Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1452 - 1448: What One Seeks

~6 minute read · 1,515 words
Previously on Imperial Cultivation...
Chu Zhiyuan delved deeper into his swordsmanship, discovering a strange, new energy that his enhanced senses couldn't quite grasp. Meanwhile, Zhou Qingyu trained under Shen Hanyue and Xiao Ruoling, who emphasized the vast gap between her abilities and her master's legendary comprehension. Shen Hanyue, a former Holy Daughter, pushed Zhou Qingyu to train harder by highlighting her own and Chu Zhiyuan's past achievements. Chu Zhiyuan later appeared in the courtyard, satisfied with his disciples' training, and then left to continue his search for a divine artifact, eventually meeting his Senior Sister, Lu Xiaolu.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled and said, "Senior Sister can become a Spirit Venerable too, it’s only a matter of time."

"That’s not necessarily true," said Xiao Lu, "No one dares to say they can definitely become a Spirit Venerable."

Chu Zhiyuan said, "I’ll help Senior Sister."

Xiao Lu smiled gently, "Have you found the secret to achieving Spirit Venerable?"

She smiled with arched brows, gentle and charming.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled, "I have some insights."

"Really?" Xiao Lu said in surprise, "It’s said that Spirit Venerable has no fixed path, everyone has their own way, and no two paths are the same."

Chu Zhiyuan smiled and said, "Let’s talk again once you reach Perfection, and see if it works."

"Then I’ll be waiting," Xiao Lu said eagerly, "I’ve just mastered a secret technique, and my progress is fast."

Chu Zhiyuan asked, "Senior Sister, isn’t Guanghan Palace inherited from the Divine Race?"

"Yes."

Xiao Lu picked up the Red Clay Small Stove and poured a cup of tea for herself and Chu Zhiyuan, placed it back on the stove, and sat down to sip the tea delicately, showing a look of enjoyment.

She squinted her bright eyes and smiled, "What’s up?"

Chu Zhiyuan asked, "Does Guanghan Palace have the Divine Race heritage?"

"Yes," Xiao Lu said, "The Spirit Venerables seem to practice it, but it’s unrelated to us. Anyone who isn’t a Spirit Venerable can’t see it."

Chu Zhiyuan sighed, "No wonder from Guanghan Palace."

"It’s not that impressive," Xiao Lu waved her jade-like hand, "Divine Race heritage sounds intimidating, but it’s just a facade; the worlds are different, the Divine Race heart method doesn’t have power."

Chu Zhiyuan looked at her puzzled.

This was entirely different from what he sensed.

Especially that move of Swordsmanship, coming from the Divine Race, its power was truly amazing.

Xiao Lu asked, "Do you not believe, Junior Brother?"

"Isn’t your Divine Race heart method flawed?" Chu Zhiyuan said, "How could a Divine Race heart method lack power?"

"Junior Brother, how is Biyuan Heaven’s heart method when practiced in Little Outer Heaven?"

"Useless." Chu Zhiyuan shook his head.

The heart method of Little Outer Heaven is powerless in Biyuan Heaven, and Biyuan Heaven’s heart method is still ineffective in Little Outer Heaven.

"That’s the same thing," Xiao Lu said, "The Divine Race heart method is just like that."

Chu Zhiyuan frowned in contemplation.

Was the power of that Swordsmanship move also reduced?

If it were in ancient times, would that move be even more astonishing?

Xiao Lu asked, "Junior Brother, does your Heavenly Sword Sect have heart methods after Spirit Venerable?"

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head, "I have to explore on my own."

Xiao Lu said, "The lifespan of a Spirit Venerable is long, so exploring slowly is fine. What’s more, Junior Brother, your comprehension is exceptional, so it won’t be difficult for you."

Chu Zhiyuan smiled.

Xiao Lu said, "Others may worry, but Junior Brother, you don’t need to worry."

Chu Zhiyuan said, "It would be nice to have a reference; exploring blindly makes me feel uncertain."

"Hmm..." Xiao Lu pondered, gently playing with the tea cup, her dark brows furrowed.

Chu Zhiyuan said, "It’s a pity that Divine Clan Martial Arts are too rare and cannot be passed on."

Xiao Lu frowned in thought.

Chu Zhiyuan said, "Senior Sister, I don’t wish to learn your Guanghan Palace’s Divine Clan Martial Arts, just want to get a glimpse of the Divine Race breath. Do you have any items from the Divine Race?"

"Items from the Divine Race?" Xiao Lu asked, puzzled.

Chu Zhiyuan nodded, "It doesn’t matter what, as long as it’s from the Divine Race, I need it."

"What do you want Divine Race items for?" Xiao Lu asked, "Would there be Divine Clan Martial Arts on it?"

Chu Zhiyuan laughed, "Just seeking inspiration for myself."

"How about this, Junior Brother, I’ll go back and see if I can find some remnants of Divine Clan Martial Arts," Xiao Lu said, "I’m not a Spirit Venerable, can’t touch these things, I’ll go back and ask the Palace Master."

"Senior Sister, you absolutely must not," Chu Zhiyuan waved, "Divine Clan Martial Arts are too precious, I’m not that greedy."

Xiao Lu laughed, "You wouldn’t take it if given?"

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head.

"You’re quite peculiar." Xiao Lu snorted, "Opportunities are rare, no need to be so reserved."

Chu Zhiyuan said, "I’ve already obtained your secret technique, indebting me, and can’t be overly greedy."

"You’ve also passed secret techniques to us, helping us greatly; actually, we owe you," Xiao Lu said, "That’s what the Palace Master said."

Chu Zhiyuan smiled and said, "The Palace Master’s words are overly humble, not to be taken seriously."

Xiao Lu said, "The Palace Master always says exactly what she means, would never exaggerate or be falsely modest, let me go back and ask, if not, we’ll talk again."

"No need to ask." Chu Zhiyuan shook his head.

"You!" Xiao Lu glared, annoyed at his stubbornness and determination.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled and waved his hand, "Senior Sister, just listen to me, only want to see items from the Divine Race, not learn Divine Clan Martial Arts."

"Alright, let’s head back." Xiao Lu said, putting down the tea cup.

Chu Zhiyuan said, "No need to be in such a rush, Senior Sister."

"Since there’s something, I can’t sit idly, let’s go," Xiao Lu shook her head, "Shall we return? It would be quickest with you taking me."

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head laughing, "Alright."

He reached out and placed his hand on Xiao Lu’s shoulder, and the two suddenly disappeared from the courtyard.

The next moment, they appeared at the Martial Arts Training Ground in front of Guanghan Palace’s main hall.

The spacious Martial Arts Training Ground paved with White Jade was bustling with women in white combat uniforms practicing, creating quite a lively scene.

The Martial Arts Training Ground’s north featured a grand White Jade Hall, radiating soft, smooth luster under the bright sunlight.

Seeing the two suddenly appear, their eyes glanced over without stopping their actions.

Qi Qingmei was in the distance, gliding over in a fragrant wave that entered his nose.

Xiao Lu said sweetly, "Senior Sister, greet Junior Brother, I’ll go see the Palace Master."

She gracefully headed towards the hall.

Qi Qingmei scanned Chu Zhiyuan up and down, her bright eyes filled with curiosity and skepticism.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled, "Senior Sister Qi."

"You’ve become... a Spirit Venerable?" Qi Qingmei hesitated to ask.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled and nodded.

"Spirit Venerable?"

"Junior Brother Chu has become Spirit Venerable?"

"Became Spirit Venerable so quickly?"

Upon hearing these words, the women hurried over, unable to continue practicing, crowding around.

A bright wave of eyes, a beautiful face of amazement, and diverse floating fragrances filled his sight.

Qi Qingmei snorted softly, "The Palace Master will reprimand us when she sees this!"

A bright young lady laughed, "Senior Sister Qi, even the Palace Master will be curious."

Qi Qingmei glared at her, then scanned the women’s faces, shook her head helplessly, and looked at Chu Zhiyuan, "Becoming Spirit Venerable so quickly is worth celebrating."

She knew they weren’t satisfied with curiosity and couldn’t concentrate on practicing.

She was also incredibly curious.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled, "It was an unexpected enlightenment that led to an unconscious breakthrough into Spirit Venerable."

Qi Qingmei nodded, "Indeed, Spirit Venerables often reach achievement this way, unpredictable."

No one can be certain they’ll become Spirit Venerable.

"Junior Brother Chu, what signs were there before the breakthrough?"

"A special feeling, a sense that it was time for a breakthrough."

"How does this special feeling occur?"

"First achieve Venerable Perfection, then thoroughly grasp the world’s mysteries, eventually feeling the timing is right."

"Comprehending the world’s mysteries..."

"Junior Brother, come in!" From the distant hall steps, Xiao Lu emerged and waved aloud.

Chu Zhiyuan nodded with a smile.

He apologized to the women, bowed in farewell, and Qi Qingmei waved him to hurry.

Chu Zhiyuan reached the stairs, and Xiao Lu tugged his sleeve inside.

Crossing the threshold and entering the grand hall, he saw Xiao Mingyue sitting behind a table, curious to observe him.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled and bowed in greeting.

Xiao Mingyue rose, approached him, scanning him up and down thoughtfully, "I’ve been hearing about you and was curious; glad to finally meet you."

Chu Zhiyuan smiled, exchanged polite remarks.

He felt gratitude toward Xiao Mingyue.

Xiao Lu laughed, "Junior Brother, the Palace Master has agreed to let you view Divine Race items for two years and provided a remnant scroll."

Chu Zhiyuan was overjoyed, bowing in thanks.

Xiao Mingyue laughed and waved her hand, "These aren’t secret palace transmissions, you aren’t an outsider, feel free to look."