Chapter 667 - 527: A Sword Across the Stars

In Wuji Hall, the incense burner exuded a faint fragrance as wisps of blue smoke rose.

Daoist Master Zhengyang was brimming with spirit, as he surveyed the room and revealed a genuine smile:

"Five Golden Core cultivators in one sect, an achievement I hardly dared to dream of.

Li Haoran possesses celestial-grade talent and a Metal Element Dao Body, making future breakthroughs to Golden Core not overly difficult.

To witness six Golden Core Daoist Masters gathered here in Wuji Hall in my lifetime, I can die without regrets!"

Under his leadership, the sect flourished, and when he passes, he will face the line of sect leaders and his master proudly.

At this moment, he greatly admired his decision to journey to Central Continent; without that trip to purchase the two Gold Core Pills, such an occasion wouldn’t be possible now.

Lin Qiu Bai smiled and said:

"Haoran has been away from the sect for over thirty years. With his talent and comprehension, and a bit of luck, understanding the mutual generation of five elements should not be too difficult; perhaps he is already on his way back to the sect."

If the disciple breaks through to Golden Core, a master-disciple duo at the Golden Core Stage would be a celebrated tale within the sect and throughout Western Continent.

Daoist Master Zhengyang appeared even more delighted, unable to hide his joy:

"The sect’s rise is unstoppable. According to reports from Beast Taming Hall Master He Yuhuan, the spiritual vein centered at Yunhe Mountain is not far from being elevated to Third Tier, within three to five years.

Then, the sect will be able to support many Golden Core cultivators."

Yingyue Peak is located on this spiritual vein.

Master Yuxiao clapped his hands and laughed loudly:

"Good news! This way, my fellow brothers can reliably cultivate within the sect to Golden Core Third Layer, and even progress to Mid-stage Golden Core."

Sect Leader, now no longer needing lengthy Spiritual Qi intake, Sunrise Peak can accommodate three Golden Core Daoist Masters, and can easily house one more in a short period.

The spiritual vein at Red Flame Peak is also enhancing, after breaking through to Third Tier, it will sufficiently satisfy Ji An’s cultivation needs.

Thus, Yunhe Mountain only needs to accommodate two fellow brothers, which is completely feasible.

Everyone wore joyous expressions; without setting up the Spirit Gathering Array, cultivation at a Tier Two top-quality spiritual vein node does feel somewhat less fluid.

Now, knowing that they need only endure for a few years, there’s no need for a Spirit Gathering Array anymore. The array is complicated, but the principle is simple.

It gathers the Spiritual Qi of a larger area for cultivators to use but causes other adverse effects.

Daoist Master Zhengyang clapped his hands, attracting everyone’s attention, he said:

"Next, we need to arrange Qiubai’s Golden Core ceremony. When do you all think is the best time?"

Half a year ago, the ceremony for Lin Jiuxiao was just arranged; now arranging another for Qiubai, though it will consume many resources, he enjoyed it!

Lin Qiu Bai’s gaze was sharp as electricity; he spoke warmly:

"I think the sooner, the better, so as not to delay my upcoming honing of sword intent."

He has advanced to the Golden Core Stage and needs to change his cultivation technique; the Five Elements Reincarnation Scripture isn’t suitable for a sword cultivator.

But currently, the sect lacks the technique, so he can only wait for the merchant flying ship from Middle Continent’s cultivators to arrive and purchase it; meanwhile, he has no other tasks except honing his sword intent.

Daoist Master Zhengyang chuckled lightly, "Then let’s schedule it for half a month from now."

At this moment, a clear and gentle voice suddenly came from outside the hall:

"Disciple Li Haoran, requests to meet the ancestors."

Lin Qiu Bai’s face lit up with pleasant surprise; his disciple’s return indicates he has already accomplished his set goals.

Once the Five Qi Chaoyuan stage cultivation is completed, a breakthrough can be pursued.

Daoist Master Zhengyang looked at everyone and whispered:

"I wonder what expression Haoran will have upon seeing us!"

"Haha," Everyone let out good-natured laughter.

"Alright, let’s welcome the next incoming Golden Core cultivator!"

As Daoist Master Zhengyang spoke, he activated the spell to dispel the Dharma prohibition.

Li Haoran stepped into the grand hall and, seeing the situation inside, displayed an astonished expression, quickly regaining composure:

"Disciple greets the esteemed ancestors."

On the journey back to the sect, he heard cultivators discussing the sect’s flourishing state, and at the time, dared not believe it was true.

Daoist Master Zhengyang pointed to a chair at the end, "Sit down and talk, we were just discussing you."

Li Haoran smiled and shared his experiences during his travels, finally saying:

"Ancestor, the disciple cultivates the Celestial River Sword Technique, condenses the Gold Core with sword essence, and has a secret technique to open up the Middle Dantian.

Now I have completed the final step, only need to acquire the Gold Core Pill to begin the breakthrough!

After a stunned silence, everyone unanimously cheered.

Daoist Master Zhengyang’s face turned as red as if he had drunk copiously; he stood up solemnly and said:

"Condensing the Gold Core with sword essence is much more perilous than the orthodox pill formation method.

Are you prepared?"

Li Haoran similarly stood, his voice as gentle as moments ago:

"A true sword cultivator, of course, must condense Gold Core with sword essence as flesh and sword intent as bones.

One must bravely advance despite thousands in opposition; break all laws with a single sword!

Disciple wishes to be this kind of cultivator; if unable to achieve such freedom, I’d rather die."

A sword cultivator is the most powerful type of cultivator; he enjoys an unrestrained state, traveling across the world freely; who knows me across the seas and continents, a sword pierces the sky several times over.

Lin Qiu Bai felt a tinge of bitterness mixed with relief; he hadn’t concentrated solely on the sword cultivator’s path because his initial sword cultivation technique missed the ideal time.

If he changed cultivation techniques, there wasn’t enough time to break through to the Golden Core Stage.

His disciple became a true sword cultivator, fulfilling his regret.

Daoist Master Zhengyang showed a harsh glint in his eyes as he stared closely into the disciple’s eyes; the other’s eyes were abyss-like, without a hint of disturbance.

He suddenly smiled, revealing a joyful expression:

"A sword cultivator must have this calm demeanor and fervent spirit, go ahead fearlessly."

At this time, under no circumstances should the disciple’s morale be suppressed.

Li Haoran bowed slightly:

"Thank you, Ancestor Xie, for your support."

Daoist Master Zhengyang curled his lips, thinking:

’If I didn’t support you, could I stop you? Sword cultivators are all stubborn mules!’

He coughed lightly and asked:

"When do you plan to break through?"

"Adjusting my condition, seven or eight days should suffice."

"Very good, in that case, your master’s Golden Core ceremony can be postponed, and you two can have your ceremonies together, saving some resources for the sect. After you adjust your condition, come directly to Sunrise Peak, and I will give you the Gold Core Pill."

"As you command!"

Li Haoran did not expect things to go so smoothly; he thought others would try to dissuade him.

Ji An took out a piece of Tier Two top-quality Soul Nourishing Wood and several trays of Soul Incense, "These items are gifts for you, to help you recover your condition faster."

He was very supportive of others choosing Core Formation.

Today brought many good news, and he was already overjoyed.

With the sect’s northern Spiritual Vein grade upgrading, Li Haoran forming his core, along with the spiritual vein grade enhancement at Red Flame Peak, the Stone Turtle will be able to absorb the Dao Rhyme three times in the coming decade.

Enhancing the spiritual vein in the Gourd World to accumulate Third-tier Dao Rhyme, at least half can be completed.

"Thank you," Li Haoran scratched his head, unsure of how to address him now.

Having been on the same level as his senior brothers, now calling him ’Ancestor’ felt hard to say.

Everyone chatted warmly for a while before dispersing.

Ji An stayed until the end and said:

"Senior Brother, be sure to inform me before upgrading the spiritual vein grade at Yunhe Mountain.

Also, let me know when Haoran breaks through, so I can observe what a real sword cultivator breakthrough looks like."

Daoist Master Zhengyang nodded, "No problem."

Ji An took out a Jade Token, chuckling:

"The Star Tree is currently transforming, shouldn’t we settle our accounts? Owing the sect so many small merits makes me uneasy, once Senior Brother delivers the rewards to me, I can repay the sect!"

Fifty-eight hundred great merits were soon to be obtained, repaying debts would be easy.

Daoist Master Zhengyang laughed, "That’s a strong reason, how could I not agree."

...

Ten days later.

At the peak of Sunrise Peak, spiritual energy gathered into thick clouds, casting a huge shadow under the sunlight.

With the stirring of spiritual energy, the strong wind surged like tides with the sound resembling ocean waves.

Several Golden Core Daoist Masters gathered in one place, talking enthusiastically.

Lin Qiubai’s eyes were lively, his demeanor soft, starkly contrasting his usual serious persona.

Daoist Master Zhengyang lowered his eyes in contemplation; when the news of Li Haoran’s breakthrough to become a Golden Core Cultivator spreads, it will surely stir many waves.

The situation in Western Continent is set to change completely; Luofeng Valley and Yuanhe Mountain combined aren’t a match for the sect.

A sudden powerful force will inevitably seek expansion, which is likely a shared understanding among sect cultivators.

No matter how strong, a force cannot fall into the quagmire of war; he must carefully consider how to respond to other forces’ probing, or joint boycott.

Suddenly, on the eastern side of Sunrise Peak, a Cyan Dragon emerged, while on the western side, a White Tiger appeared.

Roars of dragons and tigers, accompanied by fierceness and defiance, reverberated in all directions, exuding awe-inspiring majesty.

Ji An looked up sharply; when the Golden Core forms, dragons roar and tigers scream, Li Haoran had successfully completed forming his Golden Core, the next step to overcome the Thunder Tribulation was victory.

How would a pure sword cultivator face the Thunder Tribulation?

Ji An was filled with curiosity; when Lin Qiubai faced the Thunder Tribulation, he used a defensive spiritual artifact, which wasn’t purely a sword cultivator’s approach.

The thick cloud of spiritual energy seemed blown away by a fierce wind, dispersing rapidly, while golden tribulation clouds gathered above Sunrise Peak.

Thunder rumbled, echoing for miles.

Moments later, golden lightning like wildly dancing demons began pouring down in overwhelming waves.

At that moment, a silver torrent rose from the mountain, piercing the sky.

Ji An watched intently; it was countless tiny sword shadows condensed from sword intent.

Attack against attack, one sword is a galaxy, truly wielded like a sword cultivator’s style.

’It must win.’

He sent blessings in his heart; sword cultivators are quite extreme, either they cut through thorns toward brilliance after pain, or get submerged by endless pain to succumb permanently.

The silver torrent defied the heavens, stirring storms, dispersing some tribulation clouds.

Around the outskirts of Sunrise Peak, crystalline snowflakes began to flutter down, carrying the eternal coldness of sword intent.

Moments later, the golden tribulation clouds dissipated, and black tribulation clouds began brewing.

Li Haoran showcased his exceptional elegance; regardless of what kind of Thunder Tribulation, rivers of sword intent rose against the flow, slicing through all with one sword.

When the purple Chaos Thunder Tribulation vanished, the brilliance of Taiyin appeared across the horizon.

Everyone watched in intoxication; the might of sword cultivators was vividly displayed.

Ji An spoke softly:

"Wondering how many disciples Yingyue Peak can accommodate."

With today’s contrast, perhaps every disciple now harbors the dream of becoming a sword cultivator.

And rightly so, it’s far more fascinating than growing Spirit Fields.