A Hundred-Year Golden Core, Eight Hundred Years of Longevity; Looking Back at the Mortal World, How Many Springs and Autumns Have Passed

"The Way."

A series of obsessive and malevolent calls emanated from the ancient altar within the Wonderful Sound Sect's Repentance Cave, sounding even more sinister and terrifying than the once Repentance Cave.

A woman with an icy demeanor sat cross-legged beneath the altar, seemingly engaged in some kind of mysterious spiritual practice.

She wore a long white dress, her figure was slender and tall, her skin was as white as snow, and her aloof temperament was irresistibly attractive, as if she were an ice goddess from the far north.

On the massive stone altar before him, countless unknown symbols and mysterious patterns were already illuminated, emanating an immeasurable aura of mystery that caused the air around the altar to move slowly.

A row of candles was placed around the altar, their flames flickering slightly in the air currents. The faint candlelight illuminated her, casting a huge, demonic shadow on the rock wall behind her.

Suddenly, a powerful aura of spiritual energy erupted from the woman, causing her hair to dance and shimmer with spiritual light.

The woman opened her clear, cold eyes and floated to the ground.

It took her three and a half years to break through from the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage to the Foundation Establishment Late Stage.

For someone with High-grade Spiritual Root, this speed is quite fast, if there are no external factors affecting her.

"Road"

Another sinister and unspeakable power erupted from the depths of her heart.

Lüo Bing's eyes instantly turned dark and gloomy.

A moment later, she exhaled, her expression growing even colder.

The putrid stench and dark power emanating from the altar behind them gradually receded.

Lüo Bing breathed a sigh of relief, then flew out of the Repentance Cave her magical artifact.

Since she suddenly 'awoke' three years ago, she has noticed that the patriarch's influence on her has gradually diminished.

Although it will affect her mind, it will at least not completely confuse her.

Furthermore, when she actively begins to consider how the patriarch could obtain the lineage, the influence on her mind gradually diminishes.

It seems that the power of the patriarch is also changing with the revival, as if it is gradually gaining a bit more intelligence that can think.

Or perhaps something happened three years ago that triggered this strange change.

She had no idea what had happened three years ago, or where the sect leader Han Yongxu was now.

All she knew was that the sect leader, Han Yongxu, was in very poor condition. The soul tablet that had established a connection with him within the sect had cracked, but it wasn't completely broken, suggesting that he was in a very dangerous state.

However, this also made it easier for her to leverage the influence of her ancestor and gradually rise to the core ranks of the Wonderful Sound Sect over those three years.

Just as they flew out of the Repentance Cave, a row of respectful prayers could be heard outside the cave.

"Greetings, Chief!"

Lüo Bing glanced around and her gaze fell on one of the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage elders with a goatee. She spoke with a cool and indifferent air.

"Senior Brother Liu, after you returned from the Luo family, did the Luo Family Ancestor give you a satisfactory reply?"

The old man with the goatee's face stiffened slightly. He raised his hand in a gesture of respect and smiled, "Chief, the Luo Family Ancestor still refuses to budge, and has even brought up that senior from the Pill Sect in response."

A glint of darkness flashed in Lüo Bing's eyes, and she said calmly, "Fine! You don't need to worry about this."

The old man with the goatee chuckled awkwardly, bowed, and congratulated Lüo Bing on her breakthrough in strength, his heart filled with awe and excitement.

Over the past three years, he has watched as this once aloof and unassuming junior sister has rapidly gained the support of many elders and deacons within the sect, eventually rising to the position of chief.

Even the two Foundation Establishment Late Stage elders who had always been the sect leader's confidants were now fully supporting Lüo Bing, which was quite unusual. It seemed that the entire Wonderful Sound Sect was being influenced by a strange atmosphere.

He felt a particularly strong palpitation when he approached the Repentance Cave.

Now that Lüo Bing has broken through to the Foundation Establishment Late Stage, Lüo Bing is the strongest in the Wonderful Sound Sect, apart from Han Yongxu and the two Foundation Establishment Late Stage elders.

If Han Yongxu does not return in a few more years, I fear Lüo Bing will rise from the position of chief to the acting sect leader.

Spring goes and autumn comes, leaves fall and branches sprout again, and a year has passed in the blink of an eye.

The Longevity Sect Territory.

Inside Chang'an Workshop.

Several Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Longevity Sect politely raised their glasses and toasted Chen Dengming in a restaurant in the neighborhood.

"Senior Brother Chen, your reputation as the Evergreen Immortal Couple with Senior Sister He is quite well-known in the Longevity Sect now. By the way, when are you two going to hold your wedding banquet? Tell us in advance so we can prepare our congratulatory gifts."

"That's right, we can't miss this wedding banquet."

Chen Dengming downed his drink in one gulp and laughed, "Soon, at the latest in six months. I will definitely invite all of you fellow Daoists then, and I hope you will do me the honor of attending!"

"Senior Brother Chen, you're too kind. It's an honor for us to attend your wedding banquet. Every time you come here, you treat us to drinks and reminisce."

"That's right, Senior Brother Chen, you've come from afar, so we should be the ones to show you hospitality. This time, I Sang Tianrong, am treating you all. Fellow Daoists, please bring your best spirit wine and don't let Senior Brother Chen spend any more money."

"Why?"

Chen Dengming quickly stopped him with a smile, saying, "Junior Brother Sang, you're mistaken. Since we're all Senior Brother, how can you say I'm a guest from afar?"

"Non-Self will never come to the Longevity Sect again?"

Upon hearing this, the round-faced cultivator who was raising his cup was taken aback, and then hurriedly explained.

Two other cultivators nearby joined in the commotion.

"Junior Brother Sang, what you said is indeed wrong. Punish yourself with a drink!"

"That's right, self-punishment is fine. But I have to say, Senior Brother Chen, Junior Brother Sang is right about some things; you can't always be the one treating us."

Chen Dengming laughed heartily, pulled Sang Tianrong, who was preparing to punish himself, and raised his cup together, saying, "Alright, what my fellow Junior Brother say is true, then I will punish myself with a cup with Fellow Daoist Sang."

However, this time it's my treat, mainly because I have some small matters to inquire about from my Junior Brother."

"Senior Brother Chen, what are you saying? With our relationship, if you have anything to ask, you can just use a Sound Transmission Jade Talisman to ask directly. There's no need to be so polite!"

"That's right!"

About half an hour later.

Chen Dengming smiled and presented some local specialties from the Evergreen Sect, then waved goodbye to the three Longevity Sect Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Longevity Sect.

Maintaining this relationship requires frequent contact and tackling the issues.

Even though he is now a cultivator who is about to break through to the Pseudo-Core stage.

However, the Longevity Sect has quite a few False Core Cultivator, a total of thirteen, and six of them are Golden Core Cultivator.

If you take yourself too seriously and act all high and mighty, you'll suffer even if you go to the Longevity Sect; at the very least, you'll encounter a lot of tedious and troublesome things.

Therefore, in the past six months, in addition to his regular cultivation, Chen Dengming has often come to the territory of the Longevity Sect to familiarize himself with the environment in advance.

At the same time, they also made friends with some fellow Daoists of the Longevity Sect and inquired in advance about the Longevity Sect's rules and things to be aware of.

Moreover, having more friends will make you feel more at ease when you enter the Longevity Sect, instead of being a clueless newbie in a strange land.

"I didn't expect that the Eastern Region sects would launch a siege against the Western Region demonic sects so soon, after only four years of peace. Why bother? The Western Regions are so barren; what good things are there besides Demon Beast?"

Chen Dengming grumbled about the confirmed information he had just heard, feeling somewhat depressed.

This period of peace lasted only four years, and now some sects in the Eastern Region are starting to cause trouble again.

However, this expedition from the Eastern Region to the Western Region was not without justification. It was a demon-slaying campaign initiated by the Tiandao Sect, with the main theme being 'revenge'.

Four years ago, the Western Regions' demonic forces invaded, their arrogance rampant, killing many people, including cultivators from many sects.

Many of their relatives and descendants wanted revenge, but the vast majority lacked the opportunity and ability.

Now, the Tiandao Sect, together with the Shu Sword Pavilion, the Five Elements Escape Sect, and other sects, has rallied together to launch a counterattack, completely encircling and annihilating the Western Regions' demonic path, crippling it so that it will never dare to invade the Eastern Region again.

This slogan, once uttered, naturally made them a force of justice, attracting countless cultivators and sects seeking revenge to join them.

Fortunately, Chen Dengming had already learned that the Longevity Sect still adhered to the principle of non-contention with the world.

For the time being, apart from a very few individuals, no elders or patriarchs have expressed any intention to get involved.

But war is something that...

As things develop further, it becomes increasingly difficult to predict the future.

Chen Dengming had already planned ahead, and more than ten days ago he instructed people to buy a lot of Zhuang Shen Dan (a type of pill), Yi Qi San (another type of pill), and some materials for refining magic Law Artifact in Chang'an Workshop Fang.

Now, looking at the prices of goods in the market again after more than ten days, they have clearly increased significantly.

A tense atmosphere, absent for several years, has reappeared and begun to brew.

As Chen Dengming left the Marketplace, a roar came from afar, and the majestic figure of the Black Cloud Leopard flew over like a black cloud.

Amidst the Dao Venerable gazes cast upon him from all sides, Chen Dengming quickly rode away on his Black Cloud Leopard.

On the way, someone blocked the road ahead.

The Black Cloud Leopard swooped down, and the power emanating from the Foundation Establishment Demon Beast made the faces of the people on the road turn pale. But what was even more terrifying were the two lines of words on the belly of the Foundation Establishment Demon Beast, which were simply shocking.

"Senior Chen!"

Among the group of people by the roadside, a burly black-clad cultivator stepped forward respectfully, offering a Storage Bag with both hands and smiling apologetically.

"Prices have been soaring lately. I only received these materials for you, senior. There are also seven High-grade Spirit Crystal that I haven't used yet. The list is in my Storage Bag. Please take a look."

"No need."

Chen Dengming smiled as he accepted the Storage Bag, opened it, took out a High-grade Spirit Crystal, and tossed it to the black-clad cultivator.

"I trust you, Black Wind, to get things done. You've helped me with a lot of these trivial matters over the years."

The black-clad cultivator accepted the spirit crystal and bowed respectfully, saying, "Thank you for your praise and appreciation, senior."

"With war imminent and the future uncertain, many things are unpredictable. You should be more discerning and curb your roadside robberies and smuggling activities."

Chen Dengming offered a reminder, then, without waiting to see if the other party listened, rode away on his Black Cloud Leopard.

This Qi Refining Level 10 cultivator, Black Wind, was someone he had known for a long time.

Their initial acquaintance stemmed from a robbery and the resulting profit sharing between them.

Later, he set up a Gu-refining workshop. For a long time, the safety of the Gu-refining workshop's shipments to Chang'an Workshop was taken care of by Black Wind and his brothers.

He closed the Gu-refining workshop several years ago.

The profits were too small, and he still needed to personally refine the Gu every few months, which was time-consuming, laborious, and thankless.

However, Chen Dengming maintained contact with Black Wind. This man was quick-witted and resourceful, and recently, Hei Feng had been the one running errands for him in purchasing supplies, saving Chen a lot of energy.

A moment later.

When Chen Dengming returned to the Evergreen Sect's cave abode, he heard a loud rumbling sound coming from inside.

The energy emanated from the room, carrying with it a strange, burnt smell.

"Senior sister, did you fail again?"

He shook his head and stepped into the room with a smile. He cast a Cleansing Technique with a hand gesture, clearing away all the dust and odors. When he saw He Yingyu's disheveled appearance, he couldn't help but chuckle.

"What are you laughing at? I'm just trying to forge a powerful second-tier top-grade magic robe for you, so you'll have a decent outfit when you go to the Longevity Sect, hmph!"

Unfortunately, it still failed, and a lot of materials were wasted.

He Yingyu stroked her disheveled hair, looking displeased.

Chen Dengming shook his head and said, "Senior Sister, I told you, there's no need to rush. You haven't even broken through to the Foundation Establishment Perfection yet. The success rate of refining a top-tier second-order Law Artifact, especially a robe, is definitely not high right now. Let's wait a bit longer."

He Yingyu pouted, "Even if the success rate isn't high, I still need to practice. Weapon forging is all about practice; it's not like improving your Strength Realm will immediately allow you to forge better things. However, it did consume a lot of materials. Looks like I'll have to take a break for a while."

"It's alright, I just collected a lot of materials for you."

Chen Dengming smiled and took out the Storage Bag that Black Wind had just given him.

Improving your weapon crafting skills is indeed very expensive.

Despite He Yingyu's apparent wealth, every family has its own troubles.

If one simply refines Law Artifact with a high success rate for sale, then it's naturally a sure-fire way to make money, with wealth accumulating and increasing like a snowball.

However, if one were to attempt to research and refine new Law Artifact, especially high-level Law Artifact, the failure rate would be extremely high, and the material consumption would be incredibly expensive.

Seeing the materials Chen Dengming took out, He Yingyu blushed and said with emotion, "Junior Brother, the price of materials has increased a lot recently, hasn't it? I think I should stop for now, just like you said, and cultivate to the Foundation Establishment Perfection first, then it won't be too late to think about it."

"It's alright. I had someone buy them in advance when the prices were low. We can still make a profit by reselling the stockpiled items later. It's easy to make money when you have it."

"Go ahead and practice, as long as it doesn't interfere with your cultivation."

"Well, I only practice when I'm bored with cultivation. My main goal is to break through as quickly as possible. I think in another six months, I should be able to use the Three Yang Crystal."

Chen Dengming suddenly smiled mysteriously, "No rush. Are you still feeling down? If you are, I'll cultivate with you."

He Yingyu was taken aback, her beautiful, alluring eyes rolling back at Chen Dengming before a shy smile appeared on her delicate lips. "It is a little bit annoying."

Chen Dengming laughed heartily, picked him up in his arms, and said, "Let's deal with this little trouble first."

Afterwards.

Chen Dengming stared at the progress of the Evergreen Merit on the panel.

"Evergreen Merit (Nine Levels 48829/50000)"

The Cultivation Method proficiency has increased by 10 points.

Aside from their first time practicing together, every time he practices with He Yingyu from now on, his proficiency in Evergreen Merit will increase by about 5 to 10 points, depending on his condition at the time.

For the past four years, Chen Dengming often practiced with He Yingyu in his spare time, and the two of them benefited from each other to some extent.

However, this kind of practice is most effective when done once or twice every two or three days.

Too many repetitions will actually have a much worse effect.

Now, Chen Dengming only needs to cultivate for less than twenty more days to break through the ninth level of the Evergreen Merit and enter the ranks of the False Core Great Cultivator who have reached the Foundation Establishment Perfection.

Because He Yingyu still had the Three Yang Crystal unused, her speed wouldn't be much slower than his.

Chen Dengming got up and walked out of the house. Looking at Xu Wei chatting happily with He Yingyu in the hall, he sighed inwardly.

Four years have passed. Although Xu Wei has cultivated to the level of Day Roaming Ghost, she is not afraid of sunlight or wind and rain and can live like a normal person, but that is where she stops.

Clearly, Xu Wei is not like Zhu Xun.

Even his talent in the Ghost Path wasn't particularly outstanding.

In this way, it would be difficult to extend Yin Longevity level, and it would probably not be long before one's life ends.

This matter is beyond repair.

Chen Dengming had already prepared himself mentally, while Xu Wei was quite positive and optimistic every day, seemingly disregarding the fact that her life was counting down.

No one can hold onto the passing of time; all we can hold onto is living each day to the fullest.

Eighteen days passed in the blink of an eye.

Chen Dengming made the most of these eighteen days to practice diligently.

Finally, perseverance paid off.

This day.

Within the cave abode, an extremely powerful aura of spiritual energy suddenly cave abode.

The surrounding Spiritual Qi surged and gathered into the cave abode like a tide.

"Roar--"

The Black Cloud Leopard guarding the door had a look of fear and joy in its eyes as it stared wide-eyed at the scene inside the cave abode.

Three dazzling Golden Light could be faintly seen flashing inside the cave abode, illuminating the cave abode walls with a golden glow.

Chen Dengming sat cross-legged inside the cave abode, his body floating in the surging tide of Spiritual Qi. He was covered in rosy light, his hair flowing like spiritual rain, and three dazzling Golden Light gathered on his forehead, chest, and abdomen, emitting strong fluctuations of Spiritual Qi.

Upon Foundation Establishment Perfection and embracing three false cores, this marks the False Core Great Cultivator!

At this moment, there was no longer any Spiritual Qi mist floating in the three Dantian (upper, middle, and lower) of Chen Dengming's body.

The spiritual energy that once resembled three pools of water has now condensed into three clumps of pseudo-cores that 'appear' to be somewhere between liquid and solid.

The liquid-like energy surrounding the fake elixir is spiritual essence.

The almost solid, golden energy inside is the Core Power of the fake elixir.

The reason why a pseudo-core cultivator is called a "great cultivator," distinguishing him from an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator, is because of the existence of this Core Power.

Even though this Core Power cannot compare to the Core Power of Golden Core Cultivator in terms of purity, it is still much stronger than spiritual energy, representing a qualitative change.

Therefore, if False Core Great Cultivator were to use a magic Law Artifact to fight against Foundation Establishment Late Stage Cultivator, even if there is only a small difference in cultivation level between them, the Core Power would be enough to easily suppress the spiritual energy of the Foundation Establishment Late Stage Cultivator.

At this moment, outside Chen Dengming's cave abode, Spiritual Light rapidly gathered, startling many fellow disciples.

Upon sensing the intense and astonishing pressure emanating from Chen Dengming's cave abode, as well as the three dazzling Golden Light, Guan Le, Wang Xuanfei, and the other Foundation Establishment cultivators were all momentarily dazed.

Snake Dweller was somewhat surprised, "False Core Great Cultivator? Junior Brother Chen actually reached the Pseudo-Core Formation so quickly?"

Bian Chen's expression was one of admiration and envy. "One more step and you're a true Golden Core Great Cultivator. You'll live to be eight hundred years old and can establish your own sect."

Wang Xuanfei was somewhat incredulous. "Junior Brother Chen, didn't you only break through to the Foundation Establishment Late Stage five years ago? It's only been five years. Could it be that Master Crane He gave her Three Yang Crystal to Junior Brother Chen?"

Upon hearing this, everyone's hearts stirred, and their expressions varied.

If one truly relies entirely on the Three Yang Crystal to reach the Golden Core stage, then one may not necessarily be able to break through to the Golden Core realm in the future. After all, it is not achieved through down-to-earth cultivation, and the foundation will ultimately be unstable.

Then there's nothing to admire or envy; I could do it too.

"Hmph, you underestimate us too much."

At that moment, He Yingyu's figure flew in from the side.

She wore a light, flowing dress, her long hair cascading over her shoulders. Her demeanor was elegant and naturally graceful, commanding respect. She spoke calmly yet proudly, "My Three Yang Crystal is still in my possession. Junior Brother Chen broke through entirely on his own strength."

The crowd's expressions changed slightly.

This Evergreen Immortal Couple, who had always thought that Chen Dengming was merely benefiting from He Yingyu, now seemed to have a different perspective.

"Junior Brother Chen, you truly possess extraordinary talent. Sect Master Qiu was right about you."

Liang Yunsheng's voice suddenly rang out, and his figure descended from the sky.

"Senior Brother Liang!"

Everyone bowed in greeting.

Chen Dengming's voice could be heard from inside the cave abode.

"Senior Brother Liang, you flatter me. It was just a natural progression."

As soon as the voice rang out, everyone felt a powerful spiritual force increase, forming an astonishing aura. Accompanied by three dazzling Golden Light, they appeared together at the entrance of the cave abode ahead.

This is because the breakthrough was just completed, and the spiritual power is not yet fully contained.

The group had no choice but to immediately circulate their Spiritual Qi to resist, and for a moment, the surrounding energy surged and the spiritual power was intense.

At the entrance of the cave abode, Chen Dengming was enveloped in a subtle Golden Light. His eyes flashed with a sharp light as he opened and closed them. When he looked around at everyone, his gaze seemed to penetrate straight into their hearts. His forehead was broad, and his white hair danced in the wind. Standing there, he exuded an otherworldly and refined air.

Immediately, Guan Le and many other Foundation Establishment cultivators bowed and offered their congratulations.

"Congratulations, Junior Brother Chen, on Foundation Establishment Perfection and achieving the False Core Great Cultivator! You will be able to reach the Golden Core stage in the future and live to be eight hundred years old!"

Chen Dengming laughed heartily, raised his hands in a gesture of respect from left to right and then from right to left, and said humbly and calmly, "Thank you all for your congratulations, senior Senior Brother! My senior sister and I had already decided that whoever reaches the False Core stage first will choose an auspicious day to hold a celebratory banquet and invite all fellow cultivators to join us in celebrating!"

Upon hearing this, He Yingyu's face immediately flushed with joy, and her eyes almost welled up with tears.

Although she had prepared for this long ago, Chen Dengming's solemn announcement in front of his fellow Senior Brother still moved and delighted her.

Upon hearing this, everyone offered their congratulations, their faces beaming with joy.

Regardless of what one truly thinks, this facade of friendliness must be maintained.

Even if Chen Dengming hadn't reached the False Core stage, the mere fact that they were known as the Evergreen Immortal Couple was enough to keep most of the surrounding cultivators smiling kindly.

Not to mention, Chen Dengming has now reached the False Core Great Cultivator, and even a passing dog would immediately fawn over him.

Looking at the smiling faces of everyone offering their congratulations.

Chen Dengming responded to each question, feeling a mix of emotions.

That year, he was eighty-three years Xiantian, and lived like a lowly thug, sleeping on the streets of Gathering Place.

At ninety-two years old this year, False Core Great Cultivator, surpassing his fellow Senior Brother to become a senior figure.

He only took five years to cultivate from the seventh level of the Xiantian to the Foundation Establishment Late Stage. During this time, he consumed a massive amount of resources such as spirit crystals, pills, Three Yang Crystal, and lifespan, but his success was due to his speed.

However, it took him a full four years to break through from the Foundation Establishment Late Stage to the Foundation Establishment Perfection. During this period, he also had frequent joint cultivation with He Yingyu. Otherwise, it would have taken at least five years.

Now, we've truly seen the light at the end of the tunnel; at least we've seen half the moon.

The next step is for He Yingyu to also break through to the Pseudo-Core stage, so that the Evergreen Immortal Couple can both enter the Longevity Sect and embark on the Golden Core Path together.

Chen Dengming has a wish: to reach the Golden Core stage when he turns one hundred years old.

A hundred years of golden elixir, eight hundred years of life; how many autumns have passed in the human world...

Now that things are settled here, it's time to go back and see Qiangzi and the two kids.

We also need to try the Ancient Human Immortal Palace to see if we can break through the seal of the Sha Star and obtain another Dao Inscription.

After exchanging pleasantries with his Senior Brother, Chen Dengming immediately pulled He Yingyu out of the sect. Taking advantage of the beautiful scenery, the two of them, along with Xu Wei, celebrated a little outside.

At the same time, Chen Dengming also told He Yingyu about his plan to return to the Southern Search Land, instructing her to cultivate diligently within the sect and not to worry.

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