It could be said that with the emergence of the underground dojo, any sect with a bit of strength was now eyeing what the Daoist Chixin had left behind.
Whether it was the 'Xiao Xuanhuang Jing', the ultimate magic treasure that could shake great cultivators, or the foundation he had accumulated throughout his life, they were all unimaginable heaven-sent opportunities.
If any sect obtained even one of them, their foundation would immediately grow enormously, saving hundreds or even thousands of years of accumulation!
Even setting these aside, the Golden Branch and Jade Leaf Bones left by two Golden Core great cultivators, as well as the two Golden Cores which, despite severe loss of spiritual essence, were perfectly preserved, were enough to make any force covet them.
"But these have nothing to do with us."
After a moment of excitement, Ji Yuan quickly calmed his mind.
Regardless of whether it was the remains of Golden Core cultivators, the two perfectly preserved Golden Cores, or the potential foundation left behind, no matter how valuable, it had nothing to do with them.
This was no longer the time when the dojo was first discovered, and any opportunity found was primarily contested by cultivators of the second realm.
Now, it could be said that third realm cultivators were everywhere, or at least close to it. Any disturbance would likely attract beings of that realm.
And with their cultivation, they might be considered decent among second realm cultivators, but in front of third realm cultivators, they were nothing. It was uncertain whether they could escape with their lives in a direct confrontation.
"That's true. Fortunately, I'm only at the early stage of the second realm. Otherwise, I would definitely be fighting for it."
Li Buwei shrugged, saying with a touch of emotion, "Perfectly preserved Golden Cores, even if the spiritual essence within has severely leaked, as long as the core itself hasn't collapsed, its Dao principles can be largely retained."
The Dao principles of a Golden Core great cultivator, along with the insights from their entire life's cultivation, were contained within this single Golden Core. If a peak third realm cultivator obtained it, they might be able to break through with its help.
Even for ordinary third realm cultivators, and peak second realm cultivators, this item was a rare treasure. Obtaining it would allow them to comprehend the Dao principles and cultivation insights within, thereby improving their own realm.
It was said that in powerful sects, the Golden Cores of successive ancestors were preserved by great cultivators through special means and nurtured with spiritual substances over long periods.
And it was precisely because of the existence of these Golden Cores that sects could produce strong individuals generation after generation, rarely experiencing a gap in talent.
This was because disciples within the sect could exchange their innate talent, or sufficient merits, for the opportunity to comprehend the Golden Cores left by their ancestors, thereby improving their realm and cultivation at a speed unimaginable to outsiders.
"Golden Cores have such uses?"
Ji Yuan was stunned at first, then a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.
Before this, he only knew that Golden Cores had infinite uses. They could be used for alchemy and artifact refining, as the core of formations and talismans, and could even be refined with one's own mana to replace some elixirs, thereby enhancing one's cultivation.
However, he didn't know that cultivators could comprehend the Dao principles within Golden Cores, and the cultivation insights of a Golden Core great cultivator's entire life.
"Otherwise, do you think those powerful sects manage to have Golden Core great cultivators in every generation?"
Hearing this, Li Buwei gave him a deep look and then revealed this secret.
In fact, it was only a secret to ordinary cultivators. For those who had a slightly higher realm, or came from a sect or force, almost everyone knew about this.
A Golden Core great cultivator could not be simply manufactured with resources alone. Talent, aptitude, cultivation methods, and more were all indispensable. Besides these, blessed lands were also crucial.
Even with all preparations in place, it was not guaranteed that such a feat could be achieved. How many extraordinarily gifted prodigies in history had been stuck at this stage for no apparent reason.
Ji Yuan was most aware of this. Huang Tianci in the water mansion was such an example. Although he originated from the wilderness, he became a Daoist Grandmaster on his own, and even transformed from the immortal path to the divine path.
Such an achievement could not be replaced by mere coincidence. He must have been exceptionally brilliant, otherwise, even if the greatest opportunities fell upon him, he would not have been able to bear them.
"But if there is a complete Golden Core, one can comprehend the Dao principles and insights within, especially the process of breakthrough by predecessors."
Li Buwei spoke slowly, telling the two the true value of a Golden Core.
Even cultivators in the Spirit Awakening realm could achieve improvement by comprehending Golden Cores. However, ordinary second realm cultivators' realms were insufficient, making comprehension extremely slow.
"The possibility of trying to snatch a Golden Core under the watchful eyes of three sects and cultivators from all sides is too slim."
He sighed, his expression filled with regret.
Firstly, his realm was not high enough. Even if he held a Golden Core, he wouldn't be able to comprehend much from it. And after leaving the special environment, without the intervention of a great cultivator, the Golden Core would likely collapse quickly.
Secondly, under the gaze of three powerful sects and numerous second and third realm cultivators, the probability of snatching a Golden Core was almost zero.
"Even if the hope is slim, it's not entirely without hope."
Unexpectedly, Ji Yuan's expression became thoughtful, and he said with a lowered gaze and raised eyebrows, "Right?"
As soon as he said this, Zhou Lianying looked at him with shock, and even Li Buwei's mouth twitched, his eyes filled with confusion, as if asking, "Are you serious?"
Not to mention how many second realm or higher cultivators were among the hundreds of cultivators, nor how many third realm cultivators might appear.
Just the three major sects alone were enough to make any being have a headache. Each would have at least one or two, or even more, elders in the Dao Enlightenment realm appearing.
Coupled with the disciples of various sects who cooperated tacitly and could form formations together, even a single sect could deter dozens of cultivators!
"Even if you're greedy, you wouldn't gamble with your life, would you?"
Li Buwei swallowed, saying with disbelief, "You're not that kind of person!"
Although they hadn't known each other for long, he still had a certain understanding of the young man before him. While he was fond of wealth, he wasn't irrational. On the contrary, he was much more decisive than himself, never hesitating to spend money where it mattered, and would never put himself in danger for a little money.
When he entered the mountain protection formation to snatch the opportunities within, although the other party was also tempted and acted as if it was a sure thing, he never truly put himself in a passive position.
Even when facing Nanxi and Shishan, he remained confident and unhurried, setting up a stratagem that forced them to swear an oath to withdraw from the competition.
And it was precisely because of these past experiences that he could not believe that the young man before him would risk his life for a Golden Core that seemed incredibly fortuitous but did not match the risk.
Hearing this, Ji Yuan fell silent. He had his reasons for making such a decision.
However, this reason was not easy to mention to the two before him. While Zhou Lianying was relatively easy to talk to, he would need Li Buwei's help to compete for the Golden Core.
This person was indeed from the wilderness, but his strength was somewhat unfathomable. Setting aside other things, just on several occasions when they encountered danger, he had managed to pass through without incident.
Even Ji Yuan and Lin Yubai had inevitably suffered severe injuries and faced near-death situations several times, yet this person had only lost some mana, and some talismans and elixirs.
For example, when they competed for the Miaoyuan Yanshen True Method, among everyone present, except for Zhou Lianying, Li Buwei was the weakest. Yet, he managed to become one of the final winners without showing any signs of effort.
Ji Yuan was the first to disbelieve that such an ability was ordinary. In fact, in his opinion, among those who competed for inheritance on the mountain peak that day, Li Buwei was the most dangerous.
This danger was not from his strength but from other unknown aspects, giving him an unfathomable feeling.
He believed that with his assistance, he would definitely have a greater chance, and perhaps even manage to acquire a Golden Core.
More importantly, he didn't have many other options at the moment. Otherwise, if he had brought Lin Yubai and others from the Jiuxuan Sect, the chances would undoubtedly be greater.
However, according to Li Buwei, the three sects here had already confirmed the location of that formation, and they might find a way to open a gap in the coming days.
In terms of time, it was undoubtedly too late. Just returning to the location of the Jiuxuan Sect's sky-crossing battleship might take more than ten days.
Therefore, from any perspective, to increase the probability of obtaining a Golden Core, this person was the best and only choice.
Sensing the burning gaze of the young man before him, Li Buwei felt an immediate sense of foreboding. He subconsciously took half a step back, having already guessed the other party's intentions.
"With just two of us at the early stage of the Spirit Awakening realm, and bringing a mid-stage Enlightenment realm cultivator, trying to scheme under the noses of a group of third realm cultivators..."
He asked testily, "Are you crazy or am I an idiot?"
This was almost an impossible task. If they really did it, they wouldn't even know how they died!
But after a moment of thought... it seemed not entirely impossible...
At least it was quite exciting, wasn't it?
For some reason, the usually rational Li Buwei suddenly felt as if his mind was clouded by self-interest, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of desire.
"In any case, we should at least go and see. What if there's really an opportunity?"
Although they had soundproofing talismans to ensure that their voices wouldn't be transmitted, Ji Yuan still instinctively spoke in a low voice, "And you can consider me as two ordinary late-stage Spirit Awakening realm cultivators."
As he spoke, he glanced at the spirit beast pouch on his waist, a rare moment of openness, directly admitting his strength.
Although the six Water Heavy Pearls were too heavily damaged to be used temporarily, with two high-grade cultivation methods, along with a full set of magic artifacts, treasures, and other trump cards, Ji Yuan could still fight against ordinary late-stage Spirit Awakening realm cultivators.
And in his spirit beast pouch, there was a mid-stage second realm giant python. With its physique and strength as a demonic beast, it could completely contend with, or even easily defeat, a late-stage second realm cultivator.
Coupled with the resourceful and unfathomable Li Buwei, they were not entirely without a chance.
In fact, if they prepared in advance, they might really be able to snatch a Golden Core from under the eyes of various forces and third realm cultivators amidst the chaos.
If they truly succeeded, Ji Yuan's chances of forming a Golden Core within thirty years and rightfully inheriting Xuan Tian Peak would undoubtedly increase significantly!