Deep within the Origin Star Palace.

In the grand and majestic central hall, the Thousand Petal Merit Blue Lotus Pond exuded a clear aura, with divine radiance flowing and beautiful light rain falling, carrying a profound and mysterious Dao Rhyme. The faint sound of the Great Dao echoed in the ears.

However, without the presence of the Harmony Spirit Seed at the bottom of the pond, the spiritual energy and Dao Rhyme here were but a shadow of their former selves. Unless one day it returns, this place will never regain its former glory as a sacred land for enlightenment, a place even Quasi Holy Emperors yearned for.

By the pond, the Ice Toad Emperor gathered with dozens of her junior sisters, discussing recent significant events in the Great Void. Their attire varied, from young girls to elegant ladies, all of them stunningly beautiful and of unparalleled grace.

“…The Bright Moon Sword Sect and the Nine Spirit Proto Gate were unexpectedly destroyed by the Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace. We were planning to deal with them next.”

“No worries, someone else took care of them for us, saving us the trouble.”

“True, but it feels a bit unsatisfying that their remaining resources went to them.”

“How much could two half-crippled sects have left? Nothing worth regretting.”

“Recently, many sects have been offering lavish gifts to apologize. They know they can’t afford to provoke us now that the Origin Star Palace has two Emperors. They’re just a bunch of opportunists!”

“It’s human nature, nothing to despise…”

The female cultivators chatted casually. Ever since they annihilated the invading army, almost all Dao Lineages in the Great Void had given up any thoughts of resistance.

Those with guilty consciences came bearing gifts, seeking favor, hoping the Origin Star Palace wouldn’t target them next. With so many bloody examples, who would dare to think otherwise?

The Ice Toad Emperor accepted the gifts indifferently, promising that as long as these forces behaved, the Origin Star Palace wouldn’t trouble them.

Then, the Ice Toad Emperor led another expedition, destroying the Demon Path Ancestral Court.

Among the remaining enemy forces, the Shadow Assassination Hall, knowing they were no match, secretly relocated some disciples and wealth, hiding in secret bases, waiting for the right time to rebuild.

With the Nine Spirit Proto Gate and Bright Moon Sword Sect destroyed by the Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace, the main enemies of the Origin Star Palace were now the Calamity Fate Palace, the Demon Path Ancestral Court, Huaqing Divine Palace, and Lumming Island.

“…Another round of the Magic Clan’s calamity is upon us!”

The stunning and radiant Dongfang Zhihan played with a flower basket, her expression calm: “These invaders are fierce, and some are quite formidable. I wonder if those Dao Lineages and Dao Courts can withstand it, or will they be wiped out?”

The surrounding female cultivators laughed. The Great Void had endured many calamities, and the human cultivation world was weaker with each generation. Compared to their era, the current overall strength was far inferior. Facing the ferocious Magic Clan progeny, the outcome was uncertain.

Otherwise, why did so many Dao Lineages fall in the first round of the Magic Clan’s calamity? Even Quasi Holy Emperors were severely injured. It showed that these so-called Supreme Dao Lineages, Immortal Dynasties, and super families were not invincible, except for the Dao Court, which performed relatively well.

The Ice Toad Emperor, with a cold and elegant demeanor, gently adjusted the exquisite ornaments on her red-black palace dress, her head slightly lowered, and said indifferently: “We shouldn’t underestimate the current Great Void. The first round wiped out many minor forces, but the top-tier forces mostly survived, except for a few unlucky ones.”

“Now that they’ve had time to recover, they should perform better this time, right?”

Not all Supreme Dao Lineages were severely damaged in the first round of the Magic Clan’s calamity. A few not only remained unscathed but also grew significantly stronger, such as the Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace and other pure female Dao Lineages. Their fortune had increased noticeably recently.

So, even if the second round of the Magic Clan’s calamity is more terrifying, the outcome is uncertain. If these remaining Dao Lineages truly unite, they might turn the tide and annihilate the invaders.

Of course, with the strength of the Origin Star Palace, there’s no need to worry. If any Quasi Holy Emperor-level Magic Clan progeny dare to invade, they won’t be returning.

“From the standpoint of our foremost immortal sanctuary, the more these Dao Lineages suffer, the better. Ideally, they all fall, and we clean up the aftermath, exterminating the invaders and bringing the Great Void back under the control of the Origin Star Palace. Only then can our Master’s grand plan succeed!”

A stunningly beautiful woman in a green dress, with a seductive yet dignified demeanor, laughed charmingly, habitually stroking the jade Ruyi in her hand, her eyes filled with anticipation.

“Junior Sister Ziyan, that’s unlikely.”

Dongfang Zhihan pouted, dismissively: “Whenever a great calamity descends, there are always those with great divine abilities and fortune born to counter it. So, hoping for their complete annihilation is unrealistic. To control the Great Void’s fortune, we must compete with them!”

The beautiful woman in green, named Mu Ziyan, nodded slightly. Dongfang Zhihan was right. The question was, who would be the child of fortune in this calamity? Would they come from a prominent family or be a wandering cultivator?

The Ice Toad Emperor glanced at her and said, “Speaking of children of fortune, who can compare to our Junior Brother?”

The female cultivators’ expressions changed slightly. The twin sisters, with their bright eyes and youthful beauty, spoke up: “Senior Sister is right. If Junior Brother has already taken form, then he is likely the child of fortune for this era! And he is the key to transcending the Dao, surpassing any protagonist of past eras.”

Dongfang Zhihan and the Ice Toad Emperor exchanged a silent glance, both thinking of the three lotus seeds Junior Brother had secretly sent back.

The miraculous power of the lotus seeds was undeniable. One helped the Ice Toad Emperor fully recover and even improve her cultivation, another helped Dongfang Zhihan break through the final barrier and step into the Quasi Holy Emperor Realm. The third lotus seed was still in the Ice Toad Emperor’s possession, kept for emergencies.

So, saying Junior Brother is the protagonist of this era, holding the key to fortune and transcendence, is not an exaggeration. He indeed has such potential.

The Ice Toad Emperor had considered giving the third lotus seed to a junior sister, possibly creating another Quasi Holy Emperor.

But with so many junior sisters and brothers, giving it to one would upset the others. So, after discussing with Dongfang Zhihan, they decided to keep it a secret for now.

Who knows if Junior Brother has more of these miraculous lotus seeds? If he does, and there are enough, perhaps all the junior sisters and brothers could achieve the Quasi Holy Emperor Realm? Though it seemed unlikely.

“The Magic Clan’s calamity is not our main concern. Our priority is to find Junior Brother as soon as possible, isn’t it?”

A cold, rigid voice came from a woman in a pure white Daoist robe, even her long hair was snow-white. She sat by the pond, holding a long sword, her stunning face as cold as eternal ice, surrounded by a chilling sword intent, with countless sword shadows faintly visible behind her.

Dongfang Zhihan nodded: “Junior Sister Ye is right. This is urgent. But with his unique nature, no Heavenly Secret Art can trace him. Finding him is easier said than done.”

The white-haired female sword cultivator said, “When a great calamity descends, the child of fortune cannot remain hidden. They must emerge to confront the calamity. We just need to watch patiently and focus on those who shine during the calamity. Junior Brother will likely be among them.”

“Indeed, that makes sense!”

The female cultivators agreed. Without any clues, this might be the best and safest strategy.

“…Junior Sister Xinglan’s sword intent and Dao Rhyme are still not fully controlled. I wonder if giving her the lotus seed would help her break through?”

The Ice Toad Emperor glanced at Ye Xinglan. This junior sister followed the path of the sword, her combat power unparalleled, comparable to a true Quasi Holy Emperor. But she had yet to break through the final barrier, remaining in a state of fierce sword intent, unapproachable.

If Ye Xinglan could become the third Emperor, the Origin Star Palace would be unshakable in this unprecedented calamity, fearing no disaster.

…

At the Main Altar of the Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace.

In the chamber on Imperial Dao Peak, within the Supreme Sect Master’s quarters.

“…Finally complete?”

In the heavily curtained, fragrant bedchamber, Qing Muling’s slightly tired voice sounded.

“Yes, it’s enough now, thanks to you!”

A soft, melodious voice, like water flowing over jade, replied with undisguised joy.

Behind the curtains, Mu Yinghua’s snow-white body was clad only in a bright red, transparent bellyband. Her stunning face was flushed, her eyes filled with seductive charm, misty and alluring. Her voluptuous figure, with long hair cascading down her back, was breathtakingly beautiful.

At this moment, she was sitting beside the young man, her long, shapely legs clad in black lace-trimmed stockings, carefully refining the spiritual energy and Dao Rhyme within her.

Qing Muling’s hands and feet were bound with red silk, unable to move, and his eyes were still covered with a black blindfold, unable to see his master’s expression.

Though it wasn’t the first time they cultivated this way, Mu Yinghua still felt shy. So, she restrained Qing Muling in this manner, making it easier for her to let go.

And it wasn’t because she coveted her disciple’s beauty or for any emotional reasons. It was purely for the sake of the Dao. She needed to borrow some spiritual energy and Dao Rhyme. Mu Yinghua firmly told herself this was the reason, not accepting any rebuttal!

Besides, even if she did desire him, so what? Who would dare criticize her?

After a long time, when the final round of cultivation was complete, Mu Yinghua sighed contentedly and lay down beside Qing Muling.

“After this, I can undergo the Daluo Tribulation.”

Mu Yinghua said, with the immense accumulation far surpassing ordinary monstrous genius seeds, she was confident of achieving a flawless Daluo Dao Fruit.

With Qing Muling by her side, continuously providing spiritual energy and Dao Rhyme, she believed she could quickly complete the path to the third-grade Great Golden Immortal and then attempt to reach the Quasi Holy Emperor Realm.

For other prodigies, reaching the threshold of the Great Golden Immortal was a lifetime achievement, enough to be celebrated for eternity.

At such a level, advancing even a little was incredibly difficult. From the first to the third-grade Great Golden Immortal peak, it often took a lifetime. But for Mu Yinghua, the path was clear, with no obstacles. As long as she accumulated enough, she could advance.

“This tribulation is crucial. Let me help you, Master!”

Qing Muling said. Although Xinyu Emperor had agreed to help, with his fortune protection, Mu Yinghua’s chances of success would be higher.

“But it might be a significant drain on you. Will it affect your future cultivation?”

Mu Yinghua said softly, her delicate hand gently stroking his face.

“Not at all, Master. Don’t worry!”

Qing Muling said. The Daluo Tribulation was no small matter, but he believed he could help. The cost might be two to three percent of his fortune, but it would be temporary, recoverable with some closed-door cultivation.

“Alright, it’s settled then.”

Mu Yinghua’s beautiful eyes sparkled. With this personal disciple by her side, she felt more at ease.

She didn’t know when it started, but she couldn’t do without him. Ancestor Fengge was right. Perhaps… she should quickly decide to commit to him? After all, the spiritual energy and Dao Rhyme needed to advance from the Great Golden Immortal to the Quasi Holy Emperor were no small amount.

A slight vibration came from under the pillow. Mu Yinghua’s expression became serious. She reached out and took the Supreme Sect Master’s communication jade talisman, injecting magical power to check it.

“The Magic Clan’s calamity has erupted again?”

Mu Yinghua was surprised but not too shocked. This was within the sect’s high-level expectations, and they were well-prepared. The sect now had many strong members, with ample high, mid, and low-end combat power, ensuring the safety of their territory.

Moreover, with the vast resources from the Misty Illusion Secret Realm, all formations on the territory’s defense line had been upgraded. Spiritual stones, crystals, magical artifacts, talismans, and pills filled thousands of warehouses, enough to last for centuries.

“Let’s go to the meeting now. The elders are probably waiting!”

Qing Muling said. Although they had been in closed-door cultivation for only a month, with the time acceleration formation, a thousand months had actually passed.

Mu Yinghua blushed slightly, reluctantly getting off him. After dressing, she released him, helped him tidy up, and they left hand in hand.

In the Sect Master’s cave, dozens of core elders had already gathered, along with Xinyu Emperor.