345: Chapter 345 Alliance Leader Ling Forms His Nascent Soul!

After Lu Qiu left the teleportation grand hall, he did not rush to handle any matters, but instead walked slowly on the streets of Tianxing City, observing the changes in the city as he walked.

His steps were unhurried, and his gaze seemingly swept casually over the buildings and pedestrians on both sides, but in reality, he took everything into his eyes, not missing a single detail.

Compared to a few years ago, Tianxing City was indeed much more desolate.

There were far fewer pedestrians on the streets, and many shops were closed for business with seal strips pasted on their doors; some door panels even had a thin layer of dust accumulated on them, clearly having been closed for a long time.

The occasional shops that were still open were also deserted, with the shopkeepers sitting behind the counters dozing off or listlessly fiddling with their abacuses, making monotonous sounds.

An oppressive atmosphere permeated the air, as if an invisible mountain was pressing down on everyone's heart, making it hard for people to breathe.

Those patrolling Star Palace enforcement teams, team after team, shuttled among the major streets. Their footsteps were uniform, their armor flashed with cold light in the sunlight, and their gazes vigilantly swept over every passerby, as if someone might jump out and cause trouble at any moment.

At the street corners, several wanted posters were still posted, depicting the ferocious-looking portraits of several Cultivators, with the words "Remnants of the Nixing Alliance" written on them.

Lu Qiu found an inn in the city that looked reasonably clean, requested a premium room, and paid a month's rent.

The innkeeper was an elderly Foundation Establishment Stage man with gray hair and a face full of wrinkles, but he was still quite spirited, and his speech carried a bit of worldly smoothness.

After accepting the Spirit Stones, he kindly reminded Lu Qiu, "If Fellow Daoist has nothing to do, it is best not to go out at night. It has not been peaceful in the city recently; a few days ago, someone was fighting spells on the street, destroying several shops, and it was only stopped when the people from the Star Palace arrived. I heard it was because Disciples from two minor factions had a conflict, and as the commotion grew larger, it almost cost lives. There was also an unlucky passerby who was accidentally injured and is still lying in the medical hall."

Lu Qiu thanked the shopkeeper for his kindness, then went upstairs and entered his room.

The room was not big, but it had the advantage of being tidy. There was a bed, a table, and a chair, with a landscape painting hanging on the wall, and outside the window, a small patch of the sky and the silhouette of the distant Sacred Mountain could be seen.

He closed the door properly and set up a simple soundproofing Restriction and warning Restriction in the room to prevent being spied on and disturbed.

Then he sat cross-legged on the bed and closed his eyes to regulate his breath.

Early the next morning, Lu Qiu got up early. After washing up, he left the inn and walked toward the direction of the headquarters of the Fengle Alliance.

The early morning air carried a hint of chill. There were slightly more pedestrians on the streets than yesterday, but they were still hurrying along, and no one was willing to linger much on the street.

A few early-rising peddlers set up stalls by the roadside, selling some spiritual fruits and breakfast items, and their peddling cries also sounded listless.

The headquarters of the Fengle Alliance was located in the market center of Tianxing City, covering an extremely vast area with rows of pavilions and an extraordinary grandeur.

The vermilion gates were three zhang high, and two stone lions in front of the doors were majestic, lifelike, and seemed as if they could come alive at any moment.

Above the gates hung a huge plaque with the three large characters "Fengle Alliance" written on it. The brushwork was vigorous and the Aura was magnificent, shining with a golden luster in the morning light, clearly the work of a master.

Standing at the entrance were two Foundation Establishment Stage guards wearing unified cyan uniforms, with Magical Artifacts hanging at their waists. They were spirited and looked straight ahead.

Lu Qiu walked up to the gates, presented his Guest Elder token to the two gatekeeping Foundation Establishment Stage guards, and said in a calm and composed tone, "This humble person is a Guest Elder of the Fengle Alliance, and I seek an audience with Alliance Leader Ling. Please announce my presence."

The two guards took the token, carefully inspected it, flipped it back and forth twice, and after confirming that there were no errors, their attitudes immediately became respectful. One of them returned the token to Lu Qiu with both hands and bowed, saying, "So it is a Guest Elder. Please wait a moment, this Junior will go report it right away!"

After finishing, he turned around and ran quickly into the courtyard. His footsteps were hurried and powerful, exceptionally clear in the early morning air.

A moment later, that guard trotted back quickly, panting slightly as he had clearly jogged all the way. He bowed and said, "Elder, the Alliance Leader invites you in. Please follow this Junior."

Lu Qiu nodded, followed the guard, crossed several corridors, walked through a long passageway, and arrived before a magnificent grand hall.

Along the way, he saw quite a few members of the Fengle Alliance doing morning exercises; some were practicing swords, some were meditating, and some were sparring. It was a thriving scene, forming a sharp contrast with the desolation of the outside world.

The roof of the grand hall was covered with glazed tiles, shining brilliantly in the sunlight. The hall doors were made of precious sandalwood and carved with exquisite patterns, such as dragons and phoenixes bringing auspiciousness and pines and cranes extending years, which were lifelike.

The guard stopped in front of the hall doors, turned sideways to make a gesture of invitation, and said respectfully, "Elder, the Alliance Leader is waiting inside the hall. Please enter by yourself."

Lu Qiu expressed his thanks, straightened his robes, took a deep breath, and then pushed open the hall doors and walked in.

Inside the grand hall, the furnishings were elegant and the lighting was bright. The floor was paved with smooth bluestone slabs, polished to reflect human figures, and the walls were hung with several master calligraphies and paintings featuring landscapes, flowers and birds, and figures. The brushwork was exquisite, and the Concept was lofty.

In the corners were placed several precious spiritual plants, emitting a faint fragrance that refreshed the mind.

Right in the center of the grand hall stood a long sandalwood desk, upon which were placed the Four Treasures of the Study and several volumes of classics.

A female Cultivator dressed in a cyan palace dress with a dignified and beautiful visage was sitting upright in the main seat. She held a cup of spiritual tea in her hands and was sipping it leisurely and contentedly. Her demeanor was calm and elegant, as if nothing in the world could move her.

She was none other than the Alliance Leader of the Fengle Alliance, Alliance Leader Ling!

When Lu Qiu's gaze fell upon Alliance Leader Ling, a trace of surprise inevitably flashed in his eyes, and his footsteps also paused slightly, almost freezing mid-air.

The Aura on Alliance Leader Ling's body was more than ten times stronger than when they met outside the Void Heaven Palace back then!

That pressure belonging to a Nascent Soul Cultivator, although intentionally restrained by her like a treasured sword with its edge hidden in the scabbard without revealing its sharpness, Lu Qiu was now also a Nascent Soul Cultivator. As a Cultivator of the same Nascent Soul Stage, he naturally could clearly sense that hidden sharpness!

That was a resonance on the Realm level, a subtle induction that only Cultivators of the same rank could perceive.

Alliance Leader Ling had actually successfully achieved Nascent Soul Formation!

It seemed that back inside the Void Heaven Palace, Alliance Leader Ling had also obtained a considerable Opportunity.

Otherwise, it would have been impossible to break through to the Nascent Soul Stage so quickly.

One must know that from the Late Stage Golden Core to the Nascent Soul Stage was a natural chasm. Countless Cultivators exhausted their entire lives and were unable to cross it, and there were plenty of people stuck at this hurdle until their Lifespan was exhausted.

Some people even turned their hair white for this, and in the end, could only die with lingering resentment.

For Alliance Leader Ling to successfully achieve Nascent Soul Formation within just a few short years, she must have obtained some incredible benefits in the Void Heaven Palace.

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, long time no see."

Seeing Lu Qiu enter, Alliance Leader Ling put down the teacup in her hand. The teacup was made of fine white jade porcelain, and the spiritual tea inside was still emitting curling wisps of hot air.

A gentle smile appeared on her face, and her voice was like a spring breeze brushing against the face, carrying a comforting power that made people relax involuntarily. "Please sit quickly, no need to stand on ceremony. Someone, serve tea."

Lu Qiu reined in the surprise in his heart, revealed an appropriately measured smile, cupped his fists in a salute toward Alliance Leader Ling, and said with a tone of sincere congratulations, "Congratulations to Alliance Leader Ling on successfully achieving Nascent Soul Formation; from now on, the Dao can be expected! This humble person came rather abruptly today, and I hope the Alliance Leader will not blame me."

"Fellow Daoist Zhou is too polite."

Alliance Leader Ling waved her hand, gesturing for Lu Qiu to sit on a nearby chair.

She did not know that inside the Void Heaven Palace, it was Lu Qiu who made a move to save her.

At that time, Lu Qiu used concealment methods when making his move, neither exposing his identity nor wanting to expose it.

At this moment, a maid walked in carrying a tray, placed a steaming cup of spiritual tea on the tea table beside Lu Qiu's hand, and then bowed and retreated. The tea fragrance overflowed and refreshed the heart, clearly brewed using top-grade spiritual tea.

The two exchanged pleasantries for a while, chatting about their experiences and what they had seen and heard since parting ways, and the atmosphere was harmonious and relaxed.

Alliance Leader Ling asked about Lu Qiu's recent situation, and Lu Qiu answered them one by one, avoiding the important and dwelling on the trivial, without revealing too much detail about Biling Island, only saying that he had found a quiet Immortal Cave overseas to Cultivate.

After a while, Alliance Leader Ling spoke up and asked with concern in her eyes, "I wonder why Fellow Daoist Zhou has come today? Could it be that you have encountered some difficulties? Feel free to speak; as long as my Fengle Alliance can help, we will definitely not decline. Fellow Daoist Zhou is a Guest Elder of our Fengle Alliance and can be considered one of our own, so there is no need to stand on ceremony."

Lu Qiu pondered for a moment, organized his words, and then said, "To tell the truth, this humble person has come this time to inquire of the Alliance Leader about the current situation in the Outer Star Sea. I intend to go to the Outer Star Sea to venture around, broaden my knowledge, and seek some Opportunities, but I do not know much about the situation in the Outer Star Sea, and I hope the Alliance Leader can provide some guidance."

Hearing this, a thoughtful look appeared on Alliance Leader Ling's face, and her fingers gently tapped on the armrest, making a thumping sound.

She thought for a moment and said, "Fellow Daoist Zhou wanting to go venture into the Outer Star Sea is indeed a good path. Although the Outer Star Sea is dangerous, it is also full of opportunities. Many Cultivators obtained great Opportunities in the Outer Star Sea, thereby soaring straight into the sky and becoming famous in one region. However, now that the Inner Star Sea is plagued by wars everywhere, the situation in the Outer Star Sea is also not very stable, and some powerful Yao Beasts have also become restless due to the impact of the war, frequently attacking passing ships. If Fellow Daoist Zhou is going, you still need to be extra careful and must not lower your guard. It is best to find a few reliable companions to travel together, so that you can look out for each other."

She paused and added, "How about this, I will let Yuling help you arrange it. She still has some say over at the Star Palace. With her stepping forward, Fellow Daoist Zhou's actions in the Outer Star Sea will also be much more convenient; at least on some islands controlled by the Star Palace, you can receive some care and not be made things difficult for by others."

After speaking, she took out a jade Talisman that was entirely emerald green from her bosom. The jade Talisman was engraved with exquisite runes and emitted a faint spiritual light, clearly a precious communication Magical Artifact.

Her fingers applied a slight force and gently crushed it.

The moment the jade Talisman shattered, a green light flashed, dissipated into the air, and turned into an invisible fluctuation that was transmitted outward.

A moment later, a stunning figure appeared at the entrance of the grand hall. Her steps were light and vigorous, carrying a youthful vitality.

She was none other than the Star Palace Young Lord, Ling Yuling!

Today, Ling Yuling wore a neat white martial outfit, with a long sword hanging at her waist. The scabbard was inlaid with several gemstones, flashing with light under the illumination, making her look heroic, capable, and sharp.

Her long hair was tied into a high ponytail, revealing her smooth forehead and bright eyes, and the whole person looked spirited.

Seeing Lu Qiu, a trace of surprise first flashed in her eyes, clearly not expecting to meet him here, and then she revealed a hint of a smile, with that smile carrying a bit of familiarity and joy: "Fellow Daoist Zhou? Why are you here? Long time no see, how have you been recently?"

Lu Qiu stood up, cupped his fists in a salute toward Ling Yuling, and smiled: "Fellow Daoist Ling. It has been a long time. Your demeanor surpasses the past, and your cultivation has also become more refined. It seems Fellow Daoist has not slacked off these past few years."

Alliance Leader Ling laughed from the side, with a tone carrying maternal affection: "Yuling, Fellow Daoist Zhou wants to go venture into the Outer Star Sea, you help him make some arrangements. He is a Guest Elder of our Fengle Alliance and can be considered one of our own, so put more effort into it."

Hearing this, Ling Yuling nodded and said crisply and decisively: "No problem. Fellow Daoist Zhou, come with me, I will take you to the teleportation grand hall. Along the way, I will tell you about the recent situation in the Outer Star Sea; I know some of the latest information."

Lu Qiu cupped his fists in a salute to Alliance Leader Ling once more, and said solemnly: "Many thanks, Alliance Leader, then this humble person will take my leave. In the future, if there is any place where you need this humble person, Alliance Leader, just speak."

"Go, take care along the way." Alliance Leader Ling smiled and nodded, picking up her teacup to signal the departure of the guest.

Lu Qiu bid farewell to Alliance Leader Ling, and following Ling Yuling, they arrived unimpeded all the way at the huge teleportation grand hall on the Sacred Mountain.

With Ling Yuling by his side, the Star Palace Cultivators along the way saw them, and all successively saluted and yielded the way, and no one dared to step forward to interrogate them.

Ling Yuling's status in the Star Palace was evident, and those Cultivators all carried awe in their eyes when looking at her.

Those on-duty Star Palace Core Formation Cultivators in the grand hall saw Ling Yuling personally arrive, and successively put down the matters in their hands, uniformly and respectfully saluting: "Greetings, Young Lord!"

Ling Yuling slightly nodded in response, her expression calm, carrying the composure and bearing of one in a higher position.

She walked straight to a teleportation array; that teleportation array was slightly taller and larger than other teleportation arrays, and its runes were also more complex.

She instructed the on-duty Cultivator, her voice clear and powerful, carrying unquestionable majesty: "Open the teleportation array leading to the Outer Star Sea, and debug it to its optimal state."

That on-duty Cultivator hurriedly responded: "Yes! Young Lord!"

Then he turned around to debug the parameters of the teleportation array, his movements skilled and rapid, clearly being experienced.

Ling Yuling turned her head, looked at Lu Qiu, and asked: "Fellow Daoist Zhou, which island do you want to go to? Qiyuan Island is a relatively large transfer island in the Outer Star Sea, with complete facilities and relatively good safety, making it suitable as a first stop. There is an office established by the Star Palace there; after you arrive, you can go there to register first and obtain a sea chart."

Lu Qiu had already thought of the answer and blurted out: "Then let it be Qiyuan Island."

Ling Yuling nodded, and took out two Talismans that were entirely silver-white and emitted faint spatial fluctuations from her bosom, handing them to Lu Qiu.

The Talisman was as thin as cicada wings, covered with complex runes, with flowing light faintly revolving on it. One could tell at a glance that it was not an ordinary item: "Keep these two teleportation Talismans well. With them, you can teleport back to Tianxing City from the Outer Star Sea at any time, saving a lot of trouble, and they can also save your life at critical moments. These Talismans are not easy to make, and the entire Star Palace does not have much stock either. It is also... a small token of my appreciation for you, thanking you for your life-saving grace back then."

Lu Qiu took those two teleportation Talismans, feeling slightly cool to the touch, and could clearly sense the spatial power contained within them. That was a mysterious and profound power, as if it could tear apart the Void Realm.

His heart was filled with joy. This thing was truly a good item, priceless, and could save a life at a critical moment; even with money, one might not necessarily be able to buy it.

He solemnly put the teleportation Talismans into his bosom, placed them close to his body, and cupped his fists toward Ling Yuling: "Many thanks for Fellow Daoist Ling's generous gift! This humble person is endlessly grateful! This favor, this humble person has noted down, and will definitely repay it in the future."

Ling Yuling waved her hand, her tone calm yet carrying a hint of sincerity, and a trace of appreciation and reluctance flashed in her eyes: "No need to stand on ceremony. Fellow Daoist Zhou, if you have the intention in the future, you can join our Star Palace at any time. The doors of the Star Palace will always be open for you. With your strength and intelligence, you will definitely shine brightly in the Star Palace and achieve even higher accomplishments."

Lu Qiu nodded and did not say much more.

He turned around, stepped into the teleportation array leading to Qiyuan Island, stood firmly in the center of the Formation Plate, took a deep breath, and adjusted his mindset.

With a flash of white light, his figure disappeared within the teleportation array.

Only faint Spiritual Qi fluctuations remained in the air, proving that he had just existed there.

Ling Yuling stood in place, watching the white light dissipate in the teleportation array, fell silent for a moment, and then turned and left.