Chapter 297 : Trivial Matters Before the Pill

Chapter 297: Trivial Matters Before the Pill

A few short days quickly passed.

Deep within the Yuqing Mountain Range.

The mountain breeze gently brushed past, and the forest leaves rustled softly.

"Time to go."

Chen Beiwu squatted down slightly, meeting the round eyes of the Seven-Tailed Violet Fox.

"Ying."

The Seven-Tailed Violet Fox suddenly raised its right paw.

Chen Beiwu paused for a moment, then the corners of his lips lifted slightly, understanding that this was a unique farewell gesture of the Seven-Tailed Violet Fox clan.

He also extended his right palm, gently pressing it against the fox's paw, feeling the warm and soft paw pad at the center of his hand.

After a while, the Seven-Tailed Violet Fox lowered its front paw. The seven tails behind it gently swayed as the tip of one nudged a jade bottle, then pushed it toward his chest—its meaning couldn’t be clearer.

A parting gift, for you!

"Isn’t this your daily rations?" Chen Beiwu didn’t take it, chuckling. "If you give it to me, what will you drink?"

The Seven-Tailed Violet Fox said nothing, staring firmly at Chen Beiwu with a hint of unyielding determination.

Noticing the sincerity in the little fox’s eyes, Chen Beiwu dropped his teasing tone and solemnly accepted the jade bottle.

This gift was indeed precious—by rights, he should have declined it. But the sentiment behind it shouldn’t be refused.

Seeing this, the Seven-Tailed Violet Fox’s nose twitched slightly, as if trying to memorize Chen Beiwu’s aura. Then, it turned around on its own and leapt into the sea of clouds with agility, a far cry from the clumsy way it had stumbled when they first met.

Unfortunately, elegance lasted no more than three seconds.

As its hind legs launched into the air, its left front paw accidentally snagged the fur on its right leg, sending all four limbs flailing in panic.

"Plop."

The Seven-Tailed Violet Fox crashed to the ground, its fluffy tail still reflexively lifting up.

Chen Beiwu: "..."

The Seven-Tailed Violet Fox froze for a moment, then scampered away without attempting to leap again, leaving behind an adorable figure for Chen Beiwu to watch.

‘This little one really is a doofus.’

Feeling the warmth of the jade bottle at his fingertips, Chen Beiwu smiled, turned, mounted the golden egg, and soared into the clouds, heading toward the Five-Elements Miasma Abyss to fetch the Five Qi Vine.

—

Five-Elements Miasma Abyss

"Nah."

Noticing the silhouette of a flood dragon in the clouds, the Five Qi Vine took the initiative to wave its vine hand in greeting.

Chen Beiwu dismounted and noticed that within the Five Qi Grove behind the vine, countless tiny treasure herbs densely filled the space.

Goodness, truly rich.

So the “luggage” the Five Qi Vine had spoken of turned out to be hidden high-grade herbs scattered in various places!

"Nah?" (Before we leave, wanna pull off something big?)

The Five Qi Vine glanced around and spoke in a hushed tone.

"Let’s go. Our cooperation is more important."

Chen Beiwu's gaze subtly swept across the mountaintops within the cloud sea. With a wave of his sleeve, he and the golden egg transformed into a streak of escape light, taking the Five Qi Vine and hurrying out of the Yuqing Mountain Range.

—

A Distant Mountain Peak

A streak of purple stood atop an ancient pine branch, seven tails swaying gently, silently watching Chen Beiwu's figure grow smaller in the distance.

Only after he vanished beyond the boundaries of the Yuqing Mountain Range did she leap down into the embrace of a stunningly beautiful Beast Sovereign.

"One doesn’t know the cost of rice and firewood until they manage a household."

The Violet Yao Beast Sovereign lazily opened her red lips and spoke, "A-Zhi, do you know how many years it took your mother to gather a single bottle of ‘Heavenly Breast Mystic Marrow’?"

The Seven-Tailed Violet Fox shrank its neck slightly, but its round eyes blinked stubbornly, its tail winding flatteringly around her wrist.

This mix of guilt and insistence that she hadn’t done wrong made the Violet Yao Beast Sovereign laugh.

"Acting coy won’t work on me."

She turned her back on the fox, though her eyes still held a hint of mirth.

If Chen Beiwu failed to forge a Yuanshi Golden Core, then so be it.

But if he succeeded, then A-Zhi’s actions today would surely forge a karmic bond.

In a way, her daughter was a silly fox blessed by fortune, instinctively making the most beneficial investment.

Of course, A-Zhi might not see it as an investment, but rather a heartfelt gift between friends.

‘Silly child.’ The Violet Yao Beast Sovereign sighed internally.

Not all contract cultivators in this world were worthy of sincere exchange.

If she misjudged and gave her true heart to the wrong person, it could be disastrous for her daughter. That’s why she had to teach A-Zhi a lesson.

As for Chen Beiwu?

After observing him for some time, the Violet Yao Beast Sovereign believed this extraordinary prodigy had decent character—qualified to become A-Zhi’s Companion Beast Contract cultivator.

The only flaw was that Chen Beiwu’s ambition was far too lofty. His eyes saw only the Yuanshi Golden Core.

If he failed in forming his core but didn’t lose heart, then all would still be well—he’d remain an excellent contract cultivator.

But if he lost his spirit after failure, then he wouldn’t be a good match. More caution would be needed.

‘With that bottle of Heavenly Breast Mystic Marrow, Chen Beiwu’s chances of forging a Yuanshi Golden Core should increase by at least half a step. He should be able to pass the Foundation-Shattering stage smoothly.’

The Violet Yao Beast Sovereign pondered for a moment, then vanished with her daughter atop the mountain.

She was not a Sixth-Realm Yao Saint and could not foresee the future. Thinking too much was useless.

Whether he could forge the Yuanshi Golden Core or not—everything depended on Chen Beiwu’s own fate.

—

Yuqing Immortal Sect

"Clack."

A new student’s pupils shrank. Even as his jade slip fell to the ground, he didn’t use magic to retrieve it.

"Nan Xuan, why are you so jumpy? You even dropped your student token," another newcomer laughed as he picked up the jade slip.

But in the next second, the sound of people swallowing all around made him realize something was wrong.

Cultivators at the late stages of the Qi Refinement realm could already control their bodily reactions flawlessly.

Unless faced with something utterly shocking, it was rare for such cultivators to lose composure in public.

Curiously, he looked up, following the gaze of his fellow students.

A young man with starry eyes and sword-like brows walked toward the Admissions Department on the second floor of the Infinite Tower. His expression froze.

‘Th-That’s the Five Qi Vine!’

Seeing the vine with a Five-Colored Little Flower atop Chen Beiwu’s shoulder, one sect student couldn’t help but murmur aloud.

Poor cultivators entered the Yuqing Immortal Sect for the prestige of the Upper Three Sects.

But prodigies from Dao Venerable Immortal Clans and True Venerable Aristocratic Lineages often came to contract Heavenly-Gang Mystic Beasts like the Five Qi Vine, in preparation for advancing to Nascent Soul and proving the Dao as a True Monarch.

"Who is that? Does anyone know him?" someone whispered.

"Student of Class 24523, third on the Newcomer Rankings—Chen Beiwu. Heard he’s from a humble background in Fallen Dragon Prefecture," a senior explained.

The voice was quiet, but like a pebble tossed into a calm lake, it sent ripples through everyone’s hearts.

Chen Beiwu? Not the sect chief disciple, Shen Lingxing?

Then didn’t that mean this generation’s Five Qi Vine no longer had Companion Contract slots left?

"Just third place on the Newcomer Rankings and he can contract the Five Qi Vine?" a newcomer asked curiously.

He himself only ranked tenth on the Newcomer Rankings, and didn’t think third place was that impressive.

"Don’t compare your Class 24525 with Class 24523—they’re on a whole different level."

The senior shook his head. "Just Class 24523 alone had three Flawless Foundation cultivators, while your class this year doesn’t have even one."

At these words, all the sect students present fell silent, deeply etching the name “Chen Beiwu” into their minds.

Every cultivator accepted into the Yuqing Immortal Sect was a heaven-blessed genius—but even among geniuses, there were levels.

If their guesses were right, once Chief Disciple Shen Lingxing graduated, the next chief disciple would most likely be Chen Beiwu—a force not to be underestimated.

"Nah?" (Can I take it?)

Upon entering the Yuqing Immortal Sect, the Five Qi Vine saw treasures everywhere. Its eyes darted about, and its vine-hands grew restless.

Fortunately, it knew to weigh consequences, always asking Chen Beiwu first before making a move.

‘Aren’t you afraid of losing your freedom and having to repay debt under a Companion Contract? Then you can’t just act as you please.’

Chen Beiwu glanced at some newcomers in the distance, sending a voice transmission with his divine sense.

Hearing this, the Five Qi Vine suppressed its itching desire and followed Chen Beiwu to the second floor Admissions Department of the Infinite Tower.

"Thump!"

"Thump!"

"Thump!"

Chen Beiwu lightly knocked on the door three times. From inside came Senior Brother Jiang Chuan's voice.

"Come in."

Chen Beiwu walked in directly and saw that Senior Brother Jiang was seated upright behind a jade desk patterned with cloud motifs.

The items on the desk were simple: a faintly glowing jade slip, paper, ink, and brush.

Most eye-catching were two pill bottles—one black, one white—each engraved with coiling dragon patterns. They looked extraordinary.

"Junior Brother, this Core Formation attempt of yours must be approached with utmost caution."

With a thought, Senior Brother Jiang sent the jade slip and the two pill bottles before Chen Beiwu.

"Senior Brother, what are these?" Chen Beiwu asked curiously.

"This jade slip contains the Great Prime Infinite Salvation Supreme Scripture I mentioned before. Every cultivator may only observe and comprehend it once in their lifetime. After viewing it, one can enter a state of sudden enlightenment, increasing the success rate of Core Formation by forty percent. It will help you condense your Golden Core."

"The white pill bottle contains the Golden Core Crisis-Breaking Pill—an essential Core Formation aid granted by the Immortal Alliance. It can raise your chances of success. The black pill bottle contains the Essence-Consolidating and Foundation-Fortifying Pill. It can shield you from the Core Formation tribulation. Even if you fail, it will preserve your foundation."

At this point, Senior Brother Jiang smiled calmly. "Back when I formed my core, I had to rely solely on myself. I was never treated this generously. It’s clear that Master holds you in great regard."

Chen Beiwu reached out with both hands and solemnly accepted the three treasures. "I will not fail Master's expectations."

"Go on," said Senior Brother Jiang.

Chen Beiwu cupped his hands in salute, turned, and was about to return to the Three Peaks Cave Residence when Senior Brother Jiang Chuan's voice suddenly came from behind.

"Remember, Junior Brother. Whether you form a Primordial Origin Golden Core or not, you are still Master's disciple."

"If your abilities fall short, a first-grade Golden Core is also acceptable. Do not force the Primordial Origin Golden Core, lest you damage your foundation."

"I understand, Senior Brother."

Chen Beiwu nodded, saying no more.

The Primordial Origin Golden Core had not appeared in ten thousand years and was even rarer than Nascent Soul True Venerables within the Jade Purity Immortal Sect. It was normal for his Senior Brother to not be optimistic.

But Chen Beiwu would prove his talent and hard work through action, earning the Jade Purity Immortal Sect’s recognition and resources.

...

Cloud Perch Abode, Three Peaks Cave Residence.

"This is the Core Formation Immortal Method I have simplified. It's also called the Grand Unity Core Formation Method. You’ll need to study it carefully during this period."

Chen Beiwu handed over a jade slip to Five Qi Vine.

"Nya?" (Can I not learn this?)

Five Qi Vine activated its divine sense to glance through it once and immediately felt its brain turn to mush.

"If you don't learn it, how will you help me refine and forge the Five Elements Radiant Light?" Chen Beiwu retorted.

"Nya..."

Left with no choice, Five Qi Vine picked up the jade slip and began to study it diligently.

But it wasn’t long before the five-colored flowers on its head closed together and drooped, its appearance sleepy and listless.

‘This generation's Five Qi Vine is actually a study slacker.’

Chen Beiwu could only smile bitterly, though he didn’t take it too seriously.

After all, an immortal method was still an immortal method. Even though he had simplified it successfully, it was still beyond the comprehension of ordinary prodigies—let alone Five Qi Vine, who wasn’t even a human cultivator.

His real purpose in giving Five Qi Vine the Grand Unity Core Formation Method now was to temper its nature, help it settle down and study, and lay a solid foundation.

Only once that foundation was set would it be time for Chen Beiwu to personally guide it in comprehending the true essence of the Grand Unity Core Formation Method.

Allowing Gold Egg and Iron Egg to roam freely nearby, Chen Beiwu took out his phone and made a call home.

"Son! How come you have time to call today?"

Madam Huang Xiaoling wiped her wet hands, her face full of joy.

"Where’s Dad?" asked Chen Beiwu.

"He’s been planning to break through to the seventh layer of Qi Refinement recently, so he’s cultivating in the training room. Should be out in about five minutes," Huang Xiaoling chuckled.

When one person ascends, even the chickens and dogs ascend with them.

Ever since Chen Beiwu soared to prominence by entering the Jade Purity Immortal Sect, the family’s financial situation had vastly improved.

Every now and then, prominent figures from Yuan Kong County would visit with lavish gifts, seeking advice from her on how to raise such a successful child. As a result, Huang Xiaoling’s mood had been steadily improving over the years—she’d even gained ten full pounds.

"That’s good. Have you received the two sets of Foundation Establishment Five Elements and the tier-three precious pills I sent?" Chen Beiwu relaxed and began chatting casually.

Recently, under his persuasion, his parents had finally entertained the thought of returning to the path of cultivation.

"Yes, we received them."

But as soon as that topic came up, Huang Xiaoling frowned. "You’re really wasting your spirit resources, child. Your father and I haven’t even reached the ninth layer of Qi Refinement."

"Now we have those Foundation Establishment items and precious pills just sitting at home. I worry someone might come steal them."

"I had no choice. I'm planning to form my core this year. I don’t know how long I’ll need to be in closed-door cultivation, so I had to prepare your Foundation Establishment resources in advance."

As soon as Chen Beiwu finished speaking, he noticed the chatter on the other end of the line suddenly fell silent. His mother’s face froze, and disbelief washed over her expression.

"You said what? Core Formation?!"

Huang Xiaoling was stunned. She thought she had misheard. But Chen Beiwu nodded.

"You—you’re forming your core…?!"

Huang Xiaoling’s mind short-circuited. She repeated it again in a stuttering voice.

The surprise was too sudden. She couldn’t believe it without asking again.

"Core Formation? Who's forming their core?"

Suddenly, Chen Dong appeared on the screen, not knowing what was going on. Why was his wife suddenly talking nonsense in broad daylight?

"Beiwu said he’s going to form his core."

Huang Xiaoling lowered her voice, still filled with disbelief.

Chen Dong: "???"

Looking left and right, Chen Dong couldn’t process the explosive news. He couldn’t help but question reality.

"Son, you’re at the peak of Foundation Establishment, and you’re preparing to form your core?"

Hearing this, Chen Beiwu looked helpless, but he understood.

After all, his cultivation progress during these years at the Jade Purity Immortal Sect had indeed been a bit exaggerated.

In the same amount of cultivation time, his father was still stuck at the sixth layer of Qi Refinement, unable to break through to the seventh and reach the late stage of Qi Refinement—while he had already become a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator.

"Yes. I’m telling you in advance because once I enter seclusion, I’ll have to turn off my phone. You wouldn’t be able to contact me and might get worried."

As soon as Chen Beiwu said this, Chen Dong and Huang Xiaoling looked at each other, their expressions incredibly complex.

How old was Chen Beiwu?

He was barely twenty-two this year, still a Level-3 Sect Student of the Jade Purity Immortal Sect—and now he was suddenly going to form his core?

‘Could this be the legendary reversal of fate? Is the Chen family finally producing a true dragon?!’ Bright joy filled Chen Dong’s eyes.

"Phew..." Huang Xiaoling exhaled a deep breath, her gaze toward her son subtly changing.

Her father once said that the Huang family had been a renowned ancient clan, once home to cultivation giants. She hadn’t believed him then.

But now, maybe her father wasn’t boasting after all.

Her son, Chen Beiwu, must’ve inherited some of the Huang clan ancestors’ talent—otherwise, how could he possibly be attempting Core Formation at this age?