Chapter 58: Chapter 58: The Pinnacle of Realms
Lu An's expression froze, as if he had heard something unbelievable.
"Senior, what do you mean?"
Gu Chuanfei sighed deeply, showing a hint of dejection, and slowly recounted the events of the past six months.
After participating in the Li family's young master competition, he had gone to Yongning County City to assume his position. Initially, everything went smoothly. With his cultivation at the Core Formation stage, he was highly respected in the county city.
Such cultivation was top-tier even in Yongning County.
However, by chance, several major forces discovered a secret realm called "Shangqing." Juyuan Studio was among them, and from that moment, everything began to change.
The secret realm was filled with various rare treasures. Even preliminary exploration yielded bountiful returns for the various families.
But someone leaked the news, causing the other families to pressure each other and even resort to battle.
Under such circumstances, the families had no choice but to share the secret realm.
In the end, they discovered three entrances within the secret realm, with no knowledge of where they led.
Next to the entrances was a line of small characters:
"Where the front can reach, the back can exceed."
Everyone was puzzled and sent disciples to explore.
Soon, all the disciples returned and reported on what they had found inside the entrances.
It turned out that behind each entrance was a vast stone chamber, with each entrant being separated and seeing different chambers.
The only similarity was that each chamber contained a huge hourglass.
Based on its flow rate, it was estimated that it would take about four years for the hourglass to empty.
No one knew what this time meant or whether it was good or bad.
Moreover, each entrance had a cultivation restriction, corresponding to the Core Formation, Foundation Establishment, and Qi Refining stages.
The families, unsure of the significance, refocused their attention on the small line of text.
At this point, various speculations arose, with one explanation being the most convincing:
The back had something or a method to break through the limits of cultivation, but the hourglass had not yet run out, so the time had not yet come.
And the three entrances each corresponded to the limits of the three cultivation stages.
This explanation drove the major forces into frenzy, and the seeds of war were reignited.
Fortunately, the governor of Yongning County appeared in time, suppressing several major forces with his Nascent Soul level cultivation, and no one dared to speak further.
He naturally took control of the secret realm's entrances. To prevent others from causing trouble, he allocated some of the slots to the major forces while keeping more than half for himself. The other forces could only seethe in anger but dared not speak out. At least in this situation, they still had some benefits. If they resisted, they might be wiped out.
Hearing this, Lu An showed a look of confusion.
"Senior, what does this have to do with your departure from Juyuan Studio?"
He was somewhat confused, but Gu Chuanfei waved his hand, signaling him to be patient.
"With the influence of Juyuan Studio, we naturally received some slots."
"There were two slots for the Core Formation stage, and I was fortunate to be selected."
"In this situation, I was naturally overjoyed. Although the secret realm's dangers were unknown, if I could enter and explore the limits of power, even death would be worth it."
"But what I didn't expect was that a few months later, the eldest son of the Great Elder of Juyuan Studio broke through to the Core Formation stage."
At this point, he showed anger and looked at Lu An.
Lu An had already guessed what happened next—seeing that Gu Chuanfei had just assumed his new position with a still-weak foundation, they likely used some excuses to take the slots away from him.
He asked, and indeed, Gu Chuanfei nodded.
"In a fit of anger, I left Juyuan Studio and returned to Guxian County."
"So, today, I came here to have a drink with young friend Lu, since I had nothing better to do."
Lu An understood and reassured him:
"Since Juyuan Studio is so unreasonable, it's better not to stay. But have you thought about your plans for the future?"
Gu Chuanfei sighed and took a swig of wine:
"What plans could I have? Being a wandering cultivator is fine. I can live freely, and with my cultivation, I can still enjoy life."
He was not boasting. With Core Formation stage cultivation, in this wild continent, he would be recognized as a high-ranking cultivator wherever he went. Apart from the very rare Nascent Soul cultivators and the possibly mythical Transformation Stage ancestors, everyone else would have to show him respect.
Lu An agreed with this but then shifted the topic:
"With your Core Formation cultivation, why not establish your own force?"
He was actually testing the waters. If Gu Chuanfei, now unbound, joined his Spirit Talisman Residence, their strength would increase significantly. However, a distinguished Core Formation cultivator might not deign to join, which is why he asked.
Gu Chuanfei shook his head and sighed slightly.
"Creating a force is not that simple. I'm alone and weak, so it's better to give up."
He seemed indifferent, thinking that Lu An was young and naive.
Lu An understood and did not make a direct invitation. Instead, he said:
"Since that's the case, if you are free, you are always welcome to visit Spirit Talisman Residence whenever you're bored. I'd be happy to drink with you."
At that moment, a hearty laugh sounded, and two figures landed before everyone.
"You two are secretly drinking here, how delightful!"
Everyone present stood up and saluted, including Gu Chuanfei.
Lu An had Bai Sheng add two more seats before speaking:
"Greetings to the County Governor and Elder Mu. You arrived just in time. Please, have a seat."
After they took their seats, Elder Mu eagerly asked:
"Young friend, you asked that the Golden Guards notify us. Have the talismans been prepared?"
Lu An did not elaborate but took out two talismans from his storage bag and handed them to everyone.
"Please take a look, senior."
Elder Mu examined them and immediately slapped the table, causing his wine bowl to bounce high.
"Top-grade Blood Burning Talisman!"
"Superior Soul Locking Talisman!"
He was surprised that Lu An's talisman skills were so high that he could produce high-grade second-tier talismans. He had expected Lu An to produce mid-grade talismans and would have been satisfied with that. This was a pleasant surprise.
"Thank you, young friend. With these, I have a better chance at breaking through to the Core Formation stage."
He even stood up and bowed to Lu An.
Lu An quickly helped him up and said:
"Elder Mu, there's no need for such formalities. You're flattering me."
His ability to create high-grade second-tier talismans with his late Qi Refining stage cultivation was thanks to the insights gained from his spiritual sea. Over the past six months, he had absorbed all the insights for cross-tier talisman drawing, reaching an astonishing level in his talisman skills.
In addition, he often visited the Divine Talisman Pavilion to discuss talisman techniques with the pavilion master, and his skill improvement was even surprising to the pavilion master.
This enabled him to create the second-tier talismans that Elder Mu needed.
After Elder Mu finished his formalities, he addressed everyone:
"Please enjoy yourselves here. I am so agitated that I cannot calm down, so I will take my leave first."
He took the two talismans and quickly flew off into the distance.
The crowd shook their heads and laughed. The County Governor said:
"Elder Mu has been stuck at the Foundation Establishment stage for many years. Seeing this opportunity, he is naturally very excited. Please don't take offense."
Lu An waved his hand and took out another talisman from his robe.
This talisman was covered with purple patterns and seemed to be of a much higher grade than the two Elder Mu took away.
"Elder Mu left in a hurry. I didn't get the chance to present this perfect second-tier Serenity Talisman. Please help me deliver it to him, County Governor."
The County Governor initially paid no attention, but upon hearing this, his eyes widened in surprise.
"A Perfect Serenity Talisman? Is it true?"
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