Chapter 455: Last Step, Near Success, Sect's Dominance, Only Core Formation Remains!

Chapter 455: Last Step, Near Success, Sect's Dominance, Only Core Formation Remains!

The clouds follow the dragon, and the wind follows the tiger.

The gathering of dragons and tigers creates a unique phenomenon, where the winds swirl and clouds gather, forming a special celestial spectacle.

Such phenomena often occur when Foundation Establishment Cultivators advance to the Core Formation Stage, and its specific principles remain a mystery. It is believed to be related to the surge of spiritual energy from the land.

After all, such a massive spiritual energy fluctuation would naturally cause the winds and clouds to move.

At this moment, on Heavenly Wave Peak, the white clouds billowed, and the wind blew gently, instantly attracting the attention of countless cultivators in Heavenwave Immortal City.

The Qi Cultivators looked up in awe and fear.

The Foundation Establishment Cultivators gazed with longing and envy.

The scattered Golden Core Cultivators, however, curiously projected their spirit sense towards the source.

"Which cultivator is undergoing Core Formation?"

"The aura is extraordinary, indicating a solid foundation during the Foundation Establishment Stage."

"But why not choose a Tier Three Spirit Ground in the sacred mountains and rivers for the breakthrough? Why here in the artificial spirit vein of the immortal city? Doesn't he know that the spiritual energy in artificial spirit veins is controlled by formation restrictions and is not suitable for breaking through major realms?"

"Perhaps, he's a loose cultivator with limited resources!"

"Limited resources don't necessarily mean he's poor. To rent a Tier Three Cave Mansion in the immortal city, one must be wealthy. In my opinion, it's likely due to a lack of experience!"

"Even with a lack of experience, judging by his aura, his Core Formation is almost certain."

"Should we pay a visit?"

"Let's wait a bit. Even if Core Formation is successful, it will take several years to consolidate the realm, and stabilizing the current state alone will take three to five days. There's no rush!"

As spirit sense transmissions echoed.

Suddenly, two figures broke through the air, heading straight for the peak of Heavenly Wave Peak.

When Hao Ranzi and Wind Moon Immortal arrived, there was already someone standing outside the cave mansion.

His hands were clasped behind his back, and his posture was as tall and straight as a mountain.

His hair, a mix of gray and black, was tied behind him, resembling someone who had experienced the vicissitudes of life.

When he turned around, his bright eyes immediately captured the attention of the newcomers.

Deep and serene like a pool, illuminating all things.

"Junior Luo Chen greets the two seniors!"

When he spoke, Wind Moon Immortal finally noticed his other features.

His brows were knitted, and his gaze was calm and tranquil.

He wore a blue collar and white robe, adorned with swaying ink bamboo patterns.

Although his style was elegant, for some reason, just standing there gave off an air of a giant turtle in a great river, an immovable reef in the sea, unyielding! Even when facing two Golden Core Masters, he remained unperturbed, his expression unwavering.

Hao Ranzi smiled slightly, "It's been a long time. Dan Dust Master, your cultivation realm has advanced further, and Core Formation is just around the corner."

Luo Chen's lips curved upwards, and he smiled, "Senior, your demeanor remains unchanged, and your Hao Ran energy is even more profound than before. I believe the Nascent Soul Stage is beckoning you."

Hao Ranzi smiled helplessly and shook his head.

This Luo Chen!

He always knows how to say the right things.

Nascent Soul?

He's still far from it!

While the two were talking, Wind Moon Immortal kept her eyes fixed on Luo Chen.

She was even more astonished.

So, it wasn't Luo Chen who was rushing for Core Formation inside the cave mansion, but someone else! However, even so, she couldn't help but admire the demeanor Luo Chen displayed.

With such an impressive demeanor, anyone who saw him would regard him as a top-notch figure, like a true disciple from a major sect.

Hao Ranzi's words about Core Formation being imminent were not just flattery.

The fluctuations of spiritual power he exhibited, even with slight restraint, were, in her eyes, no less than those of an ordinary Foundation Establishment Cultivator at the peak of their realm.

Such a person would undoubtedly break through to the Core Formation Stage within fifty years!

Wind Moon couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Every time a war is launched, countless brilliant individuals emerge like stars.

During the previous war in Lian Xia, figures like Yun He Zhenren and Fu Xiangzi, the pride of heaven, appeared.

At that time, they were merely Golden Core Cultivators, but after the war, they relied on their war spoils to directly advance to the Nascent Soul Stage.

If Luo Chen succeeds in Core Formation, his participation in the upcoming war as a Golden Core Cultivator may lead to an even more impressive future...

"This senior has a profound cultivation and outstanding temperament, like someone descended from heaven, yet I've never seen him before. I don't believe he's from the Jade Cauldron Domain. Senior Hao Ranzi, may I ask for an introduction?"

Luo Chen suddenly spoke up.

Hao Ranzi glanced at Luo Chen with appreciation and was about to speak.

However, Wind Moon Immortal took the initiative to introduce herself.

"I am the Pavilion Master of Cauldron Pavilion in Wind Flourish Palace, Wind Moon!"

Luo Chen's eyebrows rose slightly, analyzing the information conveyed in her brief introduction.

Wind Flourish Palace, a Nascent Soul Supreme Sect controlling a region.

Although not as dominant as the Medicine King Sect, which completely occupies a region, their years of operation have made them far superior to sects like Jade Cauldron and Shen Fu.

Most importantly!

Jade Dew Pill is currently the most famous specialty pill of Wind Flourish Palace.

And she, the Pavilion Master of Cauldron Pavilion, exuded a unique fragrance of pills.

It wasn't the scent of a single pill but a special blend of various pill fragrances accumulated from years of pill refinement.

Rich and intoxicating.

If Luo Chen hadn't insisted on using the Cleansing Technique, the pill fragrance on his body would likely be even more intense.

This indicated that this woman was also an experienced pill cultivator.

"I heard that you are highly skilled in refining Jade Dew Pills. After learning the news, I came here specifically to exchange insights with you."

Due to Luo Chen's previous praise, Wind Moon Immortal's attitude changed from her previous aggressive demeanor.

Luo Chen was certain that she had come for the Jade Dew Pill.

Just as he was organizing his thoughts and considering how to negotiate, he suddenly saw Hao Ranzi looking up at the cave mansion behind him.

Luo Chen was startled, and his expression changed drastically.

"How is this possible!"

The wind roared like a dragon's howl, and the clouds scattered, resembling wisps of smoke.

The spiritual energy, which was supposed to be pouring in, suddenly reversed its flow in the next moment, surging away from Tianlan Peak in all directions.

Seeing this, Fengyue Xianzi was perplexed and uncertain.

"Strange, it was almost complete just a moment ago, just one step away from success. Why is it like this now?"

Hao Ranzi sighed, lamenting, "What a pity, what a shame. Just one step away, but it ended in failure."

Luo Chen, who had previously maintained a calm and composed demeanor, couldn't help but turn gloomy in the face of this situation.

He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.

"My apologies, esteemed seniors."

"Today, my disciple's Core Formation has encountered a setback, and I fear I won't be able to entertain you."

"In the future, I will definitely visit you personally."

The last sentence was directed at Fengyue Xianzi.

Fengyue Xianzi pondered for a moment, and her delicate eyebrows slightly nodded in agreement.

Hao Ranzi offered a few words of encouragement to Luo Chen and then left.

After they departed, Luo Chen waved his wide sleeves, and the array of clouds covering the Celestial Mansion dispersed, forming a path for him to proceed.

...

"Why did it fail!"

"I... pfft..."

Luo Chen suppressed his anxiety and refrained from asking further.

Looking at Chu Kui, whose face was as pale as paper and whose body was overflowing with rampaging spiritual energy, Luo Chen repeatedly tapped his fingers.

Pure and refined green essence energy was continuously infused into Chu Kui's body.

However, after a while of administering the medical technique, Chu Kui's condition worsened, appearing as if he was on the verge of death.

"This won't do!"

"It can't be contained, nor can it be calmed. It must be released!"

Luo Chen's eyebrows furrowed, and he made a swift decision. He took out a gray pill from his storage bag.

"Take this!"

Chu Kui's hazy eyes looked at the pill with a hint of hesitation.

Luo Chen urged, "Take this Dispelling Pill! Even if your cultivation is lost, you can still rebuild it. If your life is lost, all your efforts in this lifetime will be in vain."

Chu Kui gave a bitter smile.

Losing one's cultivation meant losing everything.

Seeing Chu Kui's hesitation, Luo Chen couldn't help but let out a low roar.

"As long as we have the opportunity, we won't lack resources. With me and the Luo Tian Association, with your hundred-year lifespan, you still have a chance to form your core!"

Chu Kui looked deeply at Luo Chen, then opened his mouth.

The third-stage Dispelling Pill entered his body.

The medicinal power surged instantly.

Chu Kui's body suddenly emitted a series of popping sounds.

It was as if an airbag filled with water had been punctured with numerous small holes.

The raging spiritual energy within his body gushed out through these holes.

At the same time, the pure spiritual energy he had cultivated over the years was also dissipating.

Not only that, but his cultivation base even showed signs of collapse.

The massive release of spiritual energy caused a fierce wind to stir in the cultivation room.

The wind blew Luo Chen's sleeves, making them flutter, and his grayish-white hair danced in the air.

Luo Chen observed this scene without interference.

From his storage bag, he took out several items.

Barrier Talisman! The Qi Sea may be broken, but it cannot be destroyed.

Just as rushing river water must leave the riverbed intact.

Purifying Incense!

Dispelling distractions and maintaining one's true nature.

Failure is not to be feared, but being overwhelmed by failure and losing one's mental fortitude is. It is crucial to help a cultivator who has failed to break through their realm maintain a firm will at this critical moment.

After lighting the incense, Luo Chen's fingers tapped repeatedly.

The Grand Completion Healing Technique healed the body and flesh.

The Five Elements Return to Organs Technique protected the five viscera and six bowels.

The Spring Rain Revitalization Art repaired the damaged meridians.

...

After Luo Chen's continuous efforts for three days and three nights, Chu Kui's condition finally stabilized.

Although he still appeared on the verge of death, his foundation had been preserved.

"Foundation Establishment Ninth Layer, Chu Kui, I've done my best!"

Chu Kui felt his body's condition, recalling the previously perfect Foundation Establishment state, now reduced to the initial stage of the ninth layer.

The situation inside his body was even more severe.

Especially the thirty-six spirit pearls he had condensed before, none of which remained.

Despite this devastation, he still retained a glimmer of hope.

He struggled to move his lips, managing to utter two words with difficulty.

"Thank you!"

Looking at Chu Kui, sitting cross-legged with his head bowed in dejection, Luo Chen finally couldn't hold back.

"Why did this happen? Why couldn't you take that final step?"

Chu Kui spoke softly, "Although forming a core is challenging, I had endured and overcome it. The final failure was due to a deep-rooted illness."

"Deep-rooted illness?"

Luo Chen was puzzled.

Chu Kui sighed and, in front of Luo Chen, spat out a golden core from his mouth.

It wasn't the core he had formed but the core of another person, which he had relied on as a powerful weapon during his Foundation Establishment stage.

"What...?"

Luo Chen found it hard to believe that Chu Kui's core formation failure was due to this object. Chu Kui, in a somber mood, began to explain the origin of this golden core.

He was one with great opportunities!

During the Qi Condensation stage, he had explored an ancient cave with someone else and acquired a significant amount of resources.

Among those resources, the most precious was this golden core, preserved by someone using a secret technique.

With the help of this secret technique, he could manipulate the golden core to fight against enemies.

Chu Kui's journey had not been smooth sailing.

Even before meeting Luo Chen, he had faced several life-threatening crises.

Each time, he relied on this golden core as a trump card, turning the tide and escaping death.

However, the more he used it, the more the pure magical energy left in this Golden Core was unknowingly integrated into his spiritual power.

"At that time, I thought my spiritual power was robust and purer than my peers, and my combat strength was naturally powerful."

"But I never expected that the calamity had already taken root!"

"The magical energy left by the predecessors, even if it merged well with my spiritual power, is ultimately not something I arduously cultivated myself!"

Chu Kui let out a long sigh.

The formidable weapon he once relied on had almost killed him instead.

How absurd was this?

Seeing that Luo Chen still seemed to be brooding, he shook his head.

"Regarding the Locking Pearl Curtain secret technique, I've already experimented with it. It does indeed have remarkable effects during Core Formation. Thirty-six spirit pearls merge into one, and under the main soul's control, they can form a Golden Core seed."

"One might even say that this Golden Core seed itself carries the characteristics of magical energy."

"If successful, upon entering Core Formation, one can directly surpass the initial threshold and become a first-layer Golden Core Cultivator."

At this moment, it was the immediate aftermath of his failed Core Formation.

Therefore, he clearly remembered every experience and insight during the Core Formation process.

As he spoke, Luo Chen gradually understood the various steps of the Locking Pearl Curtain during Core Formation.

It felt as if he had personally experienced Core Formation himself.

After a long while, looking at Chu Kui with a weary expression, Luo Chen voluntarily ended this exchange.

"You should rest first!"

"Let's talk about the rest later."

Watching Luo Chen's departing figure, Chu Kui opened his mouth, but in the end, he could only sigh in disappointment.

The result of this attempt was disappointing.

Not only was he disappointed, but he also disappointed Luo Chen and the Luo Tian Association.

Currently, it was a prosperous era.

The Luo Tian Association especially needed a Golden Core Cultivator to preside over, and if he had successfully formed his core, the situation would have been entirely different.

Alas...

"Do I still have a chance?"

Mumbling to himself, the burly man curled up and fell into a deep sleep.

...

The meeting with Wind Moon Immortal happened on the seventh day.

It took place in the Danxia Pavilion of the Luo Tian Association.

There were no outsiders, just Luo Chen and Wind Moon Immortal.

Initially, Luo Chen had promised to visit her personally.

But unexpectedly, she couldn't wait and took the initiative to come, so Luo Chen arranged for the meeting at the Danxia Pavilion on Central Street.

In the quiet room, Wind Moon Immortal toyed with the Jade Dew Pill in her hand, her expression constantly changing.

After a long while, she gently put it down, her eyes filled with astonishment.

"I dare say that in refining the second-stage Jade Dew Pill, my alchemy skills have reached the pinnacle. But compared to you, it's like the difference between a candle and the bright moon!"

Luo Chen set down his teacup, "Supreme Master, you flatter me."

The woman shook her head, not hiding her words, "It's not flattery! Although your Jade Dew Pill is of superior quality, the purity of its medicinal power is almost at the supreme level. It even gives me the feeling that you have the strength to refine a supreme Jade Dew Pill."

Luo Chen's mouth twitched.

While her alchemy skills might not surpass his, her insight was truly remarkable! Indeed, his refinement of the Jade Dew Pill had already reached the pinnacle.

Even the superior quality pills were almost at the supreme level.

The potency of the medicine was astonishing!

After suffering heavy losses in the Snow Mountains, the younger generation of Ice Fortress entered closed-door cultivation one after another, striving for Core Formation. It seemed fierce, but the fact that so many of them met the conditions for Core Formation was truly astonishing.

In this, the large number of superior-quality Jade Dew Pills provided by Luo Chen over the years played a decisive role!

Other sects couldn't gather at least five people to enter closed-door cultivation to strive for Core Formation in a short time.

This showed the potency of the superior-quality Jade Dew Pills!

As for the supreme-quality Jade Dew Pills, he could currently achieve a twenty percent success rate.

The reason for not mass-producing them wasn't that the supreme-quality pills were inferior, but that the superior-quality ones had better value.

Moreover, they were relatively less likely to attract covetousness.

However!

That was only relatively speaking.

After confirming Luo Chen's alchemy skills, Wind Moon Immortal returned to the main topic.

"Let me give you a suggestion: don't sell the Jade Dew Pills externally."

Luo Chen nodded, "Besides Ice Fortress, I don't sell them externally anyway."

"No, you didn't understand me." Wind Moon Immortal shook her head.

Under Luo Chen's gaze, she slowly said, "I mean, even after your cooperation term with Ice Fortress ends, you're not allowed to sell them externally."

Luo Chen's eyebrows rose, staring at her intently.

"Supreme Master, isn't this too domineering?"

"Isn't it natural for my Wind Flourish Palace to be a bit domineering?"

With these words, the atmosphere turned cold.

Wind Moon Immortal remained silent, still caressing the Jade Dew Pill Luo Chen had given her earlier, as if studying something.

After a long while, Luo Chen slowly nodded.

"Junior understands."

Wind Moon Immortal looked at him with appreciation. "Good, you're indeed someone who knows when to advance and retreat."

Luo Chen forced a smile and proactively changed the topic to something else.

"The secret technique to purify foreign magical energy?"

"Yes, a few days ago, the main reason my subordinate failed in his Core Formation was because he had previously activated a Golden Core left by a Golden Core Cultivator, which was tainted with another's magical energy, ultimately leading to his failure. I wonder if Supreme Master has any pointers in this regard."

Perhaps because Luo Chen had shown understanding earlier, Wind Moon Immortal's attitude was amiable.

She thought for a moment and said, "We at Wind Flourish Palace don't have such a secret technique."

Perhaps, in the future, you can try to reach out to cultivators from the Five Elements Divine Sect."

"The Five Elements Divine Sect?"

"Yes!" Wind Moon Immortal pouted and said, "That sect is most fond of researching all sorts of bizarre techniques, and their internal cultivators practice a wide variety of spiritual powers. They must have encountered similar situations. You won't go wrong by seeking their help."

"Of course, if they don't have a solution either, then I can't do anything more."

At this point, Wind Moon Immortal suddenly became interested.

"I see you struggling alone in the cultivation world, and it's not easy. Are you interested in joining my Wind Flourish Palace as a Guest Elder?"

Luo Chen was taken aback.

In response to her invitation, Luo Chen eventually declined politely, citing his existing position as a Guest Elder in the Ice Fortress.

He wasn't the only one who valued his pill refinement skills; there were at least five other sects that had reached out to him over the years.

Among them, there was also a Nascent Soul Stage Great Sect like the Wind Flourish Palace.

However, Luo Chen had declined them all.

The larger the sect, the more complex its internal affairs.

His previous interactions with the Ice Fortress had been like walking on thin ice.

If it weren't for Cang Lang's amiable attitude, who knows how many troubles he would have faced.

If he were to rashly join another sect, Luo Chen really didn't have the mood to deal with more people.

Wind Moon Immortal didn't take offense at Luo Chen's refusal.

She was only interested in his pill refinement skills.

Although the Wind Flourish Palace dominated a domain, it wasn't a renowned pill refinement sect. Still, after years of cultivation, they had a few pill refinement experts of their own.

While they might not be able to profit externally, they could sustain themselves internally.

"Alright, the matter here is settled, and I'll be on my way."

"Remember my suggestion!"

Luo Chen personally escorted her to the main gate.

His expression remained calm and composed, but his lips were tightly pressed.

Suggestion?

More like a warning!

The Wind Flourish Domain was so far away from the Jade Cauldron Domain, with several large domains lying between them.

Despite this vast distance, they dared to meddle in local affairs.

This was the arrogance of a Nascent Soul Stage Great Sect!

Or perhaps, it was a sign of their disregard for the local ruler of the Jade Cauldron Domain.

Recalling how the Cloud Crane Elder, upon arriving in the Jade Cauldron Domain, had visited the Hundred Flowers Palace before the Sword Sect, it seemed that the external Great Sects didn't hold the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect in high regard.

The Sword Sect, which would be hosting the Jade Emperor Sword Debate in a few years, was likely trying to flex its muscles and gain recognition.

Footsteps sounded from behind.

Without turning, Luo Chen knew who it was.

"President, that Elder is not easy to deal with!"

"Yes, you've had a difficult time recently."

Gu Caiyi smoothed her hair, watching Luo Chen's back. Despite his straight and tall posture, it seemed as if a mountain was weighing him down.

Her man had endured too many gazes and pressures.

As a result, she hesitated to speak what was on her mind.

"Is something the matter?"

Without her speaking, Luo Chen sensed her hesitation.

Gu Caiyi let out a bitter laugh and took out a stack of invitations.

"The Green Pill Valley's Elder Tao Wan has emerged from seclusion and is holding a Core Formation Ceremony. You're invited."

"Additionally, several Foundation Establishment forces friendly with us want to invite you for a gathering. These are the invitations we've received recently."

Listening to these matters, Luo Chen pursed his lips.

He lifted his head and gazed at the sky.

Some had embarked on the Golden Core path, while others had perished along the way. Yet, these petty people were wary of the Luo Tian Association producing a Golden Core cultivator.

The stronger ones had already cut off Luo Chen's future plans to expand his wealth by selling Jade Dew Pills.

All these matters left him with mixed feelings.

"You can go to the Ice Fortress and offer condolences on my behalf."



"As for the other invitations, decline them all."

"If anyone asks, say that my friend Chu Kui is critically ill, and I can't leave to treat him."

Gu Caiyi readily agreed and memorized Luo Chen's instructions.

Just as she wanted to say something more, Luo Chen had already stepped out of the gate and was walking towards the Heavenly Wave Peak.

By his side, Luo Chen's voice echoed in her ear.

"

Was he giving up control?

Gu Caiyi's expression changed slightly, and she stared at Luo Chen's distant figure, biting her red lips.

Her man was about to enter closed-door cultivation!

A moment later, Luo Chen returned to the third-tier cave mansion on the Heavenly Wave Peak.

Chu Kui had moved back to his original second-tier cave mansion, leaving this third-tier one for Luo Chen.

In fact, this cave mansion had been prepared by Luo Chen for his own cultivation after reaching the ninth layer of Foundation Establishment.

As soon as he returned.

Luo Chen took out the secret technique, 'Locked Pearl Curtain'.

"Core Formation, only Core Formation!"

Muttering to himself, his cold eyes seemed to ignite with blazing flames.

Without forming a Golden Core, everything was an illusion!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end