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

Chapter 422: Jinli’s Tenderness

Upon hearing Yang God Longyue’s words, Jinli instinctively glanced at Qi Yuan.

Her gaze became resolute.

"I wish to relinquish my status as a Moon Maiden!"

Becoming a Moon Maiden of the Moon God Palace meant that she couldn’t marry, and after reaching the Yang God realm, she would have to sever all earthly ties.

No one understood better than her what this truly meant.

Hearing this, Yang God Longyue sighed softly.

The status of a Moon Maiden wasn’t something that just anyone could attain.

The benefits were equivalent to those of a Yang God.

Her family also enjoyed numerous resources and privileges.

Without the status of a Moon Maiden, and without the support of the Moon God Palace’s resources, her family would lose those advantages, and even she herself would struggle to ascend to the Yang God realm.

Achieving Yang God status… required more than just talent.

In the Sixth Heaven, there were countless worlds, beyond counting.

There were innumerable geniuses, like countless fireflies.

But even then, not every world could produce a Yang God.

Jinli’s desire to relinquish her Moon Maiden status came at a great cost.

In fact, in the history of the Moon God Palace, only one or two had ever done such a thing.

"I cannot make this decision. I must seek permission from the Moon God Ancestor," Yang God Longyue said softly. "But at the moment, the Moon God Ancestor is in seclusion and cannot be disturbed. For now, this matter will have to be put on hold.

"However, since you have accumulated enough merits, the Moon God Ancestor likely won’t make things difficult for you.

"Until the Moon God Ancestor emerges from seclusion, you’ll need to keep a low profile… and maintain some decorum for the palace’s sake."

Right now, the Moon God Ancestor was recovering from serious injuries, and no one knew when she would reappear.

Yang God Longyue’s meaning was clear: Jinli could relinquish her status, but she would have to wait until the Moon God Ancestor emerged from seclusion. In the meantime, she needed to be discreet and maintain the palace’s reputation.

Any flamboyant displays, like public marriage ceremonies, would be ill-advised.

"Thank you, Yang God," Jinli said gracefully, though she couldn’t suppress the joy bubbling up inside her.

At this moment, Qi Yuan looked at Yang God Longyue, suddenly recalling something as he took out a token.

"May I ask, Daoist, does this moon token come from the Moon God Palace?" Qi Yuan presented the Moon Token.

When he had ascended the peak of the Seven-colored Mountain seeking his master, he hadn’t found his master, but instead, he found this Moon Token.

The information his eyes gave him was that this was an artifact belonging to the Moon God Ancestor.

"This token was given to me by my master, Ruan Yixi, who seems to be connected to the Moon God Palace. Senior, do you know if there is such a person in the Moon God Palace?" Qi Yuan asked earnestly.

Jinli frowned, lost in thought.

She hadn’t expected Qi Yuan to have any connection to the Moon God Palace.

Yang God Longyue gazed at the Moon Token, her eyes narrowing slightly, and her expression becoming serious. "This is… the token of the previous Moon God Ancestor."

"The previous Moon God Ancestor?" Qi Yuan was surprised, not expecting this outcome.

"I don’t know much about the previous Moon God Ancestor.

"As for Ruan Yixi… I’ve never heard of such a person," Yang God Longyue replied.

When it came to secrets concerning powerful beings like the previous Moon God Ancestor, especially those of the Great Supreme Truth Realm, even a Supreme Truth Yang God like her wasn’t privy to all the details.

Qi Yuan felt a little disappointed upon hearing this. "Could I perhaps meet with the current Moon God Ancestor?"

He wanted to uncover the identity of Ruan Yixi, his master, and find out where she was now.

Yang God Longyue shook her head. "It won’t be possible anytime soon. However… if it concerns the previous Moon God Ancestor, you might want to speak with Yang God Yuehua."

Yang God Yuehua was one of only two Great Supreme Truth Yang Gods in the Moon God Palace.

In the absence of the Moon God Ancestor, Yang God Yuehua was in charge of the palace.

"When will I be able to meet Yang God Yuehua?" Qi Yuan asked curiously.

"Soon, the Supreme Truth Dao Debate will begin, and Yang God Yuehua will represent the Moon God Palace. You will be able to meet her then," Yang God Longyue replied, a look of reverence in her eyes as she spoke of Yang God Yuehua.

The gap between Yang Gods was vast, even more so between Great Supreme Truth Yang Gods and regular Supreme Truth Yang Gods.

The stronger one’s power, the harder it was to ascend to a higher realm, and each small step became as difficult as ascending to the heavens.

"The Supreme Truth Dao Debate, huh?" Qi Yuan murmured to himself.

It seemed that he would have to participate in this debate.

Leaving the palace with Jinli, Qi Yuan held her hand as they strolled leisurely through the Moon God Palace.

Jinli seemed like a delicate young woman, her former icy demeanor replaced by a soft warmth.

Along the way, several cultivators from the Moon God Palace spotted them, whispering in astonishment.

"Am I seeing things?"

"What did I just witness?"

"The Moon Maiden is actually holding a man’s arm!"

Everyone in the Moon God Palace knew that Moon Maiden Jinli was like an iceberg—cold and distant, constantly immersed in battle.

They had never seen her behave in such a tender, feminine way.

Some even felt envious or jealous.

"Turns out the Moon Maiden isn’t inherently cold; she just treats us that way."

"That man looks perfect standing next to her. But who is he?"

"Is he worthy of our Moon Maiden?"

"To capture the heart of the Moon Maiden, he must be extraordinarily exceptional!"

Many were curious, casting intrigued glances at Jinli and Qi Yuan.

Before long, a regal-looking woman approached them along the path.

It was none other than Yutiao, the hostess of the Moon Festival Banquet.

When she spotted Moon Maiden Jinli, she blinked curiously, her gaze drifting to Qi Yuan.

"Greetings, Moon Maiden," she said, though she couldn’t help but glance at Qi Yuan.

"And who might this be?"

She was a Mythical cultivator, her status in this war zone just slightly below Jinli's, though in terms of connections, she far exceeded her.

Jinli looked at Qi Yuan, memories flooding back, giving her the courage to speak up. "He is… my lover."

The word lover implied a Daoist partner.

In that moment, Jinli no longer wished to retreat, instead choosing to stand firm and be courageous.

The moment she said this, Yutiao and everyone around them visibly stiffened.

Because as everyone knew, Moon Maidens were forbidden to have lovers.

"Your words, Moon Maiden…" Yutiao hesitated, her surprise evident.

The ice-cold Moon Maiden Jinli actually had someone she loved.

"My merits are sufficient. Once I meet with the Moon God Ancestor, I will no longer be a Moon Maiden of the Moon God Palace," Jinli stated firmly.

The expressions of everyone present shifted from mere curiosity to outright shock, as they collectively drew in a sharp breath.

The title of Moon Maiden represented a clear path, with the support of the Moon God Ancestor ensuring one's inevitable rise to Yang God status.

For someone to voluntarily give up their Moon Maiden status was unfathomable to most, and it made them feel a strange mix of astonishment and, in some cases, jealousy.

Some looked at Jinli as if she were suffering from a "love-crazed mind."

To give up being a Moon Maiden for a man? How could anyone be so irrational?

Yes, this man might be handsome, but could good looks really feed her?

Jinli, aware of what their expressions conveyed, remained unmoved.

She had always been clear about what she wanted, and she didn’t need anyone else's approval.

After recovering from her momentary shock, Yutiao carefully studied Qi Yuan.

She was intrigued and puzzled by what kind of man could have such an effect on Jinli, someone who would even give up her sacred status.

Qi Yuan turned to Jinli, his expression unwavering in its focus. "What you lose, I will make up for," he said, his tone resolute.

These words caused yet another wave of surprise to ripple through the surrounding Moon God Palace cultivators.

They all felt that Qi Yuan was speaking with incredible arrogance.

What Jinli would lose was her identity as a Moon Maiden, and with it, the guaranteed path to Yang God status.

And yet, despite these doubts, no one dared to openly contradict him.

Yutiao sighed softly. "Your decisiveness, Moon Maiden, is admirable."

As for Qi Yuan’s earlier statement, she tactfully ignored it.

Even if Qi Yuan was a Yang God, could he really offer Jinli more than what the Moon God Palace and the title of Moon Maiden could provide?

After a brief exchange, the two parties parted ways.

As they walked on, Jinli held Qi Yuan’s arm tightly. "Don’t pay any attention to their words," she said softly.

"I’m giving up my Moon Maiden status because of my own selfish desires."

She didn’t want Qi Yuan to feel any sense of guilt or obligation because of her decision.

Qi Yuan smiled warmly. "Between us, there’s no need for calculation or worrying about how others perceive us. Otherwise… things would become far too tedious."

Qi Yuan considered himself not only honorable but also an idealist. He trusted Jinli deeply.

Just as she would always strive to give him her best, he would likewise do his utmost to offer her the best of himself.

If they had spent all their time calculating what they could gain or lose, they would never have continued their relationship through the mystical communication tool, Linglong Yuxi, nor would they have reached the place they now stood.

Although someone as incredible as Jinli might have seemed like a dream, too good to be true, this was the world of cultivators. Anything was possible.

"You avoid stepping on ants, and I am a lawful good person. We're meant to be together," Qi Yuan joked gently.

"Hmm," Jinli responded, her fair complexion once again tinged with a soft blush.

Before they knew it, they arrived at Jinli’s residence.

Without any hesitation, Jinli led Qi Yuan directly into her private quarters.

The room was simple in decor, with a desk by the window holding brushes and inkstones, while several vines of celestial plants adorned a vase, bearing clusters of charming little fruits.

A folding screen with mountains and rivers painted on it, and thin drapes, divided the room into areas for sleeping, sitting, and bathing.

Aside from a few personal touches, the space was quiet, cool, and spotless, reminiscent of a cave carved from snow. A faint, unique fragrance lingered in the air, similar to Jinli's own scent.

"Actually, back when I was still in the lower realms, I wanted to reveal my presence to you, but I was afraid of causing unnecessary trouble for you.

"Not long ago, my Golden Core streaked across your star," Qi Yuan said calmly as he took in the scent of Jinli's hair.

"That… was you?" Jinli's thoughts returned to that day when ten suns had appeared in the sky and had passed by her star. Her face paled with tension. "You were the Ten Suns Sovereign?"

"Yes," Qi Yuan nodded.

Hearing this, Jinli felt a mix of sweetness and nervousness. She leaned closer to Qi Yuan, her breath warm as she whispered, "You must never speak of this. Otherwise… it could cause great trouble."

"Oh?"

Her proximity, coupled with her soft breath, made Qi Yuan feel a pleasant tickle.

"Not only would the Taihuang Palace come looking for you, but the Moon God Palace would too!" Jinli said gravely.

Qi Yuan, as the Ten Suns Sovereign, had immense power, which made her both happy and anxious. However, the implications of this identity couldn’t be ignored.

"The Moon God Ancestor holds the Taiyin Sovereign title, and the Taihuang Palace ruler holds the Great Sun Sovereign title—positions that you, too, are striving for.

"The Great Sun and Taiyin are natural adversaries.

"For one to progress further, the other must be devoured.

"You… must never meet the Moon God Ancestor. If she finds out your true identity, you… you’ll be in grave danger."

Jinli couldn’t bear to think of the consequences.

The strategies of a Great Supreme Truth cultivator were unfathomable, and the Moon God Ancestor was no ordinary supreme cultivator.

A Great Supreme Truth figure who had mastered an unparalleled truth was a rarity even in the Sixth Heaven.

Someone like the Moon God Ancestor had immeasurable capabilities and unpredictable schemes.

If the Moon God Ancestor were to discover Qi Yuan’s true identity, she might see him as a threat, regardless of his intentions.

Even if Qi Yuan bore no ill will toward the Moon God Ancestor, and even if he had no desire to claim the Taiyin Sovereign title, that wouldn’t matter.

Qi Yuan, hearing this, felt a warm rush of emotion. "They say that daughters tend to side with outsiders. You haven’t even married me yet, and you're already on my side."

Without hesitation, Jinli stood firmly by his side, choosing to support him over her allegiance to the Moon God Palace.

He was deeply moved by this.

If one viewed the situation from the Moon God Ancestor’s perspective, the palace’s stance might appear cold and calculating.

Of course, such comparisons weren’t entirely fair.

In Jinli's view, at this moment, the Moon God Ancestor posed a real threat to Qi Yuan, while Qi Yuan posed no threat to the Moon God Ancestor.

At the mention of marriage, a deep blush spread across Jinli’s alabaster skin, as delicate as snow touched with the faint pink of peach blossoms.

Qi Yuan gazed at Jinli, seeing her gentle, affectionate eyes, her lips as delicate as cherry blossoms, and her slightly parted lips. He felt his heart stir.

Sometimes, he, too, could be spontaneous, letting things unfold naturally.

Unable to resist, he leaned in and kissed Jinli’s soft, rosy lips.

Her body tensed for a brief moment, then melted into him. Her beautiful eyes fluttered half-closed, her breathing shallow, and a lovely flush spread across her perfect features.

After what seemed like an eternity, their kiss ended, though the deep longing between them only grew stronger, intensifying their bond.

A brief separation had rekindled their connection, and now, their reunion felt like a celebration of new love after a long absence.

"If you wish… I…" Jinli whispered softly, her face filled with affection as her saffron-colored robe slid from her shoulders, revealing the sheer layer beneath, offering a glimpse of the beauty beneath.

Her waterfall-like hair fell forward, obscuring her form in tantalizing waves.

Her expression was resolute, as if willing to give up everything for this moment, but her trembling shoulders betrayed her nerves.

"Are you the Empress, the Moon Maiden, or Jinli?" Qi Yuan asked tenderly as he leaned closer.

With her eyes half-closed, Jinli made no move to pull away, instead wrapping her arms tightly around Qi Yuan.

Even the closest embrace couldn’t fully express the thousand years of longing that she had carried.

As the saying goes, let emotions flourish, but keep propriety in mind.

For now, Jinli remained a Moon Maiden, and she couldn’t yet attach her photo to the marriage certificate Qi Yuan had prepared.

Qi Yuan had always adhered to proper conduct and was rather traditional and restrained. Though his heart was full of longing, he held back, refraining from taking things further with Jinli.

After all, they weren’t married yet!

As he held Jinli in his arms, Qi Yuan sighed softly, "Ah, it seems I learned early in life how tough the world can be. But this sweet paradise… I could linger here a while longer."

Yet Qi Yuan knew he couldn’t stay. The situation with the Demon Abyss was rapidly evolving, and delay could spell disaster.

He had to return as soon as possible.

Seeing the reluctance in Jinli’s eyes, he understood her sadness.

She knew that Qi Yuan was planning to make a move against the Demon Abyss.

She couldn’t accompany him; doing so would only hold him back.

"Maybe… you could take me away and imprison me?" Jinli said playfully, with a hopeful look in her eyes. The cool and noble air she usually carried was momentarily gone.

Qi Yuan shook his head. "We still need to show respect to the Moon God Palace, and staying with me… could be dangerous."

For Qi Yuan, leaving Jinli in the Moon God Palace was the safest option.

He planned to confront the Demon Abyss and reclaim what was his, which would inevitably invite retaliation.

He couldn’t keep Jinli with him in his Underworld Palace indefinitely, stopping her from cultivating, could he?

While he could share his spiritual energy with his junior disciple Jiang Lingsu, that was because her strength was still low.

With Jinli, who was already at the Mythical level, it wouldn’t work the same way.

Seeing the disappointment in Jinli’s eyes, Qi Yuan sighed. "Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. If things get too dangerous, I’ll come back to the Moon God Palace."

Though she was reluctant to see him leave, Jinli wouldn’t stand in the way of his mission.

"Be careful," she whispered, her voice full of concern.

Sometimes, it felt really good to be cared for and thought of.

Was it possible that in his past life on Blue Star, he had been love-deprived?

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