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

Chapter 250: The Journey

On the flying boat, Qi Yuan lounged lazily on a deck chair, basking in the sunlight.

After leaving the Shen Guang Sect, Qi Yuan hurriedly made his way to the Feng Tian Domain.

The time to meet the Four Emperors of the Divine Flower group was approaching.

Upon arriving in the Feng Tian Domain, Qi Yuan boarded this flying boat headed for Qing Hong City.

At this moment, the flying boat was filled with a mixed crowd.

There were thousands of cultivators onboard, the weakest among them being at the Foundation Establishment stage.

However, Nascent Soul and Purple Mansion cultivators were few and far between.

A beautiful woman sat next to Qi Yuan, dressed in a green robe, her eyes sparkling with charm. "Fellow Daoist, you're not from Feng Tian Domain, are you?"

This beautiful woman had boarded the flying boat with Qi Yuan.

On the boat, there was a small trading event.

After participating, Qi Yuan bought a fair number of cultivation techniques and got to know this woman.

Her name was Li Ruoxian, and she had many techniques to offer; Qi Yuan bought seven profound-level techniques from her.

"That's right, I'm not," Qi Yuan answered truthfully.

Qi Yuan didn't despise poverty, but he certainly admired wealth.

Especially a wealthy woman who could become his beloved.

"Fellow Daoist, you have an extraordinary aura. Where are you from? Could it be the Eastern Lands?" Li Ruoxian was quite talkative. "The Eastern Lands are somewhat inferior to Feng Tian Domain, but they still produce many outstanding talents.

Recently, a certain Blood-Robed Sword God has become quite famous in our Feng Tian Domain as well.

The Blood-Robed Sword God has slain many, particularly those who spoke out of turn at the Divine Blossom Assembly. His actions have greatly pleased the public, inspiring many younger cultivators in the Feng Tian Domain to emulate him."

When she mentioned the Blood-Robed Sword God, there was a hint of respect in Li Ruoxian's eyes, but also some helplessness.

Qi Yuan felt a sense of pride when he heard this.

It seemed that his efforts to purify the cultivation world had some effect.

"I also greatly admire the Blood-Robed Sword God. If all cultivators were like him, where would there be any of this moral decay?" Qi Yuan couldn't help but sigh.

Inside his body were more than four thousand Nascent Souls, like a small society, yet these Nascent Souls never fought with each other.

Because he was of noble character.

Li Ruoxian was momentarily stunned by his words, then smiled. "Fellow Daoist is quite right."

She changed the subject, "Are you going to Qing Hong City to meet friends?"

"Yes, I have a few friends there."

At that moment, the flying boat stopped for a temporary landing.

Qi Yuan stood up, a smile on his face. "I have a friend boarding here; I'm going to greet them."

"Sure," Li Ruoxian said, giving him a curious look.

Qi Yuan thought of something and turned to Li Ruoxian. "Could I trouble you to hold my chair for me? I'd be unhappy if someone took my warm seat while I'm gone."

Li Ruoxian couldn't help but laugh. "Sure."

She watched Qi Yuan walk away.

A clear voice suddenly whispered in Li Ruoxian's ear, "What do you think of this Qi Yuan?"

Li Ruoxian looked at the young girl who had just arrived and smiled helplessly. "Silly girl, what are you thinking?"

"This fellow Daoist is really handsome, has an extraordinary temperament, and spends generously on buying techniques—he must be wealthy.

And most importantly, he likes the same Blood-Robed Sword God that I do. I fully support this match!"

"You..." Li Ruoxian said, both amused and exasperated. "You've only just met him, and you’re already getting ahead of yourself."

"Grandmother, it's been so long since Grandfather passed. You've been alone for so many years; it's time you thought about your future," the young girl said, seemingly quite satisfied with Qi Yuan. "See how considerate I am? I made sure not to show up while you were talking to Qi Yuan."

Li Ruoxian's expression became calm as she thought of something. "Let's not talk about this again. We're going to Qing Hong City to retrieve Yang Lang's belongings from the Seeking Dao Palace."

Yang Lang was Li Ruoxian's Dao companion and the young girl's grandfather.

He had passed away early, leaving many of his belongings at the Seeking Dao Palace.

The young girl didn't say anything further upon hearing this.

At that moment, two figures approached.

It was none other than Qi Yuan and Rogue Immortal.

"This is Li Ruoxian; I met her on the flying boat," Qi Yuan introduced her to Rogue Immortal.

He then said, "This is Gao Xiaoyu, a good brother of mine."

Gao Xiaoyu was Rogue Immortal's real name.

Rogue Immortal felt a bit odd hearing his real name used.

Li Ruoxian greeted them with a bright smile. "Greetings, fellow Daoists."

She couldn't help but look at Rogue Immortal again, a trace of surprise in her eyes.

She had been unable to discern Qi Yuan's cultivation level before and, seeing his generous spending, had naturally assumed he was a Purple Mansion cultivator like herself.

But now, Qi Yuan's good friend seemed to be at the Golden Core stage.

How could she not be surprised?

The young girl also looked stunned; as a Golden Core cultivator herself, she could easily see Rogue Immortal's level.

"Greetings, fellow Daoists," Rogue Immortal responded politely to Li Ruoxian and the young girl.

After all, although his strength wasn't great, he was still one of the Four Emperors of the Divine Flower.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Qi Yuan and Rogue Immortal began chatting.

Li Ruoxian noticed that Qi Yuan's attitude toward Rogue Immortal hadn't changed at all, but her granddaughter's attitude toward Qi Yuan had grown much colder.

"I'm really excited to finally meet the Great Sun Flame Emperor and the Ice Mountain Queen" Rogue Immortal said, unable to hide his excitement.

He already understood that he was the only one in the group who wasn't a true expert.

"I'm excited too. After all, it's a rare meeting..." Qi Yuan sighed.

The thought of meeting reminded him of Jinli.

By now, Shen Wushen should have sent the letter.

According to Shen Wushen, it would take three years for the letter to reach the Upper Realm, which meant about ten years in the Lower Realm.

By then, he wondered if he would have completely resolved the great calamity.

"Are you planning to visit the Seeking Dao Palace?" Rogue Immortal asked, as if he had thought of something.

"Yes, although I've recently acquired quite a few techniques, they're still not enough. I need to visit the Seeking Dao Palace."

Qi Yuan still hadn't figured out the path from Nascent Soul to Purple Mansion.

This would require many techniques.

Moreover, the Golden Core Dao continuously consumed techniques, so Qi Yuan needed to keep collecting more.

"Oh, are you going to the Seeking Dao Palace too?" Li Ruoxian couldn't help but ask.

The young girl beside her added, "The Seeking Dao Palace isn't so easy to enter."

"Oh?" Qi Yuan was surprised.

"The Seeking Dao Palace in Feng Tian Domain is filled with Purple Mansion cultivators from three different regions.

Without an Yin God, the Seeking Dao Palace is the most powerful force across the three regions.

Even an ordinary Purple Mansion cultivator can't enter, let alone a Golden Core cultivator..." As she spoke, the young girl glanced at Rogue Immortal.

Li Ruoxian frowned and gave her a reproachful look.

Qi Yuan laughed heartily. "Gao Xiaoyu, did you hear that? Your Golden Core level is being mocked."

Rogue Immortal remained silent.

Qi Yuan continued, "I'm different. I'm already a Nascent Soul True Monarch and the number one Nascent Soul in the Great Shang Kingdom. The Seeking Dao Palace will surely give me some respect."

He then looked at Li Ruoxian. "Isn't that right?"

The young girl seemed about to say something, but her grandmother's sharp look made her hold her tongue.

Li Ruoxian smiled. "A Nascent Soul genius certainly has the qualifications to enter the Seeking Dao Palace.

If you want to go, why not join me? I'm planning to visit the Seeking Dao Palace as well."

"Oh, really?" Qi Yuan's face lit up with joy.

Although the Great Sun Flame Emperor was the host in Feng Tian Domain, according to him, his grandfather Feng Jun had a tense, even conflicting relationship with the Seeking Dao Palace.

Qi Yuan was going there to purchase techniques, not to cause trouble, so it was better to have someone introduce him rather than force his way in.

"Thank you for the favor," Qi Yuan said, surprised by this unexpected delight.

"It's a small matter," Li Ruoxian replied with a carefree attitude.

"Here’s my communication jade slip. Let's exchange contact information. If you ever run into trouble, just reach out to me, and I'll help you out," Qi Yuan said, not one to take advantage of others.

He was always straightforward and spontaneous in his actions.

In other words, he did whatever came to mind.

"Alright," Li Ruoxian agreed without hesitation.

At that moment, the young girl, feeling a bit guilty and realizing her earlier rudeness, tried to mend the relationship. "You’re all from the Eastern Lands. Have you ever met the Blood-Robed Sword God? Is he really as awe-inspiring as the legends say?"

She was an admirer of the Blood-Robed Sword God, often imitating his actions by traveling miles away to confront those who had wronged her, guided by her communication jade slip.

This was why Li Ruoxian had reacted so oddly when mentioning the Blood-Robed Sword God earlier.

Rogue Immortal glanced at Qi Yuan but said nothing.

Qi Yuan, however, proudly replied, "You have good taste. I've met the Blood-Robed Sword God, and his presence and looks are on par with mine."

The young girl was momentarily stunned, her eyes wide. "You're that confident?"

To her, Qi Yuan was already an extraordinarily handsome man, which is why she had tried to match him with her grandmother.

But after learning that Qi Yuan was merely at the Nascent Soul level, she had abandoned the idea.

Such a level wasn't enough to be her grandmother's Dao companion, but as a boy toy... it was sufficient.

"One should always be confident. What's wrong with being an average confident guy? Besides, I'm a handsomely confident guy!" Qi Yuan said matter-of-factly.

Rogue Immortal quickly chimed in, "I'll vouch for that. Qi Yuan is just as handsome as the Blood-Robed Sword God. They could be twins."

"You're in trouble now. I've recorded everything you just said!" the young girl said with a mischievous smile. "If you don't bribe me with some spirit stones, I'll make this public at the Divine Flower Society."

"Are you also part of the Divine Flower Society?"

"Huh?"

As they continued their journey, the group engaged in pleasant conversation, and no unpleasant incidents occurred.

Time passed quickly, and after about a day and a half, the flying boat landed in an open area.

A group of cultivators stood waiting in the distance, seemingly expecting someone.

Qi Yuan, Rogue Immortal, Li Ruoxian, and the others disembarked together.

The young girl smiled and said, "The next time you see the Blood-Robed Sword God, make sure to get a recording stone."

Qi Yuan stroked his chin. "Is the Blood-Robed Sword God that popular in Feng Tian Domain?"

"Yes, many of my friends admire him.

If you give me a recording stone of the Blood-Robed Sword God, I could sell it for a lot of money," the young girl said excitedly.

The Blood-Robed Sword God's reputation was currently very strong in Feng Tian Domain.

This was partly due to his conduct and also because of a recent amusing incident in Feng Tian Domain.

"Sigh, you're making me tempted. I almost want to record myself and sell it," Qi Yuan sighed.

It wasn't a bad way to make money.

But Qi Yuan had his principles; he wasn't selling his dignity. He couldn't bring himself to do it.

Who knew what some crazy cultivators, male or female, might do with his image?

After all, there were many questionable games circulating in this world.

Like the one East Leisure had sent him featuring a Sword Dao Fairy.

"Are you thinking of impersonating the Blood-Robed Sword God? Don't even try it. If he finds out, you're done for," the young girl whispered.

She then added, "By the way, if you go to the Seeking Dao Palace, don't mention the Blood-Robed Sword God."

"Oh? Why is that?" Qi Yuan was puzzled.

What had the Blood-Robed Sword God done to the Seeking Dao Palace?
"Haven't you heard about the recent big scandal in Feng Tian Domain?"

"What scandal?"

The young girl leaned in to whisper to Qi Yuan.

"Not long ago, Grand Sovereign Wu Jun went to Cloud Mountain to ask Grand Sovereign Jasmine to be his Dao companion.

But Jasmine Grand Sovereign said she already had someone in her heart—the Blood-Robed Sword God.

Grand Sovereign Wu Jun was furious and left Cloud Mountain in anger.

Grand Sovereign Wu Jun is the one in charge behind the Seeking Dao Palace in Feng Tian Domain."

Qi Yuan was momentarily stunned.

Who is this Jasmine Grand Sovereign?

How did I suddenly gain an enemy without even knowing it?

"Jasmine Grand Sovereign is the most beautiful woman in Feng Tian Domain. The fact that she is in love with the Blood-Robed Sword God speaks volumes about his extraordinary presence," the young girl continued.

Qi Yuan couldn't help but wonder.

Am I really that handsome?

She fell in love with me without even meeting me?

Of course, there might be more to the story.

Not knowing the full truth, he decided not to speculate further.

The group continued to chat as they walked.

Li Ruoxian then said, "The person who's picking me up is here. I'll see you next time, fellow Daoist."

An elderly man in a tattered Daoist robe approached, his face showing signs of fatigue as if he had just woken up.

"Alright, next time, you can take me to the Seeking Dao Palace," Qi Yuan said, also bidding farewell to Li Ruoxian.

He thought he spotted the Great Sun Flame Emperor and the Ice Mountain Overlord in the distance.

The Four Emperors of the Divine Flower had finally gathered.

Meanwhile, the young girl followed Li Ruoxian and the disheveled Daoist.

She seemed quite afraid of the Daoist, not daring to make a sound.

The group sat in a rabbit-drawn carriage.

The tattered Daoist lifted the curtain and looked thoughtful. "Interesting, the people you were with earlier are with Feng Jun's grandson."

Li Ruoxian looked out the window and saw the scene too.

Surprised, she said, "Feng Jun's grandson?"

Feng Jun had a significant conflict with the Seeking Dao Palace.

More importantly, she had initially thought Qi Yuan was just an ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator, possibly with some Purple Mansion relatives, but nothing noteworthy.

Now, seeing him with Feng Jun's grandson, it seemed Qi Yuan's background was more complex than she had imagined.

The young girl was also surprised to hear this.

She instantly felt relieved that she hadn't really mocked Rogue Immortal for being at the Golden Core stage.

If Qi Yuan had an Yin God cultivator backing him, didn't that mean he could be a match for her grandmother after all?

"If you take him to the Seeking Dao Palace next time, try to avoid Yuan Chen if he's on duty," the Daoist casually mentioned.

He had overheard Qi Yuan asking Li Ruoxian to take him to the Seeking Dao Palace earlier.

"Thank you for the warning, fellow Daoist," Li Ruoxian replied sincerely.

"There's one more thing you should know. You can only take away sixty percent of Yang Cui's belongings," the Daoist added, as if he had just remembered something.

Li Ruoxian wasn't surprised. "Understood!"