The Core Realm was the first threshold into transcendence on the Martial Path. Breaking through that barrier was extraordinarily difficult, with exceedingly stringent requirements on every front.
With resources scarce and his progress slowing, relying on gradual accumulation to perfect his foundation would inevitably take an immense amount of time.
But if he could nourish himself with the Golden Sun Fruit's vast, pure yang spirit energy and make up for his shortage of resources, the time he needed before attempting the Core Realm would be greatly shortened.
As these thoughts rose and fell in his mind, Qiu Chiyun gazed intently at the golden fruit on the branches beside him. Unable to suppress her anticipation, she asked softly, "Senior Brother Li, look at how full their spiritual radiance is, how their golden light spills outward. These Golden Sun Fruits look almost ripe, don't they?"
At her question, everyone present turned their eyes toward Li Zheng.
Li Zheng had spent years traveling far and wide to temper himself. His knowledge was extensive, and his experience identifying Heavenly Treasures far surpassed theirs. Hearing her question, he immediately raised his eyes and focused, carefully examining every Golden Sun Fruit on the tree.
He scrutinized the thickness of the spiritual glow flowing over their skins, the density of spirit energy gathered within them, and the purity of the medicinal fragrance drifting from the branches, inspecting and judging each detail.
Only after a while did he slowly exhale a long breath. His taut nerves relaxed, and his face filled with relief and lingering dread.
In a solemn voice, he said, "That's right. This entire tree of Golden Sun Fruits has entered the final stage of ripening. Judging by the rate at which their spirit energy is gathering, they'll be fully ripe in half a day at