[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-imperial-cultivation":3,"chapter-imperial-cultivation-imperial-cultivation-chapter-90":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},1054599,1365,"Chapter 90 - 90 88 List","imperial-cultivation-chapter-90",90,"\u003Cp>90: Chapter 88 List 90: Chapter 88 List “`html\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan’s eyes were fixed on him, suddenly becoming sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Super Sense detected he was lying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, he knew who the experts were; even if not all, he knew some.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Elder Bai, many thanks.” Chu Zhiyuan’s expression softened as he smiled, “Thank you for understanding the bigger picture.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No need for thanks.” Bai Jingrong quickly waved his hand, chuckling, “Sir, your actions are just and fair; I greatly admire that, and it’s only right to repay you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, I have a soft heart and can’t bear to see too many people die.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone knows that assassinating the Da Zhen Mission is suicidal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention how formidable the Da Zhen Guards, the Lingshuang Iron Cavalry, are, even if the assassination succeeds, there will certainly be a thunderous reprisal from the Court.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No sect or expert, no matter how strong, could withstand the Court’s power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Escaping from Da Jing would also be impossible; from Yujing to the borders is thirty thousand miles, a distance almost impossible to evade the Military Suppression Department’s pursuit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So it would almost certainly lead to death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only sliver of hope lies in what the Court fails to uncover, leaving a few to slip through the net.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, during the assassination, deaths are inevitable, and some innocents will be swept away, dying without knowing why.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So informing the Court in advance to thwart this assassination is an immensely meritorious deed and greatly benefits the True One Sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How did Elder Bai come to know this?” Chu Zhiyuan asked, “Did they ask for help from the True One Sect, or were some True One Sect experts involved?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Absolutely not!” Bai Jingrong hurriedly replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan squinted his eyes slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those words seemed true; evidently, there were no True One Sect experts involved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then a friend must have informed your True One Sect, prompting you to stay away.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sir!” Bai Jingrong said helplessly, “I’ve said everything I can say!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Were they experts from Yao Yue Palace?” Chu Zhiyuan inquired, “Experts from Yao Yue Palace connected with each other to form an alliance?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Jingrong hurriedly waved his hand, smiling, “No, no, how could that be?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yao Yue Palace disciples do not enter Yujing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan was sure his guess was correct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if Yao Yue Palace experts never entered Yujing, they still had ways to connect, the simplest being through the True One Sect’s communication.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned to look at Gao Lingfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Lingfeng promptly stepped forward, “Sir?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Prepare a seat for Elder Bai and the others.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Lingfeng responded and directed an assistant to bring two chairs and place them behind the guests, inviting them to sit and talk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Jingrong was reluctant to sit, wanting to leave immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt as if Chu Zhiyuan could see through his thoughts, making him feel exposed and uncomfortable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please sit.” Chu Zhiyuan gestured with his hand, smiling, “Let’s have a good chat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alright.” Bai Jingrong, seeing Chu Zhiyuan’s resolute expression, reluctantly agreed, cupping his fists, “Sir…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yao Yue Palace’s expert killed He Jiujie.” Chu Zhiyuan said, “The Court won’t pursue it; He Jiujie deserved to die, and so he did.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Jingrong relaxed visibly at the words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was indeed Yao Yue Palace that killed He Jiujie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jiujie deserved death a thousand times over!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan inquired, “Surely Yao Yue Palace’s expert asked who hired He Jiujie?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No.” Bai Jingrong shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He laughed awkwardly thereafter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These words confirmed that He Jiujie died at Yao Yue Palace’s hands and that their experts had reached outside Yujing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though they didn’t enter Yujing, they were not far from it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan frowned, “Without figuring out who hired He Jiujie, wouldn’t your True One Sect find no peace?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the employer isn’t found, even with He Jiujie’s death, there might be another He Jiujie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There is not just one assassin like He Jiujie in this world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Jingrong nodded helplessly, “Indeed so.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Court can continue to pursue the employer.” Chu Zhiyuan spoke solemnly, “With He Jiujie’s body, the investigation can continue, and it’s possible to find the employer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really?” Bai Jingrong’s spirit lifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled, “If the Court is determined, nothing is impossible to uncover!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even involving a Great Grandmaster!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even a Great Grandmaster might not find out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not all Great Grandmasters are the same; a Yao Yue Palace Great Grandmaster might fail, but not necessarily the Court’s!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Very well!” Bai Jingrong hesitated but eventually gritted his teeth and said solemnly, “I can hand over a list, but the Court mustn’t kill them for it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Agreed!” Chu Zhiyuan said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled, “Yao Yue Palace treats your True One Sect well, linking up for a deal with the Court to continue this investigation, perhaps?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Absolutely not!” Bai Jingrong’s complexion changed slightly, waving his hands, “How could we use such a matter for transactions?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sir thinks us too despicable!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan nodded, “That’s best.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He believed Bai Jingrong’s words were truthful, then gestured at Gao Lingfeng with his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Lingfeng directed an assistant to move a desk over, presenting paper, ink, and inkstone for Bai Jingrong to write the list.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan continued, “As the Court continues to investigate who was behind He Jiujie, Yao Yue Palace’s experts should retreat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yujing is already lively enough, no need to add more excitement.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Jingrong remained silent, concentrating on writing the list.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With fluid movements, he deftly penned names in elegant small script, hundreds in just a blink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Super Sense noted this disparity with his appearance; Bai Jingrong was unexpectedly a person of inner refinement with such neat writing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said no more, not bringing up Yao Yue Palace again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Jingrong could only relay the message, but what Yao Yue Palace’s experts decided was beyond his control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Extracting this list from Bai Jingrong was already a feat; as for Yao Yue Palace, it was not under his influence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a Princely Heir and Junior Minister, he held no sway in Yao Yue Palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yao Yue Palace’s relationship with the Da Jing Emperor was complex and subtle, beyond his reach, with no qualification to meddle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, could it be that Yao Yue Palace, lacking male disciples for five hundred years, was reminiscing about old ties, looking after the True One Sect?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yao Yue Palace’s connection with the True One Sect was tighter than anticipated; what was the reason?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While he pondered, Super Sense monitored Bai Jingrong, seeing if he was writing the complete list or playing tricks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Jingrong wrote swiftly indeed, dense small script listing over a hundred names fluidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One must always be cautious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was a need to guard against Bai Jingrong using the Court as a tool for revenge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Fang Haiyang seemed a bit restless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He appeared dissatisfied and agitated by his master’s betrayal, suppressing his anger by keeping his head down to hide his emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once Bai Jingrong laid down the Purple Brush, Gao Lingfeng received it, dried the ink, and presented it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan observed only Fang Haiyang, smiling, “This young brother, are you Elder Bai’s direct disciple?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Jingrong glanced at Fang Haiyang and chuckled, “Yes, my last disciple, with decent talent, Fang Haiyang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan said, “Young Fang seems to disagree with your master’s decision, thinking these people shouldn’t be exposed, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Jingrong was taken aback and quickly glared at Fang Haiyang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Haiyang remained silent, his head bowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yang’er, you…” Bai Jingrong’s expression darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He understood Fang Haiyang, seeing his expression knew Chu Zhiyuan was right; he disapproved of his actions, felt repulsed by the betrayal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled, “Young people naturally tend to be idealistic; likely he hasn’t witnessed the Court’s thunderous methods.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He himself had seen much in the Tongtian Pavilion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention the current Emperor, who has annihilated ten sects since taking the throne.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These sects varied in size, with two large ones comparable in scale to the True One Sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Haiyang was young and inexperienced whereas Bai Jingrong had likely seen and understood the severity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If those on the list dared act, the result would inevitably be rivers of blood, heads rolling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Haiyang was youthful, full of passion, disdainful of betrayal and selling out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My apologies,” Bai Jingrong said awkwardly, “I shall have a good talk with him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled, “Ensure he doesn’t do anything foolish.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Prematurely warning could introduce many complications and variables.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He absolutely will not!” Bai Jingrong declared solemnly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan nodded, “There are no issues with the list, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nothing missing or incorrect?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It might not be comprehensive, but they’re definitely not wronged.” Bai Jingrong assured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan nodded contentedly, cupping his fists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Jingrong sensibly took his leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan’s face grew somber, and Gao Lingfeng’s face was equally stern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere became tense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long silence, Gao Lingfeng spoke, “Sir…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan sighed, “Such are martial artists, truly unafraid of death; how should one describe them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These people were genuinely risking their lives for vengeance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They must have a deep blood feud with Da Zhen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For these people, punishment needed to instill fear in their hearts, while also avoiding inciting public outrage by excessive killing, thus losing public support.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forceful suppression could lead to greater losses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Careful navigation of these intricacies was necessary, avoiding a purely forceful approach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sir, how should we proceed?” Gao Lingfeng asked through gritted teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was consistently discontent with martial artists, considering them sources of chaos, unaware of how many innocent lives are lost annually to their hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To achieve peace, they must first be subdued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he also knew this was impossible; the focus could only be on maintaining the Court’s prestige and deterrence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“`\u003C\u002Fp>",1627,"2026-06-03T09:57:57.826Z","2026-06-03T09:58:02.811Z",1,"novelbin.me","a91f6f1b85e40795fe62971a9c827adb769a5ffbb23c5e257bedc47b9af7600f","imperial-cultivation-chapter-91","imperial-cultivation-chapter-89",1378,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fimperial-cultivation-cover.jpg"]