Golden Core is a Star, and You Call This Cultivation?

The Supreme Truth of the Supreme Truth Council cupped his hands before Qi Yuan and respectfully continued, "Friend, if you are to stand against Taihuang Palace, be cautious. Taihuang Palace's strength cannot be underestimated."

As he spoke, he took out a jade slip and handed it to Qi Yuan. "If you encounter a crisis, you can crush this jade slip, and the Supreme Truth Council will discreetly intervene once on your behalf."

Although the Envoy of the Emperor’s Hall had refused to cooperate with the Council, there’s an old saying: “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” Assisting the enemies of Taihuang Palace gave the Supreme Truth Council a certain satisfaction.

Qi Yuan observed the jade slip closely, his gaze steady. "An Upper Sovereign?"

He could sense the essence of an Upper Sovereign contained within it.

The Supreme Truth straightened his back with pride. "This jade slip was crafted by the Council's Second Master," he explained. The Second Master was, indeed, an Upper Sovereign.

"You’re giving me something so valuable; should I return the favor?” Qi Yuan scratched his chin before suggesting, "Today’s your lucky day. I have a unique mark you can place within your soul; it’ll ensure that if you fall, you can revive as a soul in my Purple Mansion."

Qi Yuan wasn’t one to take advantage of others without offering something in return. Hearing this, the Supreme Truth froze in surprise.

A soul mark?

Placing one in his soul? That’s unthinkable! At their level, allowing another to plant a mark within one’s soul was akin to inviting death.

"Thank you for your kindness, but I’ll have to decline," the Supreme Truth quickly refused, brushing off the offer of rebirth in the Purple Mansion as a jest.

Qi Yuan sighed. "Are you sure? With this, you could wander freely throughout the Sixfold Heaven without fear, as long as I’m alive.”

He wasn’t one to take advantage of others lightly.

The Supreme Truth chuckled, shaking his head again. "That won't be necessary."

"Fine, but don’t say I owe the Council later,” Qi Yuan said. The Supreme Truth smiled awkwardly, increasingly convinced the Envoy of the Emperor’s Hall was somewhat eccentric, perhaps not entirely ordinary.

After a few more polite exchanges, he took his leave, leaving Qi Yuan alone with the White Dragon Abyss Lord.

Qi Yuan glanced at her. "Two people alone here—isn’t that a little inappropriate?"

In other words, since the Supreme Truth had left, perhaps she should as well.

The Abyss Lord’s body stiffened, her voice unexpectedly gruff. "What are you implying? Are you saying you’re a woman?"

"White Dragon Abyss Lord, are you still pretending to be a man?” Qi Yuan asked, seeing through her disguise. “A change of clothing won’t fool me. You could change, or even wear nothing, and I’d still recognize you!”

The White Dragon Abyss Lord's smile froze, astonished that the Envoy had seen through her disguise.

"How did you know?" she asked, puzzled.

Even an Upper Sovereign, unless they employed powerful magic to break through her disguise, couldn’t have recognized her identity. Breaking through would have alerted her, giving her a chance to counter.

"I saw it with my eyes."

Speechless, she stared at Qi Yuan. "Have we met before?"

"In a way," Qi Yuan admitted, not hiding it. "Alright, enough small talk. What do you need?"

This recent battle had brought him ample rewards, and he would need time to fully integrate the Ten Thousand Ghosts Banner into the Human Emperor’s Banner.

"Are you from beyond the Immortal Realm?" The White Dragon Abyss Lord blinked curiously, pondering the Envoy’s origins.

"In a way," Qi Yuan replied honestly.

His home was back on Blue Star, in some obscure corner.

"I see." The White Dragon Abyss Lord took a deep breath. "It seems you’re not an indigenous Supreme Truth and haven’t fused your will with the Immortal Path’s Will to form the Seal of Supreme Truth."

Without the Seal, if he ever confronted an Upper Sovereign, even with an offensive artifact, he wouldn’t stand a chance.

"There’s a gulf between an Upper Sovereign and those like the Banner Lord. While it may seem a slight difference in level, an Upper Sovereign’s power…." She paused. "Without the Seal, I wouldn’t survive a single breath under an Upper Sovereign’s hand."

The White Dragon Abyss Lord’s meaning was clear: the Envoy lacked a Seal, so his life would be in great danger if he faced the Taihuang Palace’s Upper Sovereign.

Qi Yuan pondered. This Seal was indeed something he had learned about recently. Because he lacked it, he couldn’t harm even an ordinary Supreme Truth unless he wielded the Human Emperor’s Banner.

"Here, I have a secret method to help those from other realms form a Seal of Supreme Truth by merging their Truth with the Immortal Path’s Will," she said, handing him a jade slip.

"Is that possible?" Qi Yuan scanned it, understanding immediately. "Since you’re helping me, I should reciprocate. Would you like me to place a mark within your soul?"

The White Dragon Abyss Lord hesitated, silently considering.

Sensing he may have overstepped, Qi Yuan backtracked. "Don’t worry, it won’t allow me to spy on you while bathing."

"Even if I did see you by accident, I wouldn’t mind the size of your—"

"If you let me see you first, I might allow you to leave the mark in my soul," the Abyss Lord countered, unperturbed.

"Let’s skip that," Qi Yuan quickly declined. He had no wish for further complications.

<hr>

Back at the Demon Gate

Qi Yuan furrowed his brow. After parting from the White Dragon Abyss Lord, he’d gone first to the Demon Abyss, where he successfully fused the Ten Thousand Ghosts Banner with the Human Emperor’s Banner, enhancing his strength. Back in his cave at the Demon Gate, he then began to study the secret method she had provided. One glimpse was enough to shock him.

"Is this Immortal Will suffering from handsome aversion? Why does it seem to resist me so strongly?"

Qi Yuan mused.

It seemed to him that the Immortal Will’s issues were significant.

"Or could it be," he thought, "that I upset it by casually sowing seeds and pulling people into the Netherworld?”

In his mind’s eye, the Immortal Will was muddled and nearly devoid of awareness, acting on instinct. In a way, it was an oversized version of the Heavenly Will.

"Does that mean…no Seal for me?" he pondered.

After obtaining the secret method, he attempted a connection with the Immortal Will, though he hadn’t intended to fully merge with it just yet. The thought of binding himself in a contract—or marriage, as it were—was unnerving. And what if he left the Immortal Realm and ended up in a costly “divorce,” losing half his cultivation?

But to his surprise, it was a moot point; the Immortal Will wasn’t the slightest bit interested in any kind of union.

"So it really does have handsome aversion," Qi Yuan concluded.

"Fortunately, I have my ultimate plan,” he reassured himself.

Just then, a sound came from outside his cave.

"Blood-robed Senior Brother…are you there?"

The voice was cheerful with a hint of delight.

"Little Lu, what’s up?" Qi Yuan walked out, looking calm.

Upon seeing him, Purple Fate Xiao Lu clutched her robe and breathed a sigh of relief. "I thought something might have happened to you."

With the gathering called by Ghost Heaven to hunt the Envoy of the Emperor’s Hall, even venturing into the Heaven and Earth Mystical Land, Xiao Lu had been anxious.

"Don’t worry; what could harm me?" Qi Yuan replied nonchalantly.

She studied him with wide eyes, as though contemplating something.

She had many doubts and uncertainties, but in the end, she didn’t ask anything. Since her Senior Brother wasn’t willing to tell her, it must be a secret, and as a mere Yin God, she would be defenseless if any Yang God captured her to uncover it.

"It’s enough that you’re safe, Senior Brother." Xiao Lu presented a small vial to him. "I collected some new Ancestor Blood Essence."

"Excellent. Keep up the good work, and I’ll keep covering your room and board!" Qi Yuan said with satisfaction, accepting the essence.

For him, the progress of his Ancestor Blood Art still needed further enhancement through Black Demon Ancestor Blood. His Ancestor Blood Art had been stuck at the thirteenth level for nearly a month.

"Thank you, Senior Brother." Xiao Lu, in high spirits, took her leave.

Meanwhile, the younger talents of the Demon Gate were buzzing with excitement. News of the Emperor’s Hall Envoy’s overwhelming victory over the Banner Lord and his seizure of the Ten Thousand Ghosts Banner had spread across the Sixfold Heaven, leaving them awestruck.

The Demon Gate youths couldn’t resist wondering when they might assault Ghost Heaven and earn themselves some glory. But little did they know, they were quickly running out of time.

The Seven Patriarchs of the Black Demon Abyss had finally concluded their conference with the Yang Gods.

The Abyss Lord had made a significant announcement.

At that moment, Purple Fate Ancestor appeared at Qi Yuan’s cave.

"Kid, let’s go pick up your dao partner from the Moon God Palace."

Surprised, Qi Yuan, who had been cultivating, asked, "Why the rush, old man?"

Purple Fate Ancestor’s expression was somber. "The Abyss Lord just announced that the Black Demon Abyss is sealing itself."

Sealing meant closing off its borders, with no cultivators going out.

In effect, it was a withdrawal from the Lingya Transformation.

"Is that possible?" Qi Yuan was stunned.

Could other factions do the same?

"There’s much more complexity involved." Purple Fate Ancestor shared the latest information with Qi Yuan.

Hearing this, Qi Yuan snorted, "It’s less of a seal and more like they’ve become Taihuang Palace’s lackeys."

While the Black Demon Abyss sealed itself off, they would still need to send some Supreme Truths to support Taihuang Palace.

"So we must fetch your dao partner now; otherwise, you won’t get the chance," Purple Fate Ancestor said worriedly.

"Relax. One day, old man, I’ll have your back," Qi Yuan replied casually.

The ancestor sighed. "Please, you think you’re an Upper Sovereign?"

<hr>

At the Moon God Palace.

The moonlight was like flowing silver, blanketing the world in serene calm.

Yueshuang watched Jin Li, who was dressing carefully, her gaze deep. "The Black Demon Abyss may be full of turmoil, but it’s far better than the Moon God Palace. You’re better off there."

Ever since news broke that Taihuang Palace would preside over the Lingya Transformation, the atmosphere in the Moon God Palace had grown tense.

Through a mirror, Jin Li’s fair face glowed as she adorned herself with a few pearls, her elegance enhanced.

Sitting in the window, Yueshuang stretched her legs and continued, "I am curious, how did your man convince Yang God Yuehua to allow you, a Moon Maiden, to become his dao partner?"

Yueshuang was baffled.

This was unprecedented.

A Yang God had once requested a Moon Maiden as a consort and had been promptly turned down.

"Maybe…he’s excellent enough," Jin Li replied, her calm demeanor like a serene flower.

But only Qi Yuan knew how passionate she could be once her robes were removed.

"Just excellence isn’t enough. Perhaps…” Yueshuang trailed off, hesitating to voice her thoughts.

But the only explanation she could think of was a political alliance.

Could the Black Demon Abyss truly have such motives?

At that moment, a majestic voice resounded throughout the Moon God Palace.

“Purple Fate Ancestor of the Purple Fate Heaven has come, wishing to establish a union with the Moon God Palace.”

The words had barely fallen when countless beams of radiant light cascaded down upon the Moon God Palace.

It was like celestial maidens scattering petals, a gentle mist blanketing the palace as if touched by the hands of deities themselves. In an instant, the entire Moon God Palace was aglow, vibrant and adorned as if preparing for a grand celebration.

Then, countless spiritual stones and immortal jades began to rain down from the sky like a flurry of snow. The sight of this rare blessing made the eyes of the Moon God Palace disciples widen in astonishment and uncontained delight.

One after another, they soared into the air, joyfully gathering the stones and jades that had fallen from the heavens.

Inside her chamber, Jin Li felt her heart skip a beat as her eyes widened.

Meanwhile, watching the divine scene unfold, Qi Yuan couldn’t help but murmur telepathically, “Old man, this little display must have cost quite a bit, right?”

“Hmph, as your elder, I’ve got to back you up. Can’t have us appearing too stingy, now, can we?”

“But, isn’t raining down spiritual stones and immortal jades a bit…unromantic? Doesn’t it seem rather vulgar?” Qi Yuan asked doubtfully, imagining how the whole scene might come off as a bit “new-money.”

“The disciples of the Moon God Palace are loving it. What do you care if it’s vulgar?”

“…Starting to believe that Purple Fate Xue really takes after you,” Qi Yuan muttered, ending the conversation.

Just then, a kind and gentle voice echoed through the Moon God Palace, “Distinguished guests have arrived. Please, come in!”

The speaker was none other than Yang God Yuehua, the only one among the palace’s two Great Supreme Truths.

Moments later, Qi Yuan, following Purple Fate Ancestor, arrived at the Moon God Palace’s main hall.

The grand hall appeared to hover in a realm unto itself, radiating an otherworldly aura. As Qi Yuan entered, he felt a slight chill and caught the faint scent of cinnamon in the air.

Seated on the central dais was Yang God Yuehua herself, surrounded by eighteen esteemed Yang God sages on either side. Qi Yuan quickly spotted Moon Maiden Jin Li among them, her delicate gaze meeting his for an instant before she lowered her eyes shyly.

The eighteen Yang Gods looked at Qi Yuan, some curious, some puzzled.

Qi Yuan’s background was mysterious to them, and they were just as unclear why Yang God Yuehua would allow Jin Li, a Moon Maiden, to form a union with him.

Yuehua spoke gently, her tone warm and gracious. “Your intentions are clear to me,” she said, fixing her gaze on Qi Yuan. “Today…has been anticipated for quite some time.”

The words caused the Yang Gods to exchange glances, some puzzled, others deep in thought, as if contemplating something of great significance.

“Under normal circumstances, when a daughter of the Moon God Palace weds, we celebrate with all due honor and grandeur. But today…” Yuehua’s eyes softened with a hint of worry, “With the Lingya Transformation on the verge of beginning, let us keep the arrangements simple. Blood-Robe, Moon Maiden Jin Li… I entrust her to you. Treat her with respect and devotion.”

“If she should suffer even the slightest grievance,” Yuehua’s voice grew stern, “the Moon God Palace will come looking for answers.”

Qi Yuan bowed respectfully, his tone sincere. “Rest assured, Senior. I will treat Jin Li with a heart as unwavering as the moon.”

Outwardly composed, Qi Yuan’s heart swirled with thoughts.

He and Jin Li, their paths had crossed through the Resonant Jade and Moonwatch World.

At last, he had honored his promise, reuniting with her as vowed.

“This time, as Jin Li leaves for Purple Fate Heaven, I will personally escort her,” Yuehua declared, her words carrying the authority of a Supreme Truth as she gave a casual wave of her sleeve, sending out a gentle wave of immense power.

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