Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1303 - 1299: Mastery Achieved

Chu Zhiyuan withdrew his focus from his immediate surroundings, settling back onto the bed. His attention then turned inwards, delving into the intricacies of the two slender booklets containing the Ascension Technique and the Void-breaking Skill.

Fleeting sparks of spiritual light ignited within his mind, only to dissipate swiftly. His accumulated experiences and prior insights served as catalysts, igniting these ephemeral bursts of spiritual light as he perused the two manuals. Even as they vanished, an incessant cascade of spiritual light continued to coalesce deep within the recesses of his consciousness. Through this ceaseless aggregation, his comprehension of both the Ascension Technique and the Void-breaking Skill deepened progressively.

His past experiences with ascension and his diligent practice of the Earth Origin Technique rendered the comprehension of these new techniques remarkably effortless, inducing frequent moments of profound realization. This process mirrored the transformation of practical experience into theoretical understanding, where grasping theory inherently surpassed the limitations of forceful insight through mere contemplation. Possessing a rich foundation of experience, the assimilation of theoretical knowledge became seamless, consequently facilitating its facile conversion into tangible cultivation progress.

When these two techniques, the Ascension Technique and the Void-breaking Skill, were considered collectively, they formed the foundation of the Taihao Jade Void Scripture. Rather than immediately attempting to practice them, he first focused on integrating the three disciplines.

An hour later, a slight shake of his head signaled his conclusion. The three seemed resistant to unification, suggesting a missing fundamental component. Trusting his instincts, he decisively abandoned the endeavor for the time being. It seemed more prudent to master each technique individually first.

If the Ascension Technique primarily addressed the spiritual aspect, then its counterpart focused on the physical body. By harnessing the power of the spirit, one could simultaneously elevate the physical form, thereby advancing to a higher spiritual plane. However, this process necessicated a guiding medium. Should he achieve mastery of this technique within the confines of the Little Outer Heaven, he could potentially ascend directly to Biyuan Heaven, guided by the potent energy of the Emperor’s Sword. His current proficiency in the Earth Origin Technique already endowed him with a similar capability, and upon reaching its second layer, it could facilitate the ascension and traversal of others. The Void-breaking Skill, conversely, operated without the need for a medium, possessing the ability to rend open the void at will, granting access to other heavenly realms. His clone, Leng Tieya, who practiced the White Cloud Map, exhibited certain parallels with this particular skill. Consequently, the mastery of both these techniques seemed a natural progression for him.

On the morning of the third day, his eyes slowly opened, a subtle luminescence flickering within their depths. His physical manifestation seemed transient, oscillating between solidity and an ethereal state. It was as if he were submerged at the bottom of a tranquil lake, gently swaying with the subtle ripples of the water. He released a long, drawn-out sigh, a gentle smile gracing his lips. Both the Ascension Technique and the Void-breaking Skill had been successfully mastered. The cumulative efforts of his various clones had culminated in this astonishing current state of being.

His form dissolved into nothingness. In the very next moment, he materialized atop a towering mountain peak within the You Meng Heaven, his gaze sweeping over the surrounding peaks that resembled islands adrift in a vast ocean. An instant later, he found himself in the outer heaven, absorbing the rich and abundant Spiritual Energy, keenly aware of the vibrant life force coursing through his being. He then journeyed to the Prince Zhuang Mansion in the Little Outer Heaven, spent a brief period interacting with the Divine Tree, and subsequently returned to the Heavenly Sword Branch located in the Biyuan Heaven. Standing with his hands clasped behind his back in the small courtyard, he gazed skyward, savoring the distinct sensations imparted by the diverse worlds he had visited.

Furthermore, he conducted a comparative analysis between the Void-breaking Skill and the Earth Origin Technique. He let out a disappointed sigh. This Void-breaking Skill did not quite measure up to the efficacy of the second layer of the Earth Origin Technique. Could this disparity be attributed to the fundamental differences between the cultivation paths of the Divine Clan and those of the Heavenly Person? The Earth Origin Technique still possessed a third layer, yet it remained beyond his current reach, demanding the prior mastery of the second layer of the Heavenly Yuan Technique. He mused on the potential power that mastering the third layer of the Earth Origin Technique might unlock, and the ultimate capabilities of the Taihao Jade Void Scripture. It was unfortunate that these three techniques alone were insufficient to directly achieve its completion.

His gaze drifted towards the Golden Sword. As the news of its significance spread, the faith power and meritorious power it accumulated grew increasingly profound, gradually transforming into a purer form of energy. This energy felt intimately familiar, akin to an extension of his own being, yet demonstrably more potent. He sensed that its power surpassed his current cultivation at the Venerable Perfection stage. Could it be approaching the might of a Spirit Venerable? Perhaps even reaching the level of a half-step Spirit Venerable?

He retrieved the Golden Sword and then drew the Heaven-Reaching Order from within his robes, experiencing a sudden, compelling urge. With this Heaven-Reaching Order, he could ostensibly travel directly to the Heaven-Reaching Sect and ascertain its location. However, after contemplating the token for a moment, he ultimately shook his head and returned it to his bosom. A powerful premonition of danger dissuaded him from pursuing the idea. This intense warning of peril left him questioning whether the Heaven-Reaching Sect itself harbored inherent dangers, or if the journey to reach it was fraught with peril. Could the Heaven-Reaching Sect be a deliberate trap designed for his demise?

Could the path to the Heaven-Reaching Sect be fraught with immense dangers?

Suddenly focusing, he sensed the presence of the Ascension Technique and perceived Zhang Ji Yuan's arrival.

Zhang Ji Yuan materialized within his humble courtyard, surveying Chu Zhiyuan with a look of surprise.

With his fists clasped together, Chu Zhiyuan offered a smile, "Senior Brother."

"Junior Brother Chu, have you... achieved mastery?" Zhang Ji Yuan inquired.

Chu Zhiyuan gave a nod, stating, "I have just mastered the Ascension Technique and the Void-breaking Skill."

Zhang Ji Yuan let out a sigh of admiration. "I now grasp why you declined our Heaven-Reaching Sect's invitation; you possess such conviction in reaching the Spirit Venerable stage."

A subtle smile played on Chu Zhiyuan's lips. "Perhaps some of the secret techniques I've cultivated previously are connected to these disciplines, making their comprehension more facile."

"The Ascension Technique is intrinsically linked to itself, but the Void-breaking Skill..." Zhang Ji Yuan trailed off, shaking his head. "Mastering it demands absolute insight; simply possessing the Ascension Technique and its related methods is insufficient."

The Void-breaking Skill embodies an entirely divergent philosophy, advocating for the challenging and dismantling of established doctrines.

For any individual brimming with self-assurance, this represents a formidable undertaking.

The greater a person's power and self-belief, the more challenging it becomes to shatter their ingrained convictions.

He had initially conjectured that Chu Zhiyuan would swiftly master the Ascension Technique but would face significant hurdles with the Void-breaking Skill, requiring at least a year.

The notion that Chu Zhiyuan would directly achieve mastery over all three techniques had never entered his mind.

Truly exceptional.

There was no record of any prior Sect predecessors achieving such swift comprehension.

Even individuals from the revered Divine Clan would likely find such rapid assimilation improbable.

Chu Zhiyuan maintained his smile. "Senior Brother, what further requirements are there to integrate these three into the Taihao Jade Void Scripture?"

"You intend to cultivate the Taihao Jade Void Scripture?"

"I simply wish to attempt it; is it within my capability?"

"Certainly, though I would still advise against it."

Chu Zhiyuan presented an eager demeanor, ready to absorb the information.

Zhang Ji Yuan began, "The core essence of the Taihao Jade Void Scripture resides within the Jade Void Heaven."

Chu Zhiyuan acknowledged this with a nod.

Zhang Ji Yuan elaborated, "The Jade Void represents the genesis of the Myriad Realms, the primeval origin of the One Origin, signifying the apex of all existing planes."

Chu Zhiyuan inquired, "Is the spiritual potency of the Jade Void Heaven even more vast and concentrated than that of the outer heavens?"

"Undoubtedly," Zhang Ji Yuan confirmed. "The Jade Void Qi is distinct from what we perceive as spiritual energy; it is a confluence of essence, Qi, and spirit, fundamentally different from the spiritual energy we absorb, making it nearly impossible to assimilate."

A smile touched Chu Zhiyuan's lips. "Have any of our Sect's predecessors attained mastery of this scripture?"

"Indeed," Zhang Ji Yuan replied with a nod. "However, only one."

Chu Zhiyuan's spirits visibly lifted. "Is this predecessor still amongst the living?"

Zhang Ji Yuan conveyed a negative response with a shake of his head.

Chu Zhiyuan pressed further, "Did this predecessor achieve the Spirit Realm?"

"It is believed to have been Master Ji, who, rather than becoming a Spirit Venerable, met an untimely end."

"Untimely?"

"The prevailing account suggests it was a consequence of mastering the Taihao Jade Void Scripture."

Chu Zhiyuan flinched at this revelation.

"The Qi originating from the Jade Void Heaven diminishes one's lifespan."

"Then..."

"Junior Brother, you may be questioning the rationale behind cultivating it, given such a drawback," Zhang Ji Yuan stated.

Chu Zhiyuan inclined his head in agreement.

Zhang Ji Yuan elucidated, "Out of sheer curiosity, it is said that the Taihao Jade Void Scripture is a potent martial art originating from the Divine Clan, considered among their most formidable. Our mortal physiques are ill-equipped to endure the Jade Void Heaven's Qi; only a divine body of immense fortitude can withstand its effects."

Chu Zhiyuan fell into contemplation.

A knowing smile graced Zhang Ji Yuan's features. "Do you still wish to pursue its cultivation?"

Chu Zhiyuan responded, "If I find myself unable to endure it, I shall cease my practice in due time."

"My sole concern is your potential inability to persevere," Zhang Ji Yuan remarked.

Chu Zhiyuan countered with a shake of his head, "How is it to be practiced? Simply merging the components is insufficient, is it not?"

"There exists an additional overarching compendium," Zhang Ji Yuan informed him. "It is housed within the Inheritance Stone located within the Sect."

"Then, shall we proceed to the Sect?" Chu Zhiyuan proposed.

After a moment's reflection, Zhang Ji Yuan gave his assent. "As this is your inaugural visit, I must escort you; otherwise, the Sect Protection Array will undoubtedly obliterate you upon entry."

Chu Zhiyuan acknowledged this with a solemn nod.