Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1380: 742: Xuan Jing Returns, A Great Change Approaches (Part 3)

Previously on Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension...

As the internal atmosphere of Yellow Wind Immortal City begins to stabilize after the fall of Tu Bo Immortal Venerable, Zhao Xuanjing makes an unexpected and silent return to the Zhao Clan. He reveals the catastrophic details of a massive defeat in the Demon Suppression Star Domain, where the sabotage of the Xing Dou Demon Sealing Great Array and the appearance of five Holy Demons led to a total collapse of the defense lines. While Zhao Xuanjing publicly reassures the clan that the Spirit Realm’s foundations remain secure against the alien demon threat, he privately reveals a weakened state and chaotic aura to Zhao Sheng. Despite his injuries, the Ancestor turns his focus toward the status of the Zhao Family branch, signaling a shift in the clan's internal affairs amidst the growing external upheaval.

Observing the situation, Zhao Sheng promptly began detailing the recent affairs of the Da Chun Realm, Black Sand Realm, and Taisu Spiritual Realm, along with other territories like Tianzhu and Chun Sheng. He further elaborated on the current expansion and status of the various Zhao Family branches.

Because of Zhao Xuanjing’s lingering wounds, he initiated a connection through divine thought, which caused the rate of their information sharing to increase exponentially in an instant.

In a mere moment, Zhao Xuanjing attained a profound grasp of the Zhao Family's diverse lineages. He could not help but offer high praise for Zhao Xi’s immense contributions to the family, even likening his work to the legendary feats of their ancestors over the countless ages.

Zhao Sheng humbly insisted he was unworthy of such acclaim, repeatedly stating that in the presence of the Jing Ancestor, he would not presume to speak of his own "merit" or "achievements."

Upon listening, Zhao Xuanjing offered even more generous compliments. Zhao Sheng continued to politely deflect the praise, choosing instead to recount the many legendary "achievements" of the elder.

In this manner, the two continued to exchange mutual admiration, which naturally erased any lingering distance between them. They rapidly developed a close and familiar bond.

The phrase "a soulmate is hard to find, and meeting one feels like a reunion long overdue" perfectly captured the connection between Zhao Sheng and Zhao Xuanjing.

…

Originally, Zhao Xuanjing intended to spend ten days to a fortnight recovering on Divine Art Island.

To his surprise, a talisman descended from the heavens the very next day, delivering an urgent command for his immediate return to the Sect.

It was not until three days later that Zhao Sheng received direct intelligence sent back by him: “The Demon Suppression Star Domain has fallen. Nine alien demon legions surreptitiously seized the Pocket World Divine Ship from Divine Palace Sky Kill, though they were cut off by the immortals of the Spirit Realm.

On that particular day, five Great Holy Demons manifested at once to confront the Spirit Realm immortals. They were pushed back for the time being.

The alien demon host is currently stalled mid-journey, prevented from launching a direct assault on the Spirit Realm proper for now.”

The following day, more troubling reports arrived: “…A small elite squad of the alien demon clan utilized the chaos of the retreating forces to slip into the Spirit Realm unnoticed. Consequently, every Immortal Sect is conducting an emergency screening of all returned disciples. Naturally, Zhao Xuanjing is among those under suspicion.”

Another day passed, and Zhao Xuanjing suddenly reappeared on Divine Art Island, bearing news that was truly jarring: “The natal ‘Immortal Heaven’ of Tu Bo Immortal Venerable was not destroyed, but it is in a desperate state! The battle for control over the Immortal Heaven between the Immortals and Demons has become a fierce struggle that continues even now, with no clear victor. However, the tide is slowly turning in favor of the enemy… To shift the scales, the Taiyi Spirit Palace has once again summoned—”

“…the Immortal Ascension Merit Stele?! What exactly is that?”

Within the depths of the cave mansion, Zhao Sheng was struck by confusion and could not help but look toward Zhao Xuanjing, who sat across from him.

At that moment, Zhao Xuanjing’s face was incredibly solemn, yet his eyes held a surprising flicker of fervor as he explained: “The Immortal Ascension Merit Stele is the supreme treasure of this entire realm. Rumor has it that it was forged by a Daluo Golden Immortal. This stele is remarkably mysterious and holds powers beyond description!”

“But for Cultivators like us, its most vital function is its ability to assist one in achieving ascension to immortality!”

Hearing those words, Zhao Sheng’s heart hammered against his ribs. Even with his seasoned self-control, he was visibly shaken and moved beyond words.

“Is this truly the case?”

“It is absolutely the truth! Provided one accumulates sufficient merit, not only Half-Immortals of the Void like ourselves, but even common mortals can ascend to immortality instantly and gain eternal life!” Zhao Xuanjing declared with total conviction.

After this explanation, Zhao Sheng’s doubts vanished, and he asked with growing excitement: “How can one… acquire this merit?”

Zhao Xuanjing did not give a verbal answer immediately, but instead pulled an object from within his sleeve.

Zhao Sheng leaned in for a better look, seeing what appeared to be a simple “stele,” only three inches tall, with archaic symbols etched into its surface.

Yet, with a second look, it seemed to emit an infinite glow. The “stele” suddenly appeared to become gargantuan, bathing the area in a blinding, radiant light.