Chapter 145 A Heavenly Opportunity, Minerals as the Medium

Time flew by, and another two years passed.

On this day, the spiritual light within the mine's Immortal Cave suddenly surged violently. The blinding radiance pierced through the Immortal Cave, causing the patrolling Disciples outside to cast sidelong glances. Inside the Immortal Cave, Lin Yue was surrounded by thick spiritual mist. The phantom of the False Core within his Dantian had solidified, radiating an ancient and profound Aura. He slowly ended his session and opened his eyes. Two beams of tangible spiritual light shot into the distance; his cultivation at the False Core Stage was now completely stabilized.

"Congratulations to Husband for breaking through to the False Core Stage!" The five women stood up in unison to offer their congratulations, their faces full of joy.

Liu Qingyan stepped forward and gently touched Lin Yue's Dantian with her fingertips. Feeling the majestic Spiritual Qi within, a hint of admiration flashed in her eyes: "The False Core is formed; you are only one step away from the Golden Core. With your Aptitude, condensing a Golden Core in the future will surely be extraordinary." Her own cultivation had also achieved a Breakthrough during their recent Dual Cultivation; her Aura of the Late Golden Core Stage was as deep as an abyss, and the phantom of her Golden Core was so solid it was almost becoming physical.

Ling Wei, Su Qingyuan, and Luo Ningshuang had also simultaneously broken through to the Great Perfection of the Foundation Establishment Stage, just a hair's breadth away from entering the False Core Stage. Ling Wei's mastery of star arrays had become increasingly profound; the defensive Formation around the mine had become impregnable under her improvements. The quality of the Medicinal Pills refined by Luo Ningshuang had significantly improved, not only meeting the needs of the mine's Disciples but even attracting Disciples from other peaks of the Sect to come and trade. Su Qingyuan's Sword Dao had progressed rapidly, her Sword Intent sharp and awe-inspiring; even an average Cultivator at the Early Golden Core Stage might not be her match.

Although A He's cultivation progress was slightly slower, she had also reached the Late Foundation Establishment Stage. The Spiritual Plants she cultivated around the mine had formed a dense forest of Spiritual Plants, which not only served as an early warning for external enemies but also purified the Spiritual Qi and assisted in cultivation, becoming a natural barrier for the mine.

"Now that Revered Master has reached the Late Golden Core Stage, you only need some Heaven And Earth Treasure to help you break through to the Perfection of the Golden Core." Lin Yue held Liu Qingyan's hand, feeling the slight coolness of her palm. "I have heard that Tianji City, a great city of cultivation, has many treasures; perhaps I can find the Spirit Medicine needed for your Breakthrough."

A flash of interest crossed Liu Qingyan's eyes, but she also had some concerns: "Tianji City is a melting pot of various factions; it might be dangerous for you to go alone."

"Husband, rest assured. I am now at the False Core Stage, and with the Hongmeng Space protecting me, I will be fine." Lin Yue was full of confidence. "Besides, with you all holding down the fort at the mine, I can leave with peace of mind."

Su Qingyuan stepped forward and handed a gleaming longsword to Lin Yue: "This is the Qingfeng Sword I refined; it can cut through iron like mud. Take it for self-defense."

Luo Ningshuang also took out a medicine pouch filled with various protective Medicinal Pills and antidotes: "Keep these Medicinal Pills close to you in case of emergency."

Ling Wei condensed a star Talisman with her fingertips: "This is a communication star Talisman I refined. If you encounter danger, crush it, and I will immediately trigger the mine's Formation to support you."

A He held up a Spiritual Plant emitting a faint fragrance, saying reluctantly: "This is a Heart-Link Grass. Wearing it allows us to sense each other's safety. Husband, you must return safely."

Lin Yue accepted everyone's gifts one by one, his heart filled with warmth. Looking at his five peerless and deeply affectionate Dao Companions, he said solemnly: "I will go and return quickly. I will definitely find the treasure to help Revered Master break through, and then we will all charge towards a higher Realm together."

The next morning, Lin Yue bid farewell to the five women. He turned into a streak of light and soared into the sky, speeding towards Tianji City.

The mine behind him shone brightly in the morning light, and the forest of Spiritual Plants swayed in the wind, as if seeing him off. Lin Yue knew that this trip to Tianji City was not only about Liu Qingyan's cultivation Breakthrough; perhaps it would also bring new Opportunities and challenges.

Tianji City lived up to its reputation as the greatest city on the cultivation continent. Its walls were cast from ten thousand catties of black iron mixed with spiritual crystals, standing a hundred zhang high with a magnificent Aura.

Above the city gate, the three characters "Tianji City" were written in a vigorous and cursive style, radiating the pressure of ancient Cultivators. Cultivators came and went in an endless stream: Sword Cultivators flying on swords, Dan Cultivators riding spiritual pets, and special Cultivators controlling Puppets. The various spiritual lights intertwined, creating a scene of prosperity.

Lin Yue put away his spiritual light and entered the city on foot. Shops lined both sides of the street, and the sounds of hawking rose one after another. Cultivation supplies such as Medicinal Pills, Magical Artifacts, Talismans, and Spiritual Plants were dazzling, and there were even many rare treasures from foreign lands.

Following the information he had gathered beforehand, he headed straight for the market in the west of the city. It gathered various factions and was the most likely place to find the Heaven And Earth Treasure needed to break through to the Late Golden Core Stage.

In the center of the market, a stall surrounded by Cultivators caught Lin Yue's attention. Standing behind the stall was a woman dressed in light purple robes. She had a slender figure, peerless beauty, skin whiter than snow, eyebrows like distant mountains, and eyes like rippling autumn waters.

A faint, strange sound of mechanical gears turning emanated from her body, and several exquisitely crafted Puppets were placed beside her, each radiating an impressive spiritual light.

"Is that Ye Qingcheng, the Saintess of the Mechanism Sect? Rumor has it that she reached the Early Golden Core Stage at only twenty years old, and her method of controlling Puppets is superb."

"It is said that she came down from the mountain this time to find a rare type of star iron, to refine her life-bound Puppet."

"star iron? That is a rare Ore from the depths of a mine; it cannot be found in ordinary places."

The discussions of the surrounding Cultivators reached Lin Yue's ears, and his heart stirred. Just then, the System's notification sounded in his mind: "High-quality Dual Cultivation partner candidate detected: Ye Qingcheng, Early Golden Core Stage cultivation, exceptional talent in Mechanism Art, compatibility 92 points. Task requirement: Include her as a Dual Cultivation partner. Reward: Upgrade authorization for Hongmeng Space, unlock Puppet control technique."

A flash of pleasant surprise crossed Lin Yue's eyes. He did not expect to encounter a System-recommended Dual Cultivation partner as soon as he arrived in Tianji City.

He examined Ye Qingcheng carefully and found that she was not only outstanding in appearance but also had a pure and upright Aura, lacking the restlessness of ordinary Cultivators. More importantly, the star iron she needed was exactly what was in reserve in the mine he managed.

Ye Qingcheng was frowning slightly at this moment. Faced with the inquiries of the surrounding Cultivators, she just shook her head lightly: "Everyone, I am only trading for star iron this time; no other treasures will be accepted." Her voice was crisp and melodious, yet carried a hint of unquestionable firmness.

The surrounding Cultivators dispersed in disappointment; after all, star iron was too rare, and not everyone could produce it. Seeing this, Lin Yue walked up slowly, cupped his hands, and said: "Greetings, Fairy Ye. I am Lin Yue of the Qingyun Sect. I heard that you need star iron. I happen to have some with me. I wonder what you are willing to trade for it?"

Upon hearing this, Ye Qingcheng's beautiful eyes lit up, and she looked Lin Yue up and down: "Your Excellency truly has star iron? I wonder about its quality?" She could feel that Lin Yue's cultivation was at the False Core Stage; although not top-tier, his Aura was steady, and he did not seem like a liar.

"Fairy, rest assured. The star iron in my possession is all High Grade, with extremely high purity, sufficient to refine a life-bound Puppet." Lin Yue said confidently, "As for the item for exchange, I have heard that you are proficient in Mechanism Art. If you are willing to give some pointers, or gift me a Puppet for self-defense, I am willing to gift you ten catties of star iron."

He had other plans in mind. If he could use this Opportunity to get closer to Ye Qingcheng and then smoothly propose the matter of Dual Cultivation, the success rate would inevitably increase greatly. star iron was not precious to him; the star iron mine in the depths of the mine had abundant reserves, and ten catties was merely a drop in the bucket.

A flash of interest crossed Ye Qingcheng's eyes. She had been searching for star iron for many days without success, and now that Lin Yue had taken the initiative to offer it, she was somewhat tempted. However, she was not someone who trusted easily, so she pondered: "Is what you say true? May I first see the quality of the star iron?"

Lin Yue nodded and took a piece of star iron the size of a fist from his Storage Pouch. The Ore was dark silver all over, covered with fine starlight on the surface, and emitted a rich metallic Spiritual Qi—the hallmark of High Grade star iron.

"It really is High Grade star iron!" A flash of joy crossed Ye Qingcheng's eyes. "Good, I agree to your conditions. This 'Silver-Armored Puppet' is gifted to you, and I will also teach you the basic Puppet control technique." As she spoke, she raised her hand and waved, and a half-person-tall Silver-Armored Puppet landed in front of Lin Yue. The Puppet was exquisitely crafted with flexible joints and emitted the spiritual power fluctuations of an Early Golden Core Stage Cultivator.

Just as the two were about to complete the transaction, a discordant voice suddenly rang out: "Fairy Qingcheng, why bother trading with such a nobody? I have star iron here. I am willing to trade one hundred catties of star iron for one of your life-bound Puppet prototypes."