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

Qi Yuan’s voice was calm, laced with a hint of mockery, leaving the gathered gods utterly stunned. They couldn’t comprehend where Qi Yuan’s confidence stemmed from. After all, this was the North Sea Divine Eye, the stronghold of the North Sea Dragon Clan. Provoking them was akin to courting death.

Jin Jiao glared at Qi Yuan, his eyes blazing with fury. "Even if your father is a Grand Venerable, today you’re staying here!"

He was truly enraged. No matter what, Qi Yuan would not leave this place unscathed. Behind Qi Yuan, his six True Gods stood fearless before the formidable enemy, ready for battle at any moment.

At that moment, an elderly man, also a Second Step True God, intervened, trying to mediate. "We are all ancient gods, and with external enemies pressing in, we should avoid conflict and prioritize peace."

This old man was known as a peacemaker. Jin Jiao’s expression softened slightly at his words, though he still stared daggers at Qi Yuan. "Hand over the girl, and we’ll let this go."

Qi Yuan’s expression darkened. This person was putting on too much of an act. "Leave your divine power behind, and I’ll spare the North Sea Dragon Clan," Qi Yuan retorted coldly.

While Jin Jiao’s words hinted at reconciliation, Qi Yuan’s tone left no room for negotiation. To those unfamiliar with the situation, it might even seem like Qi Yuan was the villain. Beside him, Ye Liuyun grew anxious, repeatedly sending messages to Qi Yuan. "Brother Qi, you’re being too rash. Shouldn’t we just leave?"

Qi Yuan, however, remained unconcerned. He replied telepathically, "Is he a Yang God? If not, why should I lose face by running away?"

At the same time, Huanghun Zunzhe (the Dusk Venerable) sent a message as well. "Venerable Origin, if things get out of hand, I can step in and hold off Jin Jiao for you."

This offer came with considerable risk, as it meant thoroughly offending the North Sea Dragon Clan. But Huanghun Zunzhe considered the legendary feat of Qi Yuan visualizing twenty-one legendary gods at once and decided it was worth it. If he publicized this event, many ancient gods would rush to Qi Yuan’s aid. He figured this was where Qi Yuan’s confidence came from.

"Thanks for the offer, but it’s not necessary yet," Qi Yuan responded. Facing Jin Jiao, he remained utterly unflustered and unworried. The Qionghua Palace Lord was not pleased with the situation. She wanted to stop the fight, but since both sides seemed intent on conflict, her hands were tied. She could only sigh and say, "If you must fight, do it in the North Sea’s ancient battlefield. Do not damage the waters."

Before the arrival of the evil gods, the True Gods of this world would battle in designated ancient battlefields to avoid harming mortals. However, with the arrival of the evil gods, such considerations were often discarded, with little regard for the destruction left in their wake.

"Fine!" Jin Jiao gritted his teeth, eyes burning with anger.

Qi Yuan nodded in agreement. "Let’s go."

With that, they all made their way toward the ancient battlefield. The gathered ancient gods watched on, each with their own thoughts. The Qionghua Palace Lord could only feel helpless. This year's Hundred Flowers Festival seemed destined to end in disappointment. Qionghua Grand Venerable remained in slumber, leaving the future of Qionghua Palace uncertain.

Soon, the group arrived at the ancient battlefield, a place where the space was remarkably stable, even more so than in the rest of the world. This was unlike the empty void of the Canglan Realm. As Qi Yuan entered the ancient battlefield, his eyes showed a trace of surprise.

[Ancient Battlefield: The birthplace of Fanxin World, where primordial gods and demons emerged from the chaos.]

The ancient battlefield was the origin of Fanxin World? Qi Yuan was slightly taken aback by this revelation.

Meanwhile, the ancient gods observing from afar had mixed expressions. "This Venerable Origin is far too reckless!"

"Spoiled brats will always be spoiled brats."

"Sigh, we ancient gods are already in decline, why must we fight among ourselves?"

"One side has a Second Step True God and six peak First Step True Gods; the other side has six early-stage First Step True Gods. How could they possibly win?"

None of the ancient gods had any confidence in Qi Yuan’s chances. The disparity in strength was just too vast. Even Huanghun Zunzhe watched intently from a distance, ready to intervene if necessary to save Qi Yuan. After all, offering aid in times of need is far more valuable than adding to a victory.

Now in the ancient battlefield, Jin Jiao, no longer restrained, exploded in fury. "How dare you humiliate me in Qionghua Palace! You deserve death!"

With a roar, the six True Gods at Jin Jiao’s side revealed their true forms. Six massive jiaolongs (scaled dragons) ascended into the sky, their powerful auras intertwining as they coiled together, exuding an unmatched sense of power.

"In the North Sea, our Dragon Clan rules the waters. We are the natural kings here!" Jin Jiao roared, full of confidence. "To kill you, there’s no need for me to act personally!"

At his command, the six gigantic jiaolongs locked their lantern-sized eyes on Qi Yuan, their gaze cold and menacing. But Qi Yuan remained unmoved. "I may not have Nezha, but I do have the Dragon Subduing Arhat."

Qi Yuan glanced at Zhao Zun. "Weren’t you hungry? Today I’ll allow it—you can break your vow and eat meat."

Zhao Zun’s visualized god was the Dragon Subduing Arhat. According to some myths, Ji Gong was a reincarnation of the Dragon Subduing Arhat, so technically, breaking a vow could be seen as justifiable.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zun stepped forward, his body as solid as bronze, causing the ground to tremble. The sight puzzled the other ancient gods. "Purple Mansion Perfection?"

"A Purple Mansion cultivator facing off against True Gods? Even the legendary Wu Shi Saint Mother couldn’t do that!"

"Is he seeking death?"

These ancient gods were baffled by the decision to have a mere Purple Mansion cultivator fight when six True Gods were at hand. Ye Liuyun, observing from the crowd, felt a growing sense of unease as he watched Zhao Zun. He couldn’t comprehend why he felt so terrified of a stranger, especially one seemingly weaker than himself.

Jin Jiao felt a similar unease, but his strength gave him confidence. "A mere Purple Mansion cultivator dares to challenge us!"

At that moment, a voice rang out. "Brother, I’ll assist you!" Happy Arhat declared, stepping forward. He was one of the two True God Arhats.

"I’ll join as well," Long-Browed Arhat added.

The two placed their hands on Zhao Zun, and divine power surged into his body. Instantly, a pseudo-divine aperture formed within Zhao Zun. The other ancient gods were stunned.

"What technique is this?"

"How can they transfer their power to another?"

"How can a Purple Mansion cultivator’s body withstand divine power?"

These ancient gods were perplexed. Today’s events were defying their understanding. But even with the borrowed strength of two True Gods, Zhao Zun was still outmatched by Jin Jiao’s forces.

Ye Liuyun, watching Zhao Zun, felt his fear growing. He couldn’t understand it, but the terror he felt was undeniable. Jin Jiao was similarly disturbed, but he refused to back down. "What are you? No matter, you’ll die just the same!"

The six jiaolongs roared, their massive forms surging forward, ready to devour their prey. For anyone with a fear of large creatures, this sight would have been paralyzing.

But Zhao Zun took another step forward, his gaze steady as he declared, "Heaven’s Divine Dragon!"

Behind Zhao Zun, a phantom of a divine dragon appeared—its body pure gold, with five claws. Yet, this dragon was a corpse, its scales shattered, its body torn apart.

Ye Liuyun’s heart pounded. "A Grand Venerable—no, a Seven-Step True Dragon!"

In Fanxin World, the Dragon Clan wasn’t particularly powerful, with fewer than twenty Grand Venerables even in ancient times. The strongest among them had only reached the sixth step. Now, seeing the remains of a Seven-Step True Dragon here, how could Ye Liuyun not be shocked and terrified?

The other ancient gods were similarly awestruck. They couldn’t identify the dragon’s exact level but knew it was incredibly powerful. Jin Jiao gritted his teeth. "Impossible!"

Zhao Zun took another step forward. "Earth’s Jiaolong, Man’s Poison Dragon!"

Two more terrifying dragon phantoms appeared, both mutilated beyond recognition, lifeless. Behind these, countless other dragon corpses floated—some had their hearts ripped out, others had their tendons severed. It was clear these dragons had all been slain by the god Zhao Zun was visualizing.

Zhao Zun’s eyes gleamed with gold as he looked at the six jiaolongs. "Those who surrender will be spared. Those who resist will be destroyed. By the authority of my Heavenly Venerable Law, I have come to subdue dragons!"

As Zhao Zun’s voice rang out, his entire body radiated a golden light, surrounded by an infinite, all-encompassing Buddhist glow. He seemed to transform into an invincible war god as he charged at the six jiaolongs.

The once mighty and fierce jiaolongs now trembled in terror as if they were mice facing a cat, completely losing their will to fight.

“Kill!” Zhao Zun roared, tearing one of the jiaolongs in half with his bare hands. The creature let out a terrifying scream as Zhao Zun’s fists shattered its divine apertures.

Jin Jiao, witnessing this, was filled with a growing fear. He bellowed, “Kill him!”

The remaining jiaolongs, despite their fear, charged at Zhao Zun in a desperate attack.

“Under the Dragon Subduing Curse, even a five-clawed golden dragon must submit. You jiaolongs are nothing but minnows!” Zhao Zun shouted as he lunged toward the jiaolongs.

Despite the jiaolongs having more divine apertures and greater inherent power, they were utterly powerless under the might of the Dragon Subduing Curse. Within moments, Zhao Zun had ripped the six jiaolongs apart. Blood and broken dragon bodies littered the battlefield, creating a gruesome scene.

The six dragon corpses joined the other dragon phantoms behind Zhao Zun, forming a growing procession of defeated dragons.

Jin Jiao, drenched in dragon blood, felt his vision blur. “You monster… Die!”

“I am a Second Step True God, my dragon blood is pure. How could I fear you?” Jin Jiao roared, transforming into his dragon form and charging at Zhao Zun, his aura ten times more powerful than the jiaolongs.

Zhao Zun met Jin Jiao’s gaze, his entire body brimming with fighting spirit. “I have seen the sky-breaking Yinglong. You dare call yourselves pure-blooded dragons?”

Zhao Zun’s massive hands grabbed Jin Jiao’s enormous dragon body, hoisting it into the air. Jin Jiao struggled fiercely, his divine power surging, but he couldn’t break free from Zhao Zun’s grip.

The power of the Dragon Subduing Curse gave Zhao Zun an overwhelming advantage against the dragon race.

“Lesser jiaolongs are nothing more than food for immortals. Dragon liver and phoenix marrow… How dare you act so arrogantly?” Zhao Zun sneered, thrusting his hand into Jin Jiao’s body and ripping out his liver.

Jin Jiao howled in agony, but Zhao Zun was unimpressed. “This inferior dragon liver isn’t even worthy of a banquet.”

With a swift motion, Zhao Zun smashed Jin Jiao’s head into the ground, shattering his skull. He then methodically crushed each of Jin Jiao’s divine apertures.

In the face of the Dragon Subduing Curse, Jin Jiao was utterly helpless. After dismantling Jin Jiao, Zhao Zun stood covered in blood, surrounded by the remains of the dragons he had slain.

The other ancient gods watching from afar were struck with terror. They couldn’t comprehend what they had just witnessed.

Zhao Zun scanned the crowd with cold eyes. “My Dharma title was bestowed upon me by my Heavenly Venerable. I am the Dragon Subduing Arhat!”

His voice reverberated across the battlefield. As the echo of his words faded, the immense power surrounding Zhao Zun began to dissipate, and his aura returned to that of a Purple Mansion cultivator.

The onlookers were left speechless. Ye Liuyun, who had been observing with a growing sense of dread, was now fully shaken. “The Dragon Subduing Arhat!”

Huanghun Zunzhe was equally stunned. “To dare take the title of Dragon Subduing, this god must be terrifying!”

After all, claiming the title of Dragon Subduing meant opposing the entire dragon race. Although dragons in the Fanxin World were not the mightiest, they were still a formidable force that even a Grand Venerable would think twice about crossing.

“The Dragon Subduing Arhat… Who was he in ancient times?”

The ancient gods were filled with unease, unable to comprehend the depths of today’s events. Moreover, when the Dragon Subduing Arhat had invoked the Dragon Subduing Curse, the phantom of a Five-Clawed Golden Dragon had appeared behind him—a dragon that Ye Liuyun recognized as a seven-step True Dragon, far more powerful than any Dragon Ancestor who had only reached the sixth step. The realization of such a being's defeat under the Arhat’s hands left him profoundly unsettled.

The legends Zhao Zun had uttered during the battle, mentioning the sky-breaking Yinglong and immortal feasts, seemed too terrifying to be true. Ye Liuyun couldn’t stop shaking as he pondered whether everything Zhao Zun had said might actually be real.

The ancient gods remained rooted to the spot, still processing the shocking events. Meanwhile, Qi Yuan nonchalantly glanced at the dragon liver in Zhao Zun’s hand. “I don’t eat livers from transformed dragons. It’s not worth much; just toss it.”

Qi Yuan had reaped the divine power of seven dragons, making this one of the most lucrative encounters since his arrival in this world. He was in a cheerful mood.

“These dragons were such considerate donors,” Qi Yuan mused as he glanced at the other ancient gods. “Anyone else here eyeing my goddaughter? Feel free to speak up.”

The ancient gods immediately took a step back, responding in unison, “We wouldn’t dare.”

Qi Qi, hearing this, felt a warm glow in her heart. She believed her godfather was defending her, and her heart was filled with gratitude. Since the collapse of the Heavenly Pavilion and the death of her kin, this was the first time she had felt so cherished by someone—strong, domineering, and protective.

Qi Yuan, oblivious to his goddaughter’s thoughts, was slightly disappointed. His goddaughter had unintentionally drawn out these aggressors, but there hadn’t been many takers. “Now that the battle is over, let’s return to the Hundred Flowers Festival,” Qi Yuan declared.

With that, he led the Four Heavenly Kings and Eighteen Arhats back to the event. The ancient gods watching from the sidelines remained deeply shaken.

As they returned to the festival, the event continued, but the atmosphere had shifted. Many of the gods were now more focused on Qi Yuan than on the festival itself. The Qionghua Palace Lord advised Qi Yuan, “Venerable Origin, since this is the North Sea Dragon Clan’s territory, you should leave quickly after killing Jin Jiao.”

Her companion, a middle-aged woman, also eyed Qi Yuan curiously. Initially, she had only allowed him to attend as a favor to her friend. But now, she realized this was no mere village-level guardian deity—this was a powerful and influential figure.

“The Hundred Flowers Festival isn’t over yet. Why should I leave?” Qi Yuan responded. With seven dragon kills under his belt, Qi Yuan wasn’t worried about the North Sea Dragon Clan seeking revenge.

“I’m still hoping to get some treasures. Alas, my followers are hungry for them,” Qi Yuan said, glancing at the Eighteen Arhats, visibly disappointed.

The Qionghua Palace Lord sighed and gave up trying to persuade him. With the festival now more than halfway through, the gods redoubled their efforts to awaken the flowers, though with little success. Only a third of the flowers had yet to bloom.

Qi Yuan stood off to the side, bored. “Sigh, being too handsome has its drawbacks. If I had a more provocative face, someone would’ve definitely come over to mock me by now, challenging me to visualize a god and awaken the flowers,” he lamented.

Ye Liuyun shook his head in disbelief. He wanted to say, “With your power, who would dare provoke you?”

“If only I could be insulted and doubted by the crowd, then I could visualize a god and shock everyone. That would be quite the scene,” Qi Yuan mused aloud.

He finished speaking and began winking to Huanghun Zunzhe from a distance.