Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1367 - 1363: Intimidation

The Wanxiang Returning to God Technique of Zhu Lingyun is truly remarkable, capable of resurrecting a soul even after death at Wanxiang Cliff.

However, this is only under ordinary conditions.

When faced with insidious sects like the Flower God Sect, which excel at soul capture, any attempt at escape becomes futile.

Consequently, Zhu Lingyun recognized the immense risk and understood the necessity of a swift escape at the opportune moment.

This maneuver was surprisingly effortless for Zhu Lingyun.

Utilizing the insights granted by the Donghuan Saint Technique, he executed a sudden teleportation, whisking Zhu Lingyun away and vanishing instantly.

The formidable experts of the Flower God Sect reacted with agonizing slowness, their efforts to pursue Zhu Lingyun proving futile as he disappeared without a trace.

Witnessing this, Zhu Lingyun turned his head, a smile gracing his lips as he addressed Zhou Tianji, "Are Mr. Zhou and Brother Zhou from the Green Bamboo Sect related?"

"Indeed," Zhou Tianji confirmed with a nod.

"Brother Zhou places great trust in you," Zhu Lingyun remarked. "The Green Bamboo Sect also holds your esteemed sect in high regard, viewing the Flower God Sect as powerful, enigmatic, yet commendably humble."

Mo Huaiyuan offered a genial smile, stating, "We indeed maintain a low profile and seldom venture out."

Zhu Lingyun probed further, "I am incredibly curious; what is the ultimate objective of your sect?"

"Our aspiration is to attain Godhood," Mo Huaiyuan declared. "Every disciple endeavors to ascend to the status of a Divine Honor."

Zhu Lingyun expressed doubt, "That seems almost beyond reach, does it not? Achieving divinity is a monumental task, and once attained, what then?"

"Upon becoming a Divine Being, one possesses unparalleled freedom to act as they please," Mo Huaiyuan explained. "With lifespans stretching into eternity, one can pursue any desire to their heart's content."

"Does your sect harbor any Divine Beings?"

"Hehe..." Mo Huaiyuan chuckled. "Does your Wanxiang Cliff boast any Divine Beings?"

"Undoubtedly," Zhu Lingyun affirmed with a nod. "We have at least three such luminaries."

"That is truly impressive," Mo Huaiyuan acknowledged. "With three Divine Beings, surely no one dares to challenge your Wanxiang Cliff, correct?"

"While our Wanxiang Cliff possesses Divine Beings, so too do other sects," Zhu Lingyun clarified. "Should a Venerable be harmed, a Divine Being will invariably intervene. However, for afflictions below the Venerable level, a Divine Being will not concern themselves; their demise is their own burden to bear."

"I comprehend," Mo Huaiyuan stated, nodding slowly.

He exchanged a brief, knowing glance with Zhou Tianji.

"It appears the cultivation method of Wanxiang Cliff is quite profound," Mo Huaiyuan voiced with a hint of envy.

"It is passable," Zhu Lingyun replied, shaking his head with a sigh. "The probability of our Wanxiang Cliff disciples achieving Divinity is exceedingly slim. Despite thousands of disciples in each generation, all possessing exceptional talent, a single Divine Being may not even emerge. I, myself, am one such individual, constantly striving but never presuming to claim I can achieve it."

Mo Huaiyuan responded, "The mere prospect of reaching Divinity is already an exceptional feat."

Zhou Tianji mused aloud, "Divine Beings can transcend mundane existence; I wonder if any have graced this place with their presence."

"It is highly probable; if I can arrive inadvertently, then Divine Beings should find it even more feasible," Zhu Lingyun surmised.

"Indeed, that is accurate," Zhou Tianji concurred with a nod.

Mo Huaiyuan chuckled, "The might wielded by Divine Beings is truly beyond mortal comprehension."

Zhu Lingyun elaborated, "Regardless of their strength or numbers, Venerables find themselves utterly outmatched when confronting Divine Beings, akin to children facing adults. There was an instance where a sect, emboldened by its numerous Venerables, dared to provoke a Divine Being. The consequence was the annihilation of the entire sect overnight, with seventy-two Venerables perishing without exception."

Mo Huaiyuan queried with amusement, "Why would they dare to provoke a Divine Being?"

"Because their sect also happened to possess a Divine Being, granting them a false sense of security. Unfortunately, by the time their Divine Being managed to react, the sect had already been utterly destroyed." Zhu Lingyun shook his head, a melancholic sigh escaping him. "Alas... even Divine Beings are not omnipotent, nor are they omnipresent."

As Zhu Lingyun continued, a palpable weight settled upon the hearts of Zhou Tianji and Mo Huaiyuan.

They had already grasped the underlying message in Zhu Lingyun's words.

This was a clear warning issued by the Divine Beings, intended to dissuade the Flower God Sect from acting rashly or attempting to kill him.

Otherwise, the certainty of a Divine Being seeking retribution would loom large.

Could the Flower God Sect truly withstand the vengeance of a Divine Being?

Even if the Flower God Sect harbored Divine Beings, their ability to repel the retribution from Wanxiang Cliff's Divine Beings remained questionable.

Zhu Lingyun inquired, "Have we nearly arrived?"

Mo Huaiyuan smiled, replying, "We are close, just two more mountain ranges to traverse, and we shall reach our Flower God Sect."

Zhu Lingyun sighed, remarking, "Even the Green Bamboo Sect is unaware of your sect's location; truly quite mysterious."

Zhou Tianji explained, "Our disciples prefer not to be disturbed and seek a life of tranquility."

"Prioritizing cultivation is indeed a commendable pursuit," Zhu Lingyun conceded.

He secretly shook his head.

Mystery, he mused, is frequently intertwined with power, becoming an enigmatic entity through sheer strength.

The Flower God Sect is shrouded in an excessive mystery, deliberately maintaining an aura of enigma.

This behavior reeks of insecurity, a clear attempt to conceal impropriety.

Could it be that the Flower God Sect genuinely lacks any Divine Beings?

Their alleged Divine Beings are, in reality, Spirit Venerables; it appears improbable that they have no Spirit Venerables at all.

After all, without the safeguarding presence of Spirit Venerables, it becomes exceptionally challenging to ascend to the status of a top sect.

The relationships between Martial Arts Sects are far from gentle and courteous; it is a brutal struggle for survival, a harsh order where the fittest endure, often through means unimaginably cruel.

"We've arrived!"

Mo Huaiyuan's voice suddenly cut through the air.

Zhu Lingyun turned his gaze, paying close attention.

They had traversed the second mountain peak, and ahead lay the forest, precisely the ancient arboreal expanse where Chu Zhiyuan had previously been spotted.

"What a remarkable place!" Zhu Lingyun exclaimed, surveying the surroundings, and then sighed, "It is truly a haven of tranquility here."

The forest, comprised of ancient trees, maintains a profound silence, and the vegetation flourishes with exceptional density.

At a single glance, one can perceive an abundant vitality, with the spiritual Qi permeating the area surpassing that of other locations.

The two exchanged a smile and each retrieved a piece of green jade pendant from the depths of their garments.

The jade pendant soon emitted a soft luminescence within their palms, and amidst the gentle white light, a rose intricately carved upon the pendant could be faintly discerned.

As the soft radiance pulsed, it seemed as though an unseen force had dispelled the obstruction that lay before them.

Zhu Lingyun's eyes widened, illuminated with newfound clarity.

He could now perceive the hidden valley, previously concealed from his sight, and he observed the meticulously arranged dwellings, the grand halls, and the expansive square situated before them.

Most striking was the central hall, appearing as if a magnificent bloom had unfurled, drawing the eye with its prominence.

Zhu Lingyun could not help but express his profound admiration.

"Mr. Zhu, please proceed."

"Esteemed guests, please follow."

The duo guided him, their movements ethereal as they floated towards the valley.

Zhou Tianji spoke, "Mr. Zhu, we require a considerable amount of power to activate the grand array, necessitating a special ritual. We also kindly request that you remain at the main altar for a few days."

"A few days will hardly make a difference," Zhu Lingyun responded with a genial smile, "Then I shall be in your care. How many days, precisely?"

"No more than ten days," Zhou Tianji stated.

Mo Huaiyuan chuckled, "Mr. Zhu, as long as you remain within the confines of the main altar, feel free to explore its expanse at your leisure."

"Very well," Zhu Lingyun nodded with a smile, "I presume there are certain areas I should refrain from observing? Each sect possesses its unique secrets, and it is best for outsiders to remain unaware."

Mo Huaiyuan replied, "Our sect operates with utmost transparency; there is nothing we cannot disclose... with the exception of a few restricted halls, all other areas are accessible."

After all, his demise is preordained; before we dispatch him, we must observe him thoroughly.

We must strive to eliminate him without leaving any lingering threats.

Zhu Lingyun nodded his head solemnly, "Understood."

He followed the two men into the secluded valley.

The moment he crossed the threshold, an intangible yet potent force began to scrutinize him.

It felt as though a 'Super Sense' was piercing through his very being, seeking to unravel his inner and outer self.

This power was formidable, immense; in its presence, he felt as insignificant as an ant, defenseless, easily exposed.

A cold dread coursed through his heart.

Could this overwhelming power discern that he was merely a clone? Could it perceive the psychic link to his true body?

Yet, he maintained an outward composure, his smile unwavering, and inquired, "Might I ask where my accommodations will be?"

"Follow me," Mo Huaiyuan instructed.

Mo Huaiyuan took the lead, guiding the way.

Zhou Tianji offered a respectful cupped-fist salute in farewell and proceeded directly towards the nearest hall.

Zhu Lingyun subtly extended a portion of his 'Super Sense,' attempting to pinpoint the origin of the imposing power.

The instant his 'Super Sense' expanded, he was met with an overwhelming sensation, akin to a brilliant sun shining directly upon him.

The central hall of the valley, which appeared as a mere flower to the naked eye, was perceived by his 'Super Sense' as a dazzling, radiant sun, impossibly bright to gaze upon directly.

The formidable power that had been scanning him emanated precisely from this blinding celestial body.

He deliberately shifted his attention away from it, focusing instead on observing Zhou Tianji's movements.

Zhou Tianji had arrived at the westernmost hall.

Within the hall, nine high-backed chairs were arranged, currently occupied by two Venerable elders and four middle-aged individuals.

Upon entering, Zhou Tianji offered a respectful cupped-fist greeting and then announced, "Elders, the individual has been brought back. He appears suspicious and has become quite vigilant."

"Once he is within these walls, his vigilance is utterly useless," a middle-aged man seated at the outermost chair stated coldly. "His fate is already sealed. Have you managed to ascertain his true background?"

"Yes, some information has been compiled, but discerning truth from falsehood is proving difficult. The most concerning aspect is the supposed 'Divine Venerable'." Zhou Tianji relayed Zhu Lingyun's earlier pronouncements with gravity.

The atmosphere within the hall instantly grew heavy, charged with a palpable tension.

The two elders present were distinct in appearance: one was burly and imposing, the other lean and wiry.

The burly elder furrowed his brow and declared, "It seems we must first journey to Biyuan Heaven to verify the true nature of Wanxiang Cliff."

The other elder shook his head, posing a critical question, "If a genuine Divine Venerable truly exists, would we permit him to depart alive?"

A collective silence fell upon the group, and everyone present shook their heads in negating unison.

The fact that the Flower God Sect can infiltrate Biyuan Heaven signals their impending doom, a truth known by all.

A formidable elder, his frame imposing, voiced, "Should Wanxiang Cliff truly harbor a Divine Venerable, a direct assault is unwise. We must devise a means to shift the culpability elsewhere."

"Precisely, that is the most logical course of action," another chimed in agreement.

"This strategy is excellent; it effectively redirects the impending calamity," a third elder remarked.

"But to whom shall we divert this trouble?" a question hung in the air.

"What about the Green Bamboo Sect?" was the suggestion.

"The Green Bamboo Sect lacks the necessary might; implicating them would be difficult to justify," countered a dissenting voice.

"This lack of strength, however, lends credibility to the Divine Venerable's eyes. Being toppled in a mere ditch becomes an inevitable, more plausible outcome," was the response, justifying the suggestion.

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