Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1564 - 844: Dissipation of the Nine-layered Cloud Sea, Emergence of the Ascension Platform (Part 3)

In that instant, a hint of sorrow appeared on his face, followed by an unexpected deep exhalation of relief.

Without any clear reason, an intense foreboding arose in his mind, foretelling that the individual he encountered this day would surely achieve great renown across the Taiyi Spirit Realm in times to come, and possibly...

...

One day afterward, Zhao Sheng abruptly emerged from the Heavenly Number Three Cave Mansion.

His emergence instantly alerted a multitude of onlookers. Countless factions mobilized swiftly once the word spread.

Eager Divinity Transformation True Monarchs, catching wind of the report, hurried over to the Wanyou Trading Company.

Before the gathered crowd, Zhao Sheng advanced with composed poise to the third-floor Treasure Restaurant, openly requesting a spread of exquisite dishes, then savored them leisurely, oblivious to the surrounding eyes.

Not long after, an audacious cultivator ventured closer to initiate dialogue.

Yet, prior to nearing within three zhang, an immense and overbearing force repelled him backward.

Subsequently, various attempts were made to draw near, but each ended up halted at three zhang distance.

Only with the arrival of Ku Rong Ancestor did the spectators finally scatter.

"Taoist Zhao, I'm a little puzzled. With a single word from you, the most exquisite dishes would be brought right to you—why bother coming to this noisy spot..."

Zhao Sheng sidestepped the question, warmly beckoning, "Fellow Daoist Ku Rong, join me here without delay."

Ancient Ku Rong moved ahead accordingly, reluctantly taking a seat.

Moments later, four verdant wooden barriers abruptly ascended around them, swiftly creating a somewhat secluded area.

Zhao Sheng emptied his cup of jade liquid in a single swallow, then startlingly declared, "I’m departing!"

Hearing this, Ku Rong Ancestor grew instantly distressed: "Why utter such words? Is it due to my poor hospitality earlier, slighting Taoist Zhao? I shall certainly—"

"Absolutely not! I've been eager to depart for ages. I'm merely informing you now."

At these words, Ku Rong Ancestor gave a wry smile and shook his head: "If I exert all efforts to persuade you to stay, might Fellow Daoist reconsider?"

Zhao Sheng shook his head, his gaze brimming with resolve.

Observing this, Ku Rong realized his decision was firm and unalterable.

Ku Rong Ancestor sighed in resignation: "Very well! When does the Grandmaster plan to set off, and what destination lies ahead?"

"Ten Thousand Peak Spirit Domain!" Zhao Sheng responded steadily, voicing the four succinct terms.

Ku Rong Ancestor’s features stiffened, promptly remembering a renowned ancient Immortal Gate.

"Master, are you perhaps from the Ten Lands Zhao Clan?"

"I’m heading to the Ten Thousand Peak Spirit Domain to acknowledge my forebears and reclaim my heritage."

"I understand now; it appears Jiuxuan City proves too confining for a Daoist’s grand ambitions after all!" Ku Rong Ancestor revealed a touch of comprehension.

Right then, Zhao Sheng cast a quick look about, grinning: "They’ve arrived remarkably fast!"

No sooner had he spoken than the wooden barriers divided, and Demon Moon Ancestor entered with an alluring grin.

"In this realm, only beauties and fine foods deserve no squandering! I’ve come too, to sample the skills at the Treasure Restaurant."

...

Ten days onward, the Teleportation Hall in Jiuxuan City’s eastern quarter had been evacuated beforehand.

Approaching midday, imposing figures successively materialized in the square beyond the hall.

Zhao Sheng, encircled by seven or eight Divinity Transformation True Monarchs, proceeded into the square.

Spotting the central figure’s entrance, the assembly surged ahead, offering fervent salutations to Zhao Sheng.

Zhao Sheng adeptly managed the influx of greetings while advancing firmly toward the Teleportation Hall.

Since the announcement of his exit circulated ten days prior,

headquarters of the Five Clans and Thirty-Six Families, alongside numerous Cultivation Forces, sent representatives to call upon him successively.

Astonishingly, Zhao Sheng welcomed every visitor and capitalized on the occasions to execute a vast array of deals.

He not only disposed of long-held "worthless" possessions but also bartered them for substantial quantities of Pocket World Jade, Void Nether Stone, and sundry essential Heaven and Earth Strange Objects.

And that constituted his primary intent in making such a conspicuous display.

Following Zhao Sheng’s individual farewells to the group, the peak spectacle unfolded.

As the void ripped apart, the three Returning to Void Half-Immortals—Yao Yue, Deng Wenqiu, and Qingxu Zi—manifested concurrently, astonishing the entire gathering.

This occurrence by itself would fuel discussions among Jiuxuan City dwellers for centuries.

Qingxu Zi’s unexpected presence caught others off guard.

Yet Zhao Sheng stayed composed, as though he had foreseen Qingxu Zi’s coming well in advance.

After all, who would forgo the opportunity to ally with a premier Refining Great Grandmaster, particularly one tied to the Ten Lands Zhao Clan?

Backing the Ten Lands Zhao Clan stood a Tribulation Crossing Venerable overseeing the Lineage of Scale Immortal. Any knowledgeable party would seize the moment to connect, far less overlook Master Shaoling.

Qingxu Zi advanced beyond the other three Returning to Void fellow Daoists, drawing nearer step by step, and voiced his thanks: "I, a humble Taoist, was in secluded cultivation before. Without my Third Senior Brother’s prompt alert, I’d have missed encountering the Grandmaster. This serves as a modest gesture of thanks—please take it."

Qingxu Zi retrieved a jade box and presented it gravely to Zhao Sheng.

Zhao Sheng accepted without hesitation, taking the jade box and smiling: "I’ll take the offering, though the thanks I cannot claim."

Qingxu Zi inclined in a profound bow: "The Grandmaster has earned it! Absent the Thunder Emperor Tribulation Order, how might I have ascended to Returning to Void?"

In that instant, Deng Wenqiu moved forward abruptly and withdrew a jade box of his own, extending it.

"A modest gift, kindly accept it."

"Haha, I too bear a token of regard to present."

Zhao Sheng had barely taken the jade box when Yao Yue advanced suddenly, drawing forth a rosy silk kerchief from some hidden spot. The kerchief bore intricate peach blossoms in full vivid bloom, radiating allure and scent.

"This kerchief is named Spring Peach; its purpose... you’ll discover upon trying it." Yao Yue offered an enigmatic smile, a spark of desire gleaming in her gaze.

"I gratefully receive the senior’s kindness." Zhao Sheng took the pink fabric, conveying his appreciation.

One hour passed, and Zhao Sheng raised his hand in parting to the assembly before entering the Teleportation Hall.

A handful of breaths ensuing, a brilliant ray pierced the heavens, and the Great Array’s core within the hall stood vacant, the Array Pillars’ glow fading steadily.

...

The Four Holy Continents stretched endlessly, scattered with hundreds of Human Clan Spirit Domains.

Zhao Sheng devoted half a year to traversing three Spirit Domains nonstop, executing over two hundred teleports, ultimately reaching Muni City within the Ten Thousand Peak Spirit Domain’s domain.

Muni City brimmed chiefly with monks and priests, harboring innumerable temples inside its bounds, where fully ninety-nine percent of inhabitants followed Buddhism with fervent devotion.

Situated in the southeast of the Ten Thousand Peak Spirit Domain, Muni City lay "quite near" the Zhao Clan Ancestral Land, merely two teleports distant.

The moment Zhao Sheng exited the Teleportation Array, a cluster of solemn elderly monks promptly encircled him, each proclaiming, "Benefactor, you share a bond with our Buddha! This poor monk received divine insight from the Buddha and arrived expressly to lead you toward enlightenment."

With that, the elderly monks erupted into dispute; one cited the Buddha’s revelation, another invoked the Bodhisattva’s decree, debating fiercely with flushed faces, nearly resorting to fisticuffs.

Zhao Sheng, observing the scene, furrowed his brow often, sensing these elderly monks as rather peculiar, though each possessed profound cultivation akin to typical Nascent Soul cultivators.