Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1480 - 800: Yun Qing Appears, Minister Elders_2

Xue Yunqing gave a soft nod, as though carrying a hidden worry, reluctant to dwell on bygone days.

The White Qi Taoist inclined his head faintly, then moved past the subject, proceeding with his words, "This individual has achieved ascension to Unification, so we must not allow him to roam unchecked, nor permit other Immortal Sects to welcome him. Junior Sister Yunqing, given your familiarity with him, why not lead the way and secure his entry into the Taiyi Spirit Palace."

"Senior Brother, permit me to handle this journey. Junior Sister's cultivation remains unrestored..." The plump Great Han declared gravely and deliberately.

Before his words concluded, Xue Yunqing let out a light laugh, "No need to burden Senior Brother Bai Ji. I can manage this minor affair myself."

Upon hearing her response, the plump Great Han burst into a booming laugh, his eyes crinkling just a bit.

Noticing this, the White Qi Taoist promptly agreed, assigning the responsibility to Xue Yunqing.

...

Zhao Sheng remained oblivious that a meddlesome figure was on the verge of arriving.

Right then, he was exchanging thoughts on developing Grotto Heaven with Zhao Xuanjing, discussing with fervor, and even ushering Zhao Xuanjing into the newly formed Grotto Heaven.

The Grotto Heaven bears the name Wu Lei, and since its recent creation, the surroundings prove brutally unforgiving, nearly like a world in ruin.

Across the ground, volcanoes burst forth one after another, rivers twisted through the landscape yet lay parched like cracked earth; water vapor ascended high, coalescing into vast rain clouds.

Torrents of rain cascaded from above, the drops blending with dense smoke to create a canopy of murky black downpour, drenching the terrain below.

Yet prior to touching down, the rain evaporated amid the intense heat, turning into vast quantities of water vapor that lifted once more toward the clouds.

The atmosphere inside the Grotto Heaven hung thick with pollution and scarcity, making it lethal for ordinary mortals. Only spots close to the Four Seas' borders offered marginal relief, though survival stayed challenging.

Zhao Sheng and Zhao Xuanjing hovered atop a cloud, methodically scanning the entirety of the Grotto Heaven.

As they inspected the Grotto Heaven's conditions, Zhao Xuanjing directed Zhao Sheng's attention, sharing his full understanding.

Zhao Sheng nodded quietly, linking his Spirit to the Cave Heaven Law, and mending the flaws based on the guidance provided.

Bit by bit, enormous water columns surged skyward from the Four Seas' depths, hauling up enormous volumes of seawater that fused with the clouds, evolving into denser rain formations.

The whole Grotto Heaven soon unleashed a fierce deluge. The plentiful water vapor drew in excessive warmth, gradually lowering the Grotto Heaven's heat levels and soothing the scorched earth.

...

Two days afterward,

Two silhouettes materialized abruptly over Dragon Head Peak.

Zhao Sheng and Zhao Xuanjing floated in midair, peering toward the far horizon.

"Second Brother, what lies ahead in your plans?" Zhao Xuanjing inquired abruptly.

"I began as a disciple of the Nine Questions Immortal Sect, bound by the oath I swore upon joining, which bars me from aligning with other Immortal Sects. Thus, I appreciate Brother's kind offer, yet Younger Brother suggests we drop the matter." Zhao Sheng shook his head, responding measuredly.

"Do you intend to wander unbound? Regrettably, even calm waters draw restless winds. If my judgment holds, visitors will seek you out shortly. Care to wager which sect approaches first?" Zhao Xuanjing grinned.

Zhao Sheng abruptly turned his gaze to the distant skyline, murmuring softly, "No guesswork required—the arrival is already here!"

With those words spoken, the Heavenly Vault blazed with brilliant lights, crafting a enormous rainbow bridge that spanned from the horizon straight to the pair.

At that instant, a white lion emerged at the bridge's far end, bounding forward aggressively, bearing a woman in simple robes astride it.

In a flash, the white lion touched down nearby, the woman in plain attire drifted lightly to the ground, settling several paces off, and inclined her head toward them.

Recognizing the guest's features, Zhao Sheng felt a jolt of surprise, his face turning serious as he bowed deeply, "I offer my respects to Mr. Xue! Even after centuries, Mr.'s presence remains as striking as ever—it's a true joy to behold."

Zhao Xuanjing's gaze sharpened, dimly perceiving the visitor's boundless aura, his pulse quickening, before he too bowed courteously, "I, Zhao Xianglong, offer respects to Mr. Xue."

Xue Yunqing scrutinized Zhao Sheng intently prior to replying, "My cultivation title is Yunqing—young friend, are you confusing me with another?"

Zhao Sheng's heart pounded heavily, compelling him to bow once more in greeting, "Indeed, my error. I pay respects to Yunqing Venerable!"

As for Xue Susu, he refrained from uttering her name.

Zhao Xuanjing, versed in this realm's hidden lore, upon catching the title Yunqing Venerable, reacted with a stir, swiftly bowing afresh to show proper homage.

Xue Yunqing took no offense, nodding as she stated, "You've likely surmised my purpose. I represent the Taiyi Spirit Palace, arriving today to extend an invitation for you to join the Spirit Palace."

At this revelation, Zhao Sheng's mind whirled, swiftly deducing that his Unification ascension had reached Taiyi Spirit Palace's ears, prompting their recruitment bid.

This development held no shock for him, considering Painting Saint and Tuo Immortal's prior knowledge and their relay to Taiyi Spirit Palace.

"To speak plainly, I pledged myself to the Nine Questions Immortal Sect in the Taisu Spiritual Realm, constrained by my initiation oath, preventing alliance with another sect." He paused briefly, mustering the resolve to decline.

To his surprise, Xue Yunqing displayed no irritation, rather smiling as she countered, "That poses no issue! Taiyi Spirit Palace offers the honorary role of Minister Elder. Such positions fall outside formal membership in the Spirit Palace. Young friend, assuming the Minister Elder title would sidestep any oath violation."

"This..." Zhao Sheng found himself trapped, grappling with indecision.

Observing the scene, Zhao Xuanjing shot a quick look, urging immediate acceptance.

Grasping that postponement wasn't viable, Zhao Sheng bowed with respect and offered a smile, "I feel deeply honored by the Venerable's direct invitation—it's almost too much. Very well, I accept the Minister Elder role. Yet, what duties and commitments does it entail?"

Xue Yunqing smiled warmly, explaining, "The Minister Elder post is quite relaxed, free of routine duties. That said, the Spirit Palace occasionally assigns unique missions, expecting Minister Elders to undertake them.

Naturally, the compensations for these missions prove exceptionally rewarding. Participation remains optional. However, once every ten thousand years, each Minister Elder must fulfill at least one such mission."

Zhao Sheng nodded, reflecting that Taiyi Spirit Palace's demands on Minister Elders stayed reasonably light.

"My gratitude for the Venerable's guidance—I gladly assume the Minister Elder position."

Xue Yunqing offered a subtle smile, effortlessly producing a Jade Pendant and flicking it toward him, adding, "This serves as the Guest Minister Jade Token—guard it well."

Zhao Sheng caught the Jade Token, his Divine Thought probing its depths, promptly uncovering its status as a Spiritual Treasure infused with the potent Great Divine Power "Thousand Spirits Shadow Transformation."

One had to admit, Taiyi Spirit Palace's prowess shone through, as even a simple Guest Minister Jade Token qualified as a profound artifact.

Xue Yunqing wasted no time, finishing her objective before mounting the white lion once more and departing with elegant poise.

Zhao Sheng observed her receding form, his features lost in thought.

...

Time slipped away swiftly, more than a decade vanishing in an instant.

On that particular day, within the Spirit Beast Valley of the Wolong Mountain Range, roars of spirit beasts echoed amid swirling dust and clamor.

Vast Spirit Boats soared in from every direction, settling into the valley, from which hordes of spirit beasts were herded out, converging in the valley's beast enclosure to form a massive assembly.

At that juncture, a "passage" spanning hundreds of measures across hung in the valley's eastern skies, beyond which stretched verdant meadows, dotted with thick clusters of woods in the distance.

Pa pa pa!

Beast Tamers cracked their Spirit Whips with force, the tips unleashing barrages of whip flashes that lashed at the beast packs, driving them with formidable momentum.

Hundreds of spirit beasts—tigers, leopards, rabbits, deer, and more—yielded to the Spirit Whips' prodding, surging obediently into the passage one after another.

By midday, no fewer than three thousand spirit beasts had plunged through that gateway.

As noon drew near, streams of tunneling lights descended into the Spirit Beast Valley, unveiling numerous Zhao Clan Members who buzzed with excitement, darting into the passage.

Beyond the portal lay a fresh realm unveiled.

Here, the heavens stretched vast and clear, the air carried a sweet richness, even if the Spiritual Energy density hovered a touch low.

The Zhao Clan Members spared little heed for the nearby scenery, scattering upon entering the Grotto Heaven to pursue their individual pursuits.

As moments ticked by, thousands of diverse Spiritual Medicines and exotic blooms were methodically sown by hand.

The spirit beasts too scattered in every direction under urging.

Ere long, they would, much like their predecessors, settle into this unfamiliar domain, destined from here to multiply and flourish.