Golden Core

The simple gravity chamber lacked any decorative elements. Upon entering, Alex felt an overwhelming force rush toward him, oppressive and demanding.

It was as if he was trapped in thick mud, making any gestures or movements a arduous task.

This force emanated from the unique pressure of the Human-level Cultivation Room—tyrannical and making every action exceedingly challenging.

Even standing required relying on mana and mental energy to resist the force, resulting in rapid consumption of both of them.

"Let me start."

Alex's face remained expressionless as he unsheathed the long sword on his back.

The sword light flashed with unpredictable changes in speed, occasionally dimming and brightening at random intervals.

Alex skillfully focused the entire energy on specific points, and at other times, dispersed it in every ray of the sword light. Slowly, he began refining his sword intent, emphasizing his intent on the attack.

As Alex immersed himself in practicing swordsmanship, the gravity's tyrannical effect swiftly consumed the mana energy within his body at an astonishing rate.

This was when the advantages of his increased soul energy manifested. The speed of restoring his mana nearly doubled.

Due to him practicing an Emperor Rank cultivation method, Alex's original mana restoration speed was commendable.

This showcasing another impressive strength of Emperor rank cultivation techniques. However, with the boost in soul energy, it became even more remarkable.

"My assumption was correct," Alex's eyes sparkled with joy.

It's also important to note that the process of exhausting mana energy and then fully recovering it was beneficial for increasing the purity of mana in the body, laying a solid foundation and enabling one to fight against with individuals at higher stages of cultivation.

Normally, very few disciples chose to cultivate in this challenging environment, finding it depressing and intolerable due to the continuous drain on their mana and mental energy.

Occasionally, some disciples facing bottlenecks would attempt to forcibly break through using the gravity in this room.

After the previous day's experience and pain, Alex's resistance to it had significantly increased. He even felt the current atmosphere was nothing compared to that.

"Even though I try to ignore it most of the time, there is definitely a reason for my reincarnation in this world. I have to become strong enough to face it while enjoying my peaceful life," a keen light burst out from Alex.

He continued to practice his sword intent by consistently executing sword moves while imbuing his thoughts into them.

____________________

More than One year has passed in the blink of an eye.

Training Room

Alex sat cross legged in his room and activated the protective formation of his house so that no could could disturb him.

Having reached the 9th level in Foundation Establishment Four months ago, Alex took out the Purple Essence pill to break the barrier and directly enter the Golden Core stage today.

"I wonder how strong this medicinal pill will be," Alex mused, filled with expectations as he consumed the pill.

Soon, Alex sensed an enormous amount of chaotic energy flooding his body.

"What a potent pill!"

Engaging the breathing technique, Alex guided the energy in the form of a circle, absorbing it and directing it into all nine mana routes connected to his core.

As the mana stored in the nine routes was absorbed by the Core, its size gradually increased. Alex continued compressing the core repeatedly.

Already feeling abundant mana concentrated in the air around him, he sensed a connection between his Soul and the core, which was transforming from its previous gaseous form to a solid one.

With fierce concentration, Alex guided the core's growth with the precision of an artisan sculpting a masterpiece.

Through controlled breaths, he facilitated the energy's graceful dance within him, transforming it into a pulsating golden core resonating with the rhythm of his breath.

His body felt thoroughly cleansed, as if rid of any mortal filth. Over time, thin residues with a nasty odor was expelled through his pores. This sticky residues consisted of impurities from his bones and flesh.

After expelling these impurities, Alex felt cleansed, as if returning to his most primal self. His body felt harmony with nature, and his face appeared energized, as if he was reborn.

Instinctively, he sensed a slight change in his biological limits, getting closer to breaking the shackles of Mortal.

The Pill also harbored a large amount of energy, and after three hours, Alex concluded his cultivation. His body brimmed with energy, signifying a successful breakthrough to the Golden Core stage.

[Name: Alex Obsidian

Race: Human(*****)

Age: 17

Affiliation: Obsidian Clan, Heavenly Star Academy.

Cultivation: Golden Core 1st stage

Bloodline: Sky Rumble Bloodline {Demi God Rank}

Physique: Celestial Eyes { ***** Rank }

Cultivation method: Sky Rumble Emperor Cultivation Method.

Skills Learned:

1. Lightning Slash - Human Rank Sword Technique { Proficiency - 100%}

Sword Intent Prototype - 99% { 300% increase in attack power }

2. Whispering Shadows - Earth Rank Agility Skill ( continuation of Human Rank Shadow steps ) { Proficiency - 10% } ]

After inspecting his status, He closed his eyes and re-entered the Black dimension, where the intensity of the purple light had increased significantly compared to the first encounter.

Upon walking closer to it, Alex noticed the black book, which had remained closed all this time, vibrating as if it were awaiting him.

Utilizing his eyes, He attempted to gain information about the book in the past, but there was no response. When he forced the issue, blood started dripping from his eyes.

Alex touched the book and allowed the book to absorb his soul energy which became a habit to him every week. However, the absorption was minimal compared to the first time.

Over the past one year, he repeatedly let it absorb his soul energy, yet no white energy was released as before. Nevertheless, he sensed his soul purity increasing each time, despite its size remaining at 200 meters.

With the enhanced soul purity, the recovery speed of his soul increased, and his control over mana became more precise and accurate.

After one hour, the black book stopped absorbing and the black dimension ejected his consciousness out of it.

He walked out of the training room and took a bath before heading outside. Since today marked the Alchemy Pavilion's recruitment of apprentices among the outer disciples.

Out of hundreds who applied, they would select twenty five disciples aged below 24, evaluating their mana control, knowledge of medicinal herbs, and cultivation at the Golden Core stage.

After a considerable walk, Alex found himself standing in front of a massive building, rivaling the size of the 'Administrative Building.'

The Alchemy Pavilion boasted two colossal doors, spacious enough for carriages, with massive cauldrons on either side. At the top, silver words demanded respect, earning reverence from all within the 'Heavenly Star Academy.'

'Alchemist Pavilion Branch'

Though hesitant for a moment, Alex approached the gigantic doors.

Upon entering the 'Alchemy Pavilion,' Alex was greeted by the delightful fragrance of freshly made pills. His body twitched slightly, as if trying to absorb the medicinal essence in the air.

While Alex surveyed the surroundings, Stella, with her aura at Golden Core 9th level cultivation, approached him. Her already pretty face was complemented by her distinct features, particularly her ample bosom and curvaceous buttocks, causing every young man who saw her to feel a certain warmth in certain part of their body.