Golden Core is a Star, and You Call This Cultivation?
Chapter 153: The True Genius, Great Wisdom True Monarch

The atmosphere on the God Flower Society forum was somber.

Threads like:

• "Mourn for the Blood-Clad Sword God for Thirty Breaths"
• "The Blood-Clad Sword God is Gone, But His Spirit Remains!"
• "Remembering the Past: When I Was a Child, the Blood-Clad Sword God Once Held Me..."
• "There is True Love in This World—I Abstain from Carnal Desires for Three Days for the Sword God!"                                                  When Qi Yuan logged into the God Flower Society forum and saw these posts, his face turned pale.

"Hey, I'm not dead yet, and you’re already mourning for me!"

Qi Yuan was speechless.

These people probably assumed that his battle with the Light Palace had ended in defeat, so they made these posts.

If that was the case, it was understandable.

He thought for a moment and decided to post using his Blood-Clad Sword God account.

"I, the Blood-Clad Sword God, bring good news: the Light Palace is destroyed, and justice has finally triumphed over evil!"

These days, the name Blood-Clad Sword God was a hot topic. Even Qi Yuan titled his post with his name to attract attention.

As soon as the post went up, it quickly garnered replies.

"The Blood-Clad Sword God is still alive?"

"The Light Palace is destroyed?"

"Did today’s sun falling make me lose my mind?"

"Could this be a fake Blood-Clad Sword God?"

The fact that the Blood-Clad Sword God had posted and "risen from the dead" caused the forum to explode.

Members of the God Flower Society were spread throughout the Canglan Realm, so the news of the Blood-Clad Sword God’s destruction of the Light Palace had not yet reached them, and many were unaware.

In their view, the Blood-Clad Sword God was sure to lose in a battle against the Light Palace, which had the backing of a Yin God.

But now that the Blood-Clad Sword God had won, how could they not be shocked?

"Senior, I knew you would win!" Little Li from the Fox Den quickly replied, secretly deleting her earlier post mourning the Blood-Clad Sword God.

The forum was abuzz, contributing to the warming of the Canglan Realm and filling it with joy.

Outside the forum, the news of the Blood-Clad Sword God’s destruction of the Light Palace also began to spread slowly throughout the Cuiyun Continent.

"Senior... how did you win?"

Someone asked.

Many were puzzled and curious.

How had the Blood-Clad Sword God defeated the Light Palace?

At this moment, many Purple Mansion cultivators were also keenly interested in this question.

"At the time, the Light Palace used the Imperial Dragon Crown of Frightening Majesty, and the Grand Palace Master unleashed the finger of a god.

I thought I was going to die.

But then I remembered the countless people behind me supporting me.

So, I asked the big shots in the God Flower Society and borrowed celestial golden cores, nine-turn golden cores, a million golden cores, and even a Stellar Golden Core...

Countless golden cores fell, summoning the sun and annihilating the Light Palace."

Qi Yuan added some exaggeration, mixing truth with fiction.

After all, he was currently just a Stellar Golden Core cultivator, not even able to fully utilize a perfect Heavenly Dao Foundation, so he had to downplay his true abilities and hide his trump card.

Everyone following the post was stunned.

They hadn’t expected such an answer.

"The sun in the sky was summoned by the big shots?"

"...Is that for real?"

Some remained silent, others were doubtful, and some spoke the truth in a joking tone.

"Of course it’s true. I’m just a small fry among the big shots of the God Flower Society. If I hadn’t borrowed the Stellar Golden Core, I might not have survived." Qi Yuan replied earnestly.

Using your own things can't be called borrowing?

Meanwhile, in the East Continent, within a cave.

A man in golden robes looked at the jade slip in silence.

He had watched the battle between the Blood-Clad Sword God and the Light Palace up to a certain point, then, predicting the Blood-Clad Sword God’s defeat, he had left.

He hadn’t seen the latter half of the battle and was unaware of how the situation had reversed.

The white-haired elder beside him asked, "Is what he said true?"

The golden-robed man recalled the blood-colored figure he had seen that day and slowly replied, "He’s surrounded by overwhelming blood energy, likely a powerful demon who has slaughtered millions.

From a distance, I didn’t detect any divinity in him, so it’s impossible for him to be a Yin God.

Summoning the sun... that’s too terrifying.

In our Canglan Realm, besides that legendary figure, who else could ascend to a divine position and illuminate all realms?"

As he mentioned this person, the golden-robed man’s eyes filled with deep fear.

He didn’t even dare to utter that person’s name.

The elder, hearing this, felt a heavy weight on his heart.

For that person... was unspeakable.

"Rather than believing he summoned the sun, I’m more inclined to believe he had help.

When he killed Ye Qiong Zunzhe’s messenger, he mentioned the name Feng Jun.

If it was Feng Jun... that would make sense.

But... with the great calamity approaching, all the Yin Gods are conserving their strength, avoiding action if possible.

Why would Feng Jun intervene?"

"I’d rather believe that the stingy old man Feng Jun stepped in than that the Blood-Clad Sword God summoned the sun," the elder said with a smile. He was an old member of the Seeking Dao Palace and had known Feng Jun in his youth.

Unfortunately, one became a Yin God, while the other was still searching for the path in the late Purple Mansion stage.

He knew Feng Jun’s character well.

"Sigh, you returned too quickly. A strong figure like the Blood-Clad Sword God should have been recruited into our Seeking Dao Palace.

His strength might even surpass that of Wutian Old Man." The white-haired elder sighed.

Wutian Old Man was among the top-tier late-stage Purple Mansion cultivators in the Seeking Dao Palace.

"This time he survived, but he’s completely offended Ye Qiong Zunzhe, so he’s probably not long for this world!" the golden-robed man couldn’t help but say.

"If he can destroy the Light Palace, why can’t he kill Honored One Ye Qiong?" the white-haired elder chuckled.

The golden-robed man glared at the elder, "The Light Palace only had a damaged Yin God artifact. How could that compare to the real Honored One Ye Qiong?"

"How do you know? Someone who can easily wipe out the Light Palace can’t kill Honored One Ye Qiong?" The elder continued to smile, "It’s a pity I can’t leave right now. Otherwise, I would have loved to meet this Blood-Clad Sword God."

...

At this moment, Qi Yuan was basking in the praise of others, feeling quite pleased with himself.

Then a comment caught his eye.

"Blood-Clad Sword God, I heard you killed Honored One Ye Qiong's messenger on your way to the Light Palace?"

"Yes, I did," Qi Yuan replied.

Seeing his response, some were puzzled, not knowing who Honored One Ye Qiong was.

But the God Flower Society was full of big shots.

"You even dare to kill a Yin God’s messenger. Senior, you’re truly formidable!

Senior, you should leave the East Continent quickly!" that person replied.

The cultivators following the thread were all shocked.

Little Li from the Fox Den stared at the post, stunned.

She had just commented in the thread, saying she would stand with the Blood-Clad Sword God to defeat any enemies.

But no one had told her the enemy was a Yin God!

She was going crazy, pulling at her hair, "Boo hoo, I’ll never reply to you again!"

But then she thought about how she had gotten close to the Blood-Clad Sword God, and how others now called her Sister Li, and she couldn’t resist.

Qi Yuan glanced at the comments below and replied.

"His messenger threatened to kill me, so I had to strike first.

If Honored One Ye Qiong also doesn’t have eyes, I’ll have to show him why the sun is so red!"

The God Flower Society cultivators who saw the Blood-Clad Sword God’s reply were completely stunned.

If killing Honored One  Ye Qiong’s messenger had offended him, these words were an outright provocation!

"Senior is too fierce!"

"Senior, stay safe!"

Qi Yuan casually glanced at the comments, then switched accounts and logged into the God Flower Four Emperors chat group.

"I’ve got good news: the ‘Hundred-Day Plan to Destroy the Light Palace’ has been completed ahead of schedule!"

"Big shot, awesome!"

"I told you, Origin Heavenly Venerable is no ordinary person."

The Rogue Immortal Venerable and Ice Mountain Queen showered him with praise.

"Where’s the Great Sun Flame Emperor?" Qi Yuan asked, feeling that something was missing without his praise.

"He was here a few hours ago, but then he said his old man was looking for him, so he didn’t show up again. Probably something urgent came up.

In my experience, he probably pissed off his old man and got grounded."

"I see." Qi Yuan felt a bit disappointed.

"Origin Heavenly Venerable, my sisters made nearly ten million spirit stones because of you. They all want to meet you to thank you in person," Ice Mountain Queen said.

"No need for a meeting, it’s a small matter."

"Good choice not to meet them. If those vixens see you, they’ll probably tear your clothes off," Ice Mountain Queen continued, as blunt as ever.

The Rogue Immortal Venerable swallowed hard at the thought.

He also wanted to be stripped by fairy sisters.

"One of my sisters owns a Seven Tones Pavilion. She said you can play there for free anytime."

"Seven Tones Pavilion?" The Rogue Immortal Venerable drooled with envy.

That’s even more high-end than the Cloud Court.

Doesn’t that mean Origin Heavenly Venerable can enjoy it for free?

"I don’t lack these things. What I need most now are cultivation techniques, the more the better, and the higher the grade, the better," Qi Yuan said.

He wasn’t interested in freebies.

Only cultivation techniques mattered to him.

Originally, he had been looking forward to a meeting with the elders of the Light Palace, but... they were too weak, and just sunbathing had made them vanish.

They left behind no techniques or treasures.

The Light Palace headquarters was also dragged into the virtual realm, leaving nothing behind.

The cultivation techniques he had been eagerly awaiting were gone, so Qi Yuan had to replace them elsewhere.

Ice Mountain Queen responded, "Leave it to me! I’ll squeeze some benefits out of them today!"

"Thank you, Sister Ice Mountain Queen.

I’m logging off now; the East Continent Talent Battle is about to start, and I need to work hard. Otherwise, it’ll be embarrassing if I don’t make the top twenty.

By the way, when the Great Sun Flame Emperor comes online, tell him I didn’t let everyone down—I wiped out the Light Palace."

The Rogue Immortal Venerable was completely stunned when he read this.

"Origin Heavenly Venerable... you’re participating in the East Continent Talent Battle?"

The one who destroyed the Light Palace says he’s going to participate in the East Continent Talent Battle?

Is this a joke?

Keep in mind that the East Continent Talent Battle is only open to those under two hundred years old.

The Origin Heavenly Venerable must be at least a thousand years old, right?

Qi Yuan had no idea what the Rogue Immortal Venerable was thinking.

At this moment, he returned to his cave and continued refining the "Qi Yuan Sutra."

"The path of the Golden Core is about growing larger and stronger.

My Golden Core is a star, so by continually devouring other celestial bodies in the universe, it can grow stronger."

After obtaining the Solar True Fire, Qi Yuan had a clear idea of how his Golden Core path should unfold.

But his cultivation technique was still incomplete.

"If the Golden Core is a star, then what is the Nascent Soul?"

Qi Yuan was stumped.

Although he had read many techniques, his understanding of the Nascent Soul was still superficial.

...

The next day, Qi Yuan looked at the small sun in the sky and thought of Ning Tao again.

Unfortunately, his dantian still had very little spiritual energy.

Killing a Purple Mansion cultivator was no problem, but summoning the Golden Core and Ning Tao was still far from possible.

"The 'Qi Yuan Sutra' is too lacking, so my spiritual energy recovery is too slow," Qi Yuan lamented.

He then looked at Jiang Ya in the distance, his eyes lighting up.

Here was a wealthy woman, and her wealth aligned perfectly with what Qi Yuan lacked.

"Senior Sister Jiang Ya, you’re well-read. I have a question—could I ask for your guidance?" Qi Yuan inquired.

Jiang Ya looked at Qi Yuan and responded succinctly, "You may."

"I’ve reached the Golden Core stage, but I’m still confused about the path to the Nascent Soul," Qi Yuan said, looking dejected.

"The path to the Nascent Soul..." Jiang Ya began.

But just as she was about to speak, Qi Yuan continued.

"I built my foundation on the Five Elements Qi and condensed a Stellar Golden Core through the Heavenly Dao Foundation.

What kind of Nascent Soul could match my level?"

Jiang Ya fell silent.

The words she had prepared seemed to vanish from her mind.

She told herself to smile, to be graceful.

Jiang Ya looked at Qi Yuan and calmly said, "There might be someone who can give you the answer."

"Who is it?" Qi Yuan asked eagerly.

"Great Wisdom True Monarch, ranked fourth on the East Continent Talent Battle rankings," Jiang Ya replied coolly.

"Great name, he must be a wise person!" Qi Yuan’s eyes lit up.

Judging by his reputation, he could already imagine that this was a true genius.

"He, like you, follows the path of obsession, and... he has already entered the Nascent Soul stage. He might be able to give you a lot of advice," Jiang Ya explained. "If Junior Brother Qi Yuan wishes to meet him, I can arrange it now."

"Yes!" Qi Yuan was excited.

Meeting him was a must!

"Alright." Jiang Ya turned and took out a communication jade slip.

...

As night fell, a flower boat docked by the shore.

A man with slicked-back hair, floral shorts, and a long robe that didn’t fit him at all.

On the flower boat, he seemed completely out of place.

However, the people on the boat looked at him with respect.

For this man was none other than Great Wisdom True Monarch, ranked fourth on the East Continent Talent Battle rankings.

At this moment, Great Wisdom True Monarch’s eyes were clear as he stared at the hand of a female cultivator nearby, making her feel embarrassed.

The woman’s delicate hand, with slender, fair fingers and long nails painted a light crimson, looked both elegant and beautiful.

"Wind Moon Fairy, your hands are exquisite, unmatched, and priceless.

Is Great Wisdom True Monarch also a connoisseur of such things?" a nearby, rough-looking genius commented, trying to get closer to Great Wisdom True Monarch.

Great Wisdom True Monarch gazed at the delicate hand, his eyes clear, deep in thought.

"Are her nails that long for picking her nose?"

Silence.

The flower boat fell into a dead silence, and the genius who had just spoken couldn’t replace any words.

Wind Moon Fairy’s face turned red with shame, her expression constantly changing as she wished she could sink into the ground.

At that moment, a hearty voice rang out, "My advice is, if you’re picking your nose, don’t wear nail polish—it could hurt your nose."

A man in black robes stepped onto the flower boat.

He looked at Great Wisdom True Monarch with respect. "My name is Qi Yuan. Senior Sister Jiang Ya sent me to ask Great Wisdom True Monarch for advice on the Nascent Soul stage!"

The others on the boat looked at Qi Yuan, then at Great Wisdom True Monarch, their expressions complicated.

Wind Moon Fairy, however, glared angrily at Qi Yuan.

She didn’t dare offend Great Wisdom True Monarch, but she wasn’t afraid of this unknown Qi Yuan.

Great Wisdom True Monarch looked at Qi Yuan, his eyes brightened. "How do you think Wind Moon Fairy should pick her nose?"

"Well." Qi Yuan sat down beside Great Wisdom True Monarch and pondered, "Using fingernails is rather inelegant.

Fairies don’t poop or pick their noses.

So why not create a Dao technique specifically for picking noses?"

"Fellow Daoist, you’re a genius!" Great Wisdom True Monarch looked at Qi Yuan, excited.

Qi Yuan looked at Great Wisdom True Monarch, feeling a sense of kindred spirit.

At that moment, a voice suddenly called out.

"Not good! Wind Moon Fairy has fallen into the river!"

Everyone looked at the river with pity for Wind Moon Fairy.

Seeing this, Great Wisdom True Monarch slowly said, "Wind Moon Fairy must have been inspired by Fellow Daoist Qi Yuan to enter the river and comprehend the flow of water, then create a Dao technique specifically for picking noses."

Everyone present silently mourned for Wind Moon Fairy.

It was likely that by tomorrow, she would have a new nickname—Nose-Picking Fairy.

Qi Yuan nodded and got straight to the point. "Fellow Daoist, I’ve always felt the path to the Nascent Soul is unclear.

I’ve heard that to form a Nascent Soul, one must shatter their golden core to create the soul.

But my golden core was formed through great effort; I can’t bear to shatter it.

What should I do?"

Qi Yuan had worked hard to form his Stellar Golden Core—how could he bear to shatter it?

That was his baby.

The others around him were stunned by Qi Yuan’s words.

Someone who doesn’t want to shatter their golden core?

Is this guy crazy from cultivation?

No wonder... he can communicate so easily with Great Wisdom True Monarch.

Great Wisdom True Monarch looked at Qi Yuan and pondered, "Sigh, I never thought we’d be on the same page.

Back when I was just building my foundation, I was already thinking about this issue."

Qi Yuan couldn’t help but hold Great Wisdom True Monarch in even higher regard.

This was truly a far-sighted genius!

When he was building his foundation, he never thought about what would happen to his Nascent Soul.

But this guy was thinking about it back then.

"In the end, after much thought, I created a method called the Two-Core Technique," Great Wisdom True Monarch said proudly.

"I first formed a fake core, then formed a real golden core.

Finally, when I broke through to the Nascent Soul stage, I shattered the fake core and kept the golden core.

So now I have both a golden core and a Nascent Soul within me!"

A fake core is something a Foundation Establishment cultivator creates using external means when they have no hope of forming a real golden core.

Qi Yuan was stunned by Great Wisdom True Monarch’s thought process.

What a genius—what great wisdom!

"However, there’s a flaw in this method: my golden core and Nascent Soul tend to fight each other," Great Wisdom True Monarch said with frustration.

The other geniuses on the boat looked at Great Wisdom True Monarch, speechless.

Not only do your golden core and Nascent Soul fight, but you also often fight yourself.

They knew that Great Wisdom True Monarch had developed a split personality, with two different personas inhabiting his body.

"Such minor issues aren’t real problems," Qi Yuan said dismissively. "A good technique is bound to have some flaws. My own technique has a flaw where after cultivation, you become mentally unstable and forgetful.

But look at me now—I’m perfectly sane! I can eat eight steamed buns in one sitting!"

The people present looked at Qi Yuan and instantly understood.

This is what you call perfectly sane?

At the same time, they felt even more sorry for Wind Moon Fairy.

Why did she have to catch the attention of these two lunatics? How pitiful.

"Unfortunately, I’m already in the Golden Core stage, so I can’t use the Two-Core Technique." Qi Yuan sighed.

Great Wisdom True Monarch’s path wasn’t suitable for him.