[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-imperial-cultivation":3,"chapter-imperial-cultivation-imperial-cultivation-chapter-128":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},1054788,1365,"Chapter 128 - 128 126 Invitation","imperial-cultivation-chapter-128",128,"\u003Cp>128: Chapter 126: Invitation 128: Chapter 126: Invitation “`html\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Inviting me for tea…” Xiao Ruoling’s deep and enchanting eyes sparkled, like a secluded pond under the sunlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Elder sister, just refuse.” Xiao Ruoyu said, “The Ninth Princess of Da Meng definitely has ill intentions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What might her intentions be?” Xiao Ruoling asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ruoyu snorted, “Is she trying to outshine you, Elder sister?…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There’s been quite a stir outside these days, insisting on comparing you to her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ruoling looked at him curiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had been focused on cultivation these days, paying little attention to outside affairs, burying herself in cultivation after attending a palace night banquet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ruoyu said, “Some say you are the number one beauty, others say she is, anyway, they say all sorts of things.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pouted, “That Li Hongzhao is beautiful, but she’s far behind you, Elder sister!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ruoling laughed, “Little Tiger, you know how to flatter now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m telling the truth; I’m not lying!” Xiao Ruoyu snorted, “Just a glance at her, and you can see she’s some kind of enchantress, not a good woman!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They attended the palace night banquet a couple of days ago, the Emperor welcomed the Da Meng mission, no different from when he welcomed the Da Zhen mission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this time, there were no exchanges between princely heirs, no Heavenly Dragon Divine Horses, just dining and watching dances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No tension at all, a harmonious atmosphere, seemingly more like an alliance with Da Meng than with Da Zhen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ruoyu saw the Ninth Princess Li Hongzhao of Da Meng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, she was an exquisite beauty, breathtakingly beautiful, every expression was like a hook, making one’s heart flutter uncontrollably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was not only beautiful and charming but also held a high position, respected within the Da Meng mission, capable of making decisions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This made her not only beautiful and noble but also overwhelming in aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a time, even Xiao Ruoling couldn’t outshine her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whether someone is a good woman cannot be judged by appearance alone.” Xiao Ruoling gently shook her head, “Li Hongzhao has a good reputation, and this is Yujing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Anyway, I think she has ill intentions, not deliberately trying to overshadow your presence, Elder sister?” Xiao Ruoyu considered, “To win the first beauty competition?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She’s not that childish!” Xiao Ruoling rolled her eyes, “Probably has ulterior motives…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since she invited, let’s agree to it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really going to agree?” Xiao Ruoyu hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ruoling said, “Even if she’s bold, she wouldn’t harm me, besides, there’s no need to harm me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hongzhao, no matter how audacious, wouldn’t dare harm her in Yujing City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, she was just a daughter of the State Duke Mansion, and Duke An was only the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, posing no conflict of interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s true.” Xiao Ruoyu snorted, “Why hasn’t the Princely Heir come out of seclusion yet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ruoling looked in the direction of Prince Qing Mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two mansions were three streets apart, the location of Duke An Mansion slightly farther from the Imperial Palace than Prince Qing Mansion to the south by three streets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The small pavilion, though high, was three streets away and couldn’t see Prince Qing Mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ruoyu said, “If the Princely Heir were here, asking him would be best.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ruoling laughed, “Alright, this trivial matter can still be dealt with, he needs to focus on cultivation and has no time for these matters.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sigh…” Xiao Ruoyu remained worried.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Partly because of deep care, partly because of the Ninth Princess’s renowned sharpness and cunning, making him even more anxious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ruoling laughed, “Hurry and practice, no slacking off.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright.” Xiao Ruoyu could only set aside his concerns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He decided to make a trip to Prince Qing Mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing of his visit, Feng Xi personally came to greet him, respectfully welcoming him to the front hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Apologizing repeatedly with cupped fists, it was unfortunate timing as the Prince was visiting friends and the Princess had not returned to the mansion yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ruoyu entered the front hall, took a sip of tea, then waved his hand, “Chief Steward Feng, I came secretly, the Ninth Princess of Da Meng sent my elder sister an invitation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Xi was startled, quickly responding, “How about temporarily assigning four Grandmasters to the Heir’s Wife?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’ve always been with the Princely Heir, and…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the Princely Heir had instructed that when the Heir’s Wife goes out, they can be assigned to help.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That would be perfect,” Xiao Ruoyu nodded hastily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Xi smiled, “Please wait a moment, Young Lord.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He soon summoned Guo Chi and the others, informing them they would temporarily serve as the Heir’s Wife’s guards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo Chi and the others readily agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before going into seclusion, Chu Zhiyuan had instructed that should anything arise at Duke An Mansion, they were to go directly to help without delay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the morning of the next day, when Xiao Ruoling left Duke An Mansion, she noticed a difference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo Chi and three others stood in brocade robes, solemnly at the steps outside the mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon seeing her, they cupped their fists in salute, “Greetings to the Heir’s Wife.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Commander Guo, I appreciate your efforts.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ruoling wore a light purple palace gown, her glossy dark hair adorned with a jade hairpin given by Chu Zhiyuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This jade hairpin seemed ordinary but was actually carved from Cold Jade, having a calming and soothing effect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo Chi respectfully cupped his fists, “We are at your service.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ruoling smiled gently, nodded slightly, and entered the purple sandalwood carriage with two young maids.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo Chi and three others surrounded the carriage, each standing at a position, forming the Four Spirit Array as they moved forward naturally with the carriage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had been diligently practicing the Four Spirit Array and, with occasional guidance from Chu Zhiyuan, progressed rapidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now at the second level, they could form the Four Spirit Array anytime without standing in a specific position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guards of Duke An Mansion were positioned on the outer perimeter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among Xiao Ruoling’s guards was one Grandmaster, the others were Innate Masters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Duke An Mansion had quite a number of guards, but few with high cultivation, a total of four Grandmasters, with one each by Duke An, Xiao Ruoyu, and Xiao Ruoling, plus one overseeing the Mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The purple sandalwood carriage slowly proceeded towards a teahouse on Phoenix Avenue — Bilin Pavilion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bilin Pavilion was located at the western end of Phoenix Avenue, near the noble area, also within the vicinity of the West Second Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Xiao Ruoling arrived at Bilin Pavilion and got off the carriage, she saw a group of knights, clad in dark green armor, standing outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dark green armor shimmered with a dark sheen under the sunlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her bright eyes flickered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She pondered that if this armor were in the grasslands, it might blend seamlessly with the grass, making it difficult to distinguish from afar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stepping Cloud Iron Cavalry!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo Chi and three others surrounded Xiao Ruoling as she got off, their aura immediately enveloping her, dispelling the intimidating presence formed by over thirty Stepping Cloud Iron Cavalry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two young maids beside Xiao Ruoling looked around curiously as they followed her inside, entering the now-empty teahouse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, the teahouse had been cleared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon reaching the second floor, they saw a large group of maids and guards standing outside a room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Xiao Ruoling approach, they all made way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ruoling walked forward to the room, seeing inside the wide-open door, the elegant and beautiful Li Hongzhao was already seated by the window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a peach-red palace gown, leisurely holding a scroll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her skin was as white as jade, like a beauty carved from mutton fat jade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Delicate lips, a prominent nose, phoenix-like eyes, and elegant brows, breathtakingly beautiful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Setting down the scroll, Li Hongzhao rose to greet Xiao Ruoling with a cupped fist and a charming smile, “Sister Xiao, sorry for not greeting you further away, please come in.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Highness.” Xiao Ruoling smiled and bowed, “I’m flattered by Your Highness’s invitation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You don’t seem flattered, Sister Xiao, let’s sit and talk.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The maids soon served tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sitting by this window, one could see the bustling crowds below on Phoenix Avenue, densely packed like ants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lively and bustling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sigh…” Li Hongzhao looked outside the city and sighed, “Our Tianjing isn’t as lively, lacking so much of this prosperity.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ruoling chuckled, “I hear Da Meng is also quite prosperous.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hongzhao shook her head, “The people of Tianjing aren’t as carefree; they’re busy with their own affairs, always running around, unlike the enjoyment here in Yujing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ruoling smiled and said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard Princely Heir Yuan is in seclusion?” Li Hongzhao suddenly asked with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“`\u003C\u002Fp>",1466,"2026-06-03T09:57:58.104Z","2026-06-03T09:58:02.813Z",1,"novelbin.me","d183ceeae948ab3c42dc5d6081a6151d7e2965a888bd804b137719c94cd060fb","imperial-cultivation-chapter-129","imperial-cultivation-chapter-127",1378,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fimperial-cultivation-cover.jpg"]