Translator: AnubisTL
Boom!
A massive surge of spiritual energy erupted within the Imperial City!
The dense spiritual energy coalesced into rolling ripples, surging northward like a tidal wave.
Li Qing, who was meditating atop a massive boulder, immediately opened his eyes, his expression turning grave.
It's begun!
Shen Ningbing had started her core formation!
Even with Li Qing's composed nature, he couldn't help but clench his fists, his worry for Shen Ningbing growing.
Moreover, the scale of Shen Ningbing's core formation far exceeded his expectations. The surrounding temperature plummeted, as if they had returned to the Forbidden Speech Snowfield.
"This is bound to draw the entire city's attention... sigh!" Li Qing sighed, hoping Shen Ningbing's core formation would proceed as smoothly as possible.
Deep within the underground ice cavern, Shen Ningbing's aura grew increasingly powerful, surging relentlessly upward as if without limit.
As Li Qing had anticipated, the commotion surrounding Shen Ningbing's core formation proved remarkably conspicuous.
The ancient Imperial City now teemed with cultivators, drawn from both established cultivation sects and renowned rogue cultivators.
Shen Ningbing's sudden core formation was like dropping a deep-sea bomb into calm waters, instantly drawing the attention of countless cultivators.
"This bone-chilling aura... it seems a cultivator specializing in the ice dao is attempting Golden Core Formation."
"Indeed! I sensed a similar aura when an elder in our sect underwent core formation years ago!"
"To attempt core formation here, at this time... truly audacious."
"Heh, someone loves making a spectacle. Let's go see who this flamboyant cultivator is."
Normally, cultivators attempting a breakthrough would either choose their cave abode or a secluded spot in the great wilderness.
It was rare for someone like Shen Ningbing to attempt core formation so openly in the bustling Imperial City.
The Ancient Imperial City was currently a melting pot of cultivators, both righteous and nefarious. What if someone with ill intentions tried to sabotage her attempt?
Failure in core formation meant certain death and the dissipation of one's cultivation!
However, some began speculating about the cultivator's identity, recalling the previous day's Great War between Gui Fan and Zhang Xiao. Both Heavenly Prodigies had vowed to settle their score in a life-or-death battle after achieving core formation.
"Could it be Gui Fan or Zhang Xiao undergoing core formation?" someone suggested.
"Hiss! That's actually possible! To achieve core formation right after a battle... if that's true, the pressure on the other one must be immense!"
"I doubt it. Neither Gui Fan nor Zhang Xiao cultivates an ice dao cultivation manual!"
"You never know. The sudden chill could be yin energy leaking from some demonic path cultivation manual."
"..."
Despite the debate, everyone still planned to attend the observation ceremony.
A cultivator achieving Golden Core Formation was a rare sight. Witnessing the process might offer valuable insights.
One by one, figures soared into the sky, their destination clear: the northern outskirts of the Imperial City.
In the Heavenly Palace Market, a white-robed man with an upright demeanor slowly opened his eyes, his gaze fixed on the northern horizon.
"Core formation here? How intriguing. It's not Gui Fan—he cultivates an ice dao cultivation manual. Who could it be?"
Zhang Xiao's brow furrowed slightly, his expression puzzled.
He searched his memory, but no familiar cultivator came to mind who might be undergoing core formation in this location.
"Enough," Zhang Xiao said, "whether they succeed or not, this core formation is worth witnessing."
With that, Zhang Xiao strode forward, mounting a colorful cloud and soaring into the sky.
Meanwhile, in the Ghost Sword Sect's territory within the Heavenly Palace Market, Gui Fan immediately rose to his feet, his eyes narrowing slightly.
A thoughtful expression settled on his somewhat Yin-Soft face.
"Core formation? In the Imperial City... who could it be?!"
Currently at a critical stage of his own core formation, Gui Fan had no intention of missing such a spectacle.
Without hesitation, he stepped onto a jet-black ghost sword and shot into the sky, leaving a dark trail across the horizon.
In the northern district of the Imperial City, once a desolate area, multiple figures suddenly converged from all directions.
Seeing this, Li Qing, who had been sitting calmly on a massive boulder, could no longer remain indifferent.
Dressed in a flowing azure robe, Li Qing soared into the air, confronting the approaching cultivators alone.
"Fellow Daoists, please halt! A friend of mine is undergoing Golden Core Formation behind me. Do not advance further, lest you disrupt their Golden Core Dao Fruit!"
Late foundation establishment realm!
Many of the cultivators who had come to observe the spectacle revealed expressions of apprehension and immediately stopped in their tracks.
The cultivator blocking their path stood tall and imposing, radiating an extraordinary aura both inwardly and outwardly.
Most of the onlookers were rogue cultivators, and they had no desire to become entangled in the karma of the person undergoing core formation. If they were to face retribution later, there would be nowhere to hide, neither in the heavens nor on earth.
Ultimately, they had come out of curiosity and to witness the spectacle, not to invite karmic consequences.
Seeing everyone halt, Li Qing's expression softened slightly. He spoke with utmost respect:
"Many thanks for your understanding, fellow cultivators!"
"Hahaha, Brother Daoist, you're too polite! We merely came to see who was undergoing core formation here. We harbor no ill intentions!"
"Exactly! Golden Core Formation is a rare sight. We're just here to observe the ceremony. Let the senior inside focus on their breakthrough without worry!"
"Indeed, disturbing someone during their breakthrough is a grave taboo in the cultivation world. We're well aware of the consequences."
"..."
Each cultivator's words grew more flattering than the last, but at their core, they were all wary of Li Qing's late foundation establishment realm cultivation.
Such cultivation was exceptionally formidable among rogue cultivators. No one would be foolish enough to provoke him recklessly.
Especially considering the mysterious cultivator behind him, who was currently undergoing core formation. If the cultivator successfully reached the core formation realm and became a True Lord, everyone present would have to bow their heads and address them as "Senior."
Just then, a cultivator riding a cloud soared through the sky.
"Such condensed spiritual energy! I'm curious who's undergoing core formation here!"
A cultivator quickly recognized the newcomer and exclaimed in surprise, "Zhang Xiao! It's Zhang Xiao from the Taiyi Sect!"
"It's him... Even he's been drawn here!"
And that wasn't all. Almost simultaneously, Gui Fan, the young sect master of the Ghost Sword Sect, arrived, stepping onto a massive black sword. His presence immediately stirred the crowd's attention.
"Gui Fan, the young sect master of the Ghost Sword Sect, has also arrived."
"Now this is going to be interesting. The prodigies of both the righteous and demonic paths are here. Will they start fighting again?"
"..."
Listening to the rogue cultivators' chatter, Li Qing's heart sank slightly. He recognized both of these formidable cultivators instantly.
But there was no choice. Shen Ningbing was still undergoing core formation inside, and he couldn't allow her to be disturbed under any circumstances.
With this resolve, Li Qing steeled himself and stepped forward to confront them.
"Please stop, both of you," Li Qing said, but Zhang Xiao of the Taiyi Sect interrupted him before he could finish. Zhang Xiao asked calmly, "What, are you trying to stop me?"
Seeing this, Gui Fan, who was standing nearby, immediately halted and smiled effeminately, eager to watch the drama unfold.
Li Qing's heart sank slightly at the challenge. How is it that this righteous path cultivator has less respect for rules than the young master of a demonic sect? he thought. Even the demonic sect knows not to disturb someone undergoing core formation, yet this esteemed elder from a righteous sect refuses to listen to reason and insists on barging ahead to investigate.
"Fellow Daoist," Li Qing said, his tone softening, "a friend of mine is undergoing core formation behind me. Like me, she's just a rogue cultivator with no special status."
Zhang Xiao's sword-like brows relaxed slightly, and his voice softened as well. "My apologies for the intrusion. Disturbing someone's core formation is indeed my fault. However... I am genuinely curious about who this person is."
"Very well, I'll wait until your friend emerges from seclusion."
Li Qing breathed a small sigh of relief, but Zhang Xiao's tone shifted abruptly.
"But I'm still curious," Zhang Xiao continued, "when did two figures like you emerge in the Great Wilderness Domain? I've never heard of either of you before."
"May I ask for your esteemed name, fellow Daoist?"
Zhang Xiao narrowed his eyes, staring intently at Li Qing's face as if trying to see through him.
Damn it! Li Qing's heart skipped a beat. He suddenly remembered that the Taiyi Sect had previously made contact with members of the Shangqing Sect.
I wonder if the Shangqing Sect provided the Taiyi Sect with my portrait? This could be bad!
Despite his inner turmoil, Li Qing maintained his composure and replied calmly, "The Great Wilderness Domain is vast beyond measure. It's only natural that Elder Zhang wouldn't recognize me."
Zhang Xiao nodded slightly, accepting Li Qing's explanation.
"Hmm, that's a fair point. The Great Wilderness Domain is a breeding ground for talent. It's not surprising that exceptional individuals occasionally emerge."
Before the words had even finished leaving his lips, Zhang Xiao unexpectedly unleashed a palm strike!
Boom!
Li Qing, who had been on guard the entire time, was startled but reacted swiftly.
Spiritual energy surged through his body as he instantly drew an earth-yellow spirit spear from his storage pouch.
Mountain Spear: Immovable as a Mountain!
Clang!
The palm strike was directly blocked, causing the mountain spear to tremble slightly but remain undamaged.
Li Qing's voice deepened as he demanded, "Fellow Daoist, what is the meaning of this?"
"Heh, I've been itching for a spar," Zhang Xiao replied with a casual smile, continuing to channel mana and press his attack. "I hope you'll indulge this humble request!"
Buzz!
Streams of pure qi suddenly materialized in the air, forming currents that slashed toward Li Qing.
Li Qing cursed inwardly, but his hands moved swiftly, summoning the remaining spirit spears.
Wind, Forest, Fire, and Mountain Spears!
The mountain spear remained steadfast in defense, while the other three spirit spears pierced the air, hurtling toward Zhang Xiao, who maintained his leisurely demeanor.
A spar is a spar, Li Qing thought, recognizing that Zhang Xiao wasn't fighting seriously. But I'm not going to be a punching bag for no reason!
Of course, he had to retaliate!
Boom!
The spirit spear shot through the air, instantly transforming into three streams of light, each a different color.
"A combined magic artifact?"
Zhang Xiao's expression shifted slightly, but he still waved his sleeve, summoning a large seal that radiated white light.
The Taiyi Pure Light Seal!
This was actually a top-grade magical artifact!
The Taiyi Pure Light Seal suddenly expanded, pressing down directly on the three spirit spears.
Boom!
The overwhelming force instantly halted the lightning-fast spirit spears, as if their momentum had been forcibly suppressed.
But let's not forget, Li Qing also possessed a top-grade magical artifact!
Without changing his expression, he retrieved the Heavenly Net Banner from his storage pouch.
Boom!
With a sudden flourish, the Heavenly Net Banner's flag swept through the air, causing the Taiyi Pure Light Seal to tremble and sway violently!
Seeing this, Zhang Xiao could no longer maintain his detached demeanor. His expression finally turned focused and serious.
(End of the Chapter)
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