“Congratulations! Advanced Golden Core Stage at last!” The Everlasting Immortal Fairy clapped enthusiastically, her face crinkling with delight. “Your cultivation speed is not bad, just a tad slower than mine. I’d say you’re keeping pace with the likes of the Nine-Layers Immortal and Qilin Immortal.”

Cultivation speed wasn’t the most critical factor in immortal ascension, but it was a telling indicator of one’s potential.

“Seeing you cultivate so diligently reminds me of how the Nine-Layers Immortal and the others used to cultivate in a frenzy, as if their buttocks were on fire. Now that was dedication.”

Lu Yang nodded. Competition in the ancient era was intense. Falling a step behind meant falling behind in everything. Their tireless cultivation was simply a reflection of the harsh environment then.  

Nowadays, although it’s said that the Great Era is upon us, with...