Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1340 - 1336: Purpose

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Previously on Imperial Cultivation...
Li Hongzhao revealed that Chu Zhiyuan discovered the method for the Phoenix Divine Palm, which he then shared with their Master. Chu Zhiyuan also foresaw that Feng Nanyun would master a technique to counter Li Hongzhao's Phoenix Divine Palm within a year, resulting in a draw. Meanwhile, Xiao Ruoling and Shen Hanyue are cultivating diligently, aware that their relationship with Chu Zhiyuan faces scrutiny from their sect. Guo Mingxue visits them, hinting at troubles she cannot openly discuss.
“Senior Sister Guo, what is truly transpiring here? You are known for your directness!” Shen Hanyue pressed. Xiao Ruoling fixed her gaze upon her. “It pertains to the succession,” she explained with a sigh. “Several of the Elder Brothers have already set their ambitions on the imperial throne and are now vying for it.” Shen Hanyue inquired with curiosity, “Does the Emperor not make the final decision?” “Father’s intentions are constantly in flux.” “And why do they change so often?” “Each Elder Brother possesses remarkable talent, yet each also has their own flaws, making it difficult for him to definitively choose.” Shen Hanyue declared, “Solving that is simple.” “Junior Sister,” Xiao Ruoling cautioned, “this concerns the entire world; do not treat it lightly.” “I am not joking,” Shen Hanyue insisted. “If it is difficult to decide because they are all equally matched, why not let fate decide?” “And how would fate decide?” Guo Mingxue asked. Shen Hanyue proposed, “We draw lots. Whoever receives the chosen lot inherits the throne.” “Preposterous!” Xiao Ruoling exclaimed in frustration. Shen Hanyue retorted indignantly, “Is this method not a good one? It is akin to the choice of the heavens!” She then turned to Guo Mingxue, “Senior Sister Guo, what are your thoughts on my suggestion?” “...It’s actually quite reasonable,” Guo Mingxue responded with a wry smile. Such a monumental decision as selecting an Emperor, to be decided in such a manner, was certainly unconventional. Yet, within its absurdity, there was a kernel of logic. Drawing lots might be too simplistic, but a more refined and formal procedure could be employed. The underlying principle remained the same, just executed with greater sophistication. “So, what then?” Shen Hanyue asked, looking triumphantly at Xiao Ruoling. Xiao Ruoling replied, “Such a childish approach will not satisfy anyone.” “Then let’s make it more convincing,” Shen Hanyue countered. “Let them draw the lots themselves, and anyone who breaks the pact will face the scorn of the world.” “Hmm, that has merit,” Guo Mingxue chuckled. “The more I consider it, the more ingenious this idea becomes.” Xiao Ruoling couldn’t help but laugh, “Senior Sister Guo, do not heed her nonsensical ideas.” “I shall present it to Father,” Guo Mingxue said with a smile. “This method can be implemented with greater solemnity and formality.” Shen Hanyue clapped her hands. “Indeed! I believe a grand heavenly sacrifice ceremony could be utilized, and during this ceremony, the lots would be drawn.” She felt a surge of inspiration, her brilliant ideas flowing one after another, and she couldn’t help but admire her own wit. Her eyes sparkled as she declared, full of self-admiration, “With all the ministers present as witnesses, observing whom the heavens ultimately select, who could possibly object?!” “Those not chosen will have only the heavens to blame, not any other individual.” “Hehe... Junior Sister Shen, who knew you were so clever.” “Senior Sister, you flatter me,” Shen Hanyue replied with a spirited grin. Xiao Ruoling shook her head. She believed the two were merely jesting, that the matter of succession was not so easily resolved. Given the equal talents of these Princes, mutual acceptance would be unlikely, and even if passed over, they would not relinquish their ambitions willingly. They were unlikely to behave so orderly, nor would their disputes be settled so readily. She mused, “Firstly, we must establish an oath: whoever is chosen by the heavens, the others must abide by the agreement and relinquish their claims to power. Otherwise, it is all for naught.” “Hmm, I will discuss it with Father,” Guo Mingxue said with a smile. “Junior Sister Xiao, Junior Sister Shen, you two should go and enjoy yourselves.” Shen Hanyue inquired, “Will the Princely Heir be joining us? Is that acceptable?” “The Princely Heir? Ah, Junior Sister Xiao’s husband. That should be fine,” Guo Mingxue replied with a smile, though a hint of hesitation then crossed her face. “Senior Sister Guo, is there something you wish to say?” Shen Hanyue asked. Guo Mingxue paused, clearly uncertain. Seeing the two women gaze at her expectantly, she sighed. “Perhaps I should not be the one to voice this.” Xiao Ruoling asked, “Senior Sister, does it concern my husband?” She immediately suspected it was about Chu Zhiyuan. “I am unsure if Master Qin has discussed with you the potential impact of romantic entanglements on our cultivation methods.” “Master has not mentioned such a thing.” “Then I shall say no more,” Guo Mingxue stated, shaking her head. Shen Hanyue responded with clear displeasure, “Senior Sister Guo, if the Princely Heir truly impacted Senior Sister Xiao, how could she possibly have reached her current Realm?” Guo Mingxue nodded. “Hmm, perhaps that is why Master Qin did not elaborate. Your progress is astonishingly swift, far beyond expectations.” She had assumed she would offer her counsel when Xiao Ruoling’s cultivation stalled. However, Xiao Ruoling’s Realm had continued to advance at an unprecedented pace, reaching the Venerable Sixth Transitions in what felt like no time at all. The speed of her progress was almost unbelievable. In light of such extraordinary advancement, who could possibly find fault or offer criticism?

"Rest assured, Senior Sister’s Realm will keep advancing quickly, all the way to Nine Transitions, to Perfection!"

She possessed absolute conviction in this prediction.

This confidence stemmed from Chu Zhiyuan’s Secret Technique of Transmission, which imparted insights directly into their minds.

"Then, if that's the case, no one can find fault," Guo Mingxue stated, adding, "I shall depart now."

...

The moment she left, Chu Zhiyuan materialized within the courtyard.

He did not immediately deploy his Super Sense; instead, he confined it to the immediate vicinity of the courtyard, gradually expanding its reach.

Upon seeing him, Shen Hanyue could not refrain from relaying Guo Mingxue's earlier words.

Finally, she huffed, "So, it seems we must swiftly elevate our cultivation and attain Perfection in a single ascent."

Chu Zhiyuan chuckled, "Hanyue, you are urging me to cultivate with greater intensity alongside you all."

"Precisely," Shen Hanyue affirmed, "Do not allow yourself any idleness."

"Very well," Chu Zhiyuan replied with a laugh, "Let us commence our cultivation then."

...

As dawn broke the following day, Chu Zhiyuan's eyes fluttered open.

The two women also opened their eyes, a brilliant glint flashing within them.

A look of contentment graced each of their faces.

The trio swiftly departed the Ninth Princess Mansion, emerging onto the main thoroughfare of the Imperial City.

During the early morning hours in the Imperial City, the main street was already alive with bustling activity.

The mingled aromas of diverse street foods permeated the air, combining to form a distinctive and alluring fragrance.

The three meandered through the throngs, eventually locating a restaurant and claiming a table by the window.

The surroundings presented a novel experience, markedly different from Little Outer Heaven and other similar realms.

Shen Hanyue remarked, "Senior Sister, it appears the Martial Arts practitioners here are not particularly formidable."

"Hmm, indeed, their strength seems rather modest," Xiao Ruoling concurred.

While observing the numerous individuals practicing martial arts, brandishing knives and swords with fierce appearances, their auras lacked substantial power, feeling quite comparable to those in Little Outer Heaven.

Their gazes then turned towards Chu Zhiyuan.

Chu Zhiyuan appeared lost in thought, a pensive expression on his face.

Without disturbing his contemplation, they signaled the waiter, ordered several of the specialty dishes, and requested a pot of wine.

When the waiter delivered the food and wine, Chu Zhiyuan seemed to snap back to the present.

Shen Hanyue, eager for his insights, inquired, "Princely Heir, have you discerned anything significant?"

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head subtly, stating, "The cultivation levels here are not elevated, but a powerful Spiritual Artifact exerts suppression, necessitating our utmost caution."

Shen Hanyue pressed, "Does this artifact pose a direct threat to us?"

Chu Zhiyuan gave a slight nod in affirmation.

Shen Hanyue then asked, "Senior Sister, will Senior Sister Guo be returning to aid in suppressing the Princes?"

Xiao Ruoling offered a gentle nod.

It became clear that Guo Mingxue's return to Glazed Heaven was not merely for a familial visit, as she had implied.

It was highly probable that the conflict for the imperial throne would be decisively settled this time.

"Senior Sister Guo is likely the most formidable expert within their Imperial Family, is she not?"

"Yes, she is believed to be."

They shifted their attention once more to Chu Zhiyuan.

Chu Zhiyuan nodded in agreement, "Indeed, that is the case."

Guo Mingxue’s cultivation was at the Sixth Transition of the Venerable Realm, matching Xiao Ruoling's own level.

Within the entirety of the Imperial City, the most powerful expert had only just entered the Venerable Realm.

Coupled with a potent National Guardian Spiritual Artifact, it could certainly present a substantial threat to a Venerable expert.

However, without the artifact's influence, a Venerable would face no significant danger.

The trio continued their meal and conversation, discussing the distinct local customs and practices.

After their appetites were satisfied, they departed the restaurant and strolled through the city streets to aid digestion.

Approximately an hour later, Chu Zhiyuan took his leave from the two women.

Chu Zhiyuan suddenly appeared atop a mountain situated just outside the Imperial City, gazing intently upwards.

He retrieved the Strange Stone from his robes.

Focusing his intent, the specific location materialized once more within the Void.

He discovered that within Glazed Heaven, the perception of that particular location was both nearer and more distinct.

He pondered the reason behind this phenomenon.

For the moment, however, he lacked the time to dwell on this mystery, directing his complete focus onto the observed location.

After a brief interval, he vanished abruptly.

In the subsequent instant, he rematerialized at the base of the interlaced mountain range previously observed.

His Super Sense expanded, permeating all surroundings with Insight, and then he vanished once more, his physical form becoming rigidly suspended in mid-air, his True Yuan completely immobilized.

The Earth Origin Technique was activated, and in the next moment, he found himself standing outside the main hall of the Heaven-Reaching Sect.

He entered the main hall, located Zhang Ji Yuan, and inquired about the duration of his absence.

"Three days."

"Three days..." Chu Zhiyuan's brow furrowed slightly.

This particular journey had resulted in a three-day passage of time.

For him, the experience in that other place had felt like mere moments, yet an entire three days had elapsed in this reality.