Translator: AnubisTL
"Senior Brother, I'm back!"
These simple words were the most beautiful Li Qing had heard in a long time.
Though her tone was icy, to Li Qing, it sounded far more soothing than the chimes of the Soul Nurturing Bell, which healed wounds to the divine soul!
Boom!
With a wave of his hand, Li Qing instantly dispelled the restrictions he had set up in the cave abode.
Soon, a graceful figure in a pale blue dress entered slowly. Though her face showed signs of fatigue, her eyes radiated a sense of relief.
"Senior Brother, I've traded for the Heavenly Fire Treasure Nectar!"
As she spoke these words, Li Qing's heart surged with excitement.
"You've worked hard, Junior Sister!" Li Qing's voice was filled with genuine gratitude.
Hearing this, Shen Ningbing smiled faintly. "There's no need to thank me," she said softly. "It's quite a coincidence, actually. The source of the Heavenly Fire Treasure Nectar's information is actually related to you, Senior Brother."
Related to him?
Li Qing was momentarily stunned. He couldn't imagine how the source of information about this core formation spiritual material could possibly be connected to him.
Apart from his encounter with the Hall of Rare Treasures in the Ancient Imperial City, he had no knowledge of any information related to the Heavenly Fire Treasure Nectar.
Could she be referring to the intelligence network he had instructed Zhang Da to establish, which had ultimately led to the information about the Heavenly Fire Treasure Nectar?
But that explanation seemed rather far-fetched.
Sensing Li Qing's confusion, Shen Ningbing continued with a gentle smile, "Senior brother, do you remember at the grand auction when you asked me to trade the Millennium Ice Core with a foundation establishment realm cultivator?"
"Later, I had the black market's intelligence network try to contact him to see if he had made a decision about the trade."
"Just two months ago, he revealed his wealth by purchasing a portion of the Heavenly Fire Treasure Nectar within the Blood Spirit Sect's territory. This caught the attention of a pseudo core formation stage cultivator, forcing him to seek my help."
"I immediately traveled to the Blood Spirit Sect's territory, intimidated the rogue cultivator, and then learned from him the location where the Heavenly Fire Treasure Nectar was being traded."
Seeing Shen Ningbing's radiant expression, Li Qing could easily guess the rest of the story.
Not only had she successfully acquired the Heavenly Fire Treasure Nectar he needed, but she had likely also obtained that peerless spiritual material capable of refining ice dao magical treasures—the Millennium Ice Core!
A Millennium Ice Core!
With this treasure, Shen Ningbing could now attempt to refine her own natal magic treasure—a feat of extraordinary difficulty!
Many core formation realm cultivators, even after years of cultivation, might never refine their own natal magic treasure. This was because spiritual materials of such quality were exceedingly rare and incredibly difficult to acquire.
A natal magic treasure was the most potent weapon a core formation realm cultivator possessed, and the difference between having one and not having one was immense.
In combat, a core formation realm cultivator with a natal magic treasure would undoubtedly hold a significant advantage.
"I see... Truly, karma comes full circle," Li Qing murmured, inwardly relieved that he had stopped Shen Ningbing from her plan to kill and plunder after the grand auction. Otherwise, acquiring the Heavenly Fire Treasure Nectar might have been delayed for quite some time.
"Senior Brother, you should keep this Heavenly Fire Treasure Nectar," Shen Ningbing said, retrieving a small box crafted from solid ice from her storage pouch.
Within the translucent ice box, a crimson liquid glowed with intense, dazzling light.
Had this ice box not been formed from Shen Ningbing's spiritual energy, it would have melted long ago.
After accepting the icy box, Li Qing's gaze remained fixed on the Heavenly Fire Treasure Nectar contained within.
"Finally, I've gathered the last spiritual object," he murmured, a hint of awe in his voice.
Shen Ningbing paused before asking, "Senior Brother, when do you plan to undergo core formation?"
Core formation?
Hearing those two words, Li Qing's mind raced with a thousand thoughts.
Once upon a time, the core formation realm had seemed as distant and unattainable as the clouds on the horizon. Even thinking about it felt almost presumptuous.
But now, not only had his cultivation reached the peak of foundation establishment, but he also possessed the rare conditions required to assist in core formation—conditions most cultivators could only dream of.
Four types of core formation spiritual materials! A soul core!
Moreover, he held a Pure Moon Pill in his hand, and Shen Ningbing had previously shared her personal insights on core formation with him.
As he carefully reflected on his journey through the Great Wilderness Domain, it all felt surreal, like a dream.
Without realizing it, he had reached this pivotal moment.
Not long ago, he had been a weak rogue cultivator in the qi refining realm, facing the vast and boundless dao. He had climbed step by step, each foot firmly planted, his resolve unwavering.
Now, it was time to ascend to the ranks of patriarchs and venerables.
"Hah! The time is ripe. Waiting any longer would be pointless."
"Mm, Junior Sister, would you mind serving as my guardian for a while? I plan to take that final step now."
As he spoke, Li Qing's expression remained utterly calm, as natural as eating or drinking.
Shen Ningbing paused slightly, then her expression turned solemn.
"I wish you success in your core formation, Senior Brother!"
With these words, she slowly retreated from Li Qing's cave abode and silently sat cross-legged on a protruding rock on Nanyang Spirit Peak, quietly guarding him.
In truth, not only Li Qing himself, but even Shen Ningbing, upon reflecting on everything, found it all somewhat absurd.
Unlike others, she knew Li Qing's true background. They had entered the sect together.
At that time, she had already received guidance from Ancestor Bing Yun, allowing her to stand out at the ascension conference and successfully join the Lingyun Sect.
Li Qing, on the other hand, had been forced to flee to the Lingyun Sect's mountain gate while being pursued to the brink of death. By sheer chance, he had entered the sect using an ascension token.
At the time, she hadn't thought much of it, merely noting that he had decent Fortuitous Destiny to obtain the legendary ascension token.
Other disciples who entered the sect with them grumbled about it. Why should a mere four spirit root cultivator receive a foundation establishment pill? They resented that they hadn't been the ones to obtain the ascension token.
Later, Li Qing successfully achieved foundation establishment, and both of them became elders of the Lingyun Sect. What made this even more astonishing was that he had accomplished this with a four spirit root—a Pseudo Spiritual Root—a feat considered nearly impossible.
But that wasn't all. In the Cold Wind Secret Realm, Li Qing, through his extraordinary willpower, subdued a heavenly spirit fire!
Finally, they journeyed together to the Great Wilderness Domain, where Shen Ningbing witnessed firsthand Li Qing's entire growth process, from the qi refining realm onward.
"Who could have predicted that this senior brother, once deemed unlikely to even reach foundation establishment, would now be on the verge of forming his Golden Core?" Shen Ningbing mused inwardly.
Li Qing, meditating in his cave abode to adjust his condition, remained unaware of Shen Ningbing's thoughts about him.
He had placed numerous spirit stones around himself, including several mid-grade ones, causing the spiritual energy in the surrounding environment to surge dramatically.
This preparation stemmed from insights he had gained from Shen Ningbing's core formation insights.
Core formation required absorbing vast amounts of heaven and earth spiritual energy. Even being in a Spirit Vein Land might not suffice. By preparing in advance, he could save considerable effort during the process.
These were invaluable insights, seemingly insignificant yet often overlooked by rogue cultivators during core formation.
Shen Ningbing shared these crucial details with Li Qing without reservation.
Seated cross-legged on the Clear Heart Meditation Cushion, Li Qing focused on regulating his breath, gradually filling his dantian with spiritual energy until it was brimming, like a vessel filled to the brim with water.
Not a drop overflowed, nor was a single drop missing—perfectly balanced.
Having completed this preparation, Li Qing opened his eyes.
He felt himself in peak condition, the best he had ever been in his life.
His mana was abundant, his vital energy vigorous, and his spirit brimming with vitality.
Essence, qi, and spirit—all were at their peak.
Yet this was still not enough. For what lay ahead was to use this supreme state to break through to a realm that most cultivators could only dream of reaching in their entire lives:
Core Formation!
"Let's begin!"
With these words, Li Qing closed his eyes once more and launched his assault on this pivotal juncture in his life.
Boom!
The moment the thought arose in Li Qing's mind, his true essence surged within him like boiling water, restless and agitated.
The first step of core formation was to purify one's true essence, refining it to absolute purity.
Li Qing had already employed multiple methods to refine his true essence. He had subjected it to countless cycles of tempering with heavenly spirit fire and consumed ten drops of Golden Wind Jade Dew.
Yet this was still insufficient. The next stage required his mana to begin solidifying, demanding an even more rigorous refinement of his true essence.
In the next instant, Li Qing's divine sense stirred slightly. With a flick of two fingers, a pearly white, pearl-like pill appeared in his hand.
Gulp!
The Pure Moon Pill slid down his throat.
This pill was refined using an extremely secretive method and rare spirit herbs, making it a unique treasure of the Moonchase Palace. Obtaining even a single pill was exceedingly difficult for outsiders.
Few even knew of its existence. Li Qing himself had only learned of it during a chance encounter with True Monarch Yue Xuan in the Ancient Imperial City.
As soon as the Pure Moon Pill entered Li Qing's abdomen, strands of moonlight began to radiate outward within his body.
Immediately, the medicinal power of the Pure Moon Pill permeated Li Qing's dantian.
The originally liquid scarlet true essence transformed into a crystalline clarity, radiating a glow like red crystal.
As minute impurities were purged from Li Qing's true essence, it began to thicken.
If his true essence had once resembled clear water, it now resembled oil, undergoing a gradual qualitative change.
This was a necessary transformation for core formation: solidifying mana before condensing the core.
Of course, this initial change was far from sufficient; true core formation remained a distant goal.
But this was only the beginning. Li Qing hadn't even begun to exert his full power yet.
With a thought, he continued to refine and purify his mana using the Pure Moon Pill's medicinal power.
Through repeated cycles of this process, Li Qing's true essence eventually reached an unparalleled purity, becoming so transparent it seemed to verge on the absolute limit.
Consequently, the mana in his dantian qi sea thickened further.
This was an excellent start, indicating that he had executed the first step of core formation flawlessly.
Li Qing didn't let his success go to his head, knowing this was only the beginning.
The second step: solidify his mana!
This was an extremely dangerous process. Through insights imparted by Shen Ningbing, Li Qing understood that even the slightest misstep could irreparably damage his dantian qi sea.
As his liquid mana transformed into a solid state, Li Qing needed to continuously compress it. Any carelessness or error could lead to irreversible consequences for his dantian.
This was precisely why golden core formation was so perilous!
In the cultivation world, over half of the foundation establishment cultivators attempting core formation failed at this very step.
"Now that I've come this far, there's no turning back!"
Li Qing steeled himself, fully prepared for either success or death.
How could he retreat or stagnate here when he yearned to witness the higher, more distant vistas of the immortal dao?
With this resolve, Li Qing unleashed his divine sense, plunging his entire consciousness into his dantian. He began compressing his mana with unwavering focus.
At that moment, an irresistible, subtle aura surged forth from Li Qing's cave abode.
Boom!
The entire Nanyang Spirit Peak, and indeed every cultivator residing along this stretch of the spiritual vein, was shaken to its core.
The Ghost Sword Sect disciples stationed here turned pale with fear, their gazes fixed on a particular cave abode high on the spirit peak.
Their cultivation levels were too low to withstand such a terrifying aura, leaving them gasping for breath, their chests tight and their hearts pounding.
"This... someone is forming their Golden Core?!"
"Huff! Huff! It's true. When I was at the mountain gate recently, I sensed the young sect master's aura during his core formation attempt. It's exactly the same!"
Upon hearing this confirmation, the other Ghost Sword Sect disciples' faces paled further.
"Who could possibly be forming their Golden Core on Nanyang Spirit Peak? This is unbelievable!"
"Since our sect claimed this territory, I don't think anyone has ever formed their Golden Core here before, right?"
"That's right. People occasionally reach foundation establishment here, but that's nothing to get excited about."
"..."
The other cultivators residing along the spiritual vein emerged from their secluded retreats, their gazes fixed on Li Qing's cave abode with a mixture of shock and awe.
"Hiss... That cave abode... Doesn't it belong to Master Li?"
"Master Li? The artifact refiner from the Hundred Refinements Pavilion?"
"Core formation! That aura... someone is undergoing core formation!"
Thus, cultivators from cave abodes across the spirit peak began converging toward Li Qing's location.
Not out of malice, but because such an event was exceedingly rare in the cultivation world.
Most were foundation establishment realm cultivators, naturally curious about witnessing someone's core formation. They hoped to observe closely and perhaps gain some enlightenment.
Unfortunately for them, someone had other ideas.
Fearing they might disturb Li Qing, Shen Ningbing slowly rose from a mountain boulder.
Boom!
A genuine core formation cultivator's aura erupted outward.
In an instant, every approaching foundation establishment realm cultivator froze, their minds snapping back to clarity.
"Halt! Those who ignore this warning and continue to approach will face the merciless edge of my sword."
Shen Ningbing stood, Profound Ice Sword in hand, her face as cold as frost and her voice as frigid as ten-thousand-year-old ice.
A true core formation realm cultivator!
Faced with such a being, no one dared to act rashly.
Retreat! Retreat! Retreat!
In an instant, the foundation establishment cultivators who had gathered to watch the spectacle retreated in droves, like a pack of wolves fleeing before a tiger.
"Senior, please forgive us. We meant no harm, we merely wished to observe the core formation process of that senior."
"Yes, yes, please don't blame us."
"..."
Shen Ningbing remained silent, her face icy, gripping the Profound Ice Sword in one hand. She stood guard over Li Qing with unwavering focus.
When she had undergone her own core formation, Li Qing, then merely a foundation establishment cultivator, had single-handedly faced numerous pseudo-core formation realm experts from the Ancient Imperial City.
Now that she was far stronger, she would never allow anyone to disturb Li Qing.
Someone on Nanyang Spirit Peak was undergoing core formation!
The news spread rapidly, reaching Sunward City, located nearby, almost immediately.
The Azure Wind Merchant Guild, entrenched within the city, was among the first to react.
Patriarch Fan of the Azure Wind Merchant Guild pondered deeply:
"Hmm, someone is undergoing core formation at Nanyang Spirit Peak? Who could it be?"
He quickly issued an order:
"Prepare a lavish gift immediately! If they succeed in forming their core, we must establish good relations with them at all costs!"
As the owner of the merchant guild, Fan Ming naturally understood how to manipulate people's hearts.
Regardless of the outcome, preparing a lavish gift was the right move. If the cultivator failed, they could simply pretend nothing had happened and treat it as mere entertainment. But if the core formation succeeded, the gift would be essential.
Cultivating a relationship with a core formation realm cultivator, especially one who had just achieved this breakthrough, would undoubtedly yield countless benefits.
Of course, Fan Ming wasn't the only one reacting. Cultivation clans throughout Giant Deer Prefecture also received the news.
For example, the Beast Taming He Clan swiftly issued an order:
"Retrieve the Black Phoenix Feather we acquired recently from the clan treasury. I want to see exactly who is undergoing core formation at Nanyang Spirit Peak."
"If this results in another core formation realm rogue cultivator in Giant Deer Prefecture, we must treat them with utmost respect."
Meanwhile, the Zhao Family, widely considered the foremost cultivation clan in Giant Deer Prefecture, also took the news very seriously.
"Troubled times indeed..."
Patriarch Zhao narrowed his eyes, finally sighing deeply. "If I had obtained that yin-yang spirit liquid at the grand auction, I might have been the one achieving core formation."
"What a pity! Why couldn't the demon beast inner core left by our ancestor have been of the thunder attribute?"
Patriarch Zhao's expression shifted between dark and bright, his emotions complex and conflicted.
In truth, given the Zhao Family's resources, they naturally possessed both Azure Jade Spirit Water and Heavenly Fire Treasure Nectar. However, relying solely on these two inferior core formation spiritual materials, he still dared not take the final step.
If he had possessed either the yin-yang spirit liquid or the Purple Mansion Spirit Liquid, his confidence would have soared.
"Core formation... Alas!"
Meanwhile, Li Qing, the man at the center of this commotion, remained completely unaware of the widespread attention his core formation was drawing.
Even if he had anticipated such a reaction, he would have paid it little heed.
He trusted that no matter how turbulent the outside world became due to his core formation, Shen Ningbing would suppress any interference, ensuring no one could disrupt his process.
Moreover, since arriving in the Great Wilderness Domain, he had maintained excellent relations with the surrounding cultivators and factions, consistently adhering to the principle of treating others with kindness and avoiding any grudges.
The notion that anyone would dare disturb his core formation was utterly absurd.
Li Qing remained completely focused on his core formation process, allowing no distractions.
By this point, he had already consumed both the Heavenly Fire Treasure Nectar and the Azure Jade Spirit Water.
These two core formation spiritual materials had merged into his dantian, further accelerating the solidification of his mana.
Unbeknownst to him, the mana within his dantian had gradually thickened to the consistency of thick paste.
This wasn't enough. Though sufficiently viscous, it remained liquid. He needed his mana to completely solidify, to crystallize fully.
Immediately, Li Qing retrieved a Jade Purity Bottle filled with a spirit liquid that shimmered with faint purple qi.
Purple Mansion Spirit Liquid!
Unlike other core formation spiritual materials, this superior-grade substance could not be ingested orally—a universally acknowledged truth in the cultivation world.
The method of use was simple: guide the purple qi emanating from the spirit liquid into one's nostrils.
Li Qing took a deep breath and began drawing in the concentrated purple qi from the bottle.
Almost instantly, the purple qi split into two streams, entering Li Qing's nostrils like two spiritual purple serpents.
As the purple qi entered, Li Qing's body shuddered violently.
In that instant, the paste-like mana within his dantian finally began to solidify.
As expected of Purple Mansion Spirit Liquid—its effects were almost instantaneous!
Of course, this was largely due to the core formation spiritual materials Li Qing had consumed earlier, which amplified its potency.
With the aid of the Purple Mansion Spirit Liquid, Li Qing continued to compress his mana with all his might.
As he inhaled purple qi, he simultaneously compressed his mana with every ounce of his strength. In an instant, his true essence seemed to collapse inward, rapidly shrinking in volume.
Don't mistake this for a decrease in his mana. Quite the contrary—while the quantity appeared to diminish, its quality was increasing exponentially.
This was the precursor to core formation!
As the purple qi in the Jade Purity Bottle rapidly dissipated, the spirit liquid within gradually faded from a deep purple to a pale hue.
Once the entire bottle of Purple Mansion Spirit Liquid had turned as clear as water, Li Qing had completely absorbed it.
At this moment, nearly ninety percent of his true essence had crystallized into a solid state, leaving only a few minor traces still viscous.
At this stage, there was no room for hesitation.
With another sweeping gesture, Li Qing produced a swirling mass of black-and-white spirit liquid.
This yin-yang spirit liquid pulsed with yin-yang qi, its swirling patterns resembling the Taiji symbol in motion.
Li Qing opened his mouth wide and swallowed the entire mass of yin-yang spirit liquid.
The surging yin-yang qi collided violently within him. Before long, all the true essence in Li Qing's body had completely solidified, transforming into an irregular crystalline mass!
Watching this irregular crystal float within him, Li Qing's solemn face finally broke into an uncontrollable smile.
Yes, his mana had completely solidified.
The second step of core formation was complete!
At this stage, his core formation process was already more than halfway successful, surpassing countless other cultivators.
Of course, it was still too early to celebrate.
Li Qing quickly suppressed his smile. Until the final step was completed, success remained uncertain.
Popping the champagne too early could easily lead to tragedy.
The third and final step: refining the Golden Core!
This was the ultimate stage. Core formation, after all, meant condensing true essence into a Golden Core. What use was this irregular crystalline mass?!
Li Qing steeled his resolve once more, focusing his mind to begin the final step of core formation.
(End of the Chapter)
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