Douluo: I’m Cultivating Immortality, and I’m Still a Titled Douluo?

"Mr. Lu, coming to see this old man so late—there must be something on your mind, no?"

As Qian Daoliu spoke, a hint of genuine curiosity and respect was clear in his tone.

Unlike earlier in the day, this time Qian Daoliu didn't refer to Lu Yunzhou as "young friend," but instead addressed him as "Mr. Lu." This shift alone reflected the immense respect and reverence Qian Daoliu held for him.

Hearing this, Lu Yunzhou's lips curved into a subtle smile. He responded, "Indeed, there's an important matter I wish to discuss, Senior Qian. Otherwise, I wouldn't intrude upon your rest at this hour."

Receiving this answer, Qian Daoliu wasted no time and replied, "In that case, please, Mr. Lu, speak. If it's within my power, I'll see it done."

With that, Qian Daoliu personally poured Lu Yunzhou a steaming cup of tea, filling it precisely to seventy percent—a mark of traditional courtesy.

With the invitation extended, Lu Yunzhou went straight to the point, his expression serious as he asked, "Forgive my boldness, but I wonder if Senior Qian has ever entertained the thought… of becoming a god?"

The moment Lu Yunzhou's question hung in the air, Qian Daoliu froze.

After slowly regaining his composure and ensuring he hadn't misheard, Qian Daoliu's calm demeanor quickly gave way to one of solemnity.

To any Soul Master, especially a Titled Douluo, becoming a god was a dream—a goal of unending fascination and desire. And Qian Daoliu was no exception. He, too, wished to ascend, but due to certain unique reasons, he had been unable to attain godhood. This regret was one of the most profound in his life.

But now, Lu Yunzhou was asking if he desired to become a god. Could it be… was he here to help him reach godhood?

As this thought took hold, Qian Daoliu's pupils contracted, and his gaze sharpened.

After a moment's pause, Qian Daoliu swallowed and replied firmly, "Yes, I do."

His tone was unwavering, with a seriousness that left no room for doubt.

Hearing this, Lu Yunzhou nodded thoughtfully. Sipping his tea, he explained, "In our world of cultivation, the Golden Core realm is akin to the gods worshipped by Soul Masters."

He continued, "The Golden Core is essentially your equivalent of a divine spark. As the saying goes, 'A single Golden Core swallowed, and one's destiny belongs to oneself, not to the heavens.'

"Senior, you possess unmatched power and prestige. Yet, under the inexorable force of time, even someone as eminent as you would eventually return to dust. I cannot bear to see such a venerable figure come to such an end, so tonight, I am here for two words: god-making."

The atmosphere fell silent as Lu Yunzhou finished, his words settling like a weight on the room.

After a long silence, Qian Daoliu finally spoke, his voice a murmur. "The power of time? Becoming a god?"

His tone carried a tinge of desolation as he shook his head, smiling bitterly. "If it were possible to become a god, I would have taken that step long ago."

Qian Daoliu then explained to Lu Yunzhou why he could not ascend to godhood.

The reason was simple: he had not activated the Angelic Nine Trials.

In the Qian family, only those who triggered the Angelic Nine Trials could become a god—the Angel God or, perhaps, the God of Light. Without this opportunity, there was no other path to godhood. Unfortunately for Qian Daoliu, he had not received the trials

and thus could never ascend.

After listening to Qian Daoliu's story, Lu Yunzhou spoke calmly, "If you cannot ascend to godhood… then how about forming a Golden Core?"

"The Golden Core is like godhood, even stronger in many ways. At the early stage, it's equivalent to a Third-Class God. The mid-stage is comparable to a Second-Class God, while the late stage equals a First-Class God. As for perfection… it can rival a God-King."

With that, Lu Yunzhou placed two books he had prepared on the table.

"By cultivating these techniques, Senior can become a cultivator like myself." He gestured to the first book, which contained the "Conversion Technique." He then placed the Golden Core chapter of the "Essence Accumulation Manual" on the table and continued, "You are already a Rank 99 Peerless Douluo, which would translate to the pinnacle of the Foundation Establishment realm for cultivators. This second book contains the method for forming a Golden Core, allowing you to reach the Golden Core realm."

Qian Daoliu's eyes sparkled as he stared at the two books before him. After a moment, he asked, "And the price?"

"To become a Grand Elder of my Ethereal Sanctuary, and to bring all those under your command to join us."

Without hesitation, Qian Daoliu answered, "Agreed."

Qian Daoliu held deep respect for the Angelic God, but given a choice between being a devout follower forever or surpassing the Angelic God himself, he naturally chose the latter.

Guided by Lu Yunzhou, Qian Daoliu quickly became a cultivator at the peak of Foundation Establishment. With Lu Yunzhou's assistance, he soon achieved the Golden Core realm.

Technically, one could even consider him a god—the first to attain this rank on Douluo Continent in two thousand years.

As Qian Daoliu completed his Golden Core, an immense energy radiated, shaking the entire Spirit Hall and, indeed, the entirety of Douluo Continent.

In the Pope's Palace of Spirit Hall:

"What a powerful aura! It feels beyond the level of any Titled Douluo," thought Bibi Dong, her brow creasing.

"What on earth happened? Could it be… that Qian Daoliu finally ascended?"

But no… everyone in Spirit Hall's high ranks knew Qian Daoliu couldn't achieve godhood. So, apart from him, who else could release such a terrifying aura? Could this… have something to do with Lu Yunzhou?

A chill ran through Bibi Dong as she gripped her scepter tightly. "Lu Yunzhou… I must have you, no matter the cost! Until I do, I'll never have a moment's peace."

On Sea God Island, in the Sea God Palace:

The overwhelming energy emitted by Qian Daoliu swept across the continent, reaching even the distant Sea God Palace, where Bo Saixi's serene gaze broke open.

She murmured softly, "Such an unusual aura, so different from any Soul Master. What could be happening on the continent?"

For the first time, a deep curiosity and desire to explore stirred in Bo Saixi's heart.

At Giant Sword Mountain, in the Golden Crocodile's manor:

Upon receiving Lu Yunzhou's purple token, Golden Crocodile Douluo had built a personal manor beneath the mountain. During his cultivation there, the massive energy wave from Qian Daoliu's Golden Core breakthrough also reached him.

The moment he felt the aura, Golden Crocodile Douluo shivered with unease, instinctively swallowing.

"This energy is coming from the Great Consecration's residence… What on earth happened there? Could it be… that the Great Consecration has ascended to godhood? But… that shouldn't be possible; I remember he couldn't ascend…"

Could this be connected to Mr. Lu?

Golden Crocodile Douluo's heart began to race.

You might think Lu Yunzhou's mission of Golden Core cultivation is complete, and that he'll now focus on recruiting for the Ethereal Sanctuary.

But if so, you would be gravely mistaken!

Truthfully, helping Qian Daoliu ascend and achieve the Golden Core stage is merely the beginning of Lu Yunzhou's Golden Core mission.

And now, the real work… begins!

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