[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-imperial-cultivation":3,"chapter-imperial-cultivation-imperial-cultivation-chapter-697":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},1055556,1365,"Chapter 697: 693: Beaten Bare","imperial-cultivation-chapter-697",697,"\u003Cp>Chapter 697: Beaten Bare\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan’s voice spread like the tide rising, slowly and inexorably, reaching everywhere and penetrating every corner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone on Four Directions Pavilion Street heard it and knew about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Yunzheng and Cheng Yunqi, who were talking inside the house, were startled, as well as two young men in purple robes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Yunzheng frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His face turned pale, and his expression became somber. He turned and approached the window, looking out below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, the window lattices facing the street opened one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tavern patrons poked their heads out, and even the storyteller in the teahouse dropped his clapper and squeezed to the railing to watch the commotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pedestrians on both sides of the street turned to look, surrounding Chu Zhiyuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan stood on the street below, looking up at him with a grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The people around him made way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan stood alone in a large empty circle, three meters in diameter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing at the center, Chu Zhiyuan smiled at Cheng Yunzheng and said, “Fifth Prince, Sixth Prince, dare to come down and fight?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Yunqi also came to the window, looking at Chu Zhiyuan on the street, sneering, “Chu Liezhao, what madness is this?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With so many people gathered to watch the spectacle, from upstairs it was clear more and more people were coming to see the excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan’s earlier words were too clear; a royal rivalry naturally attracted attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it were merely a brawl between common martial arts enthusiasts, people wouldn’t be this excited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said aloud, “Sixth Prince, are you afraid to make a move?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How despicable!” Cheng Yunqi sneered with gritted teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan replied, “Despicable? This is a fair and open challenge, responding to your desire for a duel at the Imperial Palace banquet!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You…” Cheng Yunqi pointed at him but was eventually speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reflecting on it, it seemed there was nothing truly deceitful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was just that after a previous skirmish, we thought he’d retreated, but suddenly he came back for revenge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Evidently, he hadn’t exerted himself earlier; it was just a probe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, he’s confident enough to issue the challenge publicly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He intends to defeat us in front of everyone, truly spiteful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, “If you’re afraid, then admit in front of everyone that you’re convinced, not my match, and I’ll spare you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he shook his head and said, “With your skills, you dare to steal my woman? Truly ridiculous, overestimating yourself!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Yunqi said, “Chu Liezhao, the Twelfth Princess isn’t your woman yet!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan retorted, “Enough nonsense, fight or not?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Fine!” Cheng Yunqi agreed through clenched teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan laughed, “That’s the spirit of a prince; hurry up!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone became more excited; the battle was finally happening!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Yunqi snorted, “Wait!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned to look at Cheng Yunzheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the bright lights, Cheng Yunzheng’s pale face showed a somber hue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He slowly said, “At this point, all we can do is accept the challenge, let’s go!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A young man in a purple robe said, “Fifth Prince, let me go first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Yunzheng looked at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young man in purple said, “The Ninth Prince is surely prepared this time, likely understands Your Highness’s strengths and weaknesses.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Chu Liezhao was around, the Fifth Prince appeared unconcerned and adept.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Originally thinking he could deceive Chu Liezhao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But once Chu Liezhao left, the Fifth Prince immediately showed his true colors, exposing weakness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Liezhao surely realized this later, feeling deceived, hence his return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when he retreated, it was likely close to the limit, feeling unable to win.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, now Chu Liezhao and the Fifth Prince are on par, just a slight difference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If we wear him down a bit more, making him unable to strike again, the Fifth Prince can easily claim victory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Yunzheng said sternly, “This time it’s in front of so many people, a battle of attrition is too disgraceful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fifth brother, let me go first.” Cheng Yunqi said solemnly, “I’ll wear him down a bit, maybe even defeat him directly!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You…” Cheng Yunzheng pondered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Yunqi said, “My swordsmanship may not be as good, but my hand skills are strong, and he hasn’t experienced my hand skills!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His Great Auspicious Divine Palm has reached the Divinity Transformation Level, with strong power too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though not as good as the Fifth Brother’s Heavenly Inquiry Sword, it’s enough to deal with that guy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The power of the Heavenly Inquiry Sword lies in its unpredictability, impossible to evade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Liezhao, standing stationary, relying on Treasure Armor defense, for such a situation, the Great Auspicious Divine Palm and the Heavenly Inquiry Sword are no different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm…” Cheng Yunzheng pondered for a moment, then slowly said, “Alright, give it a try first, see if you can defeat him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Watch me!” Cheng Yunqi said confidently, “This time I’ll surely beat him to a pulp.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sixth Prince, if there’s an opportunity, don’t hesitate…” a young man in a purple robe lightly gestured across his throat with his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Yunqi solemnly nodded, “Hm, let’s see if there’s a chance!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan stood amidst the crowd on the street, clearly aware of the situation above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He heard their words distinctly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A cold smile played at the corner of his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuzhen stood close to Chu Zhiyuan in the crowd, alert for any potential chaos or assassination attempt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Four guards from the Prince Mansion stood in the crowd as well, vigilantly scanning the surroundings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone in the crowd shouted, “Ninth Prince, give the Sixth Prince from Yuanzhen Dynasty a good beating!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah, beat them well, let them know not to compete with Your Highness for the woman!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan glanced at them and sneered, “You sure are well-informed!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hehe, Ninth Prince, we’ve all heard about it, those Princes from Yuanzhen Dynasty are too loathsome!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Absolutely, Ninth Prince, if you marry the Twelfth Princess from Phoenix Dynasty, it would greatly enhance the prestige of our Yujing; absolutely cannot let the Yuanzhen Prince snatch her!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Those insolent fools, it’s purely self-humiliation, beat them hard!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah, beat him!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd’s discussion surged like waves, noisy and incessant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Yunqi leaped out of the window, suspended briefly in the air, then floated down gracefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moonlight was like water, the glow from countless lanterns shone on his bright yellow robe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bright yellow light shimmered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People widened their eyes, gazing at the shining Cheng Yunqi, feeling that at this moment, Cheng Yunqi was exceptionally dazzling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan snorted, “Just flaunting for attention!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His soft snort sounded like a thunder shock, echoing in everyone’s ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their minds cleared immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at Cheng Yunqi again, he didn’t appear as dazzling as before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just a young man in a yellow robe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan sneered, “Sixth Prince, are you going to make a move?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Yunqi landed three meters away from him, smiled arrogantly, “To deal with you, there’s no need for my Fifth Brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan sneered, “You brothers are truly shameless, knowing your Fifth Brother is not my match, you resort to a relay fight!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You can choose not to challenge.” Cheng Yunqi dismissed him, “Since you’re challenging the two of us, why waste words! Come on!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smirked, “High-sounding words, alright, then let’s test your Heavenly Inquiry Sword!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll use the Great Auspicious Divine Palm!” Cheng Yunqi snorted, “Take my palm!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He suddenly crossed his palms, his left palm making a seal, while his right palm pushed forward flatly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A clear hand seal appeared in front of Chu Zhiyuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan flashed like a phantom, appearing before Cheng Yunqi, his right palm glowed, a white light crashed into Cheng Yunqi’s chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Yunqi flew out instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan snorted and punched repeatedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bang bang bang bang…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Yunqi flew back and forth in the air, looking disheveled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Chu Zhiyuan’s expression remained stern, not relaxing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Cheng Yunqi was wearing treasure armor; the Great Brightness Fist Power landed on him without causing serious injuries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It likely reduced ninety percent of the power, leaving only ten percent on Cheng Yunqi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder they dared to come to the Imperial City to kill me, they have treasures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unsure what kind of treasure they have for protection, it must be forced out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With this thought, he suddenly accelerated, swiftly like a ghost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Cheng Yunqi landed, unable to dodge, Chu Zhiyuan’s fists struck him squarely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bang!” Cheng Yunqi’s entire body brightened, emitting a muffled sound, followed by his clothes shredding, scattering everywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan floated back, narrowly dodging a sharp air current.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He broke into a cold sweat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, his instincts warned him, allowing him to barely dodge that sharp current.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The onlookers burst into laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Yunqi was unexpectedly stark naked, all his clothes shattered.\u003C\u002Fp>",1461,"2026-06-03T09:58:19.351Z","2026-06-14T10:33:19.909Z",1,"novelbin.me","f934a68f6ad23d1aebb3208a049c61790a8bff8ddc9a61bb5d99dc25c63c9a18","imperial-cultivation-chapter-698","imperial-cultivation-chapter-696",1378,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fimperial-cultivation-cover.jpg",{"terms":25},[]]