Chapter 302 : Stirring the Winds and Clouds

Chapter 302: Stirring the Winds and Clouds

Cloud-Resting Residence, First Peak Cave Abode.

A wisp of green smoke curled upward as the fragrance of tea spread through the air.

“Chen Beiwu has formed his core.”

Gu Xiao lifted the purple clay teapot and poured two cups of hot tea before suddenly speaking.

“That’s only natural. Fourteen years have passed. You and I have both formed our cores. It’s nothing strange that Chen Beiwu has done the same.”

Shen Yuanbao slowly sipped his tea. Though his tone appeared calm, there was a trace of helplessness beneath it.

In Foundation Establishment combat, he had not been Chen Beiwu’s match.

To catch up to—and even surpass—Chen Beiwu, Shen Yuanbao could only maximize his own advantages. He chose to rely on his family’s cultivation resources to form his core in the shortest time possible.

Under normal circumstances, he would have remained at Peak Foundation Establishment for several decades, attempting to forge a Titled Core, rather than directly condensing a First-Grade Core.

“He formed the Primordial Golden Core.” Gu Xiao tapped his fingertip lightly against the jade desk, his tone complicated.

Hearing this, Shen Yuanbao froze slightly. Ripples spread across the surface of the tea in his cup.

“Is the news reliable?” Shen Yuanbao asked instinctively.

A Titled Core was difficult to forge.

Although those with Flawless Foundation Establishment possessed the potential to forge a Titled Core, not every heaven’s favored genius could succeed.

He and Gu Xiao were both typical examples. Though they had achieved Flawless Foundation Establishment, they had failed to walk the path toward a Titled Core.

Ordinary Flawless Foundation Establishment geniuses might feel unwilling to accept such an outcome. They would remain at Peak Foundation Establishment for decades, attempting to glimpse the Great Dao leading to a Titled Core.

Even if they ultimately failed, the attempt would still strengthen the foundation of their First-Grade Core.

But Shen Yuanbao and Gu Xiao were not the type of genius cultivators who refused to turn back until they hit a wall.

Indecision only brought chaos.

Once they determined they lacked the aptitude to forge a Titled Core, both of them chose to maximize their family advantages. With the aid of vast cultivation resources, they formed their cores as quickly as possible, lest they become mere foils to Chen Beiwu.

“Of course it’s reliable. If you don’t believe it, log onto the Jade Purity Immortal Sect’s official website. It’s probably already spread everywhere.” Gu Xiao gave a bitter smile.

He did not care much for empty fame.

But being born in the same era as a peerless genius like Chen Beiwu inevitably created a sense of disparity, even stirring doubts about one’s own talent.

Shen Yuanbao took out his phone and opened the Jade Purity Immortal Sect’s official website. A notice had already been pinned to the top.

“Congratulations to Chen Beiwu of the Water-Wood Department of the Beast Taming Academy, Class of 24523, for forging the Primordial Golden Core and ranking among the True Inheritance!”

The number of comments below the announcement had already exceeded 999+.

“So he really succeeded…”

Shen Yuanbao muttered, glancing at the publisher information.

As expected, the core formation announcement had come from the Jade Purity Immortal Sect · Admissions Department. The authenticity of the news was beyond doubt, and a trace of regret surfaced in Shen Yuanbao’s heart.

Had he been too hasty?

If he had endured and continued to immerse himself in comprehending the Jade Purity Ninefold Primordial Core Scripture, would he also have possessed the potential to forge a Titled Core?

Even if the Jade Purity Ninefold Primordial Core Scripture had not sufficed, the Jade Purity Immortal Sect possessed other supreme immortal arts that pointed directly toward the Titled Core.

At this thought, Shen Yuanbao raised his head to look at Gu Xiao, only to find that the latter’s expression had already returned to calm.

“Another cup?” Gu Xiao offered.

“I’ll pass on the tea. Right now, I only want wine.” Shen Yuanbao shook his head.

“Aren’t you someone who never touches alcohol?” Gu Xiao raised a brow.

“If there’s no wine, forget it.” Shen Yuanbao stood and walked forward.

“Where are you going?” Gu Xiao asked softly.

Shen Yuanbao paused, then turned to look at him. “Don’t you want to witness the legendary Primordial Golden Core?”

“I don’t have masochistic tendencies.” Gu Xiao shrugged helplessly.

Shen Yuanbao fell silent and left without another word.

“If Heaven gave birth to Xiao, why must it also give birth to Wu.”

Watching Shen Yuanbao’s departing figure disappear, Gu Xiao let out a sigh.

One who could forge the Primordial Golden Core would stand as the greatest among all the prodigies of the Jade Purity Immortal Sect over the past ten thousand years and could dominate among the Thirteen Immortal Sects.

In the eyes of the upper echelons of the Immortal Sect, the current Chen Beiwu might even be more suitable than Yu Zhaohua to inherit the position of Chief Disciple.

……

Cloud-Resting Residence, First Peak Cave Abode.

Yu Zhaohua sat obediently cross-legged on a meditation cushion. Beside her, the Suiyan Coiling Dragon slightly lowered its head in respect toward a superior.

For before the woman and beast stood a dignified female cultivator dressed in a plain white flowing cloud skirt, her features as picturesque as a painting.

“Mother, how do you have time to visit me today?” Yu Zhaohua asked, somewhat surprised.

“Zhaohua, I’ve come today to ask you something.”

At these words, Yu Zhaohua’s fingertips paused slightly, and a faint sense of foreboding rose in her heart. “Mother, you may speak directly.”

True Venerable Yuehua nodded faintly and looked at her beloved daughter before speaking slowly.

“What do you think of Chen Beiwu?”

‘As expected.’

Yu Zhaohua understood at once, yet her expression remained unchanged as she answered truthfully:

“Chen Beiwu possesses peerless talent and a resolute temperament. He is no less than your daughter. In the future, he may well become Chief Disciple of the Jade Purity Immortal Sect and advance to Soul Transformation.”

True Venerable Yuehua’s gaze flickered slightly. “If I intend for you to become Dao companions with him, would you be willing to try associating with him?”

Yu Zhaohua lifted her eyes, a faint surprise within them. “Is this your idea… or the family’s arrangement?”

Her question carried deeper meaning.

If it was merely her mother’s thought, she could attempt to dispel it. But if it was her father’s decision, Yu Zhaohua would find it difficult to change.

“Neither. I am only offering you a suggestion. I will not force you.”

True Venerable Yuehua shook her head slightly. “The Primordial Golden Core is innately compatible with your ‘Blazing Radiance Dao Body.’ If the two of you become Dao companions, you may jointly comprehend the Grand Dao of Primordial Unity. In the future, there is hope of advancing to Void Refinement Dao Venerable.”

Yu Zhaohua fell silent for a moment before lightly smiling.

“Mother, Chen Beiwu is indeed excellent. But what if I refuse?”

“Why refuse? Wouldn’t that be a pity?” True Venerable Yuehua frowned slightly. “One who can forge the Primordial Golden Core appears only once in ten thousand years.”

“But I do not feel it is a pity.” Yu Zhaohua met her mother’s gaze directly. “Your daughter cultivates not to rely on another, nor for the sake of Void Refinement, but for her own Dao.”

“Even if Chen Beiwu possesses peerless talent and forging the Primordial Golden Core shakes the ages—so what?”

“Since stepping onto the path of immortality, your daughter believes that with this Blazing Radiance Dao Body and this heart devoted to the Dao—I have never been inferior to any man in this world, nor to any heaven’s favored genius of the Immortal Alliance.”

A crimson flame ignited in Yu Zhaohua’s palm, forming a flying sword red as blood, faintly reflecting the shadow of a scarlet sunbird spreading its wings.

Grasping the sword in her hand, Yu Zhaohua’s aura erupted. Her long hair flew wildly as flames bathed her entire body. She looked straight at her mother, revealing an edge sharp and unrestrained:

“When Blazing Radiance burns, stars fall; with a cold edge, the bright moon is severed. Without borrowing another’s strength, your daughter shall in the future also prove the Dao to Soul Transformation and Void Refinement.”

True Venerable Yuehua gazed at her daughter for a long while before revealing a satisfied smile.

“Zhaohua, you are very naïve—and very adorable.”

Yu Zhaohua’s expression did not change. She did not rebuke her mother for the faint belittlement in her words, but instead met her gaze calmly.

“Zhaohua, remember what you said today. Do not disappoint your mother.”

True Venerable Yuehua stepped back, turned her head toward the bright moon in the sky, and her figure gradually faded from sight.

……

Jade Purity Immortal Sect, Student Department Council Hall.

Twelve top prodigies listed on the Jade Void Rankings were holding a meeting. Among them was the Azure Firmament Sword Cultivator, Mo Qingshuang.

He lifted his eyes slightly and looked toward the main seat at the council table, where a tall young man with ordinary features sat upright.

Shen Lingxing, ranked first on the Jade Void Rankings, the current Chief Disciple of the Jade Purity Immortal Sect, at the Great Perfection of the Golden Core Realm. He hailed from the Shen family of the True Venerable Aristocratic Lineage of Southern Yuan and was likewise a peerless genius of this generation of the Jade Purity Immortal Sect with hope of forming a Pure Yang Nascent Soul.

“Everyone, there are two matters for discussion today.”

Shen Lingxing swept his gaze around the hall and spoke in a deep voice.

“First, the Immortal Alliance Entrance Examination is about to begin. We must determine three Recruitment Envoys.

The position of Recruitment Envoy not only represents Jade Purity’s prestige, but also concerns the fresh blood of our sect’s future.”

“Who among you is willing to shoulder this responsibility?”

Hearing this, Mo Qingshuang remained silent. He had no interest in such trivial affairs.

On the contrary, the other ten Golden Core True Persons eagerly participated, arguing for a full quarter of an hour before finally deciding the candidates.

Once the first agenda was settled, Shen Lingxing proceeded swiftly to the second.

“The Immortal Sect Exchange Conference is about to commence. The list must be determined in advance. Who is willing to set out and seize another first place for Jade Purity?”

In an instant, the atmosphere in the council hall froze.

“I specialize in formations and am not skilled in combat. If I go, I would only drag everyone down.”

“The Supreme Clarity Sect and Upper Clarity Sect are watching like tigers eyeing prey. The list for this exchange must be chosen carefully—only peerless geniuses should bear this burden.”

“Indeed. The exchange depends on strength. Why not let the top five of the Jade Void Rankings go?”

Listening to the mutual deflections among the Student Department members, Shen Lingxing drew a deep breath, his gaze unconsciously drifting toward Mo Qingshuang.

Being listed among a group of insects who only fought for benefits was truly vexing.

“I’ll take a slot.”

Mo Qingshuang suddenly spoke.

To temper his sword in the Blessed Grotto-Heaven, he needed to challenge the prodigies of all Thirteen Immortal Sects.

With the exchange about to begin, he naturally did not wish to miss such an opportunity.

“Very well. But there are still four remaining spots.” Shen Lingxing nodded slightly.

As third on the Jade Void Rankings, Mo Qingshuang indeed had the qualifications to participate in this grand gathering of prodigies and bring glory to the Jade Purity Immortal Sect.

“For the other four, I tentatively propose Yu Zhaohua, Chen Beiwu, Xue Tianyi, and Ye Xinya. What do you all think?” Shen Lingxing said gravely.

“Agreed.”

“Approved.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

The Immortal Sect Exchange Conference was held once every hundred years, divided into the Dao Discussion Battle and the Gathering of Heroes.

Each immortal sect could send three to five True Inheritance prodigies, none over one hundred and fifty years old.

However, as the Chief Disciple of this generation, Shen Lingxing exceeded the age limit and could not participate.

Moreover, this session’s lineup was exceedingly formidable, causing many of the Golden Core True Persons present to harbor concerns.

It was not that they were unwilling to bring glory to Jade Purity, but that they knew their own capabilities well. Forcing their participation might damage the sect’s reputation; better to retreat in the face of difficulty and preserve some dignity.

“Meeting adjourned.”

Shen Lingxing declared decisively.

“Buzz.”

In the next instant, the projected Dharma bodies of the Golden Core cultivators vanished, leaving only Mo Qingshuang behind.

“Anything else?” Shen Lingxing’s gaze shifted slightly.

“Whom does the Chief Disciple intend to appoint as team leader for this Immortal Sect Exchange Conference?” Mo Qingshuang asked calmly.

“Naturally, the strongest shall lead.” Shen Lingxing smiled faintly.

“Oh? Does the Chief Disciple mean for us to fight first and determine the victor?” Mo Qingshuang raised a brow.

“Of course not.” Shen Lingxing shook his head with a smile. “The team leader must participate in the Dao Discussion Battle and contend with the Chief Disciples of the various immortal sects.

Therefore, for those on this exchange list, I will personally measure them and determine who is strongest.”

“Interesting. I look forward to crossing hands with the Chief Disciple.”

The corner of Mo Qingshuang’s lips lifted slightly as his Dharma body vanished.

“Haa…”

Shen Lingxing exhaled a breath of turbid air and lazily slumped over the table.

The position of Jade Purity Chief Disciple could be consecutively retained, to prevent the unworthy from filling the post and disgracing the sect—but it also barred participation in the Immortal Sect Exchange Conference.

Shen Lingxing had long wished to relinquish the position and enter seclusion to prove the Dao to Nascent Soul. Unfortunately, the Jade Purity prodigies who followed him had been too lacking, forcing him to grit his teeth and continue.

Fortunately, fortune reversed after reaching its nadir. This generation had finally produced several peerless geniuses capable of taking his place.

It was just unfortunate timing—they happened to run into those two “old fellows” from the Supreme Clarity Immortal Sect and Upper Clarity Immortal Sect who still fell within the age limit.

“It is not without precedent for someone at mid-stage Golden Core to defeat someone at peak Golden Core. Unfortunately, those two are the precedent.”

Back then, he had suppressed the Chief Disciples of the Supreme Clarity Immortal Sect and Upper Clarity Immortal Sect to claim first place at the Immortal Sect Exchange Conference, relying on realm suppression—using his peak Golden Core cultivation to overpower mid-stage Golden Core cultivators.

The other ten immortal sect Chief Disciples had fallen one move short, becoming stepping stones for the Supreme Clarity and Upper Clarity Chief Disciples—peak Golden Core cultivators who were defeated after being surpassed by two minor realms by mid-stage Golden Core prodigies.

Now, a hundred years later, Shen Lingxing had reached Great Perfection of Golden Core. Yet even facing the Supreme Clarity and Upper Clarity Chief Disciples again, he had no certainty of victory—let alone expecting much from Chen Beiwu and Yu Zhaohua, who had only recently formed their cores.

“Why think so much? The Primordial Golden Core and the Blazing Radiance Dao Body both need time to grow.”

Shen Lingxing shook his head and sighed.

“This exchange will merely allow Chen Beiwu and Yu Zhaohua to broaden their horizons and make their mark. The next session—that will be when those two take their first step toward dominating the immortal sects.”

……

Within the Jade Purity Hall.

Chen Beiwu’s eyes were closed. Five-colored Dao rhythms revolved around him as he entered a state of enlightenment.

“Before chaos was divided, the Primordial hung as One; before Great Ease took form, before Great Beginning commenced, before Great Inception signaled, before Great Simplicity sprouted, before the Supreme Ultimate separated—five tribulations revolve, and Primordial Unity may be stabilized.”

“At the beginning of Great Ease, undying through myriad tribulations—this is the Primordial Azure Seal.”

“The light of Great Beginning, tribulation fire refining truth—this is the Jade Void Crimson Radiance Seal.”

“When Great Inception congeals form, returning to the abyss to bury the Dao—this is the Profound Origin Returning Abyss Seal.”

“When Great Simplicity divides and judgment falls, severing causality—this is the Great Beginning Mixed Gold Seal.”

“When the Supreme Ultimate stands in duality, eternally stabilizing heaven and earth—this is the Primordial World-Suppressing Seal.”

“When the five tribulations revolve, seals give birth to tribulation; when seals fall, tribulation extinguishes. All accords with heavenly number. If the five seals are incomplete, do not forcibly combine them…”

As the overarching scripture faded, Chen Beiwu abruptly opened his eyes. A sharp gleam flashed within them, as if five colors rotated and transformed into the Dao rhythm of five tribulations that wrapped around him, rendering his aura unfathomable.

Seeing this, True Venerable Zixiao feigned calm and asked, “Have you gained any insight?”

Chen Beiwu did not answer. Instead, he raised his hand to form seals, one by one manifesting the profundities of the Primordial Five Tribulations Seals.

Only after the five seals dissipated did Chen Beiwu rise and bow.

“Many thanks to the Sect Master for transmitting the art. This student has successfully entered the path of the Primordial Five Tribulations Seals.”

Hearing this, True Venerable Zixiao fell silent for a moment and uttered only a single word:

“Good.”

There was no other reason—he was beginning to doubt whether his own master’s praise back then had been entirely truthful.

In those days, he had taken two months to successfully enter the path of the Primordial Five Tribulations Seals and was praised as possessing the bearing of a heavenly being.

Yet Chen Beiwu had entered the path in a single day.

Could he be called someone with the aptitude of a Dao Venerable?

With a shift of thought, True Venerable Zixiao extinguished his stray musings and fixed his gaze upon Chen Beiwu as he turned to serious matters.

“The Jade Purity Ninefold Primordial Core Scripture is an immortal art passed down by the Primordial Dao Venerable. Without great comprehension and great perseverance, it cannot be cultivated. In ten thousand years, those who have mastered it number no more than one’s fingers.”

He paused slightly.

“I have heard you are confident in deducing and simplifying the Primordial Core Scripture. Is this true?”

“It is true. This student is unworthy, yet by fortunate chance used the Five Directions and Five Elements to evolve the Primordial Core Scripture, comprehending a core formation method.”

Chen Beiwu nodded and took a step back to advance forward.

“If the sect does not disdain it, this student is willing to present this method to the Immortal Sect.”