[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-imperial-cultivation":3,"chapter-imperial-cultivation-imperial-cultivation-chapter-144":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},1054808,1365,"Chapter 144 - 144 142 Response","imperial-cultivation-chapter-144",144,"\u003Cp>144: Chapter 142 Response 144: Chapter 142 Response “`html\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enter.” Chu Zhiyuan withdrew from the Dragon Subduing Stance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His body still trembled, warm as if soaked in a hot spring, an indescribable relaxed comfort washed over him, and a smile unknowingly appeared on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ningshuang gracefully entered, clad in a moon-white palace gown, the gold hairpin on her head swaying, gleaming with golden light, she pouted, “You can still laugh now!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan laughed, “Mother, how is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He led Bai Ningshuang into the small pavilion nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo Yi stepped forward to brew a cup of tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ningshuang glanced at the four girls, nodding with satisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Mo Yi and the four girls around, there was no fear of inadequate care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The four of them had been following Chu Zhiyuan since they were young, each one was highly capable, managing Tingtao Court efficiently, truly skilled in household management.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“For you.” Bai Ningshuang took out a small Cold Jade box from her sleeve and handed it to him, “This is from the Empress, said this was all there is.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan opened it and saw two pieces of Dragon Fat Fragrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His smile grew wider.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yuan’er, losing is just losing, the sky won’t fall!” Bai Ningshuang looked at him with heartache, softly advising, “Don’t do something reckless and harm yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I understand.” Chu Zhiyuan laughed, “Mother, tomorrow you can just go with Father, little sister, and them to watch the spectacle outside Qitian Palace.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Alright then.” Bai Ningshuang hesitated before eventually nodding gently, getting up to leave without saying more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She really wanted Chu Zhiyuan to withdraw directly, excusing himself by saying he got injured while practicing, cancelling tomorrow’s duel, even if he lost, it would be better than a shameful defeat in front of everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But knowing Chu Zhiyuan’s nature, she realized saying more was pointless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once he decided to do something, no amount of persuasion would change his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After sending Bai Ningshuang off, Chu Zhiyuan examined the two pieces of Dragon Fat Fragrance and suddenly laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor truly held his ground, if he didn’t request it himself, the Emperor wouldn’t give it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These two pieces of Dragon Fat Fragrance should be enough for a breakthrough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qitian Palace was situated ten miles outside Yujing City on a mountain peak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The peak was called Qitian Peak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qitian Peak was over a thousand meters high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were more than five thousand stone steps, polished to a sheen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qitian Peak was not only the place where the Emperor prayed to the heavens each year but also a destination for Yujing City residents’ daily leisure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ascent of Qitian Peak was steep and difficult, especially in the middle to upper sections where it was almost vertical, causing those with a fear of heights to tremble and crawl upwards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The top of Qitian Peak was open and flat like a round mirror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A majestic round palace stood there, with a circular white stone plaza below, vast and level, standing upon it made one feel as if floating in mid-air, wanting to reach the heavens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was also the motivation for Yujing citizens to tirelessly climb such heights and expend such effort to ascend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The morning sun burst forth with radiant golden light, making Qitian Peak look like a mountain of gold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The already steep and hard-to-reach Qitian Peak was now crowded with people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost everyone in Yujing City knew about the Da Jing Fourth Princely Heir’s duel with the Da Meng Ninth Princess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though there was no wager, it had captured the hearts of Yujing City residents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, some private betting establishments had discreetly opened wagers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The citizens of Yujing hoped to witness the heroic victory of the Da Jing Fourth Princely Heir, yet they also knew it might be difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that didn’t deter them from watching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the appearance of the Da Jing Fourth Princely Heir and the Da Meng Ninth Princess was also worthwhile, as both were legendary figures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They consoled themselves, thinking this was an unequal contest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Da Meng opponent was a ninth princess, a royal princess level, whereas Da Jing was represented by a Fourth Princely Heir, not a prince; losing would be no disgrace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Da Jing had sent a prince, let alone the Tenth Prince Prince Ying, how could the Da Meng Ninth Princess win?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The vast and expansive plaza was divided into sections.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One section was encircled by layers of military officers in white robes, isolating the area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside this circle stood Cheng Tianfeng and Mo Chunyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Lingshuang Iron Cavalry had dismounted, their aura cohesive as if they were one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Tianfeng wore a brocade robe, silver-decorated deerskin boots, and an antiquated longsword at his waist, exuding his usual calm and composed presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His noble air was impressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uncle, the outcome is already decided, who’d have thought this Li Hongzhao managed another breakthrough!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Hongzhao indeed is a prodigy, the bigger the occasion, the more excited and exhilarated she gets,” Mo Chunyu commented, “The faster her cultivation advancement, using Chu Zhiyuan as a grinding stone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This woman is truly beautiful.” Cheng Tianfeng’s eyes flashed with fascination, lamenting, “If only she could be brought into my house…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo Chunyu glanced at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This nephew, he couldn’t rid himself of the Cheng family’s tradition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could Li Hongzhao be considered an ordinary beauty, to be brought into his house casually?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unless he was overwhelmingly stronger and made her submit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To make her submit, one must surpass her greatly in martial arts and be of comparable age, otherwise even if much older with stronger cultivation, it wouldn’t make her sincerely submit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a person doesn’t yet exist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the exceptionally talented Chu Zhiyuan was currently not her match.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Looks like I need to cultivate diligently.” Cheng Tianfeng sighed, “Better to enjoy a single heavenly apricot than a box of rotten peaches!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo Chunyu remarked calmly, “Are the women in your house all rotten peaches?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All are heavenly apricots.” Cheng Tianfeng replied smugly, “Each one is a peerless beauty rarely seen in the world.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo Chunyu warned, “It’s better to stay away from her; she may look beautiful, but she’s ruthless.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I will eventually bring her into my house!” Cheng Tianfeng clenched his fist toward the sky, instantly filled with boundless fighting spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First relieved at Chu Zhiyuan’s defeat, then spurred by Li Hongzhao, his fighting spirit was reignited, his energy renewed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Mo Chunyu said no more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed internally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He truly couldn’t discern if his lustfulness was ultimately good or bad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ningshuang’s family of three was also seated in a section, guarded by their household guards, accompanied by Xiao Ruoling and Xiao Ruoyu, and also Duke An, Xiao Youping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Youping and Chu Minghou were like-minded, getting along well, both sitting at a stone table, each holding a tea cup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Didn’t expect such a crowd, it’s just a duel.” Chu Minghou was puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t the same as the harsh and brutal border wars between Da Jing and Da Meng, compared to which this duel was like child’s play.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Truly he couldn’t see the attraction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why did so many people laboriously climb up for a glance?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Youping replied, “It’s about public sentiment and morale, everyone is harboring anger, wanting to vent it through this duel.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This duel was equivalent to another war between Da Jing and Da Meng, an extension and symbol of the border war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It carried the intense emotional sentiments of Yujing’s citizens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If Yuan’er really lost, wouldn’t he be Da Jing’s sinner?” Chu Minghou frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ningshuang softly interjected, “Prince!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Right, right, let’s not say such inauspicious things.” Chu Minghou laughed, “Yuan’er acts prudently, since he dared to agree, he must have a chance to win.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Youping nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had the same feeling, so he wasn’t overly worried.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But with Li Hongzhao’s breakthrough right before the battle, adding a new twist to the duel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was truly uncertain who would win or lose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Duke, will the Emperor be coming?” Bai Ningshuang asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Youping replied, “The Emperor did not plan to come today.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s good.” Bai Ningshuang breathed a sigh of relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yesterday Yuan’er had sought a treasure from the Emperor, if he still lost, wouldn’t it anger the Emperor?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, seeing Yuan’er defeated under his nose was entirely different from just hearing about it from others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, it all depended on Yuan’er himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned to look at Xiao Ruoling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ruoling’s exceptionally beautiful face was serene, showing no difference, she simply sat there quietly, watching Qitian Palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After passing nine levels of stairs, stepping onto the massive platform, then one could enter Qitian Palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their match location was on that elevated platform, in front of Qitian Palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire plaza could clearly see everything on the elevated platform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides these two sections, there were dozens of other sections on the plaza, all belonging to the noble families.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The important officials among the courtiers had to attend their duties and couldn’t come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ding…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A clear sound rang out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon after, a clear cry echoed from the foot of the mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The people standing at the edge of the plaza looked down upon hearing it, seeing a red figure soaring into the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The south side of Qitian Peak had stairs, while the north side was a steep cliff, covered in moss, impossible to climb without stairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This red figure ascended adhering to the steep stone face on the north side of Qitian Peak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the blink of an eye, the red figure soared upwards, descending gracefully, landing in front of Qitian Palace, appearing before everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her red dress was like blazing fire, and she was a beauty carved from white jade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A shadow beside her shifted, and Chu Zhiyuan appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to Li Hongzhao’s breathtaking presence, Chu Zhiyuan was silent and inconspicuous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“`\u003C\u002Fp>",1642,"2026-06-03T09:57:58.104Z","2026-06-03T09:58:02.813Z",1,"novelbin.me","039b35247a3e0dbc109cb3330c8789919b5b0bb73af9f63b9433ab3326214a21","imperial-cultivation-chapter-145","imperial-cultivation-chapter-5",1378,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fimperial-cultivation-cover.jpg"]