"Brother Bai, your lair's formation is quite formidable. It can withstand such fierce attacks from that beast, and I doubt even three to five Earth Immortals could breach it."
Daoist Chang Sheng, a gourd still hanging from his waist, gazed at the formation above with a hint of intoxication and admiration.
Though he hadn't delved deeply into formations, Daoist Chang Sheng had seen his fair share, and the Bai family's mountain-protecting array ranked among the top three he had encountered.
"You jest, Daoist. Were it not for your intervention, how could my Bai family have held off that beast? Master Zhang is truly formidable. Where did he find such a powerful creature? My Bai Gu Sword could only leave faint scratches on its hide, failing to even pierce its skin."
The Bai family ancestor still harbored a trace of fear as he recalled the encounter. He had been confident after reaching the Earth Immortal realm, heading to seek revenge on Zhang Fan. Yet, before he could even see Zhang Fan, he was thoroughly thrashed by a Flood Dragon, forced to flee in disarray. Worse still, two of his family's meticulously trained Divine Realm experts perished under the blood-colored Flood Dragon's claws.
Daoist Chang Sheng nodded in agreement. That Flood Dragon had given him considerable trouble as well. Even with the Bai family ancestor and himself, two Earth Immortals, working together, they could only hold it at bay; defeating it was out of the question.
The Blood Demon Flood Dragon, realizing the futility of a prolonged struggle, retreated on its own.
Otherwise, how could the two of them have possibly driven it away?
"It seems our combined strength is insufficient. We'll need more help," Daoist Chang Sheng murmured.
"I think we should just forget it..."
The Bai family ancestor pondered, though Zhang Fan had killed his descendants, destroyed his spiritual consciousness, and caused the deaths of two Divine Realm experts, these were minor concerns to him.
His pursuit of Zhang Fan was merely for face. Having lived over two hundred years, he had countless descendants; the death of a few meant little.
What mattered most was his own life. Zhang Fan's mystery and power had instilled a seed of fear in his heart.
Hearing the Bai family ancestor's words, a flicker of intrigue crossed Daoist Chang Sheng's eyes, followed by a smile. "Brother Bai, do you know why I got involved in this matter?"
"Could it be that you and Master Zhang bore grudges from the Half-Moon Immortal's cave-dwelling back then?" the Bai family ancestor speculated.
Daoist Chang Sheng shook his head. "Back in the Half-Moon Immortal's cave-dwelling, all of us Divine Realm cultivators were focused on the immortal techniques and paid little attention to other treasures."
"However, after I condensed my Nascent Core and entered the Earth Immortal realm, I finally understood the gap between myself and the Half-Moon Immortal."
"We've both witnessed the Half-Moon Immortal's methods. Even when injured, his strength far surpassed ours."
"I suspect the Half-Moon Immortal didn't merely condense a Nascent Core; he likely advanced much further than us, condensing the legendary Golden Core."
"He was a Golden Core Earth Immortal!"
"Golden Core?"
The Bai family ancestor mumbled the word, his eyes filled with yearning. Legends said that one who condensed a Golden Core could shatter the void and roam the stars.
"Master Zhang inherited the Half-Moon Immortal's legacy. If my guess is correct, Master Zhang likely obtained the Half-Moon Immortal's Golden Core."
"This is why I intervened."
As he spoke, a fervent desire flickered in Daoist Chang Sheng's eyes. His Dao name, Chang Sheng (Longevity), reflected his lifelong pursuit of the path to longevity. For this path, he was willing to murder long-time friends; he had become somewhat obsessed.
The Bai family ancestor finally understood why Daoist Chang Sheng, with whom he had little acquaintance, would help him. It was for this very purpose.
"After condensing our Nascent Cores, the spiritual energy required for our cultivation becomes immense. Relying solely on absorbing the power of heaven and earth, even decades might yield little progress."
"Without external assistance, no matter how esteemed we are as Earth Immortals with a lifespan of a thousand years, we would ultimately be bound by time and stop here."
"With the aid of a Golden Core, our cultivation paths would become much smoother. Ascending to the Golden Core realm might even be possible."
"Your words tempt me greatly, Daoist. But you witnessed that Flood Dragon. With our current strength, we are no match for it, let alone Zhang Master."
"No matter how powerful that Flood Dragon is, it is ultimately just a beast. To deal with it, we only need a small stratagem to delay it for a short while. Once we breach the island in the lake, we can casually capture a couple of hostages. Then, we can exchange them with Master Zhang for a few items. I believe that shouldn't be difficult."
Such despicable tactics, yet Daoist Chang Sheng uttered them with such composure, showing no sign of shame.
The Bai family ancestor, a shameless old wretch, after hearing Daoist Chang Sheng's proposal, found it excellent and nodded repeatedly, agreeing wholeheartedly.
"Then let's do it!"
The Bai family ancestor, who already harbored deep hatred for Zhang Fan, had merely shown hesitation earlier due to being intimidated by the Blood Demon Flood Dragon's might. But after hearing the grand vision Daoist Chang Sheng painted for him, he felt a surge of blood, which hadn't boiled for centuries, now coursing through his veins.
"We don't need to worry about Master Zhang's strength, but our current power is still insufficient to handle that Flood Dragon. Therefore, we need more help." Seeing the Bai family ancestor agree, Daoist Chang Sheng felt significantly more confident.
"How many?"
"Three to five Earth Immortals should suffice."
"..."
After leaving the Bai family's lair, the Blood Demon Flood Dragon soared through the clouds and mist, returning to the island in the lake in no time.
"How did it go? Did you eliminate that old man?" Lin Hao Tian was the first to ask, rushing forward.
The Blood Demon Flood Dragon shook its massive head, clearly displeased. It had condensed its demonic core and entered the Nascent Condensation realm shortly after Zhang Fan's departure.
It was the most excited during the Bai family's invasion, expecting to slaughter wantonly. However, unexpectedly, a Daoist appeared midway and challenged it, foiling its efforts.
"That person must be Daoist Chang Sheng, whom Master mentioned. I didn't expect him to break through so quickly." After hearing the Blood Demon Flood Dragon's account, Lin Hao Tian immediately deduced Daoist Chang Sheng's identity.
"When will Master return? If Master were here, the Bai family's formation would be instantly shattered, and I would have a proper kill!" the Blood Demon Flood Dragon roared.
"Master encountered some trouble in Europe and may not return for a while. Everyone needs to be cautious during this period and stay on the island in the lake."
"When Master returns, he will definitely make them pay the price!"
With the Blood Demon Flood Dragon guarding them, Lin Hao Tian and the others felt relatively secure on the island in the lake. Their only concern was Zhang Fan's situation.
...
The cultivation effect of using the Golden Scale Breaking Nascent Pill was indeed much better than using Nascent Liquid. After consuming the first Golden Scale Breaking Nascent Pill, Zhang Fan took just over a month to cultivate to the late stage of the Heavenly Human realm.
After consuming the last Golden Scale Breaking Nascent Pill, Zhang Fan spent another two months, reaching the peak of the Heavenly Human realm, just one step away from condensing his Nascent Core and entering the Nascent Condensation realm.
"Over ninety percent of the medicinal power has been consumed. Relying on the remaining efficacy to condense my Nascent Core is still too difficult," Zhang Fan sighed inwardly. He had initially thought two Golden Scale Breaking Nascent Pills would be enough to help him enter the Nascent Condensation realm, but he had underestimated his body's absorption capabilities.
Having cultivated the Ten Absolute Heavenly God Record, each cultivation level required more spiritual energy than equivalent levels in other techniques, leading to miscalculation by this seasoned practitioner.
"Never mind, peak Heavenly Human realm isn't too bad. At least if I encounter those old fellows from the Holy See again, I'll have the ability to resist."
Previously, Zhang Fan could only escape with the aid of the Mountain River Seal. But now, with his greatly enhanced strength, he could at least defend himself against them, even without the Mountain River Seal.
...