Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1315 - 1311: Precaution

The moment he materialized, the hall's Light Gate instantly illuminated, and Zhang Ji Yuan strode through it.

"Junior Brother, what’s occurring..." he observed Chu Zhiyuan’s unusual demeanor, "Are you facing difficulties?"

Chu Zhiyuan responded, "I ran into a powerful cultivator."

Zhang Ji Yuan affirmed, "As long as you've reached this point, no one can intrude! ... Come, let's discuss this indoors. Senior Brother Ning is also present."

The pair proceeded through the Light Gate, entering the expansive main hall.

Seated in a cross-legged posture at the hall's core was Ning Dongge, his stern visage set in deep concentration.

Stirred by the intrusion, he opened his eyes, which now blazed with an authentic, piercing luminosity.

"Senior Brother," Chu Zhiyuan executed a respectful martial salute with cupped hands.

Ning Dongge offered a smile, "Junior Brother, you visit frequently; the Sect Master and the other elders will not emerge from their seclusion anytime soon."

"How much longer might that be?" Chu Zhiyuan inquired.

"It's difficult to ascertain," Ning Dongge replied, shaking his head. "They are on the cusp of achieving Spirit Venerable status, their perception of time has naturally begun to wane."

Chu Zhiyuan gave an understanding nod.

Zhang Ji Yuan interjected, "Junior Brother, elaborate. What manner of formidable expert did you encounter?"

Ning Dongge’s gaze, akin to a leopard’s, flashed with sharp intensity, "You've encountered an immensely powerful cultivator?"

Chu Zhiyuan explained, "My wife is a True Disciple of the Profound Yin Palace. Earlier, within the palace grounds, I detected a colossal force sweep past."

"How immense was this force?" Zhang Ji Yuan pressed.

Chu Zhiyuan described it as, "Absolutely overwhelming, as if my only recourse was to await death."

"A Spirit Venerable," Ning Dongge declared, his expression grave.

Zhang Ji Yuan concurred, "It must undoubtedly be a Spirit Venerable."

Chu Zhiyuan sought clarification, "Have either of you Senior Brothers ever witnessed a Spirit Venerable firsthand?"

"Indeed, I have," Ning Dongge confirmed. "There's nothing discernible in their outward appearance or their aura that betrays their presence."

Zhang Ji Yuan added, "Unless they purposefully allow it, one would be incapable of sensing them."

Chu Zhiyuan’s brow furrowed.

"It is not surprising that the Profound Yin Palace would harbor a Spirit Venerable," Ning Dongge mused. "Are you certain your wife is a Disciple of the Profound Yin Palace?"

Chu Zhiyuan smiled thinly, "Is Senior Brother Ning not already aware? And Brother Zhang, what of your knowledge?"

Zhang Ji Yuan stated, "Miss Xiao is indeed exceptionally fortunate, and your own standing is far from dire. Our Heaven-Reaching Sect stands equal to the Profound Yin Palace."

"Provoking the Profound Yin Palace is ill-advised," Ning Dongge cautioned. "Maintaining distance is preferable, though given your current circumstances... exercising extreme vigilance is paramount."

Chu Zhiyuan let out a laugh, "Esteemed Senior Brothers, my wife and I share profound affection. Would the Profound Yin Palace dare to interfere with our union?"

Ning Dongge remarked, "The Disciples of the Profound Yin Palace harbor a general distrust of men, as if every male in existence constitutes a form of affliction."

He then turned to Zhang Ji Yuan, a playful glint in his eye, "Junior Brother Zhang, what is your perspective on this matter?"

"What am I expected to say?" Zhang Ji Yuan feigned a look of utter bewilderment.

"Playing ignorance!" Ning Dongge chuckled heartily.

Zhang Ji Yuan insisted, "Senior Brother, I genuinely fail to grasp your intended meaning."

Ning Dongge’s chuckle deepened, "The entire world knows how you were treated by the Profound Yin Palace, not just me. Every single person, from the highest to the lowest."

"Perhaps it was a misunderstanding?" Zhang Ji Yuan maintained his composure, his expression unruffled.

Ning Dongge pointed an accusatory finger at him.

"What transpired with Brother Zhang?" Chu Zhiyuan inquired, a hint of curiosity in his tone, "Why was he subjected to treatment by the Profound Yin Palace Disciples?"

Ning Dongge elaborated, "He attempted to antagonize the Profound Yin Palace Disciples and faced severe repercussions."

"Senior Brother!" Zhang Ji Yuan protested indignantly.

Chu Zhiyuan chuckled, "I find it hard to believe the Profound Yin Palace would act so high-handedly."

"Not high-handed?!" Zhang Ji Yuan erupted in laughter, "In this world, no power possesses greater arrogance than theirs!"

Chu Zhiyuan looked perplexed, "Brother Zhang, what exactly is the implication of your statement?"

"... Let it be. You will understand in due time."

Zhang Ji Yuan paused, then regretfully shook his head and let out a sigh.

Chu Zhiyuan pondered aloud, "Was that Spirit Venerable intentionally projecting an intimidating aura to deter me? I find that improbable."

"Could that be the case?" Ning Dongge directed his gaze toward Zhang Ji Yuan, "Brother Zhang possesses a deeper understanding of the Profound Yin Palace."

Zhang Ji Yuan cleared his throat, a frown creasing his brow. "Spirit Venerables... likely would not resort to such tactics. They are beings of immense pride and would not stoop to bullying the weak."

Chu Zhiyuan questioned further, "Then why did their spiritual presence suddenly manifest with such overwhelming might?"

"Perhaps it was an unintended consequence," Zhang Ji Yuan offered. "It is quite remarkable that you perceived it, Junior Brother."

Chu Zhiyuan laughed, "That is for the best... It is rather regrettable that I did not have the chance to meet this Spirit Venerable in person. I was so startled that I made my immediate departure."

Ning Dongge remarked, "You acted correctly, Junior Brother. The actions of Spirit Venerables are unpredictable, often impulsive; one must never underestimate them."

Chu Zhiyuan affirmed this with a solemn nod.

The wisest course of action upon encountering a Spirit Venerable is to retreat, not to indulge one's curiosity.

In the future, should he chance upon a Spirit Venerable again, he would first opt to withdraw, assess the situation, and then decide whether to engage.

Ning Dongge inquired, "Junior Brother Zhang, do you know how many Spirit Venerables are affiliated with the Profound Yin Palace?"

Zhang Ji Yuan responded hastily, "How could I possibly know! Senior Brother Ning, please do not jest with me."

Ning Dongge chuckled, "Do you not have some acquaintance with a Disciple from the Profound Yin Palace? Surely you would know more then."

Zhang Ji Yuan replied, "That acquaintance was merely from meeting twice and sharing a single meal together."

Chu Zhiyuan interjected, "Brother Zhang, you shared a meal, and yet the Profound Yin Palace saw fit to 'teach' you a lesson?"

Ning Dongge jested, "Did Junior Brother Zhang behave inappropriately towards them?"

"Absolutely not!" Zhang Ji Yuan quickly denied, then admitted with a touch of embarrassment, "Perhaps I had a bit too much to drink and spoke a little too rashly."

He wore a look of profound wistfulness.

The memory of that lady from the Profound Yin Palace brought forth sighs of longing, leaving a bittersweet ache in his heart.

In the quiet depths of the night, he would often recall her elegance, filled with regret and a sense of bitterness.

Had he shown more genuine sincerity, not trifled with words, perhaps they might have become a devoted couple, living a life akin to immortals.

Alas, there is no remedy for regret in this world; his own frivolousness cost him dearly, causing her to slip away.

Ning Dongge laughed softly, "Still dwelling on that lady?"

"Senior Brother Ning, you simply wouldn't comprehend," Zhang Ji Yuan sighed, "The Disciples of the Profound Yin Palace are far removed from any worldly concerns."

Ning Dongge countered, "They are merely women, albeit somewhat more attractive; what is the true difference?"

"Their disposition is noble, unburdened by the mundane," Zhang Ji Yuan stated, shaking his head, "And their beauty is timeless and unchanging."

Ning Dongge waved his hand dismissively, "So, you are merely captivated by their beauty."

"True beauty resides within the very essence, not merely the outward appearance," Zhang Ji Yuan replied, shaking his head and sighing, "Ah... why am I even discussing this with you, Senior Brother!"

He turned his gaze to Chu Zhiyuan, "Junior Brother, you are truly blessed to have an acquaintance with a Disciple of the Profound Yin Palace."

Chu Zhiyuan smiled serenely, "Since the Spirit Venerable was not targeting me, there is no need for concern."

"Then, Junior Brother, would you dare to venture there again?" Ning Dongge teased.

Chu Zhiyuan replied, "I have done nothing to offend the Profound Yin Palace, so why would I not dare?"

"You, much like Junior Brother Zhang, possess a romantic heart," Ning Dongge chuckled, "However, let me caution you: Spirit Venerables are known for their capricious nature and erratic reasoning, so proceed with extreme care."

Chu Zhiyuan questioned, "Could the Mo Shield endure a strike from a Spirit Venerable?"

"It could not," Ning Dongge confirmed with a shake of his head.

Chu Zhiyuan pondered, "Then, could my sword withstand a blow from a Spirit Venerable?"

The Golden Sword was swiftly drawn and hovered before him.

Without warning, Ning Dongge launched a punch.

"Bang!"

The muffled impact echoed like distant thunder.

His fist halted a foot's distance from the Golden Sword, unable to advance further, the very air around it shimmering and distorting.

The Golden Sword trembled momentarily before regaining its stillness.

A fierce wind began to whip around them.

Their robes billowed wildly in the gale.

Ning Dongge retracted his fist, nodding approvingly, "It could likely withstand a single strike, at most. There would be no opportunity for a second; you would be wise to make your escape swiftly."

Chu Zhiyuan nodded slowly in understanding.

The ability to withstand even one blow, providing a chance to escape, was sufficient.

Yet, Ning Dongge was not an actual Spirit Venerable; this was merely an estimation.

It was best to ensure all precautions were taken and everything was foolproof.