Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1550: 838: Departure

After quite some time had passed, Ku Rong Ancestor at last regained his usual composure. With great caution, he returned the Thunder Emperor Tribulation Order to its Ice Box and went on to reveal the final two Ice Boxes.

Just as anticipated, those two concluding treasures were every bit as extraordinary as the Thunder Emperor Tribulation Order itself.

Having laid eyes on every one of the Ice Boxes, Ku Rong Ancestor couldn't hold back his outburst: “I've existed for tens of thousands of years and witnessed over a hundred Refining Masters, but never has anyone been as extravagant as Taoist Zhao. Spiritual Treasures that emerge scarcely once in a century, and yet you offer nine of them so offhandedly, not to mention the Thunder Emperor Tribulation Order along with various Treasure Pills and Rare Treasures.

Even I have to admit, truly impressive, truly impressive!”

“To be straightforward, Fellow Daoist Ku Rong, I'm planning to organize a major auction dedicated to disposing of these items. The only concern is whether I possess the sufficient standing?”

“Absolutely, why wouldn't there be? These items in front of us, if entered into an auction, would make perfect finale pieces. They could even headline a full run of ten separate auctions without issue.” Ku Rong Ancestor replied with evident enthusiasm.

At that moment, Ku Rong Ancestor shifted his manner: “I actually have a proposal. Would Taoist Zhao care to listen?”

“Certainly, I'm listening closely!”

“Once every century, the trading firms across Jiuxuan City join forces to stage the Treasure Duel Conference. It's scheduled to occur in seven years' time. If you're not pressed for time, perhaps consider submitting these nine Spiritual Treasures and the Thunder Emperor Tribulation Order for the event. The benefits involved, I'm sure you're quite familiar with them.”

Hearing this, Zhao Sheng gave a quiet nod and promptly consented: “I'll heed the advice of the Taoist. That said, I prefer not to show my face; rather, let's enter the Treasure Duel Conference under the banner of Wanyou Trading Company. How does that sound, Fellow Daoist Ku Rong?”

Ku Rong Ancestor burst into laughter: “Ha ha, how could I object when I welcome it so heartily! My thanks to Taoist Zhao for placing such faith in us. On behalf of the company, I offer our deepest appreciation. Rest assured, the company will make certain you incur no losses whatsoever.”

Zhao Sheng offered a subtle smile, drawing a Jade Scroll from within his sleeve and passing it across.

“Everything I require is listed there. I trust Wanyou Trading Company will not let me down!”

Ku Rong Ancestor took the Jade Scroll with solemnity and, upon scanning its contents, soon displayed a faint grin.

“Ha ha, over the past century, the company has purposefully amassed a great many Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures that Taoist needs. We hoped for the day of your return to make good use of them. It seems our choice proved wise after all.

To be frank with Taoist Zhao, we've already secured nearly sixty percent of the materials you seek. The leftover items pose no great challenge. Luckily, we can acquire them right at the duel conference.”

Zhao Sheng comprehended fully, well aware of the deeper purpose behind the Treasure Duel Conference.

The Treasure Duel served only as a front, whereas in truth it represented the grandest and most celebrated trading gathering throughout the Red Cloud Spirit Domain.

In that instant, Zhao Sheng let a small smile appear and abruptly mentioned, “Incidentally, there's one more favor I must ask.”

“Go ahead and say it, Taoist!” Ku Rong Ancestor kept up his jovial air.

“For this visit back, I desire utmost secrecy from outsiders. I request that Fellow Daoist Ku Rong maintain discretion on my behalf.” Zhao Sheng stressed the term “outsiders” on purpose, making his intent clear.

“My lips are sealed, rest easy!” Ku Rong Ancestor pledged firmly at once, then paused briefly before adding, “That being said, per the regulations, I need to inform the proprietor and the Store Manager. I trust Taoist Zhao understands!”

Zhao Sheng responded without delay: “That's entirely proper. I hold no grudge against Fellow Daoist Ku Rong for it.”

“Excellent then.” With that, Ku Rong Ancestor resumed his merry countenance.

Some half a day later, Ku Rong Ancestor took his leave, departing and allowing Zhao Sheng to manifest quietly within Heavenly Number Three Cave Mansion.

Were it not for esteemed visitors already occupying Heavenly Number One and Two Cave Mansions, Ku Rong Ancestor would undoubtedly have cleared out Heavenly Number One Cave Mansion to let Master Shaoling dwell in utmost luxury.

Nevertheless, the moment the barrier around Heavenly Number Three Cave Mansion engaged, it promptly alerted a multitude of cultivators dwelling in the Qunxian Residence Cave Mansions.

Every cultivator buzzed with guesses, pondering the identity of this new occupant.

One must realize that with the Treasure Duel Conference drawing near, the cave mansions in Qunxian Residence had grown ever more desirable. Lacking a respectable position and power, typical cultivators couldn't even dream of staying there, much less claim one of the elite Heavenly-numbered Cave Mansions.

While the cultivators chattered animatedly, in the serene and refined Dao Field at the heart of Heavenly Number Three Cave Mansion, Zhao Sheng settled cross-legged upon a mat woven from Ten Thousand Year Clearing Spirit Grass, abruptly withdrawing a Crystal Ball the size of a fist from his sleeve.

The Crystal Ball gleamed transparent like flawless glass, and within it hovered a tiny yet strikingly real silhouette of a Roc.

Zhao Sheng flung the Crystal Ball skyward, then chanted archaic incantations, his forehead abruptly glowing as a strand of Divine Thought darted out, piercing straight into the Crystal Ball.

As the Divine Thought merged with the Roc silhouette, it swiftly morphed into vast streams of data, silently bridging the infinite expanse to reach Jun Tianxing.

A short while after, Zhao Sheng extended his hand to reclaim the Crystal Ball and tucked it away once more in his sleeve.

Following that, he shut his eyes and swiftly entered a state of deep meditation.

Within the Purple Mansion Space, the limitless Soul Sea abruptly churned with massive waves, and a “little person” standing three feet high suddenly snapped open his eyes, brimming with sharp awareness.

Zhao Sheng peered down at the expansive Soul Sea beneath him, and a sudden idea sparked in his thoughts.

In an instant, the immense Soul Sea grew perfectly still, its waters flat like polished glass, devoid of any disturbance.

Zhao Sheng descended leisurely toward the sea's surface, methodically gathering his Spirit in an effort to detect the essence lurking in the Soul Sea's profound depths.

As moments ticked by, a White Jade Book gradually rose into view, unveiling the Hundred Generations Book in its glory.

The Hundred Generations Book gave off a soft, pure glow, while a Broken Pen—its handle dark and bristles pale—lay pinned under the book's weight. The pen appeared rather plain, even a touch unsightly.