I am in Yellow Maple Valley, and I have a demonic beast clone!

Time, under the watchful eyes of countless people, slipped away bit by bit.

In the sky, the pitch-black tribulation clouds that covered an area of ​​several miles and rolled with blood-red lightning began to gradually thin as the spiritual energy vortex below continued to devour a massive amount of spiritual energy from heaven and earth.

The clouds, which were originally thick and dark, hanging low, gradually faded in color, turning from pitch black to dark gray, then to grayish-white, until finally only wisps of thin clouds remained, still stubbornly swirling around the vortex of spiritual energy.

The deafening, terrifying thunder that seemed to tear the sky apart gradually subsided as the tribulation clouds dissipated.

Only the enormous, milky-white vortex of spiritual energy, with a diameter exceeding five miles, stubbornly remained suspended above Spiritwood Peak, slowly rotating.

Its size has shrunk by nearly half compared to when it was first formed, but the bottomless vortex in its center has not only not weakened in its ability to devour spiritual energy, but has become even more terrifying!

The vortex seemed to slow down, but in reality, the spiritual energy inside was circulating at a terrifying frequency, emitting a deep, dragon-like roar as it poured the last, purest, and most abundant spiritual energy of heaven and earth into the cave below without reservation!

The last rays of the setting sun finally managed to pierce through the last remaining thin clouds and fall once again upon the mountains that had endured half a day of "heavenly wrath."

The golden-red light tinged the Spiritwood Peak with a warm hue, reflecting off the slowly rotating, gradually becoming transparent and ethereal vortex of spiritual energy, refracting a magnificent and enchanting halo.

The entire Lingmu Peak area fell into an eerie silence.

Nearly a thousand onlookers, regardless of their cultivation level, held their breath and focused their attention on the cave below where the array light flowed.

Everyone knows that the final moment that will determine success or failure and give birth to a new life is about to arrive.

"Buzz—!!!"

Just as the last wisp of pure spiritual energy was swallowed by the vortex's eye, the enormous vortex emitted a soft, sigh-like hum and vanished completely in an instant.

A powerful, domineering, and icy spiritual pressure, carrying an intensely thick and chaotic aura of blood and evil energy, erupted from the depths of the cave shrouded by the array without warning, as if a peerless ferocious beast that had been sleeping for countless ages had suddenly opened its scarlet eyes!

This spiritual pressure was like a tangible wave, instantly sweeping across several miles around the cave!

Wherever it passed, the air seemed to freeze for a moment, and the grass and trees moved swiftly without wind, bending outwards.

Within its spiritual pressure lay a chillingly fierce, murderous, and chaotic will, utterly different from the spiritual pressure of ordinary Core Formation cultivators—whether balanced and peaceful, sharp and fierce, or as deep as the sea. It appeared somewhat superficial, lacking the smooth, stable, and controlled power of a normal Core Formation cultivator, carrying a nascent violence and uncontrolled arrogance. However, its intensity and level undeniably reached the Core Formation stage!

The Demon Elixir is complete!

"Well!"

"snort!"

The nearly one thousand cultivators watching reacted in various ways the moment this Core Formation spiritual pressure swept over them.

Every cultivator in the Qi Refining stage felt a tightness in their chest, as if struck by an invisible hammer. Their blood and qi surged, their vision went black, and their faces turned pale in an instant. Those with cultivation levels below the mid-stage of Qi Refining felt their legs go weak and almost fell off their magical artifacts. They hurriedly activated their magic power to stabilize themselves, their eyes filled with horror and fear, and involuntarily retreated dozens of feet.

The Foundation Establishment cultivators had a clearer understanding of the situation.

They could more keenly perceive the malevolence and violence contained within this spiritual pressure—a strange power that directly targeted the mind and stirred up negative emotions within.

Although he wasn't as disheveled as a Qi Refining cultivator, he was still shaken to his core. The flow of his internal energy paused slightly, and his gaze towards the cave below had completely transformed from shock and curiosity into deep awe and fear.

Core Formation cultivators are at a different level of life; they are beings truly worthy of being looked up to.

In the air, the three Core Formation Island Masters, Mu Long Zhenren, Yuan Jun Zhenren, and Kan Qin Zhenren, as well as Feng Sanniang and other Pseudo-Core Formation and late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Six-Linked Hall, experienced the sensations more profoundly and in greater detail.

Master Mulong held a whisk, and a glint of light flashed in his eyes beneath his long, snow-white eyebrows as he clearly captured the essence of that spiritual pressure.

He nodded slightly, his tone calm yet certain, and said to Yuan Jun and Kan Qin beside him, "The spiritual pressure is initially formed, though it appears weak and violent, not yet fully integrated, but its quality and quantity have already entered the gate of Core Formation. This Fellow Daoist Zhou has succeeded."

Master Yuan Jun, with his sharp eyes, nodded and said in a deep voice, "His cultivation method is unique, and his murderous aura is overwhelming, which is not the orthodox path. However, his strength is undeniable. A Core Formation cultivator, no matter what his cultivation method is, is someone we should treat with utmost caution."

The aloof and detached Master Kanqin remained silent, but a slight ripple appeared in his calm, deep eyes. His gaze swept over the array's glow outside the cave below, and his cool voice finally rang out: "To be able to set up such an array and condense such a malevolent pill, this person... is not simple."

Master Mulong observed their reactions, pondered for a moment, then took half a step forward, standing in mid-air, his black Taoist robe fluttering slightly in the evening breeze.

He channeled his magical power; his voice, though not particularly loud, resonated clearly above Spiritwood Peak, carrying the unique majesty and gentleness of a mid-stage Core Formation cultivator.

"Fellow Daoist inside, I am Mu Long, the island lord of Kui Xing Island. Congratulations on your successful completion of the Golden Core stage, joining the ranks of our high-level cultivators. Your attainment of the Great Dao is truly a cause for celebration. I wonder if Fellow Daoist Zhou would be so kind as to show himself, so that my fellow Daoists on Kui Xing Island may witness the splendor of this newly promoted True Person?"

The voice was calm, yet it carried an undeniable air of congratulations, and also a formal invitation extended by the host.

Inside the cave, in the main hall.

Zhou Ding stood with his hands behind his back, sensing everything in the outside world through the array.

Upon hearing Master Mulong's words, he turned to Xin Ruyin, who looked concerned, and Xiao Mei, who seemed a little nervous, and nodded slightly, saying gently, "It's alright, everything is going smoothly. Zhou Jin can handle the rest. You two can sit here in the mansion."

Xin Ruyin gave a soft "hmm" and squeezed Xiaomei's hand to reassure her.

Xiao Mei took a deep breath, nodded vigorously, and retreated behind Xin Ruyin while holding the Purple Electric Sable, but her eyes still couldn't help but look curiously towards the cave entrance.

With a thought, Zhou Ding connected his mind with Zhou Jin, who had just stabilized his realm in the quiet room.

The next moment, the array light screen that enveloped the cave and whose light and shadow were slightly distorted rippled like water, revealing the seemingly ordinary mountain wall behind it.

On the mountain wall, the heavy stone door opened silently with a crack, neither too ostentatious nor too cramped.

A tall, imposing figure, shrouded in a wide, black cloak, slowly walked out of the door and stood on the slightly narrow stone steps in front of the cave entrance.

The hood of his cloak hung low, obscuring most of his face in shadow, with only the hard lines of his jawline faintly visible.

The afterglow of the setting sun fell on him, but it seemed to be absorbed by his black robe, bringing no warmth whatsoever, instead highlighting a cold quality in him.

It was Zhou Jin who successfully condensed the Demon Core!

He was still surrounded by a faint, almost visible, red aura of malevolence that had not been fully contained, causing the air around him to distort slightly and exude an unsettling chill and bloody smell.

Although he had tried his best to suppress the fierce spiritual pressure emanating from his newly broken-through Core Formation stage, wisps of it still escaped, causing the Foundation Establishment and lower-level cultivators watching from afar to feel a sense of unease.

Zhou Jin raised his head, and under the shadow of the hood, two crimson points of light flickered slightly—those were the spots where his eyes were.

The cold gaze slowly swept over the three most eye-catching figures in the sky, especially lingering briefly on the white-haired, youthful-faced, and profoundly deep-sea-like Mu Long Zhenren in the center.

Then, he slightly raised his hands, which were hidden by the sleeves of his black robe, and cupped them in a gesture that was neither particularly enthusiastic nor impolite, toward the direction where the three people in the air were.

A hoarse, deep voice, like the friction of metal, carrying the awkwardness of someone who hadn't spoken in a long time, slowly rang out, clearly reaching the ears of every cultivator present:

"I am Zhou Jin. I have met with Island Master Mulong and the two deputy island masters. Thank you for waiting."

The voice was not loud, but it was extremely penetrating because it contained the magical power of a Core Formation stage cultivator.

The undisguised aura of bloodthirsty demonic power emanating from his body, originating from the "Blood Condensation Five Elements Pill" and the "Evil Pill Technique," was intense and pure, causing many cultivators present who practiced righteous techniques and maintained upright auras to unconsciously frown slightly and feel somewhat uncomfortable.

However, neither the three island lords nor the other knowledgeable cultivators showed any obvious abnormality or hostility because of this.

The Chaotic Star Sea is vast and boundless, with deeply entrenched forces. Among human cultivators, there are countless demonic, righteous, and those who are neither entirely good nor evil, as well as many other strange creatures from the demon race.

The Star Palace governs the vast seas, and its core ironclad rule is to maintain basic order, resist foreign sea monsters, and collect offerings. As for the cultivation methods and schools of individual cultivators, as long as they do not openly practice those extreme evil methods that anger heaven and man, involve large-scale slaughter of mortals for cultivation, or violate the terms explicitly prohibited by the Star Palace, they are usually not interfered with too much.

Strength is the most powerful passport in this sea area.

Master Mulong wore a warm smile, seemingly unaware of the slight sense of rejection that caused his magical power to stir.

He stroked his long beard and carefully examined Zhou Jin, especially lingering on the faintly fluctuating bloodthirsty aura around him. He had already made a general judgment about the style and origin of the cultivation technique Zhou Jin practiced.

This person likely possesses some kind of unorthodox demonic art that can only be mastered by relying on special evil energy or blood-refining techniques. Its power is probably considerable, but the hidden dangers and costs are likely also high.

However, these are not issues that need to be investigated at the moment.

Master Mulong's smile remained unchanged as he cut to the chase, saying, "So it's Fellow Daoist Zhou Jin. It's a pleasure to meet you. Your choice of my Kui Xing Island as your breakthrough point, and your success, is truly a blessing from our island. Congratulations!"

He paused slightly, his gaze sweeping over the numerous cultivators who remained, their ears perked up, listening intently. His voice rose slightly, taking on a more formal tone: "Now that Fellow Daoist Zhou has completed his elixir, he is one of our fellow cultivators. Our Kui Xing Island is currently in dire need of capable individuals, especially lacking high-ranking fellow cultivators to oversee the region, jointly resist the storms of the outer seas, and protect the islanders' peace. I wonder if Fellow Daoist Zhou would be willing to condescend to serve as the Deputy Island Lord of Kui Xing Island?"

When Master Mulong uttered these words, although many cultivators had anticipated them, a low murmur and gasps still rose from the crowd.

Deputy Island Master!

This is a truly high-ranking position on Kui Xing Island, wielding real power and holding a prestigious status, second only to the island lord, and on par with the two veteran deputy island lords, Yuan Jun and Kan Qin!

The fact that Master Mulong extended such an olive branch to the newly formed Core cultivator before fully understanding his background shows how much he values ​​this new Core cultivator and his eagerness to recruit strong allies for the island.

With one more deputy island master at the Core Formation stage, the overall strength and influence of Kui Xing Island will truly increase.

Whether dealing with potential competition from other medium-sized islands in the surrounding area, exploring dangerous waters, handling sudden crises, or reporting annually to the real behemoth behind the Star Palace and fighting for resource quotas, having one more Core Formation cultivator means more say and greater weight.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Jin's scarlet eyes, hidden beneath his hood, flickered slightly, as if he were deep in thought.

He was silent for a moment before his hoarse voice rang out again, carrying just the right amount of caution and weighing of his options, befitting someone newly arrived in this esteemed place: "I am honored by the Island Lord's kindness. I am new here and have made no contribution to Kui Xing Island, so I am afraid I am not up to the task."

Master Mulong laughed heartily, lightly waving his whisk: "Ah, Fellow Daoist Zhou, you are too modest. It is a good fortune that you were able to break through to the next realm safely on my Kui Xing Island. Reaching the Core Formation stage is your greatest achievement and qualification. The position of Vice Island Master is not only a responsibility but also a shared responsibility. Although Kui Xing Island is not a giant, it is not lacking in resources and has clear rules. It needs new talents like you to join us in exploring the Great Dao. After you become Vice Island Master, you will receive corresponding offerings every year, have priority in choosing your cave dwelling and spiritual land, and be able to utilize some of the island's resources and manpower. This will greatly benefit you in stabilizing your realm and continuing your cultivation."

These words were truly candid, clearly pointing out the benefits of serving as the deputy island lord while also hinting at the responsibilities that would be borne. The pros and cons were laid out clearly, demonstrating genuine sincerity.

Zhou Jin remained silent for a moment, as if weighing the pros and cons.

Finally, he slowly nodded and said in a hoarse voice, "Since the island lord has shown me such great favor, it would be disrespectful of me to refuse. I, Zhou, am willing to do my best for the position of deputy island lord."

"Haha, good! Fellow Daoist Zhou is indeed straightforward!"

Master Mulong burst into laughter, his voice echoing across the surrounding area, clearly delighted. "Such a joyous occasion deserves a hearty toast! It's a pity there's no wine here; we'll have to make up for it another time!"

His laughter subsided slightly, and he stepped aside to introduce them, saying, "Come, allow me to introduce you to Fellow Daoist Zhou. These two are my right-hand men, and also the deputy island lords of this island: Fellow Daoist Yuan Jun and Fellow Daoist Kanqin."

Master Yuan nodded to Zhou Jin, his face still dignified, but his gaze held less scrutiny and more of a colleague's assessment. He said in a deep voice, "Fellow Daoist Zhou, I hope we can work together in the future."

Master Kanqin nodded slightly with a cool expression, his lips parted slightly, and his voice was like the clinking of jade stones: "Fellow Daoist Zhou, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Zhou Jinyi cupped his hands again: "Greetings, Fellow Daoist Yuan Jun and Fellow Daoist Kanqin. I am new here and there are many things I do not understand. I hope you two will not hesitate to guide me in the future."

The three of them then formally greeted each other.

Master Mulong watched with a smile, occasionally interjecting with a few words, nothing more than praising Zhou Jin's solid foundation and promising future, and also talking about the scenery of Kui Xing Island and anecdotes of the Star Palace, the atmosphere was quite harmonious.

Zhou Jin didn't talk much, mostly just giving brief replies or nodding in agreement. But because of his Core Formation cultivation level and his aloof and unapproachable demeanor, no one thought he was being impolite. On the contrary, they thought that this newly promoted True Person was just like that, not liking to talk much.

Finally, Master Mulong stroked his beard and smiled, "Fellow Daoist Zhou has just achieved the Great Dao, and I imagine he still needs some time to go into seclusion to stabilize his realm and familiarize himself with the mysteries of the Core Formation stage. My cave dwelling is located atop this Heavenly Pillar Peak."

He raised his hand and pointed to the towering, cloud-shrouded peak at the highest point of the Qingyun Mountains, resembling a pillar of heaven. "Fellow Daoist is always welcome to visit and discuss the Dao. How about we arrange a date, so that I can extend my hospitality and discuss with you in detail the specifics of your role as Deputy Island Master, including your responsibilities, offerings, and jurisdiction? What do you say, Fellow Daoist?"

Zhou Jin pondered for a moment, then said in a hoarse voice, "What the Island Lord says is quite right. I do need some time to go into seclusion to consolidate my cultivation and sort out what I have gained from this breakthrough. A month later, when my realm is more stable, I will definitely go to Tianzhu Peak to visit the Island Lord."

"Very good! It's a deal!" Master Mulong nodded with a smile, quite satisfied with the time arrangement, which gave the other party time to consolidate his cultivation without delaying too long. "Then I will stay at Tianzhu Peak, prepare tea, and await your arrival, fellow Daoist."

"In that case, we will not disturb Fellow Daoist Zhou's cultivation any longer. Please make yourself at home." After saying this, True Man Mulong cupped his hands to Zhou Jin again.

"Island Master, fellow Daoists, please take care." Zhou Jin returned the greeting with a cupped hand.

Master Mulong said no more and gave a slight nod to Yuan Jun and Kan Qin.

Three beams of light, each a different color yet equally magnificent and awe-inspiring, suddenly lit up, like rainbows traversing the sky. In the blink of an eye, they swept across the horizon and disappeared in the direction of the main peak of the Qingyun Mountains.

The speed at which a Core Formation cultivator can escape is so fast that it's impossible to keep up.

With the departure of the three island lords, the invisible pressure belonging to high-level cultivators that had been faintly shrouding the Spiritwood Peak also dissipated completely.

The nearly one thousand cultivators watching outside finally seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. Low murmurs, exclamations, and sighs rose up again like a tide, even more enthusiastic than before.

But when everyone looked at the black-robed figure still standing in front of the cave entrance and the formation that had become hazy with light and shadow again, their gazes were completely different from before.

In those gazes, awe was the underlying tone, curiosity remained, but there was also a greater sense of assessment of the "Deputy Island Master's" position, as well as various speculations about this mysterious, powerful, newly promoted True Person who cultivated demonic arts.

After lingering for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, seeing that the black-robed Zhou Jin Zhenren had turned around and disappeared into the newly closed cave entrance, the array aura covering the mountain wall had completely stabilized, blocking all prying eyes. Only then did the onlookers reluctantly begin to disperse in twos and threes.

One after another, streaks of light reappeared, flying towards various parts of the Qingyun Mountains. It was easy to imagine that the news of Lingmu Peak's new Core Formation and his direct appointment as the Deputy Island Lord would spread throughout Kuixing Island at the fastest speed, becoming a topic of conversation among the island's cultivators for a long time to come and a focus of speculation among various forces.

Inside the cave, the stone door was completely closed, and the upgraded Inverted Five Elements Formation was fully activated, isolating the inside from the outside.

Zhou Jin walked into the hall, then silently headed towards the quiet room prepared for him. He needed time to truly stabilize the newly formed evil core and familiarize himself with its surging power.

Zhou Ding watched Zhou Jin's figure disappear behind the door of the quiet room, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

The first step of the plan went even more smoothly than expected.

With Zhou Jin's publicly known identity as the "Deputy Island Lord" possessing the combat power of a Core Formation cultivator, they will gain an excellent foothold and an effective layer of camouflage on Kui Xing Island, and even in the outer regions of the Chaotic Star Sea.