Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1721 - 923: Star Lord, the Zhao Family’s New Main Lineage, Shouxin Hall Grand Gathering
Previously on Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension...
Zhao Sheng extended his hand, catching the Warm Jade. A thread of his Divine Thought entered it, and a scripture, the Immortal Seal Scripture, materialized in his mind, comprising seven thousand characters.
"Heavenly Flame Silence, birth and death flicker like shadows, De Yi..."
The ancient seals seemed to awaken, fluttering within his consciousness and radiating a breathtaking, beautiful luminescence, accompanied by a sudden appearance of myriad spirit lights.
As Zhao Sheng's spirit ascended, Taoyue Immortal Venerable spoke:
"One Gun God’s Skeleton is far from adequate; you must continue your search for more of Gun God’s Skeletons."
The clear voice, like a whisper in his ear, instantly jolted Zhao Sheng awake.
"Immortal Venerable, please forgive me. Your junior is not unwilling to serve you, but the Gun Sea is vast and boundless. Your junior has toiled for many years merely to... merely to..."
As he spoke, Zhao Sheng suddenly found himself unable to continue.
He had abruptly realized a critical flaw in his own statement.
The Gun God’s Skeleton he had just presented still bore faint traces of artificial cutting, rendering his bold complaints entirely fabricated.
Fortunately, Taoyue Immortal Venerable possessed great magnanimity. Not only did he overlook Zhao Sheng's deception, but he also enticed him with promises of reward.
"Naturally, I would not have you labor in vain. How about this: for every Gun God’s Skeleton of equivalent size you find, I shall bestow upon you a Star Lord position. As for the tenure, let us set it at thirty thousand years."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Sheng's expression shifted dramatically with emotion. He immediately bowed respectfully, exclaiming, "How could your junior refuse such a generous gift from the Immortal Venerable! Your junior will certainly dedicate all his efforts to serving the Immortal Venerable."
Beyond the Taiyi Spirit Realm lie innumerable Constant Sand Worlds. These worlds serve as the primary array pivots and critical nodes for the Celestial Star Battle Formation.
The designation 'Star Lord' refers precisely to the overseer of these Constant Sand Worlds, a position subordinate only to Great Powers at the Integration Realm but far superior to those at the Returning to Void level.
More significantly, upon appointment as a Star Lord, one gains a certain dominion over the Heavenly Dao Laws and the Order of that realm.
This singular aspect alone has caused countless Half-Immortals of the Void to rush forward, eager to do anything to contend for the Star Lord position.
The rationale is straightforward: a Star Lord can be considered a 'bootleg version' of an Integration Realm Great Power.
Assuming the role of a Star Lord provides firsthand experience in controlling the operations of Heavenly Dao Laws and natural cycles, which greatly aids in the opening of one's own Grotto Heaven.
Recalling his previous existence, Zhao Xuanjing himself had contemplated vying for a Star Lord position before advancing to the Integration Realm.
Alas, fate is unpredictable. Over two hundred thousand years ago, the Alien Demon Clan army launched a sudden assault on the Vermilion Bird Star System, initiating the conflict between the Alien Demons and the Taiyi Spirit Realm.
During the war, Zhao Xuanjing distinguished himself with numerous accomplishments, ultimately achieving perfection and smoothly progressing to the Integration Realm.
In the estimation of countless Half-Immortals of the Void, becoming the master of a Star represents the most expeditious path to breaking through to the Integration Realm, thus making the position exceptionally coveted and capable of driving innumerable Half-Immortals of the Void to madness.
The Celestial Star Battle Formation comprises only three hundred and sixty-five main array pivots, meaning there are merely three hundred and sixty-five Star Lord positions available.
However, the Taiyi Spirit Realm harbors far more cultivators at the Returning Void level than that number!
In this scenario of "many monks but little porridge," the Star Lord position becomes even more desirable and precious.
Taoyue Immortal Venerable's offer is quite lavish, demonstrating a willingness to exchange Star Lord positions for Gun God’s Skeleton.
Gun God’s Skeleton!
It’s straightforward, or at least, it is very straightforward for Zhao Sheng.
This arrangement does not necessarily imply a one-sided benefit, but rather a mutually pleasing outcome for both parties.
Not long thereafter, Zhao Sheng departed the Vast Sea Realm and swiftly returned to the Five Elements Cave Heaven.
...
Upon his return to the Grotto Heaven, the main body soon received a full account of the preceding events and their consequences from the avatar, prompting deep contemplation.
Zhao Sheng harbors considerable curiosity regarding Taoyue Immortal Venerable's persistent pursuit of Gun God’s Skeleton.
It is understood that Taoyue Immortal Venerable cultivates the Earth Dao, whereas Gun God’s Skeleton pertains to the Ice Path.
The two Daos are fundamentally dissimilar; thus, why does Taoyue Immortal Venerable exhibit such eagerness for Gun God’s Skeleton?
Considering that the Immortal Venerable's secluded sanctuary is named the Vast Sea Realm, it is possible that this location conceals a profound secret.
Could it be... a connection to the Golden Immortal Fruit Position?
Zhao Sheng's mind suddenly darted to a particular possibility.
In a flash, his heart began to race, a torrent of emotions surging within him, yet he quickly buried this speculation deep in his mind.
...
Six months drifted by, and led by Zhao Yu Yan, over a hundred Divinity Transformation True Monarchs departed the Five Elements Cave Heaven in succession.
From the very day they exited the Cave Heaven, the eleventh main lineage of the Zhao Family started to take root and form.
A century thereafter, when Zhao Yu Yan became the first to achieve a breakthrough to the Return to Void Realm, the eleventh main lineage truly began its ascent.
Hailing from the Five Elements Cave Heaven, Zhao Yu Yan was the very first to advance to the Return to Void stage.
This individual naturally commanded respect and won over many hearts, thus when he first proclaimed the establishment of a New Spirit Domain.
Not only did the overwhelming majority of the Divinity Transformation True Monarchs from the Five Elements Cave Heaven flock to join him, but even some of the established Returning Void Elders willingly came forth, bringing with them billions of clan members and an immeasurable quantity of resources.
Within a mere few decades, the Five Elements branch blossomed into a significant "faction" within the greater Zhao Family.
The grand undertaking of establishing the New Spirit Domain proceeded with an almost unbelievable enthusiasm and smoothness.
What's more, Zhao Yu Yan and his companions were gleefully surprised that concerning their "self-assertion," the four great ancestors offered neither open opposition nor overt praise.
It appeared, though not explicitly stated, that the four ancestors had secretly given their "assent" to Zhao Yu Yan's ambitious endeavors.
However... was this truly the entire picture?
In truth, Zhao Sheng harbored a degree of admiration for Zhao Yu Yan's ambition and also silently sanctioned his actions and grandstanding.
Regardless of the underlying motives, he was content to witness the birth and subsequent rise of the Five Elements branch.
Seven or eight years later, within a secluded corner of the Cave Heaven, an ageless-looking White Eyebrow Old Daoist materialized before Zhao Sheng, announcing: "My Lord, the grand ceremony at Shouxin Hall is commencing soon. Allow me to represent you at this occasion!"