Chapter 1121 - 618: True Monarch Makes a Move
Zhao Sheng had a good impression of Mr. Dengcao, and seeing the other’s sincerity, he thought for a moment and then waved to put away the Black Meteor.
"Whatever the case, I owe you a favor. If you ever find yourself in trouble, I can step in once."
    
"Haha, with your words, my mind is at ease... beware of Ke Kun!"
Mr. Dengcao stood up with great joy, clasped his hands in a salute to Zhao Sheng, and after speaking aloud, suddenly gave a discreet warning.
Then, with a carefree turn, he flashed and flew out of the cave mansion, disappearing into the depths of the Cloud Sea in the blink of an eye.
Zhao Sheng watched the figure disappear; his eyes flickered slightly, then he waved his hand, making the front door disappear, and the Cultivation Dojo reappeared.
After another exchange meeting, the much-anticipated Ximenzhou Gathering finally officially commenced.
It was hosted by the Great Elder of the Ke family, Ke Jidao, a Great Cultivator at the Nascent Soul Limit.
This person is also one of the top combat forces in Ximeng State, with power second only to the two Divinity Transformation True Monarchs and the six Three Tribulations Tree Venerables.
Ximeng State is only one-fifteenth the size of the Central Continent in the Tianzhu Realm, yet it boasts eight Divinity Transformation-level powers.
From this alone, it can be seen that the overall strength of the Da Chun Realm far exceeds that of the Tianzhu Realm.
Zhao Sheng personally participated in the gathering. The event lasted an entire month, and the scene was intense, with Nascent Soul Cultivators engaging in fierce battles almost every day. He delightedly watched the grand spectacle for thirty days.
This gathering gave Zhao Sheng an in-depth understanding of the complex situation in Ximeng State and the feuds and rivalries among various high-class families.
However, what caught his interest was the frequent abnormal actions of the Overseas Immortal Cultivation World.
Various signs indicated that the Overseas Immortal Cultivation World had set its sights on Ximeng State, with intentions of counterattacking the continent.
Zhao Sheng had previously learned from Zhao Chengping that the Cross-border Transmission Array (Star Gate) was on Lichen Island, historically guarded by generations of reclusive Divinity Transformation True Monarchs.
Since the emergence of the Lichen Island Master, the situation has dramatically changed. No one can use the Star Gate to travel to other boundaries anymore.
Recalling his fleeting glimpse of the Golden-armored man that year, Zhao Sheng couldn’t help but feel a headache.
This is because the cultivation of the Golden-armored man was unfathomable, at least at the late-stage Divinity Transformation Realm.
Even in his previous life’s peak state, he feared he was no match for this person, let alone in this life, where he hasn’t even broken through to Divinity Transformation.
Generally speaking, in the Da Chun Realm, almost all resident True Monarchs’ cultivation is around the first or second level of Divinity Transformation. Most would hastily ascend to the Spirit Realm before reaching the third level, never staying in the lower realm for more than three hundred years.
In other words, the Golden-armored man is almost like a cheat existence, capable of sweeping the Da Chun Realm on his own.
Fortunately, this person seemed to have some concerns, only intervening a few times when pacifying overseas overlord-level forces like Jinghai Palace, then mysteriously returning to Lichen Island, his whereabouts becoming a mystery.
Zhao Sheng initially planned to acquire a Seven Star Ruyi and then use the Cross-border Transmission Array to go to the Black Sand Realm to explore his ancestry.
Now, however, Lichen Island seems to have become a dragon’s lair, and Zhao Sheng definitely doesn’t want to encounter the "Lichen Island Master" when trying to land.
He clearly remembers this person being quite interested in his flesh. If he went there rashly, it would be akin to walking into a trap.
After much deliberation, Zhao Sheng had to temporarily put aside his plan to return to the Black Sand Realm and reconsider once he breaks through to the Divinity Transformation Realm.
Several days later, the Ximeng State gathering finally concluded, and over a hundred Nascent Soul Cultivators gradually left Nanke Hall, each returning to their family territories.
Shortly after, a massive, majestic white palace suddenly saw two tunneling lights, one purple and one white, shoot downward towards the boundary membrane below.
After traveling hundreds of miles, the two tunneling lights suddenly stopped abruptly at the edge of the boundary membrane, revealing the figures of Zhao Sheng and Zhao Chengping.
"Chengping, let’s go our separate ways," Zhao Sheng said seriously to him.
Zhao Chengping nodded and gravely said, "Mr. Lei, take care! If..."
After a moment’s hesitation, Zhao Chengping sighed heavily and saluted with cupped fists, "As the ancients say, ’As long as the green hills last, there’s no need to worry about firewood!’ I hope you remember these words. I will be in Tongxin City welcoming you back in peace, Mr. Lei."
With that, Zhao Chengping suddenly turned around, instantly transforming into a stream of light that pierced through the boundary membrane and disappeared into the Heavenly Gang Atmosphere.
Zhao Sheng fully understood the unspoken meaning of his words: now that he’s carrying a heavy treasure, his situation is extremely dangerous.
Not only are certain Nascent Soul Middle Stage juniors watching him with eager eyes, but other Late Stage Cultivators also have unpredictable intentions, surely harboring thoughts of murder and plunder.
Though the surrounding seems "calm," in reality, the return journey is already "filled with killing intent and danger."
Of course, if Zhao Sheng wanted to leave, a single Space-Time Teleportation could ensure his safe departure.
Yet he chooses not to take the usual path, acting as if completely unworried about his dangerous situation, leaving Nanke Hall in a "grand and open" manner.
Why does he act this way? It’s all for establishing prestige!
Zhao Sheng watched the disappearing tunneling light of Zhao Chengping, deliberately lingering in place for a moment.
However, from start to finish, not a single "enemy" appeared to seek death.
Zhao Sheng contemplated for a moment, quickly grasping the sly intentions of those old schemers, understanding almost everything.
Simply put, everyone wants to be the "fisherman," not the "ringleader."
"Hmph, I don’t have time to waste with you! Since no one wants to step forward, don’t blame me for not accompanying," Zhao Sheng muttered to himself as he surveyed the surrounding dark void.
