Qin Chen stepped out of the grand hall, his thoughts churning like an unstoppable tide. The Great Wilderness Tournament loomed in his mind—a battlefield where only the absolute strongest could carve their names into history.
And the Azure Sky Sect?
They had never even placed in the top 10,000.
He exhaled, shaking his head. That will change. Not just for himself, but for the entire sect. He would drag them to the top whether they were ready or not.
As he entered his residence, the door closed behind him with a soft thud. The moment he was alone, the calm, composed front he had maintained in front of the Sect Master vanished—his lips curled into a smirk, his golden-purple eyes burning with boundless ambition.
He reached into his storage ring, retrieving the Perfect-Grade pills he had refined earlier.
The Scarlet Core Pill, glowing with a deep crimson luster, pulsed with energy.
The Heavenly Fire Essence Pill, swirling with golden flames, radiated with terrifying power.
The Mind Refining Pill, transparent as crystal, exuded a calming aura that strengthened soul and mental fortitude.
The Dragon Marrow Pill, deep blue like the ocean, contained an overwhelming vitality that could temper his physical body to withstand the tribulations of Core Formation.
The Celestial Meridian Elixir, faintly glowing with divine runes, promised a flawless Core Formation, ensuring that his foundation would be unparalleled.
Qin Chen's fingers traced over the pills, a glint flashing in his eyes. If any other cultivator saw this… He chuckled. They'd go mad.
To most, acquiring even one of these pills required enormous luck, connections, and wealth. To Qin Chen? A few days of effort.
But as he studied the pills, a different thought entered his mind.
Would securing a higher rank in the tournament truly make the Azure Sky Sect stronger? More resources would come, yes. But stronger disciples wouldn't suddenly appear overnight. Other sects would still suppress them from the shadows, using every underhanded trick available.
Even if he became strong enough to suppress his generation—
Would the sect itself rise with him?
Then, the thought struck him. Why not make them stronger myself?
With his Grade 5 alchemy, he wasn't just some combat freak relying on brute force. He could craft geniuses.
But first… He exhaled, his eyes flashing. I will strengthen myself.
Qin Chen didn't waste time. He flicked his wrist, summoning the Scarlet Core Pill, Heavenly Fire Essence Pill, and Celestial Meridian Elixir into his hand.
These pills would last for a while, and allow his efficiency in absorbing flame energy to be much higher.
Then—
Gulp.
The pills dissolved instantly, turning into a torrent of spiritual energy that surged through his meridians like a violent storm.
BOOOOOOM!
The entire residence shook, the golden-purple flames around Qin Chen roaring to life.
Inside his body, the Scarlet Core Pill worked its magic, refining his Qi to an unprecedented level of purity, ensuring that when he reached Core Formation, his Golden Core would be flawless.
The Heavenly Fire Essence Pill fused with his Fire Sovereign Dao Body, further increasing his control over flame-based cultivation, making his flames denser, hotter, and sharper.
And the Celestial Meridian Elixir?
It was already working on expanding, strengthening, and fortifying his meridians, preparing his body for the terrifying transition into Core Formation.
BOOOOOM!
Qin Chen clenched his fists, feeling his cultivation surge.
Foundation Establishment Stage 9 → Stage 10!
A tidal wave of energy coursed through him as his body, mind, and spirit reached the absolute peak of the Foundation Establishment realm.
His eyes gleamed.
He was one step away.
One step away from Core Formation.
Qin Chen took a deep breath, his golden flames retracting into his body as he stabilized the breakthrough. His aura remained restrained—but if anyone could see his meridians, they would be terrified.
They no longer resembled the fragile meridians of an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator.
They were veins of molten gold, reinforced by divine fire, circulating unimaginable power.
But now?
It was time for the true breakthrough.
He retrieved the Dragon Marrow Pill and the Mind Refining Pill.
One would fortify his body, ensuring he could withstand the monstrous tribulation that awaited Core Formation cultivators.
The other would temper his soul and mind, ensuring that when he formed his Golden Core, his consciousness and spiritual will would reach greater heights.
Without hesitation—
He swallowed them both.
BOOOOM!
A violent force surged through his body as his bones, muscles, and meridians underwent a metamorphosis.
A burning sensation spread through his limbs as the Dragon Marrow Pill seeped into every inch of his being, reinforcing his physical frame to inhuman levels.
His body hardened, refined itself, and grew stronger as if tempered by divine essence.
Meanwhile, the Mind Refining Pill ignited a storm within his soul. A surge of mental clarity flooded his mind, sharpening his perception, increasing his spiritual awareness, and refining his ability to comprehend the Dao.
He clenched his fists, his entire being pulsing with incredible energy.
His Fire Sovereign Dao Body, Zenith Sword Soul, and newfound physical and mental fortitude had all aligned perfectly for his next step.
Qin Chen's eyes snapped open, golden-purple flames burning brightly.
He was ready.
He exhaled, a smirk forming on his lips.
"Core Formation…"
"Let's begin."