Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1252 - 1248: Once Again

Not only does the Golden Sword absorb and convert Merit, but his clone’s divine power along with the second layer of the Three Elements Technique demands it too.

"I’ll dispatch a message to Palace Master Xiao," Lu Wanshan declared in a grave tone. "Yet don’t hold high expectations. Had they possessed it, news would have reached us already."

Chu Zhiyuan grinned and replied, "It’s not entirely without hope. Possessing the prior secret technique, they might hold a superior version."

The earlier secret technique endured strikes from the Undying Evil Venerable and even slew it.

Currently required isn’t slaying the present Undying Evil Venerable, but eliminating the one in You Meng Heaven.

Higher standards apply to this secret technique.

With Guanghan Palace already holding one, another could exist in their arsenal.

Lu Wanshan shook his head. "We shall observe. Even should Guanghan Palace possess it, they might refuse to share."

Chu Zhiyuan responded, "Attempting is always worthwhile."

Lu Wanshan nodded deliberately.

…

Heavenly Sword Branch

Within Chu Zhiyuan’s modest courtyard, Huang Zhengyang occupied the seat across from him at the stone table.

As the sun dipped westward, fiery clouds painted the courtyard in vivid crimson hues.

Bathed in the warm glow, the pair gazed idly at the blooming flower garden, wrapped in silence.

After an extended pause, Chu Zhiyuan spoke. "So the Court’s Imperial Treasury holds such legacies, yet sharing proves impossible?"

Huang Zhengyang nodded with evident reluctance.

"Why the refusal to share?" Chu Zhiyuan inquired. "Because I belong to the Heavenly Sword Sect, or some other cause?"

Huang Zhengyang affirmed, "Precisely due to your status as a Heavenly Sword Sect disciple."

Chu Zhiyuan let out a wry chuckle, shaking his head in regret.

Huang Zhengyang offered a bitter smile. "I exhausted every argument, and even the Director intervened personally, yet the four Princes remained unswayed."

Chu Zhiyuan let out a sigh. "No matter, so be it."

Huang Zhengyang hastened to add, "The Court remains deeply thankful for your swift elimination of the Undying Evil Venerable, preventing further devastation."

Chu Zhiyuan smiled faintly. "Are they perhaps rewarding me with a Lifespan Extension Pill?"

Huang Zhengyang replied, "Actually, two Lifespan Extension Pills."

From within his robes, he produced a jade vial and passed it to Chu Zhiyuan.

Finger-length and masterfully carved, it gleamed with a soft, ethereal light.

Etched on its sides stood the motif of an ancient tree, strokes so lifelike they evoked surging vitality and lush greenery.

Upon taking the jade bottle, Chu Zhiyuan sensed an icy chill seep into his very marrow, numbing half his frame.

He raised his eyes from the bottle to fix them on Huang Zhengyang. "This is truly a Lifespan Extension Pill?"

"Yes, genuine Lifespan Extension Pills," Huang Zhengyang chuckled. "The Court adheres to its protocols, yet it always honors true contributors fairly."

Chu Zhiyuan nodded, uncorked the jade bottle, and tipped out two crystalline elixir pills.

Identical to those he had forged in Outer Heaven, authentic Lifespan Extension Pills.

"My thanks," Chu Zhiyuan said with a smile. "This eases my bitterness. Rest assured, no grudges linger—it’s merely regrettable."

With care, he slipped the jade bottle into his sleeve.

"Regrettable in what way?"

Chu Zhiyuan explained, "Failing to utterly eradicate the Undying Evil Venerable in You Meng Heaven means no true warning is issued. They won’t halt, only growing bolder, unleashing greater disasters—ultimately, the common folk bear the brunt, alas... such a shame."

Huang Zhengyang’s expression grew somber.

Chu Zhiyuan continued, "I can merely strive my utmost, intercepting them promptly, but as you’re aware, how can they truly be halted?"

"Alas—!" Huang Zhengyang sighed deeply, shaking his head. "I’ve relayed these very points to the Director, who surely passed them on; everyone comprehends."

Chu Zhiyuan smiled. "Truth be told, they dread me far more than the Undying Evil Venerable."

Huang Zhengyang gave a subtle nod.

That rang true.

Otherwise, the Court wouldn’t act with such wariness.

In reality, Chu Zhiyuan—this ascendant from Little Heaven Beyond into the Heavenly Sword Sect—boasted unparalleled talent.

Never before had the Heavenly Sword Sect witnessed such a genius, famed across eras.

Even the Court’s long annals lacked such a phenomenon. The Four Great Royal Families’ bloodlines, swift as their cultivation advanced, paled against his meteoric rise.

Handing such secret techniques to an ordinary talent wouldn’t raise alarms.

Yet for a genius like Chu Zhiyuan, there's a chance he might master it, unleashing power that's simply too devastating.

The price to keep it in check would still prove far too steep.

It's wiser to withhold it entirely.

Chu Zhiyuan let out a sigh, "Fine then, I'll abandon it. Next, I'll join the Four Sects’ experts to obliterate the Wanxiang Sect."

"Alas—!" Huang Zhengyang sighed deeply, "This situation is truly..."

He shook his head repeatedly, gripped by reluctance, helplessness, and utter powerlessness.

Fiery determination burned in Chu Zhiyuan, yearning to purge the world's disasters.

The Court remained ever vigilant; should Chu Zhiyuan ever lose control, the horror would surpass even the Undying Evil Venerable.

Neither side appeared in the wrong.

Chu Zhiyuan declared, "Brother Huang, we've given it our all. Fate will handle the rest."

Huang Zhengyang released a heavy breath, "Brother Chu, did you not seek out Prince Zhuang?"

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head, "Prince Zhuang can't decide this alone."

He understood that approaching Prince Zhuang would yield nothing, particularly in affairs like this, where it was utterly inappropriate.

Then he chuckled, "Never mind, let's drop it here. Even without those secret arts, should another Undying Evil Venerable emerge, inform me at once."

"... Brother Chu, are you departing the Imperial City?"

"To eradicate the Wanxiang Sect."

"I think it's preferable to remain in the Imperial City," Huang Zhengyang said with unease. "The Four Sects’ experts ought to handle destroying the Wanxiang Sect, no?"

Chu Zhiyuan fell into thought.

Huang Zhengyang continued, "Tracking down the Undying Evil Venerable again just to find you would squander precious time."

Chu Zhiyuan nodded, "You're right about that."

Huang Zhengyang spoke gravely, "Thus, Brother Chu, stay in the Imperial City to get the news without delay."

"...Very well." Chu Zhiyuan considered it and nodded deliberately.

Huang Zhengyang rose, cupping his fists in a deep bow.

Chu Zhiyuan quickly stood, gesturing dismissively, "Brother Huang, what is this!"

"You merit this bow, Brother Chu," Huang Zhengyang insisted sincerely. "If you refuse it, I'll remain troubled."

"Fine then," Chu Zhiyuan grinned, "I'll accept it grudgingly."

Huang Zhengyang clenched his jaw, resolving firmly.

He intoned deeply, "I'll take my leave now. Tomorrow at my residence, let's share some fine wine."

Chu Zhiyuan agreed with a nod.

While seeing Huang Zhengyang to the branch's entrance, six Demon Hunting Bureau elites stood ready.

Four in their middle years, two youthful.

Anxiety etched the faces of the young pair. Spotting Huang Zhengyang emerge, they sighed in relief and rushed forward.

Huang Zhengyang eyed the youths, "What's going on?"

One lanky and tall, the other stocky and short. The stout youth saluted with clasped fists, "Director, yet another divine statue of the Undying Evil Venerable has surfaced!"

"Where at?" Huang Zhengyang demanded.

The short stout youth replied, "Two hundred miles north in the Li Mountain Range."

"Li Mountain..." Huang Zhengyang glanced at Chu Zhiyuan with a wry smile, "Just as Brother Chu foresaw—it's happening more often."

The Undying Evil Venerable’s statues were manifesting with alarming speed.

Chu Zhiyuan stated, "I'll rush there right away; straight north from here, and I'll spot it?"

"Correct," the tall thin youth confirmed, "Exit the North City Gate, proceed due north, and the statue crowns the peak. Luckily, the area's desolate."

Chu Zhiyuan nodded, "Off I go then."

"Mr. Chu, shall we guide you?" the tall thin youth offered eagerly.

Chu Zhiyuan declined with a shake of his head, "You follow behind. I'll scout ahead to shatter the statue swiftly."

"We'll catch up shortly," the tall youth assented slowly, glancing toward Huang Zhengyang.

Chu Zhiyuan nodded farewell to Huang Zhengyang and, in an instant, streaked a hundred meters to the street's far end. Another flash, and he was gone.

Huang Zhengyang commanded, "Pursue him—in case he veers off, you can steer him right. Stay sharp against any ambushes!"

"Understood!" The pair saluted, whirled, and sped off.

Solemnity clouded Huang Zhengyang's face as he made his way deliberately to the Evil Extermination Department.

He resolved to beg the Director anew, to try once more.