Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1218 - 1214: Taking Action

Chu Zhiyuan grinned while cupping his fists: "Chu Zhiyuan of the Heavenly Sword Sect greets the four seniors."

The altar rose just two meters tall, positioned some fifteen or sixteen meters from Chu Zhiyuan, so the elders observed him from a distance rather than gazing down.

"A disciple from the Heavenly Sword Sect?" The round-faced elder eagerly scanned him: "Is he truly a disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect?"

Chu Zhiyuan let out a soft chuckle, and abruptly a brilliant white glow erupted from his palm.

This white radiance rapidly gathered into a tiny sword, suspended in the empty space over his head, quivering faintly.

Resembling a miniature blade sculpted from white jade, it radiated a gentle sheen beneath the sun's rays.

Masterfully shaped, sharp and lifelike.

However, it released a vast, domineering pressure, like an immense peak ready to smash down, making breathing difficult.

Even with their deep cultivation at Nine Transitions Perfection, convinced they could progress no more, the elders felt a choking suppression.

The four elders shared looks before fixing their gazes on Chu Zhiyuan, examining him closely.

The signature aura of the Heavenly Sword was undeniable, but such power at such a young age?

When did the Heavenly Sword Sect produce such a youthful, unrivaled genius?!

Chu Zhiyuan extended his hand, letting the little white jade sword drift softly into his grasp.

After reaching Nine Transitions, the Heavenly Sword Secret Scripture evolved dramatically, allowing Sword Qi to solidify into an actual short sword.

This blade wounded not through its edge's toughness, but via its Sword Intent and Sword Qi.

One slash proved nearly impossible to block.

Entering the Ninth Transitions Realm unlocked the Heavenly Sword Secret Scripture's full might, showcasing why it belonged to one of the Four Great Sects.

With a smile, Chu Zhiyuan declared: "I humbly seek guidance from you four seniors."

As words left his lips, the small white jade sword morphed into a streak of white light hurtling toward the altar.

To sidestep any clash, the sword targeted solely the altar's core, sparing the four elders.

The elders shook their heads, viewing him as courteous yet bold, harboring no resentment.

Youth brings pride, and achieving Nine Transitions so young as a Heavenly Sword Sect disciple naturally sparked a desire to prove oneself.

"Allow me," the round-faced elder chuckled: "I'll test it out!"

A crimson glow bloomed in his palm, flung toward the jade sword.

"Boom!"

A dull explosion rang out as the red light smashed into the jade sword, failing to halt its advance.

The white jade sword sliced right through, racing to the altar's heart.

"Old Kong, you couldn't stop it,"

The square-faced elder thrust his palm forward, sending a green radiance to intercept the white jade sword.

"Pop."

It echoed like a stopper yanked free.

The green light and white jade sword both dissipated into the sky.

"Woo..."

A fierce wind howled abruptly, whipping their robes, while Chu Zhiyuan's Mystic Robe danced elegantly.

Chu Zhiyuan grinned: "Again!"

White light burst from his palm, shaping a small white jade sword, followed by another burst forming yet another.

White light poured forth one after another...

Four streams of white light shot out simultaneously, each forming a small white jade sword.

These four tiny white jade swords hovered midair, neatly lined and layered.

Instantly, they fused into a single sword.

This fused blade didn't expand but contracted slightly.

Palm-sized, finger-thick.

Perfectly transparent, like frozen ice.

The four elders gazed intently at the diminutive sword, their robes rippling slowly.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled: "The four seniors may combine your strength against this sword."

This blade surpassed the Heavenly Sword Secret Scripture's limits, infused with his personal enlightenments.

No single elder among them could probably endure it.

"Heh, such arrogance!" The round-faced elder snorted: "Is this the Heavenly Sword?"

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head: "It's nowhere near the Sect Leader's Heavenly Sword."

"What bold claims!" The round-faced elder grumbled: "If it were that powerful, your Heavenly Sword Sect would have conquered the world ages ago!"

Chu Zhiyuan smiled: "Let's discuss after the four seniors block this sword."

The icy little sword vanished in a flash, reappearing above the altar the next instant.

It plummeted straight down from overhead.

The four elders palmed out in unison: red light, green light, blue light, black light.

These four rays swiftly blended into a golden beam, clashing with the tiny sword.

"Boom!"

Thunder cracked across the cloudless sky.

The earth quaked faintly, space shuddering.

The four elders shot upward, unable to stay seated.

Chu Zhiyuan darted to the altar's center, hand outstretched to seize the small sword.

Yet its speed was astonishing.

He just managed to grab it, but it nicked his finger, sending blood drops falling onto the altar's core.

Ignoring the blood, Chu Zhiyuan gripped the small sword firmly and exhaled deeply: "That was close."

The four elders descended back onto the altar, faces grim, glaring at the small sword.

The crystal-clear blade vibrated subtly, resisting Chu Zhiyuan's hold, eager to escape.

Chu Zhiyuan flushed awkwardly, clutching it tight, and offered the elders a wry smile: "Please forgive me, seniors. I employed a forbidden technique. Its might is immense, but it slipped from control slightly."

The round-faced elder huffed: "It was merely a friendly exchange—why flaunt such power?!"

Chu Zhiyuan appeared remorseful: "Indeed, the chance was precious, and I couldn't bear for esteemed seniors to undervalue our Heavenly Sword Sect."

"Hmph, who would dare belittle your Heavenly Sword Sect?" The round-faced elder sneered: "Your sect is impressive indeed!"

Chu Zhiyuan felt energized.

The burly elder gestured dismissively: "Enough chatter—what's the use?"

"Old Zheng, we're just killing time here." The round-faced elder chuckled: "It's uncommon for an outsider to enter."

The burly elder eyed Chu Zhiyuan: "What was that aura earlier?"

Chu Zhiyuan frowned in confusion.

The burly elder grunted: "It flickered momentarily and vanished, but our perceptions are reliable."

The square-faced elder agreed: "If just one of us felt it, it could be error, but all four detected it—undeniable."

Chu Zhiyuan pulled an item from his sleeve and presented it: "Was it due to this?"

The four leaned in closely.

It was a sleek short sword, smooth as liquid, exuding refined elegance.

"What's that...?"

"The Giant Spirit Sword." Chu Zhiyuan grinned: "The signature Spirit Sword of the Giant Spirit Sect."

He gave it a light shake.

At once, an odd aura emanated, then withdrew swiftly.

"That's the one!" The round-faced elder jabbed a finger at the Giant Spirit Sword, exclaiming.

The aura matched perfectly, instantly identifiable.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled: "Do the seniors know of the Giant Spirit Sect?"

"...I've heard the name," the round-faced elder glanced at the burly elder: "Old Zheng, you?"

The burly elder snorted: "It holds some notoriety among Evil Sects. Mr. Chu, how did you obtain it?"

Chu Zhiyuan smiled: "The Four Great Sects' experts wiped out the Giant Spirit Sect, razed their stronghold—there's no Giant Spirit Sect anymore!"

"Your Four Great Sects excel at slaying demons; didn't expect you to crush evil cults too," the round-faced elder laughed: "But why visit the Imperial Ancestral Temple?"

The burly elder remarked: "The Heavenly Sword Sect's forebears were all extraordinary figures."

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head: "The Heavenly Sword path shouldn't fixate solely on our ancestors—gleaning unique wisdom from past emperors matters too."

"What wisdom?"

"An elusive insight..." Chu Zhiyuan shook his head: "...Not to mention else, the aura in the Imperial Ancestral Temple is exceptional. Stepping inside brings serenity, with spirit light sparkling."

"Haha..." The round-faced elder slapped his thigh, roaring with laughter: "A true prodigy of the Heavenly Sword Sect!"

The other three elders grinned broadly.

This Imperial Ancestral Temple held hidden wonders, yet few noticed or highlighted them.

Visitors often dismissed the odd sensations as mere sentiment.

Constrained by protocol, they rarely voiced it, but Chu Zhiyuan's words unveiling the secret delighted them immensely.

Finally, someone perceived the Imperial Ancestral Temple's enigmas.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled: "Seniors, is this an array? A spiritual artifact, perhaps a secret land?"

"Haha..."

The four traded glances, chuckling and shaking heads.

Chu Zhiyuan surveyed the area, deploying his Super Sense to sweep the entire Imperial Ancestral Temple.

Then he shook his head: "It doesn't seem like an array or spiritual artifact... a secret land, then?"

"Haha..." The round-faced elder clapped heartily: "Outstanding!"

Chu Zhiyuan mused: "As a secret land, none could force entry; it's utterly impregnable."

"Precisely." The round-faced elder boasted: "This is a prime cultivation holy ground."

Chu Zhiyuan nodded thoughtfully, striding to the altar's center and halting.

He withdrew the Giant Spirit Sword from his sleeve and swung it down deliberately.

The four elders smiled and shook heads, making no move to intervene.

Under their amused stares, the Giant Spirit Sword tapped the altar's surface lightly.

"Impossible!"

The round-faced elder cried out.

The other three elders' eyes bulged wide.

This altar appeared plain and humble, but hailed from the Ancient Era.

It looked naturally forged, no common stone, but an impenetrable odd rock defying all blades and weapons.