Longzang

Chapter 1228 The Prestige of the Golden Core
Qingming acts with swift and decisive action.

Just a few months later, a squad of Golden Core cultivators serving in the military received a mission: to receive and test the brand-new Dharma Aspect cultivator equipment, and then infiltrate the Zhao Kingdom to capture Zhang Zhounian, a Dharma Aspect cultivator from the Jiangliu Sect.

This squad consists of ten Golden Core Dharma Aspect cultivators, with a Human Rank Dharma Aspect serving as the captain. The squad belongs to the Night Guard Division, which is specifically responsible for special operations. The division is entirely composed of Dharma Aspect cultivators, and its leader, True Person Lan Hua, is quite low-profile, yet her reputation is widespread throughout the martial arts world.

Upon arriving at the supply depot, the team was led into a special hall where ten Golden Core cultivators, dressed only in close-fitting clothes, lined up in a row. Then, cultivators began distributing equipment.

A handsome cultivator, holding a list, drawled out:

"One Celestial Sword [Grey Dragon]!"

Numerous cultivators then presented immortal swords, placing one before each Golden Core cultivator. On one side of the hall, True Person Lan Hua and Wei Yuan were watching intently, completely unaware that the Realm Lord and the Night Guard Chief were both present.

The [Grey Dragon] was a short sword, no more than a foot and a half long. The Golden Core cultivator, quick-witted, drew his sword, only to freeze momentarily, his face turning angry. He exclaimed, "We're about to go into battle! We don't need any amazing magic weapons, but at least they should be magic weapons! What does it mean to give us a magic tool meant for Foundation Establishment cultivators?!"

Lan Hua frowned and looked at Wei Yuan. Wei Yuan smiled slightly and said, "No rush, just watch."

At this moment, the cultivator in charge of distributing the items said in a sarcastic tone, "Fellow Daoist, you actually look down on Dao Foundation Magic Artifacts? It seems you haven't even read a single page of the 'Dharma Aspect Combat Manual' that was distributed the other day!"

The Golden Core Dharma Image hesitated for a moment and said, "I don't have time right now... Besides, that's a creation for Dharma Image battles, what does it have to do with a mere template like yours?"

The template Dao Foundation member sneered and said, "Excuse me, that book was indeed written by me!"

The Golden Core Dharma Image looked incredulous and was about to speak when the Foundation Establishment cultivator flicked his sleeve, revealing the cuff of his military uniform underneath. He was clearly a lieutenant general!
Within the Azure Nether Army, hierarchy was strict and discipline was rigorous. Upon seeing the other party's rank, the unruly Golden Core Dharma Image fell silent.

The template Dao Foundation sneered and said, "Golden Core Dharma Form, just because you have the words 'Dharma Form' in your name, do you really think you're that different from a Dao Foundation cultivator? To put it bluntly, even if you had several Dao Foundation magic weapons, I'm afraid you still wouldn't be able to control them!"

All the Golden Core Dharma Aspects, including the squad leader of the Human Rank Dharma Aspect, were filled with anger, and could only remain so.

The cultivator then added, "One protective hand shield, 'Fortified City'..."

The cultivators flowed in and out like a stream, his drawn-out voice echoing endlessly: "Neck armor [Plain Moon], breastplate [Frost Condensation]... robe [Crossing Calamity]... goggles [Azure Origin], groin protector [Instant Breath]!"

The entire set consisted of nearly twenty items, covering each Golden Core Dharma Image from head to toe, with three layers inside and out. These numerous magical artifacts immediately caused the Golden Core Dharma Images to release a torrent of magical power; simply refining and infusing them with their own power consumed most of their own.

Although each piece of clothing didn't have a significant enhancement, it was flawless, with no blind spots, and the armor, shield, and blades were interconnected, forming a complete set of magical artifacts. The group of Golden Core cultivators were instantly armed to the teeth, their combat power soaring.

The Dao Foundation cultivator then said, "Let's test our combat strength!"

To enhance the combat power of Golden Core Dharma Aspect cultivators, Qingming established a unified combat power system. This system still evaluates cultivators based on five aspects: Dao, Dharma, Technique, Weapon, and Application, while also considering their offensive and defensive capabilities, innate supernatural abilities, and proficiency in Daoist techniques.

The combat strength of an ordinary person at the initial stage of the Dao Foundation realm is set at one hundred, while the corresponding combat strength of an ordinary person at the Dharma Aspect realm is roughly five thousand. However, those geniuses at the peak of the Dao Foundation realm can have combat strength far exceeding ten thousand.

After testing the Golden Core Dharma Aspect, the average combat strength is around three thousand, while the combat strength of the Human Rank Dao Foundation Perfection is basically around one thousand, and the combat strength of the Earth Rank Perfection exceeds two thousand.

From this perspective, a Golden Core Dharma Avatar is roughly equivalent to the late-stage Heavenly Foundation Dao cultivator in terms of combat power, but if it encounters an Immortal Foundation cultivator, it will have to flee in disarray.

However, after changing into their current equipment, these Golden Core Dharma Aspects all tested their combat power to be over 4,500, with some even reaching 5,000, which is already considered a true ordinary Dharma Aspect!

During the testing, most cultivators moved somewhat sluggishly, finding it quite difficult to activate these magical artifacts. Although each artifact didn't require much mana, the sheer number of them was overwhelming, and the Golden Core Dharma Forms weren't normal Dharma Forms either.

They then fell silent, realizing that if two normal magical artifacts were actually sent down, they wouldn't be able to use them.

After the test, new formation attack and defense techniques were issued, along with a secret manual of spells, which was none other than the "Blood Disintegration and Body Destruction Technique"!
"You have seven days to study and master this technique! Now, when you use this secret method, you will burn ten years of your lifespan, and the power of a single strike will be nearly ten thousand! Only our Qingming and Taichu Palace possess such a profound and righteous immortal technique, such a strike only requires ten years of lifespan. If this were a demonic technique, wouldn't it burn thirty to fifty years? Opportunities to attain enlightenment are rare, so everyone must cherish them!"

Furthermore, there's no need to worry about lifespan; the Realm Lord has already allocated longevity pills, which can be exchanged for based on battle merits!

After the Golden Core team completed their tests, a Dharma Aspect General entered and said, "The mission is now assigned. Your team will depart in ten days for the Jiangliu Sect to capture the sinful cultivator Zhang Zhounian! Zhang Zhounian is a Earth-rank Dharma Aspect cultivator who has cultivated for nearly two hundred years. This battle is to vindicate my Azure Nether Golden Core Dharma Aspect!"

The group of Golden Core cultivators were immediately filled with excitement, but the captain, being a normal cultivator, looked worried and said, "The Jiangliu Sect Master is Yu Jing. If he makes a move..."

The Dharma Aspect General scoffed, saying, "That's none of your business. A mere early-stage Imperial Realm cultivator's path is cut off; someone will naturally handle that. You only need to capture Zhang Zhounian. If any other Dharma Aspects obstruct us, give them a warning first; if they ignore it, kill them without hesitation!"

……

Jiangliu Sect is located within the territory of Zhao State, built on the banks of the Yangtze River. Many of its sect buildings are constructed at the bottom of the river. It is a well-known water-based sect in the surrounding counties. The current sect leader, Qingxizi, attained enlightenment two hundred years ago and led Jiangliu Sect to ascend to a blessed land.

With Yu Jing presiding over the sect, Jiangliu Sect is a true behemoth in the surrounding area. Its disciples are known for their arrogance, and its elders are revered by all who roam the martial world. After hundreds of years of development, Jiangliu Sect has grown into a considerable force, with its mountain gate a thousand feet high, spanning the great river, exuding an extraordinary aura!
It was midday, the sun high in the sky, its light dazzling and radiant. The vast river, like a furnace forging gold, stretched for miles, its fragmented light leaping and dancing, too dazzling to look at directly. Occasionally, drifting clouds would come from the empty mountains, white ribbons undulating, dyed by the sunlight, instantly becoming radiant; then golden scales would leap across the river, golden waves suddenly solidifying, and blue ripples surging, as if a mermaid palace had just opened, revealing all things in its entirety.

But amidst this beautiful scenery, a double image suddenly appeared on the sun in the sky, and then a ray of sunlight detached from its original position and drifted down toward the Jiangliu Sect's mountain gate.

The great sun crashed down, striking the Jiangliu Sect's mountain gate squarely, instantly activating the sect's protective array, a layer of light shielding the entire mountain gate.

But the sun crashed down with tremendous force, its flames spreading for ten miles, causing the great formation to tremble.

Panic erupted within the sect. Many cultivators rushed out of the great formation, both shocked and furious, searching for the enemy. Just then, a majestic voice descended from the sky: "We are ordered to capture the criminal Zhang Zhounian! You must immediately open the great formation and hand over the prisoner! Otherwise, if you shatter the formation, don't blame us for being ruthless!"

At this moment, ten rays of light appeared in the sky, somewhat similar to the radiance of the sun. For a moment, it was an extraordinary sight to see ten suns in the sky!
Ten Dharma Images!

The cultivators of Jiangliu Sect were all shocked, and many who had just been shouting and cursing immediately returned to the formation. However, a group of younger disciples were unconvinced and shouted, "Ten Dharma Aspects are nothing special! Our Sect Master is Yu Jing! He could crush two of you with a single finger!"

Just then, a Dharma Aspect cultivator stepped out of the formation, looked up at the sky, and his previous worry dissipated considerably. He then ascended into the air, bowed, and asked, "Fellow Daoists, are you from Qingming?"

The expressions of the group of Golden Core cultivators changed on the spot.

Although Wei Yuan publicly revealed two paths to the Golden Core Dharma Form, it has only been a short time, and few have yet to achieve mastery. The phrase "Fellow Daoist comes from the Azure Netherworld," specifically referring to the Golden Core Dharma Form, has almost become an insult.

At this moment, the Dharma Image leading the group appeared and coldly said, "Since you know our origins, then hurry up and hand over the people, otherwise, when the fighting starts, the magic weapons will show no mercy!"

The Dharma Image wasn't actually afraid, but Qingming was powerful, and who knew who would come after they beat up these few Golden Core cultivators? So he swallowed his anger and continued, "What happened back then was just a misunderstanding. Junior Brother Zhang isn't in the sect right now, so how about this, after I inform the Ancestral Master, I'll have Junior Brother Zhang personally go to Qingming to apologize, what do you say?"

The Azure Netherworld Dharma Aspect cultivator coldly said, "Not within the sect? Very well, activate the formation. We'll deal with it after we've searched and confirmed that they're not within the sect!"

Jiang Liuzong's Dharma Image finally darkened, and he said, "A mere few Golden Core cultivators dare to try and break through the gates of my Jiang Liuzong Sect?!"

The Azure Nether Dharma Image said no more, but simply shouted, "Make your move!"

Instantly, a dazzling light shot into the sky as ten [Grey Dragon] swords simultaneously slashed towards the old man. The Jiangliu Sect elder remained unfazed, simultaneously deploying a water curtain to defend himself and summoning another water beast, which slammed into a Golden Core Dharma Avatar!
This strike was enough to severely injure an ordinary Dharma Avatar; if it landed on a Golden Core cultivator, it would have caused immediate and serious injury. The old man had extensive experience in combat and knew that while the Golden Core Dharma Avatar was weak, its formation was extremely sophisticated. Therefore, he launched a powerful attack from the outset, yet left some room for maneuver, breaking the formation without harming the cultivator's life.

The water beast slammed into the golden dantian avatar, instantly unleashing more than ten rays of precious light!

This Golden Core cultivator actually had double-digit defensive magical artifacts on him, and the ten Golden Core avatars were linked together in an array, which actually blocked most of the water beast's power. The Golden Core cultivator only spat out a mouthful of blood and swallowed some medicine, and was still able to fight.

The old man was surprised when his attack failed. Suddenly, with a few splashes, the water curtain was slashed open by the flying swords, and several flying swords were already upon him!
These flying swords were far more powerful than ordinary Golden Core cultivators. For a moment, the old man felt as if he were truly being besieged by ten Dharma Aspect cultivators. Meanwhile, the Qingming cultivator leading the group wielded a genuine magic weapon, summoning wave after wave of heavenly fire that rained down upon the sect's protective formation. In the blink of an eye, the formation was violently shaken, and buildings within it collapsed one after another.

At this moment, someone inside the Jiangliu Sect suddenly let out a heavy snort. An old man stepped forward, his face grim, and said in a cold voice, "I already gave you enough face that day and didn't touch your military supplies, so why are you still haunting me? Fine, since you're so aggressive, then I won't hold back anymore. I'll just abandon the sect and wander the world, from now on I'll specialize in killing your Qingming disciples! Today, I'll start by slaughtering a few Golden Core dogs as a sacrifice!"

Upon seeing Zhang Zhounian appear, the Azure Netherworld Dharma Image immediately said, "Master Wang, it's time for you to make a contribution!"

A Golden Core cultivator stepped forward in response, a flash of blood-red light suddenly rising between his brows, his eyes turning blood-red, and blood energy surging from his body!
Qingming, leading the group, immediately cursed under his breath for his subordinates' lack of consideration for their own safety, and secretly unleashed a radiant light that enveloped the Golden Core cultivator. As soon as the light covered him, the crimson light instantly transformed into pure energy, and the blood-red eyes turned into silver pupils. Although it was only a change of color, the overall effect was completely transformed.

The Golden Core cultivator named Wang Zong let out a shout that could be heard for hundreds of miles. Immediately afterward, a hundred-foot-long blood sword slashed down from the sky with incredible speed, instantly knocking Zhang Zhounian off his feet.

Zhang Zhounian struggled for a few moments, but still spat out a mouthful of blood and plummeted dozens of feet. He could barely stay afloat, having been severely injured by a single sword strike.

Wang Zong retreated to recuperate, while the remaining nine Golden Core cultivators immediately attacked, leaving the two elders of Jiangliu Sect in a sorry state. At this moment, another young Dharma Avatar rushed out from within Jiangliu Sect, only at the early stage. However, as soon as he appeared, another Golden Core Dharma Avatar was enveloped in a bloody light, unleashing the Blood Dissolution and Death Technique!

The young man's cultivation level was not high, and his experience was obviously insufficient. He was struck solidly by the hundred-foot blood sword and fell directly into the formation, his fate unknown.

The leader of the Azure Netherworld, Dharma Image, declared loudly: "Today, I, the Azure Netherworld Golden Core cultivator, will apprehend the lawbreakers and destroy mountains and temples!"

A faint hum, almost imperceptible, echoed between heaven and earth.

An old Taoist priest with white hair and a youthful face appeared in the air, his expression displeased. He slowly raised his hand, intending to suppress the dozen or so dharma figures below. However, his hand froze halfway up.

At this moment, the void rippled, and Wei Yuan stepped out, smiling slightly, "Senior Qingxi, let's not interfere in the affairs of the juniors, shall we? Otherwise, it will be difficult for everyone to save face."

Qingxizi had lived for nearly a thousand years and was already a very shrewd person. Upon seeing Wei Yuan appear, he quickly figured out the cause and effect. He smiled bitterly and said, "Why does the Realm Lord need to come in person? This old Daoist doesn't quite understand why our Jiangliu Sect, a small and insignificant sect, would choose us?"

Wei Yuan didn't hide anything, saying, "We have a legitimate reason for our actions, and we're also close by."

(End of this chapter)