Li Feng glanced playfully at Murong Ye, and then, without further words, directly stepped onto the stairs. Just as Murong Ye said earlier, these hall steps were clearly far more terrifying in gravity than those on the Heavenly Ascension Stairs.

Moreover, the gravity here was further increased on top of the previous level, akin to the proverbial straw that breaks the camel’s back.

That is to say, it seemed like only twice the gravity was added, but for Li Feng, this constantly rising gravity caused the pressure to nearly double.

Previously, in his battle at the Flowers Pavilion with Shi Lei, Li Feng had endured thirty times gravity pressure. But to be honest, Shi Lei’s gravity field was far from perfected; after all, Shi Lei had not yet stepped into the Golden Core Middle Stage. Although he could control gravity changes, compared to the gravity domain of the Nine Layers Mountain dominated by the Overlord Beasts, it was nothing short of child’s play.

Especially since the domain of the Nine Layers Mountain was mixed with a kind of domineering aura from being an Overlord Beast, this was not just gravity pressure but also a crushing domineering force.

If it weren’t for Li Feng also cultivating some domineering aura, and since the Nine Layers Mountain Overlord Beast had died countless years ago, the aura it emitted was not targeted, Li Feng wouldn’t be able to withstand until now.

Li Feng secretly gritted his teeth, but outwardly showed no emotion, portraying an expression of receiving calmly as he marched into the hall.

Every three steps would double the pressure, coupled with the invisible domineering aura enveloping all around, Li Feng’s bones, and even his internal organs, endured unspeakable pressure, though such pressure was not without its benefits.

Previously, Li Feng had activated the Vermilion Bird Bloodline by devouring a large amount of Fire Element Power with the Domineering Purple Flame, yet there were some drawbacks because what was devoured, although translatable to one’s use, was ultimately foreign, and Li Feng devoured not only Fire Element but also some other energies.

Such as Thunder Element, Ice Element...

Li Feng compressed these motley energies by allocating them within different organs, although resolving conflict, some latent problems surfaced, which Li Feng should have digested slowly, aligning these energies better for further advancement.

However, within Ancestor Dragon City, each step was fraught with danger, and Li Feng hardly found time to calmly cultivate. Being schemed against by Murong Ye this time, indeed turned out as a blessing in disguise.

The vast amount of Fire Element Energy previously absorbed in the Underground Palace City, under the dual pressure of gravity and domineering aura, seemed to undergo tempering.

The absorbed energies were continuously refined, subsequently transforming into Domineering Purple Flame, which previously resembled a flame, now possessed a tendency toward crystallization.

In cultivation terms, that means Core Formation.

Li Feng had previously passively formed a Thunder Pill during the thunder tribulation in the Heaven Tower, using the Thunder Pill as a nucleus, enveloped by the Domineering Purple Flame. To his surprise, this time, the Domineering Purple Flame showed a tendency toward Core Formation.

Moreover, this Core Formation of Domineering Purple Flame was not a solo formation, but through the Thunder Pill as the core, forming another core outside of it.

Is this even possible?

Li Feng truly didn’t know, for he hadn’t been on the cultivation path for long. It was only a few months ago that he impersonated Bai Yutang at the Divine Sword Manor of the Lin Family and apprenticed under Lin Luoyin. Although he apprenticed, Li Feng merely learned superficial skills.

Moreover, the external cultivation level was at the stage of Magnetic Condensation from Qi Refinement to Foundation Establishment, with hardly anyone reaching Foundation Establishment.

Despite learning quite a bit upon reaching Ancestor Dragon City, the greatest improvement was likely the month of solid cultivation exchanged for within the Cultivation Secret Realm found in the Heaven Tower; yet his understanding of cultivation remains but a tiny fraction, the mere tip of the iceberg.

Though bewildered, it should be a good thing.

After all, others can only form a core once, while he formed a second core, he even starts feeling thankful to Murong Ye.

And this is not yet his limit.

This is not only to teach Murong Ye a lesson but also for advancement; if he could achieve Core Formation a second time, would it not be immensely profitable? 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Murong Ye, unaware of Li Feng’s intentions, assumed Li Feng was trying desperately out of revenge against him.

Can he let loose?

Clearly not.

If it weren’t for the commander evaluation from the Martial Strategy Hall, who would care about Li Feng’s life or death, even if he bullied Li Feng, no one would intervene.

Within the Nine Layers Mountain, strength is held in esteem; if you’re strong, you’re justified, if you’re bullied, that’s deserved; it’s because you’re weak.

As long as it’s not overly excessive, the higher-ups of Nine Layers Mountain wouldn’t intervene, because moderate pressure can bolster one’s resolve; if they can’t endure such adversities, they are surely unworthy of nurturing.

For when heaven bestows a formidable mission upon a person, they must first suffer their mind and starve their flesh.

A true strong person would naturally strive to train harder after being bullied and eventually bully back, though it might be somewhat biased, it indeed motivates progress.

But Li Feng is different.

Never underestimate the commander evaluation; it was previously said, such a commander appears once in a century, practically the treasure of Nine Layers Mountain.

Murong Ye might play a few tricks, but if Li Feng were to be pressured by gravity and domineering aura into vomiting blood, or even severely injured, directly withering, Murong Ye would have to pay a price.

So what if Li Feng dies? It doesn’t matter, but he, Murong Ye, with bright prospects, cannot afford it to be entangled with Li Feng.

Watching Li Feng steadfastly step up the stairs, Murong Ye was just as nauseated as if he had swallowed a fly, clearly happy at him seeking death, yet awkwardly unable to stand by.

"Li Feng, that’s enough. Being willful comes at a cost. Certainly, by doing this, you might cause me punishment, but you will also suffer serious injury, even potentially affecting your foundation. Even as a commander, is mutual destruction truly worth it?"

Murong Ye naturally wouldn’t apologize, merely showing Li Feng the facts, urging the other to be more rational.

Certainly, Murong Ye’s attitude was softened to say such words; if Li Feng still refused, it would indeed be somewhat disrespectful.

Li Feng raised his eyes, smiling as he looked at Murong Ye.

"But I insist on mutual destruction, on being broken jade rather than intact tiles?"

Murong Ye’s mouth twitched, looking at Li Feng, murmuring, "Li Feng, don’t go too far with mutual destruction, do you really have that qualification?"

"If you die, I might be punished, but however it goes, I won’t lose my life, as the only son of the Murong Family."

"Even though you’re evaluated as a commander by the Martial Strategy Hall, you show such superficiality, living is genius, if you die, you’re nothing."

"The elders above might sigh a little, but wouldn’t seek justice for you, understand?"

"Never overrate yourself."

"Now I’m willing to offer you a way out, it’s best you accept it; otherwise, tearing faces, neither wins."

Li Feng chuckled lightly, ignoring Murong Ye, stepping forward again.

Saying so much, isn’t it just showing fear?

I’m betting everything on you.