Chapter 006: The First Long Retreat

"It is not that I can speak; rather, after you merged with my Soulwood Heart, I have now become a part of your body. As long as your thoughts are related to me, I will know. I can communicate with you through your soul," Jianglong Mu carefully explained to Jingfeng.

Understood, Master. From now on, I will never betray you. I am willing to sacrifice myself for your service without hesitation said Haitan resolutely

After about the time it takes to burn a stick of incense, the Black Dragon stood up, and a golden silkworm, as thin as a thread, appeared in the palm of his hand. "Take it, I hope you won't deceive me, you know the consequences of deceiving me," the Black Dragon said with authority.

"Senior Brother, how did you know that what I mentioned is related to that child?" Ling Ku Zhenren said, perplexed

By the way, Senior Brother, that child does not wish to use the Dharma name you bestowed upon him; he would prefer to retain his original name, Jingfeng. Master Lingku conveyed Jingfeng's request to Master Lingyun.

Buzzing, a sudden surge of green light enveloped Jing Feng, and the surrounding spiritual energy gradually increased, continuously flowing into Jing Feng's meridians. Due to the influence of the Dragonwood, Jing Feng unexpectedly entered the coveted realm of unity with the heavens and earth, a state that cultivators dream of achieving. His physical form and consciousness became indistinguishable from the universe. At this moment, Jing Feng resembled an insatiable sponge, continuously absorbing the surrounding spiritual energy, and the rate of absorption had astonishingly reached a hundred times the speed of his initial cultivation. Moreover, Jing Feng's soul power also rapidly increased alongside his cultivation level. He remained like an insatiable sponge, continuously absorbing the surrounding spiritual energy, with the absorption rate astonishingly reaching a hundred times that of his initial cultivation. Additionally, Jing Feng's soul power was swiftly enhancing with the improvement of his cultivation.

"You have consumed the Golden Silkworm Gu, which can instantly enhance your abilities and will greatly assist you in your future training. However, if you dare to betray me, I will cause the Golden Silkworm Gu to explode within your body, and you will die instantly. Do you understand?" the Demon Dragon threatened.

"Do not search anymore, I am right in front of you." The Dragonwood said helplessly in Jingfeng's mind

"Senior Brother, I apologize for disturbing your cultivation, but this matter has left me quite shocked, and I had no choice but to interrupt your practice," sighed Master Lingku.

"Are you willing to become my disciple and learn my martial arts? Are you willing to serve me in the future? If you agree, I will impart to you the secret techniques of the demonic arts," the Demon Dragon inquired.

At the entrance of Longxiang Cave in Tianlong Peak, Ling Ku Zhenren respectfully said, "Master, I have some important matters to report to you"

The Demon Dragon slowly walked in front of the Black Dragon and whispered a few words. The Black Dragon suddenly widened its eyes and said: "Is what you said true"

"What kind of person can be so precious that I would exchange them for a golden silkworm poison?" the Black Dragon said disdainfully

A green light flashed from Jing Feng's body, and at a critical moment, the life force of the Dragon-Subduing Wood enveloped Jing Feng entirely. Under the influence of this life force, Jing Feng's ruptured meridians and golden core were rapidly healing. At this crucial moment, the life force of the Dragon-Subduing Wood saved Jing Feng's life.

Time continues to pass, while Jing Feng remains motionless in his cultivation, unaware of how long has actually elapsed

"Wait a moment! Allow me to think it over!" the Black Dragon said loudly

"You have come for the Golden Silkworm Gu, do you know the preciousness of this witchcraft treasure? To obtain the Golden Silkworm Gu, how many lives have been lost in Miaojiang?" said the Black Dragon in a calm tone

"It is related to that child." Ling Ku Zhenren recounted in detail to Ling Yun Zhenren everything that Jing Feng had told him

"Alright, junior brother, I understand. You may return now; let this matter take its natural course," said Master Lingyun with a sense of helplessness.

"Then, Good Dragon Wood, I now wish to cultivate my soul power and the Heavenly Sun Technique, to quickly elevate my realm, so that I can rescue my sworn brother from that great demon. Can you assist me?" Jing Feng looked at Good Dragon Wood, silently reciting in his mind.

"Disciple, please come in. What has happened?" The voice of Master Lingyun echoed from within the cave.

A day had passed, and Jing Feng woke up as the pain subsided. At this time, Jing Feng was already seventeen years old. During this long period of cultivation, Jing Feng had diligently practiced for eight years, reaching the late stage of the Golden Core. This could be considered a significant miracle in the realm of cultivation.

"Then aside from matters related to you, you wouldn't know about anything else I am thinking, would you?" Jing Feng asked nervously as he looked at the Jianglong Wood.

Due to the life force of the Dragonwood, Jingfeng's soul realm is rapidly advancing, and his main body continues to engage in relentless cultivation after reaching the mid-stage of the Golden Core. If no special circumstances arise, at this rate, Jingfeng is likely to break through to the Nascent Soul stage and reach the Ascension stage within fifty years

Once a practitioner enters this state, they generally will not awaken until they reach a certain level of attainment, which may take one year, ten years, or even a hundred years

If the True Man Lingku were to arrive at the Spirit Mist Cave, he would surely be astonished. Currently, the Spirit Mist Cave is shrouded in mist, with the abundance of spiritual energy exceeding that of the outside world by more than ten times, interspersed with life force that glimmers with a green light

"I really don't know whether saving this child was right or wrong." Both Lingyun and Lingku Zhenren silently pondered in their hearts

"Who are you? Who is speaking to me? Come out quickly," Jing Feng said in terror as he looked around.

According to the cultivation method of the Dayang Decision, it generally takes ten years to progress from the early stage to the mid-stage of the Golden Core. However, due to the life force of the Dragonwood attracting a substantial amount of spiritual energy, Jingfeng's cultivation speed increased tenfold, allowing him to reach the mid-stage of the Golden Core in just over one year

As time passed, the continuous gathering, compression, and re-gathering of true energy solidified the yellow sphere more and more. "Buzz!" With a great tremor, Jing Feng's body shook, and the yellow sphere within him emitted a dazzling yellow light. Jing Feng had finally cultivated the Golden Elixir of True Cultivation, completing the first step into the realm of cultivation. Only by entering the Golden Elixir stage can a cultivator truly become a member of the cultivation world.

Haitian glanced at the tiny golden silkworm poison, did not ask a single question, and simply took it and swallowed it.

"Why did you suddenly come out? You scared me to death. Next time, could you at least give me a heads-up before you appear? Honestly," Jing Feng said, reproaching Jiang Longmu.

Five years have passed in the blink of an eye, and today Jingfeng is already fourteen years old. Jingfeng has clearly grown much larger than when he first began his training, and his clothes have gradually been torn apart by his growing body.

Hmm! Not bad! Over the past year, I have tormented you in every possible way, yet you have not begged for mercy. You have quite a strong will," the Demon Dragon said fiercely, looking at Haitan.

Ah! It hurts so much. Jing Feng kept trembling on the ground, rolling around, and gradually losing consciousness

Of course, if you do not believe me, there is nothing I can do; I will think of other ways." After saying this, the magic dragon took a step and left.

At the same time, on Black Dragon Island

At present, Jingfeng is tirelessly cultivating in the Spirit Mist Cave, with the sole purpose of rescuing his sworn brother Haitan, who has been captured by the demon dragon.

Countless spiritual orbs appeared within Jingfeng's meridians. As the absorption of spiritual energy increased, these orbs gradually gathered into Jingfeng's dantian, forming a yellow sphere approximately the size of an egg

"No, you only need to whisper my name in your heart, and I will know through your thoughts. Whenever you need me in the future, just a thought and call my name, and I will come to help you. After you merge with my Soulwood Heart, my life force will be at your disposal. Not only can it greatly shorten your cultivation time and enhance your realm and spiritual power, but also when you are severely injured, the life force will accelerate your healing rate. My life force is the source of life, and my true form, the Dragon-Slaying Wood, can be used as a weapon. Hmph! My life force is the source of life, and my true form, the Dragon-Slaying Wood, can be used as a weapon. Hmph! Even if it is a celestial artifact, its attack is far inferior to mine. Cultivate diligently, and when your power increases, you will understand my benefits." The Dragon-Slaying Wood spoke proudly in Jingfeng's mind.

Hmm! The master asked me to try communicating with the Dragon-Subduing Wood using my intentions, to feel the wood's properties. But I don't know how to communicate with a piece of wood. What should I do? How can I communicate with the Dragon-Subduing Wood?" Jingfeng thought to himself, resting his chin on his small hand.

Hmm? Is that so? Well then, this child is too mysterious. Since he does not like it, we shall not force him. Let it be, " said Master Lingyun, shaking his head.

"Alright, Haitan, follow me. I will help you awaken the spiritual power of the Golden Silkworm Gu within you, and then I will explain the magical techniques of my Black Dragon Island to you. As long as you do not betray your master, I will not treat you unfairly," the Demon Dragon said gently.

"No problem, place my essence upon yourself and try to sense the heart of my soul wood. My soul wood can rapidly elevate the realm of your soul power," the Dragonwood murmured in Jingfeng's mind.

"Disciple, the only reason you are placing such importance on this matter and coming to find me in person, aside from your connection with that child, seems to be for no other reason, right?" said Master Lingyun with a smile.

"Dragonwood, what do you mean by the power of the soul?" asked Jingfeng, as he heard Dragonwood mention the power of the soul. His master, the Real Person Lingku, had never brought up the power of the soul with him. In fact, it was not that Lingku did not tell Jingfeng; rather, what Lingku referred to as the state of mind was essentially the power of the soul. However, the cultivation level of practitioners was too low for them to perceive their own souls.

"Dragon of Magic, is there something you need?" the Black Dragon asked in a deep voice

The Demon Dragon is very satisfied with Hai Tian's behavior; he is ruthless, decisive in his actions, and obedient to his own commands

In the Hall of the Demon Dragon, the Demon Dragon stood before Hai Tian, looking at Hai Tian, who was lying on the ground, trembling all over, and spoke.

Jing Feng, having inadvertently tamed the ancient divine tree—Xianglongmu, was in high spirits and hopped joyfully to the Lingwu Cave

As Jingfeng sought to further absorb spiritual energy, suddenly, the meridians within his body began to tremble, and the golden core also quivered incessantly along with the meridians, as if it were on the verge of bursting. "Hiss, hiss, hiss," the meridians and the golden core of Jingfeng were ruptured by the abundant spiritual energy, creating numerous fine openings. Jingfeng awoke amidst this excruciating pain that felt worse than death.

"Well, since you are willing, you should eat this." The Demon Dragon handed over the slender golden silkworm poison in his hand

"Disciple, is it about that child?" asked Master Lingyun.

Ling Ku Zhenren entered Longxiang Cave and saw Ling Yun Zhenren sitting cross-legged on a stone platform, gazing at him

Buzzing, the spiritual energy around Jingfeng surged wildly into his body once again. The golden core within him, refined by over a year of spiritual energy, gradually expanded, now significantly larger than it was at the beginning, and its color transformed into a bright yellow. At present, Jingfeng's golden core is more solid than it was initially. Thanks to the abundant spiritual energy and the life force of the Dragon-Subduing Wood, Jingfeng has reached the mid-stage of the golden core, and his soul has also advanced to the late stage of the Nascent Soul.

At this point, Haitan embarked on a path that was entirely opposite to that of Jingfeng

Jingfeng's sworn elder brother, Haitian, had been tormented by the demon dragon and was now helplessly curled up on the ground, trembling all over, yet his face still bore a resolute expression

The branches at the top of the dragon-slaying tree swayed back and forth in front of Jing Feng, and suddenly a very unfamiliar voice echoed in his mind. "Aren't you the one who was murmuring about me in your heart? Why blame me for appearing so suddenly"

Hmm! This young man possesses such unwavering determination, and his innate qualities are quite commendable. If he were to become my disciple and serve my purposes, he could play a decisive role in my future plans. However, having subjected him to numerous trials, I worry that he may harbor doubts about me in the future. What should I do? The Demon Dragon pondered for a while.

"You mentioned that the ancient spirit wood, the Dragon-Subduing Wood, was tamed by Jing Feng, and even the beast, the transformed serpent, became friends with this child without harming him. Hmm! This is indeed strange. Logically speaking, he should not have the ability to tame the Dragon-Subduing Wood. Even with the combined strength of the two of us, we cannot confidently say we could tame it. How could this child manage to do so? As for the ferocity of the transformed serpent, we witnessed it ourselves three thousand years ago. Such a fierce beast did not harm this child and even became friends with him. It seems this child harbors some untold secret." Master Ling Yun pondered for a moment and said.

"I am aware of the preciousness of the Golden Silkworm Gu, but I am certain that the achievements of that child will surpass the value of the Golden Silkworm Gu in the future," said the proud Demon Dragon.

Hahaha! The Black Dragon laughed heartily, its laughter shaking the very roof of the hall.

Jing Feng was murmuring about the Dragonwood in his heart while looking at the picture in the book, when suddenly, the Dragonwood appeared out of thin air before him, startling Jing Feng greatly

"Rest assured, Sect Master, at the appropriate time, I will hand that person over to you," the Demon Dragon said as it placed the Golden Silkworm Gu into the storage ring.

At this moment, Jingfeng had not awakened in the mystical realm of the unity of heaven and man; spiritual energy continued to flow in endlessly. The golden core within Jingfeng was also undergoing continuous refinement, and the color of the golden core gradually brightened with the increase of spiritual energy

The meridians within Jingfeng flowed like joyful rivers, with spiritual energy continuously surging into the golden core. Suddenly, the meridians within Jingfeng expanded, and the golden core doubled in size in an instant, emitting a dazzling golden light. At the late stage of the golden core, Jingfeng unexpectedly advanced five realms during his first long cultivation session, rising from the initial stage of penetration directly to the late stage of the golden core.

"You, Jianglongmu, you can speak," Jingfeng said, staring wide-eyed at Jianglongmu.

Island Master, I captured a child some time ago. I detailed to the Black Dragon what happened the moment the Demon Dragon captured Haitan.

Jing Feng sat cross-legged on the mat, slowly closing his eyes. While sensing the heart of the wood, he silently practiced the Tianyang Jue. Gradually, he entered a state of ethereal tranquility, completely immersed in the experience.

The Demon Dragon arrived at the Black Dragon Palace. "Island Master, the Demon Dragon requests an audience." Before the Black Dragon could respond, the Demon Dragon barged in boldly, showing not a trace of respect.

It seems that only I can seek out that old fellow, the Black Dragon, to obtain the Golden Silkworm Gu, a witchcraft treasure acquired by all means from the Southern Frontier. The Demon Dragon thought to himself. The Golden Silkworm Gu is a witchcraft treasure that is not publicly shared in the Miao region, and it is extremely domineering. This Gu can instantly enhance one's power, but it will cause one to lose their sense of self, remaining under the control of the person who has been poisoned by the Gu for life.

Haitian got up from the ground and said without a moment's hesitation: "I am willing."

The power of the soul is your soul itself. The higher your soul power realm, the faster your abilities improve, the stronger your techniques become, and the deeper your understanding of the heavenly principles. When your soul reaches a certain level, it allows for deeper cultivation. In battles against opponents of the same level, the one with the higher soul realm holds an absolute advantage. "Xianglong Mu explained seriously.

Then what if I don't give it?" the Black Dragon asked while stroking the chair

"I can exchange a person for your golden silkworm poison, is that acceptable?" the Demon Dragon retorted

"Very good, very good, this is my secret magical skill from Black Dragon Island. You should practice it well." After saying this, a dragon-shaped magic crystal appeared in Hai Tian's hand