Chapter 566: Chapter 361 Destiny
Zhao Sheng, upon hearing these words, felt a ripple in his heart.
His thoughts whirled, and he suddenly smiled, “Why would the Ancestor Master say such a thing? I have been an orphan since childhood, raised in the Grace Care Home, how could I know whether my surname is Zhao or not?”
Qing Shuo, the elder, shook his head and said softly, “You indeed belong to the bloodline of the Southern Sky Zhao Family. The origins are rather complicated, and you will naturally come to understand it in the future.”
At the mention of “Southern Sky Zhao Family,” Zhao Sheng’s heart trembled, and his face unintentionally revealed a trace of astonishment.
Catching the change in his expression, Qing Shuo, slightly surprised, inquired, “Hmm? Have you heard of the name of the Southern Sky Zhao Family?”
“I have a passion for studying ancient texts and have perused many records of predecessors, thus I have some knowledge of it. The Southern Sky Zhao Family should be one of the top clans in the Tianzhu Realm,” Zhao Sheng lowered his head and spoke softly.
“So it is, this… couldn’t be better!” Qing Shuo nodded and then fell silent, becoming vague and saying nothing further.
At that moment, Li Daoheng took over the conversation and invited the Ancestor Master into the mountain to rest.
The three of them then rose up into the air and instantly flew into the cave mansion halfway up the mountain.
Before long, a clear and melodious bell sound suddenly emanated from the mountain and quickly echoed across the sky.
Soon after, the clouds on Flying Snow Peak slowly dispersed, the cloud waterfall collapsed with a roar, transforming into a vast cloud mist that shrouded the peak.
In the depths of the cave mansion, within a vast and spacious stone cavern carpeted with spirit clouds, Zhao Sheng, Li Daoheng, and the Ancestor Master sat cross-legged on a cluster of bright yellow clouds, appearing as if immortals had descended to the world.
At that moment, the top of the stone cavern suddenly flashed with yellow light, a beam of which then shot out, swiftly landing on the clouds, revealing a thin, stern-faced elder with a mountainous authority—it was undoubtedly Daoist Que Yue.
“Que Yue has arrived late, please forgive me, Ancestor Uncle!” As soon as Daoist Que Yue appeared, he bowed deeply to the Ancestor Master to express his apology.
“Come here and sit, this old man was just about to speak. You…have taken a fine disciple indeed!” Qing Shuo waved to Que Yue, smiling as he spoke.
Que Yue walked closer, arranged his robe to sit cross-legged, and after glancing at Zhao Sheng, he smiled at the Ancestor Master and said, “This disciple of mine is extraordinarily talented and exceptionally intelligent, but he always lacks focus, studying without mastery. I have reproached him several times to no avail, which has been quite bothersome.”
“Hehe, Que Yue, you really are…” Qing Shuo shook his head with a chuckle, raised his hand to point at Daoist Que Yue, teasing him a bit.
After some pleasantries and casual talk, Qing Shuo finally made clear his intentions.
“Que Yue, you have guarded Diancang for over five hundred years. According to the rules of our sect, you have far exceeded your term of office. This old man has found you a new assignment, what do you think?”
At these words, Daoist Que Yue’s face grew solemn, falling silent.
Zhao Sheng was startled upon hearing this and glanced towards his Master.
Meanwhile, Li Daoheng frowned and thought to himself, “Just as I suspected!”
Usually, to prevent regional dominion from arising in various provinces, the tenure for the Nascent Soul Great Priests in charge of guarding a province seldom exceeds three hundred years.
Two hundred years ago, a suitable candidate was lacking in the Heavenly Dao Sect, which is why Que Yue had been left to guard Diancang Province for a lengthy five hundred years.
Meanwhile, the sect had recently seen the rise of two Late-stage Nascent Soul Cultivators.
With replacement candidates available, it was necessary to adjust Daoist Que Yue’s position.
This was why the Elder had come calling today.
Zhao Sheng was unaware of the details, but Li Daoheng was completely cognizant of them.
Undoubtedly, neither Daoist Que Yue nor Li Daoheng wished to be reassigned at this time, considering the substantial interests involved in the guardianship.
The reason Li Daoheng had been able to successfully advance to Nascent Soul was inseparably linked to the annual tribute of ten million Spirit Stones.
Daoist Que Yue, as a pillar of the Sword Lineage, was also reluctant to relocate.
But an arm could not win against a thigh, and though the Sword Lineage was strong, it was ultimately no match for the immense power of the Heavenly Principle, Divine Guardian, Seeking Dao, and Tribulation Technique factions.
That he had managed to remain as guardian for so long was already fortunate; he could not expect more.
Considering there were only sixteen guardians worldwide, each position was highly coveted and involved immense stakes.
Daoist Que Yue’s term was up, and reassignment was decided.
“May I ask Ancestor Uncle, where will the sect send me? Will I return to the headquarters or be transferred elsewhere?” Daoist Que Yue asked gravely.
As he spoke, the stone cavern subtly trembled, the spirit clouds on the ground began boiling and surging, the cloud waves rolling as if reflecting the turmoil in their master’s heart.
Qing Shuo narrowed his eyes slightly and suddenly smiled lightly; his scarred face twisted and writhed, looking ghastly like a malevolent spirit.
“The place is a good one! Recently, beneath the Wuzhou Sea, the Great Sea Eye still lacks an item to quell it. Your Flying Snow Peak, which you have refined for over a thousand years, is indeed a rare heavy treasure. It would be perfect to suppress the earth’s Vortex,” Qing Shuo said.
Upon hearing this, Daoist Que Yue’s expression darkened.
Listenting on the side, Li Daoheng suddenly had a disturbance in his breathing, and his expression froze.
Guarding Diancang and suppressing the Sea Eye might seem similar, but in reality, they were vastly different.
To suppress the Sea Eye was a thankless and arduous task, not only extremely dangerous but also sparse in benefits.
Zhao Sheng’s mind stirred, his thoughts racing as if he had realized something.
At this moment, the atmosphere in the cave became oppressive, with no one responding.
Qing Shuo continued to watch Daoist Que Yue and his disciple with a smile, neither speaking nor elaborating further.
Li Daoheng was about to argue a few points, but the words died in his throat. With his Master present, it was not his place to speak.
Feeling the odd atmosphere, Daoist Que Yue then spoke, “Ancestor Uncle, is there room for negotiation in this matter? The task of suppressing the Sea Eye is of great significance! I fear I may not be able to bear such a heavy responsibility.”