Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1364 - 1360: Opportunity

Li Hongzhao remained still, allowing his fingertip to make contact with the center of her brow.

Instantly, a sensation akin to pure spring water flowed into her mind, thoroughly permeating her being.

In mere moments, the prior obscurity and oppressive burden vanished completely.

What lingered was an unburdened sense of clarity.

It felt as if she had just awakened from a profound slumber, revitalized and invigorated.

Li Hongzhao’s phoenix eyes fluttered open, and she let out a soft chuckle, inquiring, "What is this?"

Chu Zhiyuan responded with a laugh, "Just extending a hand to help. How do you feel now?"

"Much better," she replied.

"Then try a few more rounds of the Phoenix Divine Palm."

Li Hongzhao questioned with a hint of doubt, "Still more? Are you aiming to grasp the core essence of the Phoenix Divine Palm?"

Chu Zhiyuan simply shook his head.

A slight furrow appeared on Li Hongzhao’s delicate brow. "Are you intending to dissect the Phoenix Divine Palm to gain insights for your own martial arts?"

Chu Zhiyuan let out a laugh. "Indeed, the palm force of this Phoenix Divine Palm is of great benefit to me."

"Very well then, prepare yourself for the palm!"

...

After executing a dozen palms, Chu Zhiyuan again touched her brow, restoring her spiritual energy.

Then, another dozen palms followed.

...

Li Hongzhao opened her phoenix eyes, which now shone brilliantly, her spirit fully restored.

Yet, a perceptible aura of exhaustion emanated from between her delicate brows. She waved her jade-like hand, indicating, "No, that is sufficient."

Chu Zhiyuan chuckled. "Not even a hundred palms in total, and you are already feeling exhausted?"

"I cannot endure any more," Li Hongzhao sighed. "If this persists, my mental state will not recover."

Chu Zhiyuan gave a nod of understanding.

He was aware of the drawback associated with the Phoenix Divine Palm: its impact on one's mental state.

When the Phoenix Divine Palm is unleashed, the spectral seven-colored phoenix materializes above Li Hongzhao's head.

This manifestation is the power derived from her bloodline, and its appearance inevitably influences Li Hongzhao's mental fortitude.

The phoenix's innate cold pride, its disdainful gaze upon all things, begins to affect Li Hongzhao.

Li Hongzhao, having once held the position of Emperor and wielded the Emperor's Sword, was not entirely unacquainted with such a mental state.

From ascending to the throne, to becoming a disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect, and subsequently embracing the Phoenix Bloodline, she had traversed a path of immense change.

From the deepest valleys to the highest peaks, and then to the more common mountains, she had experienced a spectrum of highs and lows, enabling her to withstand the phoenix's mental influence.

Had it been someone else in her stead, their mental state would have fractured long ago, perhaps leaving them transformed into an entirely different person.

Chu Zhiyuan stated, "Then we shall cease."

"Is the Phoenix Divine Palm truly that crucial to you?"

"Extremely so. It greatly aids my cultivation journey."

"I shall seek out Master for treasures that can guard my mental state," Li Hongzhao declared.

Chu Zhiyuan laughed. "Does Senior Song possess such artifacts?"

Li Hongzhao smiled. "The accumulated resources of the Phoenix Lineage are profound, far beyond our comprehension, holding treasures we can scarcely imagine."

Chu Zhiyuan advised, "Just ensure you do not incur Senior Song's displeasure."

Li Hongzhao assured him, "Rest assured, I am currently the most prized asset of the Phoenix Lineage. Aiding my cultivation to reach greater heights is paramount, and Master is more than willing to provide assistance."

Chu Zhiyuan nodded.

The principle of remaining humble despite favor was something Li Hongzhao naturally understood.

He also trusted that Li Hongzhao was well aware of her own limitations.

Thus, he chose not to say any more.

...

As dawn broke, Chu Zhiyuan materialized near an ancient tree, observing the valley through its branches.

He calculated the time, realizing it coincided precisely with the Flower God Sect's next prayer ritual.

At that opportune moment, the White Jade Rose would materialize within the void.

This represented his most significant chance.

The leaves of the ancient tree rustled gently as Chu Zhiyuan placed his hand against the trunk, patiently awaiting the dawn.

Meanwhile, within the confines of the Green Bamboo Sect, Zhu Lingyun also opened his eyes.

He rose from his bed and stepped out into the small courtyard, gazing upwards at the sky.

The morning sun cast an abundance of radiant light.

The air was crisp and invigorating, a balm to the soul.

Just as he was preparing to commence his training, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed from outside, signaling the arrival of Meng Qingchuan at the courtyard.

Zhu Lingyun stepped forward, unlatched the courtyard gate, and graciously invited Meng Qingchuan inside to converse.

"Mr. Zhu, Junior Brother Zhou has returned," Meng Qingchuan announced with a smile.

Zhu Lingyun's spirits immediately soared.

Meng Qingchuan continued, "Junior Brother Zhou journeyed back overnight. He is weary and hungry, and is currently partaking in breakfast. He will come to see you once he has finished."

Zhu Lingyun quickly responded, "My matters are not pressing. Please allow Brother Zhou to rest thoroughly first."

Upon reaching the Green Bamboo Sect, he was met with a most cordial reception and showered with enthusiastic hospitality.

The entirety of the Green Bamboo Sect felt indebted to him for his life-saving intervention, readily offering their assistance, procuring information, and facilitating his journey back to Biyuan Heaven.

A critical piece of information surfaced: Zhou Yang possessed a relative within the Flower God Sect, a connection Zhou Yang had personally endeavored to find.

According to Zhou Yang's account, this relative was quite distant, yet to express gratitude for Zhu Lingyun’s past kindness, he steeled himself for the prospect of meeting them.

It now appeared that some headway had been made in this endeavor.

Meng Qingchuan chuckled, "Esteemed Mr. Zhu, no need for such formalities. Here at the Green Bamboo Sect, we consider you one of our own."

"Very well," Zhu Lingyun sighed, admitting, "I truly never anticipated this; my initial act was merely a casual gesture."

"This only further underscores your profound benevolence, Mr. Zhu, earning our deepest appreciation."

"Alright then," Zhu Lingyun replied with a smile, a slight shake of his head accompanying his words.

The distinct sound of approaching footsteps grew louder, announcing swift arrival outside the chamber, followed by a patient knock.

Meng Qingchuan smiled cordially, "Junior Brother Zhou, please, come in."

A tall, slender man in middle age pushed open the door, a smile gracing his features as he said, "Senior Brother Meng is also present; Mr. Zhu, my apologies for keeping you waiting!"

Zhu Lingyun offered a cupped fist salute with a smile, remarking, "Brother Zhou, you have indeed faced considerable hardships."

"Hardships? Hardly. Just a few errands, nothing too taxing," Zhou Yang replied with a smile.

Zhu Lingyun stated, "I am truly indebted to Brother Zhou for setting aside his dignity; it is profoundly..."

"Better to lose face than lose one's life, truly," Zhou Yang laughed heartily. "Mr. Zhu, such elaborate courtesies are unnecessary. This time, I did manage to meet him."

Zhu Lingyun's spirits visibly lifted.

Meng Qingchuan inquired, "What did your relative say? Is there a viable way for Mr. Zhu to return?"

"There is," Zhou Yang confirmed with a slow nod.

Meng Qingchuan's joy overflowed, "That is magnificent news! Do they concur with assisting in this matter?"

"This task can indeed be aided," Zhou Yang announced with a laugh. "Our Green Bamboo Sect maintains quite favorable relations with the Flower God Sect. Regarding a small favor, he indicated it was of no significant consequence."

"This is absolutely perfect!" Meng Qingchuan exclaimed. "Mr. Zhu, my sincerest congratulations."

Zhou Yang smiled, attributing the success, "It is also thanks to Mr. Zhu's immense kindness and warm heart that we could comfortably secure his assistance."

Zhu Lingyun then asked, "So, how exactly do I make my return?"

Zhou Yang explained, "Mr. Zhu, your best course of action is to first proceed to the Flower God Sect, and from there, you can arrange your return to Biyuan Heaven."

A hint of hesitation flickered across Zhu Lingyun's face.

Zhou Yang smiled reassuringly, "He mentioned that journeying back to Biyuan Heaven from the Flower God Sect is a relatively straightforward matter."

Zhu Lingyun's brow furrowed slightly. "However, I confess I have never heard of the Flower God Sect's esteemed reputation, nor have I witnessed the prowess of their cultivators."

"Hmm, while passage to Biyuan Heaven is possible, the Flower God Sect possesses a certain pride and may indeed be disinclined to undertake such a journey," Zhou Yang elaborated.

"Disinclined to go?" Zhu Lingyun queried, a touch of confusion in his tone.

Meng Qingchuan mused with a smile, "Could it be that, in the eyes of the Flower God Sect, Biyuan Heaven is regarded as little more than a desolate wasteland, unworthy of their scholarly attention?"

Zhou Yang let out an awkward chuckle, nodding in agreement.

"I understand now," Zhu Lingyun declared, a sense of resolution in his voice. "Then, I shall make my way there."

"Mr. Zhu, rest assured, my relative is a person of considerable integrity and possesses a good heart."

"I place my trust in Brother Zhou's word," Zhu Lingyun affirmed with a nod.

Meng Qingchuan added, "Be at ease, Mr. Zhu. Even if the Flower God Sect were to harbor ill intentions towards someone, they would not resort to deceit; their methods are invariably direct."

Zhu Lingyun laughed, a lighthearted sound. "Very well, I shall depart soon. When may I proceed?"

Zhou Yang responded, "If you are in a significant hurry, Mr. Zhu, then tomorrow would be the earliest."

"There is no pressing haste," Zhu Lingyun replied, gesturing dismissively with his hand.

Meng Qingchuan chuckled, "Then tomorrow it shall be. The deep desire to return to one's homeland is, of course, understandable."

Zhu Lingyun offered a slightly sheepish smile.

The act of calmly entering the Flower God Sect's secluded valley presented no significant obstacle for him, as he now possessed the means to achieve this through the ancient tree and the Earth Origin Technique.

Gaining a thorough understanding of the Flower God Sect and penetrating its inner workings was the paramount objective.