Chapter 122: The Pseudo Core Cultivator
The issue of the body being unable to withstand the weight of a pseudo core was actually easy to solve—by using the core's power to temper the body. This was also the next stage of cultivation for external core cultivators after successfully refining the core.
Having the externally refined core inside the body strengthen every aspect of oneself was akin to the kind of advancement brought by a breakthrough in realm. When a Foundation Establishment cultivator successfully refines an external core and becomes an external core cultivator, it counts as a sort of breakthrough.
However, a normal breakthrough is usually accompanied by a reward from the heavens—an ethereal blessing. For instance, when one advances from Qi Refining to Foundation Establishment, they condense liquid spiritual energy infused with the original essence of the Dao. That essence is the heavenly reward granted by the breakthrough.
This heavenly reward brings the greatest enhancement. But since external core cultivators take a shortcut, they're unable to receive that reward. The strength they gain through their breakthrough comes only from the external core itself.
But how could the benefits provided by a third-rank demon core compare to a gift from the heavens? Naturally, external core cultivators have the weakest foundations among those at the Core Formation stage. Even pseudo core cultivators are stronger, since at least they broke through via the standard method.
Their only issue is a lack of foundation, preventing them from forming a true golden core.
Gu Mo, however, was a special case. Though he practiced the external core method, he didn't actually count as an external core cultivator. He was more like a pseudo core cultivator.
After all, the core in Gu Mo's body wasn't a demon beast's core, but a genuine pseudo core—and one that belonged to himself.
Unfortunately, right after his avatar condensed the pseudo core, it was destroyed in a massive explosion of spiritual energy. The avatar never received the heavenly reward that would normally come with a breakthrough. Or perhaps, the preserved pseudo core itself was the heavenly reward.
Lacking the breakthrough bonus, Gu Mo's pseudo core avatar was slightly weaker than a true pseudo core cultivator—but still stronger than an external core cultivator.
That said, whether pseudo core or external core, both were more than capable of crushing Foundation Establishment cultivators. The difference in realm alone made that inevitable.
With his eyes closed, Gu Mo labored to circulate the core power through his body, using the Soulforge Technique to strengthen his avatar's physique. Controlling the power of a pseudo core with only mid-Foundation Establishment soul strength was a struggle. Were it not for the fact that this core power had been cultivated by Gu Mo himself, the disparity in realm might have made it impossible to control at all.
However, once the avatar's body fully adapted to the power of the pseudo core, its powerful physique would begin to nourish the soul. As the avatar's soul strengthened, Gu Mo's true self would benefit as well. While the body and cultivation of the avatar and true self were separate, their soul was shared.
Time passed. Gu Mo continually used the pseudo core's power, tempering his body with the Soulforge Technique, bringing its strength closer to the level of a pseudo core cultivator.
And just as he expected, as the body strengthened, so too did the soul.
"Patriarch, the target has emerged from seclusion!"
Hua Daoliang let out a long breath as he stared at the message talisman in his hand. That mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator had kept him waiting for an entire year. More than once, Hua Daoliang had considered barging into the cave residence to drag him out.
But in the end, he had restrained himself. This marketplace was the foundation of his power—he couldn't afford to see it destroyed because of a moment's rashness.
Thankfully, the target had finally emerged. It was time to claim that third-rank demon core. By now, Hua Daoliang had already assumed that Gu Mo's core belonged to him.
He hadn't spent the past year idly either. He'd thoroughly investigated Gu Mo's background, to ensure there wasn't anyone important backing him. In Hua Daoliang's view, no cultivator who practiced the external core method could possibly be a valued member of some major power.
But having lived this long, Hua Daoliang knew the importance of caution.
After his investigation, he was fairly confident that Gu Mo was a rogue cultivator. At the very least, there was no trace of him in the nearby sects or cultivation clans.
That was good enough for Hua Daoliang. He'd act with care, but not timidity. This involved a third-rank demon core—something that could allow him to become an external core cultivator. A certain amount of risk was acceptable.
"Even after all this time, you're still not giving up?"
Gu Mo furrowed his brow as he walked out of Yuquan Marketplace. That same aura that had trailed him a year ago was still following him, and that alone was enough to irritate him.
Now, Gu Mo was already a pseudo core cultivator. His body and cultivation had reached that level; only his soul lagged slightly behind, still at late Foundation Establishment. Since the soul had only started to strengthen after the body, its progress was naturally slower.
But given time, his soul would also reach the pseudo core stage.
This was typical for external core cultivators as well. Nourished by the external core, both the body and soul would eventually rise to the appropriate level. However, that marked the end of their advancement.
Afterward, an external core cultivator's realm could no longer progress. That was the inherent flaw of the method. The same applied to Gu Mo's avatar. But since he had refined his own pseudo core, both his body and soul could still ascend to the pseudo core level.
Gu Mo didn't mind that the avatar would be limited to the pseudo core stage. As long as it helped nurture his soul to that level, its value would already be fully realized.
A powerful soul meant powerful spiritual senses. With that, Gu Mo's future breakthroughs would become far easier. In fact, personally experiencing the realm of a pseudo core cultivator through this avatar would greatly benefit his main body's cultivation.
In a way, Gu Mo was using this avatar to build a solid foundation for his true self. Right now, it was forging soul strength. Later, once the pseudo core avatar returned, it could also use core power to temper the body, granting it a powerful physique as well.
At that point, Gu Mo would possess both pseudo core–level physique and soul strength while still in the Foundation Establishment stage. His combat power would be nothing short of terrifying.
Gu Mo, now a false Core Formation cultivator, no longer feared being tailed since he hadn't directly confronted the stalker. In fact, he was curious—just who had been watching him so persistently?
Drawing his flying sword—a low-grade magical treasure—Gu Mo performed the Sword Control Technique and left the Yuqian Market. Though now a false Core Formation cultivator, this low-grade flying sword could serve only as transportation.
With his current cultivation level, such low-grade artifacts could no longer unleash his full potential. Only higher-grade magical treasures could truly enhance his combat power. But those came with hefty price tags—something Gu Mo's meager resources couldn't yet cover.
That is, unless someone was kind enough to deliver a treasure to him. Gu Mo could feel someone still trailing him—different now from the one shadowing him at the market. This person had a stronger presence. Unfortunately, Gu Mo's spiritual sense was still somewhat lacking and couldn't pinpoint the pursuer.
Still, if even his late Foundation Establishment spiritual sense couldn't detect them clearly, then the one following him was likely at peak Foundation Establishment. A Core Formation cultivator wouldn't bother tailing someone who appeared to be merely at mid-Foundation Establishment.
Gu Mo was currently using a perfected-level Aura Concealment Technique to hide his false Core Formation aura, exposing only the aura of a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.
"He stopped?"
In the distance, Hua Daoliang furrowed his brows as he watched Gu Mo halt, then cautiously surveyed the surroundings. Finding no sign of an ambush, he relaxed slightly. They were far enough from the market now that, should anything happen, it likely wouldn't be traced back there.
Having made up his mind, Hua Daoliang didn't hesitate. With a burst of speed, he directly blocked Gu Mo's path.
"You've been following me for quite a while. Might I ask what you want?" Gu Mo didn't immediately strike him down. Instead, he inquired calmly. Having just begun his journey, he hadn't provoked anyone—yet someone was already targeting him. This puzzled Gu Mo greatly, unsure what he might've done to cause this.
"You have a Tier 3 demon core on you. Hand it over, and I'll let you live," Hua Daoliang replied coldly from beneath his black robe.
Since this was a robbery, he had no intention of showing his real face. Many people knew him—being recognized would spell trouble.
"A Tier 3 demon core?"
Gu Mo was momentarily stunned, then it clicked. It all traced back to his purchase of the External Core Technique. Someone must have mistaken him for possessing a Tier 3 demon core and thus came to rob him.
But the only ones who knew about his purchase were at the Treasure Pavilion, whose operations were rumored to be backed by the Yuqian Market. With that in mind, Gu Mo had a pretty good guess who was behind this.
"So the rumor about the death of Yuqian lord is true?" For someone to resort to robbery over a Tier 3 demon core, the owner of Yuqian Market must have lost their backing. The word on the street about Yuqian lord's fall was likely accurate.
They must have panicked, trying to seize a Tier 3 demon core to forge a new External Core cultivator to guard the market.
"You do realize smart people die faster, don't you?" Hua Daoliang's eyes turned murderous. This man had to die—he'd known from the beginning he wouldn't be leaving witnesses. Dead men tell no tales.
"People with poor vision tend to die even faster," Gu Mo replied flatly, casting a glance at him. His flying sword suddenly flared with dazzling brilliance. Though it was only low-grade, with Core-level spiritual power channeled into it, its full potential burst forth—surpassing even its designed limits.
"What!?"
As Gu Mo attacked, the aura concealing technique collapsed. Hua Daoliang instantly sensed Gu Mo's true cultivation. This wasn't a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator—it was a false Core Formation cultivator! The malice on his face vanished, replaced by sheer terror.
He had kicked a steel wall.
Rip!
Without hesitation, Hua Daoliang tore open a Tier 3 defensive talisman. In an instant, a shimmering barrier enveloped him.
As the head of Yuqian Market, Hua Daoliang was well-stocked with treasures. Carrying talismans capable of withstanding even a Core Formation cultivator's attack was standard for someone of his position.
Unfortunately, the best trump card left to him by Yuqian lord had already been used—otherwise, he might have had a chance at turning the tables.
Boom!
As the barrier activated, Gu Mo's flying sword slashed down. The impact sent violent ripples through the shield, making Hua Daoliang's heart tremble. Thankfully, the talisman had held.
"What a pain."
Gu Mo had known from the moment he identified his opponent that taking down a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator wouldn't be easy. Wealthy cultivators often had deep reserves—such as this pricey Tier 3 defensive talisman—not something an ordinary person could afford.
Still, talismans had limits. A few more strikes and it would break. Hua Daoliang knew this all too well. So, after withstanding the first blow, he immediately pulled out a Tier 3 escape talisman.
Though he was powerful and well-equipped, Hua Daoliang wasn't deluded enough to think he could match a false Core Formation cultivator. His only hope was to flee back to the market and rely on its protective formation.
Though he couldn't fully activate the formation's power without being in the Core Formation realm, it would still be enough to fend off a false Core Formation opponent.
Just as Hua Daoliang prepared to trigger his escape talisman, a bright red cherry suddenly appeared before him. The unexpected fruit made him freeze.
But almost instantly, his expression changed drastically. He could feel the terrifying power about to erupt from that cherry. Without delay, he activated the escape talisman. But a wave of scorching fire slammed into him, slowing the escape light for just a split second.
BOOOOM!
That momentary delay proved fatal. The explosion—laced with annihilating force—engulfed Hua Daoliang. A sharp shattering sound followed—the collapse of the Tier 3 defensive shield.
"Go!"
At that very moment, Gu Mo's sword lashed out again. A head flew from the smoke and flame, tumbling through the air.
With his target slain, Gu Mo swiftly moved to loot the corpse. He found a storage bracelet—far superior to a storage pouch. As expected of a market owner—wealthy indeed.
Naturally, higher-end storage items were harder to unlock, much more trouble than storage pouches.
Besides that, the black robe was a magical item capable of masking one's aura, though it held little value for Gu Mo. His perfected Aura Concealment Technique far outclassed it.
He also found a jade pendant, likely used to defend against spiritual attacks. Clearly, the man was loaded—his treasures were abundant.
But the real prize was likely within the storage bracelet. After realizing Gu Mo's true cultivation, Hua Daoliang hadn't even drawn a weapon to fight—just turned and fled. That meant the bracelet probably contained a high-quality magical artifact.
Just what Gu Mo needed to match his new cultivation stage.
After confirming nothing was left behind, Gu Mo used Minor Flame Wave to cremate Hua Daoliang's corpse. Once he cleaned up the scene, he departed quickly.
This was a remote location. No one would discover the fight anytime soon, and given time, all traces would be erased by nature itself.
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