Cultivation Principles of the Golden Core Realm

She teased him once, and only when she saw that Xu Yunfan's expression remained unchanged did she set aside her playful manner and say seriously, "I invited you here today first and foremost to congratulate you on achieving the Golden Core Realm. The Dao Fruit of the Divine Vault has returned to the light of day—what a cause for celebration."

She paused, her tone carrying genuine delight and undisguised mockery. "Especially since you slew that hypocrite Qingyuan! You truly avenged the resentment I have bottled up for a thousand years!

"Whenever I think of that sanctimonious face of his being blown apart by your Divine Vault Thunder, his Dao Fruit shattering, and his true spirit fleeing miserably into reincarnation, I cannot help but applaud! Such a great favor must be repaid."

Seeing the expression on her face, as though she were about to die of excitement,

Xu Yunfan understood. As expected, it was because of Qingyuan.

It seemed the grudge between the two of them ran deep.

Although Xu Yunfan was quite curious for gossip, he did not probe further. Some things only brought needless trouble once known.

It was enough to maintain a friendship of mutual trust.

His expression remained calm. He neither claimed credit nor shirked responsibility.

"Qingyuan True Monarch obstructed my path and sought to seize the foundation of my Dao Fruit. When his intentions were finally exposed, Xu merely fought with all his strength to protect himself.

"That I was able to slay him was also partly due to luck. Xu had also heard somewhat of the old grudge between True Monarch and Qingyuan. This time, I merely stumbled into the matter and helped True Monarch ease her knot of resentment somewhat."

His words were flawless.

"Self-protection? Hehe, what vigorous self-protection indeed."

Cave Bright True Monarch