Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1308 - 1304: Apprehension

While Chu Zhiyuan was channeling his vital Qi, he sensed the internal transformations occurring within him.

He had not merely infused the Taihao Jade Void Scripture's aura into Xiao Ruoling's being. Instead, the Qi from Xiao Ruoling's Taoye Marrow Cleansing Technique was also permeating his own body, actively influencing him.

Upon its entry into his system, the Qi of the Taoye Marrow Cleansing Technique brought solace to the arid pain he was enduring. It was akin to transitioning from a pool of magma into merely boiling water; while still agonizingly unbearable, the intensity of his suffering was markedly diminished.

As the Taoye Marrow Cleansing Technique's aura grew increasingly refined, the pain he experienced continued to lessen.

A profound realization spontaneously emerged: perhaps the Taihao Jade Void Scripture was intended to be cultivated in conjunction with the Taoye Marrow Cleansing Technique?

Could this synergistic pairing represent the true cultivation method of the Taihao Jade Void Scripture?

This crucial detail was conspicuously absent from Master Ji's exhaustive martial arts annotations.

He had thoroughly absorbed all of Master Ji's notes, committing them to memory for effortless recall and contemplation at any moment.

These notes contained scattered, unsystematic insights, comprising fragmented understandings of martial arts and glimpses into the workings of the cosmos.

Possessing exceptional comprehension, amplified by the Miao Ling Pearl, he frequently experienced flashes of inspiration when engaging with these disparate pieces of wisdom.

These sudden insights granted him a more profound enlightenment regarding both martial arts and the world at large.

He felt this newfound enlightenment was immensely aiding his Cultivation progress, as if nearing the very limits of what was possible.

Regarding the nature of the Jade Void Heaven's Qi, Master Ji Ji Wenxuan had harbored numerous conjectures.

The Jade Void Heaven is depicted as the genesis, the primordial first heaven, within the Taihao Jade Void Scripture's teachings.

However, Ji Wenxuan had always harbored doubts as to whether this described Jade Void Heaven truly represented the initial heaven, the ultimate primal Qi.

If it were indeed the primal first heaven, the very essence of primal Qi, then why would it manifest with such scorching intensity, such extreme nature?

This quality did not evoke the sensation of unifying heaven and earth with a single, harmonious energy.

It conveyed the impression more of a destructive force, lacking the essence of primal Qi, devoid of vital life force.

...

Chu Zhiyuan withdrew his palms and opened his eyes, directing his gaze towards Xiao Ruoling.

The residual blood energy surrounding Xiao Ruoling swiftly regenerated, transforming her from a seemingly translucent, statue-like figure back into a woman radiating vitality and allure.

She then opened her luminous eyes.

Chu Zhiyuan offered a gentle smile, remarking, "Congratulations."

"I truly never anticipated..." Xiao Ruoling's bright eyes glistened with emotion.

"Nor did I foresee such a wondrous outcome; it appears we must cultivate together henceforth."

"If my husband were to assist me in my Cultivation in this manner, my progress would undoubtedly be accelerated."

"The Taoye Marrow Cleansing Technique is indeed profoundly mystical, deserving of dedicated practice."

"Naturally, its efficacy relates to maintaining eternal youth and extending lifespan; no one would dare neglect it, and the disciples within the palace are exceptionally diligent in its pursuit."

Chu Zhiyuan chuckled, "Now that we've finally uncovered a shortcut for its practice, let us seize this opportunity to cultivate with utmost fervor for a period."

With the aid of his Taihao Jade Void Scripture bolstering her efforts, the pace at which she could practice the Taoye Marrow Cleansing Technique would skyrocket.

Xiao Ruoling laughed, "Husband, please feel welcome to join me whenever you have the leisure; there is no need for haste."

"Madam, you must maintain your composure," Chu Zhiyuan advised, shaking his head.

Xiao Ruoling appeared remarkably serene, showing no urgency to cultivate, having already undergone a transformation in her mindset: with the prospect of extended lifespan, there was no imperative to rush.

Furthermore, she lacked any inclination towards competition or striving for superiority.

Disciples of the Profound Yin Palace possessed the option, but not the obligation, to venture to the Outer Realm Battlefield.

"Husband, does this cooperative **cultivation** offer any benefit to you?"

"Immensely beneficial," Chu Zhiyuan affirmed.

The Qi emanating from the Taoye Marrow Cleansing Technique served to significantly mitigate the searing heat of the Jade Void Heavenly Qi, thereby greatly easing the torment.

While it could not yet completely eradicate the pain, the future prospects were promising.

As the Taoye Marrow Cleansing Technique deepened in proficiency and its Qi became purer, its mitigating effect would intensify further.

Therefore, the paramount concern remained the advancement of the Taoye Marrow Cleansing Technique to greater depths.

"That is truly excellent news then."

"The more profound the mastery of the Taoye Marrow Cleansing Technique, the greater the advantages conferred upon me."

"Then, does my husband require me to attain a deeper level of mastery?"

"Yes, it is most certainly needed."

"In that case, let us continue," Xiao Ruoling declared.

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head, "Your spirit is somewhat depleted; we cannot proceed further. We shall resume tomorrow."

The Taoye Marrow Cleansing Technique was known to be incredibly demanding on one's spirit; otherwise, they would have continued their practice without interruption.

...

Zhu Lingyun's countenance was grave.

He stood poised at the summit of a mountain peak, the unfettered wind whipping around him.

The sun blazed fiercely overhead, yet its radiant brilliance failed to impart any warmth to the atmosphere surrounding him.

Su Qi and two other Undying Evil Venerables stood facing him, their robes fluttering dramatically.

Their expressions were as dark and gloomy as a stormy sky.

Su Qi gritted his teeth, exclaiming, "I never expected these individuals to be such utter cowards!"

The round-faced middle-aged man snorted, inquiring, "Brother Su, can't you just suppress them by force?"

Su Qi replied with a cold tone, "They refuse to listen to reason; I cannot simply kill a few of them, and even then, it might not put an end to this."

The mountain where they stood was now remarkably clean and tranquil.

Once swarming with legions of evil demons, not a single one could be found anywhere.

"Brother Su, since when did you develop such a soft heart? If they won't obey, just eliminate them!" The round-faced middle-aged man pursed his lips.

The gaunt middle-aged man interjected, "One cannot simply kill at will; the repercussions could be immense."

Su Qi stated, "They refuse to offer tributes to me, so I cannot proceed with their elimination."

"Brother Su, are you concerned that someone from You Meng Heaven might interfere? They are merely a Venerable, not yet at the peak of their cultivation."

"It's more complicated than that," Su Qi shook his head. "Brother fighting against brother is never a wise course of action."

Zhu Lingyun said coldly, "Brother Su, do you happen to know who this Venerable is, that you hesitate to offend them?"

Su Qi chuckled, finding the question amusing. "Hey, what a joke!"

"Ha, I understand now!" The round-faced middle-aged man clapped his hands, a realization dawning. "Is his status incredibly intimidating?"

The gaunt middle-aged man inquired, "Is he a highly influential figure within the Sect?"

A mere Venerable's standing was far inferior to that of a Venerable Perfection, as power dictated one's position.

However, exceptions existed, such as possessing more powerful protectors, relatives, or elders.

In such circumstances, they were untouchable.

Consider a scenario where the Venerable's father was the Sect Master, or perhaps an uncle or brother held that esteemed position. If not the Sect Master, then an Elder would suffice.

All these individuals were forces that could not be offended.

After all, even a Venerable Perfection was still just a Venerable and could not defy the authority of the Sect.

Su Qi let out a soft cough, glancing around.

Zhu Lingyun snorted, asserting, "Who exactly is this person, Brother Su? With our current bond, is there still a need for secrecy?"

"Indeed, Brother Su, we are in this together now, among trusted allies!"

"Is he truly unbeatable?"

Su Qi replied with helplessness, "He is the brother of the Third Elder."

"The Third Elder?" Zhu Lingyun frowned.

The round-faced middle-aged man spoke with a stern voice, "You mean Hu Yaohui's brother, Hu Huixiang?"

"Yes, it is indeed Hu Huixiang," Su Qi confirmed with a nod.

The round-faced middle-aged man commented, "This fellow seems rather untalented, considered a complete waste, correct?"

"He is indeed considered a waste, but his elder brother is exceedingly formidable, and we dare not provoke him," Su Qi explained, shaking his head. "Everyone is aware that the Third Elder is fiercely protective of his own."

"This Third Elder is quite an unusual character," the round-faced middle-aged man remarked, looking towards Zhu Lingyun. "Rumor has it he is on the very verge of achieving the Divine Venerable realm."

Zhu Lingyun casually responded, "Then that means he hasn't broken through yet. Is he significantly stronger than us?"

The round-faced middle-aged man sighed, "It is said that he has mastered a lost Miracle Technique from Qianye Valley, making him immensely powerful and unmatched among his peers."

The gaunt middle-aged man clarified, "It's called the Thousand Mechanism Soul Chasing Technique, isn't it?"

Su Qi slowly nodded, confirming, "To this day, only the Third Elder has managed to master it."

"The Thousand Mechanism Soul Chasing Technique of Qianye Valley..." Zhu Lingyun mused, deep in thought.

He searched through his memories, a frown creasing his brow. "Is this Thousand Mechanism Soul Chasing Technique truly that formidable?"

"In terms of killing, there is absolutely no defense against it," Su Qi stated emphatically. "It is immensely powerful, and thus far, no expert has ever escaped the Third Elder's pursuit."

Zhu Lingyun remained half-skeptical, questioning, "Doesn't that make him invincible then?"

Su Qi replied, "If it weren't for the fear of the potential wrath of a Divine Venerable, the Third Elder could kill anyone he pleased."

The round-faced middle-aged man sighed, concluding, "Then Hu Huixiang is indeed someone not to be provoked."

Zhu Lingyun's expression grew increasingly gloomy with each passing moment.