20: Chapter 20 The Three-Year Term

Time passed like shifting sand through fingers, slipping away unnoticed over three years.

In the courtyard of Qingyun Cottage, those few spiritual trees had weathered three springs and autumns, growing taller and more verdant.

The spiritual fish in the pond had bred for several generations, swimming happily in the clear water.

The spiritual field in the corner of the yard, under the careful management of Liu Ruyan and the diligent labor of Wang Tiezhu, had doubled in size.

In addition to the common Jade Sprout Rice and Condensing Dew Grass, they had successfully transplanted several rare "Jade Marrow Ganoderma" and "Red Sun Fruit" seedlings from the back mountain, which were growing promisingly.

These three years had not been peaceful within the Qingyun Sect, especially at Tianjian Peak.

Since Lin Wan returned from the Secret Realm, exhibiting Five Elements Foundation Establishment and a suspected ancient Legacy, the Innate Dao Body of his eldest daughter Lin Qingyao, and the five-colored phenomena at the birth of his second son Lin Jingyun, none of these had been deliberately concealed, nor could they be hidden from those with keen eyes.

For a time, discussions about the "Lin Family of Tianjian Peak" were rampant in the inner Sect.

Envy, jealousy, curiosity, and prying—all kinds of gazes, whether overt or covert, focused on Qingyun Cottage.

People like Ghost Hand Daoist, Sun Buyi, and Zhou Tong, though they dared not openly attack Tianjian Peak due to Sect prohibitions and the deterrent power of Peak Master Yue Lingyun, never stopped their secret machinations.

Elder Li of the Spiritual Plant Department was even worse, using various excuses to deduct the spiritual plant quota of Qingyun Cottage, increasing the requirements for mission contribution points, and even creating "little accidents" near the spiritual field.

Fortunately, with the deterrence of the Heaven Sword Talisman bestowed by Peak Master Yue Lingyun, and the secret protection of Senior Brother Xu Feng, Senior Sister Su Qing, and others, coupled with Lin Wan's own strength and contribution points to withstand the pressure, these minor troubles were resolved one by one, though they ultimately took up a lot of his energy.

But even greater waves came from higher levels within the Sect.

The Five Elements Sect Legacy, the Chaos Five Elements Iron, the offspring with an Innate Dao Body... all these were enough to tempt Golden Core Immortal Masters, and even Nascent Soul Old Ancestors.

Over these three years, no fewer than ten Disciples at the Late Stage Foundation Establishment or even False Core (Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment, half-step Golden Core) level had come to test Lin Wan under the guise of "exchanges and discussions" or "debating the Dao."

There were even two Early Stage Golden Core Elders who personally visited, hinting or explicitly proposing to trade precious treasures or favors for part of the Legacy Lin Wan possessed or to "borrow" the Chaos Five Elements Iron.

To this, Lin Wan politely refused every time, using excuses like "The Cultivation Technique Legacy has Restrictions and cannot be passed on," or "The divine iron has already been handed to my second Senior Sister to refine into a Lifebound Treasure and cannot be retrieved."

His attitude was neither servile nor overbearing; he held his bottom line without completely offending anyone.

With Peak Master Yue Lingyun, this great figure, backing him, those Golden Core Elders, though unwilling, did not dare to use force.

Pressure was like a whetstone.

Over these three years, Lin Wan hardly stepped out, devoting all his time to Cultivate, comprehending, and accompanying his Family.

In the quiet room, Lin Wan sat cross-legged, his body suffused with five-colored spiritual light, his aura deep and heavy like an abyss.

Floating in front of him were three things: on the left was a "Dragon-Tiger Golden Core" the size of a dragon's eye, with nine orifices, and faint visions of a dragon and tiger circling it; he had exchanged it from the Sect's Pill Hall using contribution points and some items obtained from the Secret Realm, and it was one of the top-tier Medicinal Pills to assist in breaking through to the Golden Core Stage, possessing immense power that could increase the success rate of Core Formation by fifteen percent.

In the middle was a small bottle of liquid, viscous like paste, five-colored, and emitting an aura reminiscent of the beginning of Chaos; this was the "Five Elements Origin Qi" gifted by Mo Xuan, which could increase the success rate of Core Formation by thirty percent and improve the quality of the Golden Core.

On the right was a jade talisman, silver-white throughout, containing five-colored sword shadows inside; it was the "five elements sword Talisman" newly bestowed by his Revered Master, Peak Master Yue Lingyun, which sealed a full-strength Sword Qi containing five elements sword Intent, which could be triggered during Core Formation to temper the Golden Core and improve its quality, but it was extremely dangerous, and a slight carelessness could lead to the Sword Qi spinning out of control, destroying the core and injuring his body.

Through three years of hard work, with the help of the profound nature of the "Great Five Elements True Scripture," Family Luck, and the feedback from his offspring, as well as his own unremitting efforts, Lin Wan's cultivation had broken through from the Peak of Early Stage Foundation Establishment, breaking through the Middle Stage, and reaching the Late Stage of Foundation Establishment!

His Foundation was incomparably solid, his Five Elements Dao Foundation was round and unified, his Five Elements Spirit Body had reached Minor Achievement, his Physical Body strength was comparable to a third-tier Yao Beast, and his control over Spiritual Qi was as smooth as moving his own arm.

At this moment, in his Dantian, the five-colored spiritual power cycle had grown from the initial droplets into five surging, endless rivers of spiritual power, gathering and rotating in the center of his Dao Foundation, forming a rapidly spinning five-colored vortex.

In the center of the vortex, a bright, solid, and astonishingly fluctuating "Core Source" had already condensed, waiting only for the final step: to draw upon Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi, compress, refine, and turn liquid into solid to achieve the Golden Core!

"It is time."

Lin Wan opened his eyes, the five-colored brilliance within his pupils restrained, deep as the starry sky.

He could feel that his state had been adjusted to the Peak, his essence, energy, and spirit were full, and his understanding of the Five Elements Dao had reached a Bottleneck.

Continuing to Cultivate had little meaning; only by condensing the Golden Core and breaking through the shackles could he step onto a higher stage.

He rose to his feet and walked out of the quiet room.

In the courtyard, the sun was bright.

Liu Ruyan was sitting on a stone bench under the spirit cassia tree, holding a scroll of pill scriptures, reading softly to the two little ones snuggled up beside her.

Three years had passed, and Liu Ruyan's cultivation had reached the eighth level of Qi Refining, her temperament becoming more gentle and graceful, and because of her cultivation and Dual Cultivation with Lin Wan, her appearance was better than ever.

Her abdomen was slightly bulging again—when Jingyun was two years old, she had become pregnant again, and she was now five months pregnant.

This was their third child and the key to completing the "Branching Out and Spreading Leaves (Three)" mission.

Hearing footsteps, Liu Ruyan looked up and saw Lin Wan, her eyes immediately filled with a gentle smile: "Senior Brother is out of seclusion?"

"Yes."

Lin Wan walked over and first touched the small head of Lin Jingyun, who was holding Liu Ruyan's arm and listening sleepily.

The little guy was now three years old, looking tiger-headed and tiger-brained, with fair skin, his brows and eyes resembling Lin Wan's, but his eyes were unusually agile, with five-colored chaotic brilliance faintly flowing in the depths of his pupils; he was like a porcelain doll when quiet, but could make the entire Qingyun Cottage jump with Chaos when mischievous.

Born with an Innate Five Elements Chaos Dao Body, although he had not officially cultivated, he was spontaneously absorbing Spiritual Qi at all times, and a tiny five-element cycle had naturally formed in his body, his strength surprisingly great; ordinary Disciples at the first or second level of Qi Refining might not be his match.

Seemingly feeling his father's aura, Jingyun rubbed his eyes, mumbled "Daddy" in a milky voice, and snuggled further into Liu Ruyan's arms.

Lin Wan looked to the other side at Lin Qingyao, who was sitting upright and listening extremely seriously.

The little girl was over four years old and had grown even more jade-like and cute, wearing a light green dress that made her look like an elf in the forest.

She inherited Liu Ruyan's beauty and Lin Wan's heroic spirit, possessing a cold and ethereal temperament even at a young age.

After three years of cultivating the "Three Talents Spirit Nourishing Art," plus Lin Wan's all-out resource allocation and personal guidance, she was already at the third level of Qi Refining, and the solidity of her Foundation and the purity of her spiritual power far exceeded her peers.

What was even more rare was that she showed amazing talent in the Dao of the Sword; she had already learned the basic sword techniques of Tianjian Peak taught by Lin Wan quite well, faintly touching the threshold of "Sword Intent."

"Daddy."

Seeing Lin Wan, Qing Yao immediately stood up and performed a salute like a little adult, her eyes full of admiration.

"Yao Yao is such a good girl."

Lin Wan smiled and rubbed his daughter's head, his heart full of pride.

This pair of children were both prodigies, his greatest comfort and motivation.

"Senior Brother, are you preparing to..."

Liu Ruyan put down the pill scripture, a trace of worry flashing in her eyes.

Although her cultivation was not high, as Lin Wan's Dao Companion, she could naturally feel the change in his aura, a sign of an impending Breakthrough that would draw upon the Heaven And Earth Spiritual Essence.

"Yes, it will be in the next few days."

Lin Wan held her hand and said softly, "Don't worry, I have prepared everything. With the sword talisman bestowed by Revered Master and the Five Elements Origin Qi, and with the support of you and the children, I will definitely succeed."

"My brother and I, and Mother, will all cheer for Daddy!"

Qing Yao clenched her little fist and said earnestly.

Jingyun also lifted his head, half-understanding, and called out in a milky voice: "Daddy, go for it!"

Lin Wan felt warm in his heart and pulled his wife and children into his arms.

For them, he absolutely could not fail.

For the next two days, Lin Wan did not Cultivate but accompanied his Family, walking in the courtyard, guiding Qing Yao's sword techniques, teasing Jingyun, and chatting with Liu Ruyan, enjoying the rare warm time.

At the same time, he made final arrangements for all matters concerning the Golden Core Breakthrough.

He invited his second Senior Sister, Senior Sister Su Qing, his fourth Senior Brother Xu Feng, and his third Senior Brother, Third Senior Brother Lei Meng (Han Lingtian had not returned from executing a Sect mission), and asked them to help watch over Qingyun Cottage during his Core Formation, just in case.

Senior Sister Su Qing had been refining his Lifebound Treasure for these three years and had reached the final stage of tempering, so she could not leave for the time being, making her perfect to hold the fort.

Xu Feng was meticulous and responsible for coordinating internal and external affairs.

Third Senior Brother Lei Meng had strong combat power and was responsible for perimeter security.

He checked the Formation of Qingyun Cottage again, boosted the power of the Yi Wood Azure Origin Formation to the extreme, and linked it with the Heaven Sword Talisman underground.

At the same time, he transferred the two Foundation Establishment attendant Disciples to the inner courtyard to strengthen security.

With everything arranged, Lin Wan entered the quiet room again and activated the deepest isolation and spirit-gathering Formation.

The Breakthrough to the Golden Core officially began!

He first adjusted his breathing to bring his state to the most peaceful and ethereal condition.

Then, without hesitation, he picked up the Dragon-Tiger Golden Core and swallowed it.

Upon entering his mouth, the Medicinal Pill turned into a scorching, domineering, yet vibrant torrent that instantly rushed into his limbs and bones, finally gathering in his Dantian!

Inside his Dantian, the five-colored vortex that was already spinning rapidly, as if boiling oil had been poured into a fire, instantly expanded and accelerated crazily!

A massive amount of spiritual power surged out from the Medicinal Pill, being crazily devoured, compressed, and refined by the vortex.

At the same time, Lin Wan fully operated the Core Formation method of the "Great Five Elements True Scripture."

This was the "pre-requisite comprehension" he had exchanged from the System; although he could not Cultivate it directly, he knew the profound methods and precautions regarding condensing the Five Elements Golden Core by heart.

"The Five Elements rotate, mutual generation as the Foundation, mutual restraint as the hammer, condense to a single point, and the Golden Core is formed!"

He guided the violent spiritual power to circulate in the five-colored vortex according to a specific trajectory.

Metal generates Water, Water generates Wood, Wood generates Fire, Fire generates Earth, Earth generates Metal.

With the Five Elements mutually generating, the speed of the spiritual power cycle became faster and faster, and the total amount became more and more massive; the "Core Source" at the center of the vortex rapidly solidified and grew, emitting brilliant five-colored light.

However, mutual generation alone was not enough.

The mutual generation of the Five Elements provided a continuous stream of spiritual power and a stable structure.

But to condense a high-quality Golden Core, especially a Five Elements Golden Core, it required the "pressure" and "tempering" produced by Five Elements mutual restraint.

"Metal restrains Wood, Wood restrains Earth, Earth restrains Water, Water restrains Fire, Fire restrains Metal! Mutual restraint acts as a hammer to forge my Golden Core!"

Lin Wan's mind moved, forcibly guiding a portion of Metal-attribute spiritual power to impact Wood-attribute spiritual power; Wood-attribute spiritual power impacted Earth-attribute spiritual power...

The power of Five Elements mutual restraint erupted inside the vortex, producing violent conflicts, collisions, and annihilation, releasing terrifying energy like invisible heavy hammers, fiercely forging the forming Core Source!

Excruciating pain!

An unimaginable, excruciating pain came from his Dantian, as if his entire body was about to be torn apart by this violent Five Elements conflict.

Lin Wan's face turned pale instantly, the veins on his forehead bulged, and sweat poured down like rain.

But he gritted his teeth, kept a point of clarity in his spirit, and with supreme willpower, guided and controlled this destructive force, making it an aid to temper the Golden Core.

This was an extremely dangerous process; if there was the slightest mistake, the Five Elements would lose balance, the conflict would spin out of control, and it would result in the destruction of the core and death.

But Lin Wan's understanding of the Five Elements Dao was already extremely profound, his Five Elements Spirit Body had reached Minor Achievement, and coupled with the profound nature of the "Great Five Elements True Scripture," he forcibly constrained this violent force of restraint within a controllable range.

Under the nourishment of the mutual generation spiritual power and the forging of the mutual restraint power, the Core Source solidified and shrank at a speed visible to the naked eye, and its color gradually changed from brilliant five-colored to a kind of dark gold that was chaotic, restrained, yet contained endless vitality.

I do not know how much time passed, but the medicinal efficacy of the Dragon-Tiger Golden Core was completely absorbed.

The Core Source had solidified to the size of a fist, dark gold throughout, with five-colored cloud patterns flowing on the surface, emitting astonishing Spiritual Pressure and Dao rhyme.

But, it was not condensed enough, not perfect enough.

It was still one last, and most critical, step away from a true Golden Core—injecting the Origin, igniting the core fire, and consolidating the Foundation.

"It is now!"

Lin Wan did not hesitate, picked up the bottle of Five Elements Origin Qi, and drank it all!

The viscous liquid, containing the Chaos-transforming Five Elements Origin, entered his body and instantly merged into the dark Golden Core Source.

As if a spark had fallen into a pot of oil, the Core Source shook violently, and the "Origin" at its very core, which contained all of Lin Wan's essence, energy, spirit, and Dao rhyme, was ignited by the Five Elements Origin Qi!

"Hiss—!"

Invisible and intangible core fire rose from within the Core Source!

This core fire was not an ordinary fire, but a "Dao Fire" condensed from the practitioner's own Dao Foundation, spiritual power, Divine Soul, and will, which could burn away Impurities, temper the Origin, and stabilize the Golden Core.

Under the burning of the core fire, the dark Golden Core Source began to shrink and refine again slowly and firmly; its volume became smaller and smaller, but its color became deeper and deeper, and the five-colored cloud patterns on the surface gradually faded, turning into strands of mysterious and unpredictable Chaos Dao patterns.

A strange Dao rhyme of Perfection, immortality, and resonance with Heaven and Earth slowly radiated out.

The embryonic form of the Golden Core was complete!

Next, it only needed to be continuously calcined with the core fire to consolidate the Foundation, and once it was completely stable and perfectly fused with his own body, it would be a complete success.

However, just as Lin Wan relaxed his mind slightly, a sudden change occurred!

Perhaps the quality of the Five Elements Origin Qi was too high and the Chaos Origin it contained was too domineering; perhaps his own Five Elements Dao Foundation was too thick, causing the core fire to far exceed the ordinary; or perhaps it was a tribulation from the netherworld...

Under the burning of the core fire, countless fine cracks suddenly appeared on the surface of the dark golden Golden Core embryonic form!

From within the cracks, five-colored brilliance burst forth, and the violent Five Elements spiritual power began to lose control and run wild!

"Not good! The Golden Core is about to crack!"

Lin Wan's heart was terrified.

This was the most dangerous "Core Cracking" tribulation during the process of Core Formation!

Once the Golden Core completely shattered, not only would all his previous efforts be wasted and his cultivation destroyed, but he might also be blown to smithereens by the runaway spiritual power!

At the critical moment, a fierce look flashed in Lin Wan's eyes, and without further hesitation, he grabbed the five elements sword Talisman, injected spiritual power crazily, and slammed it down hard onto the Golden Core embryonic form that was about to shatter!

"five elements sword Qi, temper my Golden Core! There is no creation without destruction; break, and then it shall be formed!"

"Clang—!"

A clear sword chime resounded through the quiet room, and a brilliant Sword Qi, condensed to the extreme and containing the Five Elements life-and-death Sword Intent, erupted from the jade talisman, like a divine sword splitting the heavens, and slashed fiercely onto the cracked Golden Core embryonic form!

"Crack—!!!"

Like the sound of shattering porcelain, the embryonic Golden Core shattered on cue, transforming into countless dark golden fragments and violent Five Elements spiritual power, rampaging within the Dantian!

However, that five elements sword Qi did not dissipate. Instead, it transformed into a dense sword net, tightly binding and wrapping around all the Golden Core fragments and the rampaging spiritual power!

The Sword Intent was like a millstone, crazily grinding, cutting, and tempering these fragments and spiritual power, completely annihilating and refining the Impurities, ferocity, and disharmony within!

At the same time, Lin Wan had a flash of inspiration and exerted his full strength to operate a secret technique from the Great Five Elements True Scripture—an extremely dangerous, yet containing supreme fortune, art—"Five Elements Return to Origin, Shatter Core and Re-condense"!

Using his own will as a guide, the shattered Golden Core fragments and refined pure spiritual power as the Foundation, and the five elements sword Intent as fire, he forcibly merged, compressed, and condensed these fragments and spiritual power once more!

This was a process a hundred times more painful than before. Every cut of the Sword Intent was like death by a thousand cuts; every reassembly of the fragments was like forcibly gluing together shattered porcelain.

Lin Wan's consciousness nearly blurred in the intense pain, but relying on his obsession to protect his Family, his determination to climb the Dao, and the resilient Divine Soul bestowed by the System, he stubbornly endured it.

He did not know how much time had passed; it felt as long as a century.

The rampaging spiritual power gradually calmed down, and the Sword Intent slowly dissipated.

In the center of the Dantian, a brand new Golden Core, only the size of a pigeon egg, with an entire body of chaotic dark gold color, a surface smooth as a mirror, containing endless profound Dao patterns, and emitting an aura of Perfection, immortality, vastness, and majesty, hung silently.

On the Golden Core, there were faintly visible five hair-thin, multicolored sword-shaped patterns, connected head-to-tail, forming a tiny sword ring that rotated slowly—this was the brand of the five elements sword Intent!

This Golden Core was not only of extremely high quality, reaching the "Second Grade Golden Core" among the top three grades, but because it had integrated Peak Master Yue Lingyun's five elements sword Intent, it carried an indestructible Sword Dao attribute, with power far exceeding others of the same rank!

Golden Core, formed!

"Hum—!"

The moment the Golden Core was completely formed, a vast, pure, and majestic spiritual power, far exceeding that of the Foundation Establishment Stage, surged out from the Golden Core and instantly swept through Lin Wan's entire body!

His Meridians, Dantian, and Sea of Consciousness were widened and strengthened once again under the scouring of this spiritual power!

His Physical Body, nourished by the Five Elements spiritual power and the Golden Core's power, increased in strength drastically, officially stepping into the Realm of the "Five Elements Precious Body"!

His Divine Sense range also skyrocketed from a hundred zhang to three hundred zhang, and it became more condensed and sharp!

His Lifespan even broke through directly to five hundred years! A Golden Core Cultivator has a Lifespan of five hundred years, truly stepping into the threshold of high-level Cultivators, and gaining the qualification to pursue eternal life.

What surprised Lin Wan even more was that at the moment the Golden Core formed and his life level leaped, the System's notification sound rang in his mind one after another.

[Ding! Host has successfully condensed a Golden Core (Second Grade, five elements sword core), life level has leaped, and cultivation has broken through to the Early Stage Golden Core.]

[Obtained Fortune Points: 20000 points!]

[Obtained Special Reward: Golden Core Stage Exclusive Gift Pack × 1 (Contains: Great Five Elements True Scripture Golden Core Chapter Complete Legacy × 1, Five Elements Great Divine Ability "Five Elements Divine Light" cultivation method × 1, Fourth Grade Magic Treasure "Five Elements Flag" (Formation Flag) crafting blueprint × 1, one of each Five Elements spiritual item).]

[Detected that Host's descendants, Lin Qingyao and Lin Jingyun, have received a latent improvement from the paternal Bloodline (Five Elements Spirit Body, five elements sword core), and their Aptitude potential has slightly increased.]

[Family Luck has significantly increased due to the Family Head forming a Golden Core. Family members' cultivation speed, Comprehension Ability, and success rate in breaking through Bottlenecks have received a moderate permanent bonus.]

[Triggered Long-term Mission: Path of the Golden Core. Mission Requirements: Within one hundred years, promote to Late Stage Golden Core, and Revered Master at least three Five Elements Great Divine Abilities. Mission Reward: Fortune Points × 50000, random Heaven Rank Cultivation Technique/Divine Ability × 1, Family Grotto-Heaven (embryonic) × 1. Failure Penalty: Cultivation stagnates for one hundred years, randomly deprive two already obtained System abilities.]

Twenty thousand Fortune Points! The complete Golden Core Chapter Legacy! Five Elements Great Divine Ability! Fourth Grade Magic Treasure blueprint! Permanent Family Luck bonus!

The huge surprise washed away the fatigue of having just experienced a life-and-death tribulation. Lin Wan suppressed his excitement and did not immediately check the rewards, but instead first stabilized his newly broken-through Realm and familiarized himself with the surging power.

The Golden Core rotated slowly, exhaling and inhaling pure Five Elements spiritual power, creating a mysterious resonance with the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi between heaven and earth.

With a thought, a wisp of his Divine Sense left his body and instantly covered the entire Qingyun Cottage, revealing every detail.

He could even "see" that outside the quiet room, Liu Ruyan was nervously holding the hands of Lin Qingyao and Lin Jingyun, looking towards the direction of the quiet room; Senior Sister Su Qing, Xu Feng, and Third Senior Brother Lei Meng were guarding different positions, their expressions solemn; Xiao Yun, Nanny Zhao, Wang Tiezhu, and others were also at their respective posts, waiting in full battle array.

"You've worked hard." Lin Wan felt warm in his heart, and his voice transmission, hidden from others, rang in the ears of Liu Ruyan and the three Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters, "I have successfully formed my Golden Core, everything is well, and I will leave seclusion shortly."

Hearing this clear, steady voice transmission that carried the pressure of a Golden Core, the people in the courtyard were stunned at first, and then erupted into great joy.

"He succeeded! Senior Brother succeeded!" Liu Ruyan wept with joy and hugged the two children tightly.

"Congratulations, Junior Brother! The Golden Core Dao begins from here!" Xu Feng clapped his hands and laughed.

"Good lad! Worthy of being from my Tianjian Peak!" Third Senior Brother Lei Meng's voice was like a booming bell.

Senior Sister Su Qing also revealed a rare smile and nodded slightly.

Lin Wan adjusted his breathing for another half day, completely stabilizing his Golden Core Realm, before removing the Formation and pushing open the door to the quiet room.

Sunlight poured in and fell upon him. He wore a green shirt, his black hair draped over his shoulders, and his face remained young and handsome, but his entire temperament had undergone a heaven-shaking change.

He was as steady as a mountain, as vast as the sea, and as sharp as a sword, yet also perfectly rounded and restrained, as if he had merged with the surrounding heaven and earth.

In that pair of eyes, as they opened and closed, faint five-colored sword light swirled, so deep that it made people afraid to look directly at them.

Golden Core Immortal Master! A Golden Core Immortal Master only twenty-one years old! Looking across the entire Qingyun Sect, and even the Tiannan Cultivation World, it could be called shocking!

"Congratulations Junior Brother/Senior Brother/Father on your Golden Core accomplishment! The Great Dao is promising!" Everyone in the courtyard, whether it was Liu Ruyan, Lin Qingyao, Lin Jingyun, or Senior Sister Su Qing, Xu Feng, Third Senior Brother Lei Meng, or Xiao Yun and others, all offered their heartfelt congratulations and bowed.

"I've made everyone worry." Lin Wan stepped forward quickly, helped Liu Ruyan up, and then cupped his hands to everyone, "Thank you, Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters, for guarding me, and thank you all for your hard work."

"We are Family, why be so polite." Xu Feng laughed, "Junior Brother is now the youngest Golden Core Immortal Master in our Tianjian Peak—no, in our entire Qingyun Sect! If this matter spreads, it will surely be a major event that shocks the Sect! Once Revered Master knows, he will definitely be overjoyed."

"I will go pay my respects to Revered Master later." Lin Wan nodded and looked at Senior Sister Su Qing, "Second Senior Sister, my Lifebound Treasure..."

"It has been nurtured almost enough. Since you have already formed your Golden Core, you can now begin the final 'Blood Refining' and 'Divine Refining' to make it completely communicate with your heart and become your Lifebound Treasure." Senior Sister Su Qing took out a jade box about a foot long and handed it to Lin Wan.

Lin Wan took it and opened the jade box. Lying in the box was a long sword about three feet long and two fingers wide, with an entire body of chaotic dark gold color, the sword body faintly swirling with five-colored light, and a simple and atmospheric design.

Before the sword was unsheathed, a heavy, sharp, yet infinitely vibrant Sword Intent emanated from it, causing the surrounding Five Elements Spiritual Qi to fluctuate slightly.

This was precisely the Lifebound Treasure embryo—the five elements sword—made from chaotic Five Elements iron as the main material, supplemented by various rare Five Elements spiritual materials, which Senior Sister Su Qing had spent three years refining!

Although this sword had not yet been nurtured by Golden Core pill fire and Divine Soul for a long time, and its grade was temporarily only Third Grade Low Grade, its material and potential were enough to support its growth to the Fifth Grade, or even higher!

What was even more rare was that its attributes perfectly matched Lin Wan's five elements sword core.

"Good sword!" Lin Wan praised, reaching out to grasp the hilt. The five elements sword vibrated slightly, emitting a joyful, clear ring, as if it had found its Revered Master.

A feeling of Bloodline connection came, and Lin Wan could clearly feel the core of the chaotic Five Elements iron in the sword faintly resonating with his own five elements sword core.

"The embryo of this sword is complete; the rest depends on your own nurturing." Senior Sister Su Qing said, "Nurture it with your five elements sword core pill fire and Divine Soul, supplemented by tempering with Five Elements spiritual items, and its quality will improve quickly. When your cultivation improves, or you find higher-level Five Elements spiritual items to integrate, its potential will be limitless."

"Thank you, Second Senior Sister!" Lin Wan solemnly put away the five elements sword. With this sword, his combat power would rise to another level.

In the next few days, Qingyun Cottage was decorated with lanterns and festoons. Although there was no grand banquet for guests, the familiar Senior Brothers and Junior Brothers from Tianjian Peak, the few alchemists Liu Ruyan had met at Baicao Hall, and friends of Xu Feng, Third Senior Brother Lei Meng, and others, still came one after another to offer their congratulations.

Lin Wan received them one by one with a humble attitude, neither arrogant nor overly enthusiastic, leaving a good impression on everyone.

Of course, there was even more shock. A twenty-one-year-old Golden Core, five elements sword core, a Lifebound Treasure refined from chaotic Five Elements iron... any one of these pieces of news, if spread, would be enough to leave people dumbfounded.

The name of Lin Wan from Tianjian Peak once again swept through the entire Inner Sect with the force of a storm, and even reached the ears of the Main Peak and some Elders in seclusion.

There were those who envied, those who were jealous, those who were in awe, and even more who harbored different intentions.

But in any case, Lin Wan was no longer that Foundation Establishment Disciple who could be manipulated at will. He had officially stepped into the ranks of the high-level Cultivators of the Qingyun Sect, possessing the corresponding voice and the power to protect himself.

Three days later, Lin Wan went to Lingyun Hall to pay his respects to Revered Master Peak Master Yue Lingyun.

In the hall, Peak Master Yue Lingyun looked at his beloved Disciple, whose aura was steady and who had already condensed a Golden Core, and a rare, undisguised, gratified smile appeared on his face.

"Good! What a good five elements sword core! Second Grade Golden Core, with Sword Intent contained within, a solid Foundation, far exceeding my expectations!" Peak Master Yue Lingyun clapped his hands and laughed, "It was not in vain that I overcame all opposition back then to take you as my Disciple. My Tianjian Peak finally has a successor!"

"It is all thanks to Revered Master's careful cultivation; this Disciple dares not take credit." Lin Wan said respectfully.

"Alright, there is no need for polite words." Peak Master Yue Lingyun waved his hand, his expression becoming serious, "Since you have already formed your Golden Core, there are some things you should know. About the Centenary Grand Competition, about the Tianqiong Secret Realm, and about... the Five Elements Sect."

Lin Wan's heart tightened; he knew Revered Master was about to discuss serious matters.

"The Centenary Grand Competition will begin in half a year. This competition is no small matter." Peak Master Yue Lingyun said in a deep voice, "According to reliable information, this competition not only concerns the qualifications to enter the Tianqiong Secret Realm but may also... determine the ownership and exploration rights of a newly discovered ancient 'Five Elements Secret Realm'."

"A new Five Elements Secret Realm?" Lin Wan's pupils constricted.

"Correct. This Secret Realm is located in a void rift at the junction of the Southern Region and the Eastern Wasteland. It is suspected to be an important branch or Trial Grounds of the ancient Five Elements Sect.

The richness of the Five Elements Spiritual Qi and the abundance of Heaven And Earth Treasure within far exceed the Small Five Elements Secret Realm you entered before.

More importantly, it is highly likely that the core Legacy of the Five Elements Sect exists within, and even... clues to the Five Elements Sect's town-Sect supreme treasure, the 'Five Elements Mountain and River Cauldron'."

Peak Master Yue Lingyun looked at Lin Wan with burning eyes: "This Secret Realm is a supreme treasure land for any Cultivator who Cultivates Five Elements techniques. For you, it is even more crucial.

If you can enter it and obtain opportunities, your Five Elements Dao will surely advance by leaps and bounds, and you may even have the hope of touching the threshold of the Nascent Soul within a hundred years."

Lin Wan's breathing quickened slightly. A new Five Elements Secret Realm, the Five Elements Mountain and River Cauldron... this temptation was too great.

"But precisely because of this, the competition will surely be unprecedentedly fierce." Peak Master Yue Lingyun changed the topic, "At that time, not only will the prodigies of the five great regions fight desperately for it, but some ancient families and Sects that have remained hidden, and even... those true hegemon-level forces in the Central State, may send their successors to participate.

Your opponents will be the top-tier geniuses of the entire Tiannan Cultivation World. Among them, there may well be those at the Golden Core Stage."

Golden Core Stage participating in the Foundation Establishment Grand Competition? Lin Wan was stunned.

"The rules of the Grand Competition only limit participants to Cultivators under the bone age of fifty, regardless of cultivation level. In the past, there were very few geniuses who formed a Golden Core under the age of fifty.

But this Secret Realm is of great importance, and it is hard to guarantee that some old monsters will not spare no cost to Cultivate Golden Core Disciples to participate." Peak Master Yue Lingyun said, "With your current strength, facing a Foundation Establishment Great Perfection, you should be able to defeat them.

But if you face a true Early Stage Golden Core, especially those with deep Foundations and extraordinary legacies, the outcome is hard to predict. Moreover, there are still veteran prodigies at the Mid-stage Golden Core and Late Stage Golden Core!"

Pressure, like a mountain, pressed down. But in Lin Wan's eyes, a raging Battle Intent ignited. Only with challenges is it interesting. Competing with the top geniuses of his generation is the best way to test himself and sharpen his Dao Heart.

"This Disciple will definitely do his utmost to win a spot for my Qingyun Sect, and for myself!" Lin Wan said decisively.

"Good! That's the spirit!" Peak Master Yue Lingyun praised, "In these six months, you need to stabilize your Golden Core Realm as soon as possible, familiarize yourself with your Lifebound Treasure, and Revered Master at least one Five Elements Great Divine Ability. In terms of resources, the Sect will lean towards you. Additionally..."

He took out a Jade Slip and handed it to Lin Wan: "This is some information collected by the Sect regarding the top geniuses from various regions who may appear in this Grand Competition. Study it carefully to know yourself and your enemy.

Half a year later, your Second Senior Brother Han Lingtian will lead the team, and you, Senior Sister Su Qing, Xu Feng, and several other Genius Disciples selected by the Sect will travel together to Tianque City in the Central State.

This journey will not be peaceful. People like Ghost Hand Taoist and Sun Buyi will never sit by and watch you grow. Once you leave the Sect, you must be careful in everything."

"This Disciple understands." Lin Wan took the Jade Slip, his heart solemn. Once out of the Sect, it would be a real storm of blood. But he was fearless.

"Alright, go. Prepare well. Do not let me, and do not let Tianjian Peak, be disappointed." Peak Master Yue Lingyun waved his hand.

"This Disciple takes his leave." Lin Wan bowed and withdrew.

Walking out of Lingyun Hall, looking up at the high clouds in the sky, Lin Wan felt a surge of heroic spirit in his heart.

The Golden Core is formed, the precious sword is in hand, and although there are strong enemies on the road ahead, there is also infinite scenery.

The Centenary Grand Competition, the Tianqiong Secret Realm, a new Five Elements Secret Realm... one magnificent stage after another is waiting for him to conquer.

And his Family, with his rise, will also spread and flourish in this vast cultivation world, blooming with their own brilliance.

Half a year later, Tianque City, we shall meet again.