Huang Zhengyang successfully resolved his issue, while Chu Zhiyuan found his foresight limited. Chu Zhiyuan then focused on advancing his cultivation technique, requiring more Moon Spirit Pills to do so. Meanwhile, the Sixth Prince inexplicably lost control, though the cause remained a mystery to Xiao Ruoling and Shen Hanyue.
"Very well." Emperor Zhiyuan nodded. "Prince, shouldn't we confirm once more?" Shen Hanyue inquired, "Just to ensure there's no lingering danger." Emperor Zhiyuan chuckled, "With such comprehensive protection, should another mishap occur, it would truly be fate, something beyond our control." "It is heaven's grace that you are here to assist," Shen Hanyue stated, "Otherwise, the Sixth Prince would surely have met his doom this time." Xiao Ruoling added, "The peril encountered was indeed extreme." Emperor Zhiyuan smiled, "Very well, let's cast another glance." He ascended into the air, positioning himself on the owl beast, and directed his gaze towards the Imperial Palace. He sensed a shift within its bounds. His Super Sense, which had previously been unable to penetrate the palace's defenses, could now see clearly. Only two or three grand halls remained veiled in mist; all other palaces and courtyards were perfectly visible. This significant alteration stemmed not from the palace itself, but from his own advancements. It was a consequence of mastering the Second Layer of the Heavenly Yuan Technique, following the completion of the Second Layer of the Human Element Skill. Although the Super Sense did not undergo a fundamental transformation, its acuity had seen a substantial, albeit subtle, enhancement. Its probing capabilities had greatly intensified. He paid little attention to the Imperial Palace, his focus remaining fixed on the Imperial Guard. Moments later, his distant gaze sharpened, and he nodded decisively, "This time, it is the Sixth Prince who has ascended the throne." Shen Hanyue expressed a hint of disappointment, "Did the Sixth Prince truly secure the throne without a hitch?" Emperor Zhiyuan responded, "Whether it was smooth or not is difficult to ascertain, but the outcome is clear: the Sixth Prince now reigns." "That is the most favorable conclusion," Xiao Ruoling declared. She cast a pointed look at Shen Hanyue, "Junior Sister, you mustn't let Senior Sister Guo hear you speak in such a manner!" Shen Hanyue giggled playfully, "In Senior Sister Guo's presence, I would certainly refrain from such words." Emperor Zhiyuan advised, "We must continue our cultivation endeavors; let us advance our power as swiftly as possible." "Indeed, cultivation!" Shen Hanyue echoed in agreement. ... The following evening, Emperor Zhiyuan opened his eyes. He gazed upwards at the sky, observing the brocade-like crimson clouds, magnificent and breathtaking, and a smile touched his lips. Previously, his cultivation sessions were limited to dawn, as his spiritual power would wane, necessitating a halt. This time, however, he had managed to extend his practice for an entire additional day. He recognized that this sustained effort was not solely due to enhanced spiritual power, but also the judicious application of the Moonlight Butterfly. His manipulation of spiritual power became more precise and economical. Furthermore, the Moonlight Butterfly accelerated the circulation of his Taihao Jade Void Scripture, rendering it considerably more effective. These two days and nights of continuous cultivation yielded results equivalent to four or five previous sessions. He distinctly felt the gateway to the Spirit Venerable realm drawing nearer, now appearing with great clarity. It was no longer an indistinct vision, as before, where it seemed tangible yet distant, like a faint light observed at night, its true distance unknown. He now possessed a firm conviction: at his current pace of cultivation, he could reach that gateway within a year. Successfully reaching and discovering the means to open that gate would elevate him to the status of a Spirit Venerable. If he were to achieve Spirit Venerable status within a year, he might very well become the youngest ever to do so. Abruptly, he turned his head. Xiao Ruoling and Shen Hanyue were seated cross-legged upon their beds, their white attire as pristine as snow, their hair unbound, resembling two statues carved from White Jade. At that instant, their white clothes suddenly billowed, and their dark hair whipped about, as if caught in a furious gale. Their auras surged dramatically, permeating the entire chamber and even spilling out into the courtyard. The atmosphere in the small courtyard grew dense, potent, and volatile, akin to a tidal wave flooding the area. Emperor Zhiyuan smiled. It was a breakthrough. Xiao Ruoling and Shen Hanyue simultaneously opened their luminous eyes, their gazes sharp and penetrating, causing the room to suddenly blaze with light. They exchanged a look. "Senior Sister, I've broken through." "Mm." "And you, Senior Sister?" "I have also just broken through." "Ha... This cultivation speed is simply astonishing!" Shen Hanyue giggled, "Now I understand why the palace permits your association with the Prince." "Do not be so quick to assume the palace harbors ill intentions," Xiao Ruoling cautioned. Shen Hanyue playfully curled her red lips, "Only Master is truly benevolent; the others..." "Enough," Xiao Ruoling interjected, cutting short her rambling. Certain truths were best left unspoken. They gracefully floated towards Emperor Zhiyuan's side. Shen Hanyue inquired with curiosity, "Prince, have you learned another Miracle Technique? Your cultivation speed has increased so dramatically!" Emperor Zhiyuan smiled, "I have indeed grasped a Miracle Technique; my future cultivation sessions will be extended, and my progress will be even swifter." "Wonderful!" Shen Hanyue exclaimed with delight, "At this rate, we will soon attain Perfection."
"Junior Sister, hold on a moment," Xiao Ruoling chuckled, "as we venture further, our cultivation speed will naturally decrease."
She had now ascended to the Eighth Transition, while Shen Hanyue was at the Seventh.
Following the Seventh Transition, she sensed a considerable chasm before reaching the next level.
The difference between the Sixth and Seventh Transitions pales in comparison to the gap between the Seventh and Eighth.
Extrapolating from this pattern, it is logical to assume that the journey from the Eighth to the Ninth Transition will present even greater trials.
Attaining Perfection is no simple feat.
Shen Hanyue responded, "No matter the difficulty, our progress won’t falter; the Prince’s Miracle Technique is truly astounding, far surpassing our individual cultivation efforts."
Emperor Zhiyuan offered a smile, "If we maintain this pace, we should reach the next transition by next month, and another two months should see us ascend another stage."
He had a clear understanding of the cultivation levels and inner states of the two women.
Their Taoye Marrow Cleansing Technique was indeed extraordinary, a remarkably rare Miracle Technique.
Once cultivated, it forged an incredibly robust foundation, akin to a rapidly growing snowball.
Embarking on cultivation is arduous, but as time progresses, the pace accelerates.
The initial stages demand comprehension and fortitude; once these are overcome, progression becomes swift and unstoppable.
They had now entered the phase where the snowball effect was in full swing, accelerating downhill.
...
As the early morning light dawned, Emperor Zhiyuan awoke in his bed, only to find a young man waiting outside.
He promptly rose from his slumber, exited his chambers, and opened the courtyard gate.
The young man outside clasped his fists in greeting, stating, "Mr. Chu, the Director eagerly awaits your presence."
Emperor Zhiyuan inquired, "Departing so early?"
"The Director emphasized that the sooner, the better, to avoid any delays in crucial matters."
"Indeed, that is correct," Emperor Zhiyuan affirmed, "Please proceed ahead; I shall change my attire and follow shortly."
"Understood."
...
Adjacent to the woods on the eastern outskirts of the Imperial City stood a modest pavilion, designated as a place for travelers to bid farewell.
Within this pavilion, Huang Zhengyang was presently seated with six elders around a stone table.
These six elders, all possessing snow-white beards and brows, with hair like cranes yet faces exuding youthfulness, radiated a vigorous spirit.
Their expressions were uniformly joyful, imbued with benevolence and warmth.
Four middle-aged men garbed in black robes stood sentinel at the pavilion's periphery, their visages stern, deterring any approaching pedestrians.
Observing their mystical attire, passersby recognized them as formidable figures from the Evil Extermination Department, and tactfully altered their course.
"Heh heh... Little Huang, is Mr. Chu still indulging in sleep?" inquired a short, stout elder with a smile.
Huang Zhengyang replied, "Perhaps he is engaged in cultivation."
"Having attained the Perfect Realm yet still toiling so diligently?"
"Without such dedication, he would not have reached the Perfect Realm at such a tender age."
"He is young and now in Perfection due to his hard work? Preposterous!"
"Even possessing immense comprehension, without unwavering diligence, he could not have achieved Perfection so early."
"Nonsense, I contend that comprehension is the paramount factor."
"Comprehension is rendered meaningless without diligent effort..."
The six elders immediately became engrossed in a heated debate.
Huang Zhengyang massaged his temples, a sense of unease settling upon him.
These six were truly venerable ancestors, excessively garrulous, engaging in endless arguments over the most trivial matters, capable of debating for days on end.
Despite feeling overwhelmed, he dared not silence them, resigned to listening.
His head began to throb, and he interjected hastily, "Respected Elders, Brother Chu will be arriving shortly."
"Shortly? How shortly?"
"Little Huang, an hour? Half an hour, or perhaps a quarter?"
"Within the hour!" Huang Zhengyang responded with haste.
"Oh, that is quite prompt."
"Once he arrives, let us refrain from reprimands; show Little Huang some respect."
"Indeed, we must accord Little Huang due consideration."
At that precise moment, Emperor Zhiyuan materialized within the pavilion.
The six elders were taken aback, swiftly stepping back, their gazes fixed upon him with caution.
Huang Zhengyang chuckled, "Brother Chu, I trust I have not disturbed your slumber? We must make haste to Black Tree Village, lest we impede important affairs."
Emperor Zhiyuan smiled gently, "There is ample time."
