Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1395: 750: Void Fortress and Guardian

Soon after, Zhao Sheng and his companions made their way to the uppermost level of the Pocket World Tower. A captivating vista awaited them there, featuring drifting mists and crystal-clear streams, dense woodlands and blooming meadows, along with the melodious calls of birds and the sweet scent of flowers in full bloom.

Deep within a thicket of verdant bamboo, a pair of long-bearded seniors clad in crimson robes were seated cross-legged on the earth, their gazes fixed sharply on the chessboard in front of them. The ebony and ivory pieces were locked in a complex tangle, showing that their match was still in progress.

Zhao Sheng's face went rigid for a moment. These two long-bearded seniors matched each other perfectly in looks, presence, and demeanor, appearing just like identical twins from afar.

As if detecting the newcomers' approach, both long-bearded seniors lifted their heads to glance over.

Huang Hongxiang showed no trace of slackness and quickly moved ahead to offer a deep bow in salute, saying with utmost respect, “Grand disciple Huang Hongxiang, pays respects to Master Bi Fang!”

When Master Bi Fang caught sight of his features, his own expression turned stiff as well.

Right then, Zhao Sheng advanced too, offering a similar bow and greeting, “Junior Zhao Xi, greets the two Ancestors!”

Noticing the pair's salutations, the long-bearded senior on the left abruptly extended his hand to scatter the pieces across the board, muttering in frustration, “Visitors have arrived, so this round can't continue… enough! Duties come first!”

“You sly old fox, forever hating to lose. If we play once more, I'll just concede no matter the outcome!” The long-bearded senior on the right flared up at once, jabbing a finger toward the other and scolding him fiercely.

“Hmph, who's the one hating to lose! We bear the sect's vital duties, which demand constant vigilance. Chess is only for whiling away moments; the real priorities must come ahead!”

The “Master Bi Fang” on the left shot back without hesitation, standing firm and denying any weakness.

“Haha, no point bickering with you, get lost… return!”

No sooner had the words left his mouth than the long-bearded senior on the left dissolved into a streak of radiance and swiftly fused into the body of the one on the right.

Zhao Sheng caught this sight, a flicker of astonishment passing through his eyes within.

Having absorbed the avatar, Master Bi Fang addressed Huang Hongxiang steadily, “Hongxiang, Brother Huang Liang set up your visit here?”

Huang Hongxiang felt a touch of astonishment at the display.

“To report to Ancestor, it wasn't my Ancestor's direct arrangement. Since this disciple-grandson's cultivation has hit a sticking point, I came here seeking guidance to break through,” Huang Hongxiang replied with cupped hands.

“I remember your Huang Family's ‘Five Directions Five Elders Flying God Scripture’ counts as a true immortal technique. This frontline on Vermilion Bird Star fits well for honing your resolve,” Master Bi Fang nodded as he explained, showing his approval.

While speaking, his eyes shifted to Zhao Sheng nearby. “Ah, so you're Zhao Xi? Impressive, very impressive, a real prodigy! Looks like the Divine Artisan Zhao Clan still holds some luck!”

With Master Bi Fang's profound insight, one look sufficed to pierce Zhao Sheng's cover, revealing his exceptional cultivation depth.

Hearing that, a spark of envy appeared in Huang Hongxiang's eyes, though his face betrayed no shock.

“Ancestor, your words honor me too much. Junior doesn't deserve such acclaim,” Zhao Sheng bowed modestly, holding back further comment.

“Since you're here with Hongxiang, he must have filled you in on this spot during the journey, sparing me the details,” Master Bi Fang's gaze gleamed with insight as he inquired slowly, “Now, which role do you pick?”

“Junior seeks the Guardian post at the Void Fortress, and I beg Ancestor's approval,” Zhao Sheng declared without delay.

At that, Huang Hongxiang shot Zhao Sheng a meaningful look, but Zhao Sheng ignored it.

“Have you thought this through? Your power isn't lacking, yet the Guardian role differs from the rest. The burden is heavy, and should alien demons overrun the fortress, it won't end with just you… the Divine Artisan Zhao Clan couldn't withstand the fallout! I'd advise starting in the Demon-slaying Team to adjust, then eyeing other spots,” Master Bi Fang cautioned with a furrowed brow, his tone benevolent.

“Gratitude for Ancestor's concern. Junior's decision is set, and I ask Ancestor to grant my request,” Zhao Sheng answered resolutely.

Though Huang Hongxiang had hinted several times along the path, urging they team up in one Demon-slaying Team for mutual support.

Yet… Zhao Sheng harbored different intentions. Relying on Time-Space Teleportation's might, he could roam the full Star Domain Battlefield freely; why bind himself to a lone Demon-slaying Team?

Master Bi Fang fixed Zhao Sheng with a piercing stare, then whispered briefly to Huang Hongxiang in secret, before pulling out a token of deep gold hue and flinging it his way, remarking offhandedly, “If you're so sure of your skills, so be it. The Eastern Line A3 Fortress needs a Guardian right now. That's your assignment.”

These words caused Huang Hongxiang's features to shift subtly.

“Might Ancestor share details on the A3 Void Fortress's situation?” Zhao Sheng spotted Huang Hongxiang's reaction and, curious, inquired.

“Everything you need is inside that; hold onto it!” With that, Master Bi Fang produced a Jade Scroll and hurled it over.

Afterward, he turned his focus away from Zhao Sheng and questioned Huang Hongxiang about his preferences.

Only those at the Returning to Void Realm might receive some “flexibility” from an Integration Realm powerhouse. For anyone below Returning to Void, choices are nonexistent; they get posted straight upon frontline arrival.

As Zhao Sheng scanned the Jade Scroll's contents, the somewhat crestfallen Huang Hongxiang had selected his assignment.

True to form, he opted for a spot in a Demon-slaying Team.

The Demon-slaying Team stands as a unique unit within the Spirit Realm Human Clan's forces, typically limited to two or three people, capping at five at most.