Demonic Cultivator(222-225) (Patreon)

Chapter 222: The Auction

In Heavenly Sword City, at the Pill Pavilion.

Early morning found Chu Xuan as usual, arriving early at the shop he had rented. After brewing himself a pot of tea, he lay back in a wicker chair to browse through alchemical texts.

A young figure hurried over. "Master He! I'm here!" the young cultivator chuckled, "Master He is always so early."

"Just in time, little Ze," Chu Xuan said casually. "I'm going to stroll around other parts of Pill Pavilion. You can mind the shop for me."

"Yes!" the young cultivator replied respectfully.

Chu Xuan's reputation as the cultured and elegant Master He was well-established. Coupled with his first-rate alchemical skills and exquisite techniques, many cultivators desired to serve him in exchange for some medicinal pills.

Chu Xuan did not choose mid or late-stage Golden Core cultivators as they were strong and difficult to control. He only selected from those at the early stage of Golden Core, ultimately choosing this young early-stage Golden Core cultivator named He Ze.

He Ze hailed from Holy Sound Star, where the Celestial Sound Zen Temple was located, and was a Golden Core cultivator from a minor sect called Longevity View. When the Reincarnation Divine Church distributed battlefield tokens, He Ze was extremely lucky—a token had appeared hundreds of zhang away from him. He obtained the battlefield token effortlessly and thus came to the extraterritorial battlefield.

However, in this extraterritorial battlefield, Golden Core cultivators were common, and early-stage Golden Core cultivators were at the very bottom of the hierarchy.

Since arriving in Heavenly Sword City, He Ze had always been cautious, never venturing too far from the city. Even when going out to clear ancient beast carcasses, he always went in the company of trustworthy cultivators. He was exceptionally prudent and careful.

Chu Xuan valued him for his weak strength and cautious nature, assigning him to handle tedious affairs. For instance, when Chu Xuan went out to purchase alchemy materials, he would have He Ze mind the shop.

Moreover, Chu Xuan's fame had spread widely, attracting cultivators from cities like Righteous Dao City, Majestic Sword City, and Celestial Sound City, all of whom came specifically to request his alchemical services. With so many cultivators visiting at different times, Chu Xuan couldn't possibly handle each request personally. These requests were taken care of by He Ze.

Since He Ze's arrival, Chu Xuan had become even more leisurely, something he quite enjoyed.

"Master He! Do you know there's been a major event recently?" He Ze suddenly exclaimed.

Chu Xuan raised an eyebrow, "What's the matter?"

He Ze excitedly reported, "It seems you haven't heard yet. I heard from others that in a few days, the Heavenly Sword City is going to host a large-scale auction. Elder Ximen of the Majestic Sword Sect will personally preside over it!"

Chu Xuan's interest was piqued, "What kinds of items will be auctioned?"

He Ze thought for a moment, "Nascent Soul spiritual items! Top-tier Soul Condensation techniques! High-grade magic treasures! Premium cultivation manuals! A lot of things, really! Do you have an interest as well, Master He? I'll go and gather some detailed information for you and bring it back soon."

Chu Xuan's eyes lit up. Indeed, fortune favors the bold. Finally, there was news about a top-tier Soul Condensation technique. Although acquiring it through auction might cost more spirit stones, that was not a concern.

He had some savings, and if he could directly purchase the technique, there would be no need for further conflicts. He mainly disliked strife, not because it might lead to injury, reveal his secrets, or bring unwanted trouble, but simply because he preferred peace.

His identity as Master He was perfect for making money, and few would question where his spirit stones came from—after all, an alchemist was synonymous with wealth!

Chu Xuan smiled and nodded, "Little Ze, I appreciate it."

He Ze thumped his chest, "Don't worry, Master He! You are my patron, and I am happy to serve you! I'll go and ask the cultivators from the Majestic Sword Sect about what will be at the auction."

Chu Xuan nodded and watched him leave. As time passed, the number of cultivators in Pill Pavilion gradually increased, and Chu Xuan heard many of them excitedly discussing the upcoming grand auction.

Indeed, for Golden Core cultivators, nothing could draw their attention more than Nascent Soul spiritual items. As for Soul Condensation techniques, those were secondary. Even if it was a lower-tier technique, what did it matter?

As long as one could advance to Nascent Soul, they could dominate over Golden Core cultivators. And as for comparisons with other Nascent Soul cultivators... if he didn't compare, there was no issue!

In such an atmosphere, the whole of Heavenly Sword City came alive. Chu Xuan, lounging in his wicker chair, even saw many monks from the Celestial Sound Zen Temple arriving at Pill Pavilion.

Clearly, the news of Heavenly Sword City hosting a grand auction had spread like wildfire to Celestial Sound City under the control of the monastery. Presumably, before the auction even started, the news would spread across the entire extraterritorial battlefield, drawing a massive gathering of Golden Core cultivators to Heavenly Sword City.

Soon, He Ze returned, his face beaming with joy. "Master He! I've got it!"

"Here's the list of auction items I wrote down." He handed over a piece of paper with both hands.

Chu Xuan took the list from He Ze and quickly scanned it. A hint of joy flickered in his eyes—there were as many as three top-tier Soul Condensation techniques listed for auction. Additionally, there were six high-grade techniques, several of which seemed particularly suited to Chu Xuan's needs.

Chu Xuan nodded with a smile, "Thank you for your trouble. I need to save all my spirit stones for the auction. How about this, tell me what pills you need, and I'll concoct some for you."

He Ze, thrilled, rubbed his hands together, "I know my talents are modest, and it would be a great fortune to advance to the mid-stage of the Golden Core in this lifetime; I would be content with that. Could you, Master He, concoct a batch of Thick Earth Pills for me? They are most suited to the cultivation technique I practice."

Then he seemed a bit embarrassed, "Don't worry about the materials; I've prepared them all. It's just that I'm a bit short on spirit stones and am somewhat embarrassed financially."

Chu Xuan laughed heartily, "Don't worry about it. I'll waive the fee for concocting this batch of pills for you."

He Ze was overjoyed and deeply moved, "Others have said you are cultured, generous, and a truly good person. I, He Ze, am truly fortunate to serve you!" He quickly presented the materials for the Thick Earth Pills with both hands.

Chu Xuan chuckled lightly, "Then I will go back to concocting pills. I'll leave the shop in your hands."

"Yes! Please rest assured!" He Ze responded with utmost seriousness, treating the rented shop as if it were his lifeblood.

Thick Earth Pills were not particularly precious or rare, and Chu Xuan, with his alchemical expertise, could easily concoct them. Since He Ze was loyal to him, it was only right to reward him accordingly.

...

Five nights later, the grand auction was held as scheduled. Chu Xuan, accompanied by He Ze, arrived at the venue. At the entrance, the guard cultivators typically checked each cultivator's spirit stones to see if they met the standards for entry.

However, recognizing Chu Xuan as a famously skilled alchemist from the city, they allowed him entry without question. An alchemist was hardly a pauper!

Thus, Chu Xuan easily entered the auction house. With his identity as an alchemist, he was treated with respect wherever he went. Upon revealing his status, he was even invited to a private room with a one-way transparent wall facing the auction stage. Chu Xuan could clearly see everything on the auction stage, but those outside couldn't see him.

Chu Xuan sat down contentedly, waiting for the auction to begin. He Ze, on the other hand, was wide-eyed and full of wonder as he looked around and touched everything in the private room. It was his first time at such an event. Being just a low-level Golden Core cultivator, he had much to learn.

Chapter 223: Blood Demon Soul Condensation Technique

"Wow, that woman is stunning. Who is she?" He Ze peered through the one-way glass, noticing a few figures escorting someone into the auction hall.

Chu Xuan glanced over, his eyebrows lifting in recognition. Among those figures, he recognized Xun Zhao and Zhao Qian. There was also a composed middle-aged man, likely Wu Shang.

The man walking in front, with silver at his temples, was clearly identifiable as the Nascent Soul elder of the Majestic Sword Sect who governed this Heavenly Sword City—Ximen Qing.

Yet, Ximen Qing, walking alongside the icy beauty, cautiously remained a half-step behind her. Could she be the one who, according to rumors in Heavenly Sword City, supplied the auction items? It seemed likely she was Leng Hanshuang, the saintess of the Reincarnation Divine Church.

"Leng Hanshuang... It's said she's born with earth-grade spirit root and spirit body." He Ze whispered, intrigued by the gossip. "Though her talents fall slightly short of the Holy Son of the Reincarnation Divine Church, Situ Kong, her perfectly matched spirit root and body allow her cultivation speed to keep pace without lagging."

Chu Xuan pondered this information. He wasn't sure of the exact nature of Leng Hanshuang's spirit root and body, or whether they suited his needs.

As they mused, the doors to the auction hall thundered shut. The lights dimmed, and beams of light converged on the auction stage. A woman in a tight-fitting red pleated dress gracefully ascended the stage.

"Presenting the first auction item," she announced. "A Nascent Soul spiritual item, the Gold Crumble Mud!"

The crowd gasped in shock. A Nascent Soul spiritual item right from the start? This auction was truly unprecedented!

"Master He, your tea is ready," He Ze announced, bringing over a teapot and cup, brewing a new spiritual tea that Chu Xuan had acquired called "Mist Gazing Flower." As it brewed, a dense fog rose, with the silhouette of a flower faintly visible within—hence its name.

Chu Xuan had few hobbies, but he was particularly fond of tea tasting. He planned to acquire some seeds of this Mist Gazing Flower to plant on Blue Star.

While Chu Xuan savored his tea, the Gold Crumble Mud was purchased by a late-stage Golden Core cultivator for a staggering 130,000 small spirit stones.

"130,000 small spirit stones... That's an outrageous price," He Ze remarked, wide-eyed. He had never seen such an enormous sum of spirit stones in his entire life.

Chu Xuan chuckled, explaining to He Ze the dynamics of the auction market, "Low-grade magic treasures usually go for about ten thousand small spiritual stones. Mid-grade ones need around forty thousand. Nascent Soul spiritual items, being rare, typically fetch around ninety to one hundred thousand small spiritual stones in previous years. This jump to one hundred thirty thousand might indicate someone deliberately driving up the price in the shadows."

He Ze, still puzzled, asked, "Master He, aren't you going to bid for the Nascent Soul spiritual items?"

Chu Xuan casually replied, "Gold Crumble Mud is one of the more impactful Nascent Soul spiritual items. With so many people eagerly competing for it, how could I possibly outbid them? Let fate decide. I've already secured a Nascent Soul spiritual item for my descendants; now, all I need is a top-tier Soul Condensation technique to honor the ancestors."

He Ze gave a thumbs up, impressed, "Master He truly knows gratitude and is looking to repay it. If your ancestors knew of your deeds from beyond, they would surely feel comforted."

Chu Xuan raised an eyebrow. Comforted? If he recalled correctly, He Liang indeed came from a Foundation Establishment family lineage, but his ancestor had likely been executed by the righteous sects of Yu Country. If anything, his ancestor, if aware, would probably be less than comforted—more likely furious.

As the auction proceeded, Chu Xuan had He Ze place bids only a couple of times, acquiring a medicinal manual and a poison scripture. They made a tentative bid on a high-grade Soul Condensation technique but did not engage in further bidding.

Hours later, the auctioneer's voice had grown somewhat hoarse, but she remained professional, standing diligently on the auction stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the forty-second item up for auction is a top-tier Soul Condensation technique!" She lifted her hand gracefully, and the red cloth covering the scripture flew off, revealing the manual underneath.

"The Heavenly River Soul Condensation Technique! Utilizing millennium water essence as a catalyst, it forms a Heavenly River Water Soul, suitable for cultivators with water attribute spirit roots. Those of you with water attributes, don't miss this chance!"

The technique stirred immediate interest, and many bidders quickly called out their offers. Soon, the "Heavenly River Soul Condensation Technique" sold for one hundred sixty-six thousand small spiritual stones. Chu Xuan had He Ze make a bid, though they didn't continue as the price climbed.

After a brief pause, the auctioneer sold another top-tier Soul Condensation technique named "Severing Gold Soul Condensation Technique," suitable for metal attribute cultivators, for one hundred fifty-eight thousand small spiritual stones.

"Next up, the third top-tier Soul Condensation technique!" the red-clad auctioneer announced. "This technique is known as the 'Blood Demon Soul Condensation Technique'! It harnesses fresh blood as a river, irrigating the body to break the core and form the soul. This technique can increase the success rate of forming a Nascent Soul by 10%. If the advancement fails, there is still an 80% chance to form a false soul. A Nascent Soul formed by this method is called a Blood Demon Soul."

Clearing her throat, the auctioneer continued, "Once the Blood Demon Soul is formed, combat power surges dramatically! Both spiritual Qi and soul strength will see significant increases, making it one of the premier techniques among top-tier Soul Condensation methods!"

As she finished, some knowledgeable cultivators in the audience laughed out loud.

"Why does the fellow daoist not mention the drawbacks of the Blood Demon Soul? The quickest way to gather large amounts of blood is through the slaughter of mortals, which accumulates heavy karmic debt. The resulting heavenly tribulation one must face when breaking the pill to form the soul is terrifyingly formidable!"

The auctioneer's smile turned somewhat awkward.

"Indeed, the Blood Demon Soul is powerful, but it's also akin to courting death. The enhanced heavenly tribulation that follows is not something everyone can survive!"

"If one can survive such a tribulation, why would they need the 'Blood Demon Soul Condensation Technique' to step onto the path of the Nascent Soul?"

"I agree, this method harms both heaven and humanity and is more trouble than it's worth!"

Many cultivators vocally disparaged the Blood Demon Soul Condensation Technique.

The auctioneer's face grew increasingly awkward, but she continued, "The starting bid is eighty thousand small spiritual stones. Each increment must be no less than one thousand small spiritual stones. Please, make your bids..."

She braced herself for the possibility that the item might not sell.

However...

"Eighty-five thousand!"

"Eighty-eight thousand!"

"Ninety-six thousand, and nobody better competes with me! If someone's going to do something this morally reprehensible, let it be me!"

"One hundred thousand! I'll take it! Don't anyone dare outbid me!"

The auctioneer was left speechless. Weren't they just calling it ethically abhorrent? Weren't they just saying it was utterly useless? Why were they now outbidding each other so eagerly?

He Ze was also shocked, "Why is this happening?"

Chu Xuan simply chuckled, "Advancing from Golden Core to Nascent Soul is successful for only one or two out of ten cultivators. Regardless of the method used, forming a Nascent Soul always invites a heavenly tribulation. The only difference lies in its severity. With such odds, why not choose a technique that not only increases the chances of success by 10% but also offers an 80% chance of forming a false soul if one fails?"

Chapter 224: The Holy Maiden's Invitation

He Ze had an epiphany, "I understand now, those cultivators were disparaging the method as damaging to heaven and humanity, claiming it was more trouble than it's worth, but actually they wanted to buy it themselves!"

Chu Xuan chuckled, "Little Ze, place a bid, add twenty thousand."

He Ze was startled, "Master He, you want this technique too?"

Chu Xuan nodded.

Understanding his intent, He Ze immediately called out the new bid, "One hundred twenty thousand small spiritual stones!"

The bid of one hundred twenty thousand small spiritual stones fell like a hammer, silencing the room. The significant increase of twenty thousand was clearly intended to deter other bidders and secure the Blood Demon Soul Condensation Technique straight away. Many cultivators, lacking substantial resources, began to back down.

After a moment of silence, another bid came. "One hundred thirty thousand small spiritual stones!" followed by "One hundred thirty-three thousand!"

The bids became sparse but were resolute. Once the price crossed one hundred thousand, it was no longer within the reach of ordinary Golden Core cultivators.

Thanks to the gifts from Nascent Soul cultivators like Yun Zhongyu and Shangguan Hao, Chu Xuan still had a tidy sum in his wallet. Fortunately, during this bidding, he did not encounter any malicious price inflators.

Finally, Chu Xuan secured the technique for one hundred fifty thousand small spiritual stones.

"Let's go, we've got everything we came for," he said, gesturing for He Ze to follow as they headed to the auction's backstage. After paying the spirit stones, they successfully acquired the "Blood Demon Soul Condensation Technique."

Stepping out of the auction house's backstage, Chu Xuan felt a breath of fresh air; the breeze was gentle and soothing. Now all he needed to do was return to Blue Star, calm his mind, maintain a good mental state, and he could begin his push toward the Nascent Soul path.

"Unknowingly, I'm about to advance from a minor Qi Refining cultivator to a great Nascent Soul cultivator," Chu Xuan mused with a smile, ready to leave the auction house.

Just then, from the corner of his eye, he caught sight of several figures approaching. He subtly furrowed his brows and quickened his pace. Despite his intent to keep a distance, a voice rang out from behind.

"Master He? Did you purchase the 'Blood Demon Soul Condensation Technique'? This kind of demonic, unorthodox method, you plan to practice it? Do you not realize that for us alchemists, the 'Blood Demon Soul Condensation Technique' is nothing but a vile practice?"

Chu Xuan sighed softly and turned around. It was indeed Zhao Qian, her brows furrowed in a look of profound disappointment. He wasn't sure why she showed such an expression.

Chu Xuan bowed politely, "Fellow daoist Zhao, a pleasure to see you. Did you need something from me?"

Zhao Qian frowned, "Didn't you understand my words? That 'Blood Demon Soul Condensation Technique' is harmful to both heaven and humanity and destructive to oneself! An alchemist needs a rational mind. If you attempt to use this method to form your soul, your future success rate in alchemy will plummet! Don't waste your talents!"

Chu Xuan offered a mild smile, "My natural talent for cultivation is not great, acquiring the 'Blood Demon Soul Condensation Technique' was a choice made out of necessity. You, fellow daoist Zhao, have been favored by True Master Tiancang in the Reincarnation Tower for your pill concoction skills, yet you do not understand the predicaments of others."

He had heard of Zhao Qian's outstanding performance in the Reincarnation Tower, highly regarded by True Master Tiancang, who frequently involved her in alchemy and even considered taking her as his disciple.

Zhao Qian snorted coldly, "During my time concocting lifespan pills in the Reincarnation Tower, I've come to appreciate even more the value of talent for alchemy. He Liang, do not squander the gifts granted by heaven!"

Seeing Chu Xuan's indifferent response, Zhao Qian shook her head as if witnessing the decline of a talented alchemist.

"Are you the alchemist He Liang?" A cold voice interrupted.

Chu Xuan inwardly frowned but maintained a composed exterior as he faced the newcomer with a polite bow, "Indeed, I am He Liang. May I know who I am addressing?"

Leng Hanshuang approached, flanked by Wu Shang and Xun Zhao. She did not respond to Chu Xuan's question but instead spoke on her own terms.

"Your talents in alchemy have reached the ears of Uncle Master Tiancang. He often says that the most important thing in alchemy is talent. If you were to come to the Reincarnation Tower and train under him, you might become a leading figure in the world of alchemy."

Chu Xuan's heart skipped a beat before calming down. It seemed his occasional failures in alchemy had drawn too much attention. It was not entirely good news. Being noticed by a man-eating monster like True Master Tiancang made his skin crawl.

Leng Hanshuang added nonchalantly, "The 'Blood Demon Soul Condensation Technique' you've acquired is not something commendable. If you agree to come to the Reincarnation Tower to concoct pills for Uncle Master Tiancang, he can naturally provide a top-tier Soul Condensation Technique without any side effects. I'm about to head to the Reincarnation Tower with Zhao Qian. If you agree, I'll take you with us."

Having spoken, Zhao Qian, Xun Zhao, Wu Shang, and the others all turned their gazes toward Chu Xuan, awaiting his response. Though he did not know the identity of the woman, it was clear from the entourage of Xun Zhao and Wu Shang that she was a figure of high stature.

Chu Xuan sighed inwardly. Shaking his head with a rueful smile, he said, "My skills are limited and shallow; I dare not concoct pills for True Master Tiancang. I fear I might delay the progress of the Heavenly Lifespan Pill. Thank you for your generous offer."

Leng Hanshuang's eyebrows knitted tightly together, her face settling into a cold expression. Wu Shang scoffed, "You alchemists truly lack worldly wisdom. The Holy Maiden herself has extended an invitation, and yet you dare to refuse?"

Chu Xuan appeared terrified, trembling slightly, "The Holy Maiden herself?" He reiterated earnestly, "Every word I spoke is true; I truly fear delaying the Heavenly Lifespan Pill's progress."

Wu Shang seemed ready to speak further, but Leng Hanshuang waved him off, "If he refuses the opportunity we offer, let it be. Let's go." With that, she strode forward decisively.

Zhao Qian cast a brief glance at Chu Xuan and then looked away. She felt as if He Liang now belonged to a different world. From this moment on, she would become a disciple of True Master Tiancang, soaring through the heavens like a phoenix. Her Nascent Soul stage was just within reach. And He Liang? He would likely remain a mere Golden Core stage alchemist for life.

Unable to contain his curiosity, He Ze asked, "Why would you not accept the chance to concoct pills for True Master Tiancang? Would that not be a great opportunity?"

Chu Xuan smiled, "For Zhao Qian and others, alchemy is of utmost importance. For me, it is but a minor technique on the path of cultivation. If priorities are reversed, wasting precious time, how can one hope to achieve longevity?"

He Ze paused, struck by an epiphany.

"Let's go," said Chu Xuan, watching their retreating figures with an indifferent expression.

"Yes," He Ze nodded. As they neared his dwelling, Chu Xuan spoke again, "He Ze, I plan to enter seclusion for a while, suspending my alchemy. You need not follow me during this time."

He Ze, taken aback, asked, "Master He, do you no longer require my service?"

Chu Xuan chuckled, "I merely have no need for assistance temporarily as I prepare to advance to the Nascent Soul stage, where life and death are uncertain."

Quick to respond, He Ze exclaimed, "A person as good as you will surely succeed in forming your Nascent Soul! And when that time comes, make sure Zhao Qian sees clearly that your decision was the right one! I'll keep watch over your shop and note all those who come seeking your alchemy. I'll be waiting for the day you emerge from seclusion!"

Chu Xuan smiled faintly, "Well, you'd better take care and still be alive when I come out."

"Of course! With the Thick Earth Pill you concocted, I will definitely break through to the mid-stage of the Golden Core! Rest assured!" He Ze patted his chest, full of spirited determination.

Chapter 225: Nascent Soul Tribulation

Blue Star.

There existed a colossal blood pool amidst the vast and boundless icy plains, its contents now frozen solid. Seated upon this frozen expanse was Chu Xuan. He had chosen this location to meditate, utilizing the biting cold winds to temper his spirit.

The tribulation faced by a Golden Core cultivator attempting to break through to the Nascent Soul stage is the first heavenly ordeal encountered on the path of cultivation, yet it is by no means the last. Each subsequent breakthrough brings with it a tribulation, each more daunting than the last.

Those who transcend these tribulations may revel in centuries of freedom and growth; those who fail are reduced to ash, their paths utterly extinguished. This struggle against fate for the pursuit of immortality is truly rooted here.

Chu Xuan had been sitting motionlessly for a month. Rather than achieving calm, his state of mind had become increasingly turbulent. Memories of pursuits, evading hunters, slaying for treasures, and hiding among the masses—all these recollections, like silt lying at the bottom of a river, normally lay buried deep within the recesses of the soul.

Yet, at critical moments like these, when striving for higher realms, even the slightest disturbance could stir them up, thoroughly upheaving the tranquility of his heart.

Many cultivators have perished during their tribulations, overwhelmed by inner demons halfway through the ordeal. Chu Xuan examined his conscience, confident in his actions guided by clear insight, free from such inner demons. Nonetheless, he meticulously reviewed his past once more.

A year later, Chu Xuan's mindset had become like an ancient well—deep, cold, and utterly still, without a ripple. He knew he was ready.

With a casual flick, he tapped his storage bag. Items such as the Soul Breaking Spike, Gold Crumble Mud, and Core Transforming Paste, all Nascent Soul spiritual objects, aligned neatly before

The process of advancing to the Nascent Soul stage involved breaking the Golden Core to form the Nascent Soul. The moment the Golden Core shatters, the formation of the Nascent Soul is almost guaranteed. And as soon as the Nascent Soul forms, the heavenly tribulation follows immediately, leaving no time for rest.

Chu Xuan swallowed three Soul Breaking Spikes. Guided by his spiritual Qi, the spikes shot towards his spiritual sea.

Clang!

The Soul Breaking Spike violently struck the Golden Core. Despite the force of impact, the Golden Core, incredibly resilient, showed no sign of damage.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Once! Twice! Thrice!

Three years later, the first Soul Breaking Spike was exhausted, and only then did the surface of the Golden Core begin to show a hairline crack.

Chu Xuan immediately employed the second spike, simultaneously releasing blood-refining corpse fire to melt the ice surface. The blood pool quickly boiled.

Following the methods of the "Blood Demon Soul Condensation Technique," the blood swirled around Chu Xuan, eventually rushing into his body. This blood served as a catalyst, speeding the fragmentation of the Golden Core. Should advancement fail, the blood would also help reassemble the Golden Core fragments into a false soul.

Chu Xuan continued to activate the Soul Breaking Spikes. Once they were spent, he used the Gold Crumble Mud and Core Transforming Paste.

Time flew by, and thirty years later, Chu Xuan found himself with only a bottle of Core Transforming Paste left. By then, the surface of his Golden Core was riddled with cracks, ready to shatter from the slightest impact.

From within, a faint blood light began to emerge. With a mere pulse of spiritual Qi, Chu Xuan shattered the Golden Core completely. The fragments fell into the depths of his Qi Sea, transforming back into spiritual Qi.

The soul core in his sea of spiritual sense also burst at this moment.

Hum!

A vaguely formed, blood-colored figure suddenly appeared—this was the Nascent Soul!

In an instant, Chu Xuan's aura surged tremendously. His consciousness swept out like a vast river, easily sensing everything within a thousand li. If he extended his consciousness without restraint, he could perceive everything within three thousand li, unless another Nascent Soul cultivator was present, which would diminish his sensory range.

Before Chu Xuan could revel in his success, the sky unexpectedly darkened with clouds that appeared out of nowhere. In moments, the bright sky turned pitch black.

Flickers of lightning hinted at the brewing heavenly tribulation. The extraordinary creatures of the ice plains fled in terror, directionless like headless flies.

Chu Xuan looked up at the dark heavens, contemplating the increasingly oppressive tribulation. Normally, a Nascent Soul tribulation comprised three strikes. If one's misdeeds were many, these strikes would be terrifyingly enhanced.

If a Deity Transformation cultivator intervened, the tribulation would escalate to levels even they couldn't withstand. Thus, heavenly tribulation was always a fearsome topic among cultivators.

Now, the first strike of the heavenly tribulation was ready to descend. It seemed poised to strike at any moment. Chu Xuan snorted coldly, and three golden wheels of merit rose behind his head.

In an instant, golden light burst forth, an exotic fragrance filled the air, and the sounds of Zen chanting resonated, marking him as divine, as sacred. The heavenly tribulation that was about to strike froze in place, as if a sneeze, ready to be released, was suddenly stifled by a covered mouth.

"For over three hundred years, I, Chu Xuan, have devoted myself diligently. I've abolished tyranny, fostered peace, punished evil, promoted virtue, aided humanity, and saved people from disasters. With such great merit, why does the heavenly tribulation press so insistently upon me?" Chu Xuan stood proudly, facing the dazzling lightning, and commanded, "Roll back!"

The tribulation retracted instantly. Even the subsequent strikes vanished without a trace. In no time, the dense ink-like clouds dissipated entirely, and the thunder that roared and surged vanished in the blink of an eye.

Suddenly, a golden cloud appeared on the horizon. Tiny raindrops fell from the sky, streaming directly towards Chu Xuan, who stood unresisting, simply enjoying the downpour.

"Heavenly Dao Dew!"

After a brief immersion, he recognized what this was.

Heavenly Dao Dew! It was said to be a divine gift bestowed upon those of great virtue and destiny when they ascended to a higher realm. This essence was a highly concentrated Spiritual Qi, even akin to the legendary immortal qi.

Absorbing the Heavenly Dao Dew, it was expected that one's realm would soar through several minor levels without mishap, aiding the cultivator in smoothly navigating the awkwardness of ascension and reaching the middle phase directly.

Chu Xuan closed his eyes to comprehend this gift. He immediately felt a warm surge throughout his body, as if endless strength flowed through his veins, bones, and muscles. His Spirit Sea expanded wildly, even to the point of aching.

Most crucially was the Nascent Soul! In the early stages, a cultivator's Nascent Soul would be blurry, its features indistinct. But now, Chu Xuan's Nascent Soul rapidly became vividly clear, as tangible as another Chu Xuan himself.

After a long while, the Heavenly Dao Dew dissipated. Chu Xuan reopened his eyes. With a mere thought, his body vanished from the spot and reappeared atop a pine tree a hundred zhang away. A nest of squirrels, secretly watching from the treetop, was startled by his sudden appearance, falling into the snow below and feigning death.

Such was the paramount ability of a Nascent Soul cultivator.

Teleportation!

Chu Xuan laughed heartily, turned, and departed.