Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1730 - 927: Grotto Heaven as a Formation, Who Is the Mount-bearing Dragon Turtle?

Before long, Zhao Sheng had swiftly gathered a wealth of useful information. He also learned that the grand array, built upon the foundation of the Grotto Heaven, was named the "Qiankun Ten Thousand Spirits Array."

This particular array represented a simplified iteration of the Spirit-Controlling Immortal Sect's protective formation, the "Tai Chi Four Symbols Qiankun Array." Its impressive grade was as high as Eighth Rank, boasting forty-eight distinct functions, encompassing aspects like Spirit Gathering, Beast Taming, Enemy Entrapment, Killing Arrays, and integrated Offense and Defense capabilities.

The sheer complexity of this array was beyond imagination, making it a challenge to manage without the presence of a Tribulation Crossing Venerable.

...

The passage of time became an irrelevant concept as Zhao Sheng, immersed in the perspective of the Heavenly Dao, suddenly descended, his spirit returning to his physical form.

Upon opening his eyes, he was astonished to find himself not atop Heavenly Pillar Mountain Peak, but suspended above a vast expanse of undulating mountains.

At that very moment, Zhao Xuanjing materialized beside him, though Zhao Hongyun was nowhere in sight.

"Chonghe, direct your gaze downwards..." Zhao Xuanjing instructed, pointing towards the mountains below, his tone laced with a discernible hint of pride.

Oh?

Zhao Sheng acknowledged the instruction and looked down. He immediately observed a valley below, within which floated a boat, a grand hall, and a colossal red gourd, its size comparable to a mountain.

Positioned at the heart of the valley lay a mist-shrouded area. The immense boat, the opulent hall, and the treasure gourd occupied the southeast and northern sections, respectively. Each was accompanied by a group of cultivators adorned in distinct attire.

Zhao Sheng intensified his focus. Gradually, the mist within the valley dissipated, unveiling a spiritual realm of moderate size, spanning several thousand miles, now clearly visible before him.

This spiritual realm was densely populated with ancient forests and numerous lakes, serving as habitats for dozens of demon beasts and spirit beasts possessing pure bloodlines. The abundant spiritual energy fostered the growth of many rare spiritual medicines, with those exceeding a thousand years in age being exceptionally common.

Furthermore, the majority of the demon beasts inhabiting this spiritual realm were around the third-tier. The most formidable among them was a sixth-rank demon beast, an exotic white tiger known as the Winged Cloud Tiger.

Witnessing this scene, Zhao Sheng's understanding dawned. He realized this was the classic scenario of exploring a secret realm to seek treasures—a situation he was intimately familiar with!

As if divining his thoughts, Zhao Xuanjing prompted, "Observe more closely."

"Ah, could it be... there's something unusual?" Zhao Sheng's eyes gleamed, a sudden thought striking him.

He refocused his gaze. Upon a more thorough inspection, he quickly detected an anomaly.

It transpired that within the spiritual realm, three concealed inheritance secret realms were subtly hidden. Each of these secret realms was protected by numerous prohibitions, and only by overcoming these barriers could one acquire one or more treasures, cultivation technique jade scrolls, artifact refining methods, array plate treasures, and more.

Zhao Sheng's heart stirred upon this revelation. He spontaneously reached out to grasp the air.

In the subsequent moment, a yellowish jade scroll materialized from thin air, appearing in his hand.

Zhao Sheng channeled a sliver of his divine sense into the jade scroll, instantly perusing an artifact Dao heritage titled "Artifact Refining Eight Methods."

However, the latter portion of this method contained instructions for refining mother and child flying swords. The content of this technique appeared deliberately incomplete, with several omissions.

With a thoughtful expression, Zhao Sheng returned the artifact refining jade scroll to the spiritual realm. He then stated solemnly, "I comprehend!"

Zhao Xuanjing met his gaze and inquired, "Have you truly understood?"

Zhao Sheng was about to respond when Zhao Xuanjing interrupted with a wave of his hand, stating, "Do not explain. I have no desire to hear it."

Zhao Sheng felt a moment of bewilderment, unsure why his ancestor was deliberately being so enigmatic.

At this juncture, Zhao Xuanjing abruptly shifted the conversation, announcing, "Let us depart! This acquisition is more than sufficient for you to contemplate for a thousand years."

As soon as he finished speaking, a portal shimmered into existence before the two of them.

Zhao Xuanjing stepped through the portal first, and Zhao Sheng, with a slight furrow of his brow, followed close behind.

A single breath later, the two reappeared on the mountain summit. There, the second ancestor, Zhao Hongyun, was already awaiting their return.

Eternal Night and Yuan Hong stood a short distance away, their expressions solemn as they waited quietly.

The instant the pair materialized, Eternal Night and the others immediately bowed in greeting, exclaiming, "...Greetings to Ancestor, Fourth Ancestor!"

Zhao Hongyun assessed Zhao Sheng for a moment before remarking with a playful tone, "Chonghe, were you awestruck by the ancestor's world-shattering accomplishment?"

"Awestruck... not precisely awestruck, but rather feeling a profound sense of shame in comparison!" Zhao Sheng confessed with a sigh.

Seeing this, Zhao Xuanjing spoke with gravity, "There's no need for shame! In the future, upon reaching the pinnacle of your realm, you too can establish the 'Qiankun Ten Thousand Spirits Array.'"

Zhao Sheng felt a stirring in his heart and quickly questioned the second ancestor, "Second Ancestor, why haven't you established this array yourself?"

Zhao Hongyun responded, "This array doesn't resonate with my Dao, hence my choice against it. However, this formation perfectly suits your Five Elements Dao. You should seek more guidance from the ancestor."

"I understand," Zhao Sheng nodded, deep in thought.

At that juncture, Zhao Hongyun spoke again, "Chonghe, it is now your turn."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Sheng's eyes gleamed, and a radiant, multi-hued halo suddenly manifested behind his head.

"Ancestor, Second Ancestor, please enter!" Zhao Sheng extended an inviting gesture to both, while also covertly halting the actions of Eternal Night and the others.

Eternal Night, Yuan Hong, and the rest stood immobilized, instantly ceasing their advance, not daring to proceed further.

The trio watched with a mixture of emotions as the three ancestors entered the Five Elements Cave Heaven, their curiosity piqued immensely.

...

"Hmm?"

Upon crossing the threshold into the Five Elements Cave Heaven, Zhao Xuanjing's expression shifted to one of astonishment. He couldn't help but exclaim, "How... vast!"

Beside him, Zhao Hongyun mirrored his shock, clearly perceiving the extraordinary nature of this cave heaven.

"Chonghe, your cave heaven... its diameter surpasses a million miles?"

Zhao Sheng affirmed with a nod, providing a truthful response, "Your observation is accurate, Second Ancestor. The Five Elements Cave Heaven's diameter has already reached one million and twenty thousand miles."

This single statement rendered the two ancestors utterly speechless.

After a moment's silence, Zhao Xuanjing couldn't help but offer a sincere sigh, "Remarkable! I am still far from achieving such a feat!"

Zhao Hongyun shook his head, marveling, "It's not just you; I too am astounded by Chonghe's rapid progress! To my knowledge, Chengu Xianzun, who ascended Immortal Heaven the fastest in this realm, took over eight thousand years from opening his cave heaven to overcoming the Nine-layered Thunder Tribulation.

Chonghe has been developing his cave heaven until this day, not exceeding three thousand years at most. Yet, he has already touched the verge of the Tribulation Crossing Realm. His cultivation's advancement is astonishingly swift, truly unparalleled!"

Zhao Sheng humbly replied, "You flatter me, Second Ancestor. My cultivation speed is rather ordinary amongst the All Heavens and Universes. I once encountered several Great Venerables from the Ancient Witch Clan in the Burial Immortal Ruins. The paragons of the Ancient Witch Clan indeed break through with ease, and outstanding individuals abound who ascend Immortal Heaven within ten thousand years."

As he spoke, Zhao Sheng had already unveiled a portion of the Heavenly Dao Authority to the two ancestors.

Zhao Xuanjing and Zhao Hongyun, without time for further inquiries, had their spirits instantly intertwined with this domain.

Witnessing this, Zhao Sheng slowly settled into a cross-legged position in the void, his spirit also merging with the world, accompanying the two ancestors on their tour of the Five Elements Cave Heaven.

Half a year elapsed swiftly.

The two ancestors gradually emerged from their immersion. Zhao Hongyun, upon opening his eyes, immediately directed a peculiar gaze at Zhao Sheng.

Under the scrutiny, Zhao Sheng felt a touch of unease, instinctively scratching his head.

"Sigh, Chonghe, you are... far too lax! A cave heaven is our divine palace; it demands diligent management. Your negligence is akin to squandering a treasure!" Zhao Hongyun admonished with earnestness.

Zhao Sheng responded sheepishly, "Second Ancestor speaks the truth. I shall certainly strive for improvement henceforth."

At this moment, Zhao Xuanjing also awoke. Observing the scene, he added his counsel, "The foundations of the Five Elements Cave Heaven are profoundly deep. What is particularly rare is its spiritual energy density, which far exceeds tenfold that of other cave heavens. It is exceptionally well-suited for constructing the 'Qiankun Ten Thousand Spirits Array.'"

"Chonghe, numerous space-time bubbles have congregated within Chaos; they are perfectly suited for utilization within your cave heaven."

"Ancestor, your words are most accurate. This was indeed my intention." Zhao Sheng replied with urgency.

He now suddenly recalled those two dormant cave heavens, which could be put to significant use.

"Sigh, Chonghe, you are... far too lax! A cave heaven is our divine palace; it demands diligent management. Your negligence is akin to squandering a treasure!" Zhao Hongyun admonished with earnestness.

Zhao Sheng responded sheepishly, "Second Ancestor speaks the truth. I shall certainly strive for improvement henceforth."

Zhao Xuanjing stirred awake at this precise moment, observing the unfolding events, he also offered counsel: "The Five Elements Cave Heaven possesses exceedingly profound foundations. What truly distinguishes it is its spiritual energy density, which surpasses that of other cave heavens by more than tenfold. It is the most opportune location for erecting the 'Qiankun Ten Thousand Spirits Array.'"

"Chonghe, a substantial quantity of space-time bubbles has congregated within the Chaos. These will be perfectly suited for integration into your cave heaven."