Longevity through Upgrading Buildings Chapter 760 - 320: Fake Pill Realm; Level 3 [Beehive]

"Young Master, we've received intel regarding Qiu Qianhai's movements across many regions in Shang Dong."

The bald man, on one knee, delivered his report:

"Initially spotted south of the Water Dragon Sect, then sightings east and south of Coastal City. His trail indicates he's continuing southward, likely operating near the Joy Palace vicinity."

"This Qiu Qianhai is quite the character. His reputation has spread far and wide in Shuinan. While few have laid eyes on him, his name is widely known."

"Heh heh."

Jiang Hong casually stroked his right thigh with his hand. "If his power were truly insignificant, why would he be worthy of facing me?"

"Have you determined his current cultivation level?"

The bald man responded, "Based on available information, even cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage are no match for him. However, there's no concrete intelligence of him defeating Core Formation experts. Therefore, I deduce his cultivation realm is likely the Fake Pill stage."

"Oh? Fake Pill, you say?"

Jiang Hong slowly rose, pacing deliberately before his seat. "Fake Pill is excellent. If he's a Fake Pill cultivator, no one will accuse me of preying on the weak."

With each word, Jiang Hong's eyes gleamed brighter.

"Shuinan, is it? Indeed, after lingering here for so long, I haven't yet paid a visit to Shuinan."

He gestured with his hand as he spoke. "Make preparations to depart for Shuinan!"

The instant his command was given, a swirling gray mist materialized to his right, from which an elder with white hair emerged. Upon his appearance, he stooped and addressed Jiang Hong:

"Young Master, the refinement of Corpse Transporting Mountain is not yet complete. This task was entrusted by the Mountain Lord... we cannot leave our post."

Jiang Hong's brow furrowed at the elder's words.

"The Mountain Lord, the Mountain Lord... Heh, you consider him your Mountain Lord, but he views you as nothing more than an old dog."

The white-haired elder lowered his head, refraining from any retort.

Even the bald man, who had just risen, bowed his head once more. He silently lamented his decision to linger, regretting not having fled sooner to avoid hearing such words.

"Since I cannot assist with refining Corpse Transporting Mountain, you shall remain with the Blood Guard to complete its refinement. I will personally lead the contingent to Shuinan."

Jiang Hong stated with a deep tone.

"No, Young Master."

The white-haired elder stepped forward with urgency. "Although we have subdued Shang Dong, numerous remnants of the righteous path still linger in the shadows, barely clinging to existence. Should they discover your whereabouts... it would be perilous!"

"Heh heh."

Jiang Hong emitted a chuckle, as if he had just heard the jest of a lifetime. He approached the white-haired elder, extending his hands to straighten the elder's attire.

The white-haired elder was so startled he nearly collapsed to his knees.

"Below the Core Formation stage, I am virtually unmatched. Above Core Formation... who can truly contend with me one-on-one?"

"Fu Bo, do not underestimate my capabilities. Should I genuinely encounter an opponent capable of a one-on-one duel, it would signify either the arrival of my parents, or I would have already utilized a Fixed-point Teleportation Order to escape. Rest assured, my safety is guaranteed."

With Jiang Hong having stated his intentions so clearly, Fu Bo naturally refrained from offering further counsel.

He could only sigh. "Your command will be obeyed, Young Master."

"Ha ha, now that's the spirit!"

Jiang Hong turned, a wide grin on his face. "Prepare for our departure to Shuinan; we leave at once!"

Having spoken, he transformed into a streak of blood-red Escape Light and shot out of the hall, his destination unknown, despite not having yet reached the Core Formation stage.

The bald man scurried to follow closely behind.

The elder with white hair who remained... once Jiang Hong had departed, the strained smile on his visage vanished. He retrieved a Sword Talisman from his Storage Bag, whispered a few incantations, and then released it.

A gray mist reappeared behind him, and with a backward step, his form dissolved into it, disappearing from sight.

"..."

"Ignite the mystical, sow clarity amidst turbulent tides, purity and impurity share common roots, existence and nonexistence intermingle at the gateway, divine fire nourishes the nascent pill, embrace the origin and safeguard the singularity..."

Ji Yuan sat in a cross-legged posture within the stone chamber, his hands forming specific seals as they rested upon his knees. He chanted softly.

Outside the cave entrance.

Monday, in its entirety, was coiled atop the mountain peak, encircling Profound Crystal Mountain like an icy blue scarf. Meanwhile, Tuesday remained hidden at the entrance to the Beehive.

These two Tier Three Serpents stood guard over Ji Yuan.

Ji Yuan's consciousness was entirely focused inward, immersed within his own Dantian.

Conducting an internal examination.

Within his Dantian, the ice-element mana lay frozen, solid as ten-thousand-year-old profound ice... How could a core possibly be formed under such conditions?

The process of Core Formation necessitates the condensation of all liquid mana within the Dantian into a solid Golden Core. This is akin to the prior stage of compressing gaseous mana into its liquid form, a feat of immense difficulty.

This is immensely difficult.

A straightforward technique exists, which first involves solidifying a Fake Pill within the Dantian. This process gathers a segment of mana, shaping it into a robust Golden Core.

Concurrently, a portion of the mana persists in its liquid state.

This not only bolsters present might but also lays the groundwork for genuine Core Formation.

Consequently, aside from a scarce number of prodigies who can directly transition from the Foundation Establishment Peak to the Core Formation Stage, the majority of cultivators opt to first enter the Fake Pill Realm.

Ji Yuan concentrated his thoughts, scrutinizing the frigid mana residing within his Dantian.

The nine nascent Flying Swords, which had been dormant in his Dantian, were now drawn forth, floating in the air around him.

Given the present circumstances, if these sword embryos were to remain within his Dantian, any accident could potentially inflict harm upon him—it was wiser to keep them external.

For the time being... a sweep of Ji Yuan’s consciousness, and the mana that had appeared solid instantly liquefied.

It reverted once more into ice-blue, water-elemental mana.

However, what ensued was a sharp sensation of distending agony as the mana surged to fill the Dantian.

Ji Yuan let out a groan, detecting a sugary taste at the back of his throat. He rapidly formed a hand seal to steady his mind, simultaneously activating the "Sword Manual" to pacify the formerly tumultuous mana within his Dantian.