Dao Court, the temporary residence of the disciples of the Azure Fall Divine Sect.
In a secret hall sealed by layers of formations, over a dozen figures with powerful auras sat quietly. The bronze cauldron in the corner burned top-grade incense, its smoke curling up lazily.
Those present were all influential figures, such as the Azure Fall Divine Sect's Supreme Elder Li Qingtian, the core elder of the Armillary Sphere Star Palace Xie Changqing, the Sect Master's prime disciple Yan Lingji, Lin Shengqing of the Bright Moon Sword Sect, Mei Qingfeng, the Holy Maiden of the Calamity Fate Palace, the ethereal Holy Maiden of the Huaqing Divine Palace, Su Zhengji, the core elder of the Shadow Kill Hall, and the Vice Sect Master of the Nine Spirit Proto Gate, Jun Wuyang, among others.
The forces represented by these individuals mostly bore irreconcilable grudges against the Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace.
Everyone was well aware that despite the current calm, a renewed conflict with the Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace was inevitable. The feud would not end until one side was completely defeated.
The Shadow Kill Hall didn't have much of a quarrel with the Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace; they were known for their straightforward rule of killing for money, with no personal attachments. The Calamity Fate Palace, though not openly hostile to the Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace, had a rather delicate relationship with them in private.
Preventing any single power from dominating the Cloud Dream Immortal Domain was the established strategy of the Calamity Fate Palace. With the rapid recovery of the Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace exceeding their expectations, it was necessary to adjust previous plans and support the Bright Moon Sword Sect and the Azure Fall Divine Sect.
"Are those women still not coming out?" Li Qingtian asked coldly.
Mei Qingfeng nodded lightly: "Since the Sword Dueling Tournament ended, the disciples of the Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace have stayed in their residence, with hardly anyone venturing out. They avoid most visits from friendly sects, especially those five who haven't shown their faces since returning, likely digesting their rewards in seclusion."
"Indeed, a few days ago, there were signs of a Heavenly Tribulation above their residence. From my observations, it was a Heart Demon Tribulation, but its power far exceeded that of ordinary monstrous geniuses. It's likely that Qing Muling was the one undergoing the tribulation!"
Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions turned sour. The disciples of the Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace had dazzled everyone with their performance, not only defeating all rivals to take first place but also occupying the top five spots on the list of geniuses. The lavish rewards were too significant for even these high-ranking figures to ignore.
How wonderful it would have been if their own descendants had received those benefits? In the future, reaching the realms of Elemental Immortal or True Immortal wouldn't be a problem.
Xie Changqing slammed his hand on the table, saying coldly, "Had I known this would happen, we should have caused them trouble on the way. Now they've gained such advantages, it's simply…"
Vice Sect Master Jun Wuyang sighed, "What's the use of talking about this now? The Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace is in its prime, and even the Xinyu Emperor has awakened. With the support of the Qinghuan Emperor from the Dao Court, we indeed have few options left."
The truce ordered by the Dao Court could not be violated, but considering the rapid growth of the Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace, it was hard to predict how powerful they would become in a hundred years. It was possible that even the combined forces of several Supreme Dao Lineages would not be able to suppress them.
The ethereal Holy Maiden's eyes twinkled mischievously as she spoke softly, "Direct methods may not be viable, but we can still take action in secret, right? For instance, after the grand assembly of immortals ends and the various Dao Lineage forces are returning home, we could ask the elders of the Shadow Kill Hall to make a move, ensuring they never reach their destination."
Su Zhengji of the Shadow Kill Hall said darkly, "We can act, but the payment must be substantial, double the standard rate. The reasons are obvious—their lives are worth the price."
Li Qingtian frowned slightly. The Shadow Kill Hall was always greedy, recognizing only spirit crystals, not people. They were never liked, but unfortunately, many shady deeds couldn't be done without them.
The disciples from the Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace were few but elite, especially the accompanying Supreme Elders, who were not easy to deal with.
To harvest the lives of so many powerful beings, even for the Shadow Kill Hall, was a rare big deal. They would need to deploy many elite members to ensure success without incurring significant losses.
"Alright, it's settled then!"
The ethereal Holy Maiden was the first to agree. The Huaqing Divine Palace's business was booming, and they were never short of spirit crystals.
Su Zhengji floated a staggering figure, then closed his eyes, leaving the bigwigs to discuss the distribution. He just needed to wait for the payment.
Lin Shengqing hesitated before speaking, "Some wealth and resources are trivial, but… Elder Su, could you capture those five girls alive and deliver them to us? We are willing to offer additional benefits."
He was still fixated on Qi Yalan, the number one beauty of the Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace. Not only was she stunning, but her mastery in the sword was unparalleled among the new generation. With the generous rewards from the Dao Court, she was likely close to the True Immortal realm, a perfect match for him. The other four beauties, including Xuebing Xuan, should not be overlooked either. If he could have them all, how wonderful would that be?
The ethereal Holy Maiden said sourly, "Young Master Lin is indeed compassionate. When you were in the Huaqing Immortal Domain, I didn't see you so concerned about her, despite her devotion to you…"
Lin Shengqing glanced at her expressionlessly, remaining silent. He thought to himself, how could these courtesans compare to them? Talking about affection? I didn't see you waiving the overnight fee back then.
Su Zhengji chuckled coldly, "Capturing them alive is possible, but the difficulty is much greater. Are you prepared with enough spirit crystals? The price is fair, two hundred thousand top-grade spirit crystals for each girl!"
Lin Shengqing's face paled. Even as the Sect Master's direct disciple and the future leader of the Bright Moon Sword Sect, he couldn't afford this sum, let alone use the sect's funds.
"Alright, it's decided then."
Lin Shengqing gritted his teeth, determined to discuss it with his father as soon as possible. He had to fulfill his wishes at any cost, as this was a matter crucial to his future achievements.
Yan Lingji of the Armillary Sphere Star Palace spoke indifferently, "If that's the case, I can't let Young Master Lin have all the benefits. How about you share two with me? I'll take Xuebing Xuan and Cheng Yulan."
Li Qingtian laughed, "Then why don't I join in the fun? The little princess from the Ancient Witch Nation is mine!"
Mei Qingfeng's voice was calm, "You want those beauties, but I'll reserve Qing Muling for myself. As long as you can deliver him to me unharmed, we can discuss the spirit crystals."
Su Zhengji nodded, "Since everyone is interested, we'll hold a secret auction once the deed is done. You're all welcome to participate, and the highest bidder wins."
"The starting bid for each girl is two hundred thousand top-grade spirit crystals, and for Qing Muling, one million. Don't complain about our prices; there are plenty of forces interested in them!"
"Very well, it's settled!"
Everyone cursed the old man's greed and shamelessness internally but had to agree.
***
In the cultivation chamber.
"How effective is the Enlightenment Light?"
"It's much stronger. Ten days of cultivation with you, Junior Brother, is equivalent to thirty years of our own secluded meditation."
Xuebing Xuan smiled as she touched Qing Muling's face, her eyes tender as if filled with water. Cultivating with Junior Brother for one day was like three years; the effect was truly heaven-defying.
As cultivators' levels increased, the time they spent in seclusion grew longer, often spanning decades or even centuries. Of course, for the senior sisters, if they could always benefit from the Enlightenment Light beside Qing Muling, their cultivation speed would be terrifying.
Qi Yalan, Luo Wanqing, and the other ladies also gathered around, their soft hands caressing him as the atmosphere grew increasingly intimate.
The effect of the Enlightenment Light was relative to their Elemental Immortal level. For female cultivators below that level, the effect would undoubtedly be stronger.
Not to mention, once Qing Muling stepped into the Fate Realm or even Ascended to Immortality, the effect of the Enlightenment Light would be enough to tempt the elders.
"I think, Junior Brother, you're bound to receive the greatest fortune in the secret realm of the Mysterious Dao Sovereign."
Luo Huan leaned in, hugging Qing Muling and rubbing against him quietly.
Qing Muling pondered, "At my current level, I'm not the strongest. If I encounter an Elemental Immortal-level powerhouse in that secret realm, I'll probably be at a disadvantage, right?"
Cheng Yulan shook her head, "The latest news we've received says that the secret realm of the Mysterious Dao Sovereign only allows cultivators up to the Ascending Realm to enter. Those with higher strength must seal part of their cultivation, so you don't need to worry too much, Junior Brother."
"That's right."
Xuebing Xuan added, "They're not aware of your special trump cards. When you face them head-on, not only defeating them but even inflicting heavy damage or killing them won't be too difficult. Self-preservation is certainly not an issue."
"That's good to know."
Qing Muling nodded slightly. His mana was as profound as ten times that of peer monstrous geniuses, allowing him to fully utilize his many treasures. If he used his innate ability to temporarily ascend to the Ascending Realm, he would indeed be unstoppable.
Hmm, after the seventh Blue Lotus leaf phantom took shape, it brought the innate ability to conceal one's presence. Once activated, it perfectly hid his form, aura, and even the trajectory of his fate, making it impossible for enemies to track or sense him for half an hour. If he lay in wait for a surprise attack, unless the enemy was several major realms above Qing Muling, they wouldn't escape unscathed.
Taking out a communication jade talisman, Qing Muling began to contact the Sect Master, briefly explaining his tribulation experience and the disturbance of the original owner of the Origin Star Palace.
Of course, the Heavenly Lord Ice Falcon and the others had probably already informed her, but he was just reiterating it as the person involved.
[Mu Yinghua: The process was perilous, but fortunately, the outcome was good. As for the heavenly merit, the sect has collected some. When you return, it shouldn't be difficult to satisfy your advancement to the Fate Realm.]
Using heavenly merit to quickly advance one's cultivation was possible, but it also required a period of tempering and assimilation. It was usually better to wait until the body and divine soul had adapted to the new realm's power before attempting the next breakthrough.
If one ascended several major realms at once, the divine soul and body might struggle to adjust in time, leading to inevitable problems. However, after Qing Muling emerged from the secret realm of the Mysterious Dao Sovereign, he could consider breaking through to the Fate Realm.
[Qing Muling: That's fine, but for this advancement, I plan to choose Second Senior Sister as my Dao companion. Any issues?]
Choosing Second Senior Sister Cheng Yulan over Fourth Senior Sister Luo Wanqing was because she was now an Elemental Immortal realm body cultivator who had awakened the bloodline of an ancient witch god. Her physical strength was fierce, like a tyrannosaur, and in the bedroom, if she were allowed to unleash her power, Qing Muling's current cultivation might not be able to withstand it.
It was somewhat embarrassing, but there was no helping it; having a lower cultivation level wasn't his fault.
[Mu Yinghua: Your perspective is not wrong, but I have other plans.]
[Qing Muling: What does Master mean…?]
[Mu Yinghua: Both your Second Senior Sister and Fourth Senior Sister are at the peak of the Elemental Immortal realm. Whichever one cultivates with you will immediately break through to the True Immortal realm, so… let's give this opportunity to the other senior sisters. They've been waiting for you for too long.]
[Qing Muling: …]
True Immortals were not allowed to participate in any events at the grand assembly of immortals, let alone enter the secret realm of the Mysterious Dao Sovereign to seek fortune. Therefore, until the end of this assembly, the senior sisters had to suppress their cultivation at the peak of the Elemental Immortal realm.
However, the increase in cultivation during dual cultivation was somewhat uncontrollable. In moments of passion, if they accidentally advanced, the senior sisters would probably be frustrated to death.
[Qing Muling: Master means to let Senior Sister Qi Shuyu and the others come?]
[Mu Yinghua: Correct. Their cultivation is still lacking, mostly at the Fate and Ascending realms. With your help, they will quickly step into the Immortal Ascending realm and won't take too long to challenge the Elemental Immortal realm.]
Qing Muling looked at the message on the jade talisman and sighed without saying much. His master's perspective was also correct; no matter the reason, the senior sisters would never let him idle.
[Qing Muling: Master's command is not to be defied, but I have little emotional foundation with Senior Sister Qi and the others. I fear our future interactions might be unpleasant.]
[Mu Yinghua: No worries, matters of affection need not be rushed. They can be cultivated slowly over time. The main thing is to establish the status first.]
[Qing Muling: Then I'll follow Master's arrangements. However, I've now broken through the Heart Demon realm, and my fate has changed. I need Senior Sister Ice Falcon and the others to help me conceal my fate.]
[Mu Yinghua: That's not a problem. They will oversee this round of drawing lots, and no one is allowed to back out once chosen.]
And so, the matter was settled.
The next day, Yu Lingzhou and Yueyi Heavenly Lord held a gathering.
Led by Su Yunmo, Qi Shuyu, and Yu Binghua, dozens of senior core disciples paid their respects to the several Supreme Elders on the cloud bed, with many high-ranking elders present to witness.
The Heavenly Lord Ice Falcon waved her jade hand, and a beautiful white jade lot cylinder appeared before the many female disciples, containing dozens of lots.
"You may begin drawing lots now!"
Yu Lingzhou said with a smile, "Those who draw a red lot will become Junior Brother's new Dao companion. Those who do not can return and wait for the next opportunity. Junior Brother's cultivation progresses rapidly, so you won't have to wait too long."
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