Chapter 35 - Breakthrough! Mid-Stage Golden Core!

Chapter 35: Breakthrough! Mid-Stage Golden Core!

At that moment, a formation stored in the pouch caught Xiao Yu’s attention.

The

Small Five Elements Sword Formation

was a powerful defensive array based on the interplay of the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. By harnessing the spiritual energy of these elements, it formed an almost impenetrable barrier.

Once deployed, even a Golden Core cultivator would struggle to breach it.

What made this formation even more remarkable was that Li Xun had already refined it into a formation diagram—a process that must have taken him countless years. Now, all Xiao Yu needed was a drop of his blood to claim ownership.

“This formation is truly impressive,” Xiao Yu said with a satisfied smile, easily binding the formation diagram to himself.

Whoosh!

With a wave of his hand, Xiao Yu activated the diagram, embedding the formation into the void. The

Small Five Elements Sword Formation

enveloped the entire cave dwelling.

If anyone dared to trespass, the formation would immediately launch an attack. Even a Nascent Soul cultivator would need some time to break through, giving Xiao Yu ample opportunity to react. Such was the value of a well-placed array.

“

Nine Suns Ruler

! A high-grade artefact!”

Suddenly, a small crimson ruler within the storage pouch caught Xiao Yu’s eye.

The

Nine Suns Ruler

was one of Li Xun’s prized possessions, a rare and valuable high-grade artefact.

Until now, Xiao Yu had only possessed a single high-grade artefact—the

Pure Yang Immortal Sword

gifted to him by Real Person Ziyin. Now, he had a second.

“The

Blazing Sky Tome

!”

Spotting a jade booklet within the pouch, Xiao Yu couldn’t help but gasp in excitement.

The

Blazing Sky Tome

(焚天宝册, Fén Tiān Bǎo Cè)

was Blazing Sky Valley’s signature cultivation manual, renowned for its ability to harness yang energy. Its techniques could incinerate enemies, reducing them to ashes in an instant—a method unparalleled in destructive power.

“Although I have the

Mysterious Flame Mirror

, I’ve yet to master it. This tome should be a tremendous help.”

During his battle with Li Xun, Xiao Yu had only been able to summon pillars of fire, not the legendary fire dragon. Mastering the

Mysterious Flame Mirror

required complementary techniques, and while the

Blazing Sky Tome

wasn’t the best, it was certainly better than nothing.

Ding!

Host has arrived at Cui Ping Mountain. Check-in conditions met. Would you like to check in?”

The system’s prompt jolted Xiao Yu out of his thoughts.

“Check in!”

Surprised by the notification, Xiao Yu immediately agreed.

Typically, check-ins were reserved for prominent sects or famous landmarks. He hadn’t expected to find one in such a desolate place, but the system’s guidance had once again proven invaluable.

Ding!

Check-in at Cui Ping Mountain successful. Reward: One [Nascent Formation Pill]!”

[Nascent Formation Pill (结婴丹, Jié Yīng Dān): A pill that significantly increases the success rate of forming a Nascent Soul from a Golden Core. If consumed outside the breakthrough process, it grants ten years of cultivation.]

“A

Nascent Formation Pill

?”

Xiao Yu was no stranger to this rare pill.

Advancing from the Golden Core stage to the Nascent Soul stage involved two perilous steps: transforming the core into a nascent form and imbuing it with a soul. Both were fraught with danger, where a single misstep could lead to total failure.

The

Nascent Formation Pill

was designed to aid in this treacherous process, smoothing the way to success. However, when taken prematurely, its effects were limited to a ten-year boost in cultivation.

“I’m still in the early Golden Core stage. It’s too soon to think about forming a Nascent Soul.”

“Rather than let this pill gather dust for a century, I might as well take it now and gain the extra cultivation.”

With that, Xiao Yu retrieved the fiery red pill from his storage pouch.

“So, this is the

Nascent Formation Pill

? Shaped like a baby…”

The pearl-sized pill resembled an infant, its vivid hue exuding a potent medicinal fragrance. Without the protection of the

Small Five Elements Sword Formation

, the scent would have spread for miles, undoubtedly attracting countless greedy cultivators.

Gulp!

Xiao Yu tossed the pill into his mouth and swallowed.

A surge of immense, pure spiritual energy exploded within him, flooding his Golden Core like a raging torrent and rapidly elevating his cultivation.

Boom!

In an instant, Xiao Yu’s aura surged to its peak. Waves of energy emanated from him, crashing against the confines of the formation. Thanks to the protective array, no disturbances leaked to the outside world.

With the addition of ten years’ worth of cultivation, Xiao Yu reached an unprecedented height.

Breakthrough achieved!

Mid-stage Golden Core!

Feeling the newfound strength coursing through him, Xiao Yu smiled in satisfaction.

The Golden Core within his dantian, once the size of a grain, had grown to the size of a thumb, spinning serenely as it radiated a dazzling golden light filled with boundless power.

[“Dan” (丹): Refers to “cinnabar,” a reddish mineral historically used in alchemy, symbolizing vitality and essence. “Tian” (田): Means “field” or “plot of land,” symbolizing a place of cultivation or energy.]

“As expected of a pill meant for forming a Nascent Soul—the effects are extraordinary.”

Stepping out of his cave, Xiao Yu tested his newfound power by launching a fireball at the mountainside.

Boom!

A massive section of the mountain crumbled away, leaving a gaping hole.

Having advanced to the mid-Golden Core stage, even a simple fireball spell had become a devastating weapon.

“In three days, the full moon will rise. It’s time to head to Iron Pillar Temple.”

Satisfied with his progress, Xiao Yu smiled as he prepared for his next mission. Mounting his sword, he soared into the western sky, bound for Iron Pillar Temple.