For context, a cultivator at the ninth level of Foundation Establishment only had eighty-four units of Magical Power.

This meant the inner core was already equivalent to the dantian of a cultivator at the Great Perfection stage of Foundation Establishment.

Of course, such a massive boost was only possible because the Clouded Leopard Inner Core was a Tier Two inner core to begin with.

’At this rate, all I need is to absorb one more Tier Two inner core, and I’ll have enough to forge a Fake Pill.’

’By then, I alone will possess Magical Power equivalent to that of three Foundation Establishment cultivators combined.’

But that wasn’t the most crucial part.

More importantly, once he forged a Fake Pill, he wouldn’t just gain a fraction of a Golden Core’s power ahead of schedule.

It would also increase his success rate for Core Formation by a full thirty percent when he attempted to break through to the Golden Core realm.

Xiao Chen only had a low-grade Wood Spirit Root. If he tried to break through directly to the Golden Core realm, his success rate for Core Formation would be 5% at best.

Frankly, with such a low success rate, it was a guaranteed failure.

That, to him, was the most incredible thing about the Fake Pill.

What’s more, the success rate bonus from the Fake Pill was calculated independently and didn’t conflict with any other methods.

With this in mind, Xiao Chen went straight to Elder Chen to ask for the latest news on inner cores.

"Oh? You’ve heard the news about the inner core, too?"

Elder Chen looked at Xiao Chen, a little surprised.

’I never would’ve thought this seemingly reclusive disciple of mine had such well-informed sources.’

He then leisurely poured Xiao Chen a cup of Spirit Tea. "Here, try this first. It’s a real treat I had someone bring back from Hezhou for me."

"It’s every bit as good as what your Eldest Martial Uncle has."

Xiao Chen was a little confused, but he picked up the teacup and took a sip anyway.

’How should I put it?’

’It tastes exactly the same as the tea I had at the Qi Refining Hall the time before last. I’m pretty sure it’s the same kind.’ 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Elder Chen also took a small sip before speaking. "Then again, the last time an inner core was auctioned was thirty years ago."

"If it weren’t for this war, the Lingyuan Sect probably wouldn’t have been willing to put one up for auction."

Xiao Chen slowly started to put the pieces together.

He then asked tentatively, "Master, I have a friend."

"He told me that a Tier Two Clouded Leopard Inner Core has surfaced. I’m not sure if that information is true or false."

Elder Chen nodded. "That’s right, a Tier Two Clouded Leopard Inner Core. Your friend is quite resourceful; I only found out about this myself the day before yesterday."

’Well, that settles it. No need to ask any more questions.’

’In all likelihood, the Clouded Leopard Inner Core he’d consumed was the very same one Elder Chen was talking about.’

’He had no idea why it had been on a Foundation Establishment Cultivator from the Azure Flame Sect, or how it ultimately ended up in his hands.’

’But the odds of such an extremely rare item being a mere coincidence were practically zero.’

But this just made things more complicated.

The war in Hezhou was now raging. According to the grapevine, more than one late-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator had already died in battle.

It was said that two Golden Core cultivators from the Demon Dao had even made an appearance, clashing with the Lingyuan Sect’s Golden Core True Men.

All in all, it was best to avoid Hezhou if at all possible under the current circumstances.

Xiao Chen pressed, "Master, are there no inner core trades here in Li State?"

Elder Chen shook his head. "That’s... hard to say. I’d guess there aren’t any at the moment."

"After all, there aren’t many families in Li State who raise Spirit Beasts, so of course we can’t compare to Hezhou."

"Besides, we haven’t been on good terms with the Azure Flame Sect for the past two years. Even if they had inner cores, it’s unlikely they’d be willing to trade them with us."

However, Xiao Chen’s eyes lit up when he heard this.

’He wasn’t afraid of a challenge; he was only afraid that there were no inner cores to be found in Li State at all.’

"Master, within the Azure Flame Sect, which family do you think is most likely to have an inner core?"

Elder Chen replied, "It would have to be either the Ji Family or the Guo Family. They’re the only two with the resources to raise Tier Two Spirit Beasts."

’He was actually a bit curious now. Why was this disciple of his so interested in inner cores all of a sudden?’

’But as always, if Xiao Chen didn’t bring it up on his own, he had no intention of asking.’

’Sometimes, maintaining a respectful distance was the best way to grow closer.’