NOVEL NEXT Chapter 69: Chapter 69: Crossing the Lightning Tribulation, But… Why is It Gray?
"Human, if you wish to take my energy, I, Tianmeng, will not allow it!"
Faced with this declaration, the Ice Silkworm didn't hesitate to give its response. Its tone was resolute, unwavering like the unbreakable vows exchanged between lovers.
Hearing this, Lu Yunzhou didn't waste time arguing. Instead, he calmly threatened:
"In that case, why don't I kill you first and absorb the energy that dissipates from your corpse? How about that?"
As his words fell, the Ice Silkworm immediately fell silent. At the same time, vast streams of heaven and earth essence began surging around its body.
Seeing this, Lu Yunzhou nodded in satisfaction. "Now that's more like it."
With that, he began to circulate the Foundation Establishment chapter of the Spirit Assimilation Art, crazily absorbing the essence emanating from the Ice Silkworm to enhance his cultivation.
This essence, even in the world of cultivators, was a treasure of unparalleled value. For someone like Lu Yunzhou, who was at the Foundation Establishment stage, it was a rare and precious resource.
Thus, Lu Yunzhou cherished every single thread of the Ice Silkworm's heaven and earth essence, fearing even the smallest amount might go to waste.
As time flowed on, the massive influx of essence began to loosen the bottleneck of Lu Yunzhou's cultivation. Before long, with a resounding boom, an overwhelming surge of spiritual energy exploded from his body.
Lu Yunzhou had stepped into the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment!
Despite this breakthrough, Lu Yunzhou didn't stop. After all, his goal wasn't just a minor stage—he was aiming for the Golden Core stage!
Thus, he continued absorbing the Ice Silkworm's essence.
Two days later, he reached the late stage of Foundation Establishment.
Seven days later, he achieved perfection in Foundation Establishment.
Spending a total of nine days and nine nights, Lu Yunzhou finally reached the pinnacle of Foundation Establishment. His cultivation speed shocked everyone present.
"Good heavens! Is Mr. Lu even human? In less than ten days, his strength has advanced multiple times!"
"I've heard that the Ethereal Sanctuary specializes in cultivation methods. Do you think us Soul Masters could join them and become cultivators too?"
"Mr. Lu is truly a role model for us all!"
"If I could have even one percent of Mr. Lu's talent, I'd be satisfied."
As the crowd buzzed with discussion, Lu Yunzhou prepared to use the Golden Core chapter of the Spirit Assimilation Art to condense his core.
"My thanks to all of you for standing guard for me thus far," Lu Yunzhou said, his tone calm but commanding. "Now, you may rest. The next phase of core formation does not require your protection. I must also ask you to move far away, lest you be caught in the aftermath."
Hearing this, the elders and Consecrations of the Spirit Hall responded respectfully:
"As you command, Mr. Lu."
They quickly retreated, stopping only when they were nearly a kilometer away. There, they found suitable spots to observe from a safe distance.
"Grandfather, what exactly is core formation?" Qian Renxue asked tentatively, her gaze fixed on Lu Yunzhou, who was now slowly ascending into mid-air. She couldn't help but swallow nervously.
Hearing this, Qian Daoliu pondered briefly before answering:
"Core formation is the process of refining one's essence, spirit, and soul as medicinal ingredients, using the heavenly tribulation as the refining fire, to condense a core within the body."
"Once a cultivator forms their core, they step into a brand-new realm—the Golden Core stage. At that level, all their meridians are fully connected, and their body reaches a state of unparalleled vitality."
Hearing this explanation, Qian Renxue was taken aback. After a moment of silence, she asked again, "Grandfather, how do you know so much about this? You haven't spent as much time with Mr. Lu as I have, yet you speak as if it's second nature."
At this, Qian Daoliu smiled faintly and whispered, "Silly girl, haven't you realized? Your grandfather… is no longer a Soul Master."
The revelation left Qian Renxue stunned. She confirmed multiple times that she hadn't misheard, and her gaze locked on her grandfather in disbelief.
No longer a Soul Master? Could it be that… he was now a cultivator?
The idea shook Qian Renxue to her core. She could never have imagined that someone as powerful and legendary as her grandfather would also become a cultivator.
As her thoughts spiraled, she began to wonder if she too should pursue the path of cultivation.
Meanwhile, the Ice Silkworm let out a pitiful wail.
"Big brother, could you take it easy? I'm about to be drained dry!"
Lu Yunzhou responded indifferently, "This is the final step. Do your best. I won't let you suffer in vain."
With that, he added, "I'll need a vast amount of essence for this breakthrough. Produce as much as you can. Understood?"
The Ice Silkworm fell silent, clearly unwilling but ultimately resigned to its fate. For the sake of its own survival, it had no choice but to assist Lu Yunzhou with all its might.
"A single Golden Core to swallow, and I will take control of my destiny!"
Today marked the day Lu Yunzhou would ascend to the realm of the Golden Core patriarchs.
"Condense!"
With a sharp gaze and a furrowed brow, Lu Yunzhou's body radiated brilliant golden light. He poured every ounce of his spiritual energy and mental energy into his dantian, relentlessly condensing his core.
As his spiritual and mental energy drained, the Ice Silkworm continuously supplied him with its oceanic heaven and earth essence.
Suddenly, a deafening boom erupted.
The once-clear blue sky had turned dark, covered by ominous gray clouds. Massive bolts of lightning, as thick as water barrels, coiled and crackled within the storm.
"It's the tribulation lightning!" Qian Daoliu exclaimed instinctively.
In the Soul Land universe, tribulation lightnings vary across worlds. On this continent, there are three types:
Four-Colored Elemental Tribulation Seven-Colored Heavenly Tribulation Nine-Colored Chaos Tribulation (the most powerful)
During his own Golden Core formation, Qian Daoliu had faced the Four-Colored Elemental Tribulation. Though considered the weakest, it was already an honor to attract tribulation lightning at all—a sign of worthiness for the Golden Core realm.
However, Lu Yunzhou's tribulation was… peculiar.
"Why is Mr. Lu's tribulation… gray?"
Looking at the gray-tinged clouds, Qian Daoliu's heart was filled with confusion and doubt.
Unlike the usual tribulations, Lu Yunzhou's storm was pure gray, devoid of any other color. This defied all known classifications of tribulation lightnings in the Soul Land world.
As Qian Daoliu wracked his brain for answers, a sudden thought lit up his mind.
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