96: Sect congratulatory gift

The other male Disciple who received a Flying Sword excitedly chimed in:

“Exactly! I have a distant cousin on the neighboring peak who served an Inner Sect Elder for over ten years.

He was finally rewarded with a Low Grade Flying Sword, and I heard it was just the most ordinary kind.

Yet he was so proud of it, showing it off to everyone he met!

Hmph, look at us! How long have we been at Senior Brother Yao's Immortal Cave?

Less than a month, right? And we each have a Medium Grade Spiritual Artifact! Haha!

With this treasure, I will definitely open his eyes during this year's Annual Grand Competition!"

The few people discussed excitedly, stroking the Spiritual Artifacts they had received, their excitement and anticipation for the future clearly visible on their faces.

Yao Delong's image had become infinitely grand in their hearts, turning him into the greatest Opportunity and goal of admiration in their lives.

Meanwhile, in the majestic main hall of Dragon Head Peak far away.

Sect Head White Cloud Master stood on the high platform with his hands behind his back, his profound gaze seemingly piercing through space,

taking in the breathtaking Lightning Tribulation atop Luoxia Peak.

"The Physical Body resisting four bolts of Tribulation Lightning, the Great Five Elements Sword Formation fighting against heavenly might... Such a phenomenon upon first entering the Golden Core Stage..."

White Cloud Master muttered softly, his eyes flashing with an inexpressible brilliance, containing both admiration and a hint of deep consideration,

"As expected, he didn't use his full strength during the physique test at the Stele Forest that day.

This child's deep Foundation and immense potential far exceed imagination.

Observing the flow of Yuan Power, it not only carries the power of Pure Yang but faintly contains a trace of the Intent of Creation... It seems the quality of the formed Golden Core must surpass the Ninth Grade!

His future achievements might truly reach that legendary Realm..."

He fell silent for a moment, then suddenly spoke lightly toward the empty space beside him:

"Shadow."

A black shadow, whose aura was difficult to discern, appeared silently behind White Cloud Master, bowing and awaiting orders, as if fused with the darkness.

"Go to the Sect Treasury, retrieve fifty catties of 'Purple Rhyme Spirit Nurturing Jade', ten drops of 'Millennium Earth Marrow', one seven apertures exquisite fruit, and add two thousand Mid-Grade Spirit Stones.

Deliver them to Yao Delong's Immortal Cave in the name of the Sect, congratulating him on his Core Formation."

White Cloud Master's voice was calm, yet carried undeniable authority,

"At the same time, relay my Verbal Decree: Yao Delong has just entered the Golden Core Stage, and stabilizing his Foundation is paramount.

I specially permit him to Cultivate in Seclusion on Luoxia Peak for three months to consolidate his Realm, and all secular Sect duties are temporarily waived."

Half a day later, an aura almost merged with the shadows silently descended upon the courtyard of Yao Delong's Immortal Cave on Luoxia Peak.

It was precisely "Shadow," who had come by order of the Sect Head.

Although Yao Delong was consolidating his cultivation, he immediately sensed this mysterious aura.

His figure flashed, and he appeared in the courtyard, his face showing appropriate enthusiasm and respect:

"May I ask why Elder has come? Please come inside for tea."

Shadow's figure blurred for an instant in the sunlight, not revealing his true appearance. He merely shook his head slightly, his voice low and devoid of emotion:

"By order of the Sect Head, I am specifically here to congratulate Martial Nephew Yao on his Core Formation. This is the congratulatory gift, please accept it, Martial Nephew."

He flicked his finger, and a storage ring of ancient design, emitting spatial fluctuations, flew toward Yao Delong.

"The Sect Head's profound kindness makes Delong feel unworthy!"

Yao Delong solemnly accepted the ring, cupping his hands in thanks.

Shadow nodded slightly, said nothing more, and his figure faded away silently like ink dissolving in water, as if he had never been there.

Yao Delong returned to the Secret Chamber and used his Divine Sense to probe the storage ring. Even though he was mentally prepared, he was still shocked by the generosity of the gift.

Purple Rhyme Spirit Nurturing Liquid: Fifty Catties! This item is a supreme spiritual liquid for nourishing and strengthening Divine Sense. One Catty is worth nearly a hundred Mid-Grade Spirit Stones; dozens of Catties would make even Nascent Soul Cultivators envious!

Millennium Earth Marrow: Ten drops! It contains rich and pure Essence of the Earth and the power of all creation, having miraculous effects on stabilizing the Foundation and refining the Physical Body.

seven apertures exquisite fruit: A legendary Wondrous Fruit, crystal clear throughout, emitting strange fluctuations that clear the mind.

This fruit is the most precious; it can permanently increase the consumer's Spiritual Power Affinity by 1 point! Spiritual Power Affinity is the bridge for a Cultivator to communicate with Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi.

Every point of increase means a qualitative leap in the ability to sense, absorb, and control Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi—truly a Heaven-Defying treasure that can change fate!

Mid-Grade Spirit Stones piled up like a small mountain beside them, emitting dense Spiritual Qi fluctuations!

"The Sect Head... truly put great thought into this!"

Yao Delong took a deep breath, his eyes glittering,

"Especially this seven apertures exquisite fruit, it is simply a Supreme Treasure that is rarely encountered!"

Yao Delong knew its value well and decided to consume it only after his own Spiritual Power Affinity had increased, aiming for maximum effect.

He took out a Jade Basin and poured in the Purple Rhyme Spirit Nurturing Liquid.

Sitting cross-legged inside, he allowed the cool, clear purple liquid, which contained strange energy, to envelop his entire body.

Threads of Divine Soul Nourishing Power seeped into his Sea of Consciousness through his pores.

For the next half month, Yao Delong consolidated his Early Golden Core Stage Realm using Millennium Earth Marrow and Pure Yang Yuan Power,

refining his Great Sun Glazed Body while nourishing his Divine Sense day and night with the Purple Rhyme Spirit Nurturing Liquid.

His aura became increasingly profound and restrained. As his Golden Core rotated, Yuan Power surged like a vast ocean, and his Sea of Consciousness seemed to be expanded and broadened.

His Divine Sense Power skyrocketed, covering an area far exceeding that of ordinary Golden Core Stage Cultivators, and its precision reached an astonishing level!

On the day he Emerged from Seclusion, he felt refreshed. With every movement, a profound and unfathomable Golden Core Pressure naturally emanated, yet was perfectly restrained by him.

Now, relying solely on the power of his Physical Body, he could fight against Middle Golden Core Stage Cultivators!

He looked at the System's Character Panel:

[host]: Yao Delong

[Age] 87/600

[Realm]: Early Golden Core Stage

[Spiritual Power Affinity]: 10 (Duration of nine revolutions heavenly soul foundation establishment pill efficacy)

[Cultivation Technique]: Great Evolution Mixed Yang Scripture (Perfection)

[Martial Skill/Spell]: Pure Yang Sword Art (Perfection), Great Five Elements Sword Formation (Perfection), Instantaneous Body Sword Art (Beginner)... [Secondary Profession]: Alchemist (Pinnacle)

[Current Yin and Yang Points]: 6

[Lottery Draws Remaining]: 0

Just as he stepped out of the Secret Chamber, the male Disciple who had been gifted the Long Spear, named Zhang Feng, immediately stepped forward and respectfully reported:

"Congratulations on emerging from seclusion, Senior Brother! While you were in seclusion, Liu Rumei of Heavenly Sword Peak came by once.

Seeing that you were in seclusion, she left a Verbal Message, asking to meet when you are free after emerging from seclusion."

"Martial Nephew Liu?" Yao Delong's heart stirred. "She emerged from seclusion? It looks like her Foundation Establishment was successful."

Yao Delong immediately transformed into a stream of light and flew straight toward Liu Rumei's residence on Heavenly Sword Peak.

Heavenly Sword Peak was filled with chilling Sword Qi, but Liu Rumei's courtyard was elegantly and warmly decorated, with several Spiritual Flowers releasing their fragrance.

Yao Delong landed outside the courtyard, just in time to see that familiar yet seemingly more radiant figure practicing her sword in the yard.

A Fiery Red Outfit outlined her exquisite curves, her black hair flew, and her sword light was like a rainbow!

The Spiritual Sword in her hand twirled out sharp yet slightly graceful Sword Flowers, shimmering with a Crimson Luster in the sunlight.

Her posture was swift and agile like a swallow, and her sword moves were quick and fluid. Clearly, she had excellent control over her power after Foundation Establishment.

Foundation Establishment Early Stage! Her aura was stable! A satisfied smile flashed in Yao Delong's eyes, and he couldn't help but praise aloud:

"Excellent Swordsmanship! Heroic and spirited, the Sword Qi pierces the heavens. It seems Martial Nephew Rumei's Sword Dao has advanced greatly since Foundation Establishment!"

The clear voice suddenly rang out, startling the person practicing the sword.

Liu Rumei's wrist flicked, the sword light instantly retracted, and she vigilantly looked toward the sound.

She saw a young man standing outside the courtyard, his posture upright like a pine tree, wearing a Gilded Black Robe.

His appearance was extraordinarily handsome, with Sword-like Eyebrows and Starry Eyes. His temperament was profound and restrained, faintly exuding a powerful aura that captivated the heart. His features looked somewhat familiar.

She slightly furrowed her delicate brows, asking with a hint of doubt and caution: "This Senior Brother is...?"

Yao Delong looked at her bewildered expression, feeling mischievous. He deliberately put on a stern face, his tone laced with profound "sadness":

"Alas, Martial Nephew, Martial Nephew, how long has it been since we fought side-by-side against enemies in the White Cloud Mountain Range Miasma Forest?

You've completely forgotten your Martial Uncle! Truly disheartening!"

"Martial Nephew?" Liu Rumei was stunned. This title... She carefully scrutinized the pair of deep eyes looking at her with a smile again,

That look... that unique charm carrying a hint of teasing... an almost impossible thought surfaced in her mind.

Her cherry lips parted slightly, and she asked with incredulous hesitation: "Martial... Martial Uncle Yao?!"