Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1346 - 726: Farewell, Chun Jun

"Interesting, what kind of puppet is this? It's a design I've never encountered before," the youth with white hair remarked, his eyes gleaming with a sudden flash of inquisitiveness.

Because the Spirit Puppet had been meticulously crafted to function within the unique conditions of the Burial Immortal Ruins, it appeared quite plain. Its exterior was so ordinary that it betrayed none of the terrifying power hidden within.

Sensing no threat or formidable aura from the machine, the white-haired youth remained completely unafraid.

He never would have suspected that the entity facing the Heavenly Tribulation moments ago was actually the Tiger Head Puppet standing right in front of him.

Dressed in azure robes, Zhao Xingyu’s expression shifted. She ascended into the air to confront the pair, demanding sharply, "State your identities. Why have you intruded upon the private territory of the Zhao Family?"

Even as she spoke, the Tiger Head Spirit Puppet moved to her side. Its amber crystal eyes locked onto the intruders, glowing with a frigid, mechanical hostility.

"Heh, based on your tone, are you claiming this Cloud Mist Zhao Family is some forbidden dragon's lair or tiger's den that outsiders cannot enter?" The white-haired youth, naturally arrogant and defiant, replied with a cold sneer.

"The Cloud Mist Zhao Family is hospitable to friends, but we have no welcome for those harboring ill intent. Depart this instant, or do not complain that this palace failed to warn you!" Zhao Xingyu’s resolve hardened, her voice flat and her face devoid of emotion.

Beside her, the Tiger Head Spirit Puppet responded to her stance by silently tightening its grip on the hilt of its massive sword.

"Heh heh, I have no intention of leaving today. What exactly do you plan to do about it?" The white-haired youth laughed with irritation, crossing his arms as he mocked her.

This man was known as No-Life, a prominent figure from the Green Bull Palace. His cultivation was formidable, sitting at the peak of the Seventh Realm of the Nascent Soul, making him one of the most powerful experts beneath the rank of Great Cultivator.

Furthermore, the Green Bull Palace stood as the preeminent Sect of the Demon Path. Its foundation was deep and its influence vast; having produced generations of Divinity Transformation True Monarchs, it was the most ancient demonic sect in the Spring Birth Realm.

No-Life and Ancestor Jue Xing were longtime acquaintances who shared similar temperaments.

A month prior, Ancestor Jue Xing had approached him in a state of desperation, seeking the protection of the Green Bull Palace as he claimed to be at the end of his rope.

To prove his sincerity, he whispered a secret: someone had unearthed a hidden treasury belonging to the Ghost God Sect, and a supreme treasure of the sect had fallen into their hands.

This artifact was an Order Banner created by the founding True Monarch of the Ghost God Sect, an item that had reached the rank of a Spiritual Treasure.

He promised that if his safety was guaranteed, he would reveal the identity of the possessor and help retrieve the Heavenly Demon Banner of Ten Thousand Souls.

Just as expected!

Tempted by the prospect, No-Life felt an intense surge of greed. He immediately promised his old friend that once the treasure was secured, he would bring him into the palace and appoint him as a Minister Elder.

Overjoyed, Ancestor Jue Xing traveled across vast lands and seas alongside No-Life, eventually arriving at the outskirts of the Cloud Mist Mountain Range.

No-Life had been enraged to learn the Zhao Family held the treasure and wanted to charge in immediately. However, Ancestor Jue Xing restrained him, explaining that the Zhao Family had a mysterious history. He warned that the Cloud Mist Mountain was a stronghold fortified over millennia with complex formations and prohibitions. Crucially, the family possessed two Nascent Soul cultivators, making a reckless assault dangerous.

While arrogant, No-Life was not a fool.

Taking Ancestor Jue Xing's advice to heart, the two of them stayed hidden within the Cloud Mist Mountain, waiting patiently.

They remained in hiding for seven days.

That week was long enough for No-Life to confirm that several artifacts clearly originating from the Ghost God Sect had recently been traded or used by the Zhao Family.

With this evidence, No-Life no longer doubted the truth of Ancestor Jue Xing’s claims.

When the Heavenly Tribulation suddenly manifested today, the two were jolted into action.

Watching the Tribulation Clouds disperse as quickly as they had formed, the pair was ecstatic. They were convinced the person attempting to transcend the tribulation had perished under its power.

Believing the timing was perfect, they decided to strike while the Zhao Family was in mourning and disarray, effectively planning a raid on the Zhao compound.

"Hold on a moment!"

Sensing the atmosphere grow volatile, Ancestor Jue Xing reached out to restrain his friend. He called out, "Daoist Zhao, please do not misunderstand us. Our goal today isn't to become your family's enemy. We are simply here to recover a lost relic of our sect."

"For your information, this is Daoist No-Life of the Green Bull Palace. I am Jue Xing, a traveler currently without a home. Years ago, my sect met with an unexpected disaster, leaving very few of us left in the world."

Ancestor Jue Xing maintained a somber front, subtly revealing a blood-red Order Banner in his palm that bore the insignia of the Ghost God Sect.

Zhao Xingyu remained unmoved. She cast a chilling look at Ancestor Jue Xing and said tonelessly, "Out of deference to the Green Bull Palace, one of you may depart—but you shall stay!"

Her first remark was directed at No-Life, while her command to stay was aimed squarely at Ancestor Jue Xing.

"Heh, what arrogance! I’ve heard the Zhao Family fancies itself the premier clan of the Tianzhu Realm. Seeing you today, it's clear your vanity has no limits. Hmph, a pack of wandering dogs dares to bark so loudly here!"

No-Life completely ignored Zhao Xingyu’s threat. He believed that the Zhao Family currently only had this junior, a newly ascended Nascent Soul cultivator, to protect them.

As for the "Heavenly Array Hermit," the fact that he hadn't shown himself suggested he had likely passed away during his secluded Cultivation.

It was no secret that Zhao Menghan’s lifespan was reaching its limit; those who kept watch on the family had known this for a long time.

Since the Heavenly Array Hermit failed to appear, No-Life grew even more confident!

"Wandering dogs?!" At that insult, Zhao Xingyu’s eyes flushed crimson with rage, and a shadow of violent intent crossed her features.