438: Chapter 437 Golden Entry Illusion

Spring passed and autumn arrived; in the blink of an eye, a year had passed.

During this past year, the Cultivation world was in turmoil, but Qin Changsheng maintained an exceptionally low profile.

He spent almost all his time secluded within the Cave-Heaven Blessed Land, declining all visitors, and focusing entirely on his Cultivation.

Hum!

Inside the Immortal Cave, as a wave of potent mana rippled outward, Qin Changsheng slowly opened his eyes, a brilliant golden light flashing within his deep pupils.

Golden Core Stage 8th Layer!

After a year of tireless Cultivation, coupled with the nearly liquefied, concentrated Spiritual Qi of the Cave-Heaven Blessed Land, his Cultivation had finally broken through to the Golden Core Stage 8th Layer as expected.

Not only that, but during this year, he had also completely mastered the [Heavenly Dao - Weakening Halo] trait that he had previously upgraded.

Now, he did not need complex hand seals or casting time; with just a single thought, that terrifying Weakening Halo could instantly envelop a radius of ten thousand li, forcibly stripping away ninety-nine percent of the power from any hostile Formation.

However, the Breakthrough in his Cultivation and the mastery of his aura were not what Qin Changsheng was most looking forward to today.

He slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air, looked up at the void, and excitement flickered in his eyes.

"The new year has finally arrived..."

Qin Changsheng's gaze shifted to his attribute panel.

[Lifespan: + ∞]

[Cultivation: Golden Core Stage 8th Layer (20000 / 2000000)]

[Golden Core Grade: Golden]

[Cultivation Technique: Five Elements Returning Origin Art (Perfection)]

[Vajra Body Refining Art: Perfection]

[Spell: Fire Snake Technique (Perfection), Fire Shield Technique (Perfection)]

[Sword Flight Technique: Perfection]

[Mountain Splitting Blade: Perfection]

[Movement Technique: Wind Chasing Lightning Technique, Perfection]

[Lifebound Treasure: Dragon Abyss Sword * 10]

[Golden Core Divine Ability: Law Manifestation Heaven and Earth]

[Treasure: Spirit Jade Prayer Mat, dongtian pearl, spirit suppressing pearl, Golden Light Spirit Stone, Golden Silk Inner Armor, bixia pendant, King's Bracers]

[Spiritual Root: Top-grade Five Spirit Roots]

[trait Draw Count: 1]

[traits: Immortality, Substitute Death, Pressure, Breath Concealment, Exchange, Sharing, Rebirth, Instant Spellcasting, Teleportation, Disease, Teleportation, Poison Resistance, Alchemy, Heart Demon, Insight, Armor Break, Disguise, Disguise, Sensing, Photographic Memory, Affinity, Detection, Reversal, Invisibility]

[Heavenly Dao Traits: Cultivation, External Incarnation, Intelligence, Divine Sense, Source of Mana, Mana Absorption, Fire God, Thunder God, Innate Divine Strength, Qi and Blood, Storage Space, Sword God, Enhancement, Blade God, Repair, Bleeding, Sword Domain, Copy, Slow Cultivation, Law Manifestation, Speed, Spirit Seed, Spirit-Severing Seed, Command, Spirit Stone, Encouragement, Indestructible Vajra Body, Weakening Halo]

[Ding! A new year has arrived, the Heavenly Dao Trait System has refreshed, and the host has gained one Opportunity to draw a Golden Trait!]

Looking at the "Available to Draw" text lighting up on the System panel, Qin Changsheng suppressed his racing heart and couldn't help but rub his hands together in excitement.

Last year, he had drawn Active Invisibility, which, when combined with the Weakening Halo upgraded by the heavenly dao fragment, had already placed him in an invincible position.

And in one more year, it would be the Flowing Fire Sect's grand assembly, which was also the day he had agreed with Chen Erniu to steal the "water spirit fruit".

At this critical juncture, if he could draw another powerful support or escape trait, then this trip to the Flowing Fire Sect would truly be no different from strolling through his own backyard.

"System, begin the draw!"

Qin Changsheng did not hesitate and issued the Command directly in his mind.

Boom!

In an instant, the System panel glowed with a brilliant golden light, and countless profound runes spun crazily like a revolving lantern, while a mysterious and unfathomable aura of destiny quietly permeated the Immortal Cave...

As the golden light in his mind intensified, the wildly spinning runes gradually stabilized, finally transforming into two profound ancient seal characters that emitted a faint shimmer.

The System's crisp notification sound followed:

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully drawing the Golden Trait: Phantom!]

[Golden Trait · Phantom (Active)]: After use, you can instantly condense a phantom. The phantom has no actual attack power but possesses extremely strong deceptive capabilities, with a duration of one quarter of an hour. As long as the opponent's Cultivation does not exceed the host's by two major Realms, they will absolutely be unable to see through the reality of this phantom.

Looking at the trait description on the panel, Qin Changsheng was stunned for a moment, and then a look of wild joy erupted in his eyes.

"Phantom... lasting for a quarter of an hour!"

Qin Changsheng couldn't help but laugh out loud; this was exactly what he needed.

Next year would be the day the Flowing Fire Sect held the Southern Region Golden Core Tournament, and also the time he and Chen Erniu had agreed to steal the water spirit fruit.

According to Chen Erniu's previous plan, he needed Hu Nan to hold off the Yao Race King, Shen Guhong, head-on for a quarter of an hour, while Chen Erniu seized the Opportunity to break the Yao Race's trapping Formation in the Secret Chamber.

A quarter of an hour did not sound long, but it was enough for Qin Changsheng to steal the water spirit fruit.

Qin Changsheng's eyes flashed with brilliance as a nearly perfect plan instantly took shape in his mind.

When the time came for action next year, he could completely hide in the shadows and directly release [Phantom] to attract Shen Guhong's attention.

He could even use [Phantom] in combination with the [Invisibility] trait he had drawn previously, not only playing Shen Guhong for a fool but also keeping his partner, Chen Erniu, in the dark.

By the time Chen Erniu painstakingly broke the Formation, or Shen Guhong realized what was happening, the water spirit fruit would likely have already fallen into his pocket.

Moreover, he could use the Heavenly Dao Trait Copy to create two water spirit fruits that would last for three days.

Qin Changsheng's thoughts stirred, and he first attempted to activate the newly drawn Golden Trait — [Phantom].

Hum!

The air vibrated slightly, and a black figure appeared not far from Qin Changsheng.

This black figure's face could not be seen clearly, and it merely exuded the Cultivation aura of the Golden Core Stage.

"Excellent."

Qin Changsheng exclaimed in admiration.

With this phantom, combined with his other traits, he would absolutely be able to snatch the water spirit fruit without a sound.

Even if Chen Erniu went back on his word later, Qin Changsheng would not suffer any losses.

He flicked his sleeve, and the phantom dissipated like a bubble.

After finishing all this, Qin Changsheng collected his thoughts and woke the System in his mind once again.

"System, activate Heavenly Dao Trait Intelligence, search for the location of the next heavenly dao fragment!"

[Ding! Heavenly Dao Intelligence activated, searching for heavenly dao fragment...]

[heavenly dao fragment: Special treasure that can upgrade a Golden Trait into a Heavenly Dao Trait]

[Holder: Lieyang Zhenren]

[Location: Inside Qingyun Market]

[Status: Lieyang Zhenren has cultivated to the Foundation Establishment Peak and has always wanted to break through to the Golden Core Stage; at this moment, Lieyang Zhenren wants to purchase a Medium Grade golden core pill in Qingyun Market.]

Looking at the latest notification refreshed on the attribute panel, Qin Changsheng was slightly stunned, and then his eyes were filled with intense joy.

"Foundation Establishment Peak... wanting to buy a Medium Grade golden core pill?"

Qin Changsheng couldn't help but laugh out loud.

This was truly too coincidental.

Back then, in order to break through to the Golden Core Stage, he had personally refined a batch of golden core pills.

That time, thanks to the Heaven-Defying Enhancement of the Heavenly Dao Trait [Cultivation], he not only succeeded in refining them but also produced ten high-quality golden core pills in a single batch!

Later, he took one himself to break through to the Golden Core Stage and sold three more to raise Spirit Stones. Now, six golden core pills were still lying quietly in his Storage Space.

For Qin Changsheng, who was already at the Golden Core Stage 8th Layer and even preparing medicinal ingredients for the Nascent Soul Stage, items like golden core pills had long ago become "bottom-of-the-box" inventory that he had no use for.

But for Lieyang Zhenren, who was stuck at the Foundation Establishment Peak and dreamt of breaking through to the Golden Core Stage, this was a priceless treasure that could allow him to ascend to the heavens in one step!

"Using a golden core pill that is useless to me to Exchange for a precious heavenly dao fragment... this deal is an absolute steal!"

Qin Changsheng suppressed the excitement in his heart and stood up immediately.

He took out an exquisite white jade medicine bottle from his Storage Ring, poured out a round, plump golden core pill that emitted a faint medicinal fragrance and a golden shimmer, checked it to confirm the medicine's efficacy was intact, and then put it back.

"Qingyun Market, is it? It's not far from here."

Qin Changsheng moved his body, directly employing an escape technique, and silently left the Cave-Heaven Blessed Land, transforming into a hidden streak of light as he sped toward Qingyun Market.

To avoid causing unnecessary trouble, Qin Changsheng lowered his altitude when he was about to enter the market's vicinity.

He circulated his mana, slightly changing his appearance and bone structure, transforming into a wandering Loose Cultivator with an ordinary face and an introverted aura, then stepped into the bustling market.

Qingyun Market was crowded with people, and the sounds of hawking rose one after another.

Qin Changsheng closed his eyes, and his vast, hidden Divine Sense instantly swept across the entire market like a tide.

In just a few breaths of time, he locked onto his target.

On the east side of the market, in front of a huge pharmacy named "Baicao Pavilion".

A middle-aged Cultivator wearing a crimson robe, with a ruddy complexion but a hint of anxiety, was standing in front of the counter, negotiating with the pharmacy owner in a somewhat agitated manner.

This person was none other than Lieyang Zhenren.

"Shopkeeper, is there truly no golden core pill left? A Low Grade one will do! The price is negotiable!" Lieyang Zhenren gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with longing.

The pharmacy owner sighed and helplessly cupped his hands: "Fellow Daoist Lieyang, it's not that my humble shop won't sell to you; it's just that strategic resources like golden core pills are monopolized by large Sects as soon as they appear. My shop hasn't received a golden core pill in three years; even if you offered more Spirit Stones, I couldn't conjure one up for you."

Hearing the shopkeeper's words, the light in Lieyang Zhenren's eyes instantly dimmed, and he seemed to age a few years, sighing in despair.

Just as he was disheartened and preparing to turn and leave the pharmacy.

A faint yet clear sound transmission suddenly pierced through the noisy crowd and accurately entered his ears:

"Fellow Daoist, are you looking for a golden core pill? I happen to have one in stock of excellent quality; I wonder if you are interested?"

Hearing this sudden transmission, Lieyang Zhenren's body jolted.

He turned around with some suspicion and uncertainty, sizing up the ordinary-looking Loose Cultivator before him.

In the Cultivation world, there were countless scammers and robbers, let alone a strategic resource like a golden core pill that was priceless and hard to find; how could someone be peddling one casually on a street corner?

Lieyang Zhenren lowered his voice, his eyes filled with intense caution and suspicion, and asked in a low voice: "Fellow Daoist... do you truly have a golden core pill?"

Qin Changsheng smiled slightly and didn't waste any words.

He flipped his wrist and handed the exquisite white jade medicine bottle directly over.

Lieyang Zhenren hesitated for a moment, reached out to take the bottle, carefully pulled out the cork, and tilted the bottle mouth slightly, revealing a gap.

In an instant, a rich, extremely intense, and nearly tangible fragrance rushed to his nose. Just by inhaling a single breath, Lieyang Zhenren felt the Bottleneck of the Foundation Establishment Stage that had been stagnant for many years loosen slightly!

Deep inside the medicine bottle, a pill, round as jade and with a faint golden medicinal halo flowing on its surface, was lying quietly.

"This... this is..."

Lieyang Zhenren's pupils suddenly shrank to the size of pinpoints, and his breathing instantly became heavy.

As a powerhouse at the Foundation Establishment Peak, he had consulted countless classics regarding golden core pills in order to break through to the Golden Core Stage.

He recognized it at a glance; this was not only a genuine golden core pill, but it was also of extremely high quality, absolutely reaching the Medium Grade level!

He had originally come to the market just to try his luck with a slim hope, but who would have thought he would actually encounter such a massive Opportunity!

Lieyang Zhenren gripped the medicine bottle tightly, fearing that Qin Changsheng would go back on his word and take it back, and he asked in an urgent, low voice:

"Fellow Daoist! How much for this golden core pill? As long as you name your price, whether it's Spirit Stones, Magic Treasures, or Cultivation Techniques, I, Lieyang, will not say a word even if I have to sell everything I own!"

Qin Changsheng's expression was calm as he said indifferently: "I do not want Spirit Stones, nor do I want Magic Treasures. I have been looking for a special golden fragment..."

As he spoke, Qin Changsheng described in detail the general shape of the heavenly dao fragment and the peculiar, faintly intertwined heavenly and earthly patterns on it.

Listening to Qin Changsheng's description, Lieyang Zhenren was stunned for a moment, and then a look of wild joy erupted on his face.

"A golden fragment? Is this what you are talking about, Fellow Daoist?!"

Lieyang Zhenren hurriedly rummaged through his Storage Pouch, and a moment later, he took out a golden fragment about the size of a palm, emitting a faint shimmer, with a texture that was neither gold nor stone.

During an exploration of an ancient Secret Realm last year, Lieyang Zhenren had a narrow escape from death and finally obtained this fragment on a stone platform.

At the time, he thought it was a fragment of a divine weapon, but he had studied it for a whole year after returning, and no matter whether he refined it with true fire or infused it with mana, the fragment showed no reaction, as if it were just a piece of hard scrap iron.

He never expected that this useless fragment, which he regarded as "tasteless chicken ribs," could now be exchanged for a Medium Grade golden core pill that he had dreamt of!

"That is indeed it."

Qin Changsheng looked at the fragment, a trace of imperceptible heat flashing in the depths of his eyes.

"Good! Fellow Daoist, this fragment is yours, and the golden core pill is mine. We are settled!"

Lieyang Zhenren was so afraid that Qin Changsheng would go back on his word that he shoved the golden fragment into Qin Changsheng's hand and then clutched the white jade medicine bottle tightly, as if he had obtained the most precious treasure in the world.

"Happy doing business with you."

Qin Changsheng put away the heavenly dao fragment, cupped his hands slightly toward Lieyang Zhenren, and then flickered, disappearing into the crowd without a trace.

Watching the direction in which Qin Changsheng left, Lieyang Zhenren took a deep breath, suppressing the wild joy in his heart.

With this Medium Grade golden core pill, he had a ninety percent chance of successfully breaking through to the Golden Core Stage!

"I also have a chance to become a Golden Core Cultivator!" Lieyang Zhenren gripped the medicine bottle tightly, stopped lingering in the market, turned into a streak of escape light, and rushed toward his own Sect, preparing to go into seclusion to impact the Golden Core Realm.

On the other side, Qin Changsheng had already used the Golden Trait Teleportation to return to the Heavenly Sword Sect.

Qin Changsheng was in no hurry to use the heavenly dao fragment.

He planned to wait until next year to see what kind of Golden Trait he could draw.

If this Golden Trait was powerful, then Qin Changsheng would directly enhance it.