Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1280 - 1276: Inquiries

Both cultivation pathways are flawed, each fraught with peril and the potential to plunge one into madness.

Could it be that this particular secret technique necessitates the foundational mental cultivation methods of the Heaven-Reaching Sect?

If that’s the situation, is there truly no way to obtain the Heaven-Reaching Sect’s mental methods?

Does the Imperial Court possess them and deliberately withhold them from me, or perhaps they lack them as well?

All these possibilities remain open.

His thoughts churned, his expression growing increasingly serious.

The complexity of the situation had escalated.

Setting aside the thin booklet, he returned to his chambers to resume the refinement of the Golden Sword.

As per Sect Leader Lu Wanshan’s assessment, the Golden Sword was still a considerable distance from achieving true maturity.

It might even be the case that by the time the Spirit Venerable makes its appearance, the sword will be unfinished and susceptible to destruction by the Spirit Venerable.

Resolving this particular predicament presented a significant challenge.

While he possessed the ability to traverse between different realms, the Spirit Venerable shared this capacity; even transporting the Golden Sword to the Outer Heaven or the Lesser Heaven Beyond would not guarantee an escape from the Spirit Venerable’s pursuit.

However, for him, a simple solution was available.

Merely concealing the Golden Sword within the Spring Acupoint or the Lao Gong Acupoint would render it undetectable.

He had already showcased the formidable power of the Earth Origin Technique, demonstrating its capability to manipulate the void.

Yet, he had intentionally kept the Human Element Skill and the Heavenly Yuan Technique concealed, ensuring they could not even conceive of such a miraculous technique being within his grasp.

The refinement of the Golden Sword could not afford any lapses.

Early the following morning, as he returned to his humble courtyard from Prince Qing’s mansion, Huang Zhengyang’s voice reached him from outside.

Chu Zhiyuan strode forth, unlatched the courtyard gate, and the two convened at the stone table within the courtyard for a discussion.

Observing Huang Zhengyang’s somber demeanor, he understood at once that the news was unfavorable.

Huang Zhengyang shook his head, stating, "Brother Chu, our search for the Heaven-Reaching Sect proved fruitless."

"Could it be that such a sect never existed in ancient times?" Chu Zhiyuan inquired.

Huang Zhengyang responded, "There are no records. I consulted the Librarians at the archives, and no one recalled anything. A sect of this nature would surely have been renowned; even if it were an ancient establishment, it should have left a mark. If it were recorded, the Librarians would undoubtedly remember."

Chu Zhiyuan offered a nod of understanding.

Indeed, possessing an Ascension Technique of such caliber, the Heaven-Reaching Sect could not possibly have been obscure.

Furthermore, its name was remarkably striking; upon encountering it, one’s curiosity would inevitably be piqued, leading to diligent investigation and a lasting memory.

The fact that the Librarians had no recollection strongly suggested its complete absence from any records.

"So, what is our next course of action?" Huang Zhengyang sighed, a hint of distress in his voice, "How are we to proceed with our cultivation?"

Chu Zhiyuan advised, "We shall temporarily suspend our practice of it."

"Then let it be suspended," Huang Zhengyang quickly added, "We must not act recklessly and risk harming ourselves. To cultivate it, one must surely know of the Heaven-Reaching Sect? Does it indeed require the Heaven-Reaching Sect's mental methods?"

Chu Zhiyuan affirmed, "This Ascension Technique is exceedingly difficult to cultivate; it absolutely requires the Heaven-Reaching Sect’s mental methods as a reference."

Huang Zhengyang mused, "I suspect this Heaven-Reaching Sect may have long since gone extinct. But even if it has vanished, surely it shouldn't be entirely unrecorded, should it?"

Chu Zhiyuan nodded, acknowledging the peculiar nature of the situation.

"Well... let’s set it aside for the time being," Huang Zhengyang suggested, "Regarding the matter of the Undying Evil Venerable, perhaps we can investigate whether the Imperial Court can enlist the aid of a Spirit Venerable."

Chu Zhiyuan inclined his head slowly.

The reappearance of the Undying Evil Venerable statue had been notably absent, leaving him somewhat dejected, as he was unable to absorb the Undying Golden Essence to further strengthen the Golden Sword.

After seeing Huang Zhengyang off and returning to his private courtyard, Gu Junqi summoned him.

He proceeded to the main hall where Gu Junqi awaited and took his seat on the step below.

"Uncle Master, what is it?"

"Have you heard about the recent developments outside?"

"What developments?"

"A rumor has begun circulating, suggesting that the Imperial Court has bestowed upon you a secret technique, and that mastering it will enable you to utterly vanquish the Undying Evil Venerable, preventing its return."

"So, the news has already spread," Chu Zhiyuan acknowledged with a nod.

Gu Junqi inquired, "How is it progressing? Have you made any headway? Is this secret technique proving difficult to learn?"

"It presents certain complications," Chu Zhiyuan replied, shaking his head. "I have yet to uncover any substantial clues."

Gu Junqi advised, "Should you encounter any significant obstacles, do not hesitate to seek assistance directly from the Sect Leader. At this juncture, finding a method to master this secret technique is of utmost importance."

"Understood," Chu Zhiyuan responded.

Gu Junqi mentioned, "Mastering this secret technique must be incredibly difficult. Otherwise, why would no one else have succeeded? It's placing you in a difficult position. If you fail to master it, you'll become the sinner, and the public's anger towards the Undying Evil Venerable will be directed at you, while the Court escapes blame."

Chu Zhiyuan let out a soft chuckle.

The Court's actions indeed revealed such intentions, a truly calculated move with multiple benefits.

The important ministers and princes of the Court were all exceptionally cunning and shrewd.

Gu Junqi inquired, "What do you think, Zhiyuan, do you have the confidence?"

"None whatsoever," Chu Zhiyuan replied, shaking his head firmly.

Gu Junqi scoffed, "There's no need to push yourself too hard. Since no one else has succeeded, why would they expect you to? Moreover, dealing with the Undying Evil Venerable should be the Court's responsibility, not something unfairly pushed onto you!"

Chu Zhiyuan offered a smile and stated, "I will do my utmost. It is still too early to definitively say whether I can master it."

"Indeed, there's no need to rush," Gu Junqi nodded in agreement. "However, the people outside lack such patience, especially with the Undying Evil Venerable's constant reappearances."

Chu Zhiyuan responded, "I also wish to master it swiftly, but unfortunately..."

He shook his head and stood up, announcing, "Uncle Master, I must return to the Sect to consult with the Sect Leader."

"That is a wise decision. The most crucial thing now is to stabilize your mental state; do not rush or become agitated," Gu Junqi advised.

"Understood."

Chu Zhiyuan nodded and slowly took his leave.

Despite his outward calm and composed demeanor, Gu Junqi, the Elder, appeared to be mentally troubled.

It was evident that the discussions outside must be incredibly heated, with suspicions growing against him.

It wasn't a significant issue if his personal reputation suffered, but he was a disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect.

The populace's disappointment and dissatisfaction might consequently be directed towards the Heavenly Sword Sect.

The prestige the Heavenly Sword Sect had painstakingly accumulated over the years could potentially be tarnished.

If this were a common occurrence, people wouldn't exhibit such irrational behavior.

However, the reappearance of the Undying Evil Venerable incited widespread fear and anger among the populace; under such intense emotions, their rationality often faltered.

In extraordinary times like these, engaging in reasoned discourse became nearly impossible.

...

Guanghan Palace

Chu Zhiyuan suddenly materialized on the White Jade Square.

On the vast White Jade Square, a group of women clad in flowing white garments were diligently practicing an intricate array.

Each woman moved with graceful postures, their movements light and elegant, their robes fluttering like the wings of celestial beings.

Upon witnessing Chu Zhiyuan's arrival, Lu Xiaolu emerged from the formation.

She lightly landed before Chu Zhiyuan, exclaiming, "Junior Brother, you've finally arrived!"

Chu Zhiyuan smiled, cupping his hands in greeting, "Senior Sister, I came as quickly as I could, didn't I?"

"Quickly? What do you mean, quickly!" Lu Xiaolu scoffed. "You should have been here much earlier."

"It has only been three days."

"Regardless, you are too late!"

"Indeed," Chu Zhiyuan conceded with a smile, clasping his hands in respect to the other women.

They returned his smile, continuing their practice of the array.

Lu Xiaolu then guided him towards her private courtyard.

Within the pristine and elegant small courtyard, a vibrant flower garden bloomed, and the two of them took seats at the stone table situated before it.

A freshly brewed, steaming cup of tea was presented, and Lu Xiaolu inquired, "I heard the Court has bestowed a secret technique upon you?"

Chu Zhiyuan retrieved a booklet from his sleeve and handed it over.

Lu Xiaolu gazed at it with evident amazement, taking it slowly and flipping through its pages, curiously asking, "The Ascension Technique?"

Chu Zhiyuan picked up his own copy of the booklet, activated the intricate patterns within, and allowed her to examine it more closely.

Lu Xiaolu's eyes widened instantly. "Two sets of secret techniques?"

Chu Zhiyuan sighed, "I have come seeking your guidance. Senior Sister, do you happen to know of the Heaven-Reaching Sect? I mentioned it to the Sect Leader, but they had not heard of such a sect."

Lu Xiaolu's bright eyes darted, her delicate eyebrows furrowing slightly as she pondered, ultimately shaking her head. "I shall go and inquire from the Palace Master."

She turned and departed.

Chu Zhiyuan lifted his teacup, took a gentle sip, his expression visibly relaxing.

Meanwhile, in the Outer Heaven, Chu Liezhao departed from the Prince Consort Mansion and proceeded to Fengtian Palace to investigate the origins of the Tongtian Pavilion.

The Little Heaven Beyond also possessed a Tongtian Pavilion, but it served merely as a library. In contrast, the Tongtian Pavilion of Outer Heaven was an exclusive Secret Realm within Fengtian Palace.

The former could be disregarded, and he had already perused its vast collection of manuscripts, finding no mention of the Heaven-Reaching Sect.

Whether the Tongtian Pavilion of Fengtian Palace held any connection to the Heaven-Reaching Sect remained an open question.