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

Chapter 312: The Best Way to Protect the Princess

Princess Huansha wore a bright smile on her face, and her beauty truly lived up to her title.

Compared to those glamorous celebrities online, her looks were no less impressive. More importantly, she exuded a unique aura.

"I'm grateful to both of you for taking me on a tour of Wuyun Pavilion," Princess Huansha said with a radiant smile.

Han Kang reminded them once again, "People from the Wu Cult are hiding in Longtai City, intending to do harm to Princess Huansha.

The two of you must ensure the princess's safety, even if it costs your lives."

Han Kang's words sounded alarming, but in truth, there was nothing to worry about.

Wuyun Pavilion had long been under their control.

If the Wu Cult managed to harm Princess Huansha in Longtai City, it would indeed be absurd.

However, his main purpose in saying this was to remind the two to ensure the princess's safety.

"You all don’t need to follow us. A large group would be too dull," Princess Huansha said. Then she happily walked toward Qi Yuan and Han Qianyun.

Han Kang watched this scene, a thoughtful look on his face.

His younger brother's attitude toward him was different today.

Could it be that... he heard something?

Han Kang gave a few more instructions, and the minister from the Liulis Kingdom also spoke briefly before they felt assured enough to let the three enter Wuyun Pavilion.

The princess had an alarm device on her body. If there was any danger, it would sound.

Most importantly, if there was an attack, the princess’s light energy shield would activate, capable of withstanding a sniper rifle shot.

This time, the three of them entered Wuyun Pavilion without any obstruction.

Princess Huansha seemed very talkative. She looked at Qi Yuan and slowly said, "This gentleman seems to be downcast. Did something happen to upset you?"

Qi Yuan nodded earnestly, "I'm too poor."

Princess Huansha was slightly taken aback. She hadn’t expected Qi Yuan to be so direct.

Her impression of Qi Yuan slightly worsened.

She felt that Qi Yuan was trying to get close to her.

It was understandable to try to climb the social ladder, but doing so without contributing anything was off-putting.

"I only have 100 million Qin Yuan coins," Qi Yuan said, his face showing even more worry.

Princess Huansha was completely stunned at that moment.

The thoughts that had surfaced in her mind just now seemed ridiculous.

"One hundred million Qin Yuan coins is already a lot," Huansha knew the exchange rate between the two countries. One hundred million Qin Yuan coins was a huge amount, a figure an ordinary person couldn’t hope to earn in a lifetime.

"Not at all. I can't even buy the things I want," Qi Yuan said, looking disappointed.

"Mr. Qi, what do you want to buy that requires 100 million? Are you planning to buy a fighter jet?" Han Qianyun asked curiously.

"I want to buy… the whole planet of Gongxing," Qi Yuan said seriously. "I was just humiliated, almost unable to enter Wuyun Pavilion. I need to buy Gongxing and restore my dignity, or else… it’s too humiliating."

"..." Han Qianyun.

Princess Huansha: "…Are you joking, sir?"

Buying Gongxing? He sure had some nerve.

Now she completely understood that she had misunderstood Qi Yuan. He wasn't asking for money or seeking her help; he was just too humorous.

"I really don’t have much money. A while ago, I kept seeing videos of some 20-year-old girls from An Chuan and Jing Can who became the newest billionaires with 8 quadrillion in assets.

Compared to them, I am incredibly poor.

How much beef would I need to cut back on to save up such an amount?" Qi Yuan genuinely felt the disparity between people.

He wondered whether he should follow those accounts and perhaps engage in a little fraud someday?

Someone with 8 quadrillion, if he could deceive even half of that amount a few times, wouldn’t that be enough to buy Gongxing?

However, there was still a problem with that idea.

"You’re a princess, right? You must have great connections. Can you help me find out something?" Qi Yuan looked at Princess Huansha with an expectant face.

Princess Huansha felt like she was on a roller coaster; her judgment kept changing. She responded warmly, "What would you like to know, sir?"

"I want to know where I can buy Gongxing and roughly how much it would cost," Qi Yuan asked his question.

He thought it was time to start saving.

When eating beef noodles, he shouldn’t add extra beef anymore.

He had to save up for the purchase of Gongxing.

"Um… I don’t know," Princess Huansha replied with an awkward smile.

If it was a one-off joke, it would still be considered humorous.

But saying this repeatedly… seemed like he was unhinged.

Hearing this answer, Qi Yuan was quite disappointed.

Han Qianyun, on the other hand, was sweating profusely.

He had interacted with Qi Yuan and knew his strength and personality.

Was Qi Yuan being serious?

He dared not continue this topic, so he changed the subject, "Princess Huansha, it seems the Wu Cult and the Liulis Kingdom are not hostile toward each other. Why would the Wu Cult target you?"

Han Qianyun enjoyed gossip, especially when it involved the aristocracy and royalty.

It looked like a great scandal, full of gossip.

Princess Huansha's eyes flashed with a hint of anger when she heard this, "The Wu Cult claims that I am the reincarnation of the daughter of the Wu God and that I need to return to the heavens to stay by the Wu God's side day and night!"

When Princess Huansha was born, the King of Liulis Kingdom even invited a priest from the Wu Kingdom to give blessings.

This was very common in royal families.

However, there was an issue with this blessing.

The priest from the Wu Cult claimed that Princess Huansha was the reincarnation of Wu God’s most beloved youngest daughter.

This youngest daughter, naturally mischievous, secretly ran from the heavens to the human world and needed to return to the heavens to accompany the Wu God.

As for how to return to the heavens, that was simple—death.

Therefore, the Wu Cult had been plotting to kill Princess Huansha.

The King of Liulis Kingdom was, of course, furious about this.

Letting a dignified princess die wasn’t acceptable emotionally, and it would also bring disgrace to the royal family.

However, since there were many trades between Wu Kingdom and Liulis Kingdom, this matter had not been escalated publicly.

"The Wu Cult people are shameless. I even said their Wu God is my wife. Will they put Wu God in my bed then?" Han Qianyun remarked.

"You have a point," Princess Huansha giggled, covering her mouth.

Qi Yuan looked at Han Qianyun coldly and said, "You scumbag, your wife's blood hasn't even cooled yet, and you're already thinking about a new wife!"

Although Qi Yuan was also a bit of a scumbag, he wouldn’t stoop to Han Qianyun’s level, where he declared anyone, regardless of their gender, as his wife.

As the saying goes, "Don't disappoint a good girl; don't waste a bad one." Qi Yuan could only follow the first half of that saying.

"Stop!" Han Qianyun thought of that very “impressive” wife and felt his legs go weak.

Princess Huansha widened her eyes, as if she had just discovered something incredible.

However, being smart, she didn’t press further and instead changed the subject again, "The Wu Cult might just be making empty threats. All these years, haven’t I been living well? With my father's guards protecting me, the Wu Cult can’t do anything."

The Liulis Kingdom, where Princess Huansha hailed from, was a small country but rich in resources, making it incredibly wealthy.

Princess Huansha was also heavily guarded.

She had a large number of loyal genetic warriors willing to die for her.

Currently, outside Wuyun Pavilion, there was such a team of warriors.

"The Wu Cult does have a big mouth, their bragging knows no bounds. Recently, one of our Qin Yuan martial artists captured one of their priests!" Han Qianyun said proudly.

This is one of the few notable achievements of martial artists in the current society.

Princess Huansha smiled happily, "Actually, I've admired Qin Yuan's martial arts since I was a child. Unfortunately, my father wouldn’t let me practice, saying he was afraid I'd turn into a muscle woman."

She spoke freely, with a hint of regret.

Han Qianyun looked at Princess Huansha and agreed, "I think your father is right. If you practiced martial arts, this world might lose another stunning beauty.

Moreover… you should have taken genetic agents, right? Your combat strength might even be stronger than mine. There's no need to force yourself onto the path of martial arts."

"Genetic agents are great, but I don't have much combat power. Otherwise, when we came in, they wouldn’t have needed you to protect me," Princess Huansha said, her smile as warm as the winter sun.

"Don’t worry. With us here, even if all of Wu Cult’s Shadow Group shows up, they won’t be able to touch you!" Han Qianyun said as he glanced at Qi Yuan beside him.

He had personally witnessed Qi Yuan’s strength.

The kind of man who could destroy a military camp single-handedly was like a deity on earth!

The strongest group in the Wu Cult was the Shadow Group, composed entirely of fanatics who often launched suicide attacks.

But in the end, they were just mortals. Even if they took genetic agents, how could they compare to a deity like Qi Yuan?

One would die if one came; two would die if two came.

Princess Huansha noticed this detail and was slightly taken aback.

Although she admired martial artists, she knew their strength had its limits.

Why did Han Qianyun seem so confident in Qi Yuan?

"How exactly will you two protect me?" Princess Huansha asked with a smile, her eyes fixed on Qi Yuan.

As long as it wasn’t gossip, she was always willing to explore and learn some people's little secrets.

Qi Yuan looked at Princess Huansha, seriously contemplating her question, "That depends on what tactics the Wu Cult uses."

"The Wu Cult’s Shadow Group consists of thousands of members skilled in various firearms and bladed weapons, adept at assassination and hacking techniques.

If necessary, they can also provide aerial support. Generally, when encountering them, most martial artists have no chance of winning." Princess Huansha answered truthfully.

Han Qianyun nodded, "To be honest, if I ever really faced the Shadow Group, I’d have no chance of survival."

The Shadow Group’s combat units had all taken genetic agents, and not just any—specialized ones.

These specialized genetic agents could significantly enhance the user's strength but would disrupt the body's balance.

These combat unit members wouldn't live beyond ten years.

Such genetic agents were officially banned in all countries.

But the Wu Kingdom didn’t pretend otherwise.

And there were countless fanatics devoted to the Wu God.

So, the Shadow Group's combat units were never short of people.

"Indeed, it's troublesome. On Blue Star, they could compete with the Dragon Group.

Except for the Crooked-Mouth Dragon King or the War God, no one else could match them.

It seems, Princess Huansha, you are quite dangerous," Qi Yuan muttered to himself.
Han Qianyun looked puzzled, "What Blue Star? What Dragon Group?"

"I’ll let you in on a secret—I'm actually an alien, and you’re all… foreigners!"

"You're the foreigner!" Princess Huansha naturally didn’t believe Qi Yuan's words, taking them as a joke. "I’m in danger. How will you protect me?"

"Simple, just make sure they can't find you, and all will be well."

"Huh?" Princess Huansha was confused, not understanding what Qi Yuan meant.

"If the Shadow Group can’t find you, they can’t kill you.

So, the best way to protect Princess Huansha is to turn you into… a paramecium!" Qi Yuan said calmly.

Princess Huansha was stunned.

Han Qianyun was also dumbfounded.

They were a bit lost.

"Change!" Qi Yuan pointed his hand, and Princess Huansha disappeared instantly.

Han Qianyun’s eyes widened, "Where's Princess Huansha?"

"She's right in front of you. I turned her into a paramecium. From now on, you should call her Princess Paramecium."

Qi Yuan waved his hand and waved it in front of Han Qianyun, "Can't you see? Princess Huansha is right here."

Han Qianyun blinked, but he saw nothing.

"Come on, brother, are you nearsighted? Such a big paramecium, and you can't see it?"

Qi Yuan was quite exasperated.

To protect this paramecium, he even put a protective cover around it.

"I can't see it," Han Qianyun shook his head.

"Looks like you need a microscope to see." Qi Yuan waved his hand.

The paramecium landed in a crack between bricks.

"Okay, I’ve placed Princess Huansha somewhere safe. When we finish our tour, we’ll bring her back.

Now, the Shadow Group can’t find her, so she’s safe," Qi Yuan yawned.

Han Qianyun was still a bit dazed.

Protecting the princess… like this?

Turning her into a paramecium?

Who in their right mind protects a princess this way?

He found that staying with Qi Yuan for too long made his head spin, unable to keep up.

Suddenly, he thought of something and blurted out, "Mr. Qi, now that the princess is a paramecium, what if we can’t find her later?"

"That’s easy. Borrow a microscope to find her," Qi Yuan replied without hesitation.

"But… what if I accidentally step on her and kill her while searching?" Han Qianyun worried.

The princess was now a paramecium, such a weak creature, even a drop of saliva could drown her.

"Then I’m sorry, my friend. You’re a murderer, a regicide."

Qi Yuan shrugged and walked deeper into Wuyun Pavilion.

Han Qianyun hesitated but eventually followed him.

Right now, his heart was full of uncertainty.

He could only pray to the gods for the princess's good luck.

The two ignored Princess Huansha.

After all, wasn’t protecting the princess the goal?
Turning her into a paramecium—doesn't that count as protection?

At this moment, the two arrived at Wuyun Pavilion.

Ahead stood a thirteen-story wooden building.

Han Qianyun, by now, had somewhat recovered, his mind no longer muddled.

"Wuyun Pavilion was built thirteen hundred years ago. The building we see now is a reconstruction.

The entire building, except for one place, has been passed down from thirteen hundred years ago and is the most precious part of Wuyun Pavilion.

That is the Wuyun Carving.

The Wuyun Carving is made from specially treated Leiyin Wood, which has been submerged under rivers and mountains for a hundred years and does not decay for a thousand years.

The Wuyun Carving contains the traces left by over a thousand martial artists over a millennium, for future generations to observe and learn from."

Mentioning the Wuyun Carving, Han Qianyun's eyes were filled with admiration.

"Why is it called Wuyun Pavilion and not Wuyun Tower?" Qi Yuan’s focus once again surprised Han Qianyun.

"Maybe… the builder liked pavilions," Han Qianyun answered offhandedly.

The two took the elevator and soon reached the top floor of Wuyun Pavilion.

At the top floor was a Wuyun Carving.

The Wuyun Carving was about ten square meters in size.

The entire carving was a wooden yellow color, with purple hues, exuding a subtle aura of nobility.

Such wood seemed perfect for making coffins.

The Wuyun Carving had various marks.

Finger imprints, sword cuts, and even large footprints.

"The martial arts strength of those predecessors was truly terrifying, to leave marks on the Wuyun Carving with just their fingers.

Although I have reached the pinnacle of martial arts, I can’t leave such marks with just my fingers.

These predecessors, in terms of their own strength, could probably rival warriors who have taken advanced genetic agents.

Without breaking through the limits of martial arts, they already possessed such strength. Breaking through… what would that be like?" Han Qianyun sighed.

The martial arts lineage, from ancient times to now, has grown weaker and weaker.

According to historical records, two thousand years ago, martial artists flourished on Gongxing, and those who broke the limits of martial arts were as numerous as carp in the river.

But now, in a thousand years, except for Luo Bufan, no one has broken the limits of martial arts.

"You foreigners have quite a mix of bloodlines—chickens, ducks, geckos, birds, dung beetles…"

Qi Yuan casually commented as he looked at the marks left on the carving.

"It seems your ancestors were all Xu Xian."

Qi Yuan said, looking intently at Han Qianyun.

"It looks like your preference for 'impressive' wives is not your own fault; it’s an inherited problem from your ancestors."

Qi Yuan’s eyes could see hidden information.

Through the Wuyun Carving, he could tell that those who left marks on this carving had various bloodlines within them.

All sorts of small animals were represented.

But at that point, Qi Yuan’s expression changed slightly.

Because he realized the irony had come back to haunt him.

Ning Tao’s previous incarnation was a golden canary on Mount Jiupan.

If he married the canary and had children, wouldn’t it mean… his descendants would be somewhat like these foreigners?

Han Qianyun was still baffled, his mind spinning in circles.

Because, once again, he couldn’t understand what Qi Yuan was talking about.

"Mr. Qi, is what you said about bloodlines… true?"

"Yes, you’re a descendant of the Rat King, without a doubt." Qi Yuan replied honestly.

"Huh? Evolution theory is fake? Darwin's coffin lid can’t stay shut!" Han Qianyun decided to trust Qi Yuan at that moment.

After all, Mr. Qi was a deity.

Deities have vast knowledge, which is expected.

"Historical records don’t mention where you came from, so… it’s possible you are indeed descendants of the Rat King."

Qi Yuan could fabricate rumors at will.

After all, it was just folklore; he could say whatever he wanted.

Some say when Sima Zhao killed the emperor, why didn’t he kill the historians too? That way, they wouldn’t record the event, and he wouldn’t be accused of regicide.

Immediately, someone would say they read in folklore that Sima Zhao had a fondness for the emperor, but the emperor refused, and Zhao killed him in anger.

"Am I really a descendant of rats?" Han Qianyun pondered for a moment and decided not to think further.

Even if it were true, would that mean he’d stop living in a mansion and start living in a hole in the ground?

Would he stop taking medicine when sick and start eating rat poison?
"Which mark on here is left by Luo Bufan?" Qi Yuan asked.

To be honest, on this carving, Qi Yuan had already seen at least ten marks with power surpassing the limits of martial arts.

It showed that in ancient times, those who broke the limits of martial arts still existed but kept their identities hidden and didn’t flaunt their strength.

"This one," Han Qianyun pointed to a slender finger mark.

"This guy… has six fingers?" Qi Yuan was surprised.

Han Qianyun was even more confused.

There’s only one finger mark here, so how did he deduce six fingers?

Qi Yuan carefully examined the finger mark, his expression quite calm.

"It seems the key to breaking the limits of martial arts lies in the bloodline."

This finger mark provided Qi Yuan with a lot of useful information.

Luo Bufan was a ruthless person.

To break the limits of martial arts… he even…

But Qi Yuan, in this game, was an orphan, and he couldn’t go as far as Luo Bufan to try everything.

So, his breakthrough would hinge on the mutated sea creatures.