Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1584 - 854: Frequencies of All Things and the Three Ascension Tribulations (Part 3)

My nephew Xuan Jing is truly dedicated, willing to employ such an enigmatic method to pass on the art of Creation of Heaven and Earth.

However... is it not far too cryptic?

Only his profound foundation and vast experience could make such a feat possible. If any other Returning Void Cultivator were to attempt it, perhaps not even one in ten thousand would ever grasp the inherent 'truth' hidden within.

Yet, if a highly perceptive Half-Immortal were to linger here for several decades or perhaps a century, they might eventually glean some small insight.

At this moment, Zhao Sheng felt a sudden flash of clarity, musing to himself, 'Geniuses are as abundant as the fish in the Jiang River; one must never underestimate those gifted by the heavens!'

As night descended and the first sliver of the moon emerged, he blended seamlessly into the surroundings and vanished without a trace.

On the morning of the third day, the Old Stone Mason arrived right on schedule. Observing that the area was deserted and strewn with stone fragments, he paused in contemplation for a moment before his lips curved into a subtle smile of satisfaction.

This boy is truly worth teaching!

Zhao Xuanjing offered a silent nod of approval, picked up a stone and a carving tool, and resumed his work.

...

The weather was bright and pleasant, accompanied by a soft, refreshing breeze.

That day, Zhao Sheng appeared abruptly before the Ancestor Hall, carrying a crystal-clear jug filled with swirling jade-colored nectar that radiated a potent aroma of fine spirits.

As he moved to approach the entrance, the doors swung open without a breeze, and a scholarly elder with an elegant bearing hurried out to meet him.

Zhao Changying, beaming with a radiant, springtime expression, let out a hearty laugh. 'Ah, Chonghe, you have arrived! What is this exquisite wine you’ve brought? You are certainly tempting my taste buds.'

'I have brought the fine wine, but do you have the interesting stories?' Zhao Sheng patted the jug, causing the jade liquid inside to ripple, releasing an even more intense and intoxicating scent.

Zhao Changying’s smile remained bright as he teased, 'You clever lad, what kind of stories are you looking for? As long as you can satisfy this old man’s appetite, I shall speak freely of whatever you wish to hear.'

The comment was cleverly phrased, promising openness while hinting at underlying boundaries.

Zhao Sheng grinned with a bold, spirited air. 'Very well, let us drink until our hearts are content and we are thoroughly intoxicated!'

With a thunderous laugh, Zhao Changying ushered him into the Ancestor Hall.

...

Hours later, the jug stood empty, and both men showed clear signs of being well-liquored.

Zhao Changying let out a hiccup and, appearing somewhat clouded by the alcohol, muttered, 'Old brother, you... what exactly did you want to ask? Speak quickly while my wits are still about me!'

Tossing his cup aside, Zhao Sheng locked his sharp, clear eyes onto the elder and asked slowly, 'I wish to know, how has our ancestor been faring recently?'

The question struck Zhao Changying's heart, causing his drunken haze to dissipate by at least eighty percent instantly.

Feigning a sleepy yawn, he replied carelessly, 'Why would you ask such a thing? The ancestor’s Daoist cultivation is peerless; he lives in total comfort and peace.'

Zhao Sheng was not to be brushed off so easily and pressed further. '...Crossing Tribulation involves the trials of fire, wind, and the Heart Demon. I simply need to know how many tribulations he has successfully endured.'

Zhao Changying bolted upright, staring intensely at Zhao Sheng for a long silence, yet he remained mute.

Zhao Sheng met his gaze steadily, refusing to look away.

Finally blinking, Zhao Changying waved his hand, causing layers of Barriers to materialize and seal the chamber off from the outside world.

After securing the room, he gave Zhao Sheng a heavy look and projected his Divine Thought directly into his mind: 'The ancestor has passed the Heavenly Fire Tribulation and intends to proceed toward the Wind Tribulation, but beware... these words can never be spoken aloud. A great disaster would surely descend upon our house if this leaks, remember well!'

Zhao Sheng fully understood the gravity of the situation; the rise and fall of the Zhao Family’s Qi Fortune were tied to this secret. If outsiders learned the truth, it could lead to ruinous consequences.

If a powerful enemy were to strike during the vulnerability of the Wind Tribulation, the result would be grim. A failed attempt would result in death, turning thousands of years of arduous cultivation into nothing more than scattered dust.

Looking grave, Zhao Sheng nodded silently, choosing not to probe further.

He picked up his wine cup again, urging Zhao Changying to continue their drinking session.

With flushed cheeks, the elder let out a boisterous laugh, grabbed the jug, and drank deeply.

As a day and a night passed, with empty vessels scattered across the floor, the two men eventually succumbed to the drink, snoring deeply as they slumped in the silence of the Ancestor Hall.