Within one of his many rooms there sitting on a mat was Taf in the lotus stance. Before him were cores that glowed in multiple colors. There he sat in contemplation as he observed them.
" Sigh It's a pity that spider's core got destroyed in the battle we had..."
He lamented as images of Marceline bursting into little pieces flashed in his mind...
" This injury sure has messed with my progress. So much so that with the absorption of the phoenix blood, even May has surpassed me in cultivation..."
Taf could only grin as the thought crossed his mind.
" There I was slowing my progress so as to not get too far ahead and she just surpasses me.
Even when I arrived at the 8th she will be making preparation to step into the 9th.."
Though she had surpassed him, he was filled with nothing but happiness and relief. Relief in now knowing there would be little need to worry when they engage in future battles.