While Chu Kui made preparations for Core Formation, Luo Chen was far from idle. After advancing to the ninth stage, he allowed himself a few days of rest. During that time, he shared drinks with Wang Yuan, held long discussions with Min Longyu about formation theory, and guided Qu Lingjun in his cultivation, since the latter had become an Initiate and was in need of good advice. He even helped the young man set a date for his marriage to Mi Li.

In the days that followed, Luo Chen summoned the Luo Tian Society's newly advanced Initiates one after another. Some he encouraged with kind words, others he rewarded with treasures as gifts for their breakthroughs, and sometimes he simply exchanged insights on cultivation.

At last, he spent three days together with Sima Huiniang and Gu Caiyi, testing and evaluating the… progress of their cultivation. When those three days of discussions came to an end, Luo Chen finally concluded his short period of rest and returned to seclusion.

***

Tao Wan entered seclusion twelve years ago to attempt Core Formation. Three years later, she succeeded. The Green Pill Valley rang its bells thrice in celebration. Since then, she has been in seclusion to stabilize her cultivation, and the day of her emergence is near. Green Pill Valley has already begun distributing invitations to the Core Formation Ceremony. Dan Yangzi succeeded in forming his core even earlier. He has already emerged...