Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1677 - 902: Proclamation Issued, the Entire Clan in an Uproar (Part 2)

Zhao Dianmiao’s eyes gleamed with surprise and elation. The Black Water Room, a distinct branch of the Chong Yue lineage, had a special connection. His grandson, Zhao Zhengxing, possessed not only the Single Spirit Root aptitude but also an ancestral bloodline, making him perfectly suited for immigration. If Zhao Zhengxing were to be so fortunate as to migrate into the Four Ancestors Cave Heaven, his future as a mighty cultivator was assured, potentially elevating the Black Water Room once more. The thought spurred Zhao Dianmiao’s excitement, and he intended to probe Zhao Yu Yan further.

Just then, a sonorous horn echoed from the heavens. Both Zhao Yu Yan and Zhao Dianmiao started, their private discussion halting as they turned their gaze forward.

The colossal, mountain-like silver-white Treasure Ship finally came to a stable halt above the plaza. With a resounding boom! a brilliant white light erupted from the ship's underside, solidifying into a grand Cloud Ladder that descended to the ground. Moments later, a vast portal materialized on the ship’s flank, and robed cultivators, adorned in opulent attire, emerged and took positions along the ladder’s sides, their respectful stances suggesting the imminent arrival of a significant figure.

Witnessing this, Zhao Yu Yan and Zhao Dianmiao mirrored the expectant smiles of those present. Accompanying the Divinity Transformation True Monarch who first descended the Cloud Ladder, the various clan leaders and house masters also advanced. Zhao Yu Yan and Zhao Dianmiao, however, lingered at the rear of the assembly, deliberately inconspicuous.

After a full fifteen minutes, a stern elder, distinguished by a long beard cascading over his chest, a broad face, and large ears, finally materialized at the summit of the Cloud Ladder. His appearance elicited brighter smiles from the observing cultivators, yet the atmosphere grew noticeably more solemn. The elder descended the Cloud Ladder deliberately, one step at a time, until he stood before the gathered cultivators.

At the very front, Divinity Transformation True Monarch Zhao Chengwo greeted him with a broad, beaming smile. “Brother Chengyi, welcome, welcome to our Hundred Xia Ridge! It brings me such delight!”

“Dear Chengwo, my brother, I am on an important mission, and I could not notify you in advance. I hope you will not take offense!” replied Zhao Chengyi.

“Offense? Not at all! The ancestral decree supersedes all. Brother Chengyi, your burden is great, and I understand it fully,” Zhao Chengwo responded smoothly. Following some initial pleasantries, Zhao Chengwo extended an invitation to Upper Envoy Zhao Chengyi to visit the Baihua Pavilion within the city for a celebratory banquet.

To everyone's surprise, Zhao Chengyi politely declined. “Your heartfelt offer, brother, is appreciated. However, my mission requires me to remain aboard the Treasure Ship at all times. Business matters take precedence. Please… accept the Ancestral Decree.”

With that, Zhao Chengyi produced a yellow scroll from his robes and solemnly presented it to Zhao Chengwo with both hands. All gazes fixed upon the unassuming scroll, and anticipation surged through the crowd. Zhao Chengwo, his expression grave, carefully accepted the scroll with both hands before slowly unfurling it. As his eyes scanned the yellow satin, they narrowed slightly, betraying a hint of surprise.

“This… Brother Chengyi, the intentions of the Four Ancestors are indeed profound, far beyond our comprehension as juniors. However, three hundred quotas… it is rather restrictive. Might there be room for negotiation?” Zhao Chengwo inquired, his voice shifting to divine thought communication, clearly initiating a private exchange with Zhao Chengyi.

A few moments later, Zhao Chengyi shook his head, a troubled expression on his face. “No! The allocation is finalized from above, and the number of quotas cannot be increased or decreased. Brother, please do not place me in a difficult position.”

Zhao Chengwo felt a pang of secret disappointment, tinged with a persistent unwillingness. He wished to persuade further, but the presence of the crowd restrained him, forcing him to set the matter aside for the time being. After presenting the Ancestral Decree, Zhao Chengyi ignored Zhao Chengwo’s repeated invitations and turned directly back towards the Treasure Ship. The accompanying cultivators soon followed, retreating into the vessel, leaving only the solitary Cloud Ladder behind.

As the Peak Master of Xia Guang Peak, Zhao Chengwo, despite not possessing the highest cultivation, had implicitly emerged as the de facto leader of Hundred Xia Ridge. He turned to face the assembled clan leaders and house masters, wordlessly passing the Ancestral Decree to the next in line.

The City Lord of Brocade City received the imperial decree. After perusing its contents, he silently passed it to the individual standing next to him.

In this manner, the decree circulated from hand to hand, eventually reaching Zhao Yu Yan.

Zhao Yu Yan quickly finished reading the decree. It was indeed consistent with the grand ascension path he was aware of, with the sole addition of tests for qualification and insight.

Bypassing the assembled crowd, Zhao Yu Yan returned the decree to Zhao Chengwo and quietly stepped aside.

Having received and distributed the decree, Zhao Chengwo addressed the multitude with a serious countenance, his voice resonating deeply. "The ancestral decree has been seen by all. You have but seven days. Return to your respective clans swiftly and bring the eligible juniors here without delay. Boarding the ship for the selection will proceed in order of arrival."

He then raised his voice, emphasizing his next words. "Although it is not explicitly stated in the decree, I issue this solemn warning: absolutely no 'outsiders' are permitted to infiltrate this selection process. Should anyone dare to defy this rule, all the houses within Hundred Xia Ridge shall unite in their opposition! Do you comprehend?"

Upon hearing this, the assembled clan leaders and house masters fell into a silence as profound as that of cicadas in winter, nodding their heads in agreement.

Subsequently, the cultivators took to the skies, dispersing in all directions at great speed.

Before long, Brocade City seemed to erupt in a frenzy, its populace thrown into a state of uproar by the news of the imperial decree.

The information spread with astonishing rapidity, causing every Great Spirit within Bai Xia Spirit to plunge into a state of exhilaration and mounting excitement.

Not only were the various branches and scattered familial lines of the Zhao Family made aware, but countless other forces closely affiliated with the Zhao Family also learned of this momentous development.

Given the "precedent" set by the three revered ancestors, every member of the Zhao Clan who heard the news understood its profound implications.