Chapter 258: Second Life Core Formation
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Cloudsmoke Immortal City was a city built on water, jointly controlled by several merchant guilds within the Merchant Alliance.
Beneath the city, in the lake's depths, lay a mid-sized, low-grade third-rank spiritual vein, along with numerous branching first and second-rank veins.
In this sprawling Immortal City, there were only about twenty third-rank spiritual vein residences open to the public.
At the heart of the city stood Fenglin Mountain.
The third-rank residences on Fenglin Mountain were primarily for the use of Core Formation cultivators or late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators attempting breakthroughs.
Half a month later, above Fenglin Mountain.
Winds howled, clouds churned, and the spiritual energy of heaven and earth became agitated and lively, drawn by an invisible force within a radius of dozens of li.
"Attempting Core Formation!"
The phenomenon above Fenglin Mountain drew the attention of countless cultivators within the city.However, the Fenglin Mountain area was restricted, and ordinary cultivators could only watch from afar.
A few days later, a funnel-shaped cloud of spiritual energy appeared faintly in the sky.
At Fenglin Mountain’s residential area, a silver-haired woman with snowy robes and skin like jade, emanating an icy and dignified aura, stood on a viewing platform.
Her cold gaze was fixed on a distant residence.
"Fairy Hanyu, your merchant guild's Fellow Daoist Gao Cheng has been consolidating his ninth-level Foundation Establishment for ten years. There should be no problems with this Core Formation."
Deputy City Lord Gongyang, dressed in crane-patterned robes, flew over to the viewing platform, smiling as he approached Fairy Hanyu.
"I’ve calculated: this month is an auspicious time, ideal for breakthroughs. That’s why I specifically adjusted the schedule to allow Fellow Daoist Gao Cheng these two months."
"Thank you, Lord Gongyang."
Fairy Hanyu’s voice was cool, her demeanor restrained, as she maintained a certain distance from Deputy City Lord Gongyang, who stood beside her.
Gongyang didn't mind. Fairy Hanyu was the president of the Snow Fox Merchant Association, known as an ice beauty.
Most male cultivators considered it a privilege to even have a conversation with her, seeing it as a sign of her acceptance.
Gongyang harbored a slight admiration for Fairy Hanyu, partly hoping to forge closer ties with the Snow Fox Merchant Association.
A few days later.
The spiritual energy cloud above the residence expanded to around half a li in diameter, trembling slightly before stabilizing.
"Congratulations, Fairy Hanyu. Fellow Daoist Gao Cheng has successfully formed a Fake Dan! Now, let’s see if he can achieve a True Dan."
Deputy City Lord Gongyang spoke with a smile.
Fairy Hanyu replied with a soft hum, though a faint trace of worry flickered in her clear eyes.
Gao Cheng was a rising star of the Snow Fox Merchant Association, and a younger member of Fairy Hanyu’s own clan.
To aid his Core Formation, the clan had prepared a complete set of resources for him.
If he failed to form a True Dan, it would not meet Fairy Hanyu’s expectations.
The Snow Fox Merchant Association’s True Dan Patriarch had already passed his prime, growing weaker by the year, with only a decade or so left of his lifespan. R̃
Due to the Patriarch's declining state, the Snow Fox Merchant Association had struggled in recent years.
Meanwhile, their rival, the Ten Thousand Beasts Merchant Association, had prospered, steadily eclipsing the Snow Fox Merchant Association in influence and business.
The Ten Thousand Beasts Merchant Association’s “Huang Lang Immortal” was skilled at winning people over and had even recruited True Dan level experts.
"That scoundrel suddenly severed all contact and vanished into thin air… Truly hateful!"
Hanyu Immortal clenched her teeth at the thought.
She had originally sacrificed her pride to court an influential expert, the “Xiang Immortal,” who was supported by a powerful background and possessed a third-rank True Dan demon.
For a while, Xiang Immortal had kept his word, helping the Snow Fox Merchant Association navigate its difficulties.
However, he had gone missing a few years ago, and when trouble arose, Hanyu Immortal was unable to reach him. Left with no other choice, she secretly sent a message to contact Xiang Jinglong of the Demonic Sect.
When Xiang Jinglong received Hanyu Immortal’s message questioning his loyalty, he was utterly bewildered.
"When did I ever deceive anyone or break a promise?"
Upon learning the truth, Xiang Jinglong was furious and even kidnapped several Snow Fox Merchant Association cultivators to uncover the facts.
Back when he was framed and hunted by the Flame Departing Palace for the death of Alchemist Hua, Xiang Jinglong had grown to loathe taking the fall for others.
Shortly thereafter, Huang Lang Immortal of the Ten Thousand Beasts Merchant Association, who had dealings with the Demonic Sect, arranged a meeting with the real Xiang Immortal.
"When did I kill the Ten Thousand Beasts Merchant Association’s Huxiao Immortal?"
At that moment, Xiang Jinglong was momentarily stunned, then bristled with rage.
Only then did Huang Lang Immortal realize that the “Xiang Immortal” from back then was an impostor.
He immediately encouraged Xiang Jinglong to target the Snow Fox Merchant Association, knowing that Hanyu Immortal had once been involved with the fake Xiang Immortal.
…
"Now that the Demonic Sect can operate openly within the cultivation world, and with Huang Lang Immortal’s instigation, Xiang Jinglong will inevitably come looking for trouble."
The phrase “troubled by both distant and near concerns” aptly described Hanyu Immortal's current predicament.
Previously, Xiang Jinglong had avoided outright hostilities with the Snow Fox Merchant Association, but now that the Xuan Yin Demonic Sect had been legitimized as a recognized sect by surrounding cultivation nations, the Snow Fox Merchant Association was in urgent need of a new True Dan expert.
But the heavens seemed unkind.
After several more days of observation, it became evident that the spiritual phenomenon above the sky, although expanding to nearly half a li, only shuddered occasionally and showed no signs of further growth.
Anyone with a discerning eye could tell that this Core Formation attempt would not result in a True Dan.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
At this moment, two streaks of light approached the residential area on Fenglin Mountain.
One of the arrivals was a Fake Dan Immortal, immediately attracting the attention of Hanyu Immortal and Deputy City Lord Gongyang.
"Hanyu Immortal, Lord Gongyang, you’re both here?"
Xia Hongyu approached with a warm smile, greeting the two Immortals.
As an established Fake Dan cultivator, Xia Hongyu was familiar with Hanyu Immortal of the Snow Fox Merchant Association, having had dealings with her in the past.
"Immortal Xia."
Hanyu Immortal returned the greeting, her gaze settling on the calm, refined man in white standing next to Xia Hongyu.
"This is my Xia Family’s honored guest, Lan Chang'an," Xia Hongyu introduced briefly.
Lan Chang'an bowed respectfully in greeting, though he couldn’t help feeling somewhat anxious under Hanyu Immortal’s gaze.
"So, you’re Fellow Daoist Lan."
Hanyu Immortal nodded coolly, her demeanor as aloof as ever.
She had heard of Lan Chang'an before. Since the Snow Fox Merchant Association had seized his slot for Core Formation, she’d made sure to investigate his background.
Had he possessed a powerful backing, Hanyu Immortal would have intervened to prevent Deputy City Lord Gongyang from making arbitrary decisions.
After confirming his ties to the Xia Family of Qingsha Bay, Hanyu Immortal chose to allow it.
Compared to the mighty Snow Fox Merchant Association, the Wufu Merchant Association to which Xia Hongyu belonged was relatively weak.
With Xiang Jinglong potentially causing trouble at any time, the Snow Fox Merchant Association desperately needed a new True Dan successor.
Even a mere two-month advantage could be crucial for the merchant guild.
…
Lan Chang'an was unfazed by Hanyu Immortal’s coldness.
He understood her to be a pragmatic and power-worshipping "ice beauty."
Given his current status, even his outstanding looks and demeanor wouldn’t make him worthy of her attention.
For most Fake Dan cultivators, a figure like Hanyu Immortal, the Snow Fox Merchant Association’s president, was out of reach.
At that moment, the Snow Fox Merchant Association’s cultivator was still in the process of Core Formation.
Lan Chang'an refrained from entering the residence immediately.
Instead, he waited with Patriarch Xia on the viewing platform, patiently biding his time until the Snow Fox Merchant Association cultivator completed his Core Formation.
After all, If he entered too early and the cultivator from the Snow Fox Merchant Association fails to form their Core, or if the Core Formation doesn’t turn out well, they might take out their anger on others.
Two more days passed.
The Snow Fox Merchant Association’s Gao Cheng neared the end of his Core Formation process.
Whoosh!
The swirling spiritual cloud in the sky trembled slightly, and the gathered energy began to disperse like an ebbing tide.
A wave of newly born Core energy radiated from within the residence.
"Congratulations, Hanyu Immortal. Your merchant guild has gained a new Immortal."
Both Deputy City Lord Gongyang and Xia Hongyu offered their congratulations.
"It’s merely a gray core; there’s nothing to be proud of."
Hanyu Immortal’s tone was indifferent, though her eyes revealed a trace of disappointment.
Gao Cheng, blessed with high-grade spiritual roots and ample resources, had been a beacon of hope for the guild. Under ideal circumstances, he’d had at least a fifty percent chance of achieving a True Dan.
Unfortunately, he’d only managed to form a Fake Dan.
For late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators with decent aptitude and resources, forming a Fake Dan wasn’t exceptionally difficult.
The real challenge lay in forming a True Dan.
In certain cultivation regions, Fake Dans were not even regarded as Immortals who had formed a core, they were considered more as a "half-step Core Formation."
The power difference between a True Dan and a Fake Dan was secondary, a True Dan could continue to cultivate with the hope of reaching greater heights.
A Fake Dan, however, remained stalled at the early Core Formation stage, with their mana less than half as potent as that of a True Dan.
As for the path of refining a Fake Dan into a True Dan, the Core Dissolution path?
Unless one was a second generation of a Nascent Soul-level power with a big background, they couldn't enjoy such treatment.
…
"Lord Gongyang, may I now enter the residence to attempt my Core Formation?"
Lan Chang'an asked.
By now, Gao Cheng’s Core Formation was complete.
He hadn’t exited yet, as he was stabilizing his new realm.
"Yes, you may," Deputy City Lord Gongyang replied, giving him a nod.
With Gao Cheng’s Core Formation concluded, he no longer needed vast amounts of spiritual energy for stabilization.
Deputy City Lord Gongyang had no personal grudge against Lan Chang'an and saw no reason to obstruct him.
Under the watchful eyes of Hanyu Immortal, Xia Hongyu, and the Deputy City Lord, Lan Chang'an produced a token, found an available residence nearby, and entered, breaking the residence’s seal as he did.
"This person is over a hundred seventy years old; even forming a Fake Dan is unlikely," Hanyu Immortal thought to herself, feeling somewhat better in her heart.
Even Xia Hongyu held little hope.
Xia Hongyu stationed himself outside Lan Chang'an’s residence, sitting cross-legged in a protective stance.
For an elderly cultivator attempting Core Formation, it was wise to be prepared for potential mishaps.
After just two days, the spiritual energy atop Fenglin Mountain once again surged like a tide, forming a funnel-shaped vortex above Lan Chang'an’s residence.
"So soon?"
Both Deputy City Lord Gongyang and Hanyu Immortal were taken aback.
Typically, late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators would take time to meditate, clear their minds, and prepare themselves.
For instance, Gao Cheng had spent half a month in preparation before officially initiating his Core Formation.
This was normal, some cultivators even spent one or two months to achieve peak condition.
"Alas, Fellow Daoist Lan seems too eager and inexperienced," Xia Hongyu sighed. At this point, it was too late to interrupt without disrupting his rhythm.
Half a day later.
Above the residence, a funnel-shaped vortex appeared, radiating a verdant glow.
"Hmm?"
The Immortals present exchanged surprised glances.
"This man has a solid foundation and calm mind; his Core Formation is proceeding smoothly."
Hanyu Immortal and Deputy City Lord Gongyang shared a look, recognizing the quality of his progress.
"Some who have mastered life-nurturing techniques do have such advantages. But the real test lies in what comes next," Deputy City Lord Gongyang remarked, his expression returning to calm.
Having managed the city's spiritual vein sites, he had witnessed countless Core Formation attempts, observing every type of outcome.
Sometimes, a cultivator would display promising signs initially, only to falter later and achieve a mediocre core.
Two or three days passed.
The vortex above the residence expanded, now approaching nearly a li in diameter.
"Judging by the signs, he might actually succeed in forming a Fake Dan?"
Even Hanyu Immortal and Clan Leader Xia showed surprise.
Lan Chang'an’s Core Formation process mirrored Gao Cheng’s in stability, but his momentum continued to build.
"It seems I misjudged him."
Deputy City Lord Gongyang thought, now realizing that Lan Chang'an had a solid foundation, an exceptional state of mind, and was smoothly on the path to forming a Fake Dan.
...
Inside the third-rank residence.
Lan Chang'an sat cross-legged, with a powerful surge of spiritual energy circulating through his body, creating waves of intense mana.
A greenish halo of energy enveloped him, emanating a spiritual pressure comparable to that of a Fake Dan Immortal.
Within the residence, the air occasionally solidified, then shifted to strong, gusty winds that triggered ripples across the protective formations surrounding the room.
Thankfully, each residence here was fortified by third-rank formation arrays.
Even if a mishap occurred during Core Formation, causing an explosion, the external world would remain unaffected.
"Forming the core in this life is a vastly different experience than it was in my previous one."
Lan Chang'an felt extraordinarily calm.
Even without any external aids, like Crystal Condensation Pills or special Core Formation items, his progress in the initial stage of Core Formation remained steady and secure.
"Now, the key step: transforming mana into crystallized essence!"
At the center of his lake of mana, an invisible magnetic force began pulling the surrounding mana inward, continuously compressing it toward the core.
Lan Chang'an’s eyes shone with intensity as he used his spiritual sense, slightly superior to that of a typical Fake Dan cultivator, to direct the liquid mana into a rotating compression at the center of the mana lake.
Tiny crystalline particles, like grains of sand, gradually appeared at the center of the lake.
The Core Formation process required the transformation of liquid mana into a solid core substance.
This step demanded exceptional quality of mana, immense spiritual pressure from the environment, and a refined control of spiritual sense—requirements far beyond those of Foundation Establishment.
Meanwhile…
The turbulent spiritual energy from the outside world flowed continuously into Lan Chang'an’s body, converted by his wood-aligned spiritual root and cultivation technique, and was directed toward his mana lake.
The difference in spiritual pressure between the external world and his internal environment was immense.
Factors like spiritual root quality, mana purity, and the use of Crystal Condensation Pills all affected the efficiency of this transformation under spiritual pressure.
A stronger spiritual sense reduced the risk of mistakes and increased his chances of success.
The mana lake continued to collapse inward, and more crystalline particles appeared at its center.
These particles began to coalesce, rotating together and absorbing vast amounts of spiritual energy from the surroundings.
Hmmm…
After an unknown amount of time, a solid core began to take shape, rotating steadily within him.
Vaguely, an inner core emerged, surrounded by liquid mana that was continually compressed and integrated into it.
The constant influx of spiritual energy from the heavens and earth further compressed and refined the emerging core, as if tempering an iron ball.
Whew!
Sensing that the emerging core had stabilized, Lan Chang'an exhaled a sigh of relief.
This was the most dangerous step in Core Formation!
Under the intense pressure from the surrounding spiritual energy and the continuous influx of heaven and earth energy, any slip-up during the collapse and compression of the mana lake could result in deadly backlash.
Mana, spiritual sense, aptitude, spiritual pressure, and mental state—all of these factors played a role in determining success or failure.
Some cultivators, even after managing to form an emergent core, would see it collapse due to a lack of foundational strength or residual power.
Others, though able to stabilize the emergent core, would end up forming a lower-quality "gray core."
"It seems I underestimated my mana foundation in this life. Even before fully solidifying the core, the core’s potency is approaching the level of a low-tier True Dan."
Having completed over two-thirds of the Core Formation process, Lan Chang'an’s face showed a trace of surprise.
"It seems that collecting those Life Extension Pills over the years and enhancing my Evergreen mana was worth the effort."
It was worth noting that his wood spiritual root was only low-grade, and he had used no external Core Formation aids, relying solely on his mana foundation to forcefully condense a core.
…
Outside the residence.
The cultivators observing the Core Formation widened their eyes in astonishment.
Originally, Deputy City Lord Gongyang had intended to leave.
Unexpectedly, Lan Chang'an’s Core Formation phenomenon continued to grow steadily.
Unnoticed by most, the vortex-like cloud of spiritual energy in the sky expanded from a radius of half a li to two li.
"Such a phenomenon… could it be that Cloudsmoke Immortal City is about to witness the birth of a True Dan Immortal?"
The unusual activity drew the attention of several other cultivators nearby, including both Core Formation and late-stage Foundation Establishment practitioners.
On Fenglin Mountain, more cultivators arrived to observe the Core Formation.
Several of the city’s factions, having received reports, sent representatives to await the outcome.
If he truly achieved a True Dan, the various factions in Cloudsmoke Immortal City would likely compete to forge alliances with him.
"Could Lan Chang'an truly be forming a True Dan?"
Hanyu Immortal’s icy expression flickered with hints of envy and bitterness.
The cultivator whom her guild had placed high hopes on had only formed a Fake Dan.
Meanwhile, Lan Chang'an, an older Foundation Establishment cultivator she had dismissed and from whom she had seized the auspicious time slot, was now displaying signs of achieving a True Dan.
The Core Formation phenomenon had at least reached the threshold for a True Dan, and it was progressing smoothly.
In front of the residence, Patriarch Xia gaped in astonishment, pinching the flesh of his palm to confirm he wasn’t dreaming.
Suddenly.
Two streaks of light approached from afar, one of which emitted the powerful aura of a True Dan cultivator.
The cultivators observing the Core Formation instinctively made way.
"Hmm! Isn’t that ‘Old Huang’ from the Ten Thousand Beasts Merchant Association?"
Several cultivators recognized the newcomers.
"Huang Lang Immortal? The Ten Thousand Beasts Merchant Association is quite far from here; what brings him to Cloudsmoke Immortal City?"
Leading the newcomers was a middle-aged man with yellow-tinted skin, wearing a fur-lined coat and emanating a cunning, perceptive glint in his deep-set eyes.
"Haha! Hanyu Immortal! I finally found you…"
A rough voice sounded beside Huang Lang Immortal.
It belonged to a robust man with tanned skin, dressed in a loose-fitting robe, exuding a fierce aura—a Fake Dan cultivator.
"Xiang Jinglong!"
Hanyu Immortal’s delicate face paled, and she cursed inwardly.
Now that the Demonic Sect had been legitimized, prominent demonic figures like Xiang Jinglong could openly confront her.
And worse, he had been brought here by Huang Lang Immortal, clearly with hostile intentions.
"Hanyu Immortal, you slandered my reputation and conspired with some mysterious individual to frame me. Today, you owe me an explanation."
Xiang Jinglong’s smile held a sinister edge as he drew closer.
"Is that Xiang Jinglong? The high-level enforcer from the Demonic Sect?"
Nearby cultivators recoiled at the mention of his name, hurriedly stepping back.
Deputy City Lord Gongyang’s lips twitched. Mindful of the Demonic Sect’s terrifying power and ruthless reputation, he dared not intervene.
The Demonic Sect’s leader, Liang Shaotian, was rumored to be the number one cultivator in the Jing Kingdom.
"Xiang Immortal, this is all a misunderstanding! Allow me to explain…"
Hanyu Immortal’s face turned ashen, and she took a step back.
"Come with me to the Sacred Sect for questioning. The truth will be revealed once we get there."
Xiang Jinglong had come with the intent to capture her, seeing her as the key to finding the person responsible for framing him.
"Xiang Immortal! Your Sacred Sect has just gained recognition from the surrounding sects, and you’re already trampling on Merchant Alliance rules?"
Hanyu Immortal shouted, her voice sharp and resolute.
Xiang Jinglong paused, recalling the orders from his sect leader after the establishment of the sect.
In the future, when operating in the cultivation world, he was to exercise restraint and maintain a facade of lawfulness.
The habits and mindsets of bandits and rogue cultivators would need some adjustment.
As he hesitated, Hanyu Immortal transformed into a streak of icy light, slipping into the residence where Gao Cheng was stabilizing his breakthrough.
Once inside, the combined strength of the two Fake Dan cultivators, along with the protective formations, would provide a solid defense.
"Hmph! Let’s see how long you can hide."
Xiang Jinglong’s face darkened.
Attacking a residence within an immortal city? He wasn’t reckless enough to go that far.
"No rush, Xiang Immortal. The monk may escape, but the temple cannot," Huang Lang Immortal chuckled.
"Hmm? Who’s undergoing Core Formation here?"
Xiang Jinglong’s gaze shifted to the Core Formation phenomenon above, a flicker of envy in his eyes.
"That would be Lan Chang'an, a guest cultivator of the Xia Family from the Wufu Merchant Association. Coincidentally, he hails from the Liang Kingdom, like yourself," Deputy City Lord Gongyang explained with a fawning smile.
"Lan Chang'an? What! Did you say Lan Chang'an?"
Xiang Jinglong was taken aback, his expression turning incredulous.
Lan Chang'an was someone he knew well.
Years ago, they’d made a deal outside the Green Underworld Mysterious Realm.
Later, when Xiang Jinglong was framed for the death of the Alchemist Hua, he had investigated and gathered information on Lan Chang'an.
During the Huanglong Mountain Hunt, Xiang Jinglong had even gone to Wuqi Mountain to freeload while recovering from injuries.
…
"Do you know the cultivator forming a core?" Huang Lang Immortal asked with interest, noticing Xiang Jinglong’s reaction.
"Yes, we crossed paths back in Liang Kingdom."
After confirming that the person forming the core was indeed Lan Chang'an, Xiang Jinglong felt a mix of shock, jealousy, and resentment.
Years ago, this “tortoise-paced” Talisman Master had barely entered Foundation Establishment in his old age, yet now he seemed on the verge of achieving a True Dan?
How was that possible?!
This man had avoided disputes, cultivated quietly, and progressed steadily without obstacles.
Meanwhile, Xiang Jinglong had struggled through hardships, seizing resources wherever he could, only to attain a Fake Dan.
And over the last century, he’d faced endless misfortunes, accusations, and exiles.
Even fleeing from Liang hadn’t changed his bad luck.
Xiang Jinglong couldn’t help but wonder: had this man stolen the luck that should have been his?
Ever since their meeting at the Green Underworld Mysterious Realm, Xiang Jinglong had been dogged by misfortune, while Lan Chang'an had advanced steadily without setbacks.
"Huang Lang Immortal, are you certain the ‘Xiang Immortal’ you encountered was only at the Fake Dan level?"
Xiang Jinglong asked, as a thought crossed his mind.
"Yes, he was indeed a Fake Dan cultivator, though his strength far surpassed his peers. Otherwise, Huxiao Immortal wouldn’t have been killed without resistance."
Huang Lang Immortal, recalling the death of Huxiao Immortal, still held resentment toward that mysterious individual.
"I see. Understood."
Xiang Jinglong dismissed his suspicion as paranoia.
According to the description, the "Xiang Immortal" responsible for the killings had strength equal to his own.
Meanwhile, Lan Chang'an, in the late Foundation Establishment stage and attempting Core Formation, was simply progressing as expected.
Whether in Liang Kingdom or Jing Kingdom, Lan Chang'an was known as a cautious man, reluctant to fight or take risks.
Xiang Jinglong understands the cautious nature of the Turtle Talisman Master better than other cultivators in Jing Kingdom.
If he were truly hiding his strength that deeply, with such abilities, then back when I was seriously injured and freeloading at Wuqi Mountain, he could have taken me down but chose not to.
As for seizing someone else’s luck, Xiang Jinglong knows it was nothing more than his own wishful thinking.
Lan Chang'an didn’t possess the kind of fortune he envied. He didn’t deserve it!
Xiang Jinglong had already met a true "favored of fortune"—his own sect leader.
…
Half a day later.
The swirling cloud of spiritual energy above stabilized, then dissipated gradually as the surrounding spiritual energy flowed back to its natural state.
Above Lan Chang'an’s residence, rays of radiant light shone, accompanied by faint ethereal music.
Whoosh!
A powerful and complete aura of core energy emerged from within the third-rank residence.
The intangible spiritual pressure caused the surrounding Foundation Establishment cultivators and Fake Dan cultivators to feel a sense of suppression.
"This core energy is solid and complete—he has indeed achieved a True Dan!"
Huang Lang Immortal confirmed with a contemplative expression.
The gathered cultivators erupted in exclamations of astonishment and admiration.
…
Inside the residence.
With eyes closed, Lan Chang'an circulated the deep pale green core energy within his body, feeling the transformative leap in his spiritual sense, mana, and the very essence of life.
"Whew!"
"Thankfully, it’s only a low-tier True Dan…"