Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1758 - 945: Do Not Ascend to Immortal Heaven
Previously on Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension...
The boundless 'fog' descended unexpectedly upon the entire world, an omnipresent, unfathomable, and indescribable phenomenon.
Zhao Sheng poured all his strength into maintaining a clear mind, yet found himself completely unable to grasp the passage of time.
After an immeasurable period, within the suffocating embrace of the fog, threads of dark golden lightning began to manifest.
These bolts of lightning danced erratically through the mist, their flickering becoming increasingly dense, resembling a celestial scattering of stars.
In a sudden instant, Zhao Sheng sensed a myriad of unseen, incomprehensible gazes piercing down from an unknowable height.
The densely packed dark golden lightning then shifted, transforming into 'dark golden eyes' that blinked open and shut, radiating waves of inscrutable destruction.
Despite his mental fortitude, a profound chill coursed down Zhao Sheng's spine at that moment, as if every hidden aspect of his being had been laid bare.
The very next moment, an arcane and ancient spiritual wave surged forth, its irresistible force striking his Heart Lake, inflicting unbearable agony upon his Divine Soul and causing his consciousness to rapidly fade.
After enduring three lifetimes, even with his cultivation having reached the Tribulation Crossing Realm, he felt as insignificant as a mere ant when confronted once more by the Life Demon.
Just as Zhao Sheng was consumed by terror, the pervasive fog abruptly evaporated into nothingness. From the void, an infinitely long river emerged, its beginning and end lost to sight, its murky, grey waters flowing inexorably towards an unknowable future.
At that precise juncture, a bizarre entity, possessing multiple eyes and arms, materialized from the river's source and instantly appeared before Zhao Sheng.
It exuded a terrifying aura that sent tremors through the spirits of all living beings, surrounded by 'compasses' of various dazzling colors and materials.
Zhao Sheng's eyes widened, straining to see, and he vaguely perceived a figure with whom he was familiar, standing upon one of the compasses.
Before he could discern the figure's identity, it suddenly vanished into thin air, replaced by a wisp of pure energy.
"Favored human cultivator, greetings! Fate has orchestrated our reunion once more."
As a warm, resonant voice, akin to polished jade and belonging to a middle-aged man, infused his mind, Zhao Sheng’s spirit jolted violently, and he immediately felt his body regain its mobility.
Suppressing the turmoil within, he quickly executed a respectful bow. "Cultivator of the Human Clan, Zhao Sheng, pays his respects to Your Highness."
"Human clan cultivator, you never cease to astonish Him. Beyond that magnificent innate sacred object, it appears you harbor a fragment of another innate sacred object as well. Wait... its aura feels familiar; He... He remembers, this artifact was once tainted by the blood of the Taoist Ancestor, exceedingly ill-omened..."
Before completing his declaration, the Life Demon suddenly recoiled, as if warding off something.
Without granting Zhao Sheng an opportunity to question, the Life Demon transformed, taking the form of a handsome Daoist clad in a tall hat and wide sleeves, his countenance serene and full like a harvest moon.
Zhao Sheng's gaze narrowed, and he instantly recognized the individual's true identity; it was none other than the recently ascended Second Ancestor, Zhao Hongyun.
Zhao Sheng's mind reeled, a look of profound shock dawning in his eyes.
He inquired with utter disbelief, "Your Highness, is Zhao Hongyun not already ascended in Dao? Why... could it be that he too had a prior arrangement with you?"
"Indeed! This child is also a Favored of Destiny. He had an agreement with him to collect His due recompense on an appointed future date."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Sheng's heart grew heavy, a chilling premonition taking root.
"Rest assured! You are entirely distinct from him. He has already claimed him as a Lower-level Favored. But you... He must bestow equal treatment upon you."
Zhao Sheng's spirit quivered, and he dared to venture a bold question, "Is it... because I possess an innate sacred object?"
"Yes!" The Life Demon nodded, unnervingly direct.
Zhao Sheng composed himself, asking, "Has Your Highness reappeared to collect the recompense from our previous transaction?"
The Life Demon shook its head, responding placidly, "Not so. I do not seek compensation but rather propose a new transaction with you.
State your desire, human cultivator, and I shall grant it!"
Hearing this, Zhao Sheng fell into a sudden silence, contemplating the true intentions behind the other party's actions.
He harbored no conviction that the Life Demon was a benevolent soul acting without ulterior motive.
Conversely, the entity was known for its immense avarice, always seeking the greatest yield for the slightest investment.
He grasped one crucial truth: Every boon bestowed by destiny bears a hidden cost!
Yet, facing an existence of the Daluo Golden Immortal level, did he possess the right to refuse?
After profound contemplation, Zhao Sheng posed a tentative question, "My wish is to Ascend to Immortality now, but what would be the price?"
"I shall not demand immediate payment… When the wheel of destiny turns someday, I will appear to reclaim what is His." Just like their initial bargain, the Life Demon uttered the exact same words even after countless eons had passed. Upon hearing this, Zhao Sheng quickly shook his head, "Your Highness, allow me more time to consider." The Life Demon felt a profound sense of disappointment, yet bound by an ancient pact, he had no choice but to patiently await the other party's decision. This time, Zhao Sheng engaged in prolonged contemplation, until a sudden recollection sparked a conclusive thought. "Your Highness, I have made my decision! I wish for you to eliminate the lurking danger of 'Chaos'." Zhao Sheng declared with unwavering resolve. The Life Demon gazed intently at him, already grasping the entirety of his thoughts. "Alas, the limited wisdom of mortals," the Life Demon sighed, and then calmly stated, "Your wish shall be granted." As the words faded, the Life Demon swiftly flicked his sleeve. A bolt of dark golden electric light instantly tore through the fabric of space-time, piercing the depths beneath the Divine Continent. "The pact is sealed. Favored of Destiny of the Human Clan, do you have any further desires?" "I thank Your Highness for your magnanimity! I have no immediate wishes to fulfill at this moment." "Is that so? It is regrettable you fail to grasp the precious opportunity you have overlooked," the Life Demon sighed once more. Suddenly, however, his demeanor shifted. "The discernment of mortals is indeed shallow. You harbor fear towards me, yet fail to comprehend that my kin are dedicated to selflessness and impartiality. Now... I wish to forge a 'benevolent connection' with you. Do you agree?" Zhao Sheng's heart gave a jolt, but he could only nod in assent. "This junior naturally agrees." "Hehe, you still do not understand. I shall leave you with a single piece of advice to ponder: Do not ascend to Immortal Heaven!" Zhao Sheng's spirit quivered intensely. He immediately questioned, "Why does Your Highness offer such counsel? Could there be hidden perils within Supreme Immortal Heaven?" The Life Demon offered no explanation, simply adding, "Supreme Immortal Heaven is forbidden, as is any Immortal Heaven presided over by a Taoist Ancestor." Zhao Sheng fixed a solemn gaze upon the Life Demon, attempting to glean any hidden meaning from its expression. But how could an entity as venerable as the Life Demon easily divulge celestial secrets? "Favored of Destiny, you are already indebted to me for three strands of 'Cause and Effect.' I shall return to collect them in the future..." The lingering words echoed as he abruptly turned, descending the river of destiny towards the future, soon vanishing without a trace. The flowing river of destiny rapidly dissolved, and the pervasive fog that had veiled the sky dispersed into nothingness. With the dissipation of the mist, the Star River reappeared, and the continuous flow of time resumed. Instantly, all life and existence throughout heaven and earth returned to their natural order. Gazing at the auspicious radiance descending from Immortal Heaven, observing the jubilant ancestors. Zhao Sheng suppressed his internal astonishment, forcing a facade of ecstatic joy onto his features. Unbeknownst to anyone else, an existence at the Daluo Golden Immortal level had just graced this place with its presence. "Congratulations to Fellow Daoist Tianyun… on proving the Dao… and ascending!" As the congratulatory voices reverberated across the heavens, Zhao Sheng's thoughts had already drifted far away. He held no desire to concern himself with Zhao Hongyun's future trajectory. Although he had been chosen as a lesser favored by the Life Demon, thus forfeiting his freedom, his life should remain secure. Perhaps, this turn of events was actually a blessing in disguise! The Hundred Generations Book had previously prophesied that Zhao Hongyun's ultimate potential was the Golden Immortal realm. Should he ascend to Immortal Heaven, there was a high probability he would simply become 'lost among the masses of immortals.' However, after becoming a favored of the Life Demon, Zhao Hongyun's prospects for achieving Golden Immortal status might actually be enhanced. Conversely, Zhao Sheng found himself more preoccupied with the Life Demon's pointed warning: "Do not ascend to Immortal Heaven!" The Life Demon had maintained an air of ambiguity, unwilling to reveal the profound significance of this statement. This secrecy strongly implied that the 'Cause and Effect' implicated in this matter was so immense that even the Life Demon hesitated to 'speak plainly,' apparently fearing entanglement. What could this signify? It suggested a profound connection between this affair and the Supreme Dao Ancestor! Zhao Sheng contemplated briefly, then immediately shifted his focus to the Hundred Generations Book and the Life and Death Pen. If anything within his possession could attract the attention of the Supreme Dao Ancestor, it would undoubtedly be these two Innate Dao Artifacts. Thus, the Life Demon's pronouncement became far more comprehensible.Should he ever reach the Immortal Heaven in a future lifetime, the aura emanating from his two Innate Dao Artifacts would undoubtedly draw the attention of the Supreme Dao Ancestor.
At that moment, with the Supreme Dao Ancestor's personal intervention, not only would the protection of these two Innate Dao Artifacts be impossible, but he himself would face complete annihilation.
Upon this realization, a wave of horror mixed with relief washed over Zhao Sheng.
It was fortunate that the Life Demon had offered guidance; there was still a chance for a solution. Otherwise, his future would have been irrevocably sealed.
However, the burden of this