On the edge of the wheat fields, the villagers, who had feared Zhi Xuan would perish, stood stunned as they witnessed a silver light piercing the night sky.

  "Look! That light is so pure!" exclaimed Grandmother Hua. "It is a Golden Foundation blessed by the Heavens!"

  The veteran hunters, including Liang, who was at the Blood Transformation stage, and Fourteen, felt their own cultivation auras—only at the First Ember level—tremble and strengthen slightly.

  "Zhi Xuan's aura... it is stabilizing our own," Liang said, clutching his bow. "No other mortal Divine Wheel... could ever do this!"

  Fourteen, standing beside his wife, Lu Xi, nodded solemnly. "He is a foundation that transcends the Formation. This energy is pure, without a single shadow."

  Grandmother Mu, who had been closing her eyes in prayer, now opened them and gazed at the silver beam. A mysterious smile played on her lips. "A sacred aura!" said Grandmother Mu, the oldest apothecary. "This is no curse! This is a sacred Golden Foundation!"

  "Look! The silvery light! Our new Golden Foundation has been born!" a farmer cried out, clasping his hands together in prayer.

  At the Altar, Grandfather Wu immediately issued a wise command. "Chen! Do not let go of the Formation! Zhi Xuan's light is too strong! This pure wave will be of great help to them! Channel the Formation's essence into the youths! Let their Divine Wheels absorb the purity released by Zhi Xuan! This is an unexpected blessing!"

  Uncle Chen nodded, channeling his essence with full power. He was no longer worried; he was now filled with deep respect for Zhi Xuan, who had risked his life beneath the tree and instead birthed a majestic Golden Foundation.

  Grandfather Wu turned to Aunt Lian, who still stood behind him with tears of joy.

  "Lian," Grandfather Wu said, his voice soft and meaningful. "Zhi Xuan succeeded, but his Divine Wheel is very special. Look at the Light piercing the heavens. He has separated himself from the mortal Heavens and created his own Sky."

  Grandfather Wu gazed at Zhi Xuan, who still sat quietly under the Starfruit Tree, enveloped in the calm silver light. "Bring back the youths who failed and the villagers. Let the eight Golden Foundations continue to absorb the pure light from Zhi Xuan to stabilize their foundations. But Zhi Xuan... he will not wake up anytime soon. His foundation was just created from the void. He needs at least three days to stabilize his Divine Wheel."

  Aunt Lian wiped her tears and nodded, the determination of a mother returning. "I understand, Grandfather Wu. I will watch over my son. I will guard this Golden Foundation."

  Grandfather Wu turned back to Uncle Chen. "Chen, continue the channeling. I will go and watch over Zhi Xuan. Do not let anyone approach the Starfruit Tree!"

  Uncle Chen nodded. With relief and renewed strength, he directed the Formation's essence into the circle of eight youths who were now cultivating peacefully under the influence of Zhi Xuan's majestic Heavenly Samsara Wheel.

  Grandfather Wu walked slowly towards the Large Starfruit Tree, ignoring the remnants of the torn Star Disc net. He stopped at the edge of the silver light. He did not step in. He just stood, looking at the silver-shining Zhi Xuan, enveloped in profound peace.

  "You are not a catastrophe, Zhi Xuan," Grandfather Wu whispered. "You are a miracle. A foundation that surpasses the Heaven we know. You are the Golden Foundation that will withstand any storm."

  The stabilization continued. Zhi Xuan still had his eyes closed, and the majestic silver light still enveloped his body, seeping from within, penetrating the spiritual cage that had been torn. Three days passed in a long period for mortal life. In the square, under the formation guarded by Grandfather Wu and Uncle Chen, the eight new Golden Foundations had taken this opportunity to cultivate non-stop.

  They no longer sat on the altar, as Grandfather Wu had commanded that the Five-Star Formation must be protected from battle. They cultivated in their respective huts and practiced combat techniques in the meadow, absorbing the essence constantly released by Zhi Xuan's silver light.

  The dawn of the third day was greeted with the sparkle of morning dew that soothed the skin. That morning, the village field looked like a blessed slaughterhouse. Fresh blood stained the grass, but smiles bloomed on the hunters' faces. The six new Golden Foundations—Tang, Mingling, Zhuwei, Bashan, and two other youths, He and Wu—stood beside veteran hunters like Uncle Chen, Liang, and Fourteen.

  At their feet lay piles of carcasses. Not Fire Roaring Apes, but several Steel Tusk Boars that tried to raid the wheat fields and a One-Eyed Night Eagle that commonly stole poultry. These fierce beasts, usually difficult for mortal hunters to deal with, were now easy targets. They had been attracted by the intense spiritual ripples from Star Village over the past three days.

  Tang leaned on his spear, his breath still ragged, but his eyes shining with energy. He looked at the carcass of the Steel Tusk Boar whose head was nearly severed by his sword slash.

  "Damn, this meat is tenderer than I imagined!" Tang exclaimed, laughing heartily. "Two days ago, two of these Boars could make me run all day in the forest! Now? One slash! Just one slash, Uncle Chen!"

  Uncle Chen, who was examining the skin of the Steel Tusk Boar with a satisfied smile, nodded. "That is the power of the Golden Foundation. Your foundations have been stabilized with rare purity. Your Divine Wheels are no longer mortal toys."

  Mingling, standing next to Lin, proudly flipped his freshly washed hair. He carried the One-Eyed Night Eagle in his hands—a bird of prey that usually flew too fast.

  "I'm the youngest, but I'm the fastest!" Mingling shouted, trying to hide the faint pain in his shoulder because he was too excited. "The Night Eagle's wings felt like they were holding the wind! But, look, Lin! I even managed to save your two unfortunate roosters!"

  Lin, standing with his arms crossed, smiled slightly. "Yes, Ling. The bird is big. But didn't you almost slip on landing?"

  Mingling's face turned red. "That... that was just adapting to the new power! My Divine Wheel is much nimbler now, Lin!"

  Bashan, the calmest, just stood quietly beside Zhi Xuan's body, observing the hunt. He had killed a Red Jade Snake—a very fast and venomous beast—with a clean fist strike to its head.

  "This power is real," Bashan said, his voice deep and soft, not excited like Tang. He stared at his palms. "Three days under that Silver Light... I was not just absorbing, I was transformed. I feel my blood and bones are firmer, like basalt. I no longer need stabilization pills, Uncle Chen."

  Uncle Chen let out a deep and happy sigh. "That is because your Divine Wheels absorbed the pure aura from the most special Golden Foundation. Your foundations have been perfected. You will no longer be sickly. Your lifespan, which was only a hundred years, can now reach two hundred years if you continue to cultivate correctly!"

  Uncle Chen's words surprised the youths and even the veteran hunters who were listening.

  "Two hundred years?" Tang exclaimed, his eyes wide as if he had just discovered a gold mine. "I can fish, hunt, and drink fermented honey until I have countless great-great-great-grandchildren! This is not a dream, Uncle Chen? This is real?"

  Zhuwei, holding a bow made from hard forest wood, nodded seriously. Although he was still rigid, his movements were much smoother. He had shot a small, fast-moving bird from a distance of over two hundred meters.

  "The structure in my body softened," Zhuwei said, his rigid face showing a slight relief. "I felt that aura flattening the rough corners of my Divine Wheel. I still have to work hard, but this... this is a perfect beginning. Two hundred years is enough time for me to reach the next realm of enlightenment!"

  Liang, one of the veteran hunters, patted Tang's shoulder, his eyes gleaming with envy. "You are the most blessed Golden Foundations in a thousand years! We veterans, after years of washing marrow and bones, can only reach a hundred and fifty years! You surpassed us in just three days!"

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  "All thanks to Zhi Xuan," Bashan said, turning towards the square.

  Under the Large Starfruit Tree, Zhi Xuan still sat cross-legged, enveloped in the calm silver light. The light was now slightly dimmer, but its majestic aura was still felt, like an invisible shield covering the entire Star Village.

  Mingling stared at Zhi Xuan with respect and a slight sense of guilt. "He's truly crazy, but he's a hero. He risked everything, and the result? All our Golden Foundations became perfect. My Divine Wheel that was almost shattered now feels solid."

  Tang nodded, wiping the blood of the Steel Tusk Boar from his hands. "He's the youngest, but he's the strongest. As soon as he wakes up, I have to give him the tenderest leg of the Night Eagle! He is the most special Golden Foundation!"

  Uncle Chen smiled at their euphoria. "The purity of Zhi Xuan's Divine Wheel is an unexpected boon. Now, clean up these carcasses. Grandfather Wu ordered a grand feast tonight. Celebrate the new strength and future of Star Village!"

  The new Golden Foundation youths, with overflowing spirits and the awareness of their extended lifespan, cheered. They had crossed the mortal boundary, and before them lay a very long and promising path of cultivation.

  Just as the sun began to show its rays, Zhi Xuan's eyelids opened, his sapphire blue eyes radiating a faint new aura, firmer and stronger.

  Aunt Lian, who was standing nearby, slowly walked towards Zhi Xuan.

  "My son..." she said proudly, dropping the red silk cloth she had been clutching for several days.

  Zhi Xuan turned his head, looking at Aunt Lian. A sincere, faint smile bloomed on his face, wiping away the exhaustion and tension of the past three days. The pure silver aura that enveloped him was fully absorbed, disappearing as if it had never been there.

  He stood up with a very subtle movement, without a sound, as if he had become one with the wind. The silence was far more striking than any explosion.

  "Aunt Lian," Zhi Xuan replied, his voice now sounding soft, but there was a thin layer of cold echo beneath it—a voice that had been touched by the majesty of the Sacred Devil. He bowed his head deeply. "I did not disappoint you."

  Aunt Lian stepped forward and hugged him tightly, tears soaking Zhi Xuan's robe. "Naughty boy! You almost killed your aunt's heart! Why are you so reckless?!" she sobbed, but she hugged him even tighter. "But... Grandfather Wu was right. You are the most special Golden Foundation. The aura you released... it healed the cracks in everyone's heart."

  Behind them, Tang, Mingling, and Bashan rushed forward, leaving the carcasses of the Steel Tusk Boars behind.

  "Zhi! You're awake!" Tang exclaimed, his face beaming. "You slept for three days! But this is amazing! Feel this!"

  Tang punched the air. Boom! The air trembled with a strong shockwave, the result of the power of his perfected Golden Divine Wheel. "I can crush Grandfather Wu's basalt stone with my bare hands! All thanks to your silver aura!"

  Mingling nodded quickly. "Yes, Zhi. I swear my Divine Wheel was almost shattered, but your silver wave... It felt like you were pouring Jade honey into my soul! You saved us all!"

  Zhuwei and the others approached, their eyes filled with deep respect, no longer just as comrades, but as a younger brother they must protect.

  "Zhi Xuan," said Bashan, who stood closest to Zhi Xuan. "Your power... it surpasses the Five-Star Formation. Grandfather Wu said, you have created your own Sky."

  Zhi Xuan smiled faintly. He nodded at Tang and Mingling, appreciating their euphoria. In the core of his consciousness, the pure silver Heavenly Samsara Wheel spun calmly. Every rotation drew in the essence of heaven and earth from outside, but it was not directly absorbed; instead, it was processed and stored in a pure form, transcending the limitations of mortal cultivation.

  He had heard all their praises and excitement during those three days. He heard Bashan praising his new solidity, Tang being greedy for an extended lifespan, and Zhuwei being happy that his imperfections were erased.

  "I apologize for making you worry," Zhi Xuan said to his friends, then he turned to Uncle Chen who was walking towards them.

  "Uncle Chen," Zhi Xuan greeted, bowing again. "Are Deng and the others alright?"

  Uncle Chen nodded, his face now beaming. "Deng is stable. He and the eight other failed youths have been healed with Grandma Mu's best medicinal broth. But they saw your silver light. They are no longer discouraged; they are determined to wash their marrow and bones even harder."

  Uncle Chen looked at Zhi Xuan with eyes filled with pride. "Zhi Xuan, you are the protector of the Golden Foundation. Grandfather Wu is waiting for you at the Altar. He wants to talk to you."

  Zhi Xuan nodded. "Of course, Uncle Chen."

  He touched Aunt Lian's shoulder, then walked past his friends. As he stepped towards the Opening Stone Altar, he saw Grandfather Wu standing there, his staff leaning against the Black Jade Stone. In his hands, Grandfather Wu held the Star Disc, the heirloom of Star Village, which now looked dull and its energy completely drained.

  Grandfather Wu looked up, his sharp eyes fixed on Zhi Xuan.

  "Zhi Xuan," Grandfather Wu called, his voice calm, without the usual sternness he showed. "You have come."

  "I am here, Grandfather Wu," Zhi Xuan replied, bowing respectfully in front of the Altar.

  Grandfather Wu pointed to the Star Disc in his hands. "This heirloom has protected our Formation for a thousand years. Your foundation, Zhi Xuan, tore it with just a Silver Light. That aura is too pure, too majestic. It knows no bounds. Your foundation is the new Sky."

  Grandfather Wu let out a long sigh. "I do not know what you created, but I know one thing. Your path of cultivation is now separate from the Five-Star Formation."

  Grandfather Wu stepped forward, his gaze piercing Zhi Xuan. "You are the greatest boon to Star Village, because you perfected the other Golden Foundations," he said, Grandfather Wu leaned his staff against the rocks, then suddenly embraced Zhi Xuan firmly but with emotion. "The scroll was wrong, you are a dutiful young man."

  Grandfather Wu released the embrace, his eyes welling up, a sight rarely seen from a Golden Foundation of Star Village. He patted Zhi Xuan's cheek with his wrinkled palm.

  "I have seen the light of destruction in your eyes, Zhi Xuan, and I have heard the whispers of catastrophe from the scroll. But Heaven, or whatever created your foundation, has chosen to protect you and bless you. You are not a catastrophe, my boy. You are the Protecting Foundation of Star Village."

  Zhi Xuan nodded his head, absorbing Grandfather Wu's emotional words. Those words, coming from the Golden Foundation of Star Village, were far more valuable than all the spiritual essence in the forest. He had gained recognition.

  "I understand, Grandfather Wu. I will be a formidable protector. I will not disappoint Star Village," Zhi Xuan promised, his voice firm.

  Grandfather Wu smiled, the exhaustion of three days of vigil slightly erased. "Good. Now, go and celebrate your new strength with your friends. A Protecting Foundation must also know how to laugh."

  Zhi Xuan bowed once more and turned around. He walked back towards his friends who were waiting for him with sparkling eyes.

  "Damn it, you talked for too long with Grandfather Wu!" Mingling exclaimed, approaching with a wide smile. "My legs are itching! I want to know how fast my Divine Wheel can make me run!"

  Tang, who was shouldering a large axe looted from the Steel Tusk Boar, nodded in agreement. "I agree! We should try it! There's the Jade River on the edge of the forest, we can race there! We can see who's the fastest! Come on, Zhi, Bashan, Zhuwei! We'll make history!"

  Bashan stared at Zhi Xuan for a moment, his face showing silent agreement. "I want to see if my calm Divine Wheel can surpass your speed, Mingling."

  Zhuwei, although rigid, could not hide his excitement. He straightened his back. "I must test the stability of my new Divine Wheel! I will beat all of you with the most efficient stride!"

  Zhi Xuan chuckled, a light and new laugh, free from the burden of pills and catastrophe. "Jade River? Alright. I also want to know if my Heavenly Samsara Wheel is faster than your Divine Wheels."

  "What Wheel?" Tang asked, confused.

  "Ah, forget it," Zhi Xuan said, waving his hand. "Just a silly new name. Let's start! But, if I win, you have to give me the tenderest Steel Tusk Boar leg tonight!"

  Mingling, who was already impatient, shouted, "Deal! But if I win, Lin has to watch me run in the river!"

  "Go!" Tang shouted, and without warning, he released a wave of his spiritual essence. His Golden Divine Wheel spun, and his feet stomped the ground. He shot forward like an arrow, leaving a cloud of dust behind him. "See you at the Jade River, boys!"

  Mingling screamed, "Cheater!" and he activated his Divine Wheel. Mingling's spiritual wave was more agile, and he shot off along the winding path, trying to cut across Tang's route.

  Bashan only shook his head, a thin smile playing at the corner of his lips. He did not run, but rather paced himself. His first step was slow, but the second, third, and so on became faster and faster, as if he was resonating with the Earth's heartbeat. He moved at a constant speed, like an unstoppable train, quickly catching up with Mingling.

  Zhuwei stepped with careful calculation. Every muscle tensed, every movement was efficient. He ran in a perfectly straight line, ignoring the complicated path. Although his speed did not exceed Tang and Mingling's, he advanced without wasting energy.

  Zhi Xuan smiled. He did not activate his spiritual essence explosively like Tang. Instead, he let the pure silver Heavenly Samsara Wheel in his Sea of Consciousness spin once.

  Flick.

  In one rotation, the essence of Heaven and Earth around him was automatically sucked in and processed, providing a subtle but powerful thrust. Zhi Xuan did not run; he glided.

  His feet only occasionally touched the ground. He moved like a shadow, without sound, without creating dust. He flowed.

  This speed, which did not come from a burst of muscle or ambition, but from the pure efficiency of the Heavenly Samsara Wheel, quickly caused him to overtake Zhuwei and Bashan.

  When he passed the panting Tang and the exhausted Mingling due to the sharp turns, Zhi Xuan just waved with a small smile.

  "See you there, Golden Foundation Brothers!" Zhi Xuan called out, his voice sounding soft but carrying a distant echo.

  Mingling gasped. "Damn it! He's not even sweating! He's like a ghost!"

  Tang, who was now running with all his might, saw Zhi Xuan gliding in front of him, his speed truly nonsensical. "He... he uses that essence in a different way! His Divine Wheel is truly a new Sky!"

  Not long after, Zhi Xuan arrived at the Jade River. The water was clear, flowing calmly among smooth rocks. He stood on the riverbank, his breath not panting, his robe only fluttering slightly. He turned around, looking at his friends who were still struggling in the distance.

  Zhi Xuan laughed, a sincere and cheerful laugh, without any burden. Inside him, the Heavenly Samsara Wheel spun, and although Ruo Xianxue was asleep, Zhi Xuan knew—he had now taken his first step on his own Heavenly Path.