NOVPUBMu Zhi’an could faintly hear the discussions taking place outside the Jade Pool.
He wondered, if he were to suddenly embrace the Jade Empress’s waist and shout, “Wife, look, so many people are watching us down there…” would he be beaten to death on the spot?
Of course, such thoughts were just fleeting fancies. Mu Zhi’an wasn’t that suicidal.
He looked at the Jade Empress not far ahead. She raised her fingertip, and the fire phoenix, formed from the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit, shrunk quietly in mid-air, eventually landing on her fingertip.
Such divine objects often possessed a sliver of consciousness. Though they lacked true intelligence, they would instinctively attack anyone trying to pluck them or attempt to escape.
But this Heavenly Phoenix Fruit had never tried to escape, instinctively submitting to the Jade Empress.
“What are you thinking?” The Jade Empress seemed to notice Mu Zhi’an’s gaze and glanced at him, asking softly.
Mu Zhi’an snapped out of his thoughts and shook his head. “Nothing… It’s just strange. I haven’t sensed any activity from remnants of the previous Demonic Cultivators within the Primordial Clans recently.”
Logically, his Demon Realm Mark should react to the presence of any Demonic Cultivator.
But the mark hadn’t reacted at all when he interacted with several major Primordial Clans, including elders from various Eastern Realm factions.
The Jade Empress had told him that the Demon Realm Mark didn’t differentiate between past and present Demonic Cultivators. As long as they were Demonic Cultivators, his mark would react to some extent. This was the authority granted to him by the Demon Realm Empress upon her arrival.
As for the reason… It was obvious. The Demon Realm Empress was far away in the Northern Realm and couldn’t act directly. But she could offer Mu Zhi’an some convenience, allowing him to temporarily detect any Demonic Cultivators present within the Jade Pool or even Sacred King City.
However, the investigation revealed that neither Sacred King City nor the Jade Pool Sacred Land had any spies.
This was very strange. If neither of these places had any remnants of Demonic Cultivators, wouldn’t that mean they weren’t even planning to seize the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit?
Of course, it was also possible that they weren’t hiding within Sacred King City but were concealed somewhere in the wilderness.
“It doesn’t matter. Once the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit is refined, it won’t matter if they have any tricks up their sleeves,” the Jade Empress said calmly.
Her tone was calm and filled with confidence in herself.
This was understandable. She had once suppressed even the terrifying Primordial Demon Emperor, let alone some remnants under his command.
Mu Zhi’an nodded slightly, then glanced at the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit in the Jade Empress’s hand. “Once this is refined, can you condense your vessel?”
The Jade Empress nodded slightly, then a faint blush appeared on her exquisite face. She glanced at him and said, “In addition to that, I also need…”
She seemed to find it difficult to speak, falling silent for a moment before continuing softly, “In addition to that, I also need your Spiritual Energy, so I might have to trouble you again…”
Her normally ethereal voice now carried a hint of shyness she hadn’t shown before.
Don’t be so polite, as if I could refuse you…
Mu Zhi’an put on a solemn expression and took the Jade Empress’s soft hand. “Fairy, you’re too kind. It’s my honor to help you condense your vessel. It’s no trouble at all!”
According to the Jade Empress’s previous estimation, the remaining Heavenly Phoenix Tree would need at least seven more days to bear fruit again.
During this time, the Jade Pool Sacred Land elders had activated the Jade Pool’s formations. If there were any external intrusions, they could rely on the formations to defend.
As a last resort, they would directly destroy the Heavenly Phoenix Tree to prevent it from bearing fruit again.
Of course, doing so would cause significant damage to the tree, potentially rendering it unable to bear fruit for nearly a century.
The Jade Empress nodded silently, gazing at Mu Zhi’an. “Absorb the surrounding Spiritual Energy into your body, then come with me.”
When the Heavenly Phoenix Tree bore fruit, the surrounding Spiritual Energy would be influenced by it, containing a hint of ‘Nirvana’ Dao韵. If one were to take this opportunity to absorb and comprehend the Spiritual Energy, they might gain something valuable.
This was also why the Jade Empress brought Mu Zhi’an to this place.
Mu Zhi’an nodded slightly. His Innate Celestial Vessel had been in a semi-vacant state recently, so it wouldn’t take long to absorb external Spiritual Energy.
However, he didn’t absorb all the Spiritual Energy influenced by the Heavenly Phoenix Tree into his Innate Celestial Vessel. Instead, he absorbed half and stopped.
Even a trace of the Heavenly Phoenix Tree’s Spiritual Energy could potentially allow one to comprehend its Dao. Obtaining more Spiritual Energy wouldn’t necessarily aid in comprehension.
With so many people watching below, Mu Zhi’an didn’t intend to seize all the opportunities for himself.
“Let’s go. I’ll take you to the Ancestral Land,” the Jade Empress said after waiting for the time it takes to burn an incense stick, hovering in mid-air.
The Jade Pool Ancestral Land was where the Jade Empress planned to condense her vessel and where she would later dual cultivate with Mu Zhi’an.
If the Jade Empress’s current immortal body was merely condensed with Rebirth Water, then after adding the ‘Nirvana’ of the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit, it would become her true body from the past.
As for whether there was a difference between the two… Mu Zhi’an hadn’t experienced it yet, so he wasn’t sure.
Mu Zhi’an cupped his fists towards the crowd below, then left with the Jade Empress under the watchful eyes of the Jade Pool elders, including the Jade Pool Empress Mother.
“This young friend Mu is quite tactful. He didn’t absorb all the Dao brought by the Heavenly Phoenix Tree,” a cultivator in the crowd couldn’t help but say.
“This trace of Spiritual Energy might also allow us to comprehend the Dao within the Heavenly Phoenix Tree,” another cultivator beside him quickly raised his hand and snatched a small portion of the Spiritual Energy. Looking at Mu Zhi’an flying away, he felt a surge of goodwill towards him.
“Hmph, it’s no loss for him. He’s just offering a favor effortlessly,” someone sneered in the dark, disdaining Mu Zhi’an’s actions.
“Even if he obtained more Spiritual Energy from the Heavenly Phoenix Tree, the Dao he could comprehend would be the same, wouldn’t it?” the person continued.
Several gazes turned towards the speaker. It was a young man with a pale complexion and thin lips. He was quite handsome, and his luxurious robes added a touch of noble air to him.
“The second young master of the Profound Sky Sect in the Eastern Realm, Shi Fei!”
The people present were all influential figures in various parts of the Eastern Realm, so they immediately recognized his identity.
The Profound Sky Sect’s status in the Eastern Realm wasn’t comparable to behemoths like the Forbidden Zone, but it was on par with the Jade Pool.
Of course, if the Jade Empress truly condensed her vessel this time, the Jade Pool Sacred Land’s status would become incomparable to other factions.
To think that even people from the Profound Sky Sect have come… Many people read something specific from this young man’s presence.
Profound Sky Sect disciples rarely left their territory, and they were very far from the Jade Pool Sacred Land. Even if they traveled with all their might, it would probably take them more than five days.
It seemed that various factions in the Eastern Realm were secretly paying attention to the Jade Empress’s rebirth…
Initially, some people wondered why some major factions in Sacred King City hadn’t gathered completely. But now it seemed that certain Eastern Realm factions were likely observing from the shadows, just not showing themselves.
This time, the Jade Empress’s ability to reconstruct her vessel was a matter of great concern to all major factions in the Eastern Realm.
Because this was a historical moment. There might not be another Dao Integration Realm Empress in the future!
“If the Jade Empress successfully reconstructs her vessel this time, wouldn’t Mu Zhi’an be free from all worries in the future?” someone suddenly said with a hint of emotion, their eyes filled with unconcealed envy as they watched Mu Zhi’an depart.
Once the Jade Empress reconstructed her vessel, there would be another Empress in the world… With such a powerful protector, who would dare to lay a finger on Mu Zhi’an?
“That’s assuming the Jade Empress can condense her vessel. Mu Zhi’an might have been chosen by the Jade Empress to help her condense her vessel, but is Core Formation Realm Spiritual Energy really enough?” a voice of doubt arose.
The elders from several Primordial Clans in the crowd exchanged knowing glances before silently averting their eyes.
These people didn’t know that Mu Zhi’an was indeed at the Core Formation Realm, but his other vessel wasn’t.
As these people continued to discuss, more and more clouds in the sky were dyed crimson by the Heavenly Phoenix Tree. The chatter among the cultivators gradually ceased, and many of them took to their flying swords and ascended into the sky to absorb the Spiritual Energy.
The Spiritual Energy influenced by the Heavenly Phoenix Tree was all good stuff. They would absorb as much as they could… They could slowly comprehend it after returning. If they could gain something from it, this trip to the Jade Pool Sacred Land would be worthwhile.
The Jade Pool Empress Mother stood within the Sacred Land, watching the cultivators absorbing Spiritual Energy in the sky. She didn’t stop them; her thoughts seemed to have already followed the Jade Empress.
The Jade Empress chose the Jade Pool Ancestral Land as the location for condensing her vessel for two reasons. Firstly, it was to prevent the tribulation lightning from affecting others in the Jade Pool. Secondly, the Jade Pool Sacred Land’s ancestral artifact was hidden within the Ancestral Land, and the formations there were personally set up by the Jade Empress. Even if someone had malicious intentions, they would be annihilated by the formations.
This time, five Jade Pool elders, each at the Nascent Soul Realm, had gone to the Ancestral Land. They would work together to activate the formations and prevent anyone from entering.
And that was all they could do.
As for whether her vessel could be condensed and the Dao Integration Realm regained, it depended partly on the Jade Empress herself and partly on whether Mu Zhi’an’s Innate Celestial Vessel could continuously provide the Jade Empress with Spiritual Energy.
Whether the Innate Celestial Vessel could withstand the Jade Empress’s test would be seen this time.
If the Jade Empress truly reconstructed her vessel, Mu Zhi’an’s value would be magnified once again.
At that time… those Primordial Clans observing in the shadows would probably try their best to ‘trick’ Mu Zhi’an back into their families, regardless of the cost.
…
Jade Pool Ancestral Land(Ground).
This Ancestral Land was personally created by the Jade Empress. Every Jade Pool Holy Maiden was chosen here.
It could be said that the Ancestral Land held a sacred status in the hearts of the Jade Pool disciples.
The territories of the major factions in the Eastern Realm were vast, and the Jade Pool was no exception.
The Ancestral Land was located in the eastern part of the Jade Pool. Here, the mountains and forests were lush and green, with occasional unknown creatures flapping their wings and flying past, filling the air with the fragrance of medicinal herbs.
Deep within the mountains and forests stood a grand hall.
“Is this the Jade Pool Ancestral Land…?” Mu Zhi’an looked up at the ancient and sacred hall ahead, a sense of reverence rising in his heart.
On both sides of the hall, he vaguely sensed someone secretly observing them. He looked up and saw a female elder he had met before.
Mu Zhi’an nodded slightly at them, then glanced at the Jade Empress beside him. “Empress, when do you plan to start condensing your vessel?”
“No rush.”
The Jade Empress looked up at the sky, her green eyes unusually deep. She said calmly, “No rush. Just a little while longer.”
Has she already deduced the optimal time for condensing her vessel through divination…?
Mu Zhi’an understood.
“By the way, what’s your name?” Mu Zhi’an suddenly asked as he entered the hall with the Jade Empress.
She glanced at him, a faint smile in her eyes. “I’ll tell you next time.”
Even a name is used to tease me. This Empress really likes to play with people. She’s a bit of a sadist… Mu Zhi’an thought to himself.
Wait, I’ll tease her back later and let her taste what ‘torment’ feels like.
As Mu Zhi’an was thinking this, the Jade Empress had already stepped into the hall.
After walking along the corridor for a short while, they arrived at a bathing pool.
The water’s surface shimmered, crystal clear, exuding a refreshing medicinal fragrance.
This was prepared in advance by the Jade Pool Sacred Land to assist the Jade Empress in condensing her vessel.
The medicinal pills blended into this bath were priceless in the outside world. The Jade Pool had spent more than half of its resources on this.
Mu Zhi’an’s gaze fell on the Jade Empress, his thoughts becoming active.
Whether she sensed the young man’s gaze or not, the Jade Empress’s crystal-clear earlobes seemed to flush slightly. But under Mu Zhi’an’s gaze, she forced herself to appear natural. She gracefully approached the bath, one hand covering her ample bosom, and lightly tapped the water’s surface with her tiptoes.
Mu Zhi’an walked behind the Jade Empress, gazing at her back.
Her body, enveloped in the green dress, outlined a perfect and enchanting curve. Her delicate embroidered shoes had been removed at some point, and her flawless jade-like toes tapped the water, creating ripples.
Mu Zhi’an’s gaze fell on the water’s surface again.
With his Innate Spiritual Body, he could naturally sense how potent the medicinal pills in the bath were.
It feels like a waste to use it just for her bath… Mu Zhi’an sighed inwardly.
Then his gaze returned to the Jade Empress.
But that was true. This bath wasn’t prepared for him; he could only have a sip of the soup, so to speak.
Hmm… But the main course wasn’t the soup; it was the meat…
“I have a few bottles of Rebirth Water. Let’s blend them in as well,” Mu Zhi’an said, taking out the Rebirth Water from his storage ring and pouring it into the bath.
A person could only consume Rebirth Water once; more wouldn’t have any effect. Previously, the Rebirth Pool had given him Rebirth Water multiple times due to his constitution, but it didn’t mean much to Mu Zhi’an.
However, it would still be quite helpful for condensing the Jade Empress’s vessel.
After all, the Spiritual Energy in Rebirth Water was incredibly rich, no less than some top-grade pills.
After doing all this, he looked at the Empress standing by the bath. Her thin clothes seemed barely able to conceal the ample charm of her bosom, and her body was enveloped in a hazy mist, through which he could vaguely make out a section of her slender, snow-white legs.
Mu Zhi’an’s heart stirred, his eyes filled with a burning desire. He took two steps forward and placed a hand on the Jade Empress’s soft, ample waist.
The Jade Empress’s delicate body trembled slightly. She glanced at Mu Zhi’an’s mischievous hand and gently pushed it away. “W-wait… I need to refine the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit first.”
Her voice now carried a shyness she rarely displayed.
“Alright.”
Mu Zhi’an grinned, revealing a bright smile.
Then, he saw a green lotus quietly bloom by the bath. The Jade Empress stepped onto the water’s surface, as if walking on solid ground, and approached the green lotus.
At this moment, a phoenix cry echoed throughout the hall.
The Heavenly Phoenix Fruit in the Jade Empress’s hand transformed into a burning phoenix that soared through the hall. Then, she sat down in the green lotus to cultivate and refine the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit.
Mu Zhi’an was quite patient. He sat on the side and waited, leisurely admiring the Empress’s beauty and her slightly flushed cheeks.
He wasn’t in a hurry. After all, she was here now; she couldn’t run away, could she?
Boom!
After nearly half an hour, a thunderous sound reverberated through the sky.
Many people outside knew that this was the Jade Empress’s tribulation lightning!
She hadn’t even condensed her vessel yet, but it had already stirred the Heavenly Dao, and the tribulation lightning was already brewing!
On this day, countless gazes from cultivators all over the Eastern Realm converged on the Jade Pool Sacred Land.
Rumors of a close relationship between Mu Zhi’an and the Jade Empress spread from the Forbidden Zone to the Two Polarities Sect and then throughout the Eastern Realm…
