Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1703 - 914: Another Zhao Sheng, the Grand Gathering at Shouxin Hall

Inside the Burial Immortal Ruins, at Shouxin Hall.

Majestic peaks pierced the clouds, and above a boundless sea of clouds, an ancient golden palace floated, its entire structure golden and reaching a hundred zhang into the sky.

This edifice, known as Shouxin Hall, had perched above the Cloud Sea since time immemorial, perpetually exuding an aura of ancient mystery, as if destined to remain unchanged forever.

Beneath the Cloud Sea, nestled within the mountains, old and grand structures were faintly discernible – countless workshops bustling with activity, their clamor ascending to the heavens, presenting a scene of vibrant liveliness.

In stark contrast to the noisy workshops below, Shouxin Hall maintained a profound tranquility. The plaza before the hall was encircled by dozens of colossal divine statues, each exuding solemn dignity and an indescribable, enigmatic aura.

Shortly thereafter, two figures materialized in the plaza’s central expanse from seemingly nowhere.

One was tall and strikingly handsome—none other than Zhao Sheng, who traversed the heavens.

Beside him stood a man with a distinctly leonine nose and a broad face, his eyes, large as copper bells, conveying an air of profound solemnity. Despite this imposing presence, he stood only five feet tall, his body stout and barrel-like.

The most arresting feature was an intricate, esoteric dark golden pattern emblazoned upon the center of his forehead.

Any individual possessing significant knowledge would immediately identify this person as a member of the fabled Ancient Witch Clan, and with exceptionally high standing.

This distinction arises because only a Witch Sacrifice from the Great Witch Realm or above possesses the capability to manifest their life's Dao pattern externally.

In truth, this individual's status surpassed even these elevated assumptions.

This stout, barrel-shaped man bore the surname Jiang, his given name Qianyuan, hailing from the most prominent lineage of the Ancient Witch Clan within the Jiujiang Witch Spirit Realm—the Qianjiang Witch Clan.

Jiang Qianyuan, having served as the former Great Witch Chief of the Qianjiang Witch Clan, had ascended to the rank of Heavenly Witch hundreds of thousands of years prior.

Within the hierarchy of the Ancient Witch Clan, a Heavenly Witch was regarded as nearly equivalent to a Great Power of the Integration Realm among the orthodox Human Clan.

Previously, Zhao Sheng had accompanied a Witch Clan Immortal Ruins Guest in a 'descent' to the Jiujiang Witch Realm.

The moment he entered this realm, he was detected by Jiang Qianyuan, who was stationed in Qianjiang Witch City.

Consequently, the two engaged in a brief contest, which concluded in a draw.

As the adage suggests, no acquaintance without a conflict; it was through this encounter that Zhao Sheng and Jiang Qianyuan became acquainted, and shortly thereafter, evolved into close companions.

Jiang Qianyuan himself was an Immortal Ruins Guest, and the very Witch Clan Immortal Ruins Guest that Zhao Sheng was pursuing from the Lower Realm was, in fact, his own third disciple.

“Brother Zhao, I’m not exaggerating! You’ve made an excellent decision to accompany me. This… Shouxin Hall only opens its doors once every century, and each occasion draws numerous fellow cultivators by invitation… it is truly a monumental event for us Immortal Ruins Guests.”

While proceeding toward the Golden Hall, Jiang Qianyuan enthusiastically narrated the grand spectacles of past gatherings to Zhao Sheng.

Zhao Sheng had, in actuality, already received information concerning Shouxin Hall from this very individual, yet he continued to listen with undivided attention.

This was due to his keen awareness that his old friend possessed an undeniable tendency towards verbosity, and denying him the opportunity to speak his fill would likely result in considerable discontent.

“You wouldn’t know this! On the last occasion, my discerning eye allowed me to trade three Great Dao True Patterns for a complete Black Tortoise Shell. I subsequently utilized it to refine an entire set of Witch Divination Spiritual Treasures…”

As Jiang Qianyuan animatedly recounted his tale of a successful trade, the pair ascended the steps and sequentially passed through the grand portals of the Golden Hall.

Upon entering the magnificent chamber, Zhao Sheng’s perspective dramatically expanded; the hall was immense and cavernous, extending beyond immediate sight, with both its floor and domed ceiling rendered in gold, possessing a smooth, mirror-like finish.

Having entered the hall, Jiang Qianyuan’s loquacious nature abruptly subsided. He merely cast a cursory glance before guiding Zhao Sheng forward, striding resolutely towards the hall’s inner depths.

In mere moments, they traversed over a hundred li, soon arriving before a sequence of nine-tiered Jade Platforms. Each platform stood at a height of nine zhang and nine chi, their surfaces intricately etched with a multitude of ancient symbols. Every tier was adorned with jade statues, all meticulously crafted in the likeness of the Human Clan.

At this juncture, twenty-three of the Jade Platforms were already occupied by seated individuals.

Being a newcomer to this locale, Zhao Sheng naturally did not recognize any of the occupants.

However, Jiang Qianyuan, having participated in numerous prior gatherings, swiftly identified a multitude of his “old acquaintances.”

With practiced familiarity, Jiang Qianyuan extended greetings to his old friends—these formidable cultivators hailing from across all the heavens—who responded warmly with reciprocal smiles.

"Everyone, allow me to introduce this esteemed guest. He is Taoist Zhao Qiongtian, a cultivator from the Taiching Spirit Realm. Taoist Zhao visited our realm some time ago, and our acquaintance began amidst a rather spirited spar..." Jiang Qianyuan tediously elucidated Zhao Sheng’s history to the assembled Daoists.

Zhao Sheng, with a genial smile, extended his greetings to the fellow Daoists present. He then selected an unoccupied Golden Dais and took his seat, with Jiang Qianyuan choosing a nearby Golden Dais adjacent to his own.

Jiang Qianyuan’s naturally garrulous disposition soon took hold, and he commenced engaging in spirited discussions with many of his "old acquaintances," his words flowing like a cascade of celestial blossoms.

Exchanges between Great Powers invariably involve the mutual sharing of profound cultivation insights.

With Jiang Qianyuan’s active participation, an increasing number of Great Power Cultivators were drawn into the discourse, imbuing the hall with an exceptionally vibrant atmosphere.

While Zhao Sheng listened with keen attention, he would occasionally interject his own thoughts. Each time he offered his perspective, he presented novel and thought-provoking insights, often leaving the others in a state of profound admiration.

As time progressed, following the seating of Zhao Sheng and the aforementioned individual, an additional twelve esteemed guests arrived in succession.

After three days within the Ruins, the count of high-level Immortal Ruins Guests who had graced Shouxin Hall with their presence swelled to thirty-seven. The lowest cultivation base among these assembled figures was beyond the Returning to Void stage, and their ranks included more than one Tribulation Crossing Venerable.

Perhaps sensing the opportune moment had arrived, the cultivator of the highest realm present, Yu Zhang Great Venerable, slowly rose to his feet.

Yu Zhang Great Venerable's movement instantly commanded everyone's utmost attention. The cacophony within the hall ceased as if a switch had been flipped, and all cultivators' gazes converged upon him.