Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1375 - 1371: Discovery

"I have no idea either," the Cloud Stepping Leopard let out a scoff.

Zhu Lingyun found himself momentarily at a loss for words.

The Cloud Stepping Leopard scoffed again, "You utter so many words, yet you can't decipher any of them?"

"Indeed, I cannot recognize them. Where, precisely, are we?" Zhu Lingyun inquired, "This place couldn't possibly be You Meng Heaven, could it?"

"It is not You Meng Heaven."

"Then..."

The Cloud Stepping Leopard stated, "This is the Ancient Land."

Zhu Lingyun's mind began to race, alongside Chu Zhiyuan and his two other clones, Chu Liezhao and Leng Tieya, who were also deep in thought.

They were diligently attempting to deduce various possibilities, scrutinizing the inscriptions present here.

The Ancient Land, yet the Stone Beast and the Cloud Stepping Leopard bore a certain resemblance.

A multitude of possibilities bloomed in their minds, filtering directly into Zhu Lingyun's consciousness.

Zhu Lingyun then asked, "Could this be the location of your inheritance, Senior?"

The Cloud Stepping Leopard cast a sidelong glance at him.

Zhu Lingyun chuckled, "Senior wouldn't intend to destroy me outright, would you? Inheritances are not meant to be leaked."

The Cloud Stepping Leopard scoffed, "Foolish person, what use would my inheritance be to you? As if you could actually cultivate it!"

Zhu Lingyun responded, "While bloodline inheritances might be useless to outsiders, the four Imperial Family members of our Biyuan Heaven originate from the legacy of the Four Saints Bloodline."

"That requires cultivation to the Transformation stage," the Cloud Stepping Leopard remarked, "which is no longer feasible."

"Is it not possible for Senior to cultivate to the Transformation stage?"

"It is nearly impossible."

"And why is it impossible?"

"It is a lost art. Hmph, if you possessed the understanding to grasp this, then I could indeed cultivate to Transformation."

Zhu Lingyun pondered, "These tablets and books must represent your cultivation method... are there no further clues?"

"None whatsoever."

"...Please forgive my helplessness," Zhu Lingyun stated, shaking his head with a sigh.

He then moved closer to the tablet once more.

Employing Super Sensing Illumination, a gentle, unseen power emanated, shielding both the tablet and the Stone Beast.

Extending his hand, he placed it upon the tablet, slowly gliding his palm across its surface, sensing its texture and the artistry of its strokes.

The Cloud Stepping Leopard inquired, "Can you discern anything from it then?"

"Allow me to attempt this," he replied.

With his left hand, Zhu Lingyun retrieved a Jade Pearl from his sleeve, remarking, "This is a Miracle Pearl I acquired by chance, known as the Wanxiang Pearl. It possesses the ability to shatter illusions and reveal hidden truths. I wonder if it will prove effective here."

It was important to note that this was not the genuine Wanxiang Pearl, but rather a Jade Pearl that Chu Zhiyuan had imbued with the power of the Wanxiang Pearl.

It could be considered a 'clone' or a facsimile of the Wanxiang Pearl.

Even if this imitation were to be destroyed, it would not cause any harm to the original Wanxiang Pearl.

"The Wanxiang Pearl?" the Cloud Stepping Leopard mused, "I have never heard of such a thing."

"Shall I proceed with the attempt?"

"Proceed."

The Jade Pearl lightly made contact with the tablet.

Instantly, the tablet seemed to shimmer and became astonishingly clear.

Within the now crystal-clear tablet, an image of a Cloud Stepping Leopard appeared, letting out a roar towards the heavens.

Its four hooves underwent a rapid transformation, transitioning from ordinary hooves to being swiftly covered by a thin layer of scales, resembling fish scales, from which white mist began to emerge.

This white mist enveloped its four hooves, and with it, the creature ascended into the sky.

Capable of traversing the air with complete freedom, the white mist continued to expand, eventually shrouding its entire form.

Soon after, it completely vanished into the Void.

The fabric of the Void distorted, and the creature reappeared, as the white mist rapidly retreated, coalescing back to its four hooves.

The scales on its hooves merged seamlessly with the white mist, disappearing quickly, leaving its four hooves transformed into pure White Jade.

It then lifted its gaze towards the sky.

A resplendent Moon hung high above, its ethereal moonlight descending to bathe the creature.

The White Jade hooves began to rapidly absorb the moonlight.

As the moonlight was absorbed, the White Jade substance spread from its hooves up its limbs, then across its body, and finally reached its head.

Once its entire body had transformed into White Jade, it flickered and vanished once more into the Void.

It reappeared after another flicker.

The creature navigated through the Void as if traversing level ground, its speed being incredibly swift.

Upon witnessing this transformation, Zhu Lingyun turned his attention to the Cloud Stepping Leopard.

It appeared that the Cloud Stepping Leopard was only in the initial stage of this transformation, with only faint scales visible on its four hooves.

Previously, it had been able to fly without the aid of the white mist, but since arriving in this location, that white mist had yet to manifest.

After countless ages had passed, it remained stuck in the first stage?

This seemed rather unbelievable.

The Cloud Stepping Leopard then sat down, its gaze fixed blankly upon the tablet, its eyes shining brightly as auras began to surge around its body, gradually swelling.

These surges felt akin to massive waves cascading downwards.

Zhu Lingyun experienced a sense of suffocation and instinctively took a few steps back to alleviate the oppressive feeling.

The aura emanating from the Cloud Stepping Leopard continued to intensify, and a faint white mist started to slowly emerge from its four hooves.

The white mist thickened, and in the very next moment, the creature vanished entirely without a trace.

Zhu Lingyun exhaled a stale breath. The vast hall suddenly felt expansive and airy, the previous oppressive atmosphere vanishing. He drew nearer to the stone tablet once more, his gaze fixed upon the Stone Beast. Retrieving the Jade Pearl, he placed it precisely on the beast’s forehead. Instantly, the obsidian Stone Beast transformed, becoming translucent and revealing a Jade Egg nestled within. This egg, roughly the size of a goose egg, possessed a shell that appeared carved from pure jade, emitting a soft, ethereal luminescence. Pondering for a moment, he extended his right hand, fingers touching the Stone Beast’s forehead, just before the egg. He channeled a stream of True Yuan into it. There was no discernible reaction, as if the energy had vanished without a trace, much like a mud ox plunging into the sea. Undeterred, he sent another current of True Yuan, this one more potent and forceful. Yet, the result was the same—a complete absence of anomaly. Puzzled, he surmised his approach might be flawed. He then condensed his spiritual power, directing it towards the Jade Egg. Within his spiritual vision, a faint ember flickered, akin to a distant light in an inky black night. The flame was minuscule and fragile, appearing as though it could be extinguished by the slightest breeze. He continued to pour spiritual power into it, but the flame barely grew. Only through his exceptionally keen perception could he detect the slightest increment in its strength. His immense spiritual power seemed to dissipate into the void, no more significant than a single drop in an endless ocean. The sensation was profoundly discouraging. Nonetheless, Zhu Lingyun persevered, channeling his spiritual power ceaselessly, even enlisting the aid of his two clones to contribute their spiritual energy. Unbeknownst to him, half an hour elapsed. The flame persisted, weak and seemingly on the brink of annihilation. Zhu Lingyun finally withdrew his hand, shaking his head. With his current spiritual power reserves, altering the flame significantly seemed practically impossible. He concluded this faint flame must represent the nascent spiritual power of the Jade Egg. Releasing the beast, he turned his attention to the scroll, placing the Wanxiang Pearl upon it. The scroll, however, remained utterly inert. Its resilience likely stemmed from its unusual materials or the unique environment, which had preserved it remarkably well against the ravages of time. He paced the hall several times, scrutinizing every detail. Regrettably, apart from the Stone Beast statue and the scroll, nothing else of interest was present. Another thirty minutes passed. Still, the Cloud Stepping Leopard had not made its appearance. Deep in thought, Zhu Lingyun discreetly placed a Flying Knife beneath the overturned tripod before conjuring a Light Gate. He stepped through the shimmering portal, vanishing instantly. In the ensuing moment, he materialized back in his humble courtyard at Wanxiang Cliff. There, he found Jiao Hengtian awaiting his return. As the Light Gate materialized and Zhu Lingyun emerged, Jiao Hengtian’s eyes widened in surprise. "Junior Brother Zhuo, what is this...?" he inquired, taken aback. "An unexpected discovery," Zhu Lingyun replied cryptically. Jiao Hengtian’s expression was one of awe. "Your encounter this time is truly..." he began. Zhu Lingyun chuckled, "Indeed, this discovery has brought immense benefits." "What precisely transpired?" Jiao Hengtian pressed, his curiosity piqued. Zhu Lingyun offered an explanation, "It’s nothing much. A senior somehow transported me away, and I have no idea where I went. Fortunately, I possessed this secret technique." Jiao Hengtian’s expression shifted subtly as he glanced towards the heavens and then back at Zhu Lingyun. "Did the senior intend to harm you?" he asked, a hint of concern in his voice. "If he had wished for my demise, he would not have gone to such lengths. It was likely just a lesson," Zhu Lingyun mused. Jiao Hengtian visibly relaxed. "Perhaps we have spoken too much. It is best to be discreet." Zhu Lingyun nodded in agreement. "Brother Jiao, I am eager to consult the records concerning the Spirit Venerable kept on the Cliff, but Master Ma has forbidden access." The records pertaining to the Spirit Venerable were housed separately within the Qiling Tower. However, the Qiling Tower was a restricted facility, meticulously guarded and managed by Ma Santan, who exercised strict control over entries and exits. The original Zhuo Yifan had previously attempted to gain entry to the Qiling Tower but had been resolutely denied. Jiao Hengtian sighed and shook his head. "There is no way around it. Master Ma holds absolute authority in such matters." "There is absolutely no recourse?" Zhu Lingyun inquired, his eyes narrowing slightly. "What are Master Ma’s inclinations?"