[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-imperial-cultivation":3,"chapter-imperial-cultivation-imperial-cultivation-chapter-685":6,"glossary-terms-1365":24},{"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},1055544,1365,"Chapter 685 - 681: Peace of Mind","imperial-cultivation-chapter-685",685,"\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan took a deep breath and then exhaled slowly, as if trying to expel all his anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Eldest Prince, Chu Liechu, opened his eyes and looked at him curiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had thought Chu would explode, but unexpectedly, he held it in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seems that having experienced death once really makes a difference; his temper has improved quite a bit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan shook his head with a sorrowful expression: \"This is our Jade Dynasty, so pitiful!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other two princes also opened their eyes to look at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, \"The fate of the entire Court hinges on me, a mere hostage.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Liechu sighed helplessly, \"Ninth Brother, there is no other way, we lack strength, and can only lament at our helplessness.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Liechu said, \"Lacking strength, we cannot consider face, survival is more important than humiliation... Ninth Brother, if you can truly avert war, you would be a great hero of our Court.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I dare not accept such honor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ninth Brother, we princes have indulged in riches and luxuries since childhood, but for the sake of billions of citizens, we cannot hesitate to sacrifice ourselves.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said angrily, \"Elder Brother, you speak so grandly!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Liechu snorted, \"If I were chosen before, I would have no hesitation, and would risk my life.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And what about your imperial throne?\" Chu Zhiyuan sneered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Liechu said solemnly, \"If the Court doesn’t exist, what is there to talk about imperial throne?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, \"The Phoenix Dynasty cannot destroy us, at most they would take advantage, but we aren’t at the point of the Court’s demise.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Liechu snorted, \"But they will kill a great number of our soldiers; aren’t they also sons of their parents, and pillars of their families?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan looked at the Third Prince, Chu Liyang, \"Third Brother, in such circumstances, do you still wish to take my place as the Prince Consort?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Liyang said solemnly, \"This matter is not up to us, it depends on the decision of the Twelfth Prince.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan sneered, \"Third Brother, you’re truly devoted! ...Fine, let’s listen to Father.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was unwilling to say more, closed his eyes, and cast aside all emotions, beginning his cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Above his head, a Yin Yang Fish vortex appeared immediately, and spiritual energy surged in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three frowned, staring at the vortex above his head, feeling his abundant spiritual energy, and secretly comparing it to their own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this comparison, they sensed a huge gap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Ninth Brother is indeed different now, not only in temperament but also in talent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he continues his cultivation this way, he will catch up with us sooner or later and become the foremost among the princes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ninth Brother, have you entered the Second Transitions?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes,\" Chu Zhiyuan replied blandly, \"I just entered the Second Transitions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s quite fast.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who let me enter the Grotto Heaven,\" Chu Zhiyuan said blandly while keeping his eyes closed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These words suddenly relaxed the three, accepting his significant talent improvement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Ninth Elder likely obtained a Strange Fruit that enhanced his talent in the Grotto Heaven and consumed it secretly, in addition to the previous Strange Fruit that enhanced cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thick accumulation and a thin release, accomplishing a sudden breakthrough to the Second Transitions, is not surprising.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Eldest Prince looked solemnly and intensified his cultivation, striving to be the first to reach the Divinity Transformation Realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the princes, the true assurance comes from cultivation rather than age or rank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At noon, Chu Zhiyuan and Chu Honglin met again at Qingfeng Cliff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan mentioned this matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Honglin frowned, shaking his head and sighed, \"I’ve never involved myself in these scheming matters, there’s too much filth between Courts, it’s really better not to watch.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, \"Uncle Fifteen, this taste is really disheartening.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though he remained aloof, not fully immersing himself in the host’s emotions, he still felt oppressed due to such a situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Honglin said, \"That’s why Elder Brother works diligently, and why everyone strives to cultivate, to enhance military strength, to stand tall, to be proud and confident.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The affairs of the world, do not shift according to one’s will, striving does not necessarily surpass the opponent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Very likely, even by fighting to the death, it is ultimately futile, still being suppressed underneath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After bitterly pursuing for tens of thousands of years, it’s still the same,\" Chu Honglin shook his head, \"The Phoenix Dynasty has seventy-two Cave Heavens, the combined Yujing and Yuanzhen Dynasties also have seventy-two Cave Heavens.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Honglin said, \"Their Spirit Venerables also outnumber ours, their Spirit Guards are stronger than ours, there’s still no sign of the Phoenix Dynasty’s decline.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, \"So you’re saying we can never rise?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the world, the tides rise and fall, no Court can remain unfallen forever,\" Chu Honglin said, \"there will finally be a time when the Phoenix Dynasty declines and we rise!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Honglin said, \"What we have to do is cultivate well, live longer, to be able to see that scene.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled, \"Uncle Fifteen, you’ll surely wait for that day!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let’s hope so,\" Chu Honglin said, \"Let’s talk about this time’s action, it’s about to unfold, are you going to use the Great Demon Suppressing Seal this time?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright.\" Chu Zhiyuan said solemnly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He originally did not plan to use the Great Demon Suppression Seal again, to avoid exposure, using the Evil Extinguishing Ruyi once would have been more perfect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given the circumstances, he decided to take the risk and use the Great Demon Suppressing Seal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To maximize the enhancement of the soul, increasing cultivation efficiency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Phoenix Dynasty respects strength above all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If one reaches the Divinity Transformation, whether a Prince Consort or a hostage, they will be respected all the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is people’s respect for strength, regardless of identity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan returned to the small courtyard, the sunset had fallen, and You Lan along with the other three women were waiting in the yard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While serving him dinner, You Lan said, \"Guard Li said there is something to report to Your Highness.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let her come over.\" Chu Zhiyuan sipped his wine, waving his hand casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He realized it must be due to the Yuanzhen Dynasty’s proposal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuzhen soon came gracefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her graceful figure made a light bow, clasping her fists, \"Prince Consort.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan put down his wine cup, raised his drooping eyelids, and said blandly, \"The title needs to be changed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuzhen did not understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, \"My position as Prince Consort has a variable, it may not be certain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Prince Consort, rest assured, there are no variables,\" Li Yuzhen said solemnly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled and said, \"Is this what the Twelfth Prince said?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\" Li Yuzhen said, \"The Prince instructed me to notify, so the Prince Consort wouldn’t worry and indulge in wild thoughts.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuzhen did not understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan laughed, \"Listening to the Prince, it’s as if we are star-crossed lovers who have vowed lifelong commitment. Whether variable or not, it doesn’t matter to me; I don’t wish to be this Prince Consort anyway.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuzhen frowned, her gaze suddenly sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan laughed, \"You think I’m ungrateful, don’t you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuzhen withdrew her sharp gaze, her eyes lowered, but she did not deny it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not even willing to utter insincere words,\" Chu Zhiyuan snorted, \"The princes of the Yuanzhen Dynasty must be stronger than me; let her choose a good husband as Prince Consort. Marrying down to me would be too unfair to her.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuzhen raised her head gently, \"Since the Prince has decided, she won’t be indecisive or change her mind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan snorted, \"Truly a woman of great courage, her word is her bond.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuzhen nodded lightly, obviously deeply agreeing with this appraisal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, \"Then will the Phoenix Dynasty go to war with us again?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuzhen shook her head, \"Prince Consort, rest assured, even if the two dynasties go to war, no one can do anything to you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan sneered, \"What grand face your Prince has, what grand words!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuzhen said softly, \"This is neither flattery nor self-praise; it is simply a fact.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright,\" Chu Zhiyuan waved his hand, \"Go about your business.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuzhen gently bowed, \"Subordinate takes her leave.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1404,"2026-06-03T09:58:19.351Z","2026-06-03T09:58:26.265Z",1,"novelbin.me","70f1a9d6ca11f1b30602846fecb455c6f92c82c1c9d4a29bc09c96ff82ea0b35","imperial-cultivation-chapter-686","imperial-cultivation-chapter-684",1378,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fimperial-cultivation-cover.jpg",{"terms":25},[]]