Stepping out of Fengge Emperor’s cave, Qing Muling found that his senior sisters had been waiting for him outside for quite some time.
Xuebing Xuan and several other senior sisters, Little Phoenix, as well as Dragon Ritual Princess, Su Yuanzhen, Kong Yuhuan, and Qingchan Fairy were all present. Upon seeing his figure appear, their beautiful eyes instantly lit up with joy, and they all gathered around him.
“Junior Brother, you finally came out? How do you feel?”
“Did the Ancestor… break through?”
“Are we going to spar later? It’s been a long time since you sparred with us!”
“By the way, the divine herbs and heavenly medicines in the medicine garden haven’t been tended to for a while. Junior Brother, you need to take a look!”
“You’ve been cultivating with the Ancestor for three months this time, so you need to spend the next three months with us. You can’t favor one over the other!”
The senior sisters chattered away, but it was the elegant and dignified Xuebing Xuan who finally spoke up to resolve the situation: “Sisters, let’s not rush into sparring and cultivation. Elder Yu has already prepared a feast for Junior Brother. Let him recover first, and we can talk about other things once he’s in better shape. After such a long closed-door cultivation, he must be exhausted.”
“Alright… let’s all go together then.”
Qing Muling finally breathed a sigh of relief and returned to the back mountain of Imperial Dao Peak, surrounded by his senior sisters.
Inside the inner courtyard hall, twelve large jade cauldrons of various shapes were already set up, with boiling soup inside. Each cauldron contained a beast or spiritual bird of the Xuan Immortal level, simmering with rare divine herbs and heavenly medicines. The mixture emitted a faint, magnificent glow and an intoxicating fragrance that seemed to penetrate deep into one’s soul.
Yu Lingzhou, dressed in a thin, translucent gauze dress that accentuated her alluring curves, had her long, black hair simply pinned up with a jade phoenix hairpin. Her fair, radiant face was full of smiles as she carefully controlled the spiritual flames under the cauldrons.
Seeing Qing Muling enter, she turned her head and called out in a clear, melodious voice: “Junior Brother, you finally decided to come out? Come and sit down, it’s almost ready!”
Qing Muling responded and sat down at the table. Immediately, various rare ingredients were brought out by the maidservants, allowing him to feast to his heart’s content.
Xuebing Xuan squeezed in beside him and poured him a drink from a jade wine pot, speaking softly: “I have something to tell you. A major event happened at Origin Star Palace a few days ago. The details are still unclear, but it’s said that several Quasi Holy Emperors fell. Only the Palace Master Yun Miaozhi of Calamity Fate Palace escaped back alone, but he was severely injured, with his Dao body and divine soul nearly collapsing.”
“So they still haven’t given up?”
Qing Muling didn’t seem too surprised and asked, “I suppose they tried to take advantage of the situation and ended up losing everything?”
“Exactly!”
Dragon Ritual Princess said with a smile, “It’s said that Calamity Fate Palace invested heavily to help those severely injured Quasi Holy Emperors recover ahead of time. They then convinced the Dao Lineage forces to pool their resources to destroy Origin Star Palace. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned.”
“The Ice Toad Emperor somehow recovered completely within a few months and even advanced in cultivation. Her junior sister, Dongfang Zhihan, also had a fortuitous breakthrough. Now, Origin Star Palace has two Quasi Holy Emperors, both far stronger than usual.”
With two peak-state Emperors fighting on their home turf, Origin Star Palace’s successful counterattack was inevitable.
The news of Calamity Fate Palace’s devastating defeat had spread throughout the Great Void. Even with their deep foundations, the combined losses from two major defeats were significant.
Qing Muling downed his drink and continued, “Since the disciples of Origin Star Palace returned from the Upper Realm, it’s not surprising they have some unknown methods. Healing their injuries might not be as difficult as outsiders think. Yun Miaozhi, known for his cunning, fell into the trap this time. It seems he’s not as formidable as rumored.”
“Indeed!”
Cheng Yulan agreed with a smile, “It’s a pity Yun Miaozhi managed to escape with severe injuries. Otherwise, Calamity Fate Palace would need to choose a new Sect Master.”
As the Supreme Sect Master, Yun Miaozhi had some life-saving methods. Given his reputation for cunning, if he was determined to flee, it would be hard for others to stop him.
Qing Muling nodded, “With such a heavy loss, I wonder if Calamity Fate Palace will quiet down for a while. Otherwise, no amount of resources can withstand such repeated setbacks.”
The voluptuous and alluring Qingchan Fairy sneered, “Impossible. They thrive on stirring trouble, especially when their strength wanes. They’ll cause more chaos to divert attention from their old enemies.”
“True.”
Qing Muling chuckled. Calamity Fate Palace was like a certain island nation from his previous life, always causing trouble. But with the pressure from Origin Star Palace, they might not have the energy to stir up more trouble for now. Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace should have a period of peace.
Especially with the Misty Illusion Secret Realm still open, Calamity Fate Palace’s higher-ups would likely restrain themselves to avoid attracting the Heavenly Human Clan’s attention. Many of their usual tricks would be off-limits.
“With two Quasi Holy Emperors at Origin Star Palace, their power has surged. For those Dao Lineage forces, another catastrophe is likely.”
Qing Muling continued, not expecting Dongfang Zhihan to break through at this time. It must have been due to the lotus seeds he sent her, combined with her own accumulations. Compared to her, Fengge Emperor was still lacking.
With this, Qing Muling felt less worried. After this event, the major powers in the Great Void with any sense would stop targeting Origin Star Palace.
If the Ice Toad Emperor didn’t trouble them, they should count themselves lucky.
“Definitely. The Bright Moon Sword Sect, Nine Spirit Proto Gate, and Lumming Island are doomed. Even the annoying Huaqing Divine Palace will be destroyed if they don’t find a stronger backer.” Qi Yalan said coldly.
Qing Muling pondered, “Even so, these sects have grudges against Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace. It would be more fitting for us to take revenge ourselves, rather than letting Origin Star Palace destroy them. Otherwise, it would be too easy for them.”
From Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace’s perspective, their old enemies, Armillary Sphere Star Palace and Azure Fall Divine Sect, were history. But the weakened Bright Moon Sword Sect, Nine Spirit Proto Gate, and Huaqing Divine Palace should be dealt with by Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace.
Xuebing Xuan frowned slightly, “Junior Brother, you have a point. We should discuss this with Master later. However, for safety’s sake, we should avoid conflict with Origin Star Palace for now.”
These sects were already on Origin Star Palace’s kill list. Letting them handle it would save Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace the effort.
Qing Muling understood his senior sister’s concerns. Given his current situation, Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace couldn’t afford to attract Origin Star Palace’s attention prematurely. He decided not to insist on his view.
At this moment, Yu Lingzhou finished her task and gracefully walked over to sit opposite him, resting her chin on her hand. Her bright eyes narrowed as she looked him over, a teasing smile on her face.
“It seems you were really pushed hard this time, harder than ever before! So, did Fengge break through?”
Her words made the senior sisters’ expressions turn strange. They all thought of that aspect, though they didn’t believe Qing Muling would dare play with fire with Fengge Emperor. But some close encounters were inevitable.
Qing Muling coughed awkwardly, “Not yet, she’s just a bit short. I estimate another two sessions of closed-door cultivation should do it.”
“Going again?”
Luo Wanqing and Qi Yalan’s faces fell. If not for Fengge Emperor’s status, they would have complained.
They were Qing Muling’s legitimate Dao Companions and never pushed him so hard. Fengge Emperor really didn’t treat him as an outsider.
Yu Lingzhou nodded, then regretfully said, “Actually, if you could cultivate with me for three months and give me that much Dao Rhyme, I might also try to break through to the Quasi Holy Emperor Realm. How about… giving me a chance next time?”
“…”
Xuebing Xuan glared at her, “Junior Brother’s cultivation isn’t enough to withstand such strain. At least wait until he reaches the Golden Immortal realm.”
Such “high-intensity” cultivation was enjoyable for Qing Muling but undoubtedly exhausting. Over the past three months, his cultivation hadn’t progressed, only depleting his energy.
Though Fengge Emperor compensated with various secret techniques, that wasn’t the point.
“Yes, I was too impatient.”
Yu Lingzhou didn’t argue, thinking that once Qing Muling reached the True Immortal realm, he could try. With his growth rate, she wouldn’t have to wait long.
Luo Wanqing’s tone was wistful, “It sounds easy, but have you thought about the consequences if Junior Brother helps several people break through to the Quasi Holy Emperor Realm?”
The hall fell silent, the senior sisters’ faces turning serious. No one spoke.
The result was clear. Female cultivators in the sect and the entire female cultivator alliance would go crazy. If they all sought dual cultivation with Qing Muling, would he agree or not?
If he agreed, he wouldn’t be able to keep up and might be exhausted to death. If he refused, the female cultivators wouldn’t give up and might use any means.
If they couldn’t become allies, they’d become enemies.
The Quasi Holy Emperor Dao Fruit couldn’t be measured by specific benefits. What female cultivator wouldn’t want it?
At that point, Qing Muling wouldn’t be able to decide. The situation would spiral out of control.
Not to mention, if the news spread, male cultivators in the Great Void who couldn’t attain the Quasi Holy Emperor Dao Fruit would react crazily. Out of jealousy, they might do anything.
From their perspective, if they didn’t kill Qing Muling, the future Great Void would see many female Quasi Holy Emperors, and male cultivators and Dao Lineages would be subservient to female cultivators. How could they tolerate that?
In short, without absolute strength, Qing Muling’s safety couldn’t be guaranteed. The current female cultivator alliance wasn’t enough.
“So… it’s my fault?”
Qing Muling sighed. With such heaven-defying divine abilities but not enough strength to protect himself, being coveted by many forces was inevitable.
Xuebing Xuan softly said, “Junior Brother, don’t worry. The Emperors, Master, and we will do our best to protect you. No matter what happens, we’ll always be by your side.”
“Yes, I understand.”
Qing Muling nodded slightly, feeling relieved. There was no point in worrying now; he could only take it one step at a time.
If necessary, he might seek help from his senior sisters at Origin Star Palace.
They would undoubtedly protect him, leaving no chance for other forces.
Moreover, his senior sisters’ accumulations were far greater than Xinyu Emperor’s junior sisters. If he helped, several more Quasi Holy Emperors could emerge after Dongfang Zhihan.
About two hours later, after Qing Muling had his fill, Dan Hall Master Yun Miaozhi visited, bringing a message from Sect Master Mu Yinghua, summoning him to the Sect Master’s cave for a meeting.
The reason was simple. A few days ago, Lan Hua Emperor of Lu Hua Palace and Jinglan Emperor of Qingqiu Hall had visited, bringing their Saintess Dao successors. They had a long discussion with Xinyu Emperor and Sect Master Mu Yinghua.
Qinghuan Emperor and Tongying Emperor were also present, clearly to discuss an alliance.
“So… is Junior Brother going on a matchmaking trip?”
Cheng Yulan joked, a helpless smile on her cold face.
“If only it were matchmaking,”
Yu Binghua rolled her eyes, “At least there’d be a choice. But now, he probably has to accept, so we’ll soon have a few more sisters.”
Though they were mentally prepared, the reality still made them a bit jealous. It was a normal female reaction.
Qing Muling shook his head, stood up, and said, “No point in overthinking. Let’s go see.”
Yun Miaozhi smiled and said, “No need. The Supreme Sect Master said you can only bring one person. The rest will stay here and wait for news.”
Qing Muling glanced back, then took Xuebing Xuan’s arm, “I’ll bring Senior Sister.”
Yun Miaozhi nodded and took them away in a flash.
In front of the Supreme Sect Master’s cave, the security was tight.
Three beams of light landed lightly, transforming into Yun Miaozhi and the two others. They passed through several guard lines and reached the cave entrance, where a female cultivator went in to report.
“Muling is here? Let him in.”
Mu Yinghua’s voice came from afar.