Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1567 - 847: Surname Zhao, Given Name Sheng, Courtesy Name Chonghe

Scanning the perimeter, one encounters rows of humanoid statues, each rendered with such uncanny vitality that it appears they might stir into motion at any passing second.

Zhao Sheng noted with a sharp eye that size diminished the further one strayed from the hall's entrance; those near the threshold stood grand and imposing, while the ones situated deeper inside were fashioned from mundane materials and were noticeably smaller in scale.

As they stepped within the Ancestor Hall, Zhao Changying’s demeanor grew heavy with reverence, and he navigated the depths of the chamber without uttering a sound.

Trailing in his footsteps, Zhao Sheng inspected the myriad ancestral effigies with a gaze flickering with intrigue.

Their steady pace lasted for roughly the duration it takes to brew a cup of tea, guiding them past thousands of statues until they halted at a modest, unadorned altar.

Encircling this altar sat a dozen figures sculpted from common green stone, each mirroring the proportions of an average person.

As he cast his eyes over the group, a sudden, poignant wave of nostalgia washed over Zhao Sheng.

Ultimately, his gaze locked onto the statue flanking the altar.

It was a remarkably lifelike figure boasting handsome features and a resolute countenance; the eyes, clear as still water, peered into the distance with a look of longing, as if waiting for a fated encounter.

Zhao Sheng stood struck by a momentary paralysis, a shock triggered by the overwhelming familiarity of the likeness.

This... could this be the version of his "self" from his third lifetime!

Good heavens!

Confronted with his own past image manifesting before him, Zhao Sheng felt an inexplicable rush of mortification.

Zhao Changying remained blissfully ignorant that an "Ancestor" of even greater vintage than the "old ancestor" himself was currently witnessing these events in the flesh.

The Elder bowed with solemn gravity toward the altar, before gesturing toward the "Jade Scroll" hovering above it, stating clearly, "This piece is the Ancestor Jade Scroll, acting as the repository for every name to grace the Zhao Family since its inception. Step forward to pay your respects!"

Shaking off the lingering shame, Zhao Sheng advanced with a heavy, respectful heart, performing the traditional three bows and nine prostrations.

Upon rising, Zhao Changying stroked his long beard, radiating satisfaction as he explained, "Now, you must channel a wisp of your Divine Soul into the Ancestor Scroll. Being sentient, the scroll will naturally etch your name within its record."

Zhao Sheng prepared to comply, but Zhao Changying interjected quickly, "Hold!"

Zhao Sheng pivoted, his brow furrowed with confusion.

Zhao Changying offered a patient smile, remarking, "Before you integrate with the Ancestor Scroll, clan protocol dictates I must pose a few perfunctory questions."

Zhao Sheng nodded briefly, "Please, proceed."

"The queries are simple indeed! State your age, your aptitude, and your current realm of Cultivation. Are you a practitioner of Divinity Transformation or perhaps Nascent Soul?"

"This junior has seen one hundred and seventy-three springs and autumns. My current Cultivation is at the level of Perfect God Transformation. My talent is regrettably mediocre, consisting only of the Five Spirits Roots."

Zhao Changying’s smile remained fixed during those first remarks, clearly already convinced that this "Immortal Material" was meant for greatness.

However, the mention of "Five Spirits Roots" caught him off guard.

Given such a base level of talent—barely above that of a mortal—it seemed logically impossible for him to be an "Immortal Material."

Yet, with a sudden shift in attitude, Zhao Changying grinned, nodding at Zhao Sheng as if he thoroughly approved of the boy's "strategy."

"I appreciate your desire to 'mask your brilliance', though this Five Spirits Roots excuse is quite transparent. Truly, you could have at least claimed a Heavenly Spirit Root!"

Zhao Changying acted as though he had peered right through the ruse, adding, "There's no necessity for pretense here. Even if you were born with the Innate Five Elements Dao Body, the clan possesses the might to protect you for your entire span."

Zhao Sheng stood speechless; truly, one finds that honesty is often the hardest thing for others to believe!

"Let me share a secret. You aren't the sole bearer of an Innate Taoist Body within this clan. Once you are officially acknowledged as a 'Daoist', you shall encounter the others."

Zhao Sheng’s eyes shifted with a subtle doubt, and he probed further, "In the current clan, how many others share my nature?"

Zhao Changying flashed a mysterious grin, "Some things are better left unsaid! I will merely mention that within this clan, such a 'Daoist' manifests perhaps once every ten millennia."

Though the information was veiled, the subtext was perfectly clear to Zhao Sheng.

Since the Ten Lands Zhao Clan has persisted for over two hundred thousand years, there must surely be at least twenty such "Immortal Form" individuals within their ranks.

Even subtracting those who met an early death, Zhao Sheng estimated a minimum of twenty living "Daoists" currently occupied the clan.

Well then!

What one might consider a rare "Immortal Form" was apparently more abundant than he had first gathered.

The Ten Lands Zhao Clan stood as but one branch among many Immortal Gates and Immortal Sects throughout the Taiyi Spirit Realm.

According to Zhao Changying’s theories, those possessed of the "Innate Taoist Body" across the entire realm—favored children of the Heavenly Dao—likely numbered in the thousands!

From that perspective, the status of the Zhao clan’s "Immortal Form" felt far less significant!

"Moving on, I must determine your naming generation," Zhao Changying calculated, then chuckled aloud. "Counting nineteen years back, we find ourselves in the Chong generation. Your name is Zhao Sheng, and 'Sheng' implies 'Chong'—the act of ascending."

"Zhao Chongsheng? No, that won't suffice!"

Zhao Changying shook his head, offering, "Choose a name that resonates with you. If Zhao Chongsheng feels unsuitable, you have the liberty to designate your own."

After reflecting for a moment, Zhao Sheng stated firmly, "Ancient texts speak of how 'All things support Yin and embrace Yang, ascending energy to achieve harmony.' My surname is Zhao, my given name is Sheng, and the style Chonghe fits me to perfection."

Zhao Changying’s expression soured, "Pick another. 'Chonghe' is already occupied!"

Zhao Sheng replied with complete indifference, "Then have them change their name instead!"

"Tsk, tsk!" Zhao Changying looked taken aback, unable to hold back a look of newfound respect for this young "Daoist."

"Fine, fine, your audacity is commendable!" he praised before his tone grew stern again, "However, such high-handedness is dangerous! You ought to know that the individual claiming 'Zhao Chonghe' holds an extraordinary status, rivaling almost anyone in the clan. As a newcomer to the Ancestral Land, discretion would have served you better. To ignite conflict over a mere name seems an unwise expenditure of your potential!"