~~~

I got closer to nature to better commune with the elements. I had filled my dantain to the brim with Elemental qi. Now it was time for me to form my Core!

I would connect a core to my meridians. It would act as a much stronger power source than my qi filled dantain.

It is the difference between mountain dew or red bull; I thought. Soon I will be fully charged, red bull gives you wings!

Everyone formed a core differently according to the scripture. It was a personal choice, unique to the individual, that lead to forming a Core. It would determine how I performed while in the Core Formation realm.

To form the elemental core I wanted, I needed to reach a perfect balance with the four elements. The scripture was comprehensive and listed several types of elemental cores that I could form. A single elemental core was the simplest.

To forge a single elemental core I would have to take my Elemental qi and condense it into that single element forming the core. This core would allow a stronger connection to the element I chose. It would generate elemental essence. A stage higher than qi.

If I formed this core, for access to the other elements I would have to always convert my essence. This was not ideal and would hamper my battle strength. I would be strong in a single element but weak in other elements if I choose this path.

I was used to having command of all four of the elements. I would never choose such a simple path. I shot for the moon; I wished to form the most complex core. A four-elemental core!

With this core I would create four distinct types of elemental essence. An elemental essence for each of the four elemental Daos I practice!

To reach perfect balance in the four elements, I meditated day and night contemplating my usage of the elements. From time to time I would practice techniques hoping to reach a balance. After meditating for a time, I felt something was missing.

In China, in my previous life, they taught me the five elements! The Western four elements of Earth, Wind, Fire, and Air were not the Eastern five elements of Wood, Earth, Water, Fire, and Metal. This was the source of my unease.

My Dao heart would not let me reach a balance with these four elements. Internally I felt they were wrong. Not necessarily wrong in a literal sense, but a philosophical sense. The Western four elements were not my path!

I felt my Dao path was wrong. Since this was a wuxia world I would take a risk. The Cla.s.sic elements scripture had detailed information on how to commune with all the elements. I could use it to connect to the Eastern elements.

The Chinese celebrated Yin-Yang and the five elements. I would do something unthinkable. I would inject my Eastern philosophy into this technique. But this was my Dao! It must conform to me.

"The Moon is Yin, The Sun is Yang… Generating elements Wood feeds fire, Fire creates earth, Earth bears metal, Metal collects water, Water nourishes wood… Overcoming elements Wood parts earth, Earth absorbs water, Water quenches fire, Fire melts metal, Metal chops wood… The balance of Ying and Yang creates a cycle"

I connected with Metal and Wood Dao and formed a Ying-Yang cycle core! It felt perfect when I created it. Though it differed from the four-elemental core described in the scripture, this core was ideal for me!

I felt enlightened and my cultivation was growing. Ying and Yang with the five elements in balance. I had gained a glimpse of the path I should pursue.

~~~

Wanfang was talented. He had cleanly broken through the Baron realm in the six months he had allowed himself. Even creating his personal Ying-Yang cycle core.

Though his connection with Wood and Metal was still weak, they still allowed his core to reach a balance with his understanding of Chinese philosophy. Wanfang exited his seclusion br.i.m.m.i.n.g with vigor and looking towards the future.

~~~

The mansion and the training grounds had been built now. Kyle provided me with servants and maids for the war base. It would be up to our young lord to give this base a name, but everything was now in order. I was ready to take on the recruits!

I moved the stable transfer portal to the Tutan World inside the war base. This had now become ground zero for [Libra]. Stable portals to pocket worlds were much cheaper to operate than breaching. The resources still transported to a repository at the Young n.o.ble Lounge, however, the ascenders would find themselves here.

I believe Wesser Forest will be the staging ground for most training. As an organization under a Hudson clan member, they gave [Libra] discounted services in the Wesser forest.

I decided that I would bring the recruits adventuring in a Baron camp. The Knight camps only had demon beasts up to the high-Knight realm.

Since the ascenders would seek a breakthrough to the completion-Knight realm, they would have to find their fix in a Baron camp. I sat off for the Hudson camping authority to set up arraignments in a Baron camp.

"How can I help you today?" said the bright-eyed attendant.

"Yes, I"m looking to set up lodging within a Baron camp for a small group," I said.

"How many members are in your group?" she said.

"There shouldn"t be over ten," I said.

"Are you looking to hunt a particular demon beast or are you just going there for the experience?" she said.

"We are a Hudson clan organization," I said.

I flashed my devil mark for [Libra].

"I see," she said.

Her tone changed now that she knew I was with the Hudson clan.

"If it"s your first time adventuring as an organization in the Wesser Forest I would suggest the Dancing Bird Tropic Baron camp," she said.

"It is our largest Baron camp, but also the most visited. It has a wonderful mix of wildlife with amazing scenery,"

"Dancing Bird Tropic is a tropical destination. Here are a few pictures and a map of the camp," she said.

I was astonished when I looked at what the Dancing Bird Tropic Baron camp offered!