—You've reached the Golden Core Realm already, Little Sheng? What did you do? Did Senior Xi Lian help you? Haste leads to failure, and anxiety clouds the mind. I have reminded you again and again not to do things like killing the chicken for its eggs or draining the pond to catch fish. How could you—ugh! —What use is the Golden Core Realm here? We're in the Small Nether Realm. Immortals had established it and filled it with countless formations. Even those at the Nascent Soul Realm must tread carefully…. Listening to his master's endless scolding, which began as soon as the call connected, Wang Sheng felt a warm current rise in his heart. Unfortunately, he could only raise one hand to his forehead and then rub his face with both hands. His master did not give him the slightest chance to speak. Eventually, Qing Yanzi began to slow down. Wang Sheng breathed in and was about to explain that he had not forcibly broken through or rushed his cultivation when he heard Zhang Zikuang. —You brat, what the hell are you rushing for? It has taken so long for the righteous path to produce two young top-tier experts, yet now you've suddenly broken through to the Golden Core Realm. What now, huh? Overdrawing your potential is dangerous! In our Daoist sects, the key lies in cultivation through nurturing! —I remember you were only at the mid-stage of the Illusory Core Realm yesterday. What you're doing now is burning out your cultivation life, Brother! —By the infinite gods above, let me say a few words too. As the saying goes... Wang Sheng found himself under the verbal assault of his master, two instructors, and three or four Daoist elders in turn. Each sounded as if they wanted to push his cultivation back down to the mid-stage Illusory Core Realm and make him climb back up properly. In truth, they were simply worried about him. Qing Yanzi and Zhang Zikuang were not aware of the details behind his breakthrough. Having been busy clearing out the remnants of the first wave of vengeful ghosts in Fengdu City, they had only just received the latest report from the transfer station. Qing Yanzi had grown anxious the moment he had heard that Wang Sheng was on his way to support them. He had even immediately scolded the Special Warfare Unit messenger at the transfer station. "What on earth are you lot doing? We have many Golden Core Realm experts around! Why would you send my Illusory Core Realm disciple to provide support instead? Is this how the authorities fulfill their promises to me? I will invoke my privileges and speak directly with the higher-ups!" —Please calm down, Daoist Master Bu Yan. Daoist Master Fei Yu was the one who insisted on going to the front lines. Considering his overall combat ability and his personal willingness, the leadership approved it." "Overall combat ability? He's just an Illusory Core Realm sword cultivator! With so many Golden Core Realm Daoist masters available, how is he qualified in terms of overall combat ability? My sect has only three members, and all three of us are in the Nether Realm. What if something happens here? Are you trying to cut off my sect's Daoist heritage?" The young woman on the other end turned timid. —Daoist Master Fei Yu is already at the Golden Core Realm. He insisted on supporting the front lines. The leaders tried to dissuade him, but they couldn't stop him... Now, Qing Yanzi, seven to eight instructors, and Daoist elders had launched a joint barrage on Wang Sheng. Qing Yanzi grew anxious the moment he learned that Wang Sheng had entered the Nether Gate. His worry only deepened when he heard that his second disciple had reached the Golden Core Realm. The Daoist elders also felt that Wang Sheng had been too hasty in his pursuit of merit and should not have rushed his breakthrough. Meanwhile, Huai Jing and Xi Lian were laughing so hard they nearly lost control. Wang Sheng, on the other hand, began questioning his own life choices due to the sheer volume of scolding. At last, Qing Yanzi called for his first disciple. —Little Xuan, come talk some sense into him! The barrage of words suddenly stopped. A gentle voice then followed. "Hey, Senior Sister," Wang Sheng greeted. He had finally gotten the chance to speak. "Master, I didn't rush my breakthrough. It happened naturally." Qing Yanzi hummed thoughtfully and then sighed deeply, likely with a complicated expression. He had begun to blame himself. It seemed as though he had started encouraging a relationship between his two disciples too early. Now, seeing Wang Sheng hastily break through just to protect Mu Wanxuan, he had to bear a good part of the responsibility. Qing Yanzi's tone turned earnest and heavy. —Little Sheng, I understand why you're in such a hurry. I'm truly moved by your sincerity. What's done is done. Your senior sister and I will face the consequences with you. You must not let yourself become numb to danger. At the very least, one must bravely face the hardships of life and take responsibility for their actions. Stay optimistic. I will do whatever it takes to recover the potential you have lost. "Master, did you know that a Golden Core can take the shape of a sword?" Wang Sheng asked. The line went silent. Wang Sheng chuckled. "Don't worry, Master. I really didn't overdraw my potential. It all happened in a daze, but I somehow ended up forming a sword-shaped Golden Core." Finally, Xi Lian said, "He walks the Dao of the Extreme Sword." Huai Jing could not help but ask, "Dao of the Extreme Sword? What is that?" Xi Lian rolled her eyes. "How would I know? I'm not a sword cultivator. I just heard Daoist Master Qinglin mention it to Buddhist Master Santong. Something about pushing the sword path to its limit and becoming one with the sword." Wang Sheng was speechless. Xi Lian snickered. —Little Sheng, describe your breakthrough in brief. Qing Yanzi's deep voice was now tinged with restrained excitement, as if he could already guess what had happened. In response, Wang Sheng gave him a summary of his breakthrough. Silence fell over the communication device again. The Daoist elders and instructors were likely staring at one another, and his senior sister had covered her mouth in shock, her face filled with worry and fear. If it hadn't come from Wang Sheng himself, no one would have believed that a sword cultivator could go so far as to pierce their own Illusory Core with sword intent. Cultivators formed Illusory Cores to prepare them for the creation of their Golden Cores. The Dao of the Extreme Sword was so intense that it used the Illusory Core to nourish sword intent, eventually forming a sword core best suited to a sword cultivator. It pushed the Dao of the Sword forward by an entire step during the Golden Core breakthrough. Even though Wang Sheng described it lightly, Qing Yanzi could still feel the extremity and danger in such a cultivation method. Qing Yanzi lowered his voice. —Did Senior Xi Lian teach you that method? Xi Lian rolled her eyes. "He figured it out on his own. It has nothing to do with me." "I was really just going with the flow," Wang Sheng answered. "I was a bit bewildered. Maybe because my mind was clear of burdens, I ended up passing what should have been a near-death trial." "I was doing my usual sword practice at the time. My body, heart, and sword were perfectly in sync. I didn't think too much. I just felt I had to strike my Illusory Core." Zhang Zikuang followed up. —And then you destroyed your own Illusory Core? On the other end of the line, several Golden Core Daoists winced. —Hahaha. Perhaps this is my disciple's fated opportunity... My humble sect may have only three people, but in terms of Golden Core Realm experts, we are equal to the great sects. Hahahaha! The Daoist elders remained silent. Zhang Zikuang couldn't help but issue a retort. —Your sect only has three people, and you, Daoist Master Bu Yan, still walk the old path. That seems rather unremarkable. Qing Yanzi waved his hand and laughed again. Wang Sheng could already picture his master standing atop Fengdu City, laughing with his hands on his hips. It had been a long time since his master laughed . Mu Wanxuan then gave Wang Sheng a gentle reproach. "I only realized how close I came to death after the breakthrough, Senior Sister," Wang Sheng replied. "Don't worry. If something happens again, I'll carefully consider a second cultivation plan." On the other end, Qing Yanzi's laughter died down. —Alright. It seems I worried for nothing. His tone then became sterner. —That kind of cultivation gambles with your life. It goes against the original spirit of the Dao. Never do this again. Extremity in swordsmanship is fine, but you must not lose your heart, and you must not confuse your Dao Heart. —Now, you must ask yourself if you still remember the original intent of your cultivation, Little Sheng. Wang Sheng thought for a moment. "I do, Master." —Good. As long as you remember. —Keep your pride in check. If you're coming, then hurry up. He paused for a moment. —Your senior sister follows the Dao of Balanced Yin and Yang, while you follow the Dao of the Extreme Sword. I truly don't know how to guide either of you in the future. —Daoist Master Bu Yan! Team Two is under attack! —Let's go! We'll back them up! Little Sheng, feel free to take your time to get here. The remaining malevolent ghosts from the last wave aren't that powerful anyway, and we're still exploring Fengdu City. The Eighteen Levels of Hell are more complex than we thought. We can't go down just yet. Just reflect properly on your breakthrough for now. With a soft static burst, Qing Yanzi ended the transmission. "Now then," Wang Sheng muttered. Following his master's instructions, he leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes to reflect. "Your master isn't so bad," Xi Lian softly commented. Smiling faintly, Wang Sheng nodded. He then began to internalize the many lingering insights in his heart. After some time, he opened his eyes and gazed out the window in a daze. Why did I originally start cultivating and following the Dao? Wang Sheng initially just wanted to take control of his own fate—to be more than just cannon fodder for the Immortal Dao. He wanted to experience true cultivation. Those he cherished mattered to him more now, though. Wielding a sword, having a partner, wandering freely, and seeking longevity. Smiling in peace, Wang Sheng continued to contemplate all the realizations within him. Since his master had said that there was no need to hurry to explore the Eighteen Levels of Hell, he could afford to take his time. However, plans could never keep up with change. Barely three hours after Wang Sheng, Huai Jing, and Xi Lian entered the Nether Gate, a violent fluctuation erupted from the rift. The entire Small Nether Realm began to relentlessly shake. Immortal light had erupted for the third time.