[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-imperial-cultivation":3,"chapter-imperial-cultivation-imperial-cultivation-chapter-78":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},1054587,1365,"Chapter 78 - 78 76 Breaking Through","imperial-cultivation-chapter-78",78,"\u003Cp>78: Chapter 76: Breaking Through 78: Chapter 76: Breaking Through “`html\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In terms of the spar, it’s better to have one less cook spoil the broth, so let the Fourth Prince take the stage.” Prince Zhuang, Chu Qingsong said solemnly: “What does the Princely Heir think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh—?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Tianfeng glanced at Chu Zhiyuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wasn’t Chu Zhiyuan one of the few who first greeted him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In retrospect, was it to assess his own strengths and weaknesses in advance?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he not already been secretly preparing for this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, his efforts were in vain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having practiced the Turtle Concealing Secret Technique, his cultivation was fully concealed, and with the Heavenly Hidden Pendant bestowed by his master, it could obscure his aura from any scrutiny.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t discern my true strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I also couldn’t see through his.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if I couldn’t, it didn’t matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s likely in the early stages of the Innate Realm, having only recently reached it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, Prince, the previous agreement still stands, does it not?” Cheng Tianfeng smiled and said, “You’re not reneging, are you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Princely Heir, the Emperor’s words once spoken cannot be retracted!” Prince Zhuang frowned and said: “An agreement is an agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Princely Heir and the Da Zhen Emperor won’t go back on it, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course not.” Prince Ying chuckled and said: “Then let’s proceed according to the agreement: whoever wins marries, whoever loses is married off!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright!” Prince Zhuang said solemnly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the murmuring crowd, Bai Ningshuang suddenly widened her phoenix eyes and tugged at Xiao Ruoling, anxiously saying: “Ruoling, what do they mean by these words?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She suddenly realized something was amiss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder Huang Cheng insisted on waiting for Yuan’er, and wanted Yuan’er to attend the banquet together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turns out, they were waiting here!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had already arranged for this spar—a duel between Yuan’er and the Princely Heir of Da Zhen, with stakes involving marriage agreements!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ruoling gently furrowed her brows and softly said: “Princess, it seems the Princely Heir is to spar with the Da Zhen Princely Heir.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the first time she had heard of this matter too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More importantly, this spar had stakes, with implications on marriage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ningshuang asked: “What does winning to wed, and losing to wed mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Yi had a sudden epiphany and quickly said: “Mother, isn’t it obvious?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The winner marries the other’s princess, and the loser is married off to a princess.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ningshuang’s face slightly changed, tightly gripping the hands of Chu Yi and Xiao Ruoling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The outcome would decide if the princess was married away, which instantly made her nervous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The responsibility was too significant!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What if they lost…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wouldn’t it make Da Jing a sinner?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Minghou, sitting at the head, also furrowed his brows, looking up at the Emperor, Chu Qingquan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Qingquan only gave a faint smile as he watched the scene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Tianfeng had already reached the center of the main hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled and cupped his fists to make a circular salute to everyone, looking at Chu Zhiyuan: “Brother Chu, please enlighten me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the gaze of the surprised or puzzled crowd, Chu Zhiyuan slowly stepped in front of him, two yards away, looking at him calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Tianfeng’s gaze passed through Chu Zhiyuan, landing on the latter part of the hall, revealing a look of fascination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan with Super Sense saw that he was looking at Xiao Ruoling, feeling the greed and intense desire surging within him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, he truly intended to seize Xiao Ruoling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, he had already taken action, with the invitation meant to lure her out as the first step, the rest of the plan simply hadn’t been executed yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall was abuzz, with endless discussions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s going on, why is it the fourth going up?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shouldn’t it be the third?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s there to say about this spar?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They all sensed the unusual nature of this spar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially the words spoken before the spar, clearly indicating it was deciding something, there was an agreement involved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some astute individuals had already guessed it vaguely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But why was it Chu Zhiyuan, and not Chu Zhiyao?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan had just entered the Innate Realm, how strong could he be?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he was first in the winter hunt, surely he couldn’t surpass Chu Zhiyao, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Chu Zhiyao had hurried back from the army, wasn’t it for this spar?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Prince Xuan had made such elaborate birthday celebrations a few days ago, wasn’t it all for Chu Zhiyao?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan let out a soft laugh and warmly said: “Brother Cheng, what are you looking at?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, anger surged and murderous intent boiled, yet his face was as calm as a placid lake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Tianfeng laughed and said: “Brother Chu, why don’t we raise the stakes a bit more?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I never gamble,” Chu Zhiyuan shook his head, “But I must thank the Princely Heir for the Heavenly Dragon Divine Horse, I shall humbly accept.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could guess what Cheng Tianfeng intended to wager.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he didn’t want Cheng Tianfeng to voice it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once said, it would harm Xiao Ruoling’s reputation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Heavenly Dragon Divine Horse being tamed by you is your fortune, you needn’t thank me,” Cheng Tianfeng, hit in a sore spot, gritted his teeth and forced a nonchalant smile: “The Princely Heir doesn’t dare wager because you know you’ll lose, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His mind was extremely furious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Born a favored son of the heavens, peerless in talent, he deeply desired the Heavenly Dragon Divine Horse, believing only such a creature would be a match for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ride the fastest horse, sleep with the most beautiful woman—it wouldn’t make this life in vain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet he couldn’t tame those wretched Heavenly Dragon Divine Horses, having used all sorts of means, both gentle and harsh, to no avail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They regarded him as an ant, absolutely refusing to submit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when it came to Chu Zhiyuan, as soon as they saw him, they obediently submitted—it was simply inexplicable and utterly absurd!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Chu Zhiyuan should die!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One won’t know the outcome without a fight?” Chu Zhiyuan slowly drew out the Qingying Sword: “Then let’s fight, Princely Heir, why delay, are you gathering strength?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the Princely Heir’s actions are too unscrupulous, secretly interfering to affect and disturb me, resorting to all necessary means just to win!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Cheng Tianfeng wanted to speak again, Chu Zhiyuan thrust his sword forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Tianfeng floated backward, attempting to continue speaking, to attack with words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Chu Zhiyuan’s sword tip followed relentlessly, no matter how he dodged, it shadowed him closely, drawing ever nearer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forced to close his mouth and draw his sword to counter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whoosh!” The Qingying Sword suddenly accelerated, breaking through the air, reaching Cheng Tianfeng’s chest in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Tianfeng suddenly split into three figures, like a shadow-splitting technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Qingying Sword tip pierced the chest of all three images, all hitting the same spot, showcasing extreme speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the next moment, Cheng Tianfeng appeared behind him, being the fourth figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The previous three figures were all illusions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone thought that among the three figures, one of them was real, and two were fake, hardly thinking they were all fake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah!” The crowd exclaimed in astonishment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Tianfeng bore a cold smile, the sword stabbing toward Chu Zhiyuan’s back suddenly vanished, his eyes gleamed darkly, readying to strike a decisive blow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This silent, lightning-fast strike, almost invisibly, was the pinnacle sword technique of Wentian Cliff, the Heavenly Concealing Sword Technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whoosh!” Suddenly he felt a shock in his chest, his body flew backward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking down, he found a small hole had appeared in his chest where his clothes were torn, revealing his Jade Pendant which had already cracked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was shocked and enraged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Heavenly Hidden Pendant was a unique and unparalleled treasure, capable of concealing aura and masking cultivation, also essential for the Heavenly Concealing Sword Technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With it, the Heavenly Concealing Sword Technique could truly hide the sword, mask intent, and veil all traces and aura, killing invisibly, leaving no escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once without it, the power of the Heavenly Concealing Sword Technique diminishes significantly, no longer worth practicing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a treasure shattered here, Chu Zhiyuan should die!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He flushed in the air, boiling with murderous intent no longer suppressible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah!” At this moment, the crowd finally reacted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan stood where he was, his sword tip pointing at him from afar, smiling: “So Brother Cheng also carried a protective treasure, truly cautious!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had always wanted to break Cheng Tianfeng’s treasure, never expecting it to be so easy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thanks to absorbing the Dragon Bone, his speed and strength soared, making the Great Snow Avalanche Sword Technique three degrees faster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, with Super Sense, truth and illusion were crystal clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Tianfeng’s peculiar step technique deceived others but not him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the Heavenly Hidden Pendant shattered, the mist around Cheng Tianfeng dissipated, clearly revealed under Chu Zhiyuan’s Insight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the Innate Ninth Layer after all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, he had evaded the Inspection Department.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Inspection Department was quite accurate, deducing almost correctly, with minimal error.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Tianfeng’s left hand was slightly thicker than his right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hard to discern with the naked eye, but not hidden from Super Sense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus he judged, Cheng Tianfeng’s real killing move was the Left Hand Sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Tianfeng had two flying knives in his sleeves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The flying knives were as thin as cicada wings, nearly invisible, probably imperceptible when thrown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“`\u003C\u002Fp>",1583,"2026-06-03T09:57:57.826Z","2026-06-03T09:58:02.811Z",1,"novelbin.me","171ffe6d3b084f23b90ad6b577d140c73374445814e3987c735b8784d71809c1","imperial-cultivation-chapter-79","imperial-cultivation-chapter-77",1378,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fimperial-cultivation-cover.jpg"]