Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1320 - 1316: Omen

Chu Zhiyuan stated, "I recognize it; there is indeed a black line. Neither of us can see it, but Senior Brother Ning can."

Zhang Ji Yuan chuckled, "Could it be because our cultivation level isn't as high as Senior Brother Ning's?"

"Nonsense," Ning Dongge retorted. "You two are both at perfection, at the same cultivation level. How could you be inferior to me?"

"Senior Brother Ning, you are still a cut above the rest," Zhang Ji Yuan laughed.

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head. "I don't think it's because of cultivation."

"What makes you say that?" Zhang Ji Yuan inquired.

Chu Zhiyuan explained, "If it were due to cultivation, why couldn't Brother Zhang also see this black line?"

"Hmm... perhaps it's due to different cultivation techniques?" Zhang Ji Yuan mused. "But my technique is similar to Senior Brother Ning's, not significantly different. It's you who has been practicing something else."

Considering the cultivation techniques of the Heaven-Reaching Sect, Chu Zhiyuan practiced the Taihao Jade Void Scripture, while the other two practiced an incomplete version of the Returning God Technique.

Was this the reason neither of them could perceive the black line, but he could?

However, if it was indeed related to the mental method, why did only Senior Brother Ning possess the black line, and not him?

Could it truly be a difference in cultivation level after all?

"Never mind, let's not dwell on it," Zhang Ji Yuan waved his hand dismissively. "It's making my head spin."

Chu Zhiyuan's brow furrowed as he pondered deeply, lost in thought.

A flash of inspiration struck his mind, and his intuition stirred restlessly.

Ning Dongge called out, "Little Junior Brother?"

Chu Zhiyuan slowly spoke, "This black line seems quite important; we shouldn't ignore it."

Zhang Ji Yuan laughed again. "But we have no idea what this black line signifies."

"Then let's find out," Chu Zhiyuan declared.

"How do we do that?" Zhang Ji Yuan asked. "Isn't the grotto-heaven the key right now?"

"Let's have others take a look and figure this out first," Chu Zhiyuan proposed.

Zhang Ji Yuan glanced helplessly at Ning Dongge.

Ning Dongge asked solemnly, "Little Junior Brother, are you certain you want to proceed with this?"

Chu Zhiyuan insisted, "My intuition tells me this matter is extraordinary. We must clarify it before taking any further action."

"Little Junior Brother, aren't you just trying to delay things so you can clear your sibling's name?" Zhang Ji Yuan probed. "You can just say it openly; there's no need for all this."

Chu Zhiyuan chuckled. "Brother Zhang, I have no such intentions. It's genuinely unwise to overlook this... my intuition has always been quite accurate."

"But..."

"Alright, just listen to Little Junior Brother," Ning Dongge interrupted Zhang Ji Yuan with a gesture.

Zhang Ji Yuan sighed. "I see now. Senior Brother Ning, you're determined to side with Little Junior Brother. With him around, I'm not as impressive anymore."

"Look at your lack of ambition!" Ning Dongge laughed heartily. "Little Junior Brother is indeed stronger than us, so we should heed his advice."

He then turned to Chu Zhiyuan. "Little Junior Brother, tell us, what is our next step?"

Chu Zhiyuan replied, "First, we must clarify the nature of this black line."

"And how do we do that?"

"Let's go to Biyuan Heaven and investigate," Chu Zhiyuan suggested. "We can have more people try it out."

"...Very well," Ning Dongge agreed. "Junior Brother Zhang, accompany Little Junior Brother."

"Alright then," Zhang Ji Yuan conceded. "Let's find out what's going on."

...

Chu Zhiyuan and Zhang Ji Yuan materialized within the imperial city, settling by a window on the third floor of a teahouse, observing the bustling scene below.

Their gaze fell upon a small alley across the street, where a peculiar, crystal-clear stone rested by the corner.

A young man, walking briskly, suddenly halted at the alley's entrance. He glanced at the stone, stooped to pick it up, then frowned, disdainfully tossed it back to its spot, and continued on his way.

Zhang Ji Yuan expressed his curiosity. "Why did he discard it?"

Under normal circumstances, encountering such a lustrous stone, possessing a warmth akin to jade, one would typically collect it for later examination, even without knowing its exact nature.

Yet, this young man had tossed it aside without a second thought, a look of contempt on his face – truly strange indeed.

Chu Zhiyuan chuckled. "I applied a bit of medicine to it."

"What kind of medicine?"

"It emits an unpleasant odor. Once smelled, it instills a deep aversion, making one unwilling to keep it."

"That's a clever ruse," Zhang Ji Yuan remarked with satisfaction. "However, with it placed there, not many people are likely to pass by."

"If there are too many people, no one will pick it up," Chu Zhiyuan shook his head, "It needs to be in a place with fewer people, so it can be picked up freely."

"When will that be?" Zhang Ji Yuan inquired.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled, took a sip of wine, and replied, "Soon enough, don't worry, Brother... As for the grotto heaven, there's no need to rush, right?"

"Alright, alright, I'm not rushing," Zhang Ji Yuan helplessly shook his head.

They continued to drink wine, observing various individuals passing through the alley, picking up and then discarding the crystal-clear stone.

As night descended and lanterns were lit, those traversing the alley could still glimpse the faintly luminous stone, yet ultimately chose to leave it behind once more.

Deep into the night, with the alley nearly deserted, Chu Zhiyuan and Zhang Ji Yuan finally departed the teahouse. They retrieved the stone and made their way back to the Heaven-Reaching Sect.

Outside the main hall of the Heaven-Reaching Sect, a brilliant moon cast its cold radiance, with clear light cascading downwards.

Senior Brother Ning stood with his hands clasped behind his back just outside the main hall, his gaze fixed upon the luminous moon.

Turning towards the other two, he offered a smile: "How did it go?"

Chu Zhiyuan responded, "I have a rough idea."

Senior Brother Ning smiled. "The black line appeared again? So it's not just me seeing it?"

"It appeared three more times," Chu Zhiyuan glanced at Zhang Ji Yuan.

Zhang Ji Yuan added, "Two of them have no cultivation, and one has very little. Therefore, this black line isn't a result of cultivation."

"Then what is the reason?"

"Still not certain," Zhang Ji Yuan stated, "This junior brother needs to keep an eye on them and begin investigating their backgrounds."

"Another black line..." Senior Brother Ning chuckled. "It seems this stone is indeed peculiar."

Chu Zhiyuan declared, "I have a preliminary theory, brothers."

"Let's hear it," the two responded with intrigue.

"The black line might be an omen of misfortune," Chu Zhiyuan slowly proposed.

"An omen of misfortune?" Zhang Ji Yuan remarked, "That's too far-fetched; such things don't exist."

Chu Zhiyuan countered, "I observed those three individuals; they all bear inauspicious signs."

"Junior brother, you can read signs?" Zhang Ji Yuan inquired with a chuckle.

Chu Zhiyuan nodded. "I know a bit, and I perceive that they all face imminent disasters."

His Super Sense’s Insight, when compared with ancient and modern texts on the subject, had unknowingly deepened his expertise in discerning auras.

"Even me?" Senior Brother Ning asked with a laugh.

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head. "Brother, your cultivation is profound, and you practice specialized Heart Methods. I cannot see through to discern fortune or misfortune concerning you. However, this stone might not escape detection."

"Interesting..." Senior Brother Ning shook his head with a smile, seemingly unbothered.

Chu Zhiyuan stated, "Brother Zhang and I will continue to observe those three tomorrow to check on their situation."

Zhang Ji Yuan sighed. "Junior brother, how much longer will you keep watching before we notice any clue?"

By the time we figure it out, it might be too late. Perhaps the Grotto Heaven would be thoroughly explored, and we'll miss not just the meat, but even the soup.

Chu Zhiyuan proposed, "Let's give it three days. If we cannot clarify the situation within three days, we will proceed based on my judgment."

Senior Brother Ning inquired, "Does that mean I have to remain hidden in the sect?"

Chu Zhiyuan nodded. "As you've said, for our Heaven-Reaching Sect, people are more important than treasures."

"Ah, you..." Senior Brother Ning was clearly reluctant.

Chu Zhiyuan reiterated, "Brothers, let's make a decision after these three days."

"Alright then," Senior Brother Ning finally agreed.

...

The following morning, the two reappeared outside the main hall of the Heaven-Reaching Sect.

Both of them wore solemn expressions.

Senior Brother Ning emerged from the Light Gate. Upon seeing their countenances, he asked, "What happened?"

They had only just gathered, descended to Biyuan Heaven for a short period, and returned with such looks.

Zhang Ji Yuan sighed. "Those three are dead; they died last night."

"What a coincidence?" Senior Brother Ning frowned.

Zhang Ji Yuan elaborated, "One died of a sudden illness, another drank himself to death, and the last drowned after falling into the river. None survived until dawn."

Senior Brother Ning looked towards Chu Zhiyuan. "Could it really be a bad omen?"

Zhang Ji Yuan sighed. "At this point, it's better to believe it. Brother, you should stay honestly in the hall and not go out."

Chu Zhiyuan spoke before Senior Brother Ning could respond, "Brother, the two of us are sufficient."

Senior Brother Ning countered, "You two cannot form an array; you might be at a disadvantage."

Chu Zhiyuan replied, "Certain Grotto Heavens, once entered, lead to one being alone, unable to form a group."

The Outer Realm Battlefield, it seems, is just as depicted.

"...That's true, perhaps this Grotto Heaven is similar in nature. Very well, I shall remain here and guard this place," Senior Brother Ning slowly nodded his agreement.

A sense of unease settled within him.

Certain matters were simply difficult to dismiss completely.

Having finally attained this level, extending his lifespan considerably, he had no desire to meet an untimely end.

Chu Zhiyuan offered a smile.

"Junior Brother, would you like to notify the sister-in-law? It might be prudent to let her avoid any potential suspicion."

"That would be wise."

Chu Zhiyuan offered a farewell with a cupped fist salute and then proceeded to Xiao Ruoling's courtyard.

Upon his arrival, an unusual feeling washed over him, indicating something was not quite right.

An unseen power manifested instantaneously, much like a curtain being drawn shut, severing his spiritual Insight from the exterior world.