Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1365 - 1361: Scheming

"Then let’s set off now," stated Zhou Yang.

Meng Qingchuan inquired, "Mr. Zhu, will we have the chance to meet again?"

Zhu Lingyun offered a smile, responding, "I have faith that our paths will cross once more."

Zhou Yang chimed in, "Mr. Zhu, while we anticipate meeting again, it would perhaps be best if we did not."

Zhu Lingyun considered this, saying, "Let us observe the outcome of this journey to the Flower God Sect. Should it conclude favorably, allowing for an easy passage to Biyuan Heaven, then I can depart with a lighter heart."

"You are most welcome here," Meng Qingchuan replied with a laugh. "May I accompany you in seeing Mr. Zhu off, Junior Brother Zhou?"

Zhou Yang responded with a hint of resignation, "It is not convenient."

"Oh... very well, I shall not impose then," Meng Qingchuan conceded. "The main altar of the Flower God Sect is a closely guarded secret, a place I am not privy to entering."

Zhu Lingyun remarked, "It matters not. We shall part ways here; until our next encounter."

"Farewell, Mr. Zhu," Meng Qingchuan said.

"The same to you," Zhu Lingyun replied, clasping his fists before departing alongside Zhou Yang.

A contingent of Green Bamboo Sect luminaries escorted him to the base of the mountain, engaging in respectful fist salutes as they bid their farewells.

After journeying for a league, he paused, casting a final glance back at the sea of azure bamboo stretching before him.

The bamboo grove surged like verdant waves, exuding an aura of vibrant life and potent vitality.

The disciples of the Green Bamboo Sect had extended such genuine warmth and hospitality that he had truly felt a sense of belonging.

Zhou Yang, perceiving Zhu Lingyun's expression, offered a knowing smile. "Should your return journey not go as planned, Mr. Zhu, consider this place your home."

"Indeed," Zhu Lingyun affirmed. "I find myself greatly fond of this place."

Zhou Yang's smile widened in response.

The pair continued their travels, traversing the treetops and charting a direct aerial course as they advanced toward the distant mountain peaks.

Zhu Lingyun inquired, "Brother Zhou, could you enlighten me about the Flower God Sect? What manner of organization is it, precisely?"

"The Flower God Sect..." Zhou Yang mused, a slight shake of his head accompanying his words. "Regarding their true might, we possess no concrete knowledge."

"Then why is it esteemed as a foremost sect?"

"Because every single disciple within the Flower God Sect is a paramount expert. A sect attains the status of 'top' with a mere ten such individuals; however, the Flower God Sect boasts far more than that number of elite disciples."

"Ten..." Zhu Lingyun contemplated. "What cultivation Realm does that represent? In our Biyuan Heaven, the pinnacle of cultivation is the Spirit Venerable, a rare attainment, with the Venerable Realm existing just below it."

"And what is your own Realm, Mr. Zhu?"

"Myself? I am at the Ninth Transition of the Venerable Realm."

"Mr. Zhu, your cultivation is comparable to that of the Flower God Sect's esteemed members. By your own metrics, their experts should also reside within the Ninth Transition of the Venerable Realm."

"I understand..." Zhu Lingyun acknowledged. "To possess ten cultivators of my caliber is indeed a formidable feat. ...And how do the disciples of the Flower God Sect typically conduct themselves?"

"They are seldom seen, and as long as one does not provoke them, they will refrain from taking action," Zhou Yang explained. "However, if provoked, their retribution is swift and devastating, like a thunderous strike."

"That aligns with the principles of the Righteous Path," Zhu Lingyun commented.

Zhou Yang offered a nod of agreement.

Zhu Lingyun smiled, adding, "Therefore, Brother Zhou places his trust in them, believing they will not bring me any harm."

"Mr. Zhu, you harbor no animosity towards them, and you have rendered a service to our Green Bamboo Sect; why, then, would the Flower God Sect seek to harm you?"

"Indeed, that is true; however, one must never abandon vigilance. I must remain cautious."

Zhou Yang's posture immediately became more upright. "Precisely, caution is of the utmost importance... When we encounter them, I shall address the matter directly with my cousin. Should circumstances indeed prove unfavorable, Mr. Zhu, you must be prepared to bide your time and explore alternative paths for your return."

Zhu Lingyun nodded earnestly in agreement.

...

Their conversation continued as they pressed onward. As noon approached, they arrived at a towering mountain peak.

Standing atop the summit were two middle-aged men, their hands clasped behind their backs.

One was stout and possessed a genial smile, while the other was tall and slender, bearing a subtle resemblance to Zhou Yang.

Upon detecting the rustling of garments carried by the wind, their gazes shifted towards the newcomers.

Chu Zhiyuan could feel their penetrating scrutiny, seeming to bypass spatial barriers to fall directly upon him.

It felt as though they were standing immediately before him, scrutinizing his very being.

Zhou Yang’s movements faltered for a moment before he offered a smile, quickening his pace to meet them. He clasped his fists, greeting, "Cousin, apologies for keeping you waiting."

The tall, lean man returned the gesture, his gaze sweeping over Chu Zhiyuan before settling on the stout man beside him. "Allow me to introduce my Brother Mo, Mo Huaiyuan."

"Greetings, Mr. Mo," Zhou Yang responded, clasping his fists with a smile. "We regret our tardiness."

"Haha... not at all. We arrived ahead of schedule," Mo Huaiyuan declared, waving a hand dismissively. A warm smile graced his features as he turned his attention to Zhu Lingyun. "And you must be Mr. Zhu from Biyuan Heaven?"

"Greetings, Mr. Mo, and greetings, Mr. Zhou," Zhu Lingyun replied, clasping his fists with a cordial smile.

Both individuals were confirmed to be at the Ninth Transition of the Venerable Realm; the Flower God Sect's formidable reputation was thoroughly deserved.

Zhou Yang’s cousin, also bearing the surname Zhou, was named Zhou Tianji.

A customary exchange of fist salutes passed between the two, a gesture of mutual respect.

While appearing at ease outwardly, Zhu Lingyun harbored internal tension, projecting a facade of friendliness yet maintaining a guarded stance. "I seek passage back to Biyuan Heaven through your kindness this time, for which I am deeply grateful. Is there any way I might repay your generosity?" he inquired.

Mo Huaiyuan chuckled, "I am told, Mr. Zhu, that you hail from Biyuan Heaven?"

"Indeed," Zhu Lingyun confirmed.

"Specifically, from Wanxiang Cliff in Biyuan Heaven?"

"That is correct."

"However, from my understanding, there exists no Wanxiang Cliff, nor any such sect, within Biyuan Heaven. Is that not so?" Mo Huaiyuan probed.

A moment of hesitation crossed Zhou Yang's face.

Zhou Tianji’s brow furrowed.

Zhu Lingyun offered a smile, "It appears, Mr. Mo, that you possess considerable knowledge regarding Biyuan Heaven."

"Haha... To have journeyed to Biyuan Heaven, one naturally acquires some understanding, gaining familiarity with the various sects, both prominent and obscure," Mo Huaiyuan responded.

Zhu Lingyun then posed his own question, "In that case, Mr. Mo, are you acquainted with the Wanxiang Sect?"

"The Wanxiang Sect... I have indeed heard of it," Mo Huaiyuan replied with a laugh. "Could it be, Mr. Zhu, that you are affiliated with the Wanxiang Sect?"

Zhu Lingyun clarified, "While I am aware of the Wanxiang Sect, I do not belong to it."

"Then from whence do you truly come, and what manner of cultivator are you?" Mo Huaiyuan inquired, his tone growing solemn. "We cannot simply facilitate your passage without being apprilled of Mr. Zhu’s true identity, can we?"

Zhu Lingyun nodded in understanding. "Once I reach Biyuan Heaven, I can then return to my origin."

"And where might that be?"

"...You Meng Heaven," Zhu Lingyun stated deliberately. "Wanxiang Cliff, situated within You Meng Heaven."

"You Meng Heaven..." Mo Huaiyuan mused, his gaze shifting thoughtfully towards Zhou Tianji.

Zhou Tianji commented, "You Meng Heaven... I have no recollection of ever hearing that name."

They were familiar with the sects of Biyuan Heaven and recognized the Wanxiang Sect as an unsavory group, yet You Meng Heaven remained an unknown entity to them. Given the multitude of realms, it was an impossible feat to be cognizant of every single one.

Zhou Yang voiced his realization, "Mr. Zhu, you have indeed deceived us skillfully."

Zhu Lingyun offered an apology, "Indeed, finding myself isolated in this unfamiliar place, it was necessary to employ certain precautions. Brother Zhou, I humbly request your forgiveness."

"...That is understandable," Zhou Yang conceded, a wry smile touching his lips. "Were we in your position, we might have acted similarly. Brother Zhu, your name is genuine, is it not?"

"This is my true name, unequivocally," Zhu Lingyun affirmed. "And the sect name is also accurate; it simply resides in You Meng Heaven, rather than Biyuan Heaven."

Exchanging a knowing glance, Mo Huaiyuan and Zhou Tianji then inquired with a smile, "Mr. Zhu, pray tell, how did you traverse from Biyuan Heaven to You Meng Heaven?"

Zhu Lingyun explained, "Through a combination of a secret technique and a potent treasure, which enabled me to ascend to You Meng Heaven."

Mo Huaiyuan's laughter boomed, "Mr. Zhu, here is my proposal: we assist you in returning to Biyuan Heaven, and in return, you grant us the opportunity to gain some insight into You Meng Heaven. Does that sound agreeable?"

"That..." Zhu Lingyun expressed a brief moment of hesitation before nodding affirmatively. "Very well."

"Can you bring us there?" Mo Huaiyuan pressed.

Zhu Lingyun chuckled. "Certainly, though only one person may accompany me; it is not feasible for more."

"Excellent! Mr. Zhu, please lead the way—!" Mo Huaiyuan declared with hearty laughter. "Let us return to the main altar, and from there, we shall proceed to Biyuan Heaven!"

"I thank you," Zhu Lingyun acknowledged, casting a glance towards Zhou Yang. "Brother Zhou, I implore you to maintain the confidentiality of my affairs. I hope to have the pleasure of visiting again."

"...Very well," Zhou Yang replied after a slight pause, his nod slow and deliberate.

Did he not even intend to inform the Sect Master? The thought lingered.

Without further delay, Zhu Lingyun floated gracefully into the sky, accompanied by Mo Huaiyuan and Zhou Tianji.

Zhou Yang observed their figures receding into the distance, a persistent unease settling upon him, the conviction growing that this Mr. Zhu was far more enigmatic than he initially appeared.