Recreating Immortal Fate, The Menace of the Ink Flood Dragon

"True Lord Lu, we've only met once and don't know each other well. Is taking a concubine... too hasty?"

Zhao Shiyao's tears were still wet on her face, and her tone was soft, but she seemed somewhat unwilling.

She dared not say it aloud, but this True Lord was far too domineering, never consulting her, the person involved, from beginning to end.

"Following this True Lord, will your situation be worse than before?"

Lan Chang'an chuckled.

Zhao Shiyao fell silent, unable to deny it.

This True Lord Lu seems to be quite aware of her situation.

Over the years, she has suffered too much hardship and injustice. She lost her Dao Path and is now forced to accompany her as part of a dowry.

She once had the idea of leaving the Zhao Family on Star Sand Island and starting a new life.

Zhao Shiyao glanced at the Zhao Family's senior management again.

The venerable Old Patriarch, carrying a heavy Storage Bag, actually gave her a fawning, ingratiating smile.

Other senior executives also strongly encouraged her to seize this incredible fortuitous opportunity.

Although she suffered greatly in the Zhao Family, it was the place where she was born and raised, so there was still some affection between them.

If she dared to refuse, the entire Lineage might fall into a great crisis under the "tyranny" of the Nascent Soul Old Monsters.

Zhao Shiyao's mind raced; she had no other choice.

Her eyes were clear and bright as she looked at the White-Robed Man before her, who seemed somewhat familiar.

"This humble woman has only one request: if Your True Lord agrees, I, Shiyao, will wholeheartedly submit and willingly become your concubine."

"Oh? You said it."

"I have heard of the method of 'reconstructing the elixir and rebuilding cultivation,' but the risks are extremely high, with a nine-out-of-ten chance of death. If True Lord personally protects you, your life will be safe, and the success rate will greatly increase..."

"Alright, I grant your request."

Lan Chang'an nodded without hesitation, a hint of appreciation in his eyes.

Zhao Shiyao wasn't stupid; she knew to set conditions.

This condition is a way to test Lan Chang'an's intentions.

If someone is willing to help her achieve immortality and rebuild her cultivation, it shows at least some sincerity and an intention to mentor and cultivate her.

Rebuilding the elixir is not as simple as one might imagine. It requires the careful supervision of True Lord and the preparation of various elixirs and spiritual objects to create fortuitous opportunity for the Golden Core Realm again.

If even this condition cannot be promised, then there is probably no sincerity involved, and the so-called status of a beautiful concubine is likely just a temporary consumable.

"I am deeply grateful for the True Lord's blessing."

Zhao Shiyao looked grateful and bowed deeply.

With everyone watching, True Lord Lu's promise wouldn't be broken or ruined.

And for some reason, she trusted this "True Lord".

From the very first meeting, I felt comfortable with them and a sense of closeness, as if they were long-lost friends.

If this True Lord Lu keeps his promise and doesn't mistreat her, he will be her benefactor who rekindles her immortal destiny.

Lan Chang'an waited for a moment on the clouds.

Zhao Shiyao returned to Star Sand Island, packed her belongings, and quickly bid farewell to her relatives.

Escape Light extended beneath Lan Chang'an's feet, carrying the reincarnated "Fairy Zhao" from hundreds of years ago back home.

"True Lord Lu, why have you chosen me?"

On the way, Zhao Shiyao broke the silence first and voiced her doubts.

She knew very well that within the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance, the Luoxia Archipelago, spanning a radius of 100,000 li, were teeming with beautiful women.

Among them were True Person whose talent and cultivation surpassed hers.

In comparison, she was only at the False Core cultivation level and didn't have much of an advantage.

The Golden Core Realm genius of the Giant Shark Chen Family, no matter how deeply he loved her, couldn't even give her the title of his official wife.

How could a high-ranking Nascent Soul Cultivator possibly be so captivated by her mere beauty?

"Shiyao bears a striking resemblance to one of True Lord's confidantes from hundreds of years ago. Their meeting today is surely a matter of fate."

Lan Chang'an's smile was warm, but his words carried a deeper meaning.

"This... is it really such a coincidence?"

Zhao Shiyao paused for a moment, noticing the hidden emotions in True Lord Lu's eyes.

If that's the reason, then it's the best news she can accept.

Such rumors and stories are occasionally recorded in the Cultivation World.

When high-level cultivators were weak and insignificant, they might have loved ones or sweethearts they longed for but could not have. Due to the separation between immortals and mortals, the difference in cultivation level and lifespan, etc., they were ultimately left with regrets.

Over the course of time, encountering someone similar again will evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection.

They look so alike!

Lan Chang'an stared directly at Zhao Shiyao's face, momentarily lost in thought, his gaze overlapping with the image of Zhao Siyao in his memory—cool, elegant, and ethereal.

They can't be said to be exactly the same.

At least the kind of resemblance that twin sisters typically share.

Zhao Shiyao lowered her head, a faint blush rising on her cheeks, feeling uncomfortable under his direct gaze.

Of course, there are some subtle differences between the Fairy Zhao in this life and the Previous Life.

Firstly, her skin is not the snow-white of an inland fairy, but a warm-toned pearly white formed by bathing in sea breeze and sunshine and absorbing the essence of the tide.

Delicate and flawless, warm and natural, as if covered with a layer of moonlight.

Secondly, the eyes.

Deep within Zhao Shiyao's eyes lies a hint of sea blue, exquisite and translucent, like a bright pearl in the azure sea.

These heterochromatic eyes add a touch of exotic mystery.

Such eye color is rare in the Heavenly Star Sea, but it is not an isolated case.

Lan Chang'an speculated that Zhao Shiyao's mother in this life might have had Merfolk Race ancestry.

In the waters surrounding Heavenly Star Sea, there exists not only a human civilization cultivating immortality, but also Other-Human Race.

Some Other-Human Race can interbreed with humans.

Hidden Mist Island Dao Field.

Lan Chang'an brought back a stunningly beautiful woman.

The Guest Elder of several nearby islands showed strange expressions.

This was exactly the effect Lan Chang'an wanted.

This is his first "out-of-the-box" move since joining the Merchant Alliance.

The Grand Elder was suspicious of him.

It's actually not good to always be low-key, modest, and appear to have no desires or ambitions.

Taking this opportunity, Lan Chang'an took a concubine in a domineering and unreasonable manner, revealing some of his personality and hobbies.

At the same time, he could openly and legitimately promote Zhao Shiyao, after all, she was his woman.

Inside Cloud Sea Abode, Lan Chang'an designated a private cultivation cave area for Zhao Shiyao.

"Starting today, you will cultivate on Hidden Mist Island."

"Once things settle down, I'll take on the role of steward on the island, and then select a few trusted clansmen to manage the Hidden Mist Island's businesses."

Lan Chang'an crafted a new token, granting Zhao Shiyao most of the permissions on the island.

Apart from secret locations like Clear Frost Pool and Cold Moon Underground Palace, you can freely explore other areas.

Before leaving.

Lan Chang'an flicked his sleeve and took out three items, placing them on the table.

These are the Third-Order Longevity Pill and the Youth Preservation Pill.

And a Jade Slip containing the methods for the Golden Core Realm and Core Transformation Secret Technique.

"Once you have deciphered the Secret Method within the Jade Slip, I will choose a day to help you refine your elixir."

When it comes to alchemy, Lan Chang'an is an expert.

Back then, Three-Turn Golden Core Transformation, forcibly forming Immortal Golden Core.

At that time, in order to avoid attracting attention, he impersonated different identities and Golden Core Realm in various parts of the Liang Kingdom, while also taking advantage of the free congratulatory gifts.

Unfortunately.

By the time he had the ability and resources to help Zhao Siyao, she was already old and no longer beautiful.

After the elixir is shattered and the liquid returns, the cultivation level will drop to the Foundation Establishment Realm.

Lifespan will continue to diminish and return to the heavens and earth.

At that time, Zhao Siyao was 170 or 180 years old. Her hope of the Golden Core Realm was slim, and the consequences of failure would be severe.

In this life, Zhao Shiyao is younger, and even if she falls back to the Foundation Establishment Realm, she is still at the appropriate age to break through to the Golden Core Realm stage.

The complimentary three-tiered longevity and Youth Preservation Pill provide an additional layer of protection.

"Thank you, Lu... for your kindness, my husband."

Zhao Shiyao changed her address slightly shyly and bowed in thanks.

Lan Chang'an paused slightly before leaving her room.

They're leaving already?

Zhao Shiyao pursed her lips, her eyes sparkling.

She felt something was missing; it wasn't what she had imagined.

Both True Lord Lu and Chen Muge took a liking to her at first sight.

However, the differences between the two are obvious.

Chen Muge, who was deeply in love with her, sometimes showed a burning passion in his eyes. Even after his engagement to his sister, his possessiveness remained strong.

True Lord Lu, on the other hand, had a gentle and pure gaze. It was as if he were reuniting with a long-lost beauty, and they were talking in a calm but not peaceful manner.

Late that night.

Giant Shark Island, a forbidden area behind the Chen Family's mountain.

Inside the ancient and tranquil palace.

Snap!

A slap rang out from afar, accompanied by the wrathful spiritual pressure of the True Lord's Law Power.

Chen Muge's face was burning with pain, blood was trickling from the corner of his mouth, and two of his front teeth had fallen out, but he had no time to pay attention to it.

"How could this be... That True Lord Lu is actually a giant in the Nascent Soul Middle Stage."

Chen Muge was horrified and speechless. Large beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, and his face turned deathly pale.

All he knew was that True Lord Lu was a newly arrived Guest Elder, and he assumed that Lu Zhenjun was at the Nascent Soul Early Stage.

In terms of influence, they are not as influential as the formal elders within the alliance.

Among the four major Merchant Alliance, Guest Elder at the Nascent Soul Middle Stage are rare.

Such powerful figures can establish their own sects and dominate a region in the seas.

Snap! Snap!

Chen Muge slapped himself twice hard, crying out in pain:

"Your child knows his mistake! He almost caused a terrible disaster..."

He was extremely relieved that he had remained calm and composed at the time.

To be precise, they didn't have the guts to be disrespectful and confront that True Lord Lu directly.

On the Meditation Cushion, the well-to-do-looking Chen Family patriarch, still seething with anger, sneered:

"Elder Lu possesses a fourth-tier Mystic Turtle Sacred Beast. When he joined the alliance, the Vice Alliance Leader personally received him. He was introduced by Elder Wei, which suggests an attempt to win him over."

Chen Muge gasped, never expecting True Lord Lu to have such a powerful background.

Without the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance brand...

With True Lord Lu and a fourth-tier Sacred Beast, they theoretically have the potential to annihilate a force of the level of the Giant Shark Chen Family.

He almost fought this True Lord for a woman; he was simply courting death.

If it were a Nascent Soul cultivator with a strong bloodthirsty nature, they would probably have crippled him on the spot.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Chen Muge was terrified and trembling. He kowtowed several times and cried out in a mournful voice:

"Your child is ignorant and has brought shame upon the Lineage! Please, Ancestor, instruct me on how to atone for this grave mistake."

Fortunately, no enmity or conflict arose. I met that True Lord Lu once, and he didn't seem like Evil Cultivator.

After a moment's consideration, the Chen Family patriarch quickly devised a solution:

"So, you're only engaged to one of the Zhao Sisters, not officially married. Reach an agreement with the Zhao Family as soon as possible to peacefully dissolve the engagement."

"Further hint to the Zhao Family to send that Zhao... your fiancée, to Hidden Mist Island, so that the sisters can be reunited."

Upon hearing this, Chen Muge was struck dumb, and managed a forced smile:

"Yes, Ancestor! I will go to the Zhao Family as soon as possible to annul the engagement..."

His heart was bleeding with pain.

Zhao Yueshu, as a True Core female cultivator, was charming and lovely, a rare beauty; otherwise, he wouldn't have chosen her.

This newly engaged fiancée, whom he hadn't even held hands with... was already being sent to that old monster's bed.

Chen Muge gritted his teeth inwardly, filled with grief and resentment, yet powerless to resist the lofty Nascent Soul giant.

At this moment, he realized even more deeply that everyone below the Nascent Soul is just an ant.

Several days later.

Upon hearing the news, Elder Wei Dongjun of the Merchant Alliance came to Hidden Mist Island to pay a visit.

"Haha! I've heard that Elder Lu has taken a stunningly beautiful concubine, and I've come to offer my congratulations."

Wei Dongjun wore a gossipy smile.

"Just a touch of earthly beauty."

Lan Chang'an didn't shy away from the topic and explained:

"Lu is not a sentimental person. It's just that he's far away overseas, all alone, and quite lonely. Whenever he goes to a strange place, he needs a young fairy to accompany him, to dispel his loneliness, and to help him overcome his Heart Barrier."

"True Lord Lu, there's no need to explain. I understand, I understand."

Wei Dongjun pursed his lips into a smile, his expression conveying empathy and a sense of shared understanding.

Cultivators are not emotionless machines.

Legendary immortals from the celestial realm, according to ancient texts and myths, also possess the seven emotions and six desires.

The long years of cultivation are incredibly tedious; one cannot maintain inexhaustible fighting spirit forever, and there will always be times when one's mental strength is depleted.

There is a limit to the amount of inspiration and mental energy that every cultivator can generate.

Once depletion occurs, Heart Barrier will arise.

At that time, they may become lost and demoralized, or they may become agitated and irritable, leading to extremes and obsessions.

Even cultivators need mental relaxation and comfort to restore their inspiration and mental energy.

Besides hobbies and interests, one can also adjust to the best state of cultivation through experience, discussions with peers, and other means.

Therefore, not all Nascent Soul Old Monsters in the Cultivation World are the same type of cunning and ruthless. They often have their own personalities and preferences, and maintain their original aspirations in cultivation.

Lan Chang'an and Wei Dongjun took their seats in the main hall.

A graceful figure in azure robes entered the hall, elegantly curtsied, and brewed spiritual tea for the two True Lord, serving them rare fruits and pastries.

"Elder Lu has a discerning eye; the main island of the archipelago actually possesses such an ethereal beauty."

Wei Dongjun couldn't help but admire her, his gaze sweeping over the elegant and graceful Fairy Zhao features were as beautiful as a painting.

Zhao Shiyao lowered her eyelashes, her gaze serene, and silently served, adhering to her duty as a concubine, without taking the initiative to speak.

"I've heard that Fairy Zhao aspires to undergo a complete transformation and rebuild her cultivation."

Wei Dongjun smiled and took out a brocade pouch.

"Wei brought with him a Higher Vehicle resource for the Golden Core Realm, including a portion of ' Star Dust Crystal Sand ' produced by the Star-Moon Palace. This sand is exceptionally effective in aiding in Core Formation, significantly improving the quality of the newly Golden Core Realm."

"Star Dust Crystal Sand? True Lord Wei's sentiment is far too profound."

Lan Chang'an, with a solemn expression, accepted the generous gift on behalf of Zhao Shiyao.

Star Dust Crystal Sand is a top-tier rare item in the Human Realm used to assist in the transformation and shattering of elixirs.

With this crystal sand, even without the protection of True Lord, the chances of successfully regenerating one's cultivation through alchemy are relatively high.

Zhao Shiyao immediately bowed in gratitude, overjoyed.

Unexpectedly, a simple gift from an elder within the alliance effortlessly resolved her long-cherished dream of Higher Vehicle Golden Core Realm fortuitous opportunity.

Star Dust Crystal Sand is a legendary alchemical artifact that many False Core cultivators in the sea have only heard of.

Such rare strategic items cannot be purchased even with Spirit Stone without strong connections and influence.

At this moment, Zhao Shiyao's eyes were opened to a whole new world.

They caught a glimpse of the celestial palace and witnessed the astonishing power of the great figures in the upper echelons of the Heavenly Star Sea.

Wei Dongjun did not linger; after presenting a gift, he rose to take his leave.

Lan Chang'an escorted him to the outside of the cave and obtained a scroll.

The scroll contains a list of tasks that Guest Elder can undertake over the next ten years.

Lan Chang'an did not check it immediately, but put it away.

"Shiyao."

Lan Chang'an looked at Fairy Zhao was waiting outside the hall.

"I am here."

Zhao Shiyao's voice was like a cool spring rinsing jade, and she bowed to obey.

"From now on, there's no need for such formality in private."

Lan Chang'an shook his head helplessly.

"It's been so long since we last met, I almost forgot to give you a little something to mark our reunion."

As he spoke, he took out an elegant blue bracelet and personally put it on Zhao Shiyao's wrist.

Zhao Shiyao stiffened slightly, but quickly relaxed and raised her wrist, feeling the cool, jade-like touch of her skin, in coordination with Lan Chang'an's movements.

"This bracelet belongs to a female Nascent Soul cultivator. When encountering danger, it can activate a fourth-tier water-based Law Technique."

Lan Chang'an gave a brief introduction.

Zhao Shiyao was surprised, staring at the blue bracelet. This was actually Nascent Soul level protective treasure?

"I have been nurtured by the True Lord, and today I am so highly regarded... I, Shiyao, do not know how I can repay this kindness in my lifetime."

Zhao Shiyao felt uneasy, her eyelashes trembled slightly, and she said softly.

Lan Chang'an suddenly felt that the sentence sounded familiar.

"My lord, could you please not be so good to me?"

Zhao Shiyao raised her head, mustered her courage, and gazed at the face of the man who seemed to appear in her dream.

"... Don't be so polite to me."

Just because she resembled the woman in the story, she received unimaginable good fortune.

Zhao Shiyao was filled with anxiety and unease.

She was at most a shadow of that beautiful woman, and felt unworthy of such treatment.

Having been on Hidden Mist Island for several days, True Lord Lu had not even made any intimate advances towards her, let alone taken her.

Therefore, all the mental preparations that Zhao Shiyao, as a beautiful concubine, had painstakingly made were rendered useless.

Lan Chang'an gently stroked her fragrant shoulder and comforted her:

"One day, you will understand."

"Your body is too weak now, like a newly blossoming flower bud. If you wish to repay your husband, you must at least cultivate to the Nascent Soul Realm."

Zhao Shiyao understood the meaning behind the words, her beautiful face flushed like a peony, and she gave a soft "hmm".

Her heart settled down, and she breathed a sigh of relief.

Despite having no emotional foundation, and only having known each other for a few days, she inexplicably developed a liking and trust for this True Lord Lu.

Quiet Chamber in a cave.

Lan Chang'an took out the scroll left behind by Wei Dongjun.

Skip those time-consuming and low-reward town defense missions.

Lan Chang'an's goal is to undertake high-contribution missions, which pose a certain risk to ordinary Nascent Soul Cultivator.

The high contribution made it easier for Lan Chang'an to exchange for high-quality materials to improve the quality of the fourth-tier Puppet Array.

"A peak early-stage fourth-tier Ink Flood Dragon, with Heaven Grade Dragon Descendant Bloodline... even Nascent Soul Middle Stage cultivator couldn't defeat it in a sea battle?"

Lan Chang'an has set his sights on a high-risk mission with a large reward.

The Ink Flood Dragon mentioned in the scroll possesses a rare True Dragon bloodline, with powerful Divine Ability defenses, and receives a significant boost when fighting in the sea.

Several major forces, including the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance, were plundered by this Ink Flood Dragon, suffering heavy losses, with many Foundation Establishment Core Formation Cultivator becoming its prey.

The mission requires severely injuring the Ink Flood Dragon and driving it back to the Deep Sea sea.

For a single Nascent Soul Early Stage, let alone driving away this dragon, encountering it could even be fatal.

The Azure Sea Merchant Alliance once had a veteran at the peak of the Nascent Soul Early Stage who confidently tried to drive it away, but was forced by this dragon to self-destruct his Dharma body and escape only by having his Nascent Soul leave his body.

As for those in the Nascent Soul Middle Stage, those with mediocre strength are no match for the Ink Flood Dragon in sea battles.

When encountering a powerful Nascent Soul Middle Stage cultivator, the Ink Flood Dragon, with its superior escape techniques, would immediately dive into the Deep Sea and flee if the situation turned unfavorable.

Lan Chang'an chose this task.

Firstly, the reward for making a contribution is high.

Secondly, there is the inherent value of the Heaven Grade Dragon Descendant Ink Flood Dragon.

Lan Chang'an once obtained the <Blood Prison Dragon Baleful Art> from the Great Dayu Imperial Clan. By slaughtering and devouring the Essence Blood and Sha Qi of Dragon Descendant, it can be used to improve physical strength and promote Body Cultivator.

This is a rare blood-based Body Refining Cultivation Method in the Cultivation World, capable of rapidly enhancing one's Body Cultivator cultivation level.

The downside is that high-level Dragon Descendant are extremely rare, and their strength and supernatural Divine Ability surpass those of Demon King and Nascent Soul Cultivator of the same level.

Having just encountered the quest to deal with the Ink Flood Dragon's threat, Lan Chang'an wanted to test the effects of the Dragon Descendant Essence Blood.

Relying solely on Lord Mystic Water's blood supply is insufficient to affect its cultivation potential, leaving a significant gap.

His goal wasn't to expel the severely wounded, but to slay the Ink Flood Dragon and obtain its body Dragon Blood!

After selecting the task.

Lan Chang'an took out the Elder Token and sent a message to the Merchant Alliance headquarters.

Shortly after, the Merchant Alliance headquarters replied with a message:

Locating and confirming the exact location of the Ink Flood Dragon will take several years, and we may need to find a way to lure it out.

The Merchant Alliance headquarters did not expect that Lan Chang'an's first task would be so difficult.

The Alliance Leader Zuo took this very seriously and dispatched the elite forces of the Merchant Alliance to gather intelligence and coordinate with Elder Lu's actions.

"Several years will be enough for Shiyao to complete her cultivation and rebuild her core. At that time, she can confidently venture out to slay dragons..."

Lan Chang'an nodded to himself and began to plan the matter of Fairy Zhao's transformation into a pill.

The Three-Turn Golden Core Transformation is an exaggeration, shocking and unconventional.

Zhao Shiyao's background makes pursuing the Three-Transformation Core Dissolution quite difficult.

She doesn't have the high tolerance for error that Lan Chang'an had when he was at the Third-Order Body Refining.

After careful consideration, Lan Chang'an decided to have her undergo the process of refining her core twice.

Zhao Shiyao's first transformation into a core happened faster than expected.

Moon Empress.

Hidden Mist Island, the clouds and mist dissipated, and a large amount of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi gathered.

The extraordinary phenomenon of condensing the elixir appeared, with a constantly rotating Spiritual Energy Cloud appearing in the sky.

Secret Chamber.

Zhao Shiyao sat upright with her eyes closed, her black hair and skirt rustling in the wind.

Lan Chang'an had already withdrawn his hand from the jade-like back, and a faint, cool fragrance lingered around his nose.

With Lan Chang'an's protection, the process of dissolving and shattering the elixir was smooth and successful.

The alchemy technique used by Zhao Shiyao is a culmination of Lan Chang'an's expertise.

Its practicality surpasses that of most Nascent Soul cultivators in the world.

Even if something unexpected happens, Lan Chang'an's Evergreen Secret Technique can be used at any time.

Let alone damaging the foundation of one's Dao.

Even minor, hidden injuries would be repaired by Lan Chang'an.

The first time the elixir was re-formed, no Crystal Condensation Pill was used; only auxiliary ingredients were used to protect the spirit medicine.

The aim is to control the quality of the finished product.

If the quality of the Golden Core Realm is too high, the difficulty of breaking the core next time will increase exponentially.

Zhao Shiyao re- Golden Core Realm, her mind as calm as still water, the process of the Golden Core Realm feeling like water flowing into a channel.

This includes the effects brought about by the transformation of the elixir, as well as the improvement of more advanced methods of the Golden Core Realm.

The Golden Core Realm Formation method taught by Lan Chang'an is many levels higher than the secret Secret Method passed down by the Zhao Family.

The Secret Method for condensing the Nascent Soul Formation, along with Lan Chang'an's insights and skills from devouring so many Nascent Soul Old Monsters, combined the strengths of various schools and were considered top-tier even in the entire Human Realm.

A few days later.

A powerful and well-rounded aura of water-based internal energy was generated within Hidden Mist Island and Cloud Sea Abode.

"This is the true elixir? It went so smoothly..."

A large, solid Great Elixir condensed within Zhao Shiyao's body, resulting in a leap in her Divine Sense, Law Power, and life level.

Although it has the effects of alchemy and the bonus of the Golden Core Realm techniques.

However, without any Crystal Condensation Pill or Golden Core Realm Spiritual Objects, the smooth formation of a Downstream True Core was beyond her expectations.

"Back then, when you formed False Core, the lack of resources was only one factor."

Lan Chang'an's gaze was profound, revealing the hidden meaning:

"In this life, you have had a difficult fate and experienced more hardships, but your mindset and will are quite good. At least, you are much stronger than your sister who has formed her true core."

Upon hearing this...

Zhao Shiyao's expression changed slightly; her previously unfounded suspicions were now confirmed.

That year, she was attempting to break through to the Golden Core Realm within her clan, which caused her to lose her composure and perform poorly.

This situation is quite common in the Cultivation World.

Zhao Shiyao was very disappointed at the time, but didn't delve into it, assuming it was just a psychological imbalance at a crucial moment.

Compare this to the seamless completion of the elixir condensation process.

She was certain that there was something more to that Golden Core Realm; she was probably being secretly plotted against.