Imperial Cultivation

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After finishing his meal, he left the Prince Mansion.

From his perspective, leaving the mansion without guards would be unwise.

Even though the safety of the Imperial City, especially the Inner City, is assured, what if by some chance he encounters danger?

His cultivation isn't sufficient yet; if he suffers a loss, revenge won't accomplish anything.

If it were him, he certainly wouldn't take such a risk.

But now it is his avatar, and according to the original Chu Liezhao's nature, he would never hesitate to venture out and explore the streets.

The city was ablaze with lights and decorations, bustling with prosperity.

This was the impression the Imperial City gave him.

Strolling along the wide and noisy streets, Chu Zhiyuan wore a smile as he observed his surroundings.

The streets were lined with brightly lit restaurants, filled with the sounds of music and singing, rising into the sky.

The air was thick with an atmosphere of decadence.

Accompanied by You Lan and four guards, he appeared like an ordinary wealthy young man.

After walking around for a while, he felt hungry and casually entered a restaurant.

The Feiyue Restaurant was particularly lively inside.

Patrons gathered at tables in threes and fours, drinking and chatting merrily.

In the center of the restaurant's courtyard, a high platform was set up.

From any seat in the restaurant, the performance on the platform could be seen.

At this moment, a group of women wearing gauzy garments, their faces covered with veils, began a sword dance in tune with the music.

As the music intensified, the dance quickened; when the music softened, the dance eased into grace.

Chu Zhiyuan sat at a table and observed the female dancers on the stage.

These nine women each possessed extraordinary cultivation.

With graceful and charming postures, their sword dances carried an air of heroic elegance.

The blend of strength and beauty offered a highly stimulating visual experience.

"Bravo—!"

"Impressive!"

...

Cheers and applause resonated within the restaurant, rising and falling in waves.

Chu Zhiyuan watched with keen interest, while his Super Sense allowed him to appreciate the beauty and grace of their movements even more.

He noticed that when the nine danced together, they synchronized with a strange rhythm that enhanced their allure.

Adding a touch of elegance and mystery.

Fanciful and dreamlike, infinitely beautiful.

Chu Zhiyuan turned and said, "Aunt, is this a cultivation technique?"

Sitting beside him, You Lan, with her apricot eyes and peach-like cheeks, replied calmly, "It should originate from a cultivation technique of the Demon Clan, the Chaotic God Introduction."

"Are they practicing a demon technique?"

"It's a branch derived from a demon technique. Many dancers practice these to evoke a resonant effect on the senses and enhance the performance."

"It seems that demon and demonic skills have infiltrated every aspect of life."

"Both demonic and demon skills offer rapid improvement, perfectly catering to the demand."

"Don't they know the risks of demon and demonic skills?"

"There are always gains and losses. Moreover, those who practice these are often of mediocre talent and unlikely to reach the Divinity Transformation Realm, limiting the harm."

The risks of demon and demonic skills only manifest at the Divinity Transformation Realm.

Before reaching Divinity Transformation, the benefits of rapid improvement and power are visible, while the downsides are not.

Chu Zhiyuan sipped his wine while appreciating the sword dance, occasionally cheering along with the other patrons.

After the nine women finished their dance and gracefully exited, several women in veils and holding zithers took the stage and sat down to play.

Chu Zhiyuan withdrew his gaze and observed his surroundings.

The surrounding people also pulled back their enthusiasm, starting to converse with those at their tables.

Some discussed the sword dance, debating who was the most beautiful and which performance was most worthwhile.

Others exchanged gossip.

Suddenly, You Lan lightly furrowed her brow and softly asked, "Your Highness, are you planning a match with the Twelfth Prince?"

Chu Zhiyuan replied with a smile, "Did Aunt hear about it?"

"Is it true?"

"Yes."

"Your Highness..."

"I have to showcase my talents to Father somehow, don't I? To prevent him from calling me useless every day."

"..."

"And then there's Jingsi Cliff. After defeating the Twelfth, won't they have to give me a change of venue?" Chu Zhiyuan snorted.

"...Your Highness, are you confident?" You Lan asked.

If he could indeed win, it would be highly beneficial, instantly changing public perception.

In this world, strength commands respect.

While both are quick-tempered and irritable, if the cultivation is sufficient, one can attribute it to a strong personality, which is acceptable. If the cultivation is lacking and talent is poor, then it is useless.

If Your Highness can demonstrate exceptional talent, being quick-tempered can also be tolerated.

Chu Zhiyuan confidently said, "A piece of cake!"

You Lan smiled and said, "Your Highness, the Twelfth Prince is quite talented as well."

"In front of me, he won't stand a chance."

"...Let me first inquire about the Twelfth Prince's situation," You Lan said.

Chu Zhiyuan chuckled.

In front of the Fourth Prince, he felt a slight sense of threat, but in front of the Sixth Prince, he didn't feel it, and in front of the Twelfth Prince, there was no sense of threat at all.

The Fourth Prince indeed has strong cultivation, and the Great Brightness Fist should not be weak either. Facing him requires caution.

The Sixth and Twelfth Princes pose no danger, and he could easily overcome them.

But to be safe, it would be better to wait another ten days, by then he should be able to break through the First Transition.

Reaching the Fifth Transitions would provide more assurance.

This is a crucial battle, a battle for prominence, and there is no room for error.

——

In the late afternoon of the next day, as soon as he returned to the Prince Mansion, he saw Chu Zhen, Chu Qiao, and Consort Hui there.

Consort Hui was lying on the imperial concubine's couch in the small pavilion within the courtyard. Seeing him appear, she glanced at him with a sideways look, "Oh, Ninth Prince has finally returned."

Chu Zhiyuan cupped his fists, "Mother, why have you come?"

"Can't I come?" Consort Hui snorted, "You have quite some courage, daring to spar with the Twelfth!"

Chu Zhen quickly said, "Elder brother, Twelfth brother is very powerful."

Chu Qiao nodded vigorously, "Twelfth brother's most formidable skill is the Great Brightness Fist; even those who have gone through two transitions aren't necessarily his match."

Chu Zhiyuan laughed, "Coincidentally, my specialty is also the Great Brightness Fist."

The two girls looked at him helplessly.

They both knew whether Chu Liezhao practiced the Great Brightness Fist or not.

Chu Zhiyuan laughed as he threw a punch.

A faint fist seal appeared three meters away, indistinct.

As if a fist carved from ice appeared in the lake water.

"Bang!"

The void exploded loudly.

A fierce wind howled.

Chu Zhiyuan retracted his punch and smiled at the three women.

"Amazing, elder brother!" Chu Zhen immediately cheered.

Chu Qiao curiously studied him.

Consort Hui snorted, "Being able to use this regularly is not impressive."

The most challenging aspect of the Great Brightness Fist is to use it in actual combat.

During personal practice or when sparring with companions, one might demonstrate its power.

But in real combat, if the mental state does not align with the Realm of Light, its power vanishes entirely.

This is a common ailment among almost all Great Brightness Fist cultivators.

"Mother, this is already quite impressive," Chu Zhen said disapprovingly, "Second brother doesn't usually train to this level."

Consort Hui said, "Zhao'er, the Twelfth and Fourth Princes are quite close, and to uphold the dignity of the Fourth Prince, he will challenge you like this."

Chu Zhiyuan nodded.

Consort Hui said, "This child Twelfth is straightforward and kind-hearted, a good child."

Chu Zhiyuan smiled, "Is Mother asking me to go easy?"

He understood Consort Hui's intentions.

By describing the Twelfth Prince's kindness and simplicity, she hoped to dissolve his resentment and grievance.

This would allow his mental state to align with light during the match with the Twelfth Prince.

Allowing him to unleash the power of the Great Brightness Fist.

"Indeed, go easy," Consort Hui said, "After all, you are brothers, not enemies, and the same applies to the Fourth Prince; you are all connected by blood."

Chu Zhiyuan nodded, "Alright, I'll just make him cry, not hurt him."

Chu Qiao playfully laughed, "Brother, if you win, Father will certainly view you differently."

Chu Zhen nodded vigorously.

Consort Hui said no more.

Chu Zhiyuan thought to himself.

It seems that the Emperor's attitude toward the original owner might not be solely due to his temper and antics.

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