[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-imperial-cultivation":3,"chapter-imperial-cultivation-imperial-cultivation-chapter-223":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},1054632,1365,"Chapter 223: 220: Current Secrets","imperial-cultivation-chapter-223",223,"\u003Cp>Chapter 223: Current Secrets\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had a wry smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ability to foresee danger was better than nothing for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No sense of surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought about this, focused his senses, and turned his body in four different directions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His sword-like brows suddenly twitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To the east, he actually sensed danger, while the other three directions showed no signs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet to the east was neither Yujing nor the old lair of the Yuding Sect, instead, it was toward the East Sea, where there should be no danger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seems his perception of danger had been heightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nodded in satisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was useful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without further delay, he floated back to the cave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By this time, the black gas in the cave had mostly dissipated, posing no threat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He drew out his wooden sword, and immediately, purple flames roared, the purple Sword Gang enveloped the Sword, transforming into a longsword, casting a purple glow over Zhang Youling’s skull.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ssss…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid the whispering sound, the skull first turned into several pieces, then those pieces split into dozens more, and the purple light continued, causing endless fragmentation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually, they turned into countless small pieces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bang!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The purple light pressed down sharply, transforming from slicing to crushing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All the tiny fragments turned into powder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan flicked his sleeve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The white ash was swept out of the cave, scattered by the howling evening wind, mingling with the soil on the hillside, indistinguishable from one another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan finally felt completely at ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced at the green robe, frowned in thought for a moment, and ultimately decided to take it back to inquire about its origins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps he could learn something about Zhang Youling’s background.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he returned to Huang Shiron and the others, a bright moon was already high in the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lustrous as a jade disc.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its clear brilliance chilled to the bone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside Huang Shiron and the other two women were Guo Chi and his group of five.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zou Fang floated over at the sight of him, offering a cup of tea and a plate of snacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan tossed a bundle aside, took the tea and drank it in one gulp, then took two pieces of snacks and stuffed them in his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The journey was indeed exhausting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Princely Heir, you’ve worked hard.” Huang Shiron approached, clasped her fist, and asked, “Did you vanquish him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan nodded with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is perfection.” Huang Shiron smiled sweetly, “Congratulations, Princely Heir.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan nodded, “Leaving him alive was a constant, vague unease, but now I am finally at peace.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time encountering such an enormous threat, where life was at risk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s this?” Wen Qianqian approached and pointed at the bundle on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t had this when he left earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, “Zhang Youling’s robe, it’s a bit peculiar, I thought to bring it back for a look, you can have a look as well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let me see.” Wen Qianqian stepped forward, unwrapped the bundle, and held up the green robe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At once, it flowed like water, falling softly, gently quivering, its unbelievable silkiness and softness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What a fine robe.” Wen Qianqian couldn’t help but praise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan laughed, “Do you recognize this robe?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Qianqian looked at Xu Mengyu, then at Huang Shiron, and they both shook their heads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was clear they hadn’t seen it before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, “It’s impervious to blades and swords.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Zhang Youling was using all his power to absorb his own cultivation and essence blood, a Breaking Gang Divine Sword could have been thrust in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, he didn’t use the Breaking Gang Divine Sword and used the Great Heavenly Dragon Fist instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was due to his keen intuition and the Miao Ling Pearl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two working together made the most correct judgment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he had used the sword then and the robe had blocked it, the opportunity to severely wound Zhang Youling would have been missed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This chance only came once, missing it would mean suffering severe injuries himself, or even risking his life, a close call indeed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking back, it still sent a chill down his spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That formidable?” Wen Qianqian showed great interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hung the sleeves of the green robe on a nearby pine tree trunk, drew her sword, and stabbed forcefully, but the sword tip couldn’t pierce through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned her head to look at Huang Shiron.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A glint of cold light came from Huang Shiron’s waist, but even her sword tip couldn’t pierce through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Mengyu also thrust her sword, yet the sword tip still couldn’t penetrate the green robe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Try again.” Huang Shiron’s Sword shone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A white tip of about an inch appeared at the sword tip, which was Sword Gang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hiss.” The sword tip was still blocked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The green robe suddenly lit up with countless patterns seemingly twisting, coming to life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It can even resist Gang Qi.” Huang Shiron showed admiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan laughed, “Is it a treasure?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It can indeed be called a treasure.” Huang Shiron remarked, reaching out to feel it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wasn’t too squeamish about it being a dead man’s belonging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, nearly all Treasure Armors are dead men’s belongings, often left behind even after someone passes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The green robe gradually dimmed, the patterns once more lying dormant, invisible unless closely examined in sunlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed formidable.” Wen Qianqian praised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, “I tried too, it doesn’t pierce.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The sword at Senior Sister’s waist is a Divine Weapon.” Wen Qianqian admired, “Such an impressive robe, truly a first for me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heavenly Treasure Department has some too,” Huang Shiron said, “but very few exchange for them, this one at least requires Second Grade Merit, too luxurious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Treasure Armor, after all, is just auxiliary, what truly matters is cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s impervious to blades and swords but can only protect the upper body, what about the legs, head, or even the hands?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its value lies in being able to save a life in crucial moments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In situations where others do not know the robe’s true nature, sneak attacks cannot succeed, and being blocked in action can instantly change the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It can potentially save a life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This life-saving potential is worth Second Grade Merit, even First Grade Merit, to many.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Have the thirteenth uncles returned yet?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What about the others?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The old lair of the Yuding Sect was destroyed by us, went very smoothly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And the thirteenth uncles still show no signs?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, they disappeared unaccountably, but Great Grandmasters always come and go without a trace, no one dared to ask, assuming they’ve already returned to the city.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What about in the city?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“With your token, we inquired at the Imperial Palace, they haven’t returned at all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Let’s go over and have a look.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll lead the way.” Wen Qianqian volunteered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan entered a spring-like mountain valley.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fierce cold wind was kept outside, in the warm valley, woods flourished, and flora bloomed as if it were springtime.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, it was devastated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, there had been large-scale fighting, with visible blood seeping into the earth, splashed on the trees, and scattered pieces of flesh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stench of blood still floated in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, scenes of brutal combat naturally unfolded in Chu Zhiyuan’s mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Shiron said, “Didn’t encounter much resistance, seemed like all the experts were in the city, while here were just those below Grandmaster.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan strolled along, suddenly changed direction, striding to a stone wall, slowly reaching out to touch it, his expression growing more serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s wrong?” Huang Shiron asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan touched the stone, feeling something unusual, and slowly said, “Something’s not right!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s wrong?” Huang Shiron’s curiosity was piqued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Qianqian asked, “What’s wrong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Speaking, she too reached out to touch the stone wall and patted it, producing a “bang bang” sound, revealing nothing unusual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan frowned, pondering as he looked at Huang Shiron, “Have the Military Suppression Department seal this place, don’t let anyone else in.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Shiron was stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, “Seal it first, then we’ll discuss other matters, come back to the city with me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright.” Huang Shiron readily agreed, “I’ll call people over.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan looked at the four with Guo Chi, “Leader Guo, you stay here and don’t let anyone approach.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.” The four with Guo Chi replied in deep voices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Shiron and he left the valley side by side, walking a great distance before she asked, “Could it be related to the Great Grandmaster?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, “I’m worried it may be a Secret Land.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Shiron was startled, incredulous, “How could a Secret Land be here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan raised his head, gazing at the mountain valley with a heavy expression, “I hope I’m wrong.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under Super Sense, Insight was clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the stone wall, there was vaguely a vast stretch of peaks.\u003C\u002Fp>",1478,"2026-06-03T09:57:58.105Z","2026-06-14T10:33:17.500Z",1,"novelbin.me","974b5c66539a92112dad1d4a0e9080c1a80adb94a3e687ae1c7e711e440a8ff2","imperial-cultivation-chapter-224","imperial-cultivation-chapter-222",1378,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fimperial-cultivation-cover.jpg"]