Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1360: 733: Nascent Souls Gather, Nine Nether Tower Illusion Realm?

As dawn arrived, a thin veil of mist drifted through the air, transforming the mountain into a vast emerald sea. Hundreds of miles of spirit pine and bamboo forests stretched out, their dense canopy hiding refined and elegant courtyards from view.

Deep in the heart of this verdant woodland lay a massive square spanning three miles in diameter. The entire ground was paved with high-grade Spirit Jade, shimmering under the morning light.

At the very center of the square stood a nine-story tower, rising over ten zhang into the sky and radiating a sinister, grey-black light. The octagonal structure featured smooth exterior walls forged from an unidentified, mysterious spirit gold. Crystal bells dangled from every floor, swaying silently. The tower was completely sealed, devoid of windows, with only a single jade-white door at the base providing entry.

When the sun finally crested the mountain peaks and bathed the forest in golden hues, streaks of light pierced the sky from every direction. These lights descended upon the square, manifesting into figures dressed in vibrant yellow robes.

Though they varied in age, every individual possessed a commanding presence and a deep, powerful aura. Any junior of the Zhao Family would have been struck with awe; the crowd gathered here consisted entirely of the clan’s Nascent Soul Elders, figures of immense status and authority.

Normally, these experts were stationed in far-flung regions, ruling over their own territories with absolute power. Yet today, nearly a hundred Nascent Soul Elders had converged on this single square. One had to wonder who possessed the influence to summon them all at once.

“Third Uncle, do you think the Ancestor called us here for... that?” a dark-faced, middle-aged man with a short topknot whispered to his companion in a quiet corner of the square.

“Do not let your mind wander. This is clearly a monumental opportunity. If we can pass the Ancestor's trial, our future path will be limitless,” Zhao Changxiu replied to his nephew, Zhao Shengmeng, via a solemn divine sense transmission.

“You are right. A move by the Ancestor must have deep implications; he would never waste time on trivialities. Still, the clan is full of geniuses, and twelve great cultivators are already present. I fear our cultivation levels aren't high enough to draw the Ancestor’s attention,” Zhao Shengmeng said, his voice tinged with anxiety.

Overhearing their exchange, Zhao Xiandu turned around and spoke calmly, “There is no need for such concern. From what I have gathered, this test does not measure raw combat power. Instead, it focuses on one's temperament and their personal comprehension of the Dao.”

“Is that the truth, Second Elder?” Zhao Changxiu asked quickly.

According to the Zhao family's generational poem: Immortal Cultivation is Valuable for Longevity...

The “Immortal” generation sits two ranks above the “Longevity” generation. Since Zhao Xiandu held the second-highest cultivation rank in his generation, Zhao Changxiu addressed him as Second Elder.

In the modern Zhao family, seniority was no longer determined by birth order, but by the strength of one's cultivation. This system was a necessity, as the number of descendants born into the cultivation clan had become too vast to track otherwise.

“Believe it or not as you wish!” Zhao Xiandu gave Zhao Changxiu a brief look. He only shared such vital intelligence because he recognized the man's potential.

Zhao Changxiu was instantly revitalized by the news, his self-assurance returning. Beside him, Zhao Shengmeng’s expression also brightened with renewed interest.

While power levels varied, every cultivator who reached the Nascent Soul Realm possessed a unique perspective on the Dao. Without a direct battle of strength, none of them were willing to admit they were inferior to their peers.

“Observe that nine-story tower. It is a rare and peculiar treasure; that is where our trial will take place. The number of floors we manage to ascend will likely determine our future fates!” Zhao Xiandu said, his eyes scanning the crowd as his fighting spirit began to burn fervently.

“Does this mean the Ancestor plans to choose a few disciples to personally guide in the future?” Zhao Shengmeng realized the foolishness of his question the moment it left his lips, feeling a pang of regret.

Zhao Xiandu ignored him, his focus already shifting toward those he deemed his true "competitors."

Within the Zhao clan's Nascent Soul ranks, the oldest living members belonged to the “Yan” generation, followed by “Qinghua, Immortal Cultivation is Valuable for Longevity, Three Mountains Rise and Shine...” all the way down to the “Sky” generation, totaling 193 people.

Over a hundred were present today. Among them were twelve at the late stage and thirty-two at the Nascent Soul Middle Stage.

Setting aside the three “Yan” generation elders who were nearing the end of their lifespans, there were at least nineteen individuals who posed a serious threat to him.

“...Zhao Xianhui, looks like a refined scholar but is incredibly calculating. He appears kind but is ruthless at heart...”

“...Zhao Changhu, at the eighth layer of the Nascent Soul Realm. He looks as fierce as a tiger but possesses a meticulous mind. He has reached the Perfect Realm in the ‘Heavenly One Sumeru Scripture.’ Threat level: Five Stars...”

“...Zhao Zhenjin, a natural Golden Spirit Body with incredible talent. He is an Artifact Refining Master who has mastered a top-tier divine ability. Threat level: Four Stars...”

“...Zhao San Yue, at the seventh layer of the Nascent Soul Realm. An Alchemy Master whose ‘Ten Thousand Wood Revival Technique’ has hit the Transformation Realm. She once shocked the world with her ‘Withered Wood Revival’ technique...”

Zhao San Yue possessed a stunning, graceful figure. Even the plainness of her Daoist robes could not mask her radiant beauty, which drew the eyes of many nearby.

Feeling Zhao Xiandu’s sharp gaze, Zhao San Yue—who had been studying the tower—suddenly turned. Her eyes met his.

Her look lingered on him for only a heartbeat before she looked away, a faint trace of cold indifference visible in her eyes.

Zhao Xiandu’s eyes twitched slightly. He redirected his attention, continuing to scan his other rivals and calculating their respective threat levels.

As the sun reached its highest point in the sky, a thunderous dragon’s roar erupted from the heavens. A golden Dragon Serpent, three hundred zhang in length, tore through the sunlight and streaked across the horizon. Within moments, it descended, landing heavily above the tower square.