Hao Meng, Breakthrough!

Hao Meng's forehead was already covered in beads of sweat. Every major realm breakthrough on the path of cultivation was accompanied by immense risk. A single misstep could lead to demonic possession at best, or instant death and the dissipation of one's Dao at worst. Throughout the long history of the Immortal Realm, countless exceptionally talented individuals had ultimately perished during breakthroughs, like shooting stars – no matter how dazzlingly they streaked across the sky, they eventually faded into obscurity.

"My dantian is indeed unusual. Ordinary cultivators draw heavenly energy into their dantian, and after reaching a certain level, that energy automatically forms a vortex, refining the essence to ultimately form a core."

Hao Meng recalled the hardships of the past five years. No matter how hard he tried to cultivate, the heavenly energy within his dantian remained stagnant. Let alone forming a vortex, he hadn't even seen a ripple.

If not for this desperate gamble relying on the medicinal power of the Heavenly Origin Immortal Pill, breaking through and standing tall, he probably would never have set foot on the immortal path in his life and would have ended up as a mortal.

"I still have to thank Junior Brother Li. Without his help, I, Hao Meng, would surely still be lingering before the Core Formation Realm. This debt of gratitude, even if I were to be ground to dust, I could never repay."

Hao Meng muttered to himself. He was acutely aware of his own situation. If he hadn't met Li Mu, there would be no way he could have consumed such a pill, nor could he have mobilized all the stored energy in his dantian during battle. Without this desperate, all-or-nothing push, he likely wouldn't have been able to form a core even in another ten years.

Closing his eyes, he immersed his consciousness entirely in the space within his dantian. Hao Meng could feel the golden core within the vortex continuously growing larger. An endless stream of heavenly essence was being stripped away by the vortex and flowing into the golden core.

The golden core, originally a pale gold, gradually deepened in color as the heavenly essence poured in, and the hidden aura within became increasingly profound. Hao Meng circulated the heavenly energy in his meridians with all his might. In the dark, quiet room, his body emitted waves of white light. If an experienced cultivator were present, they would recognize this as a precursor to an imminent breakthrough.

After circulating for a full eighty-one cycles, the golden vortex in Hao Meng's dantian had reached its limit. As the last trace of heavenly energy essence was stripped away, transforming into crystalline stardust that fell upon the already nearly dark-golden, massive golden core, a boundless and peerless aura surged from Hao Meng's dantian towards the heavens.

The faint white light on his body suddenly erupted, filling the entire secret chamber with a radiance so dazzling it was impossible to look at directly. Accompanied by Hao Meng's long roar, the golden vortex finally completed its mission and dissipated, revealing the golden core emitting waves of pressure.

Core Formation Realm, achieved!

Hao Meng slowly opened his eyes. His originally dark pupils were now tinged with flecks of gold. He stood up straight, feeling the changes throughout his body.

"Strength, aura, perception of heavenly energy – everything has become stronger. Is this the power of the Core Formation Realm?"

Clenching his fists tightly, the excitement in Hao Meng's heart was indescribable. In this short span of just over ten years, he had experienced immense ups and downs in his life. From a prodigy born into a noble family to a useless senior who hadn't progressed in cultivation for five years, he had now, at the age of sixteen, proudly broken through to the Core Formation Realm, truly catching up to the steps of those heavenly prodigies. Only he knew the hardships involved.

"I should go tell Junior Brother Li the good news first, and also Xiaomeng."

Hao Meng hurriedly pushed open the door of the secret chamber and strode out, eager to share the joy of his breakthrough with those he cherished most.

Meanwhile, in the extremely prosperous southern district of Qinglan City, where many prominent aristocratic families had their mansions, tall and magnificent buildings stood erect. Some were resplendent with gold and jade, others were winding and secluded, with jade tiles and red walls, pavilions and towers, all unique and harmoniously arranged, forming a stark contrast with the impoverished district in the north of the city.

Among the many mansions and luxurious residences, one stood out particularly. Above the vermilion lacquered main gate hung a black sandalwood plaque with gold inlay, inscribed with three large, flowing characters: 'Nangong Mansion' – the residence of the Nangong family.

In a courtyard deep within this mansion, a man in a black robe smashed the teacup in his hand violently onto the ground. The precious porcelain teacup shattered into pieces. The maids serving him immediately prostrated themselves on the ground, not daring to look up, trembling.

"Trash! As the legitimate son of the dignified Nangong family, you couldn't even defeat a simpleton who hadn't cultivated for ten years, and you even exposed the Fang family's secret weapon. You are utterly incompetent."

The man speaking, with sword-like eyebrows and piercing eyes, exuded an imposing presence. Though seated, an aura of authority naturally emanated from him. His expression was stern, and his presence commanded respect even without anger. He was Nangong Bo, the current patriarch of the Nangong family.

Standing before him, head bowed and reporting, was Nangong Wuqing, who had ambushed Li Mu during the Qinglan Academy competition. At this moment, he had lost his previous arrogance. In front of Nangong Bo, he was cautious, truthfully reporting the events of that day one by one.

"Hmph, Li Yubai certainly raised two good sons. They can already stand on their own at such a young age. However, injuring my Nangong family's legitimate son, no matter who it is, will come at a price."

Nangong Bo snorted coldly after hearing Nangong Wuqing's account, a sinister glint subtly appearing in his eyes.

"Patriarch, those brothers Li Yue and Li Mu pose no threat; we can deal with them at any time. As for Li Yubai, his strength has reached Nascent Soul Perfection. I was wary that he might appear then, which is why I retreated temporarily."

Nangong Wuqing's hatred for Li Yue and Li Mu had reached an unbearable level. In front of the family patriarch, he naturally exaggerated, hoping to use the family's power to teach them a lesson.

"Ridiculous. Li Yubai is known as the Qinglan Sword Immortal, the lord of a city, commanding great prestige. But I, Nangong Bo, do not fear him. If he doesn't come, so be it. But if he dares to enter my Nangong mansion, I will ensure he never leaves."

Nangong Wuqing was greatly alarmed upon hearing this. Although the Nangong family was powerful, they were still inferior to the Li family. After all, the Li family was the foremost family in Qinglan City, and they were not to be compared lightly.

"Patriarch, could it be that the Sect Master..."

Nangong Wuqing suddenly thought of something and subconsciously spoke to Nangong Bo for confirmation.

"Silence! This is not something you should know. You must understand that if they can help you break through to the Nascent Soul Realm, they are equally capable of making you lose it all."

Nangong Bo suddenly reprimanded him loudly, as if Nangong Wuqing had said something absolutely forbidden. After his outburst, Nangong Bo remained silent for a moment before speaking to Nangong Wuqing again.

"However, I will not let these two sons of the Li family off easily. Let's start with the younger son, Li Mu. Here's how you should arrange it..."

The two in the courtyard secretly plotted, and no one knew the specifics of their conversation. Only the sudden falling raindrops recorded everything that happened there.

Hao Meng arrived at Li Mu's dormitory but found the door tightly shut. While wondering if Junior Brother Li was still sleeping soundly in the afternoon, he heard sounds of fighting from the woods behind the house. Hao Meng was greatly alarmed and quickly used his movement technique, leaping into the woods.

Pushing aside the dense undergrowth, an open space came into view. A young man in snow-white robes was engaged in a fierce battle with a young girl wielding fists, holding a black long sword. Upon closer inspection, it was none other than Li Mu and his own sister, Hao Xiaomeng!

"Brother, why are you here? Huh, brother, your aura, you've broken through! Oh my god! Core Formation Realm!"

Noticing Hao Meng's arrival, the girl was overjoyed. As she walked up to Hao Meng and felt the change in his aura, an even greater joy surged in her heart.

Looking at his sister, tears streaming down her face, Hao Meng was filled with emotion. He had experienced the warmth and coldness of human relationships on his journey. Those friends who had once followed his every command had quietly left after seeing that the former genius couldn't break through for five years. Even many of his brothers and elders in the Hao family treated him as air. Only his sister had consistently supported and encouraged him, which was why Hao Meng had been able to persevere in his cultivation for five years without giving up.

"Senior Hao, congratulations on breaking through to the Core Formation Realm. You have finally truly embarked on the immortal path."

Seeing Hao Meng, whose body and spirit had reached their peak, Li Mu was naturally overjoyed.

"Junior Brother Li, I owe a large part of this breakthrough to you. Without the Primordial Origin Immortal Pill you gave me, I wouldn't have been able to reshape the heavenly energy in my dantian, nor would I have been able to break through. This immense debt of gratitude, I, Hao Meng, will never forget."

Hao Meng bowed deeply to Li Mu. The grace of being reborn was as great as the heavens. Any more words were superfluous; only repaying the kindness was the best way to show gratitude.

"Also, here are the three weapons and magical artifacts I borrowed before. I am returning them to you now, Junior Brother."

With that, Hao Meng took out a wooden box and opened it in front of Li Mu. Accompanied by waves of energy, it contained the White Tiger Glazed Gauntlets, the Marauder Wisteria Armor, and the mysterious, radiant water-marked belt.

"Senior Hao, what do you mean by this? These three pieces of equipment were chosen for you. Are you perhaps suggesting I abandon swordsmanship and switch to fist techniques?"

Li Mu did not accept the wooden box. Instead, he joked with Hao Meng. The three pieces of equipment he had chosen at the time were all extremely suited to Hao Meng, and he had never thought of asking for them back. After all, a sincere friendship was far more valuable than any Cangyun Coins.

"Then, Junior Brother Li... I..."

Hao Meng hesitated. Now that he had broken through to the Core Formation Realm, he had planned to leave Qinglan City to gain experience and prepare for the Cangyun Empire's sect selection in two years. These three pieces of equipment were extremely suitable for him, greatly enhancing his combat power and survivability. Outside the city was not like inside; the Immortal Realm was full of dangers, and having an extra trump card meant an extra layer of security.

"Brother, just take them. Brother Mu is a man destined for great things; does he care about such trivial things?"

Hao Xiaomeng, however, saw through her brother's inner turmoil at a glance and quickly spoke up.

"Well then, Junior Li, I won't stand on ceremony. Great kindness needs no thanks. If you ever need my help in the future, anytime, anywhere, Hao Meng will swear to follow you to the death."

Li Mu looked at the honest, sturdy man before him and smiled slightly. As a seasoned gamer, finding companions and building influence were essential parts of any game.

"Xiaomeng, today is a joyous occasion for your brother's breakthrough. Let's postpone our sparring for now. We'll go and celebrate your brother properly."

"Okay! Brother, let's really feast on Brother Mu today. He's a big spender!"

Hao Xiaomeng was still young, and upon hearing that they could go out to celebrate, she immediately jumped up with joy.

The three of them then left the academy together, heading towards the liveliest market in Qinglan City.