No matter how close or trusting an ally is, they can never compare to one’s own people.
From Mu Yinghua’s perspective, even though Qing Muling was the embodiment of the Harmony Spirit Seed, he was now her personal disciple and the future leader of Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace. How could she let him be seduced by another sect’s woman, even if she was a Quasi Holy Emperor?
This must not happen. Any signs of it must be nipped in the bud.
“I merely wish to offer Muling some guidance in his cultivation. Why so tense, sister? After all…”
Tongying Emperor said with a meaningful smile.
Mu Yinghua remained unmoved. “Muling is my disciple. It’s only right that I guide him. It would be inappropriate for an Emperor to intervene.”
Tongying Emperor glanced at her with a smile. The cultivation level of this Sect Master from Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace was indeed lower, but her progress was rapid. From the first time she visited until now, Mu Yinghua’s fortune had clearly shifted, advancing by a significant margin. She was bound to become a Quasi Holy Emperor in the future.
This change was undoubtedly due to Qing Muling.
Moreover, Qingchan Fairy experienced similar changes. Originally, her potential could only support her cultivation to the early stage of Great Golden Immortal. Advancing further was nearly impossible unless she had an extraordinary encounter.
However, after dual cultivation with Qing Muling, Qingchan Fairy also showed remarkable progress.
Thus, Tongying Emperor was eager to see if getting closer to Qing Muling could bring her similar benefits.
“Forget it, sister.”
Xinyu Emperor’s sweet and gentle voice rang out. “Muling’s current cultivation level is still low. If you personally guide him, it might not yield the expected results. Let’s leave it for the future.”
Xinyu Emperor was well aware of Tongying Emperor’s intentions and naturally had to stop her. Qing Muling belonged to Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace, and this was non-negotiable. Even if the other party had no intention of poaching him, precautions were necessary.
Qinghuan Emperor interjected with a smile, “Leave it for the future? That’s only fair. Since you promised, you must keep your word!”
“Of course… but it might take a long time!”
Xinyu Emperor glanced at her with a half-smile. These two Quasi Holy sisters were troublesome. Sending their daughters and disciples wasn’t enough; they even wanted… it was shameless.
However, her thoughts were similar. Advancing beyond the Quasi Holy realm was incredibly difficult. Without Qing Muling’s supreme fortune, it would be impossible to make progress before dying of old age.
“I’ll take my leave now.”
Qing Muling seized the opportunity to speak, quickly leaving with the Sect Master.
Given his current cultivation level, relying on his master was appropriate. Relying on a Quasi Holy Emperor was unrealistic.
Moreover, Tongying Emperor wasn’t considered one of his own yet, and safety couldn’t be guaranteed. If he wanted to rely on someone, wasn’t Xinyu Emperor a better option?
In the Sect Master’s chamber.
Qing Muling was already familiar with the place. He looked around, and before he could speak, Mu Yinghua took out a cold, menacing whip from her Space Bracelet and placed it within reach, her expression indifferent.
The message was clear: Try touching me if you dare.
Qing Muling became much more obedient, sitting at a round table nearby. “Master, I have some matters to discuss with you regarding the sect and the future of the Great Void.”
“Mm?”
Mu Yinghua looked at him with slight confusion. Seeing that her audacious disciple wasn’t rushing towards her, she felt a bit relieved.
Considering their current cultivation gap, she shouldn’t be afraid. She walked gracefully to the table and sat down, tilting her head slightly, her clear eyes shimmering. “What do you want to talk about?”
Qing Muling pondered his words and said, “Do you think the Emperor’s junior sisters have any hope of attaining the Quasi Holy realm soon?”
Mu Yinghua was momentarily stunned, frowning in thought. “It’s very difficult. It depends on fate. If luck isn’t on their side, they might never reach that realm.”
She understood Qing Muling’s concern. Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace had only one Quasi Holy Emperor, making their position in the alliance somewhat unstable.
After all, they were up against Qinghuan and Tongying Emperors, with Qinghuan Emperor backed by the entire Dao Court. In terms of top-tier strategic power, Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace was undoubtedly at a disadvantage.
In this world, the status of a Dao Lineage was determined by the highest cultivation level within it.
The relationships between sects were like those between nations. When friendly, it was fine, but misunderstandings or conflicts could easily arise, causing alliances to break.
There were countless examples of this over the eons.
Qing Muling thought for a moment and clarified, “Our ancestor, Fengge Emperor, is said to be just a step away from this realm. If I am willing… could I help her attain it quickly?”
Mu Yinghua’s eyes brightened. After a moment of consideration, she said, “With your Dao Rhyme and supreme fortune, combined with the Creation Heavenly Palace, there’s a good chance.”
Whether it worked or not, it was worth trying. Waiting passively wasn’t an option, especially with the two Emperors never resting.
For the sect’s overall situation, Qing Muling’s safety, and Mu Yinghua’s status and influence, helping Fengge Emperor attain the Quasi Holy realm was the most logical course.
After a pause, Mu Yinghua expressed concern. “But your current cultivation is too low. This method would be too draining. At least the Golden Immortal realm would be more suitable. Besides, Fengge Emperor might not agree…”
Thinking of the many miracles surrounding Qing Muling, Mu Yinghua wavered. If he used the same methods on Fengge Emperor as he did on her, there might be hope.
But the cultivation process was too embarrassing to mention. Would Fengge Emperor accept it? Would she be so enraged that she’d kill Qing Muling on the spot?
“Alright, I’ll discuss it with Fengge Emperor privately. Hopefully, she won’t refuse.”
Mu Yinghua finally said.
Qing Muling sighed softly. “Personally, I’d love to give this opportunity to you, Master. But you always refuse!”
“???”
Mu Yinghua’s expression stiffened. She scrutinized the handsome youth before her, half-smiling. “Are you up to something again?”
Qing Muling felt wronged. “What bad intentions could I have? I just want to help you attain the Dao quickly!”
Though he did want to… was that wrong? Only by doing so could Mu Yinghua reach the Great Golden Immortal realm and beyond, aiming for the Quasi Holy Emperor Dao Fruit.
As for other matters, they were less important, right?
If Mu Yinghua became the third Quasi Holy Emperor of Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace, the sect would rival the Dao Court, securing its leading position in the alliance. Qing Muling could also rely on them more securely.
With three Quasi Holy Emperors to support him, who in the Great Void could challenge him?
Mu Yinghua snorted, averting her gaze. “I understand your desire to improve your strength through cultivation. I can help you, but some things must be clear beforehand!”
Who was helping whom here?
Given the current situation, Qing Muling didn’t dare contradict his master. Otherwise, who knew how Mu Yinghua might punish him in her anger. He obediently nodded:
“Master, please instruct me.”
“Why didn’t you listen during our last cultivation sessions? Why did you repeatedly defy me?”
“That was beyond my control. After all, Master, you’re peerlessly beautiful and charming. It’s hard to resist!”
Qing Muling said innocently, implying that it wasn’t his fault but that his master was too attractive.
Mu Yinghua almost laughed in anger. “So you’re shameless and feel justified? I never expected the embodiment of the Harmony Spirit Seed to be so lustful and brazen! Simply… simply…”
She couldn’t find the words to describe his audacity. If it were any other male cultivator, just a disrespectful glance would have earned them a lethal strike from her.
Taking a deep breath, her chest heaving, Mu Yinghua took out several intricately designed boxes from her Space Bracelet and placed them on the table, continuing her reprimand:
“And those gifts you brought last time, claiming they were thoughtfully prepared tributes. I was pleased until I opened them and found all sorts of nonsense. You’re becoming more and more outrageous. Do you think the sect’s rules are just for show?”
Qing Muling sat up straight, looking genuinely repentant. “I know I was wrong!”
“Knowing you’re wrong means you’ll do it again, right?”
Mu Yinghua wouldn’t let him off easily. “You just want me to wear those ridiculous things and indulge your whims, don’t you?”
After spending so much time together, she knew Qing Muling’s true intentions.
The items in the boxes weren’t shocking, just various intimate apparel he had crafted using rare materials from his past life memories.
There were lace-trimmed lingerie, bold and unconventional designs, like leopard print, tie-up styles, transparent ones, and more. He had crafted a set of each style and presented them to Mu Yinghua.
One could imagine her reaction upon opening the boxes. If Qing Muling hadn’t already returned to the Misty Illusion Secret Realm, she might have whipped him on the spot.
Pouring a cup of Spiritual Wine and Nectar, Qing Muling offered it to Mu Yinghua. “Master, please don’t be angry. I promise to remember your teachings and never repeat my mistakes!”
Mu Yinghua didn’t believe him. She was just reminding him not to get too bold during their next cultivation session.
If she didn’t speak up, Qing Muling would assume she consented, and their relationship would inevitably cross forbidden boundaries.
Though such relationships weren’t uncommon in the Great Void, with age gaps spanning tens of thousands or even millions of years, as high-level cultivators maintained their youth and longevity, it wasn’t an issue.
But… due to her pride and modesty, Mu Yinghua still felt hesitant.
Draining her cup, Mu Yinghua’s gaze turned misty as she looked towards the bed behind the heavy curtains.
Qing Muling understood and immediately embraced his master, his hand sliding up her slender back, while the other arm lifted her legs, carrying her entirely.
“Wait, let me do it myself!”
Mu Yinghua pressed his hand, taking out a delicate lace-trimmed blindfold from her Space Bracelet and placing it on him.
Then, she fastened shackles on his wrists.
As for the whip, it was a familiar part of their cultivation set. Without it, Mu Yinghua wouldn’t dare undress in front of Qing Muling.
“Let’s activate the Creation Heavenly Palace. It will enhance our cultivation efficiency.”
Qing Muling suggested. Though Mu Yinghua had used it before, its effects were still significant when accumulated over multiple sessions, as proven by his senior sisters.
Mu Yinghua nodded slightly. “Alright.”
Moments later, in the grand hall, brilliant starlight cascaded down. Mu Yinghua placed her hands on her waist, gently undoing the jade belt, letting her elegant dress fall layer by layer, revealing her flawless, enchanting body.
Her perfect, heavy breasts stood firm like inverted jade bowls. Her white, delicate feet, long legs, and curvaceous figure were mesmerizing.
Qing Muling was well-versed in this routine, waiting obediently.
“Behave, or you’ll never touch me again!”
With a final warning, Mu Yinghua undressed him, and they faced each other honestly once more.
Pure, deep Light of Dao Enlightenment enveloped them, shrinking to a two-foot radius before stabilizing.
After advancing to Elemental Immortal, Qing Muling’s Light of Dao Enlightenment had further improved. Ten days of dual cultivation with Mu Yinghua equaled a thousand years of solitary cultivation. With the Creation Heavenly Palace, it was over a hundred thousand years, nearly a Yuanhui.
After ten days, Qing Muling deactivated the Creation Heavenly Palace, and Mu Yinghua activated a time-accelerating formation array, continuing their closed-door cultivation for a month.
When they emerged, Mu Yinghua reluctantly released Qing Muling, realizing her cultivation had reached the peak of Ninth Grade Taiyi Golden Immortal, just a step away from the Great Golden Immortal Dao Fruit.
“What a pity!”
Mu Yinghua was delighted yet regretful. Her cultivation had soared, but Qing Muling couldn’t yet help her overcome the Great Golden Immortal tribulation, so she had to remain at the Taiyi Golden Immortal realm for a while longer.
Compared to other Taiyi Golden Immortals, her progress was astonishing, far surpassing those Emperors in their youth.
Qing Muling pondered and said, “I plan to take in Qi Shuyu and Su Yunmo, so the elders won’t trouble you. What do you think?”
Mu Yinghua nodded in satisfaction. “You’ve finally come around? That’s good. Their cultivation is almost below yours now. Establishing a relationship early on will be beneficial for you.”