Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1278 - 1274: The Imperial Bestowal

Chu Zhiyuan found himself taken aback by the statement.

Zhou Chongming, equally surprised, quickly interjected, "The Emperor's Sword is but a projection derived from the Heavenly Sword's clone. If it were to be consumed..."

"It matters not," Lu Wanshan stated calmly. "To sacrifice a single projection for Zhiyuan's sword to mature into the genuine Heavenly Sword is a price well worth paying."

However, Chu Zhiyuan shook his head, declining the offer. "Thank you for your kindness, Sect Leader, but I do not wish to pursue this path."

Lu Wanshan responded, "There are numerous projections of the Heavenly Sword scattered throughout; the loss of one will hardly create a significant ripple."

Chu Zhiyuan remained firm, his expression set in resolve. "Sect Leader, I shall progress step by step. Should it be destined for destruction by a Spirit Venerable, then it is simply a matter of unfortunate fate. Once I achieve the status of a Spirit Venerable myself, I shall resume my training."

"Excellent! Such ambition is truly worthy of praise!" Zhou Chongming exclaimed, clapping his hands in admiration. "That's the spirit we need to see, Zhiyuan!"

A slight smile touched Chu Zhiyuan's lips. "Uncle, you are too generous with your praise. I do not place excessive importance on the outcome, whether success or failure. My cultivation is for my own enjoyment; the result holds little consequence for me."

With solemnity, he clasped his fists. "I am grateful for the Sect Leader's heartfelt offer."

"You... your aspirations are perhaps set too high," Lu Wanshan said, a hint of helplessness in his tone. "Do not come to regret this decision in the future."

Chu Zhiyuan nodded with deep sincerity. "Sect Leader, if achieving it requires such measures, I would rather forgo the practice entirely."

"Very well, then," Lu Wanshan conceded. "There is no need for you to dedicate excessive time to the sword; you might face profound disappointment if success eludes you. Once the Court bestows upon you the secret technique, direct your focus toward its mastery."

"Understood," Chu Zhiyuan affirmed with a solemn nod.

"Your name has already begun to echo through the cultivation world," Lu Wanshan remarked with a smile. "Upon mastering the secret technique, your renown will undoubtedly soar."

Zhou Chongming added, "Zhiyuan, the sect's efforts to promote your name act as a double-edged sword. Should you meet expectations and master the secret technique, you shall be held in the highest esteem across the lands. However, should you falter, their disappointment will be palpable, and your reputation could swiftly plummet."

Chu Zhiyuan's nod was earnest. "I am aware of the potential consequences."

"Open your heart and refrain from excessive worry," Lu Wanshan advised gravely. "If others are unable to master it, then it is hardly a failing if you cannot either."

"Indeed," Chu Zhiyuan responded with a light laugh. "My only concern is that the Court might deliberately provide me with a technique that proves exceedingly difficult to master."

"That is precisely the kind of underhanded tactic the Court would employ!" Lu Wanshan declared.

Zhou Chongming’s brow furrowed. "If the Court were to act in such a manner, not only would they impede Zhiyuan's progress, but they would also tarnish his reputation. It's a scenario where they stand to gain regardless of the outcome, so why wouldn't they consider it?"

He then glanced at Chu Zhiyuan. "It appears it would be most prudent to maintain the utmost secrecy regarding this matter."

Lu Wanshan spoke deliberately. "Let us refrain from discussing it further for now; we shall speak of it only after you have achieved mastery."

Chu Zhiyuan offered a wry smile. "I fear that even if we choose silence, the Court will likely trumpet the news far and wide."

"They most certainly will," Lu Wanshan concurred with a nod.

From his perspective, if he were in the Court's position, he would adopt a similar strategy, leaving Chu Zhiyuan with no alternative but to put on a brave face.

Zhou Chongming mused, "Thus, if the Court announces it with great fanfare, it signifies their involvement in a scheme, and the secret technique would undoubtedly be incredibly challenging. Conversely, if they remain silent, it implies they genuinely desire Zhiyuan's success."

Chu Zhiyuan expressed his appreciation. "Elder, your insight is remarkable."

Zhou Chongming, however, shook his head. "But what is the Court's true intention? Do they wish for Zhiyuan to succeed or not?"

Lu Wanshan offered his analysis. "They are likely in a state of indecision, unable to commit to a definitive course of action."

He then turned his gaze towards Chu Zhiyuan.

Chu Zhiyuan voiced his current stance. "At this juncture, any excessive action on my part could lead to further missteps. It is better to maintain a calm demeanor."

His thoughts quickly drifted to Huang Zhengyang and Director Zhou Muyin.

He recognized that attempting to influence the Court's decision through them would be a precarious endeavor, potentially leading to his own overreach.

Rather than stumble into such a pitfall, he opted for detachment, deeming it the wiser course of action.

"Very well," Lu Wanshan agreed. "This entire affair falls under the Court's purview. They are all individuals of exceptional intellect, and our machinations would likely prove futile against them."

"To be frank, Zhiyuan has no real need to involve himself in this matter at all," Zhou Chongming stated. "Were it not for the necessity of training that particular sword, there would be no reason to seek such widespread fame or attract such attention."

Lu Wanshan chuckled softly, shaking his head.

"Senior Brother, am I mistaken in my assessment?"

"Junior Brother, have you not yet grasped the depth of Zhiyuan's ambition?"

"And what kind of ambition is that?"

"You could likely surmise it yourself."

"Sect Leader..." Chu Zhiyuan's tone was tinged with slight embarrassment.

Observing the two, Zhou Chongming’s eyes flickered, his mind racing through possibilities. After a brief pause, he tentatively inquired, "Could it be... Zhiyuan, you aspire to become the Sect Leader?" He swiftly dismissed the notion, shaking his head. "That doesn’t align. If leadership was your aim, why practice that sword? You could manage the Heavenly Sword Sect’s affairs in the future."

Chu Zhiyuan chuckled, ’Uncle, I am merely practicing for my own amusement.’

Zhou Chongming laughed, shaking his head in disbelief. ’You invest so much effort into mere play?’

’When one has leisure, why not?’ Chu Zhiyuan replied with a chuckle. ’It is quite interesting, and the sword’s power is indeed quite formidable.’

Zhou Chongming then turned his gaze to Lu Wanshan. ’Sect Leader, do you permit Zhiyuan to engage in such diversions?’

Lu Wanshan smiled, ’Given his rapid progress, what more can I possibly say?’

’...Very well.’ Zhou Chongming sighed. ’If one desires the position of Sect Leader, reputation is undoubtedly crucial, yet there is no need for haste. Senior Brother has a considerable time before he steps down.’

Lu Wanshan let out a laugh. ’I have grown weary of the Sect Leader’s duties. If Zhiyuan’s generation proves capable, I would gladly relinquish the position.’

Chu Zhiyuan interjected, ’Sect Leader, Uncle, to be candid, my initial intention in seeking the Sect Leader position was not to fulfill personal ambitions, but rather to elevate our Heavenly Sword Sect.’ A flicker of embarrassment crossed his face. ’In truth, I wished to leverage the Heavenly Sword to advance my own cultivation. Now that I have reached this particular cultivation level, and possess this sword, yet find the Heavenly Sword incapable of augmenting my cultivation realm... therefore...’

Zhou Chongming inquired, ’You no longer wish for the Sect Leader position?’

Chu Zhiyuan offered an awkward smile and gave a slight nod.

Lu Wanshan laughed heartily. ’You little scamp, you now hold the Sect Leader’s post in low regard.’

Chu Zhiyuan remarked, ’I have become accustomed to a life of freedom; remaining bound to the mountain constantly, like the Sect Leader, would be utterly unbearable.’

’Indeed, being the Sect Leader is a demanding role,’ Zhou Chongming concurred, ’especially that particular aspect.’

The burden of leadership binds one to the peak, akin to imprisonment. For some individuals, this confinement proves to be an unbearable torment.

It was a fate he personally could not endure.

Consequently, he had never harbored envy for his Senior Brother’s position as Sect Leader, nor did he ever desire it for himself.

Chu Zhiyuan’s sentiments were entirely predictable.

Lu Wanshan stated, ’Very well, then. Just let things unfold naturally. At times, allowing events to take their course is the wisest approach.’

’Yes.’ Chu Zhiyuan bowed solemnly.

...

Chu Zhiyuan returned to the courtyard of the Heavenly Sword Branch, settling at the stone table. He sat in contemplation, bathed in the bright moonlight, his thoughts deep and distant.

After a period, he rose, pacing with his hands clasped behind his back, his expression heavy with thought.

Ultimately, he shook his head, returned to his bed, and rested, foregoing cultivation for simple repose.

Meanwhile, within You Meng Heaven, Zhu Lingyun rose and departed from Wanxiang Cliff, intending to take a stroll beyond its confines.

His objective was to visit Qingyun City. That city, nestled between Qingluo Cave and Wanxiang Cliff, might potentially yield some valuable information.

...

The following morning, as soon as Chu Zhiyuan awoke, Huang Zhengyang made his appearance. Upon entering the courtyard, he announced with hearty laughter, ’Brother Chu, rejoice! Good news has arrived; the Court has sanctioned the secret technique!’

Chu Zhiyuan responded with a smile, ’What secret technique are you referring to?’

Huang Zhengyang retrieved a small, dark green box from his sleeve and carefully placed it upon the stone table. Chu Zhiyuan regarded it with a solemn expression. ’I wonder, why did the Court agree to bestow a secret technique once more?’

Huang Zhengyang waved dismissively. ’Whatever their motivations may be, the agreement itself is what truly matters.’

’That is indeed true,’ Chu Zhiyuan conceded with a smile, his gaze fixed upon the dark green box. It was no larger than a palm in length and a foot wide, as thin as a hand, and seemed to contain a clear, flowing liquid within.

Huang Zhengyang placed his left palm upon the box, channeling his power. The box began to emit a soft glow before it fractured with a distinct ‘pa’ sound. A slender, dark green booklet materialized before them.