274: Chapter 274 Ling Yuling's Gratitude! Another Infant-Gathering Spirit Item!

Chapter 272: Ling Yuling's Gratitude! Obtaining Another nascent soul formation spiritual item!

Inside the Quiet Room, one could hear a pin drop.

The light of the sunset filtered through the window lattice, casting trembling patches of light on Ling Yuling's heaving chest and clenched fists, reflecting the tumultuous waves crashing within her heart at this moment.

The impact of Lu Qiu's words, "the Myriad Laws Sect and the Six Paths Extreme Sage," was like a ten-thousand-pound boulder dropped into her calm Sea of Consciousness, stirring up ripples that refused to subside for a long time.

Information about these two great powers flashed rapidly through her mind: the Myriad Laws Sect, a titan of the Righteous Path with numerous disciples, whose influence permeated every aspect of the Inner Star Sea. Its relationship with the Star Palace was subtle, with occasional friction, but they always maintained basic etiquette and restraint on the surface. The Six Paths Extreme Sage, a giant of the Demonic Path, acted erratically and possessed unfathomable strength; he was the primary "unstable factor" that successive Palace Masters of the Star Palace had been quite wary of.

These two, one righteous and one demonic, with vastly different philosophies and even frequent conflicts... they could actually set aside their prejudices and join forces to form the "Nixing Alliance"?

What kind of massive shared interest, or rather, what kind of intense "consensus" would be required to facilitate this?

It took a long time before Ling Yuling slowly and with great difficulty sat back down in her seat.

The hem of her moon-white dress still trembled slightly due to her unsettled state of mind.

She raised her eyes—those eyes that were originally as clear as cold stars were now filled with complex emotions: shock, horror...

She looked sharply at Lu Qiu. Though she tried her best to maintain a steady voice, it still carried a hint of tension:

“Fellow Daoist Zhou, this matter... is of grave importance and is no small thing. Do you know what the words you just spoke signify?”

She paused and looked directly into Lu Qiu's eyes, as if trying to pierce through his calm exterior to see the truth hidden beneath.

“It is not that Yuling does not trust you, Fellow Daoist, it is just that... this information is too sensational and involves too much. May I ask, where did this information... come from? Is there conclusive evidence? And how can you be certain that the Myriad Laws Sect and the Six Paths Extreme Sage have truly formed this alliance?”

She had to ask clearly.

This was not just out of caution, but also out of duty.

If she rashly brought back such unconfirmed information—information capable of overturning the landscape of the Chaotic Star Sea—to the Star Palace, the resulting shockwaves and consequences would be immeasurable.

She needed to know the source and credibility of Lu Qiu's information.

Lu Qiu was not surprised by Ling Yuling's questioning.

Since he had dared to speak of this matter, he had naturally prepared his explanation long ago.

With a composed expression, he met Ling Yuling's scrutinizing gaze and said slowly:

“It is only right for Fairy Ling to ask this. This matter is indeed too shocking. Had I not experienced it personally, This Lu would likely find it hard to believe as well.”

He paused slightly, as if organizing his words, and then said in a plain tone: “To tell you the truth, Fairy, the reason I know of this is precisely because... people from the Nixing Alliance once took the initiative to contact me, attempting to recruit me into their alliance.”

“What?!” Ling Yuling's pupils shrank again, and her heart skipped a beat.

The Nixing Alliance had already contacted Lu Qiu? And they tried to recruit him?

Doesn't this mean that the Nixing Alliance's feelers have long since extended into the shadows, and they are even actively absorbing Nascent Soul Loose Cultivators like Lu Qiu?!

This realization made the chill in her heart even deeper.

“How... did they contact you? What did they say? Do you have evidence?” Ling Yuling asked in rapid succession, her breathing involuntarily becoming a bit hurried.

Lu Qiu shook his head slightly: “The contact process was quite secretive, and the other party was extremely cautious, leaving no physical evidence like letters or tokens. They only transmitted messages through an intermediary, hinting that a 'great figure' was interested in me and was willing to provide resources and protection to plot a 'grand matter' together. At first, I didn't pay it much mind, thinking it was just a recruitment drive by some emerging power or secret organization. It wasn't until later, during a secret meeting, that the other party vaguely revealed the shadows of the 'Myriad Laws Sect' and 'Six Paths' behind them, and that their goal was aimed directly at the Star Palace, that I realized the severity of the situation.”

What he said was half-true.

The Nixing Alliance had indeed contacted him and hinted at the extraordinary power behind them, but he naturally couldn't reveal his relationship with Nangong Hai or the details of his subsequent control over the three Vice Island Masters.

He only needed to provide a reasonable source of information and cast himself as a "bystander" who had accidentally glimpsed a terrifying secret but was unwilling to get involved in the trouble.

“I have long been used to coming and going alone, focusing solely on the Dao. I am unwilling to get involved in any power struggles, let alone such trouble that intends to overturn the order of the Chaotic Star Sea and will inevitably be accompanied by endless blood and slaughter.”

Lu Qiu's tone took on a timely hint of indifference and detachment: “Therefore, I clearly rejected their recruitment at that time and have since cut off contact. As for the truth of this information... Fairy can think about it. If it were not true, and if the other party's background were not staggering, how would they dare to throw such crazy words as 'plotting a grand matter to overthrow the Star Palace' at a Nascent Soul Cultivator? And what ordinary power would dare to use the names of the Myriad Laws Sect and the Six Paths Extreme Sage?”

His counter-question was logical and well-founded.

Indeed, in the Chaotic Star Sea, using the names of the Myriad Laws Sect and the Six Paths Extreme Sage to swindle people was no different from seeking death.

The fact that the other party dared to use this as a pretext to recruit a Nascent Soul Cultivator in itself spoke to the credibility of their background.

As Ling Yuling listened to Lu Qiu's narrative, she carefully observed his expression.

His tone was calm, his gaze was steady, and his narrative was reasonable, without any obvious loopholes or evasiveness.

Especially since he explicitly stated that he had rejected the Nixing Alliance's recruitment, Ling Yuling felt a secret sense of relief.

For some reason, hearing that Lu Qiu was not a member of the Nixing Alliance gave her a feeling as if a heavy burden had been lifted.

If this "Fellow Daoist Zhou," who had once shown her kindness and displayed such staggering potential and strength, were an enemy standing on the opposite side of the Star Palace... for her, it would be an indescribably complex and bitter situation.

“So that's how it is...” Ling Yuling slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air. Her tensed heartstrings relaxed slightly, but the gravity in her eyes did not diminish in the slightest.

She basically believed Lu Qiu's words.

Given the other party's strength and character, it was entirely possible that he would be unwilling to get involved in conflicts and would reject the recruitment.

And since the Nixing Alliance dared to recruit in the names of the Myriad Laws Sect and the Six Paths Extreme Sage, the authenticity was indeed extremely high.

Having thought this through, an even deeper chill and sense of urgency quickly replaced her initial shock, seizing her heart.

The Myriad Laws Sect and the Six Paths Extreme Sage joining forces... this was no small skirmish, but a fatal threat truly capable of shaking the very Foundations of the Star Palace's rule!

She could almost imagine what kind of violent tremors and panic would be triggered when this information spread among the high-level members of the Star Palace.

A thought uncontrollably entered Ling Yuling's mind, causing her delicate frame to tremble slightly.

Her parents, the Heavenly Star Dual Saints, were the pillars of the Star Palace, with heavenly cultivation.

However, precisely because they cultivated the "Essence Magnetic Divine Light," which was peerlessly powerful but also highly restrictive, they had to constantly use the giant "Essence Magnetic Divine Mountain" beneath Tianxing City to harmonize their cultivation and suppress backlash. This meant they could not easily leave the vicinity of Tianxing City.

This matter was a top secret within the Star Palace, but with the power and heritage of the Myriad Laws Sect and the Six Paths Extreme Sage, they might have been able to catch a glimpse of it.

“The Nixing Alliance chose to strike at this time, secretly accumulating power. Is it... precisely because they know of my parents' weakness? Do they believe that as long as the Dual Sages are trapped in Tianxing City, they will have an opportunity to strike?” The more Ling Yuling thought about it, the more likely it seemed, and the string in her heart tightened further.

If that were truly the case, then the Nixing Alliance's schemes might be even more far-reaching and terrifying than expected!

They weren't waiting for an opportunity; they were creating one—an opportunity sufficient to overturn the great ship that was the Star Palace!

This realization made her blood run cold.

But at the same time, an intense sense of responsibility and mission also rapidly surged within her heart.

She was the Young Lord of the Star Palace and the daughter of the Dual Sages. Protecting the Star Palace was her innate responsibility.

Now that a powerful enemy was hidden in the shadows, sharpening their blades, she had to do something!

She raised her head again and looked at Lu Qiu.

At this moment, the scrutiny and suspicion in her eyes had completely vanished, replaced by deep gratitude and solemnity.

“Fellow Daoist Zhou.”

Ling Yuling's voice regained its cool clarity, but it now carried a trace of sincere warmth and respect: “On behalf of the Star Palace, Yuling thanks you for informing us of such top-secret information concerning our survival! This kindness, the Star Palace will surely remember it in our hearts!”

She stood up and performed a solemn salute toward Lu Qiu.

This salute represented the Saintess of the Star Palace and the daughter of the Heavenly Star Dual Saints; its weight was extraordinary.

Lu Qiu turned slightly and made a gesture of support, saying, “Fairy Ling, you overstate it. I am merely speaking of information I accidentally learned in exchange for what I need. It is a fair trade and does not warrant such a great salute. I only hope this information can be of benefit to the Star Palace, allowing you to take precautions early and avoid the suffering of the common people.”

“You are mistaken, Fellow Daoist.”

Ling Yuling said solemnly, “The value of this information is absolutely not something a single nascent soul formation spiritual item can measure. It allows the Star Palace to be alerted in advance, to perceive a massive potential threat, and to gain precious time to respond. Otherwise, if we truly waited until the Nixing Alliance had finished accumulating power and suddenly struck, the consequences for the Star Palace would be unimaginable. Although you speak of a trade, for the Star Palace, it is the kindness of a warning. I will not break my promise regarding what I have pledged.”

She paused and continued, “This matter is of great importance. I must return to the Saint Mountain immediately to report to several Grand Elders and even... meet with the Dual Sages to discuss countermeasures. There is no time to lose; I shall take my leave now. Regarding the nascent soul formation spiritual item, I will make arrangements as quickly as possible to have it delivered to you through my aunt. Please wait for a few days.”

“Please, Fairy. This Lu will be in Tianxing City, awaiting the good news.” Lu Qiu nodded.

Ling Yuling said no more. She nodded to Lu Qiu and Ling Feiyan, and her figure transformed into a moon-white phantom as faint as flowing light, silently vanishing from the Quiet Room. She had clearly used some high-level movement technique or secret treasure in her haste to return to the Saint Mountain.

In the Quiet Room, only Lu Qiu and Ling Feiyan, who was still immersed in massive shock, remained.

“Fellow Daoist Zhou Lu,” Ling Feiyan's gaze toward Lu Qiu was also filled with unprecedented complexity and awe.

She hadn't expected that this mysterious Guest Elder not only possessed profound cultivation but also held such a world-shaking secret and had used it to strike a deal with the Star Palace.

“This matter... Yuling, she...”

“Alliance Leader Ling, there is no need to worry.”

Lu Qiu said calmly, “Fairy Ling is intelligent and decisive; she knows the weight of things and will handle them properly. As for the cooperation between you and me, everything remains as before. I hope the Alliance Leader will keep today's matter a secret.”

“Rest assured, Fellow Daoist! I know the stakes!” Ling Feiyan hurriedly promised.

When it involved the Nixing Alliance and the survival of the Star Palace, how would she dare to say a single word too many?

Lu Qiu did not stay any longer and rose to take his leave. Leaving the Fengle Alliance and walking through the streets of Tianxing City as the lanterns were being lit, there wasn't much turbulence in his heart.

The information about the Nixing Alliance was a move he had carefully prepared. It was both to obtain the nascent soul formation spiritual item to pave the way for Xin Ruyin and also to intentionally toss a stone into the deep waters of the Star Palace to see what kind of ripples it would stir, creating more possibilities and variables for his future plans.

Looking at it now, the effect was good.

Ling Yuling's reaction showed that the Star Palace was completely unprepared for this matter, which for him, might mean more opportunities.

Next was just a matter of waiting patiently.

...

A month's time quietly slipped away during the wait.

During this month, everything in Tianxing City appeared normal on the surface. The Saint Mountain remained towering, and the market remained bustling.

However, when Lu Qiu occasionally swept his Divine Sense toward the Saint Mountain, he could vaguely feel an atmosphere that was even more solemn than usual. The streaks of light from high-level Cultivators coming and going also seemed more frequent and hurried.

He knew that the information Ling Yuling had brought back must have already triggered a shock at the highest levels of the Star Palace. Various secret discussions, arrangements, and investigations were likely being carried out in full swing.

It was just that all of this was concealed beneath the calm surface of the water.