[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-imperial-cultivation":3,"chapter-imperial-cultivation-imperial-cultivation-chapter-60":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},1054569,1365,"Chapter 60 - 60 58 First Encounter","imperial-cultivation-chapter-60",60,"\u003Cp>60: Chapter 58 First Encounter 60: Chapter 58 First Encounter They all knew about the grievances between Chu Zhiyao and Song Tianhai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two served in the army together under the same general, each as a guerrilla general with a hundred or so subordinates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two tigers cannot inhabit the same mountain: one is an heir of a prince, the other a young lord of a duke’s mansion, neither yielding to the other, with constant open and covert struggles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, they also happened to be brothers-in-law.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half a year ago, Song Tianhai was transferred back to Yujing to become a fifth-grade bodyguard with a saber by the Emperor’s side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is also the promotion path for young lords: first, go to the army for training, then return to Yujing as a bodyguard with a saber near the Emperor, and after a few years, inherit the duke title and lead troops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had never determined a winner, neither convinced, neither liking the other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Chu Zhiyao returned, and they finally met face to face, ready to clash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They almost wished for a chair to sit back on, drinking tea, eating fruits and pastries, to enjoy a good show.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Song Tianhai’s gaze, however, skipped over Chu Zhiyao and fell on Chu Zhiyuan’s face, cupping his fists, he said, “Prince Yuan, I’ve long heard of your name.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan lightly cupped his fists back, “I wonder what guidance the young lord might have?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Song Tianhai was full of hostility, coming not for Chu Zhiyao but for himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was truly strange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since he was so arrogant, there was no need for him, as a princely heir, to be courteous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In terms of status, he was more prestigious as an heir, showing weakness would only disgrace the imperial family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard the Fourth Prince is an extraordinary genius, breaking through the Innate Realm in a short time, even surpassing the Third Prince.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is the young lord looking to spar?” Chu Zhiyuan replied, “But this is Fourth Uncle’s birthday banquet, perhaps another day.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why wait for another day, what’s better than today,” Song Tianhai said, “Fourth Prince, rest assured, there won’t be blood spilled to ruin the Prince’s birthday.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Song Tianhai, no need,” Chu Mingxuan laughed, “Don’t overestimate yourself and end up humiliating yourself!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Song Tianhai calmly replied, “As a practitioner of martial arts, how can one fear humiliating oneself?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned to look at Chu Zhiyuan, “Fourth Prince, please enlighten me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan looked towards Chu Zhiyao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyao said coldly, “Since he’s determined to humiliate himself, oblige him!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>… Fourth Brother, just do your best, don’t hold back, let him know there’s always someone better, it might as well be a lesson for him!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>truly a family, such thoughtful intentions, Third Brother!” Chu Mingxuan clapped and laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone laughed heartily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyao glared at Chu Mingxuan, “Eighteenth Uncle, you’re just making a fuss!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amidst the laughter, Song Tianhai was unfazed, simply staring coldly at Chu Zhiyuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan did not look at him, but said to Chu Zhiyao, “Third Brother, sparring can be done anytime, why insist on today, … ten days later at least, five days later at the earliest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Should he want to spar just because others want to spar with him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it weren’t for the young lord, he wouldn’t even bother to say a word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they don’t spar now, ten days later, there will be no need to spar, Song Tianhai will understand the difference and lose the will to spar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyao was taken aback, then his expression slightly changed, nodding slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The number five immediately reminded him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He understood why Chu Zhiyuan didn’t want to make a move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was to avoid revealing depth and cultivation level to others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Isn’t the Fourth Prince afraid?” Song Tianhai suddenly let out a light laugh, “Holding back isn’t the royal demeanor!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Mingxuan glared and was about to curse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyao snorted, “Afraid of you?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just unwilling to argue with you, you really think you’re that amazing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then why hesitate and retreat?” Song Tianhai said calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyao hummed, “Then let’s have a few moves, defeat me first before challenging Fourth Brother!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The matter of Chu Zhiyuan replacing Chu Zhiyao against the Da Zhen princely heir had been kept secret, known only to the people of Mingwu Hall, no outsiders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The princes and heirs of Mingwu Hall had been instructed by Chu Qingfeng to keep it secret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was to avoid leaking information, from which Da Zhen’s spies could ascertain strengths and weaknesses to target them more effectively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who knew that if they learned the reality of Chu Zhiyuan, Da Zhen might try to create an accident to prevent him from facing off against Cheng Tianfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You—?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then forget it.” Song Tianhai shook his head, looking disdainful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since returning, focusing on cultivation, Chu Zhiyao was no longer a match for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Mingxuan said, “Song Tianhai, today is after all Fourth Brother’s birthday, let it go, don’t ruin everyone’s mood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old Song, let it go.” Ye Baichao patted Song Tianhai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Baichuan also nodded strongly, indicating to let it go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan glanced at Ye Baichao and Ye Baichuan; though they showed no hostility towards him, they were definitely not friendly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All three were like this, which posed a slight problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He suddenly had a flash of inspiration: Could it be because of Xiao Ruoling?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Eight Dukes’ Mansions are the pillars of the nation, hereditary and inextricably linked to Da Jing, with transcendent status.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ruoling, with supreme beauty and excellent character, arousing admiration from other dukes’ young lords is not surprising.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman they liked was to marry another; due to status, they couldn’t vie for her, so taking the opportunity of martial sparring to beat him up to vent their anger was understandable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As young dukes, they had that audacity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Song Tianhai’s gaze swept across Chu Mingxuan’s stern face and Chu Zhiyao’s expression and suddenly burst into a loud laugh, cupping his fists, “Since the Fourth Prince is unwilling, then never mind, I toast to the Fourth Prince!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said this, raising his wine glass to Chu Zhiyuan, then drank it all at once gracefully, cupping his fists, “Farewell.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan watched him with a smile but did not raise his glass, watching them leave gracefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To raise his glass would be to give face, making others think he was weak-tempered, allowing anyone to approach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides the Duke Kang Mansion and Duke Shou Mansion, there were six other duke mansions, would their young lords also dare to provoke him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That Song Tianhai is just like that, don’t mind him.” Chu Mingxuan laughed, “After tussling with Third Brother for so long.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyao said embarrassedly, “Fourth Brother, I…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled, waving his hand, “No need for words, Third Brother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I like those with this stubborn arrogance, it’s especially satisfying to deal with them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha…” Chu Mingxuan laughed, “That guy needs a good beating!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fourth, give him a solid one!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan looked towards Chu Zhiyao, “I’m just afraid Third Brother will intervene.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m more than willing, won’t stop it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What if Third Sister-in-law speaks up?” Chu Zhiyuan laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha…” everyone burst into laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere in the room instantly returned to its lively state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dong dong dong…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dong dong dong…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of gongs and drums came from outside amid the warm and lively atmosphere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyao laughed, “The show is about to start, let’s go watch!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s watch, let’s watch!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What plays, we didn’t check the program beforehand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s the point of checking, it’s not our turn to choose the plays yet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone pushed aside the wine glasses and put down their chopsticks, stood up, and walked out, meeting guests from other rooms, mingling and heading grandly towards the rear garden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rear garden of the Prince Xuan Mansion has a special theater building, a three-story circular structure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stage is set in the central courtyard, and all three levels can view the stage below and hear the sounds clearly from the stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this time, seating was not segregated by gender; men and women could sit together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, Chu Zhiyuan saw the ladies attending the event.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The colorful dresses fluttered, the garments were luxurious, and the beautiful faces were dazzling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone’s gaze was instantly captured by one woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pale purple palace dress wrapped around a slender figure, hair like clouds, and a face as fair as white jade, her elongated phoenix eyes sparkled profoundly, enigmatically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her elongated eyes, when she looked around, seemed misty and smoky, as if one could never quite fathom her inner thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her beauty was unparalleled, her bearing elegant and poised, confident and graceful, embodying what is called the demeanor of a great family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such demeanor and temperament are rare in young women, born from a combination of innate gifts and cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan guessed this must be Xiao Ruoling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Super Sense, he took in all the women in the mansion; she was the most beautiful, standing unrivaled amongst the beauties, dimming their brilliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, Bai Ningshuang and Chu Yi were beside her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her, Chu Zhiyuan finally understood why, although she rarely appeared in public, she won the name of the first beauty of Yujing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Truly a national beauty, unrivaled in the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder Song Tianhai and Ye Baichao and Ye Baichuan wanted to give him a beating.\u003C\u002Fp>",1569,"2026-06-03T09:57:57.826Z","2026-06-03T09:58:02.811Z",1,"novelbin.me","12a54edb474eeee0a1301f2dcae8acf2f6f969cb7a975de3b199ccba7c27a06c","imperial-cultivation-chapter-61","imperial-cultivation-chapter-59",1378,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fimperial-cultivation-cover.jpg"]