Imperial Cultivation

40: Chapter 38 Dispute

40 -38 Dispute

A smile spread across his face.

In less than a month, he had reached halfway through the Innate Twelve Layers, an unprecedented feat.

Upon reflection, it was all thanks to the Super Sense.

Of course, the aptitude of this body was also top-notch, and only by combining the two could such astonishing power be unleashed.

He turned to look at the Cold Jade Box and then at the Void Sword Scripture on the bedside.

The Void Sword Scripture was clearly newly transcribed, but who transcribed it?

It contained a peculiar aura.

The Super Sense focused on this odd aura, and a vague vision of the Purple Sun illuminating the mountains appeared before him, reminiscent of watching Chu Qingfeng in Mingwu Hall.

This was probably transcribed by a Great Grandmaster, with the Grandmaster’s power hidden within it.

If someone else read it, this power would be triggered.

Due to the Great Purple Sun Technique, being of the same origin, he wouldn’t trigger this power.

Was it the Emperor’s handiwork or Chu Qingfeng’s?

He shook his head, not thinking any deeper.

His thoughts returned to the Void Sword Scripture.

Compared to the Dragon Transformation Technique, the Blood Purification Technique was more suitable for the Jade Lock Gold Barrier Skill.

Replacing the Dragon Transformation Technique with the Blood Purification Technique would make the Jade Lock Gold Barrier Skill more powerful.

Why replace the Blood Purification Technique with the Dragon Transformation Technique?

He pondered carefully and slowly realized.

Firstly, because the entry barrier for the Blood Purification Technique was too high; secondly, because the Blood Purification Technique only refined the veins, focusing entirely with a radical approach.

The Blood Purification Technique was more powerful, but lacked defensive ability.

The Dragon Transformation Technique not only refined the veins but strengthened the entire body.

The entry barrier was lower and more balanced, making it more reasonable to replace the Blood Purification Technique with the Dragon Transformation Technique, especially since he also needed to practice the Binding Dragon Rope.

Even if he mastered the Blood Purification Technique now, the Dragon Transformation Technique would still need to be practiced.

Mastering the Dragon Transformation Technique to the point where one’s bare body could withstand divine weapons was truly safe.

More importantly, a strong body, complete in essence, qi, and spirit, helps in achieving the Great Grandmaster status.

Without reading the martial arts notes of the Great Grandmaster, it’s hard to think of this ultimate layer.

If one waits until reaching the Grandmaster stage to practice the Dragon Transformation Technique, it would be too late, as the foundation would already be unchangeable.

Before becoming a Grandmaster, one can still lay a solid foundation.

Therefore, before becoming a Grandmaster, one should perfect the Dragon Transformation Technique, making it easier to achieve Great Grandmaster status.

So, he should reach Innate Perfection quickly, and then devote his full energy to practicing the Dragon Transformation Technique, stepping into the Grandmaster Realm only after perfecting it.

——

At dawn, as he entered the palace gates, he noticed that the guards had changed, from two Grandmasters to four.

He frowned inwardly.

This kind of change was a first; had something happened?

Could it be that someone intended to assassinate the Emperor?

That would truly be a joke.

The Emperor, Chu Qingquan, was considered the first in cultivation in Da Jing, and with the Emperor’s Sword, no one could successfully assassinate him.

As he was about to enter, he suddenly heard a commotion.

Amidst a group of guards, Chu Mingxuan, dressed in bright yellow combat uniform, was full of spirit and waved from afar, laughing, “Fourth Brother, Fourth Brother!”

Chu Zhiyuan stopped and cupped his hands, smiling, “Uncle Eighteen.”

Chu Mingxuan came striding over, the cold wind with him, grinning widely, “Quite a coincidence, Fourth Brother, you’re late today.”

Chu Zhiyuan laughed, “Uncle Eighteen, you’re not early either.”

“Hey, I had some gains practicing last night.” Chu Mingxuan proudly laughed, “I’ve passed the second level already!”

“Congratulations, Uncle Eighteen.”

“Coming from you, it doesn’t sound quite right,” Chu Mingxuan waved it off, “It’s just the second level, far behind you.”

Chu Zhiyuan smiled without speaking.

The two walked side by side into the palace.

Zou Fang and Chu Mingxuan’s personal inner guard, Xu Fengzhi, followed closely behind.

The Forbidden Palace guards stepped aside, and the queuing ministers all turned to look.

As Chu Zhiyuan and Chu Mingxuan walked and talked.

“Fourth Brother, you don’t seem anxious at all.

The Da Zhen Mission has already reached the Liuli Pass; if there are no delays, they’ll arrive within ten days.”

“What’s the use of being anxious?

Just do one’s best.”

“Tell Thirteenth Uncle to give you some individual guidance.”

“Cultivation relies on oneself.”

“It’s a pity I don’t have any military merits left,” Chu Mingxuan said helplessly, “otherwise, I’d exchange them for a Spirit Pill for you.”

Chu Zhiyuan smiled, “Uncle Eighteen, I appreciate your kindness.

Neither of us is well-off, so it’s best to practice diligently ourselves.”

Chu Mingxuan frowned and shook his head.

This is for the honor of Da Jing; how can it rely entirely on oneself?

Doesn’t the Court and the Emperor offer any help?

“I’ll go see Father this afternoon!” Chu Mingxuan snorted.

Chu Zhiyuan didn’t refuse, smiling, “Thank you, Uncle Eighteen.”

Compared to his own father, Chu Minghou, Chu Mingxuan was a favored prince, and he could act spoilt in front of the Emperor without issue.

Chu Mingxuan snorted, “You’re also doing this for our Da Jing.”

When they reached the Martial Arts Training Ground, Chu Qingfeng was already waiting.

Chu Zhitian and Chu Zhichuan had already set up the Purple Sun Stance, motionless in practice, expressions solemn and serious.

Chu Qingfeng waved at Chu Zhiyuan and gestured dismissively at Chu Mingxuan, who stopped helplessly and begrudgingly set up the Purple Sun Stance beside Chu Zhitian, beginning his practice.

With only one last level remaining, his enthusiasm for practice was high.

…

Chu Zhiyuan approached Chu Qingfeng.

Chu Qingfeng placed a hand on his shoulder, his frost-like brows rising, his eyes blinking.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled, “Granduncle, I just had a breakthrough last night.”

“…Hmm, not bad,” Chu Qingfeng said plainly, “Have you started on the Void Sword Scripture?”

“I’ve completed the Blood Purification Technique, but I haven’t started the Washing Sword Technique yet.”

Chu Qingfeng said, “Don’t stop the Dragon Transformation Technique.

I originally didn’t want to give you the Void Sword Scripture; it harms both oneself and others, and practicing it shortens one’s lifespan.”

Chu Zhiyuan’s expression changed slightly.

Chu Qingfeng laughed, “You’re indeed afraid of death.”

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Chu Zhiyuan chuckled, “Granduncle, won’t the Dragon Transformation Technique counteract its harm?”

“As long as the Dragon Transformation Technique’s realm is high enough,” Chu Qingfeng said.

Chu Zhiyuan breathed a sigh of relief.

He was already planning on perfecting the Dragon Transformation Technique; now he saw that in order to handle the upcoming Da Zhen Mission challenge, he couldn’t focus solely on the Blood Purification Technique.

But could the Emperor Earth Scripture repair the damage caused by the Blood Purification Technique?

Chu Qingfeng said, “The duel with the Princely Heir of Da Zhen is important, but not that important; you need to weigh these priorities yourself.”

“Yes, Granduncle,” Chu Zhiyuan nodded, feeling a warmth inside.

This was a statement that shouldn’t have been said; his ability to say such things showed that Chu Qingfeng cared about him, focusing more on him than Da Jing’s interests.

“Go on,” Chu Qingfeng said.

Chu Zhiyuan went over to join Chu Mingxuan, beginning to practice the Great Purple Sun Technique.

He was curious at heart.

The Purple Sun Scripture should contain many lethal martial skills, so why didn’t the Emperor give it to him but instead the Void Sword Scripture?

Were the martial skills in the Purple Sun Scripture inferior to those in the Void Sword Scripture?

He set up the Purple Sun Stance, operating the Great Purple Sun Technique, merging with the rising sun, feeling dazed and as if only a moment or a long time had passed.

When he came back to his senses, it was fully daylight.

He released his stance and saw that the three of them, Chu Mingxuan, Chu Zhitian, and Chu Zhichuan, were already practicing martial skills in the distance, with both sword and saber shimmering coldly under the sunlight.

He bid them farewell and headed to the Ministry of Rites to check in.

Just as he finished checking in and was about to leave, he saw Gao Lingfeng hurrying over, his expression grim.

Chu Zhiyuan glanced at him, intending not to engage, planning to return to practice the Washing Sword Technique, which was easier after grasping the Void’s Marvel.

He had previously speculated that the Washing Sword Technique caused greater bodily harm, so he chose to practice near the Thick Earth Hall’s courtyard, using the Emperor Earth Scripture after training.

“Sir!” Gao Lingfeng, however, called out to him.

Chu Zhiyuan quickened his pace, pretending not to hear.

If it were anyone else, upon calling twice without response, they would stop.

However, Gao Lingfeng was persistent and caught up a few steps to block Chu Zhiyuan’s path, “Sir!”

Chu Zhiyuan waved him off, “Sir Gao, if it’s not urgent, it can wait.

I have pressing matters.”

“Sir, it is urgent,” Gao Lingfeng replied, “It’s about the Flying Flower Sword Sect.”

Chu Zhiyuan halted, “What’s happening with the Flying Flower Sword Sect?”

Anything concerning the Flying Flower Sword Sect was no small matter.

“They got into a fight with Disciple of the Thick Earth Hall,” Gao Lingfeng said, “and were seriously injured, the injuries are severe!”