Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1180 - 1176: Reappearance

Standing at the base of the front hall steps, Chu Zhiyuan offered a smile to the arriving young messenger, "Please inform Director Huang that I shall pay him a visit tomorrow."

"Understood; I will take my leave now."

With a brief, respectful clasp of his fists, the youth turned and departed.

As he watched the figure pass behind the screen and exit the courtyard, Chu Zhiyuan continued to shake his head in contemplation.

Gu Junqi stepped out from the grand hall with his hands tucked behind his back, asking, "Why postpone your meeting with Director Huang?"

"It concerns the reward, I suspect," Chu Zhiyuan replied with another shake of his head. "My decision still hangs in the balance."

Gu Junqi looked startled. "Are you actually considering stepping aside for him?"

Chu Zhiyuan sighed, "Truthfully, he has a much firmer grasp on the situation, while my own odds remain rather slim."

If I were to summon my clone for support, perhaps an opportunity would materialize. Yet, I must refrain from such actions; I cannot move without caution and restraint. I am not keen on others discovering that I possess additional power.

Gu Junqi nodded slowly. "With the full resources of the Evil Extermination Department backing him, he certainly has a superior chance to claim the victory. Rather than engaging in a futile struggle, why not go with the tide and win his favor instead?"

Chu Zhiyuan gave a slight nod.

Gu Junqi continued, "It is not an unwise move, yet I can see you are hesitant, aren't you?"

Indeed, who would willingly surrender such a rare opportunity?

"Let me deliberate a bit longer," Chu Zhiyuan murmured.

"Fair enough; careful thought is necessary to avoid future regret," Gu Junqi agreed completely.

Chu Zhiyuan clasped his fists as a parting gesture and retreated to his small courtyard, intent on continuing the refinement of his Golden Sword.

Meanwhile, Chu Liezhao was active throughout the Little Outer Heaven, disseminating the mapping of the Tongming Grass to the Imperial Palace, the various Great Sects, and even into the territory of Da Meng. He tasked Li Miaotan with mobilizing every available force for the hunt, while Leng Tieya simultaneously directed her own networks to scour for the elusive herb. Chu Zhiyuan held a private belief that success was more likely to originate from Leng Tieya’s efforts within the Demon World, as the very name Tongming Grass seemed intrinsically tied to that realm.

As his connection to the Golden Sword intensified, his insight into the profound synergy between the two Divine Languages grew deeper. He realized that governance is synonymous with the hearts of the people; the power of the Emperor’s Sword is simply the convergence of Heaven and Earth’s Strange Power, fueled by the collective will of the populace. However, to channel this mystical energy, one needs more than just the common intent—specific techniques are required.

He remained locked in deep reflection, constantly seeking the secret method to evoke this power. As time slipped away unnoticed, he felt the internal light of clarity burning brighter, looming ever closer. Lost in this state of enlightenment, he lost all track of time.

When he finally roused himself, dawn had already broken. The brilliant ten-thousand-foot rays of light spilled across the room through the windows. He rose from his bed, stepped out into the crisp morning air, and exhaled deeply while facing the rising sun. He purged the stale air from his lungs, inhaling the fresh, revitalizing Qing Qi. Bathed in the golden luminescence, a wide grin broke across his face—the Tongming Grass had indeed been located within the Demon World.

He knew that while the Demon World also possessed Lifespan Extension Pills, their potency was typically too volatile for the average member of the Demon Clan to survive, rendering them Forbidden Pills. But if he utilized the local formula for the Lifespan Extension Pill, he could replicate the desired effects without the dangerous drawbacks.

"Knock, knock."

A soft rapping sounded at his door. Chu Zhiyuan opened it to see the attendant from the Evil Extermination Department who had visited him previously.

"Please, wait briefly while I freshen up, and then I will accompany you," Chu Zhiyuan said with a smile.

"As you wish," the youth replied respectfully.

After washing and changing into a clean blue robe, Chu Zhiyuan set out, following the young man away from the Heavenly Sword Branch.

"Has everyone been kept busy over the last two days?" Chu Zhiyuan asked as they walked.

"Everyone is tense and waiting for the signal," the youth replied.

"Is it because of the race for the Lifespan Extension Pill?"

"What about you, Master Chu? Are you also competing for it?"

"I have yet to decide. I'll wait to hear what Director Huang has to propose," Chu Zhiyuan replied.

"Director Huang remarked that you are a cherished friend of our department, and everyone has been instructed to treat you with the utmost respect and informality.”

Chu Zhiyuan chuckled, "Director Huang is too kind; such praise is far more than I deserve."

"The Director is a man who speaks his mind; he never utters a lie," the attendant insisted.

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head with a gentle smile, feeling overwhelmed by such unexpected warmth. He had not anticipated Huang Zhengyang to hold him in such high regard.

Upon reaching the Evil Extermination Department, they were led promptly to Huang Zhengyang’s courtyard. The Director was pacing pensively, his expression heavy and darkened by worry. Noticing Chu Zhiyuan’s arrival, he clasped his fists and grumbled, "Master Chu, thank goodness you are here!"

"What has transpired?" Chu Zhiyuan asked, noting the Director’s grave demeanor; it was clear that an incident of great importance had occurred, likely unrelated to the medicine.

"Two more of those statues have appeared," Huang Zhengyang said coldly, his face grim. "Identical in nature to the previous one.”

Chu Zhiyuan frowned. "This implies a much larger, coordinated threat rather than a mere coincidence.”

"Exactly," replied Huang Zhengyang. "Follow me.”

They exited the compound, accompanied by eight elite masters who flanked them as they traveled north. As they moved through the landscape using Qinggong, the tension between them eased slightly into conversation.

"Did you think I had summoned you to negotiate over the Lifespan Extension Pill?" Huang Zhengyang asked suddenly.

Chu Zhiyuan offered a sheepish grin and nodded.

"Regarding the pill, we shall rely on our own skills. There is no need for further discussion on that front," the Director laughed. "You clearly underestimated my character, Master Chu.”

"When the matter involves the life and death of one's family, even the most broad-minded of men will struggle to yield," Chu Zhiyuan countered.

Huang Zhengyang let out a long sigh. "Life and death are dictated by fate; often, the outcome remains beyond our control.”

"This time, I shall not compete," Chu Zhiyuan stated firmly. "In fact, I am prepared to assist you, Director Huang.”

Huang Zhengyang fixed him with an intense stare.

"If you require my aid, simply ask," Chu Zhiyuan continued smoothly. "Though, given your confidence, perhaps you do not need my help at all.”

"I have no words to express my gratitude," Huang Zhengyang replied with a deep, solemn bow.

"No need for formalities," Chu Zhiyuan waved him off.

"We certainly do not need to stand on ceremony! Just call me Old Huang, Brother Chu," laughed the Director.

"Brother Huang," Chu Zhiyuan replied, "the Evil Extermination Department might support your bid, but surely the Demon Hunting Bureau will not stand idly by?"”

"Old Qi and his followers will undoubtedly contest it!" Huang Zhengyang gritted his teeth.

"And what of Director Zhou?"

Huang Zhengyang merely flashed a cryptic smile.

"Director Zhou has already consumed one of the Lifespan Extension Pills," he revealed.

"What about his family?" Chu Zhiyuan asked.

"He has no kin left. His parents passed early, and his wife and children were slaughtered by evil demons," Huang Zhengyang said, his voice leaden with sorrow.

Chu Zhiyuan stood in silence, moved by the revelation. He had been unaware that the strength of the Evil Extermination Department was built upon the personal dedication of such a tragic figure.

"The Martial Arts Sect is not a concern," Huang Zhengyang concluded, "but the Demon Hunting Bureau could disrupt my plans—unless, of course, you were to intervene, Brother Chu.”

"I have little hope for the pill myself," Chu Zhiyuan laughed. "As a practitioner of the Nine Transitions, I have less need for it than others. If I can acquire the formula and the necessary herbs, I can simply have them crafted to sustain my parents.”

"Regardless, I am in your debt for your offer," Huang Zhengyang insisted.

"Tell me," Chu Zhiyuan pivoted back to the primary concern, "are these new statues exactly like the last?"”

"They all bear those three distorted faces," Huang Zhengyang replied darkly, "but this incident was far more devastating, with a heavy toll of civilian lives.”

Chu Zhiyuan’s expression hardened. "Where did this happen?"”

"On a mountain near a small village. The locals grew curious, and many lost their lives as a result.”

Chu Zhiyuan furrowed his brows. He wondered if these statues were manifesting randomly, or if there was a hidden, malevolent agenda—were the civilians slaughtered to fuel a dark ritual, or merely to ensure the secrecy of their emergence?