…
On the other side.
At the same time that Wei Tu was in closed-door cultivation, Wei Xiuwen, far away at the Moon Condensation Palace, had also successfully broken through and was preparing to exit his cultivation chamber.
"This time, if it wasn't for dad's help, giving me a Mortal Shedding Pill, I probably wouldn't have been able to break through and succeed in becoming a Golden Core with my talent and chances," Wei Xiuwen thought to himself as he looked at the stable, fully-formed Golden Core in his dantian, his face showing excitement.
In terms of talent, he only had low-grade spiritual roots. If it weren't for his father, Wei Tu, helping him, his lifetime achievements would have likely been stuck as a son-in-law of the Xia Ya Mei family, a small Qi Refining cultivator in the late stages.
There would have been no success today!
During his usual cultivation, his father, Wei Tu, didn't offer much help. However, at crucial moments, his father gave him resources like the "Foundation Establishment Pill" and "Mortal Shedding Pill," which allowed him to leap over the dragon's gate and achieve the Golden Core stage.
If Wei Xiuwen wasn't grateful for this, it would be impossible.
The coldness of the immortal world, he had understood that truth early on.
After all, he had seen firsthand—back in the day, Fu Zhi Zhou had abandoned his wife and child, choosing to ascend alone, while his eldest son, Fu Lin, had to beg Wei Tu for ten spirit stones.
Compared to other cultivators, his father, Wei Tu, had taken great care of both him and his sister, Wei Yan.
"My success in becoming a Golden Core... Dad probably already knows by now... but I still need to personally go to the Ying Ding Tribe and thank him," Wei Xiuwen thought as he stood up from the meditation mat. With a wave of his robe, he opened the stone door to his chamber and stepped out.
However, just as Wei Xiuwen was preparing to exit the Moon Condensation Palace using his escape technique, he saw a group of Golden Core True Lords from the Moon Condensation Palace standing at the door of his cultivation chamber, all holding gift boxes and smiling at him.
"Congratulations, True Lord Wei, for attaining the Golden Core."
"From now on, you are one of us."
"This is a congratulatory gift from this palace. A pair of Purple Sea Coral. Please, True Lord Wei, accept them without hesitation."
Among the crowd, Cao Mi, the Palace Master of Moon Condensation Palace, stepped forward and cupped her hands in greeting to Wei Xiuwen.
After speaking, she flicked her sleeve, taking out a pair of Purple Sea Corals that radiated spiritual light, about one zhang in height, and handed them to Wei Xiuwen.
"Purple Sea Coral?" Wei Xiuwen was momentarily stunned.
As a second-tier, top-grade refiner, he was familiar with almost all spiritual materials in the cultivation world, and he was certainly no stranger to this treasure.
Purple Sea Coral was above third-tier, and the larger the size, the higher the quality. This pair, around one zhang in height, was absolutely a top-grade third-tier, even approaching a premium. Its value was easily around 10,000 spirit stones.
To give away a treasure worth 10,000 spirit stones just like that? Wei Xiuwen couldn't help but be surprised at Cao Mi's generosity.
"I heard that True Lord Wei is a refiner, so I have a gift for you too. Here are four taels of secret silver, given as a congratulatory gift for your Golden Core success."
Following Cao Mi, the Great Elder of Moon Condensation Palace also came forward, presenting Wei Xiuwen with a gift.
"Four taels of secret silver?" Wei Xiuwen raised his eyebrows.
Although this gift wasn't as valuable as the Purple Sea Coral, it was still impressive, worth about 7,000-8,000 spirit stones.
"Are all Golden Core True Lords this wealthy? Just casually giving away nearly 10,000 spirit stones?" Wei Xiuwen was shocked, unable to calm himself.
After all, he had just recently advanced to Golden Core and had never encountered such an occasion.
He thought this was just the usual way Golden Core cultivators presented gifts.
However, by the time the fifth Golden Core cultivator from Moon Condensation Palace presented a gift, Wei Xiuwen finally detected something unusual from their words.
"Please, True Lord Wei, at the Nascent Soul Ceremony in half a year, kindly speak a few good words on my behalf."
Wei Xiuwen shuddered, immediately catching the key word "Nascent Soul Ceremony."
"Please, Daoist, speak plainly. Whose Nascent Soul Ceremony is it that requires my good words?" Wei Xiuwen furrowed his brows and asked.
At this moment, it wasn't hard for him to guess that the reason these Golden Core cultivators from Moon Condensation Palace were giving him gifts was that the Nascent Soul Ceremony had something to do with him.
But Wei Xiuwen couldn't think of any close Golden Core cultivator who had managed to break through to the Nascent Soul during his seclusion.
After all, the majority of his cultivation companions were Qi Refining or Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Some were Golden Core cultivators, but those connections were mostly through his father, Wei Tu, and he had no deep involvement with them.
Even if he counted those Golden Core cultivators, it was hard to find one who could have advanced to Nascent Soul so quickly!
As for his father, Wei Tu...
Wei Xiuwen considered it but dismissed the idea. He believed the probability was slim.
After all, as his son, Wei Xiuwen knew his father's cultivation level well.
"It is your father, Ancestor Wei, who has broken through."
A Golden Core cultivator from Moon Condensation Palace timely reminded him.
"What? My father?"
"My father has become Nascent Soul?" Wei Xiuwen was shocked.
As a refiner, Wei Xiuwen's Qi cultivation skills were among the top within his cultivation realm, but after hearing this statement, he still couldn't help but speak out, showing just how much this news shocked him internally.
And this couldn't be blamed on Wei Xiuwen losing composure. After all, anyone who suddenly found out their father was a Nascent Soul cultivator would be equally hard to contain their emotions.
"Did my father really become Nascent Soul?"
Wei Xiuwen asked again, his gaze directed towards the group of Golden Core cultivators from Moon Condensation Palace who had come to present gifts, seeking confirmation.
At that moment, Wei Xiuwen noticed something was off, as his sister Wei Yan wasn't present among the group of cultivators.
Decades ago, after Wei Yan reached the Golden Core stage, she stayed at Moon Condensation Palace and temporarily became an elder there.
Now that Wei Xiuwen had successfully achieved his Golden Core breakthrough, as Wei Yan was an elder at Moon Condensation Palace, she should have been present to visit her biological brother.
Unless there was something more important that had kept her from coming.
"Rest assured, True Lord Wei, it is indeed Ancestor Wei," a cultivator present quickly confirmed, showing Wei Xiuwen the invitation for the Nascent Soul Ceremony sent by Ying Ding Tribe.
Upon seeing this, Wei Xiuwen, who had been mentally prepared, did not lose his composure this time. He calmly waved his hand, drawing the invitation to him, and began reading it carefully, examining every word.
"Did my father really become Nascent Soul?" After reading the invitation, the joy on Wei Xiuwen's face couldn't be suppressed any longer, and his voice trembled slightly.
At this moment, the excitement in his heart was far greater than when he had first attained the Golden Core stage.
He felt somewhat dazed, as if it were a dream, but after pinching his face, he realized everything was real.
"True Lord Wei, in half a year's time, the Nascent Soul Ceremony for Ancestor Wei will take place... Wei Yan has already gone ahead to Ying Ding Tribe to help prepare the ceremony…"
"We, knowing that you would come out of seclusion before the Nascent Soul Ceremony, have been waiting here."
Next, Cao Mi, the Palace Master of Moon Condensation Palace, explained the reason for their visit.
Upon hearing this, Wei Xiuwen immediately understood everything. He let out a breath of relief and muttered, "I see."
As soon as he said that, Wei Xiuwen straightened up, his confidence returning. Gone was the awkwardness and unease he had felt when Cao Mi and others had presented their gifts.
After all, as the only son of a Nascent Soul cultivator, his status was no longer comparable to that of an ordinary Golden Core cultivator. He could now stand on equal footing with someone like Cao Mi, the leader of an immortal sect.
In fact, he was probably even slightly superior.
After all, his father, Wei Tu, wasn't an ordinary newly advanced Nascent Soul cultivator. Even before breaking through to Nascent Soul, he had been a highly respected high-tier alchemist in the territory of Kang Kingdom.
Now, with his cultivation advancing to a higher realm, his alchemy skills would likely improve at an astonishing rate in a short time.
Even if he couldn't become a fourth-tier alchemist, becoming a quasi-fourth-tier alchemist was more than enough.
This level of alchemist could refine the crucial Nascent Transformation Pills.
Otherwise, why would Cao Mi and the others stand guard outside his closed-door cultivation and offer him such expensive gifts for his Golden Core breakthrough?
Of course, Wei Xiuwen didn't let this newfound status get to his head. His demeanor remained as humble as before, but his actions now carried the calmness typical of a "scion of a prestigious family."
"Since it's my father's Nascent Soul Ceremony, I, Wei Xiuwen, will accompany Daoist Cao and the others."
Wei Xiuwen cupped his hands and made his declaration.
Hearing this, the Golden Core cultivators from Moon Condensation Palace immediately smiled and replied, "Thank you, True Lord Wei."
After a brief period of pleasantries, the group followed Wei Xiuwen, gathering their escape light and flying towards the direction of Ying Ding Tribe.
...
Half a year quickly passed by.
In the secluded chamber, Wei Tu, who had been studying the Upper Evolution Secret Scripture, would occasionally frown or reveal an expression of realization.
The reason was simple—this half-volume of the Divine Transformation technique was far more obscure and profound than anything Wei Tu had studied before. Every sentence contained hidden meanings, making it difficult to fully comprehend.
Even though Wei Tu had previously studied some fragments of this scripture, he still found himself struggling as he worked through it.
"A few years ago, in the Cloud Ze Secret Realm, the demonic expert residing in Bai Zhi once spoke of the characteristics of Divine Transformation…"
"Divine Transformation, eternal and unyielding. Not only referring to their lifespan, but also their power, soul, and body. All three contain an essence of Divine Transformation."
"The soul fragment of the Mourning God Lord hasn't dissipated since his death. This is the principle behind it."
"The Upper Evolution Secret Scripture is the core technique of Mourning God Lord. By practicing it, I may be able to condense an immortal soul fragment, just like Mourning God Lord did…"
Wei Tu quietly pondered.
He speculated that achieving Divine Transformation in the Nascent Soul stage didn't necessarily require all three treasures—Essence, Qi, and Spirit—to condense the "Divine Transformation essence." If even one treasure reached this stage, perhaps that alone could help one attain the Divine Transformation realm.
"However, this is just a guess. Whether it's true or not, I'll have to ask at Shengya Mountain."
Wei Tu thought to himself.
Shengya Mountain, the largest Daoist sect of the time, housed multiple Nascent Soul elders, and it was rumored to also have a Divine Transformation elder.
Since Wei Tu had some connections with the Zhao family of Shengya Mountain, there was no need to overthink. It would be best to visit Shengya Mountain and get clarity.
Moreover, Wei Tu hadn't forgotten about the maidservant "Yan Xiaolan," who was still waiting for him in Xiao Country.
He could kill two birds with one stone—go to Xiao Country to help Yan Xiaolan with her poison, and take the opportunity to visit Shengya Mountain.
"And also, my second brother is about to pass away," Wei Tu sighed lightly.
At this point, it had been seventy to eighty years since he left Lingyan Island. Back then, Wei Fei's lifespan had already been less than one hundred years.
A Nascent Soul elder's power far surpassed a Golden Core True Lord's, but they were still just seekers of the Dao. They didn't have the power to defy the heavens and alter someone's fate.
If Wei Fei had reached the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage, Wei Tu might have been able to help him, but unfortunately, his brother's cultivation had stagnated early at the beginning of the Foundation Establishment stage and had never progressed.
"Calculating the time, the Nascent Soul Ceremony is also near."
Wei Tu put down the black jade slip, glanced at the surroundings, and with a flick of his fingers, he calculated the timing.
Thinking about this, Wei Tu didn't hesitate any longer. With a flick of his sleeve, he flew out of his cave residence and headed towards the newly built Divine Master's mansion at Ying Ding Tribe.
...
Hujie Immortal City, the immortal city built by the divine treasure "Cangkun Divine Cauldron" passed down from the grasslands, stood on the vast plains of Kang Kingdom.
The three-legged and two-eared Cangkun Divine Cauldron stood towering on the plains of Kang Kingdom.
As the true ruler of Ying Ding Tribe, the Divine Master's mansion was generally located near the two ears of the giant Cangkun Divine Cauldron in Hujie Immortal City.
Naturally, Wei Tu's Divine Master's mansion was no exception.
Upon arriving at the Divine Master's mansion, Wei Tu looked around the mansion and saw that Fairy Bao Hua, Su Bing'er, Wei Yan, and the other women were setting up decorations for him. A smile appeared on his face.
"Greetings, Divine Master."
As soon as Wei Tu stepped into the mansion, the cultivators inside immediately reacted, bowing respectfully.
"No need for such formalities."
Wei Tu waved his hand, signaling them to rise.
However, with this, the women inside the mansion stopped their work and approached Wei Tu to greet him.
"Father."
"Wei Shixiong."
"Divine Master Wei."
Wei Yan, Su Bing'er, Fairy Bao Hua, and the others all stepped forward to greet Wei Tu.
Among them, only Fairy Bao Hua addressed Wei Tu formally, calling him "Divine Master."
"Bao Hua Daoist, we are friends. You can call me Daoist Wei," Wei Tu shook his head and corrected her.
In his heart, he bore no ill will towards Yuan Jie and Fairy Bao Hua as a couple. After all, they had parted ways only because their interests had diverged. They had never done anything wrong by him.
"Thank you, Daoist Wei." Fairy Bao Hua sighed in relief upon hearing this, her smile returning.
After all, Wei Tu's attitude towards her symbolized his stance towards the Right Virtuous King's Mansion.
Now, the Right Virtuous King's Mansion couldn't afford to lose the support of a Divine Master like Wei Tu.
"Where is Hong Ying?" Wei Tu asked his daughter Wei Yan telepathically.
Wei Yan and Kou Hong Ying had known each other since childhood. They were very close, almost inseparable, especially after Wei Yan attained her Golden Core. Their bond had grown even stronger.
Now, with Wei Yan present and Kou Hong Ying absent, it felt somewhat odd.
"Unfortunately, on the way here, Hong Ying had a sudden opportunity to break through to the mid-Golden Core stage, so she returned to Yuping Mountain for closed-door cultivation," Wei Yan explained.
"I see," Wei Tu said, feeling a bit disappointed. After all, Kou Hong Ying was the only other person in Kang Kingdom, aside from him, who belonged to the "Righteous Society."
Her absence was regrettable.
"However, if she can break through to a higher realm, it is still a good thing."
Wei Tu adjusted his emotions and smiled.
In the past, Kou Hong Ying's medium-grade spirit root had made her one of the most talented in the Righteous Society.
But now, her medium-grade spirit root had become a disadvantage among Golden Core cultivators.
In other words, Kou Hong Ying's breakthrough to mid-Golden Core within a hundred years was a testament to her diligence and luck.
After the conversation, Wei Tu entered the Divine Master's mansion to prepare for the upcoming Nascent Soul Ceremony.
...
Two days later.
The day of the Nascent Soul Ceremony arrived on schedule.
Representatives from all the major Nascent Soul factions in Kang Kingdom arrived by spiritual carriages and flying beasts to congratulate Ying Ding Tribe.
In no time, Hujie Immortal City was clogged with traffic.
The scene was even more bustling than when Dong Lai Divine Master broke through to Nascent Soul six hundred years ago.