Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1294 - 1290: Schemes

Placing the Golden Sword back across his knees, Chu Zhiyuan sat in a cross-legged position on the couch, a frown etching itself onto his brow. The words 'Heaven-Reaching Sect' echoed in his mind. According to what Su Qi had divulged, this formidable Sect was expected to come searching. He pondered whether the Heaven-Reaching Sect possessed such vast Divine Skills, or if there was some hidden aspect within the Ascension Technique that could alert the Sect to its mastery. Was it akin to the Heavenly Sword Secret Scripture, where Cultivators could sense one another across distances? He focused his mind, attempting to perceive any such connection, but after a moment, he shook his head. No unusual sensations arose, nor could he detect anyone else practicing the same Cultivation Technique. This left him wondering how the Disciples of the Heaven-Reaching Sect would ever know that someone in this world had mastered the Ascension Technique. Yet, upon further reflection, it didn't seem entirely impossible. The Biyuan Heaven was immense, yet it contained only a single Imperial City; similarly, any vast world would possess a central hub. If they maintained surveillance in the primary city of every realm, information regarding the Ascension Technique could indeed reach them. The question then became: Would the Heaven-Reaching Sect dispatch Disciples? And if they did, what would be their objective? Would they seek to reclaim their secret technique, or would they extend an invitation for him to join their ranks? Were there other potential actions they might take? A deep curiosity mingled with a palpable sense of urgency grew within him; he yearned to become significantly stronger before any representatives from the Heaven-Reaching Sect arrived. As circumstances stood, achieving a breakthrough to the Extreme Realm and ascending to Spirit Venerable within a short timeframe seemed improbable. Therefore, his focus shifted to the Golden Sword. He resolved to pour all his efforts into enhancing its power through any means necessary.

Meanwhile, Zhu Lingyun was engaged in a conversation with Su Qi and the others. "Brother Su, I also have an idea," he began. Su Qi inquired, "What excellent idea does Brother Zhuo have?" Zhu Lingyun elaborated, "Doesn't Chu Zhiyuan's Ascension Technique effectively counter our Descent Technique?" He then proposed, "What if we refrain from confronting him directly and instead arrange for the experts of the Evil Sect to act on our behalf?" Su Qi seemed intrigued, asking, "What do you mean?" Zhu Lingyun continued, "We won't engage him ourselves. We'll let the experts from the Evil Sect surround and attempt to kill him. What do you think of that?" The idea of utilizing the Evil Sect resonated, prompting Su Qi to consider, "Experts of the Evil Sect..." Zhu Lingyun pressed on, "It's like borrowing a knife to kill. But one knife might not be enough – why not borrow a second one?" Su Qi laughed, "...Brother Zhuo, you are truly ruthless!" The round-faced middle-aged man chimed in with praise, "Ruthless, this is indeed a vicious plan! Excellent! ...But can we compel them to lay siege to Chu Zhiyuan?" The thin middle-aged man raised a concern, frowning, "I'm afraid that won't be so simple, will it?" Zhu Lingyun countered, "Don't the Evil Sect also harbor a deep hatred for Chu Zhiyuan?" "Not necessarily," Zhu Lingyun replied. "It appears Chu Zhiyuan has primarily focused his attention on us and hasn't truly gone all out against the Evil Sect." Su Qi interjected, "He has dealt with Evil Venerables before. If an Evil Venerable issues a command, how would those Evil Sect Disciples dare to disobey?" The thin middle-aged man pondered this, murmuring, "An Evil Venerable's word..." Su Qi offered a faint smile, "I have my own plan." Zhu Lingyun expressed his curiosity, "Brother Su, what brilliant plan do you have in mind? Our Wanxiang Sect has already been annihilated; we cannot offer any assistance." Su Qi glanced at the other two, who both shook their heads. The round-faced middle-aged man stated helplessly, "I don't have a Sect under my command." "Neither do I," the thin middle-aged man added. Su Qi sighed, "Are you two cave masters truly so compliant?" "There's no choice; the inspections are quite strict," the round-faced middle-aged man explained. "And everyone is rather timid!" "Same here," the thin middle-aged man replied coolly. Su Qi shook his head, contemplating for a moment before declaring, "Then I shall attempt it." Zhu Lingyun inquired, "You can command the Qianye Sect Disciples to take action, can't you? This Qianye Sect is no small matter." The thin middle-aged man and the round-faced middle-aged man's expressions brightened. Su Qi waved his hand dismissively with a smile, "It's not much. They alone can't handle Chu Zhiyuan." Zhu Lingyun suggested, "But they could join forces with other Sects and act collectively." "Even better," the round-faced middle-aged man chuckled. "Brother Su, we shall be counting on you then." "Very well, I will give it a try," Su Qi affirmed.

...Early morning arrived. Just as Chu Zhiyuan dismounted from his bed couch, his brows suddenly twitched. His figure flickered, vanishing from his spot. In the very next instant, he reappeared within his private courtyard at the Heavenly Sword Branch, calling out, "Brother Huang, please come in." Huang Zhengyang pushed the door open and entered with a smile. "I wasn't initially planning to visit, but I couldn't quite trust their arrangements, so I decided to make the trip myself." "Brother Huang, please have a seat and join me for a cup of tea."

Chu Zhiyuan's keen eyes already registered the presence of twelve formidable experts concealed around the Heavenly Sword Branch, stationed in the courtyards at the four cardinal directions, poised to emerge at any given moment. The lowest cultivation realm among these twelve was the Eighth Rank Venerable, a testament to their elite status. The deployment of such distinguished individuals to ensure his safety was a clear display of immense sincerity.

Huang Zhengyang announced, "Word has just reached me that two more Undying Evil Venerables have appeared."

Chu Zhiyuan responded, "I shall attend to them after breakfast... Brother Huang, should the Heaven-Reaching Sect make an appearance, how would they handle me?"

"The Heaven-Reaching Sect?!" Huang Zhengyang exclaimed.

"There's a considerable likelihood the Heaven-Reaching Sect will discover I've mastered their secret technique and seek me out," Chu Zhiyuan elaborated.

"This..." Huang Zhengyang pondered, his brow furrowed. "This is not a technique you pilfered; it was bestowed by the Court. It bears no relation to you."

"Furthermore, my inquiries suggest this Heaven-Reaching Sect is not a malevolent entity; they are unlikely to act rashly."

"Are you certain they won't act rashly?"

"Brother Chu, if the Heaven-Reaching Sect were to come, the Court would undoubtedly intervene to mediate."

A smile played on Chu Zhiyuan's lips. "Excellent news."

"Brother Chu, please dine quickly; we must deal with those two individuals with all haste!"

"Let's proceed to eat outside," Chu Zhiyuan suggested.

Huang Zhengyang's eyes widened in surprise. "You intend to dine out at a time like this?"

Chu Zhiyuan chuckled. "Even if the news of my mastery of the secret technique has spread, their actions won't be immediate."

"Then let us make haste. In a few days, such an opportunity may no longer exist."

Forsaking the company of their guards, the duo moved like agile swimmers, navigating the bustling throngs to soon arrive at a renowned restaurant. They secured a table by a window on the third floor.

The morning air above the Imperial City was alive with a symphony of diverse culinary aromas.

These scents mingled exquisitely, creating a unique and tantalizing fragrance that could awaken anyone's appetite.

Just as Chu Zhiyuan and Huang Zhengyang settled into their seats, boisterous laughter erupted nearby.

The sheer volume of the laughter caused the entire restaurant to subtly reverberate.

Huang Zhengyang's expression turned grim, a hint of apprehension clouding his features.

Chu Zhiyuan, however, merely smiled. "Who might that be, possessing such a commanding voice?"

Huang Zhengyang remained silent, merely shaking his head.

"Utterly satisfying, truly satisfying!" Amidst the continuing laughter, exclamations of praise could be heard.

"I never would have envisioned that this Mr. Chu of the Heavenly Sword Sect would indeed prove to be such an astonishing prodigy!"

"So, the Undying Evil Venerable is on the verge of eradication?"

"Heaven truly possesses observant eyes!"

"It also underscores the Court's astute judgment—their decisive act of bestowing the secret technique has paved the way for this current triumph."

"However, ultimately, it is still Mr. Chu's inherent prodigy status that is most crucial!"

"Even without the Court's auspicious bestowal of the secret technique, no matter Mr. Chu's innate talent, he would have lacked the means to confront the Undying Evil Venerable."

"Even prior to this secret technique, Mr. Chu demonstrated the capability to vanquish the Undying Evil Venerable."

"Yet, defeating the Undying Evil Venerable in this manner does not harm their true essence; it merely serves as a temporary setback and fails to curb their rampant destructive potential."

A peculiar shift occurred in Chu Zhiyuan's expression.

Huang Zhengyang, having also overheard the loud pronouncements, knitted his brows.

Chu Zhiyuan remarked, "What are they attempting—to preemptively claim the glory?"

"Such attempts are driven by ulterior motives!" Huang Zhengyang scoffed. "They are deliberately trying to sow discord between you and the Court."

Chu Zhiyuan offered a slight smile. "I doubt their intentions are so calculated; they are likely simply driven by an insatiable desire to claim credit."

Huang Zhengyang advised, "This is precisely your moment of triumph, Brother Chu; you must not let complacency lead you astray."

"...Indeed. Your counsel is well-received, Brother Huang." Chu Zhiyuan nodded slowly.

It is often the case that when one is at the peak of their success, they become susceptible to overconfidence, acting imprudently and inviting unnecessary complications.

Listening to the sounds of conversation outside, they concluded their breakfast swiftly. They then gracefully departed the establishment, heading towards the outskirts beyond the city.

As noon approached, the duo made their return to the Imperial City.

The two Undying Evil Venerables had already been vanquished, and Chu Zhiyuan felt as though he had reaped immense rewards from the encounter.

These particular Undying Evil Venerables had materialized near the city's periphery, each close to a major metropolitan area boasting hundreds of thousands of inhabitants.

By the time of their arrival, tens of thousands of citizens were already gathered around the imposing statues of the Undying Evil Venerables.

Under the collective gaze of the populace, Chu Zhiyuan not only eradicated the Undying Evil Venerable but also simultaneously executed the Ascension Technique.

This act yielded a substantial influx of Faith Power, which, in turn, catalysed a profound qualitative transformation within the Golden Sword.

The sword progressively grew lighter, assuming an almost ethereal quality; it appeared to exist and not exist simultaneously.