Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1268 - 1264: Breaking the Formation

The white fog continued its relentless spread, ultimately enveloping a radius of fifty miles.

Chu Zhiyuan marveled, acknowledging the Court's profound capabilities and deep-rooted foundations.

While this formidable array did not impede the Super Sense, it served as an impenetrable barrier against any experts attempting to infiltrate stealthily.

They managed to slip through the cordon of Court experts, their hopes set on advancing further, only to confront a dense, road-obscuring fog ahead.

Unyielding, they navigated by relying on their prior memory of the path.

However, after a period of tactile exploration, they discovered themselves back at their starting point.

It was akin to striking an invisible wall, an endless cycle of retracing their steps, perpetually returning to the origin.

The prudent individuals chose to retreat and retrace their steps, once again slipping past the watchful eyes of the experts.

Those without such discernment continued their futile circling within the dense fog, trapped in a loop, unable to advance even a single mile.

Chu Zhiyuan offered a series of gratified nods.

The array's true power was now on full display.

An array could accomplish what even thousands of Court experts could not achieve.

A sense of relief washed over him as he refocused his attention on his cultivation.

The Golden Sword underwent continuous refinement, its integration offering immense benefits.

Simultaneously, he delved into the nuances differentiating Merit from Miao Jing Spirit Water, and explored methods to integrate Merit into the Little Heavenly Martial Arts.

He began to perceive the boundless and wondrous potential of Merit.

The once-neglected Little Heavenly Martial Arts was revitalized, regaining its potency and utility through the ability to wield the Power of Merit.

He harbored a faint premonition that this power might hold the key to shattering limitations and ascending to the Spirit Venerable realm, perhaps even the Mythical Realm.

Now, having attained Ninth Rank Perfection, a swift advance toward the ultimate limit might be intrinsically linked to Merit.

The presence of the Spiritual Abyss rendered his physical form unique among all others.

A confluence of various factors contributed to his current extraordinary state.

Over the preceding days, he achieved a profound state of harmony, completely absorbed in his practice.

It was on that day, when Zhu Lingyun's Insight suddenly illuminated his mind, that he was jolted awake.

Unexpectedly, Zhu Lingyun observed that the dense fog enveloping the fifty-mile radius had begun to dissipate with remarkable speed.

From a thick shroud to a light mist, and finally to complete disappearance, all within the span of a single cup of tea.

Zhu Lingyun focused his Insight with renewed intensity.

The eight middle-aged men stationed at the four cardinal points, responsible for maintaining the array, exhibited no discernible anomalies.

The artifacts powering the array also appeared to be functioning normally.

Under the scrutiny of his Super Sense, the only discernible difference lay in the operational tempo of their True Yuan.

He swiftly pinpointed the cause: the discrepancies in the True Yuan operation speed of these artifacts were the crux of the array's failure.

These speed variations led to the array's natural collapse, causing the dense fog to vanish.

Zhu Lingyun's brow furrowed in contemplation.

Chu Zhiyuan's expression mirrored his, a frown of concern.

Through his Super Sense, Zhu Lingyun detected a subtle discord among the eight individuals.

Compared to their initial state, four were operating at an accelerated pace, while the other four lagged behind, all deviating from their established True Yuan flow speeds.

This indicated they had been subtly influenced, ensnared by the insidious effects of the Undying Evil Venerable Statue.

Despite being equipped with Jade Tokens, which radiated a unique aura and were designed to encircle their heads, offering protection to their hearts and spirits, they had ultimately succumbed.

He vanished in a swift motion, reappearing moments later at the entrance of the Evil Extermination Department.

Dusk had begun to settle over the land.

Lanterns flickered to life, and two strings of beast-themed lanterns adorning the department's gate were already aglow.

Huang Zhengyang, clad in his Mystic Robe, emerged from the gate with a hearty laugh, exclaiming, "Brother Chu, please, just come straight in."

His spirit seemed buoyant, his demeanor far more cheerful than his dejected state in recent days.

It was evident he had benefited from the array's fog formation, which had effectively kept the surrounding crowds at bay.

Furthermore, the city's sealing experts had been withdrawn, their duties now limited to guarding the road leading towards the Undying Evil Venerable Statue.

Should any experts still seek the Cave Mansion, the array would naturally repel them.

Dongning City was once again open, its seal lifted, and the Court's oppressive grip had visibly eased.

"Brother Huang," Chu Zhiyuan replied, shaking his head, "there's no need to enter."

He produced four Jade Pendants from his sleeve. Carved from what appeared to be yellow jade, they bore a simple yet potent marking of the Demon Suppressing Divine Tree.

He presented them to Huang Zhengyang, stating, "I've prepared these specifically for safeguarding the heart and spirit against the Undying Evil Venerable."

"Treasures intended to resist the Undying Evil Venerable's control?"

Huang Zhengyang's face lit up with joy as he eagerly accepted the pendants.

Chu Zhiyuan elaborated, "The Undying Evil Venerable's power originates from You Meng Heaven, far surpassing our own in Biyuan Heaven. Consequently, certain protective treasures may prove ineffective against him."

Huang Zhengyang's brow furrowed, "Are you suggesting that artifacts meant to guard the heart and spirit might not withstand his influence?"

Chu Zhiyuan affirmed with a nod, "Ordinary artifacts are incapable of withstanding his might."

"Then, what kind of treasure would be effective?" Huang Zhengyang inquired.

Chu Zhiyuan cast a glance at the four golden Jade Pendants in his hand, replying, "These Jade Pendants, imbued with the aura of the Demon Suppressing Saber, possess the capability to resist."

Huang Zhengyang’s expression shifted subtly.

Chu Zhiyuan stated, "I shall take my leave then."

"Brother Chu, no need to hurry!" Huang Zhengyang reached out, grasping his sleeve. "Let us converse inside."

Chu Zhiyuan was led into the Evil Extermination Department, arriving at his own courtyard.

Seated at the stone table within the courtyard, Chu Zhiyuan offered a smile, "Brother Huang, please speak your mind freely."

Huang Zhengyang’s tone grew solemn. "Several Court Honored Experts have departed to erect the array, each bearing protective artifacts. Can they truly withstand the Undying Evil Venerable’s influence?"

"It is difficult to ascertain," Chu Zhiyuan replied, shaking his head. "What manner of treasures do they possess?"

"It should be the Heavenly Heart Divine Protection Pendant," Huang Zhengyang declared with gravity. "Its efficacy is exceptional, providing a robust defense against losing one's way."

"The Heavenly Heart Divine Protection Pendant..." Chu Zhiyuan mused, his head shaking slightly. "I have not encountered it before."

Huang Zhengyang retrieved a Jade Pendant from within his robes, roughly half a palm in size, and presented it to Chu Zhiyuan.

Upon examination, Chu Zhiyuan noted its striking resemblance to the Jade Pendants worn by the eight middle-aged experts.

"This Heavenly Heart Divine Protection Pendant is a singular treasure of the Court, rumored to originate from beyond this world," Huang Zhengyang explained. "See if it can effectively counter the Undying Evil Venerable’s spiritual assault."

Chu Zhiyuan held the pendant, focusing his intent. A faint shimmer of golden light appeared in his palm.

Instantly, a soothing white luminescence emanated from the pendant, attempting to repel the golden glow.

However, the golden light, akin to a scorching blade through soft wax, effortlessly breached its protective barrier.

Chu Zhiyuan let out a sigh, gently moving his head from side to side.

"It proves ineffective?" Huang Zhengyang inquired, his gaze fixed on Chu Zhiyuan, a hint of anxiety in his eyes.

Chu Zhiyuan slowly nodded. "Indeed, it is not feasible."

"Then..." Huang Zhengyang's brow furrowed. "Could it be that those Court Honored Experts have already fallen under the Undying Evil Venerable’s control?"

"Not necessarily," Chu Zhiyuan countered. "They must surely possess additional protective artifacts, must they not?"

He reasoned that without supplementary safeguards, they would never dare to venture so close to the danger.

Huang Zhengyang responded, "Their array device itself serves as the paramount protective treasure."

"That clarifies matters," Chu Zhiyuan proclaimed, a look of understanding dawning on his face. "In that case, it should be adequate."

"One can only hope..." Huang Zhengyang murmured. "I shall deliver these to them regardless; it is always wise to be cautious. You have only produced four pieces?"

"The creation of each piece demands considerable time and effort; only four could be swiftly completed."

"Very well, I shall see to their delivery. Better safe than sorry," Huang Zhengyang declared, rising to depart.

Chu Zhiyuan spoke, "Brother Huang, allow me to accompany you."

Huang Zhengyang's face broke into a smile. "That would be most welcome!"

Placing a hand on Huang Zhengyang's shoulder, Chu Zhiyuan made them both vanish, reappearing moments later atop a lofty mountain peak.

The summit was exceptionally high. Huang Zhengyang strained his eyes, peering into the distance, and managed to discern a minuscule black speck.

His brow furrowed instantly, his expression darkening. "Is it still visible? What of the array?"

Chu Zhiyuan turned to him, raising an eyebrow slightly. "Hmm?"

Huang Zhengyang’s countenance grew severe. "The array should be fully established by now, rendering the Divine Statue imperceptible to us... Truly, as dreaded, trouble has found us! There is a problem!"