Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1328 - 1324: Cancellation

Ning Dongge observed Chu Zhiyuan gazing at the immense Jade Wall and let out a chuckle. "Do you recognize this artifact?"

"Senior Brother, the cultivation method inscribed here appears to be quite complete. Is it not worth a closer examination?" Chu Zhiyuan inquired.

"We shared that sentiment," Ning Dongge replied, "but alas, we've found no leads, no avenues for further investigation."

"Absolutely no clues?" Chu Zhiyuan pressed, "Is this the single cultivation method available?"

"Not a single one," Ning Dongge affirmed with a shake of his head. "There's no comparable script within the tower, nor any trace of the same aura."

Chu Zhiyuan mused, "After our ancestors attained the Spirit Venerable realm, their lifespans were greatly extended. Given such an abundance of time, they must have devised methods to occupy themselves. Did they not delve into these matters?"

He gestured towards the surrounding shelves.

"Even with extended lifespans, it's never enough," Ning Dongge stated. "There is still cultivation to pursue."

"Is Spirit Venerable not the ultimate pinnacle?"

"To say nothing of the Nine Transitions within Spirit Venerable itself, each conferring different lifespans, there exists an ultimate goal that transcends it."

"Immortality?"

"Precisely," Ning Dongge nodded. "All Spirit Venerables aspire to this. Upon reaching the Spirit Venerable Realm, each period of seclusion can commence with ten years, typically spanning a century, with some extending to a millennium. Even the most prolonged lifespan proves insufficient."

"Immortality..." Chu Zhiyuan's eyes shone with a fervent anticipation.

Who among them would not yearn for immortality?

It was an aspiration so distant that one could only relinquish it. However, if even the faintest possibility existed, it would not be cast aside.

Ning Dongge chuckled, "Junior Brother, do not concern yourself with such matters at this juncture. Attain Spirit Venerable status first, and then we shall discuss it. As for this Jade Wall, merely observe it; do not invest too much contemplation. Ascending to the Spirit Venerable realm sooner will yield immeasurable benefits for your future."

"Understood," Chu Zhiyuan replied with a nod.

If there had been no insights from Chu Liezhao's end, then indeed, there would be no starting point.

But the circumstances had now changed.

Currently, he had only encountered two Karma Stone Walls, one in this location and another at the True Martial Institute.

Could there be a connection between these two artifacts?

Could this discovery serve as a catalyst for further progress?

"Let us depart," Ning Dongge announced, turning to leave without further words.

Chu Zhiyuan cupped his fists, remaining behind to begin cataloging the items. He then closed his eyes, attempting to sense something within the void.

Eventually, his gaze settled once more upon the colossal Jade Wall.

...

Outer Heaven

Chu Liezhao's eyes fluttered open as he lay on the bed.

He glanced down at Li Miaotan, who was nestled in his arms.

Li Miaotan rested close against him, her face concealed.

Her neck and fragrant shoulders, like jade the color of mutton fat, gleamed softly beneath her lustrous black hair.

The scent she exuded was profoundly calming, and her skin felt warm and exquisitely delicate to the touch.

He gently eased his arm away, slowly extracting it from beneath the brocade quilt, and then rose from the bed, not disturbing her.

"Husband..." Li Miaotan stirred slowly, her awakening as gentle as the spring waters of Haitang.

Her slightly dazed, bright eyes were veiled with mist: "What is it?"

"My lady," Chu Liezhao stated, "I intend to return for a short while."

"Hmm, when will you return?" Li Miaotan inquired languidly.

"I shall endeavor to be back by evening," Chu Liezhao promised.

Li Miaotan gradually became more aware, her eyes clearing: "It seems appropriate to return and check in. Shall I accompany you?"

Chu Liezhao shook his head.

"It feels somewhat impolite to never return for a visit," she remarked.

"Has someone been spewing nonsense in the Court?"

"I pay no mind to the Court's gossip. It was Mother Empress who suggested I go back to see Father-in-law."

Chu Liezhao gave a snort, "It is truly a trivial matter. Seeing him or not makes no difference to me."

"At the very least, you should maintain appearances," Li Miaotan advised. "Otherwise, it could negatively impact your reputation."

Chu Liezhao offered a wry smile, "My reputation over there is already as poor as it can possibly get."

"...Very well." Li Miaotan nodded softly, "I shall defer to your judgment, husband."

The animosity between father and son ran deep, and at this juncture, it seemed insurmountable.

"You should rest further, my lady," Chu Liezhao said. "I shall be taking my leave."

"So early?"

"I am heading to Great Bright Peak first."

"Alright, do try not to start another quarrel with Father-in-law."

"Heh, I harbor no desire for arguments. It is simply that he cannot abide me, and I cannot force myself to endure him."

"Yes, yes, do not stoop to his level."

"Haha..." Chu Liezhao laughed, "You treat me as if I were a child, my lady. I shall depart then."

He walked out, and Li Yuchun entered with light steps to assist him in dressing.

Once his long robe was donned, he appeared exceptionally striking in the blue attire. With a wave of his hand, he conjured a Light Gate and stepped through it, vanishing from sight.

...

Heaven-Reaching Sect

On the second floor of the Ten Thousand Knowledge Tower, an Arhat Bed was positioned in front of a towering bookshelf. Seated cross-legged upon it was Chu Zhiyuan, engrossed in an ancient tome bound in purple with aged, pale yellow pages.

He eventually set the book aside, his mind clearly occupied by deep contemplation.

Meanwhile, Chu Liezhao had made his way back to Great Bright Peak and sought out Chu Honglin to make inquiries regarding the mysterious Karma Stone.

However, his investigation yielded little new information. He learned only that the Karma Stone was an heirloom, passed down by an ancestor, inscribed with the profound Light Ode, and purportedly beneficial for cultivation.

The origins of the stone remained shrouded in mystery, with no records to shed light on its acquisition, effectively halting that particular line of inquiry.

With this realization, Chu Zhiyuan dismounted from the Arhat Bed and returned to stand before the Karma Stone Wall once more.

The script adorning its surface was exceedingly peculiar, utterly devoid of any repetition and exhibiting no discernible thematic patterns.

Even with the aid of the Miao Ling Pearl's fusion and his own exceptional intellectual capacity, he found himself utterly incapable of deciphering the text from scratch.

At that juncture, Chu Liezhao had carefully transcribed several characters, presenting them to Chu Honglin with the hope that an investigation might reveal their meaning.

Chu Honglin possessed the leverage of the Jade Dynasty's vast influence, a power far exceeding that of any single individual. The might of the entire Court was at his disposal.

While the Heaven-Reaching Sect was undoubtedly formidable and comprised numerous Spirit Venerables, dedicated to the path of cultivation, it fundamentally remained a Martial Arts Sect with a relatively limited populace.

This inherent limitation did not signify the Heaven-Reaching Sect's powerlessness; quite the opposite, in numerous affairs, it harbored distinct weaknesses and constraints.

For instance, when it came to intelligence gathering, its capabilities paled significantly in comparison to those of a royal Court.

Upon his return to the Prince Consort Mansion, Chu Liezhao once again penned several characters, enlisting the assistance of Li Miaotan to find someone who could investigate.

...

Three mornings hence, Chu Zhiyuan materialized within the modest courtyard belonging to Xiao Ruoling of the Profound Yin Palace.

Present in the courtyard at that moment were four individuals: Xiao Ruoling herself, Shen Hanyue, and two other young women.

These two were seated gracefully by a stone table, engaged in admiring the surrounding flowers, sipping tea, and enjoying delicate snacks, their light, airy laughter occasionally filling the air.

Their clear, crisp laughter floated through the tranquil confines of the small courtyard.

Their mirth came to an abrupt halt upon the sudden appearance of Chu Zhiyuan, their gazes turning towards him in evident surprise.

Chu Zhiyuan offered a gentle nod, directing his attention towards Xiao Ruoling.

Shen Hanyue, with a welcoming smile, announced, "Princely Heir, pray come closer. Allow me to make introductions. These two Junior Sisters entered the palace alongside us. This is Junior Sister Huang Jiaoyun, and this is Junior Sister Jiang Luan."

She gestured towards one young lady with an oval face, clad in a pale yellow robe, and another with a round face, dressed in a dark green robe.

Chu Zhiyuan responded with a smile and a nod.

Shen Hanyue added with a light giggle, "This is your sister's husband. You've already met him, of course."

The two young ladies regarded Chu Zhiyuan with smiling eyes, performing a customary salute by cupping their fists and declaring with cheerful amusement, "Greetings, Mr. Chu."

Chu Zhiyuan returned the gesture with a smile, cupping his fists and replying, "A pleasure to meet you all."

He felt a twinge of surprise.

His initial assumption was that, with Xiao Ruoling and Shen Hanyue having announced their intention to seclude themselves, the courtyard would remain free of any unrelated visitors.

Xiao Ruoling then addressed the newcomers, saying, "Junior Sister Huang, Junior Sister Jiang, perhaps we could converse another time?"

Jiang Luan, the young woman with the round face, responded with a laugh, "Senior Sister Xiao, is that truly necessary?" she inquired playfully. "As soon as your husband arrives, you usher us away. Do we strike you as an eyesore?"

"He has arrived due to an urgent matter," Xiao Ruoling explained, her tone serious. "It pertains to important business."