Chapter 356: Invincible Core: I’ve Never Fought Such A Well-Funded War

Translator: yikaii Editor: yikaii

(TL Note: The chapter title is a chinese meme which originated from the context of military or combat scenarios. The meme generally conveys a sense of astonishment at having an unexpectedly abundant supply of resources for a particular task. It’s often used jokingly when people find themselves in a situation where they are given much more than what is usually expected or needed. The phrase plays on the idea that in many situations, people are used to working with limited resources, so when they suddenly have more than enough, it’s a “luxury” they haven’t experienced before. Here is it being used on bilibili when talking about Mobile Legends, a MOBA. similar to League of Legends. https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1qB4y1b729/?uid=425631714234793162373239)

“Six Foundation Building Stage cultivators, two Golden Core Stage cultivators, this lineup…” The Foundation Building Stage cultivators who were lucky enough to enter the top eight showed troubled expressions.

According to tradition, the top eight would duel in the arena, and the final rankings would be determined based on the order of elimination.

To this end, they had devised strategies with the help of their sect elders, calculating how to eliminate opponents and stay in the competition for as long as possible.

The plans included, but were not limited to: feigned cooperation, backstabbing, double-crossing, and sudden betrayal…

But now, facing this situation, none of their plans were useful. The only way to win was for the six Foundation Building Stage cultivators to join forces against Lu Yang and Meng Jingzhou.

Just as the seed cultivators were contemplating how to proceed, a calm voice rang out: “If you follow my command, there’s still a chance of victory.”

The seed cultivators looked up to see the only mid-stage Foundation Building cultivator present.

“So, it’s the heir of the Yan family.”

The Yan family was a prominent clan in Qingzhou, with a legacy of six thousand years and a continuous lineage. The family had three Unity realm ancestors, and even the state governor treated the Yan family with respect.

“If the Yan heir is directing, then it’s worth a try.”

With someone taking the lead, the seed cultivators nodded in agreement. The Yan heir had the highest cultivation among them and enjoyed the highest prestige, backed by the Yan family. With him in command, everyone was convinced.

“Zhou Fangge, what about you?” The Yan heir turned his gaze to the black-robed youth.

“I have no objections,” Zhou Fangge replied with a smile, “but I have only one request: the five of you deal with Meng Jingzhou, and Lu Yang will be mine alone.”

The crowd erupted in anger, feeling that Zhou Fangge was being utterly reckless. “Are you kidding? With your mediocre performance so far, how dare you think you can take on Lu Yang by yourself?!”

Only by working together could they possibly defeat Lu Yang and Meng Jingzhou, and now this one was shouting to go to his death, how could they not be furious?

Suddenly, Zhou Fangge released his true cultivation, causing everyone’s expressions to shift. It was a cultivation level even stronger than the Yan heir.

“Late-stage Foundation Building?!”

No one expected that Zhou Fangge would be at the late stage of Foundation Building, hiding his strength so well.

Without Lu Yang and Meng Jingzhou, he would have been the greatest threat.

Imagine this: in the arena, with eight people battling, and Zhou Fangge unleashing his true strength at the final moment—who could possibly stand against him?

Zhou Fangge had already anticipated their reactions and said calmly, “Now, am I qualified to take on Lu Yang alone?”

“In fact, I could already form a Golden Core, and it would definitely be one of the top-three first-grade Golden Core. But in order to forge a first-grade Golden Core, I halted my progress.”

The Yan heir frowned and advised, “With all due respect, even as a late-stage Foundation Building cultivator, your chances of defeating Lu Yang are still not very high.”

Zhou Fangge smiled playfully, “Actions speak louder than words. Since the Yan heir doesn’t believe me, then just watch.”

“Alright, the finals are about to start. Let’s get on stage.”

Zhou Fangge laughed heartily as he ascended to the arena.

Seeing Zhou Fangge’s confidence, the Yan heir felt more at ease. If Zhou Fangge dared to make such claims, he must have something up his sleeve. Whatever it was, as long as it could defeat Lu Yang, it was good enough.

“Everyone knows that my Yan family’s most famous skill is the ‘Weapon Mastery Manual,’ unparalleled in offense. I was taught by my great-grandfather from a young age and know the ‘Weapon Mastery Manual’ better than anyone. I will take the lead in the attack.”

“Gu Qisheng, your Yin Constitution imbues your attacks with a chilling effect, and even I would struggle against you. The two of us will attack Meng Jingzhou together.”

“Shi Xuan, you’re familiar with formations, use them to disrupt Meng Jingzhou.”

“Yang Xianyi, you’ve mastered talismans, use them as needed to support us.”

“Sima He, your Jishi Manor is renowned for the Amrita technique. In the previous battles, your opponents couldn’t harm you faster than you could heal. Stay at the back and heal Gu Qisheng and me!”

The Yan heir gave out instructions one by one, and soon, a well-coordinated temporary team was formed.

…

“Senior Brother Meng, please guide us!” The Yan heir clasped his fists firmly, his expression resolute.

“Senior Brother Meng, please guide us!” the other four shouted in unison.

Meng Jingzhou was startled. Before the match, he had discussed with Lu Yang that each would take on three opponents. Why were there five people on his side now?

The Yan heir didn’t give Meng Jingzhou time to think. Holding an axe in his left hand and a halberd in his right, he swung his weapons swiftly, like a dragon soaring through the clouds or an eagle striking through the sky. His moves were fierce and swift, making others feel a surge of excitement.

Gu Qisheng tensed his muscles, and the tip of his spear quivered slightly before thrusting toward Meng Jingzhou with a whoosh. The true energy surged, whipping up a fierce gale, creating a spectacular scene.

The other three were not idle either. A binding formation rose under Meng Jingzhou’s feet, making him feel as if his legs were trapped in a swamp, unable to move.

Paper cranes made of talismans flew out from Yang Xianyi’s sleeves, blocking all of Meng Jingzhou’s escape routes.

Sima He chanted incantations that resonated in the ears of the Yan heir and Gu Qisheng. Their minds cleared, and their consciousness temporarily surged. They discarded all external distractions, fully immersing themselves in battle, amplifying the power of their weapons even further!

The flawless cooperation of the five drew exclamations from the audience. Even the Golden Core Stage cultivators watching couldn’t help but look troubled, knowing that such a scenario would be difficult to handle, even for them, making a clean retreat nearly impossible.

For a Golden Core Stage to be harmed by Foundation Building Stage cultivators was a humiliating affair.

Lu Yang withdrew his gaze and looked at Zhou Fangge, somewhat puzzled. “Just you alone? You seem to be just a late-stage Foundation Building cultivator, right?”

Zhou Fangge was taken aback. It was the first time since his debut that someone could see through his cultivation, but he remained unafraid, smiling coldly. “One is enough.”

He had defeated a Golden Core early stage cultivator before, and that was without using his trump cards—relying solely on solid fundamentals and techniques. However, facing a top-tier cultivator like Lu Yang would not be as simple.

So, he decided to use his trump card.

He understood the mindset of high-level cultivators: the higher their cultivation, the higher their standards. They generally looked down on those of lower stages, and when facing opponents beneath their level, they often unconsciously relaxed. That was his chance!

He would show Lu Yang that cultivation level wasn’t everything—combat prowess was the key!

Seeing Zhou Fangge’s confidence, it was clear he had some extraordinary means. Lu Yang did not take him lightly. He pulled out his Qingfeng Sword from his identity jade token, ready to give his all. Then, he activated the Invincible Core to find a strategy.

The Invincible Core extracted a sliver of Lu Yang’s spiritual energy and spun rapidly, quickly providing an analysis.

“The opponent is at the late-stage Foundation Building level. His eyes are predominantly black with a hint of gray, a characteristic of the Vast Dao Body. The Vast Dao Body is boundless and infinite, and its internal spiritual energy reserves are ten times that of others at the same level. He excels in prolonged battles; the longer the fight, the more unfavorable it becomes. It’s rare to find opponents at the same level, and challenging higher levels is a common occurrence.”

Lu Yang continued to ask, “So, how should I fight him?”

“Just hit him casually.”

With that, they engaged in combat.

(End of the chapter)