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

Wangyue Continent, vast and immeasurable. The human and demon races have equal power. Among the humans, there are over a dozen kingdoms, large and small. The human and demon races are the most powerful forces on Wangyue Continent. However, above both humans and demons, there exists an even more terrifying presence.

It is not a race but the legendary Four Forbidden Lands and One Absolute. The four forbidden lands are extremely strange and perilous. Even the royal members of the demon race dare not step into them lightly, or they would face the danger of death and destruction. The absolute land is even more terrifying, known as Tianjue. Entering it means certain death, even for royalty.

Despite the dangers, anyone who enters the Four Forbidden Lands and One Absolute and returns alive gains immense benefits. The four forbidden lands are filled with spiritual herbs and countless heavenly treasures. It is said that Tianjue contains an Ascension Platform, which, if climbed, allows one to ascend to the legendary immortal world.

Xuanyuan Forbidden Land is one of the famous forbidden lands, located within the Nangan Kingdom, less than a thousand miles from the capital. Unlike other forbidden lands, Xuanyuan Forbidden Land is rumored to be the tomb of a supreme being. The outer perimeter of Xuanyuan Forbidden Land is protected by supreme restrictions, making it impossible for even emperor-level experts to enter.

Now, Qi Yuan claims he has been fighting monsters in Xuanyuan Forbidden Land all this time? How is that possible!

At first, Jin Li thought Qi Yuan was joking. However, she cautiously asked, "You can't be serious, right?"

"Why would I lie? I'm waiting to team up with you. Going through a dungeon alone is too boring."

Jin Li still found it hard to believe.

"Xuanyuan Forbidden Land is filled with monsters. It took me over six months to clear them all. It was exhausting."

Jin Li was stunned.

The monsters in Xuanyuan Forbidden Land aren't just numerous; they are also very strong. For ten thousand years, no era on Wangyue Continent has ever conquered a forbidden land. To clear Xuanyuan Forbidden Land, one would need incredible strength. Even an emperor-level expert couldn't do it.

"What is your cultivation level? Are you an emperor?" Jin Li cautiously asked.

"Emperor? What's that? I'm level 82 now."

"Level 82?" Jin Li was puzzled. But she knew Qi Yuan often spoke strangely. For example, he once said he wanted to take a spaceship to the stars but was afraid of dying from a lack of oxygen. How far away are the stars? According to ancient records, there are countless worlds: the human world, the immortal world, and many more. Each world shares the same sky. It is said that the stars are reflections of great powers, not real. Climbing to the stars is an illusion.

Qi Yuan saying odd things was perfectly normal. She thought for a moment and asked, "How strong are the monsters in Xuanyuan Forbidden Land?"

"The strongest is a mad pen. It's very sneaky and likes to turn into a pen at night to ambush people. I have to dig a pit and bury myself every time I log off to avoid it. It’s barely level 70."

"Mad pen? Level 70?" Jin Li pondered. If what Qi Yuan said was true, level 70 should correspond to emperor level, maybe even supreme emperor. The Nangan Kingdom has only a handful of emperor-level experts, just two or three.

"It's rumored that even emperor-level experts can't break into Xuanyuan Forbidden Land," Jin Li said.

"Xuanyuan Forbidden Land is easy to enter, like going to a movie theater. Just bring a ladder, and you're in. The monsters inside won't attack you," Qi Yuan said. "I've already cleared the Xuanyuan Forbidden Land dungeon."

"Alright, I have to go. I've reached Yiguan Forbidden Land. We'll talk next time."

Qi Yuan ended the communication. Jin Li, still in the bath, felt a pang of loss. Their conversation had been brief and rushed, without much said.

"Xuanyuan Forbidden Land to Yiguan Forbidden Land is a hundred thousand miles apart..."

How could he travel that distance in such a short time? Even a supreme emperor couldn't do it. In Jin Li's mind, Qi Yuan became more mysterious, shrouded in a veil.

"Qi Yuan, what kind of person are you?"

Jin Li scooped up a handful of water, letting it slide down her fair shoulder, her worries dissipating like water. Does it matter what kind of person Qi Yuan is? At least they were good pen pals, friends who had never met.

After her bath, Jin Li dressed herself. She disliked being attended to by palace maids; who knew if there were spies planted by Prime Minister Sima Ting?

Returning to Fengluan Palace, she sat on the glazed imperial throne, thick memorials piled before her. As the night deepened, she began reviewing the memorials. Occasionally, her delicate brows furrowed, her slender hand writing something.

"The southern war is urgent, and the war elephant clan has joined the battle..."

"The crown prince of Nanfeng Kingdom will arrive in the capital in three days?"

Jin Li held her forehead, feeling a headache. The Nangan Kingdom was like a big piece of meat, coveted by many. She knew all too well the crown prince's intentions. Looking at the memorials, her headache intensified. She thought of Qi Yuan; only talking with him allowed her to forget her identity and responsibilities.

But she also understood that as she enjoyed luxurious privileges and became the Empress of Nangan, she had to shoulder the responsibility for its people.

"Someone, go to the library and bring me all records related to Xuanyuan Forbidden Land," Jin Li ordered the maid beside her.

"Yes." The maid retreated, and Jin Li continued reviewing the memorials.

...

The General's Mansion, located on Qingyi Alley, was once bustling when the general was alive. Now, it was desolate. At this moment, an uninvited guest arrived.

The visitor was broad-shouldered, about seven feet tall, with a beard and a noticeable dent in his forehead. He was Sima Ting, the power-holding prime minister of the Nangan Kingdom!

Looking at the general's widow, he slowly said, "Madam Qin, how are your injuries?"

Lady Qin glared at Sima Ting, her eyes blazing with anger. "Sima Ting!"

She shouted, her face even paler. She knew all too well who was responsible for her injuries. Sima Ting dared to come here.

Sima Ting remained calm, "Madam Qin, the big picture is set. Why do you persist? What future do you have following that girl?"

"How dare you disrespect the Empress!" Lady Qin was furious. If she hadn't been ambushed and severely injured, Sima Ting wouldn't dare speak like this in front of her, a top king-level expert.

Sima Ting glanced at her with disdain. "A mere woman. Without me, what right did she have to ascend the throne? She tripped on flat ground during her coronation, a sign from the heavens that she is unworthy. In her ten years of rule, Nangan faces internal and external troubles. Without me, the kingdom would have collapsed. She is no longer fit to rule."

Lady Qin felt both anger and sorrow. She had watched Jin Li grow up. Jin Li worked hard, but she couldn't master imperial politics, couldn't manipulate the court officials. She wasn't a cunning emperor but a diligent and benevolent ruler. Sometimes, Lady Qin wished Jin Li were just a regular princess, not the Empress.

But holding the imperial seal, one couldn't retreat or avoid fighting. To not fight was to die!