Xuanwei was currently immersed in the joy of finally seeing Sister Miaoyin’s injuries healing, completely oblivious to his disciple’s contorted expression.

Li Miaoyin, however, noticed Yu Yun’s unusual demeanor. She simply assumed he was overwhelmed by Zhang Xian’s extravagance and gently beckoned him over.

“It’s getting late. Duke Zhen Guo, why don’t you stay at our temple tonight? Yu Yun, go prepare a side room for him.”

Yu Yun’s heart screamed inwardly: This is inviting the wolf into the sheepfold!

This old rogue definitely has no good intentions!

He must be after Sister Miaoyin!

Master, wake up!

Before leaving, he glared fiercely at Zhang Xian.

Zhang Xian: ?

Is this guy still looking down on me because of Yu Rao? Forget it—it doesn’t matter. He continued chatting casually with Li Miaoyin and Xuanwei.

“Speaking of which, Daoist Sister Miaoyin, I have another request, albeit an awkward one.”

“Please speak freely, Daoist Brother.”

Zhang Xian took out a book titled The Secret Art of Condensing a Golden Core and handed it to Li Miaoyin. “I came across this book by chance and would like to gift it to you. Your insight far surpasses mine. I hope you can help me interpret it.”

Fearing the System might not recognize the transfer, he quickly added, “This book takes an unconventional approach, using a ‘False Core’ as a gateway to cultivation. It contains many valuable insights that should inspire your practice as well.”

Li Miaoyin hadn’t expected such a simple request. She flipped through The Secret Art of Condensing a Golden Core and immediately understood its essence.

For ordinary people without Spiritual Roots to seek cultivation was a perennial topic in the cultivation world. Yet Spiritual Roots were like an insurmountable chasm, blocking the dreams of most mortals. As far as Li Miaoyin knew, the cultivation world still hadn’t found a mature solution.

Admittedly, some top-tier sects and families possessed special methods to guide ordinary people onto the path, but these were either closely guarded secrets or dangerous, cursed techniques with endless repercussions. Even when such methods existed, the resources required were astronomical—far greater than nurturing a prodigy.

I can’t help him!

Li Miaoyin felt regretful but couldn’t bear to bluntly disappoint him. “I’ll accept this book, Duke Zhen Guo. You’re far too kind. We cultivators should support each other.”

【Ping! Successfully gifted the common Secret Art of Condensing a Golden Core. Triggered return: The rare Classic of Nurturing Golden Cores with Azure Wood.】

This is promising!

The group chatted for a long time afterward. Xuanwei was in exceptionally good spirits. He hadn’t felt this happy in a century, practically dying to share all his cultivation experiences with Zhang Xian.

At night, in the guest room.

Zhang Xian sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion, his lips curling into an ecstatic grin.

The Classic of Nurturing Golden Cores with Azure Wood!

The cultivation technique unfolded slowly in his mind, each character a pearl of wisdom, profoundly mysterious and complete—a method for nurturing a Golden Core far superior to The Secret Art of Condensing a Golden Core.

This technique used Wood-element spiritual energy to nourish the body. It not only aided in the formation of a False Core but also planted a strand of endlessly renewing Azure Wood Energy within the body, effectively creating an artificial Wood Spirit Root. Cultivating this technique to perfection could allow one to reach the False Core stage, with power nearly equivalent to that of a true Golden Core cultivator.

However, this technique required an enormous amount of Wood-element Spirit Stones—more than ten times the usual amount for a regular cultivator.

Yet to enable an ordinary mortal to embark on the path of cultivation, even if only as a False Core, was nothing short of a miraculous technique.

Zhang Xian immediately began practicing. His internal energy flowed gently through his body. At the same time, he took out two mid-grade Wood-element Spirit Stones, holding them in his hands and following the method outlined in the Classic. He circulated the energy throughout his body.

Slowly, a vibrant, emerald-green “False Core” began to condense in his dantian. Every pore on his body opened wide, as if soaking in a hot spring. Even his graying temples seemed to glow faintly with new vitality.

By the time dawn broke, the “False Core” in his dantian had grown from the size of a grain of rice to the size of a soybean.

Zhang Xian was overjoyed. At this rate, in less than half a month, he could fully master the first level of the Classic, and with the aid of his False Core, successfully refine Qi and step onto the path of cultivation!

The System is amazing!

Zhang Xian, feeling refreshed and invigorated, pushed open the door—and collided head-on with Yu Yun, whose eyes were ringed with dark circles.

Zhang Xian greeted him with a cheerful smile. “Daoist Brother Yu Yun, good morning! Have you seen your beloved Sister Miaoyin yet? I must thank her properly!”

Yu Yun’s lips twitched uncontrollably. He spat out bitterly, “I don’t know!” before quickly turning away.

That wretched Duke of Zhen Guo, coming to find Sister Miaoyin first thing in the morning—does he not even bother to pretend anymore?

“Pah!” A whisk brushed Yu Yun’s face—a signal from Xuanwei, already dressed and looking remarkably energetic, completely unlike someone who had just suffered an injury. “You lack manners! Go brew tea in the study.”

“Good morning, Duke Zhen Guo. I spent the entire night studying The Secret Art of Condensing a Golden Core and gained some insights. Let’s discuss it further in the study.”

Waaah!

Seeing Master Xuanwei smiling like a simpleton broke Yu Yun’s heart even more. In his mind, he recalled Sister Miaoyin’s graceful figure, feeling as though Master Xuanwei had become his younger self—naive and oblivious.

Master, please wake up! You don’t yet know what you’re about to lose!

That old rogue, the Duke of Zhen Guo, deserves to die!

“Duke Zhen Guo, I notice your cultivation level has improved overnight. Congratulations!”

“A slight increase, all thanks to Daoist Brother Xuanwei. Listening to your insights was like enlightenment itself, deeply benefiting me. I’m endlessly grateful.”

Xuanwei’s face lit up even brighter, and he immediately took out a communication talisman to summon Sister Li Miaoyin.

When Li Miaoyin pushed open the door, Zhang Xian’s eyes widened in admiration.

She wore a simple white Daoist robe, her black hair cascading like a waterfall, her features painted like a masterpiece. Her skin glowed faintly with a jade-like luster in the morning light. Her posture was even more upright than yesterday, and her every movement exuded an ethereal aura, yet also carried a lively charm unique to young women.

Truly a woman destined by the System—her beauty alone was beyond compare.

“S-Sister?!” Xuanwei stammered, nearly tripping over his own robe.

How many years has it been? How many years has he gone without seeing Sister Miaoyin’s youthful beauty, only to see her rejuvenated overnight?

Li Miaoyin smiled softly, her eyes sparkling with a long-lost playfulness. “What’s wrong? Don’t you recognize me anymore?”

Yu Yun’s heart shattered completely.

He looked at his rejuvenated Sister Miaoyin, then at Zhang Xian, who was equally stunned.

It’s over!

Sister Miaoyin has become younger!

That old rogue, the Duke of Zhen Guo, will surely be even more excited now!

“Congratulations, Daoist Sister,” Zhang Xian said with a respectful bow. He could tell that Sister Miaoyin’s injuries had healed somewhat, and her cultivation level had risen compared to yesterday.

“Thanks to the Duke’s Spirit Stones,” Li Miaoyin replied solemnly. These stones were like a second life for both her and Xuanwei.

“I see wisps of spiritual energy circulating within the Duke’s body. It seems he’s made significant progress,” Li Miaoyin remarked, glancing at Zhang Xian with surprise.

She never imagined Zhang Xian could achieve such remarkable progress overnight. Could he really succeed in refining Qi?

“Indeed. Wood element nurtures growth. I plan to start with the Wood element, using the power of Spirit Stones to condense a False Core.”

“The Duke’s idea is brilliant! The Wood element corresponds to the Azure Dragon in the East, symbolizing burgeoning vitality. I see your internal energy flowing endlessly, brimming with green energy. Truly commendable!” Xuanwei added with a smile.

Yu Yun’s heart ached terribly.

Master, please stop talking! It’s not him who’s green—it’s you!