Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1307 - 1303: Subtle Applications

A searing heat permeated his entire being, frequently inducing vertigo and clouding his thoughts. Despite this, he maintained a placid state of mind, meticulously observing his own body as the intense aura emerged and coursed through, incinerating his internal organs. Agony was a constant companion, not merely within his organs, but even his skin pores throbbed with unbearable pain, teetering on the brink of madness. Yet, he remained composed, meticulously documenting the transformations this fierce aura wrought upon his physique. He mused, 'This aura, supposedly from the Jade Void Heaven, why does it seem to diminish one's lifespan?' The scorching nature inflicted immense suffering, unsettling his spirit, but a closer examination of his internal changes revealed no damage; instead, there was a dramatic enhancement. The fiery power integrated with his organs, synergized with the ambient Qi, and even permeated his bones, remodeling them and further transforming the very marrow. For his physical form, it was an unparalleled tonic, far surpassing any Spiritual Pills or Elixirs. Following this trajectory, it should logically extend, not shorten, his lifespan. This scorching aura is truly an enigma, its potency rivaling that of the Spiritual Abyss. The only difference lies in the Spiritual Abyss aura's cooling properties, whereas this one is fiercely scorching, exhibiting entirely contrasting characteristics. Chu Zhiyuan's brow furrowed in deep contemplation. 'This scorching aura is quite peculiar, unexpectedly beginning to influence the spirit.' However, the effect was swiftly subdued. Within the void of his consciousness, the moment the scorching aura intruded, it was extinguished, utterly failing to cloud his mental clarity. As the scorching intensity amplified, his organs and bones began to buckle under the strain. He promptly ceased the circulation of the Taihao Jade Void Scripture, causing the vortex to dissipate entirely. He carefully took stock of his physical condition, feeling as though he had been tempered by fire, becoming more resilient and lighter. He then emerged from the Light Gate, finding himself within the Great Hall. There, he observed Zhang Ji Yuan and Ning Dongge seated cross-legged in a corner, their presence exuding a solemn dignity as purple Qi swirled around them. The ascending purple Qi resembled morning mist, enveloping them as they remained immersed, akin to two stoic statues. He offered a gesture of cupped hands in greeting. Both elders opened their eyes simultaneously, the purple Qi instantly receding into their bodies as they floated upwards. Chu Zhiyuan greeted them with a smile, "Senior Brother." Ning Dongge's gaze assessed him, "Have you emerged from your seclusion? Have you achieved mastery?" Chu Zhiyuan nodded, "How much time has elapsed?" Zhang Ji Yuan chuckled, "Barely a single night has passed... How do you feel?" Ning Dongge repeatedly shook his head, "Junior Brother Zhang was not exaggerating; your cultivation speed is astonishingly rapid." Chu Zhiyuan sensed a scorching aura emanating from himself, making him feel like a colossal furnace poised to melt itself. Ning Dongge involuntarily felt an urge to retreat, to put distance between himself and Chu Zhiyuan. It was evident that Chu Zhiyuan had indeed mastered the Taihao Jade Void Scripture; otherwise, such potent pressure would not be exerted. Zhang Ji Yuan remarked, "Senior Brother Ning, you constantly harbor doubts about me!" "Hey, is that my fault?" Ning Dongge retorted with a laugh. Zhang Ji Yuan scoffed, "Senior Brother Ning, you ought to reconsider your perspective." "My perspective is perfectly sound," Ning Dongge asserted, shaking his head and then turning his attention to Chu Zhiyuan, "Junior Brother, did you experience any reduction in lifespan?" Chu Zhiyuan responded with a laugh, "Quite the opposite, it feels as though it might even increase lifespan, doesn't it?" "That's merely the prelude," Ning Dongge stated. "Excessive consumption can be detrimental; take a look at this." He produced a thick, ancient tome from his robes and presented it to Chu Zhiyuan, "These are the martial arts insights and notes of Master Ji." Chu Zhiyuan's spirit was instantly invigorated. He accepted the book with both hands, exclaiming, "Thank you, Senior Brother." Ning Dongge waved his hand dismissively, "It took considerable effort to locate this. Whether it proves useful remains uncertain. I only skimmed through it, and I confess, I didn't comprehend half of it." He had grasped the initial section vaguely, but the latter part was remarkably esoteric, becoming increasingly baffling and incomprehensible the further he read. Chu Zhiyuan rapidly flipped through the pages. Zhang Ji Yuan and Ning Dongge patiently stood by, allowing him his time. Suddenly, Chu Zhiyuan's eyebrows shot up. Sensing an unusual shift, he ceased his perusal of the book and looked up, "Senior Brothers, I must depart." "Very well, proceed then," Ning Dongge replied. "With the Heaven-Reaching Order in your possession and having mastered the Taihao Jade Void Scripture, you are free to return at any time." Zhang Ji Yuan cautioned, "Junior Brother, do not assume that merely because you have become a disciple of the Heaven-Reaching Sect, the world lacks formidable heroes; countless powerful individuals exist beyond these walls." Chu Zhiyuan interjected, "Especially the Spirit Venerable." Zhang Ji Yuan elaborated, "While the Spirit Venerable may often overlook lesser cultivators, the Venerable Perfection realm still harbors numerous formidable figures. Be especially wary when powerful individuals wield top-tier Spiritual Treasures; do not stumble blindly in the darkness." Ning Dongge grinned, "We are still awaiting the unlocking of that legacy, after all."

Chu Zhiyuan inquired, "Senior Brothers, where is the legacy?"

Ning Dongge responded with a shake of his head, "Its ultimate whereabouts are unknown to us."

"And where can it be unlocked?"

"The Sect Master possesses a legacy secret symbol, and by the combined efforts of nine Venerable Perfections, it can be revealed. It might be within a Grotto Heaven, or perhaps on an object... In essence, it has never been opened, and not even the Sect Master knows its true location."

"I understand..." Chu Zhiyuan dismissed his inclination to investigate further.

He had initially considered employing his Super Sense to catch a glimpse of its marvels.

"Then, I shall depart now."

The two acknowledged his departure with a wave.

Chu Zhiyuan retrieved the Heaven-Reaching Order from his sleeve, tucked the substantial ancient tome into his bosom, and offered a cupped-hand salute.

The Heaven-Reaching Order pulsed with a gentle luminescence, and he instantly vanished.

In the very next moment, he materialized within a modest courtyard of the Profound Yin Palace.

This was Xiao Ruoling’s courtyard.

Xiao Ruoling was engaged in practicing boxing leisurely in the courtyard. Upon seeing him appear, she offered a captivating smile and drifted towards him.

A subtle, pleasant fragrance permeated the air.

Chu Zhiyuan encircled her slender waist, finding her cool touch instantly more comforting.

"Oh?" Xiao Ruoling observed him with curiosity, "Husband, the aura emanating from you is..."

"I've just mastered it..." Chu Zhiyuan briefly explained.

As Xiao Ruoling perceived Chu Zhiyuan’s aura and listened to his explanation, a gradual sparkle lit up her bright eyes.

Chu Zhiyuan’s smile widened, "Does this aid your Taoye Marrow Cleansing Technique?"

He could discern that the aura from his Jade Void Heaven, as it entered Xiao Ruoling’s body, was refining and accelerating hers.

"It's incredibly helpful!" Xiao Ruoling exclaimed in astonishment.

She recognized her own internal changes and praised, "Much faster than I could achieve on my own!"

Not only was the circulation of her aura quickened, but more significantly, its purification process became more rapid.

Chu Zhiyuan chuckled, "This can be considered a fortunate coincidence. It seems your Taoye Marrow Cleansing Technique is quite advanced."

The aura level of Jade Void Heaven is exceptionally high, surpassing that of Outer Heaven, and is equivalent to the aura generated by the Taoye Marrow Cleansing Technique.

The Profound Yin Palace’s Taoye Marrow Cleansing Technique is indeed of a very high caliber, befitting the reputation of the Profound Yin Palace.

"Come, let us try more." Chu Zhiyuan placed his palms against hers, a sensation akin to touching two pieces of Mutton Fat Jade.

They were already on her bed, seated in a cross-legged position, and commenced their cultivation.

The vortex within the Qi Sea re-emerged, and a searing aura surged forth.

A portion of this aura circulated within Chu Zhiyuan’s own body, while the remainder was channeled into Xiao Ruoling’s palm.

Xiao Ruoling’s skin rapidly took on a jade-like texture, her blood and flesh swiftly transforming into a crystalline, smooth jade form.

Her entire being seemed to morph into a statue of Mutton Fat Jade, radiating an ethereal presence.

It felt as though she was rapidly ascending, drifting away towards the distant white clouds.

Chu Zhiyuan observed intently, witnessing the convergence of the Jade Void Heaven aura with the Taoye Marrow Cleansing Technique, which was rapidly purifying and elevating the latter.

This accelerated advancement was truly astonishing.

As Xiao Ruoling’s entire Taoye Marrow Cleansing Technique underwent a thorough transformation and integrated into her body, she gradually became translucent.

Her form shifted from Mutton Fat Jade to a translucent, crystal-like state, perfectly clear.

The aura surrounding her swiftly diminished and receded, as if dissolving into the Void.

After an hour had passed, her Taoye Marrow Cleansing Technique had already ascended by a full level.