Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1722 - 923: Star Lord, New Main Line of the Zhao Family, Shouxin Hall Grand Event (Part 2)

Zhao Sheng's eyes fluttered open, and after a brief contemplation, he nodded his assent. "Very well! This time, when you head to the Shouxin Hall, endeavor to trade for as many Principle Crystals and Cave Heaven Marrow Jade as possible."

The White Eyebrow Old Daoist pondered aloud, "One hundred and twenty thousand Five Element Principle Crystals should suffice. After all, we are only short by seventy to eighty thousand miles!"

This White Eyebrow Old Daoist was, in fact, the third avatar meticulously nurtured by Zhao Sheng himself.

In stark contrast to his prior two avatars, this old Daoist had mastered the Hundred Skills of Immortal Cultivation and had attained the Zenith of the Integration Realm in terms of raw power.

Nearly a millennium had elapsed, and today, the Five Elements Cave Heaven had undergone a remarkable expansion, growing from its initial diameter of six hundred thousand miles to encompassing over nine hundred and forty thousand miles.

Concurrently, Zhao Sheng had also advanced the Fire Extinguishing Immortal Technique to its introductory stage. Now, he embarked on the ambitious endeavor of augmenting his Lifebound Cave Heaven to a colossal diameter of one million miles in a single, decisive phase.

Consequently, he found himself in urgent need of a substantial quantity of Five Elements Principle Crystals and Cave Heaven Marrow Jade.

Thus, this Shouxin Hall event was an opportunity that absolutely could not be missed!

"We must plan for the long term! On this excursion, you may bring along that hundred-zhang-long God Gun's Skeleton, the Fire Extinguishing Immortal Technique, the Longevity Pill, and among other treasures, the fragments of the Supreme Yin Talisman Scripture. Should that still prove insufficient, you retain the option to trade the Infinite Heaven Traveling Skill."

Upon hearing this, the White Eyebrow Old Daoist hastily gestured a refusal, exclaiming, "That's more than enough, more than enough! Your proposed offerings are exceedingly generous; are you not concerned that other Immortal Ruins Guests might conspire against you?"

"I harbor no such fear," Zhao Sheng responded with a calm indifference.

"Ah, perhaps I worry needlessly. Your divine skills are truly unparalleled; I am well aware of that fact."

With a final shake of his head, the White Eyebrow Old Daoist transformed into a streak of tunneling light and vanished into the vast expanse of the East Sea, leaving no trace behind.

...

Within the Burial Immortal Ruins lay the Shouxin Hall.

Wisps of cloud qi ascended languidly, the heavens stretched in an azure expanse, and below, craggy mountains stood sentinel. A vast collection of ancient structures sprawled across the valleys, indistinctly forming three to four distinct architectural clusters.

At the heart of the valley resided a bustling workshop. Seven or eight weathered, narrow streets meandered along the valley floor. The workshop throbbed with activity, and numerous peculiarly apparated Immortal Ruins Guests traversed the streets, occasionally ducking into shops lining the thoroughfares.

Along the primary north-south thoroughfare, a White Eyebrow Old Daoist, exuding an aura of profound immortality, strolled with unhurried grace. Accompanying him was a strikingly handsome young Daoist, clad in a verdant Daoist robe.

This young Daoist surveyed his surroundings with a palpable sense of curiosity and eager anticipation as they progressed.

"Master, gaze yonder! That particular shop appears exceptionally lively; might we venture over to investigate?" Mu Zha suddenly tugged at the old Daoist's sleeve, his finger excitedly indicating a three-story stone pavilion some four or five zhang distant.

Zhao Sheng's brow twitched infinitesimally. His gaze alighted upon the stone pavilion, and simultaneously, his Will Heart Light unfurled, silently encompassing the entirety of the workshop.

After a single breath had passed, Zhao Sheng gently patted Mu Zha's head, transmitting a vast torrent of information directly into his consciousness.

Mu Zha's eyes snapped into sharp focus, and he then nodded with evident excitement. "Rest assured, Master, I pledge to cause no trouble and will diligently exchange for the items you require."

The White Eyebrow Old Daoist gave him an encouraging nudge. "Proceed! We shall reconvene at this very spot once the event concludes."

Mu Zha readily agreed and then scurried with infectious joy towards the three-story stone pavilion.

A smile graced Zhao Sheng's features as he observed this, and his form suddenly dissolved into the very air, vanishing from sight.

In mere moments, Zhao Sheng materialized within the hallowed confines of the Shouxin Hall.

He had arrived somewhat ahead of schedule this time. Out of the nearly one hundred Magic Platforms available in the grand hall, only nine had as yet been claimed.

Zhao Sheng selected a Magic Platform situated near the central area, settled himself upon it, and commenced his meditative practice, awaiting the arrival of the other attendees.

However, before long, a subtle ripple of will gently brushed against his Heart Light Barrier.

Zhao Sheng maintained his outward appearance of repose, his eyes remaining closed. Instead, he directly communicated with the other presence through the medium of Invisible Heart Light.

As time marched onward, an increasing number of seasoned Immortal Ruins Guests began to materialize, gradually filling the available seats within the Shouxin Hall.

Zhao Sheng soon espied familiar visages of "old acquaintances" from the previous gathering: Jiang Qianyuan of the Ancient Witch Clan, and also that peculiar individual... Mo Li Jueye.

It was worth noting, however, that he had subtly altered his outward appearance for this occasion and had modulated the very frequency of his will fluctuations. Consequently, both Jiang Qianyuan and Mo Li Jueye failed to recognize him.

More than half the allocated time had elapsed when the hall's seating capacity was finally reached.

Yu Zhang Great Venerable rose once more. He invariably presided over the proceedings at the Shouxin Hall, and this current session was no exception to his established role.

"Fellow Daoists, numerous old friends have graced this Shouxin Hall event, and many new faces have also arrived for the very first time. Before we proceed, allow me to first detail the event's rules... Once that is concluded, should anyone possess treasures they wish to offer, you may present them now."

Following his pronouncement, Great Venerable Yu Zhang took his seat. With a wave of his sleeve, a multitude of treasures cascaded forth, settling upon the various tiers of the Jade Steps below.

The array of treasures was truly astonishing, predominantly comprising swords, spears, steles, and towers – a veritable collection of formidable Magical Treasures. Alongside these were a significant number of Heaven and Earth Strange Objects, as well as Cultivation Technique Jade Scrolls.

Meanwhile, Zhao Sheng proceeded to untie the Big Belly Bag secured at his waist. After loosening its opening, he gently tipped it downwards.

Crash!

Hundreds, if not thousands, of Magical Treasures and Heaven and Earth Strange Objects abruptly spilled out, subsequently alighting on different Jade Steps, meticulously arranged according to their perceived value.

Concurrently, the aperture of the Big Belly Bag expanded, and a colossal, bone-white skeletal remnant slowly emerged.

This spectral bone bore a striking resemblance to an immense, slender rib, extending over a hundred zhang in length.

Its surface radiated a subtle luminescence, and distinct layers of thin ice began to coalesce upon it.

The nascent ice visibly thickened, transforming into an exquisitely transparent crystalline layer.

The sudden manifestation of the God Gun’s Skeleton triggered an immediate stir among all the Immortal Ruins Guests within the hall, drawing a multitude of inquisitive gazes.

Great Venerable Yu Zhang's countenance shifted subtly upon witnessing the God Gun’s Skeleton, his hand within his sleeve twitching ever so slightly.

Within the 'All Things Return to Silence' Burial Immortal Ruins, the sheer brilliance emanating from the God Gun’s Skeleton was blinding to all present.

In a mere instant, every Immortal Ruins Guest in attendance displayed an intense eagerness, each resolved to acquire the God Gun’s Skeleton.

"May I humbly inquire of this fellow Daoist, what precisely is this artifact..."

"... This colossal bone, I shall claim it. Fellow Daoist, what do you seek in exchange? Name your price!"

"This bone is, in fact, a naturally occurring Water Element Treasure. I have lived for over three hundred thousand years and have never before encountered such a miraculous ossature. May I boldly ask from which legendary life form this bone originates?"

"Fellow Daoist Gong’an! This venerated one primarily cultivates the Water Element Dao; this bone is clearly destined for me. I implore you to yield... I am prepared to offer a thousand Principle Crystals..."

"Esteemed young friend, if my perception serves me correctly, this bone must be the fabled God Gun’s Skeleton! Legend has it that the God Gun is a descendant of the Primordial Clan’s 'Great Origin,' born with a Dao Fruit already condensed, possessing a might comparable to that of an Immortal... Should this bone hail from a fully matured God Gun, its value is beyond measure. I am willing to present three portions of Cave Heaven Marrow Jade, hoping you will reconsider."

For a fleeting moment, countless waves of potent spiritual will surged forth, conjuring a veritable tempest around the Magic Platforms.

However, regardless of the price offered, Zhao Sheng remained resolute, conceding nothing. His sole reply was, "I shall only entertain trades for Five Elements Principle Crystals and Cave Heaven Marrow Jade. The highest offer secures the item!"

The atmosphere within the hall grew increasingly charged, and Great Venerable Yu Zhang's expression darkened considerably as he abruptly rose to his feet.

With his ascent, a pressure vast and profound, akin to an boundless ocean, unfurled, instantly subduing all the Immortal Ruins Guests present.

Great Venerable Yu Zhang's chilling gaze swept across every cultivator in attendance, ultimately fixing upon Zhao Sheng's countenance.

"I propose we hold an impromptu auction. Would fellow Daoist concur?"

Zhao Sheng met his gaze, his tone measured and calm as he responded, "As you wish!"

"Excellent!" Great Venerable Yu Zhang gave a slight nod, then continued, "Allow me to initiate the bidding! Eighty thousand Earth Element Principle Crystals."

The atmosphere within the hall intensified, and Great Venerable Yu Zhang's expression grew notably grim as he suddenly stood.

His rising emanated a boundless, ocean-like pressure that instantly cowed all the Immortal Ruins Guests.

Great Venerable Yu Zhang's cold gaze swept over the cultivators, finally landing on Zhao Sheng.

"Might I suggest we conduct an impromptu auction? Would fellow Daoist agree?"

Zhao Sheng met his gaze, replying with composure, "As you wish!"

"Splendid!" Great Venerable Yu Zhang nodded, announcing, "I shall begin! Eighty thousand Earth Element Principle Crystals."