Chapter 355: Fame Resounds Across the Southern Wastes

Half a day later.

The news of Qin Ming's Core Formation swept through the Wei Kingdom's cultivation world like a hurricane.

It spread rapidly to the other three kingdoms.

"Extra! Extra!"

"Lord of Wangyue Island, after ascending to the rank of Third-Rank Alchemy Master, has successfully formed a Golden Core and broken through to the Golden Core realm, taking the Dao title True Person Wangyue."

"What?! Is this real?"

"Golden Core is beyond our reach."

"Fake, right? Wasn't Lord Qin only at Foundation Establishment mid-stage? How could he suddenly become a Golden Core True Person?"

"Pfft, True Person Qin was hiding his true cultivation base—do you get it?"

"True Person Wangyue, forming a Golden Core as a lone cultivator, is the first in Wei Kingdom history—truly inspiring!"

"It's said True Person Wangyue was under a hundred years old when he formed his Golden Core—among the top three in the entire Southern Wastes cultivation world!"

"Whoa~"

"So he's the youngest Golden Core True Person in Wei Kingdom?"

"No more talk, comrades—I'm switching to farming."

"True Person Wangyue's life is a living example of how a bottom-tier cultivator, through sheer effort, can break through class barriers and achieve the supreme Golden Core!"

"He's the very model for our generation!"

…

In the Lingyun Sect, Jin Kingdom.

Duanmu Sheng and Yu Laogui sat on the high seats of the grand hall, holding a piece of intelligence.

Their faces were dark as if dripping with water.

"If I'd known, I should've killed him sooner. Never thought he'd grow this strong." Duanmu Sheng's gaze was gloomy.

Yu Laogui's rough voice rang out: "Didn't you give that Yan Laomo a hint back then?"

"Didn't Yan Laomo act on it?"

"I'm puzzled too. Normally, when Yan Laomo heard of a Third-Rank elixir appearing, his nature would've driven him to seize the chance."

"And I haven't heard any news of Yan Laomo for a long time—he's been unreachable." Duanmu Sheng's eyes flickered.

"No idea what that old bastard is up to."

Yu Laogui stared at the jade slip in his hand: "Qin Ming… reportedly formed a Superior Golden Core."

"Never thought his talent and fortune surpassed even yours."

Upon hearing "Superior Golden Core," Duanmu Sheng's envy turned sour, nearly breaking his composure.

"Hmph! The brat's just lucky."

"So what if it's a Superior Golden Core?"

"Can he match our sect's depth?"

"He probably can't even afford a decent magic treasure after breaking through."

Yu Laogui: "…"

"But…"

"Now Wei Kingdom has another Golden Core cultivator. How do we proceed with our plan?"

"With only Wei Wuyan, taking Wei Kingdom was already a sure thing."

"Just a matter of time."

"And I heard Qin Ming is different—he's a lone cultivator, and close to Wei Wuyan."

"Who could've foreseen such a twist? Damn it!"

Duanmu Sheng, furious, crushed the jade slip in his hand.

…

In Xuanxi Valley.

In the main hall of Qianyuan Peak.

"Hmm. Wei Kingdom has produced an unparalleled prodigy."

"A Third-Rank Alchemy Master at Golden Core realm…"

"Pity. True Person Qin refuses to join our sect."

A middle-aged man in elegant green Daoist robes read the message in his hand.

He was Qingxuan Ancestor, the Supreme Elder of Xuanxi Valley, at late Golden Core realm.

Gongsun Yang, seated below, couldn't help but sigh: "True Person Qin's alchemy skill is rare in my lifetime."

"Never thought that after only a few years since we parted, he'd break through to Golden Core."

"His cultivation talent must be high too."

"Oh? But I heard True Person Qin is only a pseudo-four-element spiritual root." Xu Elder of the Spirit Herb Garden also sighed.

Yet remembering he had some ties with Qin Ming, his heart eased considerably.

"Heh! True Person Qin's sudden breakthrough to Golden Core suggests he concealed his true spiritual root."

"Could Qingxuan Ancestor mean that besides his pseudo-spiritual root, True Person Qin possesses some innate spiritual body?"

"Yes, only this explanation makes sense."

At that moment, Qingxuan Ancestor pondered a moment, then asked Gongsun Yang: "Gongsun Elder, do you think True Person Qin has already successfully refined a Golden Core Pill?"

A terrifying thought formed in his mind.

Gongsun Yang frowned and replied firmly: "Impossible."

"True Person Qin's alchemy talent is undeniable, but how could he refine a Golden Core Pill in just two years?"

"Even I spent over thirty years, failed countless times, and barely succeeded a few times."

"Besides, our sect alone holds the Golden Core Pill formula—none exists elsewhere in the Southern Wastes."

"Then, do you think Su Yuqing gave him the formula?" Qingxuan Ancestor asked.

Gongsun Yang thought a moment. "Unlikely."

"Golden Core Pill is a strategic resource of Lihuogong."

"If that were true, the Upper Sect would've punished the Su family—they wouldn't risk it."

At this point,

Gongsun Yang suddenly asked, grave: "Ancestor, do you think Lihuogong has already taken notice of True Person Qin?"

"Yes, I inquired about this earlier."

"When True Person Qin became a Third-Rank Alchemy Master, Lihuogong's upper echelons wanted to recruit him."

"But the Upper Sect had already investigated his character and knew he'd never join any sect, so they sent no emissary."

"Now that True Person Qin has broken through to Golden Core and holds the title of Third-Rank Alchemy Master, Lihuogong will surely send someone."

"The terms they offer won't be low."

…

In Canghai Xiancheng and Moyuan Xiancheng, the hottest topic was Qin Ming's Golden Core breakthrough.

In every street and alley, the name True Person Wangyue became universally known.

Qin Ming's prestige reached an unprecedented peak in the Southern Wastes cultivation world.

…

Several days later.

On Wangyue Island.

Gu Qingzhao came calling, bowed to Qin Ming, and asked: "True Person Qin, when will you hold your Golden Core Ceremony? My Jingxue Pavilion can handle it entirely."

During this time, she felt as if in a dream, gazing at the calm, serene man before her.

Unconsciously, memories of their first meeting in Qingyang Market, their growing acquaintance, and all moments since flooded her mind.

Once, she had actively approached Qin Ming; they cooperated, exchanged gifts, and treated each other with mutual respect.

All now vanished like mist.

Now, upon meeting again, Qin Ming was a high-level Golden Core cultivator—a top figure across the entire Southern Wastes.

In the cultivation world, ranks were rigid. Even with their past closeness, she must show proper respect.

"Golden Core Ceremony?" Qin Ming's first thought was to refuse.

He wasn't a Golden Core Ancestor of a major sect; no need to stage a grand event to boost sect prestige or display strength.

But then he reconsidered.

Breaking through to Golden Core was no small matter! Not celebrating at all would be too modest.

Cultivators across the Southern Wastes might think poorly of him.

After a moment's thought, Qin Ming said: "Set it for one month from now. I'm entrusting this to you, Brother Gu."

Gu Qingzhao's face lit up with quiet joy.

"True Person Qin, rest assured—I'll handle it perfectly."

Through this Golden Core Ceremony, Jingxue Pavilion's prestige would rise a full tier.

"Cough! Still, keep it simple—no need to make a big fuss." Qin Ming added.

Gu Qingzhao smiled gently and nodded.

…

After Gu Qing left.

Qin Ming called Wu Jiang over again.

Wu Jiang came before Qin Ming and bowed deeply, "Island Master, you summoned me?"

These past few days, Wu Jiang and his clansmen had felt as if living in a dream, dazed and disoriented.

Their Island Master had suddenly risen to become a Jin Dan Ancestor revered by countless cultivators.

Had it not been for decades of shocks Wu Jiang had grown accustomed to from Qin Ming's actions,

he simply could not believe it.

"Hmm. In one month, the island will hold a Jin Dan celebration. I've entrusted all external affairs to Brother Gu of the Mirror Snow Pavilion."

"You will handle all on-island receptions and gatehouse duties," Qin Ming said calmly.

Upon hearing this,

Wu Jiang perked up as if infused with energy and hurriedly replied, "Island Master, rest assured—I will see this done perfectly."

(End of Chapter)