[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-imperial-cultivation":3,"chapter-imperial-cultivation-imperial-cultivation-chapter-360":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},1054519,1365,"Chapter 360: 357: Welcoming","imperial-cultivation-chapter-360",360,"\u003Cp>Chapter 360: Welcoming\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“`html\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Jiuqu comes from a noble lineage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His grandfather, Gao He, once served as the Minister of Personnel of Da Zhen, and retired to his hometown when the new Emperor ascended the throne.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His father, Gao Yuan, although not as outstanding as his grandfather, is also a prominent figure in the Da Zhen, with a great reputation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Gao Family can be described as a scholarly family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Jiuqu was called a prodigy from a young age, spoke at the age of one, started enlightenment at three, and by five, he could recite all children’s enlightenment books backward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the age of eight, he followed a disciple of Wentian Cliff to study martial arts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At twelve, he formally became a true disciple at Wentian Cliff and immersed himself in ascetic cultivation, reaching the stage of Grandmaster Perfection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During this period, he almost never descended the mountain, nor walked through the Martial Arts world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He only returned home to visit his family twice a year; the rest of the time was spent in rigorous practice at Wentian Cliff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He reached the Grandmaster Perfection at twenty-five.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was universally agreed that he was destined to become a Great Grandmaster; it was only a matter of time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, he was stuck at this stage for five years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At thirty, with his mind fully matured, it was the best time to step into the realm of Great Grandmaster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, he came to Da Jing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan, upon noticing these, felt enveloped by a genius aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet he also vaguely understood why Gao Jiuqu had been stuck at Grandmaster Perfection for five years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because everything was too smooth, his family status was high, his talents were high, his school was high, and he progressed smoothly all the way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were no waves or setbacks, no major obstacles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps his most significant setback was being stuck for five years, and then being stuck at Innate Perfection for two years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without experiencing hardship, without setbacks and turmoil, without mental tempering, lacking resilience, how could he reach the realm of Great Grandmaster?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He vaguely sensed a pattern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Jiuqu came here to seek pressure and setbacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At thirty, he had already developed sufficient confidence and belief, so even if frustrated, he would only be more motivated, rather than collapsing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he suffered setbacks here, it wouldn’t make him break down, but stronger instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, he could step into the realm of Great Grandmaster in one fell swoop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was indeed interesting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then set aside these viewpoints.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, having never met Gao Jiuqu in person, these were merely conjectures based on reports.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything still hinges on seeing him in person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through his own Insight, it was far more accurate than others’ information.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s possible that Gao Jiuqu merely came to Da Jing to broaden his horizons, without any special purpose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s unwise to preset the notion and prematurely push Gao Jiuqu into opposition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the South Gate of the outer city of Yujing City, a group of Court officials stood quietly under the protection of numerous Guards, with an air of solemnity and dignity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan stood at the forefront.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He led a group of Ministry of Rites officials, standing quietly in the bright sunlight waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He continuously nurtured the two Sword Gangs in the Heavenly Pond Acupoint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Gangs grew increasingly solid, like real sharp swords.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But each time they struck the copper tower, they collapsed and then recondensed, proving they weren’t real swords.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time and again, they shattered and reformed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this process, the copper tower suffered damages, while the Sword Gangs grew stronger, ebbing and flowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, this change process was slow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan estimated it would take a month to break this copper tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Glazed Blade Scripture made him stronger, especially with the start of cultivating the Fourth Realm Spirit Transformation, his spirit rapidly purified and solidified, significantly affecting the Sword Gangs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Gangs quickly strengthened, thereby shortening the process and time of breaking the copper tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He even felt that it wouldn’t take a month.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the Spirit Transformation Realm advanced, the Sword Gangs would rapidly progress, significantly shortening the breaking copper tower time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While he was pondering, horse hooves sounded, a soldier of the Imperial Army leaped off the horse, and rushed to Chu Zhiyuan: “Assistant Minister, the envoy is a mile away.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, thank you for your hard work.” Chu Zhiyuan nodded, looking into the distance down the official road.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The broad and straight official road was flanked by dense woods, with some pine trees still bearing snow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A heavy snowfall occurred the night before last; the remaining snow lay in the shaded areas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air carried a freshness and crispness of melting snow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The end of the official road was the woods, already 300 meters away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shortly thereafter, horse hooves sounded, followed by high banners and canopy of various colors, waving in the wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind the ceremonial guard were four white ferghana horses pulling a large zitan carriage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wide and large carriage could accommodate more than a dozen people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The carriage’s cabin was engraved with patterns of various birds and flowers, gleaming with golden decorations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flanking the carriage were eunuchs and maids holding ruyi scepters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside them were layers of Guards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among them, a middle-aged man was particularly striking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With well-groomed eyebrows, bright eyes, a face like Crown Jade, a tall stature, upright like a pine tree, exuding a gentle and refined demeanor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a jade tree standing against the wind, making those around him think of the words “graceful and handsome.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At a glance, Chu Zhiyuan recognized him as Gao Jiuqu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside Gao Jiuqu was someone familiar to Chu Zhiyuan, Mo Chunyu, the Great Grandmaster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under Insight, the situation within the carriage was clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sitting inside the carriage were four women.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one in the center was a peerless beauty with a clear melon-seed face, full cherry lips, a prominent bridge, and long eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was holding a scroll, reading intently, seemingly part of a world of her own, unaffected by the outside world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seated opposite was an elegant middle-aged woman, resting with closed eyes, motionless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two pretty maids were gathering the carriage curtains, watching curiously to the sides with sparkling, excited eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan retracted his Insight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elegant middle-aged woman was a Great Grandmaster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He speculated that Da Zhen had more than one female Great Grandmaster, not knowing who this was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her visualization was a majestic peak standing amid the clouds, half-revealed like a heavenly godly peak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the top of the peak was a pitch-black sky, filled with countless densely packed stars forming patterns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These patterns seemed to have a rhythm within, suggestive of conveying something collectively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With one glance at this visualization, he knew she was a Great Grandmaster of Wentian Cliff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo Chunyu was a Great Grandmaster of Wentian Cliff, and this woman was also from Wentian Cliff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The strength of Wentian Cliff was indeed astounding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He found that when using Insight on Great Grandmasters, he no longer felt as confused, dizzy, or nauseous as before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just slightly uncomfortable, it could last continuously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, he couldn’t use Insight on the internal body of Great Grandmasters, as their bodies’ spirit light shielded it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Insight on others’ internal bodies was unhindered, including that of Gao Jiuqu and Princess Cheng Miaozhen inside the carriage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention Gao Jiuqu, this Princess Cheng Miaozhen also turned out to be a Grandmaster expert, having just reached the First Layer Heaven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t mentioned in any reports.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mental method she practiced was unusual, showing no unusual signs on the surface, no flow of energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, there were two types of Gang Qi simultaneously flowing within her, canceling each other out, becoming invisible as if positive and negative merged into one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan was amazed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a miraculous mental method was unprecedented; this Princess, the Eighteenth, indeed possessed hidden talents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides the two Great Grandmasters and the two Grandmasters like Gao Jiuqu, there were four other Grandmasters, and eighteen Innates among the other experts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, the guards were not Lingshuang Iron Cavalry, but rather ordinary Princess Mansion Guards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was apparent that the presence of two Great Grandmasters and a Grandmaster Perfection, along with four Grandmasters, negated the need for Lingshuang Iron Cavalry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Tianfeng bringing Lingshuang Iron Cavalry largely showcased their prowess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan led the group of officials to meet, exchanging pleasantries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He first greeted the officials in the envoy, then advanced to see Princess Cheng Miaozhen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The carriage door opened, and Princess Cheng Miaozhen stepped down, light and graceful, assisted by two maids.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In her dark green palace gown, her skin was like snow, her beauty absolute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan bowed and saluted, smiling, “Your Highness, you must be tired from your journey. The Imperial Grandfather has already prepared a banquet in the palace to welcome Your Highness tomorrow night.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze was honest, regarding Cheng Miaozhen’s beauty as ordinary, displaying a perfectly balanced smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Miaozhen, elegant and composed, replied calmly, “The Emperor’s hospitality, Miaozhen shall attend.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Highness, please—!” Chu Zhiyuan stepped aside respectfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could sense the coldness and detachment from Cheng Miaozhen, as well as some resistance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Assistant Minister, please.” Cheng Miaozhen said softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“`\u003C\u002Fp>",1548,"2026-06-03T09:57:58.105Z","2026-06-14T10:33:16.884Z",1,"novelbin.me","1a0bc2242a78514ca702763c5365518e41d0d79b8697cc756894aa91b9a25099","imperial-cultivation-chapter-361","imperial-cultivation-chapter-359",1378,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fimperial-cultivation-cover.jpg"]