Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1553 - 1549: The Decision
Previously on Imperial Cultivation...
He hurriedly asked, "Brother Chu, are those three going to fail?"
Chu Zhiyuan nodded, "Most likely, but the future is unpredictable, perhaps there is a slim chance."
As his cultivation increased, the Donghuan Saint Technique also strengthened.
He saw things more intricately, more far-reaching.
Luo Yun and the other two would die in this New Cave Heaven.
Moreover, the experts devoured by the New Cave Heaven are far more than just those three.
This New Cave Heaven is too powerful for Biyuan Heaven, it’s actually not suitable to enter.
The wisest choice is to withdraw, occasionally letting a few experts explore.
Just like what is being done now.
Unfortunately...
He thought of this and shook his head.
The Court suddenly became aggressive, but the reason for this aggression is unclear due to being obscured by a divine artifact.
Huang Zhengyang’s expression was unsettled.
He alternated between thinking of Luo Yun and the others’ good qualities and their annoying traits, but when he thought of their demise in the cave, never to meet again, he felt uneasy.
He suddenly let out a bitter laugh and sighed in frustration, "Brother Chu, I fear I can’t stop them."
Luo Yun could at least be persuaded, but Zheng Zhenxing was utterly resolute.
Zheng Zhenxing’s desire to become stronger is too intense, seeing the cave as an opportunity, he clings tightly, unwilling to let go.
Meng Xianda and Zheng Zhenxing are life and death companions, he would not let Zheng Zhenxing enter alone.
If both of them went inside, Luo Yun would surely be tempted, wanting to follow, thinking the three together would be far superior to others.
Chu Zhiyuan said, "It’s hard to persuade ghosts bent on dying; a few words of advice would suffice, it’s their own destiny."
"Sigh—!" Huang Zhengyang shook his head.
Brother Chu only knows them in passing, while his relationship with them is different, forged through adversity, he couldn’t be so indifferent.
Chu Zhiyuan said, "Even if you tell them there’s danger, they wouldn’t care; just let them face their fate."
Huang Zhengyang’s brow furrowed.
He wasn’t willing to give up, racking his brains, thinking how he could persuade them not to go inside and die.
Chu Zhiyuan chuckled and did not offer further advice.
Huang Zhengyang, being the Director of the Evil Extermination Department, was knowledgeable and understood human nature.
He surely understood these principles, yet couldn’t help but want to prevent them.
Being in a high position and still maintaining kindness is indeed rare, thus worth befriending sincerely.
If he became like Chu, he wouldn’t be worth befriending.
Chu Zhiyuan said, "Brother Huang, you can stop them temporarily, but can you stop them forever? They are aware of the danger but hold onto a glimmer of hope."
"Even halting them temporarily is good," Huang Zhengyang replied, "by stopping them now, perhaps they’ll come to their senses."
Chu Zhiyuan shook his head with a smile.
Suddenly, Huang Zhengyang had a flash of inspiration and quickly said, "If we join together with you, Brother Chu, in exploring, then there’s nothing to fear!"
Chu Zhiyuan laughed and said, "I don’t want to be this tribute."
Huang Zhengyang insisted, "Brother Chu, just agree, being a tribute has no downside, only benefits."
Chu Zhiyuan smiled, "I don’t seem to see any benefits."
Huang Zhengyang said, "You can explore the cave mansion, and with your luck, you’re bound to gain something."
Chu Zhiyuan shook his head with a smile.
Huang Zhengyang remarked, "Moreover, by becoming a tribute, you can leverage a portion of the Court’s power to handle some trivial matters."
Chu Zhiyuan said, "I can have the brothers and sisters from the Heavenly Sword Sect assist."
"That’s different," Huang Zhengyang hurriedly replied, "after all, the Court is the Court."
Chu Zhiyuan sighed.
Huang Zhengyang said, "Besides, you can earn a salary and have the chance to learn more secrets that are unavailable anywhere but the Court."
Chu Zhiyuan raised his eyebrows.
Huang Zhengyang continued, "The world we touch differs from the real world; becoming a tribute allows you to participate in secrets, thereby better understanding this world, which also aids in cultivation, right?"
Chu Zhiyuan pondered and slowly nodded, "Indeed."
Huang Zhengyang’s spirits lifted, realizing he had found Chu Zhiyuan’s point of interest.
It seems to be in cultivation.
Only through cultivation can he truly be moved; other benefits do not sway him.
"Besides those secrets, there are also some strange tales sealed by the Court."
"Oh—?"
"Such as Ancient Strange Beasts and various Divine Race legends that remain unreleased."
Chu Zhiyuan slightly squinted his eyes.
Huang Zhengyang’s spirit surged, hurriedly saying, "These may not mean much to ordinary people, but to Brother Chu, they are crucial, right?"
"Mm," Chu Zhiyuan nodded.
Every legend carries a shadow of reality, with some truth behind it.
This portion of truth is crucial for oneself, especially in exploring the Grotto Heaven.
Perhaps it’s not just a portion but fully true.
The existence of Dragon Mountain—if not for his Divine Eye, how could he have known it’s transformed from a True Dragon?
Even if this news spread, people would treat it as myth, never realizing its truthfulness.
Are these secret tales similar?
"Brother Chu, in short, being a tribute comes with no downside, only benefits!"
"Brother Huang, do you believe this yourself?"
"Truly no downside," Huang Zhengyang said, "you’re a Spirit Venerable; the Court wouldn’t treat a Spirit Venerable as ordinary tribute, your status is esteemed and extraordinary."
Chu Zhiyuan said, "No matter the level of esteem, there are still constraints."
"Such minor constraints mean nothing compared to the benefits gained!"
"..."
Huang Zhengyang hurriedly said, "Brother Chu, after becoming a tribute, the Court only asks you to explore the Grotto Heaven, nothing else."
"Just this one thing?"
"Yes."
"The Grotto Heaven is extremely dangerous, entering means risking one’s life; I don’t want to carry burdens around me," Chu Zhiyuan replied.
Huang Zhengyang was suddenly taken aback.
His well-laid plan fell through.
Chu Zhiyuan laughed, "Being alone leaves more chance for escape; having others around increases risk."
"How about the two Elders?" Huang Zhengyang asked, "If two Spirit Venerables assist, wouldn’t it be better?"
Chu Zhiyuan shook his head, smiling.
"...I’ll report this to the Court," Huang Zhengyang gritted his teeth, "I reckon the Court will agree."
Chu Zhiyuan laughed, "Best to inquire first."
"I’ll go now!" Huang Zhengyang said, leaving with swift strides.
Chu Zhiyuan paced with hands behind his back.
It looks like the appetite has been sufficiently whetted, conditions couldn’t be more lenient.
No need to prolong it, or it might breed resentment.
Whether or not he can openly enter the Grotto Heaven, he doesn’t care; with Super Sense, no one else can discover him.
Yet, those strange items and secrets are indeed valuable.
Compared to Spiritual Treasures and Spiritual Medicine, those are more precious and worth exploring.
Moreover, if there are Spiritual Medicines, even Spirit Grass seeds, planting them in his Jade Sea and Sky also brings benefits.
...
Huang Zhengyang soon returned, handing a token to Chu Zhiyuan, smiling, "The Court agreed, Brother Chu, you are now a tribute of the Imperial Palace, free to explore the new Grotto Heaven."
Chu Zhiyuan received the token.
It was a White Jade Token.
On the front left and right were a Phoenix and a Green Lion, the back left and right were a Heavenly Bear and a Flying Tiger.
Vividly lifelike, exuding an imposing aura, as if ready to emerge from the jade pendant at any moment.
Chu Zhiyuan examined it, thoughtfully staring at the jade pendant.
He sensed an aura on the jade pendant, an aura imbued with spirituality.
So he knew that there was something peculiar about this jade pendant.
He raised an eyebrow, was this jade pendant used to monitor him?
Chu Zhiyuan tossed the jade pendant and laughed, finding it unlikely for the Court to act that way.