Chapter 455: Breakthrough and Commission

Three days later, above Canghai Peak.

The spiritual energy clouds in the sky began to gather and expand, yet never breached the five-li boundary.

The spiritual vortex dispersed; dark, churning tribulation clouds rolled together, beginning to brew the Golden Core thunder tribulation.

"Pity. Qingzhao's surge toward Golden Core stirred spiritual energy within only five li—the upper limit is a low-grade Golden Core."

The quality of a Golden Core directly affects a cultivator's future potential; naturally, higher is better.

True Person Nalan Xi gazed upward, her tone tinged with regret.

"The Dao of cultivation is fraught with difficulty at every major breakthrough. If Friend Gu succeeds in crossing into Golden Core, it is already one in ten thousand." Qin Ming spoke calmly.

"Friend Qin speaks truly. Among cultivators seeking the Dao in the Southern Wastes, there are countless as numerous as river fish, yet only a handful ever reach the Golden Core stage."

"Not everyone possesses the fortune and talent of Friend Qin, to achieve a high-grade Golden Core, hehe!"

"Now comes the crucial tribulation. Whether she passes this trial depends on her destiny."

Nalan Xi's gaze carried a hint of concern.

CRACKLE—golden lightning rained down continuously; a slender figure in blue robes appeared atop Canghai Peak, repeatedly invoking secret techniques to resist the tribulation.

As time passed, the tribulation's power grew ever stronger.

After one incense stick's burn, the lightning passed through nine layers.

The tribulation clouds in the sky vanished entirely; a vast surge of spiritual energy suddenly flooded the heavens and earth, beginning to nourish Gu Qingzhao, who had survived the tribulation.

Suddenly—

BOOM! A Golden Core spiritual pressure erupted from her, descending upon the Immortal City, making countless cultivators feel the might of a Golden Core True Person.

Moments later, she returned to her cave dwelling, consolidating her cultivation.

Inside the cave, Gu Qingzhao was surrounded by a faint, ethereal spiritual aura; her eyes closed, she emitted waves of Golden Core magic power.

She exuded an unmistakable air of noble elegance and cold beauty—on first glance, she resembled a celestial maiden stepped from a painting.

Even she, usually calm and composed, felt intense excitement within.

"Finally reached Golden Core."

"Just barely caught up to Friend Qin's pace."

Having crossed the abyss of Golden Core, she now officially entered the ranks of high-level cultivators.

…

Within Canghai Immortal City.

Countless cultivators cheered; the entire city was immersed in festive celebration.

After centuries, another cultivator had achieved Golden Core within Canghai Immortal City.

This held great significance—a tremendous inspiration for these lone cultivators.

"So it's Madam Gu of Jingxue Pavilion."

"Madam Gu is not only as beautiful as a celestial maiden, but has also broken through to Golden Core—truly a rare wonder of the world."

"With Jingxue Pavilion's foundations, Madam Gu's Golden Core breakthrough was merely a matter of time."

"Now Jingxue Pavilion's influence in the Southern Wastes will rise once more."

…

Qin Ming and Nalan Xi, watching from afar, both smiled unconsciously.

"It seems from now on, we have another fellow cultivator," Nalan Xi said with a smile.

Qin Ming nodded and chuckled: "It seems I won't be returning to the Immortal City anytime soon. Since Friend Gu has successfully broken through to Golden Core, we must celebrate."

"But we must wait until she emerges from seclusion."

"Come to think of it, it was Friend Gu who arranged my own Golden Core ceremony."

"After more than a decade, it's finally her turn."

As he spoke, he could not help but feel a deep sense of nostalgia.

At that moment, Shitian Rat poked its head out, spoiling the mood: "What? A celebration?"

"Can we eat? I want to sit at the children's table."

Qin Ming: "..."

In the following days, Qin Ming temporarily took up residence in the Immortal City.

Nalan Xi arranged for him a top-tier third-rank spiritual vein cave dwelling, located at the finest spot on Canghai Peak.

During his spare time, Qin Ming visited Feng Family and Lu Wanjun, then went to Jingxue Pavilion to chat with Huangfu Qi and Liao the Shopkeeper.

From them, he learned that Gu Qingzhao's Golden Core breakthrough had shaken the highest echelons of Jingxue Pavilion's headquarters—even the Grand Pavilion Master would come to the Immortal City to celebrate. Half a month passed.

Qin Ming and Nalan Xi were deep in discussion on cultivation insights within the grand hall.

One day—

A green streak shot out from Gu Qingzhao's cave dwelling and landed before Qin Ming and Nalan Xi.

As the aura faded, Gu Qingzhao's figure appeared; though clad in plain white gauze robes, her unique aura and graceful form could not be concealed.

"Congratulations, Friend Gu! You have achieved Golden Core—your Immortal Path advances!"

"Congratulations, Qingzhao. From now on, I no longer need to bear the burden of Canghai Immortal City alone."

Qin Ming and Nalan Xi stepped forward, smiling, and bowed in congratulations.

"Thank you both, Friend Qin and Friend Nalan."

On Gu Qingzhao's usually cold face, a rare, radiant smile appeared as she returned their bows.

Then, the three resumed their conversation within the grand hall.

One month later.

Gu Qingzhao's Golden Core ceremony was held as scheduled in Canghai Immortal City, celebrated across the land; Jingxue Pavilion distributed generous benefits to the city's lone cultivators.

Representatives from major factions arrived to offer congratulations and witness the event.

Qin Ming also met Gu Qinghe, Gu Qingzhao's third uncle and Grand Pavilion Master of Jingxue Pavilion.

He was a middle-aged cultivator with a stern, meticulous demeanor, his cultivation at early Golden Core; he wore a black wide-sleeved python robe and a silk headband adorned with dragon-shaped jade ornaments, his gaze deep and wise.

He gave off an aura of profound cultivation and refinement.

"Come, Third Uncle, let me introduce you—this is Qin Ming, Friend Qin," Gu Qingzhao said.

Gu Qinghe's face broke into a smile as he warmly greeted Qin Ming: "I've long heard of the famed True Person of Wangyue Island. Friend Qin, do be sure to drink plenty tonight."

Jingxue Pavilion's intelligence was accurate; Gu Qingzhao already knew the full details of the Taihu Ruins battle.

It was said that had Qin Ming not turned the tide by slaying the third-rank late-stage Golden Toad Ancestor and repelling the demonic sects' ambush, the battle's outcome might have been far worse.

Thus, despite his status as Grand Pavilion Master of Jingxue Pavilion, he dared not act arrogantly before Qin Ming, showing him great courtesy and humility.

"Hehe! Friend Gu Qinghe, you're far too kind."

Qin Ming also became more familiar with him.

Then the ceremony began; representatives from major factions of the Southern Wastes appeared one by one amid announcements, offering gifts.

To curry favor with the newly minted Golden Core, rare treasures poured forth endlessly.

When it was Qin Ming's turn, he calmly took out two jade vials and placed them on the table.

The attendant receiving gifts stood stunned for half a moment before shouting at full volume: "Wangyue Island, True Person of Wangyue—One vial of Miechen Elixir, one Shouguo Elixir! Congratulations to True Person Gu on achieving Golden Core—may your Immortal Path endure!"

Whoo! The moment he spoke, the assembled cultivators erupted in shock—sending an entire vial of third-rank elixir, plus the scarce third-rank mid-grade Shouguo Elixir.

Its value was self-evident, dwarfing every other gift, elevating the ceremony's prestige and grandeur to the utmost.

Gu Qingzhao, seated at the main dais, could not help but be moved.

A ripple stirred in her calm heart; her beautiful eyes flickered, lost in thought.

After the Golden Core ceremony ended—

In the seventh-floor private chamber of Jingxue Pavilion—

Qin Ming sought out Gu Qingzhao alone.

Before Qin Ming could speak, Gu Qingzhao spoke first:

"Thank you, Friend Qin. Your gift today is so precious, I am truly humbled."

"Without your Jiejin Elixir, I could not have achieved this today. Now that I've received such a lavish gift, I feel deeply indebted."

Qin Ming smiled faintly, raising a hand to stop her. Calmly, he said: "Friend Gu, you're too modest. I did this because I have a request—so these few elixirs mean nothing to you."

"Your Golden Core breakthrough was your own destiny and opportunity; the elixir was merely an aid."

"Oh? Friend Qin, speak plainly—anything within my power, I will do," Gu Qingzhao said, slightly surprised.

Qin Ming said: "Earlier, I told you I planned to travel to the Great Jin Immortal Dynasty, seeking new opportunities and broadening my horizons."

"I do not know when I will return."

"Now, after consideration, the timing is right. I wish you to oversee Wangyue Island on my behalf."

Gu Qingzhao fell silent instantly; she had just broken through to Golden Core, and now Qin Ming was leaving.

(End of Chapter)