Chapter 886: Forming a Nascent Soul
Half a month later, on a plain 2000 kilometers from River State City, Ye Mo prepared a formation to assist Li Yuqian in facing her heavenly tribulation. Although Li Yuqian doubted his ability to help, she allowed him to construct defensive and spirit-gathering formations.
Ye Mo's focus, however, wasn't solely on defense. He primarily established lightning attraction and storage formations. Since a lightning rune had facilitated his advancement, he actively sought lightning energy and wouldn't miss this opportunity. The storage formation served as a safeguard against overwhelming power.
"I'm beginning," Li Yuqian announced, her preparations complete. Failure, she accepted calmly, would be fate's decree.
Ye Mo retreated to the eye of the lightning attraction formation, calculating the tribulation's range. Its location conveniently bordered the tribulation's influence; he felt his Foundation Establishment Stage 6 cultivation wouldn't attract undue attention.
Zhen Xiaoshan anxiously awaited the tribulation's arrival. Despite Li Yuqian's lack of concern over Ye Mo's proximity to the tribulation, she consumed a cao huan pill, unleashing a surge of spiritual energy as her golden core vibrated.
Spiritual energy converged, forming a massive whirlpool. Lacking experience with nascent soul formation, Li Yuqian relentlessly absorbed this energy using her cultivation technique.
Ye Mo and Zhen Xiaoshan were astonished by the intense reaction, observing the seemingly solidified spiritual energy. While aware of the cultivation benefits, they refrained from action, fearing interference with Li Yuqian's nascent soul development.
Li Yuqian continued absorbing energy, drawing in spiritual energy from a 1000-kilometer radius. The colossal whirlpool immediately attracted widespread attention, prompting cultivators to converge on the location.
City Lord Zhang Chengfeng, initially enjoying tea, swiftly ascended above the city upon sensing the unusual energy fluctuations. "Someone's forming a nascent soul? Lu Jiucheng?" he muttered, flying towards the whirlpool.
Yan Zheng and other Immortal Treasure Tower managers, similarly alerted, rushed to the scene. At the All Pill Tower, Peng Shiping reacted with shock, questioning the identity of the nascent soul cultivator.
Soon, cultivators surrounded Ye Mo's formation. Zhen Xiaoshan's worry grew with their increasing numbers, prompting Ye Mo's initial regret over their proximity to River State City. However, he reconsidered, noting the relatively low cultivation levels present; a more remote location might have attracted stronger, more dangerous cultivators.
Saluting the assembled cultivators, Ye Mo announced, "China Pharmaceutical's elder is currently forming her nascent soul. Those wishing to observe should remain at least one kilometer from the formation. Approaching closer will be considered a provocation."
Many were surprised at China Pharmaceutical's nascent soul candidate. Despite Li Yuqian's incomplete transformation, no one dared offend a potential nascent soul cultivator, maintaining a respectful distance.
Whispers circulated amongst the onlookers: "China Pharmaceutical will soon have a nascent soul cultivator? They've only existed for half a year!" "Months ago, they gained a golden core cultivator!" "Unbelievable! How are they so strong?" "They sell pills, so they have plenty of them." "Pfft, core-forming and soul-forming pills aren't cheap; even All Pill Tower might not have them."
Discussions continued, but no one dared approach Ye Mo and Zhen Xiaoshan. The majority were at the Qi Gathering or Foundation Establishment stages; few reached the Golden Core stage.
Zhang Chengfeng, upon hearing Ye Mo's announcement, expressed surprise and congratulations. Ye Mo, however, remained wary of Zhang Chengfeng's insincerity.
Yan Zheng's congratulations were genuine, stemming from admiration for Ye Mo's pill-making and a desire to strengthen China Pharmaceutical. A nascent soul cultivator would significantly enhance their standing, even against the All Pill Tower.
Peng Shiping observed coldly, his plan to attack China Pharmaceutical after Lu Jiucheng's cultivation thwarted by their rapid advancements.
Li Yuqian, despite the large gathering, focused on her own progress. Her golden core reached its limit and began to crack, signifying a crucial step towards nascent soulhood. The spiritual energy whirlpool intensified, and despite her absorption, Li Yuqian felt an increasing need for more energy.
Ye Mo was surprised by the immense spiritual energy consumption. Li Yuqian, recognizing the greater need would come later, after the core fully transitioned into a soul, depleted her spirit stones.
Ye Mo, Zhang Chengfeng, Yan Zheng, and Peng Shiping witnessed this. Peng Shiping sneered, believing their inadequate spirit stone reserves would ensure Li Yuqian's failure. Ye Mo, however, remained composed, possessing ample spirit stones to contribute to the formation.