Chương 140: Little Plum Blossom!

Above the "Cloud and Mist Cave Heaven" on the forty-seventh level of the sacred mountain, the enormous funnel of spiritual energy and the auspicious five-colored clouds had been there for a full day.

The spiritual energy surged and flowed, the Daoist rhyme circulated, and the rosy light appeared and disappeared, illuminating this area as if it were a fairyland.

At the center of the platform atop the cave, Xiao Mei's figure was completely submerged by the dense spiritual energy and rays of light, with only a vague outline of her sitting cross-legged visible. Her aura was undergoing a dramatic transformation, sometimes strong and sometimes weak, sometimes like a candle flame in the wind, and sometimes like the rising sun, captivating the minds of the two guardians.

Xin Ruyin stood in mid-air on one side of the platform, her delicate hand lightly resting on a formation plate at her waist, ready to deal with any possible accidents and reinforce the formation.

Her calm, beautiful eyes were now fixed intently on the small figure at the core of the spiritual energy, her long eyelashes trembling slightly, revealing her inner tension and concern.

Although she herself had experienced the Core Formation stage and knew how dangerous it was, when the moment came and she saw her sister Xiaomei in the midst of it, her worry did not diminish at all.

"Zhou Lang, Xiao Mei's breathing seems a little unstable. Will she be alright?" Xin Ruyin couldn't help but ask Zhou Ding beside her in a low voice, her voice trembling slightly.

Zhou Ding stood suspended on the other side, his figure as steady as a mountain. His powerful divine sense was like the most precise instrument, constantly sensing every subtle change in Xiao Mei's magical power, divine soul, and even the condensation of her golden core.

Upon hearing this, he turned his head to look at Xin Ruyin, his gaze steady and firm, and gently took her slightly cool hand in his.

"Don't worry, Ruyin."

Zhou Ding's voice was calm, carrying a reassuring power: "The process of forming a core is inherently like this; it involves the compression of magical power..."

It is normal for one's aura to fluctuate during the tempering of the soul and the reshaping of the Dao foundation. I observe that although Xiaomei's magical power flow is occasionally sluggish, the overall trend is one of continuous condensation and ascent; although her soul fluctuates greatly, it does not show any signs of dissipation, but rather becomes more solid under pressure; most importantly, her Dao heart is firm and fearless, which is the greatest reliance for her Core Formation.

With her accumulated knowledge and preparation, as long as she stays calm and follows the steps, she has a 70-80% chance of successfully condensing her golden core.

He paused, looking at the center of the spiritual energy, a slight smile playing on his lips: "Look, although her aura is weak at this moment, her golden core is just beginning to form, absorbing the last and purest spiritual energy of heaven and earth for final stabilization and sublimation. This is the most crucial, and often the most peaceful, step. The unusual phenomenon has not yet dissipated, and the Daoist charm remains, which is an auspicious sign."

Listening to Zhou Ding's calm analysis and comforting words, and feeling the warmth from his palm, Xin Ruyin's anxiety subsided slightly.

She took a deep breath, nodded, and turned her gaze back to Xiaomei, her beautiful eyes filled with nothing but complete trust and expectation.

She and Xiaomei had been companions since childhood. Although they were mistress and servant, they were like sisters. They had gone from being sick and lowly in the Tianxing Sect Market of Yue Kingdom to being on the sacred mountain of Tianxing City, experiencing too many trials and tribulations together.

She sincerely prayed that her lively and cheerful younger sister, who always brought her laughter, could successfully overcome this insurmountable obstacle and have a smooth path ahead, enjoying eternal bliss.

As if in response to Zhou Ding's judgment and Xin Ruyin's prayer, another hour passed, and the originally violently fluctuating vortex of spiritual energy began to slowly shrink and collapse inward at a speed visible to the naked eye!

The rosy clouds, like rivers flowing into the sea, converged on the blurry figure in the center!

The five-colored auspicious clouds in the sky began to fade and dissipate, and the majestic Taoist aura that enveloped heaven and earth slowly receded.

On each level of the sacred mountain, the cultivators who were still watching from afar, upon seeing this scene, immediately understood that the Core Formation stage was nearing its end.

"The strange phenomenon is starting to subside! It seems to have succeeded!"

"Tsk tsk, condensing the core in one day, that's not slow. The foundation must be quite good."

"No. 7, East, Liuyun District — I think it's called Yunwu Cave Heaven?" I hadn't heard of it much before; looks like we have a new neighbor.

"Another Core Formation cultivator has joined us. I wonder about his background. Perhaps I can find an opportunity to get to know him."

"Merely reaching the Core Formation stage isn't anything special in Tianxing City, but being able to live on the forty-seventh floor suggests considerable wealth. Perhaps we can discuss business—" Various thoughts were swirling around. Some were simply curious, some intended to befriend him, and some smaller forces even began to consider whether they could recruit this newly promoted Core Formation cultivator into their own camp.

After all, any Core Formation cultivator is considered a powerful figure in the Chaotic Star Sea and is worth recruiting.

Zhou Ding and Xin Ruyin paid no heed to the commotion in the outside world. Their entire focus was on the ever-shrinking center of spiritual energy.

Finally, as the last ray of rosy light entered Xiaomei's body, the last overflowing spiritual energy fluctuations completely subsided, the auspicious clouds in the sky dispersed, and the light of day reappeared.

The platform at the top of the cave has returned to its former tranquility, with only the lingering pure spiritual energy and faint Daoist charm in the air bearing witness to everything that had just happened.

At the center of the spiritual eye, Xiaomei slowly opened her eyes.

The playfulness and naivety of the past are gone from his eyes, replaced by an unprecedented clarity, brightness and tranquility, as if he has washed away the superficiality, seen through the fog, and gained a completely new understanding and control over himself and the world.

A unique, mellow, solid, and vast aura, belonging only to a Core Formation cultivator, slowly emanated from her petite body. Although it was newly formed and still unstable, it already possessed a terrifying pressure.

She succeeded! She has officially entered the Core Formation stage!

"Miss! Young Master!"

Xiao Mei spotted Zhou Ding and Xin Ruyin protecting her at a glance. Her face instantly lit up with a radiant smile that was both excited and relieved, as if all the tension, pain, and perseverance had transformed into boundless joy at that moment.

She wanted to jump up immediately, but felt her body was weak, a temporary weakness after the dramatic transformation of her magic power and soul.

"Don't rush, first stabilize your realm."

Xin Ruyin had already flashed to her side, supporting her, her beautiful eyes filled with tears of relief and excitement, her voice so gentle it could melt water: "Silly girl, you did it, you really did it."

"Yes! Miss, I did it! I'm a Core Formation True Person!" Xiao Mei nodded vigorously. Although she was weak, her eyes shone brightly, filled with pride and boundless curiosity about the new realm.

Zhou Ding also came over, a genuine smile on his face. He carefully sensed Xiao Mei's condition and confirmed that her golden core was stable and there were no hidden dangers before he was completely relieved.

He reached out and affectionately ruffled Xiaomei's hair, smiling, "Not bad, you didn't embarrass your young lady and son-in-law. From now on, you can also be respectfully addressed as 'a true person.'"

"Hehe!" Xiaomei enjoyed Zhou Ding's head massage, her eyes crinkling with laughter, feeling that all her efforts were worthwhile.

The following day, as dawn broke, the sacred mountain was bathed in a soft golden glow.

Inside the "Cloud and Mist Cave Heaven" cave, the usual tranquility was completely different, and a festive atmosphere filled the air.

Xin Ruyin personally directed the decoration of the cave, along with several maids, to meticulously decorate the interior and exterior of the cave.

At the entrance, red silk ribbons symbolizing joy and good fortune and "Fu" (福, meaning good fortune) talismans were hung; in the front hall and courtyard corridors, strings of lanterns made of small luminous pearls and colorful spiritual stones were hung, emitting a soft and pleasing light even in the daytime; the jade pavilion in the center of the courtyard was set up as a banquet hall, and two exquisite lotus palace lanterns were even hung under the eaves.

The air was filled with the rich fragrance of "Hundred Flowers Concentrating the Spirit," mixed with the sweet aroma of spiritual fruits and the mellow taste of spiritual wine. By the spiritual spring in the courtyard, several newly transplanted "Seven-Colored Rainbow Orchids" were in full bloom, displaying a dreamlike gradient of light.

- Even the thousand-year-old medicinal herbs in the herb garden seemed to sense the joy, their branches and leaves unfurling, their spiritual light shining even brighter.

All of this is to celebrate Xiaomei.

No, now we should call her "Little Plum Immortal" who has successfully formed her core and achieved the initial stage of the Great Dao!

"Miss, there's no need for that!"

Xiao Mei changed into a brand-new pale yellow fairy dress embroidered with delicate plum branches and cloud patterns, which made her face look even more charming. After her cultivation was stabilized, her complexion was rosy and her eyes were bright.

She followed behind Xin Ruyin, looking at the newly renovated decorations inside the cave. She was both touched and a little embarrassed, and whispered, "It's just us, so keep it simple."

"How can that be?"

Xin Ruyin turned around, pinched her cheek, her eyes full of gentle smiles, "This is a major event of Core Formation, one of the most important milestones on the path to immortality. Of course, we should celebrate it properly. You have cultivated diligently for many years and have succeeded today. How can we just let it go? Besides, this is what your son-in-law specifically instructed us to do. We must make it a grand and lively event."

Hearing that it was her son-in-law's idea, Xiaomei felt even sweeter and stopped refusing. She happily helped out, even though most of the time she was just making things worse.

Zhou Ding sat leisurely in the courtyard pavilion, personally adjusting an exquisite grill made of warm jade and spirit wood. Next to him were various processed, spiritually rich monster meat, spirit vegetables, and rare seafood.

These were all purchased this morning from the high-end food market on the first floor of Tianxing City. Many of them came from the tenderest parts of level five or six demonic beasts and were quite valuable.

He planned to personally demonstrate his skills by roasting the food with spiritual fire to entertain today's "protagonist".

With the sun high in the sky, everything was ready.

Exquisite platters of spiritual fruits, fragrant spiritual dishes, and several jugs of spiritual wine of different years and effects have filled the jade round table in the pavilion.

Zhou Ding manipulated the spirit fire, and oil dripped from the grill, making an enticing sizzling sound, mixed with the aroma of specially made spirit herbs and spices, making one's mouth water.

"Come, let's congratulate our Little Mei!"

Zhou Ding raised the luminous glass cup in his hand, the amber-colored spirit wine inside shimmering with an intoxicating glow.

This is his treasured "Centennial Monkey Brew," made from dozens of spiritual fruits through natural fermentation by a spiritual monkey. It has a mellow and lingering taste, is full of spiritual energy, and has the effect of warming and nourishing the meridians and strengthening the spirit. He usually can't bear to drink too much of it.

"May He Xiaomei achieve the Great Perfection of the Golden Elixir, and may the Immortal Path prosper forever!" Xin Ruyin also raised her glass with a smile, her eyes full of joy and blessings.

"Thank you, Miss! Thank you, Young Master!"

Xiao Mei picked up the cup of "Ice Soul Jade Dew" in front of her, which had slightly weaker spiritual energy but was more suitable for her current level. Her face turned red with excitement, and her eyes sparkled with tears of emotion.

She drank the spirit wine in her cup in one gulp. The clear and sweet liquid went down her throat and turned into a warm current that spread, making her feel comfortable all over and her mood even more uplifted.

The banquet officially began.

The spiritual food was delicious, the spiritual wine intoxicating, and the atmosphere warm and lively. Xiao Mei completely let loose, chattering about her experience of forming her core, complaining about the pain and fear, and looking forward to the various supernatural powers and freedom that would come with it.

She was naturally a lively person, and after a few cups of spirit wine, her face flushed even more, and once she started talking, she couldn't stop.

"—You guys don't know, that last blow felt like my whole body was being drained, like I was about to explode, it scared me to death! But after I got through it, wow, it really felt different! I could see things more clearly, hear sounds more subtly, and I felt like the spiritual energy of heaven and earth was especially close to me! My magical power was even more—um, I felt like I could beat ten of my old self!" Xiaomei waved her little fist, gesturing with her fingers, her face full of pride.

Xin Ruyin listened with a smile, occasionally serving her food and refilling her wine. Zhou Ding also smiled, occasionally interjecting with a teasing remark, which made Xiao Mei playfully complain.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Xiaomei was already quite drunk. Leaning against Xin Ruyin and holding her arm, she grinned foolishly and said, "Miss, I'm a Core Formation True Person now! Let's see who dares to look down on me!"

"Hmph, from now on, please call me—Little Plum Immortal!"

She deliberately puffed out her little chest, trying to look dignified, but her rosy cheeks and dreamy eyes only made her look cute and funny.

"Yes, yes, Master Xiaomei is a formidable figure in Tianxing City, and no one dares to provoke her." Xin Ruyin couldn't help but chuckle and coaxed her along with her words.

"Haha!" Xiaomei herself found it funny and giggled as she leaned on Xin Ruyin's shoulder.

Zhou Ding watched this heartwarming scene with a warm feeling in his eyes.

He put down his wine glass, coughed lightly, and attracted the attention of the two men.

"Xiao Mei." Zhou Ding looked at Xiao Mei, his expression becoming more serious.

"Hmm? Young master, what's wrong?" Xiaomei blinked her drunken eyes and sat up a little straighter.

"Do you still remember what I said back then, when your young lady formed her core on Spiritwood Peak?" Zhou Ding smiled.

Xiao Mei tilted her head and thought for a moment, then her eyes suddenly widened, and she sobered up a bit. Her voice was filled with surprise and uncertainty: "Young Master, are you saying—there will be a surprise when I reach the Core Formation stage?"

"good."

Zhou Ding nodded with a smile, and with a flick of his hand, a clear and melodious sword cry suddenly rang out in the pavilion!

A longsword, about three feet long, with a deep, dark blue color that seemed to contain a galaxy, a slender and flowing design, and natural water ripples and cloud patterns flowing across its blade, appeared in his hand.

Although the longsword was not drawn, a chilling, pure, and ever-renewing water-attribute sword aura had already spread out, making the temperature inside the pavilion seem to drop a few degrees and the air become humid.

"This sword is named Canglan. It is a magical artifact forged primarily from deep-sea sunken silver, supplemented with several precious materials such as Heavenly True Water and Cloud Pattern Gold Essence."

Zhou Ding handed the longsword to Xiao Mei, saying gently, "You specialize in water-attribute techniques, and this 'Canglan Sword' is perfect for you. Not only is it incomparably sharp, but its sword energy also contains the enduring and purifying power of 'Heavenly One True Water,' capable of dispelling all evil spirits. In combat, it can also draw upon the power of water spirits, making it incredibly versatile. Today, I bestow it upon you as a congratulatory gift for your Core Formation.

I also hope that you will wield this sword to protect your path and cut through all thorns."

"Azure Wave Sword — A Fine Treasure —" Xiao Mei stared blankly at the deep blue longsword with its inner radiance, holding her breath.

Exquisite magic weapon!

Even for Core Formation cultivators, it is an extremely precious and rare treasure!

What she used before was just a decent top-tier magic weapon.

This gift from the son-in-law is far too precious!

With trembling hands, she reached out and carefully took the "Azure Wave Sword".

The longsword felt light and comfortable in her hand, not heavy at all. The hilt was slightly cool, yet it resonated subtly with the water-attribute magic within her.

She gently grasped the sword hilt and infused it with a wisp of magic.

"Zheng—!"

A clear, melodious sword cry, like a dragon's roar, rang out! The dark blue sword blade automatically drew three inches from its sheath. In an instant, the pavilion was filled with a brilliant blue light, and countless tiny, aquamarine sword energies leaped and swirled around the sword blade as if they were alive. Cool water vapor condensed in the air, and there was even a faint sound of surging tides.

A powerful spiritual pressure emanated from the sword.

"What a fine sword! Excellent! Thank you, son-in-law! Thank you, son-in-law!"

Xiao Mei lovingly stroked the cool blade, feeling the immense power it contained. She was so excited that she became incoherent, her face flushed with excitement, and her previous drunkenness was long forgotten.

With this "Azure Sword", her strength will experience a qualitative leap!

"Don't rush, there's more."

Xin Ruyin smiled and took out a palm-sized array device consisting of five exquisite flags of different colors and a central array plate.

The array's spiritual light flows, and their energy is interconnected, forming a perfect cycle of the five elements.

"Xiaomei, you have a lively and impulsive nature sometimes. This Five Elements Universe Array is something I've recently learned from studying the 'Heavenly Origin Array Manual,' and I specially crafted it for you."

Xin Ruyin placed the array in Xiaomei's hands and gently instructed, "This array is primarily for trapping enemies, but it also possesses some defensive and deceptive capabilities. Simply set it up beforehand, or activate the array plate instantly with your magic power, and you can form a Five Elements Trapping Array covering an area of several dozen feet. The five elements within the array flow ceaselessly, mutually generating and restraining each other, creating endless variations.

Even a late-stage Core Formation cultivator would find it difficult to escape for a short time without special methods to break the array or powerful treasures. Keep it with you; when you encounter a strong enemy or are outmatched, you can use this array to trap them and buy yourself a chance to escape."

"The Five Elements Universe Formation? It can trap a late-stage Core Formation cultivator?"

Xiaomei was startled again, then overjoyed!

With the "Azure Wave Sword" for attack and the "Five Elements Universe Formation" for survival, the young lady and her son-in-law have thought of everything!

This is an improvement in every way! She hugged the array equipment tightly to her chest, her eyes slightly red, her voice choked with sobs: "Miss—Young Master—you've been so good to me—Xiao Mei, Xiao Mei doesn't know how to repay you—"

"Silly girl, what are you talking about repaying?"

Xin Ruyin pulled her into her arms, gently stroking her hair, and said softly, "We are family. Your peace, joy, and smooth journey are the best way to repay us."

"That's right, be less mischievous in the future, focus more on your cultivation, and stop causing your young lady so much worry. That would be your way of repaying me," Zhou Ding joked, his eyes full of gentleness.

"Yes! I will definitely work hard to cultivate! I will never let Miss and Young Master down!" Xiao Mei nodded vigorously, lifted her head from Xin Ruyin's arms, wiped the wetness from the corners of her eyes, and a bright and determined smile bloomed on her face again. She held the "Canglan Sword" in one hand and the "Five Elements Qiankun Formation" in the other, feeling her heart filled with happiness and warmth.

From now on, she is not only a Core Formation Realm Person "Xiao Mei", but also a "Xiao Mei Realm Person" with the closest family, a strong support, and boundless confidence and expectations for the future!