Lu Xueqi (73)

At the foot of Black Witch Mountain, the morning mist had yet to fully disperse, and birdsong rang crisp through the forest.

Su Han drew a deep breath of fresh air, feeling the surging spiritual power within him after the initial formation of his Golden Core. An unprecedented sense of strength filled his entire body.

Lu Xueqi stood quietly beside him, dressed in white whiter than snow. Her aura had grown ever colder and more ethereal; clearly, her three days of contemplation had further advanced her swordsmanship.

Bi Yao curiously stretched her limbs. A faint, nearly imperceptible glow from spirit gu flowed around her fingertips. She found the newly awakened Witch Clan bloodline and inheritance both unfamiliar and exciting.

Wang Shuren swept his gaze over the three of them, lingering on Su Han for a moment in particular. Clapping his hands, he laughed. "Your Golden Core has formed and your foundation is stable. The younger generation is truly formidable. The opportunity within Black Witch Mountain's divine palace was indeed extraordinary."

Great Elder Mo Yuan was equally pleased. "It is also fate that you obtained the Witch Clan's ancient inheritance. Let us return to the tribe first and discuss matters at length. We must deal with Incense Valley cautiously."

The group returned to the Black Witch Clan's settlement. The tribe was situated in a valley surrounded by mountains, its wooden houses built along the slopes in a rugged, ancient style. The air was suffused with the scent of herbs and smoke. Seeing the Great Elder return, the clanspeople bowed one after another, their curious gazes falling upon Su Han and the other two.

Over the next several days, Su Han consolidated his newly attained Golden Core Stage cultivation and familiarized himself with his greatly increased power while discussing the mysteries of