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

Chapter 158: This Is My House, I Decide Who Rents

Twenty prodigies gathered, each with their own thoughts.

Apart from Ling Jiao, the other prodigies were at least outwardly respectful to Qi Yuan. They were all very curious about this strange man and wondered which Yin God he was descended from.

There were only a handful of Yin Gods in the entire Eastern Lands.

At this moment, the powerful Feng Lan appeared, with Feng Yue Fairy following closely behind him. She was slender, and her jade hands were wrapped in white gloves, covering her nails and fingers.

All the prodigies present looked at Feng Lan with respect in their eyes.

“Greetings, Senior Feng Lan!”

It was only natural for these prodigies to show respect to a powerful Purple Mansion cultivator.

Feng Lan nodded and glanced at Qi Yuan, who was carrying a turtle shell. His expression became peculiar. After clearing his throat, he began, “You are all prodigies of the Eastern Lands, bearing the responsibilities of your sects. Let me briefly introduce the situation of the Moonwatching Continent.”

As he spoke, twenty jade slips landed in the hands of the prodigies.

These jade slips contained detailed information about the Moonwatching Continent.

“Currently, there are three main factions on Moonwatching Continent, including us. These are the native inhabitants of Moonwatching Continent, the Demora Clan, and our forces. The native inhabitants are of little concern. However, the Demora Clan is quite powerful. But don’t worry, we’ve made an agreement with the Demora Clan that any power of the fifth tier or above will not take action,” Feng Lan explained.

The fifth tier referred to the Purple Mansion realm.

“In Moonwatching Continent, who are we primarily up against?” Gu Xiaoyao asked.

Qi Yuan also glanced at Gu Xiaoyao. This was someone with a perfect Heavenly Dao Foundation, someone even he was wary of.

“Among the three factions, the Demora Clan is the strongest. So, we’ve temporarily formed an alliance with the natives of Moonwatching Continent. But, in reality, both of them are our enemies,” Feng Lan continued.

Everyone nodded.

Qi Yuan studied the jade slip, gaining a deeper understanding of the complex situation on Moonwatching Continent.

Both the Canglan Continent and the Demora Clan were gradually devouring the territories of Moonwatching Continent.

“On Moonwatching Continent, the three Sovereigns have already established strongholds, each guarded by several Nascent Soul cultivators,” Feng Lan added. “You must remember not to provoke them.”

Openly, the Eastern Lands only had those three Sovereigns.

Moonwatching Continent was discovered and occupied by those three.

The Eastern Lands Prodigy Battle offered twenty spots to allow other major forces to share in the benefits.

These twenty would enter Moonwatching Continent to train, assess the state of the continent, and, based on their contributions, earn greater influence.

In simple terms, they were working for those three Sovereigns.

The better they performed, the more rewards they would receive, and their sects could send more people to claim territories to escape the upcoming calamity.

“Understood,” the twenty prodigies replied in unison.

“If that’s the case, then everyone, enter Moonwatching Continent!” Feng Lan said.

Before them, a door suddenly appeared.

Everyone’s eyes fell on the door, including Qi Yuan’s.

His eyes were filled with curiosity.

To be honest, this was his first time… traveling to another world through such a method.

“Let’s go!” Gu Xiaoyao said.

The group of prodigies began entering the door.

A white light greeted them as they stepped through.

Everyone felt as if their vision was filled with a blinding white light, rendering them unable to see anything clearly.

Suddenly, a sensation of spinning and disorientation overcame them.

This feeling lasted for several dozen breaths.

Qi Yuan was filled with anticipation and a hint of unease.

He didn’t know if this Moonwatching Continent was the world he had once lived in.

He didn’t know if he would meet old friends here.

On Moonwatching Continent, what year was it now?

The white light dissipated, replaced by a dry, scorching atmosphere.

It felt as though a wave of heat swept over them.

Everyone felt the intense heat.

They had arrived in what appeared to be a desert.

“So this is Moonwatching Continent?”

“It’s pretty hot!”

Everyone had different reactions, filled with curiosity about this unfamiliar world.

At this moment, Ling Jiao glanced at Qi Yuan and couldn’t help but remark, “Some people are still wearing such thick clothing in this heat. Do they think this is still Canglan Continent?”

In Canglan Continent, the world was filled with spiritual energy.

As long as one’s spiritual power was strong enough, theoretically, they could use spells indefinitely.

But Moonwatching Continent was different.

It wasn’t the same world as Canglan Continent. In this world, there was no spiritual energy.

The spiritual power in their dantians was limited and difficult to replenish once depleted.

Even with spirit stones, absorbing energy here was more cumbersome than in Canglan Continent.

So, they were conserving their spiritual power, avoiding unnecessary spell usage.

Qi Yuan, however, didn’t respond to Ling Jiao.

Or rather, he didn’t even hear her.

He crouched down, looking at a withered blade of grass on the ground.

He extended his finger, touching the small blade of grass.

As he touched it, something extraordinary happened.

The withered grass on the ground seemed to be revitalized by spring rain.

The originally yellow leaves turned lush and vibrant.

In the desert, one by one, blades of grass began to sprout, growing rapidly.

Under Qi Yuan’s feet, the dry desert ground quickly transformed into a patch of greenery.

These small blades of grass stretched their leaves as if they were the ornamental plants in Wang Duoyu Manor’s gardens, seemingly greeting Qi Yuan with a “hello.”

This scene, if witnessed by mortals, would be considered a miracle.

But to the prodigies present, it felt inexplicable.

Especially Ling Jiao, who sneered, “Wasting spiritual power on such trivial things—how amusing.”

True Lord Dazhi commented, “This fellow Daoist is willing to use his own spiritual power to save a withered plant, showing his nature. He’s worth befriending.”

Only then did Qi Yuan stand up and look at Ling Jiao. “If not for this, should I use my spiritual power on you?”

Ling Jiao gritted her teeth, ready to retort.

But at that moment, an old voice interrupted their argument.

“Welcome, everyone. I am True Lord Luomu. I’ve been waiting for you all.”

A Nascent Soul cultivator appeared, his expression indifferent.

“Greetings, True Lord Luomu!” The prodigies all showed respect to the Nascent Soul cultivator.

After all, everyone on Moonwatching Continent was under the command of the three Sovereigns.

“Please follow me. At present, seven factions have come to our stronghold seeking an alliance. You can choose to ally with these factions to face the Demora Clan together,” True Lord Luomu said, explaining the current situation to the prodigies.

Near this stronghold, there were seven nations.

These seven nations were resisting the Demora Clan.

But given their strength, they couldn’t contend with the Demora Clan, so they sought cooperation with the cultivators from Canglan Continent.

“Allying with them?” Ling Jiao sneered. “It’s nothing more than ceding territory in exchange for help. The natives of Moonwatching Continent are truly weak.”

The territories offered as bargaining chips were simply a means for the natives to seek assistance.

The prodigies all sighed.

In this world, weakness was indeed a sin.

Moonwatching Continent, because of its weakness, was caught between two powerful adversaries, struggling to survive.

Their struggle, their humiliating concessions, were seen as laughable by the others.

Qi Yuan’s mood, however, was calm.

The conversations around him seemed not to reach his ears.

He looked up at the blue sky, murmuring to himself, “Twenty-one days, huh?”

As soon as he stepped onto Moonwatching Continent, he knew this was his Moonwatching Continent, his home.

His body and soul were beginning to reclaim this world.

And to fully reclaim it, becoming the Dao of this world, would take twenty-one days.

...

In the stronghold, the representatives of the seven nations had gathered.

Their expressions were grim.

They knew that while they were ostensibly here to seek help and form alliances, in reality, they were about to sign treaties that would bring disgrace to their nations.

If their countries fell, it would be one thing.

But if their countries survived, they would go down in history as traitors.

Luo Xi, dressed in a monk-like white robe, was handsome, with the unfortunate exception that he was bald, with not a single hair on his head or brow.

He, too, wore a worried expression.

“I’ve heard that from Canglan Continent, twenty young elites from major factions have come here to form alliances with us. Do you have any information on them?” Luo Xi asked.

Knowing the strength and background of these factions, as well as their behavior, was crucial.

“We don’t know,” replied an elderly man, shaking his head as he looked at Luo Xi. “Your Fenggui Nation’s refusal to cede territory might make this cooperation impossible.”

Luo Xi’s expression darkened. “Fenggui only has three cities. Of our ten great generals, eight died defending the nation against the Demora Clan. How can we, the descendants, simply hand over the land our ancestors protected with their blood?”

“If we don’t offer something substantial, how can we expect those from other realms to sincerely help us?” the old man lamented.

They understood well the importance of territory.

But with the threat of annihilation, they had no choice but to retreat and survive the immediate crisis first.

“The king has said that she would rather become a servant than cede territory!” Luo Xi sighed.

How could they, the descendants, give away the land their ancestors defended with blood?

The representatives of the seven nations all wore somber expressions.

At this moment, an old voice announced, “Everyone, the prodigies from Canglan Continent have arrived.”

As the voice spoke, Gu Xiaoyao, Jiang Ya, Qi Yuan, and the others entered the large tent.

The representatives of the seven nations quickly stood up, their faces showing respect. “Greetings, everyone!”

Luo Xi looked up at the twenty young people before him, his expression becoming grave.

These twenty young people gave him an overwhelmingly powerful feeling.

He doubted he could match any of them.

Was this the depth of Canglan Continent?

Even their young elites were this strong?

Luo Xi wasn’t the only one feeling the weight of this. The others were just as heavy-hearted.

True Lord Luomu briefly introduced everyone and then said, “You can now discuss matters among yourselves.”

Ling Jiao was the first to speak. “My grandfather is a Yin God. My father is the master of Shuiyun Palace, the number one faction in Shuixian Continent, and possesses a Yin God artifact. When choosing partners, I have only one requirement: the more territory offered, the better. If you offer too little, I won’t even consider it.”

Ling Jiao’s domineering nature was on full display.

“And when dealing with the Demora Clan, I should be the one in charge. I don’t want anyone ordering me around!” she added.

The representatives of the seven nations were shocked by the first part of Ling Jiao’s statement.

A Yin God—this was a sixth-tier powerhouse!

But the second part made their faces turn grim.

Jiang Ya then spoke up, “Our Deng Tian Pavilion doesn’t require much territory. One city is enough, but… we need techniques, the more the better.”

Some of the seven representatives seemed interested in this offer.

At this point, True Lord Dazhi remarked, “Old Man Wutian is still collecting techniques?”

Jiang Ya glanced at True Lord Dazhi but said nothing.

Old Man Wutian had once taken a liking to True Lord Dazhi, wanting to take him as a disciple, but True Lord Dazhi had refused, claiming that following Old Man Wutian offered no prospects.

This caused quite a stir in the Eastern Lands at the time.

After all, Old Man Wutian was the number one under the Yin Gods in the Eastern Lands, and countless prodigies sought to become his disciple.

True Lord Dazhi was the first to refuse.

As the prodigies from the Eastern Lands introduced themselves and their demands, Qi Yuan couldn’t help but be amazed.

Every one of them came from a major faction.

Even Xu Tongchen’s Seven Words Sect had a Purple Mansion cultivator.

Unlike them, he came from a small village-level sect where a Nascent Soul cultivator was the strongest.

As the discussions continued, Ling Jiao, with her powerful background, naturally garnered the most attention from the representatives.

They wanted to collaborate with the strongest, knowing the Demora Clan was too powerful to be handled by weak allies.

Ling Jiao, facing the representatives, wore an arrogant expression. “Three cities? Are you trying to treat me like a beggar? Even if you offered me three cities in Canglan Continent, I wouldn’t want them, let alone these shabby ones on Moonwatching Continent.”

The elderly representative who had just spoken looked embarrassed, unable to respond to such blatant scorn.

About half an hour passed.

Most of the representatives had reached agreements with the prodigies.

These dozen or so prodigies appeared satisfied, their eyes filled with pride.

Clearly, they were pleased with the outcome of the negotiations.

On the other hand, the representatives wore heavy expressions.

Even after reaching agreements, the clouds of worry on their faces didn’t dissipate.

At this moment, Qi Yuan, who had remained silent, turned to the bald man, his eyes curious. “Do you know of Nanqian Nation?”

The bald man, Luo Xi, wasn’t a monk but someone who had trained in the Xuanyuan Forbidden Land, resulting in side effects.

Back then, Qi Yuan had controlled the Xuanyuan Forbidden Land and set the rules within it.

Doing push-ups, pull-ups, and the like would make one stronger.

But the side effect was hair loss.

It was clear that Luo Xi had trained there.

Luo Xi’s expression grew puzzled. “I don’t know.”

Qi Yuan seemed disappointed. He said, “When you have time, take me to see Fenggui.”

Luo Xi’s face brightened but then dimmed as he said, “Honored one, Fenggui only has three cities. We cannot… give up our territory.”

Just moments ago, he had tried to negotiate with the other prodigies.

But no one had accepted his conditions.

“Why would I want your cities?” Qi Yuan smiled. “Your cities are mine already, aren’t they?”

Luo Xi’s expression changed, not understanding Qi Yuan’s words.

Beside him, Ling Jiao couldn’t hold back any longer and sneered. “Thick clothes, thick skin. Are you trying to rob them?”

Qi Yuan finally looked at Ling Jiao. Standing on Moonwatching Continent, he felt his strength growing every moment.

Though this increase might disappear once he left Moonwatching Continent, here, it was real.

Qi Yuan’s courage returned.

“How am I robbing them?” Qi Yuan asked, sounding wronged. “Moonwatching Continent is my home. I have the deed! If they offer me cities, I won’t even want them. After all, they’re already mine. What would I do with them?”

The other prodigies exchanged confused glances but said nothing.

Jiang Ya also looked at Qi Yuan strangely, feeling a sense of familiarity with this turtle-shell-wearing person.

True Lord Dazhi was amazed and asked, “Friend, is this really your home?”

“Yeah,” Qi Yuan nodded earnestly. “Absolutely!”

“No wonder. So, it really is your home. Doesn’t that mean our earlier deals should be voided? Friend, how about this: my faction will help you fend off the Demora Clan, and you rent me a place in your home,” True Lord Dazhi suggested seriously.

If anyone else had said this, people would have found it unbelievable.

But coming from True Lord Dazhi, it was easier to accept.

Qi Yuan thought for a while and then said, “Alright.”

True Lord Dazhi had helped him a lot, so Qi Yuan was willing to do him this favor.

Ling Jiao laughed mockingly. “Ridiculous! Do you really think Moonwatching Continent is yours?”

Qi Yuan finally gave her a proper look. “I won’t rent my house to you. Now, leave.”

Ling Jiao was furious, feeling foolish for arguing with an idiot.

She said no more.

The others didn’t take Qi Yuan’s words seriously, dismissing him as crazy.

At that moment, Qi Yuan continued, “Anyone else who wants to rent a place, speak up now. I’m heading to Fenggui soon and won’t have time to chat.”

The remaining people were even more bewildered.

Did this turtle-shell guy really think he was the master of Moonwatching Continent?

“It seems no one else wants to rent.” Qi Yuan looked at the representatives of the seven nations and said in a soft voice, “Children, your agreements with them are void. Soon, I’ll go and see who dares to behave arrogantly in my house!”

Qi Yuan’s words seemed to carry a magical power.

The people of Moonwatching Continent looked at Qi Yuan and felt a strange sense of kinship, as if meeting their father.

“Void the agreements?” The old man looked confused.

The others also appeared torn, struggling in their minds.

“Yes, void them! Moonwatching Continent is my home, and if there are unwanted guests, I’ll kick them out myself!”

“Alright, void the agreements!” the old man said, feeling an overwhelming force compelling him to speak.

“We’ll void them too!”

“So will we!”

The representatives of the seven nations declared that their previously negotiated agreements were void!