Dao Court’s pivotal location.

In the world of Hidden Cave Mystical Realm, the Qinghuan Emperor reclined languidly on her couch, her voluptuous and enchanting figure shrouded in the splendid radiance of the dawn. The Dragon Ritual Princess sat upright beside her, her flawless beauty accentuated by an exquisite hairpin nestled in her high bun. Her gaze was serene as she listened silently to the report from her attendant, Su Yuanzhen.

The report focused on the recent calamity of the Magic Clan, detailing which sects and family powers in the Great Void had fallen or suffered severe losses and were now seeking aid. It also mentioned which Supreme Dao Lineage powers were running low on strategic resources and had sent envoys to the three Emperors of Dao Court for support.

No one knew how long this calamity would last. Perhaps the three Emperors of Dao Court had their speculations, but they would never reveal a hint to the outside world.

“…Is the Bright Moon Sword Sect really that stingy?”

The Dragon Ritual Princess asked indifferently, “Even now, they refuse to bow their heads, waiting until their sacred grounds are breached and their lineage is on the brink of extinction before they regret?”

Su Yuanzhen chuckled, “People don’t shed tears until they see the coffin. After all, it’s a Dao Lineage that has been passed down for tens of thousands of years. How could they willingly hand over their foundation without being pushed to the brink?”

The Dragon Ritual Princess shook her head slightly, “Then let them continue to hold out. Let’s see how much longer they can last. The Armillary Sphere Star Palace is also struggling to survive and can’t spare any help. If they don’t make a decision soon, they might just be the next Supreme Dao Lineage to fall.”

Su Yuanzhen agreed, “Your Highness is right. In these trying times, it’s already good enough to survive. If they continue to be stubborn, they’ll only have themselves to blame later.”

Some time ago, the Sect Master of the Bright Moon Sword Sect, Lin Xuan Yuan, had sought aid from Dao Court’s higher-ups, who did not refuse but presented a list of harsh conditions that were hard for them to accept, leading to no agreement.

Accepting those terms would mean the Bright Moon Sword Sect would have to give up their independence and become a vassal to Dao Court, with all future decisions subject to the whims of Dao Court’s higher-ups. This was something Lin Xuan Yuan could not accept.

Of course, Dao Court’s higher-ups would not force anyone. If they refused, it was fine, but they would have to bear all subsequent troubles themselves. If they could withstand it, all would be well. If not, they would perish and their lineage would end, and they could blame no one but themselves.

Those Supreme Dao Lineage powers that had already perished, aside from being located next to the Dark Immortal Realm and being targeted by the Magic Clan progeny and many high-level powerhouses, also fell because they were unwilling to submit to Dao Court’s conditions.

Without sufficient strength and powerful allies, once targeted by top-tier powerhouses of the Magic Clan progeny, there was no other outcome but death.

“Aunt Zhen, how long do you think those Dao Lineage powers can hold out?” The Dragon Ritual Princess asked with interest.

Su Yuanzhen pondered for a moment before cautiously replying, “The Bright Moon Sword Sect originally had a Quasi Holy Emperor, but unfortunately, due to severe injuries, recovery is impossible. It’s as if they have none. The Supreme Elders in the Hidden Cave Mystical Realm, like living dead, might come out at a critical moment to inflict heavy casualties on those invaders, but that’s about it.”

“I reckon, if they’re unlucky, they might last another year or so at most. Even if they’re lucky, two to three years is the limit. If a Quasi Holy Emperor of the Magic Clan appears at their sacred grounds, they probably won’t last three days.”

The power of a Quasi Holy Emperor is indeed close to the pinnacle of this world’s laws, but it is far from invincible. Over the long years, the number of Quasi Holy Emperors who have been severely injured and fallen into slumber is far greater than one might imagine.

The Dragon Ritual Princess nodded, “Not far from my guess. The Armillary Sphere Star Palace is probably not faring much better. I heard that not only did the Magic Clan progeny come knocking, but there’s also an unknown force that has attacked their core territories multiple times, causing significant losses. To this day, they haven’t figured out who the attackers are, which is really…”

As for the identity of that unknown force, the Qinghuan Emperor actually had her suspicions, but of course, she would never reveal a word to outsiders.

The situations of the Nine Spirit Proto Gate and the Azure Fall Divine Sect were not optimistic either. Without sufficient and powerful allies, it was only a matter of time before their Main Altars were breached by those invaders.

But looking at the Great Void now, aside from Dao Court, which sits high above and watches the changes, there are very few Supreme Dao Lineage powers left with the capacity to support others. These Dao Lineages that have suffered heavy losses will have to pay a hefty price to preserve their lineage.

In fact, many medium and small Dao Lineage powers, as well as ordinary large sects and families, have already announced unconditional allegiance to Dao Court. Although they have lost their autonomy and must henceforth look to Dao Court for direction, it’s better than being slaughtered by the Magic Clan progeny and ending up without a burial place.

Anyone with clear eyes can see that after this round of the Magic Clan’s calamity, only one in ten powers will survive. The huge power vacuum will be divided among these remaining Dao Lineage powers.

Among them, Dao Court’s overall strength and influence will surge, far surpassing that before the calamity, taking a big step closer to the goal of unifying the entire Great Void!

Whether one likes it or not, this Great Void is ultimately a world where strength speaks.

“…These four Dao Lineage powers actually don’t need much attention anymore,”

The elegant and clear voice of the Qinghuan Emperor sounded, “To them, it’s just a matter of dying sooner or later. Tell the people below not to pay attention to their borrowing requests anymore. Increase the price of selling various resources by thirty percent, and have them repay the debts they owe Dao Court in advance. That’s their last value!”

“Understood…”

Although Su Yuanzhen was somewhat puzzled, she respectfully agreed, her heart couldn’t help but grumble.

After thinking it over, this loyal attendant reminded, “Your Majesty, if these four Supreme Dao Lineage powers perish, then in that vast expanse of immortal domains, only Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace will remain as a Supreme Dao Lineage power! The remaining sects and noble families are no match for Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace, so maybe we should reconsider?”

With these four powers as Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace’s sworn enemies now perishing, Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace will no longer have any checks and balances. They can comfortably digest their victories and expand into the surrounding areas, possibly occupying a dozen or so ownerless large immortal domains in one go.

The Qinghuan Emperor laughed, “That may be true, but I have no intention of changing my mind, and I believe the other two Emperors feel the same.”

With the perspective of a Quasi Holy Emperor, it was clear that the rise of Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace was a trend that the surrounding powers simply could not stop. Even if Dao Court was willing to support them with all its might and spare no expense, it would still end up losing everything.

The reason is simple: Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace has Qing Muling. Under the suppression of his supreme fortune, the combined forces of those few Supreme Dao Lineage powers are no match for him, so the outcome has been predetermined.

The Dragon Ritual Princess whispered, “Mother, are we just going to let Qing Muling go?”

“Do you regret it?”

The Qinghuan Emperor’s pure and clear gaze turned to her, and the Dragon Ritual Princess sighed without a word.

Back when she was in Dao Court, the Dragon Ritual Princess had a very good impression of Qing Muling. However, after learning that he already had a Dao Companion, she hesitated and eventually gave up reluctantly.

But looking back now, it was probably the only stupid thing she had done in her life, and the biggest one at that.

The Qinghuan Emperor spoke indifferently, “No worries, I will discuss it with the Emperor of Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace later. You should be able to get your wish, but… you’ll have to get along with the sisters around Qing Muling. After all, they came first.”

“Can’t we just drive them all away?”

The Dragon Ritual Princess’s expression brightened, then she asked again, somewhat unwilling to give up.

The Qinghuan Emperor shook her head slightly, “It’s not possible for now. They have been with Qing Muling for so long and have developed feelings. Besides, since Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace has realized the immeasurable value of Qing Muling, how could they willingly give up? They must leave some leeway. If they insist on monopolizing, they would rather have a complete fallout with Dao Court than compromise.”

“Alright, I understand.”

The Dragon Ritual Princess exhaled softly. This was a satisfactory outcome. As long as she could spend time with Qing Muling day and night, there would come a day when he would accept her.

…

Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace, Imperial Dao Peak.

Taking advantage of the absence of his senior sisters, Qing Muling once again slipped into Mu Yinghua’s abode under the pretext of seeking guidance on cultivation.

After all, serving tea and water to his master, massaging and rubbing shoulders were also excellent ways to deepen the master-disciple relationship, or so Qing Muling thought and acted upon.

However, today was a bit inconvenient. Just as Qing Muling was getting started, the familiar glow of clouds emerged, and the figure of the Xinyu Emperor appeared in the abode.

“Emperor, why have you come?”

Surprised, Mu Yinghua quickly slapped away the hand on her voluptuous thigh and stood up to greet her, with Qing Muling following suit.

Fortunately, the Xinyu Emperor did not mind and spoke warmly, “I have a premonition that the one from Dao Court might contact you soon, so be prepared.”

“Is it about Muling again?”

Mu Yinghua quickly realized and her expression turned slightly displeased, “Didn’t we already make it clear last time? Why are they still…”

The Xinyu Emperor calmly said, “Given the current situation, this should be the most appropriate choice, right? You know it in your heart.”

Mu Yinghua’s demeanor deflated, and she touched her forehead with a speechless expression. What was all this? She had barely sent away the visitor from the Great Brahma Temple, and the Goddess Sect and Qingqiu Hall were also troublesome. Now the Qinghuan Emperor was meddling, making her feel utterly exhausted.

Sure enough, moments later, Mu Yinghua’s communication jade talisman lit up.

She skillfully infused it with magic, and the surface of the jade talisman shimmered with a beautiful light. After a few breaths, it turned into a magical projection mirror, revealing the figure of the Qinghuan Emperor.

Qing Muling looked around and discreetly hid behind the Xinyu Emperor; he certainly did not want to attract the attention of this great figure.

“You know why I’m contacting you, right?”

The Qinghuan Emperor got straight to the point, “In a few days, the Dragon Ritual Princess will set off for Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace, bringing along some aid for your faction. From now on, she will be Muling’s Dao Companion. You, as Sect Master, surely won’t object, right?”

Mu Yinghua glanced at the Xinyu Emperor beside her and asked with a frown, “What if I insist on refusing? You can’t really do anything to us, can you? Muling would never succumb to your pressure!”

Given the concern for Dao Court’s external image and reputation, the Qinghuan Emperor couldn’t possibly turn hostile and force the issue, especially since Qing Muling could just stay within the sect’s Main Altar and never leave, making it impossible for her to barge in and take him away.

The Qinghuan Emperor’s eyebrows raised slightly, and she smiled faintly, “I really can’t do anything to you, but… I am well aware of Muling’s true identity. The one from the Origin Star Palace is about to awaken, and her old subordinates have already started to move within the Great Void. What are your thoughts?”

“Don’t be in a hurry to deny it. Xinyu could recover so quickly, and aside from Muling, I can’t think of anyone else capable of such a miraculous feat. And those Supreme Elders in your Hidden Cave Mystical Realm, they’re almost recovered, aren’t they?”

“If you really don’t want to accept my proposal, then I won’t force you. But if the Origin Star Palace’s former master gets the news and comes to take Muling away, just Xinyu alone, I’m afraid, won’t be able to stop her!”

“You…”

Mu Yinghua’s face finally changed, and even the Xinyu Emperor was frowning, silent.

The Qinghuan Emperor’s message was simple: You want to monopolize? You’re not willing to share with me? Then let’s part ways!

Once the news leaks and the original owner of the Origin Star Palace learns that you’ve taken away the Harmony Spirit Seed, she will probably not only come to take him back but also annihilate the entire Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace. What will you do then?

“What do you think?”

After a moment of silence, the Xinyu Emperor finally spoke.

“It’s simple. Convince Muling to accept the Dragon Ritual Princess, and from now on, the internal forces of Dao Court, my faction, can fully support Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace and stand with you. Moreover, I am confident I can persuade the other two Emperors to intervene if necessary.”

“How about it? These terms are quite sincere, aren’t they?”

The Qinghuan Emperor smiled reservedly.

Four peak Quasi Holy Emperors, facing the one from the Origin Star Palace, might not be able to win, but at least they could hold their own and gain a bargaining chip.

Mu Yinghua weighed her options for a long while, then sighed softly, “Such terms are indeed impossible for us to refuse.”

The Qinghuan Emperor was pleased, “Good that you understand. Then, let’s agree on this.”