Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1324 - 1320: Reappearance

"This is quite troublesome..." Ning Dongge stated, proposing, "How about the three of us make a move together?"

Chu Zhiyuan produced a crystal-clear stone from his pocket and handed it over.

Upon inspecting it, he shook his head, remarking, "The black line persists, Senior Brother Ning, you still cannot depart."

Ning Dongge countered, "This black line might not necessarily signify ill fortune; it could simply be a coincidence."

Zhang Ji Yuan exclaimed, "Come now, Senior Brother, are you attempting to gamble with your life?!"

Such omens are best heeded rather than dismissed.

Ning Dongge's brow furrowed. "However, this Grotto Heaven is exceptionally crucial."

"No matter its importance, it cannot supersede your life!" Zhang Ji Yuan insisted.

"Sigh..." Ning Dongge let out a sigh, shaking his head.

Chu Zhiyuan, emerging from deep contemplation, queried, "Senior Brother Ning, a critical question remains. To which celestial layer does this Grotto Heaven belong? Is it within Biyuan Heaven, Little Outer Heaven, or Outer Heaven?"

"In which layer did you conduct your search?"

"Biyuan Heaven," Chu Zhiyuan replied.

Ning Dongge suggested, "Then endeavor to search within You Meng Heaven."

Zhang Ji Yuan elaborated, "If Biyuan Heaven proves fruitless, turn to You Meng Heaven. Should that also fail, then try Outer Heaven, or Little Outer Heaven, or perhaps Qinghua Heaven, or Tai Zhou Heaven... in essence, explore all these heavens to ascertain which is most proximate."

Chu Zhiyuan's brow furrowed in thought.

His initial search in Biyuan Heaven was due to his own presence there.

Though Outer Heaven was known, ascending directly without a suitable conduit was exceedingly difficult, almost beyond words to describe.

"Could altering the celestial layer make a difference?" Chu Zhiyuan mused aloud. "I shall make the attempt."

"Very well then." Ning Dongge sighed. "This places a burden upon you, Junior Brother."

Chu Zhiyuan waved a hand dismissively. "Senior Brother, it is my duty. If the Sect Master and the others could emerge, that would be the most desirable outcome."

The true objective wasn't merely for Ning Dongge to court danger or conduct a solitary search.

It was to facilitate the emergence of the six Sect Masters from their seclusion, enabling them to secure the complete inheritance and locate the Grotto Heaven.

The trio alone were insufficient, operating with limited hands and facing considerable struggle.

"There is no other way," Ning Dongge stated, shaking his head.

Zhang Ji Yuan sighed, explaining, "The Sect Masters are in seclusion, likely in preparation for achieving Spirit Venerable status; they must not be disturbed."

Chu Zhiyuan inquired, "If achieving Spirit Venerable precludes the opening of the complete inheritance, does that not present an issue?"

"Achieving Spirit Venerable takes precedence," Zhang Ji Yuan asserted.

Chu Zhiyuan appeared taken aback.

Zhang Ji Yuan elaborated, "Junior Brother, our Heaven-Reaching Sect diverges from other sects; we do not advocate sacrificing the individual for the collective. On the contrary, personal cultivation is paramount, with all else relegated to secondary importance."

"Even the sect?" Chu Zhiyuan questioned.

Zhang Ji Yuan affirmed with a nod.

A look of contemplation crossed Chu Zhiyuan's face.

This doctrine was truly astonishing, prioritizing self-interest above the sect, a stark contrast to common doctrines.

"Should the sect's interests conflict with your personal cultivation, you must unequivocally choose your cultivation," Ning Dongge stated. "This principle is indeed foundational to our rules."

He then added with a chuckle, "However, there is a crucial caveat: such a choice must never be detrimental to the sect's interests, as that would constitute treason."

"Senior Brother Ning, in that case, you should remain here and refrain from acting rashly."

Chu Zhiyuan spoke with solemnity.

"Sigh... very well," Ning Dongge acquiesced with a sigh. "Junior Brother, take your time; there is no need for haste."

"Understood."

Zhang Ji Yuan offered, "Why don't I accompany Junior Brother to conduct the search?"

Chu Zhiyuan smiled faintly. "Senior Brother Zhang, I believe it would be best for me to proceed alone; our search directions diverge."

"Attempt it one more time," Zhang Ji Yuan urged.

He glanced towards Ning Dongge.

Ning Dongge slowly inclined his head in agreement.

...

Chu Zhiyuan's eyes slowly fluttered open.

He gazed upwards into the void, the azure expanse a flawless canvas dotted with clouds resembling mountain peaks, his sight straining towards the distant horizon.

Faintly, a colossal sphere of light seemed to emanate its radiance.

Positioned impossibly far in the heavens, it felt utterly unreachable, evoking an inexplicable sense of dread at the mere thought of it, as though it could never be attained.

Turning his head, he found himself surrounded by emptiness.

He stepped through the illuminated portal, entering the grand hall.

Within the hall, Ning Dongge and Zhang Ji Yuan were seated cross-legged on meditation cushions, remaining perfectly still.

Alerted by the slight disturbance, both opened their eyes, revealing faces drained of color and eyes filled with exhaustion.

The repeated application of the Heaven Peeping Skill had exacted a severe toll, leaving them depleted and unable to recover their strength.

"Senior Brother Ning, Senior Brother Zhang," Chu Zhiyuan greeted, clasping his hands together.

"How did it go?" Zhang Ji Yuan inquired with palpable eagerness. "Which direction points the way?"

Chu Zhiyuan raised his left hand, indicating the southwest.

Zhang Ji Yuan pointed towards the southeast direction before turning his gaze to Ning Dongge.

Ning Dongge let out a sigh and also gestured towards the southeast.

Chu Zhiyuan chuckled lightly.

What might have been a mere oversight the first time around was now, with the same outcome on the second attempt, clearly indicative of some issue.

Zhang Ji Yuan inquired, "Junior Brother, did you perhaps sense it changing course midway through?"

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head, responding, "It remained steadfast, its direction never wavering."

"That is indeed peculiar," Zhang Ji Yuan stated, a frown creasing his brow.

Ning Dongge, too, was left feeling perplexed.

This was an unprecedented situation for him.

Chu Zhiyuan extended his hand, the crystal-clear stone resting in his palm, and offered, "Why don't you give it a try, Senior Brother Zhang? Perhaps you will be able to divine its location."

"That is a possibility," Zhang Ji Yuan mused, glancing at Ning Dongge. "Shall I attempt it then?"

Ning Dongge let out a laugh, asking, "Can you still employ the Heaven Peeping Skill?"

"...No, I cannot," Zhang Ji Yuan admitted with noticeable reluctance.

He had reached his absolute limit; the mental exhaustion was overwhelming, leaving his soul feeling profoundly weakened.

To activate the Heaven Peeping Skill once more would undoubtedly lead to his collapse, and could even adversely affect his cultivation and mental state.

Reaching such a precarious point risked a cultivation deviation.

It simply was not worth courting such a danger.

"Then that settles it," Ning Dongge declared. "The task of searching still falls upon Junior Brother."

Zhang Ji Yuan voiced his displeasure, sighing, "Sigh... I am merely concerned that we might miss even the slightest opportunity."

Ning Dongge then instructed, "Let Junior Brother proceed to investigate the You Meng Heaven."

"Understood," Chu Zhiyuan responded, nodding slowly.

"Return now to rest. There is no need to hasten; remember that haste often leads to errors," Ning Dongge advised kindly. "Go and spend some time with Sister-in-law."

Chu Zhiyuan let out a chuckle.

Zhang Ji Yuan heartily laughed, "That is indeed an excellent suggestion. Go on, then, make haste."

He then passed the crystal-clear stone into Chu Zhiyuan's keeping.

Receiving it, Chu Zhiyuan clasped his hands in a bow and vanished from sight.

...

Upon his reappearance within Xiao Ruoling's modest courtyard, a potent energy permeated the surroundings, effectively sealing the area and preventing his Super Sense from extending beyond its confines.

It was only with the assistance of the Autumn Moon Mirror that he dared to return so swiftly.

Xiao Ruoling and Shen Hanyue were engaged in practicing boxing within the courtyard. Upon witnessing his sudden arrival, both ceased their movements.

A look of pure joy spread across Xiao Ruoling's face.

She had initially believed she would not see him again before embarking on the Cave Heaven Trial.

Chu Zhiyuan offered a smile and said, "There is no need for lengthy explanations. Continue your practice and make the most of the remaining time."

"Princely Heir, even if we train further, it will be of little use," Shen Hanyue remarked. "We are set to enter the Cave Heaven tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" Chu Zhiyuan expressed his surprise. "Wasn't it scheduled for three days from now?"

"The schedule has been expedited," Shen Hanyue informed him. "We have been told that departure is set for tomorrow."

Chu Zhiyuan surveyed both women.

He then retrieved the stone from his pocket and presented it to Xiao Ruoling.

Xiao Ruoling accepted it with evident curiosity.

Her hand, like smooth mutton-fat jade, held the crystal stone, creating a striking contrast that made her hand appear even fairer and the stone more luminous.

Shen Hanyue's eyes sparkled as she exclaimed enthusiastically, "What a beautiful stone!"

She then turned to Chu Zhiyuan, inquiring, "What manner of stone is this?"

Chu Zhiyuan's brow furrowed.

Shen Hanyue asked, "What is wrong?"

Chu Zhiyuan noticed a faint black line and then pursed his lips, saying, "Hanyue, take a closer look."

Shen Hanyue, intrigued, took the stone that Xiao Ruoling passed to her. Holding it up, she gently turned it, attempting to discern its inner details clearly.

A shadow of darkness fell upon Chu Zhiyuan's expression.

Indeed, there was also a black line present.

This discovery signified that both women were facing imminent life-threatening peril.