Rebirth in Journey to the West: Sun Wukong

The vital breath of the five viscera converged toward the dead center within the Dantian, condensing into a crystal-clear Golden Pill. Invisible pathways extended from the Golden Pill, spreading throughout the Dantian, connecting with the meridians, flesh, and bones into a single entity.

Upon these pathways, tiny nodes emerged, also in the shape of Dan pills, but significantly smaller compared to the Golden Pill at the center of the Dantian.

Golden Elixir Great Dao!

Three Flowers Gathering at the Top transforms into auspicious clouds, the quintessence from the five viscera converges into the Golden Core!

The so-called cultivation of an inner core usually refers to the inner core of essence that cultivators within their bodies—termed a Golden Core by the Human Race and a Demon Core by the Demon Clan. But compared to the Golden Core formed from the convergence of the quintessence, those inner cores are like fireflies under the bright moon.

Sun Wukong practiced the Eight-Nine Profound Skill, the supreme Body Refining Techniques of the Human Race, which didn't involve the step of condensing an inner core. All the essence, vitality, and soul were used to refine the physical body and divine soul. Thus, his body became the ultimate weapon, invincible and undefeatable.

However, the situation was different when breaking through to the Da Luo Golden Immortal Realm.

When the Essence Qi and Divine Soul, the Three Flowers, gather at the mystic pass and burst forth as auspicious clouds forming a Divine Ring, and when the quintessence from the five viscera converges in the Dantian to achieve the supreme Golden Core, only then can one truly be said to have reached the Golden Elixir Great Dao. This is not simply an inner core used for storing strength.

No sooner had the three auspicious clouds appeared than the Sword of Annihilation hovering above the Domain violently trembled. The shocked voice of the Cultivation Heavenly Venerable echoed from within: "Three Flowers Gathering at the Top, quintessence converging into the Golden Core! To think that he achieved a breakthrough to Da Luo Golden Immortal right on the spot!"

Most people seeking a breakthrough would find a quiet, safe place and set up various Defensive Formations to avoid disturbances. Many also need the aid of heaven-sent treasures and Spirit Pills to avoid failing and losing all previous efforts. But Sun Wukong, on the contrary, directly achieved a breakthrough during combat, and moreover within the Absolute Sword Domain.

His fearless courage and his defiant natural talent chilled the heart of the Cultivation Heavenly Venerable.

The Demon Clan, it seems, has once again produced a peerless demon on par with Heavenly Emperor Di Jun and Eastern Emperor Taiyi!

He absolutely must not be allowed to leave this place alive! Absolutely not!

Humm~!

The Absolute Sword Domain abruptly expanded to cover a hundred li, Sword Qi tumultuously burst forth from the Sword of Annihilation. In no time, even more Sword of Annihilation than before appeared within the Absolute Sword Domain.

At the moment of breakthrough, one's entire body can be said to be utterly defenseless, and the Cultivation Heavenly Venerable sought to take advantage of this moment to launch a decisive strike to completely obliterate Sun Wukong, the demon monkey, allowing him no chance of recovery!

"This guy is really reckless!"

Ying Long and Ying Tian also clearly saw Sun Wukong's situation and were just as shocked by his audacity. How dare he attempt a breakthrough within someone else's Domain? His courage could truly be said to be sky-high, could it not?

No matter who it was, one needed to focus entirely and gather all their strength during a breakthrough, practically devoid of any defensive capability. At such a time, it wouldn't just be the Sword Qi of the Sword of Annihilation-formed Absolute Sword Domain attacking—it meant that even the attack of a typical Da Luo Golden Immortal couldn't be withstood by Sun Wukong.

Ying Long and Ying Tian gritted their teeth. Ao Tian had signed a blood pact with the Dragon Race and Sun Wukong. If Sun Wukong were to die, then Ao Tian's life would be over. Even just for the sake of the life of this long-lost Second Dragon Brother, Ying Tian would absolutely not watch Sun Wukong just fall at the hands of the Cultivation Heavenly Venerable.

With a grim determination, Ying Tian's dragon body swiftly darted into the Absolute Sword Domain and went to Sun Wukong's side, shielding him behind himself.

"You? You intend to help this Demon Monkey withstand my Sword of Annihilation Domain?"

The Cultivation Heavenly Venerable seemed somewhat surprised by Ying Long's action. Ying Tian, as a Quasi-Saint at the peak of power, could not possibly be unaware of the fierceness of a Domain. Even though this Sword of Annihilation Domain was only a Domain Embryo and not yet perfected, it wasn't something a Quasi-Saint could resist. Had this dragon lost his mind?

"Demon Dragon, I acknowledge your strength, a cultivation at the peak of Quasi-Saintdom, and you wield the power of Weak Water—indeed, amongst the Quasi-Saints you stand at the pinnacle. But even so, you're no match for my Absolute Sword Domain! The heavens are merciful, seeing that you have cultivated to such a state after much difficulty.

If you now withdraw and cease your interference, we'll call a truce and let go of past grievances. What say you?"

Although he felt that Ying Long would not be able to withstand the attack of the Absolute Sword Domain, the Cultivation Heavenly Venerable reckoned that even his Domain still in embryo form wouldn't be able to stop Ying Tian if he decided to leave. In that case, avoidance of conflict is preferable.

His target was Sun Wukong; there was no need to make another powerful enemy, and who knew when Ying Long might break through to the Heavenly Dao Saint Realm?

"Save your breath! Today, I must protect him. With me here, I will not let you hurt his life!"

Your journey continues with empire

Ying Long's answer was resolute. Admittedly, if he had a choice, he would prefer not to confront the Absolute Sword Domain head-on. But there was no avoiding this battle any longer.

"Stubborn fool! Since you're hellbent on seeking death, don't blame me! Absolute Sword Domain, Thousand Swords Annihilate Immortal!"

The Cultivation Heavenly Venerable's voice grew cold, and with a fierce shout, thousands of Sword Qi-formed Swords of Annihilation flew at Ying Long.

Immortal Swords swept across the sky, and Sword Qi soared, the earth-shattering murderous intent causing Ying Tian's myriad fathom dragon body to tremble with intense fear. He could not withstand this strike with his dragon body alone, nor did he have any intention of doing so.

"Don't think just because you have a Domain Embryo that you're invincible. I've roamed freely through the Primordial Ancient Times; there's no one I've feared at my level! You think you're the only one with a Domain?"

"Weak waters three thousand, transform into a world!"

With a coil of its dragon body, Ying Long protected Sun Wukong entirely within, as endless weak water gushed out from its body, dramatically expanding to form a vast space dotted with droplets of weak water. It pushed the Absolute Sword Domain out, forcefully carving out an entirely independent space within it.

Weak Water Domain!

"He actually has control over a domain! No, that's not right, this isn't a domain. It lacks that all-encompassing control; this is a False Domain, possessing less than twenty percent of a true domain's power!"

Cultivation Heavenly Venerable was slightly startled, then his killing intent resurfaced. Thousands of Swords of Annihilation relentlessly bombarded the Weak Water Domain. He wanted to see if Ying Long could withstand the bombardment of his Absolute Sword Domain with this False Domain!

The Swords of Annihilation collided with the surging weak water, the Absolute Sword Domain clashing with the Weak Water Domain, emitting piercing roars and frictional noise. The complexion of Ying Long paled slightly. Although his cultivation was at the peak of Quasi-Saint, he had not yet reached the level of a Heavenly Dao Saint, let alone a Half-Step Saint.

To use the Weak Water False Domain to counter the onslaught of the Absolute Sword Domain, channeled through the Swords of Annihilation by Cultivation Heavenly Venerable, was somewhat too forced.

"Monkey, this time I'm really putting my life on the line for you. You owe me a great debt of gratitude!"n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Ying Long glanced at Sun Wukong, who was within the coils of his dragon body, breaking through his current limits, feeling a bit aggrieved. Previously, Ying Long had been locked in a life-and-death struggle with Sun Wukong, who even managed to wound him. And now, in the blink of an eye, he had to risk his life to protect Sun Wukong!

What the hell kind of turn of events is this? Truly, fortune is fickle!

"Give up. With only a False Domain, you cannot stand against my Absolute Sword Domain!"

The voice of Cultivation Heavenly Venerable thundered. Although the Domain Embryo was merely an embryo, it was still stronger than a False Domain. However, Ying Long had a vast dragon body and a resilience far surpassing that of an average Quasi-Saint. If the struggle continued, it was hard to say who would win or lose.

Even if he could win, it would likely be a Pyrrhic victory, with both parties suffering greatly. Cultivation Heavenly Venerable was no fool; he didn't wish for that outcome.

"Cut the crap. If you're capable, then shatter my Weak Water Domain! Your Absolute Sword Domain isn't inherently yours either; you also borrow the might of the Sword of Annihilation. How much stronger can you be compared to me? Hmph!"

Ying Long showed no politeness in rejecting Cultivation Heavenly Venerable, his tone decidedly firm.

"Obstinate fool!"

The tone of Cultivation Heavenly Venerable suddenly turned icy cold. "Since you refuse to heed my advice, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

"Just try it. It's as if you've ever held back before. The Human Race are all hypocritical cowards!"

Ying Long's voice was filled with disdain. As he spoke, he didn't stop his efforts for a second, the weak water becoming even more concentrated, pushing the might of the Weak Water False Domain to its current limits.

Cultivation Heavenly Venerable could see that Ying Long was determined to protect Sun Wukong, and without wasting further words, he too mobilized his Absolute Sword Domain with all his might.

"So, this power is called a domain!"

Sun Wukong was in the midst of concentrating the Three Flowers atop his head and the Five Qi within his chest, breaking through from the Taiyi Golden Immortal to the Da Luo Golden Immortal. However, this did not mean he was oblivious to the outside world. He was aware of everything, including Ying Long going all out to protect him, and was deeply grateful.

Sun Wukong clearly understood that Ying Long's protection was granted in part because of Ao Tian's face. This was a rare opportunity; not just anyone could receive the protection of Ying Long, one of the Ancient Three Great Divine Dragons, especially during such perilous times.

Without Ying Long's protection, he would never have lasted until his breakthrough; Cultivation Heavenly Venerable would not have given him the chance!

Similarly, Sun Wukong heard every word of the exchange between Ying Long and Cultivation Heavenly Venerable crystal clear. This was the first time he'd heard of a domain, the power to control everything oneself - an utterly captivating concept!

"Someday, I, Old Sun, will also possess such domain power, and it will be entirely my own!"

Sun Wukong swore silently to himself, then refocused entirely, as he approached the most crucial step of Three Flowers Gathering at the Top and Five Qi to the Origin. He needed to fully connect the Golden Core formed within his Dantian to the Three Flowers that had emerged, absorb nature's spiritual energy to replenish himself, and elevate his physical body and Divine Soul to an entirely new realm!

"Three Flowers and Five Qi, fuse as one, nature's quintessence, imbue my body!"