Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1270 - 1266: About to Depart

Observing their departure, Huang Zhengyang felt a sense of powerlessness wash over him.

Both sides seemed convinced of the other's unyielding and intractable nature.

Brother Chu and I perceive them as ignorant and fearless, their confidence brimming excessively.

Conversely, they regard Brother Chu and myself as overly timid and lacking the true boldness expected of a cultivator.

Though neither faction could sway the other, it was fortunate they understood their own limitations and adhered to the given directives.

Chu Zhiyuan watched the departing figures, a shake of his head accompanying the movement.

These eight envoys, he mused, were indeed quite astute.

While they might inwardly mock my perceived cowardice and disregard my counsel, they refrained from voicing such sentiments directly.

Had they done so, I would have been compelled to confront them, lest it bring shame upon the Heavenly Sword Sect.

"Is there truly no alternative path?" Huang Zhengyang's gaze remained fixed upon the diminishing black speck in the distance. "Must we simply stand by and witness its power grow?"

Once the Undying Evil Venerable Statue fully manifests, its strength will inevitably surge.

Even a protective array, designed to contain it, might not offer complete efficacy.

Chu Zhiyuan inquired, "Does the Court possess any viable solutions?"

"Alas..." Huang Zhengyang shook his head, a weary expression crossing his features. "The current predicament is exceptionally awkward."

Chu Zhiyuan chuckled lightly. "Is there perhaps a Divine Artifact capable of its destruction, yet deemed too costly for such a purpose?"

"...Indeed, there is."

"So, we are to await a time when it has inflicted sufficient harm to warrant the deployment of this Divine Artifact?"

"...Yes." Huang Zhengyang nodded, his helplessness evident. ""

The situation seemed preposterous, yet as it unfolded, the reality was precisely that absurd.

Chu Zhiyuan suggested, "That matter is easily addressed. Extend an invitation to a few preeminent experts to conduct an initial reconnaissance. I trust their instincts will prove more reliable than mine."

"...They have already undertaken such scouting." Huang Zhengyang offered a strained smile. "And they arrived at the very same conclusion as Brother Chu; this Undying Evil Venerable poses a gravely perilous threat."

Chu Zhiyuan's eyebrows arched slightly.

He had harbored questions regarding how his solitary assessment alone could prompt the Court to dispatch such a considerable contingent of experts to secure the perimeter.

It now became clear that his judgment had indeed been validated.

Huang Zhengyang sighed once more. "However, the expenditure required for the Divine Artifact is immense. Even with this confirmation, it is insufficient grounds for its activation."

Chu Zhiyuan then asked, "Does the Court have any other recourse?"

"The experts favor a conservative strategy over a decisive one; they advocate for clearing a fifty-mile radius initially, thereby containing potential damage should unrest arise."

Chu Zhiyuan's brow furrowed. "Are Senior Lu and the others aware of this decision?"

Huang Zhengyang slowly inclined his head, a negative response.

Chu Zhiyuan hummed thoughtfully. "I suspect they are hesitant to be involved?"

Huang Zhengyang affirmed this with a nod.

Chu Zhiyuan let out a sigh. "Implementing this approach, does it not border on the unethical?"

Huang Zhengyang offered another wry smile. "It is a necessary evil. I wish I could speak more freely, but the Prince has mandated absolute secrecy; no information is to be divulged."

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head, a touch of disappointment in his voice. "Proceeding in this manner instills a sense of unease... This truly highlights the divergence in operational philosophy between the Court and our Sect."

Huang Zhengyang awkwardly rubbed the back of his nose. "In truth, Mr. Lu and the others are largely aware; they are intelligent individuals."

"They may infer some aspects but have not grasped the full gravity of the situation."

"Brother Chu, I extended a prior warning to them," Huang Zhengyang stated.

"They simply did not heed it."

Chu Zhiyuan gave a slow nod.

This was indeed accurate. Huang Zhengyang had previously issued a clear caution, emphasizing his extensive experience with the Undying Evil Venerable and noting that this particular manifestation was distinct and exceptionally potent.

Huang Zhengyang sighed again. "I have already exerted the utmost of my capabilities; I can offer no further counsel."

Chu Zhiyuan responded, "Very well. We shall observe how fortune favors their endeavors."

"Brother Chu, would your four jade pendants prove effective?"

"I can perceive faint disturbances. Should any anomaly arise, I will hasten to investigate."

"That is the most reassuring outcome," Huang Zhengyang admitted, a measure of relief evident in his voice.

...

Meanwhile, Chu Zhiyuan resumed his cultivation, focusing on the intricate process of merging his merit power with the aura emanating from the Demon Suppressing Divine Tree.

The fusion of Merit and Faith Power, and the fusion of Merit with the aura of the Demon Suppressing Divine Tree.

These two sources of power possess distinct characteristics.

He had dedicated considerable thought to analyzing the subtle differences between them.

He harbored a profound conviction that by achieving a deeper understanding and mastery of merit, he might unlock the path to breaking through to the Spirit Venerable realm.

This represented the most significant allure for him.

Upon achieving advancement to Spirit Venerable, his three clones would also gain the ability to ascend, consequently entering the Spirit Venerable realm.

Deeply immersed in his cultivation practice, a sudden notion materialized in his consciousness.

In the subsequent moment, he vanished from his humble lodging in the small courtyard, reappearing within another modest courtyard, this one located within the grounds of the Profound Yin Palace.

There, Xiao Ruoling, clad in an elegant gown of white silk, was seated serenely beside a stone table, from two cups of tea, gentle wisps of white steam ascended.

As Chu Zhiyuan materialized, a charming smile graced her lips, and she gracefully waved her hand, delicate as jade.

Chu Zhiyuan settled himself opposite her, taking a teacup with a smile and sipping it gently before inquiring, "What is it?"

"I can depart for You Meng Heaven now," Xiao Ruoling replied with a grin.

Setting the teacup down, Chu Zhiyuan asked, "When will you be leaving?"

"I can leave tomorrow," Xiao Ruoling said. "Would you like to come along?"

After a moment's thought, Chu Zhiyuan shook his head. "No, just take the Flying Knife with you."

"Why don't you just come with me? Senior Sister Shen will be there too," Xiao Ruoling urged.

Chu Zhiyuan declined once more with a shake of his head.

He understood that his presence alongside Xiao Ruoling would inevitably spark gossip.

Xiao Ruoling's circumstances were quite delicate, and it would be unwise to complicate them further.

She had mastered the Taiyin Great Refining Form and her cultivation was progressing at an astonishing rate. Were she from the outer world, she would undoubtedly be a radiant figure, admired by all.

However, her origins from Little Heaven Beyond cast a different light.

While the Profound Yin Palace stood transcendent and independent, looking down upon the world, it was not entirely free from internal complexities.

Cultivation demanded resources, reputation swayed with status, and individuals engaged in both overt and covert rivalries.

As a disciple of the Profound Yin Palace, associating with a man could indeed make her stand out, and consistently bringing a male companion would only further displease her fellow disciples.

"Really not coming?" Xiao Ruoling inquired with a smile.

"Bring the Flying Knife, and I can sense it to teleport over instantly. Why should I cram myself into your Xuan Guang Shuttle?"

"We'll be traveling with Senior Sister Luo tomorrow. When exactly will you teleport?"

"Tomorrow night."

Xiao Ruoling offered a charming smile. "I'll wait for you then."

Chu Zhiyuan responded with a smile and a nod, then proceeded to recount the events of the past two days.

"Since you've found a way to counter him, why haven't you dealt with him yet?" Xiao Ruoling inquired.

"I'm not completely certain," Chu Zhiyuan admitted. "Since I'm heading to You Meng Heaven, I'll first locate his base and ascertain the situation before taking any action."

Xiao Ruoling let out a soft chuckle. "You're not just stalling the Court, are you?"

"That's partly on my mind, yes," Chu Zhiyuan confessed. "Constantly offering help can lead the Court to take it for granted eventually."

"Helping the Court too much prevents them from valuing it," Xiao Ruoling observed. "They need to understand its true worth to offer some recompense."

Chu Zhiyuan smiled and nodded in agreement.

"They won't bow easily," Xiao Ruoling stated.

"One step at a time," Chu Zhiyuan replied with a smile. "If not this time, then the next. The Undying Evil Venerable's rampancy is growing, and the Court will eventually find it difficult to withstand them."

"The sudden surge in activity from these Undying Evil Venerables must have a reason," Xiao Ruoling mused.

"We need to uncover that cause," Chu Zhiyuan affirmed with a nod.

"I heard from Senior Sister Luo that the Undying Evil Venerable is considered the foremost expert in You Meng Heaven, comparable to our Venerable Perfection stage. Anything above that is the Divine Venerable, which is akin to our Spirit Venerable," Xiao Ruoling shared.

"Oh?" Chu Zhiyuan's interest piqued. "How do the Undying Evil Venerables measure up against our Venerable Perfection?"

"The cultivation methods in You Meng Heaven differ from ours, placing greater emphasis on spiritual power rather than the physical body," Xiao Ruoling explained. "The Spiritual Qi in You Meng Heaven is distinct from ours. Senior Sister Luo believes we possess greater strength because the lifespan of cultivators in You Meng Heaven is not as extended."

Chu Zhiyuan nodded slowly.

The ultimate aims of cultivation were, firstly, strength, and secondly, longevity. A cultivator who was merely powerful but lacked a long lifespan, or the possibility of achieving immortality, could hardly be considered perfected.

"Our martial arts from You Meng Heaven cannot exert their full power due to a lack of a sufficient power source," Xiao Ruoling stated gravely. "Therefore, facing an Undying Evil Venerable remains a dangerous prospect."

Chu Zhiyuan nodded slowly.

"Senior Sister Luo is visiting her family and will return soon. We have the Xuan Guang Shuttle for protection, but for you, my husband..." Xiao Ruoling trailed off.

"No issues. The moment I sense any trouble, I will retreat immediately," Chu Zhiyuan assured her.

Xiao Ruoling's face broke into a smile.

She had faith in Chu Zhiyuan's capabilities and keen instincts; with adequate preparation, he would undoubtedly manage a safe withdrawal.