Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1557 - 841: A Desire to Part Ways (2)

He was fully aware that the individual standing before him was not just a direct disciple of the Great Venerable but also harbored strength that was impossible to fathom.

With a chuckle, Deng Wenqiu declared, "Since you and I are both here, why not enter together!"

Yuan Feng responded without delay, "Nephew-grandson obeys Ancestor Master Uncle’s command."

Deng Wenqiu gave a slight nod before turning to proceed toward the entrance of the cave mansion.

All of a sudden, a voice filled with age echoed: "Hold on, I wish to partake in this as well."

No sooner had the words sounded than a figure with long hair reaching the waist, strikingly alluring in a "feminine" way, materialized right in front of Deng Wenqiu and his companions.

Clad in delicate pink silk, this "woman" radiated an irresistible allure and grace.

Yet, the prominent bulge beneath the neckline, along with the rough, elderly timbre of the voice, blatantly revealed that this was actually a man.

The moment he laid eyes on this figure, Deng Wenqiu’s face twisted in revulsion: "Yao Yue, why have you left your leisurely life in Storm Cave to show up here today?"

Known as the Yao Yue Cave Master, he stood out as a unique Loose Cultivator in the Returning to Void Realm within the Red Cloud Spirit Domain, infamous for his unpredictable and ambiguous demeanor, though his power was still impressive among equals.

That’s why Deng Wenqiu regarded him with considerable caution.

Swaying forward with graceful steps, Yao Yue flashed a captivating smile: "I too desire to pay respects to Master Shaoling. Does Mr. Deng object?"

A cold snort escaped Deng Wenqiu: "If you insist on tagging along, then go ahead. I won’t stand in your way!"

"Hehe, Mr. Deng truly is accommodating. You should drop by Storm Cave sometime; I’ll make sure to host you properly!"

Hmph!

Forcing down his distaste, Deng Wenqiu cast a swift look around, and as his eyes passed over the area, hidden observers nearby jolted like they’d been hit by bolts of lightning, slumping to the ground in a faint.

Just then, the doors to the cave mansion swung open, revealing Zhao Sheng in a simple Daoist robe.

"It delights me greatly to welcome such esteemed visitors! Please, fellow Taoists, step inside for a chat." Zhao Sheng cupped his hands in respect and let out a booming laugh.

Bursting into laughter himself, Deng Wenqiu stepped ahead boldly, exclaiming, "Mr. Zhao, your carefree nature surpasses even the tales I’ve heard!"

Yao Yue glided in next, letting out a playful giggle: "Taoist Zhao, I’m Yao Yue. On my initial visit, I’ve brought along a token of greeting that you simply must take!"

With those words, Yao Yue flung a massive Flat Peach outward, sending it hurtling through the air.

Zhao Sheng stayed utterly calm, a subtle Divine Light gleaming from his forehead, halting the fruit dead in its tracks before it descended gently into his grasp.

"This treasure is a Dongding Flat Peach, capable of granting a century of added lifespan with just one bite." Yao Yue boasted with assurance.

"Items that prolong life are truly precious. Senior Yao Yue, I’m grateful for your generous present." Zhao Sheng inclined his head politely, tucking the peach away into his sleeve with ease.

Witnessing that, Yuan Feng promptly removed a Jade Pendant from his belt and stated earnestly, "I’m Yuan Feng, honored to meet Taoist Zhao. Allow me to offer a small gift as well."

Saying so, Yuan Feng advanced and extended the Jade Pendant toward him.

A flicker crossed Zhao Sheng’s eyes, and he firmly turned it down: "This is the personal emblem of Master Yuan. I must decline such an item."

Though his aim had been uncovered, Yuan Feng kept his grin intact, withdrawing the Jade Pendant and pulling out a Sumeru Ring to present instead.

On this occasion, Zhao Sheng accepted without hesitation, taking hold of the "meeting gift."

Following that, he guided them inside the cave mansion, where the entrance sealed shut once more.

Zhao Sheng understood precisely what drove them there.

As anticipated!

Following a bit of courteous banter, Yao Yue Cave Master broke the ice first, requesting that Master Shaoling craft a Spirit Treasure Level Magic Robe for him.

The key ingredient consisted of ninety-nine Ten Thousand Year Peach Blossom Poisons, enhanced by seventeen exceptional Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures.

Moreover, Yao Yue vowed that upon completion of the Peach Cloud Robe, he’d provide lavish compensation and additionally grant a significant favor.

A debt of gratitude from a Half-Immortal of the Void held immense worth to anyone else!

Though Zhao Sheng felt no particular attachment, refusing directly wasn’t feasible, so he artfully shifted the topic, wearing down Yao Yue’s tolerance in the process.

True to form, Yao Yue conducted himself with poise; when he saw Zhao Sheng unmoved, he rose to depart without further ado.

Intimidated by Deng Wenqiu’s company, Yuan Feng hesitated to push for Zhao Sheng’s enlistment outright, and Yao Yue’s rebuff only deepened his reluctance.

Consequently, he avoided the subject altogether and turned to discussing cultivation experiences with Zhao Sheng.

Their dialogue stunned him inwardly. The cultivator opposite displayed an exceptionally deep grasp of the Five Elements Dao, subtly touching upon an elevated and profound level of sensing the Law Path, attaining true Unity of Essence, Energy, and Spirit.

Deng Wenqiu found himself stirred repeatedly, sensing his own insight into the Five Elements Dao had sharpened, and he couldn’t help but regard this "Refining Master" with greater respect.

In the past, he might have sought to draw this talent into the Wanyou Trading Company, but now his appreciation was sincere.

Already, he plotted to present Zhao Sheng to his master, Red Cloud, to judge his worthiness as a disciple.

Deng Wenqiu tucked away this idea quietly, intending to bring him to Chixiao Palace on his next journey.

Oblivious to Deng Wenqiu’s high regard, Zhao Sheng puzzled over the absence of any recruitment talk.

Ku Rong Ancestor yearned to lend a hand, yet the host remained absorbed in debating insights with Taoist Zhao, steering clear of other topics.

With no choice, Ku Rong Ancestor offered a wry smile and focused the bulk of his awareness on watching the perimeter.

...

Time slipped by swiftly, marking an hour’s passage.

The magnificent auction was on the verge of starting, yet Yuan Feng’s pressing duties prevented a prolonged stay.

Noticing the lack of accord, he stood to take his leave.

Zhao Sheng saw him off before heading back to the cave mansion to resume his profound exchanges with Deng Wenqiu.

Ever since his reincarnation, this marked the initial encounter with a profound Returning to Void realm peer, sparking his enthusiasm and leading him to divulge deeper understandings of space-time laws.

Absorbing the "instruction", Deng Wenqiu’s thoughts sparked with bursts of enlightenment, the haze of his path forward clearing noticeably, as he faintly seized certain "spirit mechanisms".

...

Darkness enveloped the sky as the Nine Profound Tower loomed grandly, aglow with dazzling splendor.

At that hour, countless streams of light soared from spots across the city, converging upon the Nine Profound Tower.

Moments ticked away, and waves of ecstatic Human Clan cultivators streamed into the Nine Profound Tower.

This timeless structure resembled an endless abyss; despite over a million entrants, its floors remained far from crowded.

Amid the bustling grand auction, Ku Rong Ancestor oversaw the event personally, barring anyone attempting to near the Heavenly Number Three Cave Mansion.

Not even the elders or patriarchs of the five great clans and thirty-six families could pass, as Ku Rong Ancestor stood firm against them all.

With Taoist Zhao’s initial word and the host’s personal assurance, Ku Rong Ancestor acted like he’d been given an imperial edict, ensuring no Half-Immortal of the Void caught sight unless Taoist Zhao approved.

Through these efforts, Ku Rong Ancestor shielded Zhao Sheng from the majority of "disturbances".

Grateful for it, Zhao Sheng resolved to impart a "heart intent" before leaving.

Perhaps their paths would cross once more.

Truly so!

Having progressed to Divinity Transformation, Zhao Sheng had formed the resolve to depart. The Treasures Competition’s brief delay of days wouldn’t sway his determination.

Thirty days elapsed in a flash.

The grand auction spanning a month concluded on this very day.

Throughout the proceedings, the Five Thunders Halberd and Nine Orifice Treasure Pearl stayed off the block, leaving numerous Divinity Transformation True Monarchs and even Half-Immortals of the Void let down, fueling various whispers.

Still, backed by Deng Wenqiu and the Great Venerable, the Wanyou Trading Company dismissed such gossip without concern.

Deng Wenqiu claimed the Five Thunders Halberd for his own, planning to temper it into a tool for himself.

As a Thunder Attribute Spiritual Treasure, the Five Thunders Halberd was exceedingly scarce!

Now in the late Returning to Void stage, Deng Wenqiu prepared ahead to face the Nine-layered Thunder Tribulation. Nothing suited better for withstanding it than the Five Thunders Halberd.

How could he possibly release such a vital artifact?

...

Days later, Ku Rong Ancestor made his way back to the Heavenly Number Three Cave Mansion.

Upon reuniting with Master Shaoling, Ku Rong Ancestor wordlessly produced six Sumeru Rings and set them before Zhao Sheng.

Zhao Sheng remained seated steadily, effortlessly drawing the Sumeru Rings to himself, then sending his Divine Thought to examine each in turn.

Moments passed, and a smile tugged at Zhao Sheng’s lips; he nodded approvingly before securing the rings.

Observing that, Ku Rong Ancestor inquired with pride, "Taoist Zhao, does this meet your approval?"

Zhao Sheng commended, "Wanyou Trading Company lives up to its fame as this domain’s premier trading power. Your efforts assembled all I required. Beyond completeness, the caliber and volume of these treasures surpassed what I anticipated. Fellow Daoist Ku Rong, you’ve spared no effort. My thanks."

Ku Rong Ancestor chuckled, "Haha, your single request made all our host’s efforts worthwhile."

"Ah, so Senior Deng orchestrated this," Zhao Sheng remarked, a touch of astonishment in his tone.

He let the topic rest thereafter and proceeded to share cultivation insights with Ku Rong Ancestor.

He let the topic rest thereafter and proceeded to share cultivation insights with Ku Rong Ancestor.

This discussion left him inwardly amazed. The individual across from him possessed deep expertise in the Five Elements