My Golden Core is a Star, do you call this cultivating?

"It seems that one day, I must abduct her and take her as my Dao companion," Qi Yuan said with a calm smile.

The Molo Clan cultivators below all showed knowing, amused smiles.

The Moon Maidens were not allowed to marry.

For a Celestial Sovereign to abduct a Moon Maiden as his Dao companion would be a direct insult to the Moon God Palace.

"Congratulations, Celestial Sovereign, on your upcoming success!"

"In another month, it seems there will be the Lunar Banquet. If the Celestial Sovereign abducts the Moon Maiden then, it will be a double celebration!"

The Molo Clan cultivators flattered him, laughing as they spoke.

The Lunar Banquet was a special birthday celebration unique to the Moon God Palace.

Whenever a Moon God Palace cultivator reached ten thousand years of age, a Lunar Banquet would be held in their honor.

"Oh? Whose Lunar Banquet is it?" Qi Yuan's heart stirred slightly.

Could it be Jinli’s?

"It's for a mythic cultivator who ranks in the top three in the Jue Yue Abyss war record!" one of the Molo Clan cultivators replied. He seemed quite knowledgeable about the situation in the Jue Yue Abyss.

Because the Lunar Banquet was only held once every ten thousand years, the Moon God Palace celebrated it grandly, inviting many guests.

This mythic-level cultivator from the Molo Clan had been here for several centuries and had only heard of a few Lunar Banquets.

"Oh." Qi Yuan responded indifferently.

Since it wasn’t Jinli’s, it wasn’t important to him.

After speaking, his figure flickered and disappeared, heading toward his station.

Since he was currently masquerading as Yang God Mozhi, he had to keep up the act.

After all, he didn’t have official residence papers for the Sixth Heaven.

Moreover, if he were discovered, not only would the Yang Gods of the Molo Clan hunt him down, but the Taihuang Palace sovereigns, upon learning of his identity, might also take action against him.

As for the Moon God Palace...

To him, aside from his wife Jinli and his master-wife, everyone else there was a stranger.

Although the Moon Maidens held status within the Moon God Palace, they didn’t wield real power. Randomly wandering into the Moon God Palace territory might get him erased by their creation artifacts.

Thus, he had to meet Jinli in a safe manner. He even needed to win over his "mother-in-law."

Qi Yuan prided himself on being a "high emotional intelligence" person!

Just as he had warmed his junior sister Jiang Lingsu with a hundred days of kindness, he wouldn’t put Jinli in a difficult position between him and the Moon God Palace.

"Even though the Moon God Palace forbids Moon Maidens from marrying... does their law really override marriage law?"

Qi Yuan pondered whether he should brandish the banner of marriage law to confront the Moon God Palace.

But then he reconsidered. After all, the Moon God Palace was Jinli's home.

That wouldn’t be a good approach.

He had to appeal to them emotionally.

"I’m new here, so I should pay a visit to the leader of Jue Yue Abyss. Sigh, being a man with high emotional intelligence is exhausting."

Qi Yuan reflected that sometimes having high emotional intelligence could be a burden.

The Jue Yue Abyss, located near Duan Yue Abyss, was overseen by a Supreme Truth-level Yang God.

This Supreme Truth Yang God was Yang God Mozhi’s superior.

If Qi Yuan were someone with low emotional intelligence, he would just ignore the leader.

But since he was a "high emotional intelligence" cultivator, he needed to pay his respects to the leader.

Otherwise, he might find himself in trouble later on.

"Social anxiety and high emotional intelligence coexisting in the same person... reminds me of that famous quote, ‘grasping the sun and moon, plucking the stars...’"

Looking at his reflection in the mirror, Qi Yuan couldn’t help but admire himself.

Right now, he was the epitome of a "man of confidence."

Qi Yuan stopped thinking about trivial matters and instead began strategizing for the situation at hand.

After some time, a message arrived.

Qi Yuan’s expression remained calm.

The Taihuang Palace envoy stationed in Duan Yue Abyss had arrived.

"Enter."

At his command, the massive hall doors opened, and a mythic expert entered, followed by several Yin Gods of the Molo Clan.

The mythic expert, from Taihuang Palace, was named Master Baiteng, and his face was full of joy.

In Taihuang Palace, he was a mythic expert, standing tall.

However, this lofty status only applied when dealing with ordinary Yin Gods.

When it came to Yang God Celestial Sovereigns, he had to be very cautious and would have to go to great lengths just to secure an audience.

But here, in the Black Abyss, he was truly living like an aristocrat’s son.

Even the Yang Gods of the Molo Clan treated him with courtesy and respect.

Now, the newly arrived Yang God of Duan Yue Abyss wanted to meet him immediately.

And as a bonus, the Celestial Sovereign was even going to give him a gift.

At this moment, Master Baiteng was riding high, striding forward with anticipation, eager to see what this Yang God would gift him.

"Greetings... Celestial Sovereign!" Master Baiteng bowed respectfully.

Despite his arrogance toward others, he maintained proper decorum toward a Yang God.

After bowing, he looked up, sneaking a glance at the Celestial Sovereign’s figure.

In Taihuang Palace, he would never dare look directly at a Yang God, but here, he felt emboldened.

However, despite his efforts, he couldn’t make out the Yang God’s appearance, as the figure was obscured.

This was a typical show of reverence.

At this point, the Yang God seated on the throne spoke, his voice vast and holy: "Which foot did you step in with first?"

The Yin Gods of the Molo Clan were bewildered, unsure why the Yang God asked such a question.

Master Baiteng was momentarily stunned, not expecting this sudden question.

However, being a cultivator with an exceptional memory, he quickly recalled the details.

"Your humble servant entered with both legs together," he replied.

Qi Yuan, seated on the throne, was caught off guard by the answer.

You’re not following the script!

His mood darkened.

"Entering with both legs together? I hate people like that the most!"

Qi Yuan's voice boomed like thunder, shaking the spiritual energy around them.

When a Yang God became angry, it could affect the heavens and earth, causing the very world to tremble.

Master Baiteng’s face turned pale, his blood surging wildly. He had no idea how he had offended the Yang God.

The surrounding Yin Gods of the Molo Clan exchanged uneasy glances, trembling in fear, worried they would be caught up in this.

The Yang God might fear Taihuang Palace and wouldn’t directly harm the envoy, but the Yin Gods could easily become collateral damage.

"I don’t understand. How have I offended the Celestial Sovereign?" Master Baiteng stammered, his face red with anxiety.

"You stepped in with both legs at once, which violates my taboo. For that, you must die!"

At those words, the Yin Gods were dumbfounded.

Both legs together? What was wrong with that?

Of course, they didn’t understand Qi Yuan’s peculiar sense of humor.

"Die!"

Qi Yuan pointed a finger.

The gap between a Yang God and a Yin God was insurmountable.

Even in the Mortal Heart Realm, when Qi Yuan helped Wu Shi's mother resist an enemy, they had barely lasted twenty breaths.

Master Baiteng didn’t have the strength to resist and was instantly obliterated by Qi Yuan’s attack.

The faint scent of blood filled the air.

In that brief moment, the once-proud Master Baiteng was dead.

The Yin Gods in the room stood in stunned silence, afraid to breathe.

The situation had escalated dramatically.

The Taihuang Palace envoy represented the honor of the palace.

And now… the Yang God had killed him?

If Taihuang Palace found out and became enraged...

Well, the Yang God would probably be fine.

But the rest of them...

The Molo Clan would definitely offer some of them as scapegoats to appease Taihuang Palace’s wrath.

"What’s wrong? Do any of you have an issue with me killing Master Baiteng?"

Qi Yuan’s gaze swept across the Yin Gods, his expression calm.

The Yin Gods trembled, feeling as if a great disaster was looming over them.

At this moment, one Yin God suddenly spoke up, his face showing excitement: "Celestial Sovereign did the right thing! That man deserved it! I’ve always hated him, and he violated your taboo—he had to die!"

Hearing this, Qi Yuan nodded approvingly, "What’s your name?"

It's always good to have a bootlicker.

"Your humble servant is Chuanpu!" The Yin God respectfully bowed, his face glowing with excitement.

Qi Yuan couldn’t help but laugh. "Your name fits your behavior."

He hadn’t expected such a perfect coincidence.

Life really was full of amusing surprises.

Chuanpu had no idea what Qi Yuan meant, but seeing the Celestial Sovereign pleased, he smiled too.

"I killed Master Baiteng because I’ve disliked him for a long time.

Hmph! We pay to fight this war, and then some arrogant fool comes along to throw his weight around—how irritating!"

The other Yin Gods nodded in agreement, some of them feeling a shared sense of satisfaction.

Apparently, Master Baiteng had been mistreating and oppressing them for quite some time.

"He deserved to die!"

"That Master Baiteng deceived the Taihuang Palace Yang Gods while bullying us. His death was justified!"

Although they harbored resentment toward Taihuang Palace, none dared to direct it at the Yang Gods.

After all, the Yang Gods were benevolent but had been deceived by the likes of Master Baiteng.

…

In the sky, a radiant streak of light flashed.

A Moon Ship, like a crescent moon, gleamed brightly, crystal-clear and transparent, laden with all manner of celestial treasures, fine wine, and delicacies.

The moonlight spilled over the white-robed woman, the plum blossoms on her elegant dress becoming even more vibrant, exuding a cold beauty akin to plum blossoms blooming in the snow. Yet, compared to the dress’s owner, these blossoms paled in comparison.

"Yue Shuang, why have you come?" Jinli, dressed in pure white, smiled with a hint of surprise in her eyes as she saw the cold woman approaching.

"In less than a month, it will be your birthday. I thought I’d stop by and check on you," Yue Shuang smiled, "I was worried you might be feeling lonely."

"It’s just a regular birthday, not the Lunar Banquet." Jinli's tone was indifferent, though a trace of warmth flickered in her chest.

"Yu Tiao shares the same birthday as you, and she’s hosting a Lunar Banquet. All her friends will be there. I couldn’t bear to see you spending the day alone." Yue Shuang spoke softly, her eyes betraying a hint of guilt.

Back in the Wangyue Continent, she and Jinli had been trapped.

One of the two Moon Maidens had to be abandoned.

That one was Jinli.

Had it not been for the Faceless Sword God, Jinli might have perished back then.

Because of that, Yue Shuang had always carried a sense of guilt toward her sister.

"It’s just a birthday; it’s no different from any other day. I’ve been planning to head deeper into Jue Yue Abyss in the coming days and take down a few more of the Molo Clan." As she spoke, Jinli radiated a strong, bloodthirsty aura.

The once delicate young girl had long since transformed over the years.

"Have you earned enough merit?" Yue Shuang asked.

"Yes, just a bit more to go!" Jinli nodded earnestly, her beautiful eyes gleaming with anticipation.

In another decade or so, her merit would be enough, and she could request the Moon God Sovereign to grant her one wish.

"You’re so close, no need to rush it. On the day of the Lunar Banquet, why don’t we just have a quiet meal together? After that, I’ll join you on your mission," Yue Shuang suggested.

Jinli paused for a moment, then nodded, "Alright."

At that moment, Yue Shuang suddenly asked, "What do you plan to ask the Moon God Sovereign for?

Is it... to find him, save him, bring him back to life, or...

The Moon Maidens aren’t allowed to marry. Even if the Moon God Sovereign helps you find him, you can’t leave with him…

Or are you planning to ask the Moon God Sovereign to release you from the title of Moon Maiden, so you can find him yourself and live together?"

Every Moon Maiden was granted one wish to be fulfilled by the Moon God Sovereign in their lifetime.

Jinli remained silent for a while, before finally smiling, her exquisite beauty shining through like plum blossoms in the snow: "As long as he’s still alive, seeing him one more time would be the greatest blessing of my life."

"Why put yourself through this?" Yue Shuang sighed.

If there was no chance of a future together, it was better to sever ties early.

"As long as he’s alive, I believe... he’ll come find me," Jinli said with firm resolve.

She remembered the second message that Qi Yuan had sent her through the Bridal Knight.

At the time, she hadn’t fully understood its meaning.

Later, upon seeing the Faceless Sword God’s statue, and recalling memories from the past, she understood everything.

Those words had been spoken by the Faceless Sword God as he waited in vain at July Lake, addressing the future Empress Jinli from a distant time.

Even across the barriers of time, he had declared that he would see her again.

"You…," Yue Shuang could only sigh, "Countless years can bury anything. It’s been so long—how can you be sure he’s still the same man you remember?"

The power of a memory was often so strong that not even the real person could surpass it.

Clutching her Linglong Yuxi, Jinli's eyes lit up with a radiant smile, recalling the man who had stood guard by the July Lake as snow blanketed his shoulders. She remembered the sword-wielding hero who had led her by the hand through a hundred cities, slaying the Black Robe Guard. She thought of the fearless swordsman who, single-handedly, defended the gate of death, battling for three hundred years and vanquishing three thousand demons.

Though she had never seen his face, she knew in her heart: "He’s even better than I remember… a thousand times, a million times better!"

...

"Everything is ready. It’s time… to pay a visit to Yang God Motong."

Within the great hall, Qi Yuan’s figure slowly faded from sight.

Yang God Motong was the sovereign of Jue Yue Abyss, a Supreme Truth Yang God, and also technically Yang God Mozhi’s superior.

The Molo Clan had a total of five Supreme Truth Yang Gods, three of whom were stationed in the Black Abyss, highlighting how much the Molo Clan prioritized the war with the Moon God Palace.

"This upcoming meeting with Yang God Motong will truly test my acting skills!

I have a feeling that after this performance, I could return to Earth and contend for an Academy Award!"

"I really am… a man of confidence."

Though Yang God Mozhi and Yang God Motong didn’t have many interactions, both were Yang Gods of the Molo Clan.

Any slight mistake on Qi Yuan’s part could blow his cover.

Moreover, this visit to Yang God Motong wasn’t just about paying respects to his superior—Qi Yuan also planned to "go fishing" and bait the high-ranking leader with enticing treasures.

To that end, he had already thoroughly brainwashed Yang God Mozhi to acquire as many details as possible. He had even set traps in Duan Yue Abyss, waiting for his performance.

"A Supreme Truth Yang God... shouldn’t be too hard, right?"

Qi Yuan mused.

He had never fought a Supreme Truth Yang God before.

But after making a quick assessment, he concluded that it wouldn’t be a problem.

After all, his right eyebrow wasn’t twitching uncontrollably, which meant everything was going according to plan.

"Unfortunately, this is the Black Abyss, not the Molo Clan. If Yang God Motong disappears for too long, it will definitely be noticed."

Qi Yuan sighed and then set off toward Jue Yue Abyss.