Dao Court, the temporary residence of the disciples of the Armillary Sphere Star Palace.

Elder Xie Changqing paced back and forth with a grave expression, hands clasped behind his back. More than ten senior elders, along with the Supreme Sect Master’s chief disciple, Yanling Ji, sat beside him, their faces ashen and silent.

This gathering of immortals was the most generous one hosted by Dao Court, yet it was also the most devastating for the Armillary Sphere Star Palace. Not only were the gains meager, but less than thirty percent of the disciples who entered the secret realm returned alive.

These were individuals the sect’s upper echelons had high hopes for, seen as the next generation of elites. Now, so many had perished. Even for a sect as large and wealthy as the Armillary Sphere Star Palace, the loss was hard to swallow.

Considering the losses in the Misty Illusion Secret Realm in previous years, and the many setbacks suffered after the outbreak of the Magic Clan calamity, the sect’s high-ranking members were truly feeling the pain. If this unfavorable situation couldn’t be quickly reversed, the decline of the sect was not an empty threat but could become reality.

“…Have the other sects already begun their journeys home?”

After a long while, Xie Changqing asked helplessly.

An elder replied, “Yes, although Dao Court did not specify a departure time, the calamity of the Magic Clan is far from over and is intensifying. Therefore, most sects have decided to start their journeys back as soon as possible.”

Xie Changqing sighed deeply, “In that case, let’s pack up and prepare to leave.”

Yanling Ji suddenly looked up, his expression dark, “What about settling accounts with Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace? Are we giving up on that?”

The Armillary Sphere Star Palace had suffered greatly this time, mainly due to Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace. If they couldn’t demand an explanation and compensation for the losses, Yanling Ji would find it hard to let go.

Xie Changqing looked at him expressionlessly, “I understand your obsession, but it’s no longer possible. The situation at our Main Altar is dire, with a large number of high-ranking Magic Clan progeny laying siege. The Supreme Elders have suffered great losses, so the Supreme Sect Master has already sent a message for us to hurry back and provide support.”

Yanling Ji’s face changed. At the beginning of the gathering, the Main Altar and core territories of the Armillary Sphere Star Palace had been as secure as a fortress. Had the situation deteriorated so much in such a short time?

“We let those women off easy!”

In the end, Yanling Ji could only curse resentfully. He wasn’t foolish; compared to the safety of his sect’s foundation, all grudges had to be set aside for the time being.

Xie Changqing seemed to read his mind, “The Shadow Assassination Hall has already stated they’re giving up on this commission. The Azure Fall Divine Sect, Bright Moon Sword Sect, and Nine Spirit Proto Gate have all decided to withdraw due to heavy losses. Everything will have to wait until the Magic Clan disaster is over.”

The implication was clear: with those powers withdrawing, the Armillary Sphere Star Palace alone couldn’t possibly pose a threat to Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace. Revenge would have to wait.

Yanling Ji sighed and said no more.

Meanwhile, powers like the Great Brahma Temple and Calamity Fate Palace made similar decisions. The gathering was over, and there was no point in staying any longer.

At the temporary residence of Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace.

A day after Qing Muling emerged from seclusion, Sect Master Mu Yinghua announced their return. She had already met with the Qinghuan Emperor and discussed all necessary matters, so there was no need to stay.

Upon the floating lands, a bright red light soared, crossing thousands of miles at an almost infinite speed. Within the light was a magnificent maple leaf-shaped heavenly boat, a seat exclusive to the Supreme Sect Master, an Innate Spirit Treasure with vast internal space, capable of traversing the void and entering most forbidden and dangerous realms with ease.

In the vast void, some concealed divine senses attempted to track its course, but they could only persist for a moment before losing track of the boat, reluctantly giving up.

The boat, now a barely discernible streak of light, silently traversed the quiet and dark void, covering trillions of miles in an instant.

Once it left the influence of Dao Court, the boat burst into bright light and vanished, reappearing tens of star domains away.

“…By the way, you should keep your distance from the people of the Great Brahma Temple. If Miao Xin, the Buddha Master, has set her sights on you, she won’t give up easily. And the same goes for the Ji family’s twin daughters and the little princess of the ancient Kylin clan…”

Inside the boat, Mu Yinghua cautioned Qing Muling. Miao Xin had visited a few days ago, speaking with her privately for a long time, resulting in an unhappy parting.

Qing Muling nodded, “I understand.”

Even though they were close strategic allies, Mu Yinghua would not compromise on matters involving Qing Muling, even if it meant becoming enemies.

Moreover, the Calamity Fate Palace, Ji family’s cultivators, Dragon Tiger Pill Cauldron Sect, and the ancient Kylin clan had all sent envoys to seek an audience with Qing Muling, all of whom were turned away by Mu Yinghua.

No matter the consideration, Qing Muling was not yet ready to deal with these major powers, unless one day his strength was sufficient to protect himself.

“Master, can Junior Brother return to the Main Altar now?”

Luo Wanqing hesitated before asking the question she cared about most.

Her fellow senior sisters looked on, having decided that if Junior Brother still needed to lay low, they would accompany him on his adventures rather than return.

Mu Yinghua spoke gently, “Times have changed. Muling can now return to the Main Altar. There are many matters that cannot proceed without him.”

Aside from exterminating the Magic Clan progeny, many of the sect’s previous generation of elders needed to cross their tribulations, thousands of severely wounded Supreme Elders in the sect’s Hidden Cave Mystical Realm required healing, and the purification of the dead zones on the surrounding floating lands all required Qing Muling’s divine abilities.

Thus, Mu Yinghua decided to have Qing Muling stay at Imperial Dao Peak within the Main Altar. As for the potential threat from the original owner of the Origin Star Palace, since there was still a long time before their full recovery, worrying was useless. It was better to facilitate Qing Muling’s growth so that when the time came, they wouldn’t need to be overly concerned with their attitude.

The senior sisters breathed a sigh of relief. As long as Junior Brother was in the sect, they would have more opportunities to see him, and constant interaction could deepen their relationship.

“Then, regarding the matter of drawing lots, please arrange it, Master.”

Qing Muling spoke, as the senior sisters had been at odds over this matter for days, nearly arguing. It was difficult for him to be caught between them, so it was better to let Mu Yinghua handle this troublesome issue.

At his words, the senior sisters tensed, holding their breath as they awaited the Supreme Sect Master’s response.

Mu Yinghua looked slightly surprised, then nodded, “Very well, let’s hold it here! It will save you girls from sleepless nights.”

She then silently inquired with Qing Muling through divine sense, “Which one do you want this time?”

Without hesitation, Qing Muling replied, “Second Senior Sister, of course.”

“Alright, as you wish.”

Mu Yinghua agreed succinctly, waving her hand to produce a jade cylinder filled with numerous shining black ivory lots in front of the female disciples.

“Now, let’s begin!”

Mu Yinghua’s eyes were calm as she spoke, “The same old rules apply. Whoever draws a red lot will become Junior Brother’s Dao Companion. Those who don’t should not be disappointed and can wait for the next opportunity.”

Su Yunmo glanced at her fellow sisters and stepped forward to draw a lot, followed by Cheng Yulan, Luo Wanqing, Qi Shuyu, and the others in turn.

Yu Binghua watched nervously, hoping her bestie would be the lucky one.

“Now, open them!”

Mu Yinghua’s tone was indifferent, her gaze casually passing over Cheng Yulan.

The women exchanged glances and carefully opened their lots.

“It’s wonderful!”

Upon seeing the bright red lot in her hand, Cheng Yulan felt a weight lifted off her shoulders. After such a long wait, her wish was finally fulfilled.

Yu Binghua: “…”

Qi Shuyu: “…”

Luo Wanqing’s face darkened, sensing something amiss, but without evidence and unable to question the Supreme Sect Master, she remained silent.

Thinking back on the days she and Qing Muling had practiced together, always just brushing against what she truly desired, she couldn’t help feeling frustrated.

“That settles it, then!”

Mu Yinghua spoke calmly, “From now on, Yulan, you are Junior Brother’s Dao Companion. As for the rest of you, your chance will come eventually, so don’t be hasty.”

“We obey the Sect Master’s orders.”

The senior sisters could only bow in agreement.

The heavenly boat sped through the void, returning to the Main Altar without incident after several days.

Deep within the Cloud Dream Immortal Domain, in the most spiritually rich area, lay a colossal landmass spanning over twenty billion miles, shining like a bright cyan-gold star against the dark backdrop of the void, surrounded by countless planets and smaller landmasses.

On the surface of the giant land, towering peaks and mountain ranges of over tens of thousands of miles in height were scattered across the vast terrain, numbering in the thousands. Floating islands moved along specific trajectories, enveloped in auspicious clouds and steaming with purple qi, forming an unimaginably large Mountain Protection Array.

The spiritual energy between heaven and earth was so dense it formed vast clouds, filling the space between mountains, rivers, plains, lakes, and oceans. The sky was adorned with rainbows and auspicious clouds, creating a magnificent tapestry reminiscent of a heavenly palace.

“It’s indeed more magnificent compared to when I last returned!”

Qing Muling felt a touch of emotion, recalling his first return to the Main Altar when the reconstruction had not yet begun, and the Li Feng Star Cloud Tower had not returned, leaving the landmass at only a tenth of its current size. The overall fortune of the sect and the density of spiritual energy in the world were incomparable to now.

Years had passed, and the Main Altar was not only fully restored but also expanded with the addition of nearby unused landmasses, integrated into the giant land and transformed into a suitable cultivation paradise.

As for the overall fortune of the sect, it had increased by dozens of times, now on par with those ancient Supreme Dao Lineages, not to mention Qing Muling’s unique contribution.

“The sect’s current stature is largely thanks to you, Muling!”

Mu Yinghua spoke warmly, “For you, no reward would be too great. Even if you desired my position as Sect Master, it would be well-deserved. What are your thoughts?”

“It’s a bit early to discuss this now; let’s talk about it in the future.”

Qing Muling replied, knowing that the position of Sect Master of a Supreme Dao Lineage was not something just anyone could handle. Aside from cultivation level, there were strict requirements for merit, intellect, character, and destiny.

For any Supreme Dao Lineage, reaching the Taiyi Golden Immortal realm was a prerequisite for assuming the position of Supreme Sect Master. If one couldn’t even meet this standard, there was no point in discussing it. Powers like the Calamity Fate Palace and Great Brahma Temple required their highest authorities to be at least Taiyi Golden Immortals.

Mu Yinghua had taken the position of Sect Master as a high-level Golden Immortal, and now as a Taiyi Golden Immortal, she had worked tirelessly for the revival of the sect, making notable achievements as an exceptional leader of a Supreme Dao Lineage.

However, to the sect’s upper echelons, Mu Yinghua’s greatest contribution was discovering Qing Muling and taking him as her personal disciple. Without him, how could Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace have risen so prosperously?

If Qing Muling wished to take Mu Yinghua’s place one day, he would have to wait until he became a Taiyi Golden Immortal. As a man, he would need overwhelming advantages to smoothly take charge of this female-only super sect.

“However, there is one thing I would like to ask of you now, Master.”

Qing Muling gazed at Mu Yinghua’s tall and elegant silhouette, his heart stirring as he spoke to her through divine sense.

“Oh? What is it?”

Mu Yinghua responded with a hint of surprise.

“I’d like to see your true appearance, Master.”

Qing Muling continued through divine sense, ignoring the fact that Xuebing Xuan’s hand was still wrapped around his waist.

Mu Yinghua: “…”

The Supreme Sect Master’s profound and unshakable presence fluctuated imperceptibly for a moment before returning to calm, unnoticed by the senior sisters.

“If it’s difficult for you, Master, then pretend I never asked.”

Qing Muling spoke, though he had considered using his divine abilities to glimpse Mu Yinghua’s appearance, he ultimately decided against it after weighing the risks.

After all, she was the leader of a Supreme Dao Lineage, and who knew what powerful secrets she harbored. With the vast difference in their cultivation levels, any carelessness could expose him, so it was better not to take the risk.

“Never mind, it’s not that important,”

After a few moments of silence, Mu Yinghua finally replied, “Once we return to Imperial Dao Peak, find a chance to visit my abode alone.”

“Thank you, Master!”

Qing Muling felt a surge of joy and readily agreed.

Master truly favored him, so in the future, she would likely not refuse his additional requests, right?

The heavenly boat glided effortlessly through the vast azure void. Deep within the sea of clouds, a sacred mountain tens of thousands of miles wide, enveloped in steaming purple qi, floated. The rich spiritual essence and Dao Rhyme filled the air, along with boundless auspicious clouds and brilliant halos, exuding an endless aura of majesty.

This was Imperial Dao Peak, a rare Innate Treasure and a key hub of the sect’s Mountain Protection Array. It was also the exclusive retreat of the Supreme Sect Master, left by the founding ancestor of Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace.

As the boat landed on the plaza halfway up Imperial Dao Peak, Mu Yinghua briefly instructed the elders and senior sisters to return to their places and meet at the Council Hall the next day to discuss matters.

Xuebing Xuan had no objections and turned to leave with Qing Muling, “Junior Brother, let’s go practice!”

“I’m afraid that’s not possible!”

Mu Yinghua’s expression was serious, “The Emperor has just sent a message wanting to see Muling, so your matters will have to wait.”

“……”