Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1276 - 1272: Investigation

"Yes, Spirit Venerable."

"Can the Court’s Spirit Venerable be summoned at will?"

"Certainly not!" Huang Zhengyang gulped down another mouthful of wine: "But at this moment, it is already very critical."

"The Undying Evil Venerable keeps descending, and the divine artifact has failed..." Chu Zhiyuan nodded: "These recent descents have been in areas far from the Imperial City, but next time and perhaps thereafter, it might descend near the Imperial City—that would be the true disaster!"

"Exactly!" Huang Zhengyang said: "This time, Brother Chu, you dared not act; how can the princes not be wary? If next time the Undying Evil Venerable descends near the Imperial City and you still don’t act, what can be done?... the Guardian Divine Artifact also hasn’t been repaired."

"It is indeed perilous." Chu Zhiyuan nodded: "Even if I boldly act this time, the Court’s decision will likely be the same, not to tie safety to an individual."

This is one of the fundamental reasons why the Court has been reluctant to teach the secret technique to me.

Being a disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect is one aspect; the other is this.

Tying life and death to one person’s hands, especially when this person is a disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect, how can the Court be at ease?

"...Yes!" Huang Zhengyang heavily slapped the stone table: "That’s exactly the reason!"

"Hehe..." He shook his head: "I haven’t seen this as thoroughly as Brother Chu."

Chu Zhiyuan smiled.

Huang Zhengyang said: "So, Brother Chu, you shouldn’t blame the princes; the situation is pressing, and they have no choice."

Chu Zhiyuan chuckled: "Brother Huang, where are you thinking? I’m not yet filled with resentment; the secret technique, originally precious, cannot be transmitted lightly, especially as it belongs to the Court; there’s no reason for it to be granted to me."

Huang Zhengyang shook his head: "If it were me, I’d certainly feel aggrieved."

Chu Zhiyuan poured the White Jade Cup full for both of them, revealing a smile: "However, Brother Huang, I do feel I have hope in receiving the secret technique."

"Hm—?" Huang Zhengyang was puzzled.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled and said: "Isn’t it said that life and death shouldn’t be tied to a single person’s hands?"

"Right, that’s how the Court is." Huang Zhengyang nodded: "Especially the four princes, they absolutely refuse to be controlled."

This is the pride of the Royal Family, a pride ingrained deeply in their bones and blood.

Chu Zhiyuan said: "Will the Court summon several Spirit Venerables then?"

"Well...," Huang Zhengyang shook his head: "The matter of the Spirit Venerable is extremely secretive; I really don’t know."

Chu Zhiyuan said: "Spirit Venerables are hard to summon; they might just invite one, as one would suffice."

"One..."

"Moreover, there must be a price, and a hefty one at that."

"It’s inevitably so."

"Life and death cannot be tied to one person’s hands." Chu Zhiyuan smiled with deep meaning.

"Oh—!" Huang Zhengyang brightened up and slapped the table: "That’s right!... Hehe, with the Spirit Venerable present, the Court won’t fear your misdeeds, and you can also slay the Undying Evil Venerable, preventing the Spirit Venerable from taking all the glory!... It’s mutual restraint, hence the Court will pass on the secret technique to you!"

"Indeed!" Chu Zhiyuan smiled and drank in one gulp.

Huang Zhengyang frowned in deep thought, shaking his head: "This idea is somewhat too optimistic; the Court might not be so inclined."

"There’s a possibility." Chu Zhiyuan laughed: "With this possibility, let’s attempt to advance."

"No problem!" Huang Zhengyang’s face turned serious: "I’ll seek out the Director."

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head: "Forget about the Director."

Huang Zhengyang looked at him puzzled.

Chu Zhiyuan said: "I’m too close to the Evil Extermination Department; in the eyes of the four princes and various courtiers, we’re seen as colluding."

"I’m genuinely acting in the public interest!" Huang Zhengyang protested: "Our friendship is one thing, but I distinguish clearly between the business of the Evil Extermination Department and personal matters."

"Brother Huang, you can manage it, but others may not; hence they measure others by themselves and believe Brother Huang can’t do it."

"I... this..."

"So the Director’s words won’t be effective; we’d better find someone else."

"Who else can we find?"

"What about the Demon Hunting Bureau, or someone unrelated to us?"

"The Demon Hunting Bureau won’t assist." Huang Zhengyang waved his hand: "They certainly want to oppose us."

With a smile, Chu Zhiyuan remarked, "Employing this strategy, we need not fret over their potential refusal to assist."

"Employing..."

"Brother Huang, you comprehend my meaning." Chu Zhiyuan’s smile widened.

"Ah— I grasp it now, I truly do!" Huang Zhengyang chuckled, "I shall strategically disseminate some information, implying that we are disinclined for you to practice the secret technique."

Chu Zhiyuan chuckled, "Brother Huang, you are truly devious."

"Hehe, how fascinating! This is most intriguing!" Huang Zhengyang let out a hearty laugh.

The two engaged in further heavy drinking, and eventually, Chu Zhiyuan took his departure.

The moment he vanished from sight, Huang Zhengyang’s demeanor rapidly reverted to its usual composure.

The flush from the alcohol and his feigned drunkenness swiftly receded, restoring him to his customary self.

He changed his attire, and any trace of the alcoholic aroma vanished instantly.

The remnants of the meal and wine in the modest courtyard were cleared away, and the air within was no longer perfumed with the scent of alcohol.

As he stepped out, an Elder was already seated by the stone table in the courtyard.

Possessing white hair yet a youthful visage, gaunt yet robust, he was leisurely engaged in preparing tea.

"Director." Huang Zhengyang approached, offering a respectful salute.

The Elder extended a cup of tea towards him, gesturing with his chin towards the opposite seat, "Be seated."

Huang Zhengyang accepted the tea with both hands and settled himself composedly in the seat across from the Elder.

"What are your thoughts?" the Elder inquired gently, "What are his intentions?"

"Director, following our recent exchange, my assessment remains unchanged. Chu Zhiyuan possesses a benevolent nature and is indeed worthy of our acceptance."

"Hehe... benevolence," the Elder chuckled, "The background of this Heir Chu, his actions, and all his prior experiences have now been thoroughly examined by the Court."

Huang Zhengyang’s spirits lifted, "At last? And what is the outcome? Is it as I had surmised?"

"Considering his history and conduct, labeling him as merely benevolent would be insufficient... his character is luminous and just, imbued with righteous awe. He practices the Imperial Family’s Great Brightness Scripture. Without a bright and upright character, one cannot align with the Great Brightness Scripture, nor achieve such a high level of Cultivation at such a tender age."

Huang Zhengyang offered a smile.

"His killing intent is profound; he despises evil with the fury of a vengeful deity, striking with merciless precision, causing the heads of the Evil Demons in Little Outer Heaven to tumble, even completely eradicating an entire Evil Sect."

"Well executed, that extermination!" Huang Zhengyang praised, "His sense of justice is so potent; it is precisely why he lends us his aid."

"Hmm, that is likely the case." The old man nodded, "He is still trustworthy. However... he is not a naturally gentle soul. Given how the Court has treated him, he likely harbors some resentment, awaiting an opportune moment for retribution."

"Director..."

"If he seeks retribution, so be it. As long as his actions are transparent and honorable, the Secret Technique can be imparted."

Huang Zhengyang smiled, "Director, your wisdom is unparalleled! Director, will you continue to engage with the four Princes?"

"This instance is different," Zhou Muyin stated calmly.

Huang Zhengyang asked with palpable excitement, "So, we have hope, don't we?"

"The Court is currently deliberating and conducting investigations concerning him," Zhou Muyin replied evenly, "Barring unforeseen circumstances, they will likely impart the Secret Technique to him."

Huang Zhengyang let out a sigh, shaking his head, "Finally, they have agreed... This should have been granted much earlier; there was no need to delay it until now."

Had the Secret Technique been bestowed from the outset, Brother Chu would undoubtedly have been filled with gratitude. However, with this delay, there is a distinct possibility of resentment rather than thankfulness.

Zhou Muyin cast a glance at him.

Huang Zhengyang quickly offered a smile, "I misspoke."

"The Court has its own strategic considerations; it is not as straightforward as you perceive. I have never felt entirely at ease entrusting the entirety of the Evil Extermination Department to your charge. Do you understand the reason why?"

"It is due to my insufficient capabilities."

"It is precisely because your mindset is too simplistic, too idealistic!" Zhou Muyin declared with a touch of irritation, "You place your trust in others far too readily!"

Huang Zhengyang quickly interjected, "Director, I am not entirely without discernment; I maintain a constant state of vigilance and harbor suspicion towards everyone."

"That is merely outward pronouncement; in essence, you place too much value on emotional connections!" Zhou Muyin hmphed.

Huang Zhengyang possesses exceptional talent, is sharp-witted, and has an earnest disposition.

Yet, he lacks a degree of coldness and objective reasoning, which is why I remain hesitant to delegate the complete authority of the Evil Extermination Department to him.

It is necessary for me to maintain oversight to avert any potential missteps.

"Regardless, you need no longer concern yourself with this particular matter; focus your attention on monitoring the Undying Evil Venerable instead."

"Understood." Huang Zhengyang responded, "Should I convey this development to Brother Chu?"

"There is no necessity." Zhou Muyin hmphed dismissively, "He is considerably more astute than you and has likely already conjectured as much."

"Brother Chu is indeed quite astute." Huang Zhengyang concurred.

Zhou Muyin articulated, "This endeavor still holds variables, thus it’s paramount we keep it confidential."

"Understood."

"He resolved the Undying Evil Venerable Statues swiftly this time around."

"Brother Chu demonstrates growing proficiency, yet the one situated in Dongning City presents a significant challenge; he hesitated considerably and even feared approaching it."

"We cannot afford prolonged delays there," Zhou Muyin stated with composure, "Our pace must quicken."

"Has the Spirit Venerable been formally invited?"

"It’s not a simple matter," Zhou Muyin huffed, "It hinges entirely on the Spirit Venerable’s willingness to take notice."

"Alas... If you ask me, the Secret Technique ought to have been bestowed upon Brother Chu much earlier. Why else would we face such complications now?"

"Silence!"

"Director—"

"You comprehend nothing!" Zhou Muyin retorted with irritation, "Do you fancy yourself the sole possessor of intelligence and foresight? Are the four Princes and numerous high-ranking officials all imbeciles?"

"Well..."

"There have been profound, blood-drenched lessons learned," Zhou Muyin huffed, his tone grim, "They simply weren't officially recorded. Conferring the Secret Technique upon an unsuitable individual carries immense repercussions; it demands the utmost prudence!"

"Could it be a consequence of his background?"

"Undoubtedly, his identity plays a role, but it’s not the sole factor. Unless we possess a comprehensive understanding of his past deeds and character, how can we possibly risk imparting such a technique?"

"...Understood."

"Very well, let us depart." Zhou Muyin initiated his movement to stand.

"Director, are you embarking on another period of seclusion?" Huang Zhengyang inquired with haste.

Zhou Muyin inclined his head, negating the assumption, "With matters as they stand, how could I possibly find peace in seclusion? I must undertake a journey to the Evil Suppressing Abyss."

"To petition the Tributes within the Evil Suppressing Abyss?"

"To seek counsel from the Tributes regarding certain pressing matters."

"Is there no artifact within the Evil Suppressing Abyss capable of assisting us in overcoming the current crisis?"

"That remains unknown; I must ascertain it."

"Then, exercise caution, Director."

"Hmm."

With a subtle wave of his hand, Zhou Muyin departed with dignified grace.

Within the confines of his bedchamber, Chu Zhiyuan assumed a cross-legged posture, observing the unfolding events through the lens of his Insight, a subtle smile gracing his features.

The Imperial Court was finally intent on bestowing the Secret Technique upon him.

They had indeed conducted an exhaustive investigation into his background.

How had they managed to obtain such granular information?

Lu Wanshan should not have divulged this. Could there be a spy from the Court within the Heavenly Sword Sect?

Every individual within the Heavenly Sword Sect was privy to his true identity.

The number of people capable of discerning his circumstances within the Little Outer Heaven was exceedingly small.

Barring any unforeseen complications, Lu Wanshan was the sole individual possessing this knowledge.

Then, how had this information been compromised?

The inability to resolve this enigma indeed left him feeling unsettled.

Mulling over this, he immediately traversed to the Heavenly Sword Sect, materializing within the Sect Leader’s Hall, where he encountered Lu Wanshan.