Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1310 - 1306: Countermeasures

He paced to and fro, hands clasped behind his back, his expression growing increasingly grave.

This predicament presented quite the challenge.

While the Evil Extermination Department possessed the capability to dismantle the Qianye Sect, the desecration of the Venerables' statues, integral to the sect's faith, was an act they themselves had to undertake.

Such an act would inevitably lead to a confrontation with Hu Yaoyang, a Venerable of the Qianye Sect.

And once Hu Yaoyang was dealt with, Hu Yaohui would then be the one to face.

Could anyone truly fathom the unfathomable depths of Hu Yaohui's power?

A resplendent moon ascended to its zenith.

Its pure radiance cascaded over the landscape.

A quartet of figures, elusive as phantoms, traversed the night sky, gliding over mountains, rivers, and vast expanses of water beneath the moonlight.

Zhu Lingyun's silken robes billowed as he walked beside Su Qi, with the remaining two following in their wake.

"Brother Su, I find myself harboring a significant curiosity. To what extent does the prowess of this Third Elder truly reach?" Zhu Lingyun inquired, his voice tinged with wonder. "Could he genuinely possess an invincible might?"

Su Qi moved with an ethereal grace, akin to a dandelion seed carried by the breeze, appearing to exert no effort whatsoever.

A proud smile graced his lips. "Does Brother Zhuo doubt my words, believing I have perhaps embellished the truth excessively?"

Zhu Lingyun offered a solemn nod.

Su Qi responded with a gentle shake of his head. "The world at large perceives it as hyperbole, entertaining the notion that the Third Elder falls short of such extraordinary power."

Zhu Lingyun stated, "Were his strength truly so immense, his renown ought to resonate with the force of thunder, echoing far and wide."

The reputation of the Third Elder, Hu Yaohui, of Qianye Valley, did not extend with such overwhelming prominence.

Based on the recollections he had assimilated, Hu Yaohui's fame seemed to be confined to a radius of a thousand miles; beyond that boundary, his influence waned significantly.

"That is because the Third Elder has intentionally exercised restraint."

"A cautious measure, perhaps fearing the attention of the Divine Venerable?" Zhu Lingyun posited. "Surely, the Divine Venerable would not lightly intervene against us, would he?"

Su Qi's brow furrowed slightly. "According to the Third Elder himself, that is precisely his concern."

Zhu Lingyun let out a thoughtful shake of his head. "I find this matter rather peculiar, don't you agree, Brother Su?"

"Now that you mention it, Brother Zhuo, it does strike me as somewhat unusual," Su Qi mused, his thoughts becoming progressively deeper as he nodded.

The middle-aged man with the round face, positioned behind them, let out a soft snort. "Brother Zhuo, if there is something amiss, pray state it plainly; there is no need for circumlocution!"

The more slender, middle-aged man added, "Is Brother Zhuo implying that the Third Elder is resorting to mere posturing?"

"That is not precisely accurate," Zhu Lingyun clarified. "Given his standing as the Third Elder, how could he possibly engage in deception?"

Su Qi concurred. "Our esteemed Elders have all ascended to their positions through arduous trials and distinguished accomplishments; the Third Elder is undoubtedly no exception."

"Then, what precisely is your implication?" The slender middle-aged man directed his gaze toward Zhu Lingyun, seeking clarification.

Amidst their discourse, their swift transit continued, four streaks of ethereal mist under the moonlit heavens.

Zhu Lingyun articulated his thought. "Could it be that the Thousand Mechanism Soul Chasing Technique harbors inherent flaws? Or perhaps its activation entails unforeseen consequences in the future?"

"Oh—?"

The three simultaneously uttered exclamations of surprise, their faces registering newfound astonishment.

A flicker of dawning comprehension illuminated their eyes, and they nodded in fervent agreement.

This possibility had entirely escaped their consideration until Zhu Lingyun voiced it, and it immediately struck them as an exceedingly plausible explanation.

This very point might indeed represent the profoundest vulnerability, the deeply guarded secret of the Third Elder, Hu Yaohui.

"If that were indeed the case, it would provide a clear rationale for the Third Elder's infrequent deployment of this particular technique," Su Qi observed, his voice filled with affirmation. "Indeed, Brother Zhuo, your insight is most astute."

Zhu Lingyun inquired further, "What precisely does this Thousand Mechanism Soul Chasing Technique entail? How formidable is its power? Is there no one within your esteemed valley who possesses knowledge of its intricacies?"

"Even if such individuals existed, it is not a matter they would be at liberty to disclose," Su Qi replied, shaking his head. "Such information is classified as highly confidential."

"A regrettable circumstance," Zhu Lingyun commented, his head tilting in mild disappointment.

"Brother Zhuo, the secret arts of your Wanxiang Cliff are sufficiently formidable in their own right; is there truly a need to harbor envy towards the techniques of others?"

Zhu Lingyun countered with a gentle shake of his head. "Our Wanxiang Cliff's repertoire does not encompass secret techniques that guarantee absolute invincibility."

The thin middle-aged man posed his question. "Then, concerning the repercussions, what might they be?"

Su Qi confessed, "I have yet to fully decipher them... Very well, perhaps we should shift our focus from this discussion. Our primary concern should be evaluating the potential efficacy of this planned maneuver."

"There shall be no issue," the round-faced middle-aged man declared with a confident smile. "I cannot fathom any means by which Chu Zhiyuan could possibly circumvent it; his defeat is all but assured."

Zhu Lingyun interjected, "Provided, of course, that the Third Elder's strength is indeed as formidable as purported."

Su Qi affirmed with unwavering certainty. "There is absolutely no room for doubt; Chu Zhiyuan stands no chance against the might of the Third Elder."

Zhu Lingyun offered a final nod, recognizing the inherent difficulty in extracting further valuable intelligence.

This Third Elder remained an enigma, shrouded in mystery.

...

Chu Zhiyuan retrieved the Heaven-Reaching Order from his chest, then channeled his True Yuan into it.

The Heaven-Reaching Order pulsed with a gentle luminescence, encircling his form. Moments later, he vanished from sight.

In the subsequent instant, he materialized outside the magnificent grand hall that majestically crowned the snow-capped peaks.

With a flash of the Heaven-Reaching Order, a Light Gate materialized, and he stepped through it, entering a vast hall.

Within the immense chamber, a solitary figure sat cross-legged at its center.

Possessing a powerful build reminiscent of a bear, the man abruptly opened his intense, leopard-like eyes, erupting into thunderous laughter. "Little Junior Brother, you've returned so quickly?"

"Senior Brother Ning, I have a query regarding an individual," Chu Zhiyuan stated, cupping his fists respectfully.

"Who might that be?"

"Hu Yaohui, the Third Elder of Qianye Valley in You Meng Heaven," Chu Zhiyuan replied. "Does Senior Brother Ning recognize this name?"

"You Meng Heaven... Qianye Valley... Hu Yaohui..." Ning Dongge mused, running a hand over the back of his head. "The name sounds faintly familiar."

Chu Zhiyuan then inquired, "Can I defeat him with my current cultivation level?"

"Hu Yaohui..." Ning Dongge's brow furrowed in thought. "He is indeed the Third Elder of Qianye Valley. Ah, yes, I recall now. He practices the Thousand Mechanism Soul Chasing Technique, doesn't he?"

Chu Zhiyuan offered a nod in confirmation.

"That Thousand Mechanism Soul Chasing Technique is no trivial matter," Ning Dongge warned. "Many who are unaware of its nature have fallen victim to it."

A sense of invigoration surged through Chu Zhiyuan.

Ning Dongge elaborated, "The spiritual energy prevalent in You Meng Heaven is exceptionally conducive to spiritual cultivation, and their typical offensive methods involve Spiritual Attacks. However, the Thousand Mechanism Soul Chasing Technique is a Spiritual Treasure in itself."

"A Spiritual Treasure?"

"Precisely. The core of the Thousand Mechanism Soul Chasing Technique relies on a Spiritual Treasure known as the Thousand Mechanism Spirit Needle. It moves with extreme speed, is invisible and undetectable, and virtually impossible to defend against."

"Is there no way to perceive its approach?"

"None whatsoever. It strikes invisibly, rendering any form of Spiritual Defense utterly useless."

Chu Zhiyuan pressed, "So, it is essentially invincible, then?"

Ning Dongge clarified, "To counter it, one requires a Spiritual Artifact. A mere artifact focused on Spiritual Defense will not suffice, though such items are indeed common within You Meng Heaven."

Chu Zhiyuan processed this information, nodding slowly.

"Little Junior Brother, do you possess a Spiritual Artifact?" Ning Dongge inquired, his gaze falling upon Chu Zhiyuan's waist. "That sword you carry will not serve the purpose."

He directed his attention to where the sword hung at Chu Zhiyuan's hip.

Before Chu Zhiyuan could offer a response, Ning Dongge declared, "I shall procure something suitable for you."

With that, he moved towards the western wall, pressed the Heaven-Reaching Order against it, and a Light Gate immediately materialized. He stepped through the portal.

A soft chuckle escaped Chu Zhiyuan.

A short while later, Ning Dongge emerged once more from the Light Gate, this time clutching a circular plaque.

The artifact was palm-sized, its surface an inky black adorned with intricate, peculiar patterns, and it emanated a faint, subtle glimmer.

He presented it to Chu Zhiyuan, stating, "This is the Mo Shield. It excels in defense and is capable of intercepting the Thousand Mechanism Spirit Needle."

Chu Zhiyuan accepted the artifact without hesitation, a smile gracing his lips. "Thank you, Senior Brother."

Ning Dongge gestured dismissively. "We possess several such Spiritual Artifacts within the Sect. If you require more, do not hesitate to ask."

Chu Zhiyuan inquired, "Where did these Spiritual Treasures originate from?"

Ning Dongge explained, "They were acquired by our ancestors and elders through various fortuitous encounters. When not in use, they are kept safely within the sect's treasury."

Chu Zhiyuan asked with curiosity, "May I take them freely then?"

"Naturally," Ning Dongge affirmed. "Besides this, is there anything else you require?... It's not always advantageous to possess a vast quantity of Spiritual Treasures, as they can become a burden."

Chu Zhiyuan nodded, understanding. "I grasp your meaning. I shall begin with this one, then."

"Are you intending to confront that individual?" Ning Dongge probed, his expression shifting. "How did he manage to offend you?"

"He has a brother who established an Evil Sect, the Qianye Sect, in Biyuan Heaven. In order to dismantle this Qianye Sect, I must first deal with Hu Yaohui," Chu Zhiyuan explained.

Ning Dongge remarked casually, "Well, it is wise to make preparations in advance. Go forth and eliminate him, then."

Chu Zhiyuan cupped his fists once more. "Thank you, Senior Brother. I shall depart now."

Ning Dongge offered a final piece of advice, "Exercise caution. Make no errors in your endeavor."

"I shall," Chu Zhiyuan replied. He then activated the Heaven-Reaching Order and departed from the Heaven-Reaching Sect.