Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension

Chapter 1438: Chapter 778: Forming a Benevolent Connection

“This… what is this?”

As Zhao Sheng gradually approached the stone pavilion ahead, he felt increasingly shocked in his heart, because in his vision the stone pavilion was rapidly enlarging and appeared even more ancient.

By the time he stepped into the pavilion, the octagonal stone pavilion was already as grand and ancient as a magnificent palace. The stone table, pillars, railings, stone bricks… every inch exuded an indescribable aura of Tao.

At this moment, the Taoist with the immortal demeanor became as grand as a mountain in stature, yet in Zhao Sheng’s perception, the Taoist seemed to have no mana and appeared as ordinary as a mortal.

No, that’s not right!

It’s not that everything before him “enlarged,” but rather that he had unknowingly become “smaller.”

Upon realizing this, Zhao Sheng, horrified, suddenly stopped in his tracks. Intense thunder light abruptly enveloped his body, bursting into tangible blazing flames.

The old Taoist, seeing this, said gently, “Young friend, do not panic. If I had malicious intentions, I would have taken your life the moment you stepped into the Divine Palace Heaven. Why wait until now to specifically invite you into the pavilion for a chat?”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Sheng was initially taken aback, then quietly breathed a sigh of relief, his vigilance greatly reduced.

He realized that although the person before him was mysterious and unfathomable, he indeed showed no sign of malicious intent.

Throwing caution to the wind, Zhao Sheng boldly walked to the stone table and slowly sat down.

However, only at this moment did he realize something was amiss; the previously omnipresent heavy pressure had mysteriously vanished.

Zhao Sheng was secretly surprised and looked at the old Taoist opposite him, testingly asking, “Junior Zhao Xi, may I ask senior’s esteemed name? For what purpose has the senior invited me into the pavilion?”

“My surname is Wu, with a single given name, Hua. Today, I am here specifically waiting for you, not for any other reason but to form a good bond with you.”

Hearing this, Zhao Sheng was once again startled and hurriedly asked, “The reason I came to this Divine Palace Heaven was on a whim. How could the senior calculate this?”

The old Taoist Wu Hua, smiling, said, “You may not know, young friend. The moment you entered Divine Palace Heaven from the lower realm, the Celestial Star Battle Formation had already captured your whereabouts. I happened to be stationed at the nearest formation node. Seeing your recklessness, I came to meet you in person, both to form a good bond and to give you some guidance.

Otherwise, if you charged around unknowingly and accidentally got caught in the Celestial Star Battle Formation, wouldn’t you lose your life in vain.”

Hearing this, Zhao Sheng felt a wave of alarm. He should have realized it earlier; after all, Divine Palace Heaven was not a “lawless land.”

At least within the Taiyi Spirit Realm’s space-time, from Dark Sky to Longevity Heaven, there must be countless prohibitions, formations, barriers, and other measures, both visible and hidden. The purpose, aside from defending against external invasions from the Void Realm, was also to prevent local great abilities from causing trouble.

Reflecting on his previous reckless actions, Zhao Sheng was filled with fear and could not help but silently thank his lucky stars.

“Thank you for the warning, senior! This junior is immensely grateful.” Understanding the gravity of the situation, Zhao Sheng immediately stood up and bowed deeply to the old Taoist.

“Sit down quickly! This is a small matter, young friend, don’t mind it.” The old Taoist Wu Hua gestured for Zhao Sheng to sit down while saying, “For the past hundreds of years, this Divine Palace Heaven has been restless, with Alien Demons repeatedly sneaking nearby, constantly attempting to infiltrate the lower realm. I have killed many, but they never seem to end; occasionally, there’s the odd escape. It really troubles me.”

Zhao Sheng was somewhat enlightened and thought, “So, the secret war between the two clans has never stopped, and the battlefield has long spread to Divine Palace Heaven. An encounter with an Alien Demon enemy could happen at any time.”

Thinking of this, Zhao Sheng humbly sought advice from the old Taoist.

The old Taoist Wu Hua, with a kind attitude, patiently explained various precautions for traveling in Divine Palace Heaven and detailed numerous “cases.”

These included many cases where Alien Demons disguised as Human Clan Cultivators to ambush Human Clan great abilities and stories of numerous Human Clan great abilities exploring the “Cave Heaven Ruins.”

After such explanations, Zhao Sheng’s understanding of Divine Palace Heaven improved greatly, reducing many unnecessary risks in advance.

The so-called forming a good bond turned out to be the senior imparting various experiences and lessons to the junior.

Zhao Sheng, of course, gladly accepted this.

Half a day later, feeling he had nothing more to say, the old Taoist Wu Hua pointed to the stone table and said, “This is the All Sky Star Map, specially prepared for you, young friend. Take it, no need to decline.”

Hearing this, Zhao Sheng looked down and was shocked. The previously empty stone table now revealed a mysterious scroll.

In the center of the scroll, countless stars scattered across various regions of the dark deep space, currently moving according to some unknown pattern, bit by bit.

Star tracks continuously intertwined, gradually forming an immensely complex three-dimensional star trajectory map, comparable in complexity to the Tao True Text.

Besides, near the star tracks, countless “light points,” bright and dim, colorful and varied, scattered about.

Zhao Sheng sent his Divine Thought into it, and a certain “light point” instantly enlarged countless times; a flowing, brilliant “lake” appeared vividly in his perception, lifelike in every detail.

When his Divine Thought moved to the next “light point,” the light point transformed into a miniature land the size of hundreds of miles, covered in ruins with broken walls everywhere, yet another unknown relic.

Zhao Sheng was overwhelmingly shocked; in a moment, his Divine Thought swept over countless light points, revealing strange and wondrous scenery, which left him even more amazed.

Finally, at the bottom left of the scroll, a pure white light point flashed incessantly, particularly conspicuous against the dark background.

At a glance, he realized that light point represented himself.

Even though he did not understand why the old Taoist gave this painting, Zhao Sheng knew its value was immeasurable.

He wished to refuse, but the words wouldn’t come out.

After all, the painting was too important to him.

Zhao Sheng hesitated repeatedly, looked up at the old Taoist, seeing him smile silently, and suddenly had a thought.

“With such kindness from the senior, how could this junior refuse? I will accept this painting with gratitude and will repay it in the future.” Zhao Sheng smiled slightly, openly taking the scroll, and then clasped his hands in gratitude to the old Taoist.

“No need for such formalities, young friend. Back in the day, when I first entered Divine Palace Heaven, I too formed a bond with a senior. Today, I’m merely emulating their actions, nothing major.” The old Taoist waved his hand, speaking with a light-hearted expression.

After saying this, the old Taoist suddenly took out another scroll from his sleeve and handed it to Zhao Sheng, saying, “This is something I painted over thousands of years but never found use for. Today, I might as well give it to you. This painting has other mysteries, which you can explore after returning to the lower realm.”

Zhao Sheng accepted the scroll without hesitation, once again expressing his gratitude.