Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1411: 758: Trap or Opportunity?

Dark Sky, A3 Virtual Realm Fortress.

Zhao Sheng completed his journey back from the Alien Demon Occupied Zone in under a single day.

He rushed back to the A3 Fortress without pause, then activated the Transmission Array inside right away to send himself straight to Qiming City, wasting no time at all.

Once there, Zhao Sheng swiftly made his way into the city's towering structure, climbing up to the highest level where he encountered Master Bi Fang, who was posted at that spot.

“Junior has finished the assignment and can now report to Master.” After showing proper respect, he pulled out the Sumeru Ring and handed it over to Master Bi Fang.

Master Bi Fang snatched the Sumeru Ring mid-air, watching as its surface burst into a dazzling glow, with endless intricate runes sparkling within the light.

A burst of pure light flashed, and a heap of various objects tumbled down from above, featuring Jade Scrolls, Crystal Stones, and a few Dark Gold Tokens, plus more.

Master Bi Fang's gaze sharpened with interest as he seized a roll of Silk Books and started scanning its contents immediately.

Within just one breath's time, his face showed a mix of astonishment and joy, like he'd uncovered something truly amazing.

Seriousness overtook Master Bi Fang's features, and he swept his sleeve to gather all the items inside it, then gave a grave warning, “You've handled this affair superbly. However, the compensation will wait a bit. Remain within the city for several days; I'll call for you soon after. Moreover, keep today's happenings completely under wraps. Should any word slip out, you'll answer to me!”

Zhao Sheng replied at once, “Junior grasps the importance of this and won't breathe a word to anyone else.”

“Good, then... you can go!” Master Bi Fang's look softened a touch as he spoke, his eyes sharp and probing.

“Junior departs!” Zhao Sheng offered another bow before spinning around and exiting.

Shortly afterward, he secured a short-term cave dwelling and took up residence in Qiming City.

Though Zhao Sheng couldn't pinpoint why Master Bi Fang wanted him to linger, he sensed it tied directly to whatever lay within the Sumeru Ring.

Maybe... he'd already stepped into some major affair, and freedom would elude him for the time being.

Zhao Sheng's wait proved brief; merely three days passed before the summons arrived, prompting him to rush back to the city's lofty tower.

As he stepped onto the tower's uppermost floor, Zhao Sheng's eyes widened briefly, struck by deep surprise.

Aside from Master Bi Fang, three additional figures occupied the space.

The greatest shock came from an old Human Clan gentleman clad in a simple white Daoist robe; he held himself rigid as a blade, his lean visage framed by flowing white locks and beard, radiating an immeasurable aura that evoked a supreme divine sword held in reserve.

Flanking the elder were a male and female pair, each strikingly handsome, their presences immense, obviously surpassing Returning to Void in cultivation.

The lady donned a verdant Crimson Robe, moving with elegant composure, her bearing kind and tranquil, carrying a faint soothing aroma of herbs.

Most eye-catching was the odd, oversized “Mushroom” resting on her shoulder, vivid in hue, bizarrely equipped with arms and a face, complete with eyes, nose, and mouth upon its bulbous top, appearing endearingly naive.

Right then, this little “Mushroom” nestled in slumber against its owner's shoulder, much like a sleepy young one.

Next to the woman, the man initially seemed a charming rogue, flashing a lazy grin, yet his gaze coldly sized up Zhao Sheng upon his entry.

Zhao Sheng pulled back his stare, advancing with swift strides, and saluted Master Bi Fang, “Junior Zhao Xi offers greetings to Master!”

Master Bi Fang's face tightened at the phrase, snapping quickly, “Mind your manners! This is Yangjian Venerable. Make haste and show respect to the Great Venerable!”

Zhao Sheng jolted in surprise, then bent low toward the thin elder, voicing respect, “Humble cultivator Zhao Xi pays homage to the Great Venerable! I meant no disrespect earlier; forgive this humble one's impropriety!”

“Lack of knowledge isn't wrongdoing!” Yangjian Venerable chuckled without care, “To think, this isn't our initial encounter. Before, you actually escaped death under Luo Ye's grasp, which truly astounds this Venerable!”

Hearing this, Zhao Sheng's thoughts whirled rapidly, realization dawning, so he bowed profoundly with sincere thanks, “So the Great Venerable was my rescuer that day! My survival owes everything to the Great Venerable! Words fail to express my debt for the life-saving kindness; please receive my three kowtows!”

As he prepared to drop to his knees, an invisible might arose from thin air, forcing him upright before he could.

“Spare the kneeling! This Venerable can't stand all that bowing and scraping. Clinging to empty rituals might just halt your Daoist path right there.” Yangjian Venerable warned firmly.

Zhao Sheng grinned lightly, “The Great Venerable's wise words have cleared the junior's doubts, offering true guidance—my thanks!”

“Cut the praise; this Venerable sees through it.” Yangjian Venerable stated, “We've called you here today for a covert mission that requires your involvement.”

Master Bi Fang picked up from there, “Truth be told, you weren't our top pick for this duty, but fate placed you perfectly, and with the Great Venerable's firm endorsement, you're now part of it. That said, during this operation, obey Senior Sister Xue's commands without question. And should the situation turn dire, prioritize Senior Sister Xue's protection, got it?”

Zhao Sheng glanced toward the woman, who gave him a nod.

He steadied his resolve and affirmed firmly, “Junior shall adhere to Senior Xue's directives.”

Yet even as he pledged this, a storm of ideas raced through Zhao Sheng's head, striking him with the fear that his hidden “Space-Time Teleportation” ability had come to light.

And the one aware of this hidden talent, most likely, was none other than Yangjian Venerable!