Imperial Cultivation

Chapter 166: Chapter 164 Sword Stele

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Is it really the inverse scale?

If there are disciples of the Demon Sect in the military, it may be due to the agreement between the Grand Ancestor and the Four Great Demon Sects. But what about the imperial concubine from the Four Great Demon Sects in the palace?

Is that also an agreement?

The relationship between the Four Great Demon Sects and the Emperor is indeed complex and subtle.

This time, the Yongling Divine Sect will definitely infuriate the Emperor, and it’s uncertain what will happen.

He faintly had a feeling of impending doom, sensing the danger in the situation.

There are over a hundred disciples in the Yongling Divine Sect, and it’s impossible for only one disciple to be in the military. These disciples are all exceptionally talented individuals, and if they are in the military, their positions must not be low.

If there is a major purge, it will undoubtedly undermine Da Jing’s military strength, something that Da Jing cannot afford at the moment.

Moreover, there are still the other three Great Demon Sects.

Once the Yongling Divine Sect is purged, it’s equivalent to the Emperor tearing up the alliance, and what will the other three Great Demon Sects think? Should they also be on guard?

If all the Four Great Demon Sects cause trouble, what will happen to Da Jing?

Thinking of this, Chu Zhiyuan felt a heavy heart.

Could it be that the Yongling Divine Sect has anticipated this consequence, so they are not afraid of the Emperor’s purge, not afraid of the Emperor’s chaos?

If it is indeed so, it would be throwing stones at those in need, making it even worse.

He cast his gaze toward the King Jing Mansion not far away, feeling a slight chill in his heart.

The Yongling Divine Sect is not to be associated with.

The reputation of the Demon Sect is well-deserved!

I just don’t know if traveling with Li Haoyuan this time will cause any trouble, or if the Emperor will suspect that I practiced the Eternal Spirit Secret Scripture.

——

Early the next day, he arrived at the Mingwu Hall.

In the martial arts training ground of the Mingwu Hall, only Chu Qingfeng was present in the morning light.

As soon as Chu Zhiyuan appeared, he glanced a few times and nodded in satisfaction, smiling: ”Not bad! Not bad!”

Chu Zhiyuan stepped forward and cupped his fist: ”Uncle-Grandfather.”

”You’ve made progress again. It seems reaching the Grandmaster Realm is not difficult for you,” Chu Qingfeng said, stroking his beard with a smile.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled and said, ”Uncle-Grandfather, I ran into Xu Yingying and Xu Suying, the Great Grandmasters from the Jiuli Divine Sect on the road.”

”Miss Xu...” Chu Qingfeng suddenly became a little absent-minded.

Chu Zhiyuan’s spirit lifted, and his eyes swept across his face.

Chu Qingfeng regained his senses and said peevishly, ”What are you looking at!”

Chu Zhiyuan chuckled and said, ”It seems Uncle-Grandfather is acquainted with Great Grandmaster Xu, quite familiar, perhaps?”

”Not very familiar,” Chu Qingfeng said, ”She didn’t cause you any trouble, did she?”

”No, Xu Yingying from the Jiuli Divine Sect has cultivation not inferior to mine, but she’s younger than me. I was quite amazed.”

”You thought the heroes of the world were nothing until you finally discovered the truth?”

”Indeed.”

”The Jiuli Divine Sect...” Chu Qingfeng mused, ”You’d best not get involved with any of these Four Great Sects.”

Chu Zhiyuan showed a hint of puzzlement.

He had always been told not to get involved with the Four Great Demon Sects, and he always wondered why.

Chu Qingfeng said, ”Their relationship with the Court is complicated. As a Princely Heir, you’ll inevitably face dilemmas in the future.”

Chu Zhiyuan seemed lost in thought.

Chu Qingfeng’s words sounded ordinary, but he detected a note of sentiment, a sense of experiential understanding.

Clearly, this was advice born of personal experience.

Could it be that Uncle-Grandfather had emotional entanglements with Xu Suying?

He solemnly nodded, ”Only consider interests, not emotions.”

Chu Qingfeng smiled.

This fourth son had high comprehension not only in martial arts but also in dealing with people.

He grasped things quickly.

Chu Zhiyuan said, ”Uncle-Grandfather, I’m looking for a swordsmanship on par with the Jiuli Sword Technique.”

Chu Qingfeng’s smile froze.

Chu Zhiyuan raised his sword-like eyebrows, ”I’ve seen all the swordsmanship in the Mingwu Hall, and there are hardly any stronger than the Great Snow Avalanche Sword Technique.”

The reason the Great Snow Avalanche Sword Technique isn’t on the highest tier is because of its flaws. In terms of power, it’s the strongest swordsmanship in the Mingwu Hall.

But now, at the Grandmaster Realm, its power, when driven by Gang Qi, is not as strong as the Heavenly Breaking Sword Technique.

When competing with the Jiuli Sword Technique, it’s not appropriate to use the Heavenly Breaking Sword Technique, as it would disgrace the Imperial Family of Da Jing.

Chu Qingfeng said, ”The Purple Sun Scripture excels in hand skills; its swordsmanship isn’t the top tier. As for others...”

Chu Zhiyuan said, ”The Dragon Subduing Sect’s best is the Great Heavenly Dragon Fist, the Taiqing Primordial Sect is the All Streams Return to the Origin Palm, the Yu Xu Sword Sect is the Sword Control Technique. They are indeed formidable, but purely in swordsmanship, there doesn’t seem to be anything stronger.”

”...Isn’t the Great Snow Avalanche Sword Technique sufficient?”

”Compared to the Jiuli Sword Technique?”

”...”

”Uncle-Grandfather, what about the Heavenly Treasure Department?”

”The Jiuli Sword Technique is one of the world’s top sword techniques. In the Heavenly Treasure Department, there’s none stronger than the Jiuli Sword Technique.”

”Something equivalent to the Jiuli Sword Technique would also do.”

”The swordsmanship of the White Cloud Sword Palace is indeed formidable, but you’re not a disciple of the White Cloud Sword Palace.”

”Is the swordsmanship of the White Cloud Sword Palace so formidable?”

”The White Cloud Sword Palace has a White Cloud Sword Stele, a rare thing under the heavens,” Chu Qingfeng said, ”The better your comprehension, the stronger the swordsmanship you can glean from it. With your good comprehension, you might be able to learn a swordsmanship on par with the Jiuli Sword Technique.”

”Such a wondrous treasure... What a pity!” Chu Zhiyuan felt a bit lost for a moment.

Could it be that the prestigious Da Jing Court doesn’t have a sword technique on par with the Four Great Demon Sects?

Something seems amiss here.

He felt there should be a stronger sword technique, just not revealed yet.

Chu Qingfeng said, ”Actually... at your realm, the difference between swordsmanship, hand skills, and fist techniques isn’t too significant. You don’t have to obsess over swordsmanship.”

Why insist on using swordsmanship against the Jiuli Sword Technique?

Can’t you use the Purple Sun Divine Palm?

Chu Zhiyuan said, ”Uncle-Grandfather, I still want to learn a top-tier sword technique.”

That mystical short wooden sword of his, paired with swordsmanship, would become even more formidable.

Chu Qingfeng thought for a moment and said reluctantly, ”Above the Great Snow Avalanche Sword Technique, there is actually a Great Snow Mountain Sword Technique.”

Chu Zhiyuan’s spirit was instantly lifted.

Chu Qingfeng said, ”But the Great Snow Mountain Sword Technique is actually weaker than the Jiuli Sword Technique.”

”Uncle-Grandfather, is the gap between the Great Snow Avalanche Sword Technique and the Jiuli Sword Technique that large?”

”The Great Snow Avalanche Sword Technique is just one strike, while the Jiuli Sword Technique is an exquisitely intricate series of moves. Naturally, there’s quite a difference.”

”...Forget it. I’ll send you to the White Cloud Sword Palace.”

Chu Zhiyuan’s spirit was lifted.

Chu Qingfeng sighed, ”The White Cloud Sword Palace owes me a great favor. Using this favor, I can arrange for you to comprehend the Sword Stele for one day.”

”Thank you, Uncle-Grandfather!” Chu Zhiyuan was overjoyed and accepted without reservation.

Chu Qingfeng waved his hand, ”I’ve been reluctant to use this favor until now. Seeing that it can help you, it’s not a bad use.”

Chu Zhiyuan said with a smile, ”Rest assured, Uncle-Grandfather, I will study it diligently and ensure the favor doesn’t go to waste.”

”But don’t get too obsessed.”

”Understood, understood.”

As they talked, they saw people arriving one after another.

The earliest arrivals were still Chu Zhitian, Chu Zhichuan, and Chu Mingxuan, along with Chu Zhiyao.

Seeing him appear, they immediately gathered around, bombarding him with questions. Then more Heirs and Princes arrived, continuing to surround him.

The martial arts training ground suddenly became lively.

Chu Qingfeng did not urge everyone to practice but let them talk and laugh with Chu Zhiyuan, curiously inquiring about the situation outside.

Upon hearing about the situation in Gaoling Town and the interception by the Stepping Cloud Iron Cavalry, everyone was indignant.

Someone asked if Li Haoyuan had been thrown into prison.

After Chu Zhiyuan spoke, everyone was puzzled.

Such a crime didn’t result in immediate imprisonment; instead, he was allowed to return to the capital freely and went directly back to his residence. It was exceedingly lenient.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled without speaking.

Chu Zhiyao then explained to everyone.

This concerns the Court’s regulations.

Before prosecution, Li Haoyuan was merely stripped of his post as General, not yet a criminal.

After a trial by the Three Judicial Offices, the crime would be determined, and even if found guilty, an official of such rank might not end up in prison.

This is how the court grants leniency to generals like him.

Even if guilty, their efforts cannot be completely negated.

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