The spirit spring in Azure Nether Courtyard still burbled gently, and the Star-Pattern Grass in the courtyard shimmered with a pale silver sheen beneath the moonlight. Han Li stood at the center of the courtyard, studying the detailed Core Formation Resources List in his hand, his heart as calm as still water.
After seven days of recuperation, his crystal-core spiritual power had returned to its peak. His meridians were clear and unobstructed, and the spiritual power within his Dantian had condensed into a liquid like silvery mercury.
"Core formation isn't something to rush." Han Li put the list into his Storage Bag and turned to Zi Ling. "Come guard me. I intend to enter seclusion here in Azure Nether Courtyard and devote myself to forming my core."
Zi Ling gently stroked the Star-Illusion Maze Formation Flags with her delicate hand, a trace of reluctance flashing through her eyes. "Are you sure you won't reconsider? With the Grand Elder's arrangements, you could become his disciple..."
"Core formation is fundamental to cultivation. If I miss this opportunity, breaking through later will be harder than climbing to heaven." Han Li shook his head, condensing his crystal-core spiritual power into a Star Vortex-shaped ball of light in his palm. "Besides, dark undercurrents surge through the Chaotic Star Sea. Only by successfully forming a core can I truly protect the Star Palace and those you care about."
Zi Ling gazed deeply at him before finally nodding. "Then I'll guard you. The Star-Illusion Maze Formation is already set up outside the courtyard. No movement will escape my senses."
Han Li first excavated an underground chamber three zhang square in the center of Azure Nether Courtyard. Using the Crystal-Spike Formation Flags, he inscribed the patterns of a Spirit Gathering Array and channeled the spirit spring into the