OBS Chapter 1385 Core Formation and Natal Magic Treasure!
Chapter 1385 Core Formation and Natal Magic Treasure!
Deep within the cave, the spiritual energy was as thick as liquid, almost impossible to dissolve. The light of the Inverted Five Elements Array flowed across the stone walls, isolating all external prying eyes and noise. Qin Hao sat cross-legged at the core of the Spirit Gathering Array, his five centers facing upwards, his eyes closed, his mind focused on his dantian.
The dantian and qi sea were no longer what they had been during the Foundation Establishment stage. The vast, ocean-like liquid mana had a metallic sheen, surging and containing immense power. This was the ultimate manifestation of the late Foundation Establishment stage, where mana liquefaction had reached its peak.
At this moment, this liquid ocean of magical power is being pulled and squeezed by an invisible force, slowly and steadily collapsing towards the center of the sea of qi.
boom!
The previously slowly rotating liquid mana was instantly ignited! The medicinal power of the Dust-Suppressing Pill acted like the purest catalyst, frantically stimulating every drop of liquid mana, making it extremely active and restless. The entire ocean of mana churned violently, the waves roared, and the rotation speed at the center suddenly increased several times, forming a huge, bottomless vortex.
At the center of the vortex, a powerful centripetal force was born, frantically tearing and compressing the surrounding liquid magic.
Compression! Extreme compression!
Under this violent compression, the density of the liquid magic increased at an astonishing rate. In the depths of the azure ocean, a barely perceptible golden glimmer began to appear.
Driven by the medicinal effects, Qin Hao dared not slacken in the slightest. He fully activated the powerful divine sense of the peak third level of the Great Evolution Technique, meticulously guiding the compression force. His divine sense, like countless invisible hands, penetrated every corner of the ocean of magical power, controlling the flow of every drop of liquid magical power to ensure that the compression process was as uniform and efficient as possible, avoiding any loss of effort due to imbalance of power.
Time lost its meaning within the cave. The sun rose and set, the seasons changed.
The compression process is slow and painful, as if squeezing a vast ocean into a clear spring.
His dantian was like a furnace being constantly forged, enduring unimaginable pressure. Fine beads of sweat appeared on Qin Hao's forehead, and his body trembled slightly, but he held fast to the clarity of his mind, guiding the work of creation with great perseverance and wisdom.
It's unclear how much time has passed—perhaps months, perhaps a year. The potency of the Dust-Slaying Pill has been more than half depleted, but the crucial moment for its compression has only just arrived.
The medicinal power of "Snow Spirit Water" began to spread throughout the body, and an extreme cold that penetrated deep into the bone marrow, seemingly capable of freezing even the soul, instantly permeated the entire body and surged towards the dantian.
This extremely cold power did not freeze the magic power. Instead, it acted like the most precise quenching agent, instantly "tempering" the scalding, violent, and slightly buoyant liquid magic power ocean that had become scalding hot due to compression!
Those restless, impure magical particles instantly solidified and precipitated under this extreme cold, only to be mercilessly pulverized and expelled by the violent vortex.
The entire ocean of magic seemed to have shrunk in size, but its color became deeper and purer, with the golden specks of light shining through the azure becoming more dense and brighter.
At the same time, the scorching energy of the "Heavenly Fire Liquid" surged wildly into the dantian! This energy was like the last divine fire igniting a furnace, carrying the will to burn away all impurities and melt all things, and it was injected into the magic core that had been compressed to the extreme and tempered by extreme cold! The sudden extreme heat after extreme cold formed a strange yin-yang harmony.
"Boom——!"
A deafening roar, as if the heavens and earth were splitting apart, seemed to resound within Qin Hao's dantian! At the very center of that vortex of magical power, under the intense catalysis of the "Heavenly Fire Liquid's" scorching energy, the continuous stimulation of the Dust-Reducing Pill's medicinal power, and the precise guidance of the powerful divine sense of the "Great Evolution Technique," quantitative change finally triggered qualitative change!
Countless liquid magical particles, shimmering with dazzling golden light, began to attract, collide, and merge with each other under the combined effect of an irresistible centripetal force and the melting power of "Heavenly Fire Liquid"!
A tiny, exquisitely refined, yet unimaginably pure golden light was quietly born at the center of the vortex!
This is the prototype of the Golden Elixir! It is the source of leaps in the level of life!
At this moment, Qin Hao's mind was highly focused, guiding more liquid magic particles to fly towards that golden light like moths to a flame!
The golden light grew and solidified at a visible rate. From the size of a needle tip to the size of a grain of rice, and then to the size of a soybean... more and more liquid magic was transformed and condensed into higher and more refined golden solid energy, which adhered to it.
This process is far more difficult than the initial compression, requiring unparalleled patience and precise control. The slightest mistake will cause the nascent golden core to become unstable, resulting in failure. At best, the core will shatter and the cultivator will perish; at worst, the body will die and the soul will dissipate.
Qin Hao, like the most skilled puppeteer, manipulated the threads of his divine sense, carefully guiding every bit of power. He forgot about time and space, his entire mind merging with the brilliant golden light within his dantian.
Time passed swiftly outside, and the spiritual energy within the cave was being consumed at an alarming rate. The Spirit Gathering Array was operating at full power, even drawing upon the vast spiritual energy deep within the spiritual veins of Kui Xing Island, forming a visible vortex of spiritual energy that silently poured into Qin Hao's cave.
One year... two years...
Inside the dantian, the golden pill had grown to the size of a longan! It was perfectly round, with golden light emanating from within, and its surface was covered with mysterious natural Dao patterns, exuding an aura of immortality, solidity, and power.
The liquid mana ocean had shrunk to less than one percent of its original size, with most of its essence absorbed by the golden core. At this point, although the golden core had taken shape, it was not yet refined enough, and its radiance was still somewhat ethereal, like a newborn embryo that needed final nurturing and stabilization.
The medicinal power of the Dust-Subduing Pill had been completely exhausted, and the Yin and Yang energies of the "Snow Spirit Water" and "Heavenly Fire Liquid" had been thoroughly integrated into the Golden Core, completing their final mission. Qin Hao knew that the most crucial and demanding moment had arrived—the moment of nurturing the completed pill.
He slowed the rate at which he absorbed mana, no longer pursuing violent compression, but instead shifting to a gentle, continuous nourishment. The last remaining trace of liquid mana flowed slowly, like warm stream water, gently washing over the surface of the golden core. With each wash, the golden core's radiance became more subdued, its Dao patterns clearer, and its aura more stable. This was a slow and meticulous process, requiring time and absolute tranquility.
Outside the cave, the sky above Kui Xing Island changed color the instant the golden core within Qin Hao's dantian was completely stabilized!
On this day, the sky above Kuixing Island was originally cloudless and clear blue.
Suddenly, without warning, the sky directly above Qin Hao's cave on Tianzhu Peak was filled with swirling clouds! Vast swathes of colorful auspicious clouds, as if drawn by an invisible giant hand, gathered from all directions, layer upon layer, piling up to form a magnificent sea of clouds covering dozens of miles!
Auspicious clouds rolled and billowed, and thousands of beams of auspicious energy shone through them! Soft and solemn golden rays pierced through the gaps in the clouds, illuminating the entire Tianzhu Peak and the surrounding area in a sacred and glorious light.
The spiritual energy of heaven and earth became unusually active, and an indescribable, powerful pressure spread out from the center of the cave like ripples on water. Although it was not aggressive, it made all the cultivators who sensed it feel a sense of awe and submission from the depths of their souls!
This magnificent celestial phenomenon instantly alarmed all the cultivators on Kui Xing Island!
Xiao Huan Island, Han Li's Cave.
Han Li, who was carefully transplanting a rare spiritual herb inside his cave, suddenly raised his head and instantly appeared outside the cave.
He gazed at the auspicious seven-colored clouds and golden light that covered dozens of miles in the direction of Tianzhu Peak, feeling the overwhelming pressure that spread out and made his soul tremble. His pupils contracted sharply, and the muscles on his face twitched slightly.
"Forming...forming the core! Could it be that my senior brother..." Han Li's voice trembled with disbelief, his eyes filled with extreme shock and...a hint of unconcealed bitterness.
His clenched fists turned white at the knuckles, his mind churning: "Ten years! From the late Foundation Establishment stage to Core Formation..."
He knew all too well how difficult it was to form the core. He was still struggling in the middle stage of foundation building, while the other party had already taken a leap forward, his lifespan had increased to five hundred years, and he had truly entered the ranks of high-level cultivators.
The golden auspicious clouds were like a heavy hammer, striking his Dao heart that was pursuing immortality. Envy and jealousy intertwined, turning into an even more urgent obsession to form the core.
"One day, I, Han Li, will surely be the same!" he murmured to himself, his voice low but filled with unprecedented determination.
Kui Xing City, the elegant room on the top floor of the "Shan Hai Ge" pavilion.
Ning Haichao, the shopkeeper, was talking eloquently with several important businessmen when his expression suddenly changed drastically, and he appeared by the window facing the street in a flash.
He pushed open the window, his gaze fixed on the magnificent Core Formation phenomenon above Tianzhu Peak, his mouth slightly open, and even his breath paused for a moment.
"Hiss... It's done! Which senior was it... Wait, look at the direction... It's him! He actually succeeded in forming his core!" Ning Haichao's heart was filled with shock. After the initial shock, a surge of joy instantly welled up in his heart!
"Shuang'er, now you're finally saved!"
At the summit of Tianzhu Peak lies the cave dwelling of the Wood Dragon Immortal.
The Wood Dragon Immortal, who was meditating and regulating his breathing in the quiet room, with faint blue dragon shadows coiling around his body, suddenly opened his eyes. Two tangible blue beams of light flashed by, piercing through the cave's restrictions and reaching straight to the sky. A look of surprise flashed across his face, then turned into solemnity, and finally into a long, complex sigh.
"He actually succeeded!" Master Mulong's voice was deep and full of meaning.
The auspicious seven-colored clouds lasted for a full day and night before gradually dissipating, and the immense pressure between heaven and earth slowly subsided.
Inside the cave, Qin Hao slowly opened his eyes. In an instant, two tangible golden rays shot out from his eyes, then the light subsided, returning to a deep and calm state.
"After swallowing a golden pill, I realized that my fate is in my own hands, not in the hands of heaven!"
A clear, resounding roar, brimming with boundless joy and pride, erupted from Qin Hao's mouth! The roar rolled like thunder, containing the immense power of a newly promoted Golden Core cultivator, causing the entire cave to vibrate and the stone benches and tables to shake violently, with stone chips falling in a flurry.
The roar expressed his true feelings! After ten years of secluded cultivation, several brushes with death, and countless schemes and resources, he finally leaped over the dragon gate and entered a new world on the path to immortality!
The seemingly simple phrase "Core Formation" represents a peak that countless cultivators can never reach in their entire lives. If only ten out of a thousand Qi Refining cultivators can reach Foundation Establishment, then even among a thousand Foundation Establishment cultivators, not one might achieve Core Formation! This is a transformation of one's life level, a comprehensive sublimation of magical power, divine consciousness, and lifespan!
Not only do Core Formation cultivators possess the immense power to move mountains and overturn seas, and even control clouds and rain, their lifespan also leaps from over two hundred years in the Foundation Establishment stage to a long five hundred years!
Five hundred years have passed, and mortal dynasties have risen and fallen several times, but Core Formation cultivators have been able to continue pursuing the elusive Nascent Soul Dao, and even higher, throughout the long years.
If we compare Foundation Establishment cultivators to mid-level officers in the military, then Core Formation cultivators have truly earned the right to expand their territory and establish their own lineage!
Take Kui Xing Island as an example. The island lord who controls the life and death of hundreds of thousands of living beings in the 100,000-mile sea area is the Core Formation cultivator - True Man Mu Long!
My surging emotions were like a raging sea, surging endlessly in my chest.
Qin Hao took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, circulating the powerful divine sense of the peak third level of the Great Evolution Technique. Like the most precise tool, it instantly smoothed out all emotional turmoil, restoring his mind to a clear and tranquil state, as still as an ancient well.
After calming his mind, Qin Hao slowly stood up. The successful formation of his core brought him not only power, but also a transformative lightness, as if every movement contained the essence of heaven and earth.
With a slight thought, the "Inverted Five Elements Array" restriction that enveloped the cave quietly withdrew.
The stone gate to the cave slowly opened. Dozens of communication talismans, each shimmering with different colored spiritual light, floated silently at the entrance!
A faint smile appeared on Qin Hao's lips; this scene was within his expectations. The phenomenon of Core Formation was so grand that the entire Kui Xing Island had witnessed it, and the reactions from various forces were naturally swift. He stretched out his slender fingers, casually picked up a few sheets, and scanned them with his divine sense.
Sure enough, most of the letters were recruitment letters from merchant guilds, small and medium-sized cultivation families, or even some obscure sects. The tone was either flattering or enticing, promising offerings, positions as guest elders, beautiful women as cultivation partners, or even marriage alliances, etc. There were many different offers, but the core of them all pointed to one thing—to win over this newly promoted Golden Core cultivator.
To Qin Hao, this information was like the buzzing of flies, utterly devoid of value. With a slight thought, the information belonging to these forces instantly turned to ashes and vanished without a trace through the suspended communication talisman.
As for the remaining few...
One of the talismans carried Han Li's unique aura. Probing with divine sense, Han Li's voice, filled with sincere congratulations, came through: "Congratulations, Senior Brother Zhang, on achieving the Great Perfection of the Golden Core! The Great Dao is within your grasp! Junior Brother Han Li offers his respects from afar!"
His tone was full of respect and envy, but Qin Hao's keen senses still caught a deeply hidden, almost imperceptible hint of bitterness and jealousy. Han Li's willpower far surpassed that of ordinary people, but facing a peer who had so quickly ascended to the Golden Core stage, the resentment and eagerness in his heart were ultimately difficult to completely conceal.
The other one is from Ning Haichao, the manager of "Shan Hai Ge". Manager Ning's voice is full of excitement and flattery: "Ning Haichao, manager of Shan Hai Ge, kowtows to congratulate senior on achieving the Golden Elixir. May you enjoy immortal blessings forever! May you live as long as the heavens."
The remaining few transmission talismans, however, caused Qin Hao's expression to slightly tighten. Each one carried a steady, profound, and powerful fluctuation of magical energy, clearly sent by a cultivator of the same level—a Core Formation True Person!
One of the talismans was a warm, cyan color, with faint dragon-shaped patterns flowing across it, radiating an aura as vast as the sea. Probing with divine sense, a gentle yet authoritative voice rang out:
"It is truly an honor for Kui Xing Island that Fellow Daoist Zhang has chosen to condense his Golden Core here. I, Mu Long, am honored to be the island's master. Once Fellow Daoist Zhang's cultivation is consolidated, you are welcome to visit my cave dwelling on Tianzhu Peak. I will gladly welcome you!"
To occupy such a vast and fertile island as Kuixing Island, there must be a complex network of forces behind it, and the person in question is certainly not someone to be trifled with.
"I wonder if the Star Palace or... the Reverse Star Alliance is behind this True Man Wood Dragon?" Qin Hao's mind raced.
Compared to Tiannan, the situation in the Chaotic Star Sea seems simple on the surface, but in reality, the undercurrents are far more dangerous.
The Star Palace has ruled the Chaotic Star Sea for thousands of years, possessing unfathomable strength. It occupies the core area of Heavenly Star City, and its two Saints are powerful cultivators in the late Nascent Soul stage. It is undoubtedly the number one force in the Chaotic Star Sea.
The Reverse Star Alliance, as its name suggests, is an alliance that rebels against the Star Palace. Its leader, "Six Paths Extreme Saint," is also a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator. His "Six Extremes True Demon Art" is renowned throughout the Chaotic Star Sea, and he is known as invincible below the Divine Transformation level. Even the two Saints of the Star Palace can only barely suppress his power when they join forces.
Kui Xing Island, as an important large island on the outer edge of the Chaotic Star Sea, is rich in resources and has a crucial geographical location, making it inevitably one of the focal points of contention between the two giants. The fact that Master Mu Long chose this time to extend the invitation suggests his intentions are far from simple.
"Let's see what this Wood Dragon Immortal is up to first!" Qin Hao's eyes flashed, and he quickly made a decision.
Regardless of the other party's purpose, contacting this island lord is necessary. It will not only allow him to obtain information but also provide an opportunity to observe the deeper structure of Kui Xing Island and even the Chaotic Star Sea. He needs time to consolidate his cultivation and make thorough preparations for his next move.
The cave returned to silence once more. Qin Hao did not rush to keep his appointment, but chose to continue his seclusion. Although his newly formed golden core was stable, it still needed time to be refined and perfected, and to become familiar with the use of power during the Core Formation stage, especially the subtle control of the vast magical power of the Golden Core stage.
At the same time, with the support of his Golden Core cultivation, the divine sense at the peak of the third level of the Great Evolution Technique seemed to be faintly touching the threshold of the fourth level, and he also needed to calmly comprehend it.
Another month passed, and the stone gate to the cave halfway up Tianzhu Peak opened again. Qin Hao, dressed in a brand-new cyan Daoist robe, stepped out calmly. His aura was completely contained, no longer possessing the astonishing pressure that had emanated from him four years ago when he first achieved Golden Core. He appeared gentle and peaceful, but an invisible majesty had seeped into his very bones with every gesture.
"Ink Dragon Boat!"
A streak of dark light flew out of the storage bag, expanding in the wind to transform into a sleek flying boat covered in fine dark scales.
Stepping onto the Ink Dragon Boat, he released a slight burst of magical power. *Whoosh!* The boat trembled, transforming into a black beam of light that almost merged with the void, soaring into the sky! Its speed far exceeded that of the Foundation Establishment stage by several times, and the beam of light was condensed, the sound of it tearing through the air as subtle as silk, demonstrating an unparalleled control over his magical power.
The streak of light flashed across the sky above Kui Xing Island, like a low-key yet undeniable bolt of dark lightning. Every cultivator encountered along the way, whether flying on magical artifacts or riding spirit beasts, whether at the Qi Refining or Foundation Establishment stage, paled in horror the moment they sensed the oppressive aura of the Golden Core cultivator!
They all stopped their escape lights, hovering in mid-air, and respectfully bowed in the direction where the black dragon boat had disappeared, their eyes filled with awe, envy, and longing.
Only when the streak of light completely disappeared from sight did the cultivators breathe a long sigh of relief, wipe the cold sweat from their foreheads, and then their discussions began in hushed tones.
"This... must be the senior who successfully formed his core at Tianzhu Peak a month ago, right? What terrifying pressure! Although I can't sense any malice, just passing by has already slowed down my mana circulation!"
"Tsk tsk, Core Formation... This is a true master! Five hundred years of lifespan, watching the world rise and fall!"
"I wonder where this immortal is from. If I could become his disciple..."
The black dragon boat hovered precisely atop Tianzhu Peak, the highest peak on Kuixing Island. Here, clouds and mist swirled, the spiritual energy so dense it was almost tangible. A seemingly ancient and unassuming cave entrance was embedded in the mountainside, easily overlooked unless one knew it beforehand.
However, before Qin Hao's escape light had completely stopped, a clear, peaceful voice filled with joy came from within the cave, resounding clearly across the mountaintop:
"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Zhang, on condensing your Golden Core! Your cultivation has greatly increased! I, Mu Long, have been waiting for you. Please come in quickly!"
As soon as the voice fell, the seemingly ordinary cave entrance suddenly lit up with mysterious runes, and the heavy stone door slid open silently inward.
As the door opened, the scene changed dramatically! Instead of the expected secluded stone path, two rows of slender, beautiful female cultivators dressed in matching light purple palace gowns greeted them!
These female cultivators all possessed Foundation Establishment stage cultivation! They stood in two rows on either side of the road, their postures elegant, their faces bearing respectful and gentle smiles. When Qin Hao's figure appeared at the entrance, the two rows of female cultivators bowed in unison, their voices clear and melodious, like the warbling of orioles and swallows:
"Welcome, Master Zhang!"
This elaborate display was not for ostentation, but rather the highest level of etiquette among Core Formation cultivators, demonstrating Master Mulong's high regard for Qin Hao, this newly joined fellow cultivator.
Qin Hao remained calm, his eyes as still as a deep well. He nodded slightly in acknowledgment and stepped into the cave.
Stepping inside, the scene before my eyes changed drastically once again! The cave was nothing like the stone chamber I had imagined; it was clearly a secluded little world!
The pavilions and towers are arranged in a well-organized manner, with exquisite carved beams and painted rafters, rare and precious plants dotting the landscape, and exotic flowers and herbs exuding a subtle fragrance.
A babbling spring flows into a small lake, its surface shrouded in a light, ethereal mist. The entire space seems to float above the clouds, with cranes soaring and auspicious beasts appearing and disappearing—a scene of otherworldly grandeur, a stark contrast to the simple, unadorned exterior of the cave!
What stirred Qin Hao's heart even more was that the concentration of spiritual energy here far exceeded that of his cave halfway up the mountain by several times!
With each breath, spiritual energy flowed into the meridians like sweet rain, bringing a sense of progress without needing to circulate any cultivation techniques. Clearly, this was the highest spiritual eye of the Kui Xing Island spiritual vein!
Following the jade-paved path deeper into the area, one soon arrives at a lakeside pavilion. There stands a Taoist priest, dressed in a jade-green robe, with a lean face, three long wisps of beard, and an air of refined elegance tinged with authority. This is none other than the master of Kui Xing Island, a mid-stage Core Formation cultivator—True Man Mu Long!
"Haha, Fellow Daoist Zhang, your talent surpasses even that of the past!" True Man Mulong laughed heartily as he stepped forward, his attitude warm yet dignified: "I still remember when you came to my Kui Xing Island, you were only at the late Foundation Establishment stage. In just ten years, you have condensed your Golden Core, achieving a meteoric rise! Such talent is truly unparalleled in my life!"
Qin Hao smiled and said, "Island Master Mu is too kind. I was just lucky."
Master Mulong stroked his long beard and said loudly, "Which of us cultivators has reached this point without relying on luck and opportunity? Fellow Daoist Zhang's words are far too modest. To be able to condense a Golden Core at such a young age, your future achievements will surely be limitless!"
Upon hearing this, Qin Hao merely curled the corners of his lips slightly, revealing a calm smile, and did not respond further.
"Haha, putting everything else aside, Fellow Daoist Zhang's ability to cultivate his inner energy is something that ordinary people cannot possess," Master Mulong praised with a smile, a glint of light flashing in his eyes.
With enough groundwork laid, it's time to get to the point.
"Alright, then I'll get straight to the point." His tone became somewhat serious: "As far as I know, Fellow Daoist Zhang is a rogue cultivator, isn't he?"
As expected, they've arrived. Qin Hao understood, but his expression remained unchanged. He said calmly, "Island Master Mu is right. I am indeed a rogue cultivator who has wandered here and was fortunate enough to be able to form my core on the treasure land of Kui Xing Island."
Upon receiving this "ideal" answer, Master Mulong's smile instantly grew even warmer.
"Fellow Daoist, you are a rogue cultivator who has achieved the Golden Core stage on my Kui Xing Island. This is a great destiny. As the island's lord, I sincerely invite you to join Kui Xing Island and serve as a guest elder! What do you say, Fellow Daoist Zhang?"
"Thank you for your kind offer, Island Master Mu." Qin Hao cupped his hands slightly. "I appreciate Island Master Mu's kindness. However... I am used to being carefree and cannot tolerate too much restraint. I am afraid I am not up to the task."
"Hey, Fellow Daoist Zhang!" Master Mulong raised his hand to indicate that he didn't need to refuse in a hurry. His smile remained, but his tone became even more serious: "There's no need to rush to decline. Why not listen to the conditions I've set out for you before making a decision?"
"If you agree to become a guest elder of my Kui Xing Island," Master Mu Long's voice was clear, "firstly, you may choose any location within Kui Xing Island with an excellent spiritual vein to build a permanent cave dwelling! This cave dwelling and the surrounding area will permanently belong to you and be under the protection of Kui Xing Island. Secondly, you may receive a substantial annual tribute from the total revenue of Kui Xing Island! To be frank, Fellow Daoist Zhang..."
"This number, in previous years it would have started at least at this level, five figures for low-grade spirit stones! And this year, the number will probably be even higher than in previous years!"
Five-figure spirit stones! That means at least ten thousand low-grade spirit stones! This is an extremely generous resource for any Core Formation cultivator.
It's worth noting that a magical artifact only fetches 60,000 low-grade spirit stones at an auction.
And this is merely the fixed annual offering for a guest elder of Kui Xing Island! In addition, there is a permanent cave dwelling, equivalent to possessing a completely personal base on Kui Xing Island. This treatment is undeniably generous, enough to make most newly promoted Core Formation cultivators extremely tempted.
However, the more Mu Long Zhenren promised, the more alarm bells rang in Qin Hao's heart. He was no naive newcomer to the path of immortality. He knew that there were no free lunches. Was a rogue cultivator who had just condensed his Golden Core really worth Mu Long Zhenren, a veteran mid-stage Core Formation island lord, paying such an extraordinary price to win him over?
It could only mean that a storm was brewing on Kui Xing Island! Qin Hao instantly understood the other party's intentions. If it weren't for the immense pressure from the Star Palace or the Reverse Star Alliance, why would Master Mulong be so eager to recruit soldiers, even at such a cost? Joining Kui Xing Island as a guest elder might seem glamorous, but in reality, it could very well mean being tied to the war machine and becoming a pawn in Kui Xing Island's fight against the storm.
Thoughts raced through Qin Hao's mind, but his expression remained unchanged, still bearing that apologetic calmness: "The conditions offered by Island Master Mu are indeed so generous that they have moved me deeply. I am deeply grateful for your kindness. However... I am by nature carefree and single-mindedly pursue the advancement of the Great Dao, and have no intention of being entangled in worldly affairs. I can only fail to live up to your kindness once again, and I hope Island Master Mu will forgive me."
Master Mulong stared at Qin Hao, his fervent smile gradually fading, a barely perceptible hint of disappointment flashing in his eyes.
"Alas... Since Fellow Daoist Zhang has made up his mind, I will not force him any further." His tone carried a hint of helplessness.
However, he clearly hadn't given up completely. Changing the subject, a gentle smile returned to his face: "Fellow Daoist Zhang has just achieved the Golden Core stage; I imagine you have many questions about cultivation. Although I am not particularly talented, I have been cultivating for over two hundred years and have some rudimentary insights. If you don't mind, why not stay in my humble abode for a few days, and we can exchange our cultivation experiences? What do you say?"
This was exactly what Qin Hao had been searching for. The cultivation experience of the Core Formation stage, especially the insights of veteran Core Formation cultivators like True Person Mulong, was a treasure trove that was difficult to record in detail in any classic text. It was crucial for him to solidify his foundation and plan his future path, and it could also greatly enrich the database of the AI, enabling more accurate deductions and simulations.
Qin Hao immediately showed a pleased expression, cupped his hands and said, "To be able to receive guidance from the Island Master is a great opportunity for me, how could I possibly refuse? I couldn't ask for more!"
For the next three days, Qin Hao stayed in the cave of True Immortal Mulong. The two sat and discussed the Dao, exploring the mysteries of cultivation techniques and exchanging insights on refining the Golden Core.
As expected of a seasoned Core Formation cultivator, Master Mulong was able to explain in detail the problems that early-stage Core Formation cultivators might encounter, such as stagnation of mana, use of divine sense, control of core fire, and even some subtle fluctuations in mental state, offering his own insights and solutions.
Although some of his solutions were not the most efficient "optimal solutions" in Qin Hao's eyes, who possessed the ability to deduce with his AI, these practical experiences still gave Qin Hao a sense of sudden enlightenment, filled many gaps in his understanding, and gave him a deeper understanding of the application of power in the Core Formation stage.
Three days later, Qin Hao emerged from the cave of the Wood Dragon Immortal, feeling refreshed. He steered his Black Dragon Boat, its black light streaking across the sky, returning to his own cave halfway up Tianzhu Peak.
The cave entrance closed, and the restrictions were reopened. Qin Hao sat cross-legged in the meditation room, his mind gradually calming down. Now that his Golden Core was complete and his cultivation level stable, and he had benefited greatly from his exchange with True Person Mulong, the most important thing next was to refine his natal magic weapon!
The essential difference between a natal magic weapon and an ordinary magic weapon lies in this: no matter how powerful an ordinary magic weapon is, once it is crafted, there is no room for improvement.
However, a natal magic weapon can be incorporated into a cultivator's dantian and qi sea, and nurtured day and night by the cultivator's own pure golden core power and divine sense. As time goes by, the natal magic weapon will not only increase in power, but will also become in sync with its master's mind, as easy to use as an extension of its own arm, and can be used without any hindrance.
Legend has it that some sword cultivators who focus on the way of the sword can nurture their natal flying swords for thousands of years, and the power of these swords can even rival that of legendary spiritual treasures!
Therefore, for Core Formation cultivators, refining their natal magic weapon is the most important matter in laying the foundation for their future path of cultivation, and naturally the earlier the better.
Qin Hao had anticipated this. Back in the Yue Kingdom, he had gone to great lengths to collect a considerable amount of materials needed to forge magical artifacts through various channels. Later, he also extorted many precious materials from Nangong Wan.
These accumulated skills are enough to support him in refining a natal magic weapon.
As for what kind of magical artifact to refine, Qin Hao had already conducted countless simulations and analyses using his AI. His greatest advantage over other cultivators lay in the art of talismans.
The way of Heaven is to take from those who have too much and give to those who have too little; the way of man is to take from those who have too little and give to those who have too much.
Qin Hao decided to refine a magic weapon that could maximize the effects of his talismans—the Myriad Talisman Record!
The core concept of this treasure is based on endless talismans and governed by vast divine consciousness! A single treasure record contains ten thousand talismans, which can be changed at will and possess boundless power.
"AI, has the simulation of the 'Ten Thousand Talismans Treasure Record' refining process been completed?" Qin Hao asked silently in his mind.
[AI: Reporting to the host, the simulation of the "Ten Thousand Talismans Treasure Record" refining process has been completed, with a success rate of 98.7%. Key step control nodes and material ratios and smelting timings have been optimized to the current limits. The refining plan has been transmitted to the host's consciousness; please review and confirm.]
Qin Hao closed his eyes, his consciousness sinking into his sea of consciousness. The detailed refining plan deduced by the AI was presented clearly like a three-dimensional light screen. After confirming that everything was correct, he opened his eyes, his gaze sharp as lightning.
He took a deep breath and waved his hand, and several gleaming materials floated in front of him:
A fist-sized piece of dark golden metal—Gold Essence! Incomparably tough, it is the core material for forging magical flying swords, and is priceless.
A slightly larger piece of metal with an ancient, purplish-copper luster—copper essence! It has excellent ductility and superb magical conductivity, making it an ideal material for constructing the main framework of magical artifacts.
A spiritual object resembling red coral, yet enveloped in a fiery red glow—the Thousand-Year Fire Coral! It contains pure and gentle fire-attribute energy, making it an excellent fusion catalyst and energy balance point.
Several kinds of mineral essences and herbal condensates of different colors and properties are used as auxiliary materials to harmonize the conflicting properties of gold essence and copper essence, and enhance the stability and spirituality of the final product.
The most important main materials and key auxiliary materials are all ready.
Qin Hao formed hand seals, and his golden core spun rapidly within his body. A pure and vast torrent of magical power, carrying a faint golden glow, surged from his dantian and converged in his hands along his meridians.
His eyes narrowed, and he opened his mouth to spew out a flame that was as solid as a substance, yet so hot that it slightly distorted the surrounding space—the Pill Fire!
The pale golden pill fire, as if it possessed a life of its own, transformed into a giant fiery hand under Qin Hao's precise divine control, slowly enveloping the dark golden essence.
*Sizzle!* A piercing burning sound rang out. Gold essence is one of the most resilient metals in the world, but under the continuous and stable burning of the alchemical fire, its surface began to soften and shine, and impurities were gradually peeled off, turning into wisps of green smoke and dissipating.
This process was extremely taxing on both magical power and mental energy. Qin Hao was completely focused, and his AI was simultaneously monitoring the temperature changes of the golden essence and the rate of impurity precipitation, constantly fine-tuning the output intensity and angle of the alchemical fire.
It took a full half month of effort for the fist-sized golden essence to transform into a pure, flawless liquid, as brilliant as liquid gold, which flowed slowly in the alchemical fire, emitting an incomparably sharp aura.
Next came the copper concentrate, which was a deep purple-copper color. Copper concentrate has a relatively low melting point, but its ductility means that it requires extremely uniform heat coverage and shaping guidance during smelting.
The alchemical fire transformed into a rotating furnace of flames, enveloping the copper essence within. Under the continuous scorching heat of the alchemical fire, the copper essence gradually melted, transforming into a pool of viscous liquid metal with a purplish-gold hue.
The next step is the crucial fusion! Gold is supremely hard and sharp, while copper is supple and malleable; their properties clash. Qin Hao's expression was solemn as he carefully manipulated the two clumps of liquid metal to slowly approach each other. The instant they made contact, a violent repulsive force erupted, causing the two clumps of liquid metal to vibrate violently, collide, and burst forth with blinding light and chaotic energy flows!
"Stabilize!" Qin Hao shouted in his heart, and his powerful divine sense surged out, like countless invisible hands, forcibly suppressing the two turbulent molten metal.
At the same time, he threw the thousand-year-old fire coral into the elixir fire! As soon as the fire coral entered the flames, it did not burn. Instead, it seemed to be awakened, emitting a soft and pure crimson halo, flowing out like liquid and quickly seeping into the violently clashing gold and copper essences.
A miraculous scene unfolded! The energy of the fire coral seemed to act as the best buffer and harmonizer. The violent repulsive force rapidly weakened like melting ice and snow. The two molten metals with completely different properties began to slowly merge. Their colors gradually changed from distinct bright gold and purple gold to a deep and restrained dark gold. The aura they emitted also became more harmonious and stable, combining strength and gentleness!
The completion of this step signifies that the most difficult hurdle of material fusion has been successfully overcome.
Qin Hao's spirits lifted, and he dared not relax in the slightest. The AI was running at full power, precisely guiding the shaping of the fused molten metal.
Guided by Qin Hao's powerful divine sense and refined by the alchemical fire, the dark golden molten metal slowly flowed, stretched, and took shape... gradually forming the prototype of a heavy book! The spine was straight and thick, the edges of the pages were clear, and it was filled with an ancient and majestic aura.
The instant the book's main body was fully formed but not yet completely solidified, Qin Hao struck again! His hands moved with lightning speed, like butterflies flitting among flowers, streams of pure magical power mixed with divine sense transforming into countless hair-thin runes. Using his fingers as pens, he precisely imprinted these runes onto the book's cover, title page, and even the "blank pages" inside. These runes were not offensive or defensive talismans, but rather miniature arrays forming the core of the magical artifact—a Spirit Gathering Array, a Form Solidification Array, a Yuan Absorption Array, and a Divine Sense Channel Array!
The Spirit Gathering Array is responsible for automatically absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to nourish the magic weapon; the Solidification Array ensures that the magic weapon's structure is indestructible in battle;
The Na Yuan Array is an "interface" and "energy pool" reserved for the future containment, storage, and activation of thousands of talismans.
The Divine Thought Channel Array is the key bridge connecting the magical artifact with the master's mind, laying the foundation for the future "all talismans returning to their origin, as easy as using one's own arm"!
Each rune shines with a unique spiritual light, connecting with each other to form a mysterious three-dimensional array, deeply imprinted within the embryonic form of the magical artifact.
This was an extremely exhausting process; Qin Hao's forehead was covered in fine beads of sweat, but his eyes shone like stars.
Once the branding is complete, the outermost cover needs final reinforcement and finishing touches.
Qin Hao manipulated the alchemical fire to give the cover a final tempering, making it more solid and smooth, and giving it a restrained dark golden metallic luster.
Next, he used his magic to manipulate the remaining essence of the thousand-year-old fire coral and etched four large, ancient-looking characters on the cover: "Ten Thousand Talismans Treasure Record"!
Each stroke seems to contain the true meaning of the Dao of Talismans, with a faint spiritual light flowing through it.
When the last stroke was completed, the entire thick, dark gold book suddenly trembled and emitted a clear, long hum!
A dazzling light burst forth from the book, filling the entire quiet room. Powerful spiritual energy surged and spread like a tidal wave, causing the restrictions within the cave to ripple slightly.
A look of wild joy flashed in Qin Hao's eyes. He suppressed his excitement, made a hand seal to collect the treasure, and shouted, "Collect!"
With a buzzing sound, the precious light quickly receded, and the dark golden book, which exuded a heavy, ancient, and mysterious aura, slowly shrank, transforming into a stream of light that entered Qin Hao's dantian and Qi Sea. It hovered steadily next to the spinning golden core and began to receive the nourishment and tempering of the golden core's magical power.
My natal magic weapon—the Myriad Talisman Record—is now complete! (End of Chapter)