Golden Core is a Star, and You Call This Cultivation?

The snow atop Cloud Dream Mountain grew lighter, and the temperature at the summit gradually rose year by year.

Yet, Wu Shi's aura grew even colder.

It was as if the chill had transferred to her.

In the days that followed, Wu Shi remained at the peak of Cloud Dream Mountain, waiting for the sword that never came.

Sword Disciple no longer visited the peak.

One day, a woman in a yellow dress looked at the snow-covered world before her, her eyes filled with triumph: "You like snow, don't you? From now on, Cloud Dream Mountain will never see snow again."

She had sought out a Dao God to perform a divine technique, ensuring that Cloud Dream Mountain would never again be covered in snow.

...

"What is the true identity of the Cloud Dream Palace Master?"

In the Zhou Mountain World, several Dao Gods murmured among themselves.

They were deeply wary of Wu Shi, who had never once made a move.

"Sword Disciple's sword is growing stronger and stronger," one Dao God whispered.

Originally, Sword Disciple was strong, but they hadn't paid much attention to him.

His strength had a clear trajectory.

Wu Shi was the true enigma.

However, in recent years, Sword Disciple's rate of improvement had been astonishing.

For Dao Gods like them, who had achieved their status through divine treasures, improving their strength was incredibly difficult. They needed to overcome the Three Calamities and Three Tribulations.

Yet... Sword Disciple, who had not undergone any tribulations, was still growing stronger.

His sword had become even sharper than before.

"Sword Disciple... is nothing to fear."

"Oh?"

"Yujiao says that Sword Disciple... has a flaw. She tried to harm him subtly, and he didn't resist."

"Really?" another Dao God exclaimed in surprise.

The world was vast, and anything was possible.

Perhaps the bond between Sword Disciple and his sister was deeper than anyone realized.

"His sister is the most important person in his heart, like a divine law."

"Originally, we arranged for Yujiao to seduce him, but that failed. Who would have thought there would be such progress?"

For beings at their level, morality had long ceased to exist.

Lust was insignificant, merely a casual move in a game. If it worked, great; if not, no harm done.

"With Sword Disciple's weakness in our hands, he's no longer a concern."

"The only thing we need to worry about is Wu Shi's identity and her intentions..."

"We've made some progress in our investigation. We're still confirming."

The voices fell silent.

...

In a chaotic space.

Sword light streaked like meteors, shattering the space.

A man in blood-stained robes appeared, carrying a sword on his back.

He held a piece of jade in his hand, his expression devoid of emotion.

"Devouring Primordial Body...?"

"Devouring the Zhou Mountain World?"

He stood there for an unknown amount of time.

Finally, he crushed the piece of jade and vanished.

"Big brother, why were you gone for so long?" Yujiao ran over, hugging Sword Disciple's arm. She looked at his face, trying to discern something.

But she saw nothing.

"I was delayed," Sword Disciple replied curtly.

At this moment, Yujiao seemed to remember something and whispered, "Big brother, Sister Wu Shi has been very lonely at the peak of Cloud Dream Mountain. So, I sent a few maids to take care of her. But..."

"But those maids noticed that Sister Wu Shi has disappeared several times.

A Dao God stationed at Forget Zhou Mountain secretly told me that Wu Shi's presence has been detected there."

"If the maids could see Master leaving, they must be extraordinary," Sword Disciple said indifferently.

In the past, Yujiao would have turned pale with worry upon hearing this.

But over the years, she had been testing Sword Disciple's limits.

Her cheap older brother truly had no emotions.

Even toward his master, he was indifferent.

Most importantly, no matter what she did, Sword Disciple would never harm her and would do his best to fulfill her requests.

"Big brother, aren't you curious about what Palace Master Wu Shi is really up to?" Yujiao changed the subject.

By now, Sword Disciple had learned that Wu Shi had a Devouring Primordial Body.

The term "Devouring Primordial Body" naturally invited speculation.

"Oh, I'm not curious," Sword Disciple replied.

Yujiao felt as if she had punched cotton.

She looked at Sword Disciple and finally said, "Big brother, your sister is craving something delicious. I want you to cook for me."

"Mm."

"Add some blood. Yujiao loves your taste."

"Mm."

...

At the peak of Cloud Dream Mountain.

Yujiao clapped her hands, and a lavish feast was dumped onto the snowy ground.

"Disgusting! It's way too salty!"

"And the bloody smell wasn't even handled properly."

She was tall and carried herself with the arrogance of a spoiled young lady.

After dumping the food, she glanced provocatively toward the peak of Cloud Dream Mountain.

However, the place remained cold and desolate, as if no one was there.

But soon, Yujiao narrowed her eyes and smiled happily.

Because in front of her, a lonely figure appeared.

Wu Shi, clad in red fur, was the only splash of color in the vast whiteness of Cloud Dream Mountain's peak.

"Wasting food is not good," Wu Shi's voice betrayed no emotion.

Yujiao grew even more smug: "If it's not tasty, I'll just throw it away. How is that wasting food?

In a moment, big brother will make me an even more sumptuous meal."

"Childish," Wu Shi's voice was cold and indifferent.

"Yujiao may be childish, but she has never thought of harming others, nor has she caused panic in the Zhou Mountain World.

Sister Palace Master may not be childish, but everyone fears her like a snake or scorpion," Yujiao said, puffing herself up. "Sometimes, it's better to be childish. At least, big brother loves me the most."

She said this like a proud princess.

Wu Shi's gaze fell to the snow-covered ground, now marred by dirty footprints.

The exquisite dishes lay scattered, with a hint of blood mixed in.

This was the blood Sword Disciple had added to the food.

Noticing Wu Shi's gaze, Yujiao became even more provocative: "He's my big brother. He's willing to do anything for me. It's just that his blood has such a strong, bloody smell."

Wu Shi remained silent.

At this moment, Yujiao suddenly leaned in: "Big brother already knows you're a Devouring Primordial Body."

"Oh."

Yujiao was met with Wu Shi's indifferent "oh."

With that, Wu Shi's figure vanished.

Along with her, the scattered food also disappeared.

"What you treasure, I treat as trash."

After saying this, Yujiao also left the Cloud Dream Palace.

About a quarter of an hour later, a pitiful voice sounded.

"Big brother, Sister Palace Master is jealous of me. She knocked over the food you made for me."

Sword Disciple fell silent for a moment.

Finally, he asked, "What is jealousy?"

After asking this question, he felt a sense of disorientation.

Because in the past, aside from the three anchors in his heart, he had seemed indifferent to everything in the world, including his master, Wu Shi.

...

The undercurrents finally surfaced.

In the past, Sword Disciple would hear the murmurs of Dao Gods every day.

Wu Shi wants to destroy the world. Wu Shi wants to devour the Zhou Mountain World.

Sword Disciple had paid no attention.

Or rather, he had been focused on growing stronger.

But now, no Dao God dared to speak such words to him.

Because Wu Shi had merged Forget Zhou Mountain with Cloud Dream Mountain.

A decree now lay before Sword Disciple.

"Disciple, I wish to become the true ruler of Zhou Mountain. Help me."

"Those who submit will prosper; those who resist will perish."

As Sword Disciple looked at this decree, he fell into deep thought.

However, the panic in the Zhou Mountain World was real.

Most importantly, when Wu Shi merged Forget Zhou Mountain with Cloud Dream Mountain, seven Dao Gods couldn't resist and attacked.

Facing the combined assault of seven Dao Gods, Wu Shi displayed terrifying power, easily injuring four and forcing the other three to retreat.

Only then did the world realize that the Cloud Dream Palace Master was the strongest in the Zhou Mountain World.

Even Sword Disciple, with his illustrious achievements, seemed inferior to his master.

"The Zhou Mountain World must unite."

"Forget Zhou Mountain cannot be lost!"

"The Cloud Dream Palace Master is a demon!"

"She is a Devouring Primordial Body. She will devour Forget Zhou Mountain and then the entire Zhou Mountain World to empower herself!"

The "ambitions" of the Cloud Dream Palace Master were now clear.

All the powerful beings had to unite to face this apocalyptic threat.

At this moment.

A divine decree descended from the Nine Heavens Divine Palace.

"If Sword Disciple slays Wu Shi and resolves the crisis in Zhou Mountain, the Heavenly Emperor is willing to take him as a disciple."

This decree made all the Dao Gods envious.

The Heavenly Emperor was the master behind the Nine Heavens Divine Palace and its greatest support.

This powerful being resided not in the Rebirth Realm but in the Yang Realm.

Even ancient monsters who had overcome the Three Calamities and Three Tribulations would bow their heads before the Heavenly Emperor.

Such a terrifying figure had turned his gaze to the insignificant Zhou Mountain World?

After all, the Zhou Mountain World didn't even have a single being who had overcome all Three Calamities and Three Tribulations.

Facing the envoy from the Nine Heavens Divine Palace, Sword Disciple responded.

"I will protect Zhou Mountain, but becoming the Heavenly Emperor's disciple... I decline."

Hearing this, all the Dao Gods were shocked, some even stomping their feet in frustration.

The Nine Heavens Divine Palace's influence extended far beyond the Zhou Mountain World. There were even rumors that they had connections in the Yin Realm.

If Sword Disciple had become the Heavenly Emperor's disciple, wouldn't he have been able to use the Nine Heavens Divine Palace to find "another version of himself" in other worlds, allowing him to avoid tribulations?

He might even have overcome the Three Calamities and Three Tribulations.

Yet, Sword Disciple had refused.

Was this his pride?

Did he not realize the opportunity he had missed?

The entire Zhou Mountain World was in turmoil.

The Cloud Dream Palace Master sat atop Cloud Dream Mountain, her aura so profound that no one dared approach.

Other Dao Gods either gathered around Sword Disciple, hoping to stop the Cloud Dream Palace Master from devouring the world, or aligned themselves with the Nine Heavens Divine Palace, plotting new schemes.

Some simply fled.

In the Nine Heavens Divine Palace.

"Sword Disciple actually rejected the Heavenly Emperor's decree!"

"No one in this world has ever refused a divine decree!"

"How ungrateful!"

"Whether the Zhou Mountain World is destroyed or not doesn't matter. Forget Zhou Mountain cannot fall. It is a crucial node."

However, as soon as these words were spoken.

A deafening crash echoed.

The mountain crumbled, the sky bled golden light, and the land was left in ruins.

"Forget Zhou Mountain has fallen?"

"Forget Zhou Mountain is gone!"

"Cloud Dream Mountain... is also destroyed!"

All the Dao Gods were horrified.

No one had expected the Cloud Dream Palace Master to act so soon, toppling Forget Zhou Mountain.

The towering Forget Zhou Mountain, spanning countless light-years, had collapsed onto Cloud Dream Mountain. The spine of the earth was broken, the bones of the mountains turned to dust, and the cries of countless souls echoed endlessly.

The Dao Gods were filled with fear, hesitation, and uncertainty.

"Since Forget Zhou Mountain has fallen, this place... has no more value," a Dao God from the Nine Heavens Divine Palace declared.

Thus, on this day, many Dao Gods followed the Nine Heavens Divine Palace and left the Zhou Mountain World.

Others turned their anger toward Sword Disciple.

"If you hadn't aided and abetted her, how could Wu Shi have toppled Forget Zhou Mountain?"

"If you had stopped her earlier, such a catastrophe would never have happened!"

Sword Disciple gripped his sword, remaining silent.

Of course, these voices only grew loud at first.

When Wu Shi had been a "white lotus," harmless and innocent, everyone had accused her of wanting to destroy the world, slandering her.

But now that she had truly toppled Forget Zhou Mountain and displayed her overwhelming power, baring her fangs, those who opposed her grew fewer.

In fact, many Dao Gods now gathered around Wu Shi, honoring her as the Cloud Dream Palace Master.

Just as they had once gathered around Sword Disciple.

After all, with the Zhou Mountain World in ruins and countless lives lost, they, as Dao Gods, could remain untouched.

The fate of the masses meant nothing to them.

The once-deserted Cloud Dream Palace became lively again.

In contrast, Sword Disciple was left alone.

"Lord Sword Disciple, you are, after all, the Palace Master's disciple. Since she intends to devour the Zhou Mountain World, we ask that you continue to serve her," a Divine Lord urged.

This was the same Divine Lord who, when Wu Shi had not yet revealed her true power, had advised Sword Disciple to imprison or even kill her.

Now, he had switched sides.

Such was the unpredictability of the world.

"Lord Sword Disciple, put down your sword. The Cloud Dream Palace Master still values the bond between master and disciple."

"You remain the sharpest sword in her hand."

Facing these voices, Sword Disciple remained unmoved.

Since the fall of Forget Zhou Mountain, he had not seen his master, and Wu Shi had not come to see him.

It was like the last time, when he had prepared ten thousand years' worth of food for her and then never visited her again.

Was it a grudge?

Or something else...

The voices outside meant nothing to him.

"Grow stronger, be kind, protect my sister."

He murmured, his sword flowing like fire, yet cold as snow.

Kindness... kindness...

Why did Master do this?

Since obtaining this unparalleled talent in the sword, this was only the second time he had truly felt doubt.

The first was when he asked, "What is jealousy?" This time, he wondered, "Why did Master do this?"

He didn't understand.

He didn't want to see Cloud Dream Mountain shattered, countless lives lost.

All of this... was caused by his master.

Why... did she do this?

His doubts came to an abrupt end three years later.

A broken body lay in the hall—it was Yujiao's corpse.

His sister, one of the three anchors in his heart, was dead.

Killed by Wu Shi.

His heart felt empty.

Was it because of his sister's death, or because his master had killed her?

...

The peak of Cloud Dream Mountain, which had not seen snow for a long time, was once again covered in snow.

Along with the snow, pear blossoms fell.

Cloud Dream Mountain was broken, but the Cloud Dream Palace remained intact.

On the 9,900 steps, the world was blanketed in white.

At the summit, a woman in red fur caressed a warming stove, a smile in her eyes.

"When it snows on Cloud Dream Mountain, I know... it's you who has come."

At the base of the 9,900 steps, Sword Disciple looked up at the woman he knew so well.

His eyes were as calm and indifferent as ever.

He didn't understand his master, didn't understand Wu Shi.

Just as the distance between them was measured in steps, he couldn't fathom Wu Shi's heart, and she seemed unable to reach his.

"Shouldn't you say... 'Master, I need an explanation'?" Wu Shi smiled.

"Master, you shouldn't have toppled Forget Zhou Mountain, shouldn't have caused the deaths of countless lives, shouldn't have killed my sister," Sword Disciple said, looking up at the cold woman standing so high above, as if she were in the clouds.

"Sometimes, death is not the end. Perhaps..."

"Life is the true suffering."

"I killed them to free them from their suffering."

Wu Shi spoke indifferently.

At this moment, she truly embodied the aura of a world-destroying demon.

As if the only thing awaiting all living beings in this world was suffering, and death... was liberation.

She was doing a good deed, pulling people out of their misery.

Sword Disciple remained silent, simply looking at his master.

After an unknown amount of time, the snow grew tired and stopped for a while. The world was covered in white, and snow piled on their shoulders.

"Master, are you still waiting for that sword?" Sword Disciple asked.

Wu Shi's smile was as enchanting as peach blossoms, yet as pale as pear blossoms.

"Yes."

"Can my sword replace that sword?"

As soon as he finished speaking, his sword flashed like snow.

—End of the Sword Disciple Arc—