Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1178 - 1174: Prolonging Life

Rather than focusing purely on accruing merits, his interest has shifted heavily toward unraveling the enigmatic power of the Golden Sword.

As he continues with the refinement, layer after layer, the true brilliance of the artifact becomes increasingly apparent.

The pair of divine scripts are gradually coalescing with the essence of the Golden Sword with every passing moment.

As this refinement process grows deeper, the assimilation of these divine scripts into the sword becomes more absolute, mirroring his own deepening connection with the blade.

It frequently feels as though an illusion has taken hold, where the boundary between himself and the Golden Sword blurs, suggesting a state of total unity—man and sword as one.

This represents the authentic fusion of essence, Qi, and spirit into a single entity.

In such a state, the physical form of the Golden Sword seemingly vanishes, leaving only the resonance of his own body behind.

"It is truly unfortunate," Gu Junqi remarked, "but are you aware of the prize the Court has recently put on the table?"

Chu Zhiyuan replied, "To my understanding, it consists of various cultivation spirit pills and mystic techniques, perhaps something like the Candle Demon Technique."

Gu Junqi shook his head slowly. "That was merely the original set of rewards. The situation has shifted; news just arrived that the Court has significantly bolstered the incentive."

Chu Zhiyuan felt a surge of curiosity.

Gu Junqi continued, "The pinnacle of these rewards is now a Lifespan Extension Pill."

"A Lifespan Extension Pill? Exactly how much vitality does it grant?"

"A jiazi—sixty years of life."

Chu Zhiyuan was struck with disbelief.

He had never imagined such a profound spiritual medicine existed that could realistically lengthen a person's life by six full decades.

The concept felt entirely beyond the realm of his expectations.

Half-skeptical, Chu Zhiyuan asked, "Elder, is it genuinely possible to add sixty years to one's lifespan?"

"It is," Gu Junqi confirmed with a nod.

Chu Zhiyuan questioned again, "A full jiazi... does such a miraculous medicine truly exist in this world?"

"The core component of this pill is Tongming Grass, which is cultivated in a location of singular, exceptional quality. Only by using this as the primary ingredient can such a miraculous elixir be forged."

"Tongming Grass..."

"A grass of immense rarity, held exclusively by the Court."

"Does that imply that this uniquely exceptional land is also under the Court's jurisdiction?"

"Precisely."

"Doesn't this mean the elite officials and the aristocracy are capable of extending their lives by sixty years?"

"That is the truth of it," Gu Junqi added. "This pill surfaces only once every decade. The high nobles certainly possess the means to acquire it. It generally circulates strictly among the upper echelon, but this time, the Court has decided to make it accessible to broader circles."

Chu Zhiyuan commented, "Once word of this spreads, I expect the entire realm will descend into chaos."

It would not just be the martial arts Sects, but the two departments and even the City Guards who would become frenzied.

The allure is simply too potent to ignore.

"The news only just broke," said Gu Junqi. "Many Sects are still unaware. Before others can adjust, you have already secured a significant lead, putting you in a strong position to succeed."

Chu Zhiyuan asked, "How does one go about claiming this Lifespan Extension Pill?"

"It will be awarded to whoever manages to slay the greatest number of evil demons."

"How will their varying levels of cultivation be accounted for?"

"The calculation uses a system of equivalence," Gu Junqi explained. "There are specific guidelines established by both the Military Department and the two departments to regulate this."

Chu Zhiyuan nodded in understanding.

That logic was sound; otherwise, people might simply ignore genuine threats to focus solely on slaughtering weaker demons to inflate their numbers.

"How are you feeling?" Gu Junqi smiled. "You still have an excellent chance, having already dispatched nearly a hundred of them... My only worry is regarding the start date. If they count only from today, you might lose your advantage. I have dispatched someone to investigate."

Chu Zhiyuan pondered briefly. "I suspect it will not start from today."

Gu Junqi asked, "For what reason?"

It seemed logical that the Court would start the clock now to push everyone to their limits and increase the intensity of the competition.

Chu Zhiyuan remarked, "Previously, the rewards for the martial arts Sects were so lackluster that the Court might have realized they needed to compensate for that resentment."

He had perceived this underlying frustration through his interactions with Huang Zhengyang and Qi Chunyu.

Though they were only individuals, they reflected the collective annoyance of the officialdom.

Gu Junqi chuckled, "If the previous achievements count, that would be ideal!"

Chu Zhiyuan nodded slowly.

Gu Junqi said, "This pill is a rarity of the highest order. Before, we had no hope, but now that the opportunity is here, how can we let it slip through our fingers?"

Chu Zhiyuan smiled, "Elder, if one reaches the Nine Transitions stage of cultivation, does this pill still offer any benefit once their lifespan reaches its natural limit?"

"For a Nine Transitions Venerable, it is likely of little consequence." Gu Junqi shook his head.

Chu Zhiyuan nodded slowly.

Gu Junqi continued, "However, not every being reaches the Nine Transitions... You have friends and kin, do you not? If they cannot attain that level of cultivation, would you be content to see them pass before you?"

Chu Zhiyuan had entered the Sect as a lone drifter, solitary and unattached, so initially, the pill seemed useless.

Yet, being solitary now does not mean it will remain that way forever; he will eventually marry.

Should his future wife not reach sufficient cultivation, the pill could save her.

Even if she were powerful enough, there is always the matter of future descendants.

A man of greatness might find his children do not possess the same talent; they may fail to ever reach the level of a Nine Transitions Venerable.

The heartache of a parent outliving their child is profound, making the pill an essential safeguard.

Therefore, Chu Zhiyuan realizes he cannot resist the value of this Lifespan Extension Pill.

Chu Zhiyuan contemplated this point.

His thoughts inevitably turned to his own parents.

While the medicine held no personal use, it could be the salvation for his parents.

He never knew the Court possessed such a tonic. He suspected they had powerful elixirs, but he never dared to hope for one that granted sixty extra years.

At that moment, a voice called from outside: "Dean."

"Enter and speak!" Gu Junqi responded.

A graceful youth pushed open the gate to the courtyard and entered, bowing with his fists cupped: "Dean."

"Have you gathered the intelligence?"

"Yes. I have confirmed it. All results starting from the beginning of this year will be counted."

"Oh?" Gu Junqi looked at Chu Zhiyuan with a grin. "You were correct. So, are you prepared to begin immediately?"

Chu Zhiyuan sighed.

He truly wanted to maintain his current focus on studying the Golden Sword.

However, the scarcity of the Lifespan Extension Pill meant that letting it go would lead to deep regret.

After careful deliberation, he decided to prioritize the pursuit of the pill.

He reflected for a moment: "Elder, I believe I will go and gather some additional information myself."

He did not assume he would succeed; he needed to understand the lay of the land first to avoid futile efforts.

"Hmph, investigating through the Evil Extermination Department is a sound idea," Gu Junqi laughed. "They are usually the most well-informed."

"Indeed." Chu Zhiyuan bowed his head.

Gu Junqi exited the courtyard.

Chu Zhiyuan followed shortly after, departing the premises and heading straight for Prince Zhuang's mansion.

Since he needed information, he decided to go directly to the source that mattered most.

The move was abrupt, and for someone of his status, it could be seen as incredibly reckless and presumptuous.

He, however, remained indifferent to such concerns.

As a practitioner of martial arts, he felt no obligation to adhere to the stiff formalities and deadweight rules of the imperial bureaucracy.

...

An hour later, he stood face-to-face with Prince Zhuang, Song Shoufang, in the mansion's main reception hall.

Song Shoufang, adorned in fine purple robes, stood with his hands locked behind him on the veranda steps, regarding Chu Zhiyuan with a stern gaze. He initiated the conversation: "Are you here about the Lifespan Extension Pill?"

Chu Zhiyuan cupped his fists: "I am, Your Highness. I am here to seek your wisdom."

"Do you intend to claim this pill for yourself?"

"Who could possibly refuse such a treasure?" Chu Zhiyuan smiled, "I only wish to know if I stand a genuine chance."

Song Shoufang gave a slow, measured shake of his head: "The odds are slim."

Chu Zhiyuan pressed on: "I would value your insight, Your Highness."

"Your Four Great Sects, along with the rest of the martial world, have poor prospects."

"Does the Evil Extermination Department hold the upper hand?"

"Huang Zhengyang has the greatest likelihood," Song Shoufang stated. "His mother is ailing, and he requires that pill above all else. The entire Evil Extermination Department is throwing its weight behind his goal."

Chu Zhiyuan’s brow furrowed.

Song Shoufang turned his gaze toward him. "Will your Four Great Sects combine their merits and concede them all to you?"

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head.

That was impossible.

"Huang Zhengyang commands significant prestige, which allows him to unify his forces," Song Shoufang continued. "Furthermore, the scale of the Evil Extermination Department is leagues beyond your Four Great Sects."

Chu Zhiyuan acknowledged this with a slow nod.

It was true; their influence, manpower, and intelligence networks far surpassed his own circle.

Even if the Sects held more top-tier individuals, the Department was far more effective at hunting down members of the Evil Killing Sect.

Song Shoufang added, "Do not forget that Qi Chunyu will not remain idle, either. He is also entering the fray."

Chu Zhiyuan mused, "Then my chances are even slimmer than I thought."

"It is wise that you understand the reality," Song Shoufang noted. "However, the world is prone to constant change, and nothing is guaranteed until the very end."

Chu Zhiyuan asked, "Your Highness, will there be future opportunities to acquire such a pill, should I fail this time?"

Song Shoufang replied with a faint smile: "Under typical conditions, no. But who can predict tomorrow? Even this event was not originally intended to see such a reward released."

Chu Zhiyuan sighed, "Ordinarily, such a prize would never have been made available to someone like me, correct?"

Song Shoufang merely smiled, offering no verbal confirmation.

Chu Zhiyuan sank into deep thought.

"Are you truly that desperate to possess this pill?" Song Shoufang asked, "It is of no use to you personally, is it?"

"It is of great importance to me," Chu Zhiyuan replied.

Song Shoufang shook his head slightly. "I can provide no assistance here. The allocation of the Lifespan Extension Pill is not under my sole authority. But consider this a warning: do not attempt to cut corners, as the Court will not tolerate cheating."

Chu Zhiyuan gave a sharp shake of his head. "I have friendly relations with Director Huang, I would never resort to those tactics."

He understood clearly: Song Shoufang was cautioning him against attempting to sabotage Huang Zhengyang.

Song Shoufang turned back to him. "You have already defeated many demons, so just continue to hunt. Until the deadline, nothing is truly settled."