Chapter 193 - 113: To Waste Time or Not (Part 3)

Chapter 193: Chapter 113: To Waste Time or Not (Part 3)

As the saying goes, an elder brother is like a father, and Li Changfeng held just such a semi-paternal role in Yuan Hao’s heart. For Yuan Hao, however, his master Xuzhuang inspired only the lingering childlike affection and awe from the time his consciousness was first awakened. Thus, facing his master, Yuan Hao was extremely nervous. He hurriedly replied, "Reporting to Master, I dare not claim it as a great achievement, but I did indeed place among the top sixteen in the Foundation Establishment rankings."

Xuzhuang nodded. "There’s no need to be modest. The sect has a great many disciples at the Foundation Establishment stage. Placing in the top sixteen is worthy of praise."

Yuan Hao breathed a sigh of relief. "Yes. Thank you for your praise, Master."

Xuzhuang mused, "You are my disciple. Since you achieved such a fine result, I should give you something in addition to the sect’s rewards. Is there any reward you desire?"

Yuan Hao bowed and replied, "I will humbly abide by Master’s arrangements."

Xuzhuang was not surprised. He sized up the little monkey, who, perhaps due to memories from his unenlightened days, carried his Flying Sword slung across his back. Xuzhuang could tell with a single glance that the sword’s quality and restrictive seals were passable, so there was no need to replace it with a better one. "In that case," he said, "I shall grant you a Protective Treasure." With a point of his finger, a flash of light shot into Yuan Hao’s pouch.

Since forming his Golden Core, Xuzhuang had rarely tasted defeat in his duels. While the number of enemies who had died at his hands might not be vast, they were, at a minimum, cultivators who had also formed a Golden Core. The Magical Artifacts he had confiscated had long since filled his storage pouch. Any one of them, taken out at random, would be more than sufficient for a disciple like Yuan Hao, who was still in the early stages of his training.

Yuan Hao’s heart leaped with joy, and he repeatedly exclaimed, "Thank you for the gift, Master! Thank you for the gift, Master!"

Xuzhuang gave a slight nod and added, "From this day forward, move to Chongyun Peak to continue your cultivation."

Yuan Hao was even more overjoyed. Xuzhuang ignored his disciple’s undisguised, ape-like glee and turned to Li Changfeng. "My apprentice," he asked, "you achieved a top-four result in the Grand Cultivation Competition. Is there any reward you desire?"

Li Changfeng said bitterly, "Master, I..."

Xuzhuang raised a hand to cut him off, saying coolly, "I have already told you there is no need for modesty."

Li Changfeng’s words caught in his throat. He said slowly, "I lack for nothing. I will also ask Master to make the arrangements."

"Good." Xuzhuang took out a jade slip and placed it on the low table. "I have here a Pill Condensation Technique. By using it, you can form a Middle Grade Golden Core, and your Divine Techniques will far surpass those of your peers. If you are willing, I, as your master, will prepare all the necessities for you to solidify your pill."

Li Changfeng looked up in disbelief. "Master," he asked bitterly, "you mean...?"

Xuzhuang said coolly, "Achieving a Top-grade Golden Core is exceedingly difficult. Since fate is not on your side, it is better to make a decision sooner rather than later. Otherwise, you will waste half your life, at which point you won’t even be able to consider a top-grade one. I fear you’d have to settle for the lowest grade."

Li Changfeng’s body trembled. He was silent for a long moment.

Xuzhuang didn’t press him, instead gazing casually down below. He saw Zhou Jun unleashing flying slashes of white light, but Fei Fan Yan transformed into a wisp of light smoke and met them head-on. Her slender fingers formed a hand seal, and with a soft cry, a plume of white smoke rose from the crown of her head. It solidified in mid-air, forming a Great Capture hand dozens of zhang wide that pressed down like a small mountain.

Not to be outdone, Zhou Jun unleashed a five-colored radiance that soared skyward, firmly holding back the Great Capture hand. A smile, however, touched Fei Fan Yan’s lips. She channeled her Magical Power without pause, and the Great Capture hand grew steadily heavier. After a few breaths, it finally began to slowly overpower the five-colored radiance and press downward.

Sun Suzhen said with a half-smile, "As expected of a Zhenren’s personal disciple. To have comprehended the Innate Tai Su Qi Grand Capture before even forming a Golden Core—her talent is truly extraordinary."

Her words landed like a mountain, instantly causing Li Changfeng’s shoulders to slump.

Xuzhuang turned back to him. "Have you made up your mind?" he asked.

Li Changfeng took a deep breath, raised his head, and began, "Yes, Master. I..." The words died on the tip of his tongue as a flicker of struggle appeared in his eyes. He suddenly dropped to his knees. "I am being audacious," he said, his voice heavy, "but I still wish to attempt to achieve a Top-grade Golden Core."

Xuzhuang said coolly, "If you form a Six-Seal Golden Core, you could still reign supreme for a time after reaching the Nascent Soul realm. Once this opportunity is gone, you will never find such favorable circumstances again."

"I still wish to pursue a Top-grade Golden Core," Li Changfeng said, the words full of difficulty.

"Oh?" Xuzhuang’s gaze fixed on Li Changfeng. "So dejected and confused," he demanded, "how can you possibly achieve a Top-grade Golden Core?"

Li Changfeng’s body shook. He raised his head. An instant, or perhaps an eternity, seemed to pass before his gaze finally turned resolute. "I still seek a Top-grade Golden Core," he declared in a deep voice, "and will have no regrets, even in death."

With a flick of his sleeve, Xuzhuang put away the jade slip. He snorted softly and said, "Leave."

Li Changfeng rose to his feet, feeling a sudden lightness throughout his body. He bowed deeply. "Thank you for your invaluable words, Master. I will engrave them upon my heart."

When Xuzhuang said nothing more, he bowed again, then turned and exited the Flying Pavilion. Seeing this, Yuan Hao hastily bowed as well and hurried after him.

At that very moment, the pleasant chime of a golden bell rang out from the heavens; Fei Fan Yan had defeated Zhou Jun to take first place. Sun Suzhen shook her head and said pointedly, "With talent like that, a Top-grade Golden Core is certainly within reach."

"She is still a long way off," Xuzhuang replied, but a faint smile finally touched his lips. He stood, straightened his robes, and announced, "This little brother shall return to his immortal’s abode now. My fellow senior brothers and Daoists, I bid you farewell."

Sun Suzhen said with surprise, "Junior Brother, you’re leaving already? There is still the sword discussion with Yuxiao later..."

Xuzhuang smiled. "I have had my fill for the day." He clasped his hands in a farewell salute and strode out of the pavilion.