[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-imperial-cultivation":3,"chapter-imperial-cultivation-imperial-cultivation-chapter-16":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},1054825,1365,"Chapter 16 - 16 15 The Hunt","imperial-cultivation-chapter-16",16,"\u003Cp>16: Chapter 15: The Hunt 16: Chapter 15: The Hunt “`html\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan and thirteen others were all dressed in dark green combat uniforms, standing in front of a large rock, blending seamlessly with the surrounding mountain colors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Opposite was a towering peak, its half-top piercing into the low, dark clouds, making it indistinct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mountain haze was like smoke, the trees dark green.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the rock stood Chu Qingfeng and thirteen middle-aged men, their expressions solemn, revealing a slight tension, completely different from the excited faces of Chu Mingxuan and the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Further out was over a hundred Forbidden Palace guards, each wearing Da Jing Dynasty’s standard armor—Bright Armor, shimmering with cold light, daunting to behold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These guards formed a circle, with knives at their waists, hands on the handles, and eyes scanning the surroundings, watchful and stern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No need for unnecessary words,” Chu Qingfeng’s gaze swept over the princes and princely heirs: “Only one thing, don’t risk your life for merit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If anything’s off, shout or send a signal, and someone will rescue you immediately!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You need to be alive to earn merit, you all know what’s more important.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t get reckless when fighting, especially since the roars of these demon beasts can stir your blood and make your eyes red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stay in control!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze finally landed on Chu Zhiyuan: “The demon beasts inside this Little Chixia Mountain should not be underestimated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stay vigilant, it’s your first time here, don’t look to earn merit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Uncle.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan stood among the princely heirs and bowed his fist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s noon now, when the mountain turns red, the bell will signal the end…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>enter the mountain!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s go!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m coming too!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This time I’ll definitely take one down!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone’s eyes shone with excitement as they shouted loudly, but they moved cautiously, slowly approaching the forest at the foot of Little Chixia Mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They spread out, each finding a direction to head into the forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Prey killed in cooperation didn’t count as merit, only solo kills did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan first circled around the mountain’s base without approaching the forest, seemingly hesitant to advance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mountain of roars and howls in the forest rose and fell one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His Super Sense covered a range of a hundred meters, his footsteps shifting, eyeing Chu Zhitian and Chu Zhichuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small beast like a squirrel transformed into a dark shadow, darting towards Chu Zhitian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhitian didn’t react in time and was knocked ten meters away into a pine tree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bang!” The pine needles rustled down like rain as he painfully stuck halfway up the tree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not far away, Chu Zhichuan also encountered a small beast, like a squirrel that turned into a dark shadow but skillfully dodged it and slashed with his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The small beast swung its tail in the air, nimbly pivoted, and darted into the forest, vanishing from sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan was thoughtful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The speed of these small beasts was too fast, and without preparation, it was difficult to react.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhitian and Chu Zhichuan were obviously prepared, this was definitely not their first encounter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hiss——!” Chu Zhitian gasped, grimacing as he slid down to the tree root, shaking his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A green shadow suddenly shot towards the back of his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bang!” He punched at the green shadow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The green shadow twisted in the air and vanished into the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a small snake, green and sparkling like jade, its eyes clear and bright, its head not fierce but agile and cute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan nodded, the Ninth clearly knew it would attack stealthily at this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is the benefit of experience, and this kind of experience was likely bought with injuries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, the scene of Chu Zhichuan was also unfolding in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhichuan’s handsome face was tense, he shook his longsword, the sword light shimmered, and he stepped forward two steps, then slashed into the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ding…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A white swallow suddenly appeared where the sword tip pierced, flapped twice, then wanted to fall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It flipped over a foot down and flew up again, gliding skyward, slipping into the void, disappearing without a trace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan raised his sword-like eyebrows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This white swallow had the ability to become invisible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For those unaware, it would be almost impossible to avoid this swallow’s strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Little Chixia Mountain indeed lived up to its reputation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhitian and Chu Zhichuan continued upward, gradually leaving his Super Sense coverage range.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He circled around the forest again, observing the situations of other princely heirs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They either encountered a green snake, a small squirrel-like beast, an invisible spirit swallow, or a snow-white rabbit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This little white rabbit kicked, sending a princely heir flying, spitting out blood arrows in the air, then crashing heavily to the ground, unconscious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A middle-aged master appeared like a wisp of smoke, carried him out, and ended this winter hunt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan clicked his tongue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The kick of that snow-white, adorable little rabbit was no different than a strike from an Innate Master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He suddenly felt: Winter hunting wasn’t their hunt for these demon beasts, but rather the beasts hunting them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the performances of these princes and princely heirs, like a lamb amongst wolves, cautious, on edge, and jumpy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were overly timid, vigilant, and ready to fight at the slightest noise, which was admittedly somewhat laughable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He grew increasingly cautious and mindful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, these princes and princely heirs were by no means weak; they had learned top martial arts and had been through training, far from comparable to ordinary martial artists outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their wariness naturally stemmed from the fearsome nature of these demon beasts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After watching for a while, when all the princes and princely heirs had moved beyond his Super Sense range, he finally started towards the forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Qingfeng stood on a mountain peak opposite, watching from above, his eyes like an eagle’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He observed his movements clearly, and did not urge his hesitation, just watching indifferently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Little Chixia Mountain was covered in trees and wild grass, with various trees mixed, branches and vines entangled, crisscrossed, with only a few narrow paths opened by princes and princely heirs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as he stepped into the forest, the hair on his body stood up, warning him to retreat, as he was already within the danger range.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under Super Sense, everything within a hundred-meter radius was clearly presented in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sights, sounds, and sensations perceived through his skin, mouth, and nose formed a peculiar world of colors, sounds, scents, and touches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This world was clearer, finer, deeper, vivid, and more wondrous than the world seen with his own eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked slowly, suddenly thrusting out his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Squeak——!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A wretched scream erupted from behind his head as the sword had already skewered a small squirrel, its slick brown fur like silk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sword tip pierced through its fragile throat, emerging from the back of its neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through his Super Sense, he knew the weak point of this demon mouse, and the sword tip couldn’t pierce anywhere else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He flicked the sword, hanging the demon mouse on a nearby tree branch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sword gleamed like new, shiny and chilling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pinched the sword technique with his left hand, gently wiping the sword blade until the tip, without leaving a trace of blood, only a faint sweet and metallic smell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One down!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He continued deeper in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a few steps, he furrowed his sword-like eyebrows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That one sword strike had formed a deterrent, with the spirit swallows flying invisibly in the void, observing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how strong he was, he couldn’t fly up and strike at them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The green snake stuck on the treetop remained motionless, integrated with the branch, quite far away and with no intent to attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not far away, a demon beast crouched, silently retreating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This one sword had frightened them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These demon beasts were extremely cunning, cautious and careful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan didn’t rush to chase and kill, quickening his pace a few strides forward, covering Chu Zhitian and Chu Zhichuan in his Super Sense range, while also covering the Eighteenth Prince Chu Mingxuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhitian was hit by a golden lynx, sent flying, spitting blood arrows in the air, as the lynx turned into a golden light, following tightly to hit him again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhitian clenched his fists while spitting blood in the air, knocked away again by the lynx.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lynx slowed its pace, then twisted in the air, landed between tree branches, and darted into the forest, disappearing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhitian landed with a “Bang”, shaking the ground, wiped his mouth with his hand, and spat out bloody saliva with anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan raised his sword-like eyebrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Chu Zhitian had practiced the Horizontal Training Technique, with tough skin and thick flesh, and despite several hits, seemed unharmed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Chu Zhichuan, his sword light continuously formed a clean glow to protect himself, moving lightly, his Step Technique although not as swift as Near and Far Steps, was extremely refined, dodging sneak attacks skillfully, and counter-attacking naturally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan could see clearly that his sword light was continuous, and its power was insufficient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Observing that his sword struck both a spirit swallow and a white rabbit, yet both easily escaped, revealed its power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each of these demon beasts had iron bones, to break their defenses and kill them, one must find their weak points and hit them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The former they might know, as they had experience, or might have known from books or elders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this aspect, he was at a disadvantage, having no experience to speak of.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The latter, however, was not easy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A common trait of these demon beasts was their incredible speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These demon beasts all guarded their weak points subtly, seen through the common eye but not to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even knowing their weak points, hitting them required being faster than them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His Great Snow Avalanche Sword Technique and Near and Far Steps excelled in surprise and speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked up about a hundred meters, suddenly turning right to circle along the mountainside, observing the experiences of other princes and princely heirs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After circling once, he turned and walked back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He discovered a pattern: the higher up, the stronger the demon beasts, while those below were easier to handle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the princes and princely heirs stepped into the mountain, they grew exhilarated, excited, and high-spirited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He found that if he loosened his right hand from the sword’s hilt, he too, would become exuberant, the blood surged with an urge to slay all demon beasts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once he gripped the sword hilt, clarity returned immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This enthusiasm and lofty fighting spirit came from a special aroma lingering in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The aroma was almost colorless and tasteless, coming from the wild grass on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shook his head with a bitter smile, ‘This is really a pitfall.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knowing a mountain has tigers, but daring to approach the mountain, he wasn’t so brave, naturally opting for the easier prey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His figure flashed, immediately appearing before a peach tree, the sword gleamed, and a small greenish jade snake appeared on the sword tip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The snake’s weak point was pierced, and the snake was already dead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gently flicked it, the green snake fluttered onto a tree branch, and he flashed away, appearing behind another tree, already stabbing into the underbrush with his sword tip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he retracted the sword, it had pierced a silver beast, shaped like a hedgehog, but with shimmering silver spikes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing those silver spikes made him shiver, hairs standing on end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This silver beast was extremely dangerous, once it shot its spikes, his life would be in danger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had stealth capability, silent and deadly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He flickered within the forest, with the sword gleam flashing occasionally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“`\u003C\u002Fp>",1968,"2026-06-03T09:57:58.104Z","2026-06-03T09:58:02.531Z",1,"novelbin.me","d07181a9ac93567d821dff889c926025c1d0a73e3bed602f4ede7f69dbb06ae1","imperial-cultivation-chapter-17","imperial-cultivation-chapter-15",1378,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fimperial-cultivation-cover.jpg"]