Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1756 - 943: Daytime Ascension, A Sword Arrives from the West

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Previously on Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension...
Zhao Sheng successfully passes the Heavenly Fire Tribulation, transforming his mana into flames and then extinguishing them. Meanwhile, Dongzhenzi, sensing Zhao Sheng's success, negotiates with the Zizai Heavenly Demon Lord. To avoid further conflict between Han Lin and Zhang Xusheng, a tie is proposed, and Dongzhenzi agrees to give up his Star Lord position in exchange for the Great Brightness Root Mantra.
Dongzhenzi's brow furrowed infinitesimally. He swiftly withdrew his Divine Thought and carefully placed the Golden Silk Book within his sleeve. "The old monk upheld his end of the bargain; this poor Daoist accepts it! Take this!" With a casual flick of his wrist, Dongzhenzi sent a square golden seal, the Imperial Seal of the Pure Light Realm Star Lord, flying through the air. The gray-robed old monk accepted the Imperial Seal, offered another grateful clasp of his hands, and stated, "This matter is concluded. I have other duties to attend to. Farewell, Daoist Zhao. We part ways here." "Farewell, old monk. I shall not see you off!" Dongzhenzi's reply was curt. The Zizai Heavenly Demon Lord remained impassive, offering a slight nod. He then transformed into a dazzling streak of rainbow light, vanishing instantaneously. Observing this departure, a flicker of curiosity stirred within Dongzhenzi. He paused in contemplation, then lowered his gaze, his perception piercing through mountains and rivers to finally settle upon the Heavenly Alliance Leader, Zhang Xusheng. Unbeknownst to him, deep within the cave mansion behind Wensheng Mountain, Zhang Xusheng remained engrossed in the intricate process of refining his Lifebound Magic Treasure, the Flag of Heaven's Will. After a prolonged period of observation, Dongzhenzi's expression shifted to one of deep thought. He retracted his gaze, his figure blurred, and he disappeared without a trace. ... Five Elements Cave Heaven. Within the secluded depths of a sprawling, undulating mountain range in Yu State's southeast, three colossal peaks pierced the heavens. The surrounding spiritual energy was exceptionally potent, with spirit medicine and precious flora carpeting the slopes. Treasures considered rare and elusive in the outside world were commonplace in this hidden sanctuary. Yet, curiously, despite the passage of countless cultivators over the centuries, none had ever stumbled upon the treasure-rich spiritual realm nestled within these mountains. On this particular day, the true guardian of this domain finally made his arrival. With a sudden flash of light, Zhao Sheng materialized atop the central peak. His arrival caused the very essence of nature to rejoice, igniting waves of spiritual energy. The spirit medicine and verdant plants blanketing the mountains burst into accelerated growth, radiating their most vibrant luminescence. Upon returning to his cave heaven, Zhao Sheng experienced an immediate, profound connection with the realm. The fundamental Daoist Laws governing the heavens and earth stirred with unprecedented vitality, as if intimately linking themselves to him. Formerly obscure and challenging Daoist Laws now appeared remarkably comprehensible. Mere thoughts dissolved lingering confusions, propelling his understanding of the Dao forward by leaps and bounds. Zhao Sheng abruptly tilted his head, gazing skyward. The once distant and imposing Ascension Gate Tower now appeared astonishingly clear, no longer seeming an insurmountable aspiration. However, an unexpected consequence arose: the Ascension Gate Tower's allure intensified manifold. A single glance sent his heart into a frantic rhythm, engendering an overwhelming, almost uncontrollable, yearning. Zhao Sheng quickly averted his gaze from the Ascension Gate Tower, and the intensity of its pull immediately waned. Nevertheless, his longing for ascension remained significantly more potent than before his recent tribulation. Zhao Sheng focused his mind, calming his spirit and forcefully subduing the surging desire. He then opened his senses, integrating with the surrounding heavens and earth to begin assimilating the profound benefits acquired from overcoming the tribulations. Seasons turned, and a century swiftly elapsed. One day, while the main body was immersed in cultivation and enlightenment atop the mountain peak, an elderly Daoist of ethereal bearing materialized from seemingly nowhere. His identity was unmistakable; it was undoubtedly his primary avatar, Dongzhenzi. Dongzhenzi's sudden appearance instantly alerted the main body. The main body slowly parted his eyes, observing the approaching Dongzhenzi. Dongzhenzi approached, reaching into his sleeve to retrieve the Golden Silk Book containing the Great Brightness Fundamental Incantation. He solemnly presented it to the main body. The main body accepted the Golden Silk Book with silent reverence and casually turned to its first page. As the silk scroll unfurled slightly, a subtle, resonant sacred sound echoed forth, accompanied by a torrent of brilliant golden Buddha Light. The luminescence was radiant and awe-inspiring, imbued with an ineffable quality of profound compassion. Zhao Sheng calmly spread the silk scroll further, discerning intricate and exquisite Daoist True Texts elegantly emerging from its surface.

As the Buddha Light and Sacred Sound surged, the Dao True Text also underwent a rapid transformation, seeming to shift countless times in a single instant. The Sacred Sound resonated in his ears, akin to numerous eminent monks and virtuous individuals chanting scriptures and mantras nearby, as if reciting an esoteric and obscure text in unison. Undeterred, Zhao Sheng proceeded to turn the page, and indeed, another unfamiliar Dao True Text gracefully floated upward. The Sacred Sound and Buddha Light intensified even more than before, soon affecting an area spanning several hundred miles. This time, the Sacred Sound altered again, morphing into a different ancient scripture, yet equally esoteric and obscure. Zhao Sheng slightly furrowed his brow, his right hand continuously turning the pages of the book, revealing four more unfamiliar Dao True Texts behind. "Haha, the Sacred Sound deceives the heart, converting to Buddhism? Truly, an excellent and overt scheme! I commend you." He abruptly closed the silk scroll, a cold smile suddenly gracing the corners of his mouth. The Zizai Heavenly Demon Lord indeed harbored malicious intent. The reason this individual so readily presented the Great Brightness Fundamental Incantation was quite simple: to sway him and induce him to voluntarily cultivate Buddhist Law. Although Zhao Sheng possessed a thorough understanding of Buddhist principles, he was unwilling to embrace Buddhism, refusing even to let his Daoist heart be tarnished with any "strange color." However, to grasp the essence of the Great Brightness Fundamental Incantation, one had to master Buddhist principles and comprehend Buddhism's ultimate truth. Why is an overt scheme the most difficult to counter? The primary challenge lies in the fact that even when aware of its impure motives, one is still compelled to willingly participate. Zhao Sheng deliberated for a considerable time but did not return the silk scroll to Dongzhenzi; instead, he retained it. Dongzhenzi observed this, a look of bewilderment crossing his face, and was about to inquire when a sudden flash of understanding lit up his eyes. So... the main body has another plan! Dongzhenzi did not press further, offered a cupped-hand salute to the main body, and then silently departed. After his departure, the main body, Zhao Sheng, closed his eyes once more, continuing to integrate his spirit with the heavens to perceive the Great Dao Truth. ... Time elapsed swiftly, and three thousand years passed in what felt like an instant. On this particular day, a streak of light streaked from beyond the heavens, instantly breaching the atmosphere of the Grotto Heaven and plummeting rapidly towards the southeast of Yu State. *Pa!* In a flash, the stream of light violently impacted an invisible barrier, scattering brilliance in all directions before revealing a crystal-clear Eight Diagram Jade Token. The following moment, the Eight Diagram Jade Token vanished in a flicker. At the summit of the mountain peak, Zhao Sheng abruptly opened his eyes, then extended his hand, and an Eight Diagram Jade Token materialized out of thin air into his grasp. "Hmm? This is the token of the Second Ancestor. Could it be...?" Zhao Sheng's heart jolted, and a wave of anticipation washed over him. He projected a strand of Divine Thought into it, and his face immediately contorted into an expression of surprise and delight. In the next instant, he stood tall and vanished from his spot without a trace. In the vicinity of Heaven, stars shone brilliantly, vast and boundless. Within the Northwest Territory of the Taiyi Star Group, three radiant "stars" were scattered. One of these stars possessed a jade-white atmosphere and was slightly smaller in size than the other two. As Zhao Sheng hastily arrived outside this star's atmosphere, a bare-chested giant man was already in waiting. This individual sported bulging muscles, his stature as majestic as a mountain. His right hand gripped a gray-white Stone Axe, emanating an indescribably terrifying pressure, as if capable of cleaving through space-time at any moment. Furthermore, a fully golden Five-clawed Dragon was coiled around this person's waist, also exuding an extremely potent pressure. Upon witnessing this figure, Zhao Sheng immediately flew forward with respect, bowing his head in salutation: "Chonghe, I greet the Ancestor. Dragon Ancestor Gong'an." This bare-chested giant man was none other than Zhao Xuanjing’s true form. The golden dragon wrapped around his waist was Dragon Saint Zhao Jin Ao, the Guardian of the Heavenly Pillar Cave Heaven. Zhao Jin Ao, also known as Mountain Dragon Little Gold, possessed strength not inferior to a Tribulation Crossing Venerable. Owing to its exalted status, the descendants of the Zhao Family invariably addressed it with reverence as the Dragon Ancestor. However, Zhao Jin Ao consistently remained within the Heavenly Pillar Cave Heaven, never venturing outside, thereby preventing clan members from beholding its true form.

Therefore, the vast majority of the younger generation of the Zhao Family remained oblivious to the fact that their clan harbored a True Dragon from the Demon Saint Realm.

"Little Shengzi, it's been thousands of years since we last met. How did your cultivation advance so rapidly?" Dragon Ancestor Zhao Jin Ao inquired, extending its head with evident curiosity towards Zhao Sheng.

Zhao Sheng offered a slight smile. "Your junior has encountered numerous fortunate encounters, and with the unwavering support from the First Ancestor and Second Ancestor, my progress has been somewhat swift."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Jin Ao appeared somewhat miffed. "Hmph, if you're unwilling to speak, then so be it. I'm too lazy to inquire anyway."

Having cultivated for over two hundred thousand years, its disposition had grown increasingly innocent and capricious, much like that of a child.

Zhao Sheng's expression remained placid, devoid of any intention to elaborate. He was acutely aware that the Dragon Ancestor's cultivation technique was exceptionally peculiar, with the majority of its Primordial Spirit perpetually slumbering, leaving only a minuscule portion awake.

At this juncture, Zhao Xuanjing gently patted Little Gold's head before tucking it back around his waist.

"Chonghe, Hongyun has achieved perfection in his cultivation and is poised to ascend in broad daylight. Before ascension, it is precisely the most vulnerable period. You and I must remain exceedingly vigilant against the 'Human Tribulation' which could manifest at any moment..."

"Ancestor, there is no need for worry! As long as no True Immortal interferes, with your protection, mine, and the Dragon Ancestor's personal guard, the Second Ancestor will undoubtedly ascend smoothly to the Immortal Heaven," Zhao Sheng declared with unwavering confidence.

Zhao Xuanjing offered a subtle nod, gripping the Stone Axe in his hand once more.

Little Gold slithered upwards, its dragon head emerging from his shoulder and slowly exhaling a few inches of golden light from its mouth.

As time marched onward, Zhao Sheng and Zhao Xuanjing's countenances grew progressively more solemn, with the surrounding billions of miles of void already under their meticulous control. Any emergent anomaly would be met with their decisive and thunderous retaliation.

Seven days and nights elapsed, and then, the atmosphere of the 'planet' below suddenly emanated violent surges, subsequently coalescing into a vortex of unprecedented scale.

Both Zhao Sheng and Zhao Xuanjing turned their gazes, just in time to witness a strikingly handsome Daoist, adorned in a tall hat and wide sleeves, whose face bore a resemblance to a full moon, ascending from the vortex's core.

This comely Daoist possessed an extraordinary and ethereal aura, his very breath as elusive as an Immortal's, appearing on the verge of transcending mortality at any given instant.

There was no need for further introduction; this individual was precisely the true form of the Second Ancestor, Zhao Hongyun.

Zhao Hongyun proceeded step by deliberate step towards the Ascension Gate Tower, a radiant beam of light descending from the heavens to envelop his form.

At this critical moment, the Taiyi Stars abruptly ceased their flickering, and dozens of unseen 'gazes' converged with unwavering intensity upon the handsome Daoist.

Zhao Hongyun remained utterly oblivious, his focus steadfastly locked upon the progressively nearer Ascension Gate Tower.

Concurrently, his physical being gradually merged into the incandescent light, his aura becoming increasingly transcendent and unattainable.

Zhao Sheng and Zhao Xuanjing observed from a considerable distance, their Divine Thoughts stretched to their absolute limits, effectively sealing off the encompassing billions of miles of void.

Time itself appeared to stretch and freeze infinitely in that singular moment.

In a mere blink of an eye, Zhao Hongyun set foot within the Ascension Gate Tower, his figure almost vanishing behind the imposing stone pillar.

Precisely then, Zhao Sheng's eyes widened, catching a fleeting glimpse of an Immortal, clad in wide sleeves and wielding a jade-handled whisk, materializing from the void beneath the tower, poised to escort the Second Ancestor into the Immortal Heaven.

The Gate Tower... swung open wide, unleashing countless beams of Auspicious Light that cascaded forth from beyond, instantly suffusing the billions of miles of void in the lower realm.

The Auspicious Light, akin to precious Jade Liquid and Dew, gently showered upon the Taiyi Stars.

At this profound instant, the stars collectively blazed with brilliant unison, as if joyfully celebrating a fellow cultivator's ascension, or perhaps ravenously consuming the scattered Auspicious Light emanating from the Immortal Heaven.

A sensation of unparalleled elation surged within Zhao Sheng, as if all the past hardships and trials had dissolved into insignificance at this very moment.

The Zhao Family, after nearly thirty thousand years since its inception, had finally seen its very first Immortal born today!

A wave of emotion, so profound it defied description, suddenly arose within him, almost rendering him speechless with overwhelming joy.

Just as Zhao Sheng was experiencing this profound emotional surge, an abrupt and unforeseen alteration occurred!

A solitary streak of Sword Light, as if arriving from realms beyond the heavens, pierced through the Auspicious Light of Immortal Heaven at an angle defying all comprehension, subsequently slicing directly into the Ascension Gate Tower.

"Vile beast, how dare you commit such a transgression!" A deafening roar suddenly reverberated across the vast expanse of the void, and the dazzling Auspicious Light of Immortal Heaven abruptly vanished.

Under the gaze of countless observers, the imposing Ascension Gate Tower quivered for a single moment.