In the grand hall with its majestic atmosphere,
Numerous palace maids in rainbow-colored dresses and feathered robes, with faces as beautiful as flowers under the moonlight, bustled about like butterflies flitting through flowers. They served a continuous stream of spiritual wine, immortal fruits, and exquisite dishes onto the tables, while the faint sound of heavenly music lingered in the air.
The banquet was organized with individual seating, one table per person, though disciples from the same sect could be grouped together in a specific area for mutual support in case of any incidents. However, it was unlikely for anyone to cause trouble in such a place.
At the core area of the grand hall, on a raised platform, stood three magnificent and majestic thrones, resplendent with gold and jade, clearly reserved for the three Emperors.
Beside the three thrones were several smaller ones, likely meant for the Dragon Ritual Princess and other important figures from the Dao Court.
Whether by design or coincidence, the area allocated to Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace was not far from the platform, adjacent to the disciples of Goddess Sect. Additionally, there were sects like Qingqiu Hall and Shenxiao Gate, which were composed entirely of female cultivators.
Looking around, the hall was filled with stunning beauties of all types: graceful and dignified, pure and youthful, voluptuous and mature, aloof and cold… It was enough to make Qing Muling's head spin.
It was understandable, given that Qinghuan Emperor was a woman, especially since she had once been a member of the Goddess Sect. As such, the female cultivator sects in the Great Void naturally gravitated towards her, striving to maintain a friendly relationship with the Emperor.
Of course, Huaqing Divine Palace was an exception. Many high-ranking figures from the major powers looked down on this Dao Lineage's unrestrained behavior, keeping their distance. Even if they had private relations with a beauty from Huaqing Divine Palace, it was not something to be discussed openly.
Guided by the palace maids, Qing Muling and his Senior Sisters took their seats, with him naturally surrounded in the central area. Anyone from outside wanting to approach him would first have to get past his Senior Sisters.
A handsome young man with starry eyes and sword-like eyebrows, exuding a mysterious aura amidst a crowd of stunning beauties, was bound to attract attention. Curious and probing gazes from the surrounding female cultivators never ceased.
Malicious stares were also present. In the more distant areas, the disciples of Azure Fall Divine Sect, Nine Spirit Proto Gate, Armillary Sphere Star Palace, and Bright Moon Sword Sect all looked on with hostility. If not for the occasion, they would have already swarmed over to confront him.
Qing Muling remained composed. Outside the grand hall, he had overheard the conversation between Lin Shengqing and Yanling Ji, and he had informed his Senior Sisters. So, as soon as the opportunity arose, these two would not be leaving Dao Court alive.
As for whether the higher-ups of Armillary Sphere Star Palace and Bright Moon Sword Sect would become furious and even choose to go to war over this, Qing Muling was utterly unconcerned.
Once he grew to become the Supreme Sect Master or even a Quasi Holy Emperor, the downfall of these two Dao Lineages would not be far off.
***
"…So that's Qing Muling of Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace?"
From afar, in the area of Calamity Fate Palace, Holy Maiden Mei Qingfeng watched the purple-robed youth surrounded by beauties, her eyes serious.
"Such a strong force of destiny, this young man is indeed extraordinary!"
A Supreme Elder beside her sighed softly, "It's a pity that with a figure of the Palace Master's level shielding his fate, it's impossible to probe the truth. With my limited abilities, I can only speculate so much, the exact details remain unknown."
Elder Luoyu Jue spoke in a low tone, "With the revived Xinyu Emperor of Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace, it'll be difficult for outsiders to target the boy as they wish."
The others around nodded in agreement. Even if Xinyu Emperor had not fully recovered, an Emperor was still an Emperor, not someone ordinary powerhouses could provoke lightly.
Mei Qingfeng's eyes shimmered as she pondered for a moment before rising gracefully, "There's still some time before the banquet begins, I'll go and have a few words with him."
The elders beside her hesitated, but considering the setting, they assumed no inappropriate actions would be taken, so they did not object and watched as the Holy Maiden made her way over.
"Is it that woman?"
As Mei Qingfeng approached, Luo Huan appeared quietly, blocking her path.
"Holy Maiden, it seems you've lost your way," Luo Huan said indifferently.
With a polite smile, Mei Qingfeng bowed slightly, "Sister, I just want to speak a few words with your sect's Qing Muling, and then I'll leave. That's not too much to ask, is it?"
"Sorry, I find it very excessive!"
Luo Huan stared at her coldly. The Holy Maiden of Calamity Fate Palace had tried to scheme against Qing Muling through some underground forces two years ago, resulting in significant losses. It also led to the exposure of some long-hidden spies within Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace. The Senior Sisters had not forgotten this and were not about to show her any kindness.
Unperturbed, Mei Qingfeng continued to smile, "There's no conflict that can't be resolved. After all, Calamity Fate Palace and Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace have always had a good relationship, and in the past, you've helped us in secret. With your current status, Sister, you must be aware of these details, right?"
Before Luo Huan could retort, Xuebing Xuan's voice rang out, "Holy Maiden, what exactly do you want to say?"
Senior Sister appeared beside Luo Huan, her bright eyes scrutinizing Mei Qingfeng, "Our two sects did have some connections in the past, but the things you've done in secret are not commendable… so we can't trust you anymore."
Mei Qingfeng's smile remained, "But our relationship on the surface is still good, and neither of our Masters intends to change that, right?"
The relationship between two long-standing Supreme Dao Lineages was more complex and subtle than that between nations. Regardless, Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace had no intention of completely falling out with Calamity Fate Palace, so Xuebing Xuan reluctantly gave in.
Xuebing Xuan glanced at her coldly, relenting slightly, "Fifteen minutes, and you'd better not try any tricks!"
Mei Qingfeng nodded with a smile and, led by Senior Sister, approached Qing Muling's table and sat down opposite him.
Qing Muling calmly observed her. This future successor of Calamity Fate Palace was not particularly outstanding in cultivation, currently only at the True One Realm, but she was definitely older than him in bone age.
Moreover, her current facial features were surprisingly similar to those of the Saintess of Huaqing Divine Palace, making one wonder what kind of techniques or divine abilities she primarily practiced. Aside from her Master, the Palace Master of Calamity Fate Palace, no one had seen her true face.
"Holy Maiden, I've long admired your name. You may call me Junior Brother Qing."
Seeing that the young man before her did not speak, Mei Qingfeng spoke gently, her divine abilities quietly probing his destiny and fortune.
Unfortunately, no matter how hard she tried, all she received was chaos and obscurity, impossible to grasp, as if the beautiful young man before her was nothing more than an illusion.
"Holy Maiden, stop wasting your energy!"
Qing Muling finally spoke, "Calamity Fate Palace excels at manipulating fortune and probing the divine will, even surpassing Dao Court in this regard. It's a pity that everything should be done in moderation. By relying on divine abilities to act recklessly, aren't you afraid of backlash one day?"
"Holy Maiden, you wouldn't want to perish along your path, would you?"
Mei Qingfeng's expression faltered as she studied Qing Muling intently, "Your identity and origins seem to be more complicated than I thought. I wonder how Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace found you. Junior Brother Qing, could you be the reincarnation of some ancient powerful being?"
"Do you think you'll get an answer from me?" Qing Muling waved his hand lightly, "Please return, Holy Maiden. Your own origins seem quite unusual as well. I hope we won't be enemies in the future, or I might have to return you to oblivion!"
Mei Qingfeng fell silent for a longer time before sighing softly, "I think I understand. Take care, Junior Brother Qing."
With that, she rose and left without lingering.
"Junior Brother, what was she trying to show off?" Luo Wanqing asked, puzzled.
"Why bother with her? If we meet her in a secret realm next time, just kill her and be done with it!"
Luo Huan said coldly, her disdain for such pretentious charlatans evident. She had no interest in their antics. It was better to kill them outright than to waste time with their tricks.
Moments later, with the sound of a deep and resonant bell, the mysterious and indescribable Dao Rhyme quietly enveloped the hall, and the three Emperors representing the highest authority of Dao Court finally arrived.
The once noisy grand hall quickly fell silent. Everyone, from the Sect Masters of the Supreme Dao Lineages to the grassroots cultivators, stood up to greet them.
Qing Muling glanced over and saw three towering and profound figures sitting on the platform, shrouded in dazzling starlight, their divine presence and Dao Rhyme so pervasive that their faces were indistinct.
However, he could still distinguish Qinghuan Emperor, as Dragon Ritual Princess also appeared, sitting on a slightly smaller throne beside her mother, nodding in his direction from afar.
Qing Muling looked at her and thought to himself, "Are you trying to put me on the spot with all these people watching?"
After a few breaths, Xuan Yin Emperor, leading the three Emperors, spoke some formalities and announced the start of the banquet.
The hall, spanning tens of thousands of acres, was attended by millions of cultivators, each with their own fortune and elite status.
As the music began, a large group of dancers entered the central area, and the atmosphere in the hall quickly livened up.
The Senior Sisters held jade wine cups, sipping and chatting softly. Occasionally, female cultivators from nearby areas came over to offer toasts and make conversation, appearing to be acquaintances, so their manners were more relaxed.
Other female cultivators from outside sects had noticed Qing Muling, and more than one wanted to come over and chat with him. Of course, with his Senior Sisters looking out for him, he was not disturbed.
Gathering his thoughts, Qing Muling focused on the spiritual wine and delicacies before him, indulging in the feast. The ingredients and drinks provided by Dao Court were naturally excellent, beneficial for the growth of his cultivation, and not to be wasted.
Shortly after, a red-clad female official approached with light steps, ignoring the gazes of the Senior Sisters, and whispered to Qing Muling, "Daoist Qing, my mistress invites you to join her at her table. What do you say…"
The faces of Xuebing Xuan and the others changed. What was the Dragon Ritual Princess thinking? To openly poach him was utterly shameless!
Qing Muling shook his head gently, "I appreciate the Princess's kindness, but I am already committed and have no intention of changing allegiances, so… I must respectfully decline her generous offer."
Xuebing Xuan and the others breathed a sigh of relief, pleased that their Junior Brother's character had not disappointed them. It was rare to see a genius who dared to ignore and refuse an invitation from an Emperor's daughter.
Seeing Qing Muling's refusal, the female official did not insist and returned to the platform, relaying his words to the Dragon Ritual Princess.
The Princess seemed unconcerned and casually gave an order. Soon after, a group of maids stood behind Qing Muling.
Quickly, Qing Muling realized that as soon as he finished a dish, a maid would come to remove the empty plate and serve him new, high-end ingredients. The same was true for the spiritual wine and desserts.
While other guests also enjoyed the service of refills, the frequency was much lower, and the food and drinks served to them were not as high-end and rare as those at Qing Muling's table.
Qing Muling understood that this was another gesture from the Dragon Ritual Princess, and without a word, he continued to eat and drink heartily.
This caused certain gazes around him to become even more dangerous. After all, apart from him, no other cultivator received such exceptional treatment.
"Why does this kid deserve it?"
Far away, Lin Shengqing's face darkened with rage, his eyes nearly shooting flames. The goddess he had pursued in vain was showing such favor to an unknown nobody? What was this all about?
Beside him, Yanling Ji's face was also ashen. He too had designs on the Dragon Ritual Princess, but she had never given him the time of day, let alone any special attention.
Just now, Lin Shengqing had witnessed with his own eyes the delicacies that Qing Muling had consumed, many of which had been directly brought over from the Dragon Ritual Princess's table, treasures that even the Sect Masters of major sects rarely tasted.
"I can't stand it, I can't stand it…" Lin Shengqing gritted his teeth, and just then, he saw the Dragon Ritual Princess uncork a rare bottle of immortal brew. After she took a single cup, the rest was sent to Qing Muling's table by her maids, which he drank without hesitation.
Immediately, starlight surged around Qing Muling, and the profound Dao Rhyme spread, the overwhelming aura felt even from a distance, indicating the extraordinary nature of the immortal wine.
"Hopefully, this kid can't handle the potent medicinal strength of those delicacies and just explodes…" Yanling Ji muttered, but no matter what the two men thought, events continued to unfold regardless of their will.
Moments later, the Dragon Ritual Princess herself stood up, carrying a crystal wine cup, and walked towards Qing Muling's location.
Proofreader & Editor:Peter Pan