Chapter 860: Visit the Qiong-Hua Palace!
Visit the Qiong-Hua Palace! . . .
"What on earth is happening?" Zhan Yunfei muttered, his brow furrowed in bewilderment. His shock was so profound that he felt his nose might drop off at any moment. "Is he genuinely this approachable now? How long has he been here?"
Having been occupied with reporting to the Prime Master, Zhan Yunfei had missed witnessing Cha Chongxiao's combat earlier. Now, Cha Chongxiao had become an invaluable asset to everyone. Those who fought against him, or even observed his battles, could glean invaluable insights into martial arts techniques that had eluded them. Lingering problems that had resisted solution for ages were sometimes effortlessly unraveled by the subtle moves Cha Chongxiao demonstrated in combat.
This was precisely why a multitude of senior cultivators were eager to train with Cha Chongxiao. Zhan Yunfei, still reeling from the shock, continued, "Considering that many of you genuinely care about nurturing the younger generation, perhaps you could take turns. I wouldn't want this to disrupt your own schedules; that wouldn't be ideal."
The assembled group enthusiastically agreed, sporting broad grins.
Unbeknownst to Zhan Yunfei, this decision would give rise to a prolonged competition. It marked the inception of a significant event in the sect's history, one that would eventually fracture the three factions.
…
In Qiong-Hua Palace.
A prominent force in the world, one of the three great palaces within the Qing-Yun Realm, it was nestled amid a mountainous terrain veiled in perpetual clouds and fog.
According to legend, these mountains had not existed in the distant past. One night, the moon had inexplicably illuminated the entire Qing-Yun Realm as if it were daytime. The following morning, these mountains had materialized in the shape of a full moon.
Subsequently, the founder of Qiong-Hua Palace had chanced upon an ancient secret, marking the inception of the palace's history. In the aftermath, the Qiong-Hua Palace ascended to become a mighty presence in the world and earned its renown as the Great Qiong-Hua Palace throughout the Qing-Yun Realm.
These Full-moon Mountains were perpetually enshrouded in fog and clouds.
The fog appeared to be saturated with pure spiritual energy. A single breath in this environment left one feeling rejuvenated, facilitating rapid cultivation. Consequently, disciples of the Qiong-Hua Palace made impressive strides in their training.
On one particular day, the rolling fog enshrouded the mountains. A white-clad figure raced towards the palace as if propelled by otherworldly forces. Wherever this figure passed, the clouds and fog parted to create a path.
There seemed to be no discernible pathway through these mountains, yet this person navigated with ease. It was evident that they were well-acquainted with the surroundings.
In the thick fog, two white-clad individuals emerged. "Who is that?" they inquired.
They were the two disciples assigned to their duty this day.
The swift figure came to a stop, unveiling a stunning woman bedecked in resplendent attire. A small white flower adorned her hair.
As the exquisite lady emerged, the two disciples found themselves momentarily entranced. They were women themselves, yet this lady's beauty left them spellbound.
In unison, they marveled, "What an astonishing beauty! She must be a celestial goddess who descended from the heavens. Why would such an ethereal being grace this mundane world?"
"Please proceed to make the report. Inform them that Jun Yinglian of Sky Ice Palace has come to visit Yue Gongxue, the Moonlight Saintess of your sect," the lady stated impassively. Her purpose was to meet with Yue Gongxue.
One of the disciples expressed surprise and said, "With all due respect, Master Jun, but... Yue Gongxue is no longer our Moonlight Saintess."
Jun Yinglian remained composed. Her response was unemotional as she uttered, "When I first knew Yue Gongxue, she was the Moonlight Saintess. I care not for what she is now. There is only one Moonlight Saintess in my eyes, and that is her. Furthermore, I am here to see Yue Gongxue, not some insignificant Moonlight Saintess. If your Moonlight Saintess is not Yue Gongxue, then she holds no significance."
"Master Yue Gongxue has been confined to the Moonlight Cave as part of her punishment. Master Jun, I'm afraid..." murmured the other disciple.
"Don't concern yourself. Please inform the Moon Queen that I, Jun Yinglian, wish to meet with Yue Gongxue. I'm eager to hear her response," Jun Yinglian spoke nonchalantly, though her voice carried an underlying weight.
Although her words seemed casual and detached, the timbre of her voice was commanding.
The two disciples conferred briefly before one of them departed to relay the message.
Jun Yinglian stood in the dense fog with her hands clasped behind her back, maintaining an air of serenity and patience. She exuded the poise of a goddess. Yet, within the depths of her eyes, a swirl of complex emotions churned.
Recollections of the past played on her mind, though she couldn't ascertain their accuracy. If these memories were accurate, she faced a future fraught with hopelessness.
She waited patiently for several minutes. The fog enveloping the mountain suddenly surged, and from within it materialized a shadow. A woman with a welcoming smile on her face appeared, saying, "I never expected the former Prime Master of Sky Ice Palace to visit our Full-moon Mountains. I must apologize for not extending a more formal welcome. Please forgive me."
"I am no longer the Prime Master of Sky Ice Palace. I am just like the person I wish to meet today. Our glory has faded. There is no need for you to come out for me," Jun Yinglian responded, turning slowly. Her words were marked by a hint of detachment. "Nevertheless, I'm flattered by your presence, Moon Queen."
The charming woman, who appeared to be around forty, maintained a warm smile. "Prime Master Jun, you've graced my modest abode. It is only proper for me to personally extend my welcome; to do otherwise would be impolite."
Jun Yinglian chuckled at her own expense, but Moon Queen of Qiong-Hua Palace took no offense. In truth, Moon Queen would never dare to incur Jun Yinglian's displeasure. Though it was accurate that Qiong-Hua Palace had no reason to fear Sky Ice Palace, as the latter was significantly weaker in all respects, Jun Yinglian was a formidable figure in her own right.
However, there had been a transformation in Jun Yinglian. She was no longer the Jun Yinglian of old.
Two years ago, Jun Yinglian had held the position of the Sky Ice Palace's Prime Master. She was also renowned as one of the most powerful top-level Dao Origin Stage cultivators in the world. This was a role deserving of respect.
Yet, it did not inspire fear in individuals such as Moon Queen.
Now, Jun Yinglian was markedly different.
She was a woman who had lost the love of her life. She resembled a stagnant pond while simultaneously echoing a volatile volcano.
In the Qing-Yun Realm, all superior cultivators were aware of Jun Yinglian's profound love for Xiao Monarch. The tragic death of Xiao Monarch had sent shockwaves throughout the entire realm, and Jun Yinglian had descended into madness after his passing.
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