Imperial Cultivation

Chu Zhiyuan took a deep breath and then exhaled slowly, as if trying to expel all his anger.

The Eldest Prince, Chu Liechu, opened his eyes and looked at him curiously.

He had thought Chu would explode, but unexpectedly, he held it in.

It seems that having experienced death once really makes a difference; his temper has improved quite a bit.

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head with a sorrowful expression: "This is our Jade Dynasty, so pitiful!"

The other two princes also opened their eyes to look at him.

Chu Zhiyuan said, "The fate of the entire Court hinges on me, a mere hostage."

Chu Liechu sighed helplessly, "Ninth Brother, there is no other way, we lack strength, and can only lament at our helplessness."

Chu Zhiyuan remained silent.

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."

"I dare not accept such honor."

"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."

Chu Zhiyuan said angrily, "Elder Brother, you speak so grandly!"

Chu Liechu snorted, "If I were chosen before, I would have no hesitation, and would risk my life."

"And what about your imperial throne?" Chu Zhiyuan sneered.

Chu Liechu said solemnly, "If the Court doesn’t exist, what is there to talk about imperial throne?"

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."

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?"

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?"

Chu Liyang said solemnly, "This matter is not up to us, it depends on the decision of the Twelfth Prince."

Chu Zhiyuan sneered, "Third Brother, you’re truly devoted! ...Fine, let’s listen to Father."

He was unwilling to say more, closed his eyes, and cast aside all emotions, beginning his cultivation.

Above his head, a Yin Yang Fish vortex appeared immediately, and spiritual energy surged in.

The three frowned, staring at the vortex above his head, feeling his abundant spiritual energy, and secretly comparing it to their own.

In this comparison, they sensed a huge gap.

This Ninth Brother is indeed different now, not only in temperament but also in talent.

If he continues his cultivation this way, he will catch up with us sooner or later and become the foremost among the princes.

"Ninth Brother, have you entered the Second Transitions?"

"Yes," Chu Zhiyuan replied blandly, "I just entered the Second Transitions."

"That’s quite fast."

"Who let me enter the Grotto Heaven," Chu Zhiyuan said blandly while keeping his eyes closed.

These words suddenly relaxed the three, accepting his significant talent improvement.

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.

Thick accumulation and a thin release, accomplishing a sudden breakthrough to the Second Transitions, is not surprising.

The Eldest Prince looked solemnly and intensified his cultivation, striving to be the first to reach the Divinity Transformation Realm.

Among the princes, the true assurance comes from cultivation rather than age or rank.

——

At noon, Chu Zhiyuan and Chu Honglin met again at Qingfeng Cliff.

Chu Zhiyuan mentioned this matter.

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."

Chu Zhiyuan said, "Uncle Fifteen, this taste is really disheartening."

Even though he remained aloof, not fully immersing himself in the host’s emotions, he still felt oppressed due to such a situation.

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."

Chu Zhiyuan remained silent.

The affairs of the world, do not shift according to one’s will, striving does not necessarily surpass the opponent.

Very likely, even by fighting to the death, it is ultimately futile, still being suppressed underneath.

"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."

Chu Zhiyuan frowned.

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."

Chu Zhiyuan said, "So you’re saying we can never rise?"

"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!"

Chu Zhiyuan nodded.

Chu Honglin said, "What we have to do is cultivate well, live longer, to be able to see that scene."

Chu Zhiyuan smiled, "Uncle Fifteen, you’ll surely wait for that day!"

"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?"

ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵~𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖~𝙣𝙚𝙩

"Alright." Chu Zhiyuan said solemnly.

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.

Given the circumstances, he decided to take the risk and use the Great Demon Suppressing Seal.

To maximize the enhancement of the soul, increasing cultivation efficiency.

The Phoenix Dynasty respects strength above all.

If one reaches the Divinity Transformation, whether a Prince Consort or a hostage, they will be respected all the same.

This is people’s respect for strength, regardless of identity.

——

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.

While serving him dinner, You Lan said, "Guard Li said there is something to report to Your Highness."

"Let her come over." Chu Zhiyuan sipped his wine, waving his hand casually.

He realized it must be due to the Yuanzhen Dynasty’s proposal.

Li Yuzhen soon came gracefully.

Her graceful figure made a light bow, clasping her fists, "Prince Consort."

Chu Zhiyuan put down his wine cup, raised his drooping eyelids, and said blandly, "The title needs to be changed."

Li Yuzhen did not understand.

Chu Zhiyuan said, "My position as Prince Consort has a variable, it may not be certain."

"Prince Consort, rest assured, there are no variables," Li Yuzhen said solemnly.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled and said, "Is this what the Twelfth Prince said?"

"Yes." Li Yuzhen said, "The Prince instructed me to notify, so the Prince Consort wouldn’t worry and indulge in wild thoughts."

Chu Zhiyuan chuckled.

Li Yuzhen did not understand.

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."

Li Yuzhen frowned, her gaze suddenly sharp.

Chu Zhiyuan laughed, "You think I’m ungrateful, don’t you?"

Li Yuzhen withdrew her sharp gaze, her eyes lowered, but she did not deny it.

"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."

Li Yuzhen raised her head gently, "Since the Prince has decided, she won’t be indecisive or change her mind."

Chu Zhiyuan snorted, "Truly a woman of great courage, her word is her bond."

Li Yuzhen nodded lightly, obviously deeply agreeing with this appraisal.

Chu Zhiyuan said, "Then will the Phoenix Dynasty go to war with us again?"

Li Yuzhen shook her head, "Prince Consort, rest assured, even if the two dynasties go to war, no one can do anything to you."

Chu Zhiyuan sneered, "What grand face your Prince has, what grand words!"

Li Yuzhen said softly, "This is neither flattery nor self-praise; it is simply a fact."

"Alright," Chu Zhiyuan waved his hand, "Go about your business."

Li Yuzhen gently bowed, "Subordinate takes her leave."