My Core is the Boss

Sixty years passed in the blink of an eye. The affairs of the world were akin to drifting clouds, vanishing in an instant. Time could wash away everything. Even the deepest mark struggled to withstand the erosion of the years.

Someone announced crisply, "Congratulations to Qi Yuan for once again defending his title as champion of the Martial Arts Tournament!"

Qi Yuan stared calmly at the ninety-year-old grandpa lying on the ground.

The old man wore a helpless smile. "Young man, not bad at all. You're a lot stronger than last year! Haa... I lost again."

Since he respected the elderly and cared for the young, Qi Yuan comforted him, "It's fine. Even in defeat, there is glory. You got second place, didn't you?"

"There are only the two of us competing. What use is second place?" the old man complained. "How this Martial Arts Tournament still hasn't gone bankrupt is honestly a mystery."

The old man glanced around the arena. The arena was huge, but rather dilapidated. Even back in his youth, the Martial Arts Tournament had never been particularly popular, but at least half the seats would be filled.

Sometimes, if the organizers were willing to spend money, they would even hire fake audience members to boost the atmosphere. Now, there wasn't a single spectator. Well, not really.

In the audience seats, a beautiful young girl waved glowsticks excitedly, full of enthusiasm. "So strong! You are the champion again! Qi Yuan, you're amazing! I am a huge fan!"

Indeed, Canary was the sole audience, indulging in madness together with Qi Yuan. Every match, she acted as Qi Yuan's cheerleader, fan, and family member, enthusiastically rooting for him.

The ninety-year-old old man seemed even more bitter. "Immortal Elder, could you stop participating in the Martial Arts Tournament already? My dream since youth has been to become champion just once. You've already beaten me nearly sixty times. Can't you give me a chance?"

When he was young, he loved watching martial arts television shows. Whenever he picked up a wooden stick, the rapeseed flowers in the fields suffered greatly. Unfortunately, his martial arts talent was average, and he couldn't even qualify for the main tournament.

Later, immortal cultivation revived while martial arts declined. Fewer and fewer people entered the Martial Arts Tournament. Only then did he rekindle the desire to participate. His rankings gradually improved, and he even saw hope of winning the championship. Unfortunately, he lost every single time.

The old man appealed emotionally and logically, "Immortal Elder, I only have a few years left to live. Couldn't you let me have one victory? After all, the Martial Arts Tournament is cruel. Flowers, applause, and fame all belong to first place. No one remembers the lonely figure of second place leaving in silence."

Nearly sixty years had passed, yet Qi Yuan's appearance had not changed. If he wasn't a cultivator, what else could he be? A cultivator participating in a martial arts tournament. Wasn't that just bullying?

Qi Yuan smiled. "You're different. You've always been runner-up. People will remember you."

Then, he walked toward Canary and took hold of her tender white hand.

"Young man, see you next year," said the old man.

Canary happily clung to Qi Yuan and waved her hand. "Quick, look at this!"

Qi Yuan looked at the item in her hand. "An invitation?"

"Mhm. Haven't you always wanted to break through to Violet Palace? I have been keeping an eye on this matter lately. Apparently, Three Worlds cultivators and some Brilliant Star demonic cultivators are holding an exchange gathering to discuss the Great Dao of Violet Palace. Only a Nascent Soul cultivator can attend. If you go, you might gain something from it."

He nodded seriously. "What you said makes sense."

Although he had long since reached the Violet Palace realm in this game, his breakthrough had been muddled and unclear. The real him was still a puny Nascent Soul cultivator. Violet Palace experts were people he could only look up to.

"Perfect. After attending this exchange gathering, I'll organize everything I've learned and ask online netizens about it. I'll definitely get the correct answer!"

Qi Yuan was very clever. He knew that listening broadly led to wisdom. Merely listening to the teachings of Nascent Soul or Violet Palace cultivators was not enough. On the other hand, the wisdom of the working masses was infinite. A simple forum post asking around could lead to a flash of inspiration.

"I have an invitation to the event. I'll accompany you." With a wave of her hand, two masks appeared. "Put these on quickly. We mustn’t show our faces at this gathering. Everyone's identities must remain hidden."

Qi Yuan stared oddly at the masks. "Are you sure this exchange gathering is legitimate?"

These masks seemed like something he had only seen in certain short videos.

Canary blushed. "What nonsense are you thinking about?"

Sometimes, she also wore masks for fun. She knew exactly what Qi Yuan was thinking.

"No, nothing. Let's go attend the gathering."

Qi Yuan wrapped an arm around Canary, and their figures vanished.

At this point, his game missions were almost over. However, he still had no clue regarding the Violet Palace realm. Although he had previously consulted Lord Great Wisdom and learned quite a lot, it still didn't feel sufficient.

What he required was creativity. It’d be awkward if he ended up cultivating some trash-tier Violet Palace. Since he was going to be the first Violet Palace cultivator in Divine Radiance Sect's history, he had to make it unprecedented! True strength was a must.

***

The exchange gathering was held above a stretch of sea. Floating upon the ocean was a worn-out cruise ship. From time to time, streaks of light descended into the ship.

Xie Tang wore a layer of black veil over her face, full of melancholy. Sixty years had passed, and she had become a Nascent Soul cultivator. Within the Profound Heaven Sect, aside from the sect master, she was the strongest. And yet, there was still no trace of her senior sister. Hence, the heavy responsibilities of the sect had fallen onto her shoulders, forcing her to mature.

Wang Zhiqi examined the old cruise ship ahead with curious eyes. "Master, there are so many powerful experts here."

Qi Yuan’s former neighbor has now reached peak Foundation Establishment. Hence, even after sixty years, she still retained her youthful appearance.

Xie Tang warned, her star-like brows knitting together, "Conceal your aura properly. Don't let anyone discover your identity!"

Wang Zhiqi hurriedly concealed her cultivation once more. "Understood, Master!"

The Ancient Wu and Qin Yuan were still at war. The Three Worlds Alliance had also shattered apart, warring against one another in earnest. Combined with various demon races joining the fray, the world's situation had become chaotic. Enemies could very well be hiding among those attending the gathering. If their identities were exposed, they would be in trouble.

Just then, Xie Tang's brows suddenly twitched. Not far ahead, a man and woman descended. Though their appearances could not be seen clearly, their bearing was extraordinary. Above all, for some inexplicable reason, she sensed a familiar aura from the pair.