The Xuan Turtle heard this, its vicissitudes-filled gaze revealing a hint of a smile, nodding and speaking softly: "Not bad, came out for a breath of fresh air, this cultivation world, seems like everything changed, yet seems like nothing changed."

"Yes, what changes is the cultivation world, what doesn't change is us. Year after year flowers are similar, year after year people are different..."

Wei Lao spoke with emotion, his tone somewhat sighing.

"We've both lived too long, truly become old things. Hehe."

"Also fine, after such long years, I now, instead don't hold such great expectations for this brat." The Xuan Turtle fell silent, after a long while shook its head and suddenly laughed.

"Oh? Why is this?" Wei Lao raised an eyebrow, looking at the Xuan Turtle with doubt.

"Lived too long, even if a hundred years later, he hasn't solved my seal and origin matters for me, I will just fall here, but being able to accompany him for a hundred years, see the scenery of this cultivation world, watch him grow all the way, this is also interesting, not a wasted trip."

The Xuan Turtle laughed, its eyes holding only emotion, no other impurities.

"A hundred years is also enough, as for matters after this, dust returns to dust, earth returns to earth. Everything just follows nature."

Wei Lao heard this, looked at the Xuan Turtle in surprise, finally frowned, then let go, laughing hehe:

"Didn't expect you actually still have this kind of change, but rest assured, this disciple of mine you've also seen now, at this speed, within a hundred years, the height he grows to should be able to meet your requirements, solve the problem."

"Perhaps," the Xuan Turtle was noncommittal, swayed a turtle shell, four limbs slowly moving, drawing closer to Wei Lao, "I don't doubt your vision, your two disciples are both stunning talents, haven't let your reputation decline."

"However, what I worry about is you, so many years passed, with your cultivation base, you've already been forcibly extending your life, now, how much lifespan remains? Probably only within a hundred years as well."

Wei Lao heard this, his face expression froze, a trace of gloom vanished in an instant, then he shook his head and laughed, his gaze flowing from the Xuan Turtle's body, his gaze leisurely, gazing into the distance. (Chapter End)