[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-imperial-cultivation":3,"chapter-imperial-cultivation-imperial-cultivation-chapter-97":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},1054606,1365,"Chapter 97 - 97 95 Defeated Again","imperial-cultivation-chapter-97",97,"\u003Cp>97: Chapter 95: Defeated Again 97: Chapter 95: Defeated Again “`html\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The setting sun hung low, painting the sky red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the Da Zhen Pavilion\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan stood at the foot of the stairs, surveying the layout of the Da Zhen Pavilion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The main gate was wide open, with six white-clad guards standing on either side of the majestic stone lions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These six young white-clad guards stood lazily, but with their right hands resting on the hilts of their blades, they exuded a chilling aura, like tigers napping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through Super Sense, the briskly walking doorman moved inside, crossed the front yard, went through two moon gates, and arrived at a small courtyard at the third entry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the courtyard, Cheng Tianfeng was practicing swordsmanship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The petite old man, Mo Chunyu, watched from the side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The doorman entered cautiously and announced the visitor’s name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing the title of the Princely Heir of Prince Qing, Cheng Tianfeng abruptly stopped, fiercely turned, and pointed his sword at the door: “Who?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The doorman, an old man with white hair and beard, quickly clasped his fists: “Reporting to the Young Princely Heir, it is the Princely Heir of Da Jing’s Prince Qing, the Assistant Minister of Rites.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chu Zhiyuan?!” Cheng Tianfeng gave him a cold glare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The doorman saw the usually calm and composed Cheng Tianfeng suddenly appear somewhat ferocious and terrifying, and he was struck with fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hurriedly nodded: “It is indeed him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is that bastard here for?!” Cheng Tianfeng gritted his teeth: “To flaunt his might?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let him in, have him wait in the front hall.” Mo Chunyu said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Tianfeng looked at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo Chunyu said, “After all, he is the Assistant Minister of Rites and a Princely Heir; we can’t shut him out, can we?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would be too discourteous.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uncle Master, dealing with this bastard reasonably?” Cheng Tianfeng grumbled through clenched teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This despicable Chu Zhiyuan, who destroyed the Heavenly Hidden Pendant and stole the Heart Inquiry Blade, still dares to show up?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo Chunyu waved his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The doorman looked towards Cheng Tianfeng, offered an apologetic fist salute, and retreated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uncle Master, you go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I won’t!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t you want to hear what he has to say?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s unnecessary!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright then.” Mo Chunyu noted his attitude and frowned secretly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is he really afraid to face Chu Zhiyuan?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is he scared?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he truly is afraid, it’s a bit troublesome; he might have developed a Heart Demon, which could hinder his advancement, not just as a Great Grandmaster, but even as a Grandmaster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He frowned secretly as he walked forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Halfway through, he noticed Cheng Tianfeng following, walking alongside him, which brought a smile to his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Tianfeng snorted: “Let’s hear what rubbish this guy spews.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo Chunyu said, “A spar is just a spar, no need to treat them as mortal enemies, especially since we’re allies now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh.” Cheng Tianfeng shook his head, sneering coldly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Me becoming friends with Chu Zhiyuan?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s the biggest joke on earth!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We are mortal enemies—only because of our statuses and the presence of Great Grandmasters, we can’t make a fatal move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If both of us ascend to Great Grandmaster, a killing blow would be inevitable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even if we can’t become friends, let’s not appear hostile outwardly; it makes us seem petty and narrow-minded.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Alright.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Tianfeng quickly composed his expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taking a deep breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s strange, really; typically, he stays emotionally stable, calm as still water, hardly shaken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even surrounded by beauty, he can remain mentally active while serene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But whenever encountering Chu Zhiyuan, he immediately loses composure, overwhelmed with uncontrollable fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could they be naturally destined rivals?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two arrived in the front yard with calm expressions and saw Chu Zhiyuan and Zou Fang leisurely turning the corner of the shadow wall, then facing them directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan clasped his fists, smiling: “Mr.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo, Brother Cheng, how have you been?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He noted Cheng Tianfeng’s steady aura and stable demeanor, quite impressed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being able to adjust one’s mindset so quickly is remarkable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Cheng Tianfeng is indeed extraordinarily gifted and shouldn’t be underestimated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo Chunyu smiled silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Tianfeng snorted: “Quite well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Brother, you’re well too, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m alright,” Chu Zhiyuan smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Tianfeng said: “Having defeated me, you must be delightful this spring, attending countless banquets; how did you find time to come here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan replied: “I specially made time to visit Brother Cheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sparring with Brother Cheng has brought me great benefits.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing “benefits,” Cheng Tianfeng immediately thought of his own losses—the Heavenly Hidden Pendant and the Heart Inquiry Blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having stolen his Heart Inquiry Blade, the gain is indeed immense!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That blade is one of the world’s top treasures, a divine weapon capable of breaking gangs, his trump card for survival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This bastard seized it during the duel, utterly disgraceful!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan sighed: “Victory and defeat are common.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I won by luck—Brother Cheng shouldn’t dwell too much on it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The outcome of the next spar can’t be predicted.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Tianfeng sneered coldly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan continued: “Moreover, Brother Cheng, you hadn’t been able to give your all—you felt aggrieved and unconvinced, didn’t you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good that you know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How about we spar again?” Chu Zhiyuan suggested with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm—?” Cheng Tianfeng narrowed his brows, staring at him, trying to discern his intentions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they spar again, could he win?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He mused, comparing their strengths and weaknesses quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan has brute strength and speed, but his swordsmanship is rough—relying solely on these traits, a brute indeed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the past two days, he has contemplated deeply and found a method to counter him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fighting him requires no holding back, nothing reserved, attacking with full force for a lethal strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, the Heart Inquiry Blade was stolen, but there’s no need to mention it; he knows Chu won’t admit it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Apart from the Heart Inquiry Blade, with the Heavenly Breaking Sword Technique and his own cultivation, he is capable of heavily injuring him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s enough not to kill him, since it was his initiative.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Uncle Master Mo present, killing him isn’t possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Cheng, want to try?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Give your all for a match.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Tianfeng still scrutinized him frowning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wanted to figure out what exactly Chu Zhiyuan intended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo Chunyu appeared both deaf and mute, remaining silent, merely observing the exchange between the two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled: “Brother Cheng, do you want a match?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If not, let’s forget it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Under what conditions?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Tianfeng clenched his teeth, asking in a low voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After this match, Brother Cheng should stop all the little tricks.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What little tricks?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Cheng, let’s not beat around the bush.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s just us two—why pretend to be clueless?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I really don’t understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then let it go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just pretend I never said that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Farewell.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan turned to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he and Zou Fang reached the shadow wall, about to depart, Cheng Tianfeng finally spoke: “Wait!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan turned back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, alright,” Cheng Tianfeng shook his head, sighed: “You might not know my nature; I never hold grudges.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not a word of that is believable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whether you’re truthful or not, I promise you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Cheng won’t deceive me, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You don’t trust me?!” Cheng Tianfeng glared coldly: “Then why come at all!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan glanced at Mo Chunyu, clasped his fists, smiling: “Mr.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo, if you guarantee it, I’ll believe it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo Chunyu’s gaunt face bore a slight smile: “Young Princely Heir, this matter is between you two, I won’t meddle.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then farewell!” Chu Zhiyuan turned to leave again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hold on!” Cheng Tianfeng exclaimed impatiently: “Up to your old tricks again!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled serenely, watching him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uncle Master, you ensure it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Princely Heir…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uncle Master!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sigh…You two—” Mo Chunyu eventually nodded slowly: “Fine, I’ll guarantee, the Young Princely Heir will cease with any further antics.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not just me, also the Prince Qing Mansion and the Duke An Mansion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chu Zhiyuan, don’t push it too far!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Compared to Brother Cheng’s actions, it’s hardly excessive!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, alright, I promise you, I won’t trouble Xiao Ruoling!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan looked at Mo Chunyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo Chunyu nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then, let’s have a duel!” Chu Zhiyuan drew his sword, pointing its tip at Cheng Tianfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Get ready!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Tianfeng’s embroidered robe billowed as he drew his sword with his left hand fluidly, turning it into a flash of lightning instantaneously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This strike surpassed any he unleashed during the Imperial Palace’s night banquet, embodying his essence’s full concentration, the most potent move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heavenly inquiry, questioning life and death as determined by fate; fate wants me dead, so be it; wants me alive, so be it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The aim is to place oneself in such dire straits, unleashing power far beyond one’s intrinsic potential.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan gave a short cry, his figure flicking out of sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant, he reappeared at the forefront, clashing sword tips with Cheng Tianfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Boom!” In a muffled roar, the sword light blazed like a small sun crashing down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amidst the glare, Chu Zhiyuan gracefully retreated a yard, flicking the Qingying Sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few drops of blood flew off, restoring the sword to crystal-clear tranquility, like an autumn water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Tianfeng stood as if frozen, immobile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo Chunyu frowned, flickered to Cheng Tianfeng’s rear, pressing a palm onto his back, swiftly sealing several large acupuncture points on his left shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The left shoulder’s white bones were ominously exposed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the power of the Sword Gang, merely the sword tip skimming lightly, blasting the shoulder’s flesh and blood, leaving stark white bones behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From his sleeve, he then pulled out a small jade bottle, biting it open, and pressed two red pills directly onto the ominous white bones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Tianfeng stood, lost in soul, staring skyward, confused and at a loss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan sheathed his sword, clasped his fists: “Brother Cheng, my apologies.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Apologetically, he glanced at Mo Chunyu: “Brother Cheng’s speed was too fast; I tried my utmost to avoid, but it was impossible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo Chunyu had a grim visage, nodding: “Exquisite swordsmanship.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could see that Chu Zhiyuan’s swordsmanship surpassed that of the other night; in just two days, it had improved by leaps and bounds—truly a prodigious talent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Young Princely Heir’s defeat was utterly deserved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan turned to Cheng Tianfeng: “Brother Cheng?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Brother Cheng?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sensed that this may still not be safe enough and decided further effort was needed to ensure it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“`\u003C\u002Fp>",1741,"2026-06-03T09:57:57.826Z","2026-06-03T09:58:02.811Z",1,"novelbin.me","4fb8621dd905e1654be9ce0df15130125e3985a21fdd2aa40a2240bd1394be31","imperial-cultivation-chapter-98","imperial-cultivation-chapter-96",1378,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fimperial-cultivation-cover.jpg"]