Chapter 136: Resolutely Condensing the Fake Pill

Gale-force winds howled, churning the sea into a tumultuous frenzy. The black clouds gathering in the sky grew thicker. Within the mountain-like cloud formations, flashes of lightning occasionally illuminated the scene, showcasing their destructive power.

Yet, this immense storm, in Zhang Haobo's hands, was like a wild horse tethered by reins, obediently moving slowly in a predetermined direction.

“To glimpse the laws of heaven and earth, in order to refine a Golden Core…” Zhang Haobo pondered slowly, surrounded by the storm.

“With my current strength, attempting a full assimilation is still a bit forced. But without a Golden Core cultivation method, I’m stuck at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage, unable to advance even an inch. Time is pressing; I can no longer slowly accumulate contribution points to exchange for a Golden Core cultivation technique. The only way forward now is… a False Core.”

A flicker of resolve crossed Zhang Haobo’s eyes.

Practicing the False Core method means, after reaching the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage, forcibly breaking through by infusing one's body with the power of heaven and earth, forming an illusory Golden Core within the Dantian, constructed from the power of laws. This temporarily elevates one's cultivation to the Golden Core stage.

The False Core method cannot be sustained; it lasts for a maximum of just over thirty days. The side effects are also extremely severe. Even if one later succeeds in forming a true Golden Core, it will leave irreparable hidden injuries, effectively cutting off one's path to further cultivation. Without other fortuitous encounters thereafter, one would be stuck at the Golden Core stage for life.

But Zhang Haobo had no other choice! Going against the heavens, how could it be easy?

Zhang Haobo subtly glanced up again, a cold sneer forming in his heart. Ever since his rebirth, he occasionally felt as if he was being spied upon. It was like a thorn in his back, causing him discomfort. Initially, he thought it was just a misconception, but after entering the Foundation Establishment stage, the sensation became even clearer.

Zhang Haobo understood in his heart that his unusual actions since his rebirth had likely attracted the attention of ‘that one’ in the heavens. When Heaven reveals its murderous intent, the destinies of all living beings within the Cloud Sea are inherently predetermined. His desire to reverse his fate would undoubtedly encounter immense resistance. Zhang Haobo had long been psychologically prepared for this. It was foreseeable that as his strength continued to grow, this obstructive force would also become more powerful.

However, he was not without aid. Zhang Haobo subconsciously touched his chest. There, a translucent, light blue bead flickered in and out of sight. He was certainly not a Water Spirit Body. The reason he could freely use spiritual energy in this Cloud Sea without worrying about depletion was precisely due to the existence of this unique treasure.

He had no idea what this unique treasure was called or where it came from. It was only that day, after he broke through to the Qi Refining stage, that he discovered this blue water bead within his chest. After a series of tests, he gradually learned the bead's purpose. It could help him restore his spiritual energy at an astonishing speed. It also made it easier for him to comprehend the laws of heaven and earth, especially those related to water and wind. From time to time, images would appear in his mind, revealing certain secrets within the Cloud Sea.

Previously, the reason he was able to detect that peculiar space where the Azure Wind and sword hilt contended, and then enter it unnoticed, was precisely due to the secret assistance of this blue water bead. Otherwise, let alone his cultivation at the late Qi Refining stage then, even at his current peak Foundation Establishment stage, he wouldn't have been able to achieve it! This infinitely mysterious unique treasure was likely the benefit he came with as a reborn individual, and his reliance for defying fate and changing his destiny in this life!

Zhang Haobo's thoughts surged, then gradually settled into calm. He extended his left hand, grasping a wisp of wind from afar, sensing the super storm that was about to form. He continuously adjusted the speed and direction of the small storm he was manipulating before him. In his mind, he calculated and simulated the possible outcomes of the two storms colliding.

“The day the Azure Wind appears will be the day I condense my False Core.” A glint flashed in Zhang Haobo's eyes, and then, obscured by the wind and rain, his figure slowly disappeared into the storm.

Although Li Fan could monitor Zhang Haobo's every move, he couldn't see into his mind. Thus, he naturally had no idea what was happening with Zhang Haobo. Moreover, he currently had no time to worry about it. Ever since that day he started learning formation arrays with Zhang Zhiliang, he hadn't had a single moment of free time.

Although Zhang Zhiliang would leave for a while to attend to other matters after a period of teaching, before leaving, he would assign Li Fan corresponding formation array exercises and instruct him to study them. Often, before Li Fan could even complete these exercises, Zhang Zhiliang would return. After correcting and explaining the exercises, Zhang Zhiliang would resume his lectures. This cycle continued, leaving no time for rest.

Once Zhang Zhiliang sensed that Li Fan's mental fatigue had reached a certain level, he would light a silver incense. As the fragrance wafted, Li Fan's mental exhaustion immediately vanished upon smelling it. Then, at Zhang Zhiliang's silent command, he would continue to immerse himself in study. This process seemed endless. It even gave Li Fan the illusion that time was moving incredibly slowly. Every minute and second spent studying formation arrays was a torment. He wished it would end sooner. If not for his inherent strong will, coupled with the three mental fortitude trials he had undergone at Qin Tang's place, which made his endurance far surpass that of ordinary people, he might not have been able to persevere.

After an unknown period, Zhang Zhiliang brought back another person. Their progress differed, so they weren't taught together. Instead, an identical phantom image was split off in this dark starry sky to lecture that person separately. Only then did Li Fan realize that the one who had been continuously lecturing him was likely not a real person either. The so-called 'going out for matters' was just an excuse. It was probably just to test his diligence when unsupervised.

Li Fan shook his head, paying no mind to the other apprentice. After setting a reminder for the two-year deadline, he disregarded all other concerns and immersed himself wholeheartedly in the study of formation arrays. Thus, time flowed by, oblivious to the passage of days and months.

One day, as Li Fan was frowning in thought, his expression suddenly changed drastically. His brain felt as if it had been violently struck by some massive object; the world spun, and golden stars danced before his eyes. Blood even flowed from his nose and eye sockets, a truly horrifying sight.

Zhang Zhiliang's figure suddenly appeared. He gave Li Fan a strange look but didn't ask any questions. He simply lit the silver incense once more. This time, the fragrance was even stronger than before. The spiritual sense injury he had just sustained began to rapidly heal after absorbing the fragrance. In just under half a day, Li Fan felt his injuries were completely gone, and he was back to normal.

It was only then that Li Fan had time to examine the last image transmitted into his mind.

“Zhang Haobo, he broke through to the Golden Core stage?” He slightly turned his head, gazing into the distance, a peculiar expression on his face.