I woke to the crack of thunder echoing throughout the room. The storm raged outside, creating a constant din of thunder and rain that drowned out everything else.

A shiver ran down my spine as the memories of the fierce battle with the wolves flooded back. Goosebumps prickled along my arms, serving as a chilling reminder of the danger I had faced. Slowly, I pushed myself up from the ground, feeling the stiffness in my joints as I stood. I took a moment to assess my injuries, and it was clear that the encounter hadn't left me unscathed.

Bruises and cuts adorned my arms, torso, and neck, evidence of the brutal blows I had endured. My skin bore small scratches from the frantic movements during the intense fight with the giant and those relentless wolves. It was a stark reminder of the price I paid for venturing into the illusion formation, where battles like this became disturbingly real.

I reached for a healing pill and swallowed it, hoping to speed up my recovery. As I sat down to meditate and regain my strength, the door to my abode swung open, and in walked Lin Shifu. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret for giving him that name. When he first transformed from a pear tree into a human boy, he bore a resemblance to the wise character Shifu from Kung Fu Panda. However, his behavior is far from wise or nurturing. Instead of embodying the qualities of a master, he acted more like a nagging mother, constantly overseeing my meals and well-being. Even worse was that he treated me like a child, and acted like he could control my life with little effort. This was why I disliked him so much.

"Young Master" Lin Shifu bowed, a slight smile playing across his lips. "You're awake finally. You've been asleep for several hours now"

"I wasn't sleeping I was training" I replied, glaring at the man cum tree. He just rolled his eyes. I didn't mean to be rude but that guy really pisses me off sometimes.

"Yes, Yes you are training, this must be some training where I have seen no change through this training for the past three years you have been training like this, sleeping eating mediating and shitting tell me when do you train if ever?" Lin Shifu asked, fucking hell,

I felt like throwing the pissward right into the formation and cranking up the difficulty right up to insane but It wouldn't have mattered if the pissward was already at the foundation establishment realm in fact all my plant-based cultivators were at this level even bloody mango tree was already ready to form his golden core Whilst I had barely reached the eight stage of qi refinement theses I ain't gone lie a part of me wished dearly for them to fail when they form their gold core.

Frustration and resentment welled up inside me, It was a bitter pill to swallow.

I had made the mistake of offering them an easier path, not realizing the consequences it would bring. Instead of being slower than humans, they had flourished, their growth exceeding my own. A part of me couldn't help but harbor a secret wish for them to fail, to have their progress halted and prove that I was the superior cultivator.

The unfairness of it all gnawed at me. I had dedicated countless hours to my training, sacrificing sleep, sustenance, and personal comfort. Yet, I couldn't match their rapid advancement. It felt like a cruel twist of fate, a reminder of my own limitations.

"I don't want your stupid advice. Just leave me alone." Lin Shifu raised an eyebrow in surprise and confusion at my blunt response. I could sense his disapproval radiating from him, but I didn't care. I was tired of his constant nagging and unsolicited advice.

"You think you know everything, don't you?" he retorted, his voice tinged with frustration. "But mark my words, you'll regret neglecting your training. The path you're on will only lead to failure."

I clenched my fists, feeling the anger rise within me. How dare he question my dedication and progress? I had poured my heart and soul into my training, even if it didn't show outwardly. I wasn't about to let him belittle my efforts.

"Enough!" I snapped, my voice filled with defiance. "I don't need your judgment or your constant interference. I know what I'm doing, even if it doesn't fit into your narrow perspective. Now, leave me be."

Lin Shifu seemed taken aback by my outburst, his gaze lingering on me for a moment before he sighed and turned to leave. I watched him go, a mixture of anger and satisfaction coursing through my veins.

I could hear his footsteps growing fainter until he was gone, and then I heard nothing but silence. I let out a heavy sigh, resting my hands against my aching backside. I leaned forward and placed my forehead against the cold ground. "Damn it," I whispered. "It's been three damn years! What did I do wrong?! I trained hard every day, and yet I just...fail..." My voice trailed off as I began to weep uncontrollably, trying my hardest not to let myself cry, but failing utterly.

Dread, uncertainty, anxiety, and helplessness intertwined within me, casting a dark shadow over my life. For the past nine years, I had carried the weight of relentless pursuit, a feeling that I was being hunted down. It had become an ever-present presence, haunting my every step, my every decision.

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The origins of this foreboding sensation traced back to a warning delivered by my future self. A version of me, burdened with the knowledge of what was to come, had implored me to build an army, to prepare for an imminent event that loomed on the horizon, mere months away.

That encounter had shaken me to my core. The future, once distant and abstract, had suddenly become tangible, its looming threat impossible to ignore. I had been thrust into a race against time, grappling with the urgency of the situation and the weight of responsibility placed upon my shoulders.

I couldn't escape the constant reminder that something dark and formidable awaited me. Every passing day brought me closer to that fateful event, stirring a mixture of fear and determination within me. It was a battle against an unknown enemy, an adversary shrouded in mystery and veiled intentions.

Yet, amid the fear and uncertainty, a glimmer of resilience burned within me. I refused to succumb to helplessness.

With a determined resolve, I suppressed the overwhelming emotions that threatened to consume me. Taking a deep breath, I settled into a cross-legged position, ready to immerse myself in the cultivation practice that had become my refuge and source of strength.

I reached for a Qi Gathering Pill, knowing that its potent energy would aid me in my cultivation journey. Swallowing it, I felt a surge of vitality coursing through my veins, invigorating my body and mind. The pill's effects sharpened my focus and heightened my awareness, preparing me for the arduous task ahead.

As I delved into my cultivation technique, I reflected on my arsenal of abilities. The rosary, elemental blade, and my proficiency in water manipulation and Qi generation gave me a formidable edge. With their combined power, I had thought I would successfully overcome any challenges and opponents beyond my own cultivation level even a gold core realm cultivator.

However, my encounters with cultivators in the Golden Core realm revealed a harsh truth. Their speed and strength surpassed anything I had imagined. They left no room for me to execute my intricate formations or summon the full potential of my abilities. In the blink of an eye, they decimated me, as it turns out I can barely handle early-stage foundation establishment cultivator anything else stronger would kill me faster than I can blink.

My skills may have advanced but I still lacked the necessary skills to deal with those stronger than myself. It also proved to be a difficult process, It became painfully evident that my current level of cultivation, as an eight-stage Qi refinement stage cultivator, was woefully inadequate to contend with opponents of greater power. The gap between us was an insurmountable chasm, and my skills paled in comparison. The sheer disparity in strength was enough to extinguish any flicker of hope within me.

I begrudgingly accepted the reality that my capabilities were limited. My training and efforts had propelled me to a certain extent, but I was still far from being able to handle the challenges posed by cultivators stronger than myself. The road ahead seemed daunting and treacherous, filled with countless obstacles and setbacks.

I grappled with the frustration of my slow progress. Each step forward felt like an uphill battle, fraught with uncertainty and self-doubt. It was a humbling experience, confronting the harsh truth that I had underestimated the magnitude of the journey I had embarked upon.

The weight of the challenges I faced pressed heavily upon my shoulders, leaving me with a single, desperate option. To survive the imminent trials, I needed to expedite my cultivation speed. It was a decision born out of necessity, a choice I made with a heavy heart.

In my search for a solution, I considered the extraordinary abilities possessed by the animals under my care. They had false cores embedded within them, granting them immense strength and capabilities. The idea of acquiring such power intrigued me, for it seemed to offer a shortcut to strength in a fraction of the time.

Yet, the decision was not one to be taken lightly. Inserting a false core within myself carried profound risks and consequences. It could forever alter the trajectory of my cultivation journey, potentially preventing me from advancing beyond the golden core realm. And truth be told, that prospect did not fill me with dread. The thought of an eternity spent solely on cultivation, devoid of purpose or fulfillment, was a terrifying concept.

I grappled with the notion of becoming a mere conqueror of realms, mindlessly seeking power for power's sake. I questioned the value of an infinite lifespan solely dedicated to cultivating and nothing more. It lacked meaning, a purpose that could sustain me through the ages.

Amidst the uncertainty, I realized that my desires extended beyond the pursuit of immortality and boundless strength. I yearned for purpose, for a higher calling that would give meaning to my existence. The prospect of endless cultivation without a greater goal seemed hollow and devoid of fulfillment.

With a heavy heart and a resolute mind, I made the difficult decision to proceed with the insertion of a false core. The risks and consequences were clear, but in the face of insurmountable challenges, it seemed like the only viable path forward.

I understood that this choice came with a steep price. The false core would bind me to an eternal existence, granting me power and longevity beyond measure. It was a commitment that transcended the boundaries of mortal life, a choice that would forever alter the course of my destiny.

But I had long since come to terms with the circumstances of my birth. Fate had dealt me a hand that left me with limited options. I had no other choice but to adapt and embrace the path before me.

The prospect of living for another twenty years or even eight hundred seemed inconsequential compared to the journey I was about to undertake. The price of eternity, while daunting, paled in comparison to the challenges I had already faced and those that awaited me.

I was ready to embrace this new existence, to continue my cultivation regardless of the passage of time. The eternal nature of the false core was a burden I was willing to bear, for it provided me with the means to navigate the treacherous path ahead.

In the end, it was a choice born out of necessity, a choice to seize whatever opportunities presented themselves and forge my own destiny. I would walk this path with unwavering determination, knowing that I had no other option but to embrace the eternal and carve my own path amidst the uncertainties that lay ahead.