Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1651 - 889: The Curtain Rises, Shocking News of the Filthy Immortal Arrow (2)

That very day, internal and external forces colluded to storm the Ancestor Hall, leading to the theft of the Heavenly Book Ancestor Register alongside the tragic demise of over a hundred ninety souls.

Finally, Zhao Dashan could no longer conceal his remorse: "...Da Shan is incompetent. Following the disaster, I probed for days on end with every trick at my disposal, yet failed to uncover even a single hint about the perpetrator! That villain is sly beyond measure and seasoned in deception, leaving zero traces in his wake."

A common proverb states that no clues at all serve as the biggest clue!

Old Ghost Wan Xing's craftiest ploy lay here. Though he never stated it outright, every word he uttered directed suspicion toward Zhao Sheng, blatantly suggesting his alliance with demon path fiends in ravaging the Ancestor Hall.

Hearing these words, Zhao Xuanjing's lengthy brows quivered faintly, betraying the turmoil churning within him.

Next to him, Zhao San Yue's visage turned icy as frost, a palpable murderous aura radiating from her form, manifesting as an endless Blood Sea.

Having watched Zhao Dashan mature from youth to now, Zhao San Yue trusted his account without question. Right then, she viewed Zhao Sheng as an enemy who absolutely had to be slain.

Suddenly, Zhao San Yue interjected: "That thief must have plotted this for ages. Does he believe the Heavenly Book Ancestor Register's absence means we can't track him down?... Ridiculous!"

With a chilling scoff, she then demanded: "Where is Tianyunzi? Summon him back immediately!"

Zhao Dashan responded at once: "The Second Ancestor has remained in seclusion for close to a century, with no word from him so far."

Zhao San Yue's eyebrows shot up, her fury on the verge of erupting right there.

"Xiao Yue."

Zhao Xuanjing's timely address to Xiao Yue quelled Zhao San Yue's rage in an instant.

"Hongyun's Qi Fortune flourishes at present, arriving at his pivotal juncture—he likely can't bear interruptions... don't take out your ire on him."

"Hmm?" Surprise and joy lit Zhao San Yue's features as she pressed: "From dire straits to ultimate fortune?!"

Hmm!

Zhao Xuanjing smiled and nodded silently.

"That rascal actually overtook me in a blink—such profound Qi Fortune, truly one of a kind!" Zhao San Yue sighed genuinely in admiration.

At these words, Zhao Dashan's countenance showed a fitting mix of "joy tinged with envy."

The momentary diversion passed, and the trio refocused on the core issue.

Zhao Xuanjing reaffirmed Zhao Dashan's decisions, confirming the wisdom in revoking the wanted notice—not just to keep family shame internal, but because Zhao Sheng's power stood unrivaled, seldom matched among the Zhao Family.

Just an Unification Realm Ancestor could step in personally to seize him.

As the three conferred, the Masters from Five Thunders and Eternal Night Grotto Heavens showed up one after another.

The Five Thunders Master cut a burly figure, sporting a leopard-like head and bulging eyes, his face flushed robustly like Li Kui reborn. He strode forth with draconic and tigress might, thunder and gales in tow, exuding mighty presence.

The Eternal Night Master neared the close of his lifespan, displaying early "Heavenly Person Five Decays". Even so, he proved the most terrifying in this state.

Spotting their arrival, Zhao Xuanjing swiftly formed a plan.

With brief exchanges, he assigned the duty of apprehending Zhao Sheng to these two Masters.

The Eternal Night Master agreed without hesitation, whereas the Five Thunders Master paused briefly yet yielded to the Ancestor's firm resolve, accepting the grueling mission grudgingly.

The Taiyi Spirit Realm sprawls immensely, offering endless hiding spots!

Should someone choose to vanish, hunts might persist until the Desolate eras without success.

Furthermore, sans the Heavenly Book Ancestor Register, locating a target now equates to "searching for a needle in the sea"—a feat harder than heaven's ascent!

Soon enough, the Five Thunders and Eternal Night Masters departed Unison Hall, their faces etched with varied emotions.

...

Half a day passed, and a rocky isle faintly emerged amid the Central Nameless Sea's profound depths.

A towering Stone Mountain, a thousand zhang high, dominated the isle's heart, with Zhao Sheng perched atop its summit, eyes fixed on the far-off waves.

Sea winds whipped about, tousling the ends of his hair, but failed to lift the shadow weighing on his spirit.

The massive sun dipped gradually toward the ocean, gilding the waters in brilliant gold.

Suddenly, Zhao Sheng's face changed, and he whipped around to stare behind him.

Without a sound, an elderly stone mason with a rugged face materialized three zhang distant.

Zhao Sheng's eyes flashed with brief joy as he bowed deeply: "Zhao Sheng pays respects to Ancestor!"

Zhao Xuanjing regarded him steadily, intoning gravely: "I have come; are you not afraid?"

"Why fear at all? Old Ghost Wan Xing is the one who should tremble," Zhao Sheng shot back without pause: "Besides, it was I who summoned you."

Zhao Xuanjing's face stayed impassive, his voice rumbling deeply: "Evidence? Show me solid proof."

Zhao Sheng fired back instantly: "My presence here—isn't that ironclad proof?!"

With these words, a faint smile crept across his face: "More crucially, Ancestor, you yourself hold suspicions, don't you?"

Zhao Sheng spoke the truth; Zhao Xuanjing's choice to listen revealed his own doubts, for otherwise, he would have acted decisively already.

A subtle glint appeared in Zhao Xuanjing's eyes as he abruptly declared: "Avatar?! No wonder your boldness knows no bounds!"

Zhao Sheng's heart plummeted, sensing dire trouble. He had dispatched an Avatar to the meeting precisely because his True Body dared not appear.

Clearly, Zhao Xuanjing had perceived his advancement to the Unification Realm.

Zhao Sheng implored sincerely: "Zhao Dashan has truly been ’assimilated’ by Old Ghost Wan Xing. The Zhao Family now conceals an unknown horde of Divine Beast Messengers within. Unlike previous assaults, Old Ghost Wan Xing will unleash his full fury to eradicate the Zhao Family this time. I urgently beseech Ancestor to observe keenly and proceed with utmost caution!"

Zhao Xuanjing absorbed his words, then plunged into profound silence.

Over two hundred thousand years, Old Ghost Wan Xing had tormented the Zhao Family relentlessly. Every upheaval was quelled eventually, yet always at a grievous cost in lives.

He had long puzzled over Old Ghost Wan Xing's unyielding obsession with the Zhao Family—what grudge could span more than two hundred thousand years?

By this point, he had grasped the profound secrets of elusive entities like the Ruined Immortal.