I transmigrated to a chaotic world and became the sole player.

The Diyuan Sect's Sutra Repository is located in a secluded valley behind the main peak. It is an ancient and majestic seven-story pavilion with flying eaves and brackets, faintly glowing with spiritual light. It is surrounded by restrictions and is heavily guarded.

Holding the token bestowed by Elder Yan, Lu Zhao was carefully examined by the guards and his identity was verified before he was allowed to enter the Sutra Repository.

Upon entering the pavilion, a faint fragrance of books mixed with the aura of time wafted over. The first floor was extremely spacious, with rows of tall wooden shelves displaying countless jade slips, classics, and animal hide scrolls, all categorized and arranged. Many disciples came and went, but all remained silent, each searching for the cultivation techniques and secret arts they needed.

Lu Zhao didn't linger on the first floor, but went straight up the stairs to the second floor. The second floor was slightly smaller than the first, but the collection of books was clearly more valuable, mostly cultivation techniques suitable for Foundation Establishment cultivators, as well as more advanced spells and secret arts. The security was also much stricter, with several late-stage Foundation Establishment disciples in charge.

Lu Zhao presented his token and explained his purpose. Upon seeing the token, the disciple in charge became solemn. After carefully checking it and confirming its authenticity, he respectfully led Lu Zhao up to the third floor.

At the entrance on the third floor, a soft light curtain rippled like water, separating the inside from the outside. The disciple in charge pressed his token onto the light curtain, causing ripples to appear and revealing a doorway.

"Senior Brother Lu, please. You have half an hour to choose, and you can only choose one cultivation technique or spell each time. Once you have chosen, you cannot change it. All the books on the third floor are protected by restrictions. You cannot forcibly make copies of them, and you cannot damage them. You must return them after you have finished reading them," the disciple in charge instructed.

"Thank you." Lu Zhao nodded and stepped into the light screen.

Behind the light curtain, the space was not large, containing only dozens of independent jade platforms. Each platform held one or more jade slips of different colors, emitting a faint glow. In front of each platform were brief descriptions of the cultivation techniques or spells, including their names, attributes, characteristics, and cultivation requirements.

The number of books here is far less than on the first and second floors, but each jade slip exudes an ancient and mysterious aura, clearly extraordinary.

Lu Zhao composed himself and began to browse carefully.

"Earth Origin Mountain Suppressing Technique, a top-tier earth-elemental technique. Upon mastery, one can become one with the earth, possessing unparalleled defense, immense strength, and keen sensitivity to the earth's energy... It requires a superior-grade earth spiritual root and can only be practiced in the late Foundation Establishment stage."

"The Blazing Fire Technique is a top-tier fire-based cultivation method. Its fire control is unparalleled, capable of burning mountains and boiling seas with boundless power... It requires a superior fire spirit root, a steadfast will, and the courage to withstand the burning of one's own heart fire."

"The Profound Yin True Water Technique is a top-tier water-based cultivation method. It is extremely yin and gentle, and excels at healing, trapping enemies, and transformation... It requires a high-grade water spiritual root, and it is best to have a pure yin body."

"The Yi Wood Longevity Scripture is a top-tier wood-type cultivation technique. It possesses enduring vitality and excels in healing injuries, cultivating spiritual plants, and prolonging life... It requires a superior wood spiritual root and a peaceful mind."

"Gengjin Breaking Void Sword Technique, a metal-based sword technique, is incomparably sharp and is specifically designed to break through protective qi and restrictive formations... It requires a high-grade metal spiritual root and outstanding talent in swordsmanship."

The top-tier cultivation techniques of the five elements each possess unique characteristics and are the foundation upon which the Earth Origin Sect was founded, enough to drive countless Foundation Establishment cultivators mad. However, Lu Zhao only glanced at them briefly before paying no further attention. He possessed dual dragon energy, one of annihilation and the other of imperial path, both of which transcended the scope of the five elements. Although these cultivation techniques were excellent, they were not the most suitable for him.

He continued his search, his gaze sweeping over some rare lightning, wind, and ice-based techniques, as well as various powerful secret arts, escape techniques, formations, alchemy and weapon crafting tips, and so on.

"The Lesser Five Elements Escape Technique is a collection of the five elements' escape methods. When cultivated to its fullest extent, it allows one to freely traverse among objects of the five elements, possessing unparalleled wonder... It requires mastery of the five elements' spells and a powerful spiritual soul."

"The Heavenly Eye is a secret technique of the pupil art. After cultivation, one can see through illusions, see through disguises, and observe the flow of spiritual energy... It requires a strong soul and a certain talent for pupil arts."

"The Light and Shadow Splitting Technique is a secret movement technique that can split light and shadow to confuse opponents. When mastered, it can allow for short-distance teleportation... It requires an extremely strong perception of light and shadow attributes."

"The Refining Spirit Technique is a secret method for cultivating the soul. It can temper the soul, strengthen the divine sense, and resist inner demons... It has no attribute requirements, but it has extremely high requirements for temperament and comprehension."

Lu Zhao's gaze lingered on the "Refining Spirit Technique" for a moment. This technique could strengthen the soul and resist inner demons, which might be helpful in resolving the demonic thoughts in his sea of ​​consciousness. However, he already had the Annihilation Sword Intent suppressing them, and he was about to refine the "Soul Nourishing and Spirit Refining Pill," so although this technique was good, it was not urgently needed.

"What I need is a method to better utilize and tap into the potential of the dual dragon energy within my body, or a method to help me break through the bottleneck of Core Formation faster," Lu Zhao thought to himself, and continued his search.

Time passed slowly. Half an hour may seem like a long time, but with so many top-level inheritances, it still felt urgent.

Suddenly, Lu Zhao's gaze fell upon an inconspicuous jade platform in the corner. On that platform floated a dark, somewhat damaged black jade slip, its surface faintly displaying some blurry, dragon-shaped patterns. The description in front of the jade platform was also very simple:

"Nine Dragons Controlling Qi Technique (Fragment), origin unknown, suspected to be an ancient method for controlling dragon qi and tempering the body. The technique is incomplete, with only the first two levels of mental cultivation and some energy circulation methods remaining. The cultivation conditions are harsh, requiring true dragon blood or pure dragon qi as a catalyst, and demanding extremely high physical strength. Successful cultivation allows one to control dragon qi, tempering oneself and significantly enhancing physical strength and spiritual power. It also includes the secret techniques 'Dragon's Might' and 'Dragon Scale Protection' (fragment). Note: This technique is severely incomplete and has extremely demanding cultivation conditions; since its inclusion, no one has successfully mastered it. Choose carefully!"

Nine Dragons Controlling Qi Technique! Command dragon energy to temper your body! Includes the secret techniques "Dragon's Might" and "Dragon Scale Protection"!

Lu Zhao's heart skipped a beat! This was practically a cultivation technique tailor-made for him! He possessed dual dragon energy, especially the Dark Gold Dragon Emperor's energy, which inherently exuded the pressure of a true dragon. If he could cultivate this technique, he would be able to better control and unleash the power of dragon energy, temper his physique, and even complete and strengthen dragon race's innate divine abilities such as "Dragon Might" and "Dragon Scale Protection"! Moreover, this technique could improve the quality of spiritual energy, which would be of great benefit to breaking through the Golden Core bottleneck!

As for warnings like "incomplete technique," "harsh cultivation conditions," and "no one has mastered it," these were not problems at all in Lu Zhao's eyes. With the True Dragon Hundred Transformations as his foundation and dual dragon energy as his guide, the success rate of cultivating this technique was extremely high! As for the incompleteness, obtaining the first two layers of the mental cultivation method and some energy circulation techniques was already a great stroke of luck. The subsequent parts might be available in the future.

"This is it!" Lu Zhao no longer hesitated, reaching out to take the black jade slip into his hand. It felt slightly heavy, the jade slip was cool, and the texture was strange, as if there were wisps of dragon energy flowing inside the jade slip.

Having chosen his cultivation method, Lu Zhao lingered, took the jade slip, and stepped out of the light barrier.

When the disciples waiting outside saw Lu Zhao come out with the black jade slip in his hand, a hint of surprise flashed in their eyes, but they did not say anything. They simply accepted the jade slip respectfully and registered it in the jade register next to them.

"Senior Brother Lu, this cultivation technique is a rubbing. You may take it back and study it. There are restrictions within the jade slip; it can only be read once and must not be passed on to others. After reading, the jade slip will be automatically destroyed. Please keep it safe and do not lose it." The disciple in charge handed the jade slip back and gave him instructions.

"Thank you." Lu Zhao nodded, accepted the jade slip, and put it into his storage bag. The jade slip could only be read once, which was a common method used by sects to protect their core inheritance.

After leaving the Scripture Pavilion, Lu Zhao did not return to Tingzhu Xiaozhu, but went straight to the sect's Alchemy Hall. He needed to confirm whether Elder Chisong had returned, and to discuss matters related to refining the "Soul Nourishing and Spirit Refining Pill".

The Alchemy Hall was located on Danxia Peak of the Diyuan Sect. The hall was magnificent and filled with the fragrance of medicinal herbs. Lu Zhao found a disciple in charge and asked Elder Chisong about it.

"Elder Chishong?" The disciple in charge shook his head. "The elder went out to visit a friend a month ago and has not returned yet. His return date is uncertain. If you have important matters to discuss, senior brother, you may leave a message or token, and I will convey it to the elder upon his return."

Lu Zhao's heart sank slightly. With Elder Chishong absent, the refining of the "Soul-Nourishing and Spirit-Refining Pill" had to be postponed. However, he already possessed the Soul-Stabilizing Flower, the main ingredient, so there was no rush. He took out the jade talisman given to him by Elder Chishong, which granted him a reward, and handed it to the disciple in charge, saying, "This is a jade talisman bestowed by Elder Chishong, stating that it can be used to receive contribution points and one opportunity to ask for guidance. Now that the elder has not returned, these contribution points…"

The disciple in charge took the jade talisman, examined it carefully, and after confirming that it was correct, said, "Senior brother, rest assured, the contribution points can be distributed first. Please follow me."

Under the guidance of the disciple in charge, Lu Zhao successfully received 30,000 contribution points, bringing the total number of contribution points in his identity jade token to 160,000. Although this was still a far cry from the 500,000 needed to exchange for a Golden Core Pill, it was already a considerable sum.

"The opportunity to seek guidance will only be granted upon Elder Chishong's return. At that time, Senior Brother can use this jade token to come to Danxia Peak to request an audience with the Elder," the disciple in charge said.

"Thank you for your trouble." Lu Zhao nodded and put away the jade talisman. It seems that the matter of alchemy will have to wait.

After leaving the Alchemy Hall, Lu Zhao went to the Myriad Laws Pavilion and used some of his contribution points to exchange for some auxiliary materials needed to refine the "Soul Nourishing and Spirit Refining Pill." Although these materials were not as precious as the Soul-Stabilizing Flower, they were still quite valuable, especially some of the auxiliary herbs that stabilized the soul and harmonized the medicinal properties, which were quite difficult to find. Fortunately, Lu Zhao had enough contribution points and was able to purchase them all smoothly.

After finishing these tasks, Lu Zhao went to the Artifact Hall again and used his remaining contribution points to exchange for several life-saving and escape talismans and one-time-use magical artifacts. Now that he was quite wealthy, he naturally wanted to make more preparations.

On his way back to Tingzhu Xiaozhu, Lu Zhao could clearly sense that there were more eyes watching him from the shadows, and they were even more brazen. Several divine senses even scanned him without any attempt to conceal their greed, covetousness, and a hint of malice.

"It seems the news of my huge contribution points and entry into the third floor of the Scripture Pavilion has already spread." Lu Zhao sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly calm. Although he had many contribution points, he hadn't yet exchanged them for a Golden Core Pill, and his most precious possession, the Earth Vein Dragon Crystal, had already been handed over. Logically, he shouldn't be attracting so much attention. Unless… someone suspected he possessed something even more valuable, such as… a Soul-Stabilizing Flower? Or perhaps, the person behind Zhou Tong was still unwilling to give up?

Back at Tingzhu Xiaozhu, Lu Zhao activated all the restrictions. He sat down cross-legged, but instead of immediately studying the "Nine Dragons Controlling Qi Technique," he first took out the "Blood Transformation Escape" secret technique that he had obtained from the Netherworld Sect's Envoy Li.

Although this technique is a demonic secret art that depletes one's essence and blood, it is quite useful for escaping in critical moments. Lu Zhao studied it carefully and found that the principle of this technique is not complicated. It is to burn one's own essence and blood to instantly burst out with speed far exceeding the normal level, almost teleporting over short distances. The disadvantages are also obvious: it consumes essence and blood, puts a great burden on the physical body, and leaves a short period of weakness after use.

"It's a decent life-saving escape technique, just use it with caution." Lu Zhao memorized the cultivation method. With his current powerful physique and blood energy, the side effects of using this technique would be much less than those of ordinary cultivators.

After putting away the blood-red jade slip, Lu Zhao carefully took out the black jade slip that contained the "Nine Dragons Controlling Qi Technique (Fragment)".

The jade slip remained cool to the touch. Lu Zhao immersed his consciousness into it.

In an instant, a profound and ancient cultivation technique, its words flowing like dragons and phoenixes, flooded his mind. The opening was the general outline: "The dragon, the spirit of heaven and earth, is unpredictable, roaming the four seas, ruling over all spirits. Nine dragons represent the ultimate. Those who master Qi control the spirit of heaven and earth for their own use, tempering their bodies, condensing dragon might, and forging an indestructible form..."

The cultivation method and its core principles are profound and difficult, far surpassing any method Lu Zhao had previously practiced. Its core is to use one's own dragon energy as a guide to connect with the "dragon veins" or "dragon-shaped spiritual energy" between heaven and earth (not the energy of a real dragon, but the dragon-like spiritual energy contained in mountain and river veins), drawing it into the body and circulating it through special methods to temper the physical body, meridians, bones, internal organs, and even the soul! At the same time, it deeply integrates one's own spiritual power with the dragon energy, enhancing the quality of spiritual power and making it more powerful and characteristic of a "dragon".

Following the mental cultivation method are two secret techniques for practice.

"Dragon's Might: Condensing one's own dragon energy, releasing the true dragon's might to awe all living beings. The stronger one's cultivation and dragon energy, the greater the Dragon's Might, which can suppress the opponent's spiritual power and soul, weakening their combat strength. Upon reaching the pinnacle of cultivation, one can form the 'Dragon's Might Domain'."

"Dragon Scale Protection (Fragment): Draws dragon energy to temper the body surface, forming an incomparably tough 'dragon scale' phantom, greatly enhancing physical defense. This technique is incomplete, with only the initial method of condensing the dragon scale phantom remaining; the subsequent methods of solidification, layering, and transformation are missing."

"Truly profound!" Lu Zhao carefully comprehended it, becoming increasingly astonished and delighted with each reading. This "Nine Dragons Qi Control Technique" was practically tailor-made for him! Its cultivation philosophy was similar to that of "True Dragon Hundred Transformations," but it was more systematic and in-depth, especially emphasizing "qi control" and "body tempering," which perfectly compensated for his current shortcomings of having a relatively superficial understanding of dragon qi and lacking systematic tempering despite improvements in his physique.

Moreover, this is only the first two layers of the incomplete manual! If it were the complete technique, how earth-shattering would it be?

"I must start cultivating as soon as possible! With the help of this technique, my strength will surely reach a new level, and I will be more confident in breaking through to the Core Formation stage!" Lu Zhao suppressed his excitement and began to carefully comprehend the first level of the technique.

The first level of the "Nine Dragons Controlling Qi Technique" is called "Guiding Qi to Temper the Body." Its core is to use one's own dragon qi as a guide to sense and draw in external "dragon-shaped spiritual qi," circulating it within the body along a special route to temper the skin, flesh, tendons, and bones. Upon completion of this level, one can initially condense the illusory image of "dragon scales protecting the body" and gain initial mastery of releasing "dragon might."

Lu Zhao possessed dual dragon energy, making it easy for him to sense "dragon-shaped spiritual energy." Following the instructions of the cultivation method, he sat cross-legged and meditated, slowly circulating the dormant dragon energy and the dark golden dragon emperor energy within his body.

As he circulated his inner energy, he keenly sensed that the surrounding spiritual energy seemed to become more "lively." Some special "spiritual energies," possessing different characteristics such as weight, majesty, and agility, seemed to be summoned, converging towards him in wisps. Some of these "spiritual energies" came from the depths of the earth (earth vein dragon energy), some from the flowing wind in the air (wind dragon energy?), and some from distant water vapor (water dragon energy?). Although they were weak and mixed, far less pure than the dual dragon energy within his body, they carried a primal, wild rhythm belonging to the "dragon."

"Is this what's called 'Dragon-shaped Spiritual Energy'?" Lu Zhao realized. This spiritual energy wasn't the energy of a real dragon, but rather a kind of spiritual energy naturally formed in the world, contained in certain special environments (such as where earth veins converge, auspicious feng shui sites, or deep within spiritual springs), possessing characteristics similar to a "dragon." Cultivating this technique involved guiding and refining this spiritual energy to nourish and strengthen one's own dragon energy and temper one's physique.

He carefully guided these faint "dragon-shaped spiritual energies," circulating them within his body according to the cultivation method. As soon as these energies entered his body, they resonated wonderfully with his own dual dragon energy, like water droplets flowing into a river. Though faint, they made his dragon energy more active and purer. Wherever the spiritual energy flowed, his skin, flesh, and bones felt a tingling, warm sensation, as if undergoing subtle tempering.

"It works!" Lu Zhao was overjoyed. He calmed his mind and focused all his energy on circulating his cultivation technique.

Time slipped by unnoticed during his cultivation. Lu Zhao was completely immersed in the profound mysteries of the Nine Dragons Qi Control Technique, forgetting all the disturbances of the outside world. Nourished by the external "dragon-shaped spiritual energy," the dual dragon energy within his body slowly grew, becoming more condensed and pure. His physical body, too, was slowly but steadily strengthening under this subtle tempering. Beneath his skin, a faint, almost imperceptible layer of dark golden luster flowed, as if an invisible scale was being formed.

After an unknown amount of time, Lu Zhao suddenly felt a stirring in his mind and awoke from his cultivation. He sensed that the restrictions outside the small building had been activated once again.

This time, it wasn't a violent attack, but a normal visit and knock.

Lu Zhao frowned slightly, dispelled his cultivation technique, and stood up to go to the door. He removed the restriction and saw an unfamiliar inner disciple standing outside the door, whose cultivation was at the fifth level of Foundation Establishment and whose expression was somewhat nervous.

"What can I do for you, senior brother?" Lu Zhao asked.

Upon seeing Lu Zhao, the disciple quickly cupped his hands and presented a beautifully crafted invitation: "Senior Brother Lu, I have come to deliver this invitation on the orders of Senior Brother Chu Feng. In three days, Senior Brother Chu will be holding a small exchange meeting at Lingxiu Peak, and he cordially invites Senior Brother Lu to attend. Many fellow disciples will be present to exchange ideas and experiences. This is the invitation; I humbly request Senior Brother Lu's presence."

Chu Feng? Lu Zhao accepted the invitation, his mind quickly flashing through information about this person. Chu Feng was one of the most prominent figures in the inner sect of the Di Yuan Sect, possessing a Foundation Establishment level nine cultivation, reportedly only one step away from the Pseudo-Core Formation realm. He had a powerful background; his grandfather was a Golden Core elder with real authority in the Di Yuan Sect. This man had a wide circle of friends, was skilled in business, and frequently hosted such exchange meetings and Dao discussion gatherings, enjoying considerable prestige among the inner sect disciples.

"I appreciate Senior Brother Chu's kindness. However, I have just returned to the sect and have important matters to attend to..." Lu Zhao was about to decline. He was currently entangled in troubles and only wanted to focus on his cultivation, not get involved in these social interactions.

The disciple quickly said, "Senior Brother Lu, Senior Brother Chu specifically instructed us to make sure you were invited. This exchange meeting will not only have fellow disciples present, but also several true disciples, who may have something you need. Moreover…" He lowered his voice, "Senior Brother Chu said he might have some information about the 'Golden Core' that he could share with you, Senior Brother Lu."

News of the Golden Core Condensation Pill? Lu Zhao's eyes narrowed slightly. This Chu Feng is certainly well-informed, knowing that he urgently needs the Golden Core Condensation Pill. Moreover, he specifically mentioned that his "True Disciple Senior Brother" would also be present... Is this a gesture of goodwill, or... does he have ulterior motives?

"In addition," the disciple added, "Senior Sister Ye Qingyi will also be participating."

Ye Qingyi is going too? Lu Zhao's heart stirred. Ye Qingyi's identity is special; if she participates, it might avoid some unnecessary trouble. Moreover, since Chu Feng dared to release the news of the "Golden Core," it must not be unfounded. Going to see for himself might be good; perhaps he could glean useful information or exchange for what he needs.

"In that case, I will trouble you. Please tell Senior Brother Chu that I will definitely attend the meeting on time in three days." Lu Zhao put away the invitation and said calmly.

"Yes, I will definitely deliver it." The disciple breathed a sigh of relief, cupped his hands, and took his leave.

Watching his disciple's departing figure, Lu Zhao stroked the invitation in his hand, his gaze deep.

"Chu Feng... the Lingxiu Peak exchange meeting... news about the Golden Core stage..." he murmured to himself, "Is it an opportunity, or... another storm?"

In any case, since he had decided to go, he needed to be prepared. His strength had greatly improved, and he had recently acquired the "Nine Dragons Controlling Qi Technique." As long as he didn't encounter any Golden Core cultivators, he would be safe. Besides, Ye Qingyi would be there, providing some support.

"Perfect opportunity. Let's see just how deep the waters are in the inner sect of the Earth Origin Sect." A sharp glint flashed in Lu Zhao's eyes as he turned and returned to his small residence to continue his secluded cultivation.

Meanwhile, in a secluded and picturesque cave on Lingxiu Peak, a young man with a handsome face and refined demeanor, dressed in a moon-white robe, was leisurely sipping tea. He was none other than Chu Feng.

"Young Master, the invitation has been delivered to Lu Zhao. He has accepted it and promised to attend the meeting on time in three days." The disciple who delivered the invitation earlier was now respectfully reporting.

"Okay, I understand. Go on." Chu Feng waved his hand, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.

"Lu Zhao... is quite interesting. He managed to gain the favor of that ice-cold beauty Ye Qingyi, escape unscathed from that idiot Zhou Tong, and even win Elder Yan's favor... Heh, I hope you won't disappoint me."

He took a sip of tea, his gaze sweeping over the misty mountains outside the cave, a subtle, calculating glint in his eyes.

"The news about condensing the Golden Core... I imagine many people will be interested, right?"