Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1364 735: March Crossing Tribulation

White Jade Square, situated behind the peaks of Dragon Claw.

Under a clear and azure sky, the Nine Nether Tower at the square's center suddenly erupted with brilliant light. Bells chimed in perfect harmony, creating a magnificent Dao resonance that rippled through the surrounding air.

A moment later, the tower's heavy doors burst open. Numerous figures were ejected from the entrance, scattering across every corner of the square as they landed.

"What is happening? Why was I sent out?" someone shouted, paralyzed by confusion over the sudden turn of events.

"No! If I just had a little more time, I would have broken through to the next realm! Why... why couldn't I have just a few more moments!" another participant cried out in pure frustration, their features twisting with rage.

"Has the trial concluded? It's far too sudden!" A different cultivator remained composed, though their eyes remained fixed intently on the Nine Nether Tower.

Zhao Xiandu cast a secretive glance around, his eyes darting quickly as he performed a silent headcount of those present.

"Zhao Changhu, Zhao Xiangang, Zhao Qingsu, Zhao Yanzhuo... wait, where is Zhao Sanyue? Where did she go? Is it possible... she was eliminated already?" Zhao Xiandu’s thoughts whirled, but he quickly dismissed the notion: "No, Zhao Sanyue is no amateur. Even Zhao Changhu is standing here; there is no way she is weaker than that Tiger Fool... what exactly transpired?"

In an instant, the crowd shifted their gaze toward the two Divinity Transformation Ancestors standing guard. Several people stepped forward, asking with agitation: "Ping Ancestor, do you know what..."

"This is completely unfair and lacks any logic... we deserve an explanation!"

"Ping Ancestor, how exactly is this trial being ranked?"

At that moment, the elderly Zhao Zhongping cleared his throat sharply and spoke with a resonant, heavy voice: "Silence!"

The square fell into an immediate hush at his command.

With a stern expression, Zhao Zhongping let his clouded, aged eyes drift slowly over the assembly. Every person lowered their head, lacking the courage to meet the Ancestor's piercing stare.

Only the two bearing the Yan surname seemed unaffected by the Ancestor's aura, their expressions showing a detached acceptance of their own mortality.

"The behavior you have displayed recently is deeply disappointing to this old man! It was merely a test—is winning or losing truly so vital? What has become of the willpower you forged through a thousand years of Cultivation? Hmph, what a pathetic display. Is this how you conduct yourselves?"

Zhao Zhongping’s scolding left the crowd feeling profoundly ashamed, leaving them all in a state of wordless embarrassment.

"Reporting to the Ancestor, Zhao Yanzhuo only seeks clarity. We were all bewildered to be cast out of the tower so suddenly; surely an explanation is warranted? I simply wish to know: what was Ancestor Xi’s goal in this?" Zhao Yanzhuo, believing his life was nearing its end anyway, dared to ask the question directly.

Zhao Zhongping’s face turned grim as he let out a cold snort: "Hmph, an explanation? I will provide you with one! Where is the Master of the Precepts Hall? Step forward!"

"Ancestor, please contain your anger!"

"Forefather, pray, be calm! Second Uncle was simply overwhelmed by emotion; he meant no disrespect toward you!"

"Truly! Second Uncle’s time is almost up, there is no reason for the Ancestor to take his words to heart."

"Second Uncle, you are being far too impulsive. Forefather has always been generous, and yet you..."

As Zhao Xiangang, the Master of the Precepts Hall, emerged from the group, more than thirty Nascent Soul Elders from the Zhao family immediately began pleading for leniency.

Observing this, Zhao Zhongping kept his expression stern, secretly waiting for Zhao Xuanji to step in and mediate for him.

It was mostly a performance; after all, what punishment could he truly inflict upon a man who was already facing death?

However, before Zhao Xuanji could utter a word of intercession, a sudden phenomenon caught everyone by surprise!

Rumble!

A massive thunderclap suddenly tore through the heavens, its immense roar vibrating through the clouds and causing the forest below to tremble. Leaves cascaded down like a green rain.

Everyone turned toward the source of the noise, their faces simultaneously draining of color.

They watched as the previously pristine sky was suddenly consumed by gargantuan black clouds. In the blink of an eye, these dark masses shrouded the Heavenly Vault, plunging the world into a darkness as deep as night.

A low, heavy drone vibrated within the clouds as they surged with lightning and thunder. Thick serpents of electricity and chains of thunder occasionally ripped through the gloom, casting a harsh light on the ground and illuminating the horrified faces of the Zhao family members.

"...The Divinity Transformation Heavenly Tribulation? That's impossible! Who could be attempting to cross the tribulation at a time like this?" Zhao Xiandu’s face twisted in shock as he shouted in a state of agitation.

"The tribulation clouds have gathered; the Heavenly Tribulation cannot be avoided! But... which 'Divine' being would choose such a critical moment to ascend? Are they suicidal?"

"The person isn't here, and their cultivation must have reached the Nascent Soul Perfect Realm. Only Ancestor Yan and Ancestor Qingjiang fit that description. Could it be one of them?" Zhao Xiangang mused.

"Is it possible that Zhao Yan truly reached perfection in his cultivation and is now making a final, desperate gamble?" Zhao Yanzhuo pondered the possibilities, unaware that Zhao Yan had already met his end.

Both Zhao Zhongping and Zhao Xuanji stared solemnly at the gathering tribulation clouds, remaining silent.

In truth, they were also uncertain which of their juniors was undergoing the ordeal.

Regardless of who it was, the list of candidates was limited to only three or four people.

The priority now was for that person to survive the crossing; failure meant being reduced to ash in an instant!

At this moment, no matter how much they strained their minds, none of them could have guessed the true identity of the one facing the heavens.

Rewinding the clock just a short while!

Within the ninth level of the tower, Zhao Sheng was feeling quite satisfied. However, a second later, his smile vanished. He turned abruptly toward the spot where Zhao Sanyue had previously vanished.

In that moment, a figure began to materialize out of thin air in the empty space. Who could it be other than Zhao Sanyue?

"Uh!" Zhao Sheng’s eyes widened in disbelief, having never anticipated that Zhao Sanyue would "return" so abruptly!