In this world, cultivators typically fall into two categories – those who are gifted, and those who aren't.
However, it's the ordinary people that form the majority, while talents reign supreme due to their rarity and attract countless pursuers.
For most ungifted cultivators, no matter how hard they strive or resilient they are, numerous things are out of reach despite great sacrifices, whereas, for the gifted, these things come effortlessly.
Practice skills are precious. Even with the exchange system of the Taoist Academy, many skills remain rare, particularly those that advance to the Spirit Realm Eightfold or Ninefold.
Pei Xuanjing's willingness to offer a completely new system of skills, which is simple for ordinary cultivators to learn and can advance to the Spirit Realm Eightfold or Ninefold, represents an unparalleled set of skills.
Under such circumstances, no one would be content with being ordinary. Before, there was no opportunity, but now that Pei Xuanjing has provided one, despite the great risks, no one would reject it.
Moreover, no one would refuse even if there were risks involved, for anyone with a brain knows that great risks often come with substantial rewards.
It must be known that among the billions of cultivators in the world, even if only one in a hundred, one in a thousand, one in ten thousand, or even one in a hundred thousand cultivators practice these skills, the price would be far less for Pei Xuanjing than the constant trial and error with his life simulator.
Even if these cultivators are not quick in practicing, Pei Xuanjing spends nearly the same amount of time, if not more, accumulating Taoyun values as he does simulating once at the cost of one hundred million Taoyun values.
"Moreover, individuals' perspectives are limited, but collectively they are extensive. Each person's constitution and experiences are different. The skills I have created are based on my experience and vision. Although they are generally applicable, they are not a perfect fit for everyone. Even if these people practice these skills step by step, their eventual outcomes will differ, and this diversity will also bring me great benefits." Pei Xuanjing reflects.
Setting these thoughts and plans aside temporarily, Pei Xuanjing begins to focus on using the power of thunder to refine his own body and guides the Primordial Qi to cleanse the remaining acupoints that have not yet formed.
However, even though Pei Xuanjing's body has not yet reached its ultimate state, and is still somewhat short of his theorized physical perfection, his current state is such that ordinary thunder power can no longer cause him much damage.
Therefore, he controls a part of the Nine Heavens Divine Thunder's power to infuse into the Thunder Ocean, enhancing the power of thunder, and then slowly refines his own body.
As Pei Xuanjing controls the thunder power to refine his body and spiritualize his physique, he simultaneously recollects the numerous martial arts skills that he has acquired in the world of the immortal sect, sorting out the mysteries, advantages, and disadvantages of various skills.
Time trickles away, and the spiritualization of Pei Xuanjing's body gradually increases. A purple azure light flows unpredictably over his well-built and elongated physique, incessantly causing destruction and repair…
Innumerable flashes of lightning flicker as Pei Xuanjing bathes in the radiance of thunder, looking majestic and sacred like a divine being.
Suddenly, Pei Xuanjing opens his eyes, both of which are shining like electricity, seemingly piercing through the Nine Netherworld and the Green Abyss. In the blink of an eye, the divine light vanishes, as if nothing had happened.
He slightly furrows his brows, then stands up, looks down at the Thunder Ocean beneath his feet, and steps out lightly. The Thunder Ocean beneath his feet starts to converge rapidly, continuously being compressed, as if held by an invisible hand. Finally, it shrinks to the size of a palm and falls into the sleeve of Pei Xuanjing's robe.
With a light stride, Pei Xuanjing disappears into the horizon, his destination unknown.
Meanwhile, Pang Hong practises cultivation in the place that Pei Xuanjing has prepared for him. Although he has lost his power and Taoism, he maintains his vitality at its peak with the help of the array left by Pei Xuanjing.
The Nine Revolutions Divine Sky Skill is flowing inside Pang Hong, attracting countless Heaven and Earth Essence Qi. This place is initially a land of natural beauty, but now, the surging Heaven and Earth Essence Qi is so dense that it seems to liquefy.
However, Pang Hong doesn't care about all these. He fully focuses on operating the Nine Revolutions Divine Sky Skill, absorbing the overwhelming Heaven and Earth Essence Qi like a whale swallowing, resembling a black hole endlessly devouring Heaven and Earth Essence Qi.
The Nine Revolutions Divine Sky Skill guides the Heaven and Earth Essence Qi to circulate in the meridians, transforming it into Shenxiao Origin Qi. Then Pang Hong controls his vitality and slowly integrates them, constantly congealing and refining, trying to merge this vitality into one.
"It seems that he's going to fail."
Pei Xuanjing's figure appears silently in this place. As the creator of the world, all the happenings in this world cannot evade nor obstruct him, let alone the array in this place which was just laid out by Pei Xuanjing.
He appears in this place without any waves or movements. His appearance out of thin air seems so natural and harmonious that it's as if he was originally supposed to appear here.
Pei Xuanjing, who was originally refining his body with the Thunder Ocean, noticed that Pang Hong was at a crucial point in his cultivation, attempting to condense the Golden Core. He casually stopped his own cultivation, withdrew the Thunder Ocean, and appears here.
However, upon his arrival here and after detecting Pang Hong's current state, he couldn't help but sigh.
Pang Hong, as he is now, seems mighty and overwhelming. If it were anyone else, they would think that the process of condensing the Golden Core should be like this. However, to Pei Xuanjing, it appears more like a show without substance. Most likely, Pang Hong has failed.
As the creator of the Nine Revolutions Divine Sky Skill and the first cultivator to embark on the Golden Core Dao in the Daming World, added to Pei Xuanjing's own strength and realm, he can clearly sense that the vitality within Pang Hong seems to be merging, but it lacks true integration and hasn't produced a hint of immortal aura that should occur after condensing the Golden Core.
A Golden Core is the combination of vitality, and then the fusion into one represents the symbol of immortality.
At present, the formless Golden Core within Pang Hong seems to be perfectly integrated due to Pang Hong's control. However, once Pang Hong lets go, if this Golden Core does not possess an immortal nature, it certainly cannot truly form and dissipate again, and it will inevitably not reunite once dispersed.
"Alas, he still falls a bit short." A tinge of regret flashes in Pei Xuanjing's eyes.
The fact that Pang Hong was able to reach this step is already quite impressive, but after all, he was still a bit short, and failed to induce an immortal aura in the Golden Core.
In Pei Xuanjing's view, even if Pang Hong continued on like this, it would be pointless. Even if he temporarily managed to form a core, it would not be a true Golden Core and would never be able to achieve a state of perfect harmony.
Of course, it wasn't completely hopeless at this point.
"However, you are after all my disciple. I cannot stand by and do nothing when you have reached this step, that would be too indifferent," Pei Xuanjing slowly raised his hand, lightly flicked his sleeve, and sent forth a burst of energy which was directed at Pang Hong. It entered his body.
Despite Pei Xuanjing's firm assertions previously that he could offer limited assistance and the success of the next phase depended entirely on the other party's fate, he vowed not to intervene.
But Pang Hong is indeed his disciple, his only direct disciple. At this juncture, if Pei Xuanjing could assist him and simply chose to heartlessly stand by and let Pang Hong fail, it would be too callous and a great pity.
"Am I going to fail?" Pang Hong felt a pang of regret stir within him.
He could sense the operation of the intangible and qualitative Golden Core inside his body, yet he was never able to feel the strand of immortality that his master had spoken of or that which he had experienced in his incarnation.
He had tried for a long time and used many methods, but he could still not draw out that strand of immortality. Thus, Pang Hong felt somewhat disappointed. He knew he had failed and the path of the Golden Core Dao was now blocked.
Master, your disciple is incompetent. I can no longer keep up with your pace. What a pity.
But just as he was consumed by despair and prepared to give up, he suddenly felt a force enter his body, which quickly flowed towards his Dantian, revolving around his Golden Core. His own Golden Core, which was a combination of essence, energy, and spirit, was particularly attracted to this energy, as if it wanted to swallow it.
"An Immortal Aura!" Pang Hong's expression changed as he immediately recognized what it was.
"The choice is yours. Whether to accept it or not is up to you," Pei Xuanjing's voice echoed simultaneously in his mind.
What Pei Xuanjing had flicked out was a strand of immortal aura of the Golden Core. With this assisting him, it could act as a catalyst to truly form the Golden Core for Pang Hong.
Of course, such a Golden Core would have some flaws for Pang Hong because the immortal aura of his Golden Core wasn't born by relying on his own power. Perhaps there would be a great obstacle in reaching perfection in the future, turning this great assistance into the greatest obstacle.
After listening to his master's instructions, Pang Hong understood the pros and cons of refining this strand of immortal aura. After a brief consideration, he decisively drew it in, allowing it to merge with his Golden Core.
"Although I cannot achieve the perfection that the Master has, I am at least stronger than before, and I can also keep up with Master's pace. As for the future, let's wait and see," Pang Hong thought to himself.
He believed that anyone placed in this situation would make the same decision as him. After all, at present, he didn't even have the confidence to reach the Nine Realms of the Spirit. On the contrary, after embarking on the path of Golden Core Dao, his chances of breaking through to become a formidable cultivator were significantly higher.
As for the potential obstacles in achieving fullness in his Golden Core and reaching immortality mentioned by his master, Pang Hong didn't consider it as a big issue.
Let alone the elusive Immortal Path, even with obstacles, he is still further ahead than many others. It's not like he has no chance at all.
So, he made his decision resolutely.
"As I expected," Pei Xuanjing, observing Pang Hong's choice, was not surprised.
A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.
Indeed, choosing to use a shortcut to condense the Golden Core was flawed and would pose a substantial difficulty in achieving immortality. But for an ordinary cultivator, let alone becoming an immortal, reaching the Nine Realms of the Spirit was an unattainable goal.
Compared to that, what did this mean?
Thunder, thunder, thunder…
Suddenly, the sky was filled with converging thunderbolts, rolling and thundering endlessly.
"Hm?"
Pei Xuanjing frowned, looking at the suddenly appearing thunder bolts.
As the creator and ruler of this world, he had a clear understanding of the workings of the world. Of course, he would not actively intervene in the world's operations.
But even so, he was somewhat surprised and perplexed by the sudden appearance of thunder in the sky.
Even if he did not intervene in the world's operations, the thunder should not have gathered here since he was present.
Seeing this situation, Pei Xuanjing deployed a strand of his Primordial Spirit's power, then took the helm of this world, probing the cause of the thunder's gathering.
After a long time, Pei Xuanjing opened his eyes and sighed: "So that's it."
He understood the reason for the emergence of thunder. The Golden Core Dao was a product of fate. A freshly-formed Golden Core must undergo the baptism of Thunder Tribulation. Moreover, since Pang Hong's Golden Core was helped by Pei Xuanjing, it had taken a shortcut, naturally, it needed to face the Thunder Tribulation's baptism.
The Golden Core's Thunder Tribulation was inevitable, there was no escape from it. Even as the creator of this world, Pei Xuanjing could not help Pang Hong too much. He could only reduce some of the thunder's power for him, but absolutely could not completely eliminate the baptism of the Thunder Tribulation.
Furthermore, thunder was a manifestation of both destruction and creation. While it indeed posed a significant threat, overcoming it would also bring enormous creation opportunities. If Pei Xuanjing obstructed the thunder, even if it would eliminate the danger for Pang Hong, it would also cause him to lose the potential reward.
"But why didn't I encounter the Thunder Tribulation when I first condensed the Golden Core? Could it be because of the simulator?" Pei Xuanjing pondered in his heart.
Initially, he had also been helped by someone else's life simulator in the Daming World when he was advancing, which shielded him from the perception of the world. In addition to Pei Xuanjing holding a divine position and enjoying the favor of Heaven and Earth's will, the Thunder Tribulation did not appear. Similarly, Pei Xuanjing also did not receive the creation that came with it, this was a case of "every gain entails a loss".
Of course, for Pei Xuanjing, he didn't really lack the creation potential of the thunder. After all, he himself had received a lot of favor from Heaven and Earth. Moreover, his Golden Core was perfectly condensed and flawless, and he often used thunder to temper himself. Even if he lacked some creation potential, it wasn't significant at all.
Thunder, thunder, thunder…
The thunder in the sky was gathering more and more, and its momentum was increasingly terrifying. A dread-inspiring aura hovered above Pang Hong's head, and the whole sky darkened as if it would fall at any time.
Boom!
A thunderbolt as thick as a bucket suddenly fell from the sky, directly targeting Pang Hong, as if intending to obliterate him.
Pang Hong, who had been sitting cross-legged, opened his eyes at that moment. A glimmer of fighting spirit flashed in his eyes, and without the slightest intention to avoid it, he stood up, emitting a terrifying aura, and charged towards the thunderbolt.
The Thunder Tribulation had locked onto him, and there was no avoiding it. So instead, he chose to confront it head-on.
Boom, boom, boom…
Continuous thunder roared across the sky as a figure stood in the air, enduring and struggling against the thunderbolts.
This terrifying presence naturally alarmed many of the races that existed within the Longevity World. Both the Innate Gods and powerful beings among the later-born creatures converged towards this location. However, when they were still tens of thousands of miles away from the lightning, they discovered they couldn't get closer, sensing in their hearts that if they did approach the thunder, they would inevitably be engulfed by it.
All the beings from the Longevity World who could make it here, whether Innate Gods or later-born creatures, were powerhouses. They communicated with one another but were unclear about what exactly had happened or whether they knew the participants like opponents or friends.
Pei Xuanjing witnessed all this but didn't intervene. Instead, he allowed these beings to witness everything, letting them realize that they weren't truly strong.
"I hope that after witnessing all this, you'll stop being so complacent," Pei Xuanjing thought to himself.
In Pei Xuanjing's plan, he intended to one day truly link the Longevity World with the Great Ming World. If these creatures continued to be complacent, it wouldn't be good for them.
…
The thunder gradually dissipated. Thankfully, the level of the Longevity World wasn't too high, so the Thunder Tribulation, while fierce, wasn't fatal for Pang Hong. Even though he was significantly injured, he managed to successfully transcend the tribulation.
After Pang Hong had completed his tribulation and received the life essence of the thunderbolt, Pei Xuanjing gently swept his sleeve, taking him away without any intention of interacting with the other creatures.
It was still too soon to make contact with those creatures, at least according to Pei Xuanjing's plan. For now, there was no need. Moreover, the unknown could bring greater pressure, causing the native creatures of the Longevity World to shed their pride and feel more urgency to push their cultivation harder.
The creatures of the Longevity World were living too comfortably for now. Even though many powerhouses had entered their realm during the Shenxiao Debate Conference, and while they were contemplating on the Taoist Skills of the Longevity World, they also left many legacies in this world. For the beings of the Longevity World, acquiring these legacies was like a rapid boost in power.
However, their current power had reached the limit of this world, equivalent to the Spirit Realm Third Level, but in fact, this was only the limit of the world, not their true personal limits. They could keep on strengthening themselves to solidify their foundation.
And as Pei Xuanjing continued refining the origin of the Taixu Venerable, using the origin of a Supreme Strong to nourish the Longevity World, it would continuously transform and grow stronger, raising its limit gradually.
In Pei Xuanjing's view, these creatures could still improve themselves, reaching a realm as high as heaven, thus entering a wonderful state where each advancement of Heaven and Earth would strengthen themselves, always growing in power alongside the world, perched at the peak.
However, for now, Pei Xuanjing noticed that in the Longevity World, there were many who could be considered top powerhouses, but the number of creatures that had actually entered this state was exceedingly few, definitely not more than the numbers on one's hands.
As for this, Pei Xuanjing didn't have much of an opinion. Every creature had its own choices, and even as the Pioneer of the Longevity World and these creatures being his heirs, Pei Xuanjing wouldn't forcefully demand how they should be. He simply placed the opportunity before them, and the final result and choices were up to them.
"Master!" Pang Hong said excitedly, looking at Pei Xuanjing.
The Nine Revolutions Divine Sky Skill circulated within his body, feeling the insubstantial and impermanent Golden Core inside him, with the three forces of essence, qi, and spirit intertwining and merging into one. He was also nourished and supported by an immortal life essence which kept his essence, qi, and spirit at their peak condition.
His face was filled with joy and excitement. Even though he had some idea and expectation of the power of the Golden Core Dao, the elated feeling when the Golden Core truly formed was unstoppable and he couldn't maintain the calm he initially expected.
"No need to rush. Familiarize yourself with your Golden Core first and stabilize your state. We'll talk after everything has settled," Pei Xuanjing said with a light laugh.
He saw clearly how Pang Hong was behaving and could understand his disciple's joyfulness. Pei Xuanjing remembered his own elation when he first successfully formed his Golden Core.
Although Pang Hong had successfully formed his Golden Core and transcended the Thunder Tribulation, in Pei Xuanjing's view, he had not yet fully absorbed the life essence and his foundation was still somewhat unstable. He needed some time to settle down and solidify his foundation.
"Yes, Master," Pang Hong replied noddingly, sitting down cross-legged.
He was aware of his state and, hearing his master's words, didn't refuse. He then quietly began to digest the life essence obtained from the Thunder Tribulation to firm and strengthen his foundation.
Watching Pang Hong enter mediation, Pei Xuanjing maintained a calm expression, not hurrying, quietly standing by, waiting for his disciple to consolidate his foundation, meanwhile protecting him as he cultivated.
After a long time, Pang Hong slowly opened his eyes to see his master guarding beside him, gratefully saying, "Disciple thanks Master for your protection."
Even though he knew he wasn't in any danger in this world, having his master guard him while he was in closed cultivation touched Pang Hong deeply.
"It's no trouble," Pei Xuanjing replied with a smile, then inquired, "How are you feeling now?"
He asked how Pang Hong was feeling at the moment. His disciple was probably the second person Pei Xuanjing knew that had successfully condensed a Golden Core. Even if everyone practiced the same skill, the Golden Cores they formed were different, providing a point of reference for Pei Xuanjing.
Hearing Pei Xuanjing's question, Pang Hong candidly shared everything. Yet at this moment, a hint of peculiarity crossed his face as he spoke to Pei Xuanjing, "Master, the Golden Core I've condensed seems a little different."
"That's to be expected. Even if people practice the same skill, the differences in perceptions and understandings mean that the Golden Cores they form will naturally vary…" Pei Xuanjing began to explain, smiling. However, he stopped mid-sentence, unable to continue.
As he spoke, Pang Hong had already revealed his Golden Core, and its peculiarities were so surprising that even the prepared Pei Xuanjing was taken aback and remarkably astonished.