After nine circulations, Lin Mo sensed the solidification of the Embryonic Core above his dantian.

The six constellations revolving in a mesmerizing, celestial dance parted in the middle to accommodate it.

The pressure of the simulated Abyssal Trench was no longer an oppressive force seeking to crush him.

It had become a mold, an unyielding cast that forced his expanding spiritual reserves into a dense, singular point.

He visualized the nine rivers of his [Vein of the Silent Stream], which completed their circulation, converging at the accumulation.

"Compress," Lin Mo commanded.

The water pressure in the simulation spiked and the darkness around him seemed to manifest as it pushed inward.

He felt like tall waves were crushing him but it was still tolerable.

Slowly, the chaotic swirl subsided, and the accumulated spiritual energy was enclosed within a translucent sphere. It wasn’t a core yet, it lacked absolute solidity but the foundation was laid.

Once he broke through the Core Formation Stage, whatever quality of the core he would form would merge within it, raising its quality.

As for whether it could go above the Golden Core, he had no idea. But it would certainly be better than a regular Golden Core.

Liu Xiaoyu, with her Nine Heavens Exquisite Body, also got an enhanced Golden Core, putting her above most cultivators.

A while later, Lin Mo opened his eyes. In front of him, a system panel floated.

[Cultivation Progress: Peak Foundation Establishment Stage (Half-Step Core Formation Stage)

[Celestial Providence Activated: Sea of the Silent Stream has been enhanced]

[Passive Spiritual Energy Compression: 200%]

[Spiritual Perception Strength: 200%]

[Spirit Roots Enhancement: Intermediate-grade Spirit Rank (50%) > Low-grade Earth Rank (0%)]

[Spiritual Energy Capacity: 200%]

[Silent Stream Spells Unlocked: Silent Sea Domain, Unending Waves, Tranquil Torrent.]

Lin Mo blinked as he read the progress he had achieved after successfully cultivating the [Sea of Silent Stream]. The same as when he cultivated the [Silent Stream Breathing Technique] and [Vein of the Silent Stream], the new abilities corresponded to the previous abilities plus an additional one.

The Passive Spiritual Energy Compression greatly complements his Passive Spiritual Energy Absorption. It passively compresses the spiritual energy he’s absorbing, transforming it into a higher quality.

His Spiritual Perception doubled in strength. Since his spiritual perception was already superior to that of an ordinary cultivator due to [Stillwater Perception] and the previous enhancements, this new modifier elevated him further to be on par with a cultivator of a higher stage.

His Spirit Roots widened his spirit channels, allowing for quicker and easier absorption. Although he felt like the impact of his spirit roots wasn’t truly that significant due to his Celestial Providence, he’s still glad to have it enhanced. After all, a cultivation technique that could enhance one’s spirit roots was rare. Or rather, it was mostly unheard of. Outside of special physiques and heavenly treasures, most cultivators would be stuck with the spirit roots they were born with.

And the additional ability was the doubling of his capacity. He could sense it. His dantian and spiritual sea expanded.

At the moment, due to the compression, it would take him quite a bit before it filled up again.

On top of all that, he had truly comprehended some spells, one of which was a Domain Spell comparable to his Stellar Domain that he obtained from the Primordial Starlight Dew.

"Two domains," Lin Mo mused, rubbing his chin. "One for absolute control and suppression, the other for environmental manipulation and fluid defense. The synergy between seems to be highly convenient."

He didn’t waste time marveling. He needed practical data.

He waved his hand, activating the [Silent Sea Domain].

Instantly, seawater seemed to bubble up from his feet, quickly expanding into a pristine sea that occupied the whole room. It didn’t look impressive but if anyone stepped inside it, they’d feel like they were getting pulled underwater. Their movements would be sluggish and even the activation of their skill would slow down.

Naturally, the stronger a cultivator is, the higher the resistance. But if he superimposed it with his Stellar Domain, he could probably suppress even a cultivator of a higher stage, even without doing anything else.

He retracted the [Silent Sea Domain] and followed up with a flick of his wrist, triggering [Tranquil Torrent].

A silent, hyper-pressurized beam of water erupted in front of him. True to its name, it looked tranquil, but it could cut through a simulated rock pillar fifty meters away cleanly before dissipating into mist. It possessed the cutting power of a high-grade sword art, but with zero auditory warning. An assassin’s dream. Furthermore, he could completely control it with his finger.

Lastly, he cast [Unending Waves]. A swirling barrier of dense, overlapping waves formed around him that could soften impacts and stop spells from reaching him.

"High utility, low consumption," Lin Mo concluded, dismissing the spells.

The upgraded spirit roots and capacity made casting them feel as effortless as breathing.

For the next thirty minutes, he tried the other spells, most of which were pretty basic but they’re useful spells nonetheless. If he could use them alongside his application of his starlight qi, their effects would be enhanced.

"Mhm... I now feel like a cultivator rather than just a martial artist. But thinking about it, even Liu Xiaoyu loves to charge into the enemy ranks, pummeling them with her fists. The only time she’d activate the spells she comprehended was to supplement her fighting style." Lin Mo shook his head, trying to recall his prodigious assistant’s feats.

"If this is truly the last manual from the Profound Stream Sect and they can only be cultivated up to the Nascent Soul Stage... I either need to find a replacement for a higher stage or improve it myself." He started pondering. Does he have the ability to improve a cultivation technique? Although he could comprehend them to their highest layers, he wasn’t sure about the principles of technique creation.

Even if he diligently read the ’Cultivation 101’ book that Liu Xiaoyu found for him, that was nothing more than basic knowledge.

"Right. I shouldn’t think too much about it. I’ll try to study these three techniques in my free time."

Lin Mo shrugged before glancing down, looking straight at the spark of divinity within his chest. With most of the patrons already revering him as the Convenience Saint, the original size of it, which was comparable to a speck of dust, had doubled. Now it’s as big as two specks of dust pressed together.

Right. Not much of a difference.

Still, its effect on his cultivation speed was substantial. It’s like another modifier to his passive absorption.

"It’s definitely far from becoming a true divine spark. It’s not going to be a shortcut to becoming a divine being, bypassing immortal ascension."

After organizing all the new information that flooded in his head from comprehending the manual, Lin Mo deactivated the cultivation room and stepped outside.

He spent two days inside but with the time acceleration, only five hours have passed outside.

Once again, he checked the cultivation room of Sword Fairy and found it already vacated. She has already finished cultivating.

When he stepped back into the lounge on the second floor, he found her drinking tea with Wu Meiyu in his usual spot, clearly waiting for him.

"Shopkeeper, you’re back. And you look... more dashing." Wu Meiyu greeted, her eyes catching the subtle, watery depth added to his aura.

She set a freshly poured cup of tea across from her. "It seems you have been successful."

Lin Mo took a seat next to her, accepted the cup, and thanked her.

"I successfully comprehend the first manual Xiaoyu brought me. I leveraged a higher time acceleration, so I will still need quite some time to stabilize my current state."

Wu Meiyu’s eyes sparkled, congratulating him sincerely.

After taking a sip of the tea, he turned his gaze to Jiang Jianxin.

The Sword Fairy sat perfectly still, but the air around her felt fundamentally different.

The sharp, oppressive cutting edge that usually accompanied her Sword Intent was entirely gone. In its place was a serene emptiness. It didn’t feel like she just retracted it. Instead, it felt more like she was shrouded in a veil. If she wished to, she could burst out with her Sword Intent at a single glance.

"Congratulations, dear customers. It appears you have fully comprehended the [Sky-Rending Sword Manual] and incorporated it perfectly into your own path." Lin Mo smiled. He wasn’t exactly sure if that was truly the case but that’s the feeling he could sense from her.

Jiang Jianxin lifted her gaze, and a small smile graced her face, "Un. I owe it to you, Shopkeeper. My path is now clearer."

"What are you saying? It’s your achievement, not mine." Lin Mo shook his head, passing it back to her. After all, it was true. She didn’t owe him anything. It’s all her effort.

"Anyhow, have I kept you waiting?"

Right. He hadn’t forgotten. He also agreed to her request to accompany her to the Celestial Hot Spring. And clearly, that’s the only reason she hadn’t left yet. She was waiting for me to emerge from the cultivation room.