Chapter 95: A Golden Core Suspected to be from

The first is the size!

It is far larger than that of a Golden Core Stage Cultivator of the same rank; a normal Golden Core Stage Cultivator's newly condensed Golden Core is only the size of a soybean.

If one cultivates top-tier techniques and secret arts like the Azure Origin Sword Art and the Three Revolutions Heavy Origin Technique, it might be at most a few fractions larger.

Only when one advances to the Golden Core Late Stage Great Perfection does it reach the size of an inch, thereby allowing the core to shatter and form the Nascent Soul.

Yet Yan Taibai's Golden Core is directly the size of a walnut.

Moreover, it is extremely pure, without a single visible flaw, as if it were truly crafted from pure gold.

One can imagine that this point alone makes the strength of Yan Taibai's True Essence Magic Power far superior to that of cultivators of the same rank by an unknown margin.

It also gives him more confidence to face Nascent Soul cultivators.

Beyond these two points, Yan Taibai feels that the Golden Core he condensed is completely different from everyone else's.

Not to mention that it withstood an unprecedented lightning tribulation, he also sensed a special, familiar aura upon it.

After all, the technique he cultivates is the White Emperor Golden Emperor Slash, one of the Five Emperors Great Demon Divine Ability.

Of course, the most important thing is the matter of the congratulatory gifts.

He remembers that the two of them combined are comparable to a Great Cultivator of Nascent Soul Late Stage, but unfortunately, they have not yet emerged from seclusion; this time, the Mingluan Sect simply sent a Golden Core Stage Cultivator to deliver the gifts before leaving.

It is precisely for this reason that they parted on bad terms several times.

Currently, there is only a promise that they will support each other; if a country's cultivation world falls, the cultivation sects of the rear countries must accept them and cede territory for their resettlement.

"Master, have you not reached an agreement yet?"

Just like that, in the blink of an eye, the time arrived for the Nascent Soul and Golden Core assembly for him and his master, Qiong Laoguai.

One only needs to cultivate step by step.

Yan Taibai also emerged from seclusion to follow Qiong Laoguai to meet the Nascent Soul and Golden Core Stage Cultivators from the various countries of Tiannan.

Yan Taibai thought of a possibility: that the Golden Core he condensed is not a Golden Core of the Mortal world, but a Great Seed of the Golden Core from the Profound Yellow Great World of Eternal Life.

But there must be a connection; Yan Taibai can basically confirm this point.

On this day, Yan Taibai, who was preparing to return to his cave dwelling to cultivate, frowned as he looked at the weary-looking Qiong Laoguai and spoke.

Long Han and Feng Bing of the Mingluan Sect are still in closed-door cultivation with no signs of emerging, which makes Yan Taibai quite disappointed.

It is possible in terms of both reason and emotion, yet it is different.

It can be said that they value Yan Taibai extremely highly, which also basically established Yan Taibai's identity and the status of the Yanyue Sect.

"Could it be?"

However, Yan Taibai still has other Dharma Treasures; the Great Elder of the Masked Moon Sect specifically gifted Yan Taibai two metal-attribute Dharma Treasures and one Ancient Treasure.

It has merged with the divine abilities he cultivates, but this is somewhat different.

Yan Taibai does not care much about this matter.

There is no intention of an alliance at all, or perhaps they believe that with Long Han and Feng Bing there, they are sufficient to protect themselves without worry.

And regarding this matter, Qiong Laoguai told Yan Taibai that it has already begun.

After all, who is willing to cut off their own flesh?

Even though Yan Taibai is a cultivation genius rarely seen in the Tiannan Cultivation World in ten thousand years, he is not qualified to interfere in such matters of alliance between countries.

Even a Nascent Soul Early Stage cultivator like Qiong Laoguai only has the qualification to observe, with very few opportunities to speak.

After confirming this point, Yan Taibai felt completely at ease; anyway, it is beneficial and harmless, so he does not need to worry about anything else.

Because even if all the Seven Sects of Yue Kingdom belonged to the Yanyue Sect, resisting an invasion by the Heavenly Luo Kingdom Six Demon Sects that could happen at any time would not be an easy task.

After all, compared to himself, Yan Taibai refining his Life-Bound Magical Treasure is the most important matter.

It is necessary to form an alliance with the cultivation sects of other countries; only if the Heavenly Dao Alliance appears in advance will there be hope.

Not to mention that he has not yet condensed a "Life-Bound Talisman," making it even more impossible.

Qiong Laoguai basically gave everything to Yan Taibai, not keeping much for himself.

He has asked Qiong Laoguai, the Great Elder of the Masked Moon Sect, Nangong Wan, Nishang Xianzi, and a host of others about this kind of Golden Core, and not one of them is the same.

After all, he only has one supreme divine ability, the White Emperor Golden Emperor Slash, and does not cultivate the Five Elements divine abilities, so how could he have condensed such a Golden Core?

It is precisely the aura of the White Emperor Golden Emperor Slash he cultivates and several other divine abilities.

For example, the improved Invisible Evasion Technique and several sword dao divine abilities comprehended from other techniques.

Otherwise, would the cold woman not have gone in vain?

It is just that the initial negotiations did not go well, mainly due to the issue of trust.

It is precisely because of Yan Taibai that the cold woman left the Yanyue Sect without a word to go and oversee Spirit Beast Mountain, becoming the Supreme Elder of Spirit Beast Mountain.

In other words, Spirit Beast Mountain, which was once the second-largest cultivation sect in the Yue Country after the Yanyue Sect, is now considered an affiliated sect of the Yanyue Sect.

If it were not for the sake of the Yanyue Sect, Qiong Laoguai might not even be qualified to observe.

Although the cultivation sects of various countries have wiped out many sects and cultivation families planted by the righteous and demonic paths, they still cannot completely trust each other.

Although it was not explicitly stated, everyone could see it.

In fact, the root cause is that there is no Great Cultivator of Nascent Soul Late Stage capable of overriding all objections.

After all, the Yanyue Sect still has Nascent Soul Mid Stage cultivators.

"How is that possible? At this rate, even if they discuss it for a year or a half, don't even think about an alliance."

Qiong Laoguai let out a cold snort, his face full of dissatisfaction.

"Are the various sects still wanting to fight for that position of Alliance Leader?"

Hearing this, Yan Taibai asked.

"It's not just the position of Alliance Leader, but also the seats for the elders."

Qiong Laoguai shook his head and sighed.

"Wouldn't one per sect..."

As soon as these words left his mouth, Yan Taibai paused, feeling as though he had become muddled in his cultivation.

How could this be!

How could it be one from each sect? Each sect and each country's cultivation world has different strength; how could it possibly be one from each family?

Although Yan Taibai did not finish his sentence, Qiong Laoguai understood the meaning behind his words and shook his head, nearly speechless.

"This is simply impossible."

"In any case, judging by the current situation, the various countries might start fighting each other before the righteous and demonic paths even make a move."

"Then what did the Great Elder say?"

Yan Taibai asked again.

This time, the matter of the alliance was being held at the Yanyue Sect, so there should have been at least some face given.

"The Great Elder is also merely at the Nascent Soul Mid Stage, so her influence is not great; at most, she can secure two spots for our sect. Yet the entire Yue Country only has three spots, and the other sects want two of them. Naturally, the Great Elder could not agree."

Qiong Laoguai said in a deep voice.

"The other sects also could not agree to only having one spot, so in the end, it just fizzled out."

Well, the Yue Country is going to have internal strife because of this.

Not to mention the entire cultivation world of all the neutral countries.

One can imagine just how difficult this alliance matter is.

It is no wonder the righteous and demonic paths did not send people to cause trouble; they probably anticipated this long ago, so they are not very worried.

It is also possible that the righteous and demonic paths are the ones behind it; in any case, this alliance matter has a long way to go.

For the time being, one should probably stop thinking about it!

As for the original plot, it was because too many countries had fallen, forcing the remaining countries' cultivation worlds to form an alliance.

Coupled with the mediation of the Ancient Sword Sect, Mingluan Sect, and Beiye Sect—three ancient sects that have been in Tiannan for no less time than the Huayi Sect, Hehuan Sect, and Taizhen Sect.

But this time, the alliance was just an alliance conference held by the Yanyue Sect, a branch of the Hehuan Sect, relying on the master-disciple duo of Qiong Laoguai and Yan Taibai.

The gap is too wide, and they lack the strength to override all objections, so it is perfectly normal that this alliance could not be formed.

After thinking this through, Yan Taibai also shook his head with a helpless expression.

If there are no surprises, don't even think about this alliance until a few cultivation countries fall.

But behind the Cheqi Kingdom and Jiang Kingdom, two countries that have been infiltrated like a sieve by the Tianluo Country, lies the Yue Country.

It is no wonder the Great Elder of the Masked Moon Sect is so anxious, because if there are no surprises, the Yue Kingdom Cultivation World will be the first to bear the brunt.

As the number one person in the Yue Kingdom Cultivation World, how could she not be anxious?

And the Seven Sects of Yue Kingdom are not exactly of one mind internally, as they all want to fight for their own sects' interests as much as possible.

"Reporting to Uncle-Master Yan and Grandmaster, the Yan Family Ancestor of the Ghost Spirit Sect has come to congratulate Uncle-Master Yan on his Golden Core, and he also wishes to see Senior Sister Yan Ruyan?"

A Foundation Establishment Stage manager of the Yanyue Sect entered to report.

Although Yan Ruyan has not yet reached Foundation Establishment, her status is not low.

"He actually dares to come and offer congratulations? Is he not afraid that this old man will extract his soul and refine his spirit?"

Hearing this, before Yan Taibai could say anything, Qiong Laoguai slammed the table and stood up, furious.

Seeing this, the Yanyue Sect manager was scared pale; if he were not of the lowest status, he would never have come to report, otherwise he wouldn't even know how he died.

"What is the congratulatory gift?"

Compared to Qiong Laoguai's rage, Yan Taibai was unusually calm and asked indifferently.

Compared to the arrival of that Yan Family Ancestor, Yan Taibai valued the gift more.

"He... he said?"

The Yanyue Sect manager looked troubled and spoke hesitantly.

"Speak!"

Seeing this, Qiong Laoguai suppressed his anger and said coldly.

"Geng Essence!"

The Yanyue Sect manager shivered and spat out the two words while trembling.

Once these two words were out, the master and disciple looked at each other, their eyes filled with astonishment.

Especially Qiong Laoguai, who was even more shocked and asked again to confirm in disbelief.

"You didn't hear wrong, is it really Geng Essence?"

"No, Ancestor, please rest assured, this disciple definitely did not hear wrong. He said he was sorry to Uncle-Master Yan, so he sent the only piece of Geng Essence from the Yan Family as a gift. He hopes Uncle-Master Yan can forgive the choice he made back then. At the same time, he hopes to see Senior Sister Yan Ruyan."

The Yanyue Sect manager's face was pale as he braced himself and continued to speak tremblingly.

"Geng Essence, this Geng Essence definitely has a problem. We cannot accept it, tell him to get lost!"

A complex look emerged in Qiong Laoguai's eyes as he shouted the order in anger.

"Let him in! As for seeing Yan'er, forget it."

Before the Yanyue Sect manager could agree, Yan Taibai spoke up.

"Taibai!"

Hearing this, Qiong Laoguai's expression changed, and he said coldly.

"Master, we need to make a clean break, don't we?"

Yan Taibai shook his head expressionlessly.

"Besides, I also want to know what his purpose is."

"Fine, since you've said so, I won't say anything more. Let him in!"

After hearing Yan Taibai's words, Qiong Laoguai's face turned livid, but he nodded in agreement with a sense of powerlessness.

Hearing this, the Yanyue Sect manager bowed in relief and left the main hall respectfully.

"Taibai, why do you want to see him? He was prepared to take your life back then."

Qiong Laoguai questioned with a dissatisfied expression.

"Regardless of how you put it, there is still some connection after all. Even for Yan'er's sake, I must see him. It just so happens that I also want a piece of Geng Metal to refine my Life-Bound Magical Treasure. This Geng Essence is a rare treasure even for Nascent Soul cultivators. Since such a good thing has been delivered to our doorstep, if I don't see him, wouldn't it make others think that we, master and disciple, are too narrow-minded?"

Yan Taibai revealed a faint smile as he stated his reason.

As for these words, he himself did not quite believe them.

"Suit yourself, but I must personally inspect this Geng Essence. Only after confirming there are no issues can you use it to refine your Life-Bound Magical Treasure. No, wait—only after the Senior Martial Sister inspects it will it be acceptable."

In the end, Qiong Laoguai added another sentence, still feeling uneasy.

"Very well, I will listen to Master."

Yan Taibai nodded and agreed with a smile.

Just as the master and disciple were conversing, the Yan Family Ancestor, having been led in by the Yanyue Sect steward just moments ago, entered the great hall with an exceptionally complex expression.

"Senior Qiong, Taibai, it has been many years; congratulations to you both. This is the Geng Essence that has been passed down in our family for many years; please accept it as a congratulatory gift and compensation. I do not dare to hope for your forgiveness, I only hope that you can treat Yan'er well."

The Yan Family Ancestor spoke with a look of entreaty on his face.

After speaking, he shook his sleeve, and a pale gold box appeared in his hand, which he handed toward Qiong Laoguai.

Seeing this, Yan Taibai raised his hand a step earlier to take it into his own possession, but he did not open it.

Instead, he placed it on a table to the side, then took a deep breath, and with his expression restored to calm and indifference, he spoke.

"Many thanks for the Ancestor's kindness; I shall accept it without false modesty. However, the Ancestor did not come here just to offer congratulations, did you?"

"As expected, I could not hide it from you. I came here this time carrying a mission, which was to find a way to exterminate you. But in the end, I could not bring myself to do it, so I did not intend to leave alive. I prepared to return to the ancestral grounds of the Yan Family Fortress to pass away on my own after leaving the Yanyue Sect. I only hope you, Taibai, will not stop me, and do not tell Yan'er, so as not to delay her cultivation or affect the relationship between the two of you."

The Yan Family Ancestor nodded with a bitter smile, saying words that caused Qiong Laoguai's anger and killing intent to ignite once again.

"Since that is the case, you actually still dared to come; do you really think I wouldn't extract your soul and refine your spirit?"

Qiong Laoguai's killing intent surged to the heavens as he shouted coldly.

It seemed as if he would strike at any moment, but there was not the slightest change on the Yan Family Ancestor's face.

"Ancestor, if I were not dead, would the members of the Yan Family in the Ghost Spirit Sect of Tianluo Country all have to die? Might they even be soul-extracted and spirit-refined by the Ghost Spirit Sect without a single one spared?"

In stark contrast to Qiong Laoguai's attitude, Yan Taibai's eyes flickered, and he asked with extreme calmness, as if he were contemplating something.

"Correct, Taibai, you are indeed just as Xuan Ye said; it was fundamentally impossible to hide anything from you."

The Yan Family Ancestor nodded and admitted it.

"However, with you and Yan'er here, along with the clansmen in the Yan Family Fortress, the Yan Family bloodline has not been completely severed in this Tiannan Cultivation World. This is also a case of us reaping what we have sown, so you need not concern yourself with it."

"What if I were to fake my death? Would the clansmen in the Ghost Spirit Sect be safe?"

Hearing the answer he wanted, Yan Taibai, who no longer had any feelings for the Yan Family, proposed a "solution."

(End of this chapter)