Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1297 - 1293: Jade Void

Departing the Sect Leader’s Hall, a pensive nod escaped him. The Heavenly Sword, unable to advance his realm, had become somewhat superfluous, and the position of sect leader wasn't critically important either. However, maintaining and even strengthening the relationship with the Heavenly Sword Sect was paramount. Drawing too close to the Court, conversely, would alienate the Heavenly Sword Sect, a significant taboo he wouldn't dare breach. He had long ago recognized the Court's unreliability; the truly dependable ones were still within the Heavenly Sword Sect. His dealings with the Court were strictly for mutual benefit: he used them to refine his Golden Sword and accelerate his own cultivation, and they utilized him in return. It was an entirely different dynamic with the Heavenly Sword Sect. That sect represented his genuine home, a sanctuary where he could find peace, and it must not be jeopardized. His utmost desire was to prevent any turmoil within his own home. He must not, on account of mastering a secret technique and seeing his reputation soar, neglect the meticulous management of the Heavenly Sword Sect, especially when it came to the hearts and minds of its disciples.

The very next day, upon returning to the Heavenly Sword Branch, he encountered Zhang Ji Yuan. Zhang Ji Yuan stood resolutely in his modest courtyard, as motionless as a statue, his gaze fixed upon the heavens. Chu Zhiyuan, with a sigh of resignation, cupped his fists. "Mr. Zhang, it has only been a day."

Zhang Ji Yuan turned his head, his eyes sweeping over Chu Zhiyuan in assessment. Feeling a prickle of unease under that scrutinizing gaze, Chu Zhiyuan offered a smile. "If Mr. Zhang has something to convey, please speak freely."

Zhang Ji Yuan's question was direct: "Have you reached a decision?"

"Indeed, I have no desire to join the Heaven-Reaching Sect," Chu Zhiyuan confirmed with a nod.

"Are you absolutely certain?" Zhang Ji Yuan pressed, his tone grave.

Chu Zhiyuan countered, "Mr. Zhang, if you were in my position back then, would you have agreed?"

"Yes," Zhang Ji Yuan replied without hesitation. "I joined the Heaven-Reaching Sect immediately."

"Did you master the secret technique before joining, or did you join first and then master it?" Chu Zhiyuan inquired.

"I mastered the secret technique first," Zhang Ji Yuan stated. "It was pure luck; I grasped it in a single attempt."

A subtle smile touched Chu Zhiyuan's lips. "Then, Mr. Zhang, which sect did you originally belong to?"

"I was originally learning martial arts passed down through my family," Zhang Ji Yuan answered.

"And which 'heaven' does Mr. Zhang hail from?" Chu Zhiyuan probed further. "Are you also from Biyuan Heaven?"

"No," Zhang Ji Yuan replied. "I originally came from Outer Heaven."

"Outer Heaven..." Chu Zhiyuan murmured, a slow nod accompanying his words. The prospect of encountering someone from Outer Heaven was novel; it was his first such encounter.

Zhang Ji Yuan elaborated, "It is two levels above Biyuan Heaven. You may not be aware of it now, but if you become a disciple of the Heaven-Reaching Sect and master the secret technique, you will gain entry."

Chu Zhiyuan voiced his suspicion, "I believe the Heaven-Reaching Sect carries a significant mission."

A chuckle escaped Zhang Ji Yuan.

Chu Zhiyuan continued, "However, this mission must remain clandestine, undisclosed to the outside world."

Zhang Ji Yuan's smile vanished.

"This is the sole explanation that satisfies me," Chu Zhiyuan declared. "Otherwise, there would be no imperative to insist on recruiting me into the sect. It should be my prerogative whether to join or not; my refusal would simply be my own loss, leading to eventual regret."

"Disciples of the Heaven-Reaching Sect are afforded freedom, pursuing their own paths without external constraint," Zhang Ji Yuan countered, a frown creasing his brow. "You are overthinking things, allowing excessive caution and suspicion to cloud your judgment."

Chu Zhiyuan let out a soft laugh.

Zhang Ji Yuan scoffed, "There is absolutely no need for me to deceive you. Furthermore, I do not engage in deception with anyone."

Chu Zhiyuan stated firmly, "Should Mr. Zhang visit as a guest, he is most welcome. However, regarding the Heaven-Reaching Sect, my desire to join is truly nonexistent."

"You are truly not regretting this decision?" Zhang Ji Yuan inquired with a snort.

Chu Zhiyuan slowly shook his head.

Zhang Ji Yuan cupped his fists in a gesture of farewell. "Very well, if that is your final stance, so be it. It is a pity." He shook his head once more.

Chu Zhiyuan offered a silent smile.

Zhang Ji Yuan persisted nonetheless, "You mastered the Ascension Technique with such remarkable speed; you will undoubtedly master the other two secret techniques and consequently ascend to the Spirit Realm."

Chu Zhiyuan simply smiled, offering no verbal response.

Zhang Ji Yuan then added, "There is one more matter. I refrained from mentioning it earlier, as I did not deem it necessary at the time."

"And what is that?" Chu Zhiyuan felt a sudden, inexplicable heaviness in his heart.

Zhang Ji Yuan revealed, "The Ascension Technique is incomplete. Did you notice this?"

"No, I did not," Chu Zhiyuan replied, shaking his head. "Are there any adverse aftereffects or dangers associated with it?"

His intuition had not signaled any peril; he perceived the current Ascension Technique he practiced as entirely safe.

"No harm, it's merely incomplete. Its power can't be fully unleashed now," Zhang Ji Yuan disclosed. "In truth, this technique, alongside the Ascension Technique and the Void-breaking Skill, form a complete set of secret techniques. When unified, they become the genuine Taihao Jade Void Scripture, which is the absolute Supreme Heart Method."

Chu Zhiyuan's eyebrows lifted slightly.

Zhang Ji Yuan continued, "Theoretically speaking, if one manages to master all three techniques and seamlessly integrate them into a singular entity, creating the Taihao Jade Void Scripture, they can ascend to the Spirit Realm without the need for personal exploration."

A smile played on Chu Zhiyuan's lips as he inquired, "Then, Mr. Zhang, have you achieved mastery?"

Zhang Ji Yuan responded, "I have indeed mastered the three individual techniques, but I am still a small step away from fully merging them. Very soon, I shall become a Spirit Venerable."

Chu Zhiyuan simply shook his head.

Zhang Ji Yuan remarked, "It appears you do not harbor an intense desire for the Spirit Realm. Naturally, being young and brimming with confidence, you believe you inherently possess the talent to reach the Spirit Realm without relying on the Taihao Jade Void Scripture. However, as age catches up with you and you wish to pursue cultivation once more, such an achievement might become unattainable."

Chu Zhiyuan offered a relaxed smile, "Let's cross that bridge when we come to it; I doubt it will take me an excessive amount of time."

"Such audacious claims!" Zhang Ji Yuan scoffed with a cold laugh. "Very well, as you wish. Farewell."

With those words, he disappeared in a swift movement.

A sigh of relief escaped Chu Zhiyuan's lips.

He had genuinely braced himself for the possibility of Zhang Ji Yuan turning hostile and initiating a direct conflict.

As it turned out, Zhang Ji Yuan had no intention of resorting to aggression.

...

He paced the courtyard, his hands clasped behind his back, deeply immersed in thought, questioning the righteousness of his recent decision.

Once a course of action is taken, there's no retreating; would he come to regret this choice later?

Could he truly attain the Spirit Realm?

The most substantial hope now rested with Zhu Lingyun, specifically whether she would seize the chance to employ the nefarious techniques of the Undying Evil Venerable, utilizing the Heavenly Sacrifice Technique.

Turning to head back inside his dwelling, intending to refine the Golden Sword, a distinct knock echoed at his door.

As Chu Zhiyuan moved to open the courtyard gate, a smile graced his features, his face alight with warmth, "Senior Sister!"

Lu Xiaolu stood poised at the entrance, adorned in a dress as pure white as freshly fallen snow, her smile blooming as radiantly as a cherished flower.

She playfully rolled her eyes at Chu Zhiyuan, teasing, "Did you perhaps forget about visiting me?"

Chu Zhiyuan chuckled, "I was in seclusion, diligently practicing a secret technique, unable to divide my focus. Please, come in, Senior Sister."

"So you've finally achieved mastery; congratulations," Lu Xiaolu said gracefully as she took a seat by the stone table.

Chu Zhiyuan approached and poured a cup of tea, a smile on his face, "Senior Sister, have you graced me with your presence solely to offer congratulations?"

"That is correct," Lu Xiaolu confirmed.

Chu Zhiyuan let out a laugh, "And is there perhaps another reason?"

Lu Xiaolu's expression turned more serious. "The Palace Master has been dedicating considerable effort to uncovering information regarding the Heaven-Reaching Sect these past few days."

Chu Zhiyuan's demeanor immediately shifted to one of heightened seriousness, his full attention now fixed upon her.

Lu Xiaolu continued, "Thus far, no records pertaining to the Heaven-Reaching Sect have been unearthed, and it appears no one possesses any knowledge of their existence."

Chu Zhiyuan inquired slowly, "Is there something peculiar about this Heaven-Reaching Sect?"

"The Heaven-Reaching Sect wields immense power; otherwise, they would not possess such profound secret techniques."

"Indeed, that is true."

"But then, why is there no mention of them within any of the archives?"

"An excellent question."

"It is rumored," Lu Xiaolu shared, "that they possess a unique secret technique, a method capable of completely erasing one's very name from existence."

Chu Zhiyuan stared at her, his eyes wide with astonishment. "Such a secret technique actually exists?"

Lu Xiaolu clarified, "This is merely the Palace Master's current hypothesis."

"Could such a secret technique truly exist in this world?" Chu Zhiyuan mused, his brow furrowed in thought. "That seems incredibly far-fetched, does it not?"

"This world is filled with countless astonishing marvels," Lu Xiaolu replied sagely. "Things that defy belief yet are not entirely impossible."

Chu Zhiyuan pondered aloud, "But for what purpose would they employ such a drastic measure?"

Lu Xiaolu gently shook her head. "Since no records exist, it's impossible to ascertain their motives. By the way, did the Heaven-Reaching Sect make contact with you?"

"Yes, they did," Chu Zhiyuan affirmed, proceeding to recount the entire encounter.

Lu Xiaolu listened intently before asking, "They didn't escort you to the Heaven-Reaching Sect? Nor did they attempt to retrieve the secret technique from you?"

Chu Zhiyuan responded with a shake of his head.

"How peculiar," Lu Xiaolu murmured, her brow furrowing slightly in contemplation.