Unrivaled Martial Emperor

The Core Formation realm could be succinctly described as the process of converting primal force into a core within oneself.

Essentially, it involved compressing the primal force in one's primal vessel into a dense, solid golden core, which was why this stage was also called the Golden Core realm.

Those in the Core Formation realm were absolute peak experts in the Great Chu Empire. No one would dare call them weak, even in the entire Hong Domain.

When one had condensed their primeval force into a golden core, but it wasn’t solid yet, they were said to be in the Illusory Core realm. It would be a mere illusory image of the core. Hence, the name Illusory Core.

This stage acted as a bridge; the martial artists would be far stronger than those at the ninth level of the Yuanfu realm, yet they wouldn’t quite match up to the prowess of a true Core Formation realm expert.

This old man before Chen Fan’s eyes was an Illusory Core realm expert. Fifty percent of all his primeval force essence had been converted into the power of the golden core.

Sensing the power of Illusory Core inside this elder, Chen Fan let out a slight sigh of relief.

Luckily, he was not a true Core Formation realm expert. However, Chen Fan still felt a weight of concern.

They had been a few miles apart when the sound waves from the old man's powerful whistle had injured him, indicating that he was on the cusp of condensing a real golden core.

Zhao Hong, Zhao Lei, and the others couldn't hide their joy upon seeing the old man, whom they respectfully greeted.

“Father.”

“Old Patriarch.”

“Old Patriarch.”

It turned out that this old man was the previous patriarch of the Zhao Clan, Zhao Tianjue.

“Bunch of useless fools, you can’t even take down someone at the seventh level!” Zhao Tianjue said coldly, his gaze sweeping across Zhao Hong and the others.

The five, including Zhao Hong, bowed their heads in silence, refraining from any retort.

Ignoring his clan members, Zhao Tianjue turned his attention to Chen Fan and demanded, “Young man, take off your mask. Now that I've emerged from seclusion, you have no escape tonight. You probably have no idea how terrifying Core Formation realm experts are.”

Chen Fan laughed mockingly and said, “Old man, you certainly have a way with words. A mere Illusory Core realm expert like you dares to pretend to be in the Core Formation realm? Have you no shame?"

Icy killing intent immediately shot out from Zhao Tianjue’s eyes. He did not expect Chen Fan to see through his true cultivation level and expose his lies upfront, feeling sulky inside.

However, he maintained a composed exterior. His voice became a little colder as he said, “Young man, even if that's true, escape is futile. Surrender, and you may suffer less. Otherwise, don't blame me for showing no mercy."

“Hahahaha.” Chen Fan laughed loudly and said, “Old man, you can’t stop me if I want to leave!”

The Wings of Rain Dragon flapped fiercely.

Chen Fan had no intention of exchanging blows with Zhao Tianjue.

Even if he advanced to the eighth level and could condense seven illusory primeval vessels right now, Chen Fan still likely wouldn’t be a match for him.

Strictly speaking, someone in the Illusory Core realm was still at the ninth level, but the power they wielded wasn’t something Yuanfu realm experts could ever wield.

Fierce wind immediately whistled. With a swish, Chen Fan shot out like he was launched by a catapult and soared into the clouds, blending into the darkness.

“Hmm?” Zhao Tianjue uttered in surprise, caught off guard by Chen Fan’s speed. “Impressive. What flying technique is this? I have to take it!”

A glint of greed flickered in Zhao Tianjue's eyes as he transformed into a streak of light, swiftly chasing after Chen Fan.

Zhao Hong and the others executed their cultivation technique one after another, and their figures also shot out like arrows.

“Young man, your weak cultivation will let that advanced flying technique down. It’s like a bright pearl covered in dust. If you hand over the flying technique to me, I can spare your life. I might even bestow upon you the Zhao surname and welcome you into our ranks. Past grievances will be forgotten."

Zhao Tianjue was very fast. He was not much slower than Chen Fan when he used Wings of Rain Dragon with all his might.

Chen Fan smiled coldly and said, “Old man, not even you believe those words. Do you think I'm naive enough to trust you?"

“Oh? So, you are choosing death?” Zhao Tianjue’s expression turned cold, his voice filled with killing intent.

His words earlier had indeed been a lie. Had Chen Fan surrendered, Zhao Tianjue would have killed him. What else was he supposed to do?

Spare the one who intruded into the Zhao Clan?

Spare the one who killed the members of his Zhao Clan?

“Old man, I won't waste time arguing with you. Escaping would've been a challenge if you were a real Core Formation expert. But the reality is, you're merely in the Illusory Core realm."

“Hmph, you don’t know what’s good for you. You think you can escape? Let me show you the true power of the Illusory Core realm!”

Zhao Tianjue's demeanor turned stern as his cultivation surged, propelling him even faster and narrowing the gap between him and Chen Fan.

“Die!” With a cold shout, Zhao Tianjue punched at Chen Fan.

The punch’s aura was dazzling, nearly illuminating the imperial city’s night sky. Its momentum was unrivaled, catching up to Chen Fan in a flash. It was like a meteorite crashing onto the earth, setting off boundless gusts of winds, aiming to kill Chen Fan.

Chen Fan’s expression turned serious when he sensed the attack. His figure swayed as he changed directions, dodging the attack.

So, this is the Illusory Core realm... He is ten times stronger than an ordinary ninth-level Yuanfu realm expert. Chen Fan felt slightly uneasy inside.

The earlier punch could easily kill someone at the eighth level or severely wound someone at the ninth level.

Since Zhao Tianjue was in the Illusory Core realm, he had some of the powers of a Core Formation realm expert.

“Hey, look at that!”

“Heavens, that’s the Zhao Clan’s last patriarch, Zhao Tianjue. He’s still alive!”

“I heard that he was training in seclusion after stepping down as the Zhao Clan’s patriarch, trying to break through to the Core Formation realm. Looks like he succeeded."

“......”

Despite the late hour, the imperial city glowed with bright lights, and the streets remained busy with pedestrians.

The terrifying auras clashing high up in the sky immediately drew the attention of countless people. They looked up one after another and quickly recognized Zhao Tianjue.

“My fellow friends ahead, please help me stop this sinful beast who killed our Zhao Clan’s people. You only have to stop him for one breath’s time, and we will thank you generously.” Zhao Tianjue’s voice rang out, tempting some Yuanfu realm experts ahead.

Chen Fan was too fast. Despite utilizing all his cultivation, Zhao Tianjue could only maintain their current distance. And this only made him more interested in Chen Fan’s flying technique.

Suddenly, a figure shot up from the ground to block Chen Fan. This person’s cultivation surged, indicating they were at the seventh level.

“Haha, very well, I’ll give Senior Zhao a hand. Stop, you sinful beast!”

He looked at Chen Fan like he was looking at a mountain of gold or silver.

Zhao Tianjue had only asked to stop Chen Fan for a breath’s time, not to kill him. He thought that, with his cultivation, that would be easy.

“You’re courting death!”

Chen Fan didn’t slow down in the slightest. When he was still a thousand steps away from this person, the Heaven Piercing Spear in his hand spun fiercely and shot out, tearing through the air. A mournful ripping noise resounded through the clouds.

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