Tongying Emperor’s intentions were something Mu Yinghua had already speculated about.

It seemed that she, too, had learned through some secret channels about Qing Muling’s extraordinary nature, prompting such an unusual decision.

However, from the perspective of Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace, this was not good news. Previously, Xinyu Emperor had gone to great lengths to fend off the advances of the Great Brahma Temple, the ancient Kylin clan, and Qingqiu Hall. Now, another formidable figure had emerged, one who seemed determined to get her way.

It was simply… exasperating.

Mu Yinghua gazed at Tongying Emperor for a long while before slightly lowering her eyes, “Sister, do you really think I should agree to this?”

Tongying Emperor smiled reservedly, speaking leisurely, “Why not? Our two families have always had excellent relations, with ample strategic trust between us. Therefore, such an alliance through marriage is only right and a win-win situation.”

Mu Yinghua sighed softly, “Why must you set your sights on Qing Muling? With so many talented and exceptional youths in The Great Void, is there not one that catches your eye, sister?”

Tongying Emperor chuckled, “There are many monstrous geniuses, but there is only one Qing Muling! Since its founding, Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace has never accepted a single male disciple, yet they are willing to make an exception for him, which speaks volumes.”

Although information about Qing Muling was scarce, these influential figures were no fools. Many judgments could be made without evidence.

Tongying Emperor was still unaware of Qing Muling’s background, but she felt that if she had discovered this youth first, she would likely have taken the same measures as Mu Yinghua, taking him as a direct disciple and grooming him to be the future Sect Master of the Goddess Sect.

“Sister’s proposal is excellent, but it comes a bit late.”

Mu Yinghua said with a deep look, “My direct disciples have already become Dao Companions with Muling, and his character is not as outstanding as you believe. At such a young age, he is already lecherous, having more than one Dao Companion yet still flirting around in the sect, not sparing even the maids and servants. I somewhat regret deciding to take him as my successor.”

To permanently dissuade Tongying Emperor, Mu Yinghua went all out, even at the expense of tarnishing her own disciple’s reputation.

The masked female cultivator beside Tongying Emperor, who had been silent, shifted slightly and looked at her Master with inquiring eyes.

“Is such a matter really a problem?”

Tongying Emperor smiled charmingly, “It’s only natural for a young man to be fond of beauty. Since he already has so many Dao Companions, he probably wouldn’t mind one more. In fact… if he likes, my palace can even offer a group of beautiful female cultivators as part of the dowry.”

Mu Yinghua’s words were something the Emperor didn’t believe at all.

Even if it were true, what difference would it make? With Qing Muling’s terrifying fortune, unless he committed a heinous crime, any power would choose to protect and accommodate him.

Mu Yinghua sighed, “Sister’s direct disciples are surely the pride of The Great Void, how could they be entrusted to someone unworthy? Muling’s nature will surely wrong Qingchan in the future, why insist on this?”

Finally speaking up, Xinyu Emperor said, “Tongying Junior Sister, Qing Muling already has several Dao Companions. Even if Qingchan marries him, she would only have the status of a concubine, which would be too unfair to her and detrimental to the long-term friendly relations between our two sects. Let’s not bring this up again, shall we?”

Tongying Emperor’s eyes remained calm, “The secret of Qing Muling’s fortune will inevitably become known to more and more Dao Lineages. There will be no shortage of those who covet and plot in secret, or even openly seize by force. Can Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace withstand the pressure without strong allies?”

“Not to mention, Origin Star Palace has been revived. If they learn of Qing Muling’s existence and take an interest, what will become of Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace?”

Faced with the pressure of numerous Supreme Dao Lineages and powerful families, Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace, with only a Quasi Holy Emperor, would definitely not withstand it. That’s why Tongying Emperor was confident that Mu Yinghua could not refuse her request.

The final words seemed to have an effect, as both Mu Yinghua and Xinyu Emperor’s expressions changed, falling silent for a moment.

Clearly, Tongying Emperor’s sources were not as well-informed as Qinghuan Emperor of Dao Court, so she was unaware of the true relationship between Origin Star Palace and Qing Muling. But her conclusion was not wrong.

“If that day truly comes, even if you and I join forces, we may not be able to solve the problem.”

Xinyu Emperor said leisurely, “With the terrifying power of Origin Star Palace, it’s not something that just two Quasi Holy Emperors can contend with. At present, it would take at least four or five Emperors joining forces to even have a chance at negotiation.”

As for the future, if that slumbering master truly returns, it would probably take more than half of The Great Void’s Supreme Dao Lineages’ powers, plus Dao Court, to stand a chance.

Tongying Emperor immediately said, “That’s not a problem. When the time comes, I will personally expend favors to ask for assistance from Qinghuan Sister of Dao Court. Her connection with the Goddess Sect goes without saying. As for the remaining power gap… I believe Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace has ways to resolve it.”

She was unaware that Qinghuan Emperor had already allied with Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace, hence her stance. But regardless of the facts, the sincerity shown by the Goddess Sect was indeed enough.

After pondering for a while, Xinyu Emperor finally said, “In that case, let’s wait until the Misty Illusion Secret Realm closes.”

She planned to discuss with Qinghuan Emperor later before deciding how to respond to Tongying Emperor, whether to accept the Goddess Sect into the alliance. It required the unanimous approval of the existing allies.

“This…”

Tongying Emperor hesitated, then said, “Can we first call out Qing Muling to meet him and Qingchan?”

At that moment, the masked female cultivator beside her rose and greeted Xinyu Emperor and Mu Yinghua with a bow.

Mu Yinghua sized her up, noting that Qingchan Fairy’s figure was equally eye-catching, so much so that her wide-sleeved robe could not conceal it. The full curves of her chest were oppressively visible, her slender waist was just right, and below the smooth waistline, the impact of her round buttocks and shapely legs was undeniable. Overall, she had a perfect gourd-shaped figure.

Compared to her Master, Tongying Emperor, she was hardly inferior.

Yet, she still couldn’t compare to herself!

Mu Yinghua glanced at her own chest, feeling utterly confident.

“This is like sending a lamb into a tiger’s den…”

Thinking of Qing Muling’s behavior, Mu Yinghua sighed inwardly. Tongying Emperor still didn’t understand her well-intentioned efforts. Did she really think that sending her disciple over would settle everything? Perhaps even she, the Master, wouldn’t be able to escape!

If the Master and disciple both fell into his hands in the future, competing in the same bed, stacked together or side by side…

Xinyu Emperor said, “Qing Muling is currently seeking opportunities in the Misty Illusion Secret Realm. We don’t know if he is in a safe area, so let’s wait until it’s over, shall we?”

This was no lie. When cultivators explored the Misty Illusion Secret Realm, if they didn’t return to report, those outside really couldn’t know the specifics inside the realm. Without proper communication methods, they could only wait for the other party to return before exchanging information.

Qingchan Fairy felt a bit disappointed. She had hoped to meet Qing Muling and then persuade him to take her with him into the secret realm for an adventure. After all, spending time together was the way to cultivate feelings.

Now, it seemed a bit inconvenient.

…

In the secret realm, deep within an abandoned ancient Dao Court.

Before Qing Muling now was a vast and magnificent starry sky, with beautiful and mysterious starlight shining from all directions, illuminating the heavens. The subtle Dao Rhyme permeated the area.

A hundred miles away, nine slowly rotating vortex-like nebulae, or portals, emanated a grand and profound aura that subtly spilled from within.

Dragon Ritual Princess had a vague premonition that once that mysterious power fully erupted, it might even surpass her mother, Qinghuan Emperor.

Yu Lingzhou clung tightly to Qing Muling’s arm, vigilantly watching the surroundings, ready to unleash her Spirit Treasure at any moment.

Beside her, Dragon Ritual Princess, Su Yuanzhen, Fengxia, and many elders were all prepared for any contingencies.

“Junior Brother, how should we choose?”

Yueyi Heavenly Lord asked softly. At such a time, they could only rely on Qing Muling’s supreme fortune to guide them and minimize potential risks.

Qing Muling sensed for a moment and felt that all nine starry portals were identical, with no clear sense of danger, but the fortunes they presented varied in strength. The final portal, with its dense purple clouds almost materializing above the nebula into a Ruyi-shaped fortune canopy, seemed not far from his own.

Of course, this portal was not a living being but likely a part of some treasure. If he could fully unravel its secrets, perhaps he could subdue it?

After a round of contemplation, Qing Muling finally said, “All nine starry portals are accessible, but not every portal contains suitable opportunities. Personally, I think… we should take the last portal.”

“Alright! It’s settled then.”

Yu Lingzhou didn’t ask further and immediately made a decision.

The women escorted Qing Muling towards the starry portal. What seemed like a hundred miles away was actually just a few dozen steps, and they reached the end. The magnificent nebula was close at hand, with an awe-inspiring pressure.

“Let me go in first this time, don’t worry.”

Qing Muling said, and after a few moments of hesitation, Yu Lingzhou reluctantly agreed.

Under the watchful eyes of the women, Qing Muling stepped into the starry portal, his tall and upright figure quietly disappearing into the beautiful starlight.

When his perception returned to normal, Qing Muling found himself standing in a particularly magnificent hall. The high, dark dome was adorned with bright stars, and the nine-colored starlight created a dazzling display.

Sensing the intrusion of an outsider, the brilliant starlight cascaded down, and ripples of starlight converged like nimble fish seeking food, flowing into Qing Muling’s body.

Immediately, Qing Muling’s body trembled slightly, his cultivation began to soar rapidly, advancing from the late Feather Transformation Realm towards the Ascending to Immortality realm.