Calamity Fate Palace Main Altar.
In mid-air, Yun Miaozhi and Mei Qingfeng stood on the clouds, along with Luoyu Jue, Yuan Xuan Kong, Meng He, and other Core Elders, silently watching the changes in the vast expanse of the void below.
Through the continuous efforts of the entire sect, the once shattered giant landmass had begun to recover. Pieces of land, varying in size and shape, were being transported back from the depths of the void by the high-ranking elders and reintegrated with the main body of the landmass.
High above the sky, the dispersing trend of the magnificent clouds and the purple aura had finally been curbed and stabilized, signifying that the sect’s fortune was beginning to recover.
However, to fully restore the landmass to its former complete state would require a significant amount of time and resources, placing an enormous burden on the sect.
The recent success of Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace was due to Qing Muling leading a team to scour the Misty Illusion Secret Realm for a vast amount of rare resources, giving the sect the confidence to undertake such a massive project. Currently, Calamity Fate Palace did not have the same capital to squander.
Needless to say, Yun Miaozhi had put in a lot of effort. Over the past few days, he had nearly exhausted himself, despite being a Quasi Holy Emperor.
Since his debut, Yun Miaozhi had never been so relentlessly exploited and treated like the lowest-ranking disciple. However, with the founding ancestor, Immortal Venerable Ziyang, keeping a close watch, he had no choice but to perform well.
“Have the injuries of the three ancestors fully healed?” Yun Miaozhi asked softly after a long silence.
Luoyu Jue nodded and reported in a low voice, “They have mostly recovered, so the sect’s high-end strategic strength has now surpassed its previous state. Even when facing the Dao Court, we are no longer at a disadvantage, so the sect is temporarily safe.”
Last time, the founding ancestor, Immortal Venerable Ziyang, had brought back six of his proud disciples, half of whom perished in a battle with the Heavenly Human Clan, while the remaining three were severely injured and had to undergo long-term closed-door cultivation to recuperate.
Fortunately, when Immortal Venerable Ziyang returned, he brought back some elixirs from the upper realm. With the help of the time-accelerating formation array, the three personal disciples had finally recovered after several years of closed-door cultivation.
Including Yun Miaozhi and Immortal Venerable Ziyang, Calamity Fate Palace now had five Quasi Holy Emperors. Among them, Immortal Venerable Ziyang, who had severed two of his Three Corpses Avatars, held an undeniable strategic advantage over most Dao Lineage powers in the Great Void.
Of course, they still couldn’t compare to Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace and the Female Cultivator Alliance. Even the Dao Court had enough hidden power to contend with Calamity Fate Palace, so Yun Miaozhi remained cautious.
After a moment of silence, Yun Miaozhi said, “Based on the intelligence we’ve gathered recently, several Dao Lineage powers have signs of their ascended ancestors returning. It might not be long before the situation in the Great Void becomes even more complex and delicate. What are your thoughts?”
Mei Qingfeng smiled and said, “Master, if it were only one or two such cases, we would indeed need to worry. But since most of the Supreme Dao Lineage powers are involved, our Calamity Fate Palace doesn’t need to be concerned.”
Those returning from the upper realm were rarely simple characters, and their goals were almost always the same. Conflicts over the fortune and opportunities of this space-time were inevitable, and it was only natural for them to turn against each other.
In such chaos, if Calamity Fate Palace could continue to watch from the sidelines while other Dao Lineage powers fought to the death, without suffering any losses themselves, that would be the most ideal outcome.
“It sounds reasonable,” Yuan Xuan Kong pondered, “but we must still guard against those powers that hold grudges against Calamity Fate Palace. Who knows if some of them might act recklessly and target us as soon as they return.”
Not only in the Great Void but also in the upper realm, Calamity Fate Palace had many enemies. When those old foes returned, the old grudges would still need to be settled.
Given the current situation, Calamity Fate Palace could no longer hide in the shadows and play dirty tricks as they did in the past. Too many powers had suffered at their hands, and once war broke out, they might be the first to be targeted for annihilation.
Luoyu Jue said, “That possibility is indeed high. However, our founding ancestor is immensely powerful, and ordinary Quasi Holy Emperors are no match for him. If war breaks out, we need not fear those old foes.”
Yun Miaozhi nodded, his brows furrowing as he thought of something.
“But I’ve discussed this with the ancestor. He mentioned that Qingyao Immortal Venerable from Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace is not easy to deal with. Even the ancestor has no chance of winning against her. Moreover, the upper realm’s Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace has already allied with Phoenix Palace, so…”
Mei Qingfeng’s expression changed slightly. Given the enmity between Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace and Calamity Fate Palace, those female cultivators probably hated them to the core. With Qingyao Immortal Venerable’s return, Xinyu Emperor and Sect Master Mu Yinghua would undoubtedly complain to her.
If Qingyao Immortal Venerable led an attack on Calamity Fate Palace, Immortal Venerable Ziyang would likely be unable to resist, and the consequences…
“Master, has Qingyao Immortal Venerable’s return been confirmed?” Mei Qingfeng asked softly.
Yun Miaozhi did not hide it, “According to information from the Dao Court, she has indeed returned and has already caused significant losses to two of their Emperors. As for Qinghuan Emperor, she is determined to align with Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace. So, the Dao Court is effectively in a state of division.”
Mei Qingfeng and the Core Elders exchanged glances. The division of the Dao Court was no small matter. For millions of years, it had been the de facto foremost immortal sanctuary in the Great Void. If it truly disintegrated, it would trigger a massive reshuffling of power throughout the Great Void.
Luoyu Jue pondered, “If that’s the case, our Calamity Fate Palace is temporarily safe. Qingyao Immortal Venerable will likely focus on the Dao Court to prevent them from causing trouble, and won’t have time to deal with us.”
“Indeed,” Yun Miaozhi nodded, “If we express our willingness to secretly support the Dao Court, or even form a secret alliance with them, Emperors Xuanyin and Weide will have more confidence in opposing Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace.”
The elders agreed. Calamity Fate Palace excelled at playing balance among multiple powers, sowing discord, fanning the flames, and instigating conflicts. They were a notorious troublemaker that many Dao Lineage powers found frustrating, yet couldn’t deal with.
Mei Qingfeng sighed, “It’s a pity that Qing Muling remains in Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace. If he were with our Calamity Fate Palace, the difficulties we face now would be nothing.”
She had originally thought that if Qingyao Immortal Venerable hadn’t returned, Immortal Venerable Ziyang could easily break through Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace’s main altar, annihilate the female Dao Lineage, and capture Qing Muling. But now, that was impossible.
Yun Miaozhi remained silent for a long time before saying, “For now, we can’t target him. I’ve discussed with the ancestor, and we might consider selling his information to a few top-tier powers in the upper realm, letting them demand him from Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace.”
“If we can’t have the opportunity, those female cultivator forces shouldn’t either!”
Since there was no chance to recruit and turn Qing Muling, they would sell all his information to the upper realm. Those top-tier powers would undoubtedly be interested in the Harmony Spirit Seed and would come to the Great Void to verify it.
At that time, no matter how powerful Qingyao Immortal Venerable was, she couldn’t withstand the coercion and temptation from those upper realm superpowers, and even Phoenix Palace wouldn’t support her.
Under internal and external pressure, for the safety of Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace, Qingyao Immortal Venerable would likely have to give up Qing Muling.
“But if we do that, won’t the future of the Great Void be completely controlled by the upper realm?” Mei Qingfeng asked helplessly. If those upper realm figures got involved, the only outcome for the Great Void would be “land sinking,” with all its fortune and world origin drained, everything of value plundered, and the entire space-time turning into a lifeless, cold dead zone.
At that time, only Taiyi and Daluo immortals could survive in the upper realm, while the billions of cultivators and trillions of mortals in the Great Void would all perish.
Yuan Xuan Kong also said, “Sect Master, this matter is too significant. Can we wait a bit longer? At least discuss it with the ancestor first. Otherwise, our Calamity Fate Palace won’t escape the calamity either.”
The other Core Elders also urged caution. This was a desperate measure, not to be used lightly. The upper realm figures were ruthless and merciless. Even if they promised benefits to Calamity Fate Palace, it was uncertain if they would honor them afterward.
One wrong move could result in losing everything and being despised by all.
Yun Miaozhi’s expression was complex as he looked at his loyal subordinates. Finally, he relented, “Alright, let’s put this matter aside for now. We’ll only consider it if the situation becomes dire. For now, let’s proceed as we are.”
“Sect Master is wise!” Mei Qingfeng and the elders said in unison. Compared to Yun Miaozhi, they still had some bottom lines. Sacrificing the future of the entire space-time to strike at their opponents was too extreme for them to consider, at least for now.
…
Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace, in the Dao Court of the founding ancestor.
At a stone table, Mu Yinghua and Qingyao Immortal Venerable sat facing each other, having been in discussion for quite some time.
“Can each realm produce a lotus seed?” The young-looking powerhouse’s beautiful eyes sparkled with interest as she asked, “And the effects of each realm’s lotus seed should vary, right? The higher the realm, the better the lotus seed’s effect?”
“It should be like that,” Mu Yinghua replied, nervously observing her expression, feeling a twinge of regret.
Judging by her demeanor, was the ancestor planning to monopolize all of Qing Muling’s lotus seeds? Would she come to claim one every time he broke through a major realm?
If that were the case, wouldn’t the other high-ranking elders in the sect lose their chance? After all, one lotus seed equaled one Quasi Holy Emperor, but even if all were given to Qingyao Immortal Venerable, it might not help her break through to the Harmony Saint Supreme realm.
Qingyao Immortal Venerable’s eyes flickered, and she immediately understood the Sect Master’s thoughts, chuckling, “What are you thinking? At my current realm, ordinary opportunities are useless to me! Perhaps the lotus seed is indeed miraculous, but Muling is only at the Xuan Immortal realm. It may not help me. Let’s wait until he reaches the Daluo realm.”
“Uh, alright,” Mu Yinghua agreed, secretly relieved. If the ancestor insisted on exploiting Qing Muling endlessly, she would have no way to stop it. Fortunately, she had overthought it.
“Since he still has an unused lotus seed, let’s give it to Fengge. I valued her back then, but her fortune was lacking. She was injured while seeking opportunities in the chaos of the vast void and has been in a deep sleep for many years. Now, meeting Muling is a turn for the better,” Qingyao Immortal Venerable said.
Mu Yinghua had no reason to refuse. This way, Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace would gain another Quasi Holy Emperor. Along with herself, Xinyu Emperor, and Qingyao Immortal Venerable’s two personal disciples, the sect’s main altar would be well-protected.
Qingyao Immortal Venerable was silent for a while before saying, “As the current Sect Master, there’s something I need to tell you in advance. The Great Void may merge with the upper realm in the future, forming a larger space-time world.”
“!!!” Mu Yinghua’s expression froze, taking several breaths to react, incredulously asking, “Is this true?”
“This was personally told to me by the Grand Palace Master of Phoenix Palace,” Qingyao Immortal Venerable sighed softly, “Based on my analysis, this is likely driven by several top figures in the upper realm to raise the space-time level and the limit of the great power that the Dao laws can accommodate, facilitating their breakthrough to the Harmony Saint Supreme realm.”
Mu Yinghua fell silent. Such a significant matter, involving the fate of two great worlds, was beyond even the founding ancestor’s intervention. They could only choose to go with the flow.
“Did she agree back then?” After some thought, Mu Yinghua asked.
“Of course, the Grand Palace Master and those who can make decisions have been at their current realm for far too long. Having tried all possible ways to attain the Dao and failing, they can only attempt this path of world fusion and annexation,” Qingyao Immortal Venerable explained. Phoenix Palace, as one of the top powers in the upper realm, naturally had a say in such matters. The Grand Palace Master had decisively voted in favor at a small, secret meeting. It was said that the mysterious master of the Origin Star Palace had also participated, albeit through a projection.
According to the Grand Palace Master, the entire space-time world was like a vast ocean, with countless fish, shrimp, and crabs thriving within. The largest predatory fish occupied the top of the food chain.
But one day, these big fish were no longer satisfied with their current state and sought further evolution. However, the ocean’s resources were limited, and after multiple catastrophes, it was no longer suitable for survival. Further evolution was impossible.
So, the big fish would try to leave this ocean and find opportunities in other oceans, or even break through the space-time barrier to merge two nearby oceans, increasing the ocean’s capacity to aid their evolution.
Mu Yinghua instinctively felt that this path was likely feasible. If those big fish found a way to leap through the dragon gate and transform into flood dragons, the entire ocean, or rather the entire space-time, would enter an unprecedented new era.
“If that’s the case, how many big fish will succeed?” Mu Yinghua asked softly.
“I don’t know, maybe just a few, or perhaps only one,” Qingyao Immortal Venerable said, her eyes deep. She hadn’t even perfected her Three Corpses Avatar, so how could she compete with those ancient monsters for the opportunity to attain the Dao and become a saint? Only by unifying her Three Corpses and achieving equal cultivation could she qualify to participate in this supreme game.
“But we have Qing Muling. In this unprecedented change, you may have a chance, Master!” Mu Yinghua’s tone grew firm. With the Harmony Creation Blue Lotus as a key bargaining chip, she believed the future supreme saint position would include their ancestor.
Even if Qingyao Immortal Venerable couldn’t achieve it, Qing Muling surely could. In the vast upper realm, who could surpass him in stature?
“Perhaps,” Qingyao Immortal Venerable blinked her beautiful eyes, a smile reappearing on her stunning face, “I had little hope initially, but after learning of Muling’s existence, I changed my mind. Maybe fate is indeed favoring our Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace!”
“In any case, it depends on Muling’s performance! If he succeeds, not only will the billions of female cultivators in Cloud Dream Heavenly Palace be his, but even…”
…
In Fengge Emperor’s Dao Court.
In the heavily sealed sleeping quarters, on a large embroidered bed behind the luxurious curtains, Fengge Emperor, with a lazy expression, let out a satisfied breath. She slowly propped up her flawless, snow-white body, her ample chest trembling slightly, presenting an irresistible sight.
Qing Muling lay with his hands behind his head, eyes half-closed. The Harmony Creation Blue Lotus in his sea of consciousness shone brightly, quickly restoring his nearly depleted energy. In a moment, he was back to peak condition.
“Junior Brother, you almost killed me!” Fengge Emperor said shyly, her beautiful eyes filled with lingering desire as she gazed at the handsome young man beneath her. Her tongue lightly licked her glossy, alluring lips, and the recently calmed urge within her began to stir again.
“Once your realm stabilizes, let’s go out. They must be anxious by now,” Qing Muling said. With the time-accelerating formation array, three thousand months of closed-door cultivation, and the lotus seed’s effect, Fengge Emperor had finally broken through and reached the Quasi Holy Emperor realm.
“Yes, but I can’t bear to part with you. Let’s go a few more rounds!” Fengge Emperor laughed charmingly, embracing him with her jade-like arms, her voluptuous, flawless body pressing down again…