Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1339 - 1335: Liuli

As the three figures gradually faded from view, cheers erupted from the onlookers. The young women, filled with admiration, crowded around Li Hongzhao. Their disappointment from the Phoenix Lineage's loss this year had vanished, replaced by a feeling of exhilaration. Amidst the jubilant crowd, Li Hongzhao's gaze fell upon Chu Zhiyuan. He subtly shook his head, his aura contained, causing the admiring girls to overlook him. "Li, how did you achieve mastery of the Phoenix Divine Palm?" one eagerly asked, followed by others. "Yes, what’s the secret behind the Phoenix Divine Palm?" "This is the true Phoenix Divine Palm!" "Congratulations, Li!" they exclaimed, their curiosity and excitement pouring out in a torrent of questions. Li Hongzhao chuckled, replying, "The method for mastering the Phoenix Divine Palm was actually discovered by him," she said, nodding towards Chu Zhiyuan. All eyes turned to him in surprise. Chu Zhiyuan shot her an exasperated look. Li Hongzhao continued, laughing, "I don’t wish to claim the credit. As for the practice, he has already shared it with Master." The girls then looked to Song Chaoge. Song Chaoge spoke, "Indeed, the genuine cultivation secret has been revealed. Whether you can master it now depends on your own capabilities." "Master, will you teach us?" they pleaded. "You can certainly try if you wish," Song Chaoge replied, "but remember not to push yourselves too hard. Give up if you find it’s not working." "Yes, Master!" they responded enthusiastically. Song Chaoge merely shook her head, not sharing their optimism. She doubted any of the disciples would be able to truly master the Phoenix Divine Palm.

Later, within the serene confines of Li Hongzhao’s small courtyard, Chu Zhiyuan stood with his hands clasped behind his back, a pensive expression on his face. Li Hongzhao busied herself preparing tea, gesturing for him to sit. As Chu Zhiyuan accepted the offered teacup at the stone table, he voiced his concern, "This Feng Nanyun is not a simple character." "Naturally, he is the foremost genius of the Green Lion Lineage. Do not worry, I will not underestimate him," Li Hongzhao assured him. "He will master a miracle technique within a year," Chu Zhiyuan stated, "one capable of countering the Phoenix Divine Palm." "What kind of miracle technique is it?" Li Hongzhao inquired. "It’s a fist technique. When he unleashes it, a Green Lion appears as if alive," Chu Zhiyuan explained, "making it capable of mutual destruction with your Phoenix Divine Palm." "Do you think he can defeat me?" Li Hongzhao asked. "You could achieve a draw," Chu Zhiyuan replied. Li Hongzhao looked at him with curiosity. "Can you truly foresee events a year in advance?" "I can see the general outcome," Chu Zhiyuan admitted, "but nothing beyond that." "What kind of ability is that?" Li Hongzhao pondered aloud. "Does the Heaven-Reaching Sect possess such a miracle technique?" "It was a fortuitous encounter at the Heaven-Reaching Sect, but my visions are merely vague glimpses. By the time I can articulate the future, it has already shifted," he explained. "Some events are mutable, while others are not," Li Hongzhao remarked thoughtfully. "Feng mastering that miracle technique cannot be altered… Green Lion Fist, hmm. I shall consult with Master to see if a countermeasure exists." The four major lineages, though rivals, were also collaborators, their knowledge of each other’s strengths and techniques quite intimate. The specific miracle techniques each lineage possessed were generally known. Chu Zhiyuan nodded. "Very well, I shall take my leave now and return to my cultivation." He knew there were no shortcuts to advancing the Second Layer of the Human Element Skill, only persistent effort. "How is Little Sister Xiao?" Li Hongzhao inquired. Chu Zhiyuan gave a nod. "The Profound Yin Palace has truly not obstructed you two?" Li Hongzhao pressed, referencing something Master had mentioned. Chu Zhiyuan shook his head. "Not yet. We can discuss that matter later." The Profound Yin Palace had indeed placed no restrictions between him and Xiao Ruoling. He intended to return and investigate this matter further. "Nevertheless, you must remain cautious of them," Li Hongzhao advised. "The Profound Yin Palace is no minor sect; in their eyes, dealing with the two of you would be quite simple." Chu Zhiyuan offered a slight smile. "I shall depart now." With a swift movement, he vanished. Moments later, he reappeared in his room at the Heavenly Sword Branch, settling onto his bed to commence practicing the Human Element Skill, focusing on visualizing the Spiritual Abyss entering the Lao Gong Acupoint.

...

Glazed Heaven

Great Wei Dynasty

Ninth Princess Mansion

In a courtyard adorned with artificial mountains and exotic stones, where a gentle stream meandered, Xiao Ruoling and Shen Hanyue were lazily engaging in martial arts practice. Within a small training ground situated before a flowerbed, both women were clad in loose, snow-white robes, cinched only at the wrists and ankles. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers. Xiao Ruoling executed a palm strike, and Shen Hanyue responded with a punch, their intense sparring escalating rapidly. Dark Qi surged around them, causing the surrounding flowers to tremble violently, swaying relentlessly in the wake of their fierce exchange.

Shen Hanyue abruptly ceased her movements, withdrawing her fist and stepping back. She drifted into a nearby small pavilion, sitting by the stone table to prepare tea for herself and Xiao Ruoling.

Shaking her head, she let out a sigh, "Senior Sister, our personal cultivation progress is far too slow."

"Junior Sister, you must dedicate yourself to training, no room for laziness," Xiao Ruoling stated. "We cannot perpetually depend on the Princely Heir."

Shen Hanyue responded casually, "We aren't strangers, so relying on him is perfectly acceptable."

Xiao Ruoling gently shook her head. "The Princely Heir himself has a great deal on his shoulders."

Shen Hanyue offered her tea, inquiring with curiosity, "Senior Sister, does the palace truly not object to the Princely Heir's situation? Did Master not voice any concerns?"

"No," Xiao Ruoling accepted the tea, taking a sip with a composed expression.

Shen Hanyue knitted her brows. "Everyone is merely waiting to witness your eventual downfall."

Xiao Ruoling let out a soft laugh. "It's not quite that dire."

"They are pitying you, Senior Sister," Shen Hanyue declared bluntly. "They claim you are hopelessly smitten, wasting your precious time. Otherwise, with your natural talent, you would undoubtedly be at a much higher cultivation realm."

Xiao Ruoling shook her head. "They are unaware of the actual circumstances; there's no need to concern ourselves with their opinions."

"Well—! I cannot offer a proper explanation either. Can we honestly claim all our achievements are solely due to the Princely Heir's assistance?"

"There is no need for extensive explanations."

"Then what about Master, and the esteemed elders within the palace?" Shen Hanyue's brow furrowed with evident worry. "I fear they might forcibly separate you two due to misunderstandings."

Xiao Ruoling replied, "I have already discussed the matter with Master."

Shen Hanyue's eyes widened. "Does Master actually believe you?"

"Yes."

"I just fear that Master truly doesn't believe your words."

"Alright, stop dwelling on it. Focus on your martial arts practice. Overthinking yields no benefit. As long as we advance rapidly in our cultivation and reach higher realms, all these issues will naturally resolve themselves."

"...That is true," Shen Hanyue mused, tilting her head in thought. "If Senior Sister can ascend to the Spirit Venerable realm, the palace will have nothing more to say!"

Xiao Ruoling chuckled. "You always maintain such an optimistic outlook."

The Spirit Venerable realm indeed presented a formidable challenge. If it were easily attained, the world would not feature so few cultivators at that level.

Shen Hanyue stated with a smile, "Reaching Spirit Venerable would not impede the Princely Heir. If he achieves it, we will not be far behind."

As their conversation continued, a knock sounded from outside.

Shen Hanyue swiftly glided to the door and opened the courtyard gate.

A radiant woman stood charmingly just outside.

"Senior Sister Guo, please come in!"

Shen Hanyue hurried forward, taking the radiant woman's hand, and they entered the courtyard together.

Xiao Ruoling stepped forward to offer a greeting.

Guo Mingxue said with a smile, "Little Sister Xiao, Senior Sister Shen, are you both settling in well?"

"Of course, we are settling in wonderfully," Shen Hanyue replied brightly. "Who would have ever imagined, Senior Sister, that you are a princess!"

Guo Mingxue smiled. "Being a princess is not an uncommon occurrence; many disciples within our palace originate from noble families."

Shen Hanyue exclaimed, "This is my first time visiting the Princess Mansion, and Glazed Heaven is simply so magnificent! It truly broadens one's perspective!"

The sky above Glazed Heaven was exceptionally clear, as if it had undergone a thorough cleansing, exhibiting a pure, sapphire-blue hue.

The air felt fresh, pristine, and remarkably crisp.

In contrast to other heavens, this particular world appeared more vibrant and alive.

Xiao Ruoling inquired softly, "Senior Sister, is something weighing on your mind?"

She possessed a keen perception, noticing a subtle hint of worry lingering on Guo Mingxue's brow.

Guo Mingxue shook her head with a smile.

Xiao Ruoling then asked, "Senior Sister, do you require our assistance with anything?"

Guo Mingxue smiled. "There is no need. You two should simply enjoy yourselves and relax. Perhaps you might even discover a Cave Mansion and attain an unexpected fortuitous encounter."

Shen Hanyue's eyes suddenly sparkled with excitement.

Xiao Ruoling said, "What is it, Senior Sister? We are not considered outsiders."

Relatively speaking, the bonds between the disciples of the Profound Yin Palace were exceptionally close, fostering a familial atmosphere.

Although even within families, conflicts can arise, over the extensive passage of time, those who truly remain by your side are not your original family or friends, but rather, they are.

"It's not just you; I am unable to assist either," Guo Mingxue admitted with a wry smile.