My Core is the Boss

The wind caught Qi Yuan's robe, lifting it majestically as he stood on the arena, grinning in satisfaction.

He had won the first national Martial Arts Tournament. With the championship came fame and many sponsorships. His life was set.

However, the spectators were utterly confused.

"Fire?"

"Where did the person go?"

"He exploded into a blood mist?"

"Is this still the martial arts I know?"

In the span of a single flash of light, the fight between Qi Yuan and Zhang Yang was over. No one had seen this coming.

Zhang Yang's opening move was raw and baffling, but it had still been within the range of comprehension. But what were Qi Yuan’s fists of fire earlier? Had someone smuggled technology onto the platform? Zhang Yang had also detonated into a blood mist.

What on earth was that?

Confusion, disbelief, and shock rippled through the crowd.

"Are they filming a movie?"

"It's a magic trick, surely?"

"How does a living person get punched into a blood mist?"

"That's not scientifically possible!"

Besides the audience, the tournament organizers were baffled as well.

A balding senior official jumped to his feet in bewilderment, shouting loudly, "Cut the broadcast now!"

The tournament's live stream ran on a three-minute delay. In past incidents, the standard response was simply to cut the feed.

Just then, someone interjected, "Keep broadcasting. Everything proceeds by the rules."

The official turned, confused. "But this incident can cause widespread panic! There could be unnecessary social disruption!"

Though they hadn’t yet decided to announce that to the general public, he was aware of immortal cultivation. However, Qi Yuan had unmistakably used martial arts. How could such a move be able to defeat Zhang Yang, who had been wielding immortal techniques?

The young speaker firmly ordered, "Panic doesn't matter. The rules do. Everything abides by the rules."

The official felt a surge of irritation, fuming inwardly, Who does this second-generation official think he is? He became the tournament’s chief administrator out of nowhere and lacked real-world judgment! Letting something like this leak out? To hell with the rules!

Of course, he didn't dare say a word back.

Nearby, an old man's face had gone dark. "We're done for. Zhang Yang is dead. Will the Zhang family hold us responsible?"

When Qi Yuan had first demonstrated his extraordinary martial arts potential and nearly broken through the martial park, the old man had been impressed. He attempted to meet Qi Yuan, but was refused, leaving the old man offended.

Upon learning about immortal cultivation, he focused his attention entirely on Zhang Yang. After all, breaking through the martial peak was nothing compared to an immortal cultivator. Hence, he’d invested everything into Zhang Yang, hoping to gain immortal cultivation in this manner. Now that investment had turned to ash.

He shot to his feet. "My lord, this man is a murderer. He killed Zhang Yang! He should be detained and handed over to the Zhang Family!"

Zhang Yang had a high standing within his family. The Zhang family itself was a great family of considerable influence. The old man had absolutely no idea how to face them for this.

The young chief administrator's gaze sharpened. "In the arena, life and death are left to fate, and everything follows the rules. Zhang Yang is dead, so be it. That is the rule of the arena."

The old man grew frantic. "But what would the Zhang family say?!"

A senior official said, "If the Zhang family wants to find someone to blame, I doubt even you can bear the consequences, my lord."

Though the young chief administrator probably had some standing, he was nothing compared to the Zhang family.

The young chief administrator's eyes went cold. "It seems the two of you need some time in a cell to clear your heads. I'll contact the Zhang family personally. We'll see if they dare demand anything at all."

Before he even finished, several fully armed soldiers appeared, aiming their rifles at both the senior official and the old man.

The young chief administrator picked up his phone and dialed a number. "Zhang Mingyuan. I hear the Zhang family wants an explanation?"

With a displeased tone, he demanded, "I'm the one who needs an explanation from the Zhang family."

Not far away, the official and the old man went pale. What shook them most was the sound of Zhang Mingyuan. They could clearly hear the voice of the head of the Zhang family quivering in fear.

Despite the death of their precious son, why was the family head still so submissive?

The senior official and the old man looked at the young chief administrator once more, a flash of realization crossing their eyes. Could it be that...?

***

Back at the hotel, Qi Yuan exhaled with relief. "I finally won."

He had finally made progress in the game mission.

Canary sat nearby, watching the broadcast replay with sparkling eyes. She glanced over at Qi Yuan, comparing the man in the video to the one standing right in front of her. "I'll give credit where it's due, Blood Drop, that punch was actually quite impressive."

Qi Yuan asked somewhat cautiously, "Do you think I shouldn’t have skipped the interview and left? What if the organizers give me trouble and strip me of the championship?"

After winning, a champion was supposed to give an interview and a speech. When he'd been the Blood-Clothed Sword God, Qi Yuan had been perfectly capable of that. He could make grand statements as he wished. But that was from behind the scenes, when he made posts, and not real time.

In reality, he wasn't great with words. Meeting enemies made him mildly socially anxious, especially when they gave long monologues. Figuring that he could never argue back, he just started throwing punches. Why waste time talking when he could just overpower his opponent?

Canary firmly assured him, "It'll be fine, if anyone tries to strip your championship, I'll get it back for you."

Qi Yuan stretched lazily. "Okay good."

Living off his fiance's capabilities was genuinely wonderful. Having a capable fiancée meant so much less hassle.

Canary smiled. "Blood Drop, if you find all that attention troublesome, I can use a dao technique to make people in this world instinctively overlook you. They'll still know you exist, but they won't bring you up in public situations. So even if you're a public figure, no one will be sneaking photos of you on the street. What do you think?"

Qi Yuan considered it for a moment, then nodded firmly. "Do it."

Canary smiled. "I'll need to borrow the power of your Star Golden Cores. Otherwise, it would take me a while."

Qi Yuan didn't give it a second thought. "Go ahead."

A flash of fiery red passed through her eyes. "Alright."

In an instant, the world seemed to be gilded in a layer of golden light. Many people glanced at the extra sun, then looked away as though nothing had happened.

"Done." Canary clapped lightly. "It won't affect our gaming experience. It'll just reduce the uninvited photographers and the people with ulterior motives."

Qi Yuan was particular about his privacy. "Good, that eliminates a lot of trouble. Otherwise, If we go to register a marriage certificate and some busybody photographs it and puts it online, it would be incredibly tedious."

The tips of Canary's ears went red. Settling back in her chair, she lightly swung her feet. Her mood was clearly excellent.

"Alright, now I can take you home properly!"