Chongming Xianzong

Chapter 504 Sect Leader Reaches Core Formation
—Fei Family, Shuyuxuan
More than a month has passed since Headmaster Kang settled in this secluded place. During this time, apart from the elder Fei Nanxi who came to visit with some spiritual items, only more women from the Fei family came to Qianzhu Courtyard outside Shuyu Pavilion to visit Fei Shuhe and her two children.

If we follow the words of the sect leader's wife, then the two sons of the Kang family have now become highly sought-after.

Those who came this time were all the most esteemed and noble daughters of the Fei family's various branches. In the past, they had more or less looked down on families like the Chongming Kang family, and were naturally arrogant, so their relationship with Fei Shuhe was not considered close.

In the past, if a daughter were to be married off to Kang Changxi, everyone might be happy to accept it; but if it were Kang Changyi, a son of a concubine from a humble family, these noblewomen would not be very interested.

However, after the news spread that Ancestor Ye Sui had personally promised Kang Dabao a future as a Core Formation cultivator, these people changed their enthusiastic demeanor.

After all, the identity of "Golden Core Child" was not considered high enough even by the Fei family, who were used to being arrogant. Naturally, they were willing to abandon their former pride and lower their stance to seek a marriage alliance.

It is said that it wasn't just the Fei family women who were interested in the Kang family's second son; even several prominent families in the vicinity of Yingzhou had people coming to inquire about him. These families might be of slightly lower social standing than the Fei family, but according to the information released, they were quite willing to offer a dowry.

And look, now that you have high cultivation, you won't care about the social status and family background that these noblewomen always talk about. Your body will still be supple.

Master Kang remained noncommittal about this. Such behavior—being arrogant at first and then obsequious, changing one's attitude depending on the situation—would be the same in anyone's shoes. He himself had done such things many times, so how could he have the audacity to criticize others?
I wonder if these noble ladies will immediately change their tune once they find out that Master Kang has already squandered a piece of yellow dragon wood bestowed by the Fei family? It's quite amusing to think about.

These tedious matters were naturally handled by Fei Shuhe, his legal wife, and Kang Dabao simply listened and let it go. After all, the most crucial matter for the latter at present was the formation of the Golden Core.

However, the Five Spirit Ice Sunflower, which Grand Master Kang had been somewhat looking forward to, was nowhere to be seen, and he wondered if something had gone wrong. Unable to wait any longer, he took the risk and retrieved the black bone that had already devoured most of the remains of the Pill Master surnamed Wu.

A fresh, fake-core corpse was more to Black Bone's liking than the skull of a golden core extracted from a demon beast's belly. When Headmaster Kang saw Black Bone this time, all three immortal seals on it had lit up.

Holding the three jade pendants, Sect Leader Kang followed the clues and, in just half a day, comprehended the third Daoist technique from the immortal inscription: the "Northern Night Palace Tai Su Ning Zhen Jue".

After his initial delight, Kang Dabao read it carefully for a while before confirming that the words "Volume One" were indeed missing from the beginning of the line, which was somewhat different from the past.

The opening of this method states: "Taiyi is the state before the appearance of Qi; Taichu is the beginning of Qi; Taishi is the beginning of form; only Taisu is the beginning of substance."

This secret directly points to the wondrous innate state described in the Taoist classic "Yunji Qiqian·Hundong Jiubian" as "the form is not yet fully formed but the substance is already manifest," which is the superior method of condensing the elixir in this world.

The opening statement, explicitly stating the "Path of Purple Gold," implies that those with inferior foundations in Daoist cultivation are not permitted to participate.

The Grand Master Kang, who was just about to form his core, found it like a pillow when he was sleepy. The words "Path to Purple Gold" could not stop him from studying this technique. In fact, as soon as he began to chant the technique, the jade leaf foundation in his dantian began to feel excited for the first time ever.

When Fei Nanying gave Huang Longmu, the head of the Kangda Sect, he also bestowed upon the latter a method for condensing elixirs. Although it was not considered particularly advanced, it was not something that could be found in the marketplace.

With the help of that Core Formation Technique and the spiritual object for Core Formation, Kang Dabao smoothly progressed to the point of almost forming his core, but he only stopped at the last step.

"Perhaps this is worth a try?!"

Since acquiring the "Northern Night Palace Tai Su Ning Zhen Jue" elixir-condensing method, Headmaster Kang has been eager to put it into practice. If Fei Nanxi hadn't repeatedly told him beforehand that the Five Spirit Ice Sunflower would arrive soon, he might have already been unable to contain himself and had put up a seclusion talisman.

However, although his Core Formation artifact was delayed, the spots in the Hundred Fruit Secret Realm that the Fei family had promised to the Kang family's two sons arrived first. Although, according to the Fei family cultivators, there were few dangers inside, the Kang family's headmaster was still summoned by Fei Shuhe to see her two sons off.

"Be careful in everything you do. The people in the secret realm are all relatives from your maternal side. Be mindful of your actions and don't offend anyone."

As usual, the sect leader Kang, who was about to form his core, showed no signs of sharpness. When he gave instructions to his two sons, he still exuded a sense of composure.

The Kang brothers, Changyi and Changxi, have been hearing these kinds of things since they were young, and now their ears are probably calloused from hearing them, yet they haven't shown the slightest impatience.

“I understand,”

"I will follow my father's teachings."

"Yes, that's good. Your mother has worked so hard to earn this favor for you two, so do it well."

The sect leader, Kang, grinned and patted Erzi on the shoulder before taking Fei Shuhe's hand and escorting them out of the Thousand Bamboo Courtyard, where Fei Donggu, the Golden Core cultivator from the Fei family in charge of the Hundred Fruit Secret Realm, arrived.

This elder of the Fei family was extremely senior, almost second only to Fei Yeqing and Fei Tianqin, and also the head of the Baishui Hall, a relatively powerful branch within the Fei family.
Although Fei Donggu did not have much contact with Sheshan Hall, he was quite fond of Fei Nanying and his brother in his early years and took good care of them.

Therefore, Fei Nanying's ability to achieve a mid-grade Golden Elixir was probably also due to the old cultivator's efforts.

Given their connection to the elders of the family, the Kang family naturally treated him with the utmost respect. After Kang Dabao and his wife, along with their two sons, paid their respects to Fei Donggu and watched them board the spirit boat, the Fei family elder spoke with a pleased expression:

"Don't rush into forming your golden core, Mr. Kang. I see that your foundation is solid, no less than that of a great Daoist disciple. It would be difficult for you not to achieve it. You are also in the prime of your life, so you might as well hone your skills for another two or three years."

If you have any questions during this time, you may come to the Qiushuitang clan's territory to find us. Leaving aside other matters, if any Qiushuitang Golden Core cultivators are still in the capital region, just give them a call, and this old man will surely be able to summon them back.”

"Thank you, Elder Zong!"

"Yes, let's not be formal. This is where I live. If you have time in the future, you are welcome to come to my cave for a chat."

"It is truly an honor for me!"

The flying boat took off and remained there until the flames had completely dissipated before the couple landed back in the courtyard.

Recalling Fei Donggu's kind demeanor just now, Sect Leader Kang couldn't help but sigh and say, "This Elder Donggu is indeed a kind elder who is willing to mentor the younger generation."

Fei Shuhe laughed after hearing this: "Uncle Nanxin is the second cousin of Elder Donggu. How could he not be willing to help you?!"

"I see,"

For those who have been cultivating the Golden Core realm for hundreds of years, even a son is considered a very close relative. Moreover, this is a promising descendant like Fei Nanxin, so Fei Donggu's esteem for him is no exaggeration.

Kang Dabao laughed after hearing Fei Shuhe's words. He had been sitting for too long these days, which had made his mind quite dull. Otherwise, he would not have thought that there would be no reason for such care to appear out of nowhere.

Fei Shuhe couldn't even remember the last time she was alone with her husband. Once she started talking, she couldn't stop.

"Afterwards, the temple manager of Benying Temple caused a scene in the hall, insisting that Ancestor Ye Sui send you to accompany him to the Great Snow Mountain to apologize. However, he was scolded by Ancestor Tianqin and the elders of the Han family and left in a huff."

Old Ancestor Ye Sui only said that he was a lowly clown, not worth fearing. However, he still advised you to be careful and not let him intercept you when you're out. Also, he said that Senior Wang from the Wenshan Sect, after returning to the mountain, was also punished by a True Person; there will definitely be consequences for him in the future.”

As soon as these two things came out, Fei Shuhe told Headmaster Kang about them.

This was something the latter had figured out after taking action in the Xie Zhi Xuan Prison. Hearing Fei Shuhe bring it up again, he showed no impatience, but continued to nod with a smile.

In his view, Fei Shuhe rarely showed such a lack of authority as a principal wife, speaking freely like a young girl.

Her incessant chatter reminded Kang Dabao of the little sparrow that had been used to congratulate them on their wedding day; in Kang Dabao's eyes, the two were equally adorable.

However, Fei Shuhe seemed to have sensed something from the Great Master Kang's eyes. Her girlish relaxation vanished completely, and she cleared her throat lightly before speaking in a serious tone:

"Han Chengfeng didn't get first place this time, so he won't receive any further cultivation from the Yu Kun Han family. He didn't obtain the Five Spirit Ice Sunflower, and he can't earn any more valuable Core Formation spiritual items at home, so he will have to start working on Core Formation after he returns. Before he left, he asked someone to pass on a message to you, inviting you to visit the Han family to discuss the Dao with him after you have formed your Core."

Upon hearing this, Kang Dabao's expression remained unchanged; he nodded as usual, but inwardly he was smiling.
"The arrogance of these young masters has seeped into their bones. Even after being outshone at the Ice Sunflower Gathering, Han Chengfeng is still resentful. His words imply that this victory or defeat is only temporary. Once he has formed his core, he will challenge me again."

As for what would happen if Sect Leader Kang failed to form the Golden Core? Han Chengfeng hadn't made that assumption.

It's likely that in his eyes, he wouldn't associate with fellow cultivators who haven't reached the Golden Core stage.

The sect leader Kang had never known how to get along with such an overly arrogant peer, so he decided that he should no longer associate with him.

But just as this thought crossed his mind, he heard Fei Shuhe say from the side, "That Shu Yuanjiang from the Shu family of Zuojiang was willing to be sent here to die. Perhaps he is the only one in the entire family who doesn't know this."

This news was quite astonishing, prompting even the usually indifferent Sect Leader Kang to ask, "What's the meaning of this?!"

When Fei Shuhe answered, her smile faded by about 70%.
"Shu Lang's first wife was unfortunate and has probably been dead for nearly a hundred years. Recently, there have been rumors that a princess named Lanxin from the Northern Prince's family may be interested in marrying Shu Zhengde as his second wife."

General Shu is one of the most likely individuals among the various families in the capital region to achieve Nascent Soul status within the past century, so this news is unlikely to be unfounded. Furthermore, this Princess Lanxin has always been domineering, which is why Shu Yuanjiang is involved.”

"No wonder the Shu family's Golden Core cultivator didn't even show a hint of pain on his face. It seems the Shu family of Zuojiang is quite willing to spend money to form a marriage alliance with the royal family! But why is the Kuang family so domineering? Even if it's a princess getting married, they can't even tolerate a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator?"

He didn't voice his inner thoughts, but Headmaster Kang comforted Fei Shuhe with kind words, suppressing her sadness at the loss of her comrade.

Did he know that in recent years, Fei Shuhe had not only wanted to find a direct descendant of the Han family for Kang Changxi to marry, but had also considered marrying a woman from a close branch of the imperial clan?

In retrospect, it's fortunate that the trip didn't happen; otherwise, who knows how much trouble would have ensued after the Kuang family entered the house!

As the couple were reminiscing, another guest arrived at their door.

"Greetings, Elder Dongwen!" This elder was also an old acquaintance of Headmaster Kang. The first time the latter had ever met a Golden Core cultivator in person was when he participated in the Sheshan Hall competition in Yunjiao Prefecture, where he won first place and received an award personally from Fei Dongwen.

The elder of the Fei family spoke a few words to Fei Shuhe with a kind smile, after which the latter obediently found an excuse to leave the courtyard, making way for her husband. Headmaster Kang invited Fei Dongwen into the Shuyu Pavilion. After the two sat down as host and guest in the quiet room, before Kang Dabao could even serve tea to Fei Dongwen, he heard Fei Dongwen jokingly say:
"May I ask if the person sitting opposite me is Kang Dabao, the husband of Fei Shuhe, the legitimate daughter of Sheshan Hall, who is personally appointed by the Marquis of Yunjiao Prefecture, the Commander of Pingrong and concurrently in charge of Jin County?"

"Ha, Elder Zong is joking," Headmaster Kang feigned alarm and brought out his best tea to entertain the guests. Fei Dongwen, however, was not interested in the fragrant tea, but instead handed a five-colored spiritual object to the former.

"It took a lot of effort to get this Five Spirits Ice Sunflower into your hands."

Fei Dongwen's words were somewhat obscure, but Kang Dabao was able to understand them after a little thought.

Although Ancestor Ye Sui can still make decisions on all major matters in the Fei family of Yingzhou with a single word, the other cultivators can always offer their opinions on the whereabouts of spiritual objects like the Five Spirit Ice Sunflower, which are considered treasures of the Fei family.

In the thousands of years of history of the Fei family in Yingzhou, only the Fei family woman who entered the Xuanqiong Palace and became the mother of the nation ever took away a Five Spirit Ice Sunflower.

Apart from that, no outsider has ever obtained the Five Spirit Ice Sunflower.

Therefore, even though the prize for first place in the Ice Sunflower Festival had already been decided, many Golden Core cultivators still had their eyes on it. You must know that there is never such a thing as "absolute" in this world.

The Fei family cultivators weren't asking Headmaster Kang to do manual labor for nothing; they simply wanted to replace him with other spiritual items. Kang Dabao was, after all, the Fei family's son-in-law, and the cultivators, mindful of their reputation, wouldn't allow a junior to suffer a loss.

However, whether out of consideration for appearances or genuine admiration for Headmaster Kang, Patriarch Ye Ling overruled all objections and had Fei Dongwen deliver this superior spiritual item to Kang Dabao.

"I will always remember the kindness of Elder Ye Yi and never forget it."

Seeing that Sect Leader Kang was so understanding, Fei Dongwen was quite satisfied. However, after gifting the spiritual item, he still had important business to attend to. He took out an antique-looking jade slip and said gently, "Take a look."

The sect leader, Kang, respectfully accepted the document, and after examining it with his divine sense, a look of surprise appeared on his face: "The Yin-Yang Transformation Ascension Strategy?"

"This is a superior method of condensing cores, which I was able to obtain after my direct descendant of the Fei family in Yingzhou made great contributions and reported it to the Elders' Council. Only cultivators above the Ice Leaf Dao Foundation level can study it. Most of the seventeen Golden Core cultivators in my Fei family since Ancestor Ye Sui have condensed their cores by studying this method."

At this point, Fei Dongwen's expression suddenly became more serious, and he then warned, "Now that I have passed this on to you, you must also swear a solemn oath to your heart that you shall not pass it on to anyone else without permission, otherwise..."

"The boy certainly wouldn't."

"Once you've made the vow, there's no need for further promises. Just remember it." Fei Dongwen's face softened, and he said gently, "The old ancestor's high regard for you is evident. Don't let him down."

"Yes!"

Fei Yeyi's magnanimous gesture was so impressive that it was difficult for anyone to criticize it, and even the sect leader Kang felt a sense of gratitude.

Even the "Yin-Yang Transformation Ascension Strategy" gifted by the Fei family could hardly compare to the "Northern Night Palace Tai Su Ning Zhen Technique," which is also a method of condensing elixir. However, Kang Dabao should remember the kindness shown by Ancestor Ye Yi.

However, Fei Dongwen was not in a hurry to leave. Seeing that Master Kang's actions and expression were quite satisfactory, he took out more than a dozen exquisite manuscripts and said in his usual gentle voice:
"The Ancestor heard that when you were in the south of the mountain, you tried to form your elixir with the help of yellow dragon wood, but you did not succeed. So I recently selected these stories of our ancestors forming their elixir from the Fei family's collection for you to study."

The ancestor also told me to tell you not to carry too much burden. Although the Fei family of Yingzhou cannot compare to prestigious clans, they still possess some Core Formation spirit treasures and are not stingy.

Fei Dongwen had already conveyed the message to this extent, so Sect Leader Kang had nothing to say. He simply bowed deeply again and said, "Thank you, Elder Zong. Please convey my gratitude to the Ancestor!"

After receiving another round of thanks from Kang Dabao, Fei Dongwen was about to get up. Before leaving, he gave Fei Dongwen some words of encouragement:
"Our ancestor's judgment has never been wrong. What I said just now was not merely to reassure you. There is no reason why you should fail this time. Do not become cowardly because of one near-failure. You must know that only by forging ahead can you attain the Great Dao!"

Just as Master Kang was about to bow again, Fei Dongwen took out another item, which was also an antique.

"This is what my ancestor recorded when the Southern King visited my home and was expounding the Dao to me. It describes a wonderful method for obtaining a superior golden elixir. Just take a look and study it for amusement; it is too dangerous, so don't try it."

Kang Dabao accepted it respectfully as usual, and upon closer inspection, exclaimed, "Nine Tribulations Seed of the Dao?!"

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

After Fei Dongwen left, Sect Leader Kang, without even taking a moment to go out and give Fei Shuhe any instructions, immediately opened the restriction and went into his secluded cultivation room.

Fei Dongwen did not stay long this time, but he gave a lot of gifts.

Kang Dabao carefully read through "The Yin-Yang Transformation Ascend to Truth" and found that, as he had expected, it was far inferior to "The Northern Night Palace's Tai Su Condensing Truth Technique," but it was still several levels better than the alchemy method given to him by Fei Nanying. It was not something that could be compared to ordinary goods, and there were many points that the Grand Master Kang could study.

As for the Core Formation notes brought by Fei Dongwen, they contained both successes and failures. They not only contained the insights of Fei's ancestors, but also many annotations from later generations.

Even the headmaster of the Kang family felt that he could witness the debates on the classics among generations of the Fei family members on this narrow notebook.

The more the truth is debated, the clearer it becomes. Compared to those straightforward classics on Core Formation, these Core Formation notes, which are the result of generations of hard work and dedication, are more likely to rouse one's mind to clarity.

After spending an unknown amount of time studying it, Master Kang felt that many of the unclear points in the "Northern Night Palace Tai Su Ning Zhen Jue" had now become clear, and he had indeed gained a lot.

Now it was time for the "Nine Tribulations Seed of the Path," which Fei Dongwen had described as a " pastime." However, after only a cursory glance, Sect Leader Kang was already somewhat shocked: "This—"

————Baodan Terrace
Fei Tianqin rarely complained to Fei Yeyi: "It's one thing to send the 'Yin Yang Yao Bian Deng Zhen Ce' and some Core Formation notes, but you even had Dongwen send the 'Nine Tribulations Seed Dao' over. Aren't you afraid of being questioned by the Southern King?"

“Brother, why are you upset? When the King of the South came to our house to preach, he allowed my children to study this method. A son-in-law is like half a son, so why can’t it be done?”

"The Nine Tribulations Cultivation Method requires nine cycles of pill formation and nine cycles of pill shattering, relying on the extracted essence of the golden pill to refine a high-grade golden pill. Such perilous methods—how could that brat dare to attempt it?!"

“Since you are so certain he wouldn’t dare, why are you worried?!” Fei Yeyi’s smile deepened, and without waiting for Fei Tianqin’s reply, he spoke again:
"I simply felt that this boy was somewhat different, so I gave him some letters to broaden his horizons. This method is dangerous. Even I dare not be sure whether the Duke of Qin used this method to condense a high-grade golden elixir. Young Kang would not dare to try it."

Upon hearing this, Fei Tianqin stopped arguing and changed his expression, saying, "I wonder what the quality of this kid's pills is?"

Fei Yeyi then smiled and said, "In my opinion, she is no less than Nan Ying. If she can reach the middle grade, it will be enough to help my Fei family."

“You think highly of him,” Fei Tianqin’s gaze suddenly sharpened. “If that’s the case, then, brother, you…”

"Brother, take another look, take another look."

—In Shuyu Pavilion

Ripples spread across the center of the surging golden liquid in the sea of ​​qi. Kang Dabao's jaw was soaked with blood foam, and his silver teeth were almost crushed. The pill that had been condensed for the eighth time was emitting a fine, crisp sound.

The usually cautious and meticulous Sect Leader Kang inexplicably chose the perilous method of "Nine Tribulations Seed of the Dao".

He bit his tongue to force out clarity, letting the rampant true qi tear cracks in his meridians—whenever spiderweb patterns appeared on his plain white robe, a wisp of crimson-gold light would emerge from its cocoon.

"Break again!"

"Success!"

Another batch of Golden Elixir Essence was collected by Jade Leaf Dao Foundation. The immense pain caused Kang Dabao to almost faint several times. It was only thanks to the Jade Leaf Dao Foundation, who never exerted any effort, that the Great Dao Radiance emanated from him, healing his injuries.

The sect leader Kang has already formed his Golden Core eight times, and the ninth formation of the Golden Core is a natural progression.

But at this point, something different began to emerge.

A golden elixir the size of a thumb floated on a jade lotus platform, its surface blooming with star-like patterns resembling frost flowers, seemingly on the verge of collapse. If it were to stop here, it would attain the future of a mid-grade golden elixir, enough to greatly satisfy the Daoist disciple of a major sect.

However, at this moment, Kang Dabao suddenly opened his eyes, and you could see that his golden eyes were full of fervent light.

"If we give up now, what did all that hard work amount to?! In the end, we all just have this worthless life. If we don't try to pull ourselves together, when will we ever escape this life of a straw dog?!"

"Smash it for me, Daoist!!"

After a deafening roar that only he could hear, dust and debris scattered like a galaxy pouring down, and countless golden rays fell into the sea of ​​qi, instantly blooming into nine layers of lotus shadows.

This time, the elixir embryo was no longer perfectly round like an egg, but instead grew with fine, angular features. The tenth reassembled elixir core resembled a budding black iron, but the moment it touched the clear light of the spiritual platform, it blossomed into a nine-petaled jade stamen.

A low, thunderous roar rolled from Kang Dabao's throat, every vein gushing with the sound of shattering glass, yet within this pain he glimpsed the most profound secrets of heaven—each collapse was a process of eliminating impurities, and every crack was a place where Dao patterns were engraved.

However, there are great dangers involved. This time, the condensation of the core is not like before, and it is difficult to achieve it in one go.

At the critical moment, it was the Jade Leaf Dao Foundation in the dantian that exerted its power. After spraying out the essence of the nine golden pills, it also transformed into a jade dew, merging with the essence of the golden pills and covering the precarious pill body.

After an unknown amount of time, the Star Pattern Golden Core gradually solidified. The originally violent true qi suddenly thawed like a spring, and the solidified core shone with a translucent amber luster, with the phantom of nine Yin-Yang fish biting each other floating inside.

Sect Leader Kang barely managed to stabilize his body, which was on the verge of being shattered by this powerful spiritual energy. He spared a sliver of energy to focus on his dantian and, with all his might, let out a soft cry:
"This...this is a high-grade Golden Elixir?!"

(Sorry, I finished writing it at midnight, but I'm still not satisfied with it after many revisions. This version might not be very good either. I didn't have time to tell everyone who's been following the updates, I'm really sorry.)
(End of this chapter)