With nearly absolute power at her disposal, her approach was straightforward and direct, without the need for elaborate schemes or probing.

The Ice Toad Emperor exemplified this style. So far, every Supreme Dao Lineage power she visited treated her with utmost respect, fulfilling her every request without opposition. No one dared to defy her.

Thus, at the Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace, she had no reservations and directly stated her demands.

“…Bring them out for me to see. If there are no issues, I’ll leave immediately. I trust you have no objections?”

The Ice Toad Emperor spoke leisurely, her sharp gaze sweeping over the core disciples serving around her.

To her discerning eyes, these female cultivators’ talents and potential were mediocre at best, merely adequate, with no hope of achieving significant accomplishments in their lifetimes.

Given the current state of the Great Void, this was a common scenario. Among the many Dao Lineage powers she visited, only the so-called monstrous genius seeds barely caught her eye.

Even within Supreme Dao Lineages, the number of monstrous genius seeds was exceedingly rare, with only a handful in each generation, not enough to impress the Ice Toad Emperor.

In its heyday, the Origin Star Palace was teeming with prodigies and powerful figures, maintaining its position as the top immortal sanctuary for millions of years.

Xinyu Emperor and Mu Yinghua exchanged a subtle glance. Xinyu Emperor said, “Since it’s a request from the Ice Toad Emperor, we have no reason to refuse. However, they are currently in the Misty Illusion Secret Realm seeking opportunities and have not returned, so I’m afraid we can’t fulfill your wish right now.”

“The Misty Illusion Secret Realm again?”

The Ice Toad Emperor frowned, her tone disdainful. “The Heavenly Human Clan is clearly setting traps for you, aiming to steal the Great Void’s fortune. Why don’t you learn from your mistakes? What’s so valuable in that place? You’d be better off cultivating behind closed doors!”

“You’re absolutely right,” Xinyu Emperor smiled. “But the Great Void has been ravaged by numerous calamities, far from its ancient immortal glory. Resources are scarce, and immortal opportunities are hard to find. Many Dao Lineage powers can only let their disciples venture in to try their luck.”

Nearby, Dongfang Zhihan’s puzzled gaze lingered on Mu Yinghua. The Supreme Sect Master of the Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace wasn’t particularly powerful, but her appearance and demeanor were exceptional. Moreover, her aura felt strangely familiar.

Not just Mu Yinghua, even Xinyu Emperor had a similar aura.

Before this loli fairy could figure out the reason, she heard the Ice Toad Emperor say, “Fine, if they can’t come out now, I won’t force it. Once the secret realm closes, let them come to the sanctuary themselves!”

Xinyu Emperor secretly breathed a sigh of relief and said warmly, “In that case, it’s settled.”

“Very well, I’ll take my leave then!”

The Ice Toad Emperor rose gracefully, leaving no room for doubt. At this moment, she had no suspicions. After all, the Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace hadn’t participated in the plundering of the Origin Star Palace, so they could easily clear themselves of any suspicion. Her visit was merely a formality.

However, those Dao Lineage powers involved in the plundering were all subjected to the Ice Toad Emperor’s severe interrogation and had to provide sufficient compensation to pass her scrutiny.

Xinyu Emperor and Mu Yinghua followed her out of the mountain gate formation, maintaining a respectful yet unyielding attitude until her fleet disappeared into the vast void. Only then did they breathe a sigh of relief.

“Let’s discuss this further inside.”

Xinyu Emperor stopped Mu Yinghua from speaking, saying calmly.

Mu Yinghua looked at the female cultivators who had seen the guests off and nodded silently.

The two women returned to the Dao Court, a hidden cave mystical realm exclusive to Emperors, where they could discuss confidential matters without fear of being overheard.

“Are you sure it’s just a coincidence?”

The figures of Qinghuan and Tongying Emperors appeared, followed by Dragon Ritual Princess and Qingchan Fairy. Tongying Emperor waved her jade ruyi and asked with a frown.

Xinyu Emperor said, “It’s almost certain. Based on our intelligence, the people of the Origin Star Palace have been ‘visiting’ thousands of Dao Lineage powers, including dozens of Supreme Dao Lineages. They clearly have no clue about the whereabouts of the Harmony Spirit Seed and are using a needle-in-a-haystack approach.”

“If that’s the case, then there’s no immediate problem.”

Qinghuan Emperor nodded. “We have over two years before the Misty Illusion Secret Realm closes. We can plan how to handle this.”

Mu Yinghua sighed. “Others can find ways to hide, but Muling is a different story. As soon as he appears before the Ice Toad Emperor, all secrets will be exposed, and she’ll see through his identity.”

Dragon Ritual Princess couldn’t help but ask, “Can’t someone else impersonate him? They’ve never seen Junior Brother, and his cultivation isn’t high. It shouldn’t be too hard to fool them.”

“The external appearance and demeanor can be faked, but how do you fake his fortune and destiny?”

Mu Yinghua frowned deeply. Qing Muling’s terrifying fortune was no longer a secret among the major powers. Almost all intelligence organizations had listed him as a key figure, with countless eyes watching his every move.

Tongying Emperor was silent for a moment before saying, “How about this? When the secret realm closes, we can claim that Qing Muling went on a journey seeking immortal opportunities and perished in an ancient ruin. This way, those outside will give up.”

Such incidents were not uncommon. Many prodigies with boundless potential, highly regarded by all, disappeared due to various accidents, leaving behind endless regrets. Adding one more Qing Muling wouldn’t be too surprising.

“I don’t think it’ll work,” Mu Yinghua shook her head. “Those shrewd individuals aren’t easily fooled. Even if it works temporarily, it won’t last forever. In a few years, the truth might be uncovered.”

“Whether it works or not, we should try to buy as much time as possible!”

Qinghuan Emperor said. They needed to give Qing Muling time to grow. Fortunately, the Ice Toad Emperor hadn’t yet suspected anything, and the legendary Saint of the Origin Star Palace hadn’t returned, so things hadn’t reached the worst point.

Qinghuan Emperor’s clear, starry eyes looked at Tongying Emperor, and she said seriously, “Sister, this matter is extremely risky. A single misstep could lead to death and the fall of our sect. If you regret it, you can still back out now.”

Protecting Qing Muling would inevitably lead to direct conflict with the Origin Star Palace, a dangerous and likely catastrophic endeavor. Hence, Qinghuan Emperor asked this question.

Tongying Emperor pondered for a moment, then looked at her disciple and asked softly, “Qingchan, what do you think?”

Qingchan Fairy replied softly, “This matter concerns the sect’s future. It should be decided by Master. But since Master asked for my opinion, I’ll speak boldly. Helping someone in need is always better than adding to their success. Muling hasn’t grown yet and needs protection. If we don’t seize this opportunity to form a good relationship, we won’t get another chance.”

Previously, Xuebing Xuan and others tried to persuade her to give up, but Qingchan Fairy, with her intelligence, had seen through their attempts and was now more determined than ever, despite the risks.

Tongying Emperor smiled. “Well said. Sister, you see, as a Quasi Holy Emperor and Sect Master of the Goddess Sect, I can’t be less courageous than a junior. There’s no need to discuss this further; I’m determined to join this alliance!”

Xinyu Emperor was silent for a moment before nodding slowly. “In that case, I’ll personally explain and persuade Muling to accept this.”

The three Emperors discussed for a while and finally reached a consensus on all aspects.

“Now, let’s discuss the next issue,” Xinyu Emperor said gravely. “The aura on that Ice Toad seems off. Have they and their master been in the upper realm all these years? If they’ve ascended, why come back?”

“The upper realm’s aura? Are you sure?” Tongying Emperor asked in surprise. She was the last to achieve Quasi Holy status and didn’t know much about the upper realm.

Xinyu Emperor nodded affirmatively. “When the founder of the Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace ascended with her disciples, I was there. The aura from the ascension portal is identical to theirs.”

Mu Yinghua pondered. “The so-called upper realm is just a more powerful time-space world than the Great Void. But the Great Void’s ancient immortal glory might not be much inferior. It’s only due to continuous calamities that it has declined.”

“Exactly,” Qinghuan Emperor nodded. “They’ve returned now, besides looking for Qing Muling, because the Great Void is reviving. The ascension portal, closed for ages, has reopened recently.”

The Dao Court had more comprehensive information about the upper realm. In ancient times, the two worlds were relatively equal, with easier travel between them. But now, things were different.

“Does that world have the legendary Saint Supreme?” Mu Yinghua asked nervously.

Qinghuan Emperor thought for a moment. “Theoretically, it can produce Saints, but whether it has them is uncertain.”

“The master of the Origin Star Palace is likely very close to that realm but not a true Saint Supreme. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be discussing this; we’d be preparing to surrender.”

The women agreed. The power of a true Saint Supreme was beyond their estimation, an existence on another level.

At this moment, Fenghua Fairy arrived and reported, “Emperor, Sect Master, Muling has just returned.”

Mu Yinghua’s expression brightened. “Perfect timing. Let him come… No, we’ll go to Imperial Dao Peak to talk to him. We need his cooperation.”

Meanwhile, in the distant void.

“Senior Sister, where are we heading next? Calamity Fate Palace?” Dongfang Zhihan asked softly in the hall of the fleet.

The Ice Toad Emperor, deep in thought, replied, “Calamity Fate Palace has long been colluding with the Heavenly Human Clan. Their sect is likely guarded by their experts. It’s a deep pool; we’ll leave it for now and head to the Demon Path Ancestral Court.”

Dongfang Zhihan frowned. “The Heavenly Human Clan isn’t that formidable. Their Quasi Holy Emperors won’t easily enter the Great Void. With the Misty Illusion Secret Realm open, waiting is fine.”

The Ice Toad Emperor smiled. “They’re just a bunch of old bones. Let them live a few more days.”

Recently, with many Dao Lineage powers visiting with gifts, the Ice Toad Emperor had gradually understood the current situation of the Great Void and formulated the Origin Star Palace’s external strategy.

Destroying one or two Supreme Dao Lineages to establish dominance was necessary to deter other top powers from underestimating the Origin Star Palace.

But doing this too often would backfire, causing the remaining powers to unite against the Origin Star Palace.

Though outsiders didn’t know, the Ice Toad Emperor was aware that her available forces, while strong, couldn’t contend with all the Supreme Dao Lineages, especially the Dao Court.

So, the current state was ideal. With the bloody examples of the armillary sphere Star Palace and Azure Fall Divine Sect, no one dared to challenge the Origin Star Palace, allowing the Ice Toad Emperor to calmly search for the Harmony Spirit Seed.

In the future, when her master and fellow disciples returned from the upper realm, she could consider subduing all Supreme Dao Lineages and unifying the Great Void.

Only by fully controlling this vast world’s fortune and with the Harmony Spirit Seed’s help could her master take the crucial step towards immortality and eternal transcendence.

Dongfang Zhihan thought for a moment and said, “By the way, Senior Sister, that Mu Yinghua Sect Master felt off to me, and so did Xinyu Emperor. I just feel…”

“What did you sense?”

The Ice Toad Emperor turned her head, puzzled. “If it was the Harmony Spirit Seed’s aura, my Destiny Ring would have reacted. I checked at the time.”

Dongfang Zhihan shook her head. “If Junior Brother has taken human form, his aura might have changed, making it harder to detect. Even the treasures given by our master might not work.”

In such matters, this loli trusted her intuition. Though the Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace hadn’t participated in the plundering, it didn’t mean they had no chance of obtaining Junior Brother.

The Ice Toad Emperor pondered for a while before saying, “Then we’ll list the Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace as a key surveillance target. If they show any unusual activity, we’ll lead our forces to visit again.”

“That sounds good.”

Dongfang Zhihan smiled, satisfied. It was rare for her to agree with her Senior Sister, and she wasn’t disappointed this time.

…

At Imperial Dao Peak, in the Sect Master’s residence.

Qing Muling had just handed over his resources to the elders when he saw several stunning figures approaching.

“Two Emperors, and Master, you…”

He was about to salute when he noticed an outsider and his expression changed.

“Muling, this is the Sect Master of the Goddess Sect, Tongying Emperor…”

Mu Yinghua quickly explained, using divine senses to recount the recent events, successfully diverting Qing Muling’s attention.

“They’ve come so soon?”

Qing Muling’s expression turned serious. The Origin Star Palace’s swift actions were unexpected. If they detected anything, his fate would be dire.

Given their experience, they wouldn’t make simple mistakes. Even with supreme fortune, not all problems could be solved.

Xinyu Emperor said warmly, “Don’t worry. No matter what happens, we’ll always be by your side.”

“So, the Goddess Sect plans to join this alliance?”

After a moment, Qing Muling looked at the beautiful woman before him. Unlike Qinghuan and Xinyu Emperors, she didn’t conceal her appearance with divine abilities, so he saw her true form.

Her face was stunning and regal, her eyes clear and bright. Her yellow dragon-phoenix embroidered gown couldn’t hide her full, curvaceous figure, exuding a unique majesty that irresistibly attracted him.

Beside her, the veiled Qingchan Fairy was equally stunning, matching her master in every way.

Tongying Emperor also observed the handsome youth before her, unable to hide her surprise and admiration. She spoke in a clear, bright voice:

“That’s the situation. What do you think, Muling? If my first disciple doesn’t satisfy you, you can choose anyone else in the sect.”

Qing Muling stared at her. “Really?”

“Of course. As Sect Master, I never go back on my word!”

Tongying Emperor promised solemnly.

Qing Muling asked quietly, “Then, can I marry you, Emperor?”

…

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