Xuebing Xuan's smile stiffened slightly on her face.
Qi Yalan's intentions couldn't be more obvious; she was certain that the eldest sister had to stay at the sect to deal with daily mundane affairs and couldn't leave to seek dual cultivation with Qing Muling. That's why she plotted to temporarily take her place, her calculations not to be underestimated.
"Sister, Junior Brother's cultivation level is still low, it's not suitable for him to overexert himself. This could be detrimental to his future path, why the rush?"
Xuebing Xuan gently advised. Qing Muling, having stepped into the True Person Realm, was certainly much stronger than when he was in the Spirit God Realm, but compared to the sisters at the peak of Ascending to Immortality, he still fell short.
Moreover, the Sect Master had already made it clear that Junior Brother was only temporarily avoiding attention outside and would return to the sect before long. How then should they handle his relationship with the sisters?
"But…"
Qi Yalan wanted to argue further, but Mu Yinghua interjected timely, "There's no need to argue over this. Your Junior Brother's cultivation is progressing rapidly. It's only a matter of time before he steps into the True One Realm, so you won't have to wait too long."
"Alright…"
The remaining three women could only agree dejectedly. The master's orders were hard to defy, and despite their reluctance, there was nothing they could do.
Xuebing Xuan glanced at Luo Wanqing, thinking she would probably be the last to join, given her physical cultivation and her heritage from the ancient Witch Clan, which made her physical body extraordinarily strong. The current Junior Brother's cultivation was too low to withstand her vigor.
Presumably, the Sect Master would also take this into account. Unless Qing Muling reached the Destiny Realm in the future, Luo Wanqing's wish was unlikely to be fulfilled.
Only Luo Huan was inexplicably excited. She bid farewell to Mu Yinghua and hurried back to her Dao Court to prepare. Yueyi Heavenly Lord came later for a closed-door discussion, which lasted a long time before she left.
***
At this time, Qing Muling was still busy on the floating lands. After the Magic Clan descendants' nests within his territory were cleared, the purification of the dead zones was no longer hindered.
"Actually, inside those barren and desolate floating lands without an atmospheric layer, there are probably nests of Magic Clan descendants hidden, right?"
After a round of purification, while resting and meditating, Qing Muling's gaze turned to the depths of the void, those abandoned floating lands rarely stepped on by cultivators.
The living conditions of the Magic Clan descendants were vastly different from other creatures; they didn't need spiritual energy to thrive. Thus, those extremely harsh dead lands were not unusable resources to them.
Ice Falcon's voice came from afar, "That's right, but to conduct a dragnet search of those places would be a huge undertaking, beyond our capabilities. It would require the collective effort of all Dao Lineage powers."
"That makes sense."
Qing Muling thus dismissed the idea. Over ninety-five percent of the floating lands in The Great Void's starry sky lacked an atmospheric layer, dead realms. To explore each one thoroughly, even the legendary Dao Court couldn't achieve it overnight. This was destined to be a long-term, complex, and arduous project, fraught with danger.
Who knows to what realm the strongest of the Magic Clan descendants have reached? If there were multiple Quasi Holy Emperors among them, then blood battles would inevitably erupt in The Great Void's starry sky in the future.
For now, he would only do what was within his capabilities. As for saving the world, that heroic deed was best left to those high above.
***
Seven days later, Qing Muling returned to the palace city for a brief rest.
He had just sat down when Chixingzi came to report that a visitor had requested an audience.
Qing Muling was somewhat puzzled, but as soon as he saw the stunningly beautiful figure walking in, he understood all the reasons behind it.
"Sister, have you returned to the sect? It seems the trip outside has brought good fortune."
Qing Muling stood up to greet her, holding the gorgeously dressed and radiant Luo Huan for a moment. She was now at the peak of Ascending to Immortality, her aura deep and stable, only half a step away from the Elemental Immortal realm. It was unknown how many benefits she had gained in that cave dwelling.
"Yes, the Sect Master has approved, so… Sister has come to find you."
Luo Huan smiled with curved eyes, a faint blush on her fair face. The reason for her visit to Junior Brother was well understood by both, no need to voice it out. From this moment on, she was his intimate Dao companion.
"Alright, then stay here for now, I…"
Qing Muling looked around, pondering how to arrange for Sister. Now that he had the title of a nation's ruler, why not confer her a queenly title? That way, she could appear in public in the future.
Luo Huan's smile was gentle, like a well-educated lady from a noble family, "There's no rush for that. Sister has brought some gifts for you, let's find a place to talk alone."
"Okay."
Qing Muling, unsuspecting, nodded in agreement and led Luo Huan into his secret hall for cultivation.
He closed the hall doors and activated all the shielding formations.
Before Qing Muling could say anything, Luo Huan had already eagerly embraced him, followed by a whirlwind of fervent kisses, her arms tight around him, almost suffocating him.
Being several major realms below his sister, he naturally could only be firmly suppressed.
"Sister, can you take it easy? You're about to break my bones!"
Qing Muling said helplessly. Luo Huan appeared gentle and understanding, more to his liking than the slightly more assertive and domineering sisters. But in private, she was just as fierce, even more so.
"Perhaps, Sister was too reckless, but…"
Luo Huan slowed down a bit, but still didn't let go of Junior Brother, her eyes burning with passion, "We've been apart for so long, Sister has really missed you, so I'm a bit enthusiastic."
Qing Muling chuckled, whispering in her delicate ear, "Did you bring everything?"
"I knew you would ask that!"
Luo Huan gave him a look, released Qing Muling, and took out a thick stack of colored art books from her Space Bracelet, not missing a single issue. There were also custom adaptations commissioned by master artists from the designated stores, each a collectible masterpiece.
"Sister has worked hard."
Qing Muling flipped through the art books, speaking with satisfaction. In this world of divine arts, the phrase "lifelike" was not just a figure of speech. Those masters with some cultivation could create works that even the great films of his previous life would envy.
"Junior Brother, don't just look at these things! Time is short, so… let's get the main event done first, right here?"
Although she spoke as if discussing, Luo Huan's actions were not gentle or accommodating, still tightly holding Qing Muling.
"This place is a bit too simple, how about we go to the sleeping chamber instead?"
Qing Muling looked around. This was just his usual place for cultivation, with nothing more than a cold jade cloud bed and a few meditation cushions. It wasn't really suitable for dual cultivation, especially since this was Sister Luo's first time.
Thinking back to his previous life, those girls who loved to make a fuss, even a meal or a cup of tea had to have what they called "ritual sense." If they weren't satisfied, they would make a scene, let alone such an important life event.
Sister Luo Huan was certainly not so shallow and vulgar, but still, dual cultivation should have some sense of ritual.
"Why bother with such trouble? I've brought everything!"
Luo Huan said, finally letting go of Qing Muling temporarily, and with a wave of her hand, she put away the cold jade cloud bed and the cushions. Then she took out a gold-inlaid, exquisitely carved sandalwood bed from her Space Bracelet and placed it right in the center of the secret hall.
Then came tables, chairs, a dressing table, a floor-standing mirror, incense burners, carpets, and so on, one by one, quickly turning the place into a splendid chamber that rivaled the sleeping palace.
Behind the heavy brocade curtains near the bed, there were also some indescribable bedding items. After all, Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace had a dual cultivation sect in ancient times. Although those male Dao companions were not considered official disciples, the research findings on dual cultivation techniques and certain items were top-notch in The Great Void starry sky.
"Alright, let's go soak in the hot springs!"
Luo Huan pulled Qing Muling behind the curtains to a three-zhang wide, exquisitely crafted white jade bath that was placed there. It was a fine artifact that could continuously produce top-quality spiritual spring water, with a faint warmth permeating the space.
The surface of the spring water was dotted with delicate petals, and many spiritual medicine essences had been added. Besides strengthening the body, relieving fatigue, and restoring spirit, there were also some indescribable effects, understood by those who know.
Luo Huan's beautiful eyes seemed to be dripping with water as she tenderly looked at Junior Brother. Her slender hand gently released the hidden clasp of the jade belt at her waist, and the gorgeous outer robe gracefully fell to the ground, followed by the hundred-flower patterned middle garment. Under the thin and transparent inner garment, a bright red exquisite bellyband wrapped around her ample bosom, her creamy skin was so white it dazzled, and the delicate lace straps were stretched tight, tied into a neat knot behind her neck.
What followed was only natural. With a solid theoretical foundation and Qing Muling's practical experience, the dual cultivation process went smoothly.
Qing Muling quickly realized that even though his cultivation had risen a major realm, he was still no match for Sister Luo, who appeared gentle and well-mannered but was actually fierce like a wolf. Even though it was her first time on the battlefield, Qing Muling couldn't last long before he was defeated.
This result left him somewhat frustrated, but it was inevitable given the difference in strength. To turn the tables and take charge, he would probably have to wait a very long time.
In a space beyond the reach of others' gaze, a group of graceful figures silently observed.
"After the union, her fortune has increased by at least twice, and there's no sign of it slowing down! It should eventually increase by more than twice, right?"
"Yes, and her fate is also starting to change for the better. Her foundation and aptitude are showing signs of transformation and ascension, her potential has clearly increased. In the future, not to mention True Immortal, even the Xuan Immortal Dao fruit is highly possible."
"Indeed, I knew it! If Xuebing Xuan was an exception, now with Luo Huan as proof, I believe no one will doubt Qing Muling's role. Whoever becomes his Dao companion will reap such benefits! "
"Hmm, Luo Huan can immediately attempt to break through to the Elemental Immortal realm. The other girls won't have to wait too long either. As long as they consummate with Qing Muling, they're indeed enviable! They can pass the heavenly tribulation just by lying down. Think about how much we suffered when we crossed our tribulations. Compared to these lucky girls, it's a bit unfair."
"No wonder each of them is thinking about him. Such a heaven-defying opportunity, even innate spirit treasures can't compare. Who wouldn't be tempted? Even Ice Falcon has seen some improvement in her fortune just by having some contact with him these days."
"I'm looking forward to it. When he steps into the Quasi Holy Emperor realm, what kind of astonishing performance will he have? Not to mention reviving the sect, even replacing the Dao Court isn't impossible."
"Hehe, don't speak so carelessly about such things…"
***
Inside the secret hall, three days and nights passed in a blink of an eye.
Behind the heavy curtains, the indescribable soft moans gradually subsided, and the intense battle finally came to an end. Anyway, with the shielding formations, no matter how earth-shattering the battle inside, it wouldn't affect the outside at all.
"Is it about time? When do you plan to cross the tribulation?"
Qing Muling, hands behind his head, asked lazily.
"Yes, anytime,"
Luo Huan, lying on top of him, gently raised her head to look at him, her eyes filled with blissful obsession, "The accumulation is quite substantial, even better than the highest estimate! After the tribulation, the Elemental Immortal Dao fruit will surely be flawless. Indeed, Junior Brother, you've worked hard!"
Qing Muling thought, how could the effect not be good? You've seized the essence of the innate Harmony spiritual root, such a heaven-defying fortune, perhaps even the Emperors in the Dao Court had never had such an opportunity.
"But the conditions here are not as good as the Main Altar of the sect. If you want to cross the tribulation, it might not be as convenient."
Qing Muling suggested, "Why don't you go back and finish the tribulation first, and then come back after the Elemental Immortal Dao fruit is stable?"
Luo Huan shook her head, "There's no need for such trouble. As long as you're here, the Elemental Immortal heavenly tribulation is nothing. It can be easily crossed right here."
For other cultivators, the Elemental Immortal heavenly tribulation was undoubtedly a terrifying ordeal. Even with thorough preparation and the support of fellow sect members, few could successfully achieve the Dao. However, for Qing Muling, an existence that couldn't be measured by common sense, Luo Huan wasn't worried at all. Wherever she crossed the tribulation, it would be the same.
Qing Muling thought about it and said no more.
"By the way, has the eldest sister received any good news yet?"
Luo Huan suddenly hugged him, asking nervously.
Qing Muling paused, then understood what she meant, shaking his head, "How could it be so fast? These things depend on fate, they can't be rushed."
"That's not necessarily true!" Luo Huan held him down, her gentle and beautiful smile hiding an assertive action, "If you want offspring, you have to work harder. Come on!"
"…"
Proofreader & Editor: Peter Pan