Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1395: 750: Void Fortress and Guardian

Soon enough, Zhao Sheng along with his companions reached the uppermost level of the Pocket World Tower. There, a enchanting vista unfolded before them: drifting clouds over jade-like streams, verdant woods filled with sweet-smelling meadows, and the delightful melodies of birdsong mingling with blooming blossoms.

Deep within a thriving bamboo grove, a pair of red-robed elders with flowing beards were seated cross-legged on the earth, their gazes fixed sharply on the chessboard in front of them. The ebony and ivory pieces wove together in a complex pattern, showing that their match was still in progress.

Zhao Sheng's face went rigid. These two elders with beards, from their looks and presence to their very demeanor, appeared exactly alike, almost like identical siblings upon first sight.

As if detecting the newcomers' approach, both bearded elders lifted their heads to glance their way.

Huang Hongxiang didn't dare to slack off in the least and quickly moved ahead to offer a deep bow in salute, saying with utmost respect, “Grand disciple Huang Hongxiang, pays respects to Master Bi Fang!”

Master Bi Fang's countenance also stiffened upon catching sight of his features.

Right then, Zhao Sheng advanced too, offering his own bow and greeting, “Junior Zhao Xi, greets the two Ancestors!”

Witnessing the pair's salutations, the bearded elder to the left abruptly extended his hand and scattered the pieces across the board, muttering with a sigh, “Visitors have arrived, so this match can't continue… enough! Duties come first!”

“You sly old fox, always hating to lose. If we play once more, I'll just concede no matter the outcome!” The bearded elder on the right flared up immediately, jabbing a finger at his counterpart and venting his frustration.

“Hmph, who hates losing! We bear the sect's vital duties, which demand our constant vigilance. Chess is just a way to kill time; pressing affairs must come before it!”

The “Master Bi Fang” to the left shot back right away with bold assurance, unwilling to yield.

“Haha, no point bickering with you, step aside… return!”

No sooner had the words left his mouth than the left bearded elder turned into a streak of radiance and swiftly fused into the body of the one on the right.

Zhao Sheng caught this sight, and a spark of astonishment gleamed in his eyes, though he kept it hidden inside.

Having absorbed the avatar, Master Bi Fang addressed Huang Hongxiang with composure, “Hongxiang, Brother Huang Liang set up your visit here?”

Huang Hongxiang showed a touch of astonishment at the display.

“To report to Ancestor, it wasn't my Ancestor who specially arranged it. Since the disciple-grandson's cultivation has hit a sticking point now, I came to this spot for tempering, seeking a chance to break through,” Huang Hongxiang replied with cupped hands.

“I remember the Huang Family’s ‘Five Directions Five Elders Flying God Scripture’ is truly a divine immortal technique. This frontline of Vermilion Bird Star fits well for honing your resolve,” Master Bi Fang nodded as he explained, grasping the situation.

While talking, his eyes shifted to Zhao Sheng nearby. “Ah, so you're Zhao Xi? Impressive, very impressive, a real prodigy! It looks like the Divine Artisan Zhao Clan still has its share of luck!”

With Master Bi Fang’s profound insight, just one look sufficed to pierce Zhao Sheng’s false guise, revealing his exceptional cultivation depth.

Hearing those words, a flicker of envy crossed Huang Hongxiang’s gaze, yet his expression remained devoid of shock.

“Ancestor, your commendation is overly kind. Junior doesn't deserve it,” Zhao Sheng bowed modestly, holding back further words.

“As you're here with Hongxiang, he must have informed you about this location during the journey, sparing me the repetition,” Master Bi Fang’s eyes shimmered with a sacred glow as he inquired steadily, “Now, speak—which role do you prefer?”

“Junior seeks the Guardian role at the Void Fortress, and I beg Ancestor’s approval,” Zhao Sheng declared without hesitation.

At that, Huang Hongxiang shot Zhao Sheng a meaningful glance, but Zhao Sheng paid it no mind.

“Have you thought this through? Your power isn't lacking, yet the Guardian post differs from the rest. The burden is heavy, and should alien demons overrun the fortress, it won't end with just you… the Divine Artisan Zhao Clan couldn't withstand that fallout! I'd recommend starting in the Demon-slaying Team to adjust first, then eyeing other spots,” Master Bi Fang counseled with a furrowed brow, out of goodwill.

“Gratitude for your concern, Ancestor. Junior's decision is set, and I ask Ancestor to grant my request,” Zhao Sheng answered resolutely.

Though Huang Hongxiang had hinted several times en route, suggesting they team up in the same Demon-slaying Team for mutual support.

Yet… Zhao Sheng harbored different intentions. Armed with Time-Space Teleportation's might, he could roam the whole Star Domain Battlefield freely; why bind himself to one Demon-slaying Team?

Master Bi Fang fixed Zhao Sheng with a probing stare, then whispered a brief exchange with Huang Hongxiang, before pulling out a token of deep gold hue and flinging it toward Zhao Sheng, remarking offhandedly, “If you're so sure of your skills, so be it. Right now, the Eastern Line A3 Fortress needs a Guardian. You'll fill that slot.”

Those words made Huang Hongxiang's features shift subtly.

“Might Ancestor share details on the A3 Void Fortress's situation?” Spotting Huang Hongxiang’s reaction, Zhao Sheng's curiosity piqued, prompting his question.

“Everything you want to know is recorded there, go on and take it!” With that, Master Bi Fang produced another Jade Scroll and hurled it over.

Afterward, he turned his focus away from Zhao Sheng, questioning Huang Hongxiang about his preferences instead.

Only those at the Returning to Void Realm might receive some “flexibility” from an Integration Realm powerhouse. For anyone below that, there's no option to pick; typically, upon frontline arrival, assignments happen straight away.

While Zhao Sheng scanned the Jade Scroll's contents, the somewhat crestfallen Huang Hongxiang selected his assignment.

True to form, he opted for a spot in a Demon-slaying Team.

The Demon-slaying Team stands as a uniquely elite unit within the Spirit Realm Human Clan’s forces, typically consisting of just two or three individuals, and seldom exceeding five.