Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1266 - 1262: Myth

A mile away, he instantly vanished, utilizing Super Sensing Illumination, poised for immediate evasion.

Once more, he disappeared, reappearing within the serene courtyard of the Heavenly Sword Branch, a smile gracing his features.

The peril had indeed significantly diminished, ceasing to pose an immediate, lethal threat, which permitted a closer examination.

It was evident that the seven-colored light pillar served as the focal point of the danger.

This pillar was the very source of the power.

Now that the merit-formed Binding Dragon Rope had ensnared the seven-colored light pillar, the threat itself was effectively neutralized.

The remaining tasks could now be addressed with a calm and collected approach.

His gaze drifted towards the direction of the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

The temple's formidable experts remained occupied, diligently searching various areas, attempting to ascertain the cause of the preceding disturbance.

A subtle shake of his head conveyed his thoughts.

It was highly unlikely they would uncover the truth, destined to remain in a state of bewilderment.

Ultimately, the event would likely be attributed to the ancestors' divine power in repelling aberrant forces.

He approached the stone table and settled himself down, preparing a cup of tea, his demeanor utterly relaxed.

The tension that had held him captive finally released, the world seemed to expand, bestowing an immeasurable sense of ease and liberation.

It had been a considerable duration since he had last experienced such intense pressure.

It was this pressure that had propelled his cultivation to Nine Transitions Perfection.

Under this very pressure, he had grasped the profound intricacies of employing merit.

He mused whether this turn of events was ultimately a blessing or a curse.

A silent admonishment arose within him: while his fortune had been exceptionally good this time, the next encounter might not be so favorable.

Consequently, he could not afford complacency and must persistently strive for improvement, even in his current state of perfection.

How could he chart a course for advancement to the subsequent stage?

After a brief period of contemplation, he vanished in a flash, materializing within the Heavenly Sword Peak, finding himself before the Sect Leader's Hall.

As his foot landed on the threshold, Lu Wanshan's voice emanated from within: "Zhiyuan, enter."

Chu Zhiyuan stepped into the hall, offering a respectful salute with a cupped fist: "Sect Leader."

Lu Wanshan, remaining seated behind his desk, continued perusing ancient records, gesturing for Chu Zhiyuan to take a seat.

Chu Zhiyuan occupied the high-backed chair positioned at the foot of the stairs, offering a grateful nod to the young attendant who delivered tea, a silent token of his appreciation.

Lu Wanshan, a flicker of displeasure crossing his face, set the records aside and moved to sit opposite him.

His gaze swept over Chu Zhiyuan several times: "Perfection?"

Chu Zhiyuan responded with a query: "Sect Leader, I have indeed reached perfection, have I not?"

"Hmm, perfection. Let me count the time..." Lu Wanshan began pacing off the months on his fingers: "One month, two months, three, four..."

Chu Zhiyuan interjected with a smile: "Sect Leader, I have a question I wish to pose."

Lu Wanshan ceased his counting: "Speak."

"How does one ascend to a higher realm beyond this point?" Chu Zhiyuan inquired, "Does a realm exist that surpasses Ninth Rank Perfection?"

"What are your thoughts on the matter?" Lu Wanshan countered.

"I believe such a realm exists."

"If you hold that belief, then continue your pursuit," Lu Wanshan advised.

"And if I believe otherwise?"

"Then there is no need for further exertion," Lu Wanshan stated. "Focus on solidifying your current cultivation realm, for the Perfect Realm itself is susceptible to regression."

A pensive silence enveloped Chu Zhiyuan.

Lu Wanshan observed him with a chuckle: "If memory serves me correctly, Zhiyuan, your progression to Perfection is the swiftest in the entire history of our Heavenly Sword Sect."

Chu Zhiyuan responded with a smile, shaking his head slightly: "Sect Leader, you are also aware of how much fortune factored into this achievement."

"Results are paramount, not the journey taken to achieve them," Lu Wanshan asserted.

"Should this accomplishment be made public?"

"Naturally, it must be widely publicized to enhance the prestige of the Heavenly Sword Sect! ... Why, do you object to this?"

Chu Zhiyuan slowly shook his head: "I merely feel a sense of unworthiness."

"If you deem yourself unworthy, then who among us is?" Lu Wanshan scoffed. "Others would inflate a minor accomplishment tenfold. You, however, hesitate to speak of your success, yet now is the time to formally establish your renown."

Chu Zhiyuan offered a wry, self-deprecating smile.

"Your previous reputation was disseminated through whispers; now, it is time for an official proclamation," Lu Wanshan declared. "While I might typically worry about attracting envy through excessive fame, now that you have achieved Perfection, you must embrace a high-profile presence!"

He added with a lighthearted laugh, "Our Heavenly Sword Sect must project an image of pride and unwavering ambition!"

The dissemination of this news would undoubtedly serve to invigorate the spirits of all disciples within Heavenly Sword Peak, fostering greater unity and collective purpose, yielding immense benefits.

Chu Zhiyuan inquired: "Sect Leader, based on your explanation, does the possibility of transcending Ninth Rank Perfection also hinge upon innate talent?"

"Indeed, if you possess the conviction that you have not yet reached your absolute limit and can ascend further, then continue your cultivation. However, the vast majority perceive their current attainment as the pinnacle."

"Will further advancement constitute an elevation to a new level?"

"No," Lu Wanshan replied, shaking his head. "Further progression leads to strengthening, but it lacks qualitative transformation; it is merely a quantitative change."

"Without a qualitative shift..." Chu Zhiyuan inquired, "What about employing the Heavenly Sword for assistance?"

"The Heavenly Sword is not viable," Lu Wanshan responded, "as I am also currently at the peak of Ninth Rank Perfection."

Chu Zhiyuan gave a slow, understanding nod.

It became apparent that Biyuan Heaven and Outer Heaven were indeed quite different.

Outer Heaven possessed denser, purer spiritual energy, which enabled cultivators to reach the Spirit Venerable Realm.

As a result, human potential varied, and the cultivation power one could achieve differed greatly.

This combination paved the way to the Spirit Venerable Realm.

"Sect Leader, throughout history, has our Biyuan Heaven never harbored any higher existence?"

"Higher realms are the stuff of myth. In ancient times, there were the Phoenix, the Sky Dragon, and various Divine Beasts. The Imperial bloodline originated from them. With the passing of these beasts, mythical realms no longer exist."

"Did they exist in ancient times?"

"You aspire to pursue ancient mythical realms?" Lu Wanshan chuckled, shaking his head. "It's impossible due to cosmic changes."

"Has no one achieved the Mythical Realm in modern times?"

"To my knowledge, no one has."

"What of the Imperial Family's tributes and their bloodline cultivation?"

"It does not succeed... Hmm... Actually, you might be able to try." Lu Wanshan said slowly, a realization dawning. "I hadn't considered it before."

Chu Zhiyuan's eyebrows lifted slightly.

Lu Wanshan continued, "If anyone else claimed to reach mythical realms, I would dismiss their arrogance with a smile. However, you are unique. Even ancient history did not record such rapid progress to Ninth Rank Perfection. Indeed, you should try challenging the limit!"

"How should I attempt such a feat?"

Lu Wanshan shook his head. "There are no records, surprisingly none at all, regarding such cultivation."

Chu Zhiyuan's brow furrowed in deep thought.

Lu Wanshan proposed, "One possible explanation is that the Mythical Realm cannot be articulated; it must be comprehended directly. If one realizes it, they cannot explain it."

Chu Zhiyuan slowly nodded in agreement.

Lu Wanshan advised, "Upon reaching the apex, when you feel no further progress is possible, then seek a breakthrough. It is still too early for you now."

"Understood."

"To be perfectly honest," Lu Wanshan admitted, "I, along with past ancestors, have searched for clues to the mythical realm, but unfortunately..."

He shook his head sadly. "That explanation might indeed be the ultimate truth."

Chu Zhiyuan let out a laugh. "Sect Leader, do you have any leads at all?"

"None whatsoever," Lu Wanshan replied, shaking his head. "Acknowledging reality, it's impossible."

He gave a wry laugh. "My talent was not exceptional amongst my ancestors. If they could not achieve it, I certainly cannot. However, you might."

"I will do my utmost."

"If you could reach the Mythical Realm, ha..." Lu Wanshan's smile widened uncontrollably.

He envisioned Chu Zhiyuan attaining the legendary Mythical Realm, pondering what such a feat would entail.

Becoming the undisputed number one, invincible, and elevating the Heavenly Sword Sect to the leading position.

What about the Court?

The Court would be compelled to submit, subsequently acting according to the Heavenly Sword Sect's directives.

Then, the Heavenly Sword Sect would truly achieve ultimate triumph.