Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1480 - 800: Yun Qing Appears, Minister Elders_2

Xue Yunqing gave a soft nod, as though carrying a hidden worry, reluctant to dwell on bygone events.

The White Qi Taoist inclined his head faintly, then moved past the subject, proceeding with his words, "This individual has now achieved Unification ascension, thus we must not permit him to roam freely, nor allow any other Immortal Sects to welcome him. Junior Sister Yunqing, given your familiarity with him, why don't you step forward and secure his entry into the Taiyi Spirit Palace."

"Senior Brother, permit me to undertake this journey in her stead. Junior Sister's cultivation remains unrestored..." The plump Great Han declared with grave deliberation.

Before his words could conclude, Xue Yunqing let out a light laugh, "There's no need to burden Senior Brother Bai Ji with this. I can manage such a minor affair myself."

Upon hearing her response, the plump Great Han burst into a booming laugh, his eyes crinkling just a touch.

Noticing this, the White Qi Taoist promptly agreed, assigning the responsibility to Xue Yunqing.

...

Zhao Sheng remained oblivious to the impending arrival of someone bound to stir trouble.

Right then, he was eagerly discussing the secrets of establishing a Grotto Heaven with Zhao Xuanjing, his words flowing with passion, and he even beckoned Zhao Xuanjing to step inside the newly formed Grotto Heaven.

This Grotto Heaven bore the name Wu Lei, and since its recent creation, the surroundings were brutally unforgiving, evoking a vision of utter devastation.

Across the ground, volcanoes burst forth in fierce rivalry, rivers twisted through the landscape yet lay parched like cracked earth; vapors from water ascended heavenward, coalescing into vast rain-bearing clouds.

From above, torrential rains cascaded down, the droplets blending with dense fumes to create a canopy of murky black precipitation, drenching the terrain below.

Yet prior to touching the surface, the downpour evaporated amid the scorching heat, turning into vast quantities of water vapor that ascended once more toward the clouds.

The atmosphere within the Grotto Heaven hung heavy with pollution and scarcity, rendering it lethal for ordinary mortals. Only the regions bordering the Four Seas offered marginal relief, though survival there proved challenging still.

Zhao Sheng and Zhao Xuanjing hovered upon a cloud, methodically scanning the entirety of the Grotto Heaven.

As they examined the Grotto Heaven's conditions, Zhao Xuanjing offered pointers to Zhao Sheng, unveiling his profound understandings without reserve.

Zhao Sheng responded with a quiet nod, linking his Spirit to the Cave Heaven Law, and mending the flaws in line with the advice provided.

Bit by bit, enormous water columns surged skyward from the Four Seas' depths, hauling up tremendous volumes of seawater that fused with the clouds, birthing even greater formations of rain clouds.

The whole Grotto Heaven soon unleashed a relentless deluge. The plentiful water vapor drew in excessive warmth, gradually lowering the Grotto Heaven's temperature and soothing the scorched earth.

...

Two days afterward,

Two silhouettes materialized abruptly high above Dragon Head Peak.

Zhao Sheng and Zhao Xuanjing lingered in mid-air, their gazes fixed afar.

"Second Brother, what intentions do you hold for what lies ahead?" Zhao Xuanjing inquired abruptly.

"I began as a follower of the Nine Questions Immortal Sect, bound by the vow I made upon joining, which bars me from aligning with any other Immortal Sects. Thus, I appreciate Brother's kind offer, yet Younger Brother must decline further discussion on this." Zhao Sheng shook his head, replying measuredly.

"Are you aiming to wander unbound? Regrettably, though waters may seek calm, winds refuse to subside. If my judgment holds true, visitors will seek you out shortly. Care to wager which sect approaches first?" Zhao Xuanjing grinned.

Zhao Sheng abruptly turned his sight to the distant skyline, murmuring softly, "No speculation required—the arrival is already upon us!"

With those words spoken, the Heavenly Vault blazed with a spectrum of brilliant lights, weaving into an enormous rainbow pathway that extended from the horizon straight to the pair.

At that instant, a majestic white lion emerged at the bridge's far end, bounding forward with purpose, bearing a woman in simple robes astride its form.

In a mere flash, the white lion touched down nearby, the robed woman descending gracefully to alight several paces distant, offering a courteous nod to the two men.

Recognizing the newcomer's features, Zhao Sheng felt a jolt of surprise, his face turning serious as he bowed deeply in reverence, "I offer my respects to Mr. Xue! Even after centuries, Mr.'s presence remains unaltered; it fills me with genuine joy."

Zhao Xuanjing's gaze sharpened, dimly perceiving the visitor's immeasurable presence, his pulse quickening as he too bowed in homage, "I, Zhao Xianglong, extend my respects to Mr. Xue."

Xue Yunqing scrutinized Zhao Sheng intently before responding, "My Daoist title is Yunqing—young friend, could you have confused me with another?"

Zhao Sheng's heart sank heavily, compelling him to bow once more in greeting, "Indeed, my error. I pay respects to Yunqing Venerable!"

As for Xue Susu, he refrained from uttering her name.

Zhao Xuanjing, versed in this realm's hidden lore, upon catching the title Yunqing Venerable, showed a flicker of recognition, hastening to bow afresh in proper salute.

Xue Yunqing took no offense, inclining her head and stating, "You've likely surmised the purpose of my visit. I represent the Taiyi Spirit Palace, extending an invitation today for you to become part of the Spirit Palace."

Hearing this, Zhao Sheng's mind whirled, swiftly deducing that his Unification ascension had reached the ears of Taiyi Spirit Palace, prompting their recruitment effort.

This development held no shock for him, as Painting Saint and Tuo Immortal had long been aware and shared the intelligence with Taiyi Spirit Palace.

"In truth, I swore loyalty to the Nine Questions Immortal Sect in the Taisu Spiritual Realm, constrained by that initiation oath, preventing me from joining another sect." He paused briefly, steeling himself to refuse.

To his surprise, Xue Yunqing displayed no irritation, rather offering a warm smile as she replied, "That poses no issue! The Taiyi Spirit Palace offers the honorary role of Minister Elder. Such elders stand apart from full membership in the Spirit Palace. Young friend, assuming the Minister Elder position would surely sidestep any breach of your oath."

"This..." Zhao Sheng found himself boxed in, grappling with indecision.

Observing the scene, Zhao Xuanjing shot a quick look of encouragement, urging him to consent for now.

Realizing delay was unwise, Zhao Sheng bowed with respect and smiled, "I am deeply honored by the Venerable's direct summons; it humbles me greatly. Very well, I shall accept the Minister Elder role. Yet, what duties and commitments does a Minister Elder entail?"

Xue Yunqing smiled gently, explaining, "The Minister Elder post is quite relaxed, free of routine duties. That said, the Spirit Palace occasionally assigns unique missions, which Minister Elders are called to fulfill.

Naturally, the compensations for these missions prove exceedingly bountiful. You hold the freedom to accept or decline them. However, once every ten thousand years, a Minister Elder is required to undertake at least one such mission."

Zhao Sheng nodded, reflecting that Taiyi Spirit Palace's demands on Minister Elders were truly lenient.

"My gratitude for the Venerable's guidance; I gladly assume the Minister Elder position."

Xue Yunqing offered a subtle smile, drawing forth a Jade Pendant with ease and flicking it toward him as she said, "Here is the Guest Minister Jade Token—safeguard it well."

Zhao Sheng caught the Jade Token, his Divine Thought delving into it, promptly uncovering its status as a Spiritual Treasure infused with the mighty Great Divine Power "Thousand Spirits Shadow Transformation."

One had to admit, the Taiyi Spirit Palace's might was evident, for even a simple Guest Minister Jade Token qualified as a priceless artifact.

Xue Yunqing wasted no time, concluding her errand before mounting the white lion once more and departing with elegant poise.

Zhao Sheng observed her receding form, his features etched with deep thought.

...

Time slipped away swiftly, more than a decade vanishing in an instant.

On that particular day, amid the Spirit Beast Valley in the Wolong Mountain Range, roars of spirit beasts echoed as clouds of dust billowed.

Vast Spirit Boats soared in from every direction, settling into the valley, from which hordes of spirit beasts were herded down, converging in the valley's beast enclosure to form a vast assembly.

At that juncture, a "passage" spanning hundreds of measures across hung in the eastern sky, beyond which sprawled verdant meadows, with thick forests rising in the distance.

Pa pa pa!

Beast Tamers cracked their Spirit Whips with vigor, the lashes unleashing myriad glowing streaks that lashed at the beast packs, driving them with formidable momentum.

Hundreds of spirit beasts—tigers, leopards, rabbits, deer, and more—yielded to the Spirit Whips' urging, charging obediently into the passage.

By midday, no fewer than three thousand spirit beasts had plunged through that gateway.

As noon drew near, beams of tunneling light descended into the Spirit Beast Valley, unveiling numerous Zhao Clan Members who, brimming with excitement, darted into the passage.

Beyond the portal lay a fresh world unveiled.

Here, the heavens stretched vast and clear, the air carried a sweet richness, even if the Spiritual Energy density hovered a bit low.

The Zhao Clan Members spared no glance for the ambient scenery, scattering upon entry into the Grotto Heaven, each pursuing their designated labors.

With the hours unfolding, thousands upon thousands of Spiritual Medicines and exotic blooms were methodically sown by hand.

The spirit beasts too were spurred to scatter in every direction.

Ere long, they would, much like their predecessors, acclimate to this unfamiliar domain, destined from this point to multiply and flourish.