Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1352: 729: Ascension by Seeking Passage

Within the Nine Nether Void Realm, the Dark Sky remains buried under a layer of chaotic mist.

A colossal vortex, its diameter beyond measure, rotates with a heavy rhythm. Compared to the violent tempests of space-time tearing at its edges, the central "Wind Eye" is strikingly serene.

Without warning, a human figure materialized silently in the heart of this "Wind Eye."

Crystalline peaks suddenly shimmered in the void ahead, hovering while they radiated a soft, multicolored glow. Within these structures, countless Immortal Seal Runes flickered in and out of existence.

These peaks possessed a strange geometry; they were inverted, their summits pointing toward the abyss while their bases were flattened into massive Magic Platforms, spanning nearly a hundred miles.

Upon closer inspection, there were eighty-one of these inverted crystalline peaks, a number that matched the eighty-one Array Pillars of the Ascension Platform perfectly.

As he stared at the Great Array of crystalline peaks, a flicker of passion ignited in Zhao Sheng’s eyes. From the moment of his rebirth until today, this was his first time witnessing the Ascension Array in its completed state.

It was clear that these eighty-one peaks served as the primary Array Base, whereas the Ascension Platform above was merely the visible tip of the iceberg.

With a flash of movement, Zhao Sheng descended onto one of the crystalline Magic Platforms. He sat cross-legged immediately, and a brilliant Divine Light erupted from his Dantian, surging toward the center of his brows.

His Divine Thought surged outward like a tidal wave, instantly saturating the crystalline mountain beneath him.

In that moment, a deluge of Immortal Seal Runes flooded his consciousness, rapidly organizing into thousands of complex formation nodes.

The crystalline peak began to glow with increasing intensity, its prismatic light cutting through the surrounding gloom like a rising sun.

Zhao Sheng became lost in the profound joy of deciphering the Ascension Array's secrets, completely losing track of the passing days.

A month vanished in what felt like a single heartbeat.

On that day, Zhao Sheng’s eyes snapped open as his spirit retreated from the infinite depths of the Array Dao.

The Returning to Void Splitting God he had stationed at the Ascension Platform had just vibrated, signaling that Zhao Dingshan had arrived as promised.

Standing up slowly, Zhao Sheng stretched his limbs before his form vanished into the void.

Back at the Ascension Platform, Zhao Dingshan stepped forward to offer a bow: “Dingshan pays his respects to the Ancestor!”

Zhao Sheng scanned the area, realizing the situation immediately.

Zhao Dingshan was not alone; four Nascent Soul Cultivators—three men and one woman—accompanied him.

“Dingshan, who are these people…?”

Before he could finish, the four moved forward as one, bowing deeply as they raised their voices:

“Zhao Daxian of the Da Generation from the Zhao Family of Heavenly Pillar Mountain greets the Ancestor!”

“Zhao Dingtian of the Ding Generation from the Zhao Family of Heavenly Pillar Mountain greets the Ancestor!”

“Zhao… Zhao Dingpian of the Ding Generation from the Zhao Family of Heavenly Pillar Mountain greets the Ancestor!”

“…Zhao Luolan greets the Ancestor!”

Zhao Sheng accepted their formal greeting with grace, replying calmly, “Rise, there is no need for such ceremony.”

The four stood up and took their places half a step behind Zhao Dingshan, waiting with bated breath for the Ancestor’s words.

Because of Zhao Sheng's presence, the three remaining elders of the Ding Generation had gathered at the Ascension Platform simultaneously. This was a momentous occasion, signaling that the long-fractured branches of the Zhao Family were finally beginning to reconcile.

For one hour, Zhao Sheng spoke with the four, offering guidance on their Cultivation and handing out specially prepared Storage Bags.

After that hour, filled with a sense of wonder and joy, the four took their leave of the Ancestor and Zhao Dingshan, descending from the Ascension Platform.

Starting that day, the various branches of the Zhao Family began to unify at an accelerated pace. Elite clansmen from across the seas and continents hurried toward Heavenly Pillar Mountain, desperate for a chance to climb the Ascension Platform and see the Ancestor.

However, the Ascension Platform was far too high and dangerous, accessible only to those at the Nascent Soul level. Many Golden Core Masters in the Mountain City waited for years in anticipation, yet never caught a glimpse of him.

But those are events for the future, not for now.

Having succeeded once before, Zhao Sheng’s second attempt at refining was even smoother.

In just over six months, he merged the Nascent Soul of Zhao Dingshan with a Spirit Core, taking only a single day to seat that core within a Spirit Puppet.

The newly reborn Zhao Dingshan remained on the Ascension Platform for three months.

Once he had adjusted to his mechanical body, Zhao Sheng sent him away and returned to his study of the Ascension Array.

As the seasons turned, time flowed like water!

While the Zhao Family slowly unraveled the enigmas of the array, the years seemed to move faster and faster.

Before anyone realized it, forty years had slipped away.

…

“Great Elder, when is the Ancestor expected to end his seclusion?”

“Exactly! Forty years have passed. Why has the Ancestor remained at the Ascension Platform without appearing? Is it possible he has already departed?”

“Brother Dingshan, perhaps you should visit the Ascension Platform again. Given your relationship, the Ancestor surely wouldn't refuse to see you.”

“Sigh, those Golden Core youngsters are getting restless. They claim we old fogies are hiding the Ancestor from them. Do those brats actually intend to revolt?”

“Fairness is the issue! Cultivation resources are scarce; how can they be shared perfectly? If these branches keep fighting, even I might just give up!”

“Sister Lan, calm yourself. I will personally discipline those unruly juniors when I return! However, since the Central Sect is taking the lion's share, shouldn't they provide more resources to the other branches to quiet the anger of our kin?”

Hearing this, Zhao Changjin, who had attained the Nascent Soul stage less than a decade ago, stood up and argued: “That is unfair! Ancestor Dingshan sacrificed everything for us, so it is only right that the Central Sect receives more. Furthermore, the Central Sect has already filled the family vaults and opened Mountain City and the Pocket World City to everyone. The Central Sect has given so much—have the elders forgotten all of it?”