Chương 119: The Wood Dragon Immortal's Fear!

"I Have a Demonic Beast Doppelganger in Yellow Maple Valley!" - Stunning writing style and a thrilling plot!

Above the sky, auspicious clouds of spiritual energy surged, rosy light flowed, and spiritual patterns appeared and disappeared.

At the summit of Spiritwood Peak, the enormous vortex of spiritual energy resembled an inverted celestial river, frantically devouring the spiritual energy of heaven and earth from all directions. Its immense power and the magnificent and unique phenomena left all the cultivators who perceived this scene speechless with shock.

Master Mulong, riding a cyan escape light, hovered in mid-air about ten miles away from Spiritwood Peak. His gaze was like lightning as he stared intently at the core where spiritual energy was gathering. His expression was constantly changing, and his heart was already churning with turbulent waves.

"This phenomenon... on such a scale... the control of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth and the accumulation of one's own Dao foundation by a Core Formation cultivator are extraordinary!" Master Mulong thought to himself, his eyes revealing a hint of surprise and a subtle solemnity.

He remembered clearly that only a few years had passed since Zhou Ding formed his core here, causing an astonishing celestial phenomenon!

In just a few years, someone on this Spiritwood Peak is about to take this crucial step, condense a golden core, and enter the ranks of high-level cultivators!

"First there was the incomparably ferocious Zhou Jin, then there was Zhou Ding, who even made him feel inexplicably uneasy, and now... who is it?" Master Mulong swept his divine sense across the room and could clearly sense a Core Formation aura that, although still condensing, had already begun to take shape and carried a unique, cool, and profound rhythm.

This aura was unlike anything he knew about the Zhou Ding and Zhou Jin brothers.

"Could it really be that reclusive woman surnamed Xin who has always been by Zhou Ding's side?"

As soon as this thought arose, the surprise in Master Mulong's heart quickly transformed into a complex and indescribable emotion, mixed with disbelief, incredulity, and a faint... apprehension.

"Just what kind of auspicious place is this Spiritwood Peak? Or perhaps, what kind of extraordinary destiny do the Zhou brothers and that woman surnamed Xin possess?"

His mind raced, and in just over ten years, a once unknown spiritual peak produced three Core Formation True Persons in succession!

This is an incredible miracle, even compared to the vast oceans beyond the chaotic stars!

Even for medium-sized sects with long histories and abundant resources, it often takes decades or even centuries to cultivate three Core Formation cultivators, and requires a massive amount of resources.

Lingmu Peak, on the other hand, seemed to have done so effortlessly.

Master Mulong composed himself and concealed the overt surprise on his face.

He glanced around and saw that several streaks of light had arrived nearby. They were the peak masters of other peaks in the Qingyun Mountains, as well as some prominent cultivators from Kuixing City.

The crowd hovered in the air, watching from afar. Their faces were filled with shock, curiosity, envy, and even jealousy. They whispered among themselves, but no one dared to approach the area around Spiritwood Peak. The array fluctuations that enveloped the area and the faintly emanating, heart-palpitating aura made them hesitate to go near.

As the island's owner, he had to step in, both morally and logically.

Master Mulong cleared his throat, his voice not loud, yet it carried clearly throughout the surroundings, carrying the authority of an island lord: "This is a grand event for the cultivators of Kui Xing Island to form their core. Fellow Daoists, please observe from afar and do not approach to disturb them, lest you disturb those forming their core and damage their foundation."

Upon hearing this, everyone bowed and agreed, their attitude respectful.

With Master Long's prestige, no one dared to disobey him.

Immediately, True Immortal Mulong turned his gaze towards the cave dwelling on Spirit Wood Peak. After a moment's thought, he spoke in a clear, calm voice, yet carrying an undeniable penetrating power: "Is Fellow Daoist Zhou Ding here? I heard that your peak has another person achieving the Core Formation stage, so I have come to offer my congratulations. May I ask who on your peak is currently in seclusion attempting to break through to the Golden Core stage?

Would Fellow Daoist Zhou be so kind as to show himself?"

His words were both an inquiry and a test.

He wanted to personally confirm who had actually achieved the Core Formation.

A moment later, outside the cave on Lingmu Peak, light flickered and Zhou Ding's figure quietly appeared.

He was still dressed in a green robe, his aura as deep and imposing as a mountain, his expression calm and undisturbed. Facing the direction where Master Mulong was, he cupped his hands in a gesture of respect: "So it is Island Master Mulong who has arrived. I apologize for not being able to greet you properly."

Master Mulong's gaze fell on Zhou Ding, and his pupils contracted slightly.

In just a few short years, he felt that Zhou Ding's aura had become increasingly unfathomable. The calm demeanor and the invisible pressure he felt made even this mid-stage Core Formation cultivator feel a slight discomfort.

Could this person be a cultivator who has already reached the mid-stage of Core Formation?

Master Mulong felt a chill run down his spine, and his attitude unconsciously became more serious.

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, you're too kind."

Master Mulong revealed a warm smile, as if his previous apprehension had never existed: "This strange phenomenon I observe is vast and wondrous, truly a magnificent sight unseen on Kui Xing Island for many years. I wonder if the one currently in seclusion, attempting to break through to the Golden Core stage, is your Daoist partner, Madam Xin, who is proficient in formations?"

Zhou Ding nodded slightly and frankly admitted, "The Island Master has a discerning eye; it is indeed my wife, Ruyin. She has made some progress in her cultivation and, after accumulating experience until now, feels that the time is ripe, so she is attempting to condense her core today. I did not expect to disturb the Island Master and all of you fellow Daoists; I am truly ashamed."

Upon confirmation, the last shred of hope in Master Mulong's heart vanished, replaced by a complex and indescribable feeling.

His smile remained unchanged, even growing wider, as he cupped his hands and said, "So it really is Madam Xin! Truly a woman who rivals any man, congratulations! I have long heard of Madam Xin's extraordinary cultivation. To have broken through the insurmountable barrier and condensed her Golden Core in one fell swoop is a blessing for Kui Xing Island, and also a blessing for Fellow Daoist Zhou! I offer my congratulations in advance!"

His words were sincere and heartfelt; at least on the surface, there was nothing wrong with them.

After all, having an additional Core Formation cultivator on one of the islands under his command would enhance the overall strength of the island, which is at least a good thing for him, the island lord, on the surface.

"Island Lord, you are too kind. On behalf of my wife, I thank you."

Zhou Ding cupped his hands again, his tone still calm: "However, my wife is currently at a crucial moment in condensing her core, and cannot be disturbed in the slightest. I need to protect her with all my might, and I am afraid I will not be able to receive the Island Lord and fellow Daoists. Once my wife has completed her seclusion and stabilized her cultivation, I will definitely take her to Tianzhu Peak to visit the Island Lord in person and express my gratitude."

Zhou Ding's words were polite, but his meaning was very clear.

I don't have time to entertain you right now, you can leave now. We'll talk again when you successfully form your core.

Upon hearing this, Master Mulong's eyes flashed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure and laughed heartily: "That's only right, that's only right! The matter of Core Formation is of great importance, concerning the path of cultivation, and naturally cannot tolerate the slightest carelessness. Fellow Daoist Zhou, please rest assured and protect Madam Xin. This old man and all fellow Daoists wish Madam Xin success in achieving the Nine Revolutions of Core Formation, and that the Great Dao is within reach!

We will not disturb you any longer."

Having said that, he nodded to Zhou Ding, then addressed the surrounding cultivators in a loud voice: "Gentlemen, the process of forming the core is lengthy and cannot be accomplished overnight. There is no benefit in us staying here any longer; it may even cause unforeseen changes. Let us disperse and not disturb the tranquility of this place."

When the island lord spoke, everyone naturally obeyed. One after another, streaks of light, carrying complex emotions such as envy, 感慨, and inquiry, began to dissipate.

Master Mulong took one last look at the Spirit Wood Peak, where spiritual energy soared to the sky, nodded slightly to Zhou Ding, and then rode on his azure escape light, transforming into a stream of light and returning to the direction of Heavenly Pillar Peak.

However, the moment he turned around, the warm smile on his face vanished instantly, replaced by a deep, somber gloom and an inescapable sense of apprehension.

Back to Tianzhu Peak.

Master Mulong stood alone by the window of the quiet room, his hands behind his back, gazing at the faint afterglow of spiritual light that had not yet completely dissipated in the direction of Lingmu Peak. His face was so gloomy that it was almost as if water could drip from it.

"Lingmu Peak... Zhou Ding, Zhou Jin, Xin Ruyin... three Core Formation cultivators from one family!"

He muttered to himself, each word seemingly squeezed out from between his teeth, carrying a chilling coldness.

When he recruited Zhou Jin as the deputy island lord, he was certainly attracted by his strength and wanted to use it to subdue some unruly forces on the island. At the same time, he also had the intention of bringing Zhou Jin under his command and strengthening his own control.

Although Zhou Jin's Core Formation surprised him, he didn't pay too much attention to it. After all, there was only one, and Zhou Jin seemed to have no interest in worldly affairs, spending most of his time in seclusion, making him easy to control.

Later, when Zhou Ding achieved the Golden Core stage, although the celestial phenomena were astonishing and made him feel something was amiss, Zhou Ding had clearly refused the position of Deputy Island Master and stated that he wanted to leave Kui Xing Island. This relieved him and made him feel that there was little threat.

But now?

Instead of leaving, Zhou Ding settled down on the island and became an elder of the Sixth Hall, wielding considerable power.

His Daoist partner, Xin Ruyin, had also quietly reached the Core Formation stage, and judging from the extraordinary phenomena of Core Formation, it was no ordinary Core Formation; it had enormous potential!

What does this mean?

This means that the Lingmu Peak lineage has already produced three Core Formation cultivators in just over a decade!

Moreover, the three of them have a close relationship. Zhou Ding and Xin Ruyin are Daoist partners, and Zhou Jin is Zhou Ding's "cousin". The three of them are of one mind and are already a powerful small group that is independent of his control as the Wood Dragon True Man!

In terms of high-end combat power, although he, Mulong Zhenren, is the island lord and at the peak of the mid-stage of Core Formation, his opponent now has a newly promoted Core Formation cultivator.

With three against one, even if his cultivation level is slightly higher, the outcome of a real fight would be unpredictable!

"Originally, I recruited Zhou Jin to make him my ally and to counterbalance other forces on the island... Now it seems that I have let a wolf into the house and raised a tiger to cause trouble!" A trace of regret and coldness flashed in Master Mulong's eyes.

He sensed that his control over Kuixing Island was quietly slipping away.

The rise of the Lingmu Peak lineage has already threatened his authority and status as the island lord.

"Three disciples from one sect have reached the Core Formation stage. Their strength has already subtly surpassed that of my Heavenly Pillar Peak..." True Man Mulong slowly clenched his fist, his knuckles turning white.

He has managed Kuixing Island for a century, and it was not easy for him to achieve his current status and prestige. How could he allow others to shake his position?

This feeling of being surpassed in strength, having one's status threatened, and being temporarily helpless left Master Mulong feeling extremely frustrated.

Fear and unease, like vines, grew wildly and entwined in his heart.

"We must find a way... We absolutely cannot let them continue to grow stronger!" A cold light flashed in Master Mulong's eyes as various thoughts raced through his mind, only to be rejected one by one.

The three opponents are a unified force with close ties; how easy would it be to suppress them?

For a moment, the island lord who had ruled Kuixing Island for hundreds of years felt an unprecedented sense of unease and powerlessness.

He could only watch helplessly as Lingmu Peak rose like a new star, its brilliance even surpassing that of the main peak, making him feel uneasy and restless.

……

Deep within the cave on Lingmu Peak lies the meditation chamber for forming the Golden Core.

As the last trace of violent spiritual energy was tamed, and as the golden core in her dantian—a pale gold with countless fine and mysterious spiritual patterns flowing across its surface, radiating a cool yet vast aura—completely solidified and began to slowly rotate, Xin Ruyin's tightly closed eyes slowly opened.

The calm and gentle light of the past was gone from his eyes, replaced by an indescribable, profound light that seemed to see through the illusions of the formation, as well as a soul-stirring joy and enlightenment brought about by a leap in the level of life.

Her aura was harmonious and restrained, yet it carried the immense pressure unique to a Golden Core cultivator, making her more than ten times stronger than when she was in the Foundation Establishment stage!

"Core formation... successful."

Xin Ruyin murmured softly, her voice trembling slightly, a mixture of excitement, emotion, and a sense of unreality, as if from another world.

She slowly raised her hand, a wisp of pure magic power swirling around her fingertips. With a slight thought, she could easily draw upon the spiritual energy of the surrounding world to outline simple spiritual patterns.

This newfound sense of control over power and perception of heaven and earth is so real.

My thoughts drifted back to that secluded little courtyard in the Tianxingzong Market of Yue Kingdom many years ago.

At that time, she was suffering from the terminal illness "Dragon's Roar Body". She was tormented by the cold and yin energy every day and her life was in danger. She could not even maintain the most basic cultivation. Foundation Establishment was an unattainable dream for her.

She thought that her life might end quietly in that small space amidst illness and despair.

Who could have imagined that the wheel of fate would suddenly turn in that year?

She met Zhou Ding, who pulled her out of the abyss of despair, not only curing her chronic illness but also showing her a wider world and giving her unreserved trust and support.

The Heavenly Origin Array Manual, the Great Evolution Technique, countless resources, and the elixir that helped her form her core at this moment... all along the way, Zhou Ding's figure has always been in front of her, sheltering her from the wind and rain and paving the way for her.

"Without Zhou Yu, I wouldn't be where I am today..." A warm feeling welled up in Xin Ruyin's heart, and her eyes slightly narrowed..

This kindness, this deep affection, has already transcended everything.

Her successful formation of the Golden Core was not only the result of her own efforts and talent, but also the result of Zhou Ding's full support.

This gratitude and love are deeply imprinted in the depths of my soul.

She composed herself and carefully assessed her own condition.

With the Golden Core stable and magical power abundant, his spiritual consciousness also made great progress due to the formation of the Golden Core and the cultivation of the Great Evolution Technique.

What surprised her even more was that her understanding of the Dao of Formation seemed to resonate more deeply with the "Heavenly Origin Formation Manual" after she completed the Core Formation. Many things that were previously obscure and difficult to understand suddenly became clear.

"Finally, I can truly help Zhou Lang more." A gentle yet firm smile appeared on Xin Ruyin's lips.

She is no longer just the one being protected. Now, she also possesses the strength of the Core Formation stage and a deeper understanding of array formations, allowing her to stand shoulder to shoulder with Zhou Ding and face the storms of the future.

After meditating for about an hour to completely stabilize her cultivation, Xin Ruyin got up and pushed open the stone door of the meditation room.

Outside the door, Zhou Ding, who had been waiting for a long time, was looking at her with a smile.

Their eyes met, no words were needed, and everything was understood without being spoken.

"Congratulations on your successful completion of the Golden Core stage. May your immortal path prosper forever." Zhou Ding stepped forward and gently embraced her, his voice tender.

"Zhou Lang..." Xin Ruyin buried her face in his chest, feeling the reassuring breath and warmth, and felt that all the previous efforts and dangers were worth it.

"Miss! Congratulations, Miss! You've finally become a Core Formation True Person!" Xiao Mei jumped out from the side, her little face beaming with undisguised excitement and admiration, her eyes crinkling into crescent moons with laughter.

Xin Ruyin released Zhou Ding and smiled as she ruffled Xiao Mei's hair: "Silly girl, you'll be ready soon too. Get ready well, and make sure you keep the Core Formation artifact your son-in-law gave you safe."

"Yes, yes! Don't worry, Miss!"

Xiao Mei nodded vigorously, puffed out her chest, and her face was full of confidence.

"If Miss and Young Master are so capable, I can't fall too far behind! I feel that in a few years, I will definitely be able to successfully form my Core! By then, our cave will have four Core Formation cultivators! Let's see who dares to look down on our Spirit Wood Peak!"

The young girl's bold words diluted the tense and solemn atmosphere of the previous Core Formation ceremony.

Zhou Ding and Xin Ruyin smiled at each other, their eyes filled with warmth and expectation.

Inside the main hall of the cave, Xiaomei had already decorated it with a festive atmosphere.

The jade table was filled with the spiritual fruits and fine wines she had carefully prepared, their aromas filling the air.

Although it was just a small gathering of three, Xiao Mei showed great enthusiasm in celebrating her young mistress's achievement of the Golden Core stage.

Xin Ruyin sat in the main seat, with Zhou Ding beside her, while Xiao Mei busied herself pouring wine and serving dishes.

The spirit wine was mellow and the spirit fruit was fragrant and sweet; laughter and joy filled the air, and everyone was happy and harmonious.