Chapter 849

Chapter 849: Condensing Elixirs (Part 1)

Wang Chen settled down in Qinglan Valley.

This small valley spanned only about twenty to thirty acres, encircled by undulating green mountains. Within the valley, aside from the waterfall and pool, a variety of exotic flowers and plants flourished, creating an atmosphere of refined elegance.

Beside the pool stood a simple thatched cottage, modest yet impeccably clean and tidy.

Though the time had come, Wang Chen was in no hurry to condense his Golden Core.

Having recently returned from the Misty Mountains Realm after years of trials in the lower realm, he felt a slight unfamiliarity with the Haotian Realm, including his primary cultivation technique.

If left unaddressed, this sense of detachment could become a significant obstacle during the condensing process.

Wang Chen aimed to condense a top-grade Golden Core, and there could be no room for error or imperfection!

In the days that followed, Wang Chen rose early each morning to climb the highest nearby peak, absorbing the first rays of Purple Qi.

He then sat on a rock by the pool, meticulously refining his movement techniques.

Although his cultivation level had reached its peak, he sought to elevate his state to perfection through this rigorous training.

In the afternoons, Wang Chen would visit the library.

The Qingqiu Library was situated on a peak near Qinglan Valley, divided into seven levels, each housing books and texts of varying ranks and cultivation techniques.

Interestingly, the library was unguarded; despite its powerful restrictions, Wang Chen could enter and exit freely.

It almost felt as though the library had been built specifically for him.

However, he was only permitted access to the first and second levels, where he could peruse books below the Golden Core level.

Wang Chen discovered that the Dao texts within the library were entirely focused on human cultivators, with no mention of demons, and the sheer volume of knowledge was staggering.

As a result, Wang Chen spent increasingly more time in the library.

He voraciously absorbed the knowledge contained within these texts, gaining deeper insights into the process of condensing the Golden Core.

Consequently, Wang Chen successfully suppressed the restless true energy within his body, delaying the timing of his Golden Core condensation.

This decision was fraught with risk.

Most peak Purple Palace cultivators would have all preparations for condensing elixirs completed in advance; once they sensed the opportune moment, they would immediately enter a blessed land to begin the process.

They would never delay unless absolutely necessary.

The reason was that such opportunities were rare; condensing elixirs depended on the right timing, location, and harmony with one’s surroundings. Missing this chance might mean never reclaiming the same feeling, leaving them with no choice but to force the condensation.

Forcing the Golden Core condensation not only drastically reduced the success rate, but even if one succeeded, the quality of the Golden Core would likely be poor.

Wang Chen took this risk not only to achieve a perfect condensation but also because he possessed a false elixir, which inherently increased his chances of success. He had the strength and foundation to take the gamble.

That afternoon, as Wang Chen was browsing the texts on the second level of the library, he suddenly heard a rustling sound at the door.

He turned his head and saw a little girl with her hair tied in twin buns, peeking inside with a mischievous expression.

When their eyes met, she immediately ducked back out of sight.

Wang Chen couldn’t help but smile.

After a moment, the little girl peeked her head out again, her curious eyes fixed on Wang Chen.

Wang Chen set down the books and waved at her, saying, "Hello."

This little girl had large eyes, a sharp chin, and skin as white as jade, complemented by a pair of pointed ears. She was unmistakably a transformed little fox, looking exceptionally adorable.

"Who are you?"

The little fox, bold as ever, darted up to Wang Chen and tilted her head, asking, "Why have I never seen you before?"

As she spoke, she wrinkled her tiny nose and sniffed, her expression turning puzzled. "Your scent is different from everyone else’s."

Wang Chen smiled and replied, "My name is Wang Chen, and I am a human cultivator."

"Human cultivator?"

The little fox was momentarily stunned, then exclaimed in shock, "Human cultivator!"

Like a startled rabbit, she leaped three feet high and instantly bolted out the door, her speed leaving Wang Chen dumbfounded.

Wang Chen was at a loss for words.

He shook his head and picked up the books to continue reading.

However, after a moment, the little fox returned, cautiously looking around before approaching Wang Chen again.

This made it impossible for Wang Chen to read, so he decided to engage in a staring contest with the little girl.

The little fox scratched her head in confusion and said, "My sisters say human cultivators are bad, so should I not talk to you? Are you a bad person?"

Wang Chen chuckled, "What do you think?"

The little fox rolled her eyes and asked, "Do you have any tasty snacks?"

"Uh…"

Wang Chen rummaged through his Xumi Ring and pulled out a pile of spirit fruits, jerky, and snacks, placing them in front of her.

He was accustomed to storing large amounts of food and supplies in his Xumi Ring for unexpected needs.

There were even candies!

"Wow!"

The little fox’s eyes lit up. "So much food?"

She looked at Wang Chen with eager eyes and asked sweetly, "Is this all for me?"

Wang Chen replied with a laugh, "Take what you like."

Though those items were quite valuable, they meant little to him.

"That’s great!"

The little fox cheered and immediately opened her arms to gather the snacks into her embrace.

She clearly had storage equipment of her own, stuffing everything away before pulling out one item and eagerly munching on it, her cheeks puffed up like a little rabbit eating a carrot.

Intrigued, Wang Chen asked, "What’s your name?"

The little fox, softened by the kindness, obediently answered, "Hu Fei Fei, like the bird ‘Fei’."

Wang Chen nodded, "Do you know Hu Jiao Jiao?"

"Of course, I know Sister Jiao Jiao!"

The little fox rolled her eyes dramatically, then suddenly had a realization. "Oh! You’re the nasty man who seduced Sister Jiao Jiao!"

She sniffed again intensely. "No wonder you smell funny."

Wang Chen couldn’t help but laugh, saying, "I’m a man, but I really don’t smell bad, never mind."

Why would he argue with a little girl?

Hu Fei Fei struggled to swallow her food then made a super cute face at Wang Chen.

Then, in an instant, she dashed away!

Wang Chen didn’t mind and returned the books he had previously looked at to the shelf.

Interestingly enough, after chatting and laughing with the little fox, his mood became much lighter.

The tension that had been coiled tightly within him suddenly vanished.

As Wang Chen stepped out of the library, a surge of magical power rushed within him, like the rising tide of the ocean, unstoppable!

Wang Chen’s expression changed, and he let out a long howl as he soared into the air.

In just a few moments, he landed steadily on the rock beside the pool in the valley.

At that moment, his energy field surged violently, and the acupoints around him opened automatically, allowing the spiritual energy from outside to flow in.

It came in an unending stream!

This indicated that the true moment had arrived, and he could not afford to delay any longer.

Wang Chen focused his mind and decisively began condensing elixirs!