[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-imperial-cultivation":3,"chapter-imperial-cultivation-imperial-cultivation-chapter-102":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Imperial Cultivation",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},1054761,1365,"Chapter 102 - 102 100 Come Again","imperial-cultivation-chapter-102",102,"\u003Cp>102: Chapter 100 Come Again 102: Chapter 100 Come Again “`html\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Jiong touched his own face, feeling inexplicable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And what about the token?” Guo Chi couldn’t help but ask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Jiong hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo Chi asked, “Didn’t you see it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s hidden somewhere, not with him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, is that a lie?” Guo Chi couldn’t help but say, “He’s tricking you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the martial arts world, even if one’s life is saved, one cannot fully trust the other party, as there is a need to guard against ill-intentioned rescues.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some things are more important than life, such as martial arts heart methods, treasures, the lives of family members, the fate of sects, etc.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing these words, he couldn’t help but think this was a self-preservation tactic, with a certain familiar air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If practiced in advance, it could be used smoothly at critical moments, even with closed eyes, thus preserving one’s life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It is similar to a trump card.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Jiong said, “I don’t think it’s a lie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s an honest young fellow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, old Gao, your judgement is off,” Guo Chi said, “He’s definitely deceiving you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Jiong shook his head, “It doesn’t seem like it, truly doesn’t.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at Ji Dongxiao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Dongxiao appeared thoughtful, “Why don’t we go and take a look?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, “Do you think he will be willing to part with it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Probably not.” Ji Dongxiao shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo Chi snorted, “His life was saved by old Gao, yet he can’t part with a mere token?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s different.” Ji Dongxiao understood the complexities of human nature well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sometimes saving a life might not earn gratitude from the other party.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this world, many repay kindness with enmity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The selfishness and greed of human nature, the complexity of the human heart, is beyond imagination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it doesn’t involve interests, it’s fine, but once interests are involved, even the grace of saving a life is useless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Forget it.” Chu Zhiyuan waved his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo Chi hurriedly said, “Prince Heir, what if it’s real?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is a token from Yao Yue Palace, which isn’t an ordinary sect, it has a great grandmaster!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at Gao Jiong, “Can this token mobilize the grandmaster of Yao Yue Palace?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It probably can, right?” Gao Jiong scratched his head, “He didn’t say whether it could or couldn’t.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yao Yue Palace is the most prideful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Agreed that holding this item could request Yao Yue Palace to take action, and once it acts, it won’t fuss over trivialities, it will absolutely go all out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If a grandmaster is needed, they will mobilize the grandmaster without hesitation, this is the pride of Yao Yue Palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Prince Heir, let’s take a look, just in case it’s real, let’s retrieve it!” Guo Chi hurriedly said, “This is a token that can mobilize a grandmaster!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled, “Exploiting favor for return?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his expression, Guo Chi knew it was impossible, and said regretfully, “A token for his life, there’s nothing wrong with that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Forget it.” Chu Zhiyuan said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Yanwu had been standing by silently, but now he couldn’t help but say, “Old Gao, is this young fellow truly honest?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t be fooled.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I see him as a pretty honest young fellow,” Gao Jiong said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was somewhat hesitant at this point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Originally quite sure this young fellow was a simple honest lad, but after their words, he became a bit suspicious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan looked at Ji Dongxiao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s said Ji Dongxiao has an eye for detail, let’s see if that’s true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old Gao,” Ji Dongxiao sighed, “this young fellow might not be as honest as you think.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a disciple of the Zhenyi Sect, Bai Jingmang’s disciple, so close to Zhenyi Sect yet he preferred lying in an empty house, not returning to Zhenyi Sect for help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That empty house was probably prepared by him, like a crafty rabbit’s multiple burrows, a deliberately kept retreat, a safe house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Carefully thinking about what he said to Gao Jiong, it was clearly a deliberate mention of the token.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such an important thing, mentioned during a grave injury, seemed without reservation, even somewhat naive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mentioning this token at this time could save his life, but equally could provoke covetousness and lose his life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The behavior before and after is inconsistent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, most likely the latter words are false, and if true, his purpose might be to ask Gao Jiong for help, to send him to Yao Yue Palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In short, this little fellow is not simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After listening to this analysis, Gao Jiong’s face darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although he didn’t intend to take his token, being played with like this felt truly uncomfortable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Felt like his good intentions were misplaced, the life-saving grace repaid not with sincerity but with deceit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His face grew increasingly unpleasant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Dongxiao said, “Prince Heir, I’ll accompany old Gao to check out this little fellow later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon returning to the Prince Qing Mansion, Chu Zhiyuan discovered there was a guest present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Super Sense perceived Chu Minghou in the front hall, being jovial with a burly and robust middle-aged man, the atmosphere harmonious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two were gathered by the window’s table, gazing at a painting on the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Minghou was enthusiastically explaining, while the robust middle-aged man listened intently, occasionally asking questions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bright sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the vast and magnificent snow mountain painting on the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan turned his head to Zou Fang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zou Fang nodded gently and quietly went to the front hall, whispered a few words to Feng Xi, and then came back silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is Yuan’er back?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Come on in!” came Chu Minghou’s voice from the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Zou Fang, he knew Chu Zhiyuan had returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled and proceeded forward, with Zou Fang’s sound transmission: “Prince Heir, the guest is Marquis Jianchi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan abruptly stopped, turning his head to look at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By this time he’d already reached the steps to the front hall, about to step up, but stopped and withdrew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zou Fang lightly nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan furrowed his sword-like brows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marquis Jianchi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one who proposed to his little sister two days ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then, Bai Ningshuang turned the matchmaker away, not thinking highly of Marquis Jianchi’s family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just because Marquis Jianchi is newly noble, nor just because his son is unpromising, but more importantly, due to the mismatch in social status.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a mere newly promoted marquis, whose son wanted to marry a commandery princess, the gap in social standing was too vast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it were a newly promoted marquis himself, in his twenties, that would qualify to propose to a commandery princess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, it’s the son of a marquis, inheriting not the marquis title, just a courtesy title of General.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a status marrying a commandery princess is like a mere fantasy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An attempt to snatch a bargain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ningshuang didn’t boot the matchmaker out, simply politely declined and saw them out, which was already a display of utmost cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he dared to propose at any Duke Mansion, he’d certainly be driven away with a chaos of sticks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yuan’er, come over here,” Chu Minghou smiled, “Have a look at Marquis Guo’s Thousand Miles Snow Peak painting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan lightly coughed and gracefully stepped onto the steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zou Fang stepped forward, lifting the heavy white curtain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan crossed the threshold and gracefully stepped inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, it was warm and akin to spring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Greetings, Prince Heir.” The robust middle-aged man by the table cupped his fists with a smile, “Sorry to intrude, please don’t blame this marquis for being presumptuous.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled, “Greetings, Marquis Guo, is this…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the Thousand Miles Snow Peak painting?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped closer to the table for a look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The painting exuded an overwhelming heroism, just a two-foot wide and one-zhang long scroll, capturing the entire Thousand Miles Snow Peak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, it was an extremely high level of painting technique, no wonder Chu Minghou was so excited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It struck exactly at his heart’s desire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A good painting, a good painting!” Chu Zhiyuan exhaled, “A work of a master!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It was made by a nameless scholar on the border, this marquis happened to see it on the street and bought it for ten silver taels.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ten silver taels…” Chu Zhiyuan exclaimed, “Luck favors the marquis.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked to Chu Minghou, “To get a painting by Ouyang Qiong, just for ten silver taels, it truly is good fortune!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Minghou was taken aback, examined it a few times, solemnly nodded, “Indeed, it should be Master Ouyang’s!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder it looked somewhat familiar.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He exclaimed, “Ever since Master Ouyang left Yujing, it’s said he went to the border to experience all the mountains and rivers of the world to expand his mind…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Ouyang’s technique has advanced further, no wonder, no wonder, only Master Ouyang could create such a magnificent painting!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t surprised by Chu Zhiyuan’s keen eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He often couldn’t discern it, but Chu Zhiyuan could see it, after several times he got used to it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled, “Is the marquis here for a proposal?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“`\u003C\u002Fp>",1519,"2026-06-03T09:57:58.104Z","2026-06-03T09:58:02.813Z",1,"novelbin.me","feada44146bdddfab74bac2868911cbc44b88fdb6f4dfc889193c899970c0ef1","imperial-cultivation-chapter-103","imperial-cultivation-chapter-101",1378,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fimperial-cultivation-cover.jpg"]