Dispute

A smile spread across his face.

In less than a month, he had already made it halfway through the Innate Twelve Heavenly Towers. He did not know whether that counted as unprecedented and dazzling through the ages.

After turning it over and over in his mind, he still had to attribute it to Super Sensation.

Of course, this body's aptitude was also exceptional. Only the combination of the two could unleash such astonishing power.

He turned to look at the Cold Jade Box, then at the Void Controlling Sword Scripture by his bedside.

The Void Controlling Sword Scripture had clearly been copied recently. But who had copied it?

A faintly strange aura lingered upon it.

As Super Sensation focused on that strange aura, a vague image of Violet Sun Illuminates Mountains and Rivers swayed before his eyes, much like when he had watched Chu Qingfeng at Bright Martial Hall.

This had presumably been copied by a Grandmaster, with the Grandmaster's power concealed within it. If an outsider flipped through it, that power should be triggered.

Because of the Greater Violet Sun Technique, he shared the same origin and would not trigger that power.

Was it the Emperor's handiwork, or Chu Qingfeng's?

He shook his head and did not dwell on it further.

His thoughts returned to the Void Controlling Sword Scripture.

Compared with the Dragon Transformation Technique, the Meridian Washing Art was better suited to the Jade Lock Golden Pass Technique. Replacing the Dragon Transformation Technique with the Meridian Washing Art would make the Jade Lock Golden Pass Technique even more powerful.

Why choose the Dragon Transformation Technique and abandon the Meridian Washing Art?

He pondered it carefully and slowly came to understand.

First, the threshold for the Meridian Washing Art was too high. Second, it only tempered the meridians, taking a sword down an unorthodox path in pursuit of the extreme.

The Meridian Washing Art was more powerful, but it offered no defensive strength.

The Dragon Transformation Technique did not merely temper the meridians; it tempered the entire body.

Its threshold was lower, and it was more balanced. Replacing the Meridian Washing Art with the Dragon Transformation Technique was more reasonable, especially since he still had to cultivate the Dragon Binding Rope.

Even if he had now mastered the Meridian Washing Art, he would still need to cultivate the Dragon Transformation Technique. Only by cultivating it to its peak, until his bare body could withstand Divine Weapons and Sharp Blades, would he be truly safe.

More importantly, a powerful body made one's essence, qi, and spirit more complete, which was beneficial to attaining Grandmasterhood.

Without having read a Grandmaster's martial arts notes, it would have been difficult to think of this final layer.

If one waited until reaching the Master realm to cultivate the Dragon Transformation Technique, it would be too late. The foundation could no longer be altered. Before becoming a Master, however, one could still establish one's foundation properly.

Therefore, before becoming a Master, he had to cultivate the Dragon Transformation Technique to perfection. That would make it easier to attain Grandmasterhood.

Then he would reach Innate Perfection as soon as possible, devote himself fully to cultivating the Dragon Transformation Technique, and only enter the Master realm after it was perfected.

--

As dawn first broke, he entered the palace gates and discovered that the guards had been changed. The two Masters had become four.

He frowned inwardly.

This was the first time such a change had occurred. Had something happened?

Could someone be planning to enter the palace and assassinate the Emperor?

That would be the greatest joke under heaven.

Emperor Chu Qingquan's cultivation could be called the greatest in Great Jing, and with the Emperor's Sword in hand, no one could assassinate him.

Just as he was about to head inside, he suddenly heard some commotion.

Surrounded by a group of guards, Chu Mingxuan wore a bright yellow martial outfit and looked full of vigor. From afar, he waved and chuckled. "Fourth Son, Fourth Son!"

Chu Zhiyuan stopped and clasped his fists with a smile. "Eighteenth Uncle."

Chu Mingxuan strode over in great strides, carrying the chill wind with him. Grinning, he said, "What a coincidence. Fourth Son, you're late today."

Chu Zhiyuan smiled. "Eighteenth Uncle isn't early either."

"Heh, I gained something from my cultivation last night." Chu Mingxuan smiled smugly. "I've already passed the second stage!"

"Congratulations, Eighteenth Uncle."

"It sounds wrong coming from you." Chu Mingxuan waved a hand. "It's only the second stage. I'm far behind you."

Chu Zhiyuan merely smiled without speaking.

The two walked inward side by side.

Zou Fang and Xu Fengzhi, Chu Mingxuan's personal eunuch, followed closely behind.

The imperial palace guards stepped aside to clear the way, while the officials lining up to enter the palace all turned to look.

Chu Zhiyuan and Chu Mingxuan spoke as they walked.

"Fourth Son, you don't seem worried at all. The Great Zhen Envoy Mission has already reached Glazed Pass. If they aren't delayed, they'll arrive within ten days."

"What use is worrying? I can only do my utmost."

"Tell Thirteenth Uncle to guide you personally."

"When it comes to cultivation, one must still rely on oneself."

"What a pity I have no military merits left." Chu Mingxuan sighed helplessly. "Otherwise, I'd trade for a spiritual pill for you."

Chu Zhiyuan smiled. "I appreciate Eighteenth Uncle's kindness, but none of us are well-off. We should cultivate honestly on our own."

Chu Mingxuan frowned and shook his head.

This was about winning face for Great Jing. How could it all depend on himself? Could the Imperial Court and Father Emperor not lend even a bit of help, not shed even a single hair?

"I'll go find Father Emperor this afternoon!" Chu Mingxuan snorted.

Chu Zhiyuan did not stand on ceremony and smiled. "Many thanks, Eighteenth Uncle."

Compared with his own father, Chu Minghou, Chu Mingxuan was a favored Prince. He could throw tantrums and roll around before the Emperor without issue.

Chu Mingxuan snorted. "You're doing it for our Great Jing too."

When the two arrived at the training ground, Chu Qingfeng was already waiting.

Chu Zhiting and Chu Zhichuan had already assumed the Violet Sun Stance. They stood motionless in cultivation, their expressions solemn and dignified.

Chu Qingfeng beckoned Chu Zhiyuan over, then waved Chu Mingxuan away with a look of utter disdain.

Chu Mingxuan stopped helplessly. Huffing angrily, he went to Chu Zhiting's side, assumed the Violet Sun Stance, and began cultivating.

With only the final stage remaining, he cultivated with tremendous drive.

Chu Zhiyuan came before Chu Qingfeng.

Chu Qingfeng pressed a hand to his shoulder. His frosty brows rose, and his gaze flickered.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled. "Great-Uncle, I just broke through last night."

"...Mm, not bad." Chu Qingfeng spoke evenly. "Have you entered the Void Controlling Sword Scripture?"

"I've mastered the Meridian Washing Art, but I haven't cultivated the Sword Washing Art yet."

Chu Qingfeng said, "Do not stop cultivating the Dragon Transformation Technique. I originally did not intend to give you the Void Controlling Sword Scripture. It harms both others and oneself. Cultivating it will shorten your lifespan."

Chu Zhiyuan's expression changed slightly.

Chu Qingfeng smiled. "You truly are afraid of death."

Chu Zhiyuan smiled awkwardly. "Great-Uncle, then the Dragon Transformation Technique can offset its damage, right?"

"As long as your Dragon Transformation Technique has reached a sufficient realm," Chu Qingfeng said.

Chu Zhiyuan let out a sigh of relief.

He had originally intended to cultivate the Dragon Transformation Technique to perfection anyway. Now it seemed that once he had dealt with this challenge from the Great Zhen Envoy Mission, he could no longer focus solely on the Meridian Washing Art.

But could the Imperial Heaven Earthly Soil Scripture repair the losses caused by the Meridian Washing Art?

Chu Qingfeng said, "The duel with Great Zhen's Heir Apparent is important, but not that important. You must weigh the balance yourself."

"Yes, Great-Uncle." Chu Zhiyuan nodded, warmth filling his heart.

Those words should not have been spoken. Yet since Chu Qingfeng had said them, it showed that he cared about him. Compared with Great Jing's interests, he was more concerned about Chu Zhiyuan himself.

"Go," Chu Qingfeng said.

Chu Zhiyuan went to Chu Mingxuan's side and began cultivating the Greater Violet Sun Technique.

He was curious.

The Violet Sun True Scripture should contain many martial skills meant for slaughter. Why had the Emperor not given him the Violet Sun True Scripture, but instead the Void Controlling Sword Scripture?

Were the martial skills in the Violet Sun True Scripture inferior to the Void Controlling Sword Scripture?

He assumed the Violet Sun Stance and circulated the Greater Violet Sun Technique. As the rising sun climbed into the sky, he gradually merged with the violet sun. In his warm, hazy trance, it seemed as though an instant had passed, yet also an eternity.

When he came to, the sky was already bright.

He released his stance and saw that Chu Mingxuan and the other two were practicing martial skills in the distance. Chu Zhiting and Chu Zhichuan practiced swordsmanship, while Chu Mingxuan practiced saber techniques.

Beneath the sunlight, saber gleams and sword shadows radiated a chilling cold.

He bid the three farewell and went to the Ministry of Rites Office to check in.

Having just checked in and prepared to leave, he saw Gao Lingfeng hurrying over with a gloomy expression.

Chu Zhiyuan glanced at him and had no intention of speaking. He wanted to return and practice the Sword Washing Art. Having grasped the mysteries of the void, practicing the Sword Washing Art would be easy.

He had previously deduced that the Sword Washing Art would harm the body even more, so he had to practice it at the residence near Earthly Soil Hall. Afterward, he would use the Imperial Heaven Earthly Soil Scripture.

"My lord!" Gao Lingfeng called after him.

Chu Zhiyuan quickened his pace and pretended not to hear.

If it were someone else, after calling twice without receiving a response, he would stop. But Gao Lingfeng had an upright and unyielding temperament. He took several quick steps and blocked Chu Zhiyuan's path. "My lord!"

Chu Zhiyuan waved a hand. "Lord Gao, if it is not urgent, it can wait. I have pressing business."

"My lord, this is urgent." Gao Lingfeng said, "It concerns the Flying Flower Sword Sect."

Chu Zhiyuan stopped. "What happened to the Flying Flower Sword Sect?"

Anything involving the Flying Flower Sword Sect was no small matter.

"They got into a fight with disciples of Earthly Soil Hall," Gao Lingfeng said. "People were injured, and the injuries are extremely serious!"