OBS Chapter 1392 Late Stage of Core Formation, Brothers Reunite!
Chapter 1392 Late Stage of Core Formation, Brothers Reunite!
Chapter 1392 Late Stage of Core Formation, Brothers Reunite!
Qin Hao cast a spell, and the dark, heavy Soul-Sounding Pearl, suspended in front of him, began to tremble violently, as if it were a living thing struggling.
Within the bead, countless twisted black shadows seemed to churn and collide, emitting a piercing shriek. Qin Hao's expression was solemn as his ten fingers flew like lightning, pouring out strands of pure magical power, forming silver-white runes that imprinted layer upon layer onto the bead's surface. A full half-hour passed before the Soul-Sounding Bead, as if having exhausted all its ferocity, let out a reluctant hum and fell completely silent.
It's done! Qin Hao felt a slight sense of relief, and with a thought, a glint of light flashed from the opening of the spirit beast pouch at his waist.
A streak of emerald light landed lightly on his arm—it was a small monkey, its entire body as green as jade. It was curled up, its tail drooping lazily on Qin Hao's wrist. It barely opened its eyelids, revealing two dull, black bean-like eyes. It glanced at Qin Hao, then lost interest. It tilted its head and began to snore softly, then fell into a deep sleep again.
"You lazybones..." Qin Hao chuckled, his fingers gently stroking the soft fur on the little monkey's head. "You really are easygoing."
The Soul-Crying Beast seemed to sense something, its small head nestled deeper into his arm, finding a more comfortable position, and continued its long dream.
Qin Hao shook his head and gently put it back into his spirit beast pouch.
This little guy doesn't need to cultivate diligently; he can reach the Dao Ancestor realm simply by sleeping and absorbing everything along the way, which is truly enviable.
For the next two weeks, the cave was completely isolated from the outside world. Yuan Yao and Yan Li, having received their instructions, devoted themselves to cultivation and did not venture out. Occasionally, the restrictive runes outside the cave would flash, indicating that the Core Formation cultivator surnamed Zhao from the neighboring cave had come to visit, his voice carrying a hint of barely perceptible anxiety as he inquired about the whereabouts of his missing concubine.
Qin Hao only sent out a transmission talisman, explaining the situation in a few words, without revealing even the slightest detail about the entrance to his cave.
Outside the cave, the cultivator surnamed Zhao held the communication talisman, his knuckles turning slightly white, and stood there for a long while with a gloomy expression.
Finally, he took a deep breath and forcibly suppressed the anger rising within him.
"Never mind... she's just a concubine."
He muttered to himself, ultimately lacking the courage to offend a mid-stage Core Formation expert with unfathomable cultivation for a mere plaything, and could only leave in a huff.
When the half-month period was up, Qin Hao left the cave alone. In a corner of Tianxing City, an inconspicuous gray stone building quietly displayed a plaque with the three ancient seal characters "Dark Abyss Pavilion".
The area in front of the building was deserted, yet a chilling aura of "keep away" permeated the air. Qin Hao knocked on the door knocker three times in a specific rhythm, and the heavy stone door silently slid open a crack just wide enough for one person to pass through. He slipped inside, and in the dim light behind the door, a guide shrouded in black robes appeared silently. With a slight nod, the guide led him through the winding, downward stone steps, deeper underground.
The auction hall was dimly lit. The auctioneer's voice was hoarse and flat, and one after another, rare treasures that would cause a bloodbath elsewhere were quickly sold off.
Qin Hao's gaze swept over the magical treasures, pills, and rare materials, remaining calm and composed throughout.
Until a small bronze bell, about the size of a fist, with a deep dark gold color and a hazy moon-white luster flowing on its surface, was presented on the high platform—the Soul-Suppressing Bell!
"Ancient treasure, the Soul-Suppressing Bell. Starting bid: 50,000 spirit stones, minimum increment: 5,000 spirit stones." The auctioneer's voice echoed through the silence.
"Eighty thousand!"
"One hundred thousand!"
"One hundred twenty thousand!"
After a brief silence, the bidding suddenly intensified, clearly indicating that there were many discerning buyers. Qin Hao didn't even lift his eyelids, simply uttering two words: "Two hundred thousand."
The entire room fell silent instantly. Even the auctioneer seemed to pause for a moment before announcing loudly, "Two hundred thousand spirit stones! Is there anyone bidding higher?"
He asked three times, but there was no answer. The moonlight flowing over the surface of the dark golden bell seemed to brighten slightly for a moment before disappearing. It was then carefully carried by the black-robed attendant and presented to Qin Hao.
He ran his fingertips over the bell, a chilling and sinister aura seeping into his soul, carrying a sluggish feeling that seemed to annihilate his spiritual consciousness. Satisfied, he stored it in his storage bag. Although some other unusual items were auctioned afterward, none of them caught his eye.
The auction ended and the spirit stones were handed over. A masked maidservant stepped forward respectfully and whispered, "Senior, the distinguished guests who successfully completed the transaction are welcome to participate in a small trading session. Some of our treasures will also be available as a bonus."
"Lead the way," Qin Hao said succinctly.
The maid led him around several barriers and into a huge underground cave. The moment he entered, Qin Hao felt a chill run down his spine. A heavy, eerie pressure suddenly descended, his consciousness feeling as if it had struck an impenetrable wall, firmly imprisoned within his Niwan Palace, unable to leave his body even an inch!
At the same time, thick black mist rose from the cave walls, swirling and enveloping the bodies of everyone who entered, instantly swallowing their figures, clothing, and even the smallest physical features, leaving only blurry black silhouettes. Even their voices seemed to have been distorted by the array, becoming hoarse and indistinguishable.
"Excellent method." Qin Hao thought to himself, "The Dark Abyss Pavilion's arrangement has essentially eliminated the possibility of the strong bullying the weak and killing to steal treasures."
The transaction began silently in the shadows. A hoarse voice broke the silence: "A 'Mysterious Yin Grass' in exchange for a spiritual item or secret technique to enhance the strength of your soul."
Then, another blurry figure presented a piece of crimson ore: "Crimson Fire Refined Gold, ten taels, in exchange for equivalent Cold Iron or Ice Soul Jade."
……
Qin Hao sat motionless, watching the items pass by, finding nothing that interested him. Until a rough, metallic sound rang out:
"A fist-sized ball of Geng metal, in exchange for a thousand-year-old spiritual herb that can significantly enhance the power of water-attribute supernatural abilities! A slightly younger one... is also negotiable."
Geng Metal!
Qin Hao's spirits lifted! His current Myriad Talisman Treasure Record primarily focused on defense and crowd control. Facing level five or even six demonic beasts, relying solely on talismans to kill them was extremely taxing. He desperately needed a powerful, offensive, and indestructible natal magic weapon! Gengjin was one of the most superior materials for crafting such a weapon. Without further hesitation, he flicked his sleeve, and a cold jade wooden box floated lightly towards the speaking black figure.
With a slight movement of his arm, the shadowy figure lifted the lid of the box a crack, revealing the Azure Lotus lying quietly inside the cold jade box. Its seven leaves were lush and green, and on the pale blue petals in the center, tiny, naturally condensed water droplets reflected the faint light cast from the cave ceiling, like twinkling stars.
"Hmm?" The dark figure let out a low murmur of surprise, followed by a hint of regret: "Azure Lotus? This item is indeed perfect for my needs, containing extremely pure water elemental power. It's a pity... it's a bit lacking in age, barely around seven hundred years. Fellow Daoist... do you have any similar or older water-attribute spiritual herbs?"
Qin Hao's voice came through the black mist, calm and even: "Fellow Daoist is too kind. This 'Azure Lotus' was obtained by chance and is extremely rare in the world. If you are sincere in your transaction, I am willing to add another 50,000 low-grade spirit stones as a bonus."
The dark figure fell silent, seemingly weighing its options. At that moment, at the other end of the cave, two other dark figures also moved, each taking out a jade box or jade bottle and pushing them to the central area, clearly also interested in Geng Jin. One jade box contained a strangely shaped, dark green algae, emanating a chilling aura; the other jade bottle contained three drops of deep blue, viscous liquid, pulsating with powerful water elemental energy.
The owner of Gengjin scanned three directions with his gaze, and finally, he picked up the Cold Jade Box again, feeling the gentle yet vast aquatic vitality within it. The other two spiritual items, though also precious, were not as effective as the Azure Water Lotus.
He decisively pushed the other two spiritual items back, and said in a deep voice towards Qin Hao's shadowy figure, "Fine. Considering that this item is compatible with my cultivation technique, the Gengjin is yours! Give me the spirit stones!"
Without further ado, Qin Hao sent a small storage bag flying to the other party. The shadowy figure scanned it with his divine sense, confirmed it was correct, and then tossed the fist-sized piece of Geng metal over.
It felt heavy and cold to the touch. As Qin Hao ran his fingertips across its surface, the sharpness that seemed capable of cutting through anything calmed him down.
At the subsequent trade fair, several strange items shone with extraordinary light and aura, causing the figures in the black mist to stir slightly.
A fragmented jade slip, rumored to have originated from an ancient forbidden land; several strange seeds with an enticing fragrance, whose specific uses even the supplier couldn't explain;... However, the items required in exchange for these goods were mostly extremely rare or had exceptionally demanding requirements, ultimately preventing any successful transactions. Qin Hao could only suppress his emotions, thinking that the opportunity hadn't arrived yet and he couldn't force it.
As the trade fair ended, a soft halo of light illuminated the center of the cave. Qin Hao stepped inside, feeling a slight distortion in space. The next moment, he was randomly teleported to the depths of a secluded alley in Tianxing City. He quickly concealed his presence, blending into the crowd like a drop of water in the ocean.
I had just turned a noisy street corner. Inside a roadside teahouse, the hushed conversation of several monks reached my ears clearly:
"...Have you heard? The young master of Qingyang Sect has been murdered! Right outside the city!"
"I've heard more than I have! Master Sanyang has completely gone mad! He's offered a bounty of one million spirit stones! The entire Qingyang Sect is acting like a mad dog, biting people everywhere!"
"Tsk tsk, a million spirit stones... I heard that the 'Poisonous Scholar' from the West City died mysteriously yesterday. Do you think it was really revenge from an enemy, or did someone want to claim the bounty and just find someone to take the fall?"
"Shut up! Are you out of your mind? Now everyone in the Qingyang Sect looks like a murderer! Be careful what you say!"
Qin Hao didn't stop walking, his face as calm as a deep well, as if the matter being discussed had nothing to do with him. Even if the Three Yang Master was furious, he would never dare to set foot in Tianxing City and cause trouble.
Back in his cave, Qin Hao went straight to Yuan Yao and Yan Li, who came to greet him, and said, "These days, unless absolutely necessary, do not go out. Qingyang Sect is a mad dog now; getting bitten by them will cause trouble."
The two goddesses straightened up and quickly nodded.
After giving his instructions, Qin Hao stepped into the deepest stone chamber. The heavy stone door slammed shut, isolating the inside from the outside. He sat cross-legged at the core of the Spirit Gathering Array, and with a flick of his hand, an exquisite jade box appeared. The lid opened, and inside lay a fist-sized, warm, orange-yellow fruit—the very main ingredient for refining the Qi Cultivation Pill, the Qi Cultivation Fruit! The auxiliary medicinal materials had also been prepared and neatly arranged to the side.
He closed his eyes and communicated with the depths of his consciousness.
"AI, begin deducing the complete refining process of 'Nourishing Essence Pill', simulating the medicinal property fusion nodes and the optimal fire control rules."
[AI: Command confirmed. Deduction initiated... Analyzing the vitality of the Nourishing Fruit Tree Source... Analyzing the harmonizing properties of the Nine-Leaf Orchid Heart Grass... Calculating the critical point for the detonation of the Crimson Sun Sand... In the process of fusion deduction... Constructing the three-dimensional dynamic alchemy model... Generating the temperature fluctuation curve... Estimated deduction completion time: twelve hours...]
Twelve hours later, Qin Hao suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze sharp as lightning. He swept his sleeve across his body, and a crimson alchemy furnace, inlaid with three mid-grade fire-attribute spirit stones, landed on the fire pit with a "hum".
The furnace lid opened, and the Peiyuan Fruit was precisely added. Immediately afterwards, one by one, the auxiliary medicines, according to the optimal order and time intervals deduced by the intelligent brain, transformed into streams of light and disappeared into the furnace opening.
The scene inside the furnace unfolded clearly in Qin Hao's mind: his divine sense, like fine threads, precisely guided the direction of every strand of medicinal power. The Nourishing Essence Fruit slowly melted into a viscous golden syrup under the high temperature, radiating a surging life force.
The emerald green sap transformed from the Nine-Leaf Orchid Heart Grass gently enveloped it, like the most patient soother, gradually tempering the overly domineering vitality. The Crimson Sun Sand, like a spark thrown into a hot oil pan, hissed and burst forth with a cluster of tiny yet intensely fiery red light, perfectly fusing the various medicinal energies into one! Under Qin Hao's exquisite control, the temperature inside the furnace fluctuated between a gentle spring breeze and the scorching heat of the sun, perfectly matching the complex curves provided by the AI. On the furnace walls, intricate runes lit up one after another, each flash accompanied by a subtle tremor and purification of the medicinal energy within the furnace.
After an unknown amount of time, an indescribable, rich fragrance suddenly burst out from the crack in the stove lid, instantly filling the entire stone chamber and refreshing the soul.
The furnace fire slowly died down. Qin Hao waved his hand, and nine pills, each the size of a longan, orange-yellow in color, with swirling cloud patterns on their surface, flew into the jade bottle in his palm. Nine pills were formed, three of which had full halos and inner radiance, actually of superior grade!
He picked up a top-grade Qi-Nourishing Pill and swallowed it. The pill melted instantly in his mouth, and a surge of hot and rich medicinal power rushed into his limbs and bones like a flood bursting its banks!
Qin Hao's expression turned solemn, not daring to be negligent in the slightest. He immediately activated the third level of the "Purple Gold Sky-Splitting Technique." The vast and pure medicinal power was rapidly gathered and refined, merging into the surging river of magical power, and finally flowing into his dantian, nourishing the golden core that was spinning and shining ever brighter.
Time passes silently, seasons change. Dust that falls from the top of the stone chamber accumulates in a shallow layer on the ground.
The spiritual energy was still abundant, but the surging medicinal power had completely settled down, transforming into a deeper and more restrained golden core power.
Thirty years have passed in the blink of an eye.
On this day, the figure that had been sitting cross-legged for thirty years finally trembled slightly. Qin Hao slowly opened his eyes, his gaze no longer sharp and piercing, but rather a profound depth that had been tempered, as if containing a starry sea. Deep within his pupils, a condensed, dark golden light flashed and disappeared.
He exhaled a long, silent breath of stale air. The breath, about ten feet away from his body, condensed and did not dissipate, faintly emitting a sharp metallic clang, which lasted for several breaths before quietly dissipating.
"Late stage of Core Formation..." Qin Hao felt the surging, powerful magic force within his body, more than twice as strong as it had been thirty years ago, and the golden core floating in the center of his Qi Sea, radiant and solidified like a real golden core. A genuine smile finally appeared on his lips.
However, a hint of melancholy lingered beneath that smile. The difficulty of breaking through the bottleneck to the late Core Formation stage far exceeded expectations. The years spent stuck at this bottleneck nearly exhausted all the Qi-Nourishing Pills. However, the gains were not small. In addition to breaking through to the late Core Formation stage, the Great Evolution Technique had also broken through to the fourth level. Unfortunately, there were no follow-up cultivation methods. If he wanted to continue improving, he would have to go to the Thousand Bamboo Sect.
After calming down a bit, Qin Hao's mind stirred, and ten demon cores, each the size of a fingertip, sharp platinum in color and exuding a rich metallic aura, flew out of his storage bag and hovered in front of him.
Each of these level-five metal-type demon cores contains the essence of a raging demon beast and the killing intent of Geng and Xin. This is his trump card, accumulated over the past ten years of bloody battles in the outer space, specially prepared for the secret technique attached to the third level of the "Purple Gold Sky-Splitting Technique"—"Golden Sky Slash"!
"AI, initiate the simulation! Analyze the core essence of 'Golden Sky Slash,' combine it with the characteristics of the ten level-five gold-type demon cores, and deduce the optimal refining path and secret technique guidance model to avoid the risk of demonic energy backlash!"
[AI: Command confirmed... Deconstructing the secret rune structure... Scanning the demon core's energy map... Simulating refining conflict points... Constructing energy guidance channels... Deduction complete. Optimal solution: Using the alchemical fire as the furnace, divine sense as the hammer, and shattered core as the liquid, guide the evil energy into the meridians, condense the golden evil energy river into the dantian, and use the secret runes as a bridge to connect supernatural powers... Risk rate: less than seven percent...]
With the perfect roadmap provided by the AI, Qin Hao no longer hesitated. He formed profound hand seals, and pale golden flames rose between his fingers. The flames were not intense, but they carried a power that could melt all things. The ten demon cores were enveloped in the flames, like ten miniature stars floating in the air.
Under the precise control of Qin Hao's vast divine sense, the hard outer shell of the demon core began to soften and dissolve, emitting a sizzling sound. Strands of violent golden evil energy were forcibly stripped and purified, and the scorching hot liquid, shining with a dazzling white-gold color, gradually gathered together, eventually forming a fist-sized ball of brilliant golden liquid, like molten sun gold!
Qin Hao's expression turned solemn as he opened his mouth and inhaled. The scorching golden liquid, hot enough to melt metal, was drawn into his mouth by an invisible force! The scalding, violent Gengxin evil energy instantly exploded within his body, like countless tiny golden needles piercing and surging through his meridians, sending waves of excruciating pain through him. He groaned, veins throbbing on his forehead, enduring the tearing agony as he fully activated the third level of the *Purple Gold Sky-Splitting Technique*!
Within his dantian, the scorching golden liquid, drawn by the powerful suction of the golden core, surged forth like a torrent of metal bursting its banks! Around the golden core, a vast ocean of magical power churned violently, as if a red-hot iron had been plunged into it. The golden liquid flowed and spread, guided by Qin Hao's divine sense and bound by secret runes, surging and swirling around the spinning dark golden core, gradually forming a dazzling golden galaxy, radiating an invincible and terrifying aura!
The Milky Way rippled, and with each turn, Qin Hao's entire body of magical power responded accordingly, containing a vast and sharp force that was held back but not unleashed.
The air inside the stone chamber seemed to freeze, and the invisible pressure caused the restrictive runes on the floor and walls to flicker erratically, groaning under the unbearable weight.
"It's done!" Qin Hao shouted inwardly, his eyes blazing with golden light!
He didn't unleash his full power; he merely focused his mind on drawing upon a tiny wisp of power from the golden starry river. With his fingers like a sword, he slashed at the thick stone wall a few feet away in front of him!
"laugh--!!!"
There was no earth-shattering explosion, only a sharp, piercing sound that seemed to forcibly tear space itself apart!
A thin golden line, less than three feet long and as tangible as a physical object, suddenly appeared! The air around the edge of that golden line distorted and rippled strangely, moving faster than divine sense could detect! It silently sliced through the stone wall, and through the layers of inverted five elements array defensive light screen behind it!
puff!
Pfft!
The cave's stone walls, which were incredibly sturdy and strong enough to withstand the relentless bombardment of ordinary Core Formation cultivators, were smoothly sliced open with a bottomless crevice, like a hot knife cutting into butter!
The smooth, mirror-like edges of the crack in the stone were instantly scorched black by the high temperature! Immediately following behind was the inverted Five Elements Array light curtain, which was both flexible and resilient, with a flowing, multicolored radiance!
The light barrier rippled violently like water rippled after a pebble was thrown in, then emitted a barely audible cracking sound as the golden thread pierced through a small hole! Although the light barrier quickly healed under the power of the array, the sight of it being pierced in an instant was enough to prove the terrifying penetrating power contained in the golden thread!
The stone chamber was deathly silent, save for Qin Hao's slightly heavy breathing. He stared at the deep gash on the stone wall and the faint ripples remaining on the inverted Five Elements Array's light screen, a flicker of horror crossing his eyes: "The power of this 'Golden Sky Slash'... it's truly astounding! No wonder the 'Purple Gold Sky-Splitting Technique' lists it as one of the strongest killing techniques for the Core Formation stage, with extremely demanding requirements for materials! If it weren't for the AI's deduction of a method to substitute demon core essence..."
Meanwhile, in the outer hall of the cave.
Boom! ! !
The dull, strange sound of the stone wall being torn apart and the sharp, lingering force that pierced through the array's light barrier struck the mind like an invisible hammer blow!
"Ah—!" Yanli, who was meditating, let out a short scream and jumped up abruptly, her face as white as paper.
The jade slip in Yuan Yao's hand fell to the ground with a "clatter." She suddenly stood up, her delicate body tense, her eyes filled with extreme fear: "Is it the Three Yang Old Demon who has attacked?!"
The destructive aura that was leaked out in that instant caused her extremely sensitive spiritual senses, which had become extremely acute after cultivating the Yin-Yang Reincarnation Technique, to frantically warn her, as if the Grim Reaper's scythe had grazed her neck!
The stone chamber door swung open with a roar. Qin Hao appeared in the doorway, his expression calm yet carrying a hint of sharpness that had not yet been completely concealed.
"Senior! Are you alright?" Yuan Yao rushed forward, her voice still trembling. Her gaze swept quickly over Qin Hao, and only after confirming that he was unharmed did she breathe a sigh of relief, patting her chest. "We were so scared! That aura just now... even the Reversal of the Five Elements Formation... Senior, what exactly did you do in there? That commotion... it was terrifying!"
Yanli nodded repeatedly, still shaken, her eyes filled with lingering fear. Back then, they had relied on this Reversed Five Elements Formation to withstand a fierce attack from a Core Formation cultivator for quite some time!
Seeing the two women's terrified expressions, Qin Hao smiled apologetically: "It's nothing. I was just practicing a secret technique and couldn't completely control my power for a moment, which startled you."
As soon as he finished speaking, Yuan Yao's eyes, which had become even more profound and lively due to her cultivation of the Ghost Path technique, were now gazing at Qin Hao with a strange light.
She asked cautiously, "Senior...you've been in seclusion for so long this time, could it be...could it be that you've already broken through to the late stage of Core Formation?"
Qin Hao raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised: "Oh? How did you figure it out?"
Two faint blushes rose on Yuan Yao's fair cheeks, as if she were a little embarrassed by her presumption. She said in a low voice, "Since I started cultivating the Yin-Yang Reincarnation Technique bestowed upon me by Senior, my perception of the aura of various pure energies in the world seems to have become much more acute. Just now, when Senior came out of seclusion, I vaguely felt that the energy surrounding Senior... that aura of the Golden Core, was much more vast and pure than before my seclusion, like a deep abyss. So... that's why I dared to guess."
A hint of understanding and appreciation flashed in Qin Hao's eyes. He looked at Yuan Yao with a smile and nodded slightly: "Not bad. You haven't wasted these thirty years."
Upon hearing this, Yuan Yao was overjoyed, as if she had received a great compliment.
Qin Hao's gaze swept over the two women. Yuan Yao's aura was agile and profound, and she had already firmly stood at the peak of the late Foundation Establishment stage, only one step away from the threshold of Core Formation! As for Yan Li next to her, although her aura was stable, she was clearly stuck at the peak of the early Foundation Establishment stage, and her face showed a trace of undisguised bitterness and disappointment.
With the same supply of elixirs and the same cultivation environment, the ghostly talent of this Yin-type body is truly the envy of others.
"With a solid foundation, success will come naturally." Qin Hao said to Yuan Yao, "I will keep an eye out for the materials needed for Core Formation for you."
He then looked at Yanli and said, "You don't need to be impatient. Just take it one step at a time."
The two women quickly bowed in agreement, and a glimmer of hope ignited in Yanli's eyes.
The cave gate slowly opened, and Qin Hao stepped out first, followed by Yuan Yao and Yan Li. The bright sunlight shone on the three of them, dispelling the gloom of their long seclusion.
Just then, the stone door of the adjacent cave, carved with intricate patterns of mythical beasts, opened with a creaking sound.
The Core Formation cultivator surnamed Zhao was beaming with joy, accompanied by a newly recruited, stunningly beautiful female cultivator. They had clearly returned from a trip and were still enjoying themselves. His relaxed and contented smile was on his face as his gaze casually swept over Qin Hao, and he was about to offer a perfunctory greeting.
However, when his consciousness habitually swept over Qin Hao, the smile on his face instantly froze!
It was like crashing into an unfathomable, towering iceberg! The powerful, restrained yet vast magical energy fluctuations, though the master tried his best to suppress them, still pressed down on him like a tangible tide, silently and relentlessly!
"Hiss..." The cultivator surnamed Zhao gasped sharply, his steps faltering involuntarily. His eyes widened like copper bells, and his mouth remained agape for a long time, his face filled with disbelief.
"Late stage of Core Formation? This...how is this possible?!"
He clearly remembered that this "Fellow Daoist Zhang" had only been in Tianxing City for a little over fifty years! Fifty years? From the early stage of Core Formation to the late stage? What an monstrous speed!
After the initial shock, a mixture of jealousy and intense fear surged within him.
Looking at Qin Hao's still young, calm, and composed face, the cultivator surnamed Zhao felt his throat go dry. He swallowed hard, and his expression quickly changed from astonishment to an almost obsequious respect. He cupped his hands in a gesture of respect from afar, his voice carrying a slight lisp that he himself was unaware of: "Congratulations... Congratulations on Fellow Daoist Zhang's great progress in cultivation! Your divine skills are unparalleled!"
"Fellow Daoist Zhao, you're too kind." Qin Hao simply returned the greeting, his gaze sweeping over him and his new concubine before he and Yuan Yao took flight on a beam of light, transforming into an inconspicuous streak of light as they flew towards the bustling inner city of Tianxing City.
Only after the escaping light completely disappeared into the densely packed, enormous buildings did the cultivator surnamed Zhao slowly straighten up, a fine layer of cold sweat beading on his forehead. He muttered under his breath, his tone extremely complex, "My God... how did this Zhang guy... cultivate? Breaking through two levels in fifty years? Is he even human?"
His newly acquired concubine looked at his bewildered state with a blank expression, completely bewildered. The cultivator surnamed Zhao waved his hand irritably, as if trying to quell the turmoil in his heart, "...Good heavens, next time we meet, will I have to kneel and call you 'senior'?"
The thought made him feel uneasy all over.
Tianxing City, Inner City. Towering peaks rise into the sky, with countless magnificent pavilions and palaces built against the mountainside, layer upon layer reaching into the clouds, making it even more imposing than the outer city. The spiritual energy is so dense that it almost becomes a tangible mist. The streets are wide, bustling with people, and high-level cultivators can be seen everywhere.
Qin Hao, familiar with the area, led Yuan Yao and Yan Li straight to the most bustling part of Tiandu Street. His goal was clear: to purchase key materials to aid Yuan Yao's Core Formation, such as the Dust-Reducing Pill and Heavenly Fire Liquid.
At the same time, his seclusion consumed a great deal of energy, and he also needed to replenish a batch of materials for drawing talismans.
Of course, after sitting in seclusion for thirty years, coming out for some fresh air and experiencing the hustle and bustle of this great city of cultivation is also a way to adjust one's state of mind.
Just as he reached the familiar vermilion-lacquered carved gate of "Miaoyinfang," which exuded a refined sandalwood fragrance, before he could even take a step, a sound transmission talisman, as if possessing a spirit, deftly bypassed the crowd and came to a steady stop in front of him.
Qin Hao's lips curled up almost imperceptibly, and with a flick of his finger, a ray of light entered the transmission talisman, instantly activating it and sending it back.
Just an incense stick's time later, a young cultivator dressed in an ordinary blue robe, with slightly dark skin and an unremarkable face—so plain he would disappear into a crowd in an instant—appeared silently at the entrance of Miaoyin Pavilion.
"Junior Brother Han, it's been many years since we last met. You're even more impressive than before. Congratulations on achieving Core Formation!" Qin Hao looked at Han Li with a genuine smile in his eyes.
Han Li quickly stepped forward and bowed deeply respectfully: "Senior brother, please don't make fun of me. If it weren't for your guidance in the past, how could I be where I am today?"
He raised his head, and when his gaze fell on Qin Hao, his respect instantly turned into undisguised shock and a hint of bitterness. "As for you, Senior Brother... this... this progress... truly leaves me far behind, unable to catch up! Senior Brother is now... already in the late stage of Core Formation, right?"
His mind was in turmoil. He had exhausted all his strength and had many opportunities to succeed in forming his core several years ago. He thought he could finally close the gap with this mysterious senior brother, but who would have thought... that the other party had already quietly stepped into the late stage of core formation!
The gap has not narrowed; in fact, it has widened!
Qin Hao simply smiled slightly and did not respond directly.
The two didn't lower their voices during their brief conversation. Madam Jiao, who was standing nearby, had a professional, gentle smile on her face, but the moment she heard the words "late-stage Core Formation," her smile froze!
Her pupils contracted sharply, her knuckles gripping the jade ruyi turned slightly white from the excessive force, and her breath caught in her throat for a moment! Fifty years! From the early stage of Core Formation to the late stage! This is beyond genius; it's monstrous! The potential this represents is enough to drive any power mad!
However, Madam Jiao was, after all, a shrewd businesswoman. The shock flashed in her eyes for a moment, but she quickly suppressed it, and her face once again put on an impeccable, gentle smile. In a soft voice, she interjected, "The two seniors have been reunited after a long time, and I'm sure they have much to talk about. This place is too noisy. Why don't we move upstairs to the 'Listening Bamboo Room,' where it is quiet and elegant, and I can serve you some spiritual tea?"
Qin Hao looked at Han Li, who nodded slightly. Led by Madam Jiao, the two ascended the steps.
The private room was serene and quiet, with verdant bamboo groves visible outside the window. After serving the tea and several plates of delicate pastries, the female cultivator was signaled by Madam Jiao to silently leave. Yuan Yao and Yan Li remained on the second floor, curiously examining the dazzling array of goods at Miaoyin Workshop.
Madam Jiao bowed again: "This junior will wait outside the door. Please summon me at any time if you two seniors have any instructions."
After speaking, he quietly withdrew and considerately closed the door of the private room.
After confirming that there was no one else in the private room, Han Li cautiously waved his hand, and a layer of light blue light instantly enveloped the entire room, isolating all sounds.
"Junior Brother, what do you think of Tianxing City compared to Kuixing Island back then?" Qin Hao picked up his white jade teacup, took a small sip of the refreshing spiritual tea, and broke the silence.
"A place of great prosperity, blessed with good fortune." Han Li looked around the elegant furnishings of the private room, with the bustling street scene outside the window in full view: "The abundance of resources far surpasses that of Kui Xing Island. What's even more remarkable is that there is a Nascent Soul stage cultivator here, making it one of the most stable places in the Chaotic Star Sea."
"Junior brother, why don't you settle down here? Once you've stabilized your cultivation level, we, as fellow disciples, can join hands again to roam the outer star seas, hunt demons and obtain their cores. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"
Han Li put down his teacup, a helpless yet wary smile on his face: "I am deeply grateful for your kindness, Senior Brother. Tianxing City is indeed a good place, and I was just thinking of finding a cave to stay in temporarily. However... the outer star sea is extremely dangerous and unpredictable. I have only just formed my core and haven't even been able to refine a suitable magic weapon yet. My strength is too weak. If I rashly follow you there, I'm afraid I will not only be unable to help you, but I will also become a burden to you, causing you to be distracted. In that case, I would be guilty beyond measure."
He adopted a humble posture, and his reasons were quite plausible. But Qin Hao knew perfectly well that all the talk of being a burden was just a facade; this Old Devil Han was afraid that his secret of using the accelerated ripening of the Rainbow Grass would be discovered!
He would rather face the monster alone than take that risk.
Qin Hao chuckled inwardly and didn't press the matter further. He picked up his teacup and took a sip: "It's alright. It's always good for Junior Brother to be cautious. There are many alien sea monsters and opportunities. Junior Brother just needs to act according to his own will."