62. Pushing the Limits Without End

Just as Xie Wuyi was on the verge of giving up, the appearance of the Fire Crystal renewed his confidence. His armguards manifested instinctively, and at this moment, the Fire Crystal armguards and the crystal in his hands resonated, unleashing a torrent of fire-attribute spiritual energy. The armguards absorbed the energy, channeling it seamlessly into Xie Wuyi’s body.

The efficiency of absorbing spiritual energy through artifacts was astonishing. Slowly, Xie Wuyi drew in the energy, and at last, his stagnant third-grade Golden Core began to show signs of a breakthrough once more.

“Heavens! Is this kid defying fate itself? A third-grade Golden Core isn’t enough for him—he’s pushing for a second-grade core!” a disciple exclaimed, covering his face in disbelief.

Dongmen Swordmaster’s expression grew increasingly grim. “Though he possesses such a large Fire Crystal, can Xie Wuyi’s body withstand this intense concentration of spiritual energy? Many have enough energy to condense a Golden Core, but few have bodies resilient enough to bear it. If anything goes wrong, he could die from internal explosion!”

“Brother Xie is risking his life! He’s already achieved a third-grade core, yet he’s not satisfied. Second-grade is perilous!” Dongmen Qianyun held her breath.

Xie Wuyi’s actions caused Ding Desheng to sneer coldly. “Man dies for wealth, birds for food. Finally, we have a promising talent, but this kid is bent on self-destruction—ha ha ha... Second-grade Golden Core, that depends on fortune...”

“Watch closely. If it becomes too much, I’ll intervene,” Dongmen Yong said, his brows tightly knit, his emotions stirred. Among all the inner disciples, only two possessed third-grade Golden Cores. If Xie Wuyi could stop in time, he’d surely be chosen as an inner disciple, and with such a solid foundation, the sect would pour resources into his cultivation.

For Dongmen Yong, a third-grade core was sufficient; the second grade, though tempting, was fraught with danger. Throughout history, countless geniuses had perished because of their own greed.

Dongmen Yong grew tense, glancing at his daughter. She had only recently become more cheerful, breaking free from her shell. If anything happened to Xie Wuyi, she would be devastated. He owed her too much—he couldn't let her lose such a friend.

Moreover, Dongmen Yong was no fool; he sensed his daughter's deep affection for Xie Wuyi.

Grinding his teeth, Xie Wuyi persisted. The spiritual energy was now ample, but his body felt as if it were swelling painfully.

“I can reach second grade! I must!” He held his breath, forcibly directing the energy into his dantian.

Originally, the aura of his Golden Core was blue, but now it was slowly shifting toward purple—already a third was tinged with violet. When fully transformed, it would mark the rebirth of a second-grade Golden Core.

Unprecedented agony enveloped Xie Wuyi. Suddenly, in his mind, he saw the moment Zhu Feifei left him. At that time, he had nothing, standing foolishly at the doorway as she cast him a mocking glance, wheeled her suitcase away without a backward look.

The floor was littered with shattered pots and pans from her tantrum. In that moment, Xie Wuyi’s heart was broken.

Now, these distracting thoughts gnawed at his mind like inner demons.

“Damn it!” Xie Wuyi cried out in torment.

“Steady your breath!” A distant voice echoed in his sea of consciousness.

Xie Wuyi was bewildered; then he realized the Phoenix was guarding his Golden Core.

The Phoenix spoke: “Though I resent becoming your spirit beast, your endurance commands my respect. Only a heart forged through countless trials can withstand the test of a second-grade Golden Core. I will help you guard your core—release all distractions and focus your efforts on advancing!”

“Alright!” Xie Wuyi replied instantly, compressing the energy into his dantian.

The Golden Core began to change: from blue to blue-violet, then to pure violet, and eventually, a hint of golden purple emerged.

Xie Wuyi was astonished—he felt his strength could still rise further.

When he finally advanced to a second-grade Golden Core, the entire Danxia Sect was shaken. All eyes turned to Xie Wuyi.

“A second-grade Golden Core! In my lifetime, I have actually witnessed one!”

“This kid looks unremarkable, but who would have thought...”

Among the crowd, Baili Qingyan’s lips trembled, her stunning face filled with shock. “Impossible! He actually achieved a second-grade Golden Core!”

“Xie Wuyi, are you insane? You’ve reached second grade and still won’t stop? Wake up! Are you aiming for first-grade?” Dongmen Swordmaster shouted.

The crowd was stunned by his words.

A first-grade Golden Core was legendary; even in Danxia Sect, only Dongmen Yong held a second-grade core, which had earned him the position of sect master.

This showed just how vital a strong foundation was.

Yet Xie Wuyi intended to push for first grade.

“Cluck, cluck!” Many Fire-Tailed Chickens were collapsing, unable to withstand the surging spiritual energy.

“Cluck, cluck!” The Fire-Tailed Chicken King cried out, and the remaining chickens gathered, forming a protective circle around Xie Wuyi.

“No matter what, perhaps this is our chance to elevate Danxia Sect into the world’s top ten! All inner disciples, obey my command! Elders, assemble—protect Xie Wuyi!” Dongmen Yong’s eyes burned with excitement, nearly moved to tears.

There were about ten people in the world with second-grade Golden Cores, but only one with a first-grade core.

Perhaps Xie Wuyi could be the one to shatter the myth.

“Prepare the formation!” Ding Desheng ordered, gritting his teeth. He disliked the idea, but as Grand Elder, he understood the stakes: if Xie Wuyi truly achieved a first-grade core, it would be an unparalleled blessing for Danxia Sect.

Though he and Dongmen Yong were rivals, the sect’s future took precedence. Without the sect, even victory would mean nothing.

So, Ding Desheng set aside his grievances, joining the seven elders to encircle Xie Wuyi.

Many disciples began coughing blood—the spiritual energy required to advance from second to first grade rivaled the Nascent Soul level, far beyond what ordinary disciples could absorb. Like a potent medicine, exceeding the safe dosage turned even a miraculous cure into poison.

Thus, the current spiritual energy was far beyond what most could withstand.

Dongmen Swordmaster and others quickly dispersed the ordinary disciples.

Xie Wuyi continued to condense energy, striving for a first-grade Golden Core, which was far more difficult than the second. He could have stopped—second grade was already more than enough.

But the mysterious ancient mirror suddenly pulsed, binding him in place. He still knew nothing of its origins, but it seemed to possess a will of its own, urging him onward.

He had no choice but to obey.

Suddenly, cracks appeared across his skin, like parched earth, each fissure stark and clear.

“Everyone, suppress Xie Wuyi’s spiritual energy! Don’t let it destroy his body!” the Grand Elder shouted.

Dongmen Yong glanced at Ding Desheng, smiling faintly but saying nothing.

Finally, even the inner disciples could no longer bear the strain and retreated, leaving only the Fire-Tailed Chicken King, the seven elders, and sect master Dongmen Yong on the scene.

A whole host stood guard for Xie Wuyi—a show of support unrivaled in Danxia Sect.

Xie Wuyi endured the agony of his body breaking apart, forcing himself to keep advancing.

Just then, the ancient mirror released a warm flow, somehow shielding his seven vital meridians. His body, teetering on the brink of collapse, was suddenly pulled back from disaster.

The aura emanating from his Golden Core grew ever stronger...