[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-imperial-cultivation":3,"chapter-imperial-cultivation-imperial-cultivation-chapter-546":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},1055355,1365,"Chapter 546 - 543: Coping Strategy","imperial-cultivation-chapter-546",546,"\u003Cp>```html\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though they were speaking softly, the surrounding officials still heard their conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They all looked towards the end of the official road, towards the Da Jing envoy group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ceremonial standards were still held high, and the sunlight was becoming increasingly bright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dissatisfaction welled up in their hearts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was Da Meng, not Da Jing, not a place where they could act recklessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So many people waiting here were not to be insulted by the Da Jing envoy group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a small Da Jing Dynasty, so arrogant, haven’t they lost enough battles at the border?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These officials were all people who seemed unperturbed on the surface despite the Thunder Shock in their chests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at this moment, united against a common enemy, their emotions showed on their faces, their anger and displeasure were evident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prince glanced around and said indifferently, \"Go invite a few Grandmasters from the Phoenix Sect over.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Yes.\" The green-robed official clasped his hands and responded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prince then closed his eyes and remained motionless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next to him, a handsome middle-aged man in a purple robe, dignified in appearance, clasped his hands and said; \"Prince, why don’t we approach them? Waiting awkwardly like this is uncomfortable for everyone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prince opened his eyes: \"Little Guo, do you think this Fourth Prince is causing trouble?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Half and half.\" The red-robed middle-aged man said, \"There might really be an Evil Sect spy mixed in, or it could simply be to show off and give us a scare, thus creating favorable conditions for their negotiations.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prince nodded: \"You think Evil Sect spies could infiltrate the Imperial Army?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The handsome red-robed middle-aged man said: \"If it were before, I wouldn’t dare to believe it, but this Fourth Prince indeed has a unique sense for Evil Sect spies.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh—?\" The Prince glanced at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The handsome red-robed middle-aged man said: \"I did some research on this Fourth Prince and found that he is indeed a remarkable figure, a rare genius comparable to the Emperor in talent, seldom seen through the ages.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prince chuckled: \"I am not surprised, Little Guo, you are thorough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The handsome red-robed middle-aged man felt slightly embarrassed: \"The Prince flatters me, it’s just basic understanding.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prince snorted: \"This basic understanding, yet so many people can’t achieve it, look at these people, how many have taken the time to understand this Fourth Prince beforehand.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo Pu smiled and said: \"There are still quite a few who know about the Fourth Prince, but they just don’t speak about it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prince shook his head: \"If they truly understood what kind of person this Fourth Prince is, they wouldn’t be so indignant.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The green-robed official returned to the Prince’s side: \"Prince, the Great Grandmaster from the Phoenix Sect is on their way.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm, excellent.\" The Prince nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo Pu said: \"Lord Hu, the Phoenix Sect is quite straightforward this time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Their motives aren’t simple.\" The green-robed official Hu Ping’an murmured quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo Pu said: \"How so?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who is responsible for screening the Imperial Guards?\" Hu Ping’an whispered, \"If Evil Sect spies have truly infiltrated the Imperial Guards, don’t those Great Grandmasters bear any responsibility?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo Pu frowned slightly and closed his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This involved disputes among Great Grandmasters, and it was best not to get involved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though they spoke in hushed tones, the surrounding officials still heard them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They immediately fell silent, like cicadas in the cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They certainly couldn’t involve themselves in the disputes of Great Grandmasters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Great Grandmasters fought, at worst they would lose influence, but it was those around the Great Grandmasters who suffered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They all closed their mouths and quietly watched the distance, all restraining their feelings of indignation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A moment later, a knight in a black robe rode in from afar and stopped close by.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Ping’an tidied his green robe and stepped forward to clasp his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This black-robed knight was not one of theirs, evidently a knight from Da Jing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The black-robed knight presented a letter with both hands to Hu Ping’an, then clasped his hands, mounted his horse, and returned directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone’s gaze fell on the letter as Hu Ping’an turned and presented it with both hands to the Prince.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prince opened the letter, quickly skimmed it, pondered for a moment, then put it away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both Hu Ping’an and Guo Pu looked over curiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prince shook his head and closed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two could only resign themselves to keep the letter safe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of footsteps approached, the ground trembled, and another batch of Imperial Guards had arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their golden armor gleamed, each wore a stern expression, exuding an aura of inviolability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They quickly expanded and then joined with the original guards, forming two layers of protection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A handsome young man arrived by the Prince’s side: \"Grandfather, they’ve been transferred over, this batch should be free of issues, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prince glanced at Hu Ping’an.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Ping’an solemnly nodded and sent a knight galloping away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments later, that knight returned and reported in a low voice. After that, Hu Ping’an approached and spoke quietly: \"This batch of Imperial Guards has no issues.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surrounding officials once again felt a surge of anger and discontent towards the Prince.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such behavior seemed too weak; where was the majesty of Da Meng?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments later, a captivatingly beautiful and graceful middle-aged woman appeared out of nowhere beside the Prince, smiling as she clasped her hands: \"Prince, I greet you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. Zhou.\" The Prince responded solemnly, clasping his hands: \"Sorry to disturb your meditation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I was just thinking of joining in on the fun.\" The charming woman Zhou Ling chuckled: \"Is there really a demon spy?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prince opened the letter in his hand and presented it to Zhou Ling to read.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Ling glanced at it with her enchanting eyes and raised her thin, curved eyebrows: \"Is this the work of the Fourth Prince?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whether it’s true or not.\" Zhou Ling laughed lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prince said sternly, \"Then I’ll trouble you, Mr. Zhou, to verify it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Ling smiled and asked, \"Should I act now, or wait until we return?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prince said, \"Delay could lead to complications, act directly, but not openly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As you command, Prince.\" Zhou Ling smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prince lowered his voice, transmitting sound in secret: \"Like this, like this...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Very well.\" Zhou Ling nodded lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prince looked at his grandson and said sternly, \"You go to the palace now and ask the Emperor how to handle this.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just capture them and take them away.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who in the Imperial Army has the authority to take them? Go quickly and return swiftly!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Alright.\" The handsome young man reluctantly agreed and turned to leave hurriedly again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prince said sternly, \"You two stay here, I will go myself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Prince, reconsider!\" Guo Pu hurriedly advised: \"In such a situation, it is not appropriate for you to go personally.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What situation?\" The Prince snorted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Ping’an whispered: \"Prince, reconsider, if there are indeed demons, a gentleman doesn’t stand under a dangerous wall.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prince said: \"With Mr. Zhou here, what is there to worry about?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo Pu said: \"Prince, going like this appears too weak, it gives Da Jing the wrong impression.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My mind is made up, no need to say more.\" The Prince waved his hand and walked forward slowly: \"You two follow me, the rest stay behind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two solemnly clasped their hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo Pu made some arrangements, instructing the officials to stay in place, and followed the Prince forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prince walked forward several dozen meters and then stopped, pointing to the surrounding Imperial Guards: \"Let them come with us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\" Guo Pu stepped forward and instructed these guards one by one to follow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan saw this situation and instructed those beside him not to move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He alone, with Zou Fang by his side, slowly rode forward on horseback.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two groups met on the official road.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan sat on his horse, clasped his hands, and smiled: \"Greetings, Prince, I am Chu Zhiyuan, I hope the Prince won’t mind my intrusiveness.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prince asked, \"Can the Princely Heir be certain that they are Evil Sect demons?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He carefully examined Chu Zhiyuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was impressively handsome, with a straight stance, calm and composed demeanor, lacking any youthful impetuousness or sharpness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Truly worthy of standing shoulder to shoulder with talents like the Emperor, a dragon among men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am most familiar with the Evil Sect,\" Chu Zhiyuan laughed, \"I can smell the scent of Evil Sect demons from miles away.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked towards the two in the Imperial Army and smiled: \"These two should be here specifically to assassinate me, experts from the Heavenly Heart Sect.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind these two in the Imperial Army, Zhou Ling was already standing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Ling had placed her palms on their backs, sealing their acupoints and carefully examining their operation paths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She showed a puzzled expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said: \"Mr. Zhou, strike their Jianji acupoints.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Ling retracted one hand and gently struck the person’s Jianji acupoint, while her other hand continued sensing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately, she sensed something different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as the Jianji point was touched, the surrounding aura changed instantly, a raging aura surged, like a river bursting its banks, unstoppable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Ling nodded: \"This is correct.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the True Qi and Gang Qi of Evil Sect demons varied by sect, whether gentle or fierce, there was a commonality: they were wild and rampant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if they were on the edge of losing control, like madmen, their power was fierce, but it also easily backfired.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She now felt this sensation and could conclude they were Evil Sect demons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her expression grew stern as she looked at the two Evil Sect demons before her and shook her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If all Evil Sect demons had this ability, it would be a significant problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who knew if there were more of them within the Imperial Guards?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention the other government offices, and even the military.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this, her mood became heavy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Zhou Ling’s expression, the Prince knew the result and sighed: \"I’m afraid I’ve made a fool of myself, Princely Heir.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said: \"Anyone who encounters such Evil Sect demons finds themselves at a loss.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please, Princely Heir, proceed—!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Prince, please.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan suddenly said: \"Mr. Zhou, they also possess methods of liberation, it’s best to knock them unconscious.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright.\" Zhou Ling immediately adopted the suggestion, lightly sweeping across their foreheads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other dozen Imperial Guards wore grim expressions, full of doubt and hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prince said calmly: \"Gentlemen, know that this matter is already under the Emperor’s decree.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Prince...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There’s no need for difficulty, the decree will arrive shortly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan was in no rush to act, merely allowing his fine horse to pause in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two Heavenly Dragon Divine Horses were hidden, following without joining the envoy group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, they would have to be enclosed in the carriage, their aura isolated, to prevent other horses from trembling and unable to move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prince chatted with Chu Zhiyuan, inquiring about the safety and smoothness of his journey, and whether there were any incidents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time slowly passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The handsome young man hurriedly ran over, holding an Imperial Decree in his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prince accepted the decree, unfurled it, and quickly smiled, displaying it for the present Imperial Guards to see.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Imperial Guards, seeing the decree, nodded reluctantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prince looked at Zhou Ling: \"Mr. Zhou, I’ll trouble you to take these two back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will conduct a thorough investigation to uncover how they infiltrated the Imperial Guard.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Ling looked at Chu Zhiyuan: \"Princely Heir, I will take my leave first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. Zhou, please.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Ling lifted the two Imperial Guards and swiftly disappeared into the woods beside them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>```\u003C\u002Fp>",1970,"2026-06-03T09:58:18.416Z","2026-06-03T09:58:16.817Z",1,"novelbin.me","0c95031413349728a7b05e434bd8b5fc9a8df8e097ad8578a28d89f55bfe6a13","imperial-cultivation-chapter-547","imperial-cultivation-chapter-545",1378,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fimperial-cultivation-cover.jpg"]