Chapter 583: Chapter 583

With the emergence of the seven-colored Spiritual Energy Vortex, Xiao Ying’s Core Formation is practically settled.

Once she successfully refines the vast amount of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi that has gathered, a greenish-blue rain suddenly descends over Chongxuan Mountain.

As the greenish-blue rain falls to the ground, the plants and trees there immediately grow wildly, and the Golden Pearl Rice seedlings, which were just planted not long ago in the Spirit Field, quickly shoot up, blossom, and bear fruit. In the medicinal garden, some Spirit Herbs and Elixirs that do not require high age standards mature rapidly, exuding a rich medicinal fragrance.

The greenish-blue rain falls on people, and cultivators like Wang Yanzhang, who have fought countless battles, instantly feel that some imperceptible hidden injuries within them are directly healed and restored by a force filled with vitality, making them feel much more spirited.

An old mouse with a severed claw is foraging in the grass when suddenly the greenish-blue rain falls on it. In the blink of an eye, its right claw, bitten off by a lizard, grows back at the stump, causing it to squeak joyously.

On a large tree, a gray bird with an injured wing, lying weakly in its nest waiting for death, suddenly gets hit by the descending greenish-blue rain.

The injured wing swiftly heals and returns to normal, and even its body, weakened from going a day and night without food, suddenly gains a burst of strength.

Stunned by the miracle happening to it, the gray bird opens its beak wide, looks up at the sky, lets out a sharp cry, then flaps its wings, instantly flying out of its nest, and excitably darting through the greenish-blue rain.

"Is this the heavenly sweet rain? It indeed complements both Ying’Er’s cultivation technique and personality well!"

On Chongxuan Mountain, Zhouyang, bathing in the greenish-blue sweet rain, observes with his Dharma Eye the changes in the plants, beasts, and numerous registered disciples on the mountain, his face full of contentment and joy.

This "Heavenly Sweet Rain" Golden Core Phenomenon is somewhat similar to the "Flower Blooming Moment" Golden Core Phenomenon he witnessed during Jiang Fengxian’s Core Formation.

The greenish-blue rain carries with it the dense force of greenwood vitality, promoting the growth of plants and possessing strong healing abilities.

If anyone seriously injured were to be in the sweet rain at this moment, unless already dead, they could be revived, even regrowing severed limbs like that mouse with the restored claw.

Unfortunately, the greenish-blue rain is a divine blessing and only exhibits such effects during these rare times; once the time passes, it dissipates.

Therefore, even if Zhouyang wished to collect the greenish-blue rain for future use, it would be an impossible task.

There are few Golden Core Phenomena in the world capable of continuously exerting effects like the "Great Sun Embrace" Phenomenon he triggered during his Core Formation.

After approximately a quarter of an hour, the phenomenon abruptly dissipated as if it had never occurred.

However, the lush greenery and suddenly taller and robust plants on Chongxuan Mountain assured everyone that the previous scene was not an illusion.

When Xiao Ying, successfully forming her core, emerged from her cave and arrived at the mountainside area where the registered disciples lived, all the disciples greeted this teacher’s wife with smiles of joy and respect, offering their most beautiful blessings.

Zhouyang was also pleased, but he did not join Xiao Ying in meeting those disciples; instead, he looked sternly towards outside Chongxuan Mountain.

At this time, nearly a month had passed since the core formation phenomenon occurred due to Xiao Ying’s core formation, and almost all the high-tier cultivators in An Country, including those behind Chongxuan Mountain in Chang Country, except for those in seclusion, were aware of the new Golden Core Stage Cultivator appearing on Chongxuan Mountain.

Despite being in a place as prosperous with Cultivation as the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm, Golden Core Stage Cultivators are not so common that you can casually grab a bunch of them.

Thus, in this past month, Zhouyang had felt many scrutinizing gazes coming from hidden places outside the mountain, and some of these gazes belonged to Golden Core Stage Cultivators like him.

These people, viewing from the outside, were not necessarily harboring ill intentions. They might have wanted to be the first to visit the newly formed core cultivator and form good relations.

Therefore, before Xiao Ying successfully formed her core and left seclusion, Zhouyang paid no attention to these individuals, maintaining a facade of ignorance while waiting the result on the mountain, provided that no one was bold enough to cause trouble.

Fortunately, whether out of fear of the "Five Elements Returning to Origin Array" or apprehension regarding his "Qingyun Wanderer" status, no one acted foolishly in this past month.

Now that Xiao Ying has successfully exited seclusion, as the master of Chongxuan Mountain, Zhouyang naturally can no longer feign ignorance and allow those outsiders to wander unrestrainedly in his territory.

Doing so would only show him as timid and weak, giving others the impression that he is easy to bully.

As he moved, he had already flown out of the Mountain Protection Array, standing on auspicious clouds, hovering beneath the clear sky. He swept his gaze over the vast forest below, clasped his hands loudly, and said, "Today is the joyous occasion of my Dao companion achieving Golden Core Great Success. I have prepared fine wine and delicacies on the mountain. If fellow Daoists outside the array wish to visit and offer congratulations, there will be good wine and food waiting."

After speaking, he withdrew his hands and sternly shouted, "If you do not wish to visit, please leave quickly to avoid misunderstandings!"

His words, along with the imposing presence of a Golden Core Stage Cultivator, spread far and wide, instantly causing all sounds of birds, beasts, and insects within a hundred miles to disappear, leaving only the sound of the wind and the rustling of tree branches in the world.

Moments later, various escape lights arose from different places in the forest, quickly departing in silence.

However, not everyone left; after those with malicious intentions departed, those who remained revealed themselves, smiling broadly and sincerely offering congratulations to Zhouyang.

"Fellow Daoist Qingyun’s Dao companion has achieved Golden Core Great Success. As a member of the Dao Alliance, I cannot miss such a joyful event. I am willing to offer a millennium-old Spirit Ginseng as a congratulatory gift!"

A chubby, round-faced middle-aged cultivator was the first to rise on clouds, his plump face full of smiles as he respectfully clasped hands toward Zhouyang, showing good intentions.

Just as the round-faced middle-aged cultivator finished speaking, another azure cloud rose from the forest, revealing the elegant figure of a magnificent woman in azure attire.

The woman in azure attire gracefully revealed her form, slightly bowed toward Zhouyang with a smile and said, "I’ve long heard about Fellow Daoist Qingyun from Chongxuan Mountain, but unfortunately never had the chance to meet. Hearing today of someone achieving Core Formation on the mountain, I initially thought it was some high disciple of the Yuqing Daoist Sect. Little did I know it was Fellow Daoist Qingyun’s Dao companion, truly delightful and worthy of celebration."

After speaking, she glanced at the round-faced cultivator named Wang, showing a hint of helplessness and shook her head, "Unfortunately, I came in haste and have no suitable gift with me. I can only offer a jar of my homemade ’Bee King Brew,’ hoping Fellow Daoist Qingyun won’t mind."

"Hahaha, Fairy Lin’s ’Bee King Brew’ is indeed a good thing. If Fairy believes it’s not presentable, perhaps we can exchange. I would like to offer a piece of ’Profound Iron Essence Gold’ in exchange for a jar of Fairy’s ’Bee King Brew.’"

A hearty laugh followed the azure-clad woman’s words, as a golden cloud slowly rose from behind a small hill, revealing a scruffy old Daoist.

Although the scruffy old Daoist seemed unkempt, his cultivation was undeniably Golden Core Seventh Layer, far surpassing the round-faced middle-aged man at Golden Core Third Layer and the azure-clad woman at Golden Core Fourth Layer.

"I’ve long heard of Elder Mo’s ’Profound Iron Essence Gold,’ refined using Secret Technique from Profound Iron Elite. Unfortunately, I don’t favor using Flying Swords, so even if I acquire it, I can only exchange it for other treasures. Moreover, I only have one jar of ’Bee King Brew’ left, and since I’ve already promised it to Fellow Daoist Qingyun, it’s inappropriate to exchange with Elder Mo."

The azure-clad woman’s face briefly showed apology, as she gently shook her head to the scruffy old Daoist, tactfully refusing his proposal for exchange.

"That’s truly unfortunate!"

The scruffy old Daoist sighed with regret, then swept his disheveled hair aside, revealing a gaunt, yellowed wax face, nodding toward Zhouyang, "Since Fairy Lin is unwilling to exchange, I’ll offer this ’Profound Iron Essence Gold’ as my congratulatory gift to Fellow Daoist Qingyun’s Dao companion for Golden Core Great Success, and also look forward to a cup of spirit wine from Fellow Daoist Qingyun."

After the scruffy old Daoist, no one appeared; clearly, the high-tier cultivators choosing to remain and congratulate were the three of them.

It wasn’t until then that Zhouyang, who had remained silent, courteously clasped his hands to them, "Fellow Daoists are too kind. Anyone who arrives is a guest, and I am honored to have fellow Daoists offer congratulations for my wife. How could I have the audacity to accept such generous gifts from all of you?"

Then he turned to the scruffy old Daoist with a hearty laugh, "As for Fellow Daoist Mo’s mention of spirit wine, indeed I have abundant reserves. Though they may not rival Fairy Lin’s ’Bee King Brew,’ they are exquisite wines purchased during my travels across the Cultivation Realm, with unique flavors."

"A congratulatory gift, how can one offer congratulations without a gift? If Fellow Daoist Qingyun doesn’t accept our gifts, we would have no face to come and congratulate, and have no choice but to return!"

The round-faced cultivator named Wang shook his head repeatedly, firmly insisting Zhouyang accept the gifts before offering congratulations.

"Fairy Lin" in azure attire also said with a smile, "What Fellow Daoist Wang says is true; if Fellow Daoist Qingyun doesn’t accept the gift, I too wouldn’t dare show my face to offer congratulations."

"As for me, I don’t mind such concerns about face, but though I’m often told my choice in spirit wine is poor, I never drink without paying. If Fellow Daoist Qingyun wishes me to drink, the wine money must be collected!"

The scruffy old Daoist’s wax-yellow gaunt face squeezed out a smile, though it seemed eerie.

Seeing this, Zhouyang didn’t insist further, giving a slight nod and said, "Alright then, since the three fellow Daoists insist, I shall shamelessly accept the congratulatory gifts on behalf of my wife. Please follow me, as my wife awaits you on the mountain."

Immediately, they presented their gifts to him, and then followed him into Chongxuan Mountain.

Since Zhouyang became master of Chongxuan Mountain, this was the first time Golden Core Stage Cultivators visited, and all three arrived at once, which he took very seriously.

Besides offering specialty spirit wine and tea from the Boundless Desert Sea Cultivation Realm and Land of the Far West, he also took out several inches of the treasured "Ice Crystal Snow Lotus" lotus roots and, along with the seldom-eaten Tier Six Flood Dragon Spiritual Flesh, stewed them into a pot of "Lotus Root and Dragon Meat Soup" to entertain his guests.

As this pot of "Lotus Root and Dragon Meat Soup" was presented by female disciples such as Zhou Rongxiang and Ye Yunshan serving as attendants, the round-faced cultivator named Wang Botong took a deep whiff of the rich aroma, and upon seeing the slices of lotus root that resembled crystal snow jade boiling in the clear broth, his eyes immediately widened.

He was also a connoisseur and recognized the origin of the lotus root with a glance, then repeatedly clicked his tongue and said, "Tsk tsk tsk, Fellow Daoist Qingyun truly lives up to being from such a prominent sect as the Yuqing Daoist Sect, to even acquire such a Spiritual Object as the Ice Crystal Snow Lotus. Wang is truly in for a treat today."

"Fellow Daoist Wang has a keen eye. I’ve had this Ice Crystal Snow Lotus lotus root for some years now and have been reluctant to consume it. If it weren’t for several fellow Daoists visiting together today, and the joyous occasion of my wife’s Golden Core Great Success, I wouldn’t have been willing to bring it out!"

Zhouyang smiled slightly but didn’t mention the origin of the Flood Dragon Meat within.

The Flood Dragon Meat looked quite similar to snake meat, and since Flood Dragon Meat is rare and not something just anyone has seen, once it’s stewed soft, even the three Golden Core Stage cultivators couldn’t recognize it. From the spiritual Qi fluctuations it emitted, they knew it was definitely meat from a high-tier Demon Beast.

However, after a few of them summoned their magical power to retrieve pieces of lotus and meat from the pot and began eating, they hadn’t eaten much when the sloppy old Taoist Mo Tiexin’s expression tightened. With a face full of surprise and uncertainty, he looked up at Zhouyang and asked, "Fellow Daoist Qingyun, could this be Flood Dragon Meat?"

"Oh, has Fellow Daoist Mo tasted Flood Dragon Meat before? I originally wanted to keep it a secret and boast about it to everyone later!"

Zhouyang raised a slight exclamation, looking at Mo Tiexin with an expression of surprise, completely not expecting that the other party would identify the Flood Dragon Meat after just a few bites.

"I once traveled to Longze Lake and happened to encounter someone who successfully slew a Flood Dragon and sold its meat at a restaurant. I once purchased a taste of the Flood Dragon Meat at a high price, and because such experiences are extremely rare, the taste is deeply remembered and has stayed with me for many years!"

Mo Tiexin recounted his past experience with a face full of emotion, then picked up a large piece of Flood Dragon Meat and stuffed it into his mouth, chewing while muttering, "But the Flood Dragon Meat I ate back then was only Tier Four. While the taste is the same, the nourishing effect certainly doesn’t compare to Fellow Daoist Qingyun’s Tier Five Flood Dragon Meat. Just for this meal of Flood Dragon Meat, today’s visit was worth it!"

Upon hearing this, Zhouyang just smiled without comment.

This Tier Six Flood Dragon Meat came from Lu Xuanji. He still didn’t know if Lu Xuanji had shared the Flood Dragon Meat with the cultivators of Yuqing Daoist Sect. It wasn’t appropriate to reveal it as Tier Six Flood Dragon Meat, lest it astonishes the three and leads them to inquire around afterward, thereby exposing his connection with the Profound Sun Immortal Sect.

Seeing his expression, the elegantly dressed Fairy Lin Yuxian and the round-faced cultivator Wang Botong assumed he tacitly agreed with Mo Tiexin’s words, and immediately, with smiles on their faces, they too accelerated the pace of their eating, scrambling for the Flood Dragon Meat in the pot.

This was Tier Five Flood Dragon Meat!

After consuming this meal of Tier Five Flood Dragon Meat, they didn’t feel bad about the gifts they gave. In future gatherings with their peers, this experience will be excellent material for conversation.

As for the origin of Zhouyang’s Tier Five Flood Dragon Meat, the three, who were also from several small and medium sects within the Profound Purity Dao Alliance, wisely chose not to inquire into the matter.

The incident involving "Qingyun Wanderer’s" parents back then was quite a big deal, and within the Profound Purity Dao Alliance, which included sects with inheritances over a thousand years, records existed. When Zhouyang arrived to take charge at Chongxuan Mountain, these high-tier cultivators within Chang Country had long investigated his background thoroughly.

During times like these, naturally, they would not blindly inquire into things, to avoid offending the highly respected Supreme Elder of the Yuqing Daoist Sect.

After the meal, Zhouyang successfully exchanged communication beacons with the three Golden Core Stage cultivators, establishing preliminary friendships. Through their conversation, he gained further understanding of the cultivation worlds of An Country and Chang Country regarding some Golden Core Stage cultivators.

This understanding was primarily about the personalities and preferences of those Golden Core Stage cultivators, and such information was not present in the materials left to him by the Yuqing Daoist Sect.

With their bellies full, the three Golden Core Stage cultivators didn’t stay long. They soon bid farewell and left Chongxuan Mountain, each returning to their own sects. At least, this was what Zhouyang observed from above Chongxuan Mountain.

"There is some soup left in the pot. You can take it down and have it yourselves. Remember not to overindulge. Otherwise, your cultivation may not be able to withstand it."

In the cave dwelling, after Zhouyang and Xiao Ying sent off the three Golden Core Stage cultivators, he glanced at the soup pot with just a shallow layer of broth left and generously gifted it to the few female disciples standing by within the abode.

Hearing this, Zhou Rongxiang and the other female disciples were overjoyed, immediately bowing and thanking, "Thank you, Master, for your generosity. Disciple takes leave."

Then quickly cleared away the empty wine jars, soup pot, and fruit platters, tidying everything up before departure.

Outside, after a brief discussion among themselves, the female disciples each took a bowl and evenly divided the remaining soup into containers, also pouring out a few cups of spirit wine left in the wine jars, leaving joyfully with their loot to return to their residences.

In the eyes of Zhouyang and other Golden Core Stage cultivators, these were just difficult-to-eat leftovers. However, in the eyes of these middle-to-low-tier cultivators, such things were great supplements that could enhance their cultivation.

Take, for example, the soup. Although the cooled soup didn’t look appealing, it had medicinal power settled within from the Ice Crystal Snow Lotus lotus root and Tier Six Flood Dragon Meat. A Qi Cultivation Stage cultivator would need to meditate for half a day after just a small sip to fully refine it, and if they dared indulge too much, having their meridians damaged by the medicinal power wouldn’t be unusual.

Moreover, there were always some scattered meat strips and bits within the soup. This meat from the Tier Six Flood Dragon, if taken by these junior cultivators, regardless of the benefits, provided enough material for them to boast for a lifetime!

"Big brother, big brother, see what good things I’ve brought you!"

"Let me tell you, this is Flood Dragon meat, do you know what that is? And it’s from a Tier Five Flood Dragon!"

Ye Yunshan returned to her residence like a treasure collector, bringing out a gourd of soup and half a gourd of Spirit Wine, happily telling her Dao Companion, Wang Yanzhang, about the origins of these items.

Even though they had become Dao Companions, the habit cultivated over many years meant they still preferred to call each other siblings in private.

Though the two had become Dao Companions, Wang Yanzhang insisted on not dual cultivating with her yet, considering Ye Yunshan’s future Foundation Establishment.

After listening to Ye Yunshan’s words, Wang Yanzhang tasted a few sips after she heated the soup with some water. He smiled and said, "Sister, you enjoy. I’ve already achieved Foundation Establishment, these things aren’t as beneficial to me as they are to you, I’m just here for a taste."

He was somewhat disdainful of consuming leftovers . Even though he knew these were Spirit Elixirs for a cultivator like him, his pride wouldn’t let him do so.

But since these were Ye Yunshan’s goodwill, he didn’t want to refuse her kindness, so he took a few sips and found an excuse not to eat more.

He found a good excuse, and since he had already tasted the soup and meat, Ye Yunshan didn’t suspect anything and just said with a little disappointment, "Maybe it’s because of time, the medicinal power has dissipated. I recall Elder Wang mentioned during a chat with my master that even he gained cultivation advancements from eating Flood Dragon meat!"

Wang Yanzhang didn’t want to dwell on this topic, so he changed the subject, "Didn’t you say the master’s wife is very fond of you? Now that she has achieved Golden Core Great Success and come out of seclusion, she probably won’t go back into seclusion soon. You should seize the opportunity to get close to her. If you win her favor, she might grant you a Foundation Establishment Pill!"

"Do I need you to tell me? I already have a plan. Once Master’s wife has some free time, I’ll go to her and inquire about Spirit Plant techniques, and then show her the Golden Jade Orchid I’ve been carefully nurturing these years. I’m sure she’ll see me in a new light by then!"

Ye Yunshan gave Wang Yanzhang a playful glance and proudly shared her plan.

Her extraordinary talent in Spirit Plant techniques contrasted starkly with Wang Yanzhang, who despite learning for years, understood nothing.

So when she looked at him like that, Wang Yanzhang immediately lowered his head sheepishly, not daring to discuss Spirit Plant matters with her for fear of being teased further by his sister.

Seeing this, Ye Yunshan’s lips curled into a smirk, showing her satisfaction.

However, instead of pushing her advantage, she playfully switched the topic, "Alright, enough chatting about this. Let me finish the soup before it cools and loses its efficacy again." Fresh chapters posted on novel✶fire.net

With that, she took the pot and returned to her room.

Meanwhile, as Ye Yunshan and Wang Yanzhang amused themselves with their routine bickering to strengthen their bond, Zhouyang and Xiao Ying, another pair of Dao Companions, finally consummated their relationship.

With the benefits of the Flood Dragon meat, Zhouyang dismissed the disciples, then approached his Dao Companion with a smile.

No extra words were needed; from just a look in his eyes, the Xiao Ying, who had been with him for centuries, knew his intentions immediately.

Now that both had formed their Golden Cores, it was indeed time to take that step.

"You’re already a Golden Core Stage cultivator, still afraid of pain?"

"But I heard it will be very painful!"

"Hmph, who told you these nonsense?"

"Don’t scold, it was Guangxiang who said it."

"Why did that brat tell you such things? Just wait till I get back and deal with her!"

"Don’t change the topic, is it painful or not?"

"It won’t hurt, it’ll be over quickly."

"Boo hoo, you’re lying..."