Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1338 - 721: The Rise of the Zhao Family, Completion of the Spirit Puppet

The explanation provided by Fengyi True Monarch failed to satisfy Zhao Sheng.

After a moment of silent deliberation, Zhao Sheng inquired, "From what source did you obtain the Nine Nether Tower? Furthermore, how did you learn of its hidden characteristics?"

At this juncture, Fengyi True Monarch’s only desire was to escape further suffering. He did not dare attempt deception while facing a Half-Immortal of the Void. Bowing deeply in haste, he confessed, "I happened upon this artifact by chance within the Sect’s treasure vault. Because the Cultivation technique I follow is highly specialized, I was able to detect a hidden opportunity within the Nine Nether Tower. I have spent many years waiting for this moment to arrive. Regrettably, just as it drew near, you arrived. It appears the heavens have dictated that this opportunity is not meant for me."

Zhao Sheng’s eyes glinted as he asked one final question: "Have you disclosed the secrets of the Nine Nether Tower to any other person?"

"This..." Cold sweat drenched Fengyi True Monarch upon hearing the question. He faltered, paralyzed by hesitation.

In response, a sharp, dangerous light flickered within Zhao Sheng’s gaze.

"...I have informed no one!" Sensing the suffocating pressure and the lethal chill directed his way, Fengyi True Monarch realized the gravity of his situation. Abandoning all hesitation, he answered with frantic speed.

Suppressing his killing intent, Zhao Sheng spoke with an icy, detached tone. "Excellent. Since you chose honesty, I shall grant you a few more years of life. However, your cooperation is required for a minor experiment."

Overjoyed by the prospect of survival, Fengyi True Monarch ignored the mention of an "experiment" and prostrated himself immediately. He offered fervent thanks for the mercy shown to him.

Zhao Sheng gave a slight nod before suddenly flicking his wrist. A beam of radiant light erupted from his finger, striking Fengyi True Monarch’s forehead and plunging him into immediate unconsciousness.

"With this settled, it is time to bring the others back."

Zhao Sheng then turned his gaze toward the firmament, whispering softly to himself.

Before the sound of his voice could fade, his form vanished entirely into the air.

Within the boundless expanse of the Void Sea, the Spring Birth Realm sat like a magnificent jade-colored jewel. It rested majestically in a corner of the dark abyss, emitting a steady, vibrant glow.

Zhao Menghan had become a streak of blue light, a meteor racing toward the Spring Birth Realm with great intensity.

Yet, despite the incredible speed of his flight, the sheer scale of the cosmos made him appear as slow as a "snail" as he gradually neared the borders of the Spring Birth Realm.

Suddenly,

a towering figure materialized out of the void a hundred miles ahead of him.

Zhao Menghan lacked the time to halt his momentum. He had barely identified the figure when his streak of light reached the stranger's position.

"...Ancestor!" he cried out, unable to hide his profound shock.

"I have come to escort you home."

As those words reached Zhao Menghan’s ears, a firm and warm hand gripped his shoulder.

The world became a blur in the next heartbeat as he was instantly pulled away from the Outer Void Sea.

When his vision finally cleared, he realized he had been returned to the Cloud Mist Mountain Range.

Zhao Menghan’s face went rigid. Seeing the unconscious Fengyi True Monarch lying there, a wave of shock crashed through his mind.

"Carry him; we are returning to the Hundred Bamboo Tower," Zhao Sheng commanded with indifference.

Quickly collecting his thoughts, Zhao Menghan suppressed his questions and obeyed, stepping forward to lift Fengyi True Monarch.

A moment later, two flashes of light pierced the sky, vanishing behind the peaks in an instant.

...

Three years passed in the blink of an eye.

During these two years, the Cloud Mist Mountain Range—once a secluded and forgotten corner of the Mountain Continent—had grown increasingly lively.

The common folk living on the edges of the mountains witnessed streaks of light crossing the heavens daily, all moving toward the heart of the range.

Frequently, these mountain dwellers saw mythical birds and strange beasts soaring through the clouds, each carrying a prestigious "Immortal Master."

Over the final year, their experiences grew even more profound as they watched numerous "grand processions" journeying into the mountain depths.

The members of these groups were largely dressed in lavish robes and carried powerful auras, with many "Immortal Masters" appearing openly before the eyes of mortals.

Three years is a short span in the grand scheme, yet it was more than enough time for the reputation of the Cloud Mist Zhao Family to resonate across the entire Cultivation world of the Mountain Continent, even if their internal strength had not yet made a massive leap.

The catalyst for this fame, however, was the total destruction of the Ghost God Sect in a single night.

Fire cannot be wrapped in paper, and the news of the Ghost God Sect’s downfall was bound to surface eventually.

In truth, only half a day after Zhao Sheng’s departure, a disciple of the Ghost God Sect had returned to the Sect’s headquarters. Upon discovering the ruin of his home, he was struck by overwhelming panic and horror.

However, he soon regained his focus and began scouring the wreckage, hoping to scavenge any remaining treasures.

As the days passed, more disciples returned to the site, only to find their Sect had been wiped from existence.