Chapter 612 - 342: Mirage

A winding crystal bridge, shimmering with an iridescent, mysterious light, led deep into the distance. It was completely free of any Array Restrictions.

Beyond the bridge lay an impenetrably thick mist, a vast, hazy expanse where flickers of Spiritual Light could be seen. It was impossible for one’s Divine Thought to probe deep within.

Ling Changqing and Xue Qingtan walked side-by-side, their path completely unobstructed. Soon, they were far from the region of the Jade Garden.

As for how the mob of Cultivators behind them would fight to the death, finally break through the Array Restriction, and then fly into a rage upon discovering the completely empty Medicinal Garden—that was none of Ling Changqing’s concern.

By now, conflict had erupted everywhere in the depths of the Immortal Mansion.

Countless Cultivators battled in various regions, fighting desperately to the death over all manner of opportunities.

At any given moment, great numbers of Cultivators were perishing, their Divine Souls rarely spared. Among the fallen were many Great Powers from the Divinity Transformation and Void Refining Realms.

Of course, such was the fate of the vast majority of Cultivators. Immortality and eternal freedom were destined to remain a distant, unattainable dream.

"...My love, what sort of opportunities are inside that Star Sovereign Hall?"

Ling Changqing asked as they walked.

"Mm, I’ve heard there are all sorts of Daoist Soldier Puppets, from Rank One to Rank Five, as well as inheritances for Cultivation Techniques related to the art of puppetry..."

Xue Qingtan wrapped her slender, enchanting arm around his and spoke in a soft, gentle whisper.

In her past life, she had never obtained the opportunities within the Doumu Immortal Palace. All her information had been gathered afterward, and so much time had passed that her memories were bound to have a few inconsistencies.

"I understand."

’Now I have a better idea. As long as I know the general situation, it shouldn’t be too difficult for me to acquire the opportunities inside, given my supreme Destiny.’

’However, more and more outside Cultivators are forcing their way into the depths of the Immortal Palace. As time passes, encounters with other Cultivators will likely become unavoidable.’

’Meeting the Female Cultivators from the Ye Family and Xuannü Palace was one thing, but I can’t count on being so lucky next time. I have to be prepared.’

’If I run into a Male Cultivator faction with a bad reputation, my safety will be far from guaranteed, and a fight will be inevitable.’

’Still, thinking back on my many gains in the Fu Lu Forest, I’m not particularly worried. Even if I can’t stand against certain powerful Great Powers, I should still be able to make a clean escape.’

"Huh? Something seems a little off out there."

Xue Qingtan’s expression shifted. She noticed that the mist outside the crystal bridge had begun to thin, faintly revealing glimpses of the surrounding area.

Thousands of feet below and off in the distance, dozens of Cultivators were besieging a turtle-dragon-like Exotic Beast within a forest of azure stone. Flashes of light from various Magical Treasures, piercing Sword Qi, and powerful Divine Techniques rose and fell in waves.

At the edge of their vision in another direction, a large group of Cultivators picked their way through layered palaces and courtyards, carefully probing and dismantling the Array Restrictions along their path.

"Can they see us from over there?"

Ling Changqing frowned. The crystal bridge hung suspended in the open air, with no Array Restriction to obscure it from view. It was only a matter of time before the many surrounding Cultivators took notice.

"...Master, it’s all right. The Cultivators outside can only see an image; they can’t touch the physical bridge!"

Gong Ling explained from within his sea of consciousness.

"That’s a relief."

Ling Changqing relaxed slightly. ’This must be the effect of some unknown Restriction within the Immortal Mansion Ruins, just like a legendary mirage.’

’Still, even if my safety isn’t an immediate issue, being seen by so many outsiders will inevitably lead to trouble.’

"It’s unavoidable. So, darling, you’ll have to find some way to disguise yourself to ensure your absolute safety."

Xue Qingtan responded, feeling a pang of uncertainty. Even if all her sisters from the Era Star Palace Grotto Heaven Blessed Land joined forces, she wasn’t sure they could withstand an assault from so many of the Great Powers outside.

Ling Changqing pondered for a moment, secretly conferring with Gong Ling. He already had an idea.

"There’s no need to be nervous. My love, you know arts of disguise and transformation, don’t you? All we need to do is alter our appearances and auras."

"Mm, of course I do. And you, darling?"

Xue Qingtan smiled, her lustrous, beautiful eyes sparkling. As a former Goddess Empress, her Divine Soul’s memories were certainly not lacking in such techniques.

"I have one as well. And... I plan to draw the attention of those powers away from the Female Cultivators of the Ye Family and Xuannü Palace."

Ling Changqing said, conveying his plan to her via Divine Thought.

After a moment of contemplation, Xue Qingtan gave him a nod of approval.

As she watched, Ling Changqing’s aura soared, quickly breaking through the barrier of the Nascent Soul Peak and stepping into the Divinity Transformation Realm.

Then it rose to the Middle Stage Divinity Transformation, the Late Stage Divinity Transformation, and finally stabilized at the Divinity Transformation Peak.

"Master, this state can be maintained for three months. As long as you don’t actually trade blows with anyone, your cover won’t be blown."

Gong Ling explained from within his sea of consciousness.

Ling Changqing agreed. ’With this disguised Realm, not even a Great Power at the Void Refining Peak would be able to see through the facade. The price was merely a single year of his Lifespan.’

However, Ling Changqing did not alter his appearance or build, nor did he conceal the phenomenal manifestation of his Destiny. This was a deliberate choice.

Next, Xue Qingtan’s appearance and aura also changed. Her figure became taller and more curvaceous, her features more vibrant and aggressive.

Ling Changqing paused for a thought. He realized her new appearance was somewhat similar to that of Celestial Monarch Luo Qi. Back in the Hongmeng Divine Hall, that stunning beauty had tried to make a move on him, only to return empty-handed.

"Mm, this is perfect."

Ling Changqing smiled. ’The real Celestial Monarch Luo Qi has probably come this time as well, but that doesn’t matter.’

On the crystal bridge, the couple continued on, hand in hand. In a short while, they had traveled dozens of miles.

As time passed, the surrounding mist gradually dissipated, and the bridge suspended in the sky was finally exposed to the eyes of Cultivators from every faction.

A few miles below, a group of Cultivators from the Li Huo Divine Palace were toiling in a purple bamboo forest, digging up a type of bamboo fungus that radiated a clear fragrance and shimmered with Spiritual Light.

One of them happened to glance up and saw the crystal bridge suspended in midair, along with the divine couple strolling hand in hand across it.

"...Huh? What is that?"

"Strange. Where did that bridge come from? How come we didn’t notice it before?"

"Who are those two? Something feels... off. Let me think..."

"That Male Cultivator’s Destiny phenomenon is so strange... C-could he be the legendary... Child of Destiny?"

"Impossible!"

A Cultivator immediately tried to refute the claim, but they all quickly changed their minds.

The reason was the magnificent, glorious, and fully materialized phenomenon of Destiny above Ling Changqing’s head—it was simply too conspicuous for anyone else to possibly imitate.

"C-Could it be... the Child of Destiny has really shown himself? Who is that Female Cultivator by his side?"

"That’s not important. What matters is that it’s him! Rumor has it the Child of Destiny is a lecherous womanizer. Looks like the rumors were true, eh?"

"So, what do we do now?"

"What else can we do? Seize him, of course! Are we just going to leave him for some other faction to claim?"

As the numerous Cultivators chattered amongst themselves, someone in the far distance could no longer hold back and made a move.

From deep within a sprawling mountain range, a clear dragon’s cry echoed as an abnormally thick crimson beam spiraled into the air, lunging toward the crystal bridge.

Immediately after, three magnificent Sword Auras shot out from a tall tower dozens of miles away, tearing through the sky in a menacing assault.

A faint, ethereal melody lingered in the air as an incomparably exquisite Embroidery Tower, wreathed in a bright red glow, flew swiftly toward the pair on the crystal bridge.

Following that, waves of fragrance wafted out as a silk kerchief, a hundred yards wide and covered in gorgeous embroidery, appeared beside the crystal bridge and swept lightly down toward Ling Changqing.

"...Fellow Daoist Ling, you have an affinity with our Buddhist Pure Land of the Qingluo Continent. I implore you to stay!"

As a majestic, resounding voice echoed through heaven and earth, a hundred-yard-wide, sandalwood-gold palm appeared, wreathed in countless lotuses. It swooped down, attempting to grab the crystal bridge.

"You dare, you damned baldy?!"

A charming, melodious rebuke followed. Amidst a rain of seven-colored petals, a huge, brilliantly glowing flower basket materialized, blocking the strike from the sandalwood-gold Buddhist palm.

In an instant, hundreds, even thousands, of Great Power Cultivators from all corners of the Immortal Mansion made their move. They all vied to seize the Child of Destiny while desperately trying to thwart the actions of their rivals.

For a time, the Celestial Vault blazed with iridescent light and raged with thunderous winds as the great figures battled to a stalemate.

On the crystal bridge, Ling Changqing watched the unprecedented spectacle unfold, still shaken by the display. ’...That was a close one. If I had to face them head-on, I doubt even a legendary Great Power at the Peak of the Unity Realm could withstand that onslaught.’

"It’s good that you understand."

Xue Qingtan shot him a playful glare.

Having once lived through the Dharma-Ending Age of the Immortal Dao, she knew better than anyone what being the Child of Destiny truly meant. He was the only sliver of hope for survival amidst sinking realms and an immeasurable calamity.

Ling Changqing said nothing more and simply continued forward, his arm linked with the beauty beside him.

Soon, the Great Powers realized something was amiss. The crystal bridge appearing in midair was not a physical entity, but merely an illusion. Their frantic efforts had been for naught.

Dozens of figures exuding powerful auras appeared beside the bridge—men and women, old and young alike.

One Cultivator tentatively charged at the crystal bridge, only to pass through it effortlessly, as if it weren’t there at all.

Another group of Cultivators huddled together, whispering for a moment, before selecting a representative. She was a beautiful, mature woman with blonde hair, blue eyes, and skin as fair as jade, clad in exquisite golden Armor. Her tall frame was both voluptuous and graceful.

"...Fellow Daoist Ling, can you hear me?"

Her figure phased into the illusory bridge, and she walked alongside Ling Changqing, calling out with an anxious expression.

Ling Changqing remained silent. Hidden within her wide sleeve, Xue Qingtan’s hand tightened slightly, giving him a few discreet pinches. The message was clear: ’Don’t cause trouble.’

As for the blonde woman, it only took Xue Qingtan a moment’s thought to place her. The woman was not of the Human Race; she must be from the Asura Clan of the Qingyue Continent.

The Qingyue Continent was also one of this world’s fifteen great continents. It was the domain of the Asura Clan, home to tens of thousands of nations and Clan powers locked in ceaseless, chaotic warfare.

The most powerful faction on this continent was apparently the Luo Mo Divine Dynasty, which had already occupied roughly one-tenth of the entire landmass.

"Fellow Daoist Ling?!"

Seeing his lack of response, the blonde woman continued, "I am from the Luo Mo Divine Dynasty of the Qingyue Continent. If you are willing to return with me..."

"Enough!"

Suddenly, a cold, arrogant, yet melodious voice cut in. "You lowly deviants dare to dream of getting your hands on the Human Race’s Child of Destiny?"

The voice belonged to one of three stunningly beautiful women in Feather Cloaks. They were tall and curvaceous, their hair adorned with jewels and their features as perfect as a painting. Their bearing was magnificently graceful.

They arrived together. The woman in the center looked at the blonde beauty with disdain and spoke in a chilling voice.

"The Asura Clan and the Human Race have always been at odds. The Child of Destiny would never bestow his favor upon the likes of you. Give up this foolish notion!"

The blonde woman’s expression turned cold as well. "Is that so? Your Sea Race can hardly be considered to have a pure human bloodline, can they? If we can’t have him, then there’s even less of a chance for you!"

The stunning woman sneered. "The Sea Race’s ancestral bloodline comes from the ancient Great Powers of the Human Race. We are, of course, part of the Human Race—completely different from you lot..."

The blonde woman rolled her eyes and was about to retort, but when she turned her head, she saw that Ling Changqing had already gotten some distance away. She hurriedly followed after him.