A Golden Core (金丹, Jīn Dān) is a core in the body of cultivators. [1]
Description[]
Golden cores can store and control spiritual energy. The core forms after a certain point of cultivation, by using the body as a crucible to cultivate the core. This is derived from Chinese internal alchemy; see here for more information.
After the formation of their golden core, the cultivator's level increases at a rapid speed; without a golden core, a cultivator can only be a low-end cultivator.
If a disciple from a prominent house forms a core at a later age, as in the case of Nie Huaisang, it is considered shameful.[1] Moreover, cultivators who form golden cores at a later age, such as Jin Guangyao, never develop a strong cultivation. Their chances for cultivation prowess comes in knowing many techniques, rather than developing one particular skill.[2]
In the Animation, golden cores are depicted as golden balls that emit wispy light. They are located under the solar-plexus bone in one's chest. [3]
History[]
The Qishan Wen Clan's Wen Zhuliu is known for his peculiar talent in melting away people's golden cores. Among his victims are Yu Ziyuan, Jiang Fengmian, and Jiang Cheng.[4][5]
Once Jiang Cheng loses his golden core, Wei Wuxian persuades the doctor Wen Qing to transfer his own golden core into Jiang Cheng. As anesthetized conditions can harm the core during its removal, Wei Wuxian is forced to be awake throughout the days-long procedure. He then invents Demonic Cultivation, a cultivation method that does not require a golden core.[6]