Chapter 2098: The News from Xuanling Cave Heaven, Qingcheng's Grand Wedding

A mountain range stretching for millions of miles appeared desolate with sparse vegetation as far as the eye could see.

An enormous thundercloud floated high in the sky. Accompanied by deafening rumbles, blinding, thick bolts of lightning descended from the sky, striking a small valley surrounded on three sides by mountains.

A yellowish mist enveloped the valley, obscuring the view of what was happening inside.

Chen Yueying and Yang Qinglong stood atop a steep, towering peak, gazing at the distant thundercloud with a hint of fear in their eyes.

"Boom!" As immense thunderous roars erupted, thick bolts of lightning descended from the sky, striking the valley. A thousand-li radius was enveloped by dazzling lightning. Gale-force winds raged, sweeping countless rocks and soil high into the sky.

After a while, the thundercloud dispersed, the lightning vanished, and an area spanning several hundred li was leveled.

Chen Yueying frowned and took a pale yellow jade token from her robe. The characters "Qian Lei" were inscribed on it, and its spiritual light flickered incessantly.

With a muffled crack, the yellow jade token suddenly shattered into pieces.

"Senior Martial Brother Qian died in the great heavenly tribulation," Chen Yueying sighed, her heart a mix of emotions.

Qian Lei, who was slightly older, had cultivated for over twenty thousand years, remaining at the early Integration stage. Unable to break through, he had died in the great heavenly tribulation.

The higher one's cultivation, the longer the interval until the great heavenly tribulation arrives, but also the greater its power. Precisely because of the existence of the great heavenly tribulation, cultivators must diligently practice; if they delay in breaking through, they will eventually die under its might.

Yang Qinglong sighed deeply and said, "Senior Martial Brother Qian possessed a pair of top-grade Heaven-reaching Spirit Treasures, yet he still couldn't withstand the great heavenly tribulation. This must have been his fourth great heavenly tribulation since entering the Integration stage, right? We also need to make more preparations."

Chen Yueying nodded and said, "Calculating the time, the Profound Spirit Cave will soon open. If we can acquire those few items, our chances of passing the great heavenly tribulation will be much higher."

After Profound Spirit Celestial Venerable advanced to the Mahayana stage, he incidentally discovered a minor realm rich in cultivation resources. He used his great divine abilities to transform this minor realm, intending it to temper human cultivators. Only Soul Transformation cultivators could enter for training, and this minor realm was named the Profound Spirit Cave.

To enter this minor realm, one must possess a specific key, and an Integration cultivator must cast a spell to send Soul Transformation cultivators inside. Zhenhai Palace, as one of the foremost human forces in the Profound Spirit Continent, naturally possessed such keys.

Yang Qinglong slowly said, recalling something: "Last time the Profound Spirit Cave opened, many foreign races infiltrated. They probably also obtained some keys. The casualties were too great last time; we need to send more personnel this time. Speaking of which, Senior Martial Brother Lin's great heavenly tribulation isn't far off either, is it? I wonder if he's prepared to face it."

"He has already left the main altar, and his whereabouts are unknown," Chen Yueying slowly said, her voice heavy. "He's probably gone elsewhere to seek treasures to help him through his tribulation. If he were to remain on the Profound Spirit Continent, he would most likely die in the great heavenly tribulation, just like Senior Martial Brother Qian. Once I pass my great heavenly tribulation, I also plan to travel outside. To not advance is to regress." Her tone shifted. "The Profound Spirit Cave only opens with great difficulty; we absolutely cannot miss it. We should select elites from among the Soul Transformation cultivators and send them into the Profound Spirit Cave to seek treasures. The foreign races don't have many keys, so they won't pose a significant threat. There's no need to worry."

"I've thought of two people who would be excellent candidates," Yang Qinglong said with a chuckle. "I just don't know if Senior Martial Sister Chen would be willing to let them go."

"You're referring to Martial Nephew Wang and Martial Niece Wang, aren't you?" Chen Yueying said gravely. "Their strength is quite good. Last time, the casualties were too high, and we couldn't obtain what we needed. This time, we can send them in. I hope they prove worthy and bring back those items. They'll certainly be rewarded."

"What if something happens to them—"

Chen Yueying smiled. "They aren't treasures," she said. "They're just two disciples. If our cultivation can advance further, what does the loss of a few disciples matter?"

Yang Qinglong nodded. "I was just afraid Senior Martial Sister Chen would be reluctant," he said. "With your words, I can rest assured."

At Profound Moon Mountain, a vast estate was adorned with lanterns and decorations, with large red "Double Happiness" characters visible everywhere.

In a nine-story azure pavilion, Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan sat in the main seats, beaming with smiles.

Wang Qingcheng and Sun Yuejiao wore splendid wedding attire, performing the traditional bow to heaven and earth.

Dozens of cultivators gathered inside, all smiling, as Liu Yuning officiated the wedding.

"First bow: to heaven and earth. Second bow: to the esteemed elders. Third bow: to each other as husband and wife. The ceremony is complete; escort the bride to the bridal chamber."

After the entire ritual was completed, Sun Yuejiao was escorted to the bridal chamber by two female cultivators, quietly awaiting Wang Qingcheng.

Wang Qingcheng, the groom, then entertained the guests. Wang Changsheng, Wang Ruyan, and four other Soul Transformation cultivators gathered together, with fine wine and delicacies—all beneficial for cultivation—laid out on the table.

"Today is Martial Nephew Wang's wedding. Junior Martial Brother Wang, Junior Martial Sister Wang, I propose a toast to you both," Liu Yuning said, raising her wine cup and draining it.

"Senior Martial Sister Yang, you are too kind. It's too much trouble for you to personally officiate Qingcheng's wedding. This lad has no small fortune, marrying Senior Martial Brother Sun's great-granddaughter and having you officiate their wedding," Wang Changsheng said politely, quickly raising his wine cup to return the toast.