508: Chapter 508 Zhou Hai Heads to the Ascension Palace

The Ascension Hall is not located on any mountain Peak in the Cultivation World.

It floats above the Nine Heavens, amidst a sea of clouds, shrouded in thick mist all year round, making it impossible for ordinary Cultivators to find its location.

It is said that only those who have achieved a Breakthrough to the True Immortal Realm can sense the summons of the Ascension Hall and see the golden path leading into the depths of the cloud sea—though, of course, some special Sects have ways to find the path to the Ascension Hall.

Some also say that the Ascension Hall is not actually in the Lower Realm; it is a bridge connecting the Lower Realm and the Upper Realm, a place guarded by envoys from the Upper Realm.

No one knows the truth, because those who have been to the Ascension Hall have either already completed their Ascension to the Upper Realm or are already dead.

At this moment, the sea of clouds churned, and mist swirled.

A magnificent palace loomed in the mist; its structure was built entirely of white jade, shimmering with a soft light under the sunlight.

In the square before the palace stood two massive stone pillars, carved with ancient runes that emitted a faint golden halo.

The halo, like a living thing, flowed slowly, enveloping the entire palace.

Zhou Hai of the Tianshu Sword Sect stood in the square, his legs weak, barely able to steady himself.

Although he was a Cultivator at the Peak of Undergoing Tribulation and considered someone of note in the Cultivation World, standing here, he felt like an ant.

In the surrounding mist, gazes seemed to be watching him, cold and majestic, sending a chill down his spine.

He did not know where those gazes came from, nor did he dare to investigate.

He only knew that the Ascension Hall was not a place he should be, but he had no choice but to come.

This was his second time here.

The first time he came, he had merely delivered a message before being driven away.

This time, he had been ordered to see the person in charge of the Ascension Hall and explain the matter regarding Xiao Nianyin in person.

The Sect Master had said that the people of the Ascension Hall were arrogant, and without seeing the person in charge, nothing could be accomplished.

Zhou Hai took a deep breath, suppressing the fear in his heart, and bowed towards the palace, his voice as steady as he could make it: "Zhou Hai of the Tianshu Sword Sect requests an audience with the person in charge of the Ascension Hall.

I have an important matter to report concerning the safety of the Lower Realm, and I humbly request an audience."

His voice echoed in the mist, carrying very, very far.

The mist churned for a moment, then returned to calm.

The palace gates remained tightly closed, with no response.

Zhou Hai waited a moment, then called out again: "Zhou Hai of the Tianshu Sword Sect requests an audience with the person in charge of the Ascension Hall.

I have an important matter to report concerning the safety of the Lower Realm, and I humbly request an audience."

This time, there was movement in the mist.

The palace gates slowly opened, and a figure walked out from within.

It was a young man, appearing to be in his twenties, with handsome features, but his eyes were devoid of expression, as if he were wearing a mask.

He wore a white robe embroidered with golden cloud patterns, a white jade belt tied around his waist, and his entire demeanor exuded a coldness that kept others at a distance.

"The person in charge is currently in a meeting and has no time to see you," his voice was very cold, like wind blowing from an ice cellar. "Tell me what the matter is."

Zhou Hai hurriedly stepped forward a few paces and bowed: "My Lord, this matter is of great importance and must be reported to the person in charge in person.

It concerns someone who has achieved a Breakthrough to the True Immortal Realm..."

The young man's brows furrowed slightly, and he interrupted him: "A Breakthrough to the True Immortal Realm? Who?"

Zhou Hai said: "Xiao Nianyin of the Hehuan Sect. She has already achieved a Breakthrough to the True Immortal Realm, and she did so in the Lower Realm.

According to the rules, anyone who achieves a Breakthrough to the True Immortal Realm must report to the Ascension Hall and be prepared to complete their Ascension to the Upper Realm at any time.

Yet she has not come; she remains in the Lower Realm, causing trouble together with the remnants of the Hehuan Sect.

Our Tianshu Sword Sect implores the Ascension Hall to step in, expel her from the Lower Realm, and maintain the order of the Cultivation World."

The young man's brows furrowed even tighter.

He looked Zhou Hai up and down, his mouth twitching slightly as if he wanted to say something, but he held back.

"Wait here."

After saying this, he turned and walked into the palace, and the gates closed once more.

Zhou Hai stood in place, feeling somewhat apprehensive.

He did not know how the Ascension Hall would handle this matter, but he knew that as long as the Ascension Hall took action, Xiao Nianyin would not be able to escape.

Those in the True Immortal Realm are not permitted to stay in the Lower Realm; this is the rule, an ironclad law that cannot be transgressed.

The Ascension Hall exists precisely to uphold this rule.

They could not possibly sit idly by.

After waiting for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the palace gates opened again.

The young man walked out and said to Zhou Hai: "The person in charge wants you to come in. Once inside, do not speak out of turn and do not look around.

Answer only what is asked, and do not say what should not be said."

Zhou Hai nodded repeatedly and followed the young man into the palace.

The interior of the palace was even more magnificent than the outside.

The dome was towering, with no ceiling in sight, only endless mist flowing within.

Four massive golden pillars supported the palace, carved with patterns of ancient Divine Beasts that were so lifelike they seemed ready to step down from the pillars at any moment.

The floor was paved with white jade tiles, carved with intricate Array Pattern that emitted a faint golden radiance.

Several people stood in the hall, all attendants of the Ascension Hall, dressed in white robes with expressionless faces.

A middle-aged man sat on the throne in the center of the hall.

He appeared to be in his forties, with a majestic countenance, thick eyebrows and large eyes, a high-bridged nose, and lips slightly pursed, carrying an innate arrogance.

He wore a golden robe embroidered with Dragon patterns, a jade belt tied at his waist, and a golden crown upon his head; his entire being exuded an Aura that made one dare not look him in the eye.

He was the person in charge of the Ascension Hall, known by the Daoist name "Hall Master Xuan Qingzi," and it was said he was already at the Peak of True Immortal Cultivation, just one step away from Ascension to the Upper Realm.