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

The Purple Fate Ancestor hovered beyond the firmament, his gaze deep.

His eyes landed on Qi Yuan.

When he saw Qi Yuan go meet Purple Fate Daxue, the corner of his mouth couldn’t help but twitch.

The heart that had remained still like an ancient well for so many years now rippled with emotion.

“This guy… does he have a screw loose?”

Indeed, Qi Yuan had secretly sought out Purple Fate Daxue.

The first thing out of his mouth was: “I need to ask you something!”

What was it?

“Does the Ancestor have a long-lost father outside?”

What?

“The Ancestor gave me Black Abyss Ancestor Blood as a meeting gift. He’s been so kind to me that I’m starting to suspect…”

Meeting Purple Fate Daxue wasn’t enough, though. Afterward, Qi Yuan even approached the street sweepers, garbage collectors, and people fishing.

Whenever he saw someone, he’d hit them with the same two questions:

“Does the Ancestor have a long-lost father?” and “The Ancestor gave me Black Abyss Ancestor Blood!”

Yes, whenever he ran into someone, he’d ask. He scared many of the cultivators in Purple Fate Heaven.

He even went so far as to question unborn children. Speaking through the bellies of pregnant women, he would ask if the Ancestor had left behind some long-lost ancestor outside since the Ancestor had given him Black Abyss Ancestor Blood.

By the end of just half a day, thousands of people in Purple Fate Heaven had been questioned by Qi Yuan.

At this moment, on top of a steep mountain where red lava flowed, emitting thick heat, the ground cracked as the lava occasionally bubbled.

Qi Yuan stopped in his tracks.

A curt voice rang in his ear: “What are you doing here?”

The one speaking was none other than An Xunlu.

Her expression was icy, arms crossed, as she looked at Qi Yuan warily.

After all, she had provoked Qi Yuan a few days ago. Now, seeing him here, she couldn’t help but wonder if he had come for revenge.

“I came to ask you something!” Qi Yuan whispered.

An Xunlu squinted her eyes. “What is it?”

“Do you know if the Ancestor has a long-lost father outside?” Qi Yuan asked seriously.

An Xunlu was close to Black Sword. Black Sword was the number one prodigy in the Black Abyss and the hope for the future, so she might know many hidden details.

“What… are you talking about?” An Xunlu didn’t quite understand Qi Yuan’s question.

“Well, you see, the Ancestor gave me a gift, right?” Qi Yuan continued.

An Xunlu turned her head. The glow of the lava reflected on her pale face, making it appear particularly red and radiant. “So, you’re here just to brag about it?”

She seemed to have seen through Qi Yuan’s little scheme and wasn’t interested at all.

Yes, the Ancestor’s favor—receiving a gift might make others jealous, but she wouldn’t care.

After all, her future husband was Black Sword.

Someone treated with great care by all nine Ancestors of the Black Abyss.

“Brag? No, I’m genuinely curious,” Qi Yuan retorted, feeling a bit exasperated.

Where was the trust between people?

Oh, wait—she wasn’t human.

“Hmph, what gift did the Ancestor give you?” An Xunlu asked with a mocking smile.

Maybe it was something somewhat valuable, and that’s why Qi Yuan couldn’t resist showing off.

But she was different—having followed Black Sword, she had seen countless treasures.

“The Ancestor gave me Black Abyss Ancestor Blood,” Qi Yuan said, pulling out the Black Abyss Ancestor Blood and showing half of it to An Xunlu.

An Xunlu’s pupils instantly contracted, her breathing grew rapid, and her chest rose and fell sharply: “This… how is this possible?!”

How could it be Black Abyss Ancestor Blood?!

This was Black Abyss Ancestor Blood!

In the Black Abyss, Black Abyss Ancestor Blood was more valuable than even creation-level treasures.

Even Supreme Truth realm Yin Gods didn’t have the qualifications to obtain it.

Only Great Principle Ancestors in the Supreme Truth realm could access it.

Back then, the Molo Clan’s Molo Well had swallowed some Black Abyss Ancestor Blood, and that alone got them expelled.

Even now, Black Sword didn’t have the qualifications to obtain Black Abyss Ancestor Blood.

How could Qi Yuan have it?

“Impossible. Black Abyss Ancestor Blood is the Ancestor’s most precious treasure. How could he give it to you?” An Xunlu didn’t believe it.

But the aura emanating from the storage bag was unmistakably Black Abyss Ancestor Blood.

For those with Black Abyss lineage, they might mistake their own father, but never Black Abyss Ancestor Blood.

“What? His most precious treasure? Is the Ancestor a duck or something?” Qi Yuan was confused.

An Xunlu took a deep breath, calming herself. “You really hit the jackpot. I never thought the Ancestor would give you Black Abyss Ancestor Blood.

But… even with Black Abyss Ancestor Blood, the number one of the younger generation in the Black Abyss is still Black Sword, not you.

No matter how hard you try, you’ll only ever see Black Sword’s back!” An Xunlu proudly puffed out her chest.

“Hey, I’m not trying to compete with Black Sword for any number one title. Don’t misunderstand,” Qi Yuan said, feeling a bit helpless.

He was socially awkward. Why would he bother competing for some empty title?

“Hmph!” An Xunlu snorted arrogantly and left, unwilling to engage further with Qi Yuan.

In truth, she was grinding her teeth in frustration.

That was Black Abyss Ancestor Blood! No cultivator with Black Abyss lineage could resist its allure.

“Sigh, it seems this will remain an unsolved mystery,” Qi Yuan sighed.

Logically, asking the Ancestor of Purple Fate Heaven directly would make the most sense.

One question could solve everything.

But Qi Yuan, with his high emotional intelligence, couldn’t just ask the Ancestor directly. It might be awkward.

…

At this moment, outside the firmament, the Purple Fate Ancestor’s mustache twitched in frustration.

“This guy’s personality is way too reckless!”

In just half a day, his reputation had been utterly trashed.

Just then, the space rippled, and a figure formed from the Supreme Truth materialized next to the Purple Fate Ancestor.

“Old Six, did you really give Black Abyss Ancestor Blood to Blood Robe?!”

The newcomer was none other than the Third Elder, who had parted ways with the Purple Fate Ancestor not long ago.

His eyes were filled with surprise and confusion.

Even if Blood Robe’s talent was enough to reach the Supreme Truth realm, or even the Grand Supreme Truth realm, it still wasn’t worth them sacrificing such great resources to nurture him.

“Oh, we just happened to have extra Black Abyss Ancestor Blood recently. Couldn’t use it all up,” the Purple Fate Ancestor said dismissively, clearly unwilling to give a direct answer.

The Third Elder’s expression shifted several times before he sighed: “Old Six, it seems you still hold a grudge against Master. Back then…”

As soon as the Purple Fate Ancestor heard this, the smile vanished from his face.

“This has nothing to do with Master,” he replied coldly.

It was clear the Third Elder didn’t believe him.

“You gave Black Abyss Ancestor Blood to Blood Robe, hoping he could defeat… Black Sword… to prove to Master that you were right.

But… Black Sword’s essence is Black Abyss Ancestor Blood. No matter how talented Blood Robe is, he can’t be Black Sword’s match!” The Third Elder lamented.

It seemed the events of the past still weighed heavily on Old Six’s mind, even after all these years.

“Hmph, I’m too lazy to explain. Think whatever you want. Just don’t bother me!”

With a wave of the Purple Fate Ancestor’s hand, the Third Elder vanished from sight.

Now, only the Purple Fate Ancestor remained in the vast space.

His face showed displeasure. “They actually think I’m that petty?”

But then, his displeasure turned into a sneaky smile. “Heh, this is good. Now they won’t focus too much on Blood Robe.”

…

Time quietly passed.

The steel fortress was especially quiet.

Purple Fate Xiaolu, who had been cleaning, had long since finished and disappeared.

Only Qi Yuan remained in the cold building.

“‘Ancestral Blood Art’—seventh layer.”

Qi Yuan stood up, feeling refreshed.

After three months, he had reached the seventh layer of the "Ancestral Blood Art."

His Ten Thousand Paths Martial God cultivation had also taken a huge leap in strength.

“Once I reach the ninth layer of the ‘Ancestral Blood Art,’ I’ll be able to face a Supreme Truth opponent with just my martial strength.

If I master the full layers, wouldn’t I be able to defeat even a Grand Supreme Truth expert?”

Qi Yuan was in an excellent mood.

Back in the mortal world, his cultivation had stagnated, showing only minor progress.

Compared to playing games, this growth was incredibly slow.

But unexpectedly, the "Ancestral Blood Art" brought a pleasant surprise.

With the increase in his Ten Thousand Paths Martial God cultivation, his divine skill Exploding Bird Punch had also evolved.

He had vaguely grasped sword intent and had a sudden realization, creating the Exploding Bird Sword technique.

This sword was far stronger than the punch.

Against bird-type creatures, it even had bonus damage.

“Unfortunately, the ‘Ancestral Blood Art’ is incredibly hard to cultivate. Even after putting my life on the line, along with the help of Black Abyss Ancestor Blood, it still took me three whole months to reach the seventh layer!”

“Sigh, my talent is too lacking. If I were like Black Sword, I’d probably already have reached the full layer by now.”

“If talent isn’t enough, resources will have to make up for it. How can I get more Black Abyss Ancestor Blood?”

Qi Yuan pondered.

Consuming Black Abyss Ancestor Blood would undoubtedly speed up his cultivation.

But Black Abyss Ancestor Blood was extremely rare and precious.

Apart from a few Grand Supreme Truth experts, most Yang Gods weren’t even qualified to obtain it.

“I’ll have to find a way to raid the Ancestor’s treasury. Should I offer a blood pact and have him recognize me as his father?”

Qi Yuan’s thoughts began to drift.

Just then, a clear voice, as melodious as a songbird, rang out.

“Brother Blood Robe, are you there?”

“Pink-Horned Sister, come in!”

With a wave of Qi Yuan’s hand, the gates of his steel mansion opened, and in walked Purple Fate Xiaolu, dressed in a pink pleated skirt.

Seeing Qi Yuan’s face, a blush spread from her cheeks to her ears. She lowered her head and softly said, “Brother Blood Robe, the Tianzun is about to begin his lecture. I came to invite you to join me and listen to the teachings of the Yang Gods.

Also, this time, the Tianzun has an important announcement to make.”

In the Black Abyss, every so often, a Yang God would personally give a lecture.

Only the true core prodigies of the Black Abyss were qualified to attend.

In all of Purple Fate Heaven, fewer than a hundred prodigies had the privilege.

“Oh, is that so? Then I’ll go with you and have a look.”

Having just finished his training, Qi Yuan was feeling a bit exhausted and needed a break, so he decided to go listen.

After all, three months ago, Purple Fate Xiaolu had already invited him to this lecture.

With that, the two of them set off for the Tianzun’s lecture.

“How’s your progress with the ‘Ancestral Blood Art,’ Brother Blood Robe?” Purple Fate Xiaolu asked curiously.

“My talent is lacking. Progress has been slow,” Qi Yuan sighed.

The “Ancestral Blood Art” was just too hard.

“Brother Blood Robe, with your high talent and the Black Abyss Ancestor Blood, all you need is time!”

“I also need more resources. I really wish I could get more Black Abyss Ancestor Blood,” Qi Yuan said greedily.

The Upper Realm was full of treasures.

“Even the Ancestor doesn’t have much Black Abyss Ancestor Blood. That Brother Blood Robe could obtain some is truly enviable,” Purple Fate Xiaolu said, her voice soft and gentle.

Suddenly remembering something, she quickly added, “Brother Blood Robe, news of you obtaining the Black Abyss Ancestor Blood has already spread throughout the entire Black Abyss. This time, at the Tianzun’s lecture, there might be many who are displeased. Be careful.”

Purple Fate Xiaolu seemed worried.

Her brother was so handsome. If someone messed up his pretty face, how would she sneak glances at it anymore?

“Don’t worry. I always win people over with reason,” Qi Yuan said, unconcerned.

With that, the two of them stepped into a teleportation array, leaving Purple Fate Heaven and entering Black Abyss Heaven.

Black Abyss Heaven was the location for this lecture.

Following Purple Fate Xiaolu’s guidance, Qi Yuan arrived at a mountain peak.

At this moment, the peak was filled with nearly a thousand figures.

Each figure radiated an incredibly powerful aura.

Anyone here would be more than qualified to serve as a Holy Son in a First Heaven Sacred Land.

Purple Fate Daxue lay there lazily, completely disregarding decorum.

“The Miluo Immortal Qi provided for this lecture has been cut by more than half. Could it be that our Black Abyss is about to be wiped out?”

She took a sip from her wine cup, finishing the Miluo Immortal Qi with a single breath.

Beside her, a man with a five-pointed star on his forehead smiled bitterly, “Senior Sister, don’t say things like that. It’s because… the Molo Clan didn’t pay tribute this time.”

“What?” Purple Fate Daxue froze in surprise. “How dare those cowards refuse to pay tribute?”

She had visited the Fifth Heaven and seen the Molo Clan’s cowardly ways.

Whenever they encountered someone from Black Abyss, they’d immediately start calling them father and ancestor.

During holidays, they’d even send valuable tributes to the Black Abyss in the hopes of one day returning to the Sixth Heaven.

And now, they’d suddenly found the courage to stop paying?

She couldn’t understand it.

“We’re not sure, but… it’s possible that the Molo Clan is planning to fully ally with the Taihuang Palace,” the star-marked man speculated.

He was one of the five Demon Scions of Purple Fate Heaven.

“Hmph, the Molo Clan is getting bold.”

At that moment, a voice full of displeasure echoed, and a tall man with a cold, sharp aura approached, his presence like that of an icy sword.

The prodigies present all showed expressions of respect and apprehension when they saw him.

In the Black Abyss, when Black Sword wasn’t around, this man was the top.

Ice Sword was the leader of the first-tier prodigies, a talent with the potential to ascend to the Supreme Truth realm.

The Black Abyss had three such top-tier prodigies like Ice Sword.

Of course, having the potential didn’t mean it would be easy to reach the Supreme Truth realm.

“When I ascend to the Yang God realm, I will personally visit the Molo Clan,” Ice Sword said, his aura as sharp as frost.

“I heard that Senior Brother Ice Sword has already reached the eighth layer of the ‘Ancestral Blood Art.’ Surely you will ascend to the Yang God realm soon!” one of the prodigies praised him.

Ice Sword’s eyes were deep. “Not until I reach the ninth layer. Anything less is insignificant.”

It was clear he had always regarded Black Sword as his ultimate rival.

“Hmph, Black Sword has already reached the tenth layer of the ‘Ancestral Blood Art!’” An Xunlu suddenly interjected, her tone brimming with pride and arrogance.

The prodigies present were all shocked upon hearing this.

“The tenth layer already?”

“Has Senior Brother Black Sword only been cultivating the ‘Ancestral Blood Art’ for less than five thousand years?”

“That’s incredible!”

The gathered prodigies felt a wave of discouragement.

On average, they had been cultivating the "Ancestral Blood Art" for over ten thousand years.

Most had only reached the third or fourth layers.

Those who had reached the fifth or sixth layers were already considered Demon Scions of their respective heavens.

Only true prodigies like Ice Sword had reached the eighth layer.

As for Black Sword, he was like a towering mountain, impossible to surpass.

“Hmph, if I had Black Abyss Ancestor Blood, I might have a chance to reach the tenth layer as well!” Ice Sword’s tone was filled with bitterness.