In the cave mansion of the Supreme Sect Master.
Mu Yinghua walked in step by step with Qing Muling, bowing respectfully to Qingyao Immortal Venerable on the high platform. Xinyu, Qinghuan, Tongying, Lan Hua, and Jinglan, the five female Emperors, were all seated to the side.
Although Qingyao Immortal Venerable’s summoning of her disciples was an internal sect matter, given Qing Muling’s special status, the female Emperors tacitly chose to stay.
After all, they were somewhat concerned about Qingyao Immortal Venerable’s actions. If this founding ancestor intended to do something to Qing Muling, it might endanger the overall interests of the Female Cultivator Alliance.
This little guy was now not only a part of Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace but also the core of the entire Female Cultivator Alliance, making it impossible for them not to care.
Qing Muling glanced at his master from the corner of his eye, unsure of what to say. A clear, melodious voice like heavenly music came from above:
“No wonder you are the Harmony Spirit Seed incarnate. They say that the Great Void’s tribulation of this era and the only hope lies with you. It seems they were right. However… this round of slaughter tribulations was supposed to be hosted by the Origin Star Palace, but unexpectedly, it was intercepted by our Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace.”
Qing Muling: “…”
He instinctively tightened his grip on Mu Yinghua’s jade-like hand. When the Origin Star Palace was in trouble, every corner inside and outside the palace was ravaged by various forces fighting for benefits. The fierce battle by the Thousand Petal Merit Blue Lotus Pond was especially brutal, with high-level cultivators falling like rain. Even in his slumber, he sensed the impending crisis and fled through the void.
Coincidentally, Mu Yinghua was in the outer region of the Origin Star Palace at that time. The Harmony Spirit Seed crashed straight into her arms. Knowing she had something valuable, she quietly took the seed and fled, leading to the subsequent fateful encounter.
If he hadn’t fled in time, he would have inevitably been captured by one of the forces. Other dissatisfied forces would have continued to seek revenge, leading to endless bloodshed, dragging the entire cultivation world of the Great Void into chaos.
Mu Yinghua spoke nervously, “Ancestor, Muling was brought back by this junior, he…”
“No matter, you did well!”
Qingyao Immortal Venerable interrupted, “The karma with the Origin Star Palace is significant. In the future, we will have to settle this with them, but since I have returned, I will take care of it!”
Mu Yinghua sighed in relief. The benefits already obtained were not to be given up, especially when it was an opportunity for eternal transcendence. Even if it wasn’t in her hands, Qingyao Immortal Venerable would spare no effort to seize it.
The pursuit of the Dao transcends right and wrong; everyone is just seeking ultimate transcendence.
Qing Muling’s vision blurred slightly, and Qingyao Immortal Venerable was already standing in front of him. Her beautiful eyes, deep and bright like stars, scrutinized him closely. A wonderful, smooth, and soft sensation came from his wrist as she grabbed his hand, and a cool, refreshing breath flowed into his body.
In an instant, Qing Muling’s body radiated light, golden brilliance, and purple clouds rising, forming a massive auspicious cloud canopy above his head. Five layers of splendid colorful clouds filled the void, with various phenomena like the evolution of galaxies, the opening of Harmony, and the rise and fall of the sun and moon appearing in turn.
The immense fortune and blessings were manifested by her, as intense and blazing as the sun in the sky, finally transforming into a giant illusory Harmony Creation Blue Lotus, quietly suspended behind Qing Muling.
The female Emperors beside him were mesmerized. This was the form of the Harmony Spirit Seed incarnate, containing infinite creation, blessings, and Dao Rhyme. Whoever could gain its favor would have the chance to attain the Dao, achieving eternal life and freedom.
Qingyao Immortal Venerable nodded in satisfaction, then said with some regret, “It’s a pity your current cultivation is still too low, otherwise…”
She didn’t finish her sentence but changed the topic, “It’s nothing, just a matter of waiting. Once you achieve the Golden Immortal Dao Fruit, you can help more fellow disciples.”
“Of course, that is my responsibility.”
Qing Muling cautiously replied. The founding ancestor’s appearance seemed only a year or two older than Yu Lingzhou, breathtakingly beautiful and almost suffocating, with every curve of her body perfect to the extreme. The seemingly simple blue-gold long dress she wore was adorned with countless intricate and obscure ancient symbols, faintly resonating with the surrounding Dao laws, easily invoking the power of heaven and earth with each breath.
Though both were at the Quasi Holy Emperor level, their strengths could be worlds apart. Someone like Qingyao Immortal Venerable could easily handle ten or eight ordinary Quasi Holy Emperors. Even the Ice Toad Emperor of the Origin Star Palace would be at a disadvantage before her.
However, if the legendary master of the Origin Star Palace appeared, Qingyao Immortal Venerable might not be able to resist. That was a terrifying existence recognized by all as the closest to the Saint Supreme in the Great Void.
Perhaps, only if all the ancestors of the Female Cultivator Alliance joined forces could they contend with her? After all, the Origin Star Palace was once the foremost immortal sanctuary, with too many Quasi Holy Emperor-level experts.
“Alright, you and your Dao Companion Master, sit down and discuss matters together!”
Qingyao Immortal Venerable smiled, giving Mu Yinghua a meaningful look, “Your talent is decent, but your destiny is lacking. Originally, you could only reach the peak of Taiyi Golden Immortal, but bringing back the Harmony Spirit Seed and forming such a bond shows you are blessed. In the future, you can also expect to achieve the Quasi Holy Emperor Dao Fruit.”
“Ancestor is right…”
Mu Yinghua blushed, murmuring softly. Though the Emperors privately knew the true relationship between Qing Muling and herself, being exposed by the ancestor still made her feel embarrassed.
Thus, Qing Muling and his master sat beside Qingyao Immortal Venerable, continuing to discuss the future situation of the Great Void.
“After falling out with those two from the Dao Court, your days won’t be easy.”
Qingyao Immortal Venerable said to Qinghuan Emperor, “To ensure the safety of your territory and disciples, I will assign three of my personal disciples to stay in your territory for a while. They won’t dare to start a war without sufficient confidence.”
“Thank you, Immortal Venerable!”
Qinghuan Emperor sighed in relief. Her choice was correct. With the three personal disciples of Qingyao Immortal Venerable as a strategic deterrent, Xuanyin and Weide Emperors, no matter how angry and unwilling, wouldn’t dare to attack Qinghuan Emperor’s territory, fearing the full retaliation of the Female Cultivator Alliance.
Qinghuan Emperor held one-third of the Dao Court’s territory and resources, a vast fortune not easily abandoned. She indeed needed strong external support now.
Xinyu Emperor pondered and said, “Ancestor, the Dao Court can’t deal with us now. They will surely try to form alliances, rallying as many forces as possible to besiege the Female Cultivator Alliance. They will also try to contact the ancestors who ascended to the upper realm. If a few of them return, they can offset our current advantage.”
The Dao Court had many prominent figures who ascended back then. After so many years, their situation was unknown, but as long as they were alive, they would likely return.
Qingyao Immortal Venerable smiled indifferently, “I know those guys. Their luck in the upper realm isn’t good, with too many strong enemies around their territory. They’ve been living poorly and won’t be able to spare much strength to return, so they are not a concern.”
The Great Void and the upper realm are entirely different battlefields. Prominent figures in the Great Void have to start over in the upper realm.
Thus, Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace has also thrived in the upper realm, establishing a vast foundation. However, other Dao Lineage figures may not have had such fortune, with varying degrees of success.
Qingyao Immortal Venerable briefly described the power structure in the upper realm. Due to Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace’s vast foundation there, she only brought back five personal disciples this time, all seasoned Quasi Holy Emperors. Additionally, there were some Taiyi and Daluo-level experts.
Three of these personal disciples were temporarily assigned to Qinghuan Emperor, while the remaining two would stay at the Main Altar, primarily ensuring Qing Muling’s safety.
Xinyu Emperor and Mu Yinghua exchanged a glance, secretly delighted. With such strong support, Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace’s influence in the Female Cultivator Alliance was secured. Whether they liked it or not, the other factions would have to follow Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace.
“…The Azure Fall Divine Sect and Armillary Sphere Star Palace were destroyed by the Ice Toad Emperor of the Origin Star Palace. Their ancestors will only seek revenge on them. As for the Nine Spirit Proto Gate and Bright Moon Sword Sect, they still have people in the upper realm. I’ll deal with them myself!”
Qingyao Immortal Venerable spoke leisurely. Although the ascension channel had reopened, travel between the two realms was still difficult. With their Main Altar destroyed, the ancestors of these two forces would find it much harder to return.
The suitable method would be to borrow the ascension channel of other Dao Lineages, but the cost would be high, and the other factions might not be willing.
So, in the next few decades, the two deadliest enemies of Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace wouldn’t be able to cause much trouble.
If they returned too late, after the tribulation of the Great Void, the reshuffling of power would be complete, making their return meaningless.
“I’m most worried about the master of the Origin Star Palace,”
Xinyu Emperor said worriedly, “She shouldn’t return for now, right? And those two from the Dao Court, they probably already guessed Muling’s true identity. If they believe they can’t benefit, will they join the Origin Star Palace out of spite?”
If they couldn’t get the benefits, they wouldn’t want others to get them either.
If those two decided to join the Origin Star Palace, the Female Cultivator Alliance would face its full attack. The Ice Toad Emperor and others would spare no effort to reclaim Qing Muling.
Qingyao Immortal Venerable pondered slightly, “Not for now. The master of the Origin Star Palace is in a strange state, always sleeping in a secret mansion in the upper realm. I haven’t seen her for years.”
“The two from the Dao Court won’t give up yet, so we still have some time.”
“This tribulation, our Female Cultivator Alliance has the upper hand. As long as Muling is safe, we will remain undefeated. If our strength is insufficient, I can summon more people from the upper realm!”
“That’s good.”
Xinyu Emperor sighed in relief. With Qingyao Immortal Venerable, Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace was now the strongest force in the Great Void, at least until the ancestors of other forces returned.
Lan Hua, Tongying, and other Emperors exchanged glances. Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace was stable now, but their ancestors were still missing. They needed to find a way to contact them after returning.
Qingyao Immortal Venerable’s gaze fell on Qing Muling again, smiling slightly:
“For you now, improving your cultivation is paramount. But it’s strange, why don’t you find more Dao Companions? With so many beauties in the sect, aren’t you tempted?”
Qing Muling was slightly stunned, saying, “My cultivation is still low, too many would be overwhelming, so I can only manage this way.”
Qingyao Immortal Venerable nodded, “I see. But I have a suitable cultivation manual here, obtained from an ancient dual cultivation Dao Lineage in the upper realm. It can somewhat ignore the difference in cultivation between men and women, allowing you to gain more benefits.”
She took out an ancient, colorful jade box from her waist and handed it to Qing Muling.
Immediately, the female Emperors’ eyes showed subtle expressions.
Mu Yinghua’s heart tightened, worriedly glancing at Qing Muling. If this news spread within the sect, those already eyeing him would become even more aggressive.
To seduce Qing Muling, they might use all sorts of shameless tricks. Even the Emperors might not be able to resist and personally take action.
Qing Muling carefully opened the jade box, taking out a radiant, exquisite scroll. Tiny, silver ancient symbols filled the scroll, exuding a deep and mysterious Dao Rhyme.
The scroll’s content wasn’t long, a few thousand words with forty-nine illustrations, bold and provocative, not for outsiders.
Mu Yinghua glanced at it and immediately turned away, blushing. Thinking about these unspeakable techniques being used on her made her dizzy.
Qing Muling calmly scanned the scroll, memorizing the content. After some thought, he said,
“Ancestor, forgive this disciple’s ignorance, but this technique is too obscure. I need to enter closed-door cultivation to comprehend it.”
“Is it difficult? Let me see?”
Xinyu Emperor looked at Qing Muling in confusion. As the Harmony Creation Blue Lotus, he had no bottlenecks in comprehension. Any technique he read a few times, he would understand. How could there be a technique he couldn’t comprehend?
“It is somewhat difficult…”
Qing Muling said, not intending to show her. He knew what Mu Yinghua was worried about, so he couldn’t admit he understood it.
Tongying Emperor softly said, “I have some expertise in ancient texts. Why don’t you enter closed-door cultivation with me and study it together?”
Qinghuan Emperor rolled her eyes, “Since when did you like ancient texts? Shouldn’t I be the one to help?”
“Give me a break,”
Lan Hua Emperor retorted, “This upper realm technique can’t be deciphered by one person. I think we should all help. What do you think, Muling?”
Finally, Qingyao Immortal Venerable decided, “No need to argue. I’ll help you cultivate this technique myself.”
Qing Muling: “…”