[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-imperial-cultivation":3,"chapter-imperial-cultivation-imperial-cultivation-chapter-420":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},1054479,1365,"Chapter 420: 417: Interrogation","imperial-cultivation-chapter-420",420,"\u003Cp>Chapter 420: Interrogation\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“`html\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan had always been lurking in the shadows, observing how Ding Shaoqiang was handling the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Ding Shaoqiang’s determination to take the mine by force, he couldn’t help but sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding Shaoqiang’s actions were too hasty, dealing a decisive blow first by sealing the mine, then capturing the people involved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Little did he know this was akin to startling the snake by hitting the grass, eventually fearing that nothing would be caught.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a starkly different approach from his own, a simplistic and aggressive military style.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such straightforward actions could lead to endless troubles, making the mine issue difficult to clarify.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those daring to mine iron privately were no ordinary individuals and must have prepared all kinds of tight protective shells.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like the cicada shedding its shell, evading capture repeatedly, they’re hard to catch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This comprehensive strike almost ensures their escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is tantamount to only sealing the iron mine, letting bygones be bygones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This action would indeed avoid stirring waves, keeping the officialdom calm and quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan could only note that Ding Shaoqiang was quite a seasoned character, not to be underestimated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had resolved both the Phoenix Camp and the iron mine issues, meeting the standards he set himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for pursuing those behind the scenes of the private iron mining, that would be the affair of other departments of the Court, and Jihai Town need not be involved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wanghai City\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tianshui Pavilion\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan and Meng Canglan sat in a room, watching the ships on the sea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Small boats and large ships sailed across the sea, scattered like stars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Canglan wore a cyan silk robe, her gentle beauty pleasing to the eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan calmly said, “Miss Meng, surely your sect isn’t completely unaware of the Yanhang Mountain iron mine affair?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Canglan gently put down her tea, her bright eyes flickering as she fixed her gaze on him: “Princely Heir, this matter involves too much; it’s best to stay away.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, “So, your sect isn’t involved?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“However muddled our sect is, we wouldn’t involve ourselves in such affairs.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your sect may not be muddled, but sometimes disciples act recklessly for merit, blinded by greed,” Chu Zhiyuan said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“… Brother Huang did indeed have such thoughts, but he was rebuffed by the Elders.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who exactly owns this iron mine?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you really want to get involved?” Meng Canglan implored, “Better not.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan shook his head, “At this point, can I stay uninvolved?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Coming to the Eastern Territory just to eliminate Da Lie Camp would be a wasted trip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This certainly isn’t the Emperor’s intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regardless of how the Yanhang Mountain iron mine is dealt with, at the very least, the people behind it must be revealed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wouldn’t do to be queried by the Emperor and know nothing, that would make him a fool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s more than one faction involved.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Canglan really didn’t want to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this lid is lifted, it would throw the Eastern Territory into chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the Court tightens its control over the Eastern Territory, the room for Wuyou Sect to maneuver shrinks, harming its interests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is the Duke Mansion involved?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Marquis Mansion or Marquis Mansion?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The City Guardian?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The General Mansion?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Princely Heir…” Meng Canglan protested.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled, “Alright, then what about the Phoenix Camp incident? Da Lie has such nerve.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He already had a rough idea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the Duke Mansion wasn’t involved, there were the Marquis Mansion or Marquis Mansion, as well as the City Guardian Mansion, even the General Mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This gave him quite a shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Da Lie has tremendous nerve, they’re bound to retaliate.” Meng Canglan sighed in relief, “Princely Heir should also be cautious for safety.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan nodded slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Da Lie already used the Netherworld Secret Guard against him; naturally, they dared to assassinate him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He continued, “The Da Lie Camp affair wasn’t instigated by your sect, was it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Canglan hastily said, “Indeed, there are disciples of our sect in the camp, but it truly has nothing to do with our sect; it’s the Evil Sect’s monsters stirring up trouble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled slightly, expressing no opinion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Canglan said, “The disciples of our sect should have reacted in time to prevent it, but unfortunately, the chance was missed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said lightly, “Fishing among the flames, is it not seizing the greatest gain amidst chaos?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He only half-believed Meng Canglan’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given Wuyou Sect’s influence in the Eastern Territory, controlling Da Lie Camp wouldn’t be difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The camp’s loss of control and rebellion, even if not directly incited, must have been tacitly allowed, turning a deaf ear, and then go with the flow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shed responsibility while gleaning benefits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Canglan quickly said, “Princely Heir, the disciples in Da Lie Camp are at the lowest tier within our sect, achieving little success; their actions lack wit, hence this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, “If Da Lie Camp rebels, Jihai Town descends into chaos, and Da Lie invades, what would Wuyou Sect do then?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This…” Meng Canglan said, “We can only strive to kill the enemy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The elite of Da Lie would also have Wuyou Sect’s disciples covertly lurking, providing mutual assistance to accrue merits?” Chu Zhiyuan said: “Playing both sides against the middle, indeed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan suddenly laughed: “That’s truly having it both ways.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Princely Heir!” Meng Canglan’s face changed color.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was, indeed, a damning statement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Canglan’s beautiful face drooped, discontentedly saying, “Princely Heir, please mind your words, such speculations on our sect truly chill the heart.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m afraid my speculations are too light,” Chu Zhiyuan shook his head and said, “Your sect manipulates affairs like chess pieces, treating the people as mere grass, which is truly chilling.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Canglan sighed, “Princely Heir, you truly misunderstand, matters are not as they seem.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, “Then let’s first quell the Da Lie Camp’s rebellion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How does the Princely Heir plan to do it?” Meng Canglan asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She sighed inwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was forcing the Wuyou Sect to aid the Phoenix Camp in swiftly exterminating the Da Lie Camp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Da Lie Camp now hides in the deep mountains and forests, even Martial Arts masters can do nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Eastern Territory’s mountains are not just one or ten but are a continuous mountain range.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once it snows, all paths are obliterated, with no trace of breath left, how can one find them?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even deploying a Great Grandmaster would be of no use.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These mountains are too deep and distant, beyond the sensing range of a Great Grandmaster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even a genius like the Princely Heir finds it extremely difficult to locate the Da Lie Camp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how formidable the Phoenix Camp, if they can’t find the Da Lie Camp, they can’t act.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, they can only force the Wuyou Sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had originally said to offer aid to Chu Zhiyuan voluntarily to clear suspicions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Elders opposed it, leading to the current situation where they are compelled to assist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Elders still underestimated the Princely Heir.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan asked, “Where is Da Lie Camp now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Canglan softly said, “Da Lie Camp is located in the mountains a hundred miles south of Yanhang Mountain.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’re indeed near Yanhang Mountain,” said Chu Zhiyuan: “Any more precise location?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then said, “Seems there are experts in Da Lie Camp too, intending to divert the Court’s attention through Yanhang Mountain?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Canglan said helplessly, “Perhaps it was just a lucky hit, a hundred miles south there’s an Eagle Beak Cliff, they should be there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan nodded, “They must keep moving locations, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Canglan said, “They’ve changed location three times already; this time, they just arrived at Eagle Beak Cliff.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she spoke, she took out a map from her sleeve and handed it to Chu Zhiyuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled and said, “Your sect knows what I need even before I ask.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There are indeed experts within the Wuyou Sect, perhaps some specializing in analyzing his actions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They predicted he would question Wuyou Sect about the location of Da Lie Camp, so they were prepared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is also an invisible show of force, signaling him to be mindful of his actions and not overstep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan glanced at it thoughtfully, gazing toward the direction marked on the map.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was indeed one of the hazardous places marked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“`\u003C\u002Fp>",1398,"2026-06-03T09:57:58.104Z","2026-06-14T10:32:41.476Z",1,"novelbin.me","e829744715001b60abc81697a4c31ba7ecf54279f3d075176cccba56f4d6aa5f","imperial-cultivation-chapter-421","imperial-cultivation-chapter-419",1378,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fimperial-cultivation-cover.jpg"]