However, if Li Ye were to truly form a Core through the path of body cultivation condensing a Qi and Blood Golden Core it would effectively mean choosing and solidifying his cultivation direction.
On that path, his practice of the Wood God Art would become less smooth and no longer lead to its highest, most profound levels.
It would then be reduced to a role similar to that of the Heavenly Craft Scripture a supplementary combat method rather than his primary cultivation focus.
To be honest, if it weren't for the panel his golden cheat tied to spirit plants Li Ye wouldn't have hesitated at all. He would've thrown himself completely into this path of proving the Dao through strength!
After all, while that path had its limitations, mainly in terms of versatility, its raw power was immense. At the Golden Core stage, even close-range combat restrictions would no longer apply.
His sheer physical might could evolve into divine bodily techniques, becoming a fearsome force that none could ignore.
What's more, the typical weaknesses of physical cultivators didn't apply to Li Ye, who possessed a wide range of skills and knowledge.
With sufficient talent and the ability to break through to Golden Core early, what would be so bad about roaming freely across the Four Nations?
Yet Li Ye chose to restrain himself for now.
Since the panel was deeply connected to spirit plants, and the Wood God Art was uniquely compatible with it, the synergy between the two meant that his potential in Wood-type cultivation was still far greater than body cultivation.
Even after reaching the Golden Core stage, the interaction between the panel and the Wood God Art would allow him to continue progressing at breakneck speed.
Not to mention all the trait bonuses that would come with it!
Even his current talent in body cultivation was, in a sense, "grown from farming."
Now that he had some confidence in his ability to form a Core unless something drastically changed in the future, he had no intention of changing course just because body cultivation now seemed more promising.
"Still, this transformation of my physique has undoubtedly improved my overall cultivation aptitude..."
A thoughtful look appeared in Li Ye's eyes.
Though the effects weren't immediately obvious, that recent cleansing of blood and marrow, the purging of toxins from his organs however few there were had further purified his body.
His physique was now closer to a natural-born, innate state. Although he was still limited by his spiritual roots, his efficiency in absorbing and utilizing spiritual energy would definitely be improved.
Compared to other cultivators with top-grade spiritual roots, he would surely have the edge!
"Strictly speaking, my physical state might already be on par with a Golden Core cultivator..."
"And then there's this"
With a tap on his storage pouch, the high-grade spirit weapon Qingfeng Sword flew out. Its cyan-gold aura condensed sharply, the blade so keen it stung the skin from a distance.
Suppressing his body cultivation as much as possible, Li Ye activated the sword and sliced it across his arm.
This sword was extremely sharp, to begin with, and with the defensive layer formed by dragon scales and tiger hide suppressed, it easily opened a nearly bone-deep gash on his arm.
But the glittering, gemstone-like crimson blood, just as it was about to spurt out, seemed to be pulled inward instead. Before a single drop could escape, the wound had already stopped bleeding and began healing rapidly.
In just moments, the cut closed up completely, leaving only a faint line of dried blood one that continued to fade right before his eyes.
"I didn't even activate the Vitality trait to accelerate healing, yet the effect is already this incredible... The life force in my flesh and blood is truly astonishing..."
"With a body like this, even if I get injured during cultivation, my meridians and organs should be able to withstand it. That means I won't need to be so cautious anymore I can try out all sorts of secret techniques!"
Li Ye's eyes lit up.
Even though he hadn't awakened any spiritual constitution, the three traits that currently enhanced him already surpassed many natural-born spirit bodies!
And those traits still had room to grow.
Take the [Vitality] trait, for instance, his current body already possessed this level of self-regeneration.
If it kept improving, Li Ye felt that one day he might truly reach the legendary state of rebirth from a single drop of blood!
"With the panel in hand, as long as I gather spirit plants and keep cultivating diligently, my path of cultivation will only grow stronger... slow to rise, but unstoppable once it does!"
Li Ye couldn't help but feel deeply moved.
......
With the successful cultivation of Qingxuan Rice, Li Ye was now certain: once the fixed spirit-endowed trait granted by an ordinary spirit plant reached Tier 3, it would undergo a transformation evolving into something that provided a true enhancement to himself, enriching his foundation.
This realization completely ignited Li Ye's ambition, prompting him to actively seek out Tier-3 spiritual plant seeds.
However, in the cultivation world of the Four Nations, both spiritual energy and resources were scarce. Spiritual lands capable of supporting Tier-3 plant growth were already few and far between.
According to the Notes of Bihu Sanren, most of those rare lands were already firmly under the control of the Golden Core sects.
That meant Li Ye didn't stand a chance.
Even when mature, high-grade Tier-3 spirit plants were occasionally discovered by chance, any seller would find no shortage of powerful buyers Golden Core sects with widespread influence who would swiftly acquire them.
Li Ye, once again, would be left out.
But spirit plant seeds of Tier 3 were different...
Though still incredibly rare and valuable and certainly sought after by Golden Core sects they were of relatively lower priority.
That gave Li Ye a slim but real chance to obtain them before the sects could.
Even a single seedling would suffice. With his two secret techniques Verdant Spirit Light and Wood God True Flame he could slowly nurture it by spending some of his potential and spiritual resources, gradually cultivating more plants and beginning his accumulation of traits.
Still, the Four Nations were thoroughly run by the four major Golden Core sects, whose influence reached into every corner. Even if seedlings weren't as fiercely contested, they were not something Li Ye could casually snatch away on a whim.
He had expected this from the beginning. Though hopeful, he was also prepared for a long-term collection effort.
He treated it as a small joy and diversion outside of cultivation.
Just like that, five more years slipped by in a flash.
It had now been nearly ten years since Li Ye reached the late-stage Foundation Establishment.
"Are you ready?"
Li Ye looked softly at Hong Yao, whose gaze was filled with determination.
Many years had passed, yet the woman's face remained as youthful and beautiful as the day she entered Pingyang Mountain.
But the once-hidden allure she possessed had now fully matured, and with it came a graceful charm deepened by time.
"Only by achieving Foundation Establishment can I preserve my beauty and youth… only then can I continue to serve you, Young Master. I ask for your blessing."
Hong Yao gave a deep bow, without a trace of hesitation.
For reasons unknown, Li Ye already vibrant and full of life seemed to grow even more youthful in the eyes of his maidservants in recent years.
When attending to him, everything about him... his skin, hair, even the smallest details radiated vitality. In contrast, though the maids' appearances hadn't changed much outwardly, a faint sense of withering had begun to accumulate beneath the surface, causing them quiet unease.
Not long after that realization, Xia Qiong youngest of the four maids, but with the best cultivation aptitude was the first to reach the peak of Qi Refinement and was granted a Foundation Establishment Pill by Li Ye.
Despite being well-prepared, she failed to break through!
Though Li Ye used secret techniques to preserve her life, she suffered a serious blow to her vitality. Her once vibrant appearance faded, and she could no longer hide the signs of aging.
After some recovery, Xia Qiong tearfully requested to leave, claiming to miss her family and hoping for permission.
That time, Li Ye was silent for a long while… but eventually agreed.
The remaining three maids all understood the real reason behind her departure and that made them even more determined not to share her fate.
Soon after, Rong Yue and Ruan Jin reached the peak of Qi Refinement and attempted the Foundation Establishment.
Rong Yue succeeded.
Ruan Jin, however perhaps driven by too much desperation was instead dragged down by her obsession.
She succumbed to a deviation during her breakthrough. Not even Li Ye's secret arts could save her from the madness. Her body withered, her appearance drastically changed, and before she had fully recovered, she too asked to leave.
And now… it was Hong Yao's turn.
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