Mortal: Starting with the Falling Cloud Sect, I proved my Dao through gacha pulls.

The extraordinary phenomenon of Core Formation shot into the sky, immediately alarming many cultivators in nearby caves, who all rushed out into the air. When everyone realized which cave the phenomenon originated from, their faces showed astonishment.

Su Mu's heart stirred slightly. He quietly activated the Dream Ring, suppressing his cultivation aura back to the early stage of Core Formation. He then transformed into a pale light and landed not far from Han Li's cave, pretending to watch with great interest.

Several cultivators nearby quickly noticed him, their faces lit up with surprise, and they all gathered around him.

"So it's Master Xiao! Fellow Daoist has finally emerged from seclusion. How about we move to my cave for a drink?"

"Fellow Daoist Xiao has been in seclusion for so many years, you must have refined some rare and precious pills by now?"

"Fellow Daoist Xiao, I have a batch of pills here. Would you be so kind as to lend me your assistance?"

Su Mu smiled and politely greeted everyone, casually accepting several alchemy commissions. Just then, a golden streak of light shot through the air at incredible speed.

As the light dissipated, Jin Qing's figure appeared on the spot, his tone filled with joy.

"I never expected Fellow Daoist Xiao to actually leave seclusion! I specially searched for two boxes of fine tea for you these past few years, but it's a pity that Old Hu is still in seclusion, otherwise the three of us could have a get-together."

Just as Su Mu was about to respond, he saw the Core Formation phenomenon in the sky gradually recede and dissipate. Judging from this, it was clear that the Core Formation had been successfully completed.

"It seems that we have gained another comrade-in-arms today."

Upon seeing this, a Core Formation cultivator in the arena couldn't help but sigh.

The other cultivators also had their own thoughts and plans, clearly hoping to take this opportunity to befriend this newly promoted Core Formation cultivator.

"I didn't expect Fellow Daoist Xiao to be right. This fellow Daoist has actually succeeded in forming his core. I'm truly impressed. His skill in formations is not bad, but I wonder what his temperament is like. I'd like to go up and get to know him."

Jin Qing flashed to Su Mu's side, gazing in the direction of Han Li's cave, his eyes filled with amazement.

Su Mu chuckled and waved his hand.

"I was just saying it casually at the time, so please don't take it seriously. However, this fellow Daoist has just formed his core, and he must be calming down to stabilize his cultivation. It would be more appropriate for us to visit him another day."

As soon as he finished speaking, he flicked his finger, and a sound transmission talisman slowly floated to the outside of Han Li's cave.

He then turned to look at Jin Qing and said gently:

"Brother Jin, why don't you come back to my cave with me for a chat? What interesting things have happened in the Chaotic Star Sea these past few years? Please tell me in detail."

"Fellow Daoist Xiao, you're too kind. Of course, it's no problem!"

Jin Qing readily agreed and left a communication talisman outside the cave. Then, he and Su Mu transformed into a beam of light and returned to Su Mu's cave.

......

Three days later, inside Han Li's cave.

The door to the secret chamber, which had been closed for decades, slowly opened, and a slightly disheveled figure emerged from it.

This person looked to be only in his early twenties. He was tall and upright, with a bright and cheerful demeanor. His eyes were filled with a restrained brilliance, but his appearance was ordinary and he would be easily overlooked in a crowd.

It was none other than Han Li, who had truly embarked on the path to Core Formation.

At this moment, his hair was disheveled and his clothes were unkempt. He looked around the cave and stared blankly at his own hands. Finally, unable to suppress the excitement in his heart, he looked up at the sky and laughed loudly.

"Haha, I've formed my core! I, a mere pseudo-spiritual root cultivator, have actually formed my core!"

After laughing wildly for a long time, he slowly suppressed the excitement in his heart, casually cast several purification spells, and instantly his body became spotless, returning to his usual low-key appearance.

He first went to the insect chamber to check on the condition of the spirit insects, and then went to the courtyard to collect and examine the dozens of communication talismans of different colors outside the cave.

Having successfully formed his core, Han Li originally intended to interact with the nearby cultivators, but after checking around, he found that most of the communication talismans were meaningless, so he only politely replied to a few people.

However, the owner of one particular communication talisman caught his attention, and many of the talismans mentioned this person in unison.

Han Li opened his palm, and a communication talisman engraved with crimson flame patterns floated quietly. At the center of the talisman, there was also a hidden character "Xiao".

"A master alchemist..."

A glint of light flashed in his eyes; he had already made up his mind.

At this moment, Su Mu was in the cave within the world ring, carefully tending to this little world that belonged to him.

He first entered the valley and harvested all the ripe spiritual fruits, then slowly walked towards the Dragon Tooth Rice field.

Nourished by the divine spring water over the years, and continuously infused with the essence of thunder, the original hundred or so Dragon Tooth Rice seeds have now all grown into Dragon Tooth Rice trees that are seven zhang tall, with their branches laden with fruit.

Each grain of Dragon Tooth Rice is nearly three feet long, its entire body is as smooth and lustrous as jade, shimmering with a faint dragon-like luster, and exuding a rich and pure essence.

They were still a few inches away from being fully ripe. Su Mu looked at the bountiful harvest before him and nodded in satisfaction.

Then, he turned around and went to the Insect Valley, which was specially opened up for spirit pets.

Tens of thousands of ghost moths were fluttering in the valley, their wings adorned with five ghost faces, reflecting an eerie and mesmerizing light.

Su Mu casually summoned a few insects, gently teased them in his palm for a moment, and then stepped into the cave deep within the Insect Valley.

More than a thousand Netherworld Dust Insects were lying on the cave walls, looking lazy and carefree.

Upon noticing Su Mu's arrival, they merely lazily circled him once as a sign of affection before crawling back to their original spots to rest.

Upon seeing this, Su Mu couldn't help but chuckle and shake his head.

"You guys certainly know how to enjoy your leisure time. It seems I'll have to find some time to take you out for some training. There are plenty of monsters in the outer sea that are ready to be devoured."

As soon as he finished speaking, the little dog that had been quietly curled up in his arms suddenly let out a soft howl, its eyes filled with excitement.

"You should stay put for now. After two more evolutions, it will be your turn to contribute."

Su Mu gently rubbed its head, soothing it in a soft voice.

Just then, Su Mu's heart stirred slightly, and with a sway of his body, he withdrew from the cave world and returned to his cave dwelling in the outside world.

The clone was holding a jade-green communication talisman, waiting quietly to the side. Su Mu reached out and took it, probing it with his divine sense, and instantly understood its contents.

"I'll have to meet Er Lengzi eventually... Oh, and I should invite Jin Qing too."

After a moment's thought, he casually took out a Crimson Essence Pill and placed it in the jade box as a gift for his visit, and also took the opportunity to try and lure Han Li into a trap.

The next day, outside Han Li's cave.

As soon as Han Li stepped out of the cave, he saw two figures already standing in front of the door chatting, their eyes occasionally sweeping over the array he had set up. A thought suddenly struck him.

The middle-aged cultivator among them, dressed in a yellow robe, with slender eyebrows and eyes, and a gentle and refined demeanor, was likely Jin Qing, who had many friends.

The other person was extremely young, dressed in a white robe, with a calm and reserved demeanor and outstanding handsome appearance. He must be the famous alchemist Xiao Yan.

"I am deeply sorry for not welcoming you properly, fellow Daoists. Please come inside for a chat. I apologize for my neglect."

Han Li quickly bowed to the two of them.