Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1409: 756: Identity Exposed, Recruitment, and Top-Secret Mission

Two months had passed.

Deep within the core hall of the A3 Virtual Realm Fortress.

Seated in a cross-legged position on the lotus platform, Zhao Sheng maintained his hand seal without stirring. Within his Elixir Heaven, an alien crystal roughly the size of a fist spun leisurely, its layers gleaming with bursts of thunderous radiance while it pulsed outward and inward without pause.

At the heart of this alien crystal swirled a misty vortex of rainbow hues, radiating a dazzling aura of law.

All at once, a bundle of pure white light dropped from the hall's ceiling, and the Illusion Spirit White Deer materialized in an instant.

“My lord, we have a visitor?”

“Is that so? Who managed to track this place down?”

At these words, Zhao Sheng's eyes snapped open, a flicker of bewilderment crossing his features.

“White Deer, display their appearance right away!”

“Right away, my lord!”

Hardly had the command echoed when a holographic screen shimmered into view, showing a massive figure with a steadfast expression, standing tall like an unyielding peak—it was none other than Zhao Xuanjing.

“Hmph, for something so minor, why bother showing up yourself!”

With just a look, joy lit up Zhao Sheng's face, and his form blurred as he swiftly departed the core hall.

Moments later, he reached the teleportation array chamber situated midway up the fortress.

Inside the chamber at that moment, Zhao Xuanjing stood just beyond the array, encircled by a handful of cultivators, apparently having lingered there for some time.

“My respects, Ancestor Jing!” Zhao Sheng bowed promptly to Zhao Xuanjing and asked, “What brings you here in the flesh?”

“I never thought you'd pull off such an impressive achievement in so short a time. Considering how vital it is, I chose to handle this personally,” Zhao Xuanjing replied with a gentle chuckle, motioning for him to approach.

Zhao Sheng scanned the surroundings briefly and murmured, “This isn't suitable for discussion. Ancestor, please come with me.”

Zhao Xuanjing gave a nod, letting Zhao Sheng guide him away from the teleportation chamber.

In short order, they entered a secluded courtyard, settling onto cushions under the Spiritual Peach Tree.

With a flip of his right hand, Zhao Sheng produced a dull wooden box etched with carvings and slid it quietly toward Zhao Xuanjing.

Zhao Xuanjing drew in a steady breath, lifted the cover with care, and beheld nine neat rows of alien crystals—eighty-one in all—each surpassing the size of a fist.

In today's Taiyi Spirit Realm, alien crystals serve as prized “hard currency” among advanced cultivators, for they aid in grasping Taoist Law and can be swapped directly for “Heavenly Merit.”

Every one of these alien crystals in the box originated from Void Realm Demon Elders, and each promised at least three substantial Heavenly Merits upon exchange!

Zhao Sheng had labored intensely to trade his accumulated Heavenly Merit for these alien crystals, securing them at a favorable ten-percent reduction.

A glint sparked in Zhao Xuanjing's gaze as he snapped the lid shut and declared gravely, “Are you aware of the real reason for my visit to you?”

“Yes, I suspect so. Likely, the higher-ups have pierced through my facade by now,” Zhao Sheng responded with a composed nod, already piecing it together.

“Good that you realize it! After all, a Half-Immortal of the Void doesn't grow on trees like common weeds. Moreover, your exceptional power inevitably catches the eye from on high,” Zhao Xuanjing affirmed with a slight tilt of his head and went on, “On that note, you've brought me considerable benefits this round. The Sect Leader issued a special order, asking me to convince you to align with the Spirit-controlling Immortal Sect!

That said, joining or not is entirely your call. I just want to stress that now you're on their radar, you'll need to tread more cautiously going forward.”

By “on their radar,” he meant the Integration Realm Great Powers and even the Tribulation Crossing Venerables.

Perhaps it extended further, for “he” could have drawn the scrutiny of an Immortal already.

During that prior clash, had he not slain so many foes, he might not have roused a presence thought to surpass a Tribulation Demon.

In retaliation, a human Great Ability drew his blade!

Though their exchange was brief—just a single strike—it shook numerous elite figures in the Human Clan.

Zhao Sheng's cover was almost flawless, yet the Spirit Realm's Human Clan wielded endless Immortal Laws and wondrous techniques. Should the leaders probe deeply, they could uncover his “weak spot.”

And so, the persona of “Yan Chixia” stood revealed to the upper ranks.

Naturally, his actual identity remained confined to the Spirit Realm's uppermost circles, utterly unknown to anyone below Integration Realm.

Zhao Xuanjing acted as an emissary, extending an invitation to join the Spirit-controlling Immortal Sect.

This development fell within his anticipations.

Indeed, post-battle, he had demonstrated boundless promise, rendering Integration Realm ascension a real possibility, along with a faint chance at Tribulation Transcendence.

When confronting someone poised to rise as a Venerable upon crossing Tribulation, it would be odd if the Spirit-controlling Immortal Sect overlooked recruiting him.

“Ancestor Jing, you know I come from the Nine Questions Immortal Sect, bound by rules that bar me from other immortal sects.”

“I remember well. That's why I'm not pushing for full membership—serving as a Guest Elder should pose no difficulty, yes?”

“Guest Elder?” Zhao Sheng's gaze flickered as he agreed swiftly, “Of course, that's fine by me—I accept!”

“Excellent! Now I can give the Sect Leader some good news!” Zhao Xuanjing beamed, stroking his beard, and drew a Source Jade Token from his sleeve to set before Zhao Sheng.

Observing this, Zhao Sheng swept his hand across the table, claiming the Guest Token, and remarked with a grin, “Looks like Ancestor Jing came fully prepared, token and all!”

“Haha, it's beneficial for both sides! I saw no way you'd turn it down. Plus, under our sect's shelter, you'll face far less hassle and peril.”

Zhao Sheng offered a quiet smile before steering the conversation toward the exchange of True Souls.