The descendants of the Magic Clan that launched the attack were originally cleaning up the battlefield on the floating land. Sensing the sudden appearance of the two women, they decided to intercept and kill them on a whim, only to hit a snag.
With Zihuang’s cultivation, these guys, at most in the Feather Transformation Realm, were nothing more than chickens and dogs in her eyes. The sword formation conjured by the Qing Luo Umbrella struck casually, unleashing boundless sharp sword qi that instantly turned these aberrations into sieves, with tiny pieces of flesh and blood spraying across the sky.
“Sister, there are still many aberrations on that floating land! They… they actually…”
The girl Lingxi’s face turned ashen as she now clearly saw the horrific scene on the surface of the floating land. Shocked and unable to contain the rage welling up in her heart.
Although the world of cultivation was one of great contention, with the common sights of sword glares and bloodshed, such organized and large-scale slaughters of defenseless commoners, extracting their fresh blood and souls for their own growth, were acts of evil without any bottom line, greatly impacting Lingxi’s moral baseline.
“These things worse than beasts, only they could do such things!”
Zihuang’s expression was also somewhat ugly, but she was not inclined to meddle: “Let’s leave quickly. Once we reach the territory of Calamity Fate Palace, we’ll inquire about the causes and consequences of this matter. How could the Great Void Starry Sky have encountered such a calamity in just a few years…”
As they spoke, the hexagonal tower that had been floating motionless began to stir, slowly accelerating towards the direction of the two women. The tower’s body, assembled from countless unknown giant beast bones, surged with thick and pure blood light, making the twisted and ferocious shadows on it much more substantial.
Even from a great distance, the appalling and fierce aura that rose to the sky could be clearly felt, as if it were a nightmare demon that had crawled out from the deepest depths of the Nine Serenities Hell.
“Have we been targeted?”
Zihuang’s expression turned icy: “I didn’t want to bother with them, but since they’re so ignorant of death, then there’s no need for them to return. All of them, stay!”
With that, centered on the carriage of the two women, a magnificent and mysterious star chart slowly emerged, expanding to a range of ten thousand miles in the span of one percent of a breath. Billions of stars hung high in the sky, emitting a vast and profound pressure of destruction that enveloped the hexagonal tower within.
A dark blue star fell silently from the sky, locking onto the position of the tower, followed by the second, the third… thousands upon thousands of stars fell in an unbroken chain.
The upper echelons of the Magic Clan within the tower sensed the threat and reacted swiftly. Rolling blood light erupted, quickly condensing into a blood-colored behemoth hundreds of miles in size, attempting to block the bombardment of the countless dark blue stars.
In a thousandth of an instant, the two forces collided fiercely, exploding with a bang!
A blood sun slowly bloomed!
The extreme shockwave spread in all directions, the blood-colored behemoth was shattered as if it were dry and rotten, the blood light on the exterior of the hexagonal tower crumbled inch by inch, and amidst the dense crackling sounds, countless web-like cracks appeared on the pale tower body, even oozing out scarlet blood, with eerie cries of mourning faintly arising.
“Is this magic weapon actually alive?”
Lingxi was puzzled, but her actions were not slow. Two red silks shot out, stirring the wind and clouds, transforming into two flood dragons with bared fangs and glaring eyes, entangling the damaged tower and suddenly exerting force.
The cracks on the tower body rapidly expanded, more fresh blood surged out, and it seemed that this valuable artifact was about to be completely destroyed.
“Retreat…”
Dozens of figures flew out from the interior of the tower, with the Magic Clan leader’s expression panic-stricken as he ordered, knowing that the two human cultivators they faced were at least Xuan Immortal level, while the highest among their group of Magic Clan descendants was only at the True Immortal level, with no chance of winning.
“Gene Era”
“You’ve come all this way, and now you think of running?”
Zihuang sneered, the colorful Qing Luo Umbrella flew out again, transforming into a cage-like sword formation, easily sweeping them in.
After a series of chilling screams and curses, the sword formation went completely silent, and the tower was also shredded by the sword light, with the low and mid-level Magic Clan descendants inside naturally not spared.
“Is this what they’ve gathered as spoils of war? Truly heartless and infuriating…”
After clearing the battlefield, Lingxi looked at the several hundred floating spatial artifacts and some blood crystals and soul crystals in front of her, her face showing disgust.
Zihuang’s expression was much calmer: “Although it’s ill-gotten wealth, it’s still best to keep it well. It might come in handy in the future.”
Looking back at the tragic state of the floating land, this proud daughter of heaven sighed softly: “Let’s go. The calamity that the Great Void Starry Sky has encountered this time won’t be so easily overcome. Fortunately, our Heavenly Human Clan’s world doesn’t have these ghostly things.”
Lingxi fell silent, the image of that beautiful human youth from the past suddenly appeared in her mind, wondering how he was doing now. It was not easy to come here once, and she wondered if there was a chance to see him again.
…
Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace, Imperial Dao Peak.
In the cave dwelling of Xinyu Emperor, the time acceleration formation had been activated, and a large group of high-ranking female cultivators with sharp eyes and tense expressions stood guard outside, not to be disturbed without summons.
Inside the cave dwelling, Qing Muling, looking tired, slowly ended his cultivation and took the pills handed over by Yu Lingzhou, swallowing them and beginning to meditate and recuperate.
In his sea of consciousness, the Harmony Spirit Seed also vibrated slightly, with a massive influx of spiritual energy essence rolling in from the vast expanse of the void, rapidly replenishing his essence, qi, and spirit.
Opposite him, a beautiful woman in golden cloud attire, with a cold and graceful appearance and a jade-like complexion, rose gracefully. She sensed her own condition for a moment, filled with the warm Dao Rhyme from the beautiful youth in front of her, feeling warm and comfortable all over, as if soaking in a hot spring, indescribably cozy.
A blush quietly climbed onto her flawless jade face, her beautiful eyes glancing at Qing Muling in front of her, deeply observing him for a while, not knowing what to say.
“Sister Yuning, how do you feel?”
Yu Lingzhou asked warmly. This beautiful woman named Tang Yuning was her senior sister, with a cultivation far above hers. She was severely injured in a sect war with Huaqing Divine Palace years ago, with no hope of recovery, and could only helplessly slumber in this Hidden Cave Mystical Realm.
“Very good, this young man is indeed… quite extraordinary.”
Tang Yuning looked at Qing Muling, who was meditating with closed eyes, not knowing how to describe her impression of him.
After so many years of slumber, the original her had no hope, but unexpectedly, the sect really found a special opportunity that could restore her as before. Although it was a man’s body… it seemed that the result was not bad.
Yu Lingzhou smiled and began to communicate with her senior sister through divine thoughts, not knowing what she said, but Tang Yuning’s face blushed even more, shaking her head slightly to indicate resistance, although her attitude did not seem very firm.
After all, having received such a great favor from this young man, some things were actually negotiable, and if she could make further progress in the future…
Moments later, when Qing Muling reopened his eyes, he saw that Xinyu Emperor had already come over on the distant platform.
“Greetings, Emperor!”
The more than two hundred high-ranking female immortals who were meditating and recuperating all stood up to salute. Although they were all figures with profound cultivation and had once held the position of Supreme Sect Master, in front of this oldest founding ancestor of the third generation of disciples, everyone was a junior, and no one dared to be negligent.
“Hmm, you have all fully recovered. In a moment, I will close the formation and send you back to your respective Dao Courts.”
The Emperor nodded slightly, speaking with satisfaction: “You have three days to rest, and then you must go out to hunt the Magic Clan and earn heavenly merits. This is very important for the sect, remember not to slack off.”
The elders respectfully agreed.
Xinyu Emperor waved her hand gently, and as the layers of light dimmed, the time acceleration formation and various protective formations of different functions were closed one by one, followed by the heavy palace doors slowly opening.
The more than two hundred Supreme Elders saluted again, and after many glances filled with complex emotions at Qing Muling, they took their leave.
Qing Muling’s eyes lowered, and he sighed silently in his heart. These days, he had been tirelessly treating the elders, certainly earning their greatest gratitude and goodwill, but the side effects that arose from this were not so pleasant.
For instance, his inner space was now filled with a large number of hairpins, fragrance pouches, jade pendants, phoenix crowns, and the like, all gifts from them, each given with an enthusiastic attitude that could not be refused.
Feeling gloomy, Qing Muling had to repeatedly remind Yu Lingzhou, Yueyi Heavenly Lord, and the other women around him not to reveal this to the senior sisters, otherwise, when he returned, he would definitely not be left in peace. He didn’t know how the jealous senior sisters would torment him.
Yu Lingzhou and the other Supreme Elders were not easy to deal with either, taking the opportunity to make big demands, taking advantage of him in various ways, and only after reaping enough benefits did they agree to cooperate with a smile.
Xinyu Emperor was well aware of this but turned a blind eye.
From the standpoint of Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace, if they could create more emotional ties for this young man, it would certainly be a harmless outcome.
She spoke softly to Qing Muling: “I have already prepared the list of elders who need treatment in the next batch for you. You just need to follow the order.”
With that, a jade slip fell into his hand.
Qing Muling skillfully infused it with mana to activate it, and a small golden light screen appeared, neatly listing two hundred names. These were the next batch of Supreme Elders who needed treatment and recovery, with varying levels of cultivation.
After looking at it, Qing Muling didn’t think much of it, but Yu Lingzhou and Yueyi Heavenly Lord beside him changed their expressions, and Ice Falcon Heavenly Lord’s expression was also somewhat subtle.
“Emperor, why is Luoyun Shui included in this list?”
Yu Lingzhou’s gentle voice carried a rare anger: “This stupid and useless woman, why save her? She should be left to die! Including all her disciples and grandchildren, none should be spared!”
“I have no objections, I believe this is also the intention of the Supreme Sect Master!”
Yueyi Heavenly Lord stated expressionlessly.
Luoyun Shui?
Qing Muling thought for a moment before he realized that this seemed to be the previous Supreme Sect Master, the one who presided over Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace ten thousand years ago.
After she took office, a series of foolish and stupid decisions emerged, one major mistake after another, and after a series of blunders, she finally caused the sect’s prosperous situation to completely reverse, attracting the joint siege of many hostile Dao Lineage forces.
Even some sect forces that had previously had good relations saw Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace with such a weirdo in charge and couldn’t help but change their stance, joining in to kick them while they were down.
The final result was a significant decline in the overall strength of Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace, losing most of its territory, and countless strategic interests were lost, both tangible and intangible.
In the end, the remaining Supreme Elders, unable to bear it any longer, finally joined forces to force this incompetent Sect Master to abdicate, hand over power, and be imprisoned for life, along with her faction’s collective downfall.
Of course, in that final key battle, Sect Master Luoyun Shui was also seriously injured, so after abdicating, she too entered the Hidden Cave Mystical Realm to recuperate and slumber.
Xinyu Emperor explained: “Luoyun Shui indeed made a big mistake, but now the sect is in need of people. After all, she is a Great Golden Immortal-level powerhouse. Although not suitable for holding important positions, she can still be used to charge into battle and defend a region.”
For most cultivators, the achievement of the Great Golden Immortal is something that can be encountered but not sought after. Many individuals who were once considered geniuses and famous throughout the Great Void Starry Sky may not even reach the Taiyi Golden Immortal realm, let alone the Great Golden Immortal.
Even the Dao Courts cannot easily ignore the value of a Great Golden Immortal, let alone Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace?
Yueyi Heavenly Lord said softly: “Emperor, please see clearly, when Luoyun Shui was forced to abdicate, she still harbored resentment. Those contracts that led to the loss of power and territory were basically agreed upon by her. Originally, as long as the sect continued to persevere a little longer, it would not have suffered such a great loss. It was all because of her…”
The catastrophe that the sect encountered ten thousand years ago was largely Luoyun Shui’s fault, but she did not see it that way. If it were not for the fact that she was one of the few Great Golden Immortal-level powerhouses in the sect, she would have been executed after abdicating.
Now, if she were to make a comeback, what might happen next is uncertain. A Great Golden Immortal with a grudge and unwilling to cooperate can cause considerable damage, and if not careful, it could be another unimaginable disaster.
Xinyu Emperor pondered and said: “In that case, let’s call the Sect Master to ask, and also call those Supreme Elders who were in charge back then.”
She had not personally experienced the catastrophe of ten thousand years ago, so she had no prejudice against Luoyun Shui. Of course, the opinions of the Supreme Elders were also very important, and it was always right to listen to the views of these parties involved.
Shortly after, Mu Yinghua arrived upon hearing the news, followed by more than ten Supreme Elders who had also survived the catastrophe.
“Emperor, I truly cannot agree with your opinion,”
Mu Yinghua’s attitude was gentle but firm: “After Luoyun Shui was forced to abdicate, her faction’s power was cleansed, all rights and interests were stripped, and her few personal disciples, as well as all members of her family, were sent to remote territories to serve hard labor. To this day, they have all perished due to various reasons.”
“If she were to recover, would she feel aggrieved about the past? Would she try to cause trouble again? The sect cannot withstand another turmoil.”
Xinyu Emperor was silent for a while, her gaze sweeping around: “What do the other elders think?”
Yu Lingzhou immediately said: “I agree with the Sect Master’s view.”
Yueyi Heavenly Lord agreed: “I also agree.”
“I agree.”
“Agree.”
“…”
The remaining elders expressed their stance one after another. They all had family members, fellow sisters, and even personal disciples who perished in the disaster, and they could say they were killed by Luoyun Shui, so naturally, they would not have any good feelings towards her.
The combat power of a Great Golden Immortal is indeed important. In some Supreme Dao Lineages, top sects, and hidden powerful families, without a Quasi Holy Emperor to preside, the Great Golden Immortal is the highest level of strategic force, and those who can achieve the Great Golden Immortal are also very few.
But compared to the major mistakes Luoyun Shui had made, the current high-level members of Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace were unwilling to take risks, even if it meant losing a Great Golden Immortal-level combatant.
Xinyu Emperor’s eyes moved, looking at Qing Muling: “Junior Brother, what do you think?”
Now the entire sect was accustomed to calling him Junior Brother, as a way to show closeness, and also because Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace had only produced Qing Muling as a formal male disciple in millions of years, with a status so special it was unparalleled.