From Cold Palace Princess to Celestial Empress Ch. 136
Great Xia, Capital City.
After half a month, Xiao Minghuang returned to the imperial palace, where everything remained unchanged, as if no time had passed.
Without lingering, Xiao Minghuang headed straight for Prince Wu’an’s residence.
During this trip, she had discovered a Jade Water Pearl, which was beneficial for consolidating spiritual consciousness. It should provide some help to Prince Wu’an, who had been in a coma for a long time.
In a moment.
Xiao Minghuang arrived at Prince Wu’an’s residence, found Xu Xiu’er, and personally handed over the Jade Water Pearl.
Unfortunately, the age of this Jade Water Pearl was too low, and its medicinal efficacy was insufficient to compensate for the spiritual consciousness Prince Wu’an had lost.
Fortunately, after receiving compensation from the system, she obtained two more Jade Water Pearls.
With the three Jade Water Pearls combined, they barely managed to awaken Prince Wu’an.
After Prince Wu’an woke up, Xu Xiu’er briefly explained the events that had transpired, and he expressed his gratitude repeatedly.
Later, Xu Xiu’er wanted to stay and take care of him.
But Prince Wu’an firmly refused, insisting that she follow Xiao Minghuang back to the Princess’s residence. Even if it meant serving as a maid, she should stay by the Princess’s side.
However, Xiao Minghuang did not want to ignore Xu Xiu’er’s wishes.
At her suggestion, Xu Xiu’er would continue to care for Prince Wu’an at his residence for another month, until his condition improved slightly, before returning to the Princess’s residence.
Thus, everyone was satisfied.
After settling the matter with Prince Wu’an, Xiao Minghuang returned to the Princess’s residence.
As soon as she arrived, Lin Wanqiu sensed her presence and immediately came to see her.
“Your Highness, there is news from the palace. You are summoned to the Dragon Transformation Pool.”
“Dragon Transformation Pool? What is that?”
Lin Wanqiu repeated Wang Jin’s words.
After listening, Xiao Minghuang frowned slightly and nodded.
“Alright, I’ll make some preparations and then head to the palace.”
Next, Xiao Minghuang distributed the treasures she had obtained during this trip to Ye Ruoshui and Lin Wanqiu.
Although she had acquired many spiritual herbs and materials during this journey, some of them had already been used to settle karmic debts. The items she could actually give away were few and of mediocre quality, so the compensation she received could only be considered barely satisfactory.
The only treasure worth noting was a fragment of an Earth-grade artifact.
After giving it to Lin Wanqiu, Xiao Minghuang unexpectedly triggered a thousandfold compensation, obtaining a mid-grade Earth-grade artifact.
The Small Heavenly Star Chart.
Upon inspection, she learned that this star chart contained the power of twelve stars, far surpassing her current strength.
Moreover, when she activated her cultivation technique, this artifact could establish a slight connection with her. Even with her current low cultivation level, she could still unleash a portion of the artifact’s power.
“With this treasure, I can stand a chance even against a fifth-level Divine Sea cultivator!”
Xiao Minghuang took a deep breath to calm her emotions.
“If it weren’t for the Dragon Transformation Pool summoning me now, I would definitely challenge the Seventh Elder!”
The Seventh Elder of the imperial family, though obsessed with alchemy, was still a genuine fifth-level Divine Sea cultivator.
If she could defeat the Seventh Elder, it would undoubtedly mean she had strength comparable to a fifth-level Divine Sea cultivator!
As for whether she could kill a third-level Divine Sea cultivator, that remained uncertain.
After all, she was already fighting above her level, and life-and-death battles were too unpredictable.
But in any case, such talent and strength had already surpassed that of ordinary prodigies from the sacred lands.
At this thought, Xiao Minghuang couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement in her heart.
She was eager to visit the Holy Academy and witness the true Longevity Holy Land and the prodigies of the noble families.
A moment later.
Xiao Minghuang arrived at the imperial palace.
Wang Jin had been waiting there for some time.
Seeing Xiao Minghuang return, he hurriedly approached her.
“Princess, you’ve finally returned. This old servant was worried sick…”
Xiao Minghuang chuckled:
“Why is Eunuch Wang so anxious? I was merely traveling outside.”
After thoroughly inspecting her from head to toe, Wang Jin felt relieved and said:
“Princess, you may not know this, but a few days ago, secret reports came from the countries of Golden Elephant and Tranquil Sea. It is said that several countries have dispatched top-tier Divine Sea Realm experts in an attempt to assassinate you. The moment you step out of the Great Xia territory, you would face a thunderous strike!”
Hearing this, Xiao Minghuang felt a chill run down her spine and realized that she had indeed narrowly escaped disaster while at the border of Great Xia.
Wang Jin continued:
“Fortunately, the Princess did not leave the Great Xia border… and thanks to the Old Ancestor and His Majesty fully supporting the formation, they prevented the Spirit Seed Realm interference from those countries. Otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable!”
Upon hearing this, Xiao Minghuang couldn’t help but clench her fists.
“So that’s how it was… the Old Ancestor and His Majesty were secretly protecting me.”
During her days away from the capital, she had suspected that someone was secretly protecting her, but she never expected it to be both the Old Ancestor and the Emperor.
“When I have the time, I will personally meet with the Old Ancestor and His Majesty to express my gratitude.”
Wang Jin nodded slightly and bowed:
“Indeed… the Princess’s filial piety is commendable. Please proceed to the ancestral temple, as the Old Ancestor and His Majesty are already waiting there.”
Xiao Minghuang nodded and followed Wang Jin towards the ancestral temple.
A moment later.
Xiao Minghuang arrived at the ancestral temple, the place where the Great Xia royal family paid homage to their ancestors. The Old Ancestor and the Emperor of Xia were already waiting there.
“Greetings, Old Ancestor, Father.”
Xiao Minghuang bowed in respect.
“Little Nine, you’ve finally returned!”
With the support of the Emperor, the Old Ancestor shakily stood up. His eyes were unfocused, his pupils cloudy, and his entire body exuded an aura of decay, as if he might pass away at any moment. Even his words were slurred.
But Xiao Minghuang’s heart was filled with reverence. She knew that this old man before her had already given everything for the sake of Great Xia.
“Cough! Cough!”
The Old Ancestor coughed lightly, forcing himself to gather his strength and said:
“This old… this old man probably doesn’t have many days left. The last thing I can do for you before I pass is only this… you must take care… from now on… it’s up to you.”
Xiao Minghuang felt a pang of sadness in her heart. This old man had truly been good to her, sincerely offering her everything from the start—the inherited techniques he had guarded for years, the precious fortune artifacts—he had given her all he could.
She knew in her heart that the best way she could repay this old man was to protect this nation, ensuring its long-lasting legacy, with an unbroken line of descendants.
“Old Ancestor, rest assured. If I ever reach the heights of the clouds, I will surely protect Great Xia, ensuring its eternal flame and everlasting existence!”
The Old Ancestor nodded but said nothing. He sat back down on the meditation cushion, closed his eyes, and his vitality seemed to cut off, as if he were already dead.
Seeing this, a look of surprise flashed in Xiao Minghuang’s eyes, and she couldn’t help but ask:
“Old Ancestor… he?”
Emperor Xia sighed softly and said:
“Don’t worry. The Old Ancestor has entered a state of suspended animation, which can prolong his life for a while, but it probably won’t exceed half a year.”
“Half a year…”
Xiao Minghuang’s delicate brows furrowed slightly, her heart filled with sorrow.
“Father, isn’t there any elixir that can extend his life?”
She wanted to prolong the Old Ancestor’s life.
“Ordinary elixirs are enough to extend the life of a common person by several decades, but for someone like the Old Ancestor, who is at the peak of the Spirit Seed Realm and has suffered hidden injuries, they have little effect.”
“The Old Ancestor must have told you before that he was once invaded by the evil energy of a malevolent cultivator, leaving him with hidden injuries. Unless there is an Earth-grade or higher elixir specialized in healing, extending life, and consolidating the foundation, others… I’m afraid they won’t be effective.”
Emperor Xia’s face was filled with grief.
He was the last generation of Xia youth born before the Great Xia migration. It could be said that he grew up under the protection of the Old Ancestor, and he held deep affection for this guardian of Great Xia.
Now, seeing this old man nearing the end of his life, his heart was equally heavy.
Hearing Emperor Xia’s words, Xiao Minghuang’s expression turned thoughtful.
“Ruoshui said she could refine Earth-grade elixirs. I wonder…”
In an instant.
Xiao Minghuang thought of many things.
Although she was not an alchemist, she knew how difficult it was to refine elixirs.
The cauldron, flame, spiritual herbs, formula, and the control of the fire—these were the main factors, along with many other details. The slightest mistake could result in a batch of ruined elixirs.
If it were an Earth-grade elixir, the difficulty would naturally multiply.
Without solid results, Xiao Minghuang did not plan to reveal this matter, lest it lead to false hope.
Then, Xiao Minghuang asked again:
“Father, are there any elixirs in the Dragon Transformation Pool that can extend life?”
Emperor Xia shook his head.
“No, the Dragon Transformation Pool mainly contains martial arts techniques and the Starfall Liquid, which can enhance cultivation and strengthen the body. There are no elixirs.”
“Wang Jin must have told you that the Dragon Transformation Pool is an ancient inheritance site. After such a long time, even if there were elixirs, their potency would likely be less than one-tenth.”
“Your main goal in entering the Dragon Transformation Pool should be the Starfall Liquid. Your martial arts technique is likely of a high grade, at least Earth-grade, so there’s no need to waste time searching for techniques.”
“Starfall Liquid?”
Hearing this, Xiao Minghuang’s heart stirred.
Emperor Xia explained:
“Starfall Liquid is refined from celestial stars. Long ago, the Great Xia royal family had a secret method for refining stars, but as the dynasty declined, this method was lost.”
“When I was young and entered the Dragon Transformation Pool, I obtained a bottle of Starfall Liquid. After diluting it, I used it multiple times to temper my body, spending several months to fully absorb it. It allowed my cultivation to advance by two minor realms.”
“But with your talent, you should be able to bring out at least three to five bottles of Starfall Liquid. As for how much your cultivation will improve, that depends on your fortune.”
Xiao Minghuang nodded.
“Is there anything else you need to tell me, Father?”
Emperor Xia’s expression suddenly turned serious.
“After entering the Dragon Transformation Pool, you will see some skeletal remains. Those are the remains of our Great Xia sages. You must treat them with respect and not disturb them!”
Hearing this, Xiao Minghuang also nodded solemnly.
“Your daughter understands!”
Next, the Emperor took out a token from his sleeve, activated the teleportation array here, and opened a light gate only as tall as a person.
Seeing this, Xiao Minghuang’s heart skipped a beat.
“What is this?”
The Emperor explained:
“The Dragon Transformation Pool is originally a secret realm. This gate is its entrance.”
Hearing this, Xiao Minghuang fully understood that the legend was true.
In the distant past, the Great Xia was indeed a powerful and immortal dynasty.
Because only the supreme beings who lived long lives had the ability to create a secret realm within the world.
After an unknown span of time, those supreme beings no longer existed.
Generations of descendants have come and gone, but the secret realm still remains.
This is actually the continuation of a supreme being’s own path, symbolizing the mark of that supreme being, imprinted in the world, eternal and indestructible.
Xiao Minghuang took a deep breath to calm her emotions and stepped into the light gate.
The next moment, the light gate disappeared, and her figure was nowhere to be seen.
…
In a vast valley, surrounded by hazy white mist, stars shone brightly in the high sky, as if it were always like this, resembling an overturned bowl, isolating this area from the outside world.
For thousands of years, it remained unchanged.
The valley was silent.
But now.
On a low stone platform at the bottom of the valley, a faint light appeared, instantly magnified dozens of times, and a light gate unfolded.
A young girl in light red clothing walked out, none other than Xiao Minghuang, had just entered the Dragon Transformation Pool.
She looked around and saw rows of low graves, without tombstones.
There were also some scattered skeletons in sitting positions, without even graves built, spread all around.
This place did not seem like a place of inheritance, but more like a cemetery.
Xiao Minghuang lifted her foot and slowly walked forward. Along the way, everything was silent, with no sound except the rustling of leaves in the wind.
In the valley, there was a narrow path.
She followed the path, walking inward.
The path gradually widened, and she eventually arrived at a relatively spacious square.
On the other side of the square stood a huge stone wall, carved with intricate and mysterious patterns, faintly exuding an ancient and vicissitudinous aura.
Xiao Minghuang stood still, looking at the stone wall, and a thought arose in her heart.
Then, she left this place and continued to search for the next opportunity.
In this way, she wandered around the valley, spending most of the day.
Fortunately, the valley was not large, and Xiao Minghuang quickly found the location of the Meteor Star Liquid while casually observing her surroundings.
It was a small pond only about ten feet in size, hidden in a dense forest. Xiao Minghuang had passed by it several times before finally landing on the ground and searching on foot to discover it.
The remaining amount of Meteor Star Liquid in the pond was not large. Xiao Minghuang roughly estimated that it could fill at most ten bottles.
Next to the pond, there was a small platform, which was indeed empty.
“This platform should have originally been used to store bottles, but over time, these bottles must have completely decayed and vanished.”
Fortunately, she had come prepared and took out her own bottles. She moved the large stone at the opening below the pond, and the Meteor Star Liquid flowed down.
Xiao Minghuang noticed that the Meteor Star Liquid did not flow like water.
It was a liquid with extremely high density, flowing very slowly.
She tried to use her spiritual power to drive it away, but it was ineffective.
Thus, Xiao Minghuang could only wait for the meteor liquid to flow naturally.
A day passed quickly.
When she filled the fifth bottle of meteor liquid, a sudden, invisible pressure appeared, heavily pressing on her shoulders, as if trying to embed her entire body into the ground.
Even with her physically perfected body, she felt this oppressive force.
Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Ruu
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