Chapter 69:
The demonic cultivator resisted consuming it, but resistance proved futile.
Following that, Elder Wu administered a distinct pill to the other demonic cultivators, one that was poisonous and would further debilitate them.
In reality, even a Golden Core peak demonic cultivator wouldn’t pose much of a threat in these circumstances.
After completing these actions, Elder Wu summoned some disciples to confine these demonic cultivators in the underground dungeon for further interrogation. He intended to question them personally.
“Who could have guessed that among the leaders of the Heavenly Demon Sect, there were two Golden Core cultivators, including one at the Golden Core peak? Elder Li, we are greatly indebted to you this time,” Elder Huang said, his eyes filled with amazement as he gazed at Li Su.
It wasn’t just him. The other nearby cultivators also stared at Li Su with absolute astonishment.
Venturing alone this time, Li Su had captured even the Golden Core peak demonic cultivator! In the eyes of everyone present, Li Su had only recently advanced to the Golden Core stage, as the sect leader had not disclosed his true cultivation level.
Most elders still considered Li Su to be in the early stages of the Golden Core realm. But who could have anticipated that Li Su would make such a remarkable display this time, dealing even with a Golden Core peak demonic cultivator in this manner? How powerful had Li Su become?
“Elder Li, if I recall correctly, you achieved the Golden Core stage around forty years ago, correct?” a voice inquired. It was the sect leader of the Blazing Sun Sect addressing Li Su.
This marked the first encounter between Li Su and the sect leader of the Blazing Sun Sect, and although they had not crossed paths previously, Li Su immediately recognized the sect leader’s identity.
“It has been approximately forty years, and I vaguely remember. I can hardly believe how swiftly your strength has surged, Elder Li. Have you, perchance, reached the Golden Core peak?” The sect leader of the Blazing Sun Sect questioned.
The sect leader of the Seven Star Valley also chimed in.
Both of these sect leaders were somewhat shocked by Li Su’s performance.
They had come specifically to deal with the demonic cultivators. However, shortly after their arrival and while they were still deliberating their strategies, Li Su single-handedly handled the vanguard of the Heavenly Demon Sect, which was quite formidable.
The notion that Li Su might have attained the Golden Core peak was somewhat astounding to them. It typically took over 40 years to achieve the Golden Core stage. How could reaching the pinnacle of the Golden Core be possible?
The key here was that Li Su still established his foundation at the age of 100.
“The two masters haven’t reached the Golden Core pinnacle. Currently, I’m at the eighth level of the Golden Core, and I can handle this demonic cultivator. I’ve also utilized some secret techniques,” Li Su revealed confidently, letting his aura shine.
Now that the truth was out, the puzzle was almost solved. It had been several years since his last confrontation with an underground demonic cultivator. During that time, his strength had grown significantly, making it challenging to conceal.
As for the rapid progress, he left it to these cultivators to speculate and deduce. He had taken the right path in his cultivation, so there was no need to fear.
Furthermore, with his increased strength, he was no longer intimidated by anyone in the three major immortal sects. In this area, aside from the influence of formations, only three Sect Masters had higher cultivation levels than him.
Of course, the world was vast, with more powerful immortal and demonic sects out there, but at least locally, Li Su no longer needed to be overly cautious.
Golden Core Eighth Level! Li Su’s aura left the Sect Masters of the two major sects visibly amazed. Their earlier assumptions were now confirmed.
Although Li Su had defeated a Golden Core pinnacle demonic cultivator, there was uncertainty about whether the demon cultivator possessed powerful treasures, talismans, or secret techniques.
Exceptional opportunities, like discovering a grandmaster’s cave with potent talismans inside, might even challenge Foundation Establishment cultivators against Nascent Soul cultivators.
Using talismans also required cultivation, but potent talismans could give a late-stage Golden Core cultivator a fighting chance against a Nascent Soul cultivator. However, such opportunities were exceedingly rare in the regions of the three major immortal sects.
Li Su’s achievement in defeating a Golden Core pinnacle demonic cultivator was already astonishing to the Sect Masters, even before he unveiled his current cultivation level.
“Reaching Golden Core Eighth Level in just over forty years…”
Muttered the Sect Master of the Fiery Sun Sect, and those around him were equally stunned.
The two Sect Masters were deeply impressed as they recollected the rumors surrounding Li Su.
Starting with Foundation Establishment at a hundred years old, taking multiple wives, and then rising rapidly after reaching Foundation Establishment. Li Su was now only a few years away from turning 200, yet he had already attained the Golden Core Eighth Level. It was simply unbelievable.
Could his spiritual roots be even rarer than Heavenly Spiritual Roots? pondered the Sect Master of the Fiery Sun Sect.
“Perhaps his spiritual roots aren’t as mediocre as the rumors suggest but rather an uncommon and extraordinary type,” the Sect Master of the Fiery Sun Sect speculated.
Even the Sect Master of the Seven Star Valley began to entertain wild theories. The elders of the Flying Immortal Sect joined in their speculations.
Going from Golden Core First Level to Golden Core Eighth Level in over forty years was extraordinary.
Everyone found it incredibly difficult to believe, considering they were all Golden Core cultivators who knew the immense effort required to advance on the stage. Even those with decent spiritual roots struggled to reach the Golden Core.
So, the only plausible explanation was that Li Su had concealed his cultivation or possessed exceptional spiritual roots. He must have encountered incredible strokes of luck, might even hide his cultivation in the past, to account for his astonishing progress.
In the great hall, amazement filled everyone’s faces as they speculated about various scenarios. Li Su knew he didn’t need to explain. He had no intention of doing so. He would let them arrive at their reasonable conclusions through their speculations.