Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1317 - 1313: Discovery

"For others, it’s a grand secret, but for us, it’s merely common knowledge," Shen Hanyue stated. "Furthermore, the princely heir would never reveal such a thing."

Chu Zhiyuan responded, "Naturally. What is the matter at hand?"

Shen Hanyue leaned in and whispered, "A new cave heaven has been discovered within the palace grounds."

Chu Zhiyuan’s eyebrows arched slightly.

Shen Hanyue elaborated, "The reason for the gathering of the Spirit Venerables is precisely this newly found cave heaven."

"A new cave heaven..." Chu Zhiyuan murmured thoughtfully, "Your upcoming trial will not take place within this new cave heaven, will it?"

His sword-like brows knitted together with concern.

The discovery of a new cave heaven inherently signifies the unknown, carrying potential risks.

"Yes, that is the case," Shen Hanyue confirmed with a gentle nod.

Chu Zhiyuan's brows furrowed even more deeply.

Xiao Ruoling chimed in, "The cave heaven should have already been scrutinized by a Spirit Venerable."

"Certain cave heavens impose restrictions on cultivation," Chu Zhiyuan commented. "One wonders if this particular cave heaven adheres to similar constraints."

"Princely heir, please do not worry. The lives of the disciples from Profound Yin Palace are held in high regard," Shen Hanyue reassured him casually.

Chu Zhiyuan gave a slow nod. "I certainly hope so."

While the disciples of Profound Yin Palace are indeed valued, necessary risks must still be undertaken, much like the sacrifices made on the Outer Realm Battlefield.

Embracing danger is an inherent part of seeking reward.

Xiao Ruoling declared, "Once we are inside, I shall remain with my junior sister."

Chu Zhiyuan’s gaze fell upon the gleaming golden sword secured at his waist.

The golden sword resonated profoundly with his consciousness, rendering it impossible for anyone else to wield it.

Shen Hanyue added, "Senior Sister Xu had mentioned that we will be provided with a protective treasure during our trial."

Chu Zhiyuan acknowledged this with a nod.

The trials conducted by Profound Yin Palace are well-established, naturally incorporating adequate safety measures.

His primary concern was to ensure maximum safety and prevent any unforeseen complications.

Shen Hanyue's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "A new cave heaven means more opportunities for adventure; how marvelous!"

Xiao Ruoling offered a gentle smile. "It also signifies increased dangers."

"Engaging in battles on the Outer Realm Battlefield presents an equivalent level of peril, yet our cultivation base is sufficient, particularly our Qinggong."

"Nevertheless, we must not afford to be careless."

"Understood, understood; we shall exercise extreme caution."

Chu Zhiyuan inquired, "With the recent discovery of this cave heaven, will other sects not be tempted to claim it?"

"As others are unaware, it remains a closely guarded secret," Shen Hanyue replied.

Chu Zhiyuan countered, "It is not entirely certain that they will not find out."

Shen Hanyue scoffed lightly. "It is hardly a significant issue; our Profound Yin Palace commands the presence of more than just a few Spirit Venerables; they would not dare to act recklessly."

Xiao Ruoling concurred, "It should not pose any problem."

The Profound Yin Palace has maintained its stability through the ages, a testament to its formidable power.

Chu Zhiyuan instructed, "Then cultivate diligently, sharpen your skills for the crucial moment, and let us commence."

Xiao Ruoling inclined her head slightly in agreement.

Shen Hanyue announced, "In that case, I shall take my leave."

Chu Zhiyuan nodded, inwardly hoping for her swift departure.

"Why not allow Junior Sister Shen to join us?" Xiao Ruoling proposed.

Shen Hanyue’s bright eyes gleamed with excitement. "Cultivate together? How would that work?"

Chu Zhiyuan frowned.

Even if it involved merely pressing palms together, distinct differences still existed between male and female practitioners.

Xiao Ruoling suggested, "Husband, how about having my junior sister place her palms against mine? Our breaths are synchronized; it should achieve the same effect."

Chu Zhiyuan contemplated the proposal.

Xiao Ruoling reiterated, "Once inside the cave heaven, I will be alongside my junior sister."

"...Very well," Chu Zhiyuan conceded. "Then let us attempt this method; if it proves unsuccessful, we shall abandon it."

Xiao Ruoling beamed. "Then let us begin."

Subsequently, Chu Zhiyuan placed his palms upon Xiao Ruoling's back, while Xiao Ruoling and Shen Hanyue pressed their palms together.

Immediately, Chu Zhiyuan perceived a refreshing stream of Qi flowing into his body, significantly alleviating the burning sensation he experienced.

The pure essence from Jade Void Heaven entered rapidly, nearing the second layer of advancement.

Unexpectedly, the Taoye Marrow Cleansing Technique, when practiced by two individuals, yielded such remarkable results.

This method far surpassed the progress achieved through cultivating with Xiao Ruoling alone; the speed was nearly quadrupled.

With the infusion of purer Qi, Xiao Ruoling also experienced even greater benefits.

As their Qi intertwined, their bodies strengthened at an accelerated rate, and the Taoye Marrow Cleansing Technique itself showed marked improvement.

The Taoye Marrow Cleansing Technique serves as the bedrock for all cultivation methods within the Profound Yin Palace; other mental techniques are derived from it.

As the Taoye Marrow Cleansing Technique advances, the mastery of other related cultivation techniques also elevates.

Consequently, their cultivation realms experienced a simultaneous ascent.

This rate of enhancement far outstripped her individual cultivation efforts, progressing astonishingly quickly.

After two hours had passed, under the serene glow of the high-hanging moon, bathed in the cool moonlight, their white silk robes subtly billowed before slowly settling.

Chu Zhiyuan offered a smile.

Both Xiao Ruoling and Shen Hanyue had advanced one layer, reaching the fifth and fourth layers of the Venerable realm, respectively.

Chu Zhiyuan exhaled a profound sigh of relief.

At this stage, the world lay before them, and even in defeat, a safe retreat was assured.

Shen Hanyue widened her luminous eyes, unable to contain her admiration, "Such astonishing speed!"

She gazed at Chu Zhiyuan with awe, then turned to Xiao Ruoling, "Senior Sister, can we truly cultivate like this?"

Xiao Ruoling offered a gentle smile, "My Husband recently perfected this miraculous technique, and its effectiveness is truly remarkable."

Shen Hanyue inquired, "Wasn't the Taoye Marrow Cleansing Technique originally part of this? Is there a connection?"

The aura emanating from the Taoye Marrow Cleansing Technique harmonized with Chu Zhiyuan's breath, becoming purer and more potent.

Their compatibility was so profound, it was as if they were destined for each other.

Xiao Ruoling chuckled, "There's quite a significant distance between the Heaven-Reaching Sect and our Profound Yin Palace, wouldn't you agree?"

"Senior Sister," Shen Hanyue giggled, "Young Master Zhang of the Heaven-Reaching Sect, that's right, was utterly defeated by our senior sisters, quite miserably so."

"What transpired?"

"Hmph, he actually dared to be disrespectful towards Senior Sister Xu," Shen Hanyue pouted. "He deserved to be beaten!"

Chu Zhiyuan commented, "Brother Zhang also harbored feelings of admiration but spoke far too hastily."

Xiao Ruoling, intrigued, asked, "Didn't the Heaven-Reaching Sect seek retribution?"

"They lacked any justifiable reason; the Heaven-Reaching Sect would have lost all face if they retaliated," Shen Hanyue huffed. "Besides, it was merely a beating, not as if he were killed."

Xiao Ruoling lightly shook her head.

Shen Hanyue continued, "He was quite audacious, didn't he consider that our Profound Yin Palace disciples are not to be trifled with? Engaging in romance is absolutely out of the question."

She then looked towards Chu Zhiyuan, "Your Highness, Senior Sister now finds herself in a rather awkward situation."

Chu Zhiyuan inquired, "Awkward? Why so?"

Shen Hanyue explained, "Among all the true disciples, only Senior Sister has taken a husband, a situation unprecedented since antiquity."

"Junior Sister!" Xiao Ruoling slightly knitted her brows and admonished, "Such nonsensical talk."

"I am not speaking nonsense," Shen Hanyue insisted. "It is precisely because of this that many of our senior sisters feel a sense of regret."

"Regret for what?" Chu Zhiyuan probed. "Does marrying impede one's path to becoming a Spirit Venerable?"

"Precisely, that is the nature of our cultivation technique," Shen Hanyue affirmed. "One must preserve the Taiyin Body."

Chu Zhiyuan pondered, "Then, if one cultivates the Taoye Marrow Cleansing Technique to its ultimate realm, can they not achieve Spirit Venerable status?"

Shen Hanyue replied, "If romantic affections are involved, it would be impossible to maintain the cultivation to the extreme realm."

"That is indeed quite troublesome..." Chu Zhiyuan mused.

A perfected Venerable possesses a remarkably long lifespan, yet it pales in comparison to that of a Spirit Venerable.

Xiao Ruoling reasoned, "Among the true disciples, how many can actually attain the Spirit Venerable stage? Throughout the ages, how many Spirit Venerables have there truly been? Can one achieve Spirit Venerable through solitude alone? If not, would this sacrifice be in vain?"

Shen Hanyue shook her head. "While avoiding romantic feelings might not guarantee becoming a Spirit Venerable, entanglement with them most certainly prevents it."

Chu Zhiyuan furrowed his brow. "That is indeed a predicament. It's far too late to separate now, isn't it?"

"It is certainly too late," Shen Hanyue stated. "In any case, Senior Sister's chosen path is far from easy."