200: Chapter 200: Little Plum Forms Core! True Immortal Wood Dragon Breaks Through! Going Back on His Promise?

Chapter 200: Xiao Mei Forms Her Core! Wood Dragon Breaks Through! Going Back on One's Word?

After leaving seclusion, Lu Qiu did not stay long at Tianmen Peak.

He took Xiao Mei with him and quietly left Kuixing Island.

Along the way, Xiao Mei was as excited as a chirping little bird, chattering non-stop.

She would sometimes fly ahead of Lu Qiu and sometimes circle around him, her mouth moving incessantly.

“Master, do you think I can succeed?”

“Master, I'm so nervous!”

“Master, what if I fail?”

And other such words.

Lu Qiu had a bit of a headache from her noise, but he didn't want to dampen her enthusiasm, so he just let her be.

He would occasionally respond with a sentence or two.

“Don't worry.”

“You can do it.”

“Don't think too much.”

Treating it as consolation.

“Master, if I successfully form my core, will I be as amazing as the Young Miss?” Xiao Mei leaned in to ask again.

Lu Qiu glanced at her and said indifferently, “Your Young Miss is a genius in the Dao of Formations; you can't compare to her.”

Xiao Mei instantly wilted and pouted, “Master really knows how to discourage people.”

Lu Qiu smiled and didn't say more.

This girl Xiao Mei actually had decent Aptitude and a diligent nature, but she was just a bit too flighty.

If she could settle her heart and delve into a single path, she might not be without Major Achievements.

However, everyone has their own ambitions, and it cannot be forced.

It was still that same deserted island.

Still that same rocky hollow.

Lu Qiu set up a Formation, completely isolating the entire area.

He released the Bloodline Flood Dragon and the Golden-Backed Demonic Mantis, letting them lie in wait as sentries.

The presence of two Level Six Yao Beasts was enough to deter any blind intruders.

“Go on,” Lu Qiu said to Xiao Mei.

Xiao Mei took a deep breath, the playful look on her Face finally receding, replaced by a solemnity she had never shown before.

She nodded to Lu Qiu, turned to walk into the depths of the rocky hollow, and sat down cross-legged.

Lu Qiu stood guard nearby, his Divine Sense constantly covering the entire deserted island and the surrounding dozens of miles of sea.

Two months' time was neither long nor short.

During these two months, Lu Qiu never left.

He watched with his own eyes as Xiao Mei navigated every hurdle of Core Formation step by step.

Although this little girl was usually informal and lacked restraint, in his heart, he had long since regarded her as family.

Two months later.

When the Spiritual Qi vortex above the deserted island finally subsided, the dark clouds gradually dispersed, and Xiao Mei slowly opened her eyes, those lively pupils were filled with irrepressible ecstasy.

“Master! I succeeded! I've reached Core Formation!”

She leaped up from the rocky hollow and threw herself at Lu Qiu like a gust of wind, her Face brimming with a brilliant smile.

In that smile, there was excitement, gratitude, pride, and a sense of relief.

Lu Qiu reached out to catch her, feeling the harmonious aura of a Core Formation Cultivator emanating from her, and felt a wave of gratification in his heart.

He smiled and said, “Alright, alright, I know. Congratulations, Immortal Master Xiao Mei.”

Xiao Mei laughed until her eyes narrowed into crescent moons. She tugged at Lu Qiu's sleeve and said, “Master, let's go back quickly! I want to show the Young Miss that I've also become a Core Formation Cultivator! From now on, she can't call me reckless anymore!”

Lu Qiu shook his head helplessly, packed up the Formation, and took her back to Tianmen Peak.

...

Tianmen Peak, Immortal Cave Great Hall.

“Young Miss! I've reached Core Formation!”

Xiao Mei rushed into the hall like a gust of wind, her smile brighter than the sun.

She ran up to Xin Ruyin, did a spin with her skirts fluttering, and said triumphantly, “Look, look! I'm a Core Formation True Person now too! From now on, all three of us are Core Formation Cultivators!”

Xin Ruyin put down the ancient text in her hand and looked up at her, her eyes full of relief and joy.

But she said, “You're already a Core Formation Cultivator, yet you're still so reckless. When you go out in the future, don't lose Face for Tianmen Peak.”

Xiao Mei stuck out her tongue and hugged Xin Ruyin's arm coquettishly, “In front of the Young Miss, I'll always be Xiao Mei. Besides, I'm not going out to wander; I'll stay at Tianmen Peak to accompany you.”

Xin Ruyin was amused by her and reached out to tap her forehead, “You really are something.”

Lu Qiu then stepped into the hall, and seeing this scene, a satisfied smile appeared on his Face.

The core team that followed him to the Chaotic Star Sea—Xin Ruyin, Xiao Mei, Zhao Wen, and Hei Sha—were now all Core Formation Cultivators.

Xin Ruyin, Early Core Formation Stage, a genius in the Dao of Formations, with the guidance of a Nascent Soul Great Power like True Person Ling Yun, her future was limitless.

Over these years, her progress in the Dao of Formations was obvious to all; the “Canglan Flood Dragon Locking Formation” was the best proof.

Xiao Mei, Early Core Formation Stage, although flighty by nature, had good Aptitude and was diligent in her cultivation.

Given time, she might not be without even greater achievements.

Zhao Wen, Early Core Formation Stage, had long been sent by him to manage Hidden Star Island as a hidden chess piece.

This person was meticulous and handled matters steadily; he should be able to accomplish something on Hidden Star Island.

Hei Sha, Early Core Formation Stage, possessed powerful combat strength and was his most loyal guard.

Over the years, Hei Sha had handled many unsavory matters for him.

Adding himself, Late Core Formation Stage.

And adding the Bloodline Flood Dragon, Golden-Backed Demonic Mantis, and Infant Carp Beast.

Three Level Six spirit pets, with the strength of the Bloodline Flood Dragon and the Infant Carp Beast being comparable to human Late Stage Core Formation Cultivators!

Unknowingly, he had accumulated such a deep Foundation.

A surge of indescribable pride welled up in Lu Qiu's heart.

With such strength, unless it was one of those top-tier forces with a Nascent Soul old monster presiding over them...

He could go anywhere in this Chaotic Star Sea!

As far as he knew, the Liulian Hall did not have a Nascent Soul Cultivator presiding over it.

The two Palace Masters, primary and secondary, were both in the Pseudo-Nascent Soul and had not yet taken that step.

With his current strength, plus the three Level Six spirit pets, he wouldn't need to be too wary of Hall Master Nangong even in a direct confrontation.

Speaking of the Liulian Hall, Lu Qiu suddenly remembered.

The fifteen-year term had already arrived.

Yet that Elder Gu had not come to find him.

Lu Qiu's heart stirred slightly.

Given Gu Yuan's personality, it was impossible for him to forget this matter.

If he hadn't come, there was only one possibility.

The other party had encountered some urgent matter and couldn't get away.

“That's fine too.”

Lu Qiu thought to himself, “The longer I can delay, the better. Once I accumulate more strength, I'll be more certain whether I choose to fight or flee.”

He walked to the window, gazing at the churning sea of clouds outside, his gaze deep.

The fifteen-year term was up, but he was no longer the same person he was back then.

If Nangong Hai really wanted to force him, he wouldn't mind letting that Pseudo-Nascent Soul Vice Palace Master see what true strength was.

...

Several days later.

A Sound Transmission Talisman streaked through the air and landed in Lu Qiu's hand.

He probed it with his Divine Sense, and a familiar female voice came from within, carrying a hint of joy and respect:

“Elder Lu, this concubine Feng Sanniang has successfully formed her core a few days ago. I wonder if Elder Lu has time to visit the White Water Tower for a chat? I have something to tell you.”

Feng Sanniang!

Lu Qiu's heart stirred.

This woman had gone into seclusion several years ago to attempt Core Formation, and now she had finally emerged.

Judging by her tone, she should have succeeded.

He rose and left Tianmen Peak, heading for Kuixing City.

...

White Water Tower, third-floor VIP room.

As Lu Qiu stepped inside, he saw a figure rise to greet him.

It was indeed Feng Sanniang.

Having not seen her for several years, the aura about her had undergone an earth-shaking change.

Her gaze was deeper, and her every move held a bit more composure and confidence—a change in temperament brought about by the elevation of her Realm.

“Congratulations, Sanniang, on your successful Core Formation.” Lu Qiu cupped his hands and smiled, a flash of approval in his eyes.

He could clearly sense that although Feng Sanniang's aura had only just stabilized, her Foundation was quite solid, obviously having spent a long time settling in the False Core Realm.

Feng Sanniang hurriedly returned the gesture and said modestly, “It was a stroke of luck, and I still owe it to the ningxin pill Elder Lu gifted me back then. Without that pill's help, I'm afraid I wouldn't have had the courage to give it my all. This kindness of Elder Lu's is etched in my heart.”

Lu Qiu waved his hand, “It's because your own Foundation was solid; it has nothing to do with me. The ningxin pill is only an aid; without your years of accumulation, it wouldn't have happened.”

The two sat down, and Feng Sanniang personally poured tea for him.

The tea fragrance curled in the air, and the atmosphere was harmonious.

After chatting for a while, Feng Sanniang suddenly said seriously, “Elder Lu, the reason I invited you here today is to inform you of something.”

Lu Qiu's brow quirked slightly, “What is it?”

Feng Sanniang said, “I have been transferred by the headquarters and will be heading to ‘Qingxing Island’ in a few days to serve as an Elder.”

Lu Qiu was taken aback.

Qingxing Island?

That was another outer island, quite far from Kuixing Island. It was said to be in the southwest direction of the Chaotic Star Sea, requiring a journey across tens of thousands of miles of sea.

He felt a slight pang of disappointment in his heart.

Feng Sanniang had been his most capable helper in the Liulian Hall over the years and his most important channel for collecting resources.

Once she left, who would he find to collect those rare spiritual materials in the future?

But on second thought, this was normal.

Feng Sanniang was now a Core Formation Cultivator; how could she continue to be at his beck and call?

Going to another island to serve as an Elder was her proper path of development.

She had reached today by her own efforts, step by step; he should be happy for her.

Lu Qiu picked up his teacup and, using tea as a substitute for wine, smiled, “Congratulations on your promotion, Sanniang. Although Qingxing Island is far, it is also a world of its own. With your abilities, you will surely be able to show your full potential there.”

Feng Sanniang drained her cup, looked at Lu Qiu, and said earnestly, “Elder Lu, I owe my current status entirely to your support. In the future, if there are any spiritual items Elder Lu needs, just send me a message. Even at Qingxing Island, I will do my best to collect them for you.”

Lu Qiu's heart warmed slightly.

This Feng Sanniang was indeed someone who repaid kindness.

He had only provided a little help, yet she had kept it in her heart.

“Thank you, Sanniang,” he said solemnly. “If I have any needs in the future, I will certainly trouble you.”

The two chatted for a while longer before Lu Qiu rose to take his leave.

...

Back at Tianmen Peak, Xin Ruyin was waiting in the hall.

Seeing him return, she stood up and said, “Husband Lu, just now Wood Dragon's Disciple Chen Tao came to visit.”

Lu Qiu's brows twitched slightly. "Wood Dragon? He's come out of seclusion?"

Xin Ruyin nodded. "Yes. Chen Tao said that Wood Dragon has broken through to the Late Core Formation Stage and specially invited Husband Lu to Tian Zhu Peak for a talk."

Lu Qiu was slightly startled.

Wood Dragon actually succeeded?

Back then, he exchanged a Jade Box for the Azure Crystal Pill Formula and three thousand-year spirit herbs in Lu Qiu's possession, originally to charge towards the Late Core Formation Stage.

Looking at it now, he succeeded.

"He invited me to go, for what purpose?" Lu Qiu pondered.

Xin Ruyin shook her head. "Chen Tao didn't say, only that it was Wood Dragon's intention. However, his expression was respectful and his words were sincere, so it shouldn't be a bad thing."

Lu Qiu thought for a moment, then stood up and said, "I'll go take a look."

...

A moment later, Lu Qiu arrived at Tian Zhu Peak.

It was still Chen Tao leading the way, passing through the mist-shrouded mountain path and entering Wood Dragon's Immortal Cave.

Inside the Immortal Cave, Wood Dragon sat in the main seat, his aura as calm and concentrated as water, much deeper than years ago.

That pressure was undoubtedly the Late Core Formation Stage.

His complexion was ruddy, and his eyes were bright; clearly, he had gained much from this seclusion.

Seeing Lu Qiu enter, a smile appeared on Wood Dragon's Face as he rose to greet him. "Fellow Daoist Lu is here, please sit!"

Lu Qiu cupped his hands and said, "Congratulations to the Island Master for your great progress in cultivation; the Great Dao is within reach."

Wood Dragon laughed heartily and waved his hand. "It's all thanks to Fellow Daoist Lu's ancient Pill Formula and spirit herbs. Without that Azure Crystal Pill Formula, this old man would probably still be struggling in the Middle Core Formation Stage. Speaking of which, I must thank Fellow Daoist Lu for helping me fulfill this."

The two sat down, and a boy served spirit tea. After a few pleasantries, Lu Qiu went straight to the point. "I wonder why the Island Master called This Lu here?"

Wood Dragon picked up his teacup, took a sip, and a flash of sharp light crossed his eyes.

"Fellow Daoist Lu," he spoke slowly, looking directly at Lu Qiu, "I wonder if you have broken the Ancient Restriction on that Jade Box?"

Lu Qiu's heart stirred slightly.

The Jade Box?

He understood instantly.

Wood Dragon was talking about the Jade Box he had traded at the Qingyun Mountain Exchange Meeting years ago.

The Jade Box containing the Ten-Thousand-Year Purple Flame Thunder Crystal!

Lu Qiu remained expressionless and shook his head with a sigh. "That Ancient Restriction is too old. Although This Lu studied it for several years, I have always been at a loss. The Restriction is incomparably profound. This Lu once tried to forcefully probe it with Divine Sense, only to almost suffer a backlash. I truly have no way to start."

These words were half-true.

The Ancient Restriction was indeed old, but it had long since been broken by the combined efforts of Xin Ruyin and True Person Ling Yun.

He said this only to see what Wood Dragon was really up to.

Hearing this, a flash of joy crossed Wood Dragon's eyes, but he quickly concealed it.

He pondered for a moment and said:

"Fellow Daoist Lu, to be honest, the reason this old man invited you here today is precisely for the matter of that Jade Box."

Lu Qiu's brows twitched slightly. "Oh?"

Wood Dragon sighed, a look of reminiscence appearing on his Face, and said slowly, "That Jade Box was obtained by this old man a hundred years ago from an Ancient Cultivator's Immortal Cave. The master of that cave was said to be a Loose Cultivator from ancient times with unfathomable cultivation. At that time, this old man exerted immense effort to bring out a few items from that cave, and this Jade Box was one of them."

He paused and continued, "Over the years, this old man has always tried to open that Jade Box but could never break the Ancient Restriction on it. I also consulted several Formation masters, but they were all helpless. It wasn't until the Qingyun Mountain Exchange Meeting back then, when I was desperate for a Breakthrough, that I gritted my teeth and brought out that Jade Box for trade."

He looked at Lu Qiu, his gaze filled with sincerity. "Now, although this old man has successfully broken through, every time I think of that Jade Box, I feel some regret. After all, it was something obtained from an Ancient Cultivator's Immortal Cave; the contents must be extraordinary. This old man really wants to know what is hidden inside."

Lu Qiu listened quietly, but he was sneering in his heart.

Regret?

Wants to know what's inside?

Isn't it more likely that he regrets it, thinking there might be something good hidden in that Jade Box, and wants to take it back to open it himself?

Sure enough, Wood Dragon's next words confirmed his suspicion.

"Fellow Daoist Lu," Wood Dragon said seriously, "I wonder if you could return this Jade Box to this old man? I am willing to provide compensation. What do you think?"

Lu Qiu was stunned.

He never expected Wood Dragon to make such a request.

At the Qingyun Mountain Exchange Meeting back then, when Wood Dragon brought out that Jade Box, he asked for seven thousand-year spirit herbs. I exchanged three spirit herbs plus an Azure Crystal Pill Formula for it—a fair trade, cheating neither young nor old.

Now that he has successfully broken through, he wants to go back on his word?

Lu Qiu was speechless.

This old fellow clearly thinks there might be something good hidden in that Jade Box and regrets it.

Now he wants to trade a few spirit herbs and two Magic Treasures to get it back.

But the value of the Ten-Thousand-Year Purple Flame Thunder Crystal in that Jade Box is far more than just a few spirit herbs!

Let alone returning double the three spirit herbs; even thirty wouldn't be nearly enough!

That's a Ten-Thousand-Year Purple Flame Thunder Crystal!

A rare item formed only after ten thousand years of repeated tempering by heavenly thunder and earthly fire!

In the entire Chaotic Star Sea, it would likely be difficult to find a second piece!

Moreover, that Purple Flame Thunder Crystal has already been refined by him into his Lifebound Treasure—the chixiao thunder fire pearl—and is currently being nourished within his Dantian.

Even if he wanted to return it, he couldn't.

Lu Qiu sneered in his heart, but on his Face, he showed a look of difficulty.

He pondered, "Island Master, this matter... I'm afraid it's inappropriate? Back then, the trade was mutual. This Lu brought out three thousand-year spirit herbs and an ancient Pill Formula, and the Island Master brought out the Jade Box. Both sides felt it was fair, and so the deal was made. Now that the Island Master has broken through, while This Lu has gained nothing, the Island Master wants the Jade Box back. This..."

Hearing this, Wood Dragon's expression changed slightly.

He had thought that since Lu Qiu couldn't open the Jade Box, keeping it would be useless, and since he was willing to compensate, the other party should gladly agree.

But he didn't expect Lu Qiu to refuse.

He gave a dry laugh and said, "Fellow Daoist Lu misunderstands. This old man does not intend to take advantage of you. I truly regret parting with that Jade Box and am willing to provide more compensation. If you feel it's not enough, we can discuss the terms further. As long as you name it, I will try my best to satisfy you."

Lu Qiu shook his head, his attitude firm. "Island Master, it's not a question of how much compensation. Once a trade is made, it's final. Although This Lu cannot open that Jade Box, keeping it as a memento is fine. If the Island Master wanted it back, you shouldn't have brought it out for trade in the first place. The rules of the cultivation world have always been 'no regrets once the piece is played.' The Island Master should know this better than I."

The smile on Wood Dragon's Face froze.

He didn't expect Lu Qiu to be so unyielding.

As the dignified Island Master of Kuixing Island and a Late Stage Core Formation Cultivator, he had lowered his stance to ask nicely, yet the other party flatly refused.

The two looked at each other for a moment; the atmosphere was a bit subtle.

A flash of displeasure crossed Wood Dragon's eyes, but he quickly suppressed it.

He laughed heartily, breaking the silence. "Enough, enough. This old man was being abrupt. Fellow Daoist Lu is right; once a trade is made, it's final. I shouldn't go back on my word. I hope Fellow Daoist Lu doesn't take offense."

Lu Qiu cupped his hands. "The Island Master is too kind. This Lu understands your feelings, but rules cannot be broken. I hope the Island Master understands."

Wood Dragon waved his hand and smiled. "Let's not mention it further. Come, drink tea."

The two chatted for a few more minutes, and the atmosphere gradually relaxed.

Wood Dragon asked about Lu Qiu's cultivation over the years. Lu Qiu gave a few perfunctory answers, saying only that he was in bitter seclusion and had made no progress.

Wood Dragon didn't suspect anything and merely lamented the difficulty of cultivation.

After another incense stick's worth of time, Lu Qiu stood up to take his leave.

Wood Dragon personally escorted him to the Immortal Cave's entrance, the smile still on his Face, but deep within that smile was a faint, almost imperceptible abnormality.

Lu Qiu saw this and sneered in his heart, but his Face remained impassive.

Leaving Tian Zhu Peak, he looked back at the towering peak, a faint sneer curling at the corner of his mouth.

Going back on your word?

Too late.

The contents of that Jade Box have now become his Lifebound Treasure.

Let alone a few spirit herbs, even if he were offered the entire Tian Zhu Peak in exchange, he wouldn't trade it.

He transformed into a streak of light and flew towards Tianmen Peak.

...

Returning to Tianmen Peak, Xin Ruyin was waiting in the main hall.

Seeing him return, she stood up and asked, "Husband Lu, why did Wood Dragon look for you?"

Lu Qiu sat down beside her and recounted today's events in their entirety.

When he mentioned that Wood Dragon wanted to trade a few spirit herbs to get back the Jade Box, Xin Ruyin couldn't help but laugh.

"He certainly has a fine plan," Xin Ruyin chuckled. "The value of the contents in that Jade Box is more than tens of millions. He wants to trade a few spirit herbs for it?"

Lu Qiu nodded and said, "Unfortunately, he doesn't know that the Jade Box has already been opened by us. The Purple Flame Thunder Crystal has also been refined into my Lifebound Treasure. Even if he racks his brains, he won't be able to guess what was hidden inside."

Xin Ruyin looked at him, her eyes full of tenderness. "What does Husband Lu plan to do? Wood Dragon probably won't let this go easily."

Lu Qiu pondered for a moment and said calmly, "No matter how unwilling he is, he won't dare to act openly. After all, the trade is done and the rules are there. If he dares to use force, he would be making an enemy of the entire Kuixing Island's rules. At most, he'll play some tricks in the shadows; it's no matter."

Xin Ruyin nodded and said no more.