Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1370: 738: Display of Power, Probing and Preaching
Previously on Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension...
Viewed from the exterior, the Five Elders Palace appeared both ancient and grand, yet it was only after crossing the threshold into the main hall that the true essence of a timeless "Immortal Gate" became apparent.
The flooring of the palace was paved with translucent, shimmering, and unique crystals of five different colors, which were clearly massive Principle Crystals.
Flanking the hall were two rows of titanic silver-white pillars that held up the vaulted dome. Spiritual light danced upon them, emitting a frigid, crystalline radiance that identified them as Taiyin Cold Iron—a precious material used for crafting high-level Spiritual Treasures.
Every piece of furniture within the hall was a priceless artifact, their value far exceeding what any amount of Spirit Stones could measure.
Zhao Sheng cast a brief look around before centering his attention on the middle of the chamber.
Towering lotus platforms stood there, arranged in three distinct tiers. Four of these seats were already occupied by figures whose formidable auras resembled vast oceans; all were clearly at the cultivation level of the Returning to Void Realm or beyond.
On the second and third tiers of the lotus platforms, several others sat, watching with varying expressions as the newcomers arrived.
The primary lotus platform at the very front was significantly larger than the rest. A figure of massive stature sat cross-legged upon it—a "Light Man" shrouded from head to toe in radiant Magic Light that completely masked his features.
Roughly one hundred zhang of space lay between Zhao Sheng and the platform. Though the void appeared tranquil, turbulent undercurrents swirled beneath the surface.
Countless Law Fluctuations surged and wove together as thick as silk, creating an invisible "Barrier" that obstructed the path of Zhao Sheng and his followers.
Recognizing the situation, Zhao Sheng understood that the first trial had begun.
A faint smile touched his lips as he moved forward…
Simultaneously, his eyes ignited like brilliant stars, with endless streaks of electricity revolving rapidly within his pupils.
Suddenly, a blinding flash of Thunder Light manifested from nothingness. With a sharp tearing sound, a long fissure split the void open.
For a brief moment, the entire hall was drowned in a sea of white!
The Law Barrier was obliterated in a single strike. The intensity of the Thunder Light caused the group of Divinity Transformation juniors to wince from the stabbing pain in their eyes, forcing them to shut them instinctively.
In that split second, Zhao Sheng’s vision pierced the layers of radiance, revealing that the figure hidden beneath the Magic Light was actually a bald, fat old man without eyebrows who wore a mournful expression.
Without pausing his stride, Zhao Sheng reached the center of the hall in an instant. He openly cupped his hands and declared, "I am Zhao Xi. It is an honor to meet Master Huang Shi and my fellow Taoists!"
"Taoist Zhao, please, have a seat!" With a mere thought, the fat old man dissolved the Magic Light and gestured with a warm smile.
"...It is a pleasure to meet you, Taoist Zhao!" Seeing the display, the four Returning Void Venerables returned the greeting to Zhao Sheng with cupped hands.
Zhao Sheng gave a smiling nod to each of them before ascending into the air to claim an unoccupied lotus platform.
Zhao San Yue and Zhao Qingfeng followed him closely, seating themselves on the second-tier platforms.
"Taoist Zhao, allow me to introduce everyone; this is Fellow Daoist Jianxing of Marquis of Wind… Fellow Daoist Di Wuque… Fellow Daoist Ying Luochong… and Master Jie Bude!" Master Huang Shi introduced the four individuals one by one.
Zhao Sheng nodded toward the four, quickly matching their faces to the details he had committed to memory.
Each was undoubtedly a prominent figure of great renown, and all were recognized as "powerhouses" within the Returning to Void Realm.
"Haha!"
A booming laugh erupted, instantly pulling the focus of everyone in the room.
Jianxing of Marquis of Wind stroked his long beard, his piercing eyes fixed on Zhao Sheng as he laughed, "I have heard Taoist Zhao’s name for a long time but never had the chance to meet him. Seeing you today, you are truly like a dragon or phoenix among men—you certainly live up to your reputation!"
Zhao Sheng’s pupils narrowed as he felt an ear-piercing Demon Sound bore into his Primordial Spirit. It made his entire body feel numb and nearly caused his Mana to spiral out of control.
Only by facing the bizarre "Elusive and Unpredictable Demon Sound" personally could one truly comprehend the terrifying power of Jianxing of Marquis of Wind.
As the Demon Sound vibrated in his ears, a vast and domineering Will surged toward him like an infinite, crushing ocean.
The faces of Zhao San Yue and Zhao Qingfeng turned pale and their pupils dilated, appearing as though they were on the verge of becoming Fallen Demons.
Zhao Sheng frowned, and his powerful Divine Thought immediately neutralized the shrill Demon Sound. Simultaneously, the radiance of his Will surged outward, shielding the lotus platform beneath him and saving his two companions from the sonic assault.
Meanwhile, his Will Field established an invisible Barrier to block the oppressive force coming from Jianxing of Marquis of Wind.
Zhao San Yue’s expression softened as his Mana began to circulate properly again, and his aura soon stabilized.
Two immense Wills collided with violence, sending streaks of Electric Light flickering across the empty space.
With a low buzzing noise, the void became unstable, showing numerous ripples that twisted and shook as if the very fabric of space might shatter.
This silent, distant clash ended in a stalemate between the two!
"Haha! Excellent, truly excellent! Taoist Zhao, despite your youth, you possess such incredible strength; you are indeed a rare genius of this world! It is only that the Zhao Family, relying on your name, has been acting somewhat improperly. The younger generation these days is far too bold. Taoist Zhao, you ought to give them more discipline when you return."
Jianxing of Marquis of Wind’s eyes glinted as he laughed loudly, slowly drawing back his pressure.
Zhao Sheng also retracted his aura, replying with a smile that failed to reach his eyes, "Fellow Daoist, you praise me too much. I have always held the view that the food on the table is limited; if you have the strength, you eat more, and if you don't, you naturally eat less. What matters is the food; compared to having a full stomach, table manners are a trivial concern!"
"Humph, such arrogance. The young shouldn't be so aggressive! It remains to be seen who will end up eating whom." Di Wuque cut in, his face dark with suppressed anger.
Because the Zhao Family’s relentless growth had cost the Diwu Clan the most in terms of resources and influence, Di Wuque harbored the deepest hostility toward Zhao Sheng.