Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1411: 758: Trap or Opportunity?

Dark Sky, A3 Virtual Realm Fortress.

Within a single day, Zhao Sheng completed his journey back and forth from the Alien Demon Occupied Zone.

He rushed back to the A3 Fortress without pause, then activated the Transmission Array inside right away to teleport straight to Qiming City, wasting no time at all.

Once there, Zhao Sheng swiftly made his way into the city's towering structure, climbing up to the highest level where he encountered Master Bi Fang, who was posted at that spot.

“The junior has finished the assignment and is ready to report to Master.” After showing proper respect, he promptly pulled out the Sumeru Ring and handed it over to Master Bi Fang.

Master Bi Fang snatched the Sumeru Ring mid-air, noticing how its surface burst into a dazzling glow, with endless intricate runes dancing within the light.

A burst of pure light flashed, and a heap of assorted objects tumbled down from above, featuring Jade Scrolls, Crystal Stones, and multiple Dark Gold Tokens, plus more.

Master Bi Fang's gaze sharpened with interest as he seized a roll of Silk Books and started scanning its contents immediately.

In just one breath's time, his face showed a mix of astonishment and joy, like he'd uncovered something truly remarkable.

Master Bi Fang's features grew grave, and he flicked his sleeve to gather all the items inside it, then gave a stern warning, “You've handled this affair superbly. However, the compensation will have to wait. Remain within the city for several days; I'll call for you again soon. Moreover, everything from today must stay completely secret. Should any details slip out, you'll answer to me!”

Zhao Sheng replied at once, “The junior grasps the importance of this and won't breathe a word to anyone else.”

“Good, you... can go now!” Master Bi Fang's look softened a bit as he spoke, his eyes sharp and probing.

“The junior bids farewell!” Zhao Sheng offered another bow, then spun around and departed.

Soon enough, he secured a short-term cave mansion and made himself at home in Qiming City.

Though Zhao Sheng couldn't pinpoint why Master Bi Fang wanted him to linger, he sensed it tied directly to whatever was in that Sumeru Ring.

Maybe... he'd already stepped into some major affair, and freedom was off the table for the foreseeable future.

Zhao Sheng's wait proved brief; merely three days passed before the summons arrived, prompting him to head straight for the city's tall tower.

Stepping onto the tower's uppermost floor, Zhao Sheng's eyes widened in surprise, his heart jolting with shock.

Aside from Master Bi Fang, three additional figures occupied the space.

The most startling among them was an old Human Clan man dressed in a simple white Daoist robe; he held himself rigid as a blade, his lean visage framed by flowing white hair and beard, radiating an immeasurable aura that evoked a supreme sword still in its scabbard.

Flanking the elder were a man and a woman, each strikingly handsome, their presences immense, obviously surpassing the Returning to Void stage in cultivation.

The woman donned a green Crimson Robe, moving with elegant poise, her bearing kind and tranquil, carrying a faint scent of healing herbs.

Even more unusual, a strange, oversized “Mushroom” rested on her shoulder, vibrant in hue, bizarrely equipped with arms and legs plus facial traits, its round top bearing eyes, nose, and mouth in an endearingly naive way.

Right then, this little “Mushroom” child snoozed peacefully against its owner, much like a sleepy young one.

Next to the woman, the man might seem at first like a charming rogue, flashing a carefree grin, yet his gaze coldly assessed Zhao Sheng as he entered.

Zhao Sheng pulled back his stare, advancing with swift strides, and saluted Master Bi Fang, “Junior Zhao Xi pays respects to Master!”

Master Bi Fang's face tightened at the remark, snapping quickly, “Mind your manners! This is Yangjian Venerable. Make haste and show respect to the Great Venerable!”

Zhao Sheng jolted in surprise, bowing low to the lean elder without delay, and said with utmost respect, “This humble cultivator Zhao Xi greets the Great Venerable! I meant no disrespect earlier; please pardon this cultivator's rudeness!”

“Lack of knowledge isn't blameworthy!” Yangjian Venerable chuckled lightly, unperturbed, “To think of it, this isn't our initial encounter. Back then, you actually escaped death at Luo Ye's clutches, which truly amazed this Venerable!”

Hearing those words, Zhao Sheng's thoughts whirled, enlightenment dawning as he bowed profoundly once more, overflowing with thanks, “So the Great Venerable was the one who rescued me in the past! My survival owes everything to the Great Venerable! Words can't express my gratitude for the life-saving favor; please accept these three bows from me!”

As he prepared to drop to his knees, an invisible might arose from thin air, steadying him upright before he could bend fully.

“Spare the kneeling! This Venerable has no fondness for such rituals. Clinging to empty customs could halt your path on the Dao right there.” Yangjian Venerable declared firmly.

Zhao Sheng grinned lightly, “The Great Venerable's wise words have cleared the junior's doubts; I thank you for the guidance!”

“That's sufficient; no need for empty praise in this Venerable's company.” Yangjian Venerable stated, “We've called you here today for a covert mission that requires your involvement.”

Master Bi Fang picked up from there, “Truth be told, you weren't our top pick for this assignment, but fate placed you perfectly, and with the Great Venerable's firm endorsement, you got selected. That said, during this operation, obey Senior Sister Xue's commands without question. And should the situation turn dire, prioritize Senior Sister Xue's protection above all, got it?”

Zhao Sheng glanced toward the woman, who gave him a nod in return.

He steadied his resolve, affirming firmly, “The junior shall adhere to Senior Xue's directives.”

Yet even as he voiced his commitment, a storm of ideas surged through Zhao Sheng's head, striking him with the sudden fear that his hidden “Space-Time Teleportation” ability had come to light.

And the individual aware of this hidden talent, undoubtedly, was none other than Yangjian Venerable!