Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1382 - 743: Immortal Heaven Continent

Upon grasping the situation, Zhao Sheng wasted no time and inquired immediately, "Understood, do you need me to do anything?"

Zhao Xuanjing silently admired the man's quick wit; he had understood the gravity of the matter instantly. Therefore, he spoke plainly without further hesitation, "This old man requires you to serve as my protector! Once my Primordial Spirit departs from this body, I shall entrust my physical form to your care."

Without asking a single question, Zhao Sheng gave a firm nod of consent.

"Have no fear! As long as I draw breath, no harm shall befall your flesh!"

"Naturally, I have full confidence in you," Zhao Xuanjing replied serenely. "Time is of the essence. You must accompany me to Yuxu Cave Mansion at once!"

Having spoken, Zhao Xuanjing rose and marched out of the hall with long strides.

Seeing this, Zhao Sheng followed closely at his heels.

...

An hour passed before two streaks of light suddenly pierced through the air, vanishing into the remote reaches of the Wolong Mountain Range.

Shortly after, Zhao Sheng and Zhao Xuanjing materialized within the Yuxu Cave Mansion.

Zhao Xuanjing drifted down to the Jade Pond's floor, seating himself cross-legged above the Spring Eye. He abruptly began to weave complex hand seals. A multitude of spirit lights erupted, instantly embedding themselves into every corner of the surrounding space.

Boom~

The Yuxu Cave Mansion began to tremble violently. Countless pathways of light suddenly flickered to life across the walls, the ceiling, and the ground, weaving together like luminous rivers and radiating a brilliant glow.

In a mere heartbeat, layers of magnificent barriers materialized, sealing the subterranean mansion behind one defense after another.

As one Great Array after another roared to life, Zhao Sheng could feel a boundless killing intent permeating the void. It was clear that any intruder who stumbled inside would be met with a devastating, lethal strike!

"Come down here quickly!" Zhao Xuanjing shouted to Zhao Sheng after the formations were fully active.

Zhao Sheng obeyed and descended, taking a cross-legged position by his side.

With a flick of his fingers, Zhao Xuanjing sent a Yellow Jade Token flying toward Zhao Sheng, who caught it firmly.

"This is the Array Control Token; guard it well! If any enemies dare to invade, you can wield the Great Array to slay them! Unless an Integration Realm Great Power arrives, any cultivator below that level will meet a certain end!" Zhao Xuanjing spoke with great confidence, and Zhao Sheng knew it was no empty boast.

The Wolong Mountain Range had served as the Zhao Family’s primary stronghold for over five millennia, and the Yuxu Cave Mansion stood as the clan's most sacred core. It was fortified with countless ancient formations designed to ensure that no Integration Realm trespasser would ever leave alive.

After finishing his instructions, Zhao Xuanjing swept his long sleeve, releasing a streak of golden light.

The golden light spun rapidly in mid-air before transforming into a stout child clad in a golden bellyband.

The boy appeared no older than eight or nine, standing roughly three feet tall with a sickly, dark-yellow complexion. His features were quite grotesque, marked by two small golden horns on his brow and a wide mouth that stretched nearly to his ears, filled with rows of saw-like teeth.

"Master, I'm hungry... so hungry! Hey, who are you? You look like you'd taste delicious!"

The hideous child had barely spoken when he noticed Zhao Sheng, his small eyes narrowing with a predatory glint.

Zhao Sheng could only manage a wry smile, marveling at how the once-docile Mountain Dragon had evolved into such a rowdy creature over the millennia.

"Little Gold, mind your manners!" Zhao Xuanjing scolded with a darkened expression. "This is one of our kin; show him the proper respect!"

The Mountain Dragon, Xiao Jin, gave a begrudging grunt. He walked over slowly and gave a half-hearted cupped-hand salute to Zhao Sheng, barely performing the courtesy.

Seeing the lack of sincerity, Zhao Xuanjing decided not to press his spirit pet further and looked away as if he hadn't noticed.

"I shall soon project my Primordial Spirit and merge it with Little Gold. He will then transport me to the Immortal Heaven Continent. The safety of this place rests entirely on your shoulders."

"Set your mind at ease, Jing Ancestor. I will hold the line here!" Zhao Sheng vowed, his eyes burning with resolve.

Zhao Xuanjing nodded slightly, offering no further words. He beckoned Little Gold to his side and rested his hands upon his knees.

In that moment, a translucent "Zhao Xuanjing," radiating the aura of a True Immortal, emerged from the physical body. He stepped forward, merged into Little Gold’s form, and disappeared.

"As Little Gold and I set out on this path, our fate remains uncertain, and the time of our return is unknown; if..."

Suddenly, the Taiyi Merit Stele rose into the air, expanding until it reached a height of ten zhang, looming as majestic as a pillar of heaven.

"I am departing!"

The moment those words echoed, Little Gold leaped into the air, shifting into the form of a small golden dragon. Like a bolt of lightning, he dived into the stele and vanished.

Boom!

The Merit Stele crashed heavily into the bottom of the Jade Pond, and the characters for 'Taiyi' began to emit a soft, ethereal glow.

Zhao Sheng walked toward the Immortal Stele and sat before the inscription. He slowly shut his eyes, entering a state that resembled a deep trance.

...

An indeterminate amount of time drifted by before a glimmer of light pierced through a world of darkness.

A golden beam shot out from the heights of the Tianqiong, quickly manifesting into the form of the three-foot-tall, ugly child.

From within the child's body, a figure began to emerge—it was the "Primordial Spirit" of Zhao Xuanjing.

Guided by the Immortal Stele, the master and servant had reached the Immortal Heaven Continent successfully.

Although they remained conscious, a wave of dizziness washed over them. They took a moment to adjust before their surroundings became clear.

Zhao Xuanjing surveyed the landscape. The sky above appeared somber, and the air was filled with the howling of malevolent winds. They seemed to be suspended high above a mountain range of dark, blue-black stone.

He detached himself from Little Gold’s body and prepared to give an order, but his form suddenly froze.

At that instant, his entire essence began to radiate light as his spiritual acupoints ignited. Ancient Primordial Qi from the surrounding world began to surge toward him from every direction.

What started as thin wisps soon grew into massive clouds of energy, all converging upon his Primordial Spirit.