Chapter 79: Core Formation Mobilized

Lu An's heart tightened slightly. What Gu Chuanfei referred to as "insight" was not just guidance; it involved methods to directly impart years of understanding into one's mind. Lu An had not encountered anyone capable of such an act, and at least Gu Chuanfei was not able to do so.

The highest cultivation level Lu An knew was his master, Old Beggar. Although Old Beggar's cultivation was no longer what it used to be, his insights had not diminished. Lu An wondered why Old Beggar had not mentioned the rough application of Daoist methods. With his former Nascent Soul cultivation, his insight should be higher than Gu Chuanfei's.

There might be some reason he did not mention it. Lu An decided to ask him about it next time they met.

As for changing cultivation methods, that was out of the question. It would be time-consuming and laborious, and ordinary methods were ineffective. Higher-level methods were unattainable. Moreover, Lu An was now on the path of soul cultivation, and his spiritual soul had reached the edge of its limits.

Under the influence of the Soul Refinement Method, both Lu An's physical body and true energy had significantly increased, leaving no reason to change cultivation methods. Perhaps in the future, when his cultivation was higher and his lifespan sufficient, he might consider practicing other methods.

Lu An shook his head, clearing his jumbled thoughts. Once his true energy recovered, he resumed his battle with Ying Chang.

Fang Family of Yongning City.

Three Core Formation cultivators sat in the top three positions, while a young man knelt below them.

"Fang Hua and the three Foundation Building cultivators, two of whom were in the later stage, were all wiped out. How could this happen? Speak honestly!"

The three men's expressions were grave. Even though the Fang family was a large and prosperous clan, they could not afford such a loss. The fall of these individuals had created a gap in their middle generation, leading to a lack of capable successors.

The young man's forehead broke out in cold sweat as he stammered, "That day, I directed my clan uncle to the location of the Spirit Talisman Residence and waited there. I did not follow them."

"To my surprise, my clan uncle and the others disappeared without a trace. I went to the scene but found no trace, not even signs of a battle."

The three Core Formation cultivators exchanged glances, showing signs of contemplation.

"Is this true?"

"Absolutely true. Even if you gave me a thousand lives, I wouldn't dare lie about such an important matter."

The head of the Fang family nodded and waved his hand.

"Leave now."

After the young disciple left, he turned to the two men beside him and said, "What he said should be true. But if someone managed to capture several people silently, could it be that a Core Formation cultivator was involved?"

"The Spirit Talisman Residence does not have any Core Formation cultivators, unless the County Protector of Gugu County personally intervened."

"No, that's impossible. Our Fang family has no enmity with him. He definitely wouldn't get involved."

He paused, seemingly thinking of something, and continued, "Have you forgotten about someone? This person has a close relationship with Lu An; perhaps it was his doing."

"You mean Gu Chuanfei?"

"Yes, he's recently advanced to Core Formation and has been making a big fuss preparing for the Three Talismans Sect. Even Yongning County has had many people come to seek him out and join his sect."

As prominent families of Yongning County, they had naturally received news about Gu Chuanfei establishing his sect. They were somewhat aware of the developments in the region.

The middle-aged Core Formation cultivator on the left slammed the table, causing tea to splash everywhere.

"Hmph, it seems that as soon as he became a sect master, he forgot his own limitations."

"He dares to provoke my Fang family; I will make him wish he were dead."

"Eldest brother, second brother, leave this matter to me. I happen to need a Golden Core level main soul for my Nine Turns Blood Soul Banner."

The head of the Fang family shook his head and said, "Although Gu Chuanfei has only recently advanced to Core Formation, it is still his home ground. Don't underestimate him."

"It would be better to have your second brother accompany you to ensure safety."

He had confidence in a Core Formation cultivator fighting against another of the same realm. This middle-aged man was his half-brother and had been in the early stage of Core Formation for over thirty years. Gu Chuanfei, being a newly advanced cultivator, should not be able to match him.

However, capturing him would not be easy. Unless one's strength was overwhelming, it was challenging to capture a Core Formation cultivator who was intent on escaping.

But the middle-aged man clearly had other ideas. He leaned in and whispered a few words to the other two.

They looked up at him and asked, "Are you confident he will help you?"

"It's not difficult. If you ask who would be most impacted by the establishment of the Three Talismans Sect, it's probably him."

"In my opinion, he might be even more anxious than we are."

"Two older brothers, just wait for my news at home. There's no need for you to make this trip."

Though he said this, he had his own motives. Among the three, he was the weakest, with the least resources and magical treasures. Gu Chuanfei, being a sect master, would undoubtedly have more assets. If the two older brothers went along, there would be no benefit left for him.

After listening, the family head pondered for a moment and said, "Since you're confident, you may go alone. Remember, be cautious in everything."

Spirit Talisman Residence.

Lu An's daily routine consisted of intense cultivation and sparring with Ying Chang, making his days fulfilling.

The Soul Refinement Method, passed on by Old Beggar before he left, had now been perfected by Lu An. With the hidden dangers to his soul eliminated, both his physical body and true energy were approaching the edge of their limits.

From Old Beggar, Lu An had learned that the so-called "extreme realm" was when a material called "extreme" appeared within the body. This material was extremely domineering. The county protector, Mo Xuan, had personally examined it and found that even his Core Formation soul felt suppressed by it.

This was a natural aura of a higher status and did not mean Lu An's soul was stronger than the county protector's. Just like how a Nascent Soul dragon could easily crush a newborn true dragon seed, but the bloodline pressure still existed.

However, after Lu An perfected the Soul Refinement Method, this material suddenly vanished, as if it had never appeared.

Lu An had speculated that he was currently using this "extreme" material to strengthen his body and true energy. Once he entered the Extreme Secret Realm and all three aspects—soul, body, and method—reached the extreme realm, this material would likely reappear and would be far more significant than the previous singular aspect of the soul.

Thinking of this, Lu An felt a sense of anticipation.

However, since Old Beggar left, he had not heard any news, and he was concerned about the secret realm. The Yongning County protector and various major families would surely be on high alert. It was said that the secret realm had a specific opening time, and with the time not yet come, how could he enter?

Would it be like seeking death to enter with others once it was opened?

As he pondered, the communication jade slip in his storage bag suddenly lit up with white light.

Lu An took it out, and upon seeing the sender, his heart skipped a beat.

"County Protector, what does he want with me?"