Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1702: 913: Dao Oath and Two Transactions

Amidst skies thick with clouds, thunder boomed as vibrant green Thunder Dragons, appearing lifelike, wove through the layers, amassing increasingly potent destructive forces.

Boom!

With a deafening roar that resounded through the heavens, a Five-clawed Thunder Dragon, now nearly double its previous size and entirely jade-hued, slowly descended from the clouds.

As it moved, the surrounding void fractured into particles, creating a vast, dark "heavenly path" in its wake.

Even before the Azure Sky Thunder Dragon reached the ground, an immense aura of destruction surged forth, engulfing everything within a thousand-mile radius into silence, causing innumerable lives to perish in violence.

Zhao Sheng gazed skyward, his eyes instantly flaring with twin clusters of divine light.

In a flash, a colossal hand, shimmering with five colors, materialized from nowhere, immediately pressing down upon the Azure Sky Thunder Dragon's head.

With a resounding crash, the Azure Sky Thunder Dragon was rendered immobile, as if pinned beneath a great mountain, and subsequently became tightly bound by multiple layers of a five-colored Magic Net.

Zhao Sheng swiftly ascended to the Azure Sky Thunder Dragon's head and called out towards the thundering clouds, "Sea God, I wish to strike a bargain with you!"

His spoken words were merely a conduit, as his Divine Thought's frequency had already ascended to an unimaginable level, making true contact with that... omnipresent, grand resonance.

Before his utterance had even fully dissipated, the world around them visibly decelerated, as though approaching a complete cessation of movement.

In mere fractions of a moment, the Sea God offered a response.

Zhao Sheng witnessed, with his own eyes, a magnificent, colossal Light Man taking form from nothingness.

Immediately thereafter, the Light Man dramatically contracted, diminishing to match Zhao Sheng's own stature.

Shedding its brilliant hues, what stood before Zhao Sheng was a colossal woman, nine feet in height, possessing unparalleled beauty and a form and demeanor of absolute perfection.

Zhao Sheng carefully observed the stunning figure opposite him and suddenly recognized that she bore an uncanny resemblance to the Sea God idol revered by the Spirit Clan.

The crucial distinction lay in the profound indifference within her gaze, her face utterly devoid of any discernible emotion.

Before he could utter a word, the Sea God declared with icy coldness, "Outlander, surrender the Dragon Turtle! And I shall permit your departure."

Zhao Sheng was momentarily stunned, finding this Sea God surprisingly amenable to negotiation.

"Your Highness," Zhao Sheng pondered his next move, rapidly formulating a question, "Do you not wish to ascertain the nature of the transaction I propose?" he inquired tentatively.

"Surrender the Dragon Turtle!" the Sea God reiterated, her tone frigid, once again uttering four chilling words.

As these words were spoken, the world that had been nearly frozen suddenly seemed to reanimate.

Countless malevolent energies materialized from thin air, flowing directly into Zhao Sheng's Purple Mansion Soul Sea, causing his Primordial Spirit to become tainted with boundless Karma.

Zhao Sheng experienced a jolt of shock, not anticipating the Sea God's profound command over the Heavenly Dao of this realm, effortlessly manipulating the immense Karma accumulated within the Red Sea Realm over eons.

Startled, Zhao Sheng found himself enveloped in pure white flames, which similarly engulfed his Primordial Spirit within his Soul Sea.

Instantly, wisps of black smoke billowed from his body, rapidly consumed and purified by the World Purifying Flame.

"Hold, Your Highness! I can assist you in dispersing Spiritual Algae into other worlds."

This singular declaration from Zhao Sheng caused the Sea God to momentarily cease her previous intention.

The Sea God, being a collective consciousness formed from algae, possessed no human-like Seven Emotions and Six Desires and felt no apprehension towards death.

Because it was in a perpetual cycle of perishing and rebirth, as long as the sea algae were not entirely annihilated, the Sea God would never truly experience "death."

However, despite its inherently elevated status and near-perfect existence, the Sea God still harbored its "desires," the foremost among them being the urge to propagate.

Although a fully formed Sea God in this world was comparable to the Heavenly Dao, almost omnipotent, its greatest failing was its inability to venture beyond this realm.

The inherent drive for reproduction among the Sea God species, a manifestation of the algae's survival instinct, was infinitely more potent than that found in humans.

Zhao Sheng, having previously engaged with the "Star God" in the Tianzhu Realm on numerous occasions, was well-acquainted with the deepest longings of such beings.

With a mere wave of the Sea God's hand, the pervasive malevolence instantly vanished.

"What is it that you seek?" the divine being inquired impassively, fixing her gaze upon Zhao Sheng, her voice retaining its unswerving chill.

Zhao Sheng understood that the Sea God lacked conventional human social graces, always communicating and thinking with absolute directness and honesty, thus he was entirely unfazed by her detached demeanor.

"I desire to take this young Dragon Turtle as my own; I merely request Your Highness's forbearance."

With a nod, the Sea God readily agreed, stipulating, "Granted! However, you must swear a sacred oath upon your heart. Following our agreement, you are to swiftly disseminate the Spiritual Algae across three High Spirit Worlds. Furthermore, you must guarantee its propagation for a thousand generations, until a new Sea God arises."

These High Spirit Worlds the Sea God spoke of were of a caliber far surpassing realms like the Heaven Pillar Netherworld, comparable indeed to Middle Thousand Worlds such as the Taiyi Spirit Realm.

"A mere three worlds are far too few," Zhao Sheng declared. "If I so wished, finding ten, even a hundred High Spirit Worlds, would be effortless."

In the presence of the Sea God, Zhao Sheng dared not utter falsehoods, acutely aware of its ability to discern the truth within a person's heart and distinguish it from deceit.

"You speak true! This deity requires you to spread it across one hundred High Spirit Worlds. What are your terms?" The Sea God, ever-pure, directly stated its demand.

Zhao Sheng chuckled softly. "My requests are not overbearing! I merely ask for Your Highness to impart all memories since your birth and your complete understanding of this realm's operational Laws."

Had such a request been posed to other exalted beings, such as Venerables of the Human Race, True Immortals, or Demon Saints.

They would undoubtedly react with utter outrage, deeming Zhao Sheng completely devoid of reason.

Yet, for the Sea God, Zhao Sheng's demand was easily fulfilled, as it possessed no human concepts of 'shame or privacy'.

Precisely as Zhao Sheng had anticipated, the Sea God did not falter and immediately acquiesced, stating, "Very well! Proffer your oath then..."

Zhao Sheng, filled with elation, promptly raised his right hand and solemnly swore, "I, Zhao Sheng, pledge upon my very heart today..."

Upon concluding his oath, he bore the pain to forcibly tear a fragment of his Divine Soul, presenting it to the Sea God for safekeeping.

Until his vow was fulfilled, his Divine Soul would remain incomplete, and his cultivation would be unable to advance to higher echelons.

The Sea God accepted this fragment of Divine Soul, then conveyed a Divine Thought to him before merging seamlessly back into the world, vanishing without a trace.

Concurrently with its departure, the immense, thunderous sky and the colossal Azure Sky Thunder Dragon, stretching tens of thousands of feet, also disappeared.

In the blink of an eye, the tribulation clouds dissipated, and the heavens returned to their serene clarity.

Zhao Sheng gazed towards the location where the Sea God had vanished, his spirit stirred with a surge of emotion.

Before its departure, the Sea God had subtly urged him to first accomplish his initial vow.

"...Just three High Spirit Worlds, this task is child's play," Zhao Sheng whispered to himself, a sudden turn of his head to the left revealing Mu Zha emerging from a spatial tear.

Mu Zha's form shimmered, instantly appearing beside Zhao Sheng, who asked with a hint of nervousness, "Master, I have not arrived late, have I?"

"Hmm, convey it within your Grotto Heaven and ensure its survival," Zhao Sheng nodded slightly, issuing his instruction.

As he spoke, he retrieved the barely-living Hundred-mile Dragon Turtle and placed it at Mu Zha's feet.

"Understood!" Mu Zha exclaimed, visibly relieved, and swiftly extended his hands.

Between his palms, a brilliant azure light erupted. The luminescence enveloped the young dragon turtle like liquid silk before receding with it, instantly vanishing into Mu Zha's body.

Meanwhile, in the vast ocean below, countless creatures were engaged in a frenzied struggle over mere drops of Dragon Turtle essence blood.

Every passing moment saw the demise of numerous sea creatures, while only a fortunate few managed to enhance their own bloodlines.

Seven or eight Sixth Rank sea beasts, having imbibed considerable amounts of the blood-infused water, experienced a significant surge in their power, successfully breaking through to the Seventh Rank.

Mu Zha cast a glance at the chaotic scene below, cautiously inquiring, "Master, perhaps I should capture some of them as well?"

Zhao Sheng offered a slight nod, transmitting a specific piece of information to Mu Zha.

Mu Zha's eyes brightened, and he promptly patted his chest, assuring, "Master, rest assured! I guarantee there will be no errors."

Immediately after his assurance, Mu Zha transformed into a streak of light, plunging like lightning towards the ocean's surface.

In the subsequent moment, a colossal vortex materialized on the sea's surface.

The vortex materialized so unexpectedly that countless sea beasts and creatures had no time to react, being instantaneously pulled into another Grotto Heaven.

Moments later, the oceanic vortex gradually subsided, and Mu Zha ascended from its center, obediently returning to Zhao Sheng's side.

After bestowing a few words of praise, Zhao Sheng led him onward to seek another small dragon turtle.

Guided by the Sea God's prior instructions, Zhao Sheng effortlessly located the next target, similarly placing it within Kong Sang Cave Heaven for its protection and growth.

...

The abrupt plunge of a colossal dragon turtle, spanning three hundred miles in diameter, into the northwestern sea of the Grotto Heaven caused widespread consternation.

Within the confines of Kong Sang Cave Heaven, alongside the members of the Zhao Family, resided numerous 'criminal prisoners.' The majority of these individuals possessed profound cultivation, with their lowest realm exceeding the Divinity Transformation stage. Nevertheless, bound by the stringent Cave Heaven Law, these deeply sinful inmates could only lament their fate, forbidden from venturing even a hundred feet beyond their designated areas.

Sprawling across nearly a hundred thousand miles, Kong Sang Cave Heaven primarily consisted of vast woodlands, with its oceans occupying a mere fraction, just over seven thousand miles. Despite its limited size, this oceanic expanse was more than sufficient to sustain two newly born Mount-bearing Dragon Turtles.

Meanwhile, on a grand central square within the Grotto Heaven, an opulent collection of treasures was meticulously organized, their brilliance radiating an awe-inspiring Treasure Light.

Zhao Hualin, accompanied by three associates, was engaged in the meticulous task of inventorying and categorizing these riches. Suddenly, Zhao Hualin halted his work, his head tilted as if listening intently to a distant summons. His demeanor shifted to one of deep seriousness, nodding repeatedly as though receiving instructions.

With a decisive clap of his hands, Zhao Hualin signaled his companions, drawing their collective attention. A somber expression settled on his face as he announced, "The shopkeeper has just issued an order, directing us to proceed immediately to Sanghai to attend to an injured Mount-bearing Dragon Turtle."

Zhao Changyong, perplexed by this sudden change in directives, inquired, "Did the shopkeeper not instruct us to organize the treasures? Why the sudden change of plans...?"

"Silence!" Zhao Yue Ru sharply interjected, cutting him off.

Concurrently, Zhao Hualin produced a small, gleaming silver-white boat. Upon exposure to the wind, the vessel underwent rapid expansion, swiftly growing to a length exceeding one hundred feet. Without prompting, Zhao Yue Ru and the other two promptly ascended into the spirit boat. Zhao Hualin, the last to embark, secured their passage as the boat surged skyward, charting a course towards the northwest.

Even before the spirit boat reached Sanghai, a colossal volume of seawater, along with a multitude of sea beasts and marine flora, had surged into the area. As the four arrived above Sanghai, they witnessed the astonishing descent of another dragon turtle, mountain-sized, from the heavens onto the sea's surface.

A brilliant emerald luminescence emanated from the seawater, enveloping the two ailing smaller dragon turtles. The grievous wounds on their bodies visibly began to mend, transitioning from severe to mild, and in a short span, they were completely healed.

It was at this precise moment that Zhao Hualin and his companions arrived overhead. They hastily maneuvered the spirit boat, alighting upon the broad expanse of the immense dragon turtle's back. Under the pervasive influence of the Cave Heaven Law, the two diminutive dragon turtles remained placidly on the water's surface, granting the quartet unimpeded access for their examination.

Not long thereafter, countless sea creatures ascended into the air, eventually congregating near the mouths of the two small dragon turtles. Having recently sustained severe injuries, the turtles were in dire need of sustenance. Without hesitation, they unhinged their massive jaws, voraciously consuming the provisioned nourishment. Simultaneously, the ambient spiritual energy of nature intensified, flowing unceasingly into the recuperating dragon turtles.

Within a mere fortnight, Zhao Sheng, accompanied by Mu Zha, traversed numerous oceanic sectors, amassing tens of millions of tons of diverse aquatic vegetation. Following the collection of this Spiritual Algae, Zhao Sheng departed the Red Sea Realm, re-entering the Burial Immortal Ruins.

For the subsequent half-year, he embarked on an extensive journey through over three hundred distinct Exotic Spirit Realms. His dedicated efforts culminated in the successful dissemination of the Spiritual Algae across Xuandou, Taiyi, and Evil Exorcism—three significant Middle Thousand Spirit Realms. Having fulfilled the initial vow, Zhao Sheng swiftly returned to the Red Sea Realm to commence the reception of the first stage of 'memory' transmission from the Sea God.