Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1366 - 1362: Espionage

Zhu Lingyun moved with refined grace, matching the strides of Zhou Tianji and Mo Huaiyuan.

"Esteemed Mr. Zhou, esteemed Mr. Mo, is the journey to Biyuan Heaven easily undertaken by your Sect?"

"It presents no great difficulty," Zhou Tianji replied.

"Then do your Sect disciples frequent Biyuan Heaven?"

Mo Huaiyuan let out a soft chuckle, "Hehe, how could that be? The spiritual energy in Biyuan Heaven is rather scarce. Venturing there would, in fact, hinder our cultivation progress."

"Indeed, the spiritual energy in Biyuan Heaven is somewhat lacking," Zhu Lingyun concurred, nodding slightly, "yet Biyuan Heaven possesses its own unique advantages."

He mused internally, shaking his head subtly.

The truth he spoke was only partial.

While the spiritual energy in Biyuan Heaven was indeed weaker, it was not to the degree they suggested.

Furthermore, their excursions to Biyuan Heaven were motivated by the pursuit of cultivation through unorthodox, even sinister, techniques.

Yet, he kept this crucial detail unvoiced.

"Oh—? It boasts advantages?" Mo Huaiyuan inquired with a laugh, "Pray tell, what advantages?"

"It is a realm of peace and stability, exceptionally safe," Zhu Lingyun explained with a smile, "There are no conflicts or entanglements between nations, nor are martial disputes particularly intense."

"Mr. Zhu speaks wisely; it appears you are well-acquainted with Biyuan Heaven," Zhou Tianji remarked, nodding in agreement. "This aspect of Biyuan Heaven is indeed rare. However, at our level of cultivation, such safety offers little utility; thus, we generally avoid Biyuan Heaven if possible."

Zhu Lingyun nodded again, then posed another question, "Then, by what means does your Sect travel to Biyuan Heaven?"

The implication from their earlier statements was clear: they seldom visited Biyuan Heaven.

But was this the unvarnished truth?

Had there been no instances of unseen Sect annihilation or village destruction within Biyuan Heaven's borders prior to this?

This particular incident had drawn attention precisely because a village had been eradicated.

If this village had been situated in a remote area, or nestled deep within mountains and forests, known only to a select few, who would ever know of its fate if it were destroyed?

Numerous merchant caravans had also vanished en route, disappearing without a trace. Could this be their doing?

Zhou Tianji shifted the conversation, asking, "Mr. Zhu, how do cultivators from You Meng Heaven undertake their journey to Biyuan Heaven?"

Zhu Lingyun responded, "We utilize a sacred treasure, one that provides protection and guidance, employing it to descend into Biyuan Heaven."

"And what manner of treasure is this?" Mo Huaiyuan inquired with a genial smile.

Zhu Lingyun offered an apologetic smile, "This pertains to a secret of my Sect; it cannot be divulged."

"Hehe, indeed, such secrets are not to be carelessly shared," Mo Huaiyuan chuckled. "Then, besides yourselves, are there other Sects from You Meng Heaven capable of descending to Biyuan Heaven?"

"It is likely that they can as well," Zhu Lingyun affirmed with a nod.

He recognized that he was attempting to uncover the secrets of the Flower God Sect, while they, in turn, were seeking to probe his own truths.

It was a subtle, intricate dance of wits and mutual probing.

Mo Huaiyuan glanced at Zhou Tianji, a smile playing on his lips, "You Meng Heaven possesses the ability to descend to Biyuan Heaven, and we, too, can achieve this. Yet, over all these years, we have never crossed paths."

Zhou Tianji responded with cool indifference, "We all prioritize discretion, and moreover, our numbers are few. Biyuan Heaven is vast, akin to a single grain of sand lost within the immensity of the ocean."

"Despite the desire for secrecy, such encounters are difficult to avoid entirely, wouldn't you agree, Mr. Zhu?" Mo Huaiyuan pressed, his laughter carrying a hint of amusement.

Zhu Lingyun replied, "The number of our disciples who descend to Biyuan Heaven is indeed small, so it is not surprising that we rarely encounter others. ... Besides your esteemed Sect, are there any others here who possess the means to descend to Biyuan Heaven?"

"To the best of my knowledge, none other," Mo Huaiyuan stated definitively. "Only our Flower God Sect has mastered the secret art required to enter Biyuan Heaven."

Zhu Lingyun inquired further, "May I be so bold as to ask if your method of entry resembles ours, perhaps involving a treasured artifact? ... Or is it something entirely different?"

"Hehe, you shall soon witness it for yourself," Mo Huaiyuan responded with a knowing chuckle. "It is no secret; it is an ancient array."

"An array..." Zhu Lingyun exclaimed, his eyes widening in astonishment, "Does such a profound mystical array truly exist in this world, capable of traversing between realms?"

Both Mo Huaiyuan and Zhou Tianji offered proud, knowing smiles.

Zhu Lingyun continued, "If such an array can indeed exist, then besides traveling to Biyuan Heaven, could it also facilitate passage to other heavens?"

"No, it cannot," Mo Huaiyuan replied succinctly.

Zhu Lingyun expressed a hint of surprise, "Only to Biyuan Heaven? That is rather regrettable."

"Sigh..." Zhou Tianji let out a soft sigh, a sound heavy with unspoken sentiment.

Zhu Lingyun regarded him with a gaze filled with curiosity.

Mo Huaiyuan simply laughed, "The ability to enter Biyuan Heaven is, in itself, more than sufficient."

Beneath his outwardly jovial demeanor, a tempest of murderous intent seethed within his heart.

The formidable strength of the Flower God Sect stemmed from a unique cultivation shortcut: the Taihua Thick Earth Technique.

This technique involved utilizing souls as vital nourishment to cultivate the ethereal Taixuan Flower.

The Taixuan Flower, imbued with profound mystery, not only accelerated cultivation but also significantly enhanced a cultivator's innate aptitude.

It possessed the power to transform one's constitution, bolster spiritual energy reserves, and sharpen comprehension.

Truly, it was the most wondrous spiritual medicine in existence.

With this miraculous spiritual medicine at their disposal, the Flower God Sect had ascended to immense power, its disciples achieving astonishing progress at an unparalleled pace.

Were the secret of the Taihua Thick Earth Technique to be known by others, the Flower God Sect would undoubtedly become the target of widespread animosity.

No worldly secret is impenetrable forever. Should the Taihua Thick Earth Technique ever be employed within Dan Yang Heaven, its eventual exposure was a certainty.

Consequently, disciples of the Flower God Sect rigorously abstained from using the Taihua Thick Earth Technique in Dan Yang Heaven, reserving its use exclusively for Biyuan Heaven.

Beyond the members of the Flower God Sect, no other individuals ventured into Biyuan Heaven from Dan Yang Heaven.

This ensured a seemingly foolproof plan within Biyuan Heaven.

However, the current predicament involved an individual from You Meng Heaven, who had previously visited Biyuan Heaven, now appearing in Dan Yang Heaven.

This introduced an unacceptable level of risk.

The most straightforward method to neutralize this risk was the complete elimination of this Zhu Lingyun.

Nevertheless, before proceeding with his removal, it was paramount to uncover the full truth to preempt any future complications.

...

Despite the palpable murderous intent radiating from within, Zhu Lingyun maintained a facade of ignorance, remarking with a sigh, "This array formation is truly wondrous. If it possesses the capability to link Dan Yang Heaven with Biyuan Heaven, it should logically offer pathways to other heavens as well, correct?"

"Haha, we harbor no such insatiable ambitions," Mo Huaiyuan responded with a chuckle.

Zhu Lingyun then turned his gaze towards Zhou Tianji, a smile playing on his lips, "Elder Zhou, you harbor a slight sense of regret, do you not?"

"Indeed, a small degree," Zhou Tianji conceded. "While Biyuan Heaven is not exceptional, who can say what superior heavens might exist?"

"Spiritual energy that even surpasses this domain?" Zhu Lingyun inquired, shaking his head. "Would that not present a significant danger?"

"Where peril resides, opportunity often follows," Zhou Tianji countered.

Zhu Lingyun chuckled, "Were I in such a position, I would much prefer the absence of opportunity to the embrace of danger."

Mo Huaiyuan let out a laugh, "It appears, Young Master Zhu, that you prioritize security above all else."

Zhu Lingyun nodded, his expression earnest. "Elder Zhou, Elder Mo, I trust there is no inherent danger in the array that connects to Biyuan Heaven?"

"Absolutely none," Mo Huaiyuan assured with a laugh. "Have no concerns, Young Master Zhu."

He began to accelerate his pace, moving with increasing velocity.

Zhou Tianji and Zhu Lingyun quickened their steps in unison, striving to keep pace.

...

Chu Zhiyuan pressed himself against the trunk of an ancient tree, his brow furrowed in thought.

It seemed the ceremony was not scheduled for today; his arrival had been premature.

Judging from the expressions and subtle mannerisms of Zhou Tianji and Mo Huaiyuan, it appeared this specific array formation only facilitated travel to Biyuan Heaven.

This was indeed favorable news.

Even more encouraging was the fact that no other sects within Dan Yang Heaven possessed a similar portal to Biyuan Heaven.

Once this array was neutralized, the Flower God Sect would be rendered powerless.

However, his current objective extended beyond merely destroying the array and severing the connection; he intended to utterly annihilate the Flower God Sect.

To capture the tiger's offspring, one must brave the tiger's lair. Zhu Lingyun's clone found it necessary to infiltrate the heart of the enemy territory.

He needed to ascertain the exact number of individuals residing within the Flower God Sect's valley and identify any potential escapees.

Nevertheless, undertaking such a reconnaissance mission carried inherent risks.

With a swift movement, he vanished from sight, only to reappear moments later atop a towering mountain peak.

Upon the summit, he had already undergone a complete transformation, now appearing as a frail, emaciated elder.

His imposing aura had been significantly suppressed, projecting an image of a cultivator barely having reached the Venerable Realm.

...

Suddenly, Zhu Lingyun emitted a soft exclamation, "Oh?"

Zhou Tianji and Mo Huaiyuan, alerted by the sound, turned their heads towards him. Following his pointed gaze to their left, they observed the withered old man perched upon the mountain peak.

A subtle frown creased their brows as they met the hollow, vacant eyes of the aged figure, experiencing an inexplicable sense of unease.

"Let us proceed along this path," Mo Huaiyuan declared, his tone dismissive.

His form shifted, deftly circumnavigating him who had adopted the guise of the withered old man, Chu Zhiyuan.

Zhu Lingyun mirrored his movement, murmuring in a lowered voice, "This individual's sudden appearance is somewhat peculiar."

"Indeed, rather peculiar," Zhou Tianji concurred.

Zhu Lingyun added, "However, his cultivation seems quite ordinary. There appears to be no necessity for avoidance, correct?"

"Prudence dictates caution; it could be a stratagem," Mo Huaiyuan scoffed. "There is no need to approach."

Zhu Lingyun offered praise, "Elder Mo, your circumspection and foresight are truly commendable."

Chu Zhiyuan's eyes subtly regained their former sharpness.

The plan was to conduct the ceremony in ten days, during which time Zhu Lingyun was intended to be eliminated. He would be held captive for the interim period of ten days before meeting his final demise amidst the ceremony.