Cultivating Immortality Begins with Rejuvenation.

Chapter 327 Condensing the Demon Core
In the cultivation world of the Great Swamp in the post-ancient era, not only is it difficult for humans to cultivate, but demon beasts can only rely on their fate.

In the wilderness, the key to a monster's advancement to the third rank lies in two things: bloodline and opportunity. Without a superior bloodline or great fortune to obtain rare and precious materials, it is almost impossible to advance to the third rank.

The situation is even worse for spirit beasts raised and domesticated by humans.

Not only do they lack wild experience, but they also lack temperament, and most human owners are unwilling to give precious natural treasures to spirit beasts.

Therefore, in the surrounding areas of the Wanshang Domain, the number of spirit beasts that have truly condensed a complete demon core is no more than a handful.

Most of the so-called third-tier demon beasts actually have incomplete demon cores, much like human cultivators who, when forming their cores, produce impure or incomplete ones.

Bai Cailing's expectation for the spirit crane is that it will successfully condense its core, even if it's a fake core.

After all, he had already failed to break through to the demon core once, which had affected his origin.

I would be content if I could advance to the third rank and accompany them for another hundred years.

On the other hand, Li Ji'an's Zhu Ha not only possessed the Jade Blood Pill, but also the Core Formation Method that her spirit crane relied on this time, as well as the 60% of her bloodline refined by the blood pool she had cleansed for five days.

It's almost certain that the demon core will condense into a demon core, and there's even hope for the quality of that demon core.

"If it were to acquire a true Tier 3 demonic spirit pet, coupled with its abundant and pure magical power... it would be no less capable than the immortal seedlings cultivated by the major giants of the Nine Cauldrons Chamber of Commerce!"

In an instant, Bai Cailing looked at Li Ji'an's back and became solemn.

"Cailing, I've brought a precious spiritual plant for your Xiaoqi, wishing her success in condensing her core this time." Just then, a young gentleman gracefully arrived from outside the door.

"Young Master Tong, it is an honor to have you here. I am so sorry for not greeting you sooner." The old steward of the Liehu Chamber of Commerce immediately bowed to the visitor.

Bai Cailing frowned slightly.

Tong Liang is a junior member of the current ruling faction of the Jiuding Chamber of Commerce and a rising star that the Jiuding Chamber of Commerce is focusing on cultivating. He is guaranteed to be among the top five in this year's Flying Goose Forum.

With a heavenly-grade spiritual root, the cultivation technique he practices is said to rival ancient immortal scriptures. His magical power is pure and profound, making him almost invincible.

At the same time, it seems that he has mastered a mysterious dual cultivation technique of the Tong family, and the dual cultivation enhancement is terrifying.

Therefore, he sought out beauties from all over the world, looking for partners for dual cultivation.

It is said that in just a few decades, he has already cultivated with 30% of the top 100 beauties on the Fairy Ranking of the Heavenly Azure Domain.

However, their dual cultivation technique seems to be somewhat unique. The effect of dual cultivation with the same fairy will decrease, but there is a reverse restriction for female cultivators.

It seems that any fairy who has cultivated with him finds it difficult to feel anything for other male cultivators.

Therefore, Bai Cailing always avoided him like the plague.

In order to make him give up, he deliberately expressed his goodwill towards Wu Chengzhi of the Jinhua Chamber of Commerce in public.

However, after the rumors about the fat monk spread, Tong Liang came knocking again, like a stubborn leech that he couldn't shake off.

"Thank you, Young Master Tong, but it's no need." Bai Cailing suppressed her complex emotions towards Li Ji'an and responded coldly once again.

Tong Liang flipped his folding fan: "Hey, Fairy Bai, don't jump to conclusions."

After speaking, he took out a brightly colored plant root from his storage bag.

"This is the Five Elements Fern Root!"

"Five Elements Fern Root? A rare treasure from wild demon beasts breaking through to their demon cores?" Bai Cailing and the old steward were both shocked.

“That’s right. Our demon-hunting team found this in the nest of a peak second-tier Ghost-Faced Eagle when they killed it,” Tong Liang said confidently.

Bai Cailing's face lit up with joy upon hearing this.

Wild monsters need rare and precious materials to form their demon cores, and the Five Elements Fern Root is one of them. It greatly helps wild monsters condense their demon cores, but this material is most sensitive to human presence and is hard to find except in deep mountains and dense forests.

Another possibility is that the spirit beasts raised and bred by humans have too much contact with humans, or that the spirit beasts have lost their wild nature as wild monsters. Someone once went through great lengths to find the roots of the Five Elements Fern to try to help the spirit beasts condense their demon cores, but the result was that it did not help the spirit beasts condense their demon cores as much as wild monsters.

However, it will definitely be helpful.

However, because the difficulty of obtaining Five Elements Fern Roots is not worth the benefits, few people specifically seek out Five Elements Fern Roots.

Given that the Seven-Colored Spirit Crane already possesses the method for condensing elixir, the addition of this item would undoubtedly be a great help.

"I want this Five Elements Fern root, Young Master Tong, name your price!" Bai Cailing hesitated for a moment, but for the sake of the spirit crane, she couldn't refuse.

"Hehe, Fairy Bai, you're being too polite. What business do we need to discuss between us?" Tong Liang laughed heartily, displaying great magnanimity.

Bai Cailing frowned. Of course, she understood the other party's intention. If she hadn't been worried that the spirit crane wouldn't be able to condense a demon core, even a fake core wasn't that safe, she would have refused without hesitation.

only……

"Please do not worry, Fairy Bai. This Five Elements Fern Root is merely a gift from me to express my gratitude for the deep affection between Fairy Bai and Xiao Qi, a human and a demon. I will not ask anything of you, Fairy Bai." Seeing Bai Cailing's hesitation, Tong Liang said with a smile.

"Really?" A sliver of hope rose in Bai Cailing's heart.

Tong Liang immediately produced a spiritual contract: "If Fairy Bai does not believe me, I will immediately establish a spiritual contract."

"No need, no need, then... I'll thank you on behalf of Xiao Qi." Knowing that the other party was just pretending, Bai Cailing still couldn't refuse.

"Alright, alright, may I accompany Fairy Bai to observe Xiao Qi's breakthrough to the Demon Core?" Tong Liang politely requested after handing the Five Elements Fern Root to Bai Cailing.

Bai Cailing had no reason to refuse, but she turned to look at the old butler.

After all, she came here to use the third-tier monster cave of the Fierce Tiger Merchant Guild to make her breakthrough.

Those within the business alliance were well aware of the open and covert struggles between the Liehu Chamber of Commerce and the Jiuding Chamber of Commerce.

"Hehe, our Liehu Merchant Guild's third-tier demon beast cave is open to the public. Young Master Tong is naturally welcome to observe. However, besides Miss Bai's spirit pet attempting to break through to the demon core, another fellow Daoist's spirit pet is also attempting to break through to the demon core."

"Young Master Tong must swear a blood oath not to reveal anything about that fellow Daoist," the old steward explained with a chuckle.

“Of course, since we’ve come to your esteemed association, we will naturally comply with your requirements.” Tong Liang nodded politely.

Without further ado, he swore a blood oath and followed Bai Cailing into the high-level monster cave in the back mountain.

The Fierce Tiger Merchant Guild has many businesses in Tiger Roar Immortal City, including many monster caves. However, the three most prestigious ones are located in the back mountain of their guild.

Before long, the three arrived at the high-level cave area on the back mountain.

From afar, one could see the Grand Elder of the Fierce Tiger Merchant Guild discussing something with a fat cultivator.

“That is…” Tong Liang’s eyes narrowed instantly when he saw Li Ji’an, and he looked at Bai Cailing tentatively.

Bai Cailing's expression also darkened instantly: "That's right, that's the person who's been the subject of these rumors."

"His spirit pet also attempted to break through to the third rank today?" Tong Liang asked thoughtfully.

Without waiting for Bai Cailing's response, he suddenly paused: "Could it be that he was the one who used that Jade Blood Pill?"

The Grand Elder of the Fierce Tiger Merchant Guild, a mid-stage Core Formation cultivator, usually resides at the guild headquarters and rarely appears, much less for the sake of a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator's Core Formation spirit pet.

But the conversation between the elder and the fat monk at this moment was clearly unusual.

"Young Master Tong, this is also a matter of privacy," the old butler promptly reminded him.

Tong Liang's expression froze for a moment, then he smiled and nodded: "Don't worry, I have already sworn a blood oath, so naturally I will not treat my cultivation path and life safety as a joke."

The old butler nodded.

Tong Liang's attention was completely drawn to Li Ji'an.

The previous information indicated that Wu Yehua had won the bid for the Jade Blood Pill.

At this moment, it is quite reasonable to use the fat cultivator as a potential immortal seedling discovered by Wu Yehua.

As the three of them approached, the Grand Elder ended his conversation with Li Ji'an and vanished without a trace.

After glancing at them, Li Ji'an decisively entered the rightmost monster cave.

Bai Cailing withdrew her gaze, trying her best to remain calm and focusing all her attention on her Spirit Crane Impact.

Then he walked to the cave in the middle and released the seven-colored crane.

"Xiao Qi, this Five Elements Fern root should be able to provide further assistance. This time, we can only succeed and cannot fail."

"Screech~" The crane responded with a long cry to the sky.

Then, he put the Five Elements Fern Root in his mouth and entered the cave in front of him with practiced ease.

It had last attempted to break through to the third tier here, so it was very familiar with the place and didn't need its owner to take it in again.

"Miss Bai, Young Master Tong, remember the rules: do not disturb others' spirit pets during their Core Formation." The old steward gave a word of advice before turning and leaving.

A moment later, the spirit crane was fully prepared, and the cave's supporting enhancement arrays were activated.

With a flash of light, an extremely strong bloodthirsty aura erupted within, and the five elements of spiritual energy surged and became even more chaotic.

At the same time, a crane's cry rang out, a vow to its master. It began its attempt to break through to the third tier!
"Miss Bai, rest assured, with the Five Elements Fern Roots to help, Xiao Qi will definitely succeed." Tong Liang saw Bai Cailing's anxiety and comforted her.

"Huh~" However, the next moment, the third-tier cave next door also flashed with light, and all the formations were activated.

"He actually accompanied his spirit pet to form its core in his cave?" Tong Liang looked at Guagua's cave in surprise.

When a spirit beast breaks through to the third tier, its internal environment exerts immense pressure on human cultivators. They must protect themselves with their magical power to ensure their safety; otherwise, they risk being severely injured by the bloodlust and violent spiritual energy.

Therefore, cultivators generally do not stay in their caves with their spirit pets.

"Hmph! I don't know whether to live or die!"

Bai Cailing was equally dumbfounded, finding Li Ji'an even more unfathomable.

"Is it so considerate towards its spirit pets?"

At the same time, Li Ji sat quietly inside the cave of a third-tier demon beast, his azure magical power solidifying around him.

He nodded to Guagua: "I will do my best. With me here, you can be sure of your safety."

"Quack~" Quack nodded, its eyes resolute.

The process of a demon beast forming its demon core differs from that of a human cultivator forming their own.

The root cause lies in the fact that when a demon beast condenses its demon core at the second stage, it does not store liquid mana in its dantian like a human cultivator.

Since demonic beasts do not have a dantian (energy center), their demonic cores have already solidified.

To condense a demon core, one must first shatter the demon core, then extract the essence of the bloodline, fuse the essence of the demon core with blood and evil, and finally gather it into a demon core under powerful spiritual pressure. The principle is that it involves shattering the demon core one more step than the human cultivator's method of condensing a demon core with magic liquid, which increases the difficulty and danger.

Fifty percent of the demon beasts failed to condense their demon cores due to the shattering of their demon cores, resulting in damage to their bloodlines, shattered demon cores, and a fall from the ranks of first-tier demon beasts, with no possibility of regeneration.

The other 30% failed at the stage of condensing the core after fusing the essence of the demon core with the essence of the bloodline. The demon core was shattered and the demon core was not formed. In the end, the lucky ones barely managed to condense the demon core again, but were trapped at the second level for life. The unlucky ones had their spiritual pressure explode on the spot and died instantly.

Bai Cailing's spirit crane failed to break through back then, which falls into this category. Fortunately, it reunited with the demon core.

Seeing that Guagua had already begun to silently operate the method of condensing the demon core, Li Ji'an nodded secretly. With the help of the method, at least it was not like ordinary demon beasts that forcibly shattered the demon core according to their instincts. It was relatively safer and more reliable.

At the same time, he quietly activated a mid-stage third-tier shielding talisman.

Although the violent five elements spiritual energy and dense blood energy within the third-tier demon beast cave could basically ensure that the divine sense of those below the late stage of Core Formation would have difficulty penetrating it, he still added an extra layer of protection just to be on the safe side.

Just now, the Grand Elder of the Fierce Tiger Merchant Guild personally handed him the Jade Blood Pill, and watched Guagua take it, recording the whole process with a recording bead.

This is its commitment to Sacred Beast Mountain.

Furthermore, the Grand Elder also reached another deal with Li Ji'an, exchanging a sum of spiritual resources for the effectiveness of the Azure Blood Pill in Guagua's attack on the demon core.

A moment later, the mid-stage third-order restriction talisman completely enveloped the area. Only then did Li Ji'an slowly withdraw his magic power, relying entirely on his second-order body tempering physique to directly face the violent five elements spiritual energy and blood demon impact.

This also had a tempering effect on his physique, but more importantly, he was worried that the fluctuations in his magical power would affect the environment in which Guagua was impacted.

Over the next few days, Guagua followed the steps of the Core Formation method, smoothly circulating its Qi and blood, absorbing blood evil, adapting to spiritual pressure, and stabilizing its mind, until three days later, when its overall condition reached its peak.

The next step is to devour a massive amount of violent blood energy to impact the demon core, shattering it with overwhelming power.

This step mainly depends on the physical strength of the spirit beast, as well as the concentration and ferocity of the blood and evil energy in the environment.

If the blood essence is insufficient, the demon core will be difficult to shatter.

If the core is not crushed sufficiently, the essence of the demon core cannot be fully extracted, which leads to the failure of subsequent pill condensation and all efforts being wasted.

Therefore, this step is crucial.

"Boom~"

"here we go!"

Bai Cailing and Tong Liang, who were outside the cave, suddenly sensed that the bloodthirsty energy inside the Linghe Cave had become even more violent.

It became clear that they had already taken the first step in shattering the demon core.

Bai Cailing clenched her fists and subconsciously pursed her lips. The reason why Linghe failed to condense the core when it tried to break through to the third level was that the demon core was not completely broken in this step, resulting in insufficient essence extracted.

This cave dwelling was teeming with blood and evil energy, and its spiritual energy of the five elements was also extremely violent. Its failure was mainly due to its reluctance to break through its limits.

It dared not absorb any more blood essence before it had absorbed enough to crush the demon core, resulting in the demon core not being completely crushed.

Besides the fact that the crane's physique was not strong enough, it also stemmed from a lack of wildness in its nature.

Wild monsters at this stage often lack a particularly abundant environment of blood and evil, but they do their utmost to absorb the raging blood and evil.

"With the guidance of the method to condense the demon core this time, Xiao Qi should no longer be afraid!" Bai Cailing secretly comforted herself.

Boom~
The next moment, the same noise came from the neighboring cave.

Bai Cailing had anticipated this, since it was the same method for condensing demon cores, so the progress would inevitably be the same.

Tong Liang sensed the violent blood energy emanating from above the Guagua Cave. Looking up, a smile appeared on his lips: "With such violent blood energy, I wonder how long it can last?"

Bai Cailing didn't respond. She had fought with Li Ji'an before and knew how strong his stamina was.

Five days later, as the raging blood energy within the two caves gradually subsided, it meant that both demonic beasts had absorbed enough blood energy and were about to proceed with the crucial step of breaking their demonic cores.

A hint of delight flickered in Bai Cailing's eyes. This time, the extent to which the spirit crane absorbed the blood essence was comparable to that of the neighboring creature, which meant that it should have enough energy to shatter the demon core, so that the demon core would not be completely shattered like the first time.

This judgment wasn't based on her ability to sense how much blood essence the crane had absorbed, but entirely on the comparison with the vermilion toad beside it.

In her mind, the vermilion toad might break the record this time, and if the crane could achieve half of that, it would be a success.

As expected, as the bloodlust subsided, the violent five elements of spiritual energy surged once again.

"Crack!"

Two crisp, shattering sounds came from the two cave dwellings.

"It's done!" Bai Cailing exclaimed with joy.

Because after the demon core shattered, the spiritual pressure above the Spirit Crane Cave suddenly changed and stabilized at a fairly high level.

The spiritual pressure level after the demon core is shattered reflects the extent of the shattering.

The spiritual pressure this time was twice as high as the first time.

The comparison shows that the broken demon core of the spirit crane this time has reached at least the particle level, which is more than twice the size of the blocky core of the first time.

With the demon core shattered to such an extent, it is almost guaranteed that enough essence can be extracted to condense a demon core. Regardless of the quality, it can at least guarantee the formation of a core.

At the same time, she looked up at the sky above the Guagua Cave.

The moment the demon core shattered, the spiritual pressure emanating from the Guagua Cave was similar to that of her spirit crane, at most slightly stronger.

"Very good!" Bai Cailing was even more delighted.

Unexpectedly, his spirit crane was no less powerful than that toad!

"Huh~ what's going on? The spiritual pressure over there..."

However, the next moment, Bai Cailing's expression suddenly changed.

The spiritual pressure above the Guagua Cave was originally the same as that of his own spirit crane, remaining stable, which meant that the demon core had been successfully shattered and the next step of refining the essence could begin.

However, at this moment, they suddenly discovered that the spiritual pressure above the Guagua Cave had suddenly dropped.

"Haha, Fairy Bai, that fellow Daoist's spirit beast didn't even take the first step! It's simply laughable!" Tong Liang burst into laughter upon seeing this.

"impossible!"

"How is this possible? It clearly succeeded in shattering the demon core..."

"Nothing is impossible, Fairy Bai. Spirit beasts are just like us cultivators. Talent, background, resources, and temperament are all indispensable. Facts have proved that your spirit crane is far superior!" Tong Liang flattered her naturally.

Bai Cailing frowned, recalling Guagua's behavior in the blood pool: "Absolutely impossible!"

"Hmm?" Tong Liang looked at Bai Cailing with some disbelief, noticing that she seemed to have a lot of confidence in the other party's spirit pet, even more so than in his own spirit crane.

"boom!"

Just as the two were wondering what was going on, another roar rang out.

Just as the spiritual pressure above the Guagua Cave receded, the bloodthirsty aura erupted once more.

"This is……"

"How is this possible? Could it be... that it's going to shatter the demon core again?"

(End of this chapter)