Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1655: 890: Preparations from All Sides (2)

Above the myriad of colorful clouds, a game of chess unfolded between two individuals, their focus absolute.

Sunlight dappled the board, where black and white pieces clashed in a dense array, signaling the nearing endgame of their intense match.

After a considerable silence, the elder with white hair, Zhao Chongjing, cast a piece onto the board and lamented, “Master Yi’s chess prowess is truly deep; this old man is no match. This game… I concede defeat.”

Zhao Tianyi, lacking any interest, stirred the chessboard with his hand, devoid of any celebratory emotion.

He heaved a long sigh and said with despondency, “We both have lost. Who could have foreseen that with victory so close, a single misstep would lead to complete ruin!”

“Alas! I have been stationed at the Ten Thousand Beasts Mountain for almost ten thousand years, and just as my tenure was nearing perfect completion, I never imagined… what a pity!” Zhao Chongjing repeatedly sighed, his heart heavy with regret and vexation.

All this stemmed from the actions of the “First Daoist,” who had desecrated the Ancestor Hall and severed ties with the clan.

These two, once close allies of Zhao Sheng, found themselves immediately and significantly implicated by this event.

Zhao Tianyi’s standing as the Hall Master of the Foreign Affairs Hall became precarious; his authority was diluted amongst other Vice Hall Masters, and he was soon relegated to a position of insignificance.

From being previously swamped with countless duties, he was suddenly left idle, prompting him to seek out his “old comrades” for games of chess to occupy his time.

Zhao Chongjing, predictably, was no better off; he had been slated for promotion to one of the Ten Great Hall Masters, but instead found his advancement unexpectedly stalled for millennia.

Zhao Tianyi, unwilling to accept this turn of events, cautiously inquired, “Brother Chongjing, do you truly believe the First Daoist has betrayed the clan?”

Zhao Chongjing struck the chessboard with his palm, clenching his jaw, “The Three Ancestors themselves proclaimed it; how could it be untrue?! Are you questioning the word of the Three Ancestors?”

Zhao Tianyi’s heart gave a jolt, and he quickly clarified, “I am not questioning the pronouncements of the Three Ancestors, it’s just… it’s just why would he? I have pondered this for three days and nights, and still cannot comprehend his motives for colluding with the fiends of the Heavenly Demon Path!”

Heh heh!

Zhao Chongjing let out a cold laugh, “There are countless matters in existence that elude our understanding. Throughout history, revered Tribunal Crossing Venerables have succumbed to the Demon Path, and that individual fell under some enchantment, embracing the Demon Path. What is so astonishing about that?”

Zhao Tianyi listened, his expression a complex mix of emotions. Just as he was about to voice further thoughts,

a golden-complexioned elder, possessing a youthful visage despite his white hair, materialized unexpectedly a short distance from the pair.

Upon noticing the arrival of the newcomer, Zhao Tianyi and Zhao Chongjing promptly rose and offered greetings with clasped hands.

“Tianyi (Chongjing) pays respects to Senior Wan Chong.”

The golden-faced elder, Wan Chong, returned the gesture, “I, Wan Chong, greet you both, fellow Daoists.”

Zhao Chongjing, as the host, inquired with eagerness, “May I presume to ask the reason for Senior Wan’s visit on this occasion?”

Wan Chong occupied a distinctive role; he frequently operated under the direct supervision of the Three Ancestors, serving as their most trusted confidant.

Consequently, Zhao Tianyi and the others felt obliged to show him utmost respect.

Wan Chong offered a slight smile, withdrew two substantial red jade tokens from his robes, and declared cheerily, “Today, I have been dispatched with an order to extend an invitation to you both. Three years prior, Young Master Chongxu successfully navigated the tribulation, attaining the Void Breaking stage. Recently, Young Master Chongxu has solidified his cultivation base and concluded his secluded meditation. Witnessing this, the Three Ancestors were immensely pleased and thus resolved to host a grand congratulatory ceremony for the young master.

The Three Ancestors have decreed that all clan elders within the Returning to Void Realm and Divinity Transformation True Monarchs are to be summoned to this celebratory event.

To facilitate this, the Three Ancestors shall unveil the Grotto Heaven in ten days’ time. Please utilize these jade tokens to gain entry into the Chongyue Grotto Heaven. Upon your arrival, Young Master Chongxu will personally extend his welcome at Yuehua Peak.”

As he conveyed these words, Wan Chong presented the two jade tokens to Zhao Tianyi and Zhao Chongjing.

Zhao Tianyi clutched the jade token firmly, a warm smile gracing his features, “It is indeed a significant blessing for our clan to have such exceptional successors nurtured by the Three Ancestors. We shall undoubtedly be present punctually.”

Zhao Chongjing promptly concurred, “Without question. This old man eagerly anticipates the occasion.”

Wan Chong smiled and remarked, “I still have numerous invitations to distribute, and thus cannot linger here any longer. Farewell!”

With that, he clasped his hands once more in a respectful salute to the pair.

Zhao Tianyi and the others hastily mirrored the gesture, “We respectfully bid Senior Wan farewell.”

Wan Chong gave a slight nod and then, in a discernible flash, vanished into the ether.

Zhao Tianyi, watching the departure, turned his gaze toward Zhao Chongjing, remarking with veiled meaning, “The Three Ancestors act with significant purpose in this!”

Zhao Chongjing let out a sigh, responding, “Indeed! Following the events of recent days, the Three Ancestors’ prestige suffered, necessitating a joyous occasion for a favorable turn of fortune. Zhao Chongxu, being a direct great-grandson of the Three Ancestors, achieving Returning to Void at this juncture is truly a ‘timely shower’ of good luck.”

A ripple went through Zhao Tianyi’s heart upon hearing this. With a sudden wave of his hand, he declared, “Enough! I must return and prepare a substantial gift. Let us part ways for now.”

With that, he joined his hands in a gesture of farewell, then raised his hand to rend the fabric of space-time, stepping into Dark Sky and vanishing instantly.

Zhao Chongjing observed his hasty departure, a cunning grin slowly spreading across his features, and a flash of silvery-white light flickered deep within his eyes.

…

In the subsequent days, Wan Chong traversed the entirety of the Divine Continent, extending countless invitations across his journey.

Even the elders who had reached the Returning to Void Realm maintained a semblance of composure, yet the younger disciples in the Divinity Transformation Realm, upon receiving these invitations, were utterly flattered and found it hard to believe their good fortune.

Wan Chong’s extensive distribution of these invitations soon captured the attention of Ancestor Zhao Xuanjing and great ancestor Zhao San Yue.

At this moment, in a celestial expanse near the heavens, a colossal dragon meandered with unhurried grace through numerous star rivers.

Perched upon the dragon’s immense head were two figures, one towering and the other diminutive.

Zhao San Yue, her eyes burning with killing intent, stated with cold precision, “Old Ancestor, you were correct. The old ghost Wan Xing could not restrain himself any longer. It has only been a few days, and his true colors are already emerging.”

Zhao Xuanjing, his gaze fixed upon the vast star river unfolding below, offered a wry smile and commented, “You did not heed my words earlier; how is it that you have changed your mind so suddenly now?”

Zhao San Yue explained her reasoning with utmost seriousness, “Firstly, this entire affair is far too coincidental; secondly, this action is entirely inconsistent with Da Shan’s habitually low-key demeanor. Most critically, I had a vague premonition of something amiss beforehand. After all… the desecration of the Ancestor Statue within the Ancestor Hall was exceptionally suspicious.”

Mentioning this, she abruptly inquired, “Old Ancestor, have you received any word from Tianyunzi?”

“Hongyun is currently at a crucial juncture. While he cannot break his seclusion, he has dispatched a token. I have already forwarded it to the Supreme Sect. News should arrive within a few days.”

A wave of joy washed over Zhao San Yue, and she continued her questioning, “What of the Spirit-controlling Immortal Sect? And can the three venerated seniors, Tuo Immortal, Wudang Ancestor, and Painting Saint, be counted on for assistance?”

“You need not fret about the Immortal Sect. I have personally invoked the Ten Thousand Spirits Map. The Peak Master of Mao Immortal Peak will also emerge from seclusion to join us. As for Tuo Immortal and Painting Saint, those three fellow Daoists, it is most likely too late for them to arrive.”

Zhao San Yue’s eyes shimmered, and she let out a gentle sigh, “What a profound pity! Ten days’ time is, in the end, far too brief.”

Zhao Xuanjing chuckled heartily, “Haha! The old ghost Wan Xing is also acutely aware that the more time that elapses, the more variables arise. He intends to catch us entirely unprepared, unaware that we have long been making our own preparations. By then, we shall settle both our old and new scores with him together.”

Zhao San Yue, however, did not share her ancestor’s optimism. She voiced her concerns with a worried tone, “That old ghost Wan Xing is exceedingly cunning and treacherous. Having been a Golden Immortal Level entity in his previous life, eradicating him will not be a simple feat.”

Zhao Xuanjing fell into a period of thoughtful silence before finally stating, “Chonghe mentioned that he has devised a method to deal with the old ghost Wan Xing. Now, we must await developments on his end.”

Upon hearing this, Zhao San Yue also became unexpectedly silent.

…

Following Zhao Sheng’s departure from Inverted Mountain, he swiftly received a token dispatched by his old ancestor, thereby learning of Zhao Chongxu’s impending Returning to Void celebration, scheduled to take place in Chongyue Grotto Heaven in ten days’ time.

He immediately perceived the scheme orchestrated by the old ghost Wan Xing, recognizing it as nothing more than a blatant plot to “trap and capture all in a single sweep.”

Zhao Sheng let out a sneer, took a brief moment to recuperate, and then activated his Infinite Universe Gate Talent, hurrying towards Yuanxu Square.

The marketplace was eerily deserted, with the majority of the shops lining the street having shuttered their doors.

Zhao Sheng proceeded briskly into the workshop and promptly retrieved the Gangsha Star Order from his person, channeling his Will Heart Light into it with unwavering persistence.

After expending a considerable amount of Will Heart Light, the token began to emanate a brilliant starlight.

Zhao Sheng fed a specific piece of information into the order, then cast it skyward.

The Gangsha Star Order instantaneously transmuted into a streaking meteor, ascending directly towards the luminous star river above and vanishing from sight in the blink of an eye.

Zhao Sheng remained rooted in place, waiting in silent anticipation.

After a patient wait exceeding an hour, a brilliant beam of starlight suddenly descended from the heavens.

As the starlight cascaded down, it coalesced before Zhao Sheng, fashioning him into a refined and imposing young master.

This celestial arrival was, in fact, none other than the Heavenly Mechanism Star Lord himself.