Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1660: 893: Strongest Battle (Part 2)

As the figures of Wan Xing, Bai Ze, and others materialized, Zhao Xuanjing's heart plummeted, his countenance darkening considerably.

"Old Ghost Wan Xing, it truly is you once more!" Zhao Xuanjing's words boomed, his voice resonating through the surrounding space-time for billions of miles, causing ripples.

"Hehe! All my elaborate schemes, and I never anticipated you seeing through them!" Old Ghost Wan Xing emitted a chilling chuckle, his once firm expression on Zhao Dashan's face contorting into something cold and sinister.

As he uttered these words, the luminous orb of the Grotto Heaven rapidly condensed into a beam of light, swiftly integrating into his very being.

Bai Ze, Yinglong, and Candle Dragon fanned out in unison, forming a perimeter that enclosed Old Ghost Wan Xing at its core.

Simultaneously, the Divine Beast Dharma Forms of the three Great Venerable Level Divine Beast Envoys manifested behind them, each radiating an aura of immense ferocity, utterly terrifying and savage.

Witnessing this spectacle, Li Changxue's gaze sharpened with a murderous intent. With a flash of light from her hand, a square Jade Seal materialized.

Crowning the Jade Seal was a lifelike Black Qilin, rendered entirely in black, its eyes blazing with a divine radiance, appearing disconcertingly alive.

This Jade Seal, recognized as the Thick Virtue Emperor Seal, represented an artifact of the very first Emperor of the Weiyang Divine Dynasty, passed down through generations as an emblem of imperial authority.

It not only absorbed the accumulated Qi Fortune of the Weiyang Divine Dynasty over countless millennia but also held the Divine Soul Seal deliberately placed by successive emperors.

The imprints left by these past rulers had cultivated an Innate Qilin True Spirit, an entity that was both Undying and Immortal, possessing a power rivaling that of a Tribulation Crossing Realm Venerable.

Indeed, the might contained within the Thick Virtue Emperor Seal was in no way inferior to that of a Heavenly Spirit Treasure.

Meanwhile, the myriad jewels adorning Pu Du's form began to emanate a brilliant luminosity, transforming into a host of legendary Divine Buddhas, including Bodhisattvas, Heavenly Maidens, Arhats, and Divine Generals.

These divine figures, each depicted with magnificent splendor, encircled Pu Du, lending her the appearance of a living Buddha.

Pu Du had, in earlier times, joined the Infinite Light Temple situated on the Great Snow Mountain. However, a bitter struggle for leadership led to the complete annihilation of the entire Bright Temple in a single day.

Following this catastrophic event, Pu Du vanished for close to ten thousand years. Her reappearance saw her elevated to the ranks of the ten revered protectors of the Supreme Sect.

After an additional thirty thousand years, Pu Du experienced a profound awakening, grasping the ultimate truths of the Buddhist path. Subsequently, following a ten-thousand-year seclusion, she unexpectedly overcame the Nine-nine Tribulation, thereby ascending to become a rare Tribulation Crossing Realm Venerable within the Taiyi Spirit Realm.

Originally a male, Pu Du transitioned into a female form after attaining the status of a Tribulation Crossing Venerable. Consequently, the disciples of her sect respectfully referred to her as "Great Master."

While Pu Du's formidable strength might be considered average even among those in her realm, her capabilities certainly should not be underestimated.

Just as the monumental confrontation was poised to erupt, Zhao Xuanjing suddenly commanded, "Wait!"

Before his words had fully subsided, his colossal, thousand-foot Golden Body rapidly diminished, instantaneously reverting to its original ten-foot-six stature.

Old Ghost Wan Xing, possessing keen eyesight, immediately perceived that the opponent's power had magnified exponentially, propelling him into an even more unfathomable domain.

Constrained by the limitations of his current physical "vessel," Old Ghost Wan Xing found himself unable to precisely ascertain the full extent of the other's combat prowess. A flicker of apprehension began to surface within him.

The conflicts among cultivators at the Tribulation Crossing Realm transcend the comprehension of those in the Lower Realms!

This is due to the multitude of factors that dictate the outcome of a battle. It depends not only on each individual's comprehension of the Dao Laws they cultivate but also on the level, breadth, and precision with which they master those Daoist Laws!

Following closely, the "magnitude" of each participant's Grotto Heaven comes into play. Those possessing larger domain areas gain a significant advantage, while smaller domains are inherently disadvantaged.

As for the myriad Spells, the hundreds or thousands of Magical Treasures, and the innate Great Divine Skills – these are merely illusions of victory conceived in the Lower Realm, holding little significance in the eyes of Tribulation Crossing Venerables.

Zhao Xuanjing's form was enveloped in a cascade of golden light, the Power of Laws within him intensely concentrated, visibly manifesting as the tangible "Auspicious Light" of the Dao.

This multicolored "Auspicious Light" is a celestial omen that heralds impending Ascension to Immortality.

In essence, Zhao Xuanjing's Cultivation had already reached the pinnacle of the Tribulation Crossing Realm, rendering his actual combat power exceedingly difficult to estimate.

Zhao Xuanjing gazed at Old Ghost Wan Xing, whose eyes had undergone a dramatic shift. He spoke deliberately, "Wan Xing, I hold you in high regard for achieving immortality in life, a true model for us cultivators. I have no desire to witness your complete dissipation. Now that your scheme has failed, as long as you return Dashan's body and the Grotto Heaven, I shall permit your departure."

Old Ghost Wan Xing's countenance grew exceedingly solemn, his emerald pupils constricting to their smallest point.

In that precise instant, a sliver of hesitation and a desire to retreat surged within his heart for the very first time.

This was because he could perceive that the opposing individual was in an extraordinarily unique state.

If ordinary Tribulation Crossing Venerables generally existed within a realm of "Ten Thousand Moments," then Zhao Xuanjing's current "Temporal Realm" was undoubtedly far superior to "Ten Thousand Moments."

To put it plainly, Zhao Xuanjing's speed of reaction was significantly faster than all the Venerables present, even multiple times over.

As the ancients proclaimed: Of all the myriad methods, none are truly unbreakable; only speed reigns supreme!

Zhao Xuanjing's words were delivered with extreme slowness, not due to careful deliberation, but because Wan Xing, Li Changxue, and the others were perceptibly "too slow," so lethargic that time itself seemed to have ground to a halt.

At this juncture, Bai Ze abruptly detected the anomaly, a flash of surprise evident in his eyes.

In the very next moment, Bai Ze violently retreated into the Divine Beast Dharma Form situated behind him.

Instantly, the ten-thousand-foot-tall Bai Ze Divine Beast sprang to life, unleashing a dazzling cascade of white light that enveloped an area spanning a million miles.

However, no matter how swift Bai Ze's reaction, it could not surpass Zhao Xuanjing's current speed.

In a mere "hundred thousand moments," Zhao Xuanjing abruptly flung out a scroll.

The scroll unfurled across the expanse of the sky, transforming instantly into an all-encompassing "Brocade Mountains and Rivers."

The majestic mountains and rivers, boundless and immense, immediately engulfed Old Ghost Wan Xing, Bai Ze, Yinglong, and Candle Dragon.

“Daoist friend Wan Xing,” Bai Ze’s voice echoed, resonating with the power of his divine beast form, “you have overstepped your bounds. Repent now, and perhaps you may yet preserve a sliver of your true form. Otherwise, prepare to face utter annihilation!”

Wan Xing scoffed, a trace of defiance in his withered gaze. “Hmph, you speak of repentance? Did you think this old man would meekly surrender? You are too naive! This Daoist has cultivated for countless years; I will not fall here!”

Yinglong let out a fierce roar, its dragon might shaking the heavens. “Presumptuous! You dare defy the Heavenly Dao? Zhao Xuanjing’s Temporal Realm is a formidable power, but it cannot contain the might of my clan!”

Candle Dragon, its eyes burning with ancient wisdom, spoke with a solemn tone. “Old Ghost Wan Xing, your path has led to ruin. Release Dashan’s body and the Grotto Heaven, and perhaps there is still a chance for redemption.”

“Redemption?” Wan Xing spat, a shadow of madness flickering in his eyes. “My Dao is my own! This Grotto Heaven is mine, and Dashan’s body will be mine to command!”

Suddenly, a surge of power erupted from Zhao Xuanjing. “Enough talk. The Brocade Mountains and Rivers will be your tomb!”

The scroll pulsed with an otherworldly light, the painted landscape within coming alive with astonishing dynamism.

“Roar!”

“Vile creature!”

“You shall not prevail!”

“Old Ghost Wan Xing, embrace your fate!”

“This is the power of the Temporal Realm!”

“Impossible!”

“The tapestry of fate unravels!”

“This world… it consumes us!”

“My Qi… it is being drawn away!”

“No!”

“Li Changxue, what are you waiting for? Aid me!” Wan Xing cried out, his voice strained with desperation.

Li Changxue hesitated, his expression grim. “Wan Xing, your ambition has blinded you. I cannot intervene without Zhao Xuanjing’s permission.”

“You traitor!”

“This is not betrayal, but prudence,” Li Changxue replied coolly.

Suddenly, Bai Ze found himself inexplicably drawn into the painted rivers and mountains, his magnificent Dharma Form shrinking rapidly.

“What sorcery is this?!” Bai Ze exclaimed, struggling against an unseen force.

“The Brocade Mountains and Rivers are a manifestation of my Dao,” Zhao Xuanjing stated, his voice calm despite the immense power he wielded. “It draws upon the very essence of those it contains.”

“You cannot escape this!”

“Your resistance is futile!”

“This Dao is absolute!”

Yinglong and Candle Dragon found themselves similarly ensnared, their roars of defiance turning into cries of alarm.

“My scales… they are being absorbed!”

“My ancient aura… it is fading!”

“This cannot be!”

“Zhao Xuanjing… you have achieved a truly terrifying cultivation!” Old Ghost Wan Xing admitted, his voice raspy as the scroll’s power began to overwhelm him.

“Indeed,” Zhao Xuanjing replied softly. “The Dao of Time is a profound path. Your Nascent Soul cultivation, while formidable, is no match for my mastery.”

“My Dantian… it burns!”

“My Meridians… they constrict!”

“Fall into the abyss of time!”

“You will be erased from existence!”

“This is the ultimate consequence of defying the Dao!”

“I refuse to believe it!”

“Your disbelief changes nothing.”

“Dashan’s body… it is safe now.”

Li Changxue watched with a mixture of awe and apprehension as the divine beasts and Old Ghost Wan Xing were utterly consumed by the scroll’s power.

“The Brocade Mountains and Rivers have claimed them all,” Li Changxue murmured, a shiver running down his spine.

Zhao Xuanjing retracted the scroll, a faint smile gracing his lips. “A necessary measure to preserve the balance of the world.”

“You… you are not human,” Li Changxue stammered, looking at Zhao Xuanjing with newfound fear.

“I am merely a cultivator,” Zhao Xuanjing replied, his eyes glinting with an ancient, unfathomable light. “And my path requires such sacrifices.”

He then turned his gaze towards Dashan’s inert body, which lay pristine and untouched. “Now, let us tend to this matter.”

With a wave of his hand, Zhao Xuanjing retrieved the Grotto Heaven from the remnants of Wan Xing's power.

“The Grotto Heaven is secured,” he stated calmly.

Dashan's body remained untouched, a testament to Zhao Xuanjing’s resolve.

Li Changxue, witnessing this display of power, felt a profound sense of insignificance.

“Your strength is beyond comprehension,” Li Changxue admitted, bowing deeply.

“Cultivation is a journey without end,” Zhao Xuanjing responded, his voice holding a hint of weariness. “But the Dao demands diligence.”

He then fixed his gaze upon Li Changxue. “You aided me in this endeavor, though indirectly. Your loyalty to Dashan is noted.”

“I merely followed the righteous path,” Li Changxue replied humbly.

“Then perhaps your future cultivation will be smoother,” Zhao Xuanjing said, a faint smile touching his lips. “Now, concerning Dashan…”

He gently placed a hand on Dashan’s forehead, channeling a stream of pure Qi.

“Return, Dashan,” Zhao Xuanjing’s voice was a soothing balm. “Awaken from your slumber.”

A spark of life flickered within Dashan’s eyes.

Dashan stirred, his consciousness slowly returning.

“Master…?” Dashan mumbled, his voice weak.

“Welcome back, my disciple,” Zhao Xuanjing said warmly.

Tears welled up in Dashan’s eyes as he looked at his master.

“Master, I… I failed you,” Dashan choked out.

“Nonsense,” Zhao Xuanjing chuckled gently. “You merely encountered a temporary setback. Your Dao heart is strong, and that is what matters most.”

He then looked at Li Changxue. “Li Changxue, you are a man of honor. I entrust Dashan’s recovery to your care, as well as the protection of this Grotto Heaven for the time being.”

“I will not fail you, Master,” Dashan vowed, his voice gaining strength.

“Good. Now, I must depart.”

Zhao Xuanjing turned, a majestic aura surrounding him.

“My cultivation calls me forward. There are still many lifetimes to traverse before I reach true Ascension.”

With a final nod, Zhao Xuanjing vanished, leaving behind only the lingering scent of ancient Dao.

Li Changxue bowed respectfully to the empty space.

“Thank you, Daoist Friend Zhao.”

Dashan, now fully awake, looked at his master’s departing form, his heart filled with determination.

“I will catch up to you, Master! I will reach Ascension!”

The Grotto Heaven hummed with renewed energy, a sanctuary of peace restored.

{

The vast expanse of the cultivation world was filled with countless individuals striving for power. Among them, many disciples of the various Sects dedicated themselves to mastering Qi and progressing in their cultivation journey. Even a seemingly ordinary disciple, if they possessed a determined heart and unwavering perseverance, could potentially achieve greatness. However, the path of cultivation was fraught with peril, and only those who truly understood the Dao could hope to reach the pinnacle.

In the heart of the sect, surrounded by disciples of varying cultivation levels, a young man named Wei Wuxian stood out. His ambition was as vast as the boundless sky, and his desire to reach the Nascent Soul stage spurred him on. He often found himself contemplating the profound mysteries of Qi, its flow through his Meridians, and its concentration within his Dantian.

He would spend hours in meditation, attempting to break through the Foundation Establishment realm, a crucial step in the cultivation process.

His dedication was evident.

The Elder overseeing the disciples noticed Wei Wuxian's relentless efforts.

He saw the potential within the young disciple.

If only he could grasp the true essence of the Dao.

The journey was long.

Yet, his spirit remained unbroken.

He knew that the path to ascension was arduous.

Each breakthrough brought him closer to his goal.

He continued to push his limits, refining his Qi and strengthening his Dantian.

The disciples around him marveled at his resolve.

Some offered words of encouragement.

Others, consumed by envy, whispered behind his back.

But Wei Wuxian paid them no mind.

His focus remained solely on his cultivation.

He sought to understand the fundamental principles of existence.

He yearned to uncover the secrets of the universe.

With each passing day, his Qi grew denser, and his control over it became more refined.

The Elder, observing from a distance, nodded approvingly.

He saw the glimmer of a true cultivator in Wei Wuxian's eyes, a testament to his unwavering spirit and profound understanding of the Dao. He believed that this young man, with his exceptional talent and persistent dedication, was destined for greatness, potentially even reaching the legendary Nascent Soul stage and beyond. It was a rare sight indeed to witness such potential being nurtured within the sect, and the Elder felt a sense of pride watching the disciple's journey unfold.

The elders of the sect acknowledged Wei Wuxian's extraordinary talent.

They recognized the unique approach he took to cultivation.

His insights into the Dao were profound.

His dedication was unparalleled.

He was a beacon of hope for the sect.

The path to ascension was illuminated before him.

His Dantian pulsed with immense power.

His Meridians flowed with potent Qi.

The foundation was being laid.

He was on the cusp of a breakthrough.

The elders watched with anticipation.

They knew he would reach the Nascent Soul stage.

Indeed, his journey was truly remarkable.

He was destined for greater things.

His potential was limitless.