Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1299 - 1295: Unveiling the Truth

"Very well." Lu Xiaolu’s eyes sparkled as she handed the two slim booklets back to Zhang Ji Yuan.

Zhang Ji Yuan did not take them. Instead, he glanced at Chu Zhiyuan and said with a grin, "Xiao Chu, why not take a look? There’s no harm in practicing them."

Lu Xiaolu questioned, "Practicing them without joining the Heaven-Reaching Sect truly has no repercussions? Mr. Zhang, you wouldn’t deceive us, would you? You say it doesn’t matter, but once my junior brother begins practicing, you’ll immediately change your tune, claiming that mastering these two secret techniques necessitates discipleship in the Heaven-Reaching Sect, or else you’ll cripple his cultivation and reclaim the techniques!"

"Haha..." Zhang Ji Yuan chuckled, responding, "Rest assured, I, Zhang, am not that dishonorable!"

Lu Xiaolu inquired, "Aren’t you people of the Heaven-Reaching Sect concerned about others practicing your secret techniques?"

"Why should we be concerned?" Zhang Ji Yuan laughed. "Those capable of mastering our Sect’s secret techniques must possess extraordinary character. Should someone harbor hostility towards us while attempting to master our techniques, such an endeavor would inevitably fail."

Lu Xiaolu tilted her head, pondering for a moment. "But aren’t you worried that once the secret techniques are exposed, others might discover their flaws?"

"Haha..." Zhang Ji Yuan’s laughter echoed. "Miss Lu, you worry too much. These three secret techniques are not methods for combat. So what if their weaknesses are discovered?"

Lu Xiaolu pressed, "If they aren’t offensive techniques, then what purpose do practicing these three secret techniques serve?"

Zhang Ji Yuan replied, "To ascend to the heavens and traverse the myriad realms, isn’t that a delightful prospect?"

Lu Xiaolu nodded. "Such freedom is certainly appealing; however, dedicating so much effort to practice doesn’t seem entirely worthwhile."

"Miss Lu, as the saying goes, difficult tasks are not suited for everyone. Yet, for those truly adept, little effort is required."

"So, you are implying that I lack the necessary talent?"

"Hehe..."

Lu Xiaolu turned to Chu Zhiyuan. "Junior Brother, shall we take a look?"

"Never mind," Chu Zhiyuan stated, shaking his head.

He had already perceived everything with his Super Sense, clearly and distinctly. There was no need for a second glance.

The two secret techniques shared a common origin with the Ascension Technique, delving deeper with each progression.

"Then let us forgo it." Lu Xiaolu placed the two slim books into his hand.

Zhang Ji Yuan exclaimed in surprise, "Xiao Chu, are you not overly cautious? You refuse to even practice the secret techniques offered to you? You must realize you have the capacity to master them."

Chu Zhiyuan smiled faintly. "I only know that gold does not fall from the sky."

"Who says gold doesn’t fall from the sky?" Zhang Ji Yuan countered. "There is still the Undying Golden Essence!"

Chu Zhiyuan was rendered speechless.

Zhang Ji Yuan continued, "Once you master these two secret techniques, you will roam freely across the vast world, experiencing unparalleled carefree living!"

"Mr. Zhang, be candid with me," Chu Zhiyuan implored. "What is the true underlying reason for all of this?"

Zhang Ji Yuan laughed heartily. "What true reason?"

Chu Zhiyuan elaborated, "Mr. Zhang, you are exceedingly eager for me to join the Heaven-Reaching Sect. Even if joining is not mandatory, it is sufficient if I master these three secret techniques."

A glint appeared in Zhang Ji Yuan’s eyes.

Chu Zhiyuan stated firmly, "Everything transpires for a reason. Mr. Zhang, you must understand that without a clear explanation, I will not practice these techniques heedlessly."

Zhang Ji Yuan shook his head, letting out a sigh. "I had not anticipated you would be so reserved, lacking the characteristic arrogance or sharp edge often found in prodigies."

Chu Zhiyuan offered a gentle smile and shook his head.

His wariness was a deeply ingrained habit, and altering such ingrained tendencies proved exceedingly difficult.

"Very well, allow me to elaborate in detail," Zhang Ji Yuan conceded with a sigh.

Lu Xiaolu inquired, "May I listen in?"

"Miss Xiaolu, it is perfectly acceptable for you to listen as well," Zhang Ji Yuan replied with a smile. "After all, knowing or not knowing makes little difference."

"Why does it make no difference?" Lu Xiaolu retorted defiantly. "Is it because I simply will not be able to master them?"

"Precisely," Zhang Ji Yuan affirmed with a smile.

Lu Xiaolu then inquired, "What about the Palace Master?"

"They too shall not succeed," Zhang Ji Yuan stated.

Lu Xiaolu scoffed. "I refuse to believe that the Palace Master would not succeed."

"In truth, numerous individuals have viewed this secret technique," Zhang Ji Yuan revealed. "However, they invariably overlook its true essence."

Lu Xiaolu’s brow furrowed slightly.

She found herself recalling the sight from before; merely two unassuming, slim Sword Manuals.

Normally, if these were just regular books on a shelf or within a collection, she’d casually flip through and dismiss them without a second thought.

Zhang Ji Yuan chuckled, explaining, "The existence of the Ascension Technique manifests in countless ways. Some appear as Swordsmanship, others as Fist Techniques, some as Qinggong, and some might even be disguised as ordinary Basic Heart Methods."

He then shook his head, remarking, "Those who lack the true insight often overlook them."

"How fascinating..." Lu Xiaolu smirked, her curiosity piqued. "So you're saying I've encountered them before too?"

"Indeed, various Martial Arts Sects, and not just your Four Great Sects, possess the Ascension Technique within their extensive collections."

Zhang Ji Yuan shook his head again, adding, "Yet, no one has ever truly recognized the Ascension Technique for what it is."

Lu Xiaolu exclaimed in surprise, "Is that so? All our sects have the Ascension Technique?"

"I deduced over twenty," Chu Zhiyuan interjected. "But in any sect that holds high aspirations for its disciples, their collections are bound to contain the Ascension Technique."

"This is utterly bizarre," Lu Xiaolu murmured. "How could they have been so cleverly hidden?"

Zhang Ji Yuan smiled, explaining, "Once one masters the latter two techniques, the path becomes as smooth as walking on level ground, allowing for unimpeded traversal."

He then looked towards Chu Zhiyuan, stating, "There will be no place in this world you cannot reach; you can wander as you please."

Chu Zhiyuan pondered the texts he had seen in the Heavenly Sword Sect’s library, but recalled not spotting anything that resembled the Ascension Technique.

Of course, it was entirely possible that he had simply been unable to recognize it as such back then.

Recalling now, the Secret Manual of the Ascension Technique possessed a remarkable characteristic: the ability to conceal its own aura.

"This is truly preposterous!" Lu Xiaolu muttered under her breath.

The capacity to casually place a Secret Manual also implies the ability to retrieve it at any moment, along with anything else.

Such a capability could only be described as divine thievery, utterly impossible to guard against.

She eyed Zhang Ji Yuan with a curious glint, asking, "Are you fellows from the Heaven-Reaching Sect, or perhaps the Empty-handed Skillful Sect?"

Zhang Ji Yuan chuckled, replying, "If we were to engage in actual theft, it would surely impede our cultivation."

Lu Xiaolu quipped, "Then it must be just as easy for you to conduct assassinations, correct?"

"It is not difficult," Zhang Ji Yuan confirmed.

Lu Xiaolu responded, "If others were aware of this capability, they would certainly lose much sleep."

The mere thought that someone could materialize beside you at any given moment, capable of theft or assassination, made restful sleep an impossibility.

Zhang Ji Yuan offered a knowing smile as he gazed at her.

"Rest assured, this information will not be leaked," Lu Xiaolu assured him. "Even if others were to find out, it would likely make no difference."

Zhang Ji Yuan smiled, commending, "Miss Lu, you are quite astute."

Lu Xiaolu then questioned, "So, you utilize the Ascension Technique as a means to vet and identify disciples who possess the talent for learning your secret techniques?"

"Precisely," Zhang Ji Yuan affirmed.

Lu Xiaolu inquired further, "Then, what are the consequences of mastering the Ascension Technique along with the other two? Surely there must be some drawbacks, and it cannot all be positive?"

Zhang Ji Yuan sighed, lamenting, "Our sect's secret techniques are exceedingly difficult, demanding exceptionally high standards from our disciples. In the vast expanse of Biyuan Heaven, over a thousand years, only one individual, akin to Xiao Chu, has managed to master them."

"That is indeed a formidable challenge," Lu Xiaolu acknowledged. "Are you concerned that your secret techniques might be lost? Is there more to this than meets the eye?"

Zhang Ji Yuan elaborated, "The Heaven-Reaching Sect endeavors to reclaim its former glory, and achieving this necessitates a substantial number of capable disciples."

"Is the sole objective to restore past grandeur?" Lu Xiaolu asked, her curiosity evident. "It seems your Heaven-Reaching Sect isn't particularly renowned at present."

"Hehe..." Zhang Ji Yuan chuckled and shook his head. "Our sect’s previous name was indeed illustrious, but it is not convenient to divulge it at this moment."

Chu Zhiyuan interjected, proposing, "Could it be the Heavenly Person Sect?"

Zhang Ji Yuan’s eyes widened abruptly in surprise.

Chu Zhiyuan continued, "The most glorious era was the mythical age, though the Divine Race should have no remaining lineage, save for the Heavenly Person Inheritance."

The three booklets he had observed contained intricate, crucial patterns.

At first glance, they did not appear to be Divine Language, but when combined with the three secret techniques, the patterns from the three booklets coalesced to form the Divine Language.

This particular sect could not have originated from the Divine Race, leaving the Heavenly People Clan as the most plausible candidate.

The Heavenly Person Inheritance.

The inheritance of his Great Demon Suppressing Seal, as well as the Great Brightness Scripture, both stemmed from the Heavenly Person Inheritance.

Chu Zhiyuan stated, "It is to require disciples to cooperate and form an Array, in order to unlock certain Treasures, is that not so?"