Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1556 - 841: Birth of the Desire to Leave

As the moon dips low and stars fade into obscurity, crimson blossoms slowly wither away, while countless treasure gleams surge toward the Clouds Above, turning the entire city into a bustling frenzy that endures until the dawn's sun bathes the land in radiant light over vast expanses.

The extended night finally ended, with the magnificent treasure radiance, akin to a divine aurora descending from the Celestial Domain, illuminating the skies over Jiuxuan City for the whole duration of the darkness.

With all the crimson flowers now scattered on the ground, the treasure contest of this day also produced the genuine 'Treasure King'.

Perched proudly atop the Sixth Layer altar, the Nine Orifice Treasure Pearl and the Five Thunders Halberd gazed imperiously upon the lesser treasures beneath them, much like sovereign rulers.

Upon the Fifth Layer altar, a mere thirteen treasures remained displayed, each radiating an intense glow.

As one ascends to the Fourth Layer altar, the count of treasures swells dramatically, surpassing a hundred in number. Within the ten brightest among them, five had been forged by the hand of Zhao Sheng.

Right as the morning sun ascended, casting a warm glow across the heavens, the Praying to Heaven Ancestor yawned leisurely and rose to his feet with deliberate slowness.

His gaze swept over the throng of cultivators packing the city below, a faint smile curving his features, before he abruptly flicked his expansive sleeve.

In that instant, a multitude of thousands of treasures lifted skyward, morphing into streams of brilliant streaks that plummeted toward the urban sprawl and straight to every individual Qingyun.

Shortly afterward, the streaks of light scattered apart, returning every treasure provisionally to its rightful possessor.

At that juncture, the Praying to Heaven Ancestor whispered to himself: 'This treasure competition proves far more captivating than the previous dozen or so! Hehe, fortune has favored me indeed, presenting not one but two promising prodigies all at once!Outstanding, outstanding!'

While uttering these words, the barrier of light enveloping the firmament swiftly dissolved, and the Eight Diagrams Altar dissolved into a swirling vapor of luminous haze, rapidly integrating itself into the form of the Praying to Heaven Ancestor.

Ere long, the heavens regained their clarity, and Jiuxuan City found itself immersed in a thunderous uproar, sweeping every cultivator within its bounds into a surge of boundless thrill and delight.

The Praying to Heaven Ancestor surveyed the diverse expressions among the masses, a grin lingering on his mouth, his spirit filled with utter satisfaction.

Afterward, he tilted his gaze upward toward the rising sun at the edge of the world, seamlessly blending with the cosmos and vanishing in a flash, leaving no sign behind.

Beyond those who had transcended the Half-Immortal of the Void realm, none perceived the moment of the Praying to Heaven Ancestor's departure.

Amid the desperate efforts of innumerable cultivators to seize prized artifacts by any method.

In line with longstanding tradition, the magnificent auction, coordinated by the Five Clans and Thirty-Six Families, kicked off formally on that very day.

Adhering to established custom, this grand auction took place within the confines of the Nine Profound Tower.

The Nine Profound Tower boasts nine levels, and during the treasure competition, a supreme artifact had elevated to the Sixth Layer.

Consequently, the grand auction was segmented into six tiers as well, the pinnacle event confined solely to the tower's Sixth Layer.

Events on the Fourth Layer and higher within the tower remain closed to the general populace. Participation is reserved exclusively for esteemed guests bearing exclusive summons.

Furthermore, idle busybodies face absolute ban from entry.

Zhao Sheng, far from being a mere busybody, stood among the initial recipients of such an invitation.

Well before the midday hour, the Ku Rong Ancestor arrived personally to deliver a bespoke invitation hewn from Mystic Crystal Origin Stone.

Zhao Sheng showed no inclination to take it, remaining steadfast despite the Ku Rong Ancestor's earnest entreaties.

Ultimately, the Ku Rong Ancestor ceased his appeals in an unexpected turn and departed with a display of mock disappointment.

Outwardly appearing sorrowful, he inwardly brimmed with hidden glee!

Zhao Sheng perceived this clearly and grasped the exact reason for the other's elation.

He dismissed it entirely from his thoughts.

...

'You said... he didn’t accept it?!'

Deng Wenqiu wheeled around abruptly, his face etched with real astonishment as he regarded the Ku Rong Ancestor at his side.

'Indeed! I urged him fervently, but Taoist Zhao remained utterly resolute,' the Ku Rong Ancestor replied with a shake of his head, his tone laced with gentle perplexity.

Deng Wenqiu creased his forehead faintly, pondering inwardly: '...Putting on airs? Or perhaps stalling for advantage? Impossible! Given the auction's treasures numbering like the stars in the sky, how could he resist the allure?Ah, naturally! My earlier assumption was wrong. A refiner capable of crafting a supreme spiritual treasure such as the Five Thunders Halberd would surely disdain ordinary goods. And consider the commercial aspects as well...'

With such reflections, Deng Wenqiu conceived a plan: 'Ku Rong, arrange for me to encounter Master Shaoling at once.'

The Ku Rong Ancestor assented with a formal bow and prepared to escort the master to the Heavenly Number Three Cave Mansion.

In that instant, he halted mid-motion, hastening to inform: 'Master, the present patriarch of the Yuan Family, Yuan Feng, has made his arrival. He waits right outside the Heavenly Number Three Cave Mansion. What's more, numerous representatives from the Five Clans and Thirty-Six Families linger in the vicinity of the residence.'

Deng Wenqiu arched a brow ever so slightly and responded with composure: 'It appears... the information has spread! Ku Rong, investigate without delay to pinpoint the source of the breach.'

'Yes,' the Ku Rong Ancestor affirmed with a nod, then inquired: 'Master, Yuan Feng seeks Taoist Zhao. Shall we step in?'

'Step in? Hmph, how on earth could we halt every one of them?'

A spark ignited in Deng Wenqiu’s gaze, and he declared resolutely: 'If blocking them proves futile, then I shall reveal myself directly, merely to gauge the depths of that individual.'

Upon witnessing this, the Ku Rong Ancestor became shrouded in a veil of verdant luminescence.

The verdant glow permeated the surrounding walls, causing the refined chamber to commence its motion forthwith.

Soon after, the earth in front of the Heavenly Number Three Cave Mansion parted noiselessly to form an entrance.

Thereupon, the Ku Rong Ancestor and Deng Wenqiu, attired in a shimmering robe, ascended from the depths, alighting before the entrance to the dwelling.

The very moment these two forms emerged, they seized the focus of all present.

The reigning patriarch of the Yuan Family, Yuan Feng, exuded an imposing presence deep as an endless chasm, having attained the consummate stage of Divinity Transformation.

Upon Deng Wenqiu's arrival, Yuan Feng quivered, shock etching itself across his countenance in a heartbeat.

He advanced without hesitation, offering a deferential salute: 'Nephew Yuan Feng pays respects to Grandmaster Deng!'

'Hehe, dispense with the ceremony! I share a close bond with your Senior Brother Yuan, young Feng—no need for such propriety!'

Despite these words, Yuan Feng refrained from any hint of laxity.