Imperial Cultivation

Chapter 89: Chapter 87 Alliance

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The effects of diligent cultivation were remarkable.

The two Flying Dragon Bones had been completely absorbed, the golden sheen of his bones intensified, his strength increased, and he felt as light as a feather.

Yet he discovered that the Tenth Layer of the Jade Tower was far sturdier than the previous nine layers.

The further he progressed, the more solid the Jade Tower became. This trend was correct, but the sturdiness of this Tenth Layer had suddenly increased, about three times that of the Ninth Layer.

He felt something was amiss.

So early the next day, he went to Mingwu Hall, being the first to arrive at the Martial Arts Training Ground, where Chu Qingfeng was already standing in the hazy dawn.

After greeting, he consulted Chu Qingfeng about the issue.

Chu Qingfeng placed a hand on his Shan Zhong, tested it, furrowing his frosty eyebrows in contemplation.

Chu Zhiyuan positioned himself in the Purple Sun Stance, practicing the Great Purple Sun Technique while waiting.

After a while, Chu Qingfeng slowly said, ”Your condition is indeed rare, it’s the first time I’ve seen or heard of it.”

”You’ve never heard of it?”

”No.”

”Could it be due to my physique?” Chu Zhiyuan asked.

Everyone’s physique is different, even twins cannot be exactly the same, just like there are no two leaves in the world that are entirely identical.

So the effect of practicing the same Martial Arts Heart Method varies for each person and cannot fit everyone perfectly.

Those with high comprehension naturally make slight adjustments that better fit themselves, accelerating their progress, while those with lower comprehension progress slower due to less compatibility.

”Your physique is indeed different,” Chu Qingfeng nodded slowly, ”Such a powerful physique is also something I’m seeing for the first time.”

Chu Zhiyuan chuckled, ”I’ve practiced the Dragon Transformation Technique to the Third Layer.”

”Perhaps that is the reason,” Chu Qingfeng said, ”A strong physique makes your Jade Tower more solid.”

”... This has become a problem,” Chu Zhiyuan frowned, ”It shouldn’t be, otherwise wouldn’t it be difficult for the Dragon Subduing Sect disciples to progress? ... Moreover, the Ninth Layer of the Jade Tower wasn’t that hard.”

”The Dragon Subduing Sect is an Ancient Sect, the Martial Arts styles were different back then,” Chu Qingfeng shook his head, ”There’s no concept of breaking through the barriers, ... it’s hard to say why the Ninth Layer of the Jade Tower wasn’t greatly affected.”

The human body is the most mysterious and inexhaustible; no one has fully unraveled the secrets of the human body to date. Many phenomena remain unexplained.

Chu Zhiyuan looked up at the clear blue sky.

The dawn painted the sky a pale blue, surrounding everything in a delicate blue, refreshing and pleasing.

The sound of sticks in the Imperial Palace was carried over by the breeze.

And the rumbling of carriages, carrying people out shopping and delivering nightsoil.

He was lost in thought amidst the morning breeze.

Should he continue practicing the Dragon Transformation Technique, or should he stop practicing it, first break through the Jade Tower completely, then focus on the Dragon Transformation Technique?

After Bone Training in the Third Layer, comes Marrow Refining in the Fourth Layer.

He didn’t know what effects Marrow Refining would have.

If it weren’t for the Dragon Transformation Technique, at the same Ninth Layer realm, he could never have crushed Cheng Tianfeng, and perhaps he would be crushed by Tianfeng instead.

The realm can strengthen oneself, the Dragon Transformation Technique also makes one stronger.

It’s indeed a tough choice.

”If you ask for my advice, I would say pause on the Dragon Transformation Technique. After all, the contest with Da Zhen is over, combat power is less critical; the realm is more important now.”

”... Uncle, I’ll think it over.”

”Hmm, it still depends on your own decision, others’ suggestions are just for reference.”

”Thank you, Uncle.”

”Don’t mention it!”

”About Imperial Grandfather...”

”Rest assured, Mo Chunyu wouldn’t dare act rashly, and you won’t have to go to Da Zhen to marry a princess, the Twenty-third Prince will marry the princess instead.”

”Imperial Grandfather is wise!”

”Indeed, no one is as wise as the Emperor,” Chu Qingfeng nodded deeply.

That was his most genuine thought.

The elder brother’s far-sightedness, looking three steps ahead in one move, far beyond ordinary people.

”Haha...”

”Hahaha...”

As they were talking, a burst of laughter echoed from a distance, unmistakably Chu Mingxuan’s.

Super Sense saw Chu Mingxuan walking over with Chu Zhitian and Chu Zhichuan, all smiles, and more importantly, all three had stepped into the Innate realm.

Chu Zhiyuan greeted them in surprise, clasping his hands with a smile, ”Eighteenth Uncle, congratulations!”

And then his smile widened, ”Ninth Brother, Tenth Brother, you’ve also reached the Innate realm! Congratulations, congratulations, really delightful news!”

The three of them had all stepped into the Innate realm on the same day.

It seemed his previous contest had heavily stimulated them, propelling them forward in a giant leap, directly breaking through three barriers and stepping into the Innate realm.

Now all in the First Layer of the Innate realm.

Chu Qingfeng rarely smiled, stroking his beard while observing Chu Mingxuan and the others.

”Thirteenth Uncle...”

”Uncle.”

”Uncle!”

The three of them approached, greeting with broad smiles.

Chu Qingfeng nodded, ”Remarkable, not bad!”

”Hehe, I originally thought only I had broken the third barrier, who knew these two brats broke through as well, what a coincidence!”

”We were also inspired on a whim and, upon charging, broke through the third barrier.”

”Indeed, quite the coincidence.”

As the three of them joined, more and more princely heirs arrived, and upon hearing the news, immediately gathered around in excitement.

——

After the excitement died down, everyone stood in the Purple Sun Stance and began practicing martial arts.

Chu Zhiyuan and the other three huddled together to whisper privately.

”Eighteenth Uncle, are you heading to the army?”

”Yes, to the army, the Northern Territory! ... There’s nothing happening in the Northwest Territory, so I can only go to the Northern Territory!”

”Eighteenth Uncle, the Northwest Territory might not be as peaceful,” Chu Zhiyuan said.

He could see that Da Zhen’s alliance intentions weren’t that earnest; they still looked down on Da Jing and even Wentian Cliff might not agree with an alliance.

Da Zhen was likely to cause some trouble, stirring issues for Da Jing, and the Northwest Border wouldn’t be that serene.

”Even if it’s not peaceful, it won’t be as rough as the Northern Territory.”

”... True, what about Ninth Brother?”

Chu Zhitian said, ”I’m going to the Military Suppression Department.”

”I’m going to the Military Suppression Department too,” Chu Zhichuan said.

Chu Zhiyuan thought for a moment, ”If you’re going to the Military Suppression Department, it’s best to wait a bit, until this period passes.”

Many experts had flooded into Yujing, and the Military Suppression Department had to call in a large number of experts to maintain order during this time, so entering the Military Suppression Department now wasn’t appropriate.

The First Layer of the Innate realm wouldn’t measure up if they went in and would be neglected and left aside, especially with so many martial arts experts of various sects coming to Yujing, which was too dangerous.

”Old Ten, going with me to the Northwest would be great!” Chu Mingxuan advised.

Chu Zhichuan shook his head, ”Still want to go to the Military Suppression Department.”

”You’re so stubborn!” Chu Mingxuan snorted, very unwilling, ”If the Military Suppression Department doesn’t treat you well, come to the Northwest and find me, and we can achieve merits together!”

”Yes, Eighteenth Uncle,” Chu Zhichuan said.

Chu Mingxuan sighed, feeling lonely by himself.

Leaving Yujing would mean leaving his companions behind, unable to drink, chat, and practice martial arts together with Chu Zhiyuan, Chu Zhitian, and Chu Zhichuan, which would feel quite difficult.

——

After the sun rose, Chu Zhiyuan went to the Ministry of Rites to register.

Holding a Flying Dragon Bone in his left sleeve, with a Dragon Ball at his chest, allowing the third layer of the Dragon Transformation Technique to run at high speed.

From a distance, before reaching the courtyard of the Ministry of Rites, he wanted to turn back; if it weren’t for the registration being related to the Nine Grade Merit, he truly wouldn’t want to go in.

What Super Sense saw was his side hall outside the courtyard, where the burly, swarthy Bai Jingrong and his disciple were waiting.

Gao Lingfeng was inside the room organizing documents for him to review during the day.

He entered through the main gate, then into the main courtyard, reaching his own Sect Martial Department courtyard, then directly went into his room as if he didn’t see those waiting in the west side hall.

Gao Lingfeng saw him coming and saluted, ”Sir.”

Chu Zhiyuan furrowed his brows, ”Why are they here again?”

”Sir, the Military Suppression Department caught up with that He Jiujie, but He Jiujie unexpectedly died!”

”Dead?” Chu Zhiyuan feigned amazement.

With the remnants of breath on Bai Jingmang, Super Sense couldn’t sense any direction.

There were two possibilities here.

First, He Jiujie had some rare treasure that concealed destiny, blocking Super Sense; this was nearly impossible.

Even the jade worn by Cheng Tianfeng could only partially obstruct Super Sense.

Da Zhen’s Princely Heir with the highest aptitude, Wentian Cliff’s true disciple, the Closed-door Disciple of the State Preceptor, the jade on him was incomparable to any other mortal’s.

Second, He Jiujie was already dead.

It now seemed to be the second scenario.

”Dead, silenced!” Gao Lingfeng’s face was heavy, subtly showing anger, ”It’s very likely he was killed by his employer.”

”Based on He Jiujie’s fatal injuries, couldn’t the perpetrator be found?”

”... Maybe it’s martial arts from Yao Yue Palace.”

”Aren’t Yao Yue Palace disciples forbidden from entering Yujing?”

”He Jiujie left Yujing, possibly intending to escape, and was killed by a Yao Yue Palace expert as soon as he left the city.”

”Yao Yue Palace...” Chu Zhiyuan’s face turned solemn.

”Junior Minister! Junior Minister!”

Suddenly, shouts came from outside.

Chu Zhiyuan waved his hand.

Gao Lingfeng quickly lifted the curtain and exited, soon bringing in Bai Jingrong and Fang Haiyang.

”Elder Bai, what’s the matter now?” Chu Zhiyuan sat behind the desk, looking down at the two men who entered, speaking slowly, ”The perpetrator has been found and vengeance taken, should you not be satisfied?”

”Hehe...” Bai Jingrong rubbed his hands awkwardly, clasping his hands, ”Bai came to apologize, please be magnanimous and overlook our offense!”

Chu Zhiyuan said, ”No need to come specifically to apologize, it’s best to restrain your sect’s disciples well and avoid causing trouble now, that’s more important than anything else.”

”Yes, yes, our sect disciples will not cause any trouble!” Bai Jingrong hurriedly said, ”Bai wasn’t just apologizing idly, I brought a piece of news.”

”Oh—?”

”There’s a group that has formed an alliance, planning to assassinate the Da Zhen Mission!”

”Who are they?”

”This... wasn’t clearly found out, only that they’re all some foreign experts.”

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