297: Chapter 297 Future Planning

Seeing this, Deacon Chen hurriedly explained in detail: "Martial Uncle Hu, this golden token is the exclusive token for Golden Core Cultivators. With it, you may freely enter and exit the major areas of the Sect, including the top floor of the Scripture Pavilion, the Sect treasury, and more. You can also use this token to collect your annual stipend and related benefits without needing to present any other proof."

As he spoke, he gestured toward the Storage Pouch in Hu Nan's hand and continued respectfully: "Inside this Storage Pouch is the annual stipend the Sect has issued to you—a full twenty thousand Spirit Stones, enough for your daily cultivation and the purchase of Materials."

"In addition, there are some Medicinal Pills to nourish spiritual power and stabilize your Dao foundation. These were specially prepared by the Sect for Golden Core Cultivators and will help you better familiarize yourself with the power of the Golden Core!"

"Furthermore, there are ten sets of Sect attire, divided into five colors: cyan, blue, yellow, red, and purple, with two sets of each color. You may choose whichever you prefer depending on the occasion."

Hu Nan nodded slightly. With a thought, he sent a trace of spiritual power into the Storage Pouch and clearly perceived the items inside—a bag full of lustrous Spirit Stones, emitting pure Spiritual Qi; several well-sealed bottles of Medicinal Pills with a rich fragrance; and ten neatly folded sets of Sect attire, vibrant in color and made of excellent material. They were all woven from spirit silk, capable of lightly resisting spiritual power impacts, and served to highlight his status as a Golden Core Cultivator.

"Sorry to trouble you, Deacon Chen." Hu Nan's tone was calm as he tucked the golden token close to his body and placed the Storage Pouch inside his robes.

Deacon Chen hurriedly bowed and said: "You are too kind, Martial Uncle Hu. This is all part of my duty; it is my honor to serve you."

He felt secretly relieved, glad that he had handled matters steadily and quickly, not keeping this newly promoted Golden Core Cultivator waiting, and using this opportunity to leave a good impression on Hu Nan.

Hu Nan stood up slowly and nodded slightly to Deacon Chen: "I have received the token and the items. Thank you for your hard work. Since the token is ready, I shall take my leave now."

"You are too kind, Martial Uncle Hu. Let me see you out!" Deacon Chen hurriedly replied, turning to lead the way while maintaining a respectful posture. "If, in the future, you have any Sect matters that need handling, just send a message to me, and I will certainly rush over to serve you immediately."

Hu Nan did not refuse. He nodded slightly and walked out of the General Affairs Hall.

...

Heavenly Sword Sect, Outer Sect courtyard.

Qin Changsheng sat cross-legged on a cushion in the courtyard, his expression grave. His eyes were slightly closed, his mind focused as he quietly contemplated his future path after breaking through to the Golden Core stage.

Now that he had successfully broken through to the Golden Core stage and condensed a rare red core, and had also obtained the exclusive benefits for Heavenly Sword Sect Golden Core Cultivators, his status and strength were no longer what they once were.

However, Qin Changsheng did not slacken in the slightest. He knew that the Golden Core was merely a new starting point on the path of cultivation, not the end. To gain a foothold in the perilous cultivation world, to deal with the impending Yao Race crisis, and to go further, he had to define his goals, move forward steadily, and not stagnate in the slightest.

As his thoughts flowed, Qin Changsheng slowly opened his eyes, a sharp gleam flashing within them. He had already sorted out five core goals in his mind, each crucial to his future cultivation and safety; none could be dispensed with.

The first priority was to find a Cultivation Technique suitable for Golden Core Cultivators.

The Five Elements Spirit Gathering Technique he currently practiced was quite useful during the Foundation Establishment Stage, allowing for the rapid gathering of Spiritual Qi and the stabilization of his Dao foundation. However, once one stepped into the Golden Core Realm, this technique appeared inadequate. Its Speed of Spiritual Qi circulation and the efficiency of spiritual power refinement could not keep up with the needs of a Golden Core Cultivator. If he continued to practice it for long, it would only shackle his cultivation progress and even affect his hopes of breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage in the future.

Therefore, finding a high-grade Golden Core Cultivation Technique to replace the Five Elements Spirit Gathering Technique was his most urgent task at the moment.

At the same time, he could have Hu Nan go to the Scripture Pavilion to see if there were any suitable Cultivation Techniques there.

Secondly, he needed to search for heavenly dao fragments.

Qin Changsheng knew clearly that while the many Golden Traits in his possession were all Heaven-Defying and practical, they were not Heavenly Dao Entries, and their power still had limitations.

Only by obtaining enough heavenly dao fragments and utilizing their power could he gradually upgrade these Golden Traits into Heavenly Dao Entries and unlock greater power. No matter what the Golden Trait was, once promoted to a Heavenly Dao Trait, it would provide him with unimaginable assistance, allowing his strength to achieve a qualitative leap.

Thirdly, it was to find a way to upgrade the grade of his red core.

The red core he had condensed was already a top-tier Golden Core, a rare find, but Qin Changsheng was not satisfied.

He knew that the higher the grade of the Golden Core, the more stable the Dao foundation, the faster the cultivation Speed, and the greater the hope of breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage in the future. Above the red core were the Purple Core, and even the legendary Golden Core.

Therefore, finding a way to upgrade the red core, refine the red core into a Purple Core, or even push for the Golden Core, was one of his indispensable goals.

Only by advancing the grade of his Golden Core beyond the golden quality could Qin Changsheng break through to the Nascent Soul stage more easily.

Fourth, it was to accumulate enough Spirit Stones.

Although Qin Changsheng had the twenty thousand Spirit Stones stipend issued by the Sect, it was far from enough.

He possessed the Golden Trait [Enhancement]. To upgrade his Dragon Abyss Sword from an Earth-Grade Magical Artifact to a Heaven-Grade Magical Artifact would require a massive amount of Spirit Stones. Besides that, daily cultivation, purchasing Medicinal Pills, and searching for Materials all required Spirit Stones.

It could be said that Spirit Stones were the foundation for achieving his many goals. Only by accumulating enough Spirit Stones could he smoothly advance his various plans without any worries.

Fifth, it was to search for important treasures like the qiankun token, as well as specific information about Golden Core Divine Abilities.

The qiankun token allowed entry into the Qiankun Pavilion to Cultivate Divine Abilities; only by finding enough qiankun tokens could one enter the Qiankun Pavilion.

And Golden Core Divine Abilities were the core combat power of Golden Core Cultivators. Unlike ordinary Spells, Golden Core Divine Abilities were immensely powerful and could greatly enhance one's combat strength, allowing one to occupy an advantageous position when dealing with the Yao Race crisis or sectarian conflicts.

Therefore, searching for these important treasures and inquiring about information on Golden Core Divine Abilities was also an important direction for his future.

Qin Changsheng slowly closed his eyes, once again reviewing these five major goals, his mind becoming increasingly clear.

He knew that these goals could not be achieved overnight; they required a step-by-step approach and steady progress.

For now, he could first utilize the Sect benefits to go to the Scripture Pavilion to find a Golden Core Cultivation Technique, while simultaneously taking stock of the Spirit Stones he had and planning the [Enhancement] of the Dragon Abyss Sword.

Afterward, he would gradually inquire about news regarding heavenly dao fragments, qiankun tokens, and Golden Core Divine Abilities, and search for methods to upgrade the grade of his red core.

...

Inside the Liuhuo Hall.

Shen Guhong sat upright on the main seat.

In his hand was a gold-stamped invitation letter.

When he saw the contents of the invitation letter clearly, his eyes were full of astonishment, as if he had seen something unbelievable.

Below, Shen Bing, Wang Cheng, Shen Hu, Gou Feng, and dozens of Yao Race experts all looked at Shen Guhong on the throne in confusion.

They completely did not understand why an invitation letter sent by the Heavenly Sword Sect would make Shen Guhong so astonished.

One had to know that as the leader of the Yao Race, Shen Guhong was formidable in strength and steady in temperament. Usually, no matter what major event he encountered, he always remained calm and composed, never having lost his composure like this. This was the first time they had seen Shen Guhong show such an astonished expression.

Seeing this, Shen Bing hurriedly stepped forward, bowed, and cupped her hands toward Shen Guhong: "Father, whose invitation letter is this? Why are you so astonished? Could it be that some major event has occurred?"

Hearing Shen Bing's question, Shen Guhong slowly came back to his senses. He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the shock and turmoil in his heart, and said: "Hu Nan has successfully formed his core. This is an invitation letter for Hu Nan's Core Formation Ceremony, specifically sent by the Heavenly Sword Sect."

"What?! Hu Nan has successfully formed his core?!"

"How is this possible?"

"Didn't Hu Nan receive a curse from our Yao Race?"

"Why did Hu Nan's Heart Demon not erupt?"

"What exactly is going on?"

The various Yao Race experts chimed in one after another, their faces full of shock and unease.

They all knew that Hu Nan's talent was very outstanding.

So, when Hu Nan became the number one Prodigy of the Southern Region, Shen Guhong placed a curse on Hu Nan.

With the Yao Race's curse, it was impossible for Hu Nan to successfully form his core in his entire life.

But unexpectedly, news of Hu Nan successfully forming his core arrived today.

And the Heavenly Sword Sect was even preparing to hold a Core Formation Ceremony for Hu Nan.

An expression of astonishment also appeared on Shen Bing's face.

She also knew that Hu Nan's talent was very powerful.

Before Hu Nan formed his core, Shen Bing had already made several moves, wanting to kill Hu Nan.

It was just that none of them succeeded.

"Father, Hu Nan's natural endowments and talent are very high. We must find a way to eliminate this person!" Shen Bing stepped forward and said.

"Hmm!" Shen Guhong nodded slightly.

He also knew that Hu Nan's talent and strength were very strong.

If they did not eliminate Hu Nan early, their Yao Race's strategies would likely all be sabotaged by Hu Nan.

Back then, their Yao Race's altar, as well as the strategy at Wangyue Valley, all failed because of Hu Nan.

"Do you all have any ideas?" Shen Guhong looked toward the many Yao Race experts.