As the Heavenly Tribulations drew to a close, Xuebing Xuan and the other female cultivators returned to Imperial Dao Peak for closed-door cultivation, utilizing a time-accelerating formation array to solidify their Xuan Immortal realm cultivation as quickly as possible.

In the current expanse of the Great Void, among the monstrous genius seeds of the same generation as the Senior Sister, very few had reached the True Immortal realm, not to mention the Xuan Immortal realm. Dragon Ritual Princess belonged to the genius seeds of a few generations prior and was therefore not included in this count.

Thus, Mu Yinghua ordered the news to be sealed off to prevent further complications. If the higher-ups of the Supreme Dao Lineages’ powers learned of this, they would likely go mad with envy. In a state of mental imbalance, they might resort to some underhanded tactics.

The monstrous genius seeds that they had painstakingly cultivated, the crown princes prepared to inherit the sect’s legacy, were effortlessly defeated by the daughters of Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace. And it wasn’t just one or two of them, but a group. How could those Old Fellows feel balanced about this?

To avoid unnecessary complications, the higher-ups of Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace still chose to handle the matter discreetly, buying enough growth time for the Senior Sister and the others. As long as they reached the Great Golden Immortal or even the Taiyi Golden Immortal level in the future, there would be no need to hide them any longer.

Of course, if they understood that the change in the fate of Xuebing Xuan and the others was all because of Qing Muling, they would probably come knocking on their door to seek marriage alliances, with the same rationale as Qinghuan Emperor: the blessings must be shared, and Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace cannot monopolize such a heaven-defying opportunity.

If Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace’s higher-ups dared to refuse, then they should be prepared to wage war against all the major forces at the same time!

If they couldn’t become in-laws, then they might as well become enemies!

Anticipating the severity of these consequences, both Emperors and Mu Yinghua unanimously agreed to take the strictest confidentiality measures. Even if they couldn’t keep it secret forever, they would delay as long as possible.

Supreme Sect Master’s abode.

Seeing Qing Muling walk in, Mu Yinghua smiled gently on the cloud bed and asked, “Are you preparing to enter the secret realm?”

“Yes, you know the situation there; I can’t be away for too long.”

Qing Muling spoke, indicating that the Senior Sisters should continue their closed-door cultivation here without worry, and he would bring them along the next time he returned. The two were not in conflict.

Xinyu Emperor smiled faintly, “There’s no need to rush. Take a look at this first. The history of Armillary Sphere Star Palace might really be coming to an end.”

A jade pendant flew from her hand, landing lightly in Qing Muling’s palm.

Qing Muling’s expression changed with surprise as he infused mana to inspect it. After seeing the message inside, his expression immediately changed.

The content in the jade pendant was simple: Origin Star Palace, once devastated into ruins, had recently been restored to its original state by a powerful and mysterious force. Moreover, they had issued a stern notice to Armillary Sphere Star Palace, demanding the return of all the treasures plundered from Origin Star Palace within a specified period, not even a brick or tile to be missed, and a colossal compensation to be paid.

The higher-ups of Armillary Sphere Star Palace naturally refused strongly. Then, three days ago, a large group of powerhouses from Origin Star Palace suddenly appeared outside the Main Altar of the Sect and began to attack their Mountain Protection Array with full force.

“What’s the situation now?”

Qing Muling asked with a frown. The female cultivators of Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace had not participated in the events at Origin Star Palace back then. It was only Sect Master Mu Yinghua who had wandered around the periphery of the Star Palace and then fortuitously obtained the Harmony Spirit Seed that flew out of the chaos.

After acquiring it, she did not linger and immediately left with the Harmony Spirit Seed, which then led to Qing Muling’s transformation.

However, now that Armillary Sphere Star Palace had been targeted, the remaining Dao Lineages that had participated in the looting of Origin Star Palace would inevitably be found and settled with one by one.

“Not very optimistic,”

Xinyu Emperor said with a slight frown, “Armillary Sphere Star Palace has held out until now, but the Mountain Protection Array is already struggling to continue. The high-ranking elders who took the initiative to strike have suffered heavy losses. It looks like they have at most ten days to half a month left before their mountain gate is breached, and then there will be no turning back!”

The power of Origin Star Palace was clearly worthy of its former reputation as the first immortal sanctuary of the Great Void. Now, Armillary Sphere Star Palace had just recovered from the ravages of the Magic Clan’s calamity and was immediately targeted by such a formidable adversary, being suppressed was the expected outcome.

“Do they have… a Quasi Holy Emperor?”

Qing Muling cautiously asked, then shook his head. How could there not be a Quasi Holy Emperor capable of pushing Armillary Sphere Star Palace to the brink of extinction in such a short time? And there must be more than one.

“Definitely,”

Qinghuan Emperor said gravely, “And we suspect that the woman leading the team is the chief disciple of that Saint from back then. She was already at the peak Daluo realm when Origin Star Palace was still unsealed, so stepping into the Quasi Holy Emperor Realm is a logical progression.”

“So, the fall of Armillary Sphere Star Palace is just a matter of time. What we need to discuss now is how to deal with Origin Star Palace’s next move.”

As a superpower aspiring to unify the entire Great Void, Dao Court naturally viewed Origin Star Palace with the utmost vigilance. Although Dao Court had no participation in the looting of Origin Star Palace back then, they also did not intervene afterward.

Now that the people of Origin Star Palace have begun to settle old scores, Armillary Sphere Star Palace is the first, but certainly not the last. The remaining forces, knowing they are no match, have only two viable options: to band together for self-protection or to seek help from the higher-ups of Dao Court.

“Muling, what do you think should be done with these guys?”

Mu Yinghua and Xinyu Emperor exchanged glances, asking casually.

Without hesitation, Qing Muling said, “They should bear the consequences of their own actions. If they are exterminated, it is their own fault, and no one else is to blame.”

“So… Dao Court shouldn’t get involved in this mess, right?” Qinghuan Emperor asked with a smile.

“Definitely. Even if Dao Court saves them now, when that person fully recovers, the matter will still be unresolved. Waging a full-scale war with Origin Star Palace for their sake is of no benefit to Dao Court,” Qing Muling stated.

By now, he had some understanding of the intentions of the two Emperors and his Master. After all, he originated from Origin Star Palace, and any matter related to that place could potentially affect him and Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace.

When that time comes, Qing Muling’s stance will be very important. If he is willing to continue standing by them, by Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace, then all will be well. Otherwise, Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace might not escape the fate of its sect’s legacy collapsing and its lineage being severed.

Qinghuan Emperor pondered for a moment and said, “In that case, Dao Court will ignore this matter. I will inform the other two Emperors to stay out of it.”

Qing Muling looked at her with some surprise. Qinghuan Emperor’s decision to represent Dao Court in this way was obviously well-considered. Those Dao Lineage powers, although not up to par, were nominally obedient to Dao Court’s commands. To ignore them and allow them to be destroyed by Origin Star Palace might sound bad when word gets out.

But on the other hand, given Origin Star Palace’s strength, whether Dao Court intervenes or not, their retaliatory actions are unstoppable. So from Dao Court’s perspective, there is no need to fight a war with no chance of victory.

When a pawn provokes an enemy it shouldn’t, the only outcome is to be discarded; there is no better fate.

After hesitating for a long time, Mu Yinghua couldn’t help but ask, “Muling, the sect and your Master… have never wronged you in the past, right?”

Qing Muling looked at her strangely, “Why ask such a question? Is there any misunderstanding between us?”

“There isn’t, but…”

Mu Yinghua hesitated and finally, it was Xinyu Emperor who spoke more directly, “If one day, that person from Origin Star Palace discovers your identity and wants to take you back, what will you do?”

Qing Muling fell silent for a moment, then said, “You wouldn’t let that scene happen, would you?”

Qinghuan Emperor sighed, “Of course, we will do our best, but… that person’s divine abilities are clearly above ours. If she insists on tracking you down in the future, I’m afraid there’s nothing in the Great Void that can stop her.”

The implication was that one day in the future, when the original owner of Origin Star Palace came knocking, discovering that the Harmony Spirit Seed had actually transformed into a person and had even formed Dao companionships with many female cultivators of Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace, one could only imagine what her reaction would be.

If that powerful Saint’s temperament was not so good… what would happen next was self-explanatory.

“I understand,”

Qing Muling pondered, “But I’m not clear about that person’s temperament and actions. If something that must be faced really happens, I can only guarantee to do my best to protect them from harm. As for anything else, I can’t make any promises.”

Feeling somewhat helpless, if he were a Quasi Holy Emperor by then, he would naturally have the power to protect anyone he wished to protect.

“Reincarnation Paradise”

But if the original owner of Origin Star Palace recovered early and found him before he had grown, then the development of the situation would probably be out of his control.

“Let it be, it’s hard on you,”

Xinyu Emperor said, “What’s certain is that you should still have some time to grow safely. As for what level you can grow to, it’s up to fate. Of course, with your supreme fortune, you will surely not disappoint us.”

Qing Muling breathed a sigh of relief, “Let’s leave it at that! There’s no need to think too much about things that are too far away. Anyway, I don’t think Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace will not get through this.”

After talking for a while, Qing Muling’s figure dissipated on the spot, returning to the Misty Illusion Secret Realm.

Only the two Emperors and Mu Yinghua were left in the abode.

As a burst of clear light flashed by, Fengge Emperor and the other seven disciples of Xinyu Emperor arrived, each with icy skin and jade bones, stunning beauty, and unparalleled charm. Their demeanor and temperament were distinct, and all were at the peak of the Great Golden Immortal realm.

Theoretically, their accumulations in all aspects were already sufficient. With a special opportunity, they might be able to take that crucial step and achieve the Quasi Holy Emperor Dao fruit.

But if the opportunity did not come, they might be stuck at their current realm for a lifetime, and even after eons of disintegration, they might not even touch the threshold of the Quasi Holy Emperor.

Xinyu Emperor spoke warmly, “Sisters, there’s no need for formalities. Please sit and talk.”

The eight stunning beauties nodded in acknowledgment and took their seats.

Qinghuan Emperor looked at Mu Yinghua, hesitating, “Does he really not remember anything about his past life? I’ve checked Dao Court’s secret archives on Origin Star Palace, but unfortunately, I haven’t found any records on this. Otherwise, we could speculate on that person’s temperament and Qing Muling’s past life.”

Xinyu Emperor spoke indifferently, “I think Muling is transforming into a person for the first time. He has no records of transforming and reincarnating before, so we probably don’t need to worry about that.”

Mu Yinghua nodded in agreement, “I think so too. If he really had a precedent for transformation, then why would he revert to the Harmony Spirit Seed? That doesn’t make sense. That ancient Saint nurtured him in the thousand-petal merit Blue Lotus pond with her blood, probably to facilitate his transformation as soon as possible.”

Qinghuan Emperor looked deeply at Mu Yinghua. Since Qing Muling was brought back by her, she must have the most say in this matter.

But what exactly happened at the critical moment of the Harmony Spirit Seed’s transformation, except for her, no second person was present to witness it. So, are there some secrets that even she doesn’t know?

Thinking of this, Qinghuan Emperor felt a bit frustrated. Although they are now close allies who advance and retreat together, the Sect Master of Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace still has reservations about her.

And Qing Muling as well, ultimately, he did not treat his daughter equally.

“This matter is not too urgent; we can take our time to consider it later,”

Fengge Emperor said with a slight frown, “To truly protect Qing Muling, we need to have enough hard power to negotiate with Origin Star Palace. In other words, we must find a way to break through to the Quasi Holy Emperor realm in the shortest possible time. As long as one or two disciples succeed, the situation will be much more favorable for us in the future.”

To this day, Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace only has one Quasi Holy Emperor. Not to mention facing Origin Star Palace, even facing Dao Court, they have no advantage. If not for Qinghuan Emperor’s unwillingness, the other two Emperors of Dao Court would have probably known about Qing Muling’s existence and joined forces to snatch him away long ago.

Mu Yinghua sighed, “How easy is it to achieve the Quasi Holy Emperor Dao fruit? Without a heaven-defying opportunity and fortune, don’t even think about it. Muling might be able to help us, but that’s after his cultivation has improved. It’s still too early now.”

If they were to act on that youngster now, perhaps by completely draining him and consuming everything, they might barely be able to create a Quasi Holy Emperor? But such foolish actions of killing the goose that lays the golden eggs are not considered by anyone with a bit of sense.

As the person closest to Qing Muling, Mu Yinghua knew very well that if he could have the Golden Immortal cultivation now, she would be the first to benefit greatly. Not to mention the Great Golden Immortal, the Quasi Holy Emperor Dao fruit would also be a matter of course, although the process was somewhat embarrassing for her to speak of.

Xinyu Emperor nodded, “Naturally, let’s leave it at that for now. Some things can’t be rushed; patience is key.”

Regarding the original owner of Origin Star Palace’s plans, Xinyu Emperor felt that she should have some premonition. The other party had paid such a great price to nurture the Harmony Spirit Seed in the thousand-petal merit Blue Lotus pond, not just for decoration, but for an unprecedented plan.

What kind of goal is worth such a large investment and such a long wait? Other than the supreme Dao fruit of the primordial holy person, what else could it be?

Unfortunately, now that Qing Muling has become the future Sect Master of Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace, he belongs to all of them, and no one can take him away!

…

Armillary Sphere Immortal Domain, Main Altar of Armillary Sphere Star Palace.

The fully activated Mountain Protection Array, like a layer of tough, transparent egg-white dome, covered a vast expanse of tens of billions of miles of void land. Despite the relentless flames stretching for billions of miles outside, and countless icebergs, meteorites, and thunder dragons pouring down like raindrops, the array remained unshaken.

Of course, that was just the surface.

At the top of the majestic main peak, in front of the steps of the Council Hall, Sect Master Yan Qinyang’s face was ashen, his bloodshot eyes fixed on the movements in the sky.

There were at most twelve days left before the Mountain Protection Array would completely collapse. The eagerly waiting forces of Origin Star Palace outside would rush in and slaughter wildly, killing all the disciples without sparing a single one.