Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1288 - 1284: Seclusion

Su Qi spoke slowly, stating, "Brother Zhu, it would be best if you didn't venture to the Imperial City on a whim; Biyuan Heaven isn't like other heavens."

"In what way is it different?"

"In many other worlds, various nations frequently exist, battling and depleting one another. However, Biyuan Heaven is uniquely unified under four great courts. This Court wields unprecedented power, and the Imperial City is undoubtedly the nexus of all of Biyuan Heaven's might."

"Yet, it is said that the Imperial City's Guardian Divine Artifact has fallen into disrepair. Previously, multiple sects launched assaults, aiming to breach the Imperial City. It was only through the combined efforts of the City Guards, the Evil Extermination Department, and the Demon Hunting Bureau that they were able to repel the invaders."

"In my estimation, it's merely a trap lying in wait for the unwary. Brother Zhuo, you must not act rashly."

"Hmm... that does hold some logic," Zhu Lingyun mused, nodding slowly.

Su Qi continued, "Brother Zhu, the crux of the matter remains that individual. Once that individual is eliminated, we can descend smoothly and achieve our breakthrough. With him present, it poses far too great a threat to us."

Zhu Lingyun responded, "An individual from Biyuan Heaven. If we must eliminate him, then so be it... How shall we proceed?"

"Now that I have gained some experience, the descent location must be chosen far from the Imperial City, away from populated areas, to prevent discovery," Su Qi declared.

Zhu Lingyun knitted his brows, inquiring, "But can one truly select their descent location at will?"

From his understanding, gleaned from the recollections of numerous Evil Venerables and Undying Evil Venerables, the descent location cannot be chosen; it is entirely random.

Su Qi then offered a smile, stating, "I possess a method that enables the selection of the descent location."

Zhu Lingyun asked, "May I inquire about it?"

"Certainly," Su Qi replied with a smile. "I possess an artifact; utilizing it in conjunction with the Descent Technique allows one to descend to a predetermined area."

As he spoke, he withdrew a piece of bamboo leaf from his chest.

The bamboo leaf was a vibrant green, possessing a lustrous sheen, brimming with verdant vitality and life.

Zhu Lingyun accepted the bamboo leaf, becoming momentarily lost in contemplation.

He perceived an unusual aura, as if an immense bamboo forest surged before his very eyes.

Green waves ceaselessly rolled onward, stretching into infinity.

Su Qi observed him with a smile.

Zhu Lingyun snapped back to reality and looked up at Su Qi, asking, "This must be a Treasure?"

"Indeed, it is a Treasure," Su Qi confirmed with a smile. "However, as long as we can eliminate that individual, any amount of treasure is a worthwhile price."

"What sort of treasure is it?" Zhu Lingyun inquired further.

Su Qi revealed, "It is the Purple Splendor Spirit Bamboo Leaf."

"..." Zhu Lingyun shook his head, admitting, "I have never encountered it before; my knowledge is lacking."

Su Qi explained, "It holds no inherent power and is largely unknown."

"Are there more?" Zhu Lingyun probed.

Su Qi nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "There are a few additional pieces. Brother Zhu, do you fancy them?"

"Perhaps I could have two?" Zhu Lingyun chuckled. "It's quite intriguing."

Su Qi produced two more bamboo leaves from his chest and presented them to him. "These two have not yet absorbed Spiritual Energy; their greatest marvel lies in their ability to traverse the heavens and earth."

"Truly, exceptionally marvelous," Zhu Lingyun agreed, unable to set the two bamboo leaves down, turning them over in his hands.

"Brother Zhu, shall we formalize our agreement then?" Su Qi proposed.

Zhu Lingyun solemnly nodded. "I shall await you on Black Tiger Mountain, outside the Imperial City, in ten days' time."

"Excellent!" Su Qi exclaimed, clapping his hands. "Brother Zhu is truly direct!"

Zhu Lingyun laughed heartily. "However, Brother Su, you won't be reporting me, will you?"

"What benefit would there be in harming Brother Zhu?" Su Qi countered with a laugh. "My sole desire is to eliminate that individual, not to cause you harm!"

Zhu Lingyun stated with gravity, "Very well, we shall meet again in ten days in Biyuan Heaven!"

"It's a pact!"

"Let us make an oath," Zhu Lingyun suggested, "for the peace of mind of all involved."

"...Very well," Su Qi conceded, hesitating briefly before slowly nodding. "Let us indeed set an oath!"

They practiced the Spirit Secret Technique, making vows exceptionally binding, rendering them unwilling to break them.

Particularly for those with higher cultivation levels, the fear of breaking an oath was profound, as it would inevitably lead to madness.

Su Qi took his leave and departed.

He still needed to enlist two more formidable experts; the task ahead was quite demanding, likely not as simple as this encounter.

In his assessment, Zhu Lingyun appeared somewhat naive, placing too much trust in others.

Fortunately, at the crucial moment, he had proposed making an oath—not entirely foolishness, then.

Zhu Lingyun saw him off and then departed Qingyun City directly, making his way back to Wanxiang Cliff.

...

Chu Zhiyuan opened his eyes, his mind deeply engrossed in thought.

It was becoming clear that the frequent descents of Undying Evil Venerables and Evil Venerables were directly linked to the Spiritual Energy Tide.

The question now was: could this phenomenon be halted?

Could the Spirit Energy Tide possibly be beyond his ability to control? To forestall any intrusions, must the entire You Meng Heaven populace be warned that descents are strictly forbidden?

This situation represents a prime opportunity.

Furthermore, he is required to practice the Ascension Technique in order to descend into You Meng Heaven.

Now that Zhu Lingyun is within his grasp, is the practice of the Ascension Technique still necessary?

The answer is a resounding yes, he must indeed practice it.

This particular Ascension Technique is exceptionally profound, imbued with deeply enigmatic spatial laws.

For others, mastering this technique proves exceedingly arduous.

However, he possesses the Earth Origin Technique.

Spatial laws, to him, are as clear and simple as sipping water.

The method of employing the soul also harbors its own unique marvels.

Having gained mastery over this technique is tantamount to possessing the secret art of the Heaven-Reaching Sect.

He finds himself intensely curious, wondering if this might draw the attention of the Heaven-Reaching Sect, allowing him some insight into their workings.

This could very well be his chance to achieve a breakthrough and ascend to the level of a Spirit Venerable.

Currently, he is exploring various avenues, seeking different opportunities for advancement.

He believes he has identified a viable path to commence his practice.

With a swift movement, he vanished and reappeared in the secluded courtyard belonging to Li Hongzhao.

Within this Secret Land, conditions are at their most stable.

...

Huang Zhengyang materialized within the Heavenly Sword Branch and was promptly escorted into the courtyard.

Gu Junqi emerged from the main hall, a smile gracing his features, and clasped his fists. "Huang Sizheng, what unfortunate timing. Zhiyuan has entered secluded cultivation to practice a secret technique."

"Seclusion?" Huang Zhengyang inquired.

"He only entered seclusion a short while ago," Gu Junqi replied. "He had a sudden moment of enlightenment and couldn't spare the time for further discussion, heading straight into seclusion."

Huang Zhengyang's brow furrowed, his expression turning grave.

"Is the matter urgent?" Gu Junqi asked. "If it is crucial, perhaps we can call him out."

"...Never mind." Huang Zhengyang shook his head, a sigh escaping him. "The pressure he is under is even more immense."

Discussions are rife, not only within and outside the Imperial City but also throughout and beyond the Court, debating whether Chu Zhiyuan can successfully master the secret technique and put an end to the calamity brought by the Undying Evil Venerable.

Previously, the appearance of a middle-aged man clad in black robes who attacked the Imperial City and retreated without harm, amplified the world's dread of the Undying Evil Venerable.

Now, the news spreads like wildfire; everyone is aware of the identity of this mysterious middle-aged man in mystic robes.

The Undying Evil Venerable, positioned outside Dongning City, was perpetually isolated and hindered from fully awakening, yet ultimately, these efforts proved insufficient to stop him.

If such a formidable Undying Evil Venerable were to begin indiscriminate slaughter, how many souls would meet a gruesome end?

At this juncture, the populace holds even greater and more pressing hopes for Chu Zhiyuan.

If the Undying Evil Venerable continues his descent, will the entire world not be plunged into utter chaos?

The optimal course of action is to master that secret technique and directly assault the Undying Evil Venerable's domain, annihilating them entirely.

Regrettably, Chu Zhiyuan has struggled to master it for an extended period, falling short of his reputation as the world's foremost prodigy.

Gu Junqi inquired, "Is this related to the Undying Evil Venerable? Has another Undying Evil Venerable emerged?"

Huang Zhengyang slowly nodded his assent.

Gu Junqi's brow furrowed further. "What is to be done? Can he be contained?"

"This individual is also quite formidable," Huang Zhengyang stated. "He has already claimed the lives of several experts."

Gu Junqi's expression shifted slightly. "That formidable? Is he on par with the other one?"

"The former is more formidable; he engaged without wanton destruction, refraining from outright killing, but this current one..." Huang Zhengyang shook his head, "possesses a murderous intent."

"...In that case, it would be best to have our disciple-nephew emerge from seclusion," Gu Junqi proposed. "Let him deal with this individual first."

Huang Zhengyang showed hesitation. "What if it disrupts his cultivation..."

Given Chu Zhiyuan's decision to enter seclusion, the matter must be of paramount importance; any interruption could lead to unforeseen repercussions.

However, to allow him to continue in seclusion means the Undying Evil Venerable runs rampant, and the experts of the Evil Extermination Department are unable to hold him at bay.

Even when eight Tribute experts collaborated, they not only failed to eliminate him but couldn't even curb his killing spree.

Rather than pinning hopes on acquiring more experts, it would be more prudent to depend on Chu Zhiyuan.