# Chapter 1129: So Close At Hand
The deeper one immersed themselves in cultivation, the less they felt the passage of time. For the peak powerhouses of the divine realm, it was common to go into seclusion for centuries or even millennia. Trapped within the Minghan Heavenly Lake, Yun Che constantly sensed the changes and growth of his own strength, completely unaware that the Xuan Shen Conference was already so close at hand.
Mu Xuanyin had never reminded him of the time either, clearly not wanting him to be distracted in the slightest.
"In these past two years, the four great king realms have set up dimensional formations in nine hundred star realms that lead directly to the Zhou Tian God Realm. The nearest one is at the southern border of my Yin Xue Realm, so there is enough time. Don't worry."
"...Yes." Yun Che's heart finally calmed down... He had been scared into a cold sweat for nothing.
Connecting the entire Eastern Divine Realm, a full nine hundred dimensional formations leading straight to the Zhou Tian God Realm... Considering the vastness of the Eastern Divine Realm, what an astonishing undertaking this was.
From this alone, one could see how much importance the four great king realms placed on this Xuan Shen Conference, and how unusual it was.
"You have now achieved a breakthrough and have the qualifications to enter the Zhou Tian God Realm. You can go either as an invited spectator or as a participant. But now, it is known throughout the world that this time's Xuan Shen Conference preliminaries will take place within the world inside the Zhou Tian Pearl. The Zhou Tian Pearl, as the only Mystic Heaven Supreme Treasure to have appeared in the world, possesses the highest level of power laws in the entire chaotic space. To enter the Zhou Tian Pearl and bathe in the divine aura of Zhou Tian will surely bring great benefits. This is also the main reason why this Xuan Shen Conference has driven countless star realms and Xuan practitioners to madness."
"Now that you have cultivated to the Divine Tribulation Realm, there is no reason for you to miss this opportunity."
"Furthermore, our Yin Xue Realm is ultimately just a mid-level star realm. When we arrive at the Zhou Tian God Realm, we will only be seated in the lower seats. The chance to actively make contact with figures at the level of the king realms is almost nonexistent. However, as a participant, the possibility of being discovered by Tiansha Xingshen is actually much greater."
"Therefore, this time, you will go to the Zhou Tian God Realm as a contestant, along with Mu Bingyun, Mu Huanzhi, and the others. What happens once you're there will depend on your own fortune. But remember, the matter between you and Tiansha Xingshen is far more taboo than you imagine. Not even the slightest hint can be exposed... including everything that Tiansha Xingshen taught you. Even if you two do meet, it cannot be known to any other person."
"If fate does not allow you to meet, or if she is unwilling to see you, then that would be for the best." Mu Xuanyin turned her icy eyes to the side. "Remember what you once said. If everything does not go as hoped, then let go of your obsession and no longer cling to this matter. Afterwards, we will discuss whether you plan to return to the Lan Ji Star or stay in the Yin Xue Realm."
"...Yes." Yun Che nodded.
But before he responded, there was a hesitation that lasted a full three breaths.
It was only then that Yun Che suddenly noticed something from Mu Xuanyin's words and said in surprise, "Master, do you mean... you are not coming to the Zhou Tian God Realm?"
Mu Xuanyin glanced at him, but did not answer. Her snow-white hand gently waved, and the barrier of the Minghan Heavenly Lake slowly parted to both sides: "Let's go."
As the barrier opened, Yun Che had not yet stepped out when he saw a group of people waiting neatly and respectfully outside.
At the head was the Grand Elder, Mu Huanzhi, with Mu Bingyun at his side. Behind them were eight Ice Phoenix elders and the Ice Phoenix Palace Masters. Further back were a group of young Ice Phoenix disciples. At a glance, there were probably six or seven hundred people. Judging by their attire, they were all disciples of the Ice Phoenix Divine Hall.
Every single one of these disciples of the Divine Hall carried an extremely heavy aura of ice and cold, and all of them were at the Divine Tribulation Realm.
And these people were the exact ones from the Ice Phoenix God Sect these last five years... If I cannot see Mo Li within five years, I will never have the chance to see her again in this life. What exactly does that mean...
To see Mo Li, I left the Lan Ji Star, left my parents, left Caiyi, Lingxi, Yue'er, Ling'er... I didn't even complete my marriage with Feng Xue'er. Three years have passed, and I have already let them down too much. After this trip to the Zhou Tian Realm, no matter the outcome, do I really have any reason to stay here any longer...
And there is Qingyue. Where exactly have you gone? There has been no news of you at all. Mo Li said you have an Icy Glass Snow Lotus Heart, protected by the Heavenly Dao. I have always believed you are safe and sound... but where are you? In the three years I have been away from the Lan Ji Star, have you already returned?
"It seems your heart is not at peace."
A soft voice sounded by Yun Che's ear. Mu Bingyun came to his side, her white veil and snow-white robes giving her an ethereal, immortal grace.
"Palace Master Bingyun." Yun Che quickly turned sideways. "I have been longing for this day all these years. Now that it is so close at hand, I find myself somewhat hesitant instead."
"It is precisely because you care so much that this happens." Mu Bingyun said gently. "You have done all you could. What remains is to see what fate decides. No matter the outcome, you should accept it calmly. And after all, the person you seek is Tiansha Xingshen... There are many taboos. I trust your master has explained them all to you."
Yun Che nodded lightly, then suddenly asked, "Palace Master Bingyun, why isn't Master... coming with us to the Zhou Tian God Realm?"
"...?" Mu Bingyun hesitated briefly before finally saying, "Two years ago, when your master brought you back, did you notice any change in her power?"
Yun Che was slightly startled, then said, "Could it be..."
Mu Bingyun spoke slowly: "Your master possesses the Ice Phoenix Divine Soul personally bestowed by the Ice Phoenix Ancestor, and within that soul is also contained the source power of the Ice Phoenix. For a human body to merge with the source power of a god, even if it is just the tiniest trace, requires an extremely long time. Your master spent a full ten thousand years and only awakened three-tenths of it. But after being severely injured in the Burial God Fire Prison, she suddenly awakened as much as seven-tenths of it, and her profound strength naturally saw a significant increase."
Mu Bingyun's chest heaved heavily, and the light that flickered in her eyes when she glanced at Yun Che was extremely complex.
"So, Master is afraid of attracting the attention of others?" Yun Che understood somewhat.
Mu Bingyun gently nodded. "At your master's level, even the slightest progress is as difficult as reaching the heavens. Even if a thousand years pass without any improvement, that is perfectly normal. But if your master's power suddenly increases drastically in a short time, it will inevitably draw people's attention and might attract unnecessary trouble... Especially since this is the Xuan Shen Conference, where all the most terrifying figures of the Eastern Divine Realm will be present."
"Because of her cultivation and appearance, your master is already extremely famous in the Eastern Divine Realm. Seven hundred years ago, she attended the previous Xuan Shen Conference as well. There are already many who harbor ill intentions towards her. For her cultivation to change so significantly in just seven hundred years would make it difficult not to draw attention. Although she is extremely worried about you, she had no choice but to make this decision."
"I see." Yun Che finally understood. Back then, when he had asked Mu Xuanyin why her injuries and profound power had recovered so quickly, she had told him it was because of the awakening of the divine soul... but it was only that one simple sentence.
"And what realm has Master's power actually reached? Was the improvement really that great?" Yun Che asked.
"...I do not know." Mu Bingyun said softly. "However, since she cares so much about you and yet made this choice, the improvement must be very significant."
"Perhaps even beyond my expectations."
Amid seemingly endless falling snow, the Mysterious Ark traveled across half the Yin Xue Realm and finally landed on a vast snowy plain.
This was the southern border of the Yin Xue Realm, silent all year round with only falling snow. But in the past few months, layer upon layer of footprints had been left on the snow cover here.
Most of the star realms in the divine realm were open. Cultivators from all major star realms, including those from the lower realms, could freely enter and exit. But for existences like the king realms, they basically never allowed any outsider to step foot inside — except for the Western Divine Realm.