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

Chapter 478: Surveying All Heavens, Starlight Ablaze

Hearing these words, the expressions of the Supreme Truths within the Moon God Palace became more profound.

A mere Moon Maiden, yet worthy of a personal escort by Venerable Yuehua? They all understood now—Yuehua Venerable’s escort was simply an excuse, while the deeper alliance with Black Demon Abyss was the true reason.

Even Purple Fate Ancestor found this surprising.

He looked at Qi Yuan, his mind swirling with complexity.

“Could it be… is this Blood-Robe the Moon God Ancestor’s secret son?”

Otherwise, why would the Moon God Ancestor show such favoritism towards Blood-Robe?

However, his speculation was soon dismissed.

Once their discussion had concluded, Qi Yuan stepped forward. “Venerable Yuehua, might I have a chance to see the Moon God Ancestor?”

Qi Yuan was still uneasy about the unknown whereabouts of his master, Ruan Yixi.

Yuehua’s eyes sparkled as she spoke gently, “The Upper Sovereign is still in seclusion and cannot receive visitors.”

Qi Yuan felt a pang of disappointment.

He cast a deep look at the Moon God Palace, his gaze resting briefly on Jin Li’s fair, snow-like face before he once again wore a smile.

…

Half a day later.

Purple Fate Heaven.

Purple Fate Ancestor regarded Qi Yuan with a strange look. “What exactly is your relationship with the Moon God Ancestor?”

“Huh? No relationship; we’ve never even met,” Qi Yuan replied truthfully.

“Along the way, Venerable Yuehua was… overly warm toward you,” Purple Fate Ancestor said with a puzzled expression.

Throughout the half-day journey that he, Blood-Robe, Venerable Yuehua, and Jin Li had taken together to Purple Fate Heaven, Yuehua Venerable’s attitude toward Blood-Robe had been far from what one would expect from a senior to a junior; if anything, she treated him as an equal.

“Everyone’s equal; it’s only natural she’s warm to me,” Qi Yuan remarked lightly.

“Hmph, she’s a Great Supreme Truth wielding an offensive-type creation artifact,” Purple Fate Ancestor pointed out.

He didn’t say the part he was thinking—that Yuehua Venerable seemed to show more respect for Blood-Robe than for him.

And he, after all, was a Great Supreme Truth.

“Aren’t you also a Great Supreme Truth? And you’re always warm toward me,” Qi Yuan pointed out.

Purple Fate Ancestor paused for a moment, then replied, “How could it be the same?”

At that moment, the curtain of the flying boat opened, and Venerable Yuehua and Jin Li stepped out.

Jin Li, dressed in a flowing white dress, appeared as serene and graceful as a moon goddess.

Venerable Yuehua glanced up at the celestial realm and sighed, “The Lingya Transformation is soon upon us. Black Demon Abyss will also be thrown into turmoil—I only hope it won’t affect… the two of you.”

Her gaze fell upon Qi Yuan and Jin Li.

“Don’t worry. With me around, no one will harm Jin Li.”

Bold and clichéd words of a protective lover, but Qi Yuan had a knack for delivering them with confidence.

After all, it depended on who said it—coming from a goblin, it would sound greasy, but from a dashing young man like Qi Yuan? Suddenly, it was charmingly lighthearted.

As he said this, Qi Yuan grasped Jin Li’s cold hand.

Jin Li stood quietly, looking at him without a word.

The group continued by flying boat, then transferred through a teleportation array until they finally arrived at Purple Fate Heaven.

Without Jin Li, the Great Supreme Truths could have covered the distance in a fraction of the time.

Just as they reached Purple Fate Heaven and Venerable Yuehua was about to speak, she suddenly raised her head to gaze at the star realm above.

Purple Fate Ancestor quickly followed her gaze.

Within Purple Fate Heaven, countless Yang Gods and cultivators also felt something, their gazes turning skyward.

They saw the star realm at that moment—a vast sea of starlight spreading across the heavens.

The constellations seemed to weave together into a star river, forming a swirling vortex.

“The Lingya Transformation… is finally about to begin,” Venerable Yuehua murmured.

“The starlight’s surge marks the beginning of the Survey of All Heavens,” said Purple Fate Ancestor, his gaze deepening.

Before the Lingya Transformation begins, the Survey of All Heavens ensures that no Yang God Venerables within the Sixfold Heavens have anywhere to hide, forcing them all to participate in the Lingya Transformation.

“Once the Survey of All Heavens is complete, I shall return to Moon God Palace,” Venerable Yuehua said evenly, glancing meaningfully at Qi Yuan.

After all, she knew something the Moon God Palace’s Supreme Truths didn’t—Qi Yuan was actually the Demon Blaze Venerable.

Now, with Taihuang Palace overseeing the heavens, Blood-Robe’s identity as the Demon Blaze Venerable would inevitably be exposed.

It was her duty to hold ground for him.

“I wonder how many unknown old monsters will emerge in this Survey of All Heavens,” Purple Fate Ancestor remarked.

At that moment, Venerable Yuehua raised her hand. “This is a creation artifact—the Heavens’ Scepter Map.”

Under moonlight, it captures all. With this Survey of All Heavens, we should be able to see how many Yang Gods, or perhaps even Supreme Truths, are hidden throughout the Sixfold Heavens.”

The Heavens’ Scepter Map was an auxiliary-type creation artifact, essentially a miniature map of the Sixfold Heavens.

Among its many functions was that during the Survey of All Heavens, starlight was cast upon each land and would be reflected upon the Heavens’ Scepter Map.

At this moment, nearby cultivators could clearly see where Yang God Venerables were hiding.

Purple Fate Ancestor stroked his beard. “With time on our hands, let’s see just how many Yang Gods are lurking in the Sixfold Heavens.”

Jin Li looked anxiously at Qi Yuan, her eyes conveying her thoughts.

Qi Yuan smiled reassuringly, gripping her hand a little tighter as he communicated through spirit.

“Don’t worry, I have a plan.”

Jin Li felt a small sense of calm settle over her.

She remembered how, during a past crisis, Qi Yuan had sent his personal guards to her aid.

Once, they had been worlds apart, yet now they stood side by side. What was there to fear?

At least this time, she could face it with him.

Unlike in the past.

Of course, Jin Li understood she was still far too weak.

But this time, she would resolutely stand by Qi Yuan’s side.

Venerable Yuehua raised her hand, tossing the Heavens’ Scepter Map into the sky.

The heavens over Purple Fate Heaven shifted immediately.

The Heavens’ Scepter Map unfolded across the sky, drawing the attention of countless cultivators.

At that moment, a Yang God Venerable spoke up, “This is the Moon God Palace’s Heavens’ Scepter Map. Do not be alarmed.”

His voice carried across the lands, and hearing this, the cultivators in Purple Fate Heaven breathed a sigh of relief.

Purple Fate Ancestor looked at Qi Yuan with a friendly smile. “Take Jin Li to meet your junior disciples—they’ve been eagerly waiting to meet Moon Maiden Jin Li.”

“Alright.”

Qi Yuan nodded, taking Moon Maiden Jin Li to a great hall.

The hall was filled with many prodigies from Purple Fate Heaven, as well as others from different regions of Black Demon Abyss.

When they saw Qi Yuan and Moon Maiden Jin Li arrive, they all rose and bowed.

“Greetings, Brother Blood-Robe; greetings, Moon Maiden!”

The young cultivators of Purple Fate Heaven looked curiously at Jin Li, their gazes toward Qi Yuan filled with admiration and reverence.

“So, what’s with the big gathering today? Something to celebrate? And Ice Sword—shouldn’t you be looking after that egg of yours? What are you doing in Purple Fate Heaven?” Qi Yuan joked casually, Jin Li by his side.

“We heard Moon Maiden Jin Li was to wed Brother Blood-Robe, and we came… to see for ourselves,” Ice Sword replied.

Blood-Robe’s marriage to the Moon Maiden had stirred quite a wave across Black Demon Abyss.

A shockwave, in fact.

After all, the rule that a Moon Maiden could never marry was an iron law of the Moon God Palace.

And now, that rule had been overturned by Blood-Robe. More importantly, Moon Maiden Jin Li was marrying Blood-Robe while retaining her title as Moon Maiden—how could anyone not be astonished?

“No wonder your cultivation has been so slow—you’re all too nosy,” Qi Yuan remarked with a sigh.

Ice Sword laughed, glancing at the Heavens’ Scepter Map in the sky. “We came at the perfect time—not only do we get to see the Moon Maiden, but we get to see the Heavens’ Scepter Map!”

“Right! Now we can find out how many Yang Gods are actually hidden in these Sixfold Heavens.”

The other prodigies were also intrigued.

Yet, Purple Fate Xiaolu seemed disinterested. Her gaze grew complicated as she looked at An Xunlu by her side, “See? Brother Blood-Robe is about to marry Moon Maiden Jin Li—no doubt he’s Black Demon Abyss’s foremost prodigy.”

“Humph, and you’re so pleased, even though he’s not marrying you!” An Xunlu countered instantly.

“You!” Purple Fate Xiaolu glared at An Xunlu, pausing to think of a good comeback.

Just then, a sudden stir spread among the assembled prodigies.

“Look, the lights are flashing! The Survey of All Heavens has started!”

“That’s the First Heaven!”

“They always begin the Survey of All Heavens with the First Heaven!”

All eyes turned toward the Heavens’ Scepter Map.

In the celestial realm, a burst of light flickered.

The Sixfold Heavens seemed to grow brighter, their night temporarily banished.

One by one, glowing points of light appeared across the Heavens’ Scepter Map.

In the First Heaven, countless cultivators gazed toward the distant land, where pillars of starlight shot into the sky, each dazzling and attention-grabbing.

“Anyone who didn’t know better might think it was an anti-air gun in Berlin lighting up the night sky.”

Qi Yuan commented coolly.

In the First Heaven, any cultivator who saw the glorious starlight respectfully saluted the radiance.

Each light signified a Yang God Venerable.

“So many Yang Gods in the First Heaven!”

“Within the Sixfold Heavens, the First Heaven is second only to the Sixth in terms of power!”

“Of all Sixfold Heavens, the First has the highest concentration of Yang Gods.”

“Look, the faint starlight like trickling streams—most of those are low-level Yang Gods.”

“No, there’s even a few that shine like rivers! Who would’ve thought… the First Heaven actually has so many Supreme Truths hidden within it.”

Qi Yuan’s gaze rested calmly on the Heavens’ Scepter Map.

“Remarkable how the Dao of Immortals thrives, with so many Yang Gods.”

It was, indeed, a spectacle.

The star realm, with its vast multitude of stars mirroring the heavens, would naturally reflect an abundance of Yang Gods.

The Heavens’ Scepter Map was now brightly illuminated, catching everyone’s attention.

“Starlight like a lake… and the First Heaven has Supreme Truths!”

“Not just one—there are seven!”

“They’re hiding very well!”

“No… those aren’t true Supreme Truths but strange beings with Supreme Truth combat power!”

“Like the Imperial Palace Envoy?”

At that moment, the Yang Gods of various sacred lands watched the lower realms as Taihuang Palace conducted the Survey of All Heavens.

Meanwhile, within Taihuang Palace, True Origin Venerable’s eyes shone with a complicated gleam. “I seem to be seeing many old friends.”

Next to him, Supreme Sun Venerable radiated with a blazing aura. “This world has far more powerful beings than we imagined.”

“That’s what makes this Lingya Transformation even more exciting,” True Origin Venerable commented, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. “The Ten Suns Venerable isn’t hiding in the First Heaven after all. Interesting.”

Aside from uncovering every Yang God, the Survey of All Heavens was meant to locate the defiant Ten Suns Venerable, who had dared to provoke Taihuang Palace.

True Origin Venerable had assumed the Ten Suns Venerable would hide within the vast First Heaven.

After all, among the Sixfold Heavens, the First Heaven was the most expansive and thus the easiest place to lay low.

But as the Survey of All Heavens unfolded, no star in the First Heaven synchronized with the Ten Suns Venerable’s emblematic light.

This suggested that the Ten Suns Venerable was not within the First Heaven.

True Origin Venerable, however, dismissed it lightly. “No matter where he hides, he’s bound for death!”

“Look, it’s beginning—the Survey has moved on to the Second Heaven!”

Meanwhile, within Purple Fate Heaven’s grand hall, the gaze of Purple Fate Daxue drifted over to Qi Yuan.

“Blood-Robe, why’d you suddenly change your robes?”

When Blood-Robe had arrived, he was dressed in a flowing red robe, but now it had turned black.

Others looked at Qi Yuan, slightly taken aback.

Some couldn’t help but note that Purple Fate Daxue had sharp eyes.

“You should probably get your eyes checked—I didn’t change my clothes; I only dyed my robe black,” Qi Yuan replied blandly.

Hearing this, everyone felt somewhat speechless.

Here they were, observing the Heavens’ Scepter Map, and yet he was playing around with dyes?

Then again, given that it was Blood-Robe, it almost seemed fitting.

“Why bother dyeing it?” Purple Fate Daxue asked, puzzled.

“No reason,” Qi Yuan dodged the question.

But, in truth, he had a reason: dyeing his robe black would cloak his starlight once the Survey of All Heavens reached him.

Thinking it over, he congratulated himself on his cleverness.

Purple Fate Daxue yawned and made no further comment.

Everyone else’s attention turned back to the Heavens’ Scepter Map.

Ice Sword, appearing outwardly calm but inwardly anxious, fidgeted as he anticipated his moment to shine.

“Yang Gods in the Second Heaven are so few?”

“Not even as many Supreme Truths as the First Heaven?”

“The Fourth Heaven has not a single Supreme Truth; truly disappointing!”

“Whoa, but the Fifth Heaven holds its own—the Buddhist Nation has added four new Yang Gods!”

“That’s strange…wasn’t there supposed to be just one new Buddha Lord?”

“Wait a second…look at the Molo Clan—there’s no starlight there at all!”

“What?”

Within the Molo Clan, the shadows of countless Yin Gods flickered, staring wide-eyed.

“What happened?”

“Where are the Venerables?”

“Why is our Mara Clan so quiet?”

The Mara Clan’s cultivators were completely baffled.

After all, the Molo Clan had dozens of Yang God Venerables.

But now, not a single spark of starlight appeared.

The shock was palpable.

Meanwhile, one Yin God named Mulan, upon witnessing this, felt overwhelming joy and relief spread across his face.

“Hahaha, he’s gone! Finally, he’s gone!”

“That dreadful being has finally left!”

For some time now, Mulan had lived in a state of constant anxiety.

He had discovered that the supposed Yang Gods of the Molo Clan were all just one person’s disguise.

Knowing this secret, he had lived in terror every day.

Now that all the Yang Gods had vanished, he felt nothing short of jubilant.

At that moment, up in the Sixth Heaven, several Supreme Truths within Taihuang Palace looked astonished.

“The Yang Gods of the Molo Clan have simply vanished. Where did they go?”

“It’s too strange.”

“Even their stars remain intact!”

Supreme Sun Venerable wore a strange expression. “I’m curious to know where Demon Blaze Venerable, who mastered two Great Supreme Truths, is hiding right now.”

True Origin Venerable squinted, his expression complicated. “Clearly, the Molo Clan is planning something big for this Lingya Transformation. But whatever they intend, they won’t evade Taihuang Palace’s eyes!”

“Oddly enough, the Ten Suns Venerable isn’t in the Fifth Heaven either. It seems he’s actually taken refuge in the Sixth Heaven. His courage…impressive!”

“Wherever the sun shines, there’s nowhere to hide. Rest assured, his days are numbered!” True Origin Venerable proclaimed with a sense of reverence.

By this time, the Survey of All Heavens…had reached the Sixth Heaven.

Meanwhile, Venerable Yuehua cast Qi Yuan a look filled with a peculiar understanding.

In truth, she was also curious as to where the Yang Gods of the Molo Clan had vanished.

“Look! Starlight like the sea—a true Upper Sovereign!”

“That’s the Upper Sovereign of Biluotian!”

Upon the Heavens’ Scepter Map, one area shone with the light of the sea, vast and deep.

Looking up toward Biluotian’s direction, they could see the same oceanic brilliance shining back at them.

“There’s more—another sea of starlight…this must be a secret realm!”

“Is it…?”

“Two Upper Sovereigns—there really are two within the Council of Supreme Truths!”

As the Survey passed over the Sixth Heaven, the Yang God Venerables tensed, their spirits on high alert.

After all, the high-ranking strength in the Sixth Heaven was overwhelming.

In fact, it could even be said that Supreme Truths, a rare sight in the lower heavens, were here in such abundance as to seem commonplace.

At this moment, some Yang God Venerables were turning their focus to tally the Supreme Truths within the Sixth Heaven, each hoping to assess if their competitors held any hidden cards.

“The Shenluo Heaven actually has another Great Supreme Truth—well hidden!”

“There are now seven Great Supreme Truths in White Dragon Abyss—what’s happening?”

“Fewer Yang Gods in the Moon God Palace than before.”

In the air, gasps, murmurs, and speculation filled the space.

Within Purple Fate Heaven, the Heavens’ Scepter Map made the intense glow of the stars even clearer. The colossal surge of starlight pouring from the Sixth Heaven illuminated it like daylight.

At this moment, Ice Sword grew more nervous by the second.

After all… the Survey was just about to reach Purple Fate Heaven.

As he stood there, Ice Sword adjusted his posture, secretly posing to make himself look dashing.

Soon, he thought, his star would burn brighter than any other.

“It’s happening!”

Throughout Purple Fate Heaven, everyone’s attention snapped tight.

Each cultivator was intrigued, wondering just how many Yang Gods Purple Fate Heaven held and if anyone had secretly ascended to the rank of Yang God.

Even Qi Yuan felt a slight unease.

“If the starlight isn’t too intense, my black robe should mask it. No problem.”

He pondered this over carefully.

After all, he was merely at the level of the Purple Palace; even with the power of two Supreme Truths, how bright could his starlight really be?

Purple Fate Ancestor stroked his beard and mused aloud, “Our count of Yang God Venerables here hasn’t changed. If there’s an addition, it’s only Ice Sword here.”

Of course, Ice Sword wasn’t technically part of Purple Fate Heaven.

And the Supreme Truths naturally saw through his quiet attempt to maintain an air of mystery.

As Purple Fate Ancestor’s words fell, a dazzling starbeam suddenly burst skyward from within Purple Fate Heaven.

Purple Fate Ancestor’s starlight, resembling a lake, shone brightly and powerfully.

Meanwhile, Venerable Yuehua’s starlight was evidently much broader than Purple Fate Ancestor’s, more radiant by far.

“Our count of Yang Gods remains unchanged. No need to…”

But he cut himself off mid-sentence, his gaze suddenly locking on Ice Sword’s area.

Venerable Yuehua, too, turned abruptly in that direction.

In the Sixth Heaven, several Yang God Venerables, sensing the intensity, shifted their focus toward Purple Fate Heaven.

A beam of starlight rose from Ice Sword, like a rushing stream that pierced the sky.

In high spirits, Ice Sword basked in the attention, ready to soak up the admiration of his peers.

Suddenly, he instinctively shut his eyes tight.

“What the…who just cast an illumination spell? I can’t see a thing!”

For a brief moment, a blinding, white light and searing brilliance enveloped him.

Despite being a Yang God himself, he couldn’t help but close his eyes tightly.

And when he opened them again, his mind froze in shock.

Not far away, Blood-Robe’s black garment seemed to be riddled with gaps, as if unable to contain the overwhelming, radiant starlight within.

Endless streams of light shot skyward in an unending torrent.

The sight was… beyond strange.

Not even an Upper Sovereign’s starlight could compare to the magnificent, expansive brilliance here.

It was as if thousands of Yang Gods were gathered in one place, all shining simultaneously.

This… wasn’t the starlight of a single Yang God!

This was… thousands of beams?

The sheer intensity was indescribable.

Trembling, Ice Sword blinked rapidly.

“Blood-Robe… do you have thousands of light bulbs hidden in that robe?”