Looking around, one sees humanoid statues standing all around, each looking vivid and lifelike, as if they could come to life at any moment.
Zhao Sheng keenly observed that the closer a statue was to the hallâs entrance, the larger it was, while deeper inside, the statues gradually became smaller and more ordinary in material.
Entering the Ancestor Hall, Zhao Changying instantly became solemn and walked silently towards the depths of the hall.
Zhao Sheng followed quietly behind, observing the many ancestral statues along the way, with a curious look in his eyes.
The two walked for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, passing thousands of statues before reaching a simple and unadorned altar.
Scattered around the altar were a dozen statues, all carved from ordinary green stone, and they were the same height as a normal person.
Zhao Shengâs gaze swept over the statues, and he suddenly felt a wave of nostalgia.
Finally, his eyes stopped on the statue closest to the altar.
This statue was handsome and lifelike, with a determined expression. Its eyes were as clear as water, staring into the distance with anticipation, as if expecting something.
Zhao Shengâs expression was momentarily stunned, because this statue was all too familiar to him.
This... isnât this the "self" from the third life!
Good heavens!
Seeing the statue of his "self" appearing in front of him, Zhao Sheng felt an inexplicable sense of shame.
Zhao Changying was completely unaware that a "Ancestor" of an even higher generation than the "old ancestor" was standing behind him alive at this moment.
He solemnly bowed toward the altar, then pointed to the "Jade Scroll" suspended above the altar, and said solemnly, "This scroll is the Ancestor Jade Scroll, recording the names of all ancestors since the Zhao Family was founded. Step forward and offer your respects!"
Zhao Sheng suppressed the feeling of embarrassment in his heart, stepped forward with a solemn expression, and performed the ceremony of three bows and nine prostrations.
When he rose again, Zhao Changying stroked his long beard with satisfaction and said with a smile, "Next, you will separate a thread of Divine Soul into the Ancestor Scroll. The scroll has a spirit and will naturally record your name."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Sheng immediately prepared to perform the action.
Seeing this, Zhao Changying quickly intervened, "Wait!"
At the sound, Zhao Sheng turned to look, with a hint of confusion in his eyes.
Zhao Changying patiently explained, "Before entering the Ancestor Scroll, according to clan rules, I must ask a few simple questions."
Zhao Sheng nodded, "Please ask!"
"The questions are straightforward! How old are you? What is your talent? What realm has your cultivation reached? Divinity Transformation or Nascent Soul?"
"Junior has lived for a hundred and seventy-three springs and autumns since birth. My cultivation has reached Perfect God Transformation. My talent is not high, just the Five Spirits Roots."
As Zhao Sheng spoke the first two sentences, Zhao Changyingâs smile remained unchanged, as if he believed "Immortal Material" was as it should be.
But upon hearing the words "Five Spirits Roots," he was suddenly taken aback.
Five Spirits Roots are such a lowly talent, almost akin to mortals, how could it have produced an "Immortal Material."
However, in the next moment, Zhao Changying smiled, nodding understandingly at Zhao Sheng, seeming very satisfied with his "method."
"I understand you want to âhide your brillianceâ, but the Five Spirits Roots ruse is too poor. You might as well say you have a Heavenly Spirit Root!"
Zhao Changying looked as though he had seen through him, saying incessantly, "Here, you need not hide anything. Even if you were born with the Innate Five Elements Dao Body, the clan can protect you for life."
Zhao Sheng felt speechless; honestly, truth seems hard to believe these days!
"Let me tell you a secret. Youâre not the only one in the clan with an Innate Taoist Body. After you become a âDaoistâ, youâll meet them."
Zhao Shengâs eyes flickered subtly, deliberately revealing some disbelief, suddenly asking, "How many people like me are there in the clan now?"
Zhao Changying smiled mysteriously, "Canât say, canât say! I can only tell you that in this clan âDaoistâ appears perhaps once every ten thousand years."
Although he did not speak openly, Zhao Sheng understood his meaning.
Ten Lands Zhao Clan has existed for over two hundred thousand years, meaning there are at least twenty "Immortal Forms" Daoists within the clan.
Excluding those "Daoists" who died prematurely, Zhao Sheng guessed there are still no fewer than twenty living "Daoists" in the clan.
Well then!
One would have thought "Immortal Form" was rare, yet who would have thought thereâd be so many.
The Ten Lands Zhao Clan is just one of many Immortal Gates and Immortal Sects in the Taiyi Spirit Realm.
According to Zhao Changyingâs speculation, those with the "Innate Taoist Body" in the realm, the Heavenly Daoâs favored ones, would number in the thousands!
Thinking this way, Zhaoâs so-called "Immortal Form" doesnât seem like a big deal!
"Well, next step is for me to calculate the name generation." Zhao Changying calculated, then laughed heartily, "Starting nineteen years ago, itâs now the Chong generation. You are Zhao Sheng, Sheng also means Chong, ascending."
"Zhao Chongsheng? No, no!"
Zhao Changying shook his head repeatedly, and asked again, "You should choose your name. If Zhao Chongsheng doesnât sound good to you, why not decide one yourself now."
Zhao Sheng thought for a moment, then said seriously, "From ancient times âAll things support Yin and embrace Yang, ascending energy to achieve harmony.â My surname is Zhao, given name Sheng, styled Chonghe, which suits me perfectly."
Zhao Changying listened and suddenly looked troubled, "Choose another. Chonghe is already taken!"
Upon hearing that, Zhao Sheng replied indifferently, "Ask them to change names then!"
"Tsk tsk!" Zhao Changyingâs expression became quite odd, unable to resist looking at the newly emerged "Daoist" with an appreciative glance.
"Good, good, youâre quite bold!" He complimented first, then turned serious, "Your recent action was too arrogant! Do you know that âZhao Chongheâ has an extraordinary lineage, unmatched by many even within the clan. Having just arrived in Ancestral Land, you should have been discreet. To cause such trouble over a name, old man thinks itâs not worth it!"