Chapter 396: Dear, Want to See My Golden Core?

The Ancient Beast Taming Talisman was radiating as countless tiny spots of red light moved around Lu Changsheng’s body.

“You’ve just broken through to Golden Core, yet your power is already as vast as an ocean, impressive enough to rival many mid-stage True Core cultivators.”

After a moment, Hong Lian expressed her surprise at Lu Changsheng’s profound power base.

It’s important to know that from early-stage to mid-stage Golden Core, the quality and quantity of power multiply several times over.

But even at the very first layer of Golden Core, Lu Changsheng’s power is already so immense and exaggerated.

This made her realize that Lu Changsheng’s Immortal Golden Core had been refined to its utmost limit, far beyond normal High-Tier Golden Cores, and might even belong to the legendary Dao Golden Core.

Otherwise, the gap between High-Tier Golden Cores and True Cores wouldn’t be this significant!

“Mid-stage Golden Core, huh.”

Lu Changsheng slightly nodded and continued to ask, “What do you think of my battle strength now? Could I defeat a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator?”

Hong Lian pondered for a moment before responding, “I’m not entirely sure about Young Master’s exact battle strength.”

“At the Golden Core level, battles mainly depend on magical treasures, Divine Abilities, and external forces.”

“Relying solely on power to defeat others is unlikely unless there’s a significant realm difference, like Late-Stage Golden Core versus early-stage Golden Core, or an Immortal Golden Core versus a flawed lower-Tier Golden Core.”

“You’ve just broken through and haven’t yet cultivated Divine Abilities or nurtured your life-bound Artifact, so defeating a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator just with power will be difficult.”

Hong Lian gently and tactfully explained, her voice soft and pleasing to the ear.

The greatest strength of Golden Core lies in its potential and foundation, easing breakthroughs in bottlenecks and realms.

In terms of combat, the advantage comes from a strong power base.

However, unless one’s cultivation technique is oriented towards swordsmanship or battle arts, which are skilled in offense, their battle power won’t be much higher.

Although Lu Changsheng’s power was vast and profound, it did not possess the sharpness and dominance typical of sword or battle arts techniques.

“Magical treasures, Divine Abilities, and external forces.”

Lu Changsheng slightly nodded.

At the moment, his lack in the area of magical treasures was indeed a shortcoming.

Even though he had the Starlight Disk, the Profound Mirror of the Dao, and the Void Robes, none were meant for offense.

However, when it comes to Divine Abilities, Lu Changsheng was quite confident.

With the inheritance from his system, he didn’t need to spend time on techniques or Divine Abilities at all.

Whether it was the Yin-Yang Creation Sutra, the Seven Luminaries Great Freedom Sword Manual, or the Nine-Nine Mysterious Talisman Scripture, he could execute them all.

It would just take some time to familiarize himself with them.

And as the Yin-Yang Creation Sutra was an immortal-level cultivation method, it naturally held various Divine Abilities!

Currently, there were three Divine Abilities he could use.

Yin-Yang Grand Capture!

This divine ability allowed him to overturn seas and mountains in battle, condensing the Qi of the Golden Core into hand seals with effects of capturing, suppressing, and imprisoning!

Mysterious Yin-Yang Divine Light!

This divine ability could transform into weapons, Artifacts, elements like wind and thunder, or even nourishing rain. It could also be used as protective light or for flight.

Reversal Yin-Yang Glazed Wall!

When activated, this divine ability could reverse Yin and Yang, concealing one’s form and aura, disrupting the heavenly mechanisms!

Besides these three Divine Abilities, Lu Changsheng also had a powerful one—Yin-Yang Mixed Hole Great Millstone!

However, he had just broken through to the Golden Core, so he couldn’t freely use this divine ability yet; it required a significant cost.

So, in terms of Divine Abilities, it could be considered one of his advantages!

As for external forces, this was where Lu Changsheng had the most confidence!

The Nine Treasures Dao Bone possessed nine top-level Divine Abilities, significantly boosting his strength and allowing him to kill opponents beyond his level!

The Thunder-Reinforced Dragon Flame had amplified his third-level body tempering, increasing his close combat power.

The Thousand-Faced Fox Puppet, Ghostly Head from the Netherworld, and Mystical Evil Corpse were three Golden Core combat forces.

The Thousand-Faced Fox Puppet excelled in illusions and charm, capable of disturbing and seducing the minds of others, even attacking their Divine Senses and trapping them in illusions!

The Ghostly Head from the Netherworld disrupted the mind, creating a ghostly realm that eroded the power of others!

The Mystical Evil Corpse, a third-level demon king refined corpse, was the weakest in combat but could serve as a shield and entangle a Golden Core cultivator for several rounds!

In addition to these external forces, he also had the Heavenly Yuan Treasure Lotus as a second dantian, with hundreds of talismans serving as the foundation for his Talisman Sea Strategy!

As for his previous core treasure, the Xuan Yuan Pearl, it had been replaced.

After breaking through to the Golden Core, this treasure could no longer provide any cultivation benefits and could only serve as a basic second dantian for storing power.

Its effectiveness was far inferior to the current Heavenly Yuan Treasure Lotus.

“I observe that Young Master has reached the third level of body tempering, and your Divine Sense is likely far superior to cultivators of the same level. You even have external forces like the Heaven and Earth Spirit Flame, so your strength should naturally be far above your peers. However, assessing Golden Core cultivators’ strength can’t be generalized.”

“Some Golden Core cultivators may have only condensed a flawed lower-Tier Golden Core, but through fortunate circumstances, they might possess superior magical treasures and have extraordinary comprehension, mastering multiple Divine Abilities. In such cases, they could even be stronger than some freshly broken-through Golden Core cultivators.”

The Ancient Beast Taming Talisman continued to emit light as Hong Lian spoke.

The Golden Core stage is unlike Qi Refining or Foundation Establishment.

Even a newly broken-through Golden Core cultivator can wield High-Tier magical Artifacts and even forcefully activate Top-Tier Artifacts.

Therefore, magical treasures during the Golden Core stage significantly impact battle strength.

Many Golden Core cultivators, unable to advance, spend most of their time focusing on their life-bound Artifacts and Divine Abilities.

As a result, their life-bound Artifacts and Divine Abilities far exceed those of ordinary cultivators.

“As for Late-Stage Golden Core cultivators, it’s wise to be cautious, Young Master.”

“If a lower-Tier flawed Golden Core cultivator lacks great fortune, they stand no chance of reaching the late Golden Core stage!”

“So those who break into the late Golden Core stage are essentially cultivators with middle-Tier True Cores, and their foundation, experience, and fortune are all exceptional.”

“When it comes to demon kings of the third level, their bodies are naturally strong, combining both physical and spiritual cultivation, surpassing cultivators of the same level greatly.”

“If they possess top-ranking earth-tier or celestial-tier bloodlines, they equate to our High-Tier Golden Core cultivators, and it’s highly likely they possess innate Divine Abilities, making their battle power far superior to that of their peers.”

Hong Lian slowly explained the battle strength of Golden Core cultivators.

“I understand.”

Lu Changsheng slightly nodded.

When it comes to fighting, you only know the outcome after the battle.

Without fighting, unless there’s a gigantic realm difference, it’s impossible to predict who will dominate.

After all, anyone who reaches this level of cultivation has some trump cards or hidden techniques.

Still, based on his current power, Divine Abilities, and techniques, Lu Changsheng believed he should have no issue defeating a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator.

As for Late-Stage Golden Core cultivators, Lu Changsheng thought, there’s no need to push it.

“Young Master, what kind of Golden Core did you form?”

At this moment, Hong Lian couldn’t hold back her curiosity and asked.

She wanted to know if Lu Changsheng had condensed the legendary Dao Golden Core.

“It’s an Immortal Golden Core, but my Golden Core underwent transformation and enhancement on the foundation of the Immortal Golden Core.”

Lu Changsheng responded directly.

Although asking about one’s Dao Foundation or Golden Core grade is considered very impolite among cultivators,

Hong Lian was considered part of his inner circle, so Lu Changsheng didn’t mind.

Besides, after their current task, Lu Changsheng planned to perform a soul fusion to gain deeper insights into Hong Lian.

After confirming she had no alternative motives, he would grant her the Peachwood Spirit Embryo.

That way, besides himself, there would be a second Golden Core true person in the family, putting him at ease when going out.

“The Immortal Golden Core transformed, could the Dao Golden Core truly exist!”

Hong Lian couldn’t help but express her amazement.

“Dao Golden Core? Is there something beyond Immortal Golden Core called Dao Golden Core?”

Lu Changsheng was confused.

He had never heard of the Dao Golden Core.

Even though his Golden Core was called the Yin-Yang Dao Golden Core, he simply assumed it was named so because the technique he cultivated was the Yin-Yang Dao, thus forming such a Golden Core.

“Yes, regarding the Dao Golden Core, I have only heard rumors about it. I’ve never seen one myself and can’t confirm if such a Golden Core truly exists.”

Hong Lian softly elaborated.

“Oh?”

Lu Changsheng raised an eyebrow, signaling her to explain the Dao Golden Core.

“I once saw in a manuscript that beyond the Immortal Golden Core, there is indeed another Golden Core, known as Dao Golden Core.”

“Those who condense the Dao Golden Core are favored by the Dao itself, blessed by Heaven and Earth, making their cultivation path smoother in the future, with the potential to transform into a Divine Transformation realm being!”

Hong Lian guessed that Lu Changsheng was likely in possession of the Dao Golden Core.

After all, the Immortal Golden Core was already immortal and perfect, so how could it undergo further transformation otherwise?

“Favored by the Dao, enhancing my fortune?”

Lu Changsheng was surprised.

He hadn’t expected that condensing a Golden Core could enhance fortune.

However, he had heard of similar theories.

As cultivators break through realms, their fortune can increase somewhat.

“Yes, although the concept of fortune is elusive and uncertain, it does exist.”

“For instance, breaking through to Nascent Soul requires not just the right time, place, and people, but also depends on one’s fortune. Those who successfully break through to Nascent Soul are always people with great fortune.”

Hong Lian spoke, “However, these claims are hard to prove true or false.”

“Moreover, those capable of forming the Dao Golden Core are inherently favored by fortune.”

“Their cultivation path is smooth, progressing rapidly, and even in the face of danger, they often avoid calamities.”

“So, whether the Dao Golden Core truly enhances fortune is something we can’t verify.”

Despite being a Nascent Soul True Lord, Hong Lian had broadened her horizons.

But matters like the Dao body and Dao Golden Core were beyond her range of knowledge, leaving her with only partial understanding.

“I see.”

Lu Changsheng nodded slightly, not too concerned.

He pursued perfection in his foundation, simply believing he had the potential to achieve immortality.

In this context, he naturally couldn’t compromise his foundation for the sake of rushing his realm, which would later force him to spend a lot of time and energy to remedy his foundation.

As for the effect of the Dao Golden Core, he thought it would be nice to have but not crucial.

“Hong Lian, you’ve worked hard. Take a good rest, and in a few days, I will nourish your soul with a secret technique.”

Lu Changsheng said to Hong Lian.

Then he withdrew the Ancient Beast Taming Talisman and the remaining four Golden Core spiritual items.

He planned to keep these Golden Core spiritual items for the time being and give them to Lu Miaoge or Xiao Xiyue when hey reached the Golden Core stage.

“As long as the Cave of Heaven’s spiritual veins advance to the third level, the Five Elements Fruit Tree can be planted.”

“At that time, whether in the Foundation Establishment or Golden Core stage, our family’s cultivation foundation will reach a new level!”

Lu Changsheng pondered.

In his system space, there was still a Five Elements Fruit Tree.

The Five Elements Spirit Fruits it bore could greatly increase the chances of successfully forming a Golden Core.

It was also highly effective for breaking through to Foundation Establishment and refining foundational power.

When Lu Ruyi attempted to breakthrough to Foundation Establishment back then, if she had a Five Elements Spirit Fruit, it would have not only significantly improved her odds but might even have led to flaw-free Dao Foundation!

“Third-level spiritual veins.”

Lu Changsheng took a deep breath, then exhaled and walked out of the Cave Dwelling.

Outside of Hall of Everlasting Life, Ling Zixiao, dressed in an elegant blue palace dress, held an ancient scroll, and sat gracefully.

When she saw Lu Changsheng, her dignified and elegant face suddenly lit up with joy as she called out, “My lord!”

“Zixiao.”

Lu Changsheng smiled as he walked up to her, holding her delicate and graceful body naturally, “Zixiao, I’ve recently broken through to Golden Core and am confident I can solve your Dragon Chant Physique problem.”

Of course, he hadn’t forgotten her Dragon Chant Physique, or their daughter Lu Linghe’s Dragon Chant Physique.

Now that he had broken through, with his power and Yin-Yang essence fully enhanced, he was confident in harmonizing Ling Zixiao’s Dragon Chant Physique.

“Thank you, my lord.”

Ling Zixiao’s warm smile deepened, touched that Lu Changsheng was so considerate.

Lu Changsheng held Ling Zixiao’s fair wrists and began to circulate the Yin-Yang Creation Sutra.

“Buzz!”

Years ago, his Foundation Establishment power could only suppress and balance the Dragon Chant Physique to some extent.

Now, with his vast Golden Core true essence, as it entered Ling Zixiao’s body, it immediately overwhelmed the Dragon Chant energy.

Under the Yin-Yang Dao Golden Core’s governance, the Dragon Chant energy gradually transformed into a Yin-Yang energy.

“This…”

Ling Zixiao felt the changes within her body, utterly shocked.

Back then, she traveled to Nine Heavens Immortal City and spent all her Spirit Stones and Natural Treasures to consult a Golden Core true person about her condition.

But he said her situation was irreversible.

Yet, Lu Changsheng had just broken through to Golden Core and could already reverse Yin and Yang with his power, resolving her Dragon Chant Physique problem. It was astonishing!

“Buzz, buzz, buzz—”

As Lu Changsheng’s Yin-Yang power flowed through Ling Zixiao’s meridians and dantian, the Dragon Chant Physique was provoked, beginning to tremble and roar.

“Boom!”

Lu Changsheng’s Qi Sea dantian, where his Golden Core resided, radiated brilliant light.

A black and white Yin-Yang fish promptly shot out, traveling down his arm into Ling Zixiao’s body to suppress her Dragon Chant essence.

“Woo!”

The Dragon Chant essence let out a helpless howl but still stubbornly formed a balance with the Yin-Yang essence.

“Zixiao, let’s continue this later.”

Lu Changsheng said.

He had just lightly tested it.

To truly begin reversing Yin and Yang, it would be safer to use the Dual Cultivation Secret Method, with Lu Miaoge watching over them..

“You’ve worked hard, my lord.”

Ling Zixiao felt a great deal of relief and comfort, smiling gently.

The two of them left Hall of Everlasting Life and made their way to the Lu Family Mansion.

“Changsheng, my husband.”

“Father, Father.”

Lu Miaoyun and Lu Miaoge were hrilled and excited to see Lu Changsheng.

At present, only Lu Miaoge, Xiao Xiyue, Ling ZZxiao, Lu Miaoyun, and Lu Miaohuan knw about Lu Changsheng’s breakthrough to Golden Core.

The other wives, concubines, and children still thought he had simply gone into seclusion or traveled outside.

“Husband, have you really achieved Golden Core?”

After a while, Lu Miaoyun, who had a youthfulcharm and an elegant beauty, clung to Lu Changsheng’s arm and asked quietly, filled with joy.

“Haha, you have Divine Sense, just check for yourself.”

Lu Changsheng fondly pinched his wife’s small nose, smiling affectionately at her childish delight.

Although the news of his breakthrough couldn’t be widely broadcasted,

It was fine for his little wife to take a look.

Upon hearing this, Lu Miaoyun’s Divine Sense quicly entered Lu Changsheng’s body.

Immediately, she saw the black-and-white Golden Core exuding a faint purple-gold hue in the center of the Five Elements Jade Disc within his Qi Sea dantian.

“So this is a Golden Core…”

Lu Miaoyun marveled at the sigt of the Golden Core.

After a moment, she withdrew her Divine Sense, raised her delicate chin, and gazed up at Lu Changsheng with admiration and awe, “I heard from Sister Miaoge that you have condensed a first-Tier Golden Core. So this is what a first-Tier Golden Core looks like.”

“That’s right.”

But Lu Changsheng didn’t mention anything about the Dao Golden Core.

After all, Hong Lian had said it was just a theory, and its existence was not certain.

“It’s no surprise you’re my husband—achieving Golden Core and even forming a first-Tier Golden Core.”

Like a child who’d eaten something sweet, Lu Miaoyun’s face was filled wth joy and happiness, “I’ve heard that in the entire Jiang Kingdom cultivation world, there aren’t many who can condense such a Golden Core.”

When she had first married Lu Changsheng, he was only a minor cultivator at the third level of Qi Refining.

She never imagined that one day, her husband would become a Golden Core true person, someone nearly untouchable!

However, over the years, she had witnessed Lu Changsheng’s gradual growth. Now, after cultivating the Heaven and Earth Longevity Technique, she had shed her formerly sensitive and insecure mindset, feeling nothing but pride and happiness for her husband’s achievements.

“Haha, there may be only a few in Jiang Kingdom’s cultivation world, but in the entire Southern Wilderness cultivation world, there are quite a few.”

“Besides, I just took the lead. In the future, my dear Yun’er will also become a Golden Core true person.”

Lu Changsheng said with a light chuckle.

Normally, cultivating the Heaven and Earth Longevity Technique would take at least one to two hundred years to achieve Golden Core.

But with the Wanling Bottle, this time could be significantly shortened.

“Hehe.”

Lu Miaoyun giggled happily, clarly looking forward to that day.

Then, with a joyful expression, she continued, “Husband, I’ve heard that after reaching Golden Core, true persons usually choose a Dao title. What will yours be?”

“I haven’t thought about it yet. I’ll decide later.”

Lu Changsheng said with a warm smile.

After reaching the Golden Core stage, most cultivators would take on a Dao title.

Some chose based on their cultivation techniques, or names, while others chose based on their aspirations, preferences, or characteristics. There weren’t many strict rules.

However, there’s a saying in the cultivation world:

A Dao title can influence a cultivator’s fate!

Subtly guiding one’s fortune and misfortune, altering their destiny and luck.

Though this saying seems vague,

Cultivators who reached the Golden Core stage often believed it was better to be safe than sorry.

Lu Changsheng also believed this, planning to put some thought into it later.

“Mmm.”

Lu Miaoyun responded with a cherful smile, and then began to tell Lu Changsheng about the things that had happened during his half-year of secluded cultivation.

Word from Qingluan Immortal City came that finally, some forces had made a move against the Qingluan Immortal City.

Without Immortal Qingluan’s presence, Qingluan Immortal City was merely a sandcastle.

Moreover, some of Qingluan Immortal City’s higher-ups probably knew beforehand and were well-prepared.

Yet, despite knowing, many cultivators still died in the ensuing chaos for profit.

It’s rumored that a new group of people has now taken over the leadership in Qingluan Immortal City, all likely backed by factions from the Jiang Kingdom or the Yue Kingdom Immortal Sects.

As for the specifics, Bihu Mountain wouldn’t be able to get much more information.

“A major shake-up in Qingluan Immortal City…”

Lu Changsheng pondered over the news, suddenly thinking of Li Feiyu, who held a position there.

He remembered receiving a letter from Li Feiyu likely foreseeing this day.

He wondered how Li Feiyu fared amidst the turmoil.

“Most of those who died were False Core true persons or peak Foundation Establishment cultivators. Li Feiyu should be safe, most likely.”

Lu Miaoyun attempted to reassue her husband, guessing his concerns.

“Yes.”

Lu Changsheng nodded, saying no more.

“Husband, Xingyue and Yunlou came back a while ago.”

Lu Miaoyun went on, steering te conversation to another topic.

Years ago, Lu Changsheng had sent a batch of their children to the Azure Cloud Sect for the entrance examination. Two of them had joined the sect and were now at the peak of Qi Refining.

“Let them take on sect missions and grind in the Market for a while. They should earn their own Spirit Stones first. The family will support them afterward.”

Lu Changsheng considered before replying.

Although both children were at the peak of Qi Refining, their talent and comprehension were just average.

Without a stroke of fortune, it would be difficult for them to reach Foundation Establishment in this lifetime.

As their father, he would certainly give them opportunities, but they also needed to make some effort.

It’s not feasible to simply prepare all the Foundation Establishment Pills and resources for them as soon as they reached the appropriate level.

Doing so would not only likely result in failure but would also create a wasteful scenario, potentially negatively affecting Bihu Mountain.

Especially since they had been at the Azure Cloud Sect for an extended period.

Lu Xingyue was fine, with Xia Zhaoyang and Zhao Qingqing looking after her, making her more connected to the family.

Lu Yunlou, on the other hand, had a more reclusive personality and seemed a bit distant from the family.

This is why many cultivation families hesitate to send their most talented offsprings to join sects.

“Mhm.”

Lu Miaoyun responded obedientl.

At that moment, Lu Changsheng noticed Lu Miaoge, dressed in a pure hite dress, her eyes full of affection and calm as she gracefully gazed at him. He smiled, “Sister Miaoge, do you want to see the Golden Core?”

“Sure~”

Lu Miaoge moved closer, and wwth her Divine Sense, observed Lu Changsheng’s Yin-Yang Dao Golden Core. After a moment, she was filled with surprise and awe, “So this is the Immortal Golden Core.”

Golden Cores weren’t identical.

They varied based on an individual’s cultivation technique, core markings, and color.

However, Lu Changsheng’s Golden Core was extraordinary at first glance.

After Lu Miaoge finished observing he Golden Core, they shared a tender moment before Lu Changsheng went to find Xiao Xiyue.

Because of Lu Changsheng’s breakthrough, Xiao Xiyue had stayed at Bihu Mountain without returning to the Azure Cloud Sect.

“Xiyue, do you want to see the Golden Core?”

Lu Changsheng asked the cold and holy fairy, wanting to share the joy of his achievement.

“An Immortal Golden Core…”

Xiao Xiyue stared at the Golden Core, her clear, moonlit eyes widened in amazement.

Even though she was a true disciple of the sect and a disciple of a Golden Core true person, her greatest goal was to form a High-Tier Golden Core.

But now, Lu Changsheng had effortlessly surpassed that goal.

“Oh right, Xiyue, do you remember what I mentioned to you earlier about your cultivation technique?”

At this point, Lu Changsheng asked Xiao Xiyue.

Condensing the Yin-Yang Dao Golden Core had given him some new insights into Xiao Xiyue’s Supreme Forgetting Emotions Technique.

He planned to use a soul connection method to influence Xiao Xiyue and see if he could resolve the issues with her Supreme Forgetting Emotions Technique.

“Yes, I’ve been thinking about it all these years and even consulted with my master, but I haven’t found any solutions.”

Xiao Xiyue softly responded.

Although her talent and comprehension were exceptional, she still couldn’t forge her own path from the foundation of the Supreme Forgetting Emotions Technique.

“No worries, I have a solution.”

Lu Changsheng said, then shared his thoughts with her.

A moment later, the two arrived at Hall of Everlasting Life.

As the sound of rustling clothes filled the room, the two began the process of Yin-Yang blending and intertwining.

“Xiyue, the Sun and Moon Reincarnation Sutra!”

Lu Changsheng directed.

Both of them were already extremely proficient in this technique. Although they hadn’t quite reached the stage of mastery, they were only a step away.

“Buzz!”

As they circulated the technique, the two gradually entered a state of desire without emotion.

An image of a divine sun appeared between Lu Changsheng’s brows, radiating a sacred light that bathed Xiao Xiyue.

Xiao Xiyue felt it, opening her heart and allowing the divine light to drench her body.

However, as Lu Changsheng’s Divine Sense and soul attempted to merge with Xiao Xiyue’s soul, he sensed an unattainable coldness.

This coldness didn’t come from Xiao Xiyue herself.

It arose from her Supreme Forgetting Emotions Technique!

“Just as I suspected.”

Lu Changsheng had long speculated that Xiao Xiyue’s aloofness was due to the influence of the Supreme Forgetting Emotions Technique on her mind and soul.

However, the Yin-Yang Creation Sutra, which governed all laws and embraced all elements, naturally possessed an affinity that slowly encased Xiao Xiyue’s cold soul, gently blending with it.

“Mmm~”

As their souls merged, Xiao Xiyue let out a soft moan.

It was her first time attempting soul connection, and the sensation was extraordinarily mystical.

It felt similar to the first time Lu Changsheng had embraced her, making her heart tremble with excitement. Reacting to this, the Supreme Forgetting Emotions Technique began to operate on its own.

“Yin and Yang interact, nurturing from the same root, creating something from nothing.”

An infinite stream of information flooded her consciousness, seemingly accommodating her Supreme Forgetting Emotions Technique.