Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1314 - 1310: Comparison

A sense of joy surged within him.

The cultivation of the Taihao Jade Void Scripture was an inherently painful ordeal.

Through the Ji Family Martial Arts Notes, he understood that this fire-like torment was an unavoidable phase.

As cultivation deepened, the pain would gradually fade to numbness, eventually becoming a mere habit.

Later on, this very pain would vanish altogether.

Yet, its disappearance would leave him feeling unsettled, as if something vital had been lost.

Chu Zhiyuan felt blessed to have discovered the Taoye Marrow Cleansing Technique, a remarkable method for mitigating this discomfort.

With the pain substantially lessened, his cultivation and advancement accelerated.

He could distinctly perceive the Jade Void Heaven's aura purifying at a rapid pace, exerting a more potent influence on his body.

Consequently, his physical form grew stronger in tandem.

While practicing the Taihao Jade Void Scripture demanded a significant amount of spiritual power, his spiritual strength was immense and virtually inexhaustible, further refined by the Miao Jing Spirit Water.

As a result, his cultivation progression far outstripped that of Master Ji during his initial stage.

The Jade Void Heaven's aura acted as a double-edged sword in enhancing the body.

Super Sense transformed this double-edged weapon into a single-edged one, safeguarding his physical being from harm.

The body possesses limitations; once body strengthening reaches its apex, it becomes detrimental.

Due to the extreme purity of the Jade Void Heaven's aura, it fortified the body with immense power, while simultaneously inflicting an equal degree of damage, leading to irreparable harm and impacting his lifespan.

Other cultivators, dulled by the presence of pain, were incapable of perceiving this critical threshold.

He, however, could clearly discern it through Super Sense.

Furthermore, with diminished pain, the consumption of spiritual power lessened, allowing the body to relax more, thereby intensifying the enhancement effect.

The more robust the body, the stronger the spirit, facilitating the corresponding advancement of the Taihao Jade Void Scripture.

This established a virtuous cycle, enabling his Taihao Jade Void Scripture cultivation to progress at an astonishing rate.

What was originally a slow technique transformed into a swift method, with the body strengthening rapidly, and the spirit evolving in perfect unison.

In a moment of profound clarity, he glimpsed the existence of a door, and the realization dawned that pushing it open would grant him passage to the Spirit Realm.

He was continuously moving towards this door, and though it remained distant, its presence provided him with an unwavering objective.

After an hour had passed, Xiao Ruoling's palms trembled slightly as Chu Zhiyuan retracted his aura.

She gazed across at him.

Xiao Ruoling swiftly transitioned from transparency to a state resembling White Jade, then reverted to her corporeal form.

Even with color restored, her skin retained the luster of Mutton Fat Jade, her bright eyes shone like cold stars, exuding an ethereal aura that transcended the mortal realm.

Chu Zhiyuan observed her, a genuine sense of pride and contentment filling his heart.

Xiao Ruoling smiled and remarked, "Husband, Shen constantly inquires why my advancements are so swift, as if I have undergone a complete transformation."

Chu Zhiyuan responded, "She possesses a keen perception."

Xiao Ruoling added, "She surmised it was you who came to my aid."

Chu Zhiyuan inquired, "How has she been lately?"

"Shen has also changed," Xiao Ruoling replied, "curbing her typically playful nature and dedicating herself earnestly to training, showing considerable progress."

"That is not an easy feat," Chu Zhiyuan murmured, shaking his head. "I had presumed she would never alter."

A trace of sadness touched him.

With Xiao Ruoling’s presence, he had assumed Shen Hanyue would remain unchanged, retaining her inherent disposition.

Originally, she was quite lighthearted and showed little inclination towards diligent practice.

However, it now appeared Shen Hanyue had indeed transformed, recognizing the necessity of striving.

This realization carried a somber undertone.

Xiao Ruoling let out a soft sigh, "It is my failing, that I am unable to fully shield her."

"My lady, you have already done more than could be asked," Chu Zhiyuan countered, shaking his head. "Thinking in such a manner, I too feel inadequate, incapable of protecting you completely, allowing you to remain carefree without the burden of cultivation."

Xiao Ruoling chuckled softly, "No matter how carefree one remains, without diligently cultivating, one's Realm will not ascend, and lifespan will drastically diminish."

Chu Zhiyuan smiled, "If my power were sufficient, even if you did not cultivate diligently, I could guarantee you a long life."

"Such extraordinary fortune does not exist in this world," Xiao Ruoling stated, shaking her head. "Husband, your thoughts are perhaps too idealistic."

Chu Zhiyuan offered a smile.

If one does not make an effort, how can they ascertain its impossibility? Do not confine yourself, nor restrict your imagination.

While it may not have existed before, it does not preclude its possibility. To become someone unprecedented, one must not let their innate talent and fortuitous encounters go to waste.

Xiao Ruoling then inquired, "Husband, do you wish to see Shen?"

Chu Zhiyuan waved a dismissive hand, "Let us forgo that. Once we meet, she will inevitably bombard me with endless questions, which would be tiresome."

Xiao Ruoling laughed, "She is truly obedient now; I assure you, she will not."

Chu Zhiyuan expressed his doubt, "One's innate nature is difficult to alter; I find it hard to believe she has truly changed."

"Then let’s meet." Xiao Ruoling stated, "She is extremely curious."

Chu Zhiyuan inquired, "Does she miss her home?"

Xiao Ruoling replied, "I just took her back once to visit her mother."

"Alright, then let’s have a meal." Chu Zhiyuan agreed.

...

A full Bright Moon ascended the night sky.

Its brilliant radiance failed to penetrate the small courtyard, obstructed by numerous strings of lanterns suspended within.

These lanterns illuminated the small courtyard as if it were broad daylight.

Three individuals were seated around a stone table within the pavilion.

Adjacent to the flower bed, blossoms had unfurled, releasing a subtle fragrance that mingled with the savory aroma of the meal being served in the pavilion.

Beneath the lamplight, both Xiao Ruoling and Shen Hanyue were attired in garments as white as snow, resembling two radiant, blossoming lotuses.

Chu Zhiyuan sat opposite them, calmly partaking in the food and drink, appearing at ease.

While dining, Shen Hanyue’s luminous eyes would occasionally flit towards Chu Zhiyuan, a desire to speak held in check.

Ultimately, unable to contain her curiosity any longer, she posed the question, "Princely Heir, how is it that your cultivation progresses so rapidly?"

She was already aware of Chu Zhiyuan’s astonishing talent and high comprehension.

Previously, when Chu Zhiyuan faced impediments to his ascent, she had felt profound regret, sympathizing with his misfortune.

At that time, she had believed he would inevitably fall far behind them, incapable of ever catching up.

Yet, unexpectedly, within a mere few months, Chu Zhiyuan had broken through and subsequently cultivated to his current Realm.

Their own recent intensive training, coupled with the Profound Yin Palace’s techniques, which were superior to those of worldly sects, now seemed utterly insignificant.

Chu Zhiyuan responded, "Perhaps it is simply good fortune."

"Good fortune? I refuse to believe that," Shen Hanyue scoffed, adding, "No matter how great one’s luck, it cannot lead to such swift advancement!"

Chu Zhiyuan offered a gentle smile and stated, "I am now also a disciple of the Heaven-Reaching Sect."

Shen Hanyue turned to Xiao Ruoling, seeking clarification, "Sister, which sect is the Heaven-Reaching Sect?"

Xiao Ruoling proceeded to elucidate the background and standing of the Heaven-Reaching Sect.

Shen Hanyue, her curiosity piqued, inquired further, "Then, in comparison to our Profound Yin Palace, which one holds greater strength?"

"That is difficult to ascertain," Xiao Ruoling replied, gently shaking her head. "Our Profound Yin Palace is an ancient sect passed down through generations, much like the Heaven-Reaching Sect. Both are capable of traversing different worlds, as are we."

Chu Zhiyuan smiled and remarked, "In that regard, the Heaven-Reaching Sect is perhaps not on par with yours, as its mental cultivation method is incomplete, not entirely whole. Oh, and the Heaven-Reaching Sect has twelve Spirit Venerables."

"Spirit Venerables..." Shen Hanyue mused, her brow furrowed. "We have them as well, but how many precisely?"

She cast a glance towards Xiao Ruoling.

Xiao Ruoling, however, simply shook her head. "I do not know the exact number. Spirit Venerables are rarely seen."

At that precise moment, Chu Zhiyuan’s expression shifted subtly.

Xiao Ruoling observed him with a puzzled look.

Chu Zhiyuan knitted his brows, then shook his head slowly.

"What is it?" Xiao Ruoling inquired softly.

Chu Zhiyuan explained, "It might be a mere illusion on my part. It is quite late, and I should depart."

"What illusion?" Xiao Ruoling pressed.

Shen Hanyue chided gently, "Princely Heir, do not jest with us. What has truly transpired?"

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head again. "Perhaps I was mistaken. I suddenly sensed a powerful presence visiting, but it has now vanished."

"Was it truly that powerful?" Shen Hanyue inquired, her tone laced with disbelief. "Why did I not sense it?"

Xiao Ruoling’s delicate brows furrowed slightly.

She turned her gaze towards the main hall, then softly shook her head. "Nor did I perceive anything."

"It is likely I was mistaken," Chu Zhiyuan said with a smile. "I shall take my leave then."

As he spoke, the Heaven-Reaching Order concealed within his sleeve began to glow, and he vanished in a swift motion.

Shen Hanyue looked towards Xiao Ruoling with evident curiosity.

Xiao Ruoling’s countenance darkened somewhat, and she gently shook her head.

All three of them now understood that Chu Zhiyuan had not been mistaken but was, in fact, making a hasty retreat.

Chu Zhiyuan reappeared outside the main hall of the Heaven-Reaching Sect, letting out a long breath, a sense of relief washing over him.

With this protective array in place, even Spirit Venerables would be unable to approach.