Imperial Cultivation

Chapter 1398 - 1394: Second Part

Huang Zhengyang smiled bitterly and nodded: "It’s inevitable to have such thoughts."

Chu Zhiyuan’s words were not an exaggeration.

In the eyes of others, Chu Zhiyuan appeared to be talking to himself, as if trapped in delusions.

There was no way to prove whether it was true or false, or whether it would really happen.

Chu Zhiyuan had predicted the future and altered it to avoid some tragic events.

But were these tragedies averted because of him?

Were they originally not going to happen at all, and Chu Zhiyuan just forcefully claimed the credit?

Countless people would doubt this.

If he spoke of these things, not only would he not be appreciated, he would instead invite endless questioning and ridicule.

Chu Zhiyuan said: "Let’s just say I had a dream."

Huang Zhengyang said solemnly: "Brother Chu, your accomplishments are remembered in my heart."

Chu Zhiyuan laughed: "If it’s truly for merit, I wouldn’t have exerted so much effort."

"Sigh..." Huang Zhengyang sighed: "The Court owes you a lot."

Chu Zhiyuan waved his hand: "It’s fine, as long as my conscience is clear, I can’t just watch the princely heirs fall, watch the Spirit Venerables take as they please."

In this world, there is no wall without cracks.

The ability to see the future couldn’t be concealed forever; the four Princes would eventually find out.

If they knew and discovered that he stood by this time and let the four princely heirs fall, they would definitely keep account in their hearts.

And if he helped this time, and they made no gesture, he would have to consider whether he’d help next time.

"Brother Chu, I will report this matter to the four Princes."

"Only to invite laughter."

"The four Princes are wise, they may not disbelieve."

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head: "My predictions aren’t necessarily accurate, only treating a dead horse as if it’s alive in hopeless situations."

"Understood." Huang Zhengyang laughed: "If there’s a solution, we won’t bother Brother Chu."

Chu Zhiyuan grinned.

——

Chu Zhiyuan returned to the Heavenly Sword Branch, and upon stepping into the front courtyard, he saw Gu Junqi standing at the steps of the front hall, arms crossed, staring intently towards him.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled helplessly and walked forward to clasp his fists: "Martial Uncle."

Gu Junqi snorted, displeased: "You haven’t taken my words to heart at all!"

Chu Zhiyuan responded helplessly: "Martial Uncle, this matter had to be intervened."

"Such a significant issue, getting involved, you don’t know what kind of trouble it may stir!" Gu Junqi said: "It’s not like you don’t know the Court’s wariness towards us."

He was disappointed for not meeting expectations: "Have you forgotten the incident with the Miracle Technique?"

He was deeply disheartened by the Court’s actions.

Thus, he strongly disapproved of Chu Zhiyuan’s closeness to the Court, considering it foolish.

No matter how much help is given to the Court, they will still be cautious and defensive, never treating them as their own.

Under such circumstances, why try to warm a cold shoulder and waste efforts?

Chu Zhiyuan said: "Martial Uncle, this issue isn’t merely about the Court, but involves all of Biyuan Heaven, it must be addressed."

"What’s exactly happening?" Gu Junqi asked.

Chu Zhiyuan sighed: "It concerns the Spirit Venerable."

Gu Junqi’s face slightly changed.

Chu Zhiyuan said: "I need to make a trip to Heavenly Sword Peak, to report to the Sect Leader."

"The Spirit Venerable..." Gu Junqi’s face tightened.

Chu Zhiyuan said: "Martial Uncle, let’s talk more in the house."

Gu Junqi shook his head: "If it involves the Spirit Venerable, let’s leave it for now. Report it to the Sect Leader first, and let him decide whether to discuss it."

Chu Zhiyuan raised an eyebrow.

Gu Junqi said: "You should return quickly, see the Sect Leader as soon as possible."

"Alright."

...

Heavenly Sword Peak

Sect Leader’s Hall

Lu Wanshan stroked his beard, frowned, staring at Chu Zhiyuan, and slowly said: "It’s actually so dangerous!... You’re putting in effort without reward."

"Just seeking a clear conscience." Chu Zhiyuan said: "My secret technique is sometimes effective, sometimes not, but what I saw is as such."

"You..." Lu Wanshan shook his head,

Then sighed: "Looks like we’ll have to invite our Spirit Venerables!"

Chu Zhiyuan said: "Sect Leader, how many Spirit Venerables do we have?"

"Spirit Venerables...," Lu Wanshan said slowly, "should be two, but..."

He shook his head, "Whether they can be invited back is uncertain."

Chu Zhiyuan said: "Once they become Spirit Venerables, do they no longer follow orders?"

Lu Wanshan said: "After becoming Spirit Venerables, the Sect isn’t as important to them anymore. They’ll heed commands if they wish, or disregard them if they don’t, no one can compel them."

Chu Zhiyuan said: "Will they be indifferent to the Sect’s peril?"

"In a life-and-death situation, they should take action." Lu Wanshan said, "Beyond that, don’t expect them to act."

Chu Zhiyuan nodded slowly.

After becoming Spirit Venerables, the Sect is no longer a sanctuary, but a burden.

The Sect is merely a drag, offering no benefits.

Under such circumstances, continuing to care for the Sect and help it is indeed difficult.

Human nature is selfish, often seeking only what benefits oneself, avoiding trouble.

Based on his understanding of Spirit Venerables, they don’t become selfless individuals by becoming Spirit Venerables.

Lu Wanshan said: "Zhiyuan, are you about ready?"

He could sense that Chu Zhiyuan was also at Perfection, and with Chu Zhiyuan’s comprehension and aptitude, he should be able to become a Spirit Venerable.

Chu Zhiyuan said: "I still need to accumulate more."

Lu Wanshan sighed: "It would be good if you could become a Spirit Venerable."

Chu Zhiyuan laughed and shook his head: "Sect Leader, if I become a Spirit Venerable, I’m afraid I might also become like other Spirit Venerables."

"You’re different," Lu Wanshan shook his head, then sighed.

Chu Zhiyuan was puzzled.

Lu Wanshan said: "Originally I intended for you to take the position of Sect Leader, but now it seems impossible."

He had been secretly assessing Chu Zhiyuan, initially picking him to be the next Sect Leader.

But unexpectedly, Chu Zhiyuan progressed so quickly, once he became a Spirit Venerable, becoming Sect Leader wouldn’t be possible.

In the end, it’s all for nothing.

This is a tremendous loss for the Heavenly Sword Sect.

Chu Zhiyuan laughed: "Heavenly Sword Peak is the root for disciples in Biyuan Heaven, even when becoming a Spirit Venerable, that won’t change."

"Spirit Venerable... it’s different," Lu Wanshan looked up towards the sky.

Once becoming a Spirit Venerable, perspectives change.

For Spirit Venerables, barriers between different heavens don’t exist; they can return to Little Outer Heaven anytime, rendering Biyuan Heaven unnecessary.

Chu Zhiyuan laughed: "Sect Leader, when can you become a Spirit Venerable?"

"It’s hard!" Lu Wanshan shook his head.

He suddenly clapped his hands: "Oh right, wait a moment."

He rose and left.

A moment later, he returned to the hall with a green box in hand.

This Jade Box was a foot long, palm-width, finger-thick, adorned with an intricate pattern, ancient and antique, steeped in the passage of time.

He cautiously placed the Jade Box on the desk, raised his right hand towards the sky.

A small sword suddenly appeared in his palm.

The sword was a foot long, the Sword shrouded in misty ambiguity, as if veiled by a thin mist, vaguely seen and indistinct.

Chu Zhiyuan’s spirit lifted.

Though its shape had changed, he still immediately recognized it as the Heavenly Sword.

The Heavenly Sword’s form could transform, but whether this was its original appearance was uncertain.

It lightly touched the Jade Box.

"Snap!"

A crisp sound came from within the Jade Box, then it slowly opened.

On the golden silk was a small sword, about the same size as the Heavenly Sword.

The Heavenly Sword had silently vanished, as if melding into the Void.

Chu Zhiyuan’s gaze turned from the small sword to Lu Wanshan.

Lu Wanshan said: "This is the lower part of the Heavenly Sword Secret Scripture."

"We practice the upper part?"

"Yes."

"..."

"The lower part is too dangerous; insufficient cultivation and aptitude would render someone unable to bear even a glance. It destroyed quite a few disciples back then, thus it’s stipulated that one must reach Venerable Perfection to view the lower part of the scripture."

"Have you practiced the lower half, Sect Leader?"

"I couldn’t enter, ... tried for a long time without managing to enter. Zhiyuan, your cultivation is now sufficient, and your aptitude is also enough, you might as well give it a try."