Chapter 255 – Pills, Formations, Treasures—Take Whatever You Want!

“Xiao Lu, don’t tell me you came to see me today because you’re about to attempt a Golden Core breakthrough?”

Jing Gong’s lips twitched slightly, as if he couldn’t quite believe it.

To be honest, even Lu Chen himself was somewhat taken aback by how fast his cultivation had progressed.

Taking real-world time as a reference, Lu Chen had obtained the mysterious game “True Immortal Cultivation” during the summer break before his final year of high school.

That would be around June or July.

Yet now, in the real world, it was only May.

By any calculation, less than a year had passed since Lu Chen first got his hands on “True Immortal Cultivation.”

And the time ratio between the game world of “True Immortal Cultivation” and the real world was ten to one.

In other words, Lu Chen hadn’t even spent a full decade inside the game.

In ten years, some people had only just managed to advance from Qi Refining to barely breaking through to Foundation Establishment.

Meanwhile, others had already gone from Qi Refining to Foundation Establishment Perfection and were now on the verge of attempting the Golden Core Stage.

If such rapid cultivation progress hadn’t actually happened to him, even Lu Chen would have found it hard to believe.

After all, at the very beginning, his goal had simply been to achieve Foundation Establishment within one real-world year.

Now, not only had he accomplished his initial goal, but he had far exceeded it.

Perfectly embodying the saying, “Three years for Foundation Establishment, five years for Golden Core.”

Fortunately, Lu Chen had encountered quite a few “fortuitous encounters” along the way.

To him, these encounters weren’t as exaggerated as outsiders might imagine.

But that didn’t stop Lu Chen from using them as an excuse to conceal the true reason behind his rapid cultivation progress.

Inside the cave residence, Jing Gong looked at Lu Chen, who remained as calm as still water, and couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy.

Consider him, Jing Gong—a pure Yang Spirit Root, hailed as a once-in-a-century cultivation prodigy of the Azure Cloud Sect.

Back in his day, it had taken him a full fifty years to successfully break through to the Golden Core Stage.

Even that had shocked quite a few people.

But compared to Lu Chen, his past achievements suddenly seemed rather ordinary.

Not to mention, aside from his astonishing cultivation speed, this disciple of his also possessed a Heaven-Defying level of Comprehension Ability.

Mastering multiple Dao Integration Realm Sword Domains while still at the Foundation Establishment Stage.

Was that something a normal person could accomplish?

With a hint of sourness, Jing Gong couldn’t resist asking, “Xiao Lu, how confident are you about your upcoming Golden Core breakthrough?”

“You must understand that a Golden Core breakthrough is no ordinary matter. If you fail to successfully overcome the Golden Core Tribulation, the consequences could range from severe injuries and a damaged Foundation to losing your life on the spot, with your Dao dissipating entirely.”

“You’re still young. There’s no need to chase after hollow titles like the youngest Golden Core Stage cultivator. It’s always better to prioritize stability in all matters. After all, your greatest advantage is your youth—you have plenty of time ahead of you. There’s no need to rush.”

Jing Gong wasn’t saying this out of fear that Lu Chen would succeed in his breakthrough and catch up to him.

In fact, Jing Gong would be thrilled if Lu Chen broke through as early as possible.

Unlike other schools, where disciples were numerous and resources were unevenly distributed,

the Azure Cloud Sect only accepted disciples with superior Heart-Nature and a certain level of cultivation Aptitude.

As a result, the Azure Cloud Sect had always had the fewest members among the top ten schools in the Central Province.

Yet, paradoxically, the Azure Cloud Sect controlled the most territory and Blessed Lands among the hundred schools in the Central Province.As long as one becomes a formal disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect, disciples within the sect rarely worry about cultivation resources.

It is precisely because there is no competition for resources that the disciples of the Azure Cloud Sect get along so harmoniously.

Therefore, if Lu Chen were to successfully achieve a breakthrough, it would bring immense prestige to his master, Jing Gong.

When walking among the Five Azure Peaks, he would stride with such confidence and flair, radiating an air of effortless elegance.

However, as Jing Gong had said, breaking through to the Golden Core Stage was no ordinary feat—it was fraught with danger at every step.

Without absolute certainty, it was best not to act rashly.

These were the words of wisdom from Jing Gong, who had experienced it firsthand.

Lu Chen understood Jing Gong’s well-intentioned advice, but he also had his own considerations.

Moreover, his temperament ensured he would never take reckless risks.

If it were merely for the hollow reputation of being the youngest in history to break through to the Golden Core Stage, Lu Chen wouldn’t have needed to wait until after the True Immortal Trial.

Even before the True Immortal Trial, he could have used his accumulated experience points to max out his cultivation and begin his attempt at the Golden Core.

The fact that he had delayed for so long was a testament to his cautious nature.

“Master, I understand everything you’ve said. You know my way of doing things—unless I have sufficient confidence, I would never make such a claim.”

“Do you truly have the confidence?”

Jing Gong glanced at Lu Chen uncertainly and asked again.

Lu Chen nodded and said, “Yes.”

“How much confidence?”

“…Over eighty percent.”

“Excellent!”

Jing Gong slapped his thigh excitedly, nearly jumping up on the spot.

“Eighty percent? That’s more than enough! Back in my day, I only had sixty percent confidence in my breakthrough, and I still managed it with ease.”

“Besides, if you have an eighty percent chance of breaking through, that means you have a hundred percent certainty of surviving the Golden Core Tribulation.”

“As long as you survive, even if your foundation is damaged during the tribulation, our sect can nurse you back to health.”

“No wonder, no wonder you came to me at this time.”

“Alright, Little Lu, tell me—what do you need for your breakthrough? Speak freely.”

“Whatever I can provide, I’ll give you right away. For anything I don’t have, I’ll go straight to Sect Leader Senior Brother and have him deliver it personally!”

“After all, you are the most promising seedling for Immortal Ascension our Azure Cloud Sect has seen in nearly ten thousand years.”

“Who else in the sect deserves all those precious resources more than you?”

“Don’t worry—if Sect Leader Senior Brother hesitates or refuses to part with them, your master here will pay him a personal visit and make him understand that our Danyang Peak is not to be trifled with!”

“I’m serious—if I’m being polite, I call him Sect Leader Senior Brother. If not, he’s just Little Gu!”

Watching Jing Gong’s triumphant and unabashedly boastful demeanor, Lu Chen was momentarily at a loss for words.

Was this the camaraderie among disciples of the Azure Cloud Sect?

Publicly addressing him as Sect Leader, but privately calling him “Little Gu”?

Master, would you dare say these words to the Sect Leader’s face?

Lu Chen deeply doubted it.

After all, although Jing Gong’s cultivation was impressive—having reached the Perfection of the Golden Core Stage—Sect Leader Gu Liqing was a Nascent Soul Stage cultivator and a Great Divine Power practitioner who had mastered the Transformation Dao Realm.

For a Golden Core cultivator to call Gu Liqing “Little Gu” was nothing short of defying the natural order!

However, this also highlighted the extraordinary relationship between Jing Gong and Gu Liqing.

It was clearly the kind of bond shared between close brothers.Only then could Jing Gong disregard the disparity in cultivation and status, addressing Gu Liqing, the current Azure Cloud Sect Leader, so casually as “Little Gu.”

Having obtained this information, Lu Chen naturally understood the role Jing Gong could play in his upcoming Golden Core breakthrough.

In short, as long as he needed it now, Jing Gong and even the entire Azure Cloud Sect would find ways to provide for him.

This was the benefit of having a major sect as backing.

As the saying goes, an old man who doesn’t produce resources isn’t a good old man.

Moreover, Lu Chen had come precisely to get Jing Gong to provide some resources, making his Golden Core breakthrough smoother.

Therefore, he made his requests without the slightest burden.

“Master, what I need now isn’t much, mainly these few items.”

“First, a suitable breakthrough location, preferably a cave residence built upon a heaven and earth spiritual vein with abundant spiritual power.”

“Second, a set of magic treasures and magical artifacts that can reduce the power of the lightning tribulation.”

“Third, some elixirs that can enhance realm breakthroughs and restore spiritual power and injuries, preferably all spirit pills of the third realm or above.”

“Fourth, a complete formation that can not only defend against the lightning tribulation but also have some shielding effect to prevent outsiders from spying.”

“Fifth, some high-quality sacrificial items for worshiping heaven, preferably carrying some luck.”

“Sixth, some guardians at least at the Nascent Soul Stage…”

“Seventh…”

“Eighth…”

When Lu Chen first mentioned the first three requirements, Jing Gong still wore a smile.

But when Lu Chen reached the fifth and sixth items, Jing Gong’s smile gradually began to stiffen.

By the time Lu Chen mentioned the seventh and eighth, Jing Gong had completely lost his smile and was sweating profusely.

There was no other reason—Lu Chen’s demands were simply too exaggerated.

So exaggerated that Jing Gong suspected Lu Chen wasn’t preparing for a Golden Core Stage breakthrough but for a Nascent Soul Stage breakthrough.

Even some Golden Core Stage cultivators undergoing Nascent Soul Stage breakthroughs didn’t require such an elaborate setup.

After listing ten requirements in a row, Lu Chen finally stopped and looked at Jing Gong with hopeful eyes.

That look immediately made Jing Gong swallow all the words he had intended for bargaining.

Jing Gong looked at Lu Chen and said hoarsely, “L-Little Lu, are you sure these are all the requirements?”

Lu Chen nodded and said, “Reporting to Master, these are indeed all the disciple’s requirements. If Master and the Sect Leader can fulfill these conditions, the disciple believes this breakthrough will be almost certain to succeed.”

“Hah, haha, is that so…”

Jing Gong forced a dry laugh, then his mind began racing furiously.

After all, based on the requirements Lu Chen had proposed, he and his Danyang Peak could only fulfill two or three at most.

The remaining seven or eight would require Gu Liqing, the Azure Cloud Sect Leader, to discuss with the other Peak Lords.

For example, the tribulation transcendence formation setup and the specific talismans Lu Chen mentioned couldn’t be provided without someone from Ten Thousand Talisman Peak.

It just so happened that this kid Lu Chen seemed to have come prepared, picking only the best items.

Even Ten Thousand Talisman Peak would feel slightly pained to part with those things.

Not to mention other requirements like ‘specific blessed lands,’ ‘specialized tribulation transcendence magic treasures,’ etc…

Every single one of these demands was no simple matter.

Damn, I spoke too confidently earlier.

Now I’m really going to suffer a major loss.But with words spoken like water spilled, there was no taking them back.

Although Jing Gong had already foreseen that he would have to live frugally for some time in the future, the thought that his Danyang Peak might one day produce an Immortal made him feel that enduring a little hardship was completely worth it.

If the neighboring Jade Void Mountain could stake their entire school for the sake of someone with the “potential of a True Immortal,” how could their Azure Cloud Sect lack such boldness?

With this in mind, Jing Gong immediately thumped his chest and declared, “Alright, Little Lu, you wait here for a while. Your master will go to the Main Peak to find the Sect Leader. Rest assured, even if I can’t get everything you asked for, I’ll definitely secure most of it. Just wait for my good news!”

Having said that, Jing Gong immediately scurried off toward the Main Peak as if his feet were greased. His hurried demeanor clearly showed he was afraid Lu Chen might bring up more demands—after all, Jing Gong truly had nothing left to offer at the moment.

Watching Jing Gong’s flustered retreat, Lu Chen felt a rare pang of guilt. In truth, the demands he had just made were intentionally set one or two levels higher than the absolute maximum. He figured that even if he couldn’t get everything and had to settle for a discount, it would still largely meet his needs. What he hadn’t expected was that Jing Gong would agree without even attempting to bargain, making Lu Chen feel as though he had misjudged his master’s generosity.

Still, if given the choice again, Lu Chen would do the same. After all, his life was his own, and one could never be too cautious—especially when attempting a breakthrough to a Transcendent Golden Core, something unprecedented. Although Lu Chen had set his requirements two to three times higher than those for a First Grade Great Dao Golden Core, he still couldn’t be certain things would unfold exactly as he envisioned.

As Jing Gong disappeared from view, Lu Chen thought to himself, “Master, though I’ve slightly taken advantage of you this time, it’s all for the future of our Azure Cloud Sect. If you knew my intentions, surely you wouldn’t blame me for this overstep, would you?”

Azure Cloud Sect, Main Peak, Azure Cloud Peak.

“Jing Gong, repeat what you just said. Have you lost your mind? Are these preparations for a Golden Core Stage breakthrough? This is enough for a Nascent Soul Stage breakthrough!”

“What do you mean, repeat myself? Gu Liqing, let me make this clear: if the disciples of your other peaks still want our Danyang Peak to supply elixirs in the future, then my demands must be met—every single one of them! Our Danyang Peak has finally produced a rare talent with Immortal potential. If we don’t support him now, when will we? Besides, isn’t Danyang Peak part of the Azure Cloud Sect? If Little Lu ascends and becomes an Immortal in the future, our entire sect will share in the glory!”

Watching Jing Gong’s unyielding stance, Gu Liqing massaged his temples in frustration. In truth, he wasn’t opposed to helping Lu Chen achieve his Golden Core breakthrough—on the contrary, he fully supported it and was willing to go all out. But Jing Gong’s demands… were simply excessive!

Since when did a disciple breaking through to the Golden Core Stage require the protection of at least a Deity Transformation Stage cultivator? And since when did they need a pile of Fourth Realm Dao Artifacts and Fourth Realm Spirit Pills for assistance? These resources weren’t just enough for a Golden Core tribulation—they could handle a Nascent Soul tribulation!Gu Liqing had every reason to suspect that Jing Gong must have escalated Lu Chen’s demands by one or two levels before relaying them to him.

Otherwise, he couldn’t comprehend what kind of terrifying Golden Core tribulation would require such exaggerated preparations.

“Junior Brother, it’s not that I, your Senior Brother, am unwilling to help your disciple. How could I not understand what talent that child Lu Chen possesses and what achievements he might attain in the future?”

“But just listen to what you’ve said. Are those words that should come from a human being?”

“Perhaps… could we scale it back a bit? Even just a little would help.”

As if waiting for Gu Liqing to say exactly this, Jing Gong immediately produced pen and paper with prepared readiness and said: “Then put it in writing!”

Very well, you brat truly has the appetite of a lion, just waiting for me to bargain!

However, Gu Liqing didn’t feel particularly resistant to this.

After all, if someone were to question in the future whether a Golden Core Stage breakthrough truly required such extravagant arrangements, he could simply shift all responsibility to Jing Gong.

One could say Jing Gong had voluntarily taken on this “black cauldron” of blame.

And since someone was willingly shouldering the blame, Gu Liqing saw no reason not to go along with it.

Moreover, he had always held high expectations for Lu Chen anyway.

Thus, the two began earnestly discussing the resources needed for Lu Chen’s upcoming breakthrough.

Gradually, the other Peak Lords also received the news.

But when they saw the list of requirements in Gu Liqing’s handwritten note, each and every one of them bristled with anger.

Wait, these things for a Golden Core Stage breakthrough? Gu Liqing, are you taking us for fools?

Do you truly think that just because you’ve become Sect Leader, you can disregard us, your former Senior and Junior Brothers?

Let’s go to the Main Peak and demand an explanation!

Not long after Gu Liqing’s message was circulated, a rare scene unfolded.

All five Peak Lords of the Azure Clouds Peaks were seen flying toward the Main Peak.

The spectacle frightened many disciples who were unaware of the circumstances, making them think some major incident had occurred…

(End of Chapter)