Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1336 - 1332: A Visit

Li Hongzhao immediately beamed with pride, "Master, this isn't spiritual medicine; I've recovered on my own."

"Stop spewing nonsense," Song Chaoge chuckled, "How did you recover all by yourself?"

"Master, I've achieved mastery of the Phoenix Divine Palm, and that's how I recovered."

"The Phoenix Divine Palm isn't that formidable... Have you truly mastered it?"

"Yes, he assisted me," Li Hongzhao pouted her rosy lips towards Chu Zhiyuan.

Song Chaoge observed Chu Zhiyuan and lightly chuckled, "Zhiyuan, did you genuinely comprehend the Phoenix Divine Palm?"

It was initially Li Hongzhao who expressed her desire to learn the Phoenix Divine Palm and sought Chu Zhiyuan's assistance in grasping its intricacies; she had not voiced any objections.

She too was curious whether this rapidly emerging prodigy could truly achieve comprehension.

Regarding the Phoenix Divine Palm not being taught to outsiders, that was of little consequence.

The true power of the Phoenix Divine Palm stemmed not from the technique itself but from the intrinsic bloodline.

Without the Phoenix Bloodline, the Phoenix Divine Palm was rather unremarkable, even inferior to common martial arts techniques.

If its name were changed and it were anonymously placed amongst a collection of hand-to-hand combat manuals, it would never be identified.

Furthermore, with no one having mastered the Phoenix Divine Palm for many years, it had gradually fallen into obscurity.

Moreover, Chu Zhiyuan was a disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect, not an outsider, thus it could not be considered an external transmission.

"With but a single glance, he perceived its profound secrets," Li Hongzhao smiled, her lips pursed, "Master, his comprehension truly leaves one feeling utterly hopeless."

Thus, she proceeded to elaborate on the nuances of the technique.

Song Chaoge listened in astonishment, attempted the visualization, and felt the Misty Purple Qi surge, penetrating the manual, causing a subtle alteration within the visualization itself.

She shook her head, "Without meticulously scrutinizing this visualization chart, such a change would be nearly impossible to detect."

This subtle modification was minute and intricate, almost eluding notice if not subjected to intense observation.

It was as though it deliberately sought to conceal itself.

After closing her eyes for a brief period, she opened them and declared, shaking her head, "It is utterly impossible to simultaneously visualize all three charts."

Having cultivated for such a significant duration, her bloodline provided her with considerable advantages, and her spiritual power was robust.

She had been brimming with confidence initially.

However, after attempting the visualization, she discovered that the three charts actively interfered with one another.

It was unfeasible to visualize them concurrently, let alone link them sequentially to execute a maneuver.

The sole viable approach was to focus on visualizing one chart at a time: complete the first, then proceed to the second, and subsequently the third.

Through these three charts, one was meant to grasp the connection between them in their mind, thereby carefully assimilating the aura they contained.

After a period of contemplation, she had attained some degree of understanding.

This form of comprehension was arduous, demanding immense patience and diligent effort.

At such a rate of progress, achieving complete mastery of its profound secrets would require a considerable amount of time.

Yet, Chu Zhiyuan had accomplished it in mere moments.

She subtly shook her head; such a disparity explained why Li Hongzhao had declared it left people disheartened.

Li Hongzhao concurred, "Indeed, I also cannot visualize all three charts at once."

Song Chaoge directed her gaze towards Chu Zhiyuan.

Chu Zhiyuan offered a smile, "Perhaps owing to the Demon Suppressing Saber, I possess the ability to multitask."

As he spoke, six flying knives emerged from his sleeve.

The resplendent and intimidating flying knives shot forth from his sleeve, each following a distinct trajectory.

Some spiraled through the air, while others remained suspended motionlessly at specific elevations.

A few darted back and forth in the air, and some ascended and descended rhythmically.

Ultimately, they swiftly returned to his sleeve, akin to swallows rejoining their roost.

Song Chaoge finally understood, "No wonder."

Such multitasking was indeed a singular talent, something she herself could not emulate.

Even when employing both hands simultaneously, she could not achieve such agile and fluid coordination.

Chu Zhiyuan remarked, "Given the abundance of prodigies within the Secret Land, it's highly probable that some can visualize all three charts concurrently."

Song Chaoge replied, "That is likely the case."

Li Hongzhao cast a glance at Chu Zhiyuan.

She harbored a feeling that achieving it might not be possible for everyone.

However, since Chu Zhiyuan had offered such a significant clue, if she were unable to succeed, she could truly blame no one else.

Song Chaoge sighed, "If you truly master this technique, Zhiyuan, you will become a great benefactor to our lineage."

Chu Zhiyuan smiled, "Hongzhao, being part of the Phoenix Lineage, let her be the one to repay this debt of gratitude."

Song Chaoge laughed heartily, "That is fitting. Hongzhao, do not forget this."

Li Hongzhao chuckled, "Master, I have nothing of value to offer in repayment. I cannot offer myself."

"That might not be such a bad arrangement," Song Chaoge jested.

Li Hongzhao shook her head, "Master, your calculations are futile. He already has a wife."

"Oh—?" Song Chaoge inquired, examining him with curiosity.

Chu Zhiyuan offered a smile and nodded in affirmation.

Song Chaoge then turned her gaze toward Li Hongzhao.

"A disciple of the Profound Yin Palace," Li Hongzhao stated.

Song Chaoge’s smile abruptly vanished upon hearing "Profound Yin Palace..."

"Master, do we hold any past grievances with the Profound Yin Palace?" Li Hongzhao inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"The Profound Yin Palace..." Song Chaoge let out a sigh, adding, "This Profound Yin Palace possesses considerable might."

"Indeed, the Profound Yin Palace is quite powerful," Li Hongzhao agreed. "They can directly traverse two realms, unlike us, who must toil arduously for ascension."

Song Chaoge directed her gaze toward Chu Zhiyuan. "However, from what I understand, disciples of the Profound Yin Palace are forbidden from marrying."

Chu Zhiyuan gave a nod.

"Should they marry, their cultivation progression would significantly hinder their ascent, essentially forfeiting their path to greater power," Song Chaoge explained. "Would she be willing to abandon her cultivation? I doubt the Profound Yin Palace would ever permit such a thing."

Song Chaoge then looked at Chu Zhiyuan.

"The Profound Yin Palace has not voiced any opposition," Chu Zhiyuan stated.

Song Chaoge shook her head. "Ultimately, they will not agree. Their disciples are incredibly rare and precious; they would never stand by and watch one squander their potential."

Chu Zhiyuan responded with a knowing smile.

"In their view, men are untrustworthy companions, and one should only depend on oneself. Men are merely obstacles, stones to sharpen one’s character," Song Chaoge articulated.

"Master, our Little Sister Xiao is different; she held affections for him even before her induction into the Profound Yin Palace," Li Hongzhao interjected.

Song Chaoge shook her head. "Vows of eternal love are but fleeting dreams. The cultivation methods of the Profound Yin Palace will inevitably lead her to awaken, compelling her to rely solely on herself in the end."

She then looked solemnly at Chu Zhiyuan. "I bear no ill intentions in saying this, Zhiyuan, but I merely wish to caution you to be prepared."

Chu Zhiyuan smiled gently. "Thank you for your concern, Senior. I am aware of the Profound Yin Palace’s cultivation techniques. Everything should unfold naturally; there is no need to force matters."

"Perhaps I was worrying unnecessarily," Song Chaoge remarked. "Given your profound comprehension, how could you possibly not understand?"

As the trio engaged in conversation, a sudden knock echoed at the door.

"What is it?" Song Chaoge inquired.

A clear voice responded from outside, "Master, Senior Brother Feng is here to deliver injury poultices."

"Tell him to get lost," Song Chaoge commanded.

"...Understood."

"Master, please wait," Li Hongzhao said.

Song Chaoge scoffed, "That scoundrel! Such heavy-handedness, and now he comes feigning concern. It’s nothing but mockery!"

"Isn’t this perfect timing?" Li Hongzhao posed.

Song Chaoge’s brows furrowed.

Li Hongzhao chuckled. "Revenge should not be delayed, eager as I am to exact it!"

"You are currently no match for him," Song Chaoge stated.

Li Hongzhao laughed heartily. "Master, but I have now mastered the Phoenix Divine Palm!"

"Have you truly mastered it?" Song Chaoge asked, her tone laced with skepticism.

Li Hongzhao suddenly unleashed a palm strike.

A sphere of crimson light instantaneously coalesced in her palm, and within this fiery orb, a phoenix appeared to flutter, its wings outstretched.

Song Chaoge met the attack with a palm of her own.

Her palm, like flawless white jade, was bathed in a radiant glow, reminiscent of the evening sun casting its final rays upon the horizon.

"Boom!" Song Chaoge was propelled backward, shattering the window and soaring out into the open air.

A look of indescribable excitement sparkled in Li Hongzhao’s phoenix-like eyes.

She drifted outside the room, observing Song Chaoge embedded in the nearby wall.

She let out a soft chuckle, bending over with mirth.

Song Chaoge extricated herself, lightly dusting off her attire, her eyes gleaming with nascent power.

She called out, "Xiaoxian, permit Brother Feng to enter."

"Yes," a clear voice replied, followed by the receding sound of footsteps.

Li Hongzhao giggled. "Master, would it be permissible if I were to seriously injure him?"

"Just ensure you do not kill him," Song Chaoge retorted with a snort.