Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1683 - 903: Stone Spirit Recognizes its Master, Tianyunzi Achieves Breakthrough

Having existed for ages beyond counting, the Stone Spirit naturally held no regard for such trivialities. Instead, a profound curiosity about Yuan Hong bloomed within it, as if an extraordinary secret had been unveiled. Once their mutual misunderstanding was cleared, the two solitary beings swiftly engaged in conversation. The Stone Spirit, having endured billions of years of solitude, and Yuan Hong, who had grown up within the secluded confines of the Five Elements Cave Heaven and rarely interacted with others, found common ground. Before long, these two 'lonely' outcasts were immersed in an enthusiastic exchange, their topics of discussion seemingly inexhaustible. Witnessing this, Zhao Sheng quietly distanced himself.

...

The passage of seasons ensued, marking the continuous cycle of time. Seventy years later, Zhao Sheng materialized upon a desolate island resting atop a Stone Mountain. This barren isle resided within the Nameless Sea, at the very heart of the Divine Continent. However, its sparse Spiritual Energy rendered it a place seldom visited. Zhao Sheng was acutely aware that this very location was of paramount importance on the Divine Continent. Upon his arrival, a gaping, bottomless chasm materialized discreetly at the mountain's summit. Zhao Sheng plunged into the abyss, descending rapidly towards the Earth's Core. As his form was consumed by the encroaching darkness, the chasm vanished as quickly as it had appeared. Not long thereafter, Zhao Sheng successfully reached the Chaotic Space situated at the Earth's Core. There, Zhao Xuanjing had been awaiting his arrival for some time. Zhao Sheng hurried forward, bowing respectfully as he declared, "Chonghe pays his respects to the Ancestor!" Zhao Xuanjing extended a hand, dismissing the pleasantries: "There's no need for such formalities between us. The nine drops of Chaos Divine Blood are prepared for you; take them." With his words, he conjured nine luminous golden 'orbs,' presenting them before Zhao Sheng. Zhao Sheng's sleeve unfurled, unleashing an unseen force that instantly drew the nine Chaos Orbs into its depths. Having secured the Divine Blood, a question sprang to his mind, prompting him to inquire, "Ancestor, how fare the Grand Ancestor and the Second Ancestor of late?" Zhao Xuanjing paused, taken aback by the question, before a subtle smile graced his features. "Little Yue has yet to send word. As for Hongyun... he successfully attained a breakthrough a few years ago!" Zhao Sheng’s elation was palpable upon hearing this news. "Our family now boasts another Tribulation Crossing Venerable; this is truly a cause for immense celebration! In my estimation, this momentous event warrants celebrating across all under heaven." Zhao Xuanjing quickly intervened: "No! Only you and I are privy to this information; I have not even informed Wu Lei or Eternal Night. Do you grasp my intent?" Zhao Sheng's heart stirred, and enlightenment dawned upon him, fully comprehending Zhao Xuanjing's underlying strategy. With a single Tribulation Crossing Venerable already within the Zhao Family, the attention garnered was significant. A second such venerable would undoubtedly provoke hostility from several of the dominant factions in this realm. Therefore, maintaining a low profile and keeping this matter undisclosed was the wisest course of action. Understanding the rationale, Zhao Sheng quietly probed, "Has the Second Ancestor secretly returned to the Ancestral Land at this juncture?" Zhao Xuanjing replied, "No! Following Hongyun's breakthrough, he experienced a sudden calling and is now en route to No Return Heaven." Zhao Sheng's interest was piqued, and he immediately inquired, "What manner of place is No Return Heaven?" Zhao Xuanjing remained silent, instead reaching within his robes to retrieve a silk scroll, which he then presented to Zhao Sheng. "Read this, and then destroy it without delay!" Intrigued by Zhao Xuanjing's pronouncement, Zhao Sheng unfurled the silk scroll and began to read its contents. The characters inscribed upon the scroll were encrypted symbols, unique to the Zhao Family and of the highest caliber. Cultivators below the Returning to Void Realm would be incapable of deciphering these esoteric symbols. After a single silent perusal, Zhao Sheng gently rubbed his hands, causing the silk scroll to disintegrate into nothingness. He now grasped the singular nature of No Return Heaven, described as a distinct stratum situated between the Third Inch Heaven and the Fourth Longevity Heaven, serving as a specialized conduit connecting these two celestial realms. No Return Heaven is strewn with remnants of ancient ruins and harbors countless spatial rifts, which are recognized as the 'pathways' leading to Longevity Heaven. Nevertheless, even successfully traversing to Longevity Heaven does not guarantee immediate ascension to true immortality, but rather confronts individuals with a myriad of unforeseen perils. The allure of No Return Heaven for numerous Great Venerables stems not only from the abundant ancient treasures concealed within its expanse but also from the whispered legend of a 'route' leading to a singular Immortal Realm. This unique Immortal Realm is none other than the most primordial Ancient Immortal Heaven, though its true designation has long since been lost to the annals of time.

All cultivators who knew of it spoke of it only as the unparalleled Immortal Realm.

Whispers of legend claimed that prior to the birth of the very first Taoist Ancestor, this unique Immortal Realm served as the ultimate sanctuary for all Immortal Spirits.

Yet, after the Taoist Ancestor established the inaugural Immortal Heaven Dojo, the unique Immortal Realm inexplicably vanished, leaving no trace behind.

For countless ages, tales of the unique Immortal Realm persisted, echoing through all heavens and the myriad universes.

Ancient lore proclaimed that No Return Heaven was but a shard of the unique Immortal Realm, offering a direct passage to its depths.

Across the millennia, numerous Great Venerables from the Taiyi Spirit Realm, facing the grim reality of no hope for Ascension, embarked on journeys to No Return Heaven.

The vast majority returned, their quests fruitless, while an exceedingly small number never reappeared, their ultimate fates shrouded in mystery.

Nevertheless, a select few Tribulation Crossing Venerables managed to covertly arrive at Longevity Heaven. There, their Daoist practice saw immense progress, culminating in their Daytime Ascension and entry into the Immortal Heaven Dojo, meticulously crafted by the Taoist Ancestor.

Zhao Sheng, however, couldn't fathom Zhao Hongyun's fervent desire to venture into No Return Heaven.

Yet, he was acutely aware of Zhao Hongyun's innate Great Luck, which was said to be Equal to Heaven. Despite the extreme perils of No Return Heaven, it was unlikely to seal his doom.

With his mind thus put at ease, Zhao Sheng resumed his discussions on cultivation insights with Zhao Xuanjing.

Through their intellectual exchange, both individuals felt a profound sense of benefit, marking further advancements on their respective Daoist journeys.

A fortnight later, Zhao Sheng took his leave of Zhao Xuanjing and set his course back to the desolate island.

Ignited by the insights gleaned from his ancestor, a revolutionary concept suddenly sparked within his mind.