Chapter 1407 It's time to enjoy yourself!
Chapter 1407 It's time to enjoy yourself!
Chapter 1407 It's time to enjoy yourself!
Qin Hao's unfathomable gaze swept over Elder Wu, the gray-robed elder with a livid face, and a chilling, overwhelming killing intent suddenly descended, like an invisible cage, enveloping Elder Wu completely.
"This man condoned his juniors' forceful seizure of my concubine. If the Star Palace does not give me a satisfactory explanation today," Qin Hao's voice, though not loud, resounded clearly in front of the cave entrance on the thirty-first floor of the Holy Mountain. Every word struck the hearts of everyone present like a heavy hammer: "Don't blame me for unleashing a bloodbath!"
"You...!" Elder Wu was both shocked and furious. As a dignified elder of the Star Palace and a Nascent Soul cultivator, when had he ever been threatened so blatantly? His nephew had died tragically before his eyes, yet the other party still dared to be so arrogant!
"You killed my nephew first, and now you're here making false accusations. Do you not respect the Star Palace?"
Qin Hao's lips curled into a mocking smile as he turned his gaze to Elder Jin Kui, who had been silently observing from the side: "Does he even deserve to represent the Star Palace? Elder, are you sure you want to make an enemy of me for this man?"
Elder Jin Kui's heart skipped a beat. If the other party could kill the barbarian, his strength was probably comparable to a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator. Even if the two Heavenly Star Saints were to take action, they might not be able to hold him back. If he escaped, Star Palace would undoubtedly be in big trouble. If this person joined the Reverse Star Alliance in a fit of anger, it would be adding insult to injury for Star Palace.
Upon realizing this, Elder Jin Kui made a decision instantly. A gentle smile appeared on his face: "Fellow Daoist Zhang, please calm down! There must be a misunderstanding. Elder Wu absolutely did not mean that. It was his nephew who was arrogant and domineering, acting on his own initiative, daring to covet your concubine. He truly deserves to die!"
"Elder!" Elder Wu's eyes widened in disbelief upon hearing this, unable to believe that Jin Kui would abandon him so easily.
Jin Kui didn't even look at him, and continued to speak gently to Qin Hao: "How about this, Elder Wu, you should quickly apologize to Fellow Daoist Zhang, and then take out some top-quality pills and magic treasures to appease this Miss Yuan Yao and let this matter be considered over, right? It's better to resolve enmity than to let it fester."
Elder Wu trembled with rage, his face turning from pale to red, his chest heaving violently, and his finger pointing at Jin Kui quivering. As an elder, he had never suffered such humiliation. He was about to erupt in anger, ready to risk everything to demand an explanation…
However, a clear, cool female voice seemed to pierce through space, coming clearly from the highest, mist-shrouded peak of the sacred mountain, resounding in the ears of everyone on the thirty-first floor:
"What happened today was due to Elder Wu's lax management and poor teaching, which led to the younger generation acting recklessly and offending our distinguished guest. I apologize to you on his behalf."
The voice wasn't particularly loud, yet it carried a power that shook the very soul, as if the spiritual energy of the entire sacred mountain resonated with it. Elder Wu trembled violently; his pent-up anger and resentment vanished instantly, as if doused with ice water, leaving only deep awe and fear. He knew that voice all too well—Wen Qing! One of the Twin Saints of Heavenly Stars, a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator! She had actually come forward personally!
Elder Jin Kui was also startled and immediately bowed deeply towards the mountaintop, his posture extremely respectful: "This subordinate has failed in his duties and has not been able to resolve the misunderstanding in time, disturbing the two saints' peaceful cultivation. I beg the two saints to punish me!"
The cool voice rang out again, its tone calm yet authoritative: "Elder Jin Kui has worked tirelessly for the Star Palace, and his loyalty is evident. There's no need to be so hard on himself over such a minor setback. Let my wife and I handle this matter."
"Yes! Thank you for your mercy, both saints!" Elder Jin Kui secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Qin Hao's gaze sharpened slightly as he looked towards the summit of the sacred mountain. The two Heavenly Star Saints had personally intervened, adopting such a humble posture; their intention to win him over was obvious. Since they had offered him a way out, continuing the argument would only make him appear petty.
“Since the two saints have personally invited me, I, Zhang, will naturally accept the invitation. Let’s let this misunderstanding pass.” He turned to Yuan Yao and Yan Li, who had been nervously waiting behind him, and said gently, “You two go back to your cave and wait. I’ll be right back.”
Yuan Yao and Yan Li finally felt relieved. Their eyes were filled with gratitude and reliance as they looked at Qin Hao. They bowed gracefully and replied softly, "Yes, Senior."
Then it obediently retreated back into its cave.
The next moment, a streak of dark green light shot into the sky from the thirty-first level of the Holy Mountain! The layers upon layers of powerful anti-air restrictions on the Holy Mountain disappeared as if welcoming a king, making way for it.
This scene was clearly witnessed by countless cultivators below the sacred mountain.
"All anti-flight restrictions have been lifted? Is the Star Palace... giving in?"
"The two saints personally sent messages to comfort him and even lifted the restrictions to welcome him to the top floor. This is not admitting defeat, but clearly the highest level of courtesy and enticement!"
"The two saints personally intervened; could it be that they see potential in this person and intend to bring him into the core of the Star Palace?"
"Nonsense! A mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator who's not even three hundred years old! Just think about what that means! If nothing unexpected happens, advancing to a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator is practically a done deal! Even... there might be a sliver of hope for a Deity Transformation cultivator! What's so strange about the two Saints personally trying to win over someone like that?"
"No wonder! No wonder Elder Jin Kui didn't even have the courage to test the waters before. He must have already realized how terrifying the opponent was and knew he was no match for him, right?"
"So... this 'Senior Zhang' is undoubtedly the number one person in the Chaotic Star Sea below the Great Cultivator?"
Discussions surged like a tide throughout Tianxing City, and Qin Hao's name and his dark green escape light were deeply imprinted in the hearts of countless cultivators.
At the summit of the holy mountain
The black dragon boat, transformed into a streak of light, arrived unimpeded at the top of the sacred mountain. Here, the spiritual energy was so dense that it was almost tangible, swirling among the ancient and magnificent palace complex.
There weren't many guards, and all of them were at least at the Core Formation stage, but each of them exuded a deep and focused aura with sharp eyes. What made Qin Hao even more wary was that the array formations and restrictions he sensed along the way were far more numerous, higher in level, and more ancient than he had expected.
Several restrictions were faintly emanating an aura that even made him feel a little uneasy; they were clearly powerful formations inherited from ancient times.
However, Qin Hao felt little fear. He was certain that the Twin Saints of Heavenly Stars would not harm him at this moment. The reason was simple:
Ling Xiaofeng and Wen Qing have less than a hundred years left to live; this is an open secret among the high-ranking officials of the Chaotic Star Sea.
Externally, the Reverse Star Alliance, composed of the Six Paths Supreme Saint and Wan Sangu, is eyeing them covetously, while internally, factions such as Elder Jin Kui may not completely submit to their will.
Their only daughter, Ling Yuling, was the culmination of their life's work. To successfully elevate Ling Yuling to the position of Star Palace Master after their passing and to preserve the Star Palace's foundation, Ling Yuling herself and her existing power were far from sufficient. They urgently needed a powerful ally, capable of both internal control and external deterrence.
Looking across the entire Chaotic Star Sea, there are very few people who meet this requirement. The Six Paths Supreme Saint and Wan Sangu are mortal enemies. Wan Tianming represents the righteous path of all methods; their stances are different, so it's impossible for him to join the Star Palace.
All that's left is him, a newly promoted mid-stage Nascent Soul expert who doesn't yet have a clear allegiance! This is the fundamental reason why Qin Hao dares to act so assertively in front of Jin Kui.
He knew his own worth, and he understood even more clearly what the Star Palace Saints needed most at this moment. His high-profile return to Tianxing City was driven by the intention of obtaining sufficient resources from the behemoth that was the Star Palace to accelerate his own cultivation. This was an unspoken deal between the two parties.
"Junior Ling Yuling greets Senior Zhang."
A melodious voice interrupted Qin Hao's thoughts. He saw a woman dressed in magnificent palace attire standing before the gate of a grand white palace, bowing respectfully.
She was extremely beautiful, with skin as white as snow, and a dignified and elegant demeanor. However, between her brows, there was a hint of heroism and competence rarely seen in ordinary women. She was none other than Ling Yuling, the apple of the eye of the Twin Saints of the Heavenly Stars.
"Miss Ling, there's no need for such formalities." Qin Hao nodded slightly.
"Please follow me, senior. My parents are already waiting inside the hall."
Stepping into this palace, which symbolizes the highest power of the Star Palace, the interior space appears more spacious than the outside. The decoration is not luxurious, but it exudes an ancient and grand atmosphere and profound cultural heritage.
Seated in the main hall were two figures. The man on the left, dressed in purple robes, had a square face and piercing eyes that shone brightly. He exuded an imposing aura, his presence as vast and unfathomable as a starry sea—this was none other than Ling Xiaofeng, the Lord of the Star Palace. The woman on the right, dressed in elegant palace attire, bore a striking resemblance to Ling Yuling, her gentle demeanor carrying the grace and authority of a superior—this was Wen Qing.
The aura of the two late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators made the air in the entire hall feel exceptionally heavy.
"Fellow Daoist Zhang, it is an honor to have you here. I am sorry for not welcoming you sooner." Ling Xiaofeng's voice was loud and clear, with a hint of cheerfulness.
"Fellow Daoist Zhang, please have a seat." Wen Qing smiled and gestured, his attitude quite polite.
After a seemingly ordinary exchange of pleasantries, the guests and hosts took their seats, and fine tea was served.
Wen Qing subtly steered the conversation toward his daughter, who was standing to the side: "The one who welcomed Fellow Daoist Zhang into the hall just now was my daughter, Yu Ling. What does Fellow Daoist Zhang think of my daughter?"
Qin Hao's mind raced, and he instantly understood: the real show was about to begin! On the surface, he remained calm and gave a fair assessment: "Miss Ling is beautiful and intelligent, with an extraordinary temperament. What's even more remarkable is the heroic spirit between her brows, which is quite reminiscent of the two saints. She is truly a woman who is not inferior to men."
Wen Qing and Ling Xiaofeng exchanged a glance, a hint of satisfaction flashing in their eyes. Wen Qing's smile widened, and he went straight to the point: "Fellow Daoist Zhang, you flatter me. Since you don't mind my daughter's plain looks, I wonder... would you be willing to become her Daoist partner?"
Qin Hao had already anticipated this, but he still managed to feign surprise and embarrassment, frowning slightly as he said, "I appreciate the kindness of the two saints. However... I already have two concubines, Yuan Yao and Yan Li, in my cave. If I were to become a Daoist partner with Miss Ling at this time, given the vast difference in our statuses, it might damage Miss Ling's reputation, and it wouldn't be appropriate, would it?"
"Alas, Fellow Daoist Zhang is overthinking it." Wen Qing waved his hand dismissively, his tone relaxed: "It's just a concubine. In the cultivation world, it's common for powerful people to have multiple concubines. My daughter is not a jealous or unreasonable person, and she already knows this. Fellow Daoist Zhang can rest assured."
Seeing Qin Hao's silence, Ling Xiaofeng knew he needed to show greater sincerity, so he immediately spoke solemnly and earnestly: "Fellow Daoist Zhang, let's not beat around the bush. My wife and I have spent many years painstakingly preparing for the birth of our daughter, Yu Ling. She has been our most precious treasure since childhood. She is our greatest concern and legacy in this life."
He paused, then looked intently at Qin Hao: "If you are willing to sincerely accept my daughter and marry her, supporting each other, my wife and I are willing to use all our life savings to help you! Whether it is to help you break through the bottleneck of the late Nascent Soul stage or to one day reach the elusive Divine Transformation realm, the Star Palace's thousands of years of resources can all be used by you!"
Wen Qing quickly added, increasing the stakes: "As long as Fellow Daoist Zhang agrees, the doors to the Star Palace's secret vault will be forever open to you! You are free to consult and use the scriptures, cultivation techniques, rare elixirs, and unparalleled spiritual materials stored within! The Star Palace is willing to do everything in its power to help you advance further on your path to immortality!"
Qin Hao felt a slight ripple in his heart. Although he had expected it, the fact that the two saints were so openly and boldly betting their lives still showed their determination to entrust their orphan to them and their extreme importance attached to Ling Yuling's future.
Becoming the "son-in-law" of the Star Palace certainly meant facing the enormous risks of being drawn into its internal conflicts and confronting the Reverse Star Alliance, but the rewards in terms of resources were also astonishing. The Star Palace's accumulation over thousands of years was far more valuable than anything he could have obtained on his own! This was fatally attractive to his pursuit of higher realms, especially his exploration of the path to godhood.
As for the so-called burden of being a "son-in-law who lives with his wife's family"? In the face of absolute power, that's utterly insignificant. This was essentially a political marriage that benefited both sides, each getting what they needed. He obtained the resources he had longed for, and the two saints found a powerful protector for their daughter.
Moreover, Ling Yuling herself is a stunning beauty with a unique charm. This deal seems like a sure win no matter how you look at it.
Qin Hao deliberately feigned struggle and deliberation on his face. After a moment of silence, he seemed to have finally made up his mind. He let out a long breath, his gaze hardening. Meeting the expectant eyes of the two saints, he said in a deep voice, "The love and care you two fellow Daoists have for your daughters is evident to heaven and earth. The conditions you have offered are also full of sincerity, which has moved me deeply."
He paused, then his tone became serious: "If I were to refuse again, not only would I appear ungrateful, but I would also be letting down the kindness of you two fellow Daoists..."
"Good! Good! Good!" Upon hearing this, Ling Xiaofeng slapped the armrest of his chair and said "good" three times in a row. A hearty smile bloomed on his dignified face, and his eyes showed undisguised joy and relief.
Wen Qing was overjoyed, and her eyes even welled up with tears of relief: "In that case, we are family!"
Ling Yuling, who had been hiding behind the screen, her palms sweating with nervousness, suddenly felt a jolt in her heart, unable to describe the feeling.
Although she was mentally prepared, when the moment actually arrived, shyness, confusion, anxiety about the future, and complex emotions about her parents' decision intertwined. She bit her lower lip, stomped her foot, turned around, and ran away quickly.
Qin Hao seemed to sense something, glanced at the screen, then turned to the two saints, a slightly mischievous smile on his face: "In that case, wouldn't I have to change my address to 'father-in-law' and 'mother-in-law'?"
"Hahahaha!" Ling Xiaofeng laughed heartily, waving his hand with great magnanimity: "There are no outsiders here, so let's each talk our own business! My dear son-in-law, you may call me Brother Ling or Fellow Daoist Xiaofeng! I detest all those empty formalities!"
Wen Qing smiled and said, "Xiaofeng is right. My dear son-in-law, there's no need to be so formal."
She then took out a palm-sized token, neither gold nor jade, that emitted a soft starlight and was engraved with intricate star patterns, and handed it to Qin Hao.
"This is the 'Celestial Star Token,' one of the most precious tokens of my Star Palace. With this token, my son-in-law can pass through all internal and external restrictions within the Star Palace, including the core area of the treasure vault, without any hindrance or obstruction."
This was tantamount to handing over the back door key to most of the Star Palace area directly to Qin Hao! Qin Hao was secretly delighted, but remained calm on the surface, solemnly accepting the token with both hands: "Thank you... for your generous gift, fellow Daoist."
"Later, I will have Yu Ling take my son-in-law to the secret vault. He can choose three treasures he likes to take out as a small gift from my wife and me," Wen Qing added. This can be considered a "deposit" for the marriage.
Qin Hao naturally wouldn't refuse and readily accepted the token: "I'd be honored to accept your offer."
With the business settled, the atmosphere became even more harmonious. The three began to exchange cultivation insights. Ling Xiaofeng and Wen Qing had advanced to the late stage for hundreds of years and possessed profound foundations, while Qin Hao, relying on the AI's deductive abilities, often offered ingenious solutions. Both sides felt they had benefited greatly from the exchange.
After Qin Hao took his leave, only Ling Xiaofeng and Wen Qing remained in the main hall.
Ling Xiaofeng let out a long breath, as if a huge burden had been lifted. His tone was weary but even more so with deep relief: "With this child's talent and temperament, plus our full support, advancing to the late Nascent Soul stage should be no problem. With him protecting Ling'er, we can rest in peace a hundred years from now."
Wen Qing nestled beside her husband, a resolute glint in her eyes: "Yes. The most important thing right now is to take advantage of our remaining strength and find a way to eliminate the two great threats, Liu Dao Ji Sheng and Wan San Gu! Once we get rid of them, the Reverse Star Alliance will be leaderless and no longer a threat. With this son to help Ling'er, the Star Palace's foundation can rest easy!"
"Six Paths Supreme Saint..." Ling Xiaofeng's eyes flashed with cold light, and an intense, tangible killing intent spread out. This name was his greatest enemy and inner demon in this life. Eliminating this person was the last thing he had to complete before he passed away!
……
Led by Ling Yuling, Qin Hao, holding the Heavenly Star Token, entered the most core and heavily guarded secret vault of the Star Palace without any hindrance.
The space here is far larger than imagined, utilizing extremely sophisticated spatial expansion restrictions. Rows of shelves crafted from top-grade materials such as Xuanbing Jade are neatly arranged, displaying countless orbs of light categorized by type. Some orbs contain jade slips brimming with spiritual energy, some seal rare and exotic fruits, some float with radiant magical treasures and ancient artifacts, and others contain rare spiritual materials in specially made jade boxes. There are even some astonishingly powerful demon beast cores and unknown ores.
The dazzling light almost blinded everyone; rich, multicolored spiritual energy intertwined, forming a hazy, radiant glow. Even Qin Hao, with his vast knowledge and considerable wealth, couldn't help but be awestruck by the Star Palace's accumulation over thousands of years. This was truly the foundation of a top-tier power!
Ling Yuling stood quietly to the side, her gaze towards Qin Hao complex and unfathomable. Qin Hao, meanwhile, activated the scanning and analysis function of his AI. His powerful divine sense, combined with the AI's deductions, swiftly swept over each treasure, assessing their value and utility to himself.
In the end, he carefully selected three treasures: one was the Zhou Tian Xing Chen Zhao Gua (a type of ancient treasure), said to have been crafted by a brilliant elder of the Star Palace. When activated, it formed 36 star-shaped light curtains, layered like the celestial constellations, with astonishing defensive power; another was the egg of the spirit beast Zhi Yang Niao (a type of bird), whose adult form was a level seven demon beast, and it also contained a trace of the bloodline of the True Spirit Three-Legged Golden Crow; the third was a material: Star Source Crystal, which could be integrated into the Wan Fu Bao Lu (a collection of myriad talismans), not only enhancing the power and speed of activating talismans but also isolating divine sense interference.
……
Leaving the secret vault, Qin Hao boarded the Ink Dragon Boat and transformed into a streak of dark green light, disappearing into the distance. Ling Yuling stood alone on the high platform, watching the point of light quickly vanish into the horizon, her expression complex.
“This person is decisive and ruthless, with a deep and unpredictable mind, but he doesn’t seem to be a womanizer or a lustful person.” She murmured to herself, as if trying to convince herself: “As long as he can truly become the pillar of the Star Palace as my parents hope, and help me protect this foundation…” She took a deep breath, her eyes gradually becoming firm: “I will marry him! This is my responsibility and destiny.”
When Qin Hao returned to his cave on the thirty-first floor, Yuan Yao and Yan Li were already waiting anxiously at the entrance. Seeing him return safely, they were overjoyed and immediately came to greet him.
"senior!"
"Senior, are you alright?" Yanli, who was more lively, asked with concern.
Qin Hao felt a warmth in his heart as he saw the genuine worry in the two women's eyes. He smiled, a hint of teasing in his expression, and reached out to put his arms around each of their slender shoulders: "What? You two have so little faith in me?"
The intimate gesture made both women stiffen.
Yuan Yao's delicate body trembled slightly, and a faint blush appeared on her usually aloof face. She lowered her head slightly, but instead of resisting Qin Hao's actions, she obediently moved closer.
Yanli, on the other hand, was much bolder. After a brief moment of shyness, a sly glint of joy flashed in her beautiful eyes. She snuggled closer to Qin Hao and said sweetly, "I was just worried about you, Senior! You are the Twin Saints of the Heavenly Stars!"
Feeling the warm, soft body in his arms, Qin Hao's heart stirred. Originally, according to his early plan, he intended for Yanli to cultivate the Phoenix Cultivation Technique, and after she formed her core, she would serve as a furnace to help him break through the bottleneck of the mid-stage Nascent Soul realm.
Now that he has successfully broken through, this plan is naturally obsolete. After decades of arduous cultivation and countless dangers, his realm is now stable, and it is time to relax and enjoy the fruits of his labor.
He tightened his grip on the two women, his gaze sweeping over their beautiful faces with an air of undeniable authority, and he chuckled softly, "Today, the two of you will serve me in bed together."
After saying this, without waiting for the two women to respond, he embraced them on the left and right, holding their slender waists, and strode towards the stone chamber deep inside the cave.
Yuan Yao and Yan Li trembled again, their cheeks flushed, and their breathing became more rapid, but neither of them resisted.
They exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with shyness, yet also with a resigned acceptance of their fate. When they became Qin Hao's concubines, they had already foreseen this day. Moreover, if it weren't for Qin Hao's protection and resource support over the years, the two sisters would probably have perished in the cruel battles of the Chaotic Star Sea, turning into dust long ago.
The two heavy stone doors slowly closed, isolating them from the outside world.
Nothing was said that night, except for whispers and soft breathing deep within the cave, a scene full of springtime charm.
……
Three months passed in the blink of an eye. The entire Tianxing City seemed to be immersed in a sea of festivals, becoming more bustling and festive than ever before.
The Star Palace Sacred Mountain, as the core of this grand ceremony, was decorated like a fairyland. The continuous palace complex was draped in a dazzling veil of starlight, and countless lanterns made of pure spiritual energy floated in the air, emitting a soft and dreamlike glow that illuminated the night as bright as day.
A "Star Rainbow Avenue," paved with millennia-old warm jade and inlaid with various bright jewels and gemstones, stretches from the foot of the sacred mountain all the way to the Twin Saints Palace at the top. Along both sides of the avenue, every few feet, stand elite guards of the Star Palace, clad in silver armor and wielding long spears adorned with star patterns, their imposing presence commanding respect. Countless rare and exotic birds and beasts, their wings shimmering with vibrant colors, circle and dance in the sky above the sacred mountain, emitting clear, melodious cries and scattering showers of spiritual light and blossoms.
"Have you heard? Senior Zhang, who made a powerful comeback a few days ago, is already a mid-Nascent Soul cultivator! Today, he will officially become cultivation partners with Fairy Ling Yuling, the daughter of the Twin Saints!"
"Do you even need to tell me? A month ago, the Star Palace sent out 'Starry Gold Invitations' to all the prominent sects and families in the Chaotic Star Sea to attend the ceremony! It's said that even some reclusive old monsters on the edge of the Inner Star Sea received invitations!"
"Not only that! I heard that even the Six Paths Supreme Saint and Wan Sangu from the Reverse Star Alliance... received invitations from the Star Palace!"
"So what if they received it? Unless they're insane, how dare they set foot in Tianxing City? With the two Saints in charge, their arrival would be like walking into a trap!"
At the foot of the sacred mountain, a surging crowd of cultivators from all corners of the Chaotic Star Sea thronged together, discussing amongst themselves, their faces filled with excitement and awe.
One after another, magnificent flying boats and carriages, representing the identities of various powerful forces, landed in the designated docking area. Powerful cultivators stepped off and, under the respectful guidance of the Star Palace Master of Ceremonies, walked along the Star Rainbow Avenue towards the giant viewing plaza located in the middle of the Holy Mountain—Star Radiance Plaza.
Nascent Soul cultivators were everywhere, and Core Formation cultivators were even more numerous. Elder Jin Kui of the Star Palace personally greeted the distinguished guests at the entrance of the plaza, creating an extremely grand scene.
The auspicious time is approaching.
A melodious and grand celestial melody, seemingly capable of cleansing the soul, resounded from the heavens. The enormous gates of the Twin Saints Palace slowly opened.
First to appear were the two Celestial Saints, Ling Xiaofeng and Wen Qing, dressed in their finest attire. Standing side by side with smiles on their faces, they exuded the powerful aura and majesty of late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators, instantly silencing the noisy Starry Plain. All cultivators, regardless of their cultivation level, bowed respectfully in greeting.
Then the newcomers made their appearance.
The groom, Qin Hao, wore a magnificent Daoist robe with a black background and gold patterns, embroidered with celestial constellations and divine dragon designs, shimmering with light. Although he deliberately concealed his mid-stage Nascent Soul aura, the invisible force of his presence still made all the Nascent Soul cultivators present feel a chill.
The bride, Ling Yuling, wore a phoenix coronet and embroidered robe made of ten-thousand-year-old ice silkworm silk, adorned with countless star-like diamonds. Bathed in dazzling spiritual light, she resembled a celestial maiden descending to earth. Her phoenix coronet and beaded veil partially concealed her exquisite beauty, adding an air of mystery and nobility to her ethereal countenance. The fierce spirit in her brows was softened by her current gentleness, revealing a breathtaking charm. With graceful, elegant steps, she was supported by two equally adorned Nascent Soul stage female elders as she slowly walked to Qin Hao's side.
"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Zhang! Congratulations, Fairy Yuling! Congratulations, both Saints!"
The entire Starry Plain erupted in a deafening roar of congratulations, with mythical birds soaring and celestial music filling the air, bringing this grandest wedding in the Star Palace's history for hundreds of years to its climax.
After officially becoming Daoist partners with Ling Yuling, the Twin Saints of the Heavenly Stars indeed fulfilled their promise. The Star Palace Treasury was completely opened to Qin Hao.
Without any hesitation, Qin Hao plunged headlong into this ocean of knowledge and treasure trove of resources. He directly activated the highest level of access to the AI, and like a gluttonous beast, began a frenzied "scanning" and "entry" process.
Countless jade slips, ancient books, and golden scrolls containing cultivation techniques, secret arts, pill formulas, weapon-refining insights, array diagrams, anecdotes, and ancient secrets were scanned, analyzed, and stored into a vast database by the AI at an astonishing speed under Qin Hao's powerful divine sense. This process was tedious and lengthy, but Qin Hao found it enjoyable.
The depth and breadth of the Star Palace's accumulated resources over thousands of years of ruling the Chaotic Star Sea far exceeded Qin Hao's imagination.
Countless ancient techniques long lost, unorthodox yet incredibly powerful supernatural abilities, unique insights into the laws of heaven and earth, and cultivation insights left behind by powerful figures from past Star Palaces... a massive torrent of information flooded into the AI database.
If Qin Hao's database was a lake before, then after absorbing all the knowledge of the Star Palace Myriad Phenomena Secret Treasury, this lake has become a vast and boundless ocean of wisdom! The quality and quantity of the database have both undergone a qualitative leap.
With the support of the new database, the AI has further improved the advanced talismans. The improved advanced talismans are 30% more powerful than before. In addition, with the 15% boost from the Myriad Talisman Treasure Record, few cultivators other than those in the late Nascent Soul stage can withstand a few waves of talisman bombardment.
In addition, Qin Hao also discovered an ancient book in the Star Palace Treasury that recorded the Tai Miao Divine Restriction. After the AI deduced it, it was simplified into the Tai Miao Divine Restriction Array.
The simplified Tai Miao Divine Forbidden Array, while not as powerful as the Ten Ancient Forbidden Arrays, is easy to set up. It can be set up and controlled anytime and anywhere by simply refining a set of array flags and array plates. Once locked by the Tai Miao Divine Forbidden Array, the body will be bound as if by invisible shackles, and movement will become slow or even completely immobile.
Furthermore, within the area sealed by the Tai Miao Divine Forbidden Array, the flow of spiritual energy is disordered, and the power of magical treasures will be greatly reduced. Any attempt to break in or escape from it will become extremely difficult. Although this array does not distinguish between friend and foe, it can sometimes have a surprise effect on cultivators like Qin Hao who cultivate both body and magic.
Furthermore, the Star Palace Treasury actually contains a pill formula that can enhance the cultivation of the mid-stage Nascent Soul realm. However, the main ingredient of the pill formula requires the demon core of a transformed demon beast, and Qin Hao only has a Poisonous Flood Dragon demon core, so he cannot refine it for the time being.
A year later, Qin Hao emerged from the Star Palace Treasury and plunged back into his cave to begin seclusion.
Besides drawing various advanced talismans, he spent a lot of time cultivating the Tongbao Technique of the Void Heaven Cauldron.
It took nearly ten years to finally master the Tongbao Technique to the first level, thus opening the Void Heaven Cauldron.
At this point, only two "Heaven-Mending Pills" remained in the Void Heaven Cauldron. Qin Hao gave one to Yanli, while Yuan Yao, with her Yin Body, didn't need Heaven-Mending Pills to improve her aptitude when cultivating the Ghost Path technique.
The remaining "Heaven-Mending Pill" was naturally used to make a deal with Han Li.
"Next, I need to cultivate the Heaven-Supporting Demon Art to the third level as soon as possible, and it's time to make a trip to the Underworld."
OBS