Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1567 - 847: Surname Zhao, Given Name Sheng, Courtesy Name Chonghe

Looking around, one encounters a multitude of humanoid statues, each rendered so vividly that they appear as if they might draw breath and step into reality at any heartbeat.

Zhao Sheng noted with a keen eye that the closer the effigies were to the threshold of the hall, the more imposing their stature; conversely, as one ventured deeper, the figures grew smaller and were wrought from increasingly humble materials.

Upon crossing into the Ancestor Hall, Zhao Changying’s demeanor shifted, turning profoundly somber, and he proceeded in silence toward the inner sanctum.

Zhao Sheng followed closely, his gaze drifting over the myriad ancestral likenesses with an expression filled with wonder.

The pair traversed the hall for the duration it takes to steep a cup of tea, marching past thousands of monuments before arriving at an austere, unadorned altar.

Arrayed around this altar stood a dozen statues, each carved from simple green stone and standing at the height of an average man.

A sudden wave of nostalgia washed over Zhao Sheng as his vision swept across these stone figures.

His gaze eventually locked onto the statue positioned nearest to the altar.

The figure was remarkably handsome and lifelike, its expression radiating determination. Its eyes, clear as still water, stared into the void with an air of expectant yearning.

Zhao Sheng stood frozen, utterly stunned, for this visage was far too familiar to him.

This... could this truly be his “self” from his third life?

Good heavens!

Beholding the statue of his own past existence displayed before him, Zhao Sheng felt an inexplicable pang of embarrassment.

Zhao Changying, blissfully unaware, stood before a man who was, in truth, an “Ancestor” of a far higher lineage than the “old ancestor” the hall was built to honor.

He bowed respectfully toward the shrine before gesturing to the “Jade Scroll” suspended above it, stating gravely, “This relic is the Ancestor Jade Scroll, which catalogs the names of every forefather since the dawn of the Zhao Family. Step forward and pay your respects!”

Suppressing his inner unease, Zhao Sheng moved forward with a composed demeanor and performed the rites of three bows and nine prostrations.

As he stood back up, Zhao Changying stroked his long beard, satisfied, and said with a smile, “Now, you must extract a strand of your Divine Soul and weave it into the Ancestor Scroll. The artifact possesses a spirit and will manifest your name of its own accord.”

Upon hearing this request, Zhao Sheng prepared to comply immediately.

Sensing his movement, Zhao Changying quickly interrupted, “Wait!”

At the sudden cry, Zhao Sheng turned, a flicker of confusion crossing his features.

Zhao Changying explained with patience, “Before your name is etched into the Ancestor Scroll, clan protocol dictates that I must put several basic inquiries to you.”

Zhao Sheng nodded, signaling him to continue, “Please, proceed.”

“The questions are uncomplicated. What is your age? What is your innate talent? What stage has your Cultivation reached? Have you attained Divinity Transformation or the Nascent Soul?”

“This junior has walked this earth for one hundred and seventy-three springs and autumns. My Cultivation has reached the Perfect God Transformation stage. My aptitude is meager—a mere Five Spirits Roots.”

As Zhao Sheng delivered the first portion of his answer, Zhao Changying’s smile remained fixed, clearly viewing the “Immortal Material” as a foregone conclusion.

However, the mention of “Five Spirits Roots” caused him to recoil in genuine shock.

Such a lowly aptitude was nearly that of a common mortal; how could it possibly harbor an “Immortal Material”?

Nevertheless, a moment later, Zhao Changying’s expression softened into an understanding smirk, seemingly pleased with Zhao Sheng’s “strategy.”

“I admire your desire to conceal your true brilliance, but this Five Spirits Roots ruse is far too transparent. You might as well have claimed a Heavenly Spirit Root!”

Zhao Changying chuckled as if he had seen through the facade, continuing, “There is no need for such secrecy here. Even if you were born with the Innate Five Elements Dao Body, the clan possesses the might to shield you throughout your entire life.”

Zhao Sheng was speechless; it seemed the truth was far harder for people to swallow than a fabricated lie.

“Let me divulge a secret. You are not the only individual in this clan blessed with an Innate Taoist Body. Once you are officially welcomed as a ‘Daoist’, you shall encounter the others.”

Zhao Sheng’s eyes flickered with a subtle, feigned disbelief as he asked, “How many peers are currently within the clan?”

Zhao Changying offered a mysterious smile, “Some things are best left unsaid! I can only inform you that, within our clan, a ‘Daoist’ emerges perhaps once every ten millennia.”

Though the words remained vague, Zhao Sheng grasped the underlying meaning clearly.

Given that the Ten Lands Zhao Clan has endured for over two hundred thousand years, there must be at least twenty such “Immortal Forms” residing within the lineage.

Leaving aside those who perished early, Zhao Sheng estimated there were at least twenty living “Daoists” still active.

Well then!

One might have assumed the “Immortal Form” was a rare treasure, yet reality proved otherwise.

The Ten Lands Zhao Clan was but one of the many noble Gates and Sects scattered across the Taiyi Spirit Realm.

If one were to believe Zhao Changying’s deductions, there must be thousands of individuals blessed by the Heavenly Dao with an “Innate Taoist Body” throughout the entire realm.

Viewed through this lens, the Zhao family’s “Immortal Form” did not seem quite as extraordinary as first imagined.

“Now, I shall calculate your generation name,” Zhao Changying declared, performing a brief mental tally before laughing heartily. “Considering the timeline, it is the Chong era. You are Zhao Sheng—‘Sheng’ resonates with the essence of ascending.”

“Zhao Chongsheng? No, that will not do!”

Zhao Changying shook his head adamantly and encouraged, “Select another name. If Zhao Chongsheng does not please you, feel free to choose your own.”

After a moment of contemplation, Zhao Sheng spoke with gravity, “The ancient texts say, ‘All things support Yin and embrace Yang, ascending energy to achieve harmony.’ My surname is Zhao, given name Sheng; I shall adopt the style Chonghe, for it suits my path perfectly.”

Zhao Changying’s face darkened with concern, “Select another. The name Chonghe has already been claimed!”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Sheng replied with icy indifference, “Then tell them to change their name instead!”

“Tsk tsk!” Zhao Changying’s expression turned peculiar as he regarded this newly emerged “Daoist” with a mixture of surprise and admiration.

“Bold! Truly, you are quite bold!” he complimented before his voice grew stern. “But your behavior is far too arrogant! Do you realize that ‘Zhao Chonghe’ refers to a lineage of immense stature, unmatched by most others in the clan? You have only just arrived at the Ancestral Land; discretion should have been your priority. To incite such friction over a mere name... this old man believes it is entirely unnecessary!”