Chapter 231: Golden Core Phenomenon, Ten Thousand Zhangs of Rosy Clouds

Xianxia Sect.

Danyao Peak.

Many alchemists of the Xianxia Sect were listening to the alchemy lecture of Danyao Peak Master Ma Qianjun, each and every one of them enthralled.

After all, Ma Qianjun was the strongest alchemist in the Xianxia Sect besides Zhou Sui, having reached the Second-tier High-grade.

Only if he advanced to the Golden Core Realm would it be possible for him to become a Third-tier Alchemist.

Otherwise, being a Second-tier High-grade Alchemist was his limit.

Boom~~

At this moment, the entire Danyao Peak immediately experienced a slight tremor; all the alchemists looked at each other in dismay, having no idea what had happened, and felt incredibly curious.

Even Ma Qianjun stopped his lecture and couldn't help but look into the distance.

However, the duration of this tremor was not very long.

Furthermore, since this was the headquarters of the Xianxia Sect and there were Golden Core True Persons presiding, naturally no one was overly worried.

"What happened?!"

Ma Qianjun flashed away, left Danyao Peak, and looked toward the location of Xianxia Peak; that was where the Sect Master and others resided, and also where the tremor had come from.

It was not just Ma Qianjun; one Foundation Establishment Cultivator after another also flew over.

"Do not worry, it is Zhou Lang who is forming his Golden Core."

"You may all rest assured and go back to your own affairs."

At this moment, a voice transmitted via Divine Sense suddenly arrived, reaching deep into the ears of every Foundation Establishment Cultivator.

The person using Divine Sense Transmission was none other than Xianxia Sect Master Leng Yuexi.

What?!

Once these words were spoken, the faces of the Foundation Establishment Elders present changed drastically; they looked at each other, almost unable to believe what their ears had heard, and stared at one another in shock.

"Could it be that Elder Zhou is forming his Golden Core?"

One Foundation Establishment Elder found it simply unbelievable.

"Besides Elder Zhou, who else would be qualified for the Sect Master to address as Zhou Lang?"

Ma Qianjun said gloomily.

His expression was extremely complex, a mix of many different emotions.

"This is too fake, isn't it? Wasn't it said that Elder Zhou only had a Lower Grade Spirit Root? How many years has he been cultivating, and he is already starting to form his Golden Core?!" one Foundation Establishment Elder was dumbfounded.

He knew that Zhou Sui had only reached Foundation Establishment at the age of twenty-four, and until now, he had only been cultivating in the Foundation Establishment Realm for thirty years; yet he was already starting to attempt forming a Golden Core?!

To tell the truth, he could hardly believe such a thing; it was simply too absurd.

"That's right, this is too fast."

"I have already been cultivating in the Foundation Establishment Realm for a hundred years, and I still haven't advanced to Foundation Establishment Perfection."

"But now Elder Zhou is actually about to form his Golden Core; how can his cultivation be so fast?"

"Even with a Golden Core Dao Companion helping, this is too ridiculous."

Another Foundation Establishment Elder swallowed hard; he didn't know what to say, his guts green with envy.

Comparing people is truly infuriating.

Compared to Zhou Sui, he felt he had lived his life in vain.

"Who said Elder Zhou had a Lower Grade Spirit Root? Has any of you ever tested Elder Zhou's Spirit Root?"

Suddenly, someone asked in return.

"This!"

Hearing this, the surrounding Foundation Establishment Elders were stunned. To tell the truth, no one present had actually personally tested Zhou Sui's Spirit Root; it was just that everyone said Zhou Sui came from a background of Loose Cultivators, so he must have a Lower Grade Spirit Root. Thus, they had all assumed so, but in fact, no one had ever truly tested Zhou Sui's Spirit Root.

After all, Zhou Sui's entry was unconventional.

Everyone else had to pass the entrance examination to enter the Xianxia Sect.

But this kid? He became the Sect Master's Dao Companion and ascended to the heavens in one step; who would dare to test him?

"See? None of us knew Elder Zhou's Spirit Root grade before."

"We only thought Elder Zhou had a Lower Grade Spirit Root because he was previously a Loose Cultivator."

"But in fact, Elder Zhou's aptitude is likely beyond imagination."

"I think Elder Zhou is not just a simple Superior Spiritual Root, he might even be a Heavenly Spirit Root cultivator."

"Otherwise, it would be impossible for his cultivation speed to be this fast."

A Foundation Establishment Elder sighed with emotion.

He felt that only this could explain Zhou Sui's cultivation speed.

This must be a Heavenly Spirit Root cultivator.

"That is indeed very likely."

"Think about it carefully, setting aside Elder Zhou's Spirit Root grade for a moment."

"Just looking at Elder Zhou's alchemy level, it has already reached the Third-tier realm."

"Which Foundation Establishment Cultivator can become a Third-tier Alchemist? As far as I know, even the Wuji Alliance has no such existence."

"Isn't that so? Elder Zhou is not just a Third-tier Alchemist; now his Array Formation skills have also reached the Third-tier level."

"Last time when Chixue Laoguai and the others invaded, if it hadn't been for Elder Zhou presiding over the Array Formation, I'm afraid our Xianxia City would have been finished."

"Looking at it this way, Elder Zhou is truly an unprecedented genius."

"To be honest, this is pure talent; it cannot be accumulated just by resources."

"That is indeed the case. The Wuji Alliance also has many descendants of Nascent Soul cultivators; the resources they receive are far greater than Elder Zhou's, but who among them compares to Elder Zhou?"

"Not to mention anything else, just take Array Formation; this is a skill that relies purely on comprehension. Without comprehension, no amount of resources is useful. Having more resources only improves one's cultivation level; it is of little use for improving one's understanding of Array Formation."

"No wonder it's not just Sect Master Leng who has taken a fancy to Elder Zhou; even Sect Master Shen and Sect Master Lin are willing to be his Dao Companions, content to play a secondary role. How could this possibly be just because they fancy Elder Zhou's looks?"

"That is indeed the case. If Elder Zhou is a Heavenly Spirit Root Cultivator, coupled with his attainments as an alchemist and Array Master, he will surely be a heavyweight figure in the Canglan Sea in the future; it is not even impossible for him to become a Nascent Soul Ancestor."

"To have formed a Golden Core at only fifty-four years old—it is truly not strange at all that he will become a Nascent Soul Ancestor in the future."

"In the past, Sect Master Leng formed her Golden Core at over eighty years old and was hailed as the greatest genius in the Xianxia Sect in a thousand years. Now, Elder Zhou has formed his Golden Core at fifty-four; this is truly unprecedented."

"If Elder Zhou successfully forms his Nascent Soul in the future, then our Xianxia Sect might just repeat the prestige of a Nascent Soul Sect from three thousand years ago."

Many Foundation Establishment Elders discussed it fervently.

Every one of them began to grow excited.

For them, they had long since completely accepted the existence of Zhou Sui.

The more powerful Zhou Sui became, the greater the benefits for them would naturally be.

After all, it is good to enjoy the shade under a big tree.

If Zhou Sui could truly become a Nascent Soul Ancestor in the future, then every one of them would likely rise to heaven along with him.

"Elder Zhou is truly a heaven-sent talent."

Peak Master of Danyao Peak, Ma Qianjun, was filled with emotion.

He also recalled the first time he met Zhou Sui; at the beginning, he thought this kid was just a pretty boy, someone who only relied on currying favor with the Sect Master and climbing up through women.

But as time passed, this kid gradually revealed his talent in alchemy and arrays, which forced an old alchemist like him to be convinced.

Setting aside his Spirit Root aptitude, such talent alone was enough to establish a foothold in any sect.

And now, he has even begun to form his Golden Core.

His cultivation is even about to completely surpass him, an old senior.

Previously, he would have been jealous, but now, he didn't even feel jealousy.

When the gap is too large, there isn't even a feeling of jealousy, only heartfelt admiration.

…………

At this moment, the six women—Ji Bingyu, Mu Ziyan, Xia Jingyan, Leng Yuexi, Lin Yazhu, and Shen Biqian—were also staying on Xianxia Peak, waiting outside the Cave Abode with some nervousness.

They were also very worried about Zhou Sui's Golden Core formation this time.

Because this time, it wasn't just as simple as forming a Golden Core; Zhou Sui was doing it autonomously.

The risks involved were unknown, but certainly many times greater.

They couldn't believe their husband would make such a decision.

"I wonder if husband can successfully form his Golden Core this time?"

Xia Jingyan's face was filled with worry.

"Rest assured, there will definitely be no problem."

"You all know what husband's personality is like."

"If it weren't foolproof, how could he possibly attempt autonomous Golden Core formation?"

"Besides, he is not without a Golden Liquid Jade Return Pill on him."

"If any accident really occurs, there will still be a chance for a remedy."

Leng Yuexi said in a deep voice.

"That is indeed true."

"Husband will not do things he is not sure about."

Ji Bingyu and Mu Ziyan also strongly agreed with this point.

To tell the truth, no one was more cautious than their husband.

They couldn't imagine their husband doing anything risky.

Since he dared to do this, it meant there wasn't much risk.

"This is also husband's choice."

"If he can really succeed in autonomous Golden Core formation, then the probability of forming a Nascent Soul in the future will be greatly increased."

"One step ahead, every step ahead."

Shen Biqian was filled with emotion.

She certainly knew that autonomous Golden Core formation could greatly increase the probability of forming a Nascent Soul, but the problem was that the success rate of autonomous Golden Core formation was too low.

Even though she had a First Grade Spiritual Root, when she formed her own Golden Core in the past, she had to consume a Jiedan Spiritual Object to barely succeed.

If she hadn't had the assistance of a Jiedan Spiritual Object, she would have likely failed.

From this, it can be seen that those who can truly form a Golden Core autonomously are one in a million.

Even for Heavenly Spirit Root Cultivators, most use Jiedan Spiritual Objects to avoid risk.

"There is nothing we can do now."

"The only thing we can do is choose to believe."

"Most importantly, we cannot let anyone disturb husband's Golden Core formation."

Lin Yazhu said with murderous intent.

"Yes."

Leng Yuexi and the others also nodded.

They were also guarding outside the Cave Abode to prevent any accidental factors from disturbing their husband's Golden Core formation process.

…………

Inside the Cave Abode, Zhou Sui was completely unaware of the commotion happening outside.

After all, his energy was currently focused on forming his Golden Core, and other matters had little to do with him.

The result was exactly the same as he had anticipated.

Because his foundation was truly too profound and his preparations were incomparably thorough, there were no accidents during his Golden Core formation.

A Golden Core radiating endless golden light formed deep within his Dantian Qi Sea.

Mysterious Runes appeared on its surface, presenting a dark golden color, incomparably noble.

However, because it had just formed, this Golden Core had not yet completely stabilized.

In reality, he had already succeeded in forming his Golden Core.

What remained was the work of slow grinding, requiring the absorption of massive amounts of Spirit Qi from heaven and earth to condense a powerful Golden Core.

Of course, the more profound the foundation, the more powerful the condensed Golden Core.

However, do not think that this is one hundred percent safe.

In fact, during this process, all kinds of Heart Demons would be born deep within his sea of consciousness, affecting the complete formation of this Golden Core; if one were truly bewitched by the Heart Demons, the Golden Core formation would fail.

If it finally forms a False Core, then there will never be another chance.

Rumble~~

At this moment, Zhou Sui circulated the Gu God Scripture, and the infinite Spirit Qi of heaven and earth surged over, pouring into his Dantian Qi Sea to be swallowed and absorbed by this Golden Core.

One could see this Golden Core growing bit by bit, improving at a speed visible to the naked eye.

And during such a process, it was inevitable to swallow some Demon Qi from between heaven and earth.

This would also cause Heart Demons to grow in clusters.

Although it was not as terrifying as the Heart Demon Tribulation during the Nascent Soul formation, for a Cultivator whose Dao Heart was unstable, it was a fatal blow.

Boom~~

Just at this moment, a formless force of Heart Demons surged over, instantly dragging Zhou Sui's Soul into an illusion.

Suddenly, Zhou Sui's vision darkened, and he immediately discovered that he had actually appeared inside a luxurious, magnificent Immortal Palace, with peerless beauties in scant clothing appearing all around him.

Each and every one of them was full of charm, delicate and alluring, waiting for him to pick them.

Ordinary Cultivators simply could not withstand such a test and would instantly sink, unable to extricate themselves.

"Fake, too fake."

"Is this the level of the Heart Demon test?"

Zhou Sui blinked his eyes; for other Cultivators, perhaps such a scene would be very realistic, as if they were there in person.

But after he mastered the Dream Soul Gu, he was himself a master of illusion, having mastered the power of dreams.

The power of Heart Demons and the power of dreams are actually not much different.

Therefore, having such a Heart Demon Illusion presented before him was simply like brandishing a broadsword before Guan Gong or selling essays before Confucius.

"Eat it."

Zhou Sui issued an order to the Dream Soul Gu.

Buzz buzz~~

Immediately, a bug appeared within this void Heart Demon Illusion.

For the Heart Demons, this was no less than encountering a primordial giant beast.

One could see the Dream Soul Gu open its big mouth and bite down fiercely, and the entire Heart Demon Illusion was instantly gnawed away by a portion.

"Ahhh!!!"

"How could this be?"

"How can this Cultivator cause harm to us Heart Demons?"

"Run, run quickly."

In an instant, a shrill scream came from the void illusion, followed by Heart Demons fleeing in a panic.

Unfortunately, it was already too late.

The Dream Soul Gu, which had already advanced to the Third-tier low-grade realm, possessed power many times stronger than before.

One could see a vortex force generated on its body, as if a black hole had appeared.

The world formed by the entire Heart Demon Illusion instantly turned into a bubble and was then swallowed into its stomach.

One by one, the Heart Demons were also completely devoured by the Dream Soul Gu, becoming its food.

At this moment, the power of the Dream Soul Gu also received a geometric increase.

It seemed that the benefits were even greater than those obtained from devouring the Souls of Human Cultivators, as if it had eaten a great tonic.

"Wait, could it be that these Heart Demons are not just unique creatures born from the inner hearts of Cultivators?"

"Are they also unique creatures nurtured by the outside world?"

Zhou Sui was full of doubt, not knowing what the origin of the Heart Demons really was.

But before he could think much more, the original Heart Demon Illusion instantly collapsed, and his Soul returned once again.

It was as if nothing had happened just now.

This Heart Demon Tribulation was passed easily just like that, without any effort.

Moreover, after devouring the Heart Demons, Zhou Sui also felt a sense of clarity in his heart, as if the dust deep within his heart had been cleared away, reaching the realm of a clear Dao Heart.

Every time a Heart Demon is eradicated, it is a qualitative improvement for a Cultivator.

The benefits therein are naturally self-evident.

This time, there were finally no more obstacles.

And as Zhou Sui continued to cultivate, time passed in the blink of an eye for one hundred days.