Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1557 - 841: A Desire to Part Ways (2)

He was acutely aware that the figure in front of him served as a direct disciple of the Great Venerable and commanded strength beyond comprehension.

Deng Wenqiu let out a chuckle and declared, "Now that you and I are both here, why not enter together!"

Yuan Feng responded without delay, "Nephew-grandson obeys Ancestor Master Uncle’s command."

Deng Wenqiu gave a slight nod before pivoting and heading toward the entrance of the cave mansion.

In an instant, a voice laced with age echoed forth: "Hold on, I wish to partake in the excitement as well."

As the words faded, a striking "woman" with long hair cascading to her waist appeared abruptly before Deng Wenqiu and his companions, her allure captivating.

This "woman" wore gossamer pink fabric that accentuated her seductive grace.

Yet, the prominent bulge beneath her neckline betrayed an adam’s apple, and her raspy, elderly tone fully revealed her true male identity.

At the sight of this figure, Deng Wenqiu’s face twisted in revulsion: "Yao Yue, why have you abandoned your leisurely life in Storm Cave to show up here today?"

Yao Yue Cave Master stood as a unique Loose Cultivator in the Red Cloud Spirit Domain at the Returning to Void Realm, famed for his unpredictable and fluid demeanor, his power standing out among equals.

Because of this, Deng Wenqiu harbored considerable caution toward him.

Yao Yue advanced with graceful, swaying steps, her smile alluring: "I too desire to pay respects to Master Shaoling. Does Mr. Deng object?"

Deng Wenqiu let out a cold huff: "If you insist on tagging along, then follow. I won’t hinder you!"

"Hehe, Mr. Deng shows true magnanimity. You should grace Storm Cave with a visit one day; I’ll extend a warm welcome!"

Hmph!

Deng Wenqiu suppressed his distaste, then scanned the surroundings abruptly, and as his eyes passed over, hidden observers nearby jolted like they’d been hit by lightning, slumping unconscious to the earth.

Right then, the cave mansion’s entrance swung open, revealing Zhao Sheng in a simple Daoist robe.

"Esteemed visitors grace my abode; I’m overjoyed! Fellow Daoists, kindly step inside for some discussion." Zhao Sheng cupped his hands in formal greeting and boomed with laughter.

Deng Wenqiu burst into hearty laughter, striding ahead while exclaiming, "Mr. Zhao, your unrestrained spirit surpasses even the tales I’ve heard!"

Yao Yue glided in next, tittering: "Taoist Zhao, I am Yao Yue. On this initial meeting, I’ve brought a modest gift that you simply must take!"

With those words, Yao Yue flung a massive Flat Peach that hurtled through the air with speed.

Zhao Sheng stayed utterly calm, a subtle Divine Light flashing from his brow, halting the fruit suspended in flight before it descended gently into his grasp.

"This is a Dongding Flat Peach, capable of granting a century of added lifespan with just one bite." Yao Yue boasted assuredly.

"Such longevity treasures are truly scarce. Senior Yao Yue, I thank you for this generous present." Zhao Sheng inclined his head faintly, slipping the peach effortlessly into his sleeve.

Witnessing this, Yuan Feng promptly unfastened a Jade Pendant from his belt and stated gravely, "I am Yuan Feng, delighted to meet Taoist Zhao. I too bear a gift for you."

Saying so, Yuan Feng moved closer and presented the Jade Pendant.

Zhao Sheng’s eyes gleamed briefly, and he rebuffed coolly, "This is the private emblem of Master Yuan. I dare not receive it."

Yuan Feng’s scheme laid bare, he kept his grin intact, withdrew the Jade Pendant, and produced a Sumeru Ring to proffer instead.

On this occasion, Zhao Sheng accepted without protest, taking the "meeting gift" directly.

Following that, he guided them within the cave mansion, and the entrance sealed shut promptly.

Zhao Sheng grasped their motives clearly.

Just as anticipated!

Following courteous banter, Yao Yue Cave Master voiced his request first, seeking Master Shaoling’s aid in forging a Spirit Treasure Level Magic Robe.

The key ingredient consisted of ninety-nine Ten Thousand Year Peach Blossom Poisons, augmented by seventeen exceptional Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures.

Moreover, Yao Yue vowed that upon completion of the Peach Cloud Robe, he would provide lavish compensation and incur a significant debt of gratitude.

A favor from such a Half-Immortal of the Void held immense worth to anyone!

Though Zhao Sheng felt unmoved, outright denial wasn’t feasible, so he skillfully steered the topic elsewhere, gradually wearing down Yao Yue’s forbearance.

True to form, Yao Yue displayed refined poise; perceiving Zhao Sheng’s disinterest, he rose to depart with a simple farewell, exiting without fuss.

Yuan Feng, restrained by Deng Wenqiu’s company, hesitated to press for Zhao Sheng’s allegiance, and Yao Yue’s rebuff further dampened his spirits.

Consequently, he avoided the subject and turned to discoursing on cultivation experiences with Zhao Sheng.

This dialogue stunned him inwardly. The cultivator facing him displayed deep insight into the Five Elements Dao, touching upon elevated profound realms of comprehending the Law Path and attaining Unity of Essence, Energy, and Spirit.

Deng Wenqiu felt stirrings multiple times, sensing his grasp of the Five Elements Dao elevate subtly, and he couldn’t help but regard this "Refining Master" with greater esteem.

In the past, he might have sought to enlist this talent for Wanyou Trading Company, but presently, he valued him sincerely.

He now contemplated presenting Zhao Sheng to his master, Red Cloud, to assess his worthiness for discipleship.

Deng Wenqiu committed this plan to memory, intending to escort this individual to Chixiao Palace on his next journey.

Unbeknownst to Zhao Sheng, Deng Wenqiu held him in high regard and pondered the absence of any recruitment overture.

Ku Rong Ancestor yearned to lend a hand, yet the host remained absorbed in delving into insights with Taoist Zhao, broaching no other topics.

Resigned, Ku Rong Ancestor could merely offer a wry smile and channel much of his awareness to vigil over the vicinity.

...

Time slipped by swiftly within that hour.

The magnificent auction loomed near, yet Yuan Feng’s pressing duties prevented a prolonged stay.

Noting the uneasy atmosphere, he stood to take his leave.

Zhao Sheng accompanied him to the exit before retreating to his cave mansion to resume sharing cultivation wisdom with Deng Wenqiu.

Ever since his reincarnation, this marked his initial encounter with a profound Returning to Void realm peer, igniting his enthusiasm and leading him to divulge further revelations on space-time laws.

Deng Wenqiu absorbed the "instruction", sparks of enlightenment flashing in his consciousness repeatedly, the haze of his future pathway clearing notably, and he dimly seized upon certain "spirit mechanisms".

...

Darkness descended as the Nine Profound Tower loomed grandly, emanating a dazzling, resplendent glow.

At this juncture, countless streams of light surged skyward from across the city, converging upon the Nine Profound Tower.

As moments ticked on, waves of exuberant Human Clan cultivators streamed into the Nine Profound Tower.

This venerable tower resembled an endless abyss; despite over a million entrants, its vast layers remained unfilled.

Amid the thriving grand auction, Ku Rong Ancestor oversaw proceedings personally, repelling all attempts to near the Heavenly Number Three Cave Mansion.

Even when elders and patriarchs from the five clans and thirty-six families arrived in person, Ku Rong Ancestor stood firm, turning them away decisively.

With Taoist Zhao’s prior words and the host’s firm assurance, Ku Rong Ancestor acted as if under mandate, barring any Half-Immortal of the Void unless granted Taoist Zhao’s consent.

Such vigilance from Ku Rong Ancestor effectively shielded Zhao Sheng from the bulk of "disturbances".

Grateful for this, Zhao Sheng resolved inwardly to impart a "heart intent" before leaving.

Perhaps one day, their paths would cross anew.

Truly!

Upon reaching Divinity Transformation, Zhao Sheng had formed the resolve to depart. The Treasures Competition’s brief delay of days failed to sway his determination.

Thirty days vanished in a blink.

The month-spanning grand auction concluded at last on that day.

Throughout the event, the Five Thunders Halberd and Nine Orifice Treasure Pearl escaped the auction block, leaving numerous Divinity Transformation True Monarchs and Half-Immortals of the Void sorely disappointed and spawning countless speculations.

Yet, backed by Deng Wenqiu and the Great Venerable, Wanyou Trading Company dismissed such gossip with ease.

Deng Wenqiu claimed the Five Thunders Halberd for his own, aiming to temper it into a personal asset.

As a rare Thunder Attribute Spiritual Treasure, the Five Thunders Halberd was exceedingly precious!

Having attained late-stage Returning to Void, Deng Wenqiu prepared in advance against the Nine-layered Thunder Tribulation, making the Five Thunders Halberd ideal for withstanding it.

How could he relinquish such a vital artifact?

...

Several days onward, Ku Rong Ancestor revisited the Heavenly Number Three Cave Mansion.

Upon reuniting with Master Shaoling, Ku Rong Ancestor wordlessly presented six Sumeru Rings, laying them out before Zhao Sheng.

Zhao Sheng remained seated steadily, seizing all the Sumeru Rings with ease, and his Divine Thought delved into each sequentially.

Moments later, amusement curved his lips, he nodded approvingly, and secured the Sumeru Rings away.

Observing this, Ku Rong Ancestor inquired with pride, "Taoist Zhao, does this meet your approval?"

Zhao Sheng commended, "Wanyou Trading Company lives up to its reputation as this domain’s premier trading power. You’ve assembled precisely what I required. Beyond completeness, the caliber and volume of these treasures surpassed my hopes. Fellow Daoist Ku Rong, you’ve spared no effort. My thanks."

Ku Rong Ancestor chuckled, "Haha, your single utterance made our host’s benevolence worthwhile."

"Ah, so Senior Deng orchestrated this," Zhao Sheng remarked, a trace of astonishment in his tone.

Thereafter, he let the topic drop and proceeded to converse on cultivation insights with Ku Rong Ancestor.

This dialogue astonished him deeply. The figure before him possessed vast expertise in the Five Elements