Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1304 - 1300: Arrival

"Ready?" Zhang Ji Yuan inquired, "Do you need me to explain things to them?"

Chu Zhiyuan then asked, "Will we be staying there for an extended period? Can we return at any moment we wish?"

"We are able to, but it requires a significant expenditure of resources. Can you endure the cost?"

"I can manage," Chu Zhiyuan affirmed.

"Very well, let us depart then."

Zhang Ji Yuan extended his hand and placed it upon Chu Zhiyuan’s shoulder.

Chu Zhiyuan focused his senses, feeling a secret sense of relief wash over him.

The looming threat of danger had vanished.

Zhang Ji Yuan instructed with solemnity, "Be vigilant, as you might experience some discomfort. Please endure it and refrain from using your own power to break free, otherwise, your return will be impossible."

Chu Zhiyuan gave a nod of understanding.

With his left hand still on Chu Zhiyuan’s shoulder, Zhang Ji Yuan produced the Heaven-Reaching Order with his right hand.

A short while later, the Heaven-Reaching Order commenced emitting a radiant light.

The gentle luminescence gradually intensified, enveloping the Heaven-Reaching Order in a glow akin to a radiant full moon.

This luminous moon rapidly expanded, enclosing Zhang Ji Yuan within its ethereal embrace.

Simultaneously, the Heaven-Reaching Order concealed within Chu Zhiyuan’s sleeve also began to pulse with light, swiftly surging outwards and enveloping him.

"Let us proceed," Zhang Ji Yuan's voice commanded.

In the ensuing moment, the light erupted with sheer force, and both Chu Zhiyuan and Zhang Ji Yuan were instantly gone.

Chu Zhiyuan perceived the light intensifying before him, becoming too brilliant to behold.

The immediate surroundings warped and distorted, with everything twisting and contorting.

He maintained his Super Sense, diligently probing the surrounding environment.

As the intense light subsided, the ambient luminescence began to shimmer, and prismatic colors streaked across his field of vision.

This was unmistakably the work of the Void-breaking Skill.

Concurrently, he sensed that the power propelling him did not originate from Zhang Ji Yuan, but rather from the Heaven-Reaching Order itself.

The combined power of the Heaven-Reaching Orders acted as their vessel, transporting them through the bizarre, otherworldly space.

This Void-breaking Skill was indeed distinct from the Earth Origin Technique.

The speed of the Void-breaking Skill was vastly inferior to the Earth Origin Technique, which could traverse the void instantaneously, whereas the Void-breaking Skill necessitated navigating through it.

It was a method that consumed immense resources, proceeded at a leisurely pace, and was more susceptible to complications.

His Super Sense continuously scanned the vicinity; aside from these peculiar, distorted lights and the void itself, nothing else was discernible.

The Heaven-Reaching Order felt strikingly similar to Xiao Ruoling's Xuan Guang Shuttle.

He found himself adrift in the twisted void, where it seemed even the passage of time had lost all meaning.

He had no notion of how much time had elapsed when, abruptly, his vision was flooded with brightness.

In the following instant, clarity was restored.

The light emanating from the Heaven-Reaching Order flickered suddenly, and he felt an exotic power swiftly course through his body, reaching him via the artifact.

Super Sense perceived an immeasurable expanse of void.

A sun of a peculiar purple hue hung suspended in the sky, partially veiled by wisps of mist, resembling a violet sphere embedded within the hazy heavens.

Within this void, a colossal, magnificent peak majestically stood, suspended in defiance of gravity.

This peak possessed a circumference exceeding a hundred miles; Chu Zhiyuan’s Super Sense could not ascertain its boundaries.

The summit of the peak stretched endlessly upwards, piercing through the clouds, far beyond the reach of his perception.

Such an awe-inspiring spectacle of a peak profoundly shook him.

The Heaven-Reaching Order abruptly ceased its luminescence, and his vision returned to normal.

He discovered himself standing within a verdant, flourishing forest, stretching endlessly in all directions.

Zhang Ji Yuan offered a smile, stating, "We have arrived."

Chu Zhiyuan glanced around in astonishment, inquiring, "Senior Brother, is this our Heaven-Reaching Sect?"

"Indeed," Zhang Ji Yuan confirmed. "We have reached the Heaven-Reaching Sect; this is the location."

"What a remarkably vast expanse," Chu Zhiyuan marveled. "To which layer of heaven does this belong?"

"This particular layer is exclusively occupied by our Heaven-Reaching Sect, and it remains unnamed."

Chu Zhiyuan appeared puzzled, asking, "Is it a Grotto Heaven?"

"It is not a Grotto Heaven, but rather a truly complete world," Zhang Ji Yuan replied with a shake of his head and a smile. "However, it has not yet been given a name."

"Without a name, it cannot be mentioned, thus remaining a secret?"

"Precisely," Zhang Ji Yuan affirmed.

"Does such a method prove effective?" Chu Zhiyuan wondered aloud.

An unnamed heaven, rendering it impossible to cite or record.

This approach seemed rather peculiar.

Zhang Ji Yuan explained, "It is a measure to guard against the intrusion of Spirit Venerables... should it possess a name, Spirit Venerables could easily locate it."

Chu Zhiyuan suddenly grasped the implication, exclaiming, "So that is the reason!"

"Come, let us proceed to meet the Sect Master," Zhang Ji Yuan suggested. "Now that you have entered, you will be able to return at any time."

Chu Zhiyuan looked up towards the peak that vanished into the white clouds.

He sensed an exotic power emanating from that direction, an incredibly pervasive force.

It felt as though it could illuminate his very being in an instant, leaving no aspect of himself concealed.

Zhang Ji Yuan took the lead, effortlessly ascending, with Chu Zhiyuan following closely behind, borne aloft on leaves.

His speed steadily increased, yet the summit seemed no closer.

"Senior Brother, how much farther is it?"

"We still have a considerable distance to cover," Zhang Ji Yuan replied.

"Is it because of the array?" Chu Zhiyuan questioned, his gaze sweeping the surroundings.

Zhang Ji Yuan affirmed, "Indeed, it is the array. It creates an illusion of proximity when in reality, the distance is vast."

"Then, if we were to employ the Void-breaking Skill..." Chu Zhiyuan began.

"Within the sect's boundaries, the Void-breaking Skill cannot be utilized," Zhang Ji Yuan interjected.

Frowning slightly, Chu Zhiyuan inquired, "When shall we reach our destination then?"

"In an hour," came the reply.

"...An hour," Chu Zhiyuan repeated aloud, a hint of disbelief in his voice as he shook his head.

With his current mastery of Qinggong, traversing over two hundred miles would typically take only an hour.

He voiced his curiosity, "Is our strength diminished, our speed reduced, or is there another factor at play?"

Zhang Ji Yuan elaborated, "The array manipulates the void, causing it to fold upon itself. This makes the destination appear close, yet requires a considerable duration to traverse."

"What manner of array is this?" Chu Zhiyuan pressed.

"It is called the Circulation Illusion Array," Zhang Ji Yuan explained. "Its purpose also extends to defending against Spirit Venerables, deterring their attention and preventing their arrival here."

Chu Zhiyuan fell into contemplation.

Zhang Ji Yuan continued, "Spirit Venerables, when crossing the void, require anchor points. This Circulation Illusion Array serves to disorient their perception of the void, thereby throwing off their aim."

A sense of awe washed over Chu Zhiyuan. "We take such elaborate precautions against Spirit Venerables?"

"Were it not for these measures, our Heaven-Reaching Sect would have long ago been annihilated," Zhang Ji Yuan stated gravely.

"Are Spirit Venerables truly that formidable?" Chu Zhiyuan inquired further.

"Do you imagine Spirit Venerables to be benevolent beings?" Zhang Ji Yuan countered. "The reality is quite the opposite; among them, few are considered well-behaved. They are predominantly seekers of power, plunderers, and even destroyers."

Chu Zhiyuan's expression immediately became grave.

"Without a sufficient number of Spirit Venerables and robust array defenses, we would have met annihilation long ago," Zhang Ji Yuan added.

Chu Zhiyuan's brow furrowed. "The downfall of many prominent sects in antiquity, was it due to the actions of Spirit Venerables?"

"The reasons are multifaceted; Spirit Venerables represent but one contributing factor," Zhang Ji Yuan replied.

The two continued their journey, their conversation flowing.

Chu Zhiyuan felt his understanding of the world expanding significantly.

He now grasped the necessity for such stringent defenses against Spirit Venerables, a realization that shattered his prior perceptions.

"The arrays deployed by our Heaven-Reaching Sect effectively repel Spirit Venerables, preventing them from touching or entering our domain," Zhang Ji Yuan informed him.

Chu Zhiyuan raised an eyebrow. "And what of the Spirit Venerables affiliated with our sect?"

"They too are unable to approach freely," Zhang Ji Yuan explained. "To achieve the status of a Spirit Venerable means one can no longer reside within the sect. Instead, they must establish their own Cave Mansions externally."

He pointed towards a direction. "The Twelve Cave Mansions are situated predominantly over there."

Chu Zhiyuan followed his gesture, his eyes landing on several small, dark specks suspended in the distant void.

Through his Super Sensing Illumination, he perceived four floating peaks, each spanning approximately ten miles in circumference.

These peaks were lush and teeming with vibrant life.

Chu Zhiyuan understood these to be the Cave Mansions of the Spirit Venerables.

His Super Sense could only perceive the external appearance of these peaks; their interiors were shielded by an intangible force, rendering them impossible to spy upon.

Chu Zhiyuan remarked, "To attain the rank of Spirit Venerable yet be unable to return to the sect seems somewhat regrettable, does it not?"

"It is considered akin to establishing one's own independent sect," Zhang Ji Yuan responded with a smile. "It is a favorable outcome. The sect bestows significant treasures upon them... without this arrangement, the full legacy would likely have been opened already."

Chu Zhiyuan slowly nodded in understanding.

Spirit Venerables possessed incredibly long lifespans; all twelve were presumably still alive.

Only upon the confirmation of nine such individuals would the sect's legacy be unlocked. Why would he need to seek it himself?

"Junior Brother Zhang!" a resonant voice boomed from a distance, reaching them directly.

Chu Zhiyuan turned to ascertain the source, but found no one in sight.