Several days later.
Lei Hekong arrived at the Dongxi Xu Clan.
He came because the Xu Family had sent word, agreeing to the Lei Family's request for alchemy.
Lei Hekong had now reached the Seventh-Layer Foundation Establishment stage, but he was getting on in years, approaching two hundred years of age.
A Foundation Establishment cultivator could live a maximum of two hundred and forty years.
Given his aptitude, it would be extremely difficult for him to reach Foundation Establishment Perfection in this lifetime.
As for Lei Yunchao, he had stepped down from his position as Family Head over a decade ago and had successfully attained Foundation Establishment Perfection.
He was currently the second Foundation Establishment Perfection expert in the Lei Family.
Furthermore, he was the candidate chosen by the three families to attempt the Golden Core breakthrough this time.
"Daoist Friend Lei, please take a seat and have some tea," Xu Mingqing greeted.
"Grandmaster Qing is too polite," Lei Hekong said, clasping his hands in a salute. "I came this time because I received a message from the Xu Family stating that you have accepted our Lei Family's request?"
"The Core Formation Pill is considered highly difficult to refine even among Tier 3 pills, and its value is exceptionally high. Are you truly confident?"
Xu Mingqing raised his eyes and glanced at Lei Hekong. "If the Lei Family could find another alchemist to refine the Core Formation Pill, why would you come begging my Xu Family?
If you are unwilling to trust me, you are welcome to return."
"Please do not take offense, Grandmaster Qing. It is simply that the materials for this pill are incredibly precious. Our Lei Family spent the efforts of several generations to finally gather a complete set, so we must be cautious," Lei Hekong hurriedly explained.
"To tell you the truth, Daoist Friend Lei, I do not have absolute certainty with the Core Formation Pill. I can only say I will give it a try. We might get lucky and produce one, but if we fail, there is nothing I can do.
Currently, my father is in secluded death cultivation. I dare say that across the entire Great Wei, as well as the neighboring Great Liang and Great Jin, my alchemy proficiency ranks the highest among those available.
I assume your Lei Family considered this carefully before coming to me."
Lei Hekong nodded slightly. He had indeed gone to Guangling to seek out Yun Ding and Wei Dao.
Those two were the top Grandmaster Alchemists in the entire Great Wei today, yet both claimed they did not even have a ten percent chance of success.
Other than Xu Chuan, only Xu Mingqing had any chance of trying.
"I wonder how Daoist Friend Xu Chuan is doing lately. Would it be possible to ask him to try?"
"My father is in secluded death cultivation. Even we cannot see him, let alone you, Daoist Friend Lei. If you agree to let me try, I will make the attempt.
If not, I will not see you out.
Of course, if you miss this opportunity, I naturally will never help your Lei Family refine pills again.
The only reason I agreed this time was out of respect for my eldest brother and my father's friendship with your Lei Family."
"Very well. Grandmaster Qing's alchemy was personally taught by Daoist Friend Xu Chuan, and you have truly inherited his legacy. I am willing to place my trust in you.
Our Lei Family is willing to gamble on this chance."
"Then hand over the Core Formation Pill materials to me. Wait in the town at the foot of the mountain for ten days to half a month. Regardless of success or failure, there will be a result by then."
"Alright, I understand."
Lei Hekong clasped his hands, handed over the materials, and followed the guards down to the town at the base of the mountain.
Decades had passed, and the settlement had practically developed into a small city.
After all, mortals reproduced much more frequently than immortal cultivators.
Given the Xu Family's current status, the Lei Family naturally would not dare demand they swear any oaths of guarantee for the alchemy request.
If he had dared to bring it up, he would likely have been thrown out on the spot.
Xu Mingqing opened the storage pouch to inspect the contents. It was indeed a complete set of materials for a Core Formation Pill. 'It is quite a feat for them to gather all this. Even our Xu Family hasn't managed to put together another complete set to this day.'
Previously, Xu Chuan had brought them back from the Profound Moon Sect's Secret Realm.
He sent these materials into the vault and then retrieved a Low-Grade Core Formation Pill.
Actually, if it were entirely up to Xu Mingqing, he could easily embezzle the materials and claim the refinement failed. The Lei Family would not dare say a word in protest.
However, Xu Chuan naturally had his own plans.
By helping them successfully refine the pill, if someone from the three families managed to achieve the Golden Core stage, they would inevitably become an ally of the Xu Family.
The impending great calamity was no trivial matter. Having one more Golden Core expert in Great Wei would help share the pressure.
"I will just wait. After half a month, I will hand this Core Formation Pill over to the Lei Family. This is entirely too cheap for them," he muttered.
Xu Mingqing murmured to himself, then closed his eyes to comprehend his wood-element divine ability.
————————————
Southern part of Heavenly South, Heavenly Foundry Sect.
True Lord Fierce Sun brought Xu Deling back, arriving at the back mountain of the main peak.
"Little Ling, why have you returned? Did you miss your Second Master?" Yan Longzi asked with pleasant surprise, laughing heartily as he saw her.
Zhen Yangzi seemed to guess something and asked with slight astonishment, "Have you already achieved initial mastery of your divine ability?"
"First Master understands me best," Xu Deling smiled faintly. "Senior Brother Fierce Sun brought me back to prepare for my Divine Ability Core Formation."
"Then go and prepare. Begin your spiritual power crystallization first. As for the auxiliary pills, your master will acquire them for you."
"There is no need, Master," Xu Deling replied, clasping her hands. "The pills are already prepared. I can enter the breakthrough grounds for secluded cultivation at any time."
Zhen Yangzi did not say much more. "Since that is the case, Fierce Sun, take Feng Ling there."
"Yes, Martial Uncle Zhen Yangzi."
The Heavenly Foundry Sect had carved out secluded cultivation grounds at the core of the main peak's Tier 4 Spirit Vein, prepared specifically for those attempting to break through to the Golden Core and Nascent Soul stages.
After Zhen Yangzi returned, he was informed about Xu Chuan's Divine Ability Core Formation. Hearing that Xu Chuan had slain two veteran Second-Layer Golden Core experts in a two-on-one fight right after his breakthrough left them thoroughly astounded.
Zhen Yangzi sighed, "Hearing how confident he was in his Core Formation, I vaguely guessed he was pursuing a Divine Ability Core Formation. Five prodigies in one clan... I do not know what kind of heaven-defying fortune the Xu Family has stumbled upon."
"Senior Brother, even if it were some great fortune, it should only benefit one person. How could it bless five? Furthermore, the paths each of them walks are entirely different.
Besides, before Little Ling's Nirvana, her aptitude in the Dao of Artifacts was extraordinary, but she was lacking in other aspects.
Ye Fan practices Dual Cultivation of Dharma and Body, Xu Deyue walks the path of extreme cold, Xu Mingxian focuses on formations, and as for Xu Chuan, he excels in the Dao of Alchemy."
"Perhaps it truly is just a coincidence," Zhen Yangzi muttered.
Yan Longzi then asked, "By the way, what about that secret method Xu Chuan mentioned, the one that helps newly advanced Golden Core cultivators rapidly convert their mana and break through? Did you manage to get it?"
"Answering Martial Uncle, this disciple does not have it. But I presume he passed it on to Junior Sister Feng Ling," True Lord Fierce Sun replied.
"Are you suggesting that this old man ask Little Ling for it? I cannot afford to lose face like that! For a mere thirty thousand spirit stones, this secret method holds extraordinary value for a Nascent Soul sect. Cannot you see that?"
"Fierce Sun understands. Next time, I will definitely acquire it through trade," he promised.
"Junior Brother, calm down. Perhaps after Feng Ling completes her Core Formation, she will voluntarily hand it over. After all, she is now a part of our Heavenly Foundry Sect as well," Zhen Yangzi advised.
"I hope so. Oh, right, Senior Brother, let's just wait until Feng Ling's Golden Core Grand Ceremony is over before letting her return to Heavenly Azure Prefecture," Yan Longzi suggested.
Zhen Yangzi pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "Feng Ling is currently ranked as the number one prodigy. Breaking through to the Golden Core in less than half a year is far too eye-catching.
Our Heavenly Foundry Sect should let her settle and consolidate, rather than cooking with fierce fire and hot oil. Pushing her further into the spotlight will only put her in danger.
We even need to help her conceal her Golden Core Formation Celestial Phenomenon. When the time comes, activate the Great Cloud and Mist Formation to cover the main peak. We will announce to the outside world that I am attempting a breakthrough to the Late-Stage Nascent Soul realm."
"Senior Brother is thorough in his considerations. It was my oversight," Yan Longzi conceded. "We will do as you say."
"By the way, Fierce Sun, how is the situation in Heavenly Azure Prefecture? Do you need me to go over and intimidate the Greedy Wolf Sect?" Yan Longzi suddenly recalled and asked.
"Xu Chuan leveraged the matter with the Profound Moon Sect, so the Greedy Wolf Sect dares not cause trouble over the killing of their Golden Core elder. However, it is hard to say what will happen in the long run. As for the other Golden Core powers in Heavenly Azure Prefecture..."
True Lord Fierce Sun smiled faintly. "Ever since he displayed his strength, ordinary Golden Core cultivators haven't dared to harbor any designs on the Xu Family. To fight Xu Chuan, one must have at least Mid-stage Golden Core strength.
And that is just for now. In a few years, or perhaps over a decade, the Xu Family's position will become even more stable.
Unless numerous Golden Core factions besiege the Xu Family together, or a Nascent Soul power intervenes, they should be fine."
"We will take it one step at a time. The Xu Family has its own path to walk. Unless it truly comes to a matter of life and death, our Heavenly Foundry Sect should not interfere too much.
Without our protection, hasn't the Xu Family still made it this far step by step?
The Heavenly Azure Sect and the Greedy Wolf Sect won't be able to determine a victor in the short term. That should give the Xu Family plenty of time to develop," Zhen Yangzi analyzed.
Hearing this, Yan Longzi nodded slightly before strictly reminding, "But no matter what, we must ensure Little Ling's safety."
"Fierce Sun understands."
Xu Deling first used a Spirit-Purifying Pill to cleanse the pill toxins from her body, purifying her mana. Then, she consumed a Heavenly Spirit Pill. In just over half a month, she completed her spiritual power crystallization.
Next, she condensed her Divine Ability Seed and immediately launched an all-out breakthrough toward the Golden Core stage.
Unlike Xu Chuan, she didn't need to overthink everything or use the momentum of her Core Formation to intimidate others.
Xu Deling simply needed to charge forward with a mind without distractions.
Another half a month passed.
Suddenly, spiritual energy surged and gathered around the main peak. Countless Heavenly Foundry Sect disciples witnessed the spectacular scene.
"What majestic spiritual energy! It has actually formed a river of spirit!"
"It is coming from the main peak. Could someone be forming a Golden Core?"
"Who is it?"
"Is it Junior Martial Aunt Feng Ling? But didn't she leave on a journey? Could it be Senior Brother Zhu Rong?"
The main peak was completely shrouded in mist and clouds, making it difficult even for Golden Core cultivators to peer inside.
A moment later.
Yan Longzi's voice boomed across the entire Heavenly Foundry Sect. "Grand Elder Zhen Yangzi is in secluded cultivation attempting to break through to become a Grand Cultivator. All disciples are forbidden from discussing this matter, lest it disrupt him."
Every disciple was visibly shaken by the news.
"Is our Heavenly Foundry Sect going to have a Grand Cultivator?"
Many became incredibly excited.
More than half a day later.
The celestial phenomena vanished. Xu Deling had successfully completed her Core Formation. Furthermore, by utilizing the Ancient Golden Core Heaven Devouring Method during the process, she borrowed the worldly spiritual opportunity and the vast energy of the Tier 4 Mid-Grade Spirit Vein to breakthrough straight to the Second-Layer Golden Core stage in one fell swoop.
Several days later.
Xu Deling bid farewell to her two masters and returned to Heavenly Azure Prefecture with True Lord Fierce Sun.
As for the Heavenly Foundry Sect, news spread that Grand Elder Zhen Yangzi's breakthrough attempt had failed.
It didn't take long for this news to reach the ears of many factions in the southern region.
"How could it be so easy to become a Grand Cultivator? Otherwise, how could there be so few in the entire Heavenly South?" many Nascent Soul cultivators sighed.
There were also those who mocked Zhen Yangzi for overestimating his own strength.
Yet, virtually no one brought up the possibility that it had been Xu Deling forming her Golden Core.
After all, compared to Zhen Yangzi attempting to become a Grand Cultivator, a mere Core Formation was simply not worth mentioning.
Dongxi.
Xu Mingqing sent a message to Lei Hekong, informing him that one Core Formation Pill had been successfully refined. Lei Hekong was overjoyed.
However, Xu Mingqing also explicitly stated that the person from the Lei Family who would be attempting the breakthrough must come to retrieve it personally.
Lei Hekong hesitated repeatedly before returning to the Lei Family and eventually bringing Lei Yunchao along.
Just as Xu Mingyuan had informed him, the person attempting the breakthrough in the Lei Family was indeed very likely Lei Yunchao, the former Family Head.
"Old Family Head Lei, it really is you," Xu Mingqing remarked. "There were rumors that you were a hidden Earth Spiritual Root genius of the Lei Family. It seems the rumors were true."
"Why does Grandmaster Qing say that?"
"For a True Spiritual Root to attempt a Golden Core breakthrough, even with the aid of a Core Formation Pill, the success rate is simply too low.
But with Earth Spiritual Root aptitude, combined with a Core Formation Pill, and perhaps some ancient pill or auxiliary secret method discovered in an ancient grotto-residence, there might be a twenty or thirty percent chance.
If the chances weren't significant, why would the Jiang Clan and the Lin Family be willing to help your Lei Family?"
"If I choose not to answer, will Grandmaster Qing refuse to hand over the Core Formation Pill?"
"Naturally not. Old Family Head Lei should be well aware of how our Xu Family conducts itself. We believe in fair trade and operate on good faith. Here is the Core Formation Pill."
Xu Mingqing smiled as he handed over the pill, adding, "What I said earlier was merely out of my own curiosity."
After verifying that the pill was exactly as promised, Lei Yunchao put it away and offered a faint smile. "I do indeed possess Earth Spiritual Root aptitude."
Xu Mingqing nodded. "By the way, Old Family Head Lei, you still need to swear an oath that if you successfully form your Golden Core in the future, you will not make an enemy of my Xu Family. Otherwise, you won't be able to take that with you."
"So this was Grandmaster Qing's true purpose in calling me here."
"No matter how foolish my Xu Family might be, we wouldn't refine such a pill for an enemy," Xu Mingqing chuckled softly.
Lei Yunchao's expression shifted before he let out a helpless sigh. "I understand. If our positions were reversed, the Lei Family would do exactly the same."
Right then and there, he swore an oath in front of Xu Mingqing: "I, Lei Yunchao, have obtained this pill today. If I am fortunate enough to form a Golden Core in the future, as long as the Xu Family does not provoke me first, I, Lei Yunchao, will not act as an enemy to the Xu Family.
If I violate this oath, may I be entangled by inner demons and my Dao path completely destroyed."
"I hope Old Family Head Lei won't take offense. As you know, our Xu Family has always been cautious."
"I understand. It is an old tradition passed down from Daoist Friend Xu Chuan." With that, he clasped his hands in salute. "Then, Grandmaster Qing, we will take our leave."
"I wish you success in your Core Formation!"
"I will borrow your auspicious words!"
Soon after, Lei Yunchao and Lei Hekong left the Xu Family estate.
As soon as they were gone, Xu Mingyuan appeared beside Xu Mingqing and asked calmly, "Is the business with the Lei Family concluded?"
"Yes. The rest is entirely up to Lei Yunchao's own luck," Xu Mingqing replied. "However, Second Brother, Lei Yunchao truly does have an Earth Spiritual Root."
"That's not too surprising, but his ability to remain so patient and hidden really makes one look at him with new eyes. Father dealt with him a few times in the past, but I suspect even he didn't notice it at all."
After a slight pause, the corners of his mouth curled upwards. "Xiaoyao has just about finished his preparations as well. His chances of successfully forming a core are much higher than Lei Yunchao's."
"Xiaoyao will definitely break through and become the first person on our side to form a Golden Core."
"Your second brother here doesn't doubt that in the slightest."
A few days later.
Ren Xiaoyao brought up to Xu Mingyuan his intention to enter secluded cultivation in the Azure Sea Forest, specifically within the Cloud Gold Mountain Range where Xu Bai resided.
"Honored Master, there is a Tier 2 Gold-element Spirit Vein there. For the Golden Core breakthrough, spiritual energy is absolutely crucial. The spiritual energy contained within a normal spiritual energy node is simply insufficient."
"The spiritual energy here in Dongxi far surpasses any spiritual energy node. It is better to perform your Core Formation at home. The Azure Sea Forest might soon become restless and unsafe."
"Why? Didn't Aunt Mingshu and the others visit the Azure Sea Forest not too long ago?"
"You know about the great calamity. It may be fast approaching. Who knows when danger might strike."
"That shouldn't be the case. That area is Xu Bai's territory, and he has now stepped into the Mid-Stage of Tier 3," Ren Xiaoyao smiled softly. "Don't worry, Honored Master, I will be careful."
"If I encounter any danger, Xu Bai will be able to protect me."
"More importantly, this is the clan's only High-Grade Core Formation Pill. This disciple does not wish to waste it and is absolutely determined to succeed. Please, Honored Master, do not try to dissuade me.
Only a Tier 2 Spirit Vein can provide the maximum guarantee of the spiritual energy needed for my breakthrough. If it falls short, the Core Formation could fail, squandering this precious opportunity entirely."
Xu Mingyuan thought about it and realized his disciple was right.
"Very well. You may go, but remember to be exceedingly careful. Once you successfully form your Golden Core, return immediately."
"Yes, Honored Master."
The next day.
"Rong'er, I'm heading out to the Azure Sea Forest for a trip. I will be back in two to three months at the earliest, or half a year at most."
After a long-overdue night of lingering intimacy with Xu Derong, Ren Xiaoyao spoke calmly to her as they got out of bed.
"To the Azure Sea Forest?" Xu Derong asked, slightly startled. "My father and the others recalled all the clan disciples from there, saying it was becoming dangerous."
"Do you not trust your husband's strength? I am at Foundation Establishment Perfection. I have no fear even if I run into a Tier 2 Peak demonic beast. As for Tier 3, since the Three-Tailed White Fox left, only Xu Bai and the Ancient Locust Tree King remain.
Xu Bai is one of our own.
And the Ancient Locust Tree King has an agreement with Grandfather not to harm anyone from the Xu Family. So, there won't be any real danger.
Even if there is, I can always call upon Xu Bai for help. He is a Tier 3 Mid-Stage demonic beast, after all."
"But my father and the elders wouldn't recall everyone for no reason. Husband, if you can avoid going, it is best not to go."
Ren Xiaoyao sighed softly. "Alright, I will be completely honest with you. I am going there to utilize the Tier 2 Gold-element Spirit Vein in the Cloud Gold Mountain Range to break through to the Golden Core stage.
The clan has bestowed upon me a High-Grade Core Formation Pill. I absolutely cannot let them down; I must succeed!"
"A High-Grade Core Formation Pill?!" Xu Derong gasped in shock. "I understand now. I heard the clan only has a single one.
Then you truly cannot afford to betray the clan's expectations."
She raised her gaze to look closely at Ren Xiaoyao's face. "Then you must be extremely careful, Husband."
"Rest assured, I will remain entirely within secluded cultivation in the Cloud Gold Mountain Range. There will be no danger."
Xu Derong nodded gently.
Half an hour later.
Ren Xiaoyao left Dongxi and set out for the Azure Sea Forest.
Cloud Gold Mountain Range.
"Brat Xiaoyao, what brings you here?" Xu Bai asked, looking at the man before him in surprise. "Didn't they say no one from the Xu Family would be coming to the Azure Sea Forest for a while?"
"I need to break through to the Golden Core stage, so I require the aid of the spirit vein. Once I succeed, I will leave," Ren Xiaoyao replied.
"Finally aiming for the Golden Core, eh? Are you confident?"
"Naturally!"
"Good. Go on, then." Xu Bai didn't think much of it. He let out a wide yawn and said lazily, "In my territory, no one will come bother you."
Ren Xiaoyao nodded and flew straight toward the core of the Cloud Gold Mountain Range, where the Xu Family had carved out a cultivation room.
He began by taking a Spirit-Purifying Pill to cleanse his body and purify his mana. Then, he commenced the process of spiritual power crystallization. However, lacking a Heavenly Spirit Pill, his progress was notably slow.
It took him well over two months to complete this single step.
"No wonder forming a Golden Core is so immensely difficult. The spiritual power crystallization step alone is enough to stump many cultivators," Ren Xiaoyao muttered to himself.
"Even with my Earth Spiritual Root aptitude, it took me almost two months. If it were someone with a True Spiritual Root, it might take them years, and they still might not succeed.
Without fortuitous encounters, the hopes of a True Spiritual Root forming a Golden Core are incredibly slim.
But once I break through, I can help Honored Master, Martial Uncles, and the others search for their own Core Formation opportunities."
After resting and adjusting his condition for half a day, Ren Xiaoyao ingested the High-Grade Core Formation Pill and began his assault on the Golden Core bottleneck.
A High-Grade Core Formation Pill could increase the chances of a successful breakthrough by thirty percent.
To any Foundation Establishment cultivator, this was a massive opportunity. Even those with merely a True Spiritual Root would stand a decent chance of smashing through the bottleneck.
Time passed—one day, two days, three days.
Before he knew it, more than a month had slipped by.
Under Ren Xiaoyao's relentless internal bombardment, cracks had finally begun to appear in the Golden Core barrier.
"Now!"
Without a moment's hesitation, Ren Xiaoyao activated his Core Formation secret method, viciously ramming his energy into the Golden Core barrier.
Crack! Crack! Crack!
The crisp sound of a shattering barrier echoed continuously.
The Golden Core bottleneck was broken!
In that instant, the ambient spiritual energy within a radius of nearly fifty kilometers was violently drawn over. It coalesced into a massive river of spirit, creating an overwhelming deluge that poured directly into him.
At the same time.
Five hundred kilometers away, a crimson-black shadow streaked across the sky, flying directly toward the Azure Sea Forest.
Sensing this massive spiritual energy phenomenon, the crimson-black figure suddenly halted, revealing its true form.
It was a colossal demonic bird with a wingspan of over sixty meters!
When it spread its wings, it was like a dark cloud blotting out the sun. Intertwining crimson and black flames danced across its feathers, radiating an intense, searing heat that felt as if it could incinerate all of creation.
Tiny sparks of fire condensed at the tip of every single feather on its body, seemingly ready to ignite anything they touched.
Just by hovering in the air, the sheer heat distorted and warped the surrounding atmosphere.
This demonic bird possessed two heads. The feathers of the left head were predominantly crimson, its eyes looking as if they were forged from red copper, with frantic flames dancing within its pupils. The feathers of the right head were mostly black, its eyes carved from pitch-black jade, gleaming with a ruthless and sinister light.
Its talons appeared to be forged from frigid iron, each half the height of a grown man. The tips glinted with a chilling, deadly light that reflected the sun, looking sharp enough to slice through the very air and striking fear into the hearts of any who beheld them.
Both pairs of the demonic bird's eyes locked onto the direction of the Azure Sea Forest. A savage light flickered within them as its massive body exuded an overwhelming, monstrous aura.
"Is that the Core Formation phenomenon of a human cultivator?!"
"What impudence!"
"But this is perfect for an appetizer! It has been entirely too long since I've tasted a human's Golden Core. The flavor is simply exquisite!"
As soon as its voice fell, the demonic bird violently beat its massive wings!
Crimson-black flames instantly intertwined with violent gales, kicking up a scorching shockwave across the sky. Its gargantuan body shot toward the Azure Sea Forest like an arrow released from the bowstring, its speed sixty to seventy percent faster than before.
Cloud Gold Mountain Range.
Ren Xiaoyao utilized the massive influx of worldly spiritual energy to temper and refine his Golden Core. He then exhaled the core out of his body, using a secret method to continuously connect it with the essence of heaven and earth, rapidly converting his remaining mana.
Countless demonic beasts throughout the Azure Sea Forest turned their gaze toward the Cloud Gold Mountain Range.
However, an overbearing tiger's aura pulsed out, terrifying them so much that they dared not take a single step closer.
A few hours later.
The Core Formation phenomenon completely dissipated.
Feeling the abundant mana surging within him, a satisfied smile graced Ren Xiaoyao's face. "This secret method is truly remarkable. It is just a pity my cultivation didn't experience the massive breakthrough described in the text.
In the end, my foundation was simply a bit too lacking."
"It is time to head back!"
"Honored Master, Martial Uncles, as well as my wife and Kai'er... they will all be overjoyed when they find out!"
"Our Xu Family finally has a Golden Core cultivator of its very own!"
Just as Ren Xiaoyao flew out of the cultivation room, a low, ancient voice abruptly echoed within his sea of consciousness. "A great calamity arrives! Flee!"
'What is going on? That voice... is it the Ancient Locust Tree King?!'
'Why is he warning me to run?!'
'But if even the Ancient Locust Tree King considers it a great calamity, where can I run?'
'I cannot head back to the Xu Family!'
'I have to get out of the Azure Sea Forest!'
With no time to overthink and without stopping to see Xu Bai, Ren Xiaoyao shot into the sky, transforming into a streak of golden radiance as he desperately fled south.
"Oh? You actually noticed me?"
"But where do you think you're going?!"
The demonic bird had already arrived in the vicinity, waiting patiently for Ren Xiaoyao to complete his breakthrough so it could leisurely feast upon his fresh Golden Core.
Seeing its prey fleeing into the distance, it instantly unleashed a terrifying, murderous aura that blanketed the entire Cloud Gold Mountain Range.
The pressure of a Tier 3 Peak existence!
Ren Xiaoyao's expression changed drastically.
Xu Bai jolted violently awake!
Danger! Danger! Danger!
Ren Xiaoyao's spiritual power surged violently. He pushed his speed to the absolute limit, not daring to pause for even a fraction of a second.
But the terrifying aura crashed down upon him with the weight of a collapsing mountain, instantly slashing his speed by a huge margin.
Immediately after, that monstrous aura, carrying a heaven-incinerating malice, rapidly closed in on him.
In the blink of an eye, it overtook him, violently cutting off his escape route at the edge of the Cloud Gold Mountain Range.
Ren Xiaoyao looked up to see a massive demonic bird, over sixty meters across, its colossal body blotting out the sky. The sheer ferocity radiating from it was absolutely appalling.
The crimson-black flames cloaking its body triggered every fatal warning bell in his mind.
"You think you can run from me?!"
"Human cultivator, you've got a lot of nerve!"
"Did you think you could escape the Land of Imprisonment? Keep dreaming!"
With a beat of its wings, gale-force winds fused with the dark fire, generating several black flame wind blades that cleaved toward Ren Xiaoyao with ear-piercing shrieks.
Trees and boulders in their path were instantly vaporized into ash, leaving deep, scorched trenches across the earth.
Ren Xiaoyao immediately summoned his Top-Grade Magical Artifact set, the Five Spirits Box!
Five flying swords erupted from the box, wrapped in five-colored spiritual light, viciously slashing at the incoming black flame blades.
Because his mana had completely transitioned to the Golden Core level, the explosive power of the Five Spirits Box was leagues beyond what it used to be.
However, it was still ultimately just a magical artifact—an ordinary Top-Grade Magical Artifact at that.
The moment the five-colored flying swords collided with the dark flames, a harsh cracking sound echoed from the blades. Their spiritual light was obliterated, and all five swords were violently knocked backward.
Ren Xiaoyao desperately raised the Five Spirits Box like a shield. A five-colored light screen flared up, attempting to block the residual shockwave, but sadly, it failed to hold.
The screen shattered. Deep gouges were left across the surface of the Five Spirits Box, its spiritual light flickering weakly.
The sheer force of the impact sent Ren Xiaoyao flying back over thirty meters.
"How amusing. A cultivator who just formed their core actually managed to block one of my strikes!"
A look of twisted mockery appeared in the demonic bird's eyes.
Both heads screeched simultaneously. The left head spewed a highly condensed wind dragon, while the right vomited a towering inferno of black flames. The wind fueled the fire, instantly fusing into a black flame wind dragon over a hundred meters long, baring its fangs and brandishing its claws as it lunged at Ren Xiaoyao.
Wherever its dragon claws passed, the very space seemed to warp with faint cracks. The searing heat threatened to completely melt through Ren Xiaoyao's spiritual energy shield.
Ren Xiaoyao's eyes sharpened. His hands flew through a series of rapid hand seals as the Golden Core inside him spun furiously.
"Golden Rainbow Piercing the Sun!"
A pillar of golden light, condensed to the absolute limit, shot forth from him and slammed violently into the black flame wind dragon.
A deafening explosion rocked the heavens!
Golden spiritual power and crimson-black flames scattered in every direction. The massive shockwave blasted Ren Xiaoyao back several kilometers, sending him smashing heavily into a mountain peak. The stone structure completely collapsed under the impact, kicking up a massive cloud of dust and debris.
As for the black flame demonic bird, it hadn't moved a single inch.
"Fascinating!"
A hint of surprise flashed across the demonic bird's face. It hadn't held back in either of those attacks, yet both had actually been parried.
"This is the first time I've ever heard of someone possessing such ridiculously abundant mana right after forming their core."
"But with this next strike, it is time for you to die!"
The four sinister eyes of the black flame demonic bird locked ruthlessly onto him. Its talons gleaming with a cold light, it dove downward, aiming to rip his Golden Core straight out of his chest.
In this heart-stopping moment hanging by a hair, a heaven-shaking tiger roar suddenly erupted! The sheer force of the sound waves caused the dark flames on the demonic bird's body to violently flicker!
The distant clouds exploded outward as a white-gold silhouette streaked in like a bolt of lightning. It was Xu Bai!
His razor-sharp tiger claws tore through the air with a piercing shriek, manifesting three massive golden arcs of light, each over ten meters long, that slashed straight toward the black flame demonic bird.
The golden light was unimaginably sharp. Not daring to take the blow directly, the demonic bird flapped its wings, rapidly ascending into the sky. Its four eyes glared venomously at Xu Bai as it screeched, "You must be one of the guardians of this place—the Tiger King, correct?"
"Are you stepping in my way just to protect this human?!"
"So what if I am?! He saved my life in the past, so today, I will protect his!"
"Good! Good! Good! In that case, you can die alongside him!"
Screech!
The black flame demonic bird let out a deafening double cry and dive-bombed Xu Bai. The white tiger showed absolutely zero fear, raising his claws to meet the attack head-on. At the same time, he sent a frantic voice transmission to Ren Xiaoyao: 'Run! I won't be able to hold him off for long!'
Ren Xiaoyao dragged himself up from the ruined peak, heavily injured. He glanced at the terrifying clash between the two beasts and knew instantly that even if he joined the fray, they still wouldn't be a match for a Tier 3 Peak demonic bird!
Gritting his teeth, he shot back into the sky and fled south with everything he had left.
The Black Flame Sparrow was utterly enraged. Both its heads screeched again as gale-force winds wrapped in black fire formed a dense barrier. It violently bashed into Xu Bai, sending him flying backward for several meters. The tiger's massive body skidded across the ground, carving a deep trench through the earth.
"You bothersome beast!"
The left head unleashed a cascading waterfall of wind blades, while the right head spat a churning ocean of dark flames, both pouring down simultaneously.
Xu Bai roared furiously. His spiritual power erupted wildly, and the 'King' pattern on his forehead flared with blinding light as he braced himself to take the horrifying assault head-on.
His razor-sharp claws shredded the wind blades, while his tough tiger physique endured the scorching dark flames. Charging straight through the sea of fire, he lunged and clamped his jaws viciously onto the demonic bird's right wing.
However, the demonic bird's speed was terrifying, and its reflexes were like lightning. It instantly twisted its body to evade.
Retaliating immediately, its monstrous talons gouged savagely into Xu Bai's back, ripping away a massive chunk of flesh. Stark white bone was left exposed as crimson blood completely soaked the tiger's fur.
The black flame demonic bird then callously hurled the tiger toward a rocky cliff.
Boom!
Massive boulders shattered, sending a plume of dust soaring into the sky.
Following that, the demonic bird opened its beak and blasted out a torrent of dark fire. It scorched Xu Bai's fur entirely black, leaving his flesh mutilated as a sickening burnt smell filled the air.
In an instant, Xu Bai was left on the absolute brink of death.
Yet the demonic bird was uncommonly vicious. Without the slightest intention of letting him go, it spread its wings and dive-bombed him, aiming its lethal talons directly at his skull.
If this strike landed, Xu Bai would unquestionably die.
But exactly at that moment, an emerald-green light screen abruptly erupted from the ground, forcefully blocking the demonic bird's talons.
However, in the very next second, the screen shattered into countless pieces.
A verdant shadow flashed past. The figure that appeared was none other than an avatar of the Ancient Locust Tree King.
"Tree King," the demonic bird sneered, its four pupils narrowing dangerously. "Are you going to make an enemy out of me, too?"
"Black Flame Sparrow," the Ancient Locust Tree King's avatar spoke calmly. "Spare the Tiger King's life. He is, after all, a guardian of this place."
"He deliberately interfered with my kill to protect a human! He deserves to die!"
"The Holy Mountain only ordered us to prevent humans from leaving; it never forbade us from befriending them."
The Ancient Locust Tree King's avatar continued, "All living beings possess emotions. That human aided the Tiger King before his Dao was formed, so it is only natural that the Tiger King repays that debt of gratitude.
Teaching him a harsh lesson today is sufficient. There is no need for a killing blow.
Otherwise, having to select and train a brand new guardian would be incredibly troublesome!"
The Tree King's avatar looked straight at the Black Flame Sparrow. "Or perhaps you are willing to stay here and stand guard for the next few centuries?"
The Black Flame Sparrow's eyes flickered, visibly filled with deep-seated apprehension.
His father, the Nine Nether Sparrow, had explicitly warned him never to provoke this old locust tree.
Being able to casually block a full-powered strike proved that the Tree King was truly terrifying. It might actually be true, as the rumors suggested, that this old tree was already a Shapeshifting Great Demon!
He glanced down at the barely-breathing Xu Bai once more. "Fine. Today, I will give you face, Tree King. However, you had better keep him on a tight leash. Do not let him make friends with any more human cultivators.
They are nothing but blood food for our demonic race!"