Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1269 - 1265: Disbelief

He estimated the distance to the Divine Statue, noting that even with his keen eyesight and full True Yuan operation, he could only perceive a faint black speck. This indicated the separation must have been well over fifty miles. However, only seeing the Divine Statue itself, devoid of the dense fog, struck him as peculiar.

"What if we send a signal?" Chu Zhiyuan suggested.

Huang Zhengyang turned to him, questioning, "Even with our Heart Protection Treasures, we hesitate to approach?"

"If there's no need to get closer, then let's not," Chu Zhiyuan stated with gravitas.

Huang Zhengyang retrieved a gleaming silver tube from his sleeve. Pointing it skyward, he infused it with True Yuan, and a golden light erupted.

"Bang!"

The sound reverberated through the void. The golden light streaked upwards, ascending several hundred meters before its energy dissipated. In the sky, it coalesced into a miniature sword, standing erect with its tip aimed precisely at their location.

Chu Zhiyuan observed from a distance. Eight middle-aged men appeared perplexed, deep in thought as they sought the root of their problem. Their Array Device functioned perfectly, and they felt no personal abnormalities. Yet, despite repeated attempts numbering over a dozen, the Array refused to materialize, rendering their efforts futile.

In their heightened state of awareness, they detected the distant sound and simultaneously looked up at the golden miniature sword hanging in the sky.

"Is that Huang Zhengyang?"

"Indeed, it is."

"What opportune timing!" a thin, middle-aged man sneered.

"Let's go investigate," proposed a jovial, plump middle-aged man. "No matter how we try, we can't form the Array; our luck seems utterly depleted."

"It's utterly bizarre."

"This must be connected to that Divine Statue."

"But we could form the Array without issue before?"

...

Engaging in conversation, they retracted their Array Devices and proceeded towards Huang Zhengyang's group. Upon nearing, they offered clasped fist salutes.

Huang Zhengyang reciprocated the gesture, stating, "Your efforts are appreciated, gentlemen." He remained watchful, casting furtive glances at Chu Zhiyuan, wary that these eight might turn hostile if influenced by the Undying Evil Venerable.

Chu Zhiyuan gave a slight nod. His hands had already begun forming a Seal.

The thin middle-aged man inquired earnestly, "Director Huang, what brings you here?"

"Oh, nothing much," Huang Zhengyang replied with a smile. "I was observing from afar and noticed the Array had vanished, prompting my curiosity as to why..."

"A minor issue arose; the Array dissipated unexpectedly."

Huang Zhengyang probed, "Mr. Lu, once an Array begins operating, can it be easily terminated?"

"If we cease our operation, it will end," replied Lu Zhenhui, the thin middle-aged man. "However, we have been continuously operating it."

"Is there a problem with the Array Device?"

"No issues whatsoever."

"Then..." Huang Zhengyang's brow furrowed. "Could it be external interference?"

"Director Huang, are you implying the Undying Evil Venerable?"

Huang Zhengyang stated gravely, "After all, you were positioned closer."

"If he had made a move, we would undoubtedly have been aware," Lu Zhenhui countered, shaking his head. "We possess Protective Treasures."

"So, the Undying Evil Venerable did not act?" Huang Zhengyang pressed.

Lu Zhenhui nodded slowly. "Our assessment suggests, most likely, he did not."

Huang Zhengyang turned his gaze to Chu Zhiyuan. "Brother Chu?"

Chu Zhiyuan shifted his hands, altering the mudra. A surge of yellow light emanated from his palms, rapidly spreading and enveloping the surroundings before vanishing in an instant – an astonishing display of speed.

"Pop, pop, pop, pop..."

Following a series of muted thuds, all eight men simultaneously faltered, a shiver running through them. Their eyes then widened, fixing a cold stare upon Chu Zhiyuan, their hands already raised defensively.

Chu Zhiyuan offered a gentle smile and a nod. "My apologies. It appears the aura of the Undying Evil Venerable indeed permeates all eight of you."

"Impossible!" they exclaimed in unison.

Chu Zhiyuan inquired, "How do you feel now?"

The earlier aura of the Demon Suppressing Divine Tree, combined with a trace of the Power of Merit, had been fused. This combination amplified their efficacy dramatically, instantly eradicating the faint taint upon them. Though subtle, the residual aura was remarkably pure and refined, proving resistant to the Demon Suppressing Divine Tree's power alone. The addition of the Power of Merit elevated the Demon Suppressing Divine Tree's aura, providing a crucial enhancement, akin to the final stroke on a painted dragon.

This ingenious method had been inspired by the Golden Sword's manifestation.

The eight tributes frowned, a dawning realization on their faces. When the Undying Evil Venerable's influence had first encroached, it had infiltrated subtly, weaving in thin strands, making them entirely oblivious. However, as the Demon Suppressing Divine Tree's aura swept through, cleansing these accumulated traces, they suddenly became acutely aware of the difference.

A profound clarity washed over their bodies and minds, akin to a long-unbathed individual meticulously scrubbing away filth, bestowing a sense of lightness upon their entire being.

Chu Zhiyuan spoke, "Kindly re-engage the Array."

"Very well, let us proceed then."

The eight individuals assumed their designated positions, channeling their True Yuan into the Array Device.

Moments later, a swirling white mist coalesced and began to unfurl, enveloping them and causing their forms to become indistinct.

The ethereal mist soon dissipated, revealing their figures once more.

Huang Zhengyang beamed, "Mr. Lu, this time, it seems to be functioning correctly."

He paused for a beat, then retrieved four golden Jade Pendants from his person, presenting them to Lu Zhenhui. "These are artifacts designed to suppress spirits and protect the heart, personally forged by Brother Chu."

Chu Zhiyuan offered a smile, "Even a minor degree of effectiveness, adding an extra layer of safeguarding, is certainly beneficial."

"Thank you," Lu Zhenhui reached out to accept them.

In times past, he would have dismissed the efficacy of these pendants when compared to the Heavenly Heart Divine Protection Pendant.

It was that very pendant that had liberated them from the clutches of the Undying Evil Venerable.

However, having witnessed Chu Zhiyuan's capabilities firsthand, he no longer dared to underestimate these Jade Pendants.

Huang Zhengyang elaborated, "Crafting these Jade Pendants requires considerable time, Brother Chu cannot produce them in great numbers, so for the present, we must make do."

Lu Zhenhui replied, "It should be sufficient; two individuals can share one, wouldn't that be permissible?"

Chu Zhiyuan nodded with a gentle smile, "As long as there is physical contact, its efficacy will hold."

"That is reassuring news then," Lu Zhenhui stated, "My gratitude to you, Mr. Chu."

Chu Zhiyuan's smile widened, "If it proves helpful, then our efforts are even more worthwhile."

Huang Zhengyang added, "There is no need for excessive formality with Brother Chu; we stand united. Were it not for Brother Chu's timely warning this time, the consequences could have been dire, considering the immense danger posed by that Undying Evil Venerable Divine Statue."

Lu Zhenhui and the others offered smiles in return.

However, regarding Huang Zhengyang's pronouncements, they harbored unspoken reservations.

The notion that Chu Zhiyuan was truly one of them, and that disaster would have ensued without his forewarning, was not something they readily accepted.

They found themselves in disagreement with both assertions.

Yet, in Chu Zhiyuan's presence, they chose to refrain from voicing their dissent, deeming it too much effort to argue.

Perceiving their inner thoughts, Chu Zhiyuan adopted a serious demeanor and declared, "Esteemed seniors, this Undying Evil Venerable is unlike any encountered before; its danger is profound. Exercise extreme caution."

"We have faced the Undying Evil Venerable previously," Lu Zhenhui responded, "It is indeed exceptionally malevolent and difficult to counter. But what specifically elevates this Undying Evil Venerable's strength on this occasion?"

Chu Zhiyuan merely shook his head, "I do not yet possess a clear understanding, nor do I dare to probe further into its nature."

"Mr. Chu, is it not possible to directly annihilate the Divine Statue?"

Chu Zhiyuan replied, "The circumstances this time are different; I would not presume to directly confront and destroy the Divine Statue."

Lu Zhenhui pondered, then inquired, "If we were to assemble ten martial experts at the Ninth Rank Perfection stage and establish an Array to shield you, Mr. Chu, could we then succeed in destroying the Divine Statue?"

Chu Zhiyuan contemplated for a moment before once again shaking his head.

The remaining seven middle-aged men present could not suppress their displeasure, their brows furrowing.

They found Chu Zhiyuan's displayed timidity and apparent cowardice to be disagreeable.

In their estimation, he ought not to exhibit such apprehension; regardless of the Undying Evil Venerable's might, it was improbable it could vanquish him with such a formidable contingent of top-tier experts providing protection.

Chu Zhiyuan let out a soft chuckle, "Esteemed Senior Lu, when confronting the Undying Evil Venerable, sheer numbers prove futile. I fear only that it might employ sinister secret techniques, directly devouring these powerful experts to augment its own strength with frightening rapidity."

"Could it truly devour such a multitude of Ninth Rank Perfection experts in a single instant?" Lu Zhenhui countered, shaking his head. "No matter its prowess, it cannot possess such devastating capability."

Another elder, with a round, amiable face, interjected with a light laugh, "While the Undying Evil Venerable is undoubtedly powerful, upon its descent into our Biyuan Heaven, it is not operating at its peak capacity. How could it possibly vanquish Ninth Rank Perfection experts? At most, a stalemate might be achieved!"

The Ninth Rank Perfection represents the absolute pinnacle of power attainable within this realm.

Irrespective of the Undying Evil Venerable's inherent strength, it cannot manifest abilities beyond the established limits of this world.

Consequently, it would be incapable of overcoming a force comprising more than ten Ninth Rank Perfection experts.

It was merely Chu Zhiyuan's unfounded fear, nothing more, as they saw it.

Chu Zhiyuan keenly observed their shifting expressions, sighed softly, and offered a resigned, head-shaking smile.

Huang Zhengyang spoke with solemnity, "Mr. Lu, do you perceive Brother Chu as being overly cautious? Brother Chu has personally vanquished dozens of statues belonging to the Evil Venerable and the Undying Evil Venerable. In matters of dealing with them, no one possesses greater experience!"

"We acknowledge Mr. Chu's past accomplishments, yet his current caution seems excessive. The Undying Evil Venerable feeds on Spiritual Attacks; the greater your fear, the more potent it becomes," the round-faced middle-aged man remarked with a smile.

Chu Zhiyuan cautioned, "Esteemed seniors, exercise extreme vigilance. The Undying Evil Venerable, even in death, does not lose its foundation, unlike us whose existence ceases permanently upon demise... When we approach the Divine Statue, ensure the Jade Pendant remains close to your person."

"Very well, let us proceed with arranging the formation," Lu Zhenhui sighed, a sense of resignation in his voice.