Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1240 - 1236: Handover

Chu Zhiyuan chuckled, "I’m also very curious about what it will eventually become now."

The Golden Sword keeps transforming without pause, evolving further with each addition it receives.

With every absorption of Undying Golden Essence, its power surges across all aspects.

Just how much Undying Golden Essence can it consume? Does it even have an upper limit?

The No Heart Sect uncovered more Undying Golden Essence, along with that Golden Staff.

That Golden Staff feels particularly unique, even though it’s merely palm-sized and as thick as a thumb.

Li Hongzhao mused thoughtfully, "Spiritual... looks like I need to get a sword and refine it properly too."

Treasure Swords held little appeal for her; the Shadowless Divine Sword from Chu Zhiyuan seemed more than sufficient.

Since beholding the Emperor’s Sword, no other blade had caught her fancy, leaving her utterly disinterested.

Besides, Biyuan Heaven overflowed with abundant Spiritual Energy, and most Cultivation Techniques revolved around True Essence Separation, emphasizing Sword Aura purity over mere sword sharpness.

It took witnessing Chu Zhiyuan’s masterful swordsmanship for her to grasp how greatly a fine sword elevates one’s Swordsmanship.

Chu Zhiyuan laughed, "That’s not easy. Do you want to refine the Shadowless Divine Sword?"

The Sacrificial Refining Method used for the Emperor’s Sword could apply to the Shadowless Divine Sword as well, perhaps with reduced potency, yet given enough time, it would surely awaken its own Spirituality.

"I’ll ask my master for a Treasure Sword," Li Hongzhao declared. "My master should have one."

Chu Zhiyuan chuckled, "It better not be worse than the Shadowless Divine Sword."

The Phoenix Bloodline’s profound heritage eclipses even the Heavenly Sword Sect, let alone with the Court’s formidable support.

Chu Zhiyuan burned with curiosity over which Treasure Sword Li Hongzhao might secure.

Li Hongzhao retorted, "How could it be!"

"Let’s wait and see," Chu Zhiyuan laughed. "I should get going now."

"Already?" Li Hongzhao’s brows furrowed lightly.

Chu Zhiyuan replied, "If I linger longer, Senior Song will come chase me out herself."

Li Hongzhao giggled, "My master only means well."

"Her kindness is meant for you," Chu Zhiyuan shook his head and explained. "She fears I’ll unsettle your mortal heart."

Li Hongzhao’s smile bloomed radiantly like a flower. "My master worries too much. Can you still meet Little Sister Xiao?"

"Yes." Chu Zhiyuan nodded firmly.

Surprise flickered across Li Hongzhao’s face. "Little Sister Xiao is in Biyuan Heaven too?"

"She resides in Outer Heaven," Chu Zhiyuan clarified, "but her Spiritual Artifact lets her traverse freely—she can visit anytime."

Li Hongzhao inquired further, "Has Little Sister Xiao come here already?"

Chu Zhiyuan nodded. "She’s in seclusion right now, but she can head over once she emerges."

Li Hongzhao gazed at him with mingled surprise and skepticism. "I thought reuniting with Little Sister Xiao would prove impossible. Thankfully, she’s coming—she absolutely must!"

"Alright," Chu Zhiyuan assured her. "Her seclusions often span years, sometimes over a decade though, so it’ll take some time."

Li Hongzhao smiled tenderly. "So you’ll spend all those years alone?"

Chu Zhiyuan burst into laughter. "We cultivators ignore the flow of days and nights."

Li Hongzhao pouted her luscious red lips. "Utterly heartless."

Chu Zhiyuan declared, "Then I’ll take my leave."

"When will you return?" Li Hongzhao asked in haste.

Chu Zhiyuan responded, "Next time, I’ll teleport directly here—no more need for you to guide me from outside."

Li Hongzhao’s eyes widened in astonishment.

Chu Zhiyuan proceeded to share how he had mastered the Earth Origin Technique.

Not only could he teleport alone, but he could also transport others with him—highly convenient indeed.

"Let’s test it then," Li Hongzhao proposed. "Teleport me once."

Chu Zhiyuan laughed heartily. "Alright."

He rested his hand upon Li Hongzhao’s fragrant shoulder. "Ready?"

"Let’s go," Li Hongzhao urged.

In a blink, her vision swirled into blur, clearing sharply the instant after.

She now stood atop a towering mountaintop, vast ocean sprawling endlessly around her.

Stunned, she glanced about before facing Chu Zhiyuan. "Take me back."

Chu Zhiyuan placed his hand on her fragrant shoulder once more, and with a flash, they returned to Li Hongzhao’s courtyard.

"To Heavenly Sword Peak," Li Hongzhao commanded.

Another flash, and they materialized in Chu Zhiyuan’s courtyard within the Heavenly Sword Sect.

"Let’s share some tea before you depart," Chu Zhiyuan suggested.

He set about brewing the tea.

Li Hongzhao wandered the space, observing closely, then sighed with deep emotion. "I haven’t been gone long, yet it feels like an eternity has passed."

Chu Zhiyuan poured water into the Red Mud Furnace, tossed in tea leaves, and began heating it up, chuckling, "Does it feel like things have changed but people haven’t?"

"Yes," Li Hongzhao sighed deeply, "everything’s shifting so rapidly, I couldn’t even react before it all transformed."

"This spot remains unchanged, just like Heavenly Sword Peak, and you’re welcome to return whenever you wish."

"Sigh..."

Chu Zhiyuan remarked, "Numerous fellow disciples are jealous of your fortune, soaring to prominence in a single leap, now serving as a Tribute to the Imperial Family—your position has truly elevated."

"Hehe, that’s right." Li Hongzhao let out a giggle.

While they chatted, Dong Muyu’s voice abruptly rang out from beyond the door: "Li, is that you?"

"Senior Sister!" Li Hongzhao shouted joyfully.

She hurried to swing open the door, where Dong Muyu stood grinning at the threshold. Spotting Li Hongzhao, she eagerly seized her hand, exclaiming, "When did you come back?"

"Just arrived." Li Hongzhao beamed and drew her inside the courtyard to settle at the table.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled warmly, cupping his hands in greeting, as white steam began billowing from the Red Mud Furnace.

He served three cups of tea and took a seat at the stone table.

Dong Muyu inquired about her adventures since their last encounter, curious about life alongside Senior Song.

Chu Zhiyuan savored his tea, listening to their merry laughter, yet his mind drifted toward Zhu Lingyun.

...

Zhu Lingyun’s group had descended from the mountaintop, proceeding eastward.

After traveling over a dozen miles, Zheng Pingzhang could no longer contain himself: "Divine Venerable, there’s actually an alternative path."

Zhu Lingyun shot him a glance and kept striding forward.

Zheng Pingzhang pressed on: "We could just shatter it; no need to hurl it into the ocean, correct?"

Zhu Lingyun eyed Ji Qingyun and dismissed the notion without a word.

Ji Qingyun hastened to explain: "This staff defies destruction; no blade or sword can damage it."

"And the Treasure Sword?"

"It won’t work either."

"Is it really that extraordinary?" Zheng Pingzhang exclaimed in astonishment: "Then... what about casting it into the abyss?"

Zhu Lingyun answered icily: "Would you fancy retrieving it later?"

Zheng Pingzhang replied swiftly: "If Divine Venerable desires to dispose of it, why would we ever seek to recover it?"

Zhu Lingyun shot back sternly: "Greed knows no bounds in people; you’d lose control eventually."

"Divine Venerable..."

"Be silent and move faster!"

"...Yes." Zheng Pingzhang answered with reluctance.

Ji Qingyun suggested: "Divine Venerable, apart from the sea, a river exists too; we could toss it there."

"Hmm—?"

Zheng Pingzhang chimed in quickly: "Nu River?"

Ji Qingyun affirmed with a nod: "The torrent of this river is ferocious, flowing directly to the sea. Once the staff hits the water, it’ll vanish in the rush instantly."

"Where’s its location?" Zhu Lingyun inquired.

"The Nu River lies nearby." Ji Qingyun responded.

"Let’s check it out."

...

Zhu Lingyun, Ji Qingyun, and Zheng Pingzhang perched atop a mountain summit, gazing at the vast river surging below.

The river, spanning ten feet across, thundered wildly as it cascaded downward.

Satisfied, he nodded and retrieved the Golden Staff from his sleeve.

Under the sun’s rays, it gleamed with dazzling brilliance.

Zhu Lingyun passed it to Ji Qingyun: "You handle the toss."

Ji Qingyun grasped the Golden Staff, peering down at it with a conflicted look.

Zhu Lingyun stated evenly: "Having second thoughts?"

"...Yes." Ji Qingyun sighed: "It’s been my companion for countless years; parting with it so abruptly feels painful."

Zhu Lingyun countered: "It’s nothing but a curse!"

"Fine!" Ji Qingyun clenched his teeth and hurled it with force.

A streak of golden radiance arced through the sky, plunging into the furious Nu River.

The tiny Golden Staff stood no chance against the river’s might and was whisked away at once.

With Spiritual Energy enhancing their vision, Ji Qingyun and Zheng Pingzhang tracked the staff’s path through the waves as it receded farther, finally fading from sight.

Zhu Lingyun lingered on the peak, observing its vanishing act with approval.

Ji Qingyun and Zheng Pingzhang appeared utterly dejected and mournful.

Chu Zhiyuan addressed the two women immersed in lively conversation: "Senior Sister, I’ll head out briefly."

"Sure, off you go." Dong Muyu dismissed him with a wave, resuming her talk with Li Hongzhao.

Chu Zhiyuan pushed open the courtyard gate and vanished in an instant.

In the next breath, he materialized beside the roaring Nu River, unsheathed the Golden Sword, and plunged it into the depths.

Abruptly, myriad golden beams erupted from the water, and soon the Golden Sword surfaced, bearing the Golden Staff aloft.

It delivered the staff right to his side.

Chu Zhiyuan extended his hand to grasp the Golden Staff, scrutinizing it with keen attention.

True enough, no warning came from his instincts.

Deep in thought, he furrowed his brow while fixing his eyes on the Golden Sword.

With gritted teeth at last, the Golden Sword erupted in brilliant light upon clashing against the Golden Staff.

Instantly afterward, a blinding radiance exploded forth, akin to a sun crashing down.