Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1263 - 1259: Perfection

With a sigh, Chu Zhiyuan remarked, "It truly earns its title as the Emperor’s Sword."

Although the spiritual Qi in Little Outer Heaven is considerably less potent than Biyuan Heaven, the Emperor’s Sword wields a vast and majestic power.

While the Emperor’s Sword is essentially a clone of the Heavenly Sword, observing its current might suggests it has surpassed its progenitor.

He had come to a realization through the Golden Sword: the key lies in merits and public approval.

The accumulated merits and public support for the Heavenly Sword fall far short of that commanded by the Emperor’s Sword.

However, if the connection between the Emperor’s Sword and the Heavenly Sword mirrors his own relationship with his clones, then the Emperor’s Sword possesses the capability to transfer power to the Heavenly Sword.

Such a transfer would result in the Heavenly Sword displaying truly terrifying strength.

Li Hongzhao’s smile radiated pride. "The Emperor’s Sword’s power is indeed exceptional, forged through generations of accomplishment."

Unlike humans, whose strength is inherently capped by their cultivation realms, the Emperor’s Sword is not bound by such limitations and can continuously grow stronger over time.

Its power escalates as public support and merits are perpetually gathered and amplified.

"With such a significant display, the Sect Leader Li Biyang must surely be aware of your return, yes?"

"Likely not," Li Hongzhao replied, shaking her head. "I instructed the Emperor’s Sword to conceal our arrival."

"It heeds your command?"

"Naturally, due to my superior accumulated merits," Li Hongzhao stated with evident pride.

"Very well, let us proceed then."

Chu Zhiyuan chuckled, his hand gently resting on Li Hongzhao’s shoulder, and in an instant, they vanished from sight.

They reappeared atop a mountain peak, encircled by imposing, towering mountains.

These majestic peaks were veiled in swirling clouds and mist, resembling islands adrift on a vast, ethereal sea.

The occasional cries of unseen birds and beasts further enhanced the profound tranquility of the landscape.

The entire scene evoked a sense of being in an entirely different realm.

Glancing around at their new surroundings, Li Hongzhao inquired, "Where exactly are we?"

Chu Zhiyuan responded, "This is a desolate mountain range, utterly devoid of any trace of human habitation."

"Is there something you wish to confide in me?" Li Hongzhao turned to face him, her phoenix eyes twinkling with amusement. "Did you not always maintain that certain matters are best left unsaid?"

Chu Zhiyuan let out a laugh. "This particular situation is different."

He then voiced his lingering doubts.

Specifically, regarding the intrinsic connection between the Emperor’s Sword and the Heavenly Sword.

"I comprehend; you are concerned that our discussion might reach the ears of the Sect Leader?" Li Hongzhao’s soft chuckle carried on the air.

Chu Zhiyuan gave a slight nod.

Within the confines of Heavenly Sword Peak, any utterance could potentially be overheard by Lu Wanshan.

These particular words, touching upon the clandestine relationship between the Emperor’s Sword and the Heavenly Sword, were certainly not intended for Lu Wanshan’s ears.

"In truth, excessive caution is unnecessary. Even if the Sect Leader were to overhear, it would not constitute grounds for punishment against me."

"Nevertheless, it is always prudent to err on the side of caution."

"Your meticulous nature is truly remarkable. Very well," Li Hongzhao conceded. "The power exchange between the Emperor’s Sword and the Heavenly Sword can indeed occur, but it is restricted to specific aspects, not the entirety of their power."

"And which aspects are transferable?"

"It is the power derived from merits; the strength accumulated through public adoration cannot be transferred."

"Merits..." Chu Zhiyuan murmured, the word echoing his contemplation. "Merits..."

He began pacing back and forth across the colossal stone at the mountain’s summit.

A gentle, clear breeze swept through, lifting the edges of his robes, making them flutter as if poised for flight.

Li Hongzhao observed him quietly, her phoenix eyes sweeping across the vast, untamed panorama, appreciating its wild grandeur.

After a considerable interval, Chu Zhiyuan finally exhaled a deep sigh. "I understand now."

His aura suddenly surged with power, like a mountain peak abruptly ascending, standing tall and imposing.

A flicker crossed Li Hongzhao’s brow, and a crimson light emanated from her, within which a resplendent phoenix seemed to dance.

Chu Zhiyuan’s robes gradually settled, and he released a long, steadying breath.

A sudden, powerful wind erupted, howling with the ferocity of angry waves crashing against a shore.

A scarlet glow enveloped Li Hongzhao’s form, anchoring her firmly against the tempestuous gale.

A confident smile spread across Chu Zhiyuan’s face.

Li Hongzhao let out a soft hum, assessing his state. "You’ve achieved perfection, Ninth Rank Perfection?"

Chu Zhiyuan smiled and nodded in affirmation. "It appears the Ninth Rank has indeed been perfected."

"My congratulations! ... And what profound understanding have you gained?"

"Merits," Chu Zhiyuan declared, a smile gracing his lips. "Are one of the supreme forces that bridge different worlds."

His clones, he realized, were in essence the embodiment of these merits.

The divine power inherent in each clone is directly proportional to the enhancement provided by accumulated merits, leading to their formation.

Therefore, each individual clone represents a condensation of his own merits.

The remarkable ability of these clones to exist across diverse worlds signifies that merits possess the power to connect realms—whether it be Little Outer Heaven, Outer Heaven, Biyuan Heaven, or even You Meng Heaven.

Crucially, merits remain unaffected by these inter-world travels.

Furthermore, the capacity to traverse freely within You Meng Heaven is also dependent on the power of merits.

"Merits..." Li Hongzhao mused, her thoughts deeply engaged.

Chu Zhiyuan then elaborated, "Upon reaching the Venerable Realm, the paramount focus shifts from mere diligent cultivation to the profound understanding and adept utilization of the fundamental rules governing heaven and earth."

"I understand that," Li Hongzhao responded, her voice calm. "However, the world is governed by countless rules, and not all of them, when comprehended, lead to enhanced cultivation."

"Indeed," Chu Zhiyuan mused. "For individuals like us, the principles governing power are paramount. You must shatter your preconceived notions, as if stepping into an entirely new dimension, suddenly illuminated."

"You perceived merits as a form of transcendent power, and in doing so, broke through a barrier?" Li Hongzhao inquired, a hint of frustration in her tone. "I grasp that same concept, so why haven't I achieved a breakthrough?"

"Firstly, one must pursue relentlessly, and then, enlightenment will strike suddenly," Chu Zhiyuan explained. "Without the arduous process of intense seeking, even upon discovery, the impact may not be profound enough to shake the soul. Consequently, you cannot glimpse the Mighty Power of Heaven through that soul-tremor, preventing advancement in your realm."

"I see now," Li Hongzhao murmured, her understanding dawning as she nodded slowly.

She let out a soft sigh. "You have articulated the very essence of transcending cultivation realms."

"This is a direct affirmation of the Great Path," Chu Zhiyuan stated with a smile. "It's not knowledge typically shared with just anyone."

Li Hongzhao sighed again, a touch of weariness in her voice. "To this day, no one has truly grasped this crucial step."

She herself had failed to comprehend it, and neither had any of the esteemed masters or mentors she had encountered throughout her journey.

Chu Zhiyuan chuckled softly. "It's merely a matter of good fortune."

He possessed the divine ability of clones, granting him access to miraculous techniques and profound secret knowledge from four distinct worlds: Little Outer Heaven, Outer Heaven, Biyuan Heaven, and You Meng Heaven. Furthermore, his exploration of the Demon World, Human World, and Demon Realm delved into wondrous studies that touched the very core of the soul, enabling him to comprehend this step.

For anyone else, regardless of their innate comprehension, lacking such unique experiences and awareness would render the understanding of this fundamental level impossible.

"After listening to you, I now know the path to breaking through my realm."

"Knowing is simple; achieving is the true challenge," Chu Zhiyuan replied with a gentle smile. "Even with the knowledge, putting it into practice is far from easy."

Li Hongzhao shook her head, a glimmer of resolve in her eyes. "Knowing the ultimate destination allows one to travel as far as they can; not knowing it, however, that is the true despair."

The Golden Sword erupted from its sheath, its flight tracing an arc across the sky like an agile bird, soaring ever higher and farther.

He could intimately feel the intricate flow of power coursing through the Golden Sword.

An profound experience of the merits and faith power followed.

Since gaining an understanding of merits, his perception and recognition of them had become exceptionally sharp and clear.

Previously, he could only vaguely sense the presence of merits, public support, and faith power; now, they appeared as distinct as sunlight, as clear as observing a gently flowing brook, each element distinctly defined.

Within the Golden Sword, the manifestation of merit power resembled the tranquil waters of autumn, smooth and serene.

He fell into deep contemplation.

It bore a striking resemblance to Miao Jing Spirit Water.

Could it be that this Miao Jing Spirit Water was a transformation of merits?

If Merit Power held the ability to bridge different worlds, then could the Golden Sword also be accessible to his other clones?

It could potentially be utilized even within You Meng Heaven.

...

Chu Zhiyuan made his way back to the Heavenly Sword Branch, returning to the peaceful solitude of his small courtyard.

He resumed his efforts in refining the Golden Sword, aiming to further enhance its innate spirituality.

Meanwhile, elite experts from the Evil Extermination Department and the Demon Hunting Bureau had already been dispatched and were in motion.

Through Zhu Lingyun's keen observation, he noticed groups of formidable experts positioned along roadsides, nestled below mountain peaks, scattered throughout small towns, and outside the meticulously constructed walls of Dongning City.

The Dongning City Guards had promptly sealed all city gates, permitting only entry while strictly prohibiting any egress.

A comprehensive lockdown was enforced within a fifty-mile radius, specifically designed to prevent anyone from approaching the revered divine statue.

Nevertheless, with the vast expanse of mountains, winding streets, and densely forested areas, the formidable experts deployed by the Court found themselves insufficient to establish a complete human cordon isolating the expansive fifty-mile perimeter.

This very strategy employed by the Court only served to strengthen the conviction of masters from various Martial Arts Sects regarding the existence of the fabled Cave Mansion. They perceived the Court's actions as a blatant attempt to monopolize the potential riches within.

Consequently, these determined individuals began to either forge alliances with one another or embark on solitary expeditions, ingeniously circumventing the Court's lockdown measures as they secretly headed towards the statue of the Undying Evil Venerable.

Chu Zhiyuan sat upon his bed within the Heavenly Sword Branch, a distinct furrow forming on his brow.

"Humans perish for wealth, and birds die in pursuit of food; these individuals courting death—they will meet their end."

"Yet, their demise could inadvertently contribute to the strengthening of the Undying Evil Venerable. This is the most troublesome aspect of the situation."