Chapter 44: Qing Yanzi's Golden Core Formation

Wang Sheng did not remain unconscious for long. He was merely exhausted. Hence, after lying down for an hour or two, he recovered some of his spiritual consciousness and true essence.

He slowly opened his eyes.

"How are you feeling? Does it hurt anywhere?" Zhou Yinglong asked anxiously.

His concern was not just due to their sect brotherhood. Having just fought side by side against a fierce spirit, they had developed a sense of camaraderie beyond mere cooperation.

Wang Sheng breathed lightly and waved off Zhou Yinglong's attempt to help him up. He sat up slowly on his own, then crossed his legs on the bed and began examining his condition.

A few minutes later, Wang Sheng asked, "How's the culprit?"

"Alive," Zhou Yinglong replied, "but barely hanging on. He's in an ambulance right now getting his wounds treated, but several guns are aimed at his head. Don't worry, he won't be able to escape."

"He's still alive... I should have stabbed deeper," Wang Sheng murmured. Zhou Yinglong couldn't even tell which stab he was referring to.

"Don't worry, Junior Brother. A corrupt cultivator like him can't be allowed to live," Zhou Yinglong assured him. "Right now, we just need to interrogate him to see if he has any accomplices. Since the police are involved, they'll probably follow legal procedures."

Wang Sheng shook his head slightly. "I'm just worried about unforeseen complications."

Zhou Yinglong pondered for a moment. Seeing Wang Sheng deep in thought, he decided to step outside. After a few minutes, he returned.

"I asked Officer Fu about it," Zhou Yinglong said. "The security guard definitely attempted murder. Right now, they're waiting for the proper authorities to take him."

Wang Sheng opened his eyes and frowned slightly. "Have they figured out his reason?"

"The security guard hasn't regained consciousness yet. The doctors wanted to take him for treatment, but the cops stopped them. Unfortunately, no one seems to know why he had a grudge against the Li family. Even the Li family can't put a finger on it."

Zhou Yinglong stretched out his arms. "We only know that he was hired last month. His name is Jiang Zhongyi, he's twenty-six years old, and his background doesn't seem suspicious."

Wang Sheng exhaled slowly. In a measured tone, he said, "That small cauldron wasn't just some random artifact; it didn't seem like something a mere early-stage Spirit Convergence Realm cultivator could easily obtain. Other corrupt cultivators could be involved in this."

Zhou Yinglong nodded. "I'll go gather more information. For now, you should just rest. Martial Uncle is already on his way back. He'll be here soon."

"Alright," Wang Sheng replied. He then took another shallow breath.

By now, his true essence had recovered by about a quarter, and his spiritual consciousness was beginning to flow again like a spring after the rain. His complexion was also returning to normal.

Through the window, he could see people moving about in the courtyard. It was hard to tell how many cops had arrived, but they were actively searching for evidence.

Wang Sheng did not let himself be distracted. He quickly closed his eyes and meditated.

Zhou Yinglong slipped out quietly, closing the door on his way out.

Exerting his full strength to eliminate the fierce spirit had unexpectedly brought Wang Sheng some unforeseen benefits, making the journey worthwhile. From being at the late-stage Spirit Convergence Realm, he was now standing at the threshold of the Primordial Conception Realm.

By circulating the heavenly essence inward, the Dao Seed is planted and gradually grows into the Dao Body. This marks the Seed Formation Realm—the final stage of the three foundational cultivation realms.

According to the orthodox cultivation methods of the Daoist sects, once a cultivator reached the Seed Formation Realm, they could sustain themselves without food, remain underwater without drowning, and begin merging their vitality, energy, and spirit with the natural world. This marked a significant leap in their overall strength.

Upon ascending from the Seed Formation Realm, one could then condense an Illusory Core. Only afterward would one be qualified to form the Golden Core.

However, that was a concern for the future. Wang Sheng still had a long way to go, and he still had to rely on fortunate encounters.

"How should I form the Dao Seed?" Wang Sheng murmured. Frowning slightly, he closed his eyes again and resumed meditation.

He remained unconcerned about the commotion outside, focusing solely on his cultivation in this warm chamber.

The Abyss Listener lay beside him. Even in his sleep, he had never loosened his grip on its hilt. He was not particularly attached to the sword, which was barely considered an artifact; rather, his instincts simply compelled him to hold on.

Before his regression, he had wielded a sword simply because he had thought it looked cool. Now, the Dao of the Sword's profound and boundless nature had captivated him enough that he could no longer extricate himself from its allure.

Perhaps his master was right after all. Deep down, he harbored an obsession with the sword that had both benefits and drawbacks. Whether it would enhance his Daoist cultivation or become a shackle on his heart depended entirely on how well he could control it.

In less than half an hour, Zhou Yinglong came rushing back in a flurry. He was about to call out to Wang Sheng, but as soon as he stepped through the door, the words caught in his throat.

Wang Sheng was sitting on the edge of the bed, strands of primal qi flowing around him. His brow occasionally relaxed and furrowed, a clear sign that he was immersed in a state of comprehension.

Zhou Yinglong rubbed his nose, realizing that it was best not to disturb him.

Perhaps his junior brother had suddenly gained an insight. Such opportunities were rare and could not be forced. Hence, Zhou Yinglong naturally understood their significance.

Looking at Wang Sheng, Zhou Yinglong felt a hint of jealousy in his heart, but he quickly shook his head and steadied his Dao Heart.

After all, he was a young disciple who cultivated in the Daoist heritage of a sacred mountain. His mental discipline was solid, allowing him to recognize and correct his imbalance swiftly.

Still, how could he not feel envious?

Wang Sheng had joined the sect much later than he had and was even a few years younger. Yet now, his strength and cultivation were already beyond Zhou Yinglong's reach.

Although the purpose of cultivating the Dao was not to compete for superiority, stronger abilities meant easier access to cultivation resources, greater respect and reverence, and a smoother path in the future.

Once one got ahead, they would always remain ahead.

Just a few days ago, Zhou Yinglong had listened to several grandmasters from the Wudang Mountains discussing how the older generation had already missed too many opportunities. Though their accumulation of years in cultivation kept them ahead for now, in another decade or two, the younger generation would inevitably surpass them.

By then, his junior brother would surely be famous throughout the Great Divine Land.

Zhou Yinglong sighed quietly. He then once again closed the door and walked over to the police officers nearby to gather more information.

The commotion and bustle inside and outside the Li residence gradually faded into the night, no longer having anything to do with the cultivators meditating within.

***

At the break of dawn, Wang Sheng's phone rang, pulling him out of the profound Daoist realm. His senior sister had sent him a video call request.

He shook his head slightly, feeling a trace of regret.

He had pushed the door to the next cultivation realm halfway open and stepped one foot past the threshold. There was no reason for him to rush at this point.

He planned to take his time experiencing the wonders of the Seed Formation Realm, consulting his master, and having discussions with his senior sister to clarify the doubts in his heart. Only then would he consider making the breakthrough.

On the screen, Mu Wanxuan was resting her chin on her hand, looking sulky.

Wang Sheng stood up, stretched and then looked at his phone with a smile. "What's wrong? Who made you angry?"

He heard a faint noise outside the door as if someone had shifted a chair.

Wang Sheng swept his spiritual consciousness over the area and found a man and a woman standing outside. He wasn't familiar with their auras.

Paying them no heed, he focused on his senior sister, who was beautiful yet not overly delicate.

Soon, she sent him a text message along with an angry meme.

Mu Wanxuan: Master left a letter and ran off yesterday! He didn't even say anything or wait for you to return!

Ran off?

Wang Sheng blinked. In the video, his senior sister waved a piece of paper.

"Where did master go?"

Mu Wanxuan: I'll show you.

She ended the video call and sent a photo of the letter. It was written in vertical lines with a brush.

To my disciples Sheng and Xuan,

Last night, I had a moment of comprehension and realized I have reached the threshold of breaking through to the Golden Core Realm. However, there are still things I do not fully understand. I intend to visit an old friend at Zhongnan Mountains to discuss Daoist scriptures and overcome the final hurdle of cultivation.

This journey may take three to five months. While I'm away, you two must focus on cultivating in the mountain. Do not act recklessly, and do not stir up trouble.

Xuan'er, your Daoist path is steady. Little Sheng, your Dao of the Sword is still uncertain. If you choose to follow it, you must prepare not to be harmed by the sword itself. You must also understand that excessive rigidity leads to breakage. Use your attainments in the Dao as the foundation for your cultivation.

When I return, I will take you both on a journey across the world, laughing proudly beneath the heavens.

(Just kidding, don't take it too seriously.)

Your Master, Qing Yanzi. Written at night.

Although Wang Sheng had already suspected before leaving the mountain that his master was on the verge of a breakthrough, his master's progress still surprised him.

He's already about to reach the Golden Core Realm? Among the Daoist elders of the sacred mountains, how many could advance at such a pace?

Wang Sheng sighed in amazement and chatted with his senior sister for a bit over video call. He then told her to wait just half a day more and that he would be back by then.

Mu Wanxuan wasn't truly angry. She was naturally delighted that their master was breaking through. She just felt a little lonely now that her junior brother was away and their master had gone to the Zhongnan Mountains for cultivation.

Noticing that Wang Sheng intended to return quickly, Mu Wanxuan quickly sent a message.

Mu Wanxuan: Focus on your mission. No need to rush back.

"We're already done here." Wang Sheng chuckled. He didn't mention the fierce battle he had gone through—only that he would head back to the mountain soon.

His senior sister said it wasn't urgent, but when she ended the call, she was visibly happier. Humming, she picked up her jade flute and went to her usual spot to continue cultivating.

Meanwhile, after putting away his phone, Wang Sheng turned his attention to the people outside. Through the wooden door, he examined the two slightly nervous individuals with his spiritual consciousness.

His spiritual consciousness could only vaguely perceive them as two clusters of aura, somewhat like an infrared image. Based on their unfamiliar auras, he could tell that they were ordinary people he hadn't met before.

They were most likely police officers here to take his statement. The fact that they had waited outside without disturbing his cultivation made them seem somewhat thoughtful.

After adjusting his Daoist robe, Wang Sheng silently walked to the door at a leisurely pace.

Creak—

The wooden door was pulled open from within. The two people standing outside were visibly startled, but they quickly straightened their posture.

To Wang Sheng's left stood a round-faced young woman who smiled nervously at him, accentuating her dimples. She seemed somewhat stiff due to tension.

To his right was a burly man. Wang Sheng was already quite tall, yet he towered over him by a full head. His most striking feature, however, was his nearly indistinct neck—if the phrase "built like an ox" had a living example, he would be it.

Both were dressed in formal attire. The young woman wore a white blouse paired with a professional skirt, giving her a clean and refined appearance. With her ponytail neatly tied, she looked rather capable.

The burly man's suit, however, was a size too large, hanging loosely over his massive frame. Still, it managed to mask some of his natural intimidation. He seemed to be a martial artist.

"May I help you two?" Wang Sheng asked calmly.

Though clearly nervous, the young woman replied, "Daoist Master Wang Sheng! We are members of the Paranormal Incident Investigation Unit, here to handle the case of the malevolent spirit attack! Let me show you my ID. Bulldozer, show yours too!"

"Oh, oh."

The two swiftly took out what looked like driver's licenses and held them out to Wang Sheng. Just as he was about to take them, the IDs suddenly lit up, and a holographic projection a dozen or so centimeters tall appeared above each one.

IDs already utilize such advanced technology in this era?

As far as he remembered, holographic projections wouldn't become widely used for another two years. The two were likely from the so-called Special Authority Department, which he had only heard about in his past life but never seen firsthand.