Chapter 186: Again Seeing the Golden Star

"Xu Qing, what do you think?"

Emperor Gan'an smiled as he asked Xu Jin.

In that instant, a thousand thoughts flashed through Xu Jin's mind.

Xu Jin was no fool; this marriage proposal was not simply about bedding a princess—it was the underlying implications that truly mattered.

If it were truly just about bedding a princess, Xu Jin wouldn't mind complying.

But Xu Jin had only been in Wan Yi for a short time; he knew only fragments of the complex relationship between the imperial court and the Chen Guo Dao Academy, and he wasn't sure whether to accept or refuse.

Suddenly, a spark of insight flashed in Xu Jin's mind.

Marriage proposal!

Yet Emperor Gan'an was asking for his opinion.

That meant the real focus of this matter might not be the marriage itself.

It was a test.

Emperor Gan'an was using this to probe Xu Jin's attitude—even his allegiance.

Otherwise, he could have simply ordered the marriage outright—success would have been far more likely.

After all, the imperial family valued face.

"This matter is yours to decide—accept or refuse, as you wish. If you truly wish to marry a princess, you may still do so after agreeing." The voice of Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao suddenly entered Xu Jin's ears.

This left Xu Jin confused.

Grand Master gave no clear directive—what did that mean?

Was it a test of him?

Forget it—too complicated!

Xu Jin didn't want to play with anything too complex right now.

When the time comes to have the strength, one punch shatters ten thousand schemes—no matter how clever your plans, I'll break them with a single blow.

For now, keep it simple: just focus on cultivating and growing stronger.

"Your servant thanks Your Majesty's great favor, but I have just begun Star Refining and am currently in a phase of rapid cultivation—this is the time for hard work, not marriage.

Moreover, I have already sworn an oath: no fighting, no marriage!"

Xu Jin cut through the confusion with a decisive move—utterly cutting himself off.

His reasoning was simple: if he broke through to the Gathering Battle realm, as his master Qi Shanye had said, even at his worst, he'd have the ability to flee to the ends of the earth.

And given Xu Jin's actual combat power, he'd likely be even stronger.

At that time, the world would be entirely different.

Emperor Gan'an was slightly surprised—he hadn't expected Xu Jin to invoke an oath so outright; this refusal was absolute.

Prince Xin, the fourth prince, sneered from the side, "That oath is excessive. I've seen many geniuses fail to reach Gathering Battle—if he fails, isn't he doomed to lifelong celibacy?"

"That's not your concern, Prince Xin," Xu Jin shot back immediately.

Since Grand Master was beside him, and Prince Xin had already reached out against him, why bother being polite?

When someone slaps your face, why smile back?

Just slap back.

Sure enough, Prince Xin's face darkened.

"Xu Qing has great courage—truly, heroes emerge in youth!" Emperor Gan'an smoothed over the tension with a single remark.

"Then I shall wait until you reach fifth-rank Gathering Battle before we discuss this again."

With that, Emperor Gan'an moved past the topic, asked Xu Jin a few indifferent questions, and dismissed him.

As soon as Xu Jin left, Emperor Gan'an glanced at Grand Eunuch Chu. The latter flicked his finger lightly—a speck of starlight expanded into a star-curtain, enveloping the entire hall.

Almost simultaneously, Prince Xin's expression turned cold and menacing. "Father, another thorn. You didn't directly order the marriage—only hinted—but he refused outright. How bold!"

"The Dao Academy's disciples have grown increasingly audacious these years."

"It seems this Xu Jin cannot be won over—he appears utterly loyal to Cheng Yuexiao," said Prince Jing, the third prince.

Emperor Gan'an gave his two sons a cold glance. "If you two had half his ability, you wouldn't be in this state!"

"Father, if I unleashed my full power, I could crush ten of him with one hand!" Prince Xin protested.

"That's because you've already formed your star. Will you still have that confidence when he forms his?"

Prince Xin fell silent.

"Enough. You may both leave. Focus on your cultivation. If even one of you siblings breaks through to sixth rank, it will ease my burden considerably." Emperor Gan'an glared at them.

The two princes withdrew.

Emperor Gan'an immediately asked, "Grand Companion, what is your perception? Could this boy possibly pluck two golden stars? In my own sensing, his soul essence is only at the level of just forming a star—he might manage a silver star, but a golden one is extremely unlikely!"

"Your Majesty, if the last genius who plucked two golden stars was a child of Chen Guo, then this Xu Jin is the most likely candidate."

Yesterday on the God-Slaying Battlefield, he surged all the way to the 127th level—his performance was astonishing.

But if 127 is his limit, then his combat power alone cannot pluck a golden star.

To pluck a golden star at his current cultivation, he'd need to reach around the 150th level on the God-Slaying Battlefield.

In soul essence, I am inferior to Your Majesty—if Your Majesty says he cannot pluck a golden star, then it cannot be him," Grand Eunuch Chu bowed deeply.

Emperor Gan'an frowned, then sighed. "So the genius who plucked those two golden stars isn't from Chen Guo? If so, it'll be even harder to bring him in."

Grand Eunuch Chu, pale and unnaturally soft-faced, bowed slightly. "Your Majesty, I've spared no effort in tracking him down. If found, I will do everything in my power to bring this genius to serve you."

"Golden stars!

With one golden star, I might break through to seventh rank!

Two golden stars will surely push me to seventh rank, then I'll advance like a flood.

At that time, I'll wash away past humiliations!

But plucking a golden star—how difficult it is!"

Grand Eunuch Chu dared not respond to Emperor Gan'an's lament—only bowed slightly.

After a long silence, Emperor Gan'an asked, "How is the collection of the treasure progressing?"

"Your Majesty, it will still take considerable time to meet the requirements."

"Hurry them up. Tell them—if they move any slower, don't blame me for turning ruthless!"

"Your servant obeys!"

When Xu Jin returned to his courtyard, it was piled high with gifts—said to be sent by the palace.

Xu Jin glanced at them irritably and told Jiang Er to handle them.

These were Prince Xin's so-called apology gifts.

But Xu Jin had already seen the gift list inside the palace.

It was pure flattery—meant to fool him and Grand Master.

A thousand catties of tribute rice.

A hundred catties of tribute salt.

Ten bolts of Chu brocade.

And so on—all high-sounding tribute items with little real value.

Xu Jin was certain: a single strand of Star-Picking Tower's starlight could buy every item on Prince Xin's list—and still leave change.

At this point, Xu Jin had fully understood: this so-called marriage proposal was nothing but a test—there was never any real intent behind it.

Because the pre-prepared gift list had already revealed their true attitude.

Any one of the six families that had visited him earlier to thank him had offered better gifts.

This made Xu Jin feel a certain contempt.

No wonder Grand Master said Prince Xin had grown increasingly reckless.

Of course, Xu Jin understood—it was determined by his own value.

And his strength determined his value.

Whether the court or Prince Xin saw him as valuable meant nothing to him.

But Xu Jin understood: strength equaled freedom.

Xu Jin needed to cultivate, to grow stronger.

Best of all—to reach the point where he could sleep with a princess if he wanted, or casually refuse if he didn't.

That day, Xu Jin spent in hard cultivation.

On September 19, after escorting Jiang Er to the Dao Academy's outer courtyard for Star Pointing, Xu Jin began his own rigorous training, filling every moment of his schedule.

He spent one hour daily in the fourth-rank Star Power Realm, and also visited the Flying Swallow Hall's Star Gathering Array every day.

Simultaneously, he used his five granted opportunities to ascend the Heavenly Staircase—once daily—to hone his soul essence.

On the 19th, the Dao Academy's outer courtyard spread news of many geniuses successfully pointing their stars.

The strongest was a young man named Song Xian, who succeeded in star-pointing that morning.

His talent rating was unquestionably Jia-Shang.

That day, during the autumn star-pointing, three geniuses succeeded in total.

As expected, Jiang Er did not succeed that day.

On the evening of the 19th, after two days of hard cultivation, Xu Jin's Middle Star Palace reached the peak of Star Refining fifth level; his Lower Star Palace remained at the peak of fourth level. Following Grand Master's instructions, Xu Jin had focused entirely on his Middle Star Palace these two days.

That night, Xu Jin effortlessly engraved the fourth-rank Upper Star Transformation star pattern onto the sixth star position of his Middle Star Palace.

Xu Jin did not head straight to the Star-Picking Realm—he first went to the third-rank Combat Simulation Realm.

He fought fifteen rounds in succession, adapting to the changes brought by the Star Transformation pattern.

The most significant change brought by the Star Transformation Star Pattern is that the star techniques you unleash can now be controlled at will.

Star Arrow can transform into a Star Sword. Even into a curved blade.

Even a boomerang is possible.

The Nine Veins Divine Sword is now truly deserving of its name.

The most important change is that Xu Jin can now manifest weapons at will using star force.

Fire knife, fire sword, fire spear, fire blade—anything he desires.

Even Ning Yuchan's signature blade wheel, Xu Jin can manifest as well.

But it can only replicate the appearance, lacking the killing power of Ning Yuchan's signature blade wheel.

Ning Yuchan's blade wheel is a combined star technique, requiring the integration of Metal and Wind star patterns to unleash its full power.

It is a completely new star technique she created herself.

Ning Yuchan has only roughly explained this combination method to Xu Jin; it requires occupying four star pattern slots.

Then Xu Jin appeared in the Star Picking Seclusion and immediately began his challenge.

Bronze Star and Silver Star posed no challenge.

But today, Xu Jin did not directly challenge the Gold Star.

After last time he claimed two Gold Stars in a row, he drew attention from all sides; during his consecutive challenges in the Killing God Arena, the Grand Master had specifically warned him.

Now, Xu Jin is especially cautious about this.

In the Star Picking Seclusion, newly added Silver Stars display which faction they belong to.

If after Chen Guo claimed two Silver Stars in a row, the Star Picking Seclusion suddenly added two more Gold Stars, it wouldn't directly expose anything—but if someone paid close attention, they'd inevitably make connections.

If the pool of Gold Star holders is narrowed to the Chen Guo Dao Academy alone, finding Xu Jin is merely a matter of time.

Unless Xu Jin completely abandons challenging Gold and Silver Stars from now on.

After completing the Silver Star challenge and claiming two Silver Stars, Xu Jin fell asleep immediately.

Xu Jin didn't know that his sleeping caused the Grand Master considerable trouble.

In Danxia Palace, the Grand Master had already received the report from Director Peng: Chen Guo had claimed two more Silver Stars.

Director Peng had specifically flown over Xu Jin's courtyard to confirm he was inside his meditation chamber before reporting.

Upon hearing the news, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao smiled.

He wasn't happy about the two Silver Stars.

He was happy about the Gold Star about to come his way.

Based on Xu Jin's past habits, after challenging the Silver Star, he would immediately press on to challenge the Gold Star.

From the Grand Master's experience, he believed Xu Jin should at least claim one Gold Star.

After all, his cultivation base had only advanced one level; the heart demon and guardian's strength had only increased by one level. The heart demon was unpredictable, but Xu Jin had already defeated the Gold Star guardian in a very short time at Star Refinement Fourth Level—so at Fifth Level, defeating the Gold Star guardian shouldn't be difficult.

Waiting patiently for a Gold Star to land.

In his delight, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao had already taken out his favorite tea set, boiled water, brewed tea, and sat waiting for the Gold Star to arrive.

After one cup of tea, nothing.

Not worried.

Impossible to happen this quickly.

Keep waiting.

Two cups, three cups, one pot of tea finished.

The Grand Master, still monitoring the Star Picking Seclusion, noticed no new Gold Star had appeared, so he brewed another pot.

Half a quarter-hour later, he brewed another pot.

While brewing, he glanced at Director Peng, whose hair and beard were white; the old man understood at once and quickly ran to Xu Jin's courtyard again.

A few dozen breaths later, Director Peng returned.

"Master, Xu Jin is still in his meditation chamber—perhaps still challenging."

Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao grunted and continued brewing tea.

Third pot, fourth pot, fifth pot.

He drank until his stomach swelled, rose to visit the meditation chamber, saw the Gold Star count unchanged, and felt slightly disappointed.

Director Peng left again and returned after a dozen breaths, his face filled with disappointment.

"Master, Xu Jin has fallen asleep."

"Fallen asleep?"

A flicker of disappointment passed through Cheng Yuexiao's eyes—he had failed to claim the Gold Star.

"Master, failing a Gold Star challenge is normal. Even in the entire known world, a Gold Star appears only once every few years," Director Peng comforted.

"Indeed. Let's see what he does next."

"Don't need much—just one or two more Gold Stars, and I'd be perfectly satisfied."

After giving these instructions, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao practiced for a while, then went to sleep.

That night, he made two trips to the latrine.

He drank too much tea.

On the morning of September 20, at the sixth watch mark, Xu Jin awoke.

With the Dream Warmth Star Pattern's aid, Xu Jin now only needs to sleep two watches—four hours—to feel fully refreshed.

In addition, he takes a short nap of two quarter-hours at noon to restore his spirit power; all other time is devoted to cultivation.

He cultivates at least eighteen hours a day.

After waking, Xu Jin did not cultivate—further cultivation would push him into Star Refinement Sixth Level.

He performed the Five Stars Killing Fist once, stretched his sinews and bones, then entered the Star Picking Seclusion to challenge the Gold Star.

First, he challenged the Gold Star heart demon.

Same tactic as before.

But it didn't go smoothly.

The heart demon had learned Xu Jin's previous techniques: Thunder Step, Thunder Wing, Thunder Arrow.

As Xu Jin closed in quickly, the heart demon retreated just as fast.

During the chase, the heart demon continuously fired Thunder Arrows at Xu Jin, nearly killing him.

Eventually, after using invisibility once, Xu Jin found an opening, closed in rapidly, and unleashed the Soul-Cleansing Arrow.

While the heart demon's spirit was damaged and momentarily stunned, he unleashed consecutive Flame Explosions and slashed with the Nine Veins Thunder Sword, destroying the heart demon in one blow.

Claimed one Gold Star.

Though victorious, Xu Jin clearly felt the pressure from the Gold Star heart demon.

The Soul-Cleansing Arrow's effect on the Gold Star heart demon had noticeably weakened.

As Xu Jin's cultivation advanced, the Gold Star heart demon's strength had increased, and its spirit power had risen uniformly.

After his next breakthrough, relying on this tactic to defeat a Gold Star heart demon would likely become much harder.

Then, Xu Jin challenged the Gold Star guardian after reaching Star Refinement Fifth Level.

The guardian was unchanged in form, only stronger in power.

For Xu Jin now, it was easy!

Same tactic—victory in five breaths.

【Congratulations, you have successfully challenged the Gold Star guardian. Awarded one Gold Star.】

【Challenge the Brilliant Star?】

【Challenge】

One and a half minutes later, Xu Jin's body shattered into countless starlight particles and vanished.

Challenge failed.

But there was gain.

Last time he challenged the Brilliant Star, he lasted only one minute—but this time, under the combined assault of the Gold Star heart demon and guardian, he held out for one and a half minutes.

That was a significant improvement.

Two Gold Stars claimed.

Xu Jin immediately went to morning cultivation—today, he could meet the Grand Master's requirement and break into Star Refinement Sixth Level.

But only in the Single Star Palace.

What Xu Jin didn't know was that his actions had once again caused an uproar.

Or rather—it first exploded in dreams, then in the group!

Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao had heavy official duties daily; after handling them, he still needed to cultivate, so he slept late.

At the seventh watch mark, while still asleep, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao was suddenly awakened by a light knock—it was Director Peng, hair and beard white, gently tapping at the door.

"What is it?"

"Master, just now, the Star Picking Seclusion suddenly added two more Gold Stars!"

"What?"

This news jolted the drowsy Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao upright: "Two more Gold Stars? Who is this prodigy suddenly emerging?"

The Grand Master was stunned!

(End of Chapter)