Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1298 - 1294: Another Gift

"Doesn’t Senior Sister also find it peculiar?"

"If it were me, and someone learned the palace's secret technique, I definitely wouldn’t be pleased."

"Would you then abolish their secret technique?"

"Yes, absolutely." Lu Xiaolu stated emphatically, "The very essence of a secret technique lies in its secrecy; it must not be transmitted externally."

She lightly knitted her dark brows together: "That secret technique was conferred by the Court. However, after you mastered it, upon their discovery, they not only refrained from abolishing your secret technique but actually extended an invitation to join the Heaven-Reaching Sect. You declined, yet they didn't resort to coercion. Is there truly such a benevolent scenario in this world?"

Chu Zhiyuan simply shook his head with a gentle smile.

Lu Xiaolu, unable to grasp the situation, finally voiced her bewilderment: "Could it be that we've stumbled upon an exceptionally understanding and benevolent sect? If the Heaven-Reaching Sect were genuinely so kind, would they have needed to erase their existence from historical records and ancient texts, right?"

Chu Zhiyuan responded with a smile, "Perhaps, we have indeed encountered such a rare circumstance."

"It’s truly a shame not to learn the remaining secret techniques," Lu Xiaolu remarked wistfully, "The secret techniques of the Heaven-Reaching Sect are indeed formidable, aren't they?"

"It is unwise to be overly greedy."

"Aren't you even a little curious about what the other secret techniques are like?"

"Mastering this one is already a stroke of immense luck; even if I knew the rest, I might not be able to master them."

"That’s not necessarily the case."

"Senior Sister, please refrain from disturbing my mental state!" Chu Zhiyuan said with a smile, his hand gestured pleadingly.

"I shall petition the Palace Master to mobilize resources and thoroughly investigate this Heaven-Reaching Sect. Even if they are absent from ancient records, there should be some oral traditions or rumors circulating."

"That would be most excellent."

"Well... I must take my leave now." Lu Xiaolu gracefully rose and gently placed down her teacup.

Chu Zhiyuan, with a warm smile, said, "Since Senior Sister has graced me with your presence, why the haste to depart? It is not too late to partake in some leisurely enjoyment with me before your return."

"Where would I find the time for leisure? I am diligently focused on my cultivation," Lu Xiaolu replied, her tone firm, "I cannot allow you to fall too far behind."

Chu Zhiyuan couldn't help but reveal a smile.

Lu Xiaolu hummed playfully, "Are you implying that I cannot possibly catch up to you?"

"Senior Sister possesses unparalleled talent; how could you possibly not catch up?" Chu Zhiyuan replied with a smile.

Lu Xiaolu cast a sideways glance at him, her eyes twinkling with amusement, "Your words speak one thing, but your true meaning differs. Let me inform you, I am on the verge of practicing a secret technique that will exponentially accelerate my cultivation, and soon, I shall indeed catch up to you."

"There exists such a secret technique?"

"Otherwise, why do you think the Senior Sisters possess such profound cultivation at such a tender age?"

"And how long would it take to master this technique?"

"A single month should suffice, therefore, you must not seek me out during this month... Though, I probably shouldn't have made this trip if I knew you wouldn't seek me out anyway!"

"Contrary to your belief, I had just emerged from seclusion myself, and today, I was precisely preparing to seek you out, Senior Sister."

Lu Xiaolu playfully chided, "Hmph, you are merely trying to deceive me!"

Abruptly, Chu Zhiyuan turned his gaze, his attention drawn to the figure of Zhang Ji Yuan appearing nearby: "Mr. Zhang!"

Zhang Ji Yuan offered a peculiar smile and clasped his fist respectfully, "My sincerest apologies for any disturbance; please forgive my intrusion."

Chu Zhiyuan inquired politely, "Mr. Zhang, what circumstances bring you here today? Allow me to introduce Senior Sister Lu Xiaolu from Guanghan Palace."

"From Guanghan Palace? Ah, that explains it." Zhang Ji Yuan seemed to understand, his gaze briefly resting on Lu Xiaolu, "Is Palace Master Xiao faring well?"

Lu Xiaolu inquired, "Does Mr. Zhang happen to know our esteemed Palace Master?"

Having heard Chu Zhiyuan's introduction, she recognized him as a prominent figure from the Heaven-Reaching Sect.

As she stood before Zhang Ji Yuan, an inexplicable chill permeated her, and she sensed a palpable pressure emanating from him.

Despite Zhang Ji Yuan's outwardly smiling demeanor, she recognized him as a truly dangerous individual.

Undoubtedly, Chu Zhiyuan would perceive this as well; his senses were honed to an even sharper degree.

It became evident that his cultivation was immensely formidable, and not only that, his mastery of secret techniques was simply astounding.

"I had the distinct fortune of meeting Palace Master Xiao on one occasion," Zhang Ji Yuan replied with a smile, "Palace Master Xiao is a true prodigy, possessed of both virtue and rare talent, indeed a paragon seldom seen in this world."

Lu Xiaolu responded with a pleasant smile, "It seems our Palace Master has never had the honor of meeting the masters of the Heaven-Reaching Sect."

Zhang Ji Yuan said with a smile, "Indeed, I did not reveal my identity then. It has been ten years already, and reflecting upon it now, it certainly feels like a considerable length of time has passed."

Lu Xiaolu curiously inquired further, "In that case, has Mr. Zhang been dedicating his time to traveling the world?"

"I have been exploring the world continuously," Zhang Ji Yuan confirmed with a nod, "Not merely within Biyuan Heaven, but also venturing through other distinct realms."

Lu Xiaolu remarked, "Are you traveling entirely alone? That must surely be a somewhat solitary experience, wouldn't you agree?"

Zhang Ji Yuan chuckled, commenting, "Being alone offers freedom and unrestraint, wouldn't you agree that's more wonderful?"

Lu Xiaolu countered, shaking her head, "Freedom and unrestraint are one thing, but inevitably one faces loneliness and boredom, rendering it all meaningless, wouldn't you say?"

"It is very meaningful," Zhang Ji Yuan replied with a grin. "One encounters numerous fascinating occurrences. Isn't this current event sufficiently intriguing?"

"Junior Brother Chu has mastered a secret technique?" Lu Xiaolu inquired. "Is it truly acceptable for Junior Brother Chu to forgo joining the Heaven-Reaching Sect?"

"Our sect never compels disciples to join," Zhang Ji Yuan stated amiably. "It's invariably the disciples who implore to become part of our sect."

"Is the Heaven-Reaching Sect truly that exceptional?"

"Haha... It isn't that I, Mr. Zhang, am boasting, but our sect surpasses yours and indeed any other sect in this world! Alas, Young Chu, your refusal to join our sect is a profound pity; I truly lament it!"

Chu Zhiyuan offered a smile and posed the question, "Mr. Zhang, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?"

"To demonstrate two more techniques for your perusal," Zhang Ji Yuan announced.

He retrieved two slender booklets from his sleeve and presented them to Chu Zhiyuan, saying, "Take a look."

However, Chu Zhiyuan made no move to accept them.

Lu Xiaolu remarked, "After examining these two secret techniques, Junior Brother Chu will have no alternative but to join the Heaven-Reaching Sect, correct?"

"Not necessarily," Zhang Ji Yuan responded. "You are free to decline."

Lu Xiaolu expressed surprise, "Is it permissible to practice the core secret techniques of the Heaven-Reaching Sect without formally joining?"

"It is entirely permissible," Zhang Ji Yuan said with a smile. "Many individuals have had the opportunity to view our secret techniques."

"Many have seen them?" Lu Xiaolu grew increasingly astonished. "Why have I never heard mention of this before?"

"Few within Biyuan Heaven have witnessed them; the secret techniques have not been disseminated widely. However, in You Meng Heaven and Outer Heaven, numerous people have seen them," Zhang Ji Yuan explained. "They all desire to join our sect, yet we do not accept them."

Chu Zhiyuan's brow furrowed.

Zhu Lingyun in You Meng Heaven had no knowledge of these two techniques, nor had Chu Liezhao in Outer Heaven heard any whispers of these particular secret techniques.

Zhang Ji Yuan, with a gentle smile, handed the booklets to Lu Xiaolu.

Lu Xiaolu extended her elegant hand to receive them. After a brief glance and a quick flip through the pages, her expression grew serious, and she playfully chided, "Mr. Zhang, are you making a fool of me? These are hardly secret techniques!"

Zhang Ji Yuan chuckled and gestured towards Chu Zhiyuan, saying, "Xiaolu, take a closer look."

"No, thank you," Chu Zhiyuan replied with a smile, shaking his head. "I shall refrain from looking, lest I be tempted beyond my resolve."

He had already discerned the contents of the two slender booklets using his Super Sense ability.

They were distinct from the Ascension Technique.

The two booklets contained intricate swordplay, a meticulously designed form of swordsmanship.

Each booklet comprised merely ten pages, excluding the cover, leaving nine pages of content.

One page was dedicated to a single sword technique.

Lu Xiaolu immediately grasped the essence of the swordsmanship; it possessed a subtle quality but was far from qualifying as a secret technique in her estimation.

However, it was evident that she could not perceive the inner workings or activate the peculiar patterns depicted.

Zhang Ji Yuan stated with a smile, "These two secret techniques are genuine. Whether they can be mastered, however, hinges entirely upon an individual's comprehension and innate aptitude."

Lu Xiaolu slightly knitted her brows. "Are these truly secret techniques? They appear to be merely swordsmanship."

This particular swordsmanship was vastly inferior to the techniques practiced at Guanghan Palace, making her reluctant to even consider practicing it, viewing it as a futile expenditure of time and effort.

"Miss Lu, I assure you, I have no reason to deceive you. In this vast world, very few individuals ever witness true secret techniques, and even fewer manage to master them."

"Is it because I am unable to perceive their true nature?"

"Precisely."

"Yet, they are clearly written down; it is unequivocally swordsmanship. Are these secret techniques actually a form of swordsmanship?"

"They are not swordsmanship."

"Not swordsmanship..." Lu Xiaolu pondered deeply, yet remained utterly perplexed.

The content clearly presented itself as a set of sword techniques. If it wasn't swordsmanship, then what did the intricate patterns signify?

Chu Zhiyuan advised, "Senior Sister, let it be."

Lu Xiaolu inquired with curiosity, "Can you discern the secret technique within?"

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head. "I have no desire to look."