Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1287 - 1283: Tides

"Brother Su, where are you headed?" Zhu Lingyun inquired casually, "Is there something significant occurring?"

"Nothing of the sort," Su Qi responded. "It's merely a routine excursion to observe the local customs and absorb the worldly atmosphere."

"To comprehend the profound mysteries of the universe and, in turn, achieve a breakthrough in Realm?" Zhu Lingyun smiled, refilling their wine cups.

"Haha... precisely, to grasp the essence of the world and internalize it," Su Qi chuckled. "We both find ourselves at the Extreme Realm's impasse, sharing this predicament."

"It proves quite arduous..." Zhu Lingyun lamented, shaking his head. "That final step is exceptionally challenging."

"Indeed, it's tough..." Su Qi sighed.

A palpable sense of camaraderie grew between them as they ordered two more large jars of wine.

Before long, four empty wine jars lay scattered around them, and their discourse grew considerably more uninhibited.

Su Qi voiced his opinion, "In my view, employing unconventional paths is not entirely beyond consideration!"

Zhu Lingyun let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. "Within our sect, the regulations are exceptionally stringent, allowing for no deviation whatsoever. Not long ago, they even expelled two disciples and nullified their Cultivation; a truly unfortunate outcome!"

"That transpired because they were discovered, a matter of unfortunate timing. Numerous others operate undetected." Su Qi elaborated, "If they were to cause disturbances within the sect's confines, they could hardly attribute blame to misfortune alone."

Zhu Lingyun concurred, "You are correct, it was an internal sect matter that came to light through the sect's own oversight mechanisms."

"That was rather short-sighted."

Zhu Lingyun added, "They were also quite negligent, presuming it was safe given the prolonged absence of any disciples being expelled."

He had already gathered details regarding the discovery and subsequent expulsion of the two individuals from Wanxiang Cliff, their Cultivation rendered void.

It was revealed that they had employed the Descent Technique within the sect's boundaries, leading to a severe backlash that triggered an alert, which was then detected by the internal inspection.

Such a backlash from the Descent Technique makes it virtually impossible to evade the sect's vigilance.

Consequently, it is inadvisable to utilize the Descent Technique while within the sect's premises.

Yet, paradoxically, the sect offers the most conducive environment for its execution.

Firstly, it provides a secure setting; secondly, it conserves energy.

When engaging in the Descent Technique, the Heart and Spirit depart, leaving the physical body inert, akin to dead wood, completely vulnerable. Only within the sanctuary of the sect can it remain unmolested.

The reduced effort stems from the sect's abundant Qi, vastly superior to the external environment, thereby halving the energy expenditure required for the Descent Technique.

The absence of prior incidents had fostered a false sense of complacency, leading them to believe the sect was either lax in its enforcement or willfully ignorant.

Thus, they inadvertently walked into a meticulously laid trap, ensuring their capture without any recourse for appeal.

Su Qi shook his head, stating, "The sect's approach to such matters is unpredictable; one can never ascertain when they intend to be stringent or lenient. Under no circumstances should one employ secret techniques within the sect's precincts."

Zhu Lingyun offered a nod of agreement.

Su Qi then inquired with a laugh, "Brother Zhu, has your stay within the sect been constant, without venturing out to observe?"

Zhu Lingyun replied, "My nature leans towards indolence; I find the harsh elements outside to be unbearable. It is far more secure to remain ensconced within the sect's embrace."

Su Qi countered, "Brother Zhu, your Cultivation has reached its zenith. The world is expansive, and you possess the freedom to traverse anywhere your heart desires. How can you truly comprehend the world's immensity without experiencing it firsthand? There is a multitude of wonders awaiting discovery."

Zhu Lingyun smiled. "Enjoying a measure of wine daily and witnessing life's unfolding spectacles is quite fulfilling. Should my Cultivation advance further, that would be an added bonus."

"Given your disposition, Brother Zhu, further advancement would be challenging," Su Qi remarked, shaking his head. "Unless you were to adopt a Rapid Method."

"I would not dare to employ such means," Zhu Lingyun stated.

"Haha..." Su Qi erupted in laughter, shaking his head repeatedly.

Zhu Lingyun regarded him with a look of bewilderment.

Su Qi, still chuckling, said, "Brother Zhu, you might be able to deceive the sect's inspectors, but you cannot deceive me."

Zhu Lingyun feigned confusion, asking, "Deceive about what, precisely?"

"Brother Zhu, you have undoubtedly utilized a Rapid Method," Su Qi declared, tapping his own nose. "I can detect its lingering scent."

"Brother Su, your jesting is quite amusing," Zhu Lingyun replied with a smile, his expression betraying nothing, though he shook his head.

"It appears Brother Zhu remains unconvinced," Su Qi observed with amusement.

Zhu Lingyun chuckled. "Even the sect's specialized inspectors lack such a capability."

These inspectors are trained in discerning unusual phenomena and possess keen senses, capable only of detecting the immediate repercussions of utilizing the Descent Technique. The notion of directly perceiving the residual aura of someone who had employed it was unheard of.

Nevertheless, a subtle unease began to creep into his heart.

This Su Qi, after ascending to this level, had surveyed the surroundings before ultimately fixing his gaze upon him. Could he genuinely possess the ability to detect the scent of the Descent Technique?

Su Qi then declared with a laugh, "Haha... I possess the ability to discern the distinct fragrance of Biyuan Heaven."

Zhu Lingyun's eyes narrowed slightly, and he responded with a chuckle, "Brother Su, how utterly intriguing!"

It turned out Su Qi had also descended to Biyuan Heaven, which was how he sensed its aura. He, however, couldn't actually detect the aura of the Descent Technique. Su Qi grinned widely. "How about it? ... Brother Zhuo, rest assured, I have no intention of meddling. Besides, it's useless to even speak of it. You need to catch a thief red-handed; if they aren't caught in the act, it doesn't count."

Being caught utilizing the Descent Technique is considered an offense; otherwise, it is not. This is an established rule.

Merely claiming that someone used a Forbidden Technique verbally can only be regarded as slander or baseless accusations. Throughout history, far too many individuals have casually slandered others in this manner, rendering the act ineffective.

"Interesting," Zhu Lingyun remarked, "It seems Brother Su and I visited the same location."

"Indeed," Su Qi replied with a candid expression. "We're in the same predicament and didn't expect we'd end up in the same place."

"Any gains?" Zhu Lingyun inquired. "Brother Su must have had some harvest, right?"

Su Qi simply shook his head.

Zhu Lingyun expressed surprise. "No harvest at all?"

"What about you?" Su Qi then asked.

Zhu Lingyun stated, "Not yet. I am still in the process of gathering."

"You should be cautious," Su Qi advised. "There is a formidable individual in Biyuan Heaven."

"What formidable character does Biyuan Heaven possess?" Zhu Lingyun casually dismissed the notion. "Brother Su, you didn't happen to stumble, did you?"

Su Qi's expression darkened, and he downed the wine in his cup in one gulp. "I did stumble!"

Zhu Lingyun was taken aback. "What kind of person?"

"A fellow who wields a sword," Su Qi gritted out. "His Swordsmanship is quite peculiar."

"Brother Su, are you contemplating seeking retribution?" Zhu Lingyun inquired.

Su Qi shook his head. "It's highly unlikely I can avenge this."

Zhu Lingyun pondered with a frown. "Unable to fully suppress your power?"

"It's already at its limit," Su Qi sighed. "It's so frustrating!"

Zhu Lingyun then asked, "Brother Su, are you considering forming an alliance?" He had already grasped Su Qi's intention and the reason for seeking him out.

Su Qi slowly replied, "Brother Zhuo, are you interested?"

Zhu Lingyun questioned, "How many are needed to form an alliance?"

"At least two more," Su Qi answered. "I've been searching for them."

"Is this individual truly that formidable?" Zhu Lingyun frowned. "Aren't you exaggerating his capabilities?"

"Not at all exaggerated; perhaps even underestimated," Su Qi asserted. "It's not easy finding suitable people. It was fortunate I ran into you this time, otherwise, it would have taken much longer."

"What is this person truly like?"

"Brother Zhuo, if you venture into the Imperial City, you will encounter him. It would be best to avoid going there and keep your distance."

Zhu Lingyun's brow furrowed, his belief mixed with doubt.

Su Qi continued, "I suspect quite a few have fallen into his hands. Finding two more shouldn't be that difficult, but unfortunately, those two..." He shook his head. "If they hadn't been discovered, we might have been able to assemble everyone."

Zhu Lingyun commented, "Brother Su, I've noticed lately that many people have been heading to Biyuan Heaven."

"Indeed," Su Qi confirmed. "Recently, Biyuan Heaven is the easiest place to descend to."

"Why?" Zhu Lingyun asked, intrigued.

Su Qi explained, "It's because the Spiritual Energy Tide of Biyuan Heaven is currently at a low point."

Zhu Lingyun's eyes gleamed. "Spiritual Energy Tide?"

"Precisely. The Spiritual Energy of every world experiences tidal fluctuations," Su Qi elaborated. "During the low tide, it becomes the easiest period for us to enter, and the descending power is also greater."

"Are their Spiritual Artifacts also affected?" Zhu Lingyun inquired.

"Naturally," Su Qi replied. "It's akin to our breathing; at high altitudes, the oxygen is thin. How could it not be felt?"

"Will their Spiritual Artifacts malfunction?"

"They shouldn't, should they?"

"It is rumored that the Guardian Divine Artifact of their Imperial City malfunctioned."

"I have no knowledge of the cause for that," Su Qi stated, shaking his head. Then, his eyes lit up. "Could it be a diversion?"

Zhu Lingyun chuckled. "It's possible."

However, inwardly, he was scoffing. This was clearly an attempt to deter him from entering the Imperial City, and Su Qi's target was undoubtedly the Imperial City. What treasures or Spiritual Objects within the Imperial City did Su Qi wish to obtain? This warranted careful investigation.