By now, Dragon Ritual Princess had finally convinced herself to make a decision that aligned with her true desires.
She also had a feeling that this was what her mother would have preferred to see. After all, given the status of an Emperor, there were certain matters that were inconvenient to handle personally. Thus, it was more appropriate for her, as a daughter, to step in.
In any case, as long as she maintained a friendly relationship with him, even if there were no benefits, at the very least, there would be no harm. Should the tide of fate shift and the situation evolve rapidly in the future, it wasn't impossible that an opportunity would arise for her.
Qing Muling was unaware of the princess's complex thoughts. He greeted her casually and asked about her visit.
Dragon Ritual Princess produced a jade slip and a delicate brocade box, handing them over as she said, "This jade slip contains information about the secret realm of the cave dwelling that should be useful to you. Take it and keep it safe; make sure no one else learns of it, and these three Life-Saving Jade Talismans can be activated to protect you in times of life-threatening danger, ensuring your safety three times. That should be enough for you."
Qing Muling looked slightly stunned as he examined the items. The information in the jade slip was indeed much more detailed than the maps publicly released by the Dao Court. With this, any cultivator's safety would be significantly increased upon entering the secret realm of the revered Daoist.
Inside the brocade box were three thumb-sized talismans, shimmering with golden light and exuding a powerful and majestic aura. These were the Life-Saving Jade Talismans.
For the monstrous geniuses of the major Dao Lineages, such talismans were not unfamiliar. They were typically crafted by Supreme Sect Masters or senior elders to protect their core disciples as a one-time lifesaving measure.
Due to the rarity and preciousness of the materials used, as well as the immense effort and cultivation required, the cost of a single Life-Saving Jade Talisman was comparable to that of an exceptional magical treasure, yet it was a consumable item. Therefore, they were extremely rare and precious, usually only available to monstrous geniuses, while others could hardly expect such preferential treatment.
Qing Muling had such talismans, but the secret realm of the revered Daoist was different from other perilous domains, and the talismans produced by the major Dao Lineages might not be effective. However, the three talismans provided by Dragon Ritual Princess were personally crafted by the Qinghuan Emperor, of a higher grade and therefore more reliable.
"Has the Dao Court's experts previously explored the secret realm of the revered Daoist?"Qing Muling hesitated before asking.
Dragon Ritual Princess didn't hide the truth: "Of course, otherwise where do you think these came from? The Emperors have entered more than once in incarnations, surveying the terrain and deciphering the Daoist laws within. These Life-Saving Jade Talismans contain a trace of the secret realm's aura, specifically prepared for those seeking fortune within."
"So, the Dao Court also sells these talismans?"
"Indeed, the price of one Life-Saving Jade Talisman is equivalent to two exceptional magical treasures, and each cultivator is allowed to carry no more than two. Fair and square!"
Dragon Ritual Princess's words gave Qing Muling a clear understanding. The Dao Court was making such a significant investment in the grand gathering of immortals and naturally sought to recoup some of the costs, such as through the sale of these talismans.
It was one thing for smaller Dao Lineages, but those wealthy Supreme Dao Lineages, in order to protect their monstrous genius disciples, would have to dig deep into their pockets to purchase a few.
If they were stingy on this matter and their key disciples met their demise within, they would truly be left in tears!
Therefore, the fact that Qing Muling received three Life-Saving Jade Talismans as a favor was not a light matter. Aside from him, it was unlikely that a second person would receive such preferential treatment.
"Then, thank you, Your Highness. If I gain anything within, I will surely share it with you."Qing Muling sincerely expressed his gratitude. Dragon Ritual Princess had not shortchanged him, and since she was willing to take care of him, he had to reciprocate.
Dragon Ritual Princess's beautiful face blushed slightly as she looked at him with a smile in her lustrous phoenix eyes and said softly, "As long as you understand. In fact, the fortunes inside are just that. Just make sure you return safely."
To her, what fortune could compare to Qing Muling? As long as she could gain the friendship of the handsome young man before her, these benefits were actually insignificant.
After some more conversation, Dragon Ritual Princess's expression turned slightly apologetic as she said, "I sneaked out, so I can't stay too long. If my mother finds out, she'll scold me again."
"Alright, then I'll see you off, Your Highness."
Qing Muling didn't want to make things difficult for her. Otherwise, if word got out, the disciples of the other Dao Lineages would become even more dissatisfied with Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace, suspecting underhanded dealings.
Once Dragon Ritual Princess had left, the senior sisters came out from the inner room. They had witnessed the entire meeting, so there was no need for Qing Muling to explain anything further.
"This princess has great ambitions, Junior Brother. You must be careful in the future," said Xuebing Xuan, looking at the jade slip with a serious expression.
Luo Wanqing chimed in, "Yes, yes, don't let her charm your soul away in a moment of carelessness."
Qing Muling was somewhat speechless: "Am I that kind of person? Do I rush towards every beauty I see? Having my senior sisters is enough for me; I won't go flirting around."
Qi Yalan rolled her eyes at him, thinking that even if he was willing to stay put, what could be done? Those shameless vixens out there would still actively throw themselves at him.
Upon reflection, Junior Brother was perfect in every way, except that he was too attractive, and without close supervision, who knew if some flirtatious woman might whisk him away one day.
"Um, Junior Brother?"
Yu Binghua, with a gentle and charming demeanor, approached. She had just bathed and had not yet dressed properly, wearing only a bright red transparent silk embroidered bellyband. The deep cleavage was faintly visible, and her long black hair fell to the middle of her thighs. Her smooth and fair skin shimmered enticingly under the light.
She glanced at Qing Muling, her face blushing as she softly said, "Tomorrow is the day the secret realm opens, and we haven't… haven't yet… should we take care of this matter first?"
She was referring to dual cultivation. Although it was inevitable for all the senior sisters to be with Junior Brother, this was still her first time, so she was naturally shy to speak of it.
Cheng Yulan gave her a sidelong glance: "There's not enough time. Let's talk about it after we return. Besides, you've already received Junior Brother's Dao Rhyme, haven't you? Your cultivation at the peak of the Feather Transformation Realm is sufficient. Any higher and it wouldn't be useful inside. We still have to seal some of our own cultivation!"
The second and fourth senior sisters were resentful that they couldn't immediately dual cultivate with Qing Muling, and now that Yu Binghua had cut in line, they were even more displeased.
Xuebing Xuan said, "There's really no need to rush this. The status is already set, and it's a matter of time. Let Junior Brother rest."
"Alright then."
Yu Binghua sighed inwardly. During this period of seclusion, with the help of the enlightenment aura and the indescribable methods Qing Muling used to transfer some of the innate Harmony spiritual roots' Dao Rhyme to her, her cultivation had smoothly reached the peak of the Feather Transformation Realm, and with a little effort, she could break through to the Ascending to Immortality Realm. However, she still felt somewhat unsatisfied.
Fortunately, in the secret realm of the revered Daoist, only cultivators at the peak of the Feather Transformation Realm were allowed to enter, and any higher would be eradicated. With her current state, she was essentially ready.
***
Meanwhile, on another floating land.
In a dark secret chamber, dozens of figures sat quietly, the same group they had met before, each with a restrained aura and an imposing presence.
"…The plan should be adjusted!"
Yan Lingji of the armillary sphere Star Palace spoke indifferently, "Compared to taking action against Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace on the return journey after the grand gathering of immortals, I prefer to act within the secret realm of the revered Daoist. After all, the environment is special there, and any cultivation above the Feather Transformation Realm cannot be used. Our disciples can take advantage of their numerical superiority to teach them an unforgettable lesson!"
Mi Yue, the Holy Maiden, nodded in agreement: "Exactly, if we act outside, they might be prepared, and even if our people succeed, the casualties won't be small! It's better to settle this matter within the secret realm, where it's easier to shirk responsibility later."
Lin Shengqing said bitterly, "If possible, in addition to capturing those key targets, we should also kill as many other disciples of Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace as we can. The more devastating their losses, the smoother our plans to seize the Cloud Dream Immortal Domain will be! This vast immortal domain will eventually be our territory!"
There were countless opportunities within the secret realm of the revered Daoist, and if those women from Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace gained some benefits, it would be extremely bad news for these forces, so it was best to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
Su Zhengji of the Shadow Killing Hall spoke coldly, "If you want to act early, that's fine. We've brought enough people this time to complete the task without issue. However, you'll need to pay the agreed reward in advance!"
The others exchanged glances. Although they were displeased with the Shadow Killing Hall's greed, they needed them at this moment and had to endure it.
***
The next morning.
Dao Court's starships appeared in the sky in groups, picking up the disciples of the various Dao Lineages.
The secret realm of the revered Daoist was not located in the critical areas of the Dao Court but in a remote corner of an immortal domain. For this reason, the Dao Court's higher-ups had specially constructed several massive ultra-long-range star space transfer arrays to facilitate travel.
Thus, in less than half a day, the starship fleets smoothly reached their destination.
It was a floating land with an area of over a million miles, mostly desert terrain. At this moment, the fierce winds stirred up the yellow sand, obscuring the sky and sun, with no signs of life visible.
At the center of this land was a north-south mountain range stretching for hundreds of thousands of miles, eerily silent, with not even a blade of grass on the barren mountains. The mountains were generally made of pitch-black hard rocks with faint dark red lines, seemingly ancient Daoist patterns that had been lost to time.
As the starships continued to land, countless cultivators from various sects swarmed out, creating a bustling scene. The brilliance of various magical treasures lit up the sky, dispersing the sandstorm, and soon, large temporary campsites were established in the calm areas.
In the core area of the mountain range, the Dao Court's elders had set up the transmission arrays and erected platforms nearby, beginning to sell various pills, magical instruments, and supplies. Of course, the prices were not cheap, especially for the Life-Saving Jade Talismans specifically for use in the secret realm.
However, upon learning that such items were for sale, representatives of the forces inquired in an endless stream. Some generous customers immediately paid the price and exchanged for these lifesaving trump cards for their core disciples.
Now was not the time to be frugal; the dangers within the secret realm were real, and accidents could lead to actual deaths.
"Let's go down!"
Yu Lingzhou, Xuebing Xuan, and the other ladies escorted Qing Muling out of the starship, flying towards the entrance of the secret realm, waiting for the official opening.
The large transmission array had a diameter of dozens of miles, located in a desolate valley. At this moment, the thick cyan-golden light curtain in the center of the array rippled like water. Elders with high cultivation and sensitive divine senses could vaguely see the scenery deep within the light curtain.
It seemed to be a world of vibrant colors and vitality, with misty immortal qi wafting about. Although no sound could be heard, one could sense the presence of unknown creatures moving within.
"…This secret realm's prohibitions have a fixed opening and closing cycle. Fellow Daoists have a hundred days to explore freely within. There are many opportunities inside, but also many dangers. Please be careful after entering, as fortune and misfortune are determined by fate…" One of the Dao Court's elders announced loudly.
Qing Muling looked around. The valley was filled with an uncountable number of cultivators, bustling with activity. Their cultivation ranged from the True Unity Realm to the Mysterious Immortal, with even a few Golden Immortals present.
Of course, if they wanted to enter the secret realm to seek fortune, they had to seal their cultivation to the Feather Transformation Realm; otherwise, they wouldn't be allowed to step in.
In addition to the numerous Supreme Dao Lineages, top sects, and immortal and divine dynasties, there were countless disciples from smaller sects and talented independent cultivators.
Not far ahead, Qing Muling saw thousands of young beauties surrounding a dozen tall and slender figures wearing veils, all with beautiful appearances and jade-like complexions, dressed uniformly in dark blue robes and carrying long swords. They were disciples of the female cultivator sect, Qingqiu Hall.
Qingqiu Hall had a good relationship with Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace, with close interactions among their higher-ups. The Holy Maiden Sect nearby was also similar. As staunch supporters of the Qinghuan Emperor, they had even more disciples, nearly ten thousand.
The woman in the red fairy dress veiled among the beauties was undoubtedly the Holy Maiden Sect's senior sister, the designated successor to the Supreme Sect Master.
I wonder who is more beautiful, her or Xuebing Xuan?
Qing Muling mused to himself, then silently activated his innate divine ability, and instantly, tens of thousands of female cultivators appeared clearly in his divine sense.
Of course, he was only concerned with their levels of cultivation, not the size of their bosoms, the length of their legs, the smoothness of their skin, or the slenderness of their waists… He assured himself that he really didn't mean to look at those things.
At that moment, the veiled woman seemed to sense something, turning her head to look back. Upon seeing Qing Muling, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, but she said nothing, just gazing at him intently.
Near the entrance of the transmission array, Qing Muling saw a large group of cultivators in black robes gathered, each with a fierce and murderous aura, exuding an unwelcoming presence.
This was the team from the Shadow Killing Hall. Qing Muling, with his exceptionally sensitive perception, quickly noticed that many hostile gazes from their crowd were sizing up Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace.
Having heard from Dragon Ritual Princess that certain forces would be against Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace, in addition to those from the armillary sphere Star Palace, it seemed they would have to include these people as well. Qing Muling pondered to himself.
Moments later, the fluctuations of the transmission array's prohibitions finally calmed down, and the massive gateway's phantom gradually solidified. With the elder's announcement, the multitude of cultivators began to queue up orderly and enter.
Proofreader & Editor: Peter Pan