Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1562 - 844: The Nine-layered Cloud Sea Disperses, Ascension Platform Appears

Chen Polu noticed the grave look on the leader's face, and his heart raced uneasily, a subtle anxiety stirring within him.

Moistening his lips, Chen Polu couldn't resist asking, 'Leader, why do you seek news on Jun Beiming's location? What concern is his fate to our affairs?'

Alas!

Zhao Sheng let out a soft, wistful sigh. 'It's far more complicated than that. I fear he has acquired something I once left behind. This artifact holds tremendous weight, and should it spread, it might unleash boundless calamities down the line!'

The 'item' to which he referred was none other than the 'Blood Nerve Scripture.'

The Returning to Void Splitting God had previously extracted the full essence of the 'Blood Nerve Scripture' directly from Jun Tianxing's recollections.

He believed that Jun Beiming was aware of the 'Blood Nerve Scripture''s presence and possibly already engaged in its practice.

After all, the 'Blood Nerve Scripture' served as the pivotal inheritance from the Tribulation Crossing Venerable Blood God’s Son.

Furthermore, Jun Tianxing had provided the perfect demonstration.

Zhao Sheng was utterly convinced that Jun Beiming would never forgo cultivating it.

Though lacking proof, he harbored a firm suspicion that Jun Beiming's hasty retreat during the Sky-reaching Cliff confrontation could stem from employing the 'Golden Cicada Shell' tactic.

Indications pointed to the fact that, prior to his escape, this villain might have savagely transformed most of his relatives into essence.

This theory proved simple to confirm. A mere inquiry to survivors of that conflict would reveal the facts plainly.

With this in mind, Zhao Sheng abruptly lifted his gaze to Chen Polu and questioned, 'I wish to meet Zhao Chongnan. Where might he be at present?'

Chen Polu paused briefly in surprise but soon composed himself. 'The Family Head is overseeing Sky-reaching Cliff at the moment. If you're not pressed for time, perhaps rest here in Heavenly Rift Valley for a while—'

'No, uncertainties plague me, and I must head to Sky-reaching Cliff right away to confirm a certain issue.Polu, until we meet again this day fills me with satisfaction. Accept this ring. I trust we'll reunite centuries hence and share joyful conversations.'

As he spoke, Zhao Sheng produced a Sumeru Ring and pressed it into Chen Polu's grasp, then gave his shoulder an affirming tap.

Chen Polu appeared hesitant, words on the tip of his tongue, yet he watched as the leader offered a faint grin, ascended swiftly into the heavens, and vanished in a flash.

Chen Polu stared after the leader's departure, his gaze swirling with intricate emotions of lament, letdown, and subtle ease.

Yet moments later, exhilaration surged through him; he gripped the ring fiercely with his lone right hand, as though seizing fate's very pulse.

...

A fierce chill wind raged, while ominous clouds pressed heavily overhead.

Sky-reaching Cliff rose imposingly, its summit thrusting beyond the Cloud Sea like an ethereal isle adrift in the skies.

The Great Sun blazed overhead, and atop Sky-reaching Cliff, radiant golden beams illuminated vast halls stretching in splendor. From time to time, immortal cranes soared gracefully, rainbows arched as bridges, misty vapors swirled, evoking a celestial abode from legend.

Now and then, streaks of tunneling radiance pierced the Cloud Sea, settling upon Sky-reaching Cliff's heights. Countless cultivators hurried to and fro amid the halls.

For hundreds of miles around Sky-reaching Cliff, innumerable colossal floating warships, each rivaling mountains in scale, followed prescribed paths, orbiting the cliff ceaselessly to ward off any foreign threats.

As the Great Sun dipped, its rays shifted to a warm amber hue.

In that moment, an unexpected visitor arrived silently at Sky-reaching Cliff.

Positioned at the cliff's brink, Zhao Sheng drew from his sleeve a Ten Thousand Miles Sound Transmission Talisman, then hurled it forth with a casual toss.

The talisman ignited swiftly into cinders, succeeded by a beam of swift light darting toward the palaces and fading from sight.

Soon enough, an ordinary-looking youth approached at speed through the air, alighting a short distance behind Zhao Sheng.

This youth was none other than Zhao Chongnan, who had only recently achieved Nascent Soul.

Catching sight of Zhao Sheng, Zhao Chongnan's features twisted in astonishment. 'You... you're Zhao Sheng... Mr. Zhao!'

Zhao Sheng pivoted with a grin. 'Have I altered so profoundly in a mere century that you fail to know me anymore?'

Zhao Chongnan shook his head at once. 'No, it's just that I never anticipated Mr. Zhao's abrupt arrival. I assumed you'd departed for good, yet fate brings us together once more today.'

'Heh, I never claimed I'd stay away forever. Regardless, the Zhao Family blood flows in my veins, binding me somewhat to the Three Extremes Zhao Family.'

Zhao Chongnan examined Zhao Sheng closely from head to toe, a flicker of awe crossing his eyes.

He failed to gauge Zhao Sheng's true power, sensing only a profound harmony with the surroundings, as if rooted yet somehow transient and dreamlike.

Zhao Chongnan quelled his astonishment with effort, then bowed deferentially. 'Might I inquire what purpose prompts Senior Zhao to call upon me?'

'Certainly, I seek answers on a few points. First, I'd like a token from you.'

'What sort of token, if I may ask?' Zhao Chongnan blinked in startlement, dimly suspecting the reason.

Zhao Sheng instantly perceived his inference, praising him. 'Sharp intuition! Yes, I'm here to obtain the token granting access to the Ancestral Land.'

Zhao Chongnan's face hardened, and he shook his head in a raspy tone. 'Truth be told, the family possesses just one Life Jade left. Forgive my impertinence, but I truly cannot surrender it.'

'You, your outlook is far too shortsighted! Evidently, your potential reaches only so far. Don't you realize that yielding one now will yield manifold returns later? If you're astute, you'll recognize the proper decision.'

Zhao Chongnan's demeanor flickered, appearing to teeter on the edge.

Hmph!

Noting the doubt, Zhao Sheng huffed sharply, unleashing a faint aura of Divinity Transformation cultivation.

Zhao Chongnan's countenance paled in terror, as an immense force materialized from nowhere, almost choking the life from him.

Luckily, the aura struck fast and receded faster still!

A single breath afterward, Zhao Chongnan regarded Zhao Sheng with utter fear, like beholding an impossible marvel.