Imperial Cultivation

She certainly knew the Master’s prowess.

A person who stands out through history, the speed of their cultivation is unmatched.

Shen Hanyue shook her head and smiled, "What you’re seeing is merely the strength of the Princely Heir’s martial arts, not his capability in action. Back in Little Outer Heaven, he was merely a Princely Heir, and an unfavored Prince’s heir at that, yet almost everyone believed he was destined for the imperial throne."

"Aunt, tell me more," Zhou Qingyu’s eyes lit up.

She was deeply interested in Chu Zhiyuan’s past.

She was eager to understand her Master’s past.

She had already heard many stories from Shen Hanyue about Chu Zhiyuan’s past, but felt it wasn’t the whole picture and wanted to learn more.

Shen Hanyue proceeded to narrate how Chu Zhiyuan eradicated the Evil Sect from Little Outer Heaven completely.

Not only did he remove his own Court’s Evil Sect, but others’ dynasties’ Evil Sects as well.

This feat couldn’t have been accomplished through strength in martial arts alone, as those in the Evil Sect weren’t fools that would sit idly by.

The sects used various methods like ambushes and assassinations or sought opportunities to infiltrate the Prince Qing Mansion, but he resolved and eliminated each one.

Thus, no matter how strong Song Wantao may be, he couldn’t succeed; no need to worry about Zhou Mansion.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qingyu sighed in relief.

Chu Zhiyuan held onto Xiao Ruoling’s jade-like hand and whispered the detailed events that unfolded earlier.

This included some insights into the secret techniques he employed and the origins of the Divine Eye.

Xiao Ruoling listened intently, occasionally asking questions, putting forth her understanding and doubts.

As Chu Zhiyuan helped her clarify doubts, his own comprehension of Divine Eye and Divine Essence deepened.

As the conversation continued, she brought up matters regarding Xiao Ruoyu.

Chu Zhiyuan, helpless, said, "My dear wife, you’re wracked with worry, but I’ve checked once more, and the two of them will be happy together."

"The little brother is so disappointing," Xiao Ruoling sighed.

Chu Zhiyuan chuckled, "Ruoyu’s current state is mostly due to you."

Xiao Ruoling’s bright eyes widened instantly.

Chu Zhiyuan explained, "If it weren’t for your competence, managing everything perfectly inside and out, why would Ruoyu ignore worldly duties completely?"

"But..."

"He’s already like this; changing him is difficult," Chu Zhiyuan said. "He doesn’t have the talent you possess, so don’t push him too hard. Don’t let him suffer."

"..."

"While you’re around, everything inside the mansion is handled. When you’re not, his wife will take care of it, and he can enjoy a carefree life."

"But being so disinterested might lead to resentment."

"In his eyes, there’s no resentment, just laughter. He doesn’t take it to heart. Besides, with you around, his sister-in-law wouldn’t dare cross the line or belittle Ruoyu."

"Alas..."

Chu Zhiyuan wrapped her in his embrace.

He secretly laughed.

As an elder sister akin to a mother, Xiao Ruoyu marrying has made her even more anxious and restless than those directly involved.

It was out of genuine concern.

She lay against Chu Zhiyuan’s chest, whispering, "That Song Wantao as a mere woman is so formidable."

"No matter how formidable she is, it’s destined to be a delusion. Such ambition is unlikely to succeed."

"Husband, what if she does achieve Immortal Evil Emperor status?"

Chu Zhiyuan replied, "Then I would only admire her and avoid her edge."

Xiao Ruoling queried, "Can we avoid it?"

"...Hard to say," Chu Zhiyuan shook his head.

The Immortal Evil Emperor should be similar to the Emperor. As a Spirit Venerable imagining such a realm, it’s like a Venerable imagining the Spirit Venerable.

Regarding the Spirit Venerable, the Venerable’s imagination falls short, and concerning the Immortal Evil Emperor, the Spirit Venerable’s imagination may also fall short.

The Spirit Venerable cannot fully grasp how powerful the Emperor is.

Xiao Ruoling furrowed her brows lightly.

Chu Zhiyuan said, "If she truly becomes the Evil Emperor, it’s not just about us; it might spell disaster for the entire world, ...but then again, it’s hard to say."

"Hard to say how?"

"Upon achieving the status of Evil Emperor, how she would behave is not necessarily as we anticipate," Chu Zhiyuan stated. "After all, we haven’t encountered other Emperors yet."

Xiao Ruoling remarked, "Could it be that those who’ve encountered one didn’t survive?"

Chu Zhiyuan meditated briefly, then slowly shook his head, "Let’s hope that’s not the case."

He couldn’t help but think of those eight gazes.

If Divine Essence didn’t circulate, would those eight gazes linger?

According to Fengtian Palace’s He Zhenyu, that represents the Emperor.

And those eight gazes, merely emanating from a statue, may not be the true Emperor.

Thus, should Song Wantao genuinely become the Immortal Evil Emperor, it’s hard to predict her true strength.

A crucial point is that there’s no known record or anecdote about the Evil Emperor’s deeds.

Surely the Evil Emperor existed, otherwise, Song Wantao wouldn’t harbor such ambitions.

Then why are there no records or stories?

Maybe everyone who knows is dead, or perhaps after achieving Emperor status, she vanished completely.

Either case signals formidable power, unpredictable and irresistible.

So it’s imperative to prevent it.

Xiao Ruoling sighed lightly, "No matter when, no matter the realm, one must never relax."

Chu Zhiyuan nodded.

Xiao Ruoling suddenly smiled, "Your junior sister got nervous too; she’s been diligently training lately."

"Scared?"

"Yes, the junior sister is very timid."

Chu Zhiyuan embraced her, her fragrance and softness enveloping him, speaking softly.

Their conversation wasn’t solely about monumental matters, interspersed with domestic affairs and some gossip.

Xiao Ruoling’s elegant and distant aura dissipated completely when resting against Chu Zhiyuan’s chest, revealing a perfectly ordinary woman.

While Chu Zhiyuan chatted casually with her, his mind flickered unexpectedly.

Consequently, a portion of his focus shifted to the Flying Knife, and Huang Zhengyang.

Huang Zhengyang was standing before a cave, panting heavily, drenched in sweat.

Beside him were Luo Yun, Zheng Zhenxing, and Meng Xianda.

No one else was present.

Luo Yun examined the cave ahead, turned to Zheng Zhenxing, and teased, "Old Zheng, want to go first?"

Zheng Zhenxing nodded solemnly, "Fine, ...it’s best to have two leading the way, two staying behind for support."

"Who’s going first?" Asking who else would accompany him, Luo Yun inquired, "Old Zheng, you alone and who else?"

Zheng Zhenxing replied, "How about us two?"

"Not I," Luo Yun quickly grumbled, "Don’t drag me in."

Zheng Zhenxing turned to Meng Xianda, "Old Meng, us two?"

Feebly, Meng Xianda said, "Let’s wait a bit longer, signal Mr. Cheng and Mr. Cheng Er, and then we’ll go in together."

Zheng Zhenxing argued, "Once the two masters arrive, would there be any place left for us to explore?"

"Old Zheng," Meng Xianda stated, "last time at the Cave Mansion, had we not been fortunate, would we still be alive?"

"It should be fine," Zheng Zhenxing said, "I think these grottos aren’t fierce, the cave isn’t too perilous."

"And what about Snake Valley?" Luo Yun couldn’t help but chuckle, his features etched with sarcasm, "Would you say, even without Brother Huang’s help, we wouldn’t survive?"

"Not necessarily destined to perish," Zheng Zhenxing insisted, "none of us were bitten."

"Ha!" Luo Yun burst into laughter.

He turned to Huang Zhengyang, "Brother Huang, don’t stoop to his level."

Huang Zhengyang’s heavy breaths gradually stabilized, staring at the cave in front of him, "Don’t you feel something odd about this?"

The cave lay tucked on the south side of a small hill.

With a single skilled climber, embedded twin crescent-shaped cave doors were visible.

The entrance appeared exquisitely crafted.

It didn’t seem overly dangerous.

He understood this as a reason for Zheng Zhenxing’s lack of caution.

Even he himself felt no danger.

The surroundings were still endless dense green grass, with each stalk not shorter than a person’s height, robust enough to block their Treasure Sword.