[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-imperial-cultivation":3,"chapter-imperial-cultivation-imperial-cultivation-chapter-569":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},1055378,1365,"Chapter 569 - 565: Time Limit","imperial-cultivation-chapter-569",569,"\u003Cp>```html\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan felt reassured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His main goal had been achieved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, that was only his own objective.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The goal of the Da Jing delegation in this negotiation was to discuss a truce between the two dynasties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in his eyes, the most crucial part was the agreement of the three dynasties to unite in eradicating the Evil Sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the truce treaty between the two dynasties, it wasn’t as important.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the key to either ceasefire or war was not the treaty, but the circumstances between parties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the situation required war, a treaty could be torn up at will.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The main focus of this negotiation was to establish trade and mutual markets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was almost impossible to achieve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hongzhao couldn’t suppress the military enough to agree to these terms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Establishing a trade market at the border would most benefit the military.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the saying goes, \"The pavilion closest to the water enjoys the moon first,\" and \"Living by the mountain eats from the mountain, living by the sea eats from the sea.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With this trade market, the border army could gain countless tangible and intangible benefits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once a trade market was formed, apart from the military, many wealthy and powerful people could also benefit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These would be the vested interests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This would create a massive obstacle to restarting the war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Interests are the root of political attitudes; those ministers at court, for the interests they represent, would oppose going to war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the border army benefits the most, they would strive to avoid war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a situation where Li Hongzhao couldn’t suppress the border army, consenting to develop trade and mutual markets would further complicate control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So he did not hold onto hope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hongzhao lounged behind the Dragon Desk, languidly saying, \"Where should we begin?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Eradicate the Main Altar,\" Chu Zhiyuan said, \"Cut off their source of power, and the rest can be taken care of gradually.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Main Altar isn’t that easy to exterminate, is it?\" Li Hongzhao said, \"Let alone finding it, even if found, can it be breached?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, \"If aided by the military, plus Martial Arts experts, it’s not difficult.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Using Array against Array.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deploying a military formation against the Heaven and Earth Array, along with the assistance of Martial Arts experts, breaking the array wouldn’t be too challenging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The military...\" Li Hongzhao pondered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hongzhao snorted, \"What are you smiling at?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, \"It’s best to use the Stepping Cloud Iron Cavalry; if that’s not possible, let our Thunder Spear Formation come to help.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Stepping Cloud Iron Cavalry it is!\" Li Hongzhao said, \"How many do you need?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At least a thousand.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A thousand Stepping Cloud Iron Cavalry...\" Li Hongzhao pondered, slowly nodding, \"Alright!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan asked, \"Have your Imperial Guards ever trained with an Array?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hongzhao shook her head, \"Their Array is far inferior to the Stepping Cloud Iron Cavalry.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, \"Then it’s the Stepping Cloud Iron Cavalry; I’ll lead them first, and the remaining negotiations can be handled by others.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There’s nothing else worth discussing,\" Li Hongzhao said lazily, \"No need to discuss more.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan suggested, \"If both dynasties establish a market on the border, both will benefit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hongzhao looked at him askance, her phoenix eyes sparkling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan laughed, \"And what about the Secret Land? Do we not wish to exchange insights on the Secret Land?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not necessary,\" Li Hongzhao snorted, \"There’s nothing good in your Secret Land.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then let’s talk about exchanging prisoners.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is something we can discuss,\" Li Hongzhao said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Speaking of which, this was her biggest achievement in her diplomatic mission to Da Jing and the key to gaining some military support.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, through exchanging prisoners to garner support from some lower-level soldiers, and through political maneuvers to gain some upper-level support, she could almost sway the military.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The military isn’t monolithic; there are many factions, making it hard to withstand her combination of soft and hard tactics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone present fell silent, listening to the two set the grand scheme with a few words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, Li Hongzhao stood up, \"I’m a bit tired, so I won’t stay longer. Feel free to drink and enjoy yourselves.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She gracefully departed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone hurried to stand and clasp their fists, bidding farewell respectfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once she left, they all breathed a sigh of relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Li Hongzhao was a woman, her presence was intimidating, and with her seated here, everyone felt pressured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as she left, the atmosphere in the hall immediately became lively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan also took his leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he walked out of Chengtian Hall, Wen Cheng’en came to greet him outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan didn’t say much and followed him forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked up at the night sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A bright moon hung high, with stars dimmed around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Great Sword spanned across the void, faintly discernible, with numerous white lines converging on it, and patterns on the Sword faintly flowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strings of lanterns were hung under the palace eaves, and more lanterns were suspended in mid-air, illuminating the surroundings brightly, leaving no dark corners.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan arrived at a side hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To the north of the side hall was a Luohan bed, arranged warmly and softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hongzhao reclined on the Luohan bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A broad lake green robe gently clung to her graceful body, embroidered with floral patterns, exuding luxury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She propped her head on one hand, leisurely looking at Chu Zhiyuan as he entered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A palace maid brought over an embroidery stool, and Chu Zhiyuan sat down with a fist salute and smiled, \"Congratulations.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where does the joy come from?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With further advancement in cultivation, your grasp of the Emperor’s Sword must have strengthened, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’ve advanced as well,\" Li Hongzhao snorted, \"You really are something.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon reaching Great Grandmaster, it’s almost impossible to advance further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost everyone else stays at the First Layer, and he quickly advanced to the Second Layer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now it seems the Second Layer can’t hold him either, as he’s about to step into the Third Layer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He still managed to take a step ahead of her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan laughed, \"Without the Emperor’s Sword, I’m ultimately not your match.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hongzhao said, \"Now I see why you want to eradicate the Evil Sect so much.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hongzhao remarked, \"Because killing the Evil Sect’s demon people benefits your cultivation, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan clapped in admiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hongzhao snorted, \"After reaching Great Grandmaster, you can’t kill indiscriminately, but it’s no issue to kill demon people; that’s why all the world’s demon people have become your aides in training, though the Purple Sun Scripture isn’t that path, is it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, \"By killing one more, I find clarity in my thoughts, and with clarity, my spirit thrives, naturally accelerating my cultivation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is that all?\" Li Hongzhao was half-skeptical.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She felt that Chu Zhiyuan’s rapid progress after entering Great Grandmaster was likely due to the Evil Sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Evil Sect Heart Method also stagnates after reaching Great Grandmaster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So he shouldn’t be borrowing from the Evil Sect Heart Method; it must be a Breakthrough Technique based on slaughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What else?\" Chu Zhiyuan had to admire her keen insight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without these demon people, the Glazed Blade Scripture couldn’t have reached this level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killing demon beasts in the Secret Land is another path, but far inferior to demon people of the Evil Sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He believed that if he killed all the demon people of the Evil Sect, he could possibly master the Glazed Blade Scripture to Perfection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether or not he could truly become Undying or achieve immortality was uncertain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan then said, \"Your Phoenix Bloodline cultivation proceeds without hindrance, always allowing you to advance swiftly, and you’re planning for Ascension, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hongzhao frowned slightly, staring at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan laughed, \"Understood, you’re indeed preparing for Ascension, given your current rate of progress, it shouldn’t take too long, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I don’t sort things out, the Emperor’s Sword can’t assist me in Ascension.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Only by fully mastering the Emperor’s Sword, can one break the void and ascend, and to thoroughly master the Emperor’s Sword, one needs to have their thoughts sorted out.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Right,\" Li Hongzhao said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had extraordinary comprehension, so it wasn’t surprising he could deduce this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, \"It takes enough time to win hearts and fully establish prestige, ...for you, ten years should be sufficient.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he smiled, \"Looks like you’ll be Emperor for ten years before your Ascension.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hongzhao smiled proudly, \"This time, I will be one step ahead of you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>```\u003C\u002Fp>",1437,"2026-06-03T09:58:17.452Z","2026-06-03T09:58:23.466Z",1,"novelbin.me","6eb15a5feee5b5f7b1e3f55a3c4194b1b89030e6bbe9c35545f0d63775a6ba8f","imperial-cultivation-chapter-570","imperial-cultivation-chapter-568",1378,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fimperial-cultivation-cover.jpg"]