Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1290 - 1286: Emerging from Seclusion

While Huang Zhengyang was in the small courtyard, Chu Zhiyuan's eyes slowly fluttered open within Li Hongzhao's modest dwelling. His gaze held a distant haze, as if lost in profound recollections. After a considerable pause, a soft sigh escaped him, and his eyes regained their lucidity. He then directed his gaze upward toward the sky. The heavens were a boundless expanse of blue, entirely devoid of clouds. This location, the Phoenix Secret Land, boasted air that was crisp and invigorating, reminiscent of autumn in the outer world. His vision seemed to pierce through the clear sky, reaching toward the cosmic expanse above. The Ascension Technique was now fully within his grasp. Possessing the Divine Power of Clone, the Earth Origin Technique, and the Heavenly Transmigration Technique, mastering the Ascension Technique was an inevitable and effortless progression. The most demanding aspect had been acquiring the true mental method; once obtained, its mastery was instantaneous. In his assessment, the Ascension Technique lacked the formidable power of the Divine Power of Clone, its strength not being exceptionally potent. The paramount advantage of the Ascension Technique lay in its ability to condense spiritual power into a seed, which could then be dispatched to another world. This seed would drift through the alien realm like a dandelion, capable of possessing an individual who had recently passed. The deceased must have drawn their last breath within a twelve-hour window; upon successful possession, it results in a resurrection from death. This seed acts as a spiritual conduit; once possession is achieved, it binds one's spirit to the new body, allowing for its manipulation. Composed solely of spiritual power, this seed is devoid of inherent Cultivation; thus, possession does not augment one's Cultivation level but merely sustains it as it was. Consequently, success hinges on fortune; if the possessed individual had a deep Cultivation base, it presents a immense advantage, whereas a shallow Cultivation base signifies misfortune and necessitates gradual advancement. Furthermore, this seed operates under a temporal constraint; it cannot remain affixed to a host body indefinitely. The duration is contingent upon the Realm of the Ascension Technique. Presently, this Realm permits the seed's attachment for a mere month. Such a limited period is insufficient to significantly enhance one's Cultivation. Should possession fail, the seed's lifespan is even more restricted, lasting only twelve hours. After this period, it dissipates, requiring re-condensation. The process of condensing a seed consumes a substantial amount of spiritual power, leaving the cultivator listless and incapable of immediate re-condensation. The primary benefit of the Ascension Technique is its capacity to traverse worlds, allowing the seed to enter another realm. Beyond this, it pales in comparison to both the Divine Power of Clone and the Heavenly Transmigration Technique. "Mastered it?" Li Hongzhao descended gracefully before him. Her crimson robe flowed like a fiery inferno, accentuating her jade-white face and lips as red as embers, presenting a vision of breathtaking beauty. Chu Zhiyuan offered a gentle nod. Li Hongzhao inquired, "You do not seem particularly pleased; has something gone awry?" "This Ascension Technique is not as potent as I had envisioned," Chu Zhiyuan replied, shaking his head. "It may prove to be a letdown." "It cannot resolve the predicament of the Undying Evil Venerable?" "Indeed, it is likely to be difficult," Chu Zhiyuan admitted. "What is the Court's intention?" Li Hongzhao's brow furrowed. "Do they not recognize this limitation?" Chu Zhiyuan sighed. "My original intent was to cultivate a Secret Skill capable of sweeping across You Meng Heaven, not merely a tool for intelligence gathering." Li Hongzhao mused, "So it can only gather intelligence?" "It relies on luck," Chu Zhiyuan elucidated the intricate functionalities of the Ascension Technique. Li Hongzhao contemplated his words. "It is not entirely devoid of utility, is it? If employed judiciously, its power could be astounding." "It depends on fortune," Chu Zhiyuan reiterated, shaking his head. "What is the probability of encountering a deceased top-tier expert within a twelve-hour window?" "It requires considerable luck," Li Hongzhao concurred. "Furthermore, top-tier experts tend to possess extended lifespans; they might remain alive for prolonged periods." Chu Zhiyuan stated firmly, "Relying on this technique to surmount the challenge posed by the Undying Evil Venerable is a formidable undertaking." "What course of action should be taken now?" Li Hongzhao pressed, her voice laced with concern. "From my understanding, an increasing number of Undying Evil Venerables are manifesting within the Imperial City, and they are even appearing collectively in areas beyond the Court's jurisdiction." Chu Zhiyuan's expression grew serious. This was undeniably the work of Su Qi, specifically targeting him. Li Hongzhao continued, "Currently, the populace places immense hope in you, anticipating your mastery of the secret technique to vanquish the Undying Evil Venerable." Chu Zhiyuan let out a short laugh. "They fail to comprehend my limitations." "The masses are easily swayed; with certain individuals fanning the flames and the Court's subtle instigation, nearly everyone believes you possess the ability to eradicate the Undying Evil Venerable from its very roots." Chu Zhiyuan shook his head. "They have not even laid eyes upon me, nor do they truly know me." "Your prior accomplishments speak volumes," Li Hongzhao asserted. "While others falter against the Evil Venerable Statue, you succeed; when others cannot contend with the Undying Evil Venerable, you can annihilate them. If not you, whom should they place their faith in? Those inept individuals from the Evil Extermination Department?"

"The Evil Extermination Department possesses considerable might," Chu Zhiyuan remarked, adding, "There are Court Honored Experts who cannot be taken lightly."

"However, they were unable to destroy the Evil Venerable Statue, nor could they eliminate the Undying Evil Venerable."

"...It might not be entirely impossible."

"Stop being so humble!" Li Hongzhao rolled her eyes, stating, "In any case, you are now deeply trusted."

"Very well, I shall give it a try," Chu Zhiyuan declared, "I will depart immediately."

"Won't you rest a little longer?" Li Hongzhao inquired, "The Court is currently in disarray, eagerly anticipating your presence; you could afford to delay."

Chu Zhiyuan merely shook his head, "I am going now."

With a wave of his hand, he vanished in a flash.

Li Hongzhao gently shook her head, not entirely approving of his decision.

Clearly, he could allow others to understand his significance by waiting a while longer.

Yet, he rushed off, perhaps driven by a desire to prevent more experts from perishing.

Still possessing such a soft heart.

...

Chu Zhiyuan materialized back within his humble courtyard, encountering Huang Zhengyang.

Huang Zhengyang was engrossed in reviewing records at a stone table, his countenance etched with dejection.

He suddenly raised his head, his bloodshot eyes widening in surprise.

Then, pure joy replaced his somber expression, "Brother Chu!"

Chu Zhiyuan observed him, a frown creasing his brow, "Brother Huang, what has transpired with you...?"

"No need to mention it!" Huang Zhengyang gestured dismissively, then anxiously inquired, "Did you successfully master it?"

Chu Zhiyuan responded with a shake of his head.

Huang Zhengyang quickly added, "It's perfectly fine if you haven't; no one has achieved mastery thus far."

Chu Zhiyuan clarified, "I have mastered it, though its power is not as formidable as widely believed."

Huang Zhengyang eagerly pressed for more details.

Chu Zhiyuan proceeded to elucidate the applications of the Ascension Technique, concluding, "It can only gather a small amount of intelligence, rendering it not particularly useful."

"..." Huang Zhengyang fell into contemplation.

The Court harbored numerous secret techniques; why then select this particular one?

There had to be a compelling reason.

He found it hard to believe the Court would arbitrarily choose a secret technique to deceive Chu Zhiyuan.

Chu Zhiyuan then proposed, "Brother Huang, perhaps you could investigate this matter?"

"Indeed, I shall look into it," Huang Zhengyang agreed with a nod, "If it can extend its reach to You Meng Heaven, that would be beneficial; we are operating in the dark here."

"Has the Spirit Venerable not yet made an appearance?"

"No."

"...Shall I attempt it now?"

"Brother Chu, let us first address the Undying Evil Venerables," Huang Zhengyang sighed, his voice heavy, "Their numbers are escalating, and we are struggling to cope."

Chu Zhiyuan's expression turned grim, "These adversaries, where shall we direct our efforts first?"

"Dongning City," Huang Zhengyang stated.

Chu Zhiyuan displayed a look of astonishment.

Huang Zhengyang elucidated, "Dongning City is currently beleaguered by calamities, and another Undying Evil Venerable has descended upon it."

"Is the situation difficult to manage?"

"Extremely difficult," Huang Zhengyang confirmed with a shake of his head, "Although experts from the Evil Extermination Department are present, the matter remains unresolved."

"Let us proceed," Chu Zhiyuan said, placing a hand on Huang Zhengyang's shoulder.

Within moments, the two found themselves in a mountain cave, observing a resplendent statue from a distance.

Bathed in the setting sun's glow, the statue appeared to be suspended in mid-air, emitting a brilliant luminescence.

Surrounding the base of the statue lay sixteen middle-aged men.

They were sprawled on their backs, blood trickling from the corners of their mouths, their eyes wide with fury, facial muscles contorted, and their bodies trembling subtly.

A few meters away, thousands of common folk were kneeling, forming a circle around the statue, their gazes lowered, their expressions filled with reverence.

Chu Zhiyuan let out a breath of relief, "Fortunately, we have arrived before it was too late."

The Golden Sword silently drew itself from its sheath, then shot off into the distance.

Huang Zhengyang also exhaled a profound sigh of relief.