Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1359 - 732: Selection and Expansion (Part 2)

Previously on Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension...
The Divine Artisan Zhao Clan, a powerful Small Immortal Faction, has initiated an unprecedented and widespread marriage alliance campaign across Longshan City and its surrounding territories. Sisters Ren Jinzi and Ren Yinfu find themselves caught in the center of the political storm, realizing they are likely to be sacrificed as dual cultivation partners due to their rare constitutions. Despite Yinfu’s desire to flee, their grandfather intervenes, forcing them to submit to the family's interests. Ultimately, the sisters are selected alongside four other women to remain on Divine Art Island after their bloodlines successfully stir the interest of the Zhao family.

From that moment forward, their destinies were fundamentally transformed.

It didn't take long for the Ren sisters and the others to grasp the magnitude of their luck; their "husband" was not only a Half-Immortal of the Void but also possessed a remarkably handsome and gallant appearance.

While Zhao Sheng applied himself diligently, the Divine Artisan Zhao Clan wasted no time in unveiling its predatory nature, launching aggressive expansion campaigns across the region.

Unrest quickly spread through Yellow Wind Immortal City and across the entire Ten Thousand Peak Spirit Domain.

Over the subsequent centuries, the Spirit Domain was plagued by constant warfare and strife. Powerful factions swallowed up countless weaker clans, and the untamed Barbaric lands were systematically conquered. Before Zhao Sheng’s very eyes, the brutal reality of the Four Saints Continent—where the strong feast upon the weak in a ruthless struggle for survival—was vividly displayed.

...

Located in the western reaches of the Ten Thousand Peak Spirit Domain is a magnificent mountain range spanning tens of thousands of miles. Within these peaks, a thick white haze of Spiritual Energy hangs in the air. Some summits are perpetually draped in snow, while others radiate a powerful crimson glow. Many jagged, dangerous peaks are half-hidden in the mist, appearing as shadowy threats to any traveler.

This is the Lianyun Mountain Range, a treacherous territory that even Nascent Soul Cultivators hesitate to enter.

Despite the danger, the Lianyun Mountain Range is a prime Treasure Land, overflowing with Spiritual Energy and teeming with Exotic Beasts and Rare Flowers and Herbs, making it a goldmine for cultivation resources.

Tucked away near the Yanyun Mountain Range is a secluded valley. Its terrain is as intricate as a labyrinth, and it remains perpetually cloaked in heavy clouds and fog, giving it a desolate and lifeless appearance.

However, hidden behind those thick curtains of mist, the valley reveals a different world: sprawling spirit fields and Medicine Gardens are meticulously maintained, with graceful, understated courtyards dotting the landscape like a hidden paradise.

A massive manor sits at the valley's heart, protected by a shimmering blue Barrier. In the deepest section of the estate, a nine-story pagoda rises toward the sky.

A green stone plaza stretches out before the pagoda, featuring a massive flagpole over twenty feet tall. Flapping in the breeze, the flag bears a single, prominent character: "Qin."

This valley serves as the Ancestral Land for the "Bai Fang" Qin family. Within the Ten Thousand Peak Spirit Domain, the Qin family is ranked as a second-tier power, boasting over a hundred Nascent Soul Cultivators and led by two Divinity Transformation True Monarchs.

Had they been in the Tianzhu Realm, the Qin family would have been the undisputed masters of the world, a force even the Zhao Clan would struggle to rival.

Yet, in the competitive environment of the Ten Thousand Peak Spirit Domain, a second-tier group like the "Bai Fang" Qin family can barely maintain its independence, often viewed as "fat meat" by more dominant powers.

Currently, several hulking men in Red Gold Armor stood guard around the pagoda with somber expressions. Every one of them possessed a cultivation level at or above the Golden Core stage.

The chest plates of their armor were emblazoned with a Mountain Dragon design—the unmistakable mark of the Divine Artisan Zhao Clan.

Inside the ninth floor of the tower, the air was thick with tension and a palpable sense of murderous intent.

Seated upon the primary Magic Platform were two elderly men in green robes: Qin Gong and Qin Fang, the Divinity Transformation True Monarchs of the Qin family.

Facing them were two figures in Golden Armor, their lethal intent carefully restrained but clearly present.

Their leader was a man with a broad face and white eyebrows. His eyes shimmered with a faint light, and his aura signaled he was a Mid-stage Divinity Transformation expert.

Beside him sat a gaunt old man with a piercing, icy stare, who was also a Divinity Transformation Realm cultivator.

Both were members of the Zhao Clan; the broad-faced man was Zhao Qingfeng, and the thin one was Zhao Huaji, the junior-most of the Zhao Clan’s seven Divinity Transformation True Monarchs.

"Taoist Qin Gong, we have already made our intentions clear during our previous visits, and I have no desire for further redundancy. Our Zhao family demands the Golden Crystal Fire Carp Lake currently held by your Qin family. The offer is final: thirty thousand Top-grade Spirit Stones. You have one month to clear out of Fire Carp Lake." Zhao Qingfeng held up three fingers, his voice freezing cold.

"Brother Qingfeng, your words are unreasonable. To secure that Golden Crystal Fire Carp Lake, our Qin family lost more than ten thousand kin and poured out an immeasurable amount of wealth and spirit. A mere thirty thousand Top-grade Spirit Stones is an insult. If we simply hand it over to the Zhao family, how can we possibly justify it to our clansmen?" While Qin Gong remained quiet, Qin Fang spoke up with a frosty tone.

"Heh, let us not forget that your Qin family originally seized the Golden Crystal Fire Carp Lake from the Gu Family. Since the Gu Family has now joined our Zhao Clan through marriage and has transferred their rights to the lake to us, it is only natural for you to return it. What is there left to discuss?!" Zhao Huaji, the thin man, added with a mocking chuckle.

"Do not push us too far! The Qin family is not a soft target. You must remember that 'Master Fengxian' is the senior martial sister of our clan's great ancestor. You know her reputation well; she needs no further introduction. If you back us into a corner, the Qin family will not hesitate to request her presence to see justice done!" Qin Gong’s eyes flashed as he spoke with heavy gravity.

Upon hearing that name, the expressions of Zhao Qingfeng and Zhao Huaji darkened. It was clear that "Master Fengxian" was a figure of immense power, likely even surpassing Zhao Xuanjing in strength.

"Qin Fang, don't think you can intimidate us with Master Fengxian's name. We wouldn't be here if we were easily frightened. As I said, if you surrender Fire Carp Lake, this ends peacefully. If you refuse, then the Qin family should prepare for total extermination!" Zhao Qingfeng’s face turned grim, his voice sharp and absolute.