Chapter 922: Long Howl

However, everyone sensed something amiss. Amidst the explosion, the spirit chi whirlpool expanded rapidly. Jin Suozhen witnessed fleeting rainbows and spirit chi clouds, instantly realizing the foundation establishment-stage insect hadn't perished; it was about to form its core. A golden core capable of attracting rainbow spirit clouds was extraordinary.

This realization drastically altered Jin Suozhen's expression. He unleashed the full power of his hoop and lunged at Ye Mo with his long sword.

Ye Mo, eyes closed, sensed Jin Suozhen's approach. He sneered, whirling his Zi Xu. Countless whirlpool sword rays pierced Jin Suozhen. Had the latter not been on the verge of breakthrough, his current cultivation essence would have been fatal.

"A rainbow spirit cloud?!" gasped the assembled golden core cultivators.

They were stunned. A spirit cloud usually forms when a cultivator is about to form their golden core, signifying a qualitative ascension in power. Yet, the legendary rainbow spirit cloud, indicative of exceptional golden core quality, was only hearsay—until now. Before them, a colossal rainbow cloud manifested, formed by a madman during a battle with another golden core cultivator.

Silence descended as everyone pondered the implications. Several peak-stage golden core cultivators considered eliminating Ye Mo. Some northern cultivators contemplated an attack, but hesitated, uncertain of others' support.

"Big Martial Sister, what is a rainbow spirit cloud?" Qiqi asked, awestruck.

Her senior, eyes fixed on the clouds, explained, "To reach higher realms, cultivators need a solid foundation. The golden core is that foundation. Golden cores are categorized into nine levels. Only those above level 3 have a realistic chance of ascension. Muxin has a level 2 golden core; mine is level 3."

"So, those below level 3 have no hope of reaching the immortal realm?" Qiqi inquired.

The big martial sister shook her head. "No, even a level 9 golden core offers a sliver of hope. The Heavenly Dao grants opportunity to all, but that hope is minuscule."

Qiqi nodded. "Then, Big Martial Sister, did Ye Mo form a level 1 golden core?"

The big martial sister shook her head again. "No, level 1 to 9 golden cores don't produce rainbow spirit clouds. Three superior types of golden cores—beyond the nine levels—can. I only know of their existence, not their specifics. Clearly, Ye Mo is forming one."

While battling Ye Mo's Zi Xu, Jin Suozhen felt his meridians tremble. A torrent of cultivation essence and spirit chi flooded his body, yet he felt a deficiency.

Just as he was about to retrieve spirit marrow, a vast expanse of rainbow spirit cloud descended, bringing profound comfort. His power surged, the spirit chi whirlpool expanding further.

Instantly, Ye Mo felt his power reach its peak. Utilizing his Three Birth Chant, the rainbow cloud and his cultivation essence coalesced into a lychee-sized golden core.

Ye Mo rejoiced, sensing the successful formation of his golden core and voraciously absorbing spirit chi.

Jin Suozhen, having just escaped Ye Mo's sword rays, felt the immense power emanating from him, realizing Ye Mo had achieved golden core status. This level 1 golden core cultivator possessed power that instilled fear.

Jin Suozhen's fighting spirit vanished. He fled; survival was his only priority.

Ye Mo perceived Jin Suozhen's retreat, sneering, "Trying to run? Too late. You can't change your mind now!"

He spun Zi Xu, employing the Illusion Cloud Essence Binding Strike for the first time as a golden core cultivator.

Jin Suozhen felt an immobilizing force, spitting essence blood in a desperate attempt to break free, bewildered by this cultivator's strength so soon after achieving golden core status. Before he could fully escape, the second strike landed.

Countless purple sword rays pierced him effortlessly, creating a blood mist. Ye Mo's sword ray spun, severing Jin Suozhen's head.

Satisfaction washed over Ye Mo. His Illusion Cloud Essence Binding Strike had never been so effective against a golden core master. It was his first kill of a golden core cultivator without Shadowless's aid.

Claiming Jin Suozhen's storage ring and dark hoop, Ye Mo howled, clutching Zi Xu. He felt liberated, finally free from the indignities he had endured: subservience, flight from the spirit marrow pond, the theft of his desired spirit crystals, and the ridicule he faced. He had just slain a level 5 golden core cultivator.

All cultivators stared, dumbfounded, at the headless Jin Suozhen and Ye Mo's triumphant howl.

Ye Mo seemed godlike. No one dared challenge him. Two level 7 golden core cultivators existed, yet Ye Mo's feat—defeating a level 5 golden core cultivator at the foundation establishment stage and killing Jin Suozhen immediately after achieving golden core status—was beyond comprehension. The assisting rainbow spirit cloud further amplified his prowess. Even a level 7 golden core cultivator wouldn't be so confident against him.

"He actually succeeded!" the big martial sister exclaimed, shocked. She had deemed him an idiot, a madman.

Qin Muxin, equally incredulous, suddenly understood her master's intentions. Ye Mo was more than a genius; he transcended the term.

"He became the pill concoction hall of fame's number one, creating a spirit weaving pill recipe on the spot. It contained Spirit Attraction Grass, restoring spirit sense," Qin Muxin slowly revealed.

"What?!" Her big martial sister gasped, sighing after a long moment, "I misjudged him."

"He's really cool," Qiqi admired Ye Mo's howl.

Southern cultivators watched in awe, none daring to challenge him. Even northern cultivators were stunned. This tale would be unbelievable if recounted.

Hai Xin murmured, "So, I'm the idiot."