Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1372: 739: The Gamble, March's Divine Skills Revealed

The moment the Kunyuan Immortal Fruit was revealed, the temperature within the Five Elders Palace seemed to spike with intense fervor.

The younger generation of Divinity Transformation cultivators stared at the Immortal Fruits with hungry, wide-eyed anticipation, as if they were ready to devour them on the spot.

The implications of a Divinity Transformation True Monarch gaining an extra thousand years of longevity were profound. Such a lifespan extension meant their probability of successfully breaking through to the Returning to Void Realm would multiply significantly compared to their peers.

It was a common saying that a single Kunyuan Immortal Fruit often paved the way for the birth of a new Half-Immortal of the Void!

There was a practical necessity behind why the Huang Family of Five Emperor Mountain hosted the Kunyuan Meeting.

Had the Huang Family refused to "share the providence," they would have undoubtedly triggered "public outrage."

In this world, standing against the collective will of the public is a dangerous path that inevitably leads to the ruin and total slaughter of one's clan!

Consequently, the Kunyuan Meeting became an obligatory tradition, where the invitation served as a coveted "entry ticket."

Only rising powers that possessed both formidable strength and "collective recognition" from the ancient, established lineages—such as the Divine Artisan Zhao Clan—could hope to secure such a ticket.

To those already at the Returning to Void Realm, while a life-extending Immortal Fruit was valuable, it wasn't a treasure they would desperately scramble for.

Seasoned Returning to Void experts like the Marquis of Wind and Di Wuque had already experienced the effects of the Kunyuan Immortal Fruit thousands of years prior.

The longevity benefits of such a Spirit Fruit are only granted upon the initial consumption; any subsequent fruits provide no additional life extension whatsoever.

Zhao Sheng reached out and grasped a Five-Colored Spirit Fruit. He marveled at its translucent skin and crystalline interior, which looked like carved frozen jade. Within the fruit, five-colored strands of spirit light darted about like quick-moving fish.

Curiously, the fruit lacked a physical pit; instead, a faint, shimmering halo of colorful light resided deep within its core.

As Zhao Sheng held the Kunyuan Immortal Fruit, Di Wuque stole a glance at Master Huang Shi before turning his gaze toward Zhao Sheng. With a thin, mocking smile, he asked, “Zhao Kid, do you have the courage to duel me?”

“Why would I be afraid? I assume the stakes for this duel involve this Kunyuan Immortal Fruit?” Zhao Sheng countered with a cold smirk, instantly seeing through the other man's scheme.

While speaking, he cast a meaningful look toward Master Huang Shi.

“Haha, Taoist Zhao, you are sharp indeed. Since you've guessed it, I won't mince words. Let us wager the Kunyuan Fruits we currently hold. However, this hall is a bit too small for us to truly unleash our full power. Why don't we let our subordinates compete on our behalf? It would certainly add some flavor to this grand gathering!” Di Wuque’s eyes flickered as he laid out his proposal with blunt honesty.

Zhao Sheng was momentarily stunned by the suggestion. Though it caught him off guard, he quickly realized it made perfect sense given the circumstances.

His opponent had clearly calculated this move well in advance; the moment Di Wuque spoke, the trap was already set.

In fact, this might not just be the Diwu Clan’s plan. It felt like a "tacit understanding" among all the old-money factions to collectively suppress any "newcomers" trying to climb the ranks.

Zhao Sheng looked up, scanning the gathered Half-Immortals of the Void. He saw warm, expectant smiles on their faces, as if they were all waiting for the show to begin.

He fell into silent contemplation, his eyes shifting toward Zhao San Yue and Zhao Qingfeng, who were seated on the lower platforms.

Zhao San Yue looked entirely composed and self-assured, whereas Zhao Qingfeng appeared grim, offering a slow, measured nod of acknowledgment.

Di Wuque’s eyes gleamed as he raised his voice, taunting, “Why the long silence? Don't tell me... you've lost your nerve?”

“Haha! I simply think it’s lopsided. Why shouldn't you and I settle this ourselves? The juniors have shallow Cultivation, and their battles can easily spiral out of control. If someone ends up dead or crippled, it would be difficult to settle the matter amicably.” Zhao Sheng laughed, slowly pulling back his sleeves as if preparing for immediate combat.

Master Huang Shi suddenly let out a boisterous laugh and chimed in playfully: “No, no! The Five Elders Palace won't survive the two of you making a mess. I have a suggestion. Let the participating juniors suppress their Cultivation to the same realm to ensure fairness. What do you two think?”

Without a second thought, Di Wuque replied, “That sounds easy enough! I’m in. Zhao Kid, what about you?”

Before Zhao Sheng could answer, a cold transmission echoed in his ear: “Ancestor, please allow me to represent us. This victory is guaranteed!”

Zhao Sheng’s eyes shifted toward Zhao San Yue, who met his gaze with a firm, resolute nod.

Casting aside his doubts, he nodded decisively. “Very well!”

“Excellent! I like your decisiveness!” Di Wuque clapped and laughed, though a murderous chill briefly flashed in his eyes.

“Xuan Ye, go test the skills of the Zhao Clan’s experts. Remember to show restraint; do not claim any lives!”

As the command was given, a massive, black-armored warrior with a face as red as a date rose from a lotus platform below.

“Ancestor, do not worry. I shall show mercy,” Diwu Xuanye replied, his voice devoid of emotion.

When this man stood, Zhao Qingfeng’s heart skipped a beat. His eyes twitched as a wave of instinctive dread washed over him.

As the proverb goes: a man’s fame is like the shadow of a great tree!

There was no one in the Ten Thousand Peak Spirit Domain who didn't recognize the name of Diwu Xuanye.

His legendary status had been established a millennium ago. He had survived countless blood-soaked conflicts throughout his life without suffering a single defeat.

Once he reached the Divinity Transformation stage, he became a force of nature!

For nearly a thousand years, Diwu Xuanye has reigned supreme, crushing every opponent beneath the Returning to Void Realm. He is widely hailed as the “strongest under the Returning to Void.”

Having remained at the Perfect God Transformation Realm for many years, his Cultivation and Divine Skills have reached a state of flawless perfection. He only lacks a single moment of destiny to face the perilous Returning to Void Thunder Tribulation—a path where survival is a one-in-ten chance.

Zhao Qingfeng’s mind raced as he realized exactly why Diwu Xuanye was so eager to fight—he was doing it specifically to secure that Kunyuan Immortal Fruit for his breakthrough.