Chen Fan was stunned by the remark.
The leader of the Dragon Fish Society clapped his hands, and a maid came forward, holding a wooden box.
The leader of the Dragon Fish Society opened the wooden box, revealing a white, grayish-white bead of an unknown material.
Chen Fan sensed a strange, violent aura emanating from it.
Was this a precious medicine? It didn't look like one at all.
"What is this?" Chen Fan asked.
"This, is actually a demon core!"
The leader of the Dragon Fish Society said.
Chen Fan was surprised. "Demon core? What is that?"
"You can think of it as a golden core."
The leader of the Dragon Fish Society smiled.
Chen Fan's heart skipped a beat.
The concept of a golden core was not uncommon in Daoist scriptures.
Huangfu Xi had also mentioned it before; he himself was a cultivator who had achieved a golden core, and there were no shortage of such powerful individuals in Kunlun.
And now, a demon core?
"As the name suggests, a demon core is the golden core of a demon or monster."
"In this era, monsters and demons have long vanished, but in ancient times, some demons and monsters were recorded."
The leader of the Dragon Fish Society said, "Young Master Chen need not imagine them as too mystical. Unlike in ordinary novels, demons and monsters were not that powerful and usually had weaknesses."
"Moreover, even in ancient times, so-called monsters were probably rare."
"Just like human cultivation, some monsters that survived for a long time often developed special abilities. The power of these abilities condensed in a certain part of their body, forming a demon core."
"Therefore, demon cores contain quite potent power and are a very important and special material for cultivators when refining magical artifacts."
Listening to the explanation, Chen Fan still felt it was somewhat mystical.
Of course, it was not entirely unacceptable.
After all, his knowledge far surpassed that of ordinary people; he had just not had much contact with the cultivation world.
As the king of the underworld, he had indeed witnessed many strange and peculiar things.
Even in the current era, there were still many mysterious events worldwide that science could not explain, and some strange tales persisted.
Reports of sea monsters and water beasts frequently appeared in the newspapers.
"So, this item is undoubtedly precious. Why are you so generous, President?"
Chen Fan suddenly said.
"This item is indeed precious."
The leader of the Dragon Fish Society said, "However, it's not something ordinary people can utilize. For example, I've had this demon core for some years, but it's of no use to me!"
Chen Fan was surprised. "How can that be?"
"The power within this demon core can be considered a violent energy, and it's quite troublesome to ignite it."
"Moreover, the outburst of this violent, frenzied energy would cause a great impact on cultivators and martial artists, making it unmanageable for most people. At least, I cannot control it. Forcing its refinement would not only be unhelpful but would also lead to a decline in cultivation and physical injury."
"But you, Young Master Chen, are different. Your willpower is unbreakable, and you have already utilized the power of the Dragon Scale Compass. Perhaps you can make use of it."
The leader of the Dragon Fish Society said, "Of course, there are specific methods on how to utilize it."
Saying that, she actually took out a yellowed, old booklet from her person and handed it to Chen Fan.
Chen Fan took it and his eyebrows twitched.
The booklet was inscribed with four characters in cursive script: Dan Dao Zhen Jie (The True Explanation of the Elixir Path).
Turning to the first page, the first line of text appeared: "I have cultivated the Dao for a century, with some slight gains, which I record for the benefit of future generations..."
"The path of the golden core?" Chen Fan asked.
"Precisely."
The leader of the Dragon Fish Society said, "This was left by my grand-master. He touched upon the realm of the golden core, but alas, due to old age, he was ultimately unable to take that final step. His experiences and conjectures, along with some of the techniques he practiced, are all contained within!"
"It includes methods for absorbing the power of demon cores!"
"This is too precious!"
Chen Fan said.
"It is indeed very precious. As the saying goes, a gift bestowed requires a request."
The leader of the Dragon Fish Society said calmly, "My intentions are naturally not small."
"Please speak, President."
"The agreement regarding the Dragon Scale Compass still stands."
The leader of the Dragon Fish Society said, "In addition to that, I hope that once Young Master Chen's strength improves, you will accompany me to Kunlun."
"Kunlun?"
Chen Fan said, "This was already agreed upon. Once the Dragon Scale Compass is assembled, I will naturally invite you to accompany me to activate the place corresponding to the Dragon Scale Compass."
"It's more than that."
The leader of the Dragon Fish Society shook her head and said, "I don't understand the specific details, but according to the information left by my sect, Kunlun holds a great secret, possibly even related to longevity."
"Longevity?"
"Perhaps not that exaggerated, but the secret of Kunlun is of immense significance."
The leader of the Dragon Fish Society said, "We will only know once we go there. There is an otherworldly place there, guarded by cultivators since ancient times, also known as the Kunlun Secret Realm."
"Do you know, Young Master Chen, that the Kunlun Secret Realm selects disciples once every ten years? They call this event 'Heaven's Mandate'!"
"Some ancient martial arts families and sects are aware of this matter. If they find exceptionally talented seedlings, they will send them for selection, and upon being chosen, they will be brought into the Kunlun Secret Realm for training."
Chen Fan gave a wry smile upon hearing this. "How would I not know? My friend was brought into the Kunlun Secret Realm. In Beijing, I met a visitor from Kunlun named Huangfu Xi and had quite a conversation."
As he spoke, Chen Fan recounted some of his discussions with Huangfu Xi.
Hearing this, the leader of the Dragon Fish Society was not overly surprised, only remarking, "That Huangfu Xi is actually a golden core cultivator?"
Chen Fan nodded.
"That's a bit troublesome. Not just you, even I would not measure up to the cultivators in the Kunlun Secret Realm."
She said, "This matter requires careful consideration."
"I will go to Kunlun first," Chen Fan said.
The leader of the Dragon Fish Society frowned upon hearing this and said, "Under these circumstances, the situation is likely very dangerous. I fear you might not only fail to see your friend but also get yourself into trouble."
"Why not gather the Dragon Scale Compass first and then make plans?"
"I cannot wait,"
Chen Fan said.
"So, your coming to the Zhong family to refine medicine was solely to quickly improve your strength?"
The leader of the Dragon Fish Society suddenly realized, "I still suggest you take a bit more time."
Chen Fan shook his head, his tone resolute, saying, "I will set off in three days."
The leader of the Dragon Fish Society hesitated for a moment and said, "Then, shall I accompany you?"
"No need."
Chen Fan thought for a moment. Although the leader of the Dragon Fish Society would be a helper, there was no need to trouble her.
He shook his head. "The Dragon Scale Compass is not yet complete. This trip is only to see my friend. If you accompany me, it would only be an added danger."
"Furthermore, this journey is likely to involve danger and conflict. If you go, it will be a burden to you."
After considering, the leader of the Dragon Fish Society felt that Chen Fan's reasoning was sound and nodded, saying, "Then be very careful."
Chen Fan nodded. "Rest assured, I won't die so easily. Even if I clash with experts from the Kunlun Secret Realm, I will return alive."
This was not mere bravado, but a powerful confidence forged from countless brushes with death and life on the edge of a blade.