[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-imperial-cultivation":3,"chapter-imperial-cultivation-imperial-cultivation-chapter-375":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},1054534,1365,"Chapter 375: 372: Sword Competition","imperial-cultivation-chapter-375",375,"\u003Cp>Chapter 375: Sword Competition\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please come in.” A cold voice suddenly rang out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It shook Zou Fang so much that his blood and energy surged, his face flushed, and he was already slightly injured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This attitude is not very friendly; it seems communication won’t be easy, and some methods will be needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is this intentional, or is there indeed dissatisfaction in his heart?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deliberately acting this way to appear more normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having been assassinated in Da Jing, it’s natural to be dissatisfied with Da Jing’s security, venting his anger on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inner dissatisfaction is not entirely absent either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clasped his fists and said, “Sorry to disturb you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Jiuqu, wearing a dark green robe, appeared elegant and graceful, and from afar, he clasped his fists: “The Princely Heir has come, and I failed to greet you from afar!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All the guards stepped back two paces to make way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan clasped his fists and smiled: “Brother Gao, how is His Highness?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Jiuqu clasped his fists toward the sky, then toward the direction of Da Zhen, and solemnly said: “Thanks to the protection of the heavens and the Emperor, His Highness is fortunately unharmed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan raised his sword-like eyebrows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thanked the heavens and the Emperor of Da Zhen but didn’t mention Da Jing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This clearly implies criticism, blaming Da Jing’s inadequate security.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan pretended not to catch the hint and clasped his fists with a smile: “May I visit His Highness?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This…” Gao Jiuqu showed a troubled expression: “Please understand, the Princely Heir, His Highness is emotionally unstable, just fell asleep, and really…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled and said: “Then, let me wait here for His Highness to awaken. I must greet him in person, otherwise, it would be very discourteous.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the assassination happened in Da Jing, and as the Left Vice Minister of Da Jing, how could he not feel apologetic?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By voluntarily waiting here, it’s a way to express apology.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Jiuqu said: “If you prefer, when His Highness awakens, I can find someone to report to the Princely Heir?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled and said: “No need for such trouble, I’ll just stay and wait for His Highness to wake… Brother Gao, weren’t you interested in practicing swordsmanship? Do you still feel like doing it now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Since His Highness is fine, surviving the disaster, I am relieved… So, let me learn from the Princely Heir’s swordsmanship.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am eager to learn the swordsmanship of Wentian Cliff.” Chu Zhiyuan smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Jiuqu led the way and Chu Zhiyuan followed. Soon, they arrived at the martial arts training ground within the Da Zhen pavilion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More than thirty guards and attendants gathered around, forming a circle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan removed the Bright Moon Saber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zou Fang stepped forward to take it and retreated to the side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan drew the Qingying Sword and smiled: “As for swordsmanship, I have explored quite a lot, extensive and impure. Brother Gao practices the Wentian Sword Technique, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the sunlight, the Qingying Sword looked like a pool of autumn water, clear and pure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed, it’s the Wentian Sword Technique.” Gao Jiuqu said solemnly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled and said: “Specializing in one technique, admirable, admirable. I can’t stand practicing just one technique, restless and hard to tame. I most admire people like Brother Gao who specialize.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Jiuqu smiled: “Princely Heir, please—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Swish!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan thrust his sword, agile and lively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The onlookers felt as if a rainbow flew across the sky, a sense of indescribable beauty filled their hearts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Jiuqu sidestepped and at the same moment, thrust his sword, post-first but arriving first, aiming for Chu Zhiyuan’s heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan twisted his waist, sidestepped, pressing close to the sword tip as he advanced, closing in on Gao Jiuqu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Jiuqu, while retreating, bent backward to avoid the sword light Chu Zhiyuan swung.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sharp sword tip brushed past his nose, just a palm’s width away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cold air from the sword seemed to seep into his pores, making his whole body tense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan clearly held back, not using the Sword Gang, just purely swordsmanship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, this swing would have shaved off his nose tip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Continuing to twist-step forward, Chu Zhiyuan dodged Gao Jiuqu’s horizontal sweep as he leaned back, closing the distance further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Jiuqu kept retreating, sweeping or slashing diagonally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan pressed forward, step by step, with almost every sword light being an upward strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The onlookers began to see the subtlety in it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan was using only one move – the upward strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every step was almost the same step technique, every move an upward strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet he forced Gao Jiuqu to keep evading, using different moves to dodge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan previously said he practiced extensively, while Gao Jiuqu practiced purely, but the actual combat was the opposite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This had to be said to be a great contrast, making people wonder if they’d switched places.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is Gao Jiuqu the one using the upward strike, and Chu Zhiyuan the one constantly dodging?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd saw Chu Zhiyuan continuously pressing, constantly upward striking, forcing Gao Jiuqu to keep retreating and evading.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed like Chu Zhiyuan had the upper hand, taking the initiative, while Gao Jiuqu struggled to catch his breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan knew Gao Jiuqu’s prowess; though also using the Wentian Sword Technique, Gao Jiuqu’s was completely different from Cheng Tianfeng’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost like a different sword style.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Jiuqu seemed able to predict the trajectory of the sword moves in advance, evading beforehand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Wentian Sword Technique seemed truly capable of inquiring of the heavens, seeking fortune and avoiding calamity, already enduring twenty-four moves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyone else would have been hit long ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These twenty-four upward strikes from Chu Zhiyuan, appearing to be the same move, actually fused several swordsmanship styles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A simple move, embodying great ingenuity, simplifying complexity, with astonishing power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ding…” Gao Jiuqu’s jade pendant at his waist suddenly flew up, splitting into two halves in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan withdrew his sword and stood, smiling: “I accept my defeat!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Jiuqu reached out to catch the falling two halves of the jade pendant and solemnly clasped his fists: “What superb swordsmanship!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I once witnessed the Wentian Sword Technique from Brother Cheng, and Brother Gao’s Wentian Sword Technique is so profound. Is it because Brother Gao practiced the Wentian Secret Technique?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.” Gao Jiuqu admitted frankly, smiling: “The Wentian Secret Technique combined with the Wentian Sword Technique greatly enhances its power, but still not as exquisite as the Princely Heir’s swordsmanship.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I merely took advantage, seized the initiative, if Brother Gao had seized the initiative, the outcome would have been different… Shall we spar again?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Jiuqu found it suited his intentions but felt a bit embarrassed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled and said: “Our sparring is the focus, win or lose doesn’t matter, please—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Princely Heir’s magnanimity, I admire!” Gao Jiuqu said with genuine approval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before coming to Da Jing, from Cheng Tianfeng’s mouth, he heard that Chu Zhiyuan was arrogant, wanton, sharp-tongued, and ruthless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Chu Zhiyuan he met in person was straightforward, generous, friendly, and serene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was completely different from what Cheng Tianfeng described.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, Cheng Tianfeng exaggerated because he was defeated by Chu Zhiyuan and bore a grudge against him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being accustomed to looking down on others inevitably led to such extremism.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled and said: “The Wentian Sword Technique I witnessed from Brother Cheng was already extremely exquisite, and Brother Gao, you added the Wentian Secret Technique, making it even more marvelous, truly a rare swordsmanship in the world, witnessing it is an unparalleled enjoyment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Jiuqu smiled: “Please—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Gao, make the first move.” Chu Zhiyuan raised the Qingying Sword and said solemnly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Jiuqu ceased to be polite, stepping into a strange step, flashing behind Chu Zhiyuan to thrust a sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan seemed to have eyes on his back, his sword tip counter-thrust, body leaning back to retreat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He dodged Gao Jiuqu’s sword just in time, while his sword tip was already aiming for Gao Jiuqu’s brow, forcing Gao Jiuqu to change his move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, Chu Zhiyuan retreated and counter-thrust, leaving Gao Jiuqu no choice but to dodge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a thrust and a dodge, another twenty-something moves passed, Chu Zhiyuan struck Gao Jiuqu’s shoulder, tearing the cloth but not touching the skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two stopped their swords.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Jiuqu stood there, deep in thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled, looking at him, and clasped his fists to a beautiful middle-aged woman who floated out: “Mr. Zhu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“His Highness requests your presence.” Zhu Caifu said blandly.\u003C\u002Fp>",1435,"2026-06-03T09:57:58.105Z","2026-06-14T10:33:17.263Z",1,"novelbin.me","57048015ecec22a101a2a8ae6a437c34a05acf0d0dc1a259a3e5cb92b37000b0","imperial-cultivation-chapter-376","imperial-cultivation-chapter-374",1378,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fimperial-cultivation-cover.jpg"]