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

“A Dao companion?”

As Qi Yuan met the gaze of the woman in black cloth, a strange chill ran down his spine.

“I already have a partner. We even have the marriage certificate!” Qi Yuan responded quickly.

Standing to the side, Purple Fate Ancestor leaned over and whispered, “This is the White Dragon Abyss Lord. I invited her here to act as your protector.”

A protector is not the same as a master; it’s more like an investor.

If the White Dragon Abyss Lord became Blood Robe’s protector, she would have to ensure his safety until he matured. In return, once he grew strong, Blood Robe would repay the Abyss Lord.

“If it weren’t for this nuisance of a Lynia Transformation, I’d protect you myself. But as things are, with dangers on every side, I thought it best to find you a protector,” Purple Fate Ancestor said through a spiritual transmission to Qi Yuan.

With the Demon Abyss becoming increasingly complex, even Black Sword had recently encountered serious threats. Purple Fate Ancestor sensed immense danger and wasn’t confident he could protect Blood Robe entirely. It was better to send him to White Dragon Abyss.

Hearing this, Qi Yuan’s eyes widened as he looked at the White Dragon Abyss Lord. “So you’re the Abyss Lord who can make people pregnant with just a look?”

Purple Fate Ancestor’s expression shifted slightly. “Please forgive him, Abyss Lord. Blood Robe has always been… spirited.”

He feared that Blood Robe’s words might provoke the White Dragon Abyss Lord. But to his surprise, she chuckled. “He’s a genius, after all—he should have a bit of character. It keeps things interesting.”

She looked at Qi Yuan with a calm, almost amused smile, as if especially taken with him. But her next words left Qi Yuan completely unsettled.

“If you don’t mind giving me a child, I’d gladly serve as your protector to keep you safe,” she said with an astonishing air of seriousness. “Even if a Great Sovereign came after you, I’d ensure that both you and our child would remain unharmed.”

Purple Fate Ancestor was utterly shocked by her words.

Though he had asked the White Dragon Abyss Lord to become Blood Robe’s protector, he knew her protection would be limited. If a Great Sovereign intervened, she might very well retreat. But based on her words, if Blood Robe agreed to bear her child, she’d be willing to defend him even against a Great Sovereign.

This was beyond anything he could have imagined.

As for Blood Robe having a child, Purple Fate Ancestor himself wasn’t particularly concerned.

But Qi Yuan’s reaction was quite different. His eyes grew wide. “Me, have a child? No way! I’m a man—how can I have a child?”

“Why shouldn’t a man be able to have a child? At our level, anyone can give birth,” the White Dragon Abyss Lord replied with calm conviction, unfazed.

Purple Fate Ancestor had no particular feeling about this, either. Compared to the immortal path, or even his own safety, having a child seemed trivial. In fact, if the White Dragon Abyss Lord’s offer had been extended to the Supreme Truths of the Sixth Heaven, many would be vying to have her child. ṝÁNỗＢĚS̈

Even Purple Fate Ancestor himself was somewhat tempted.

After all, having a powerful connection is beneficial. How much of life’s effort could be saved by associating with the White Dragon Abyss Lord? Unfortunately, she wasn’t interested in an old man like him.

“No way—I refuse! My gender is male, and my self-identification is also male!” Qi Yuan stated firmly. “We need to respect the diversity of the human body.”

The White Dragon Abyss Lord narrowed her eyes. “I’m guessing Purple Fate Ancestor hasn’t told you about recent events in the outer heavens. There was a battle, and a traitor appeared in the Demon Abyss. Black Sword was nearly killed.”

“Even a genius like Black Sword, with his ability to defend himself, almost died. Do you think you’re any safer?”

“If a Yang God Great Supreme Truth like me, or even Purple Fate Ancestor here, wanted you dead, do you really think you could survive?”

Her words rang true. This was precisely why Purple Fate Ancestor was so concerned.

If someone had the means to ambush Black Sword, who’s to say Blood Robe wouldn’t be next?

Qi Yuan simply shook his head. “Ever since I embarked on the path of cultivation, I’ve sought only to follow my own heart and live freely. What’s the point of cultivating if I can’t stay true to myself?”

If Qi Yuan had only understood Absolute Adaptation, he might have complied with the White Dragon Abyss Lord for the sake of survival. But he also grasped the path of Doing as One Pleases.

Purple Fate Ancestor sighed deeply, then bowed to the White Dragon Abyss Lord. “Apologies for the disturbance, Abyss Lord.”

He would respect Blood Robe’s choice. The only regret was that he might not be able to fully protect him.

The White Dragon Abyss Lord stared intently at Qi Yuan, deep in thought. Finally, she murmured, “What if… I were to bear the child instead?”

Purple Fate Ancestor’s eyes grew wide, and his beard trembled with astonishment.

He knew that the White Dragon Abyss Lord was of the Dragon Clan and, more specifically, the Dark Nether White Dragons. This clan had a unique tradition: rather than bearing children themselves, they sought Dao partners to bear their offspring to preserve the bloodline.

Because of this, they often formed alliances or marriages with other races.

The fact that the White Dragon Abyss Lord would propose personally bearing a child for Blood Robe was unimaginable.

Dark Nether White Dragons would only bear a child themselves if gravely injured or close to death. For her to make such an offer now was unthinkable.

But the White Dragon Abyss Lord was confident. She felt that she was offering him a precious gift.

Yet the answer she received was…

“I refuse,” Qi Yuan said flatly. “Marriage and children without love—it’s not right.”

Though others might see it as a fantastic opportunity for Qi Yuan, he valued equality. Why should men or women feel they’ve gained something by being with someone? Isn’t it possible… he would lose out?

Did he truly need the White Dragon Abyss Lord as a protector?

Not really.

His greatest enemy was the Taihuang Palace’s Great Sovereign. Would the White Dragon Abyss Lord really be willing to defend him against such a formidable foe? Most likely not.

The White Dragon Abyss Lord looked at Qi Yuan, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes. “You won’t accept this either?”

Clearly, she was genuinely surprised.

“I’m sorry, White Dragon Abyss Lord, but I don’t need a protector right now,” Qi Yuan replied resolutely.

Purple Fate Ancestor was shocked but finally sighed. “It seems Blood Robe and the Abyss Lord are not fated to be.”

The White Dragon Abyss Lord gazed at Qi Yuan, disappointment filling her eyes. “If you ever change your mind, my offer stands.”

With those words, her figure vanished in an instant.

A few breaths later, just outside the Demon Abyss, a female Supreme Truth cultivator, visibly shocked, observed the scene.

“Abyss Lord, why would you consider… having a child with a junior? And he had the nerve to refuse!”

The woman had overheard the conversation. She was shocked and frustrated, both astonished by the Abyss Lord’s offer and angered that Blood Robe had turned her down.

“How could this Blood Robe deserve the honor! Even if he refused, I’d persuade the Abyss Lord to abandon the thought,” she muttered.

A deep light flickered in the Abyss Lord’s eyes. She mused, “Are there any other dragons in the Sixth Heaven?”

The female Supreme Truth paused. “None, as far as I know. Unless…”

A realization dawned on her.

There were, of course, other dragons in the Sixth Heaven.

But the Dark Nether White Dragons considered themselves the true dragons and origin of the dragon race. All other dragon tribes had been stripped of their dragon lineage, deemed only “mixed-bloods.”

“While near him, I sensed a different dragon lineage. It was ancient, pure… primeval,” the Abyss Lord said quietly.

“A dragon bloodline? That explains why you’d consider bearing his child,” said the female Supreme Truth, comprehending at last.

If it were her, she’d probably have the same inclination. Combining two pure dragon lineages would produce a terrifyingly powerful offspring.

According to the ancient prophesies of the Dark Nether White Dragons, the birth of such a child could yield a future Great Sovereign or even higher.

“How does this lineage compare to ours, Abyss Lord?” asked the female Supreme Truth. “Are they on the same level as us, or perhaps… superior?”

“Our lineage considers itself supreme,” the Abyss Lord replied with a slight smile. “However, only when I see him closely can I be sure.”

The female Supreme Truth’s eyes hardened with determination. “If he refuses to bear your child willingly… should we just take him by force?”

The White Dragon Abyss Lord shook her head. “Not yet. The Demon Abyss is in disarray. He’ll come seeking me to be his protector. After all, he wouldn’t want to see Purple Fate Heaven destroyed.”

The female Supreme Truth’s gaze intensified. “Purple Fate Heaven could…?”

“With the Lynia Transformation under Taihuang Palace’s control, they need to make a statement. The Moon God Palace has the Moon God Sovereign overseeing it, so they’re safe. No trouble will arise before the transformation begins.”

“But the Demon Abyss Lord… well, let’s just say it’s complicated. He’s always been self-serving. For personal safety, he’ll likely sacrifice his weaker factions to gain Taihuang’s favor. He’d be all too willing to give up Purple Fate Heaven…”

“But wouldn’t this mean opposing Taihuang Palace?” the female Supreme Truth asked, worried.

The Abyss Lord’s gaze grew sharp. “If I cannot protect Purple Fate Ancestor, at the very least, I’ll protect my future husband!”

Had Qi Yuan overheard the Abyss Lord, he’d surely respond, “Dream on—I never agreed to be your husband!”

On the other side, Purple Fate Ancestor sighed deeply. "An opportunity like this, and you just let it go to waste. The White Dragon Abyss Lord is one of the richest and most powerful figures in the Sixth Heaven! If you’d just made her pregnant, you could skip millions of years of struggle! If you don't want a child, she’d have it for you!"

He was genuinely pained. Such a chance, wasted!

"Not necessary," Qi Yuan shook his head resolutely.

He planned to rely on his own strength.

As an Earthling, he believed in hard work, in earning wealth, and forging his own destiny without taking shortcuts!

"Ah… the Lynia Transformation is beginning soon, and danger looms with every breath. Even Black Sword might not be able to protect himself. With my aging bones, I can’t keep you safe alone. Perhaps… you should consider heading to the Moon God Palace?" Purple Fate Ancestor said offhandedly, looking at Qi Yuan.

His worry was sincere.

The recent injury to Black Sword had been a wake-up call, a reminder of the rising hidden threats within the Demon Abyss.

“Old man, you underestimate me,” Qi Yuan replied confidently. “I’m more capable than you think!”

He was, after all, always improving his strength, every moment of the day.

“Hah, you? Capable?” Purple Fate Ancestor retorted.

“Old man, if we were to go all out, honestly… your bones might not hold up against me,” Qi Yuan replied calmly.

"You arrogant kid!" Purple Fate Ancestor grumbled.

“Every moment, I’m improving and getting stronger. But what about you?” Qi Yuan continued, still composed.

He was indeed advancing on all fronts: refining his “Ancestral Blood Art,” bolstering his Martial God abilities, enhancing the stability of his Supreme Truths, and above all, increasing the number of his Stellar Golden Cores, which had now reached a staggering quantity.

He wasn’t entirely certain of his current strength.

But he suspected he’d be able to handle Purple Fate Ancestor if he really had to.

Of course, it was best to remain as low-profile as possible.

After all, Qi Yuan’s true enemy, the Great Sovereign of Taihuang Palace, was still an enormous threat.

“Get lost, you brat!” Purple Fate Ancestor growled, disappearing.

“Old man, if you ever run into trouble you can’t solve, just come find me. Considering how devotedly you worship me like an elder, I’ll reluctantly help you out!” Qi Yuan called out with a smirk.

“Get lost!”

Only the old man’s furious roar echoed from the sky.

Unperturbed, Qi Yuan shrugged and headed back into his cave.

At the entrance, he saw Purple Fate Snow waiting patiently.

“Blood Robe Senior, you went out?” she asked eagerly.

After parting with Qi Yuan earlier, Purple Fate Snow had gone off to search for the mysterious land he’d requested.

“Yes, went to see a certain prawn-headed woman,” Qi Yuan replied with a sigh. “The atmosphere in the immortal realms is terrible. Everywhere you go, it’s prawn-heads and more prawn-heads!”

The world of Canglan Realm was much better, he thought.

At first, it too had been plagued with prawn-headed men and women who spent their days spewing insults online. But with him establishing the Blood Palace and bringing order, he’d managed to turn the tides.

Today, Canglan Realm was a close-knit, harmonious family.

The Sixth Heaven, on the other hand, was riddled with problems.

Morally corrupt people, those who drained life’s essence with each breath, and even people who could impregnate with just a look! The sheer variety of absurdities was baffling.

That was why Qi Yuan preferred to stay low-profile—who knew if just a glance from the wrong person could lead to an unexpected pregnancy.

His reputation could be at stake!

“Huh? Which prawn-head?” Purple Fate Snow clenched her fist, indignant. “What did she try to do to you?”

“She wanted me to have her child!” Qi Yuan replied.

“That’s too much!” Purple Fate Snow agreed, nodding furiously. Who would dare to demand that Blood Robe Senior bear a child?

A man as fine as him should be cherished!

If children were to be born, it should be her giving birth for him.

"Then, seeing I wasn’t agreeable, she said she'd support me, with her doing the child-bearing," Qi Yuan added.

Purple Fate Snow huffed in anger, her cheeks puffing. "She’s dreaming! Who in the world would agree to such a thing? Blood Robe Senior, tell me who she is—I’ll teach her a lesson for her shamelessness!"

“Oh, you’d take her on? You’d eliminate her?” Qi Yuan blinked, suppressing a smile. “She’s somewhat powerful, you know; she might be more than you can handle.”

Little Snow’s heart warmed, sensing his concern for her.

“No matter how strong she is, I’m not afraid. I’ll scold her good, and I’ll keep training harder!” Little Snow replied defiantly.

“Yes, well, she’s the Abyss Lord of White Dragon Abyss. She probably hasn’t gone too far. If you want to catch her, there’s still time,” Qi Yuan teased.

“Wait—what?” Purple Fate Snow’s eyes widened in shock, her face filling with disbelief. “The Abyss Lord… of White Dragon Abyss?”

“That’s right. The old man tried to make her my protector, but she wanted to give birth to my child first,” Qi Yuan said with a sigh. “Honestly, it’s too risky to be this handsome in the immortal realms. Just stepping outside invites trouble.”

Purple Fate Snow was dumbfounded, the revelation like a bolt from the blue.

But then she pouted pitifully. “Blood Robe Senior, I’d never dare scold the White Dragon Abyss Lord. I don’t want… to bear her child!”

After all, this Abyss Lord was infamous for making people pregnant just by looking at them. Purple Fate Little Snow wasn’t ready to experience that.

“Haha, no need to worry. It’s all under control,” Qi Yuan reassured her. “So, did you find anything on the mysterious lands?”

At the mention of work, Purple Fate Snow immediately focused.

“Yes, I found three places that match what you asked for,” she said eagerly.

“Oh? Which ones?”

“The first is Star Drunken Land. From here, you can see the ghostly banners of Ghost Pass from afar, and while a day passes in the Sixth Heaven, it equates to roughly twelve days there.

"This land is the safest among the three. So long as you enter unnoticed, you’ll be quite secure,” she said dutifully.

“The time flow’s a bit slow. What about the others?” Qi Yuan asked.

He figured it would take quite a lot of time to identify any weaknesses in the Ghost Soul Banner.

“The second land is called Hibiscus Land. A single day in the Sixth Heaven equals about thirty days there.”

“But this land produces a rare fragrance called Hibiscus Drunk that could lead even a Yang God into a dreamlike stupor, trapped in endless illusions. It’s quite dangerous,” Little Snow added nervously.

This land was hazardous, and she didn’t recommend it.

“And the third?” Qi Yuan asked.

Little Snow hesitated briefly, then replied, “The last place is called Heaven Earth Land. One day in the Sixth Heaven equals roughly a year and a half there.”

“Oh? Now that’s interesting!” Qi Yuan’s eyes sparkled.

With that time flow, it wouldn’t take long to figure out the weaknesses in the Ghost Soul Banner. Not only could he boldly infiltrate Ghost Pass, but he might even find a way to claim control over its shadowy projection.

“But this land… is rumored to have a Yang God from the Holy Light Clan!” Little Snow added fearfully.

The terror of the Holy Light Clan was well-known throughout the Sixth Heaven’s major sanctuaries.

This clan originated from beyond the Sixth Heaven, and their words carried irresistible power—ordinary cultivators would instinctively believe anything they said. Even for Yang Gods at the level of Supreme Truth, the Holy Light Clan was something to avoid.

“The Holy Light Clan?” Qi Yuan’s curiosity was piqued. “They sound fascinating. I’d like to see them for myself.”

He had to admit that the Holy Light Clan’s words would likely influence him too—but it was bound to make his nose grow longer!

The contrast seemed both strange and amusing.

“Don’t worry, I’m not afraid of them,” Qi Yuan said, leaning forward. “So, where exactly is this Heaven Earth Land?”

Purple Fate Snow wavered, whispering, “Blood Robe Senior, the Holy Light Clan is truly terrifying. I’m afraid…”

“Rest assured, I’ve met them before. In fact, I even killed one once,” Qi Yuan said with a proud grin.

After all, it had taken all he had to eliminate the powerful Eastern Lord.

“Really?” Little Snow looked skeptical.

“Trust me! You know I only do things with a solid plan,” he replied confidently. “Remember my grand strategy? Didn’t that Hui Zeng meet exactly the end we predicted?”

If she’d doubted before, hearing this just left her even more perplexed.

“Blood Robe Senior, Hui Zeng fell at the hands of the Human Emperor Hall’s emissary!” Little Snow reminded him.

“Hmph, without my grand strategy, would Hui Zeng have met his end so neatly? It was all within my master plan!” Qi Yuan declared, exuding confidence.

“… ”

Little Snow suddenly remembered something else. Blood Robe Senior had requested a mysterious land from which the Ghost Soul Banner could be observed. Presently, the only person with a strong interest in the Ghost Soul Banner was the Human Emperor Hall’s emissary.

A bold idea formed in her mind.

“Blood Robe Senior, do you know the Human Emperor Hall’s emissary?” she asked in a hushed, cautious voice.

“Know him? I suppose, sort of… or maybe not exactly,” Qi Yuan replied.

How exactly does one claim to “know” oneself?

This realization struck Purple Fate Snow like a tidal wave.

That mysterious, awe-inspiring emissary of the Human Emperor Hall—her Blood Robe Senior knew him!

Relieved, she felt certain that the place her Blood Robe Senior would go wouldn’t be this hazardous territory. Only the Human Emperor Hall emissary would go.

“Heaven Earth Land. The exact location is…” she told him, making sure to add, “Senior, please remind the emissary that the Holy Light Clan may be lurking there.”

“Interesting name, isn’t it?” Qi Yuan remarked. “Anyway, don’t mention today’s discussion to anyone!”

“Of course!” Little Snow promised solemnly. “You know my lips are sealed. I’d never let a word slip.”

She felt a thrill—she was serving Blood Robe Senior and the emissary of the Human Emperor Hall, assisting with truly great endeavors.

In the end, it was her counsel and meticulous suggestions that had made the grand strategy even more effective.

The emissary's success and Yang Gods’ defeat were all due to her careful involvement.

Qi Yuan glanced at her with a hint of approval. “Good. I can trust you to keep quiet!”

With a cheerful heart, Little Snow skipped out of the cave.

Inside, Qi Yuan’s gaze shifted to the direction of Heaven Earth Land as his eyes sparkled. “A day for a year and a half… In half a month, I’ll have Ghost Pass turned inside out!”

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