[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-imperial-cultivation":3,"chapter-imperial-cultivation-imperial-cultivation-chapter-314":6,"glossary-terms-1365":24},{"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},1054373,1365,"Chapter 314: 311: Concepts","imperial-cultivation-chapter-314",314,"\u003Cp>Chapter 314: Concepts\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“`html\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The courtyard fell silent for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Canglan was speculating on Chu Zhiyuan’s actions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inquiring thoroughly about Da Lie’s marching route suggests planning an ambush midway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Evidently, troops would be hidden on a certain small island, ready to strike suddenly while Da Lie’s forces were resupplying on the island, dealing a severe blow to the Da Lie army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This plan is quite risky, but if successful, the rewards outweigh those of a defensive retreat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, there would undoubtedly be less resistance within the Court.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Planning against the unplanned indeed holds a greater chance of success.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan pondered for a moment and slowly asked, “Does your sect have Da Lie’s armor and weapons?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Da Lie’s?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Da Guang’s will do too; either dynasty is roughly the same. The key is to have enough armor and weapons,” said Chu Zhiyuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the Wuyou Sect, stealing a small quantity of armor and weapons isn’t that difficult, but obtaining a large amount is impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as the Court isn’t utterly corrupt, the control over military arms is stringent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small quantity can be replaced by reporting losses, but a large quantity wouldn’t work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Canglan mused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan’s spirit lifted; there might be a way!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stared intently at Meng Canglan and said slowly, “Five thousand pieces should be about right.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Canglan’s beautiful face remained serene, showing no trace of emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan couldn’t help but admire her, thinking that this Lady Meng is truly extraordinary. No wonder she was sent here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it were Song Yichun, he would have spilled everything by now, laying everything out clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Canglan, however, has her unique rhythm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, “If it’s really not possible, fewer pieces will do, three thousand perhaps.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Three thousand pieces…” Meng Canglan revealed a troubled look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan chuckled, “How about two thousand pieces?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…To not hide from the princely heir, our sect can barely gather a thousand pieces of Da Lie’s armor and weapons,” Meng Canglan said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A thousand it is then; it’s better than none!” Chu Zhiyuan said slowly, “Rest assured, this thousand pieces of armor and weapons are just borrowed; there’ll be a return.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The princely heir plans to impersonate Da Lie’s army to launch a surprise attack on Da Guang?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When Da Guang dispatches their forces, a surprise attack might lead the two kingdoms to war again?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Brilliant!” Meng Canglan clapped her hands in admiration, “The princely heir’s move is exceptionally clever.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, “Regardless of how brilliant the plan is, it depends on the execution; there are too many variables and great risks involved.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Canglan said slowly, “Indeed, it is risky.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dangers are numerous, and any unforeseen event could lead to a point of no return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if successful, the benefits are substantial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the smallest cost, it would reignite war between the two kingdoms, thus avoiding involving Da Jing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Buy enough time for Da Jing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, “The success of this plan still relies heavily on your sect’s support.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Our sect will do its utmost to cooperate with the princely heir!” Meng Canglan respectfully clasped her hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan clasped his hands in return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Canglan did not linger any longer and departed directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan was rather surprised; she didn’t mention rewards or the matter of the Martial Arts Hall at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is the Wuyou Sect investing first and then discussing benefits, or is it proactively favoring the Court?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or is it perhaps both?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in any case, as long as it doesn’t help Da Lie and Da Guang against Da Jing, it’s good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this is something that must be guarded against.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan, riding on the Heavenly Dragon Divine Horse, transformed into two rays of golden light, left the Yao Yue Palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Riding on horseback, his mind still flashed with Xiao Ruoling’s breathtakingly beautiful face full of reluctance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His heart was filled with melancholy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The land of beauty is indeed a hero’s grave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This saying is undeniably true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He only stayed on the Guest Peak for five or six days, and yet, entwined with Xiao Ruoling, he was already steeped in tenderness, unwilling to leave even for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this time, his heart was full of reluctance and melancholy, wishing he could immediately turn back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wishing he could continue to stay on the Guest Peak, having Xiao Ruoling for company every day, practicing martial arts, entering the Secret Land.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One could describe it as carefree and full of joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But unfortunately, the matter is of great importance, leaving no room for personal affections, no room for enjoyment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, he must settle the matters over there, clear things with the Court, and then return to this land of tenderness without delay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It took half a day to arrive at Yujing, stopping by the Prince Qing Mansion first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prince Mansion was still bustling, and he intentionally went through the back door to avoid disturbance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After returning the Heavenly Dragon Divine Horse to the Prince Mansion’s backyard, he changed his attire and headed straight for the Inspection Department.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianhe hurriedly came out to greet him with a fawning smile, “Princely Heir!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan nodded and walked inside, “Show me the latest information on Da Lie and Da Guang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.” Ma Tianhe agreed readily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A moment later, several files were brought into the room, stacked high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan sat behind the desk, flipping through them one by one, his frown deepening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his expression, Ma Tianhe felt increasingly uneasy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After reading all the files, Chu Zhiyuan looked up at Ma Tianhe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianhe immediately displayed a fawning smile, “Princely Heir…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are they starting to move?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I think there’s no sign of action yet; it might take some time,” Ma Tianhe replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What about the Eastern Territory?” Chu Zhiyuan asked, “Has the Eastern Territory army begun to regroup?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They have started regrouping, but…” Ma Tianhe hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan asked, “Who did the Court send over there?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Duke Kang,” Ma Tianhe replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan sighed in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sending a Duke over is about right; the eight great Dukes are families with military accomplishments, the foundation of Da Jing’s army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This generation’s Duke Kang is valiantly capable, with significant military accomplishments, making him the best choice for reorganizing the Eastern Territory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, “Is it that Duke Kang hasn’t restructured it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianhe hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, “Rest assured, we’re just talking privately; it won’t leak out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianhe gritted his teeth, feeling he couldn’t hide it from Chu Zhiyuan; after all, he needed to get close to Chu Zhiyuan, and only by showing sincerity would he gain his favor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked around, peered outside, then closed the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianhe truly acted cautiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that wasn’t a bad thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Coming closer, Ma Tianhe took a deep breath and whispered, “Princely Heir, from what I see, Duke Kang didn’t truly heed the Inspection Department’s intelligence, and the restructuring of the Eastern Territory is minimal, not reversing its weakness.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianhe added, “Duke Kang’s impression of Da Lie and Da Guang remains from the past; he thinks they wouldn’t dare act rashly, believing that the Inspection Department is exaggerating and amplifying anxiety.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, “Preventing problems before they happen, better to believe it and be prepared; Duke Kang surely understands this principle.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I reckon Duke Kang thinks it unwise to waste the Court’s silver like this and doesn’t want to offend everyone,” said Ma Tianhe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan sneered suddenly, disdainfully glancing at Ma Tianhe, “You people at the Inspection Department know nothing of warfare!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly!” Ma Tianhe promptly nodded vigorously, “That’s what Duke Kang believes!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan’s expression turned grave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s easy to shake a mountain but hard to shake a man’s consciousness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A general like Duke Kang, with such remarkable military merit, deeply trusts his own judgment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thinks Da Lie and Da Guang wouldn’t dare act rashly, and no matter how much the Inspection Department warns, he believes they’re exaggerating for merit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With this mindset, he wouldn’t heed the Inspection Department’s intelligence, thinking their stance is biased and hence all their messages are slanted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Consequently, the Eastern Territory remains unprepared for war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“`\u003C\u002Fp>",1373,"2026-06-03T09:57:58.104Z","2026-06-14T10:33:14.591Z",1,"novelbin.me","5502f21f640160269a3ed5540d540b9cee3d1ea22022a9680657fcf003273623","imperial-cultivation-chapter-315","imperial-cultivation-chapter-313",1378,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fimperial-cultivation-cover.jpg",{"terms":25},[]]