Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1281 - 1277: Clues

Sipping tea in the tranquil courtyard, Chu Zhiyuan's gaze swept over the meticulously arranged space. Every detail exuded a feminine elegance, a testament to the significant effort Lu Xiaolu had invested, particularly in the vibrant flower garden before him, a riot of unusual blooms emitting a lingering fragrance.

Soon after, Lu Xiaolu reappeared, her expression tinged with disappointment.

"No records pertaining to the Heaven-Reaching Sect?" Chu Zhiyuan inquired.

"There are some, but they prove rather useless," Lu Xiaolu replied.

Chu Zhiyuan's spirit perked up. "What do they say?"

"A disciple from the Heaven-Reaching Sect once made an appearance in our Biyuan Heaven, but they departed swiftly," Lu Xiaolu explained.

Chu Zhiyuan's eyebrows rose. "So, it's not a sect native to Biyuan Heaven?"

"Correct. It's rumored to be a sect from another heaven, though the specific one wasn't mentioned. At this level of cultivation, one understands the existence of numerous heavens, each possessing distinct legacies," Lu Xiaolu elaborated.

"If it isn't a sect from our Biyuan Heaven, then this secret technique couldn't have been left behind by one of its disciples. That seems unlikely."

"Hmm..." Lu Xiaolu tilted her head in contemplation, nodding slowly in agreement. "If I were to journey to another realm, I wouldn't carelessly leave behind a secret technique either."

What constitutes a secret technique? Naturally, it is the epitome of secrecy, never to be divulged to outsiders.

How could such a thing be easily entrusted to strangers, especially in a different heaven?

She suddenly exclaimed, "Junior Brother, are you suggesting he perished here among us? ... How did he die? Could he have been assassinated by cultivators from our own realm?"

"It's difficult to ascertain," Chu Zhiyuan responded, shaking his head. "If he abandoned it willingly, he should have also provided the unique magic technique required to cultivate this secret art."

"That would be logical," Lu Xiaolu agreed, nodding. "Perhaps he didn't leave it behind... or maybe the Court withheld it from you?"

"That seems improbable," Chu Zhiyuan stated.

Despite his words, he harbored suspicions that the Court might be concealing something.

Such a minor booklet of secret techniques was entangled in too many complex political maneuvers.

The Court's intentions were perpetually fickle, making them difficult to anticipate.

Therefore, rather than depending on the Court, it was wiser to rely on oneself, prompting his initiative to search for clues.

"The Court is certainly capable of such actions," Lu Xiaolu pouted.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled faintly. "The Heaven-Reaching Sect..."

"Did you inquire with the other two sects?" Lu Xiaolu asked.

Chu Zhiyuan nodded. "The Sect Leader made inquiries, but no leads were uncovered."

"Then, what is to be done?" Lu Xiaolu frowned. "One cannot simply begin practicing blindly; such secret techniques are fraught with peril."

The more profound the secrecy of a technique, the greater its power and inherent danger.

A single misstep could lead to a cultivation setback, or at the very least, cost one's life.

"I will continue searching for further clues," Chu Zhiyuan declared.

"Are you contemplating practicing it?"

"There's no need for haste."

"Indeed, do not rush. If you decide to practice, do so here, utilizing my Jade Bed."

She gestured with her jade-like hand towards her bedroom.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled. "No need, I shall be cautious."

"Then where will you practice?" Lu Xiaolu inquired, adding, "I shall stand guard for you."

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head. "I do not intend to enter seclusion for rigorous training. I'll proceed slowly; there is no urgency at present."

"Is the Court still tasking you with dealing with the Undying Evil Venerable?"

"Yes."

"Hmph, that is quite excessive!"

"Lethargy is still lethargy," Chu Zhiyuan replied. "I cannot simply stand by and watch the Undying Evil Venerable inflict harm upon the innocent."

"You are too kind-hearted!"

"Hehe..."

Chu Zhiyuan let out a laugh.

A blush crept onto his face, embarrassed by the compliment.

Were it not for the pursuit of merit, the favor of the populace, and the existence of the Undying Golden Essence, would he truly be this enthusiastic?

"I will have the Palace Master make further inquiries and inform you if any news arises."

Chu Zhiyuan nodded with a smile.

...

"Could it be a trap set by the Court?" Li Hongzhao mused, frowning. "The Heaven-Reaching Sect... even Master has never heard of it."

As the sun dipped below the western horizon,

Chu Zhiyuan and Li Hongzhao sat in her intimate courtyard, sharing a jug of wine.

"It's hard to say," Chu Zhiyuan sighed. "However, regardless of its origin, the secret technique is undeniably exquisite."

Both sets of cultivation methods were exceptionally potent yet carried significant risks.

He had been engrossed in contemplation and study, discerning the intricate connections between them, identifying both commonalities and points of conflict.

"As time progresses, if the Court fails to neutralize the Undying Evil Venerable, the populace will inevitably place the blame on you first," Li Hongzhao stated with a snort. "This will only increase your anxiety, hindering your progress. Driven by desperation, you might even stray from the righteous path, allowing them to silently eliminate you as a potential threat."

"Without me as a threat, no one will bother with the Undying Evil Venerable."

"Spirit Venerable, huh."

"It's not that easy to summon a Spirit Venerable."

"It's not as hard as you imagine... Regardless, be cautious." She shook her head in resignation, "It's a shame I can't assist; the library of the Da Meng Imperial Family holds no records of the Heaven-Reaching Sect."

Chu Zhiyuan gave a nod.

"Good news! I've found something!" Xiao Ruoling let out a light chuckle, "I've finally discovered records concerning the Heaven-Reaching Sect!"

At that very moment, within Xiao Ruoling's courtyard at the Profound Yin Palace, she rushed to open the door, her smile blooming radiantly.

Chu Zhiyuan rose in astonishment, "You found it?"

"Indeed, the Heaven-Reaching Sect is an Ancient Sect, its legacy is sparse, and it roams unpredictably, leaving its true location unknown."

"Has its lineage been severed?"

"That, I do not know," Xiao Ruoling replied, shaking her head. "A senior from the Profound Yin Palace once encountered a disciple of the Heaven-Reaching Sect and exchanged blows."

Chu Zhiyuan's spirits soared, "When was this?"

"Three thousand five hundred and sixty-eight years ago," Xiao Ruoling stated. "Unfortunately, that senior is now missing, quite difficult to locate."

"Missing?"

"Yes, perhaps vanished into some Secret Land, having not returned for ages," Xiao Ruoling elaborated. "There are far too many places to explore in this world."

"Is that senior alive or dead?"

"Still alive," Xiao Ruoling confirmed. "If she were deceased, her Xuan Guang Shuttle would have certainly returned to the palace by now."

Chu Zhiyuan sighed, "We cannot afford to wait much longer... Are there any other details?"

"According to this senior's notes, the cultivation method of the Heaven-Reaching Sect's expert is incredibly profound, a fusion of two peculiar mental techniques where illusion and reality intertwine, constantly shifting, making it impossible to defend against."

Chu Zhiyuan fell into deep contemplation.

Xiao Ruoling added, "Any True Yuan channeled into his body would be effortlessly nullified by him."

Chu Zhiyuan mused, "One illusory, one real..."

He was already quite skilled in the Dao of Illusion and Reality, grasping its profound mysteries intimately.

He had long contemplated practicing both simultaneously.

However, an inner intuition warned him that it remained perilous, a potential path to death.

Hearing this now solidified his understanding of the cultivation method.

Cultivating both simultaneously is indeed quite challenging, requiring precise control over speed, rhythm, and frequency.

Both are exceptionally potent and highly dangerous arts; a single misstep could lead to a severe backlash, jeopardizing one's life.

Yet, he possessed an extraordinary intuition; perhaps mastering it wasn't entirely impossible.

His intuition, however, strongly suggested that attempting it would be suicidal.

This implies the existence of another hidden secret.

Without this secret, without possessing this crucial element, attempting the technique is tantamount to self-destruction.

Chu Zhiyuan inquired, "Did that senior record anything about the opponent's abilities?"

"No records were made," Xiao Ruoling replied, shaking her head. "And I still cannot find her. What shall we do now?"

"I will devise a method," Chu Zhiyuan stated firmly.

Xiao Ruoling asked, "Are you going to forcefully attempt this secret technique?"

"We shall wait and see," Chu Zhiyuan replied.

"Yes, let's wait," Xiao Ruoling concurred. "Rushing into it is far too dangerous. With your comprehension, my husband, I'm certain you will find a solution."

Chu Zhiyuan offered a slight smile, shaking his head.

Matters were also not progressing smoothly at Fengtian Palace.

The Tongtian Pavilion and the Heaven-Reaching Sect shared no discernible connection, their names being merely similar.