Chapter Seventy-Six: Another Exchange

After everyone had finished the formalities and taken their seats, the emperor noticed Li Xingyu glancing around warily, as if he had something to say but hesitated. Understanding his concern, the emperor smiled and spoke, “Rest assured, Young Master Li. This great hall is where the Celestial Empire discusses its most important affairs of state. The security measures here are impeccable. No one aside from the three of us can hear our conversation. Speak freely.”

Li Xingyu smiled awkwardly, feeling he had been overly cautious. After all, these two were seasoned veterans, surely able to anticipate anything he could think of. Setting aside his reservations, he spoke directly, “Senior, I believe you already have some idea as to how I managed to advance so swiftly in my cultivation. It was only after obtaining the jade ginseng that I broke through to my current level, though I must admit there may be other factors of which I am unaware. What intrigues me is this: judging from the spiritual energy density of this planet and information gathered from other sources, it should be nearly impossible for anyone to reach the cultivation level you and I possess. Relying solely on this spirit tea wouldn’t be enough either.”

He knew these men were shrewd and experienced, so he held nothing back and spoke his mind openly.

Upon hearing Li Xingyu’s frank admission that his breakthrough was due to the jade ginseng and his underlying doubts, the two were only slightly surprised before recognizing the extraordinary intelligence of this young man. Since he was so straightforward, they decided not to beat around the bush either; unless it concerned deeply hidden matters, there was no need for secrecy. Understanding what Li Xingyu wished to know, the elder explained, “This actually involves a secret of our royal family. The true reason our empire is called the Celestial Empire is that it was established by cultivators for particular purposes. The rear mountain behind our palace is the largest spiritual node on the entire planet’s ley lines. The concentration of spiritual energy there far exceeds anywhere else. Thus, the spiritual energy here barely meets the requirements for cultivation. As for the spirit tea you mentioned, it was planted by cultivators atop that hill; only such a place could support its growth.”

“A spiritual node? Is that the legendary outlet for the planet’s ley line energy? Now I understand. So, does the Celestial Mountain Range have a spiritual node as well?” Li Xingyu, grasping part of the explanation, pressed further.

“There is no spiritual node in the Celestial Mountain Range,” the elder replied. “It is a place shrouded in mystery. According to ancient records and rumor, the Celestial Mountain Range was formed when cultivators raised the crust with immense power. Its higher concentration of spiritual energy stems from the fact that cultivators once lived there, gathering all ambient energy into complex formations. Of course, there are other restrictions and arrays as well. Over time, many formations have deteriorated or lost their potency, so the energy there is no longer as strong, and experts can now enter. Yet some arrays remain, making it a dangerous place.”

The elder spoke without reservation, realizing Li Xingyu had indeed cultivated within the Celestial Mountain Range.

Seeing Li Xingyu deep in thought, the elder raised a question of his own. “Young friend, I hope this isn’t too abrupt, but please answer truthfully, for the matter is significant. I wish to know how you acquired your cultivation method. I can tell you that my own technique is a royal legacy, recorded in the Celestial Empire’s language. Though much of it is incomplete, with sufficient spiritual energy, it can still be cultivated to the legendary Golden Core stage. Did you obtain a method recorded in this planet’s script, or have you mastered the script of the cultivation world?”

Li Xingyu was momentarily stunned by the question and its reference to the source of his cultivation method, but soon realized the elder’s true intent: to discover whether he had mastered the script of the cultivation realm. This hinted that the royal family might possess something he desired, so he answered directly, “Since you have withheld nothing from me, I will speak candidly. I did obtain a cultivation method not recorded in the script of the cultivation realm, and I understand this script.” Seeing a subtle hint of disappointment in the elder’s eyes, Li Xingyu was even more certain of his suspicions, so he continued without hesitation, “However, by chance I have learned some means of studying the script of the cultivation world, and have made some progress. If I could access relevant materials or even just see some records in the cultivation realm’s script—even if I do not grasp their precise meaning, as long as I can understand the general content—I am confident I could master the script in a short time.”

After Li Xingyu finished, the two elders were both pleasantly surprised and deeply contemplative. Li Xingyu knew they faced a momentous decision, so he did not interrupt, instead sipping the spirit tea beside him and quietly observing the grand hall. About a quarter of an hour later, seeing both men gaze at him with resolute eyes, Li Xingyu understood they had made up their minds and set down his cup, awaiting their words.

“Very well,” the elder said firmly, “if you are indeed capable, I will permit you to review the royal family’s secret collection of cultivation realm texts. Of course, these also contain summaries in the Celestial Empire’s script and later generations’ conjectures. However, I have two conditions. First, whatever you learn from these texts must not be divulged to anyone on Nastar Star. Second, once you master the script of the cultivation realm, you must teach us all that you know. Do you agree?”

Li Xingyu realized that if he struck this bargain, he would likely be drawn into the complex power struggles far beyond the Celestial Empire—possibly involving all four great empires of Nastar Star. Through his years of experience, he knew cultivators and even demon cultivators walked this planet; he had encountered and fought them himself. Though his cultivation had grown, he no longer felt the confidence he had at the outset, for he was alone and had no faction of his own. Yet, recalling that he now understood how to use teleportation arrays—though barely—he believed that once he obtained the information he sought, he would promptly leave Nastar Star. Surely, in such a short time, no other empire’s forces could track or even notice him. Weighing the risks and benefits, Li Xingyu made his decision.

Six months after entering the palace, Li Xingyu departed—not only the palace, but Celestial City itself. He took with him the boy he once rescued, along with his parents. Fearing they might come to harm after his departure from Nastar Star, he decided to bring them to the Mu Clan in Grassland City, which was also his destination and near the Celestial Mountain Range.

During his half-year in the palace, Li Xingyu read all the royal texts relating to the cultivation realm and finally mastered its script. Furthermore, by referencing materials on the pronunciation of the cultivation realm’s script, he could now speak a few basic phrases in the language—a remarkable achievement. Another major gain was that the royal archives indeed contained information about the cultivation world, even star maps and routes, which would greatly aid his journey after leaving Nastar Star. True to his word, Li Xingyu taught the elder and the emperor all the script of the cultivation realm he had mastered.

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