Chapter 368: The Crimson Core
Everyone was startled by the Crimson Core.
It looked far too much like a demonic core!
Only great demons at the Demonic Core Realm could produce demonic cores, equivalent to the Golden Core of human cultivators at the Core Formation Realm. Using a demonic core to resist the blood miasma seemed like an outrageous waste—Kong Xin was either reckless or absurdly bold.
However, they soon realized something was off. The Crimson Core lacked the legendary demonic core’s oppressive aura—it was merely a superficial resemblance.
"Hehe, turns out it’s the inner core of a Heavenly Flame Jiao..."
Among the group, only Wandering Man immediately recognized the true origin of the Crimson Core. Noting the curiosity in everyone’s eyes, he explained, "The Heavenly Flame Jiao is not a true Jiao, but a peculiar demonic beast that resembles one without actually sharing its bloodline."
"This beast has two wings growing from its ribs, making it somewhat resemble the mythical Yinglong[1], but it lacks any true Jiao or dragon bloodline, bearing only their outward form.
"The most distinct trait of a Heavenly Flame Jiao is that it can form an inner core even before reaching the Demonic Core Realm."
"Of course, the inner core and a demonic core are completely different things."
"The inner core contains all the fiery energy that the Heavenly Flame Jiao has absorbed from the outside world throughout its life, condensed into a single core. This energy undergoes metamorphosis within the core, aiding the beast’s cultivation."
"When the Heavenly Flame Jiao reaches the Demonic Core Realm, its inner core is replaced during its breakthrough, much like a snake shedding its skin. The inner core is discarded along with the old remnants."