Wei Zhong observed Xu Xuan's Foundation Establishment cultivation base, a hint of surprise flickering across his face. As the shopkeeper responsible for the entire Luochuan Prefecture, Xu Xuan was merely a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Wei Zhong recalled that even in the remote Wild Plains Prefecture, a Core Formation cultivator had been stationed as shopkeeper. How could such a crucial prefecture as Luochuan be managed by someone with such a low cultivation level?
Noticing Wei Zhong's astonishment, Xu Xuan showed no offense. Instead, he stroked his beard and smiled. "Fellow Daoist, are you perhaps puzzled by my position as shopkeeper despite my Foundation Establishment cultivation?"
Wei Zhong nodded slightly, offering a polite bow. "I must admit, I am somewhat perplexed. However, I assure you I intend no disrespect."
"Perfectly understandable. Anyone would find it curious to see a Foundation Establishment cultivator overseeing an entire prefecture's shopkeeping affairs."
Relieved that Xu Xuan harbored no ill will, Wei Zhong relaxed.
"As a Guest Elder of the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild, you should know that influence here stems not from raw power, but from technical mastery. With two or three profound techniques at your disposal, even you might be qualified to compete for the position of shopkeeper."
Wei Zhong's eyes widened in understanding. "I see! I've learned something new."
"Haha! If you require anything further, simply speak to Miss Yun. I must take my leave now."
The two men exchanged polite bows, and Wei Zhong watched Xu Xuan's retreating figure, an inexplicable expression flickering in his eyes.
After bidding farewell to Xiang Yunluo, Wei Zhong departed.
Having procured most of the supplies he needed, Wei Zhong left the Cloud Gathering Pavilion, changed his appearance, and soared away on his Flying Sword.
He had deduced the primary ingredients for the Red Spirit Wine, but replicating it successfully remained a distant prospect.
Wei Zhong considered returning to the Secret Realm to subdue the Third-Tier Spirit Monkey. With his current Mid-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivation base and the Triple Time Dao Technique, success wasn't impossible. However, after careful deliberation, he decided against it.
He checked his remaining lifespan:
Lifespan: 211/275
His earlier venture into the Secret Realm, where he had used the Dao of Time to fend off the monkey's attack, had cost him twelve years of lifespan. The subsequent pursuit of Mou Yuanfeng, during which he temporarily boosted his cultivation to Early Core Formation, consumed another twenty-four years.
In total, he had lost thirty-six years, leaving him with only sixty-four years of lifespan remaining—insufficient to cast the Triple Time Dao Technique even two more times.
Capturing the unruly monkey just for spirit wine seemed increasingly impractical. Moreover, even with his temporary Mid-Stage Core Formation boost, he was like a child wielding an oversized hammer. Unfamiliar with Core Formation combat techniques, he couldn't confidently subdue the Golden-Eyebrowed Red Monkey.
It would be wiser to wait until he reached Late-Stage Foundation Establishment. By then, using the Dao of Time to temporarily achieve Late Core Formation would ensure a more secure outcome.
Once he subdues the Third-Tier Spirit Monkey, Wei Zhong could rest assured of his safety, at least until he confidently advanced to the Core Formation stage.
After a moment's contemplation, Wei Zhong returned to Cloudglow Island on his Flying Sword.
Entering his Grotto-Heaven, he immediately began cultivating, resisting the urge to accelerate his progress by spending spirit stones despite his dwindling lifespan. Instead, he resolved to reach Late-Stage Foundation Establishment within the next two decades. This minor breakthrough would grant him several more decades of lifespan, after which he could focus on subduing the Third-Tier Spirit Monkey.
Enhanced by his Heavy Water Spirit Body, Wei Zhong found his sensitivity to spiritual energy greatly improved, making cultivation smoother and significantly faster.
When boredom struck, he would refine pills, brew wine, or spend time with Xie Linghua.
This peaceful routine continued for over a year.
Wei Zhong then ventured out again to attend an auction held by the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild, where he successfully bid for a Millennium Nine-Heart Fruit for twelve thousand Low-Grade Spirit Stones.
The price was surprisingly reasonable. Firstly, few Third-Tier Pill Refiners could refine Dustfall Pills using this spirit medicine. Secondly, the auction featured two Dustfall Pills, drawing much of the attention away from the fruit.
One of the Dustfall Pills was purchased for a staggering 53,000 low-grade spirit stones by Zhu Shen, a second-tier pill master in the late Foundation Establishment stage. Wei Zhong couldn't help but marvel at the abundance of resources and wealthy cultivators in Luochuan Prefecture. Zhu Shen, who had amassed a considerable fortune through his alchemy skills over the years, clearly intended to use the pill to take the final step into Core Formation.
The other Dustfall Pill was acquired by Ling Hua, Ling Ziwei's elder brother, for a similar price of over 50,000 low-grade spirit stones. It seemed he too was preparing for Core Formation, which explained why Ling Ziwei hadn't visited Wei Zhong recently—she must be overwhelmed helping her brother with his preparations.
After securing the coveted Nine-Heart Fruit, Wei Zhong returned to Cloudglow Island to resume his secluded cultivation. Thirteen years passed before an external message interrupted his seclusion.
"Ling Hua invites fellow cultivators to witness his Core Formation ceremony?" Wei Zhong read the message on his Message Sword, a peculiar expression on his face. "This is certainly unusual. Normally, cultivators undergoing Core Formation would hire guardians and undergo tribulation in secret in a secluded location. Yet Ling Hua is openly inviting spectators. Isn't he worried about sabotage with such fanfare?"
Though puzzled by Ling Hua's motives, Wei Zhong decided to attend out of respect for Ling Ziwei's invitation. Such a momentous occasion warranted his presence.
As he left, he noticed Xie Linghua had already reached the eighth layer of Qi Refining, and he nodded approvingly.
"It seems they haven't forgotten his instructions over the years and have been diligently cultivating," Wei Zhong mused.
To encourage their efforts, he rewarded them with a Second-Tier Magic Sword before departing the island for the Ling Clan.
He had no intention of bringing Xie Linghua to the ceremony. Wei Zhong suspected foul play, fearing the event might trigger a large-scale cultivator battle. He wasn't confident in his ability to protect her.
Checking his own cultivation progress:
Name: Wei Zhong
Cultivation Base: Foundation Establishment Sixth Layer (83%)
Cultivation Techniques: Spring and Autumn Water Refinement Manual - Grandmaster (91%); Body Nourishing Art - Grandmaster (50%)
Lifespan: 225/275
Thirteen years had passed, and Wei Zhong's cultivation had nearly reached the peak of the Mid-Stage Foundation Establishment. In just over a year, he would reach the pinnacle and begin preparing to break through to the Late-Stage.
Had Ling Ziwei not extended the invitation, Wei Zhong would have remained in seclusion.
Even more pleasing was the imminent breakthrough of the Spring and Autumn Water Refinement Manual to the Grandmaster level. This breakthrough would significantly accelerate his cultivation speed.
Meanwhile, progress with the Body Nourishing Art remained steady but unspectacular. Wei Zhong practiced it only during his daily self-care routines.
Wei Zhong's only lingering concern was his dwindling lifespan, now a mere fifty years, a thought that occasionally caused him slight unease.
However, that was still enough to cast the Triple Time Dao Technique one more time, and in an emergency, he could even resort to a life-sacrificing Life-Exchange. As long as Wei Zhong didn't regress from the Foundation Establishment Stage, he could repeatedly maintain temporary Core Formation-level combat strength.
Security-wise, he had little to worry about.
As the Green Boat glided along, Wei Zhong retrieved a bottle of his homemade "Fallen Moon Red" spirit wine and began to sip it. It was his crude imitation of the red spirit wines known for enhancing divine sense.
Slightly stronger than "Warm Human Tears," the Fallen Moon Red offered a noticeable boost to spiritual sense, though its effect on a Foundation Establishment cultivator's divine sense was quite limited.
It paled in comparison to the spirit wine brewed by the Spirit Monkey.
Still, since he'd spent spirit stones to make it, he figured he might as well drink it.
Sipping his wine and gazing at the passing scenery, Wei Zhong suddenly noticed a streak of escape light approaching.
"Fellow Daoist Qingze?"
"Ah, Fellow Daoist Wei," the light landed on his boat, revealing Daoist Qingze's familiar unkempt figure. His aura, however, had subtly shifted, radiating the full power of a Late-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.
"I didn't expect to encounter you here, Fellow Daoist Qingze. Allow me to congratulate you on successfully advancing to Late-Stage Foundation Establishment," Wei Zhong lifted the cabin's hanging curtain, inviting him aboard.
"Alas, only Late-Stage Foundation Establishment—still just a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Without reaching Core Formation, one remains but an ant. Fellow Daoist Wei, are you also heading to the Ling Clan for the ceremony?"
Wei Zhong refilled his companion's cup and nodded. "Immortal Maiden Ling extended the invitation, and I dared not refuse."
"Haha! I've long heard of your close relationship with Immortal Maiden Ling. It seems the rumors are true! Fellow Daoist Wei, why not consider becoming her Daoist partner? You excel in the Path of Alchemy, while she masters the Formation Dao—a match made in heaven! And with Ling Hua, soon to be a Core Formation brother-in-law, your prospects would be limitless!"
Wei Zhong shook his head slightly. "I am wholeheartedly devoted to cultivation and have no time for such considerations. Besides, as you said, without reaching Core Formation, one remains an ant. My innate talent is meager; I've barely managed to reach my current stage of Foundation Establishment, let alone Late-Stage or Core Formation. Fellow Daoist Linghua—no, perhaps I should call him Senior Linghua soon—is on the verge of Core Formation. Immortal Maiden Ling, whose talent matches his, must also be nearing that milestone. With my shallow cultivation base, how could I possibly aspire to such heights?"
Despite his self-deprecating words, Wei Zhong's face betrayed no trace of bitterness, only a quiet dignity.
"Fellow Daoist Wei, you truly are a dedicated cultivator!"
Qing Ze praised the spirit wine, took a sip, and a hint of surprise flickered across his face. "Brother Wei, to treat me to such a fine spirit wine—you truly possess remarkable generosity."
He was drinking Fallen Moon Red, brewed by Wei Zhong. Such treasures, known for enhancing divine sense, were exceptionally rare, and even for Qing Ze, a Late-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, it was an extraordinary find.
"Just a humble wine," Wei Zhong replied with nonchalant ease.
The more composed Wei Zhong appeared, the more Qing Ze admired his noble character.
"Did you brew this wine yourself, Fellow Daoist Wei?"
Wei Zhong shook his head. "No, I acquired it by chance. I only have a few jars left in my possession."
A hint of regret crossed Qing Ze's face.
They then began discussing recent major events in the Cultivation World, including the Great Righteous-Demonic War raging in Wild Plains Prefecture. The Azurewood Sect was desperately defending against the Demonic Sect's onslaught, leaving its affiliated forces and Loose Cultivators in dire straits.
Many small, vulnerable factions had begun relocating to other prefectures to escape the calamity. Wei Zhong recalled old friends and acquaintances, his heart heavy with mixed emotions.
I wonder if Fellow Daoists Li and Chen are still safe. And what about Ning Jiaqi? His master, a Guest Elder of the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild, should be able to protect him. I just hope he hasn't become entangled in romantic troubles...
"Fellow Daoist, are you aware of Zhu Shen's Core Formation failure a few years ago?"
Wei Zhong's thoughts snapped back to the present. He nodded.
A Foundation Establishment cultivator attempting Core Formation was major news in Luochuan Prefecture. Even while Wei Zhong was in seclusion, Xie Linghua had informed him of the incident.
"Zhu Shen truly reaped what he sowed. He managed to acquire a Dustfall Pill, yet squandered the opportunity."
"I heard he couldn't even complete the Pill Condensation stage, damaging his Dharma Body. He won't be able to attempt Core Formation again for at least several decades without extensive recuperation."
A hint of malicious glee flickered across Qing Ze's face.
Having been at the Foundation Establishment stage for many years, Wei Zhong had familiarized himself with the Core Formation process. Unlike Foundation Establishment, Core Formation required enduring a Heavenly Tribulation—a trial by divine decree.
A cultivator must first condense a True Core within their body, then overcome the Heart Demon Tribulation, and finally withstand the Heavenly Thunder Tribulation. Successfully surviving this final trial marked the completion of Core Formation.
"It's a pity that old Zhu Shen was so inept. He couldn't even complete the first step, Pill Condensation. Imagine if he had barely managed to condense his core—how satisfying it would have been to see him fail under the Heart Demon and Heavenly Lightning Tribulations!" Qing Ze said with mock regret.
Wei Zhong rolled his eyes.
This Qing Ze is practically wishing Zhu Shen dead! The Heart Demon Tribulation and Heavenly Thunder Tribulation are nothing like Pill Condensation. Failure in the latter merely damages the Dharma Body, but failure in either of the former could easily result in death.
"Perhaps Zhu Shen has been gulping down too many medicinal pills over the years and is just a shoddy Foundation Establishment cultivator," Wei Zhong remarked calmly, without batting an eye.
While his own cultivation base was also boosted by external means, he primarily used spirit wine. Compared to medicinal pills, spirit wine is far purer and free of medicinal toxins. Though traces of residual toxins remain, it's still significantly better than pills. Moreover, he's mastered the supreme cultivation technique, the Spring and Autumn Water Refinement Manual, achieving Grandmaster-level proficiency. His foundation is exceptionally solid. Compared to other Foundation Establishment cultivators of his rank, he's undoubtedly among those with the most steadfast foundations.
"Haha, Fellow Daoist Wei speaks the truth! Let's raise a cup to that!" Qing Ze burst into laughter upon hearing Wei Zhong's remark.
As the two men drank and conversed, they soon arrived at the Ling Clan's estate.
Since most of Luochuan Prefecture's spirit veins followed the water veins, the Ling Clan, a Foundation Establishment Family, had naturally settled along the banks of a major waterway.
Unlike Cloudglow Island, where Wei Zhong resided, which bordered Cloudstream, the Ling Clan's estate was located along the Luo River, the prefecture's largest river.
Their land was a high-grade second-tier spirit ground, a tier above Cloudglow Island and practically on par with a third-tier site.
With Ling Hua poised to undergo Core Formation, the Ling Clan had activated their Grand Formation for security. A white, jade-like dome now enveloped their entire estate, resembling an inverted bowl of jade.
"A third-tier Grand Formation?" Wei Zhong's eyes narrowed slightly.
As expected, all Foundation Establishment Families possess their own hidden strengths. With such a formidable formation, overseen by Ling Ziwei, a Late-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, even a Core Formation cultivator would be hard-pressed to breach it.
"The Ling Clan invited us to witness the ceremony, yet you've abandoned us in this desolate wilderness?"
By the time Wei Zhong arrived, many cultivators had already gathered. Several were attempting to enter the Ling Clan's grounds but were blocked by the formation and began demanding explanations from the Ling Clan's representatives.
Seeing the banquet tables already set up outside the formation, Wei Zhong realized the man was simply being unreasonable. He retracted his Flying Boat and landed before the disgruntled cultivator.
"The Ling Clan has already prepared a feast for us. Fellow Daoist, why are you being so insistent?"
Hearing Wei Zhong's voice, the man turned with a fierce glare, only to see Wei Zhong's Mid-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivation base, a tier higher than his own. The presence of Daoist Qingze, a Late-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, standing beside Wei Zhong, caused him to shrink back instinctively.
Regaining his composure and realizing he had shown weakness, he huffed and turned away.
"Thank you, Senior Wei," the Ling Clan junior said gratefully, bowing deeply to Wei Zhong for defusing the situation.
Wei Zhong helped Ling Yunsheng to his feet. "Yun Sheng, you've successfully achieved Foundation Establishment. It's time to develop a tougher demeanor. A few sharp words would have sent such an unreasonable cultivator packing. There's no need to waste time arguing with them."
He patted Ling Yunsheng's shoulder reassuringly. "Remember, your Ling Clan isn't just any ordinary Foundation Establishment Family. Soon, you'll become a renowned Core Formation power in Luochuan Prefecture."
Ling Yunsheng's expression shifted slightly. "Senior Wei, your words make sense."
Wei Zhong couldn't tell if his advice had truly sunk in when Ling Ziwei's voice echoed in his ear: "Thank you for your assistance, Fellow Daoist Wei. I'm currently managing the Grand Formation and cannot personally host you. Once my brother successfully achieves Core Formation, I'll be pleased to entertain you."
Wei Zhong heard her voice but saw no one. He knew she was observing everything clearly through the formation's power and communicating with him telepathically.
He bowed respectfully toward the formation and turned to lead Qing Ze to the banquet tables, where they quietly awaited Ling Hua's Core Formation breakthrough.
During the feast, Wei Zhong spotted several familiar faces, including Lan Fangyi and Tan Bo, whom he had met through "Song Zhong," and Zhu Shen, who harbored a lingering grudge against Qing Ze. Many Foundation Establishment cultivators had gathered to witness the spectacle.
The assembled cultivators displayed a range of emotions: envy, jealousy, and indifference. Wei Zhong, like many others, was simply there to observe the spectacle.
"Fellow Daoist Wei, look at Zhu Shen's sour face," Qing Ze said smugly from the side.
Wei Zhong followed his gaze and saw Zhu Shen, his expression dark and resentful.
Years ago, Zhu Shen had failed his Core Formation attempt. Now, witnessing a Fellow Daoist with extraordinary talent about to succeed where he had failed, his face was etched with unconcealed envy.
As Wei Zhong turned to look at him, Zhu Shen noticed his gaze.
Wei Zhong offered a faint smile and raised his wine cup in a friendly toast across the distance. But Qing Ze burst into loud laughter beside him, ruining the gesture.
Zhu Shen immediately interpreted Wei Zhong's action as a deliberate provocation. His face darkened further, and he grabbed a bottle of spirit wine from the table, beginning to drink alone.
Wei Zhong sighed inwardly. He genuinely wanted to establish good relations and avoid making an enemy, but Zhu Shen's lack of social grace left him unwilling to waste further effort. He turned to Qing Ze and struck up a conversation instead.
Suddenly, the spiritual energy in the area shifted dramatically. The ambient energy began converging toward the Ling Clan, forming a massive vortex half a mile in diameter high in the sky.
Sensing the increased concentration of spiritual energy around him, Wei Zhong realized the Ling Clan had somehow managed to enhance their high-grade second-tier spirit ground to function like a third-tier one.
"It's beginning!"
A vortex of spiritual energy swirled above the Ling Clan's estate, spiraling downward and drawing all eyes skyward. The cultivators present knew that Ling Hua had begun his Core Formation process.
"Fascinating," Qing Ze murmured beside him, his voice tinged with awe. "Judging by this massive spiritual energy vortex, Fellow Daoist Ling Hua must be condensing his core."
The vortex persisted for the time it took an incense stick to burn before gradually dissipating.
"Did he succeed in the first step?"
With the initial hurdle cleared, only the Heart Demon Tribulation and the Heavenly Lightning Tribulation remained.
To overcome the Heart Demon Tribulation, one's Dao Heart must be unwavering. During this trial, one's mental fortitude would be tempered by tribulation, and one's divine sense would be refined and strengthened.
Though the inner world's passage of time felt timeless, only a few breaths passed in the outside world.
As the spiritual energy vortex vanished, dark clouds suddenly massed overhead, silver serpents of lightning dancing wildly across the sky. The once-bright heavens were instantly swallowed by the ominous darkness.
"He's weathered the Heart Demon Tribulation. Now only the final trial remains—the Heavenly Lightning Tribulation."
No sooner had the words left his lips than a golden figure shot skyward, soaring beyond the formation's protective barrier to confront the overwhelming might of the heavens directly.
It was Ling Hua himself.
Seeing this, four Foundation Establishment cultivators surged forward from the crowd, racing toward Ling Hua.
"Just as I feared—someone is trying to interfere," Wei Zhong sighed inwardly, already signaling to Qing Ze beside him that he intended to intervene. Despite their strained relationship, Wei Zhong still held some affection for the Ling Clan siblings and couldn't bear to stand idly by.
Suddenly, a golden bell materialized in mid-air, blocking the path of the four figures.
"Where did these little insects come from, daring to cause trouble here?"
A yellow-robed monk, clad in a kasaya, appeared in the sky—none other than Sikong Changming. Ling Hua's Core Formation breakthrough had indeed drawn his Core Formation friend to the scene.
"Heh heh, Fellow Daoist Sikong, why stoop to bullying the weak? Shouldn't the Ling Clan's grievances be settled by their juniors themselves?"
A black-robed Daoist materialized before Sikong Changming, his chilling voice laced with frost.
"What sort of cowardly skulker are you, hiding your true form? Dare to reveal yourself and face me in battle!" Sikong Changming's thunderous roar shook the air.
The black-robed Core Formation expert remained unfazed. He calmly drew a black magic sword and launched an attack.
The clash between the two Core Formation cultivators shook the heavens and earth, yet their battle quickly drifted further and further away from Ling Hua. Even these powerful figures were wary of being caught in the crossfire of his Heavenly Tribulation.
Meanwhile, the four Foundation Establishment cultivators who had suddenly appeared from nowhere seemed determined to drag Ling Hua down with them, even if it meant certain death.
Wei Zhong swiftly intercepted one of them, while the other three were blocked by Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Ling Clan.
"Fellow Daoist, cultivation is no easy path. Why throw your life away here?" Wei Zhong addressed the cultivator before him, a Late-Stage Foundation Establishment expert with a hideous scar across his face.
"Pill Refiner Wei Zhong, out of respect for your reputation among loose cultivators, I will spare your life. Please leave immediately and do not interfere in this private feud between me and the Ling Clan."
"I'm afraid that's impossible, Fellow Daoist," Wei Zhong replied, already drawing a crimson magic sword. Two talisman treasures floated around him, a sign of his meticulous preparation for facing an opponent whose cultivation base surpassed his own.
Surveying the surroundings, he noted the other three cultivators nearby: one at Late-Stage Foundation Establishment and two at Mid-Stage Foundation Establishment.
The Ling Clan, aside from the siblings who were at Late-Stage Foundation Establishment, had no members above the Mid-Stage.
Ling Ziwei was currently maintaining the Grand Formation and couldn't break away to fight, leaving the Ling Clan struggling against their attackers.
This was precisely why Wei Zhong had deliberately engaged the Late-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.
"Very well. Since you insist on wading into this muddy water, don't blame me for showing no mercy."
The cultivator's hands danced through an incredibly intricate series of hand seals, conjuring a complex technique in an instant.
With a flick of two fingers, a black shuttle shot forth like lightning, reaching Wei Zhong's position in the blink of an eye.
Wei Zhong's expression darkened. He grabbed a talisman treasure beside him, channeling spiritual energy into it. A golden seal materialized and crashed down upon the shuttle.
The collision shattered the golden seal, cracks spiderwebbing across its illusory surface.
He's actually using a magic treasure!
Wei Zhong watched as the cultivator forcibly manipulated the magic treasure despite his Foundation Establishment cultivation. The strain was evident; his face paled, and he staggered back several steps.
Forcing down the blood welling in his throat, he renewed his hand seals, guiding the flying shuttle toward Wei Zhong once more.
Boom!
Electric serpents danced wildly in the sky as a bolt of heavenly thunder crashed down directly upon Ling Hua.
Ling Hua's expression hardened. He channeled earth-yellow spiritual energy into his Treasure Armor, causing it to erupt in blinding golden light and form a protective barrier around him.
The heavenly thunder slammed into the barrier, shattering it in less than a breath. The remaining electrical force pierced through the armor's defenses, seeping into his body and causing him to wince.
Before he could recover, a second bolt of heavenly thunder descended, leaving him no time to regroup.