The Sect Leader Forms His Core

---- Fei Household, Jade-Rinsing Pavilion

More than a month has passed since Sect Leader Kang Da settled in this secluded place. During this time, apart from the elder Fei Nanxi who came to visit with some spiritual items, only more women from the Fei Household came to Thousand Bamboo Courtyard outside the Jade-Rinsing Pavilion to visit Fei Shuhe and her two children.

If what the sect leader's wife said is true, then the two sons of the Kang Household have now become highly sought-after.

Those who came this time were all the most esteemed and noble daughters of the Fei Household's various branches. In the past, they had more or less looked down on Double Brightness Kang Household, and were naturally arrogant. Even their interactions with Fei Shuhe were not considered close.

In the past, if a daughter were to be married off to Kang Changxi, everyone might be happy to accept it; but if it were Kang Changyi, a son from a humble family, these noblewomen wouldn't be so interested.

However, after the news spread that Ancestor Ye Shui had personally promised Kang Dabao a future as a Core Formation, these people changed their enthusiastic demeanor.

After all, the identity of "Golden Core Child" is not something that even the Fei Household, who are used to being arrogant, would consider. Naturally, they are willing to abandon their former pride and lower their stance to get married into the family.

It is said that it wasn't just the Fei Household women who were interested in the Kang Household's second son; even several prominent families in the vicinity of Ying Prefecture had people coming to inquire about him. These Lineage might be of slightly lower social standing than the Fei Household, but according to the information released, they were quite willing to pay a dowry.

And look, now that you have high cultivation, you won't care about the social status and family background that these noblewomen always talk about. Your body will still be supple.

Sect Leader Kang Da remained noncommittal about this. Such behavior—being arrogant at first and then obsequious, changing one's attitude depending on the situation—would be the same in anyone's shoes. He himself had done such things many times, so how could he have the audacity to criticize others?

I wonder if these noble ladies will immediately change their tune once they find out that Sect Leader Kang Da has already squandered a piece of Yellow Dragon Wood bestowed by the Fei Household?! It's quite amusing to think about.

These tedious matters were naturally handled by Fei Shuhe, his legal wife, and Kang Dabao simply listened and let it go. After all, the most crucial matter for the latter at present was the Core Formation.

However, the Five-Spirit Ice Mallow that Sect Leader Kang Da had been looking forward to was nowhere to be seen, and he wondered if something had gone wrong. He couldn't wait any longer, so he took the risk and retrieved the Black Bone that had already devoured most of the remains of the Pill Master surnamed Wu.

A fresh False Core corpse was more to Black Bone's liking than the skull of Golden Core taken from the belly of Demon Beast. When Sect Leader Kang Da saw Black Bone this time, the third Immortal Seal Script on it had already lit up completely.

Holding the three jade pendants, Sect Leader Kang Da followed the clues and, in just half a day, comprehended the third Daoist technique from the Immortal Seal Script: the "Northern Night Palace Tai Su Ning Zhen Jue".

After his initial delight, Kang Dabao read it carefully for a while before confirming that the words "Volume One" were indeed missing from the beginning of the line, which was somewhat different from before.

The opening of this doctrine states. "The Great Change is the state before the appearance of Qi; the Great Beginning is the beginning of Qi; the Great Origin is the beginning of form; only the Great Simplicity is the beginning of substance."

This secret directly points to the wondrous state of "the form is not yet fully formed but the substance is already manifested" described in the Daoist classic "Seven Slips from the Cloudy Satchel ·Hundong Jiubian," which is the Higher Vehicle method of condensing the elixir in this world.

The opening statement, explicitly stating the "Path of Purple Gold," implies that those with inferior Dao Foundation are not permitted to participate.

The Sect Leader Kang Da, who was just about to form his Core Formation, found it like a pillow when he was sleepy. The four words "Path of Purple Gold" could not stop him from studying this technique. In fact, as soon as he began to chant the technique, the Jade Leaf Dao Foundation in his Dantian began to feel excited for the first time ever.

When Fei Nanying gave Yellow Dragon Wood, the Sect Leader Kang Da, he also bestowed upon the latter a method for condensing elixirs. Although it was not considered particularly advanced, it was not something that could be found in the marketplace.

With the help of that Core Formation Technique and the spiritual object for Core Formation, Kang Dabao smoothly progressed to the point of almost Core Formation, but he only stopped at the very last step.

"Perhaps this is worth a try?!"

Since acquiring the "Northern Night Palace Tai Su Ning Zhen Jue" elixir-condensing method, Sect Leader Kang Da had been eager to put it into practice. If Fei Nanxi hadn't repeatedly told him beforehand that the Five-Spirit Ice Mallow would arrive soon, he might have already been unable to contain himself and had put up a seclusion talisman.

However, although his Core Formation artifact was delayed, the Hundred-Fruit Secret Realm slots promised by the Fei Household to the two Kang Household arrived first. Although according to the Fei Household cultivators, there were few dangers inside, the Sect Leader Kang Da was still summoned by Fei Shuhe to see her two sons off.

"Be careful in everything you do. Everyone in the secret realm is a relative from your maternal side, so be mindful of your actions and avoid offending anyone who might die."

As usual, the Sect Leader Kang Da was about to Core Formation, showed no signs of sharpness. When he gave instructions to his two sons, he still exuded a sense of composure.

The Kang Changyi brothers, Kang Changxi, have been hearing these kinds of things since they were little, and now their ears are probably calloused from hearing them, yet they haven't shown the slightest impatience.

"I understand,"

I will heed my father's teachings.

"Yes, that's good. Your mother has worked so hard to earn this favor for you two, so do it well."

The Sect Leader Kang Da, grinned and patted Erzi on the shoulder before taking Fei Shuhe's hand and escorting them out of the Thousand Bamboo Courtyard, where they waited for Fei Donggu, the Golden Core Fei Household who was in charge of the Hundred Hundred-Fruit Secret Realm.

This elder of the Fei Household was extremely senior, almost second only to Fei Ye Shui and Fei Tianqin, and also the head of the Qiu River Hall, a relatively powerful branch within the Fei Household.

Although Fei Donggu did not have much contact with the She Mountain Hall, he was quite fond of Fei Nanying and his brother in his early years and took good care of them.

Therefore, Fei Nanying's ability to achieve Middle-Grade Golden Core was probably also due to the old cultivator's efforts.

Given their close relationship with the elders of the family, the Sect Leader Kang Da family naturally treated him with the utmost respect. After Kang Dabao wife, along with their two sons, paid their respects to Fei Donggu and watched them board the spirit boat, the Fei Household elder spoke with a pleased expression:

"Don't rush into Core Formation, Mr. Kang. I see that your foundation is solid, no less than that of a great Daoist disciple. It would be difficult for you not to achieve the Golden Core. You are also in the prime of your life, so you might as well hone your skills for another two or three years."

If you have any questions during this time, you can come to the Qiu River Hall clan's territory to find us. Leaving aside other matters, if any Qiu River Hall Golden Core cultivators are still in the capital region, just give them a call, and this old man will surely be able to summon them back."

"Thank you, Elder Zong!"

"Yes, let's not be formal. This is where I live. If you have time in the future, you are welcome to come to my cave abode for a chat."

"It is truly an honor for me!"

The flying boat took off and remained there until the flames had completely dissipated before the couple landed back in the courtyard.

Recalling Fei Donggu's kind demeanor just now, Sect Leader Kang Da couldn't help but sigh, "This Elder Donggu is indeed a kind elder who is willing to mentor the younger generation."

Fei Shuhe laughed after hearing this, "Uncle Nanxin is a second cousin of Donggu, how could he not be willing to help you?!"

"I see,"

For those who have been cultivating the Golden Core realm for hundreds of years, a son is already a very close relationship. Moreover, this is a Core Formation junior like Fei Nanxin, so it's no wonder that Fei Donggu cherishes him so much.

Kang Dabao laughed after hearing Fei Shuhe's words. He had been sitting for too long these days, which had made his mind quite dull. Otherwise, he wouldn't have thought that such care would appear out of nowhere.

Fei Shuhe couldn't even remember the last time she was alone with her husband. Once she started talking, she couldn't stop.

"Afterwards, the temple manager of Original Response Temple made a scene in the hall, insisting that Ancestor Ye Shui send you to accompany him to the Great Snow Mountain to apologize. However, he was scolded by Ancestor Tianqin and the elders of the Han Household and left in a huff."

Ancestor Ye Shui only said that he was a lowly clown, nothing to fear. He just advised you to be careful and not let him intercept you when you're out. Also, he said that Senior Wang from the Wen Mountain Cult was punished by True Person after returning to the mountain, and there will definitely be consequences for him in the future.

As soon as these two matters came to light, Fei Shuhe spoke with Sect Leader Kang Da about them.

This was something the latter had figured out after taking action in the Xiezhi Dark Prison. Now, hearing Fei Shuhe bring it up again, he showed no impatience, but continued to nod with a smile.

In his view, Fei Shuhe rarely showed such a lack of authority as a principal wife, speaking freely like a young girl.

Her incessant chatter reminded Kang Dabao of the little sparrow that had been used to congratulate them on their wedding day; in Sect Leader Kang Da's eyes now, the two were equally adorable.

However, Fei Shuhe seemed to have sensed something from the Sect Leader Kang Da's eyes. Her girlish ease vanished completely, and she cleared her throat lightly before speaking in a serious tone:

"Han Chengfeng didn't get first place this time, so he won't receive any further cultivation from the Yukun Han Household. He didn't obtain the Five-Spirit Ice Mallow, and he can't earn any more valuable Core Formation spiritual items at home, so he will have to start working on Core Formation after he returns. Before he left, he asked someone to pass on a message to you, inviting you to visit the Han Household to discuss the Dao with him after Core Formation."

Upon hearing this, Kang Dabao's expression remained unchanged; he nodded as usual, but inwardly he was smiling.

"The arrogance of these young masters is ingrained in their bones. Even after Ice Mallow Grand Gathering, Han Chengfeng is still resentful. His words imply that this victory or defeat is only temporary, and that he will challenge me again after he reaches the Core Formation."

As for what would happen if Sect Leader Kang Da failed to form the Golden Core, Han Chengfeng hadn't specified that.

It's likely that in his eyes, he wouldn't associate with fellow cultivators who haven't reached the Golden Core.

The Sect Leader Kang Da had never known how to get along with such an overly arrogant peer, so he decided after much thought that he should no longer have any dealings with him.

But just as this thought crossed his mind, he heard Fei Shuhe say from the side, "That Shu Yuanjiang from the Zuojiang Shu Household was willingly sent here to die; perhaps he's the only one in the entire family who doesn't know this."

This news was quite astonishing, prompting even the usually indifferent Sect Leader Kang Da to ask, "What's the meaning of this?!"

When Fei Shuhe answered, her smile faded by about 70%.

"General Shu's first wife was unfortunate and has probably been dead for nearly a hundred years. Recently, there have been rumors that a Princess Lanxin from the Prince of the North may be interested in marrying Shu Zhengde as his second wife."

General Shu is one of the most likely individuals among the various families in the capital region to Nascent Soul Formation within the past century, so this news is unlikely to be unfounded. Furthermore, this Princess Lanxin has always been domineering, which is why Shu Yuanjiang is involved.

"No wonder the Shu Household's Golden Core cultivator didn't even show a hint of pain on his face. It seems the Zuojiang Shu Household is quite willing to spend money to form a marriage alliance with the imperial family! But why is the Kuang Household so domineering? Even if it's a princess getting married, they can't even tolerate a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator?"

He didn't voice his inner thoughts, but Sect Leader Kang Da comforted Fei Shuhe with kind words, suppressing her sadness at the loss of her comrade.

Did he know Fei Shuhe in recent years, besides wanting to find a direct descendant for Kang Changxi to marry into the Yukun Han Household, Fei Shuhe had also set his sights on daughters of close relatives of the imperial clan?

In retrospect, it's fortunate that the trip didn't happen; otherwise, who knows how much trouble would have ensued after the Kuang Household entered the house!

As the couple were reminiscing, another guest arrived at their door.

"Greetings, Clan Elder Dongwen!" This elder was an old acquaintance of Sect Leader Kang Da. The first time the latter had ever met Golden Core cultivator in person was when he participated in the She Mountain Hall competition in Cloud Horn Prefecture, where he won first place and received an award personally from Fei Dongwen.

The elder of the Fei Household spoke a few words to Fei Shuhe in a friendly manner, and the latter obediently found an excuse to leave the courtyard, leaving her husband behind.

Sect Leader Kang Da invited Fei Dongwen into the Jade-Rinsing Pavilion. After they sat down in the quiet room as host and guest, before Kang Dabao could even serve Fei Dongwen tea, Fei Dongwen jokingly said:

"May I ask if the person sitting opposite me is Kang Dabao, the husband of Fei Shuhe, the legitimate daughter of the She Mountain Hall Double Brightness, who is personally appointed by the Marquis of Cloud Horn Prefecture, the Commander of Pingrong and concurrently in charge of Jin County Kang Dabao?"

"Ha, Elder Zong is joking," Sect Leader Kang Da feigned alarm and brought out his best tea to entertain the guests. Fei Dongwen, however, was not interested in the fragrant tea, but instead handed a five-colored spiritual object to the former.

"It took a lot of effort to get this Five-Spirit Ice Mallow into your hands."

Fei Dongwen's words were somewhat obscure, but Kang Dabao was able to understand them after a little thought.

Although Ancestor Ye Shui can still make decisions on all major matters in the Ying Prefecture Fei Household with a single word, the other cultivators can always offer their opinions on the whereabouts of spiritual objects like the Five-Spirit Ice Mallow, which are considered treasures of the Fei Household.

In the thousands of years of history of the Ying Prefecture Fei Household, only the Fei Household woman who entered the Mystic Firmament Palace and became the mother of the nation ever took a Five-Spirit Ice Mallow with her when she left.

Apart from this, no outsider has ever obtained the Five-Spirit Ice Mallow.

Therefore, even though the prize for first place in the Ice Mallow Grand Gathering had already been decided, many Golden Core cultivators still had their eyes on it. You must know that there is never any such thing as "absolute" in this world.

The Fei Household cultivators weren't asking Sect Leader Kang Da to do hard labor for nothing; they simply wanted to replace him with a different spiritual item. Kang Dabao was, after all, the Fei Household's son-in-law, and the cultivators, mindful of their reputation, wouldn't allow their junior to suffer a loss.

However, whether out of consideration for appearances or genuine admiration for Sect Leader Kang Da, Patriarch Ye Shui overruled all objections and ordered Fei Dongwen to deliver this Higher Vehicle spiritual item to Kang Dabao.

"I will forever remember the kindness of Elder Ye Shui and never forget it."

Seeing that Sect Leader Kang Da was so understanding, Fei Dongwen was quite satisfied. However, after gifting the spiritual item, he still had important matters to attend to. He then took out an antique-looking Jade Slip and said gently, "Take a look."

The Sect Leader Kang Da, respectfully accepted the document, and after examining it with his Divine Sense, a look of surprise appeared on his face. "The Yin-Yang Line Changes Ascension to Perfection Treatise?"

"This is a Higher Vehicle method of Core Formation that my direct descendant from the Ying Prefecture Fei Household obtained after making a great contribution and reporting it to the Elders' Council. Only cultivators above the Ice Leaf Dao Foundation can study it. Most of the seventeen Golden Core cultivators in my Fei Household since Ancestor Ye Shui have used this method to condense their cores."

At this point, Fei Dongwen's face suddenly became more serious, and he then warned, "Now that I have passed this on to you, you must also swear a solemn oath to your heart that you shall not pass it on to anyone else without permission, otherwise..."

"The boy certainly won't."

"Once you've made the vow, there's no need for further promises. Just remember it." Fei Dongwen softened, and he said gently, "The ancestor's high regard for you is evident. Don't let him down."

"Yes!"

Fei Ye Shui's magnanimous gesture was so impressive that it was difficult for anyone to criticize it, and even the Sect Leader Kang Da felt a sense of gratitude.

Even the "Yin-Yang Line Changes Ascension to Perfection Treatise" gifted by the Fei Household could hardly compare to the "Northern Night Palace Tai Su Condensing True Technique," which is also a method of condensing elixir. However, Kang Dabao should remember the kindness shown by Ancestor Ye Shui.

However, Fei Dongwen was not in a hurry to leave. Seeing that Sect Leader Kang Da's actions and expression were quite satisfactory, he took out more than a dozen exquisite manuscripts and said in his usual gentle voice:

"When you were in the Mountain South, the ancestor heard that you used Yellow Dragon Wood to help you Core Formation, but you did not succeed. So I recently selected these stories of our ancestors Core Formation from the Fei Household's collection for you to study."

The ancestor also told me to tell you not to carry too much burden. Although the Ying Prefecture Fei Household cannot compare with prestigious families, they still have some Core Formation spirit treasures and are not stingy.

Fei Dongwen had already conveyed the message to this extent, so Sect Leader Kang Da had nothing more to say. He simply bowed deeply again and said, "Thank you, Elder Zong. Please convey my gratitude to the Ancestor!"

After receiving another round of thanks from Kang Dabao, Fei Dongwen was about to get up. Before leaving, he gave Fei Dongwen some words of encouragement:

"Our ancestor's judgment has never been wrong. What he said just now was not merely to reassure you. There is no reason why you should fail this time. Do not let one near-failure make you cowardly. You must know that only by forging ahead can you attain the Great Dao!"

Just as Sect Leader Kang Da was about to bow again, Fei Dongwen took out another item, which was also an antique.

"This is what my ancestor recorded when the Prince of the South visited my home and discussed the Dao with him. It describes a wonderful method for obtaining an Upper-Grade Golden Core Elixir. Just take a look and study it for amusement; it's too dangerous, don't try it."

Kang Dabao accepted it respectfully as usual, and upon closer inspection, exclaimed, "Nine Tribulations Dao Planting?!"

After Fei Dongwen left, Sect Leader Kang Da, without even taking a moment to go out and give Fei Shuhe any instructions, immediately opened the restrictions and went into his Seclusion Chamber.

Fei Dongwen didn't stay long this time, but he gave quite a few gifts.

Kang Dabao carefully read through "The Yin-Yang Line Changes Ascension to Perfection Treatise" and found that, as he had expected, it was far inferior to "The Northern Night Palace's Tai Su Condensing Truth Technique," but it was still several levels better than the alchemy method given to him by Fei Nanying. It was not something that could be compared to ordinary goods, and there were many points that Sect Leader Kang Da could study.

As for the Core Formation notes brought by Fei Dongwen, they contained both successes and failures. They not only contained the insights of Fei Household's ancestors, but also many annotations from later generations.

Even the Sect Leader Kang Da felt that he could witness the debates on scriptures between generations of the Fei Household recorded in this narrow notebook.

The more a principle is debated, the clearer it becomes. Compared to those straightforward classics on Core Formation, these Core Formation notes, which embody the hard work and dedication of generations, are more likely to evoke a clear mind.

After spending an unknown amount of time studying it carefully, Sect Leader Kang Da felt that many of the unclear points in the "Northern Night Palace Tai Su Ning Zhen Jue" had now become clear, and he had indeed gained a lot.

Now it was time for the "Nine Tribulations Dao Planting," which Fei Dongwen had described as "a pastime." However, after only a cursory glance, Sect Leader Kang Da was already somewhat shocked: "This—"

---- Core-Embracing Terrace

Fei Tianqin rarely spoke with such resentment towards Fei Ye Shui: "It's one thing to return the 'Yin-Yang Line Changes Ascension to Perfection Treatise' and a few Core Formation manuals, but you even had Dongwen send over the 'Nine Tribulations Dao Planting'! Aren't you afraid of being questioned by the Prince of the South?"

"Brother, why are you upset? When the Prince of the South came to our house to preach, he permitted my children to study this method. A son-in-law is like half a son, so why can't it be done?"

"The Nine Tribulations Dao Planting requires nine cycles of pill formation and nine cycles of pill shattering, relying on the extracted essence of the Golden Core pill to refine Upper-Grade Golden Core. Such perilous methods—how could that brat dare to attempt it?!"

"Since you're so sure he wouldn't dare, why are you worried?!" Fei Ye Shui's smile deepened, and without waiting for Fei Tianqin's reply, he spoke again:

"I simply felt that this boy was somewhat different, so I gave him a book to broaden his horizons. This method is extremely dangerous; even I dare not say for sure whether the Duke of Qin used it to condense Upper-Grade Golden Core, and young Kang would not dare to try it."

Upon hearing this, Fei Tianqin stopped arguing and changed his expression, saying, "I wonder what kind of pills this kid is made of?"

Fei Ye Shui then smiled and said, "In my opinion, Nanying is no less capable. Reaching the middle rank would be enough to bring honor to the Fei Household."

"You think highly of him," Fei Tianqin's gaze suddenly sharpened, "If that's the case, then, brother, you..."

"Brother, take another look, take another look."

---- Jade-Rinsing Pavilion

Ripples spread across the center of the surging golden liquid in the sea of qi. Kang Dabao's jaw was soaked with blood and foam, and his silver teeth were almost crushed. The pill that had been condensed for the eighth time was emitting a fine, crisp sound.

The usually cautious and meticulous Sect Leader Kang Da inexplicably chose the perilous method of "Nine Tribulations Dao Planting".

He bit his tongue to force out clarity, letting the rampant true qi tear cracks in his meridians—every time the white robes showed spiderweb patterns, a wisp of crimson-gold light would emerge from the cocoon.

"Break again!"

"Success!"

Another batch of Golden Core Essence was collected by Jade Leaf Dao Foundation. The immense pain caused Kang Dabao to almost faint several times. It was only thanks to the Jade Leaf Dao Foundation, which never exerted any effort, that the Great Dao Radiance emanated from it healed his injuries.

The Sect Leader Kang Da has already condensed his Golden Core eight times, and the ninth Core Formation is a natural progression.

But at this point, something different began to emerge.

Golden Core elixir the size of a thumb floated within the jade lotus platform, its surface blooming with star-like patterns resembling frost flowers, seemingly on the verge of collapse. If it were to stop here, it would attain the future of Middle-Grade Golden Core elixir, enough to greatly satisfy the Daoist disciple of a major sect.

However, at this moment, Kang Dabao suddenly opened his eyes, and one could see that his golden eyes were filled with a burning passion.

"To give up now, what did all that hardship amount to?! In the end, we all have only one worthless life. If we don't try to pull ourselves together, when will we ever escape this life of a straw dog?!"

"Smash it, Daoist Master!!"

After a deafening roar that only he could hear, dust and debris scattered like a galaxy pouring down, and countless golden rays fell into the sea of qi, instantly blooming into nine layers of lotus shadows.

This time, the elixir embryo was no longer perfectly round like an egg, but instead grew with fine, angular edges. The tenth reassembled elixir core resembled a budding black iron, but the moment it touched the clear light of the spiritual platform, it blossomed into a nine-petaled jade stamen.

A low, thunderous roar rolled from Kang Dabao's throat, every vein spurting out a sound like shattering glass, yet within this pain, he glimpsed a profound secret—each disintegration was the removal of impurities, every crack a place where Dao patterns were engraved.

However, there are great dangers involved. This time, the condensation of the core is not like before, and it is not easy to achieve it in one go.

At the critical moment, it was the Jade Leaf Dao Foundation in the Dantian that exerted its power. After spraying out the essence of the nine Golden Core, it also transformed into a jade dew, merging with the essence of the Golden Core and covering the precarious pill body.

After an unknown amount of time, the Star Pattern Golden Core gradually solidified. The originally violent true qi suddenly thawed like a spring, and the solidified core shone with a translucent amber luster, with the phantom of nine Yin-Yang fish biting each other floating inside.

Sect Leader Kang Da barely managed to stabilize his body, which was on the verge of being shattered by this powerful spiritual energy. He spared a sliver of energy to focus his inner energy on his Dantian, and with all his strength, he let out a soft cry:

"This... this is Upper-Grade Golden Core?!"

(Sorry, I finished writing it at midnight, but I'm still not satisfied with it after many revisions. This version might not be very good either. I apologize for not having time to tell everyone who's been following the updates.)