31: The mysteries of the crystal core, hidden currents emerge

On the small Spiritual Isle, time seemed to stand still. Beneath the hazy sky, pure Spiritual Qi nourished every plant and tree on the island, as well as the four people temporarily residing there.

Lin Xuan chose a secluded spot near the edge of the island, where he could see the outline of the Demon Palace in the distance, as his temporary Immortal Cave. He was not in a hurry to advance his Golden Core Stage cultivation Realm, deeply aware of the importance of his Foundation. Most of the time, he was immersed in consolidating his Golden Core, refining his spiritual power, and comprehending the seven-colored core crystal he obtained from the Bewitching Demonic Taro.

Under the nourishment of pure Spiritual Qi and his continuous Cultivation Technique operation, his Early Golden Core Stage Realm gradually became complete and stable. His spiritual power became more condensed and pure, and his Divine Sense also increased. Although its coverage could not expand much due to the suppression of the demon domain, it became more acute and resilient.

The seven-colored core crystal became the focus of his research. The energy contained within it was complex and strange, possessing both pure Mental Energy, mixed with the evil vitality of a demonic plant and a trace of corrosive properties originating from the demon domain, making it extremely difficult to control. Lin Xuan tried various methods, all ending in failure. A slight touch of his spiritual power would trigger a violent resistance from the energy within, even causing a backlash to his mind.

"It seems that ordinary methods cannot refine this object." Lin Xuan stroked the cool core crystal, his eyes flickering. He recalled the scene where he used the Nine Revolutions Golden Body Art's extreme Yang Qi and blood to expel the evil Qi from Gongsun Yu's body, and a bold idea formed in his mind.

Perhaps he could try to use his own body as a furnace, draw out the core crystal's energy, and then forcibly refine and purify it with the Nine Revolutions Golden Body Art and his Golden Core spiritual power?

This method was extremely dangerous, akin to taking an unstable bomb into his body. A slight mistake could damage his Dao Foundation, or even lead to Qi Deviation. But rewards often accompany risks. If successful, he might be able to extract pure Mental Energy from it, and even comprehend some of the Bewitching Demonic Taro's innate Divine Abilities, which would undoubtedly be a great help for his subsequent exploration of the Demon Palace.

He was not a reckless person. He meticulously simulated the process several times, and only after confirming he had over 60% certainty did he make up his mind.

On this day, he informed the Three women that he would be going into seclusion to attempt to refine the core crystal, and that he should not be disturbed during this period.

A trace of worry flickered in Su Wanqing's clear eyes, but seeing his resolute expression, she only softly instructed, "Be careful."

Qu Feiyan's charming eyes swirled, and she smiled, "Junior Martial Brother, don't play with fire and burn yourself. This Senior Sister is still waiting for you to take us out." Although her words were teasing, there was a subtle hint of concern in her eyes.

Gongsun Yu clenched her small fists, cheering him on, "Big Brother Lin, you can do it!"

Lin Xuan smiled at the Three women, then turned and walked into the quiet room, setting up a simple isolation Restriction.

Inside the quiet room, he sat cross-legged, adjusting his state to its Peak. After taking a deep breath, he unhesitatingly put the seven-colored core crystal into his mouth, enveloped it with spiritual power, and slowly sank it into his Dantian Qi Sea, close to the slowly rotating Golden Core!

The moment the core crystal entered his Dantian, a sudden change occurred!

The core crystal was like a spark dropped into boiling oil, suddenly erupting with dazzling, seven-colored light! A chaotic, violent, seductive, and corrosive mental torrent, mixed with pure demonic power and Devilish Qi, like a bursting river, instantly rushed through his limbs and bones, impacting his Meridians and Sea of Consciousness!

"Hmph!"

Lin Xuan groaned, his face instantly flushed red, his whole body's Qi and blood surged, and a tearing pain came from his Meridians! Moreover, countless chaotic illusions arose in his mind, trying to twist his will!

He dared not delay, immediately activating the Nine Revolutions Golden Body Art with all his might! A faint golden light of Qi and blood emanated from his body, like a blazing flame. The extremely Yang and rigid power fiercely clashed with the evil energy that had invaded his body, emitting

This was an extremely painful and mentally exhausting process. Lin Xuan's forehead veins bulged, sweat poured down like rain, and his body trembled slightly, as if enduring the pain of a thousand cuts. But his eyes remained sharp as blades, his Dao Heart as firm as a rock, firmly controlling the overall situation, guiding his Qi and blood and spiritual power, like the most patient craftsman, little by little stripping away and refining the Impurities and evil nature within the core crystal's energy.

Time passed minute by minute. Outside the quiet room, Su Wanqing appeared to be meditating, but her Divine Sense was always focused on the fluctuations of aura inside the quiet room. Feeling the intense energy clashes that occasionally emanated, her heart also tightened. Qu Feiyan no longer joked, and together with Gongsun Yu, she strengthened the vigilance around the island.

After an unknown period, the violent energy fluctuations within the quiet room finally gradually subsided.

Lin Xuan slowly opened his eyes, a trace of fatigue flashing in them, but more so, joy. Within his Dantian, the seven-colored core crystal had disappeared, replaced by a small mass of incredibly pure, dreamily shimmering seven-colored liquid, and several strands of refined, pure Mental Origin.

He succeeded!

Not only did he completely refine the core crystal and remove all hidden dangers, but he also extracted its most essential part—a mass of

He could feel that his Divine Sense had grown by nearly 30% after absorbing those strands of Mental Origin! It became more condensed and acute! As for the

This adventure yielded far more than expected!

He removed the Restriction and walked out of the quiet room. The sky outside was still the same, unaware of how much time had passed.

"You succeeded?" Su Wanqing was the first to greet him, and seeing his tired but radiant eyes, she breathed a sigh of relief.

Qu Feiyan and Gongsun Yu also gathered around.

Lin Xuan nodded, briefly explaining his gains, which drew exclamations of admiration from the Three women.

"Big Brother Lin, you're amazing!" Gongsun Yu's eyes were filled with adoration.

Qu Feiyan licked her red lips, looking at the

Just then, Daoist Shoujing appeared nearby, holding a green bamboo staff, with a gentle smile on his face: "Little Friend Lin truly has profound blessings. To be able to refine such an evil object, extract its essence, and strengthen your Divine Soul is truly commendable."

Lin Xuan's heart slightly stiffened. This elder seemed detached from worldly affairs, yet he knew everything on the island like the back of his hand. He cupped his hands and said, "It was merely luck. I must also thank Senior for providing this place, allowing this Junior to Cultivate in peace."

Daoist Shoujing waved his hand, his gaze sweeping over the four, lingering for a moment especially on Su Wanqing and Gongsun Yu, whose auras were noticeably stronger. He smiled and said, "All you young friends are making swift progress, which is truly fortunate. However, the Demon Palace is perilous and extraordinary. This old man observes that Little Friend Su and Little Friend Gongsun have reached a Bottleneck. Why not seize this good opportunity to attempt a Breakthrough? Every bit of strength gained increases your chances when entering the Demon Palace."

Su Wanqing and Gongsun Yu were both moved by his words. They indeed felt their Bottlenecks loosening, and breaking through here would have a very high success rate.

Lin Xuan pondered for a moment and also found it reasonable. He said, "Senior is absolutely right. Then I shall trouble Senior and Senior Sister Qu to act as their Protectors. I can also consolidate my recent gains."

Daoist Shoujing assented with a smile.

Qu Feiyan naturally had no objection, but her charming eyes darted between Lin Xuan and Su Wanqing, wondering what she was contemplating.

Thus, Su Wanqing and Gongsun Yu each found a quiet room and began their seclusion to Break through to the Late Foundation Establishment Stage.

On the island, tranquility was restored. But Lin Xuan knew in his heart that beneath this tranquility, undercurrents were surging. Daoist Shoujing's purpose was certainly not as simple as merely guarding the Purifying Demon Spring, and that Demon Palace in the distance was like a Sword of Damocles, hanging over their heads.

He looked towards the Demon Palace, his eyes deep. Improving his strength was urgent. After Su Wanqing and Gongsun Yu broke through, perhaps it would be time for them to initially explore the outer perimeter of the Demon Palace.