Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1512 - 818: Return to Yuewu Mountain, Outer Domain Expedition Imminent

Venturing into the Outer Domain of the Taiyi Spirit Realm remains an extraordinarily challenging endeavor.

Past the boundaries of the Human Clan’s Spirit Domain stretch immense uncharted territories, teeming with diverse Alien Races and mighty demon beast clans. Every stretch of ground brimming with Spiritual Energy falls under the control of a mighty "outcast force."

Across endless ages, multiple expeditions into the Outer Domain have been undertaken, with many concluding in bitter failure or total wipeout.

Even for minor groups such as the Three Extremes Zhao Family, let alone mid-tier or lower sects boasting several Divinity Transformation experts, stepping into the Outer Domain to claim lands is a daring move they avoid.

Zhao Sheng pondered deeply in silence until he realized that within the array of influential powers in the Red Cloud Spirit Domain, only the Mountain and River Sect might possess the drive to launch an Outer Domain expedition.

This stemmed from the emergence of an exceptional prodigy in the Mountain and River Sect seven centuries prior. He attained Foundation Establishment by age sixteen, formed his Golden Core at fifty, and triumphed over the Nascent Soul Thunder Tribulation before turning two hundred.

Following that, this genius pressed forward relentlessly and, on his thousandth birthday, boldly faced tribulation in full view, achieving success and earning renown across the entire Red Cloud Spirit Domain.

Back then, seven hundred years ago, this talented figure cleaved open the void with one sword strike in the Mountain and River Sect’s back mountains, venturing successfully into the Dark Sky.

He then secluded himself for a hundred years, and upon reappearing, the realm learned he had shattered the Returning Void Heaven, rising to the scarce status of a Half-Immortal of the Void in that region.

For six centuries, the Mountain and River Sect had geared up for Outer Domain ventures, aiming to carve out a minor Spirit Domain beyond the Red Cloud Spirit Domain.

The Mountain and River Sect made no secret of its grand designs, so news of this spread far and wide.

During those six hundred years, myriad cultivation groups akin to the Three Extremes Zhao Family yearned to trail behind the Mountain and River Sect and snag a share of the lavish prize that Outer Domain exploration promised.

At present, it appeared the Mountain and River Sect was fully set and poised to mobilize its full strength for a fresh wave of Outer Domain exploration.

"Let’s go!" Zhao Sheng rose abruptly and shouted to Chen Polu.

"What do you mean let’s go?" Chen Polu blinked in confusion for a moment, as though he failed to catch his leader’s drift.

Yet he caught on swiftly and understood the intent in his leader’s command, his face lighting up with delight: "Boss, does this mean you’ve agreed?"

"Yes, I intend to head to Yuewu Mountain and first learn what terms the Family Head proposes. Let’s go!"

With those words, Zhao Sheng exited the chamber.

Brimming with excitement, Chen Polu rushed after him.

In short order, a Cloud Boat lifted off from the isle, vanishing swiftly amid the clouds.

...

Over twenty days flew by swiftly.

The Cloud Boat traversed broad lush farmlands and soared into a massive mountain chain where summits extended endlessly.

Within the depths of these peaks rose imposing crests, yet atop each one sprawled expansive man-made spirit fields and herbal plots.

In the vales and level grounds alike, communities of varying scales dotted the landscape, sustaining a populace exceeding one million amid the highlands.

Furthest into the range hid a veiled zone cloaked in mystic mist. Summits flickered in and out of the heavy haze, denoting the core heritage site of the Three Extremes Zhao Family, Yuewu Mountain.

The Cloud Boat dove into the thick mist, pressing onward for almost a hundred miles until the vapors parted abruptly, unveiling a sheer and awe-inspiring summit thrusting heavenward!

Piercing the external Barrier, the Cloud Boat hurtled downward toward the sprawling metropolis at the peak’s foot.

Before long, Zhao Sheng found himself in the most opulent hall inside the city.

Upon the Dragon Rhinoceros Platform at the chamber’s heart stood an enchanting lady draped in a rosy silk gown, her bosom boldly prominent, radiating boundless temptation from her gaze.

"Gulp..."

A gulp echoed from the rear, as Chen Polu stared entranced, utterly captivated.

Zhao Sheng flicked his sleeve sharply, gazing steadily at the alluring figure.

A sharp icy gust brushed Chen Polu’s features, snapping him from his daze. Aware of his blunder, he bowed his head hastily, avoiding further looks.

The alluring lady flashed a coy grin, hiked her skirt to bare sleek pale legs, and slithered down the stairs toward Zhao Sheng like a serpent.

"Such a bold youth, you must be Brother Sheng, the one who dwells in isolation at Thousand Island Lake. I am Zhao Zhenzhen. Delighted to meet you, Mr. Zhao."

Zhao Sheng’s brow creased faintly, and he answered flatly, "I use the name Shaoling. Simply address me by it, Senior."

Zhao Zhenzhen’s grin dimmed slightly, and after appraising him, she spoke gravely, "Very well, Daoist Shaoling, you can refer to me as Jue Ying!"

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Jue Ying!" Zhao Sheng cupped his hands in formal salute.

"You may leave us!" Zhao Zhenzhen shot a cool glance at Chen Polu and ordered.

"Yes." Chen Polu offered a respectful bow, then spun and departed the hall.

Moments later, Zhao Sheng and Zhao Zhenzhen ascended the dais and settled into their places.

After exchanging courtesies, Zhao Sheng cut to the chase, inquiring, "Is the Family Head here?"

"The Family Head has traveled to the Mountain and River Sect alongside the Ancestor and hasn’t come back yet. I’m handling family matters in the interim. Has Daoist Shaoling come regarding the Outer Domain exploration?" Zhao Zhenzhen asked with a warm smile.

"Indeed." Zhao Sheng confirmed directly.

"Even without your question, I would have raised it. Truth be told, the family has readied itself for this over three centuries. All is in place now, awaiting only that crucial spark." Zhao Zhenzhen declared assuredly.

"Oh? I’m eager to learn about the family’s preparations." Zhao Sheng probed curiously.

Zhao Zhenzhen’s eyes sparkled as she launched into an enticing overview.

Some time later, Zhao Sheng quietly drank his Spiritual Tea, offering no reply to Zhao Zhenzhen’s subtle tests.

Truthfully, the Zhao Family’s terms were quite generous; should he join the venture, they’d allow him three days of unrestricted entry to the family’s Scripture Storage Tower.

Moreover, the Three Extremes Zhao Family pledged a superior magic treasure and vowed to provide a Blessed Land as his personal Dao Field upon victory, featuring a Spirit Vein of at least third-tier quality.

On top of that, the Three Extremes Zhao Family had teamed up with the prominent He and Wei allied houses for this Outer Domain push, uniting to claim a domain.

Neither the He nor Wei houses were feeble, each harboring multiple Golden Core True Immortals among their ranks.

The Pingmo He Family even retained a Nascent Soul Ancestor, making it just a touch inferior to the Three Extremes Zhao Family in might.

Through Zhao Zhenzhen’s account, Zhao Sheng gained a clear picture of the Three Extremes Zhao Family’s underpinnings, which went beyond the evident trio of prime Golden Cores to include a hidden clan Golden Core and a pair of Golden Core Realm Guest Elders.

This concealed clan Golden Core held special prominence, turning out to be a genuine disciple of the Mountain and River Sect.

Only after Zhao Zhenzhen disclosed it did Zhao Sheng fully comprehend the Zhao Family’s calculated approach; they shunned reckless overreach, having schemed with precision for ages.

Upon musing, Zhao Sheng saw that the Zhao Family’s keen involvement in Outer Domain exploration could partly smooth the path for that Golden Core clan member.

Though Zhao Zhenzhen skipped it, Zhao Sheng recognized the Zhao Family’s Nascent Soul Ancestor faced a waning lifespan, pressing the need for a fresh Nascent Soul Cultivator in their midst.

Presently, a few Zhao Family Golden Cores showed promise, but this unemerged true disciple appeared the prime candidate to conquer the Nascent Soul Thunder Tribulation.

Snapping from his reverie, Zhao Sheng caught Zhao Zhenzhen’s smile turning a tad rigid and stated evenly, "I accept the offer. When can I encounter the other Golden Core fellow Taoists?"

Zhao Zhenzhen’s expression brightened further, and she replied sincerely, "Uncle Xian departed ahead, and Yu Ru is occupied, but Master Ming Yue remains in the back mountains. I’ll make the introduction."

Master Ming Yue served as yet another Golden Core Guest Minister, with whispers placing his cultivation at the fifth or sixth layer of Golden Core.

Zhao Zhenzhen spoke of him with evident assurance, probably because, swayed by her appeal, he counted among her suitors.

Quickly, Zhao Sheng and Zhao Zhenzhen arrived at the back mountain and effortlessly encountered the adoringly encircled Master Ming Yue.

...

Over a year whisked by unnoticed, and the Mountain and River Sect at last conducted a lavish rite to honor the heavens.

In the midst of the ritual, the reigning Sect Leader of the Mountain and River Sect proclaimed openly that, to secure the Human Clan’s eternal legacy and foster harmony and abundance for all life, the sect would embark on a fresh Outer Domain exploration in a decade.

Post-rite, the Mountain and River Sect lavishly bestowed exploration charts upon all attendees, which, while outlining only broad landscapes, held inestimable worth.

Two months on, the Zhao Family Ancestor Zhao Zhuanggong, bearing the chart and two Golden Core youths, abruptly reentered the Zhao Clan’s sacred grounds at Yuewu Mountain.

That same day, they convened Zhao Sheng, Zhao Zhenzhen (Jue Ying), Master Ming Yue, and the rest of the Golden Core True Immortals.

It was then that Zhao Sheng first laid eyes on that Mountain and River Sect true disciple, Zhao Chongnan, whose looks were plain but whose cultivation shone brilliantly, having achieved Perfect Golden Core.

Though Zhao Chongnan strove to mask his real prowess, Zhao Sheng’s sharp senses pierced the veil.