Mu Yinghua’s explanation was something Ji Qingluan didn’t believe at all. As the current Sect Master of Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace and the acknowledged leader of its revival, how could she make such a basic mistake?

However, since Mu Yinghua had already said this much, even if Ji Qingluan didn’t believe her, there was no reason to dig deeper. After all, the two sects were allies. Was it really worth falling out over this?

Without concrete evidence, falling out wouldn’t change anything.

Beside her, Qi Lao’s deep and serene eyes swept over the high-ranking elders of Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace, his gaze filled with surprise and doubt.

To him, the aura of these elders seemed somewhat off, carrying a hint of the Dao Rhyme of Innate Spirit Treasures. Especially Mu Yinghua, whose aura was as thick as that of a genuine Innate Spirit Treasure.

Innate Spirit Treasures were not common. Even an ancient Supreme Dao Lineage would only have a few after millennia.

Clearly, Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace couldn’t possibly equip all its elders with Innate Spirit Treasures. So where was the root of the problem? Could it be related to Qing Muling?

Qi Lao silently noted this down, planning to discuss it privately with Ji Qingluan later.

After the meeting, Mu Yinghua ordered a grand welcome banquet to entertain the Ji family delegation.

In the following days, Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace arranged for the delegation to tour the Main Altar of the sect. Except for restricted areas, they were free to roam.

Of course, necessary precautions were taken. Regardless of their status, the delegation members were always under the watchful eyes of high-ranking female cultivators.

After staying at the Main Altar for several days without any significant discoveries, Ji Qingluan left with regret.

“Elder, Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace’s treatment of us was quite unkind,” a Ji family member complained in the flagship cabin. “We came with utmost sincerity, yet they treated us like this. What about our family’s dignity?”

Ji Qingluan pondered for a moment and then smiled lightly. “It’s human nature. If our Ji family had someone like Qing Muling, we would also keep it a secret unless absolutely necessary.”

“Moreover, it was just speculation before. Now, their behavior has convinced me that Qing Muling is indeed extraordinary. The significant rise in Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace’s fortune and strength is undoubtedly linked to him!”

Hearing this, the surrounding Ji family members mostly showed thoughtful expressions, clearly agreeing with Ji Qingluan’s analysis.

Friendship is one thing, but interests are another. No matter how good the relationship between the Ji family and Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace, this aspect couldn’t be overlooked.

“So what should we do now? Go back and report to the family head?” an elder asked.

“Yes, let’s head back first.”

Ji Qingluan continued, “Although we didn’t achieve our main goal, we didn’t come back empty-handed. We managed to acquire many resources we needed at favorable prices, especially those medicinal herbs and rare spirit minerals. It wouldn’t have been easy to get so many good things elsewhere.”

Apart from the marriage alliance, Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace responded positively to other types of cooperation, especially the exchange of high-end cultivation resources. Even rare divine herbs and Heavenly Medicine, which were rarely sold before, appeared on the trade list at reasonable prices, much to Ji Qingluan’s surprise.

So she didn’t hesitate and accepted everything on the list provided by Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace, taking as much as they had.

After all, the Ji family’s fleet was loaded with resources prepared as a dowry for Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace. Now that the marriage was off, they might as well use it for trade, bringing back many needed resources for the family.

“It’s strange. Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace wasn’t particularly wealthy before. How could they have so many treasures for trade this time? Even rare Heavenly Medicine that was kept secret before is now up for sale. Their Hidden Cave Mystical Realm must have even more treasures,” an elder commented.

Ji Qingluan nodded, “Indeed. The current foundation of Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace far surpasses our Ji family. We couldn’t do the same.”

She thought to herself that allying with Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace was the right decision for the Ji family. Even if the marriage didn’t happen now, she wouldn’t give up easily. She would find a way to meet Qing Muling and make him express his stance in person.

The Ji family members were thoughtful. Since Qing Muling was fine, he was likely cultivating in seclusion. But he couldn’t stay hidden forever, so the Ji family still had a chance in the future.

After a pause, Ji Qingluan looked at the white-browed elder beside her and asked politely, “Qi Lao, did you notice anything unusual these past few days?”

Qi Lao bowed slightly and said, “Everything else was fine, but in the Council Hall, I noticed something off about the high-ranking elders. Their clothing and accessories seemed to carry an extraordinary aura, almost like… the aura of Innate Spirit Treasures!”

He explained his findings and guesses.

“Innate Spirit Treasures? Are you sure?”

Ji Qingluan’s expression tightened as she asked. Innate Spirit Treasures were not something one could easily obtain. If those high-ranking elders each had one, it would be shocking, even for a Dao Court.

“Of course, they aren’t real Innate Spirit Treasures, just similar in aura.”

Qi Lao smiled, “I suspect they used some secret method to achieve effects similar to Innate Spirit Treasures. And it’s likely related to Qing Muling!”

“Is that so…”

Ji Qingluan frowned, pondering silently. If Qi Lao’s judgment was correct, Qing Muling’s value far exceeded her initial estimation. Even if a marriage alliance were possible in the future, it might be the Ji family reaching too high.

Unfortunately, they couldn’t meet him now, so thinking about it was futile.

Ji Qingluan then looked at the pair of beautiful twin sisters beside her, regretfully saying, “Ming’er, Xi’er, I wanted to find you a good husband, but it seems it won’t happen this time.”

The sisters exchanged a glance, their faces blushing slightly. Their clear, beautiful eyes blinked, and their pure voices sounded like flowing springs, “Marriage is destined by heaven and cannot be forced. It’s just a pity we can’t make this sacrifice for the family.”

Ji Qingluan smiled, “If you can win his heart, it wouldn’t be a sacrifice but a blessing for both you and the family. His secrets are far more astonishing than we initially thought!”

The twin sisters fell silent, realizing that their own conditions might not be as advantageous as they had imagined if everything stemmed from Qing Muling.

“Let’s go back first and discuss it later.”

Ji Qingluan sighed, knowing she would have to discuss this with the family head to find another way.

…

Imperial Dao Peak, the Supreme Sect Master’s residence.

“Have they left?”

Mu Yinghua asked from her cloud bed.

“Yes, just now. The Ji family’s fleet has left this star region.”

The elder in charge of monitoring reported.

Yu Lingzhou added, “That’s good. If any other forces come knocking, we’ll use the same excuse to send them away. Whether they believe it or not, we won’t budge!”

Mu Yinghua smiled, “For now, that’s fine. But if more forces come, we might not be able to hold out unless… we have more Quasi Holy Emperors to protect Qing Muling.”

When the benefits are great enough, anything can happen. Allies can still have conflicts. If outside forces unite to threaten them, even the Female Cultivator Alliance might not withstand it.

Mingyi asked, “Is there still no hope for Ancestor Fengge to break through?”

Mu Yinghua shook her head, “It’s uncertain. Muling’s cultivation is still low, so his help is limited. It’s normal for her to fail this time. Only when his cultivation improves by a realm or two will the chances of success increase.”

The core elders were pleased, knowing this possibility was within reach.

Ice Falcon said, “That might not be a good thing. If one succeeds, the others will go crazy. They’ll all seek his help. Will he agree or not?”

The women frowned, realizing this was a tricky issue. Agreeing or not would offend someone.

If he agreed to all, Qing Muling’s body wouldn’t withstand it. Only as a Great Golden Immortal could he endure.

For the Quasi Holy Emperor Dao Fruit, female cultivators would stop at nothing to seduce and charm Qing Muling, hoping to fulfill their wishes.

Mu Yinghua firmly said, “I’ll discuss this with the Emperor. We’ll set rules. No one can overwork Qing Muling, and his consent is required. No one can force him.”

“Alright, let’s do that.”

The elders agreed, though they were skeptical. Even Xinyu Emperor might not control the situation.

After the meeting, Mu Yinghua returned to her chamber, activating all the formations and restrictions.

As expected, a familiar Blue Lotus phantom appeared, and Qing Muling stepped out.

“Master…”

Qing Muling called, embracing the elegant and beautiful woman before him, her hair ornaments shimmering.

Mu Yinghua moaned softly, letting him kiss her before taking control, her wildness making Qing Muling breathless.

After a while, she stopped, her face flushed, her eyes filled with affection as she looked at the handsome youth.

“Is your Daluo realm stable?”

Qing Muling asked, holding her ample bosom, feeling its warmth, while his other hand reached for her waist.

With her master, Qing Muling was always sincere, speaking from the heart.

Mu Yinghua pouted, her sweet voice saying, “Almost. Thanks to your Dao Rhyme and fortune during the tribulation, it wasn’t easy.”

Recently, Mu Yinghua had successfully crossed her tribulation to the Great Golden Immortal realm, with Xinyu Emperor protecting her. Qing Muling, worried, also watched over her.

With his help, the process was smooth, though it cost him three-tenths of his fortune, requiring him to recuperate.

Now, Mu Yinghua’s position was unshakable, her cultivation unquestioned.

Looking at Qing Muling, Mu Yinghua blushed, her heart sweet. She softly said, “You’re close to the True Immortal realm. Shouldn’t you wait until after your tribulation? I’m not sure you can handle it now.”

“It should be fine with some moderation.”

Qing Muling replied. Advancing in the Daluo realm was tough, each step taking eons. Without his Dao Rhyme, Mu Yinghua couldn’t progress quickly.

Qing Muling gently lifted her, carrying her to the ornate bed.

Mu Yinghua, startled, hugged his shoulders, playfully scolding, “How are you so skilled?”

“Practice makes perfect!”

“…”

Soon, clothes scattered, and the bed began to rhythmically shake, like waves in the ocean…