Dispute

The smile spread across his face.

In less than a month, he had already reached the halfway point of the Innate Twelve Heavenly Towers—he wondered if that counted as unprecedented throughout the ages.

After much thought, he had to attribute it to Super Sensation.

Of course, this body's talent was also top-notch; it was the combination of the two that unleashed such astonishing power.

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

The Void Controlling Sword Scripture was clearly newly transcribed—who had copied it?

A trace of Strange Qi lingered upon it.

Focusing his Super Sensation on that Strange Qi, he vaguely saw the image of Violet Sun Illuminating Mountains and Rivers flickering before his eyes, much like the scene of watching Chu Qingfeng at the Bright Martial Hall.

This should have been transcribed by a Grandmaster, and on top of that, the Grandmaster's power was hidden within it. If an outsider flipped through it, that power would likely be triggered.

Because of his Greater Violet Sun Technique, which shared the same origin, it wouldn't provoke that power.

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

He shook his head and didn't dwell on it further.

His thoughts turned back to the Void Controlling Sword Scripture.

Compared to the Dragon Transformation Technique, the Meridian Washing Art was more 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 far more powerful.

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

He pondered carefully, slowly grasping the reasoning.

First, because the Meridian Washing Art had too high a threshold; second, because it only trained the meridians, pursuing extremes by a narrow path.

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

The Dragon Transformation Technique trained not only the meridians but the entire body.

It lowered the threshold and was more balanced—swapping the Meridian Washing Art for the Dragon Transformation Technique was more reasonable, especially since he also had to train the Dragon Binding Rope.

Even if he mastered the Meridian Washing Art now, he would still have to train the Dragon Transformation Technique. Pushing the Dragon Transformation Technique to its peak, until his bare body could block Divine Weapons and Sharp Blades, was the only true safety.

More importantly, a strong body meant more complete essence, energy, and spirit, which helped in achieving Grandmaster status.

Without having read a Grandmaster's martial arts notes, it was hard to think of this final layer.

By the time one reached Master level and started training the Dragon Transformation Technique, it would already be too late—the foundation could no longer be changed. Before becoming a Master, one could still properly establish the Foundation.

So before becoming a Master, he needed to perfect the Dragon Transformation Technique, making it easier to achieve Grandmaster.

That meant reaching Innate Perfection as soon as possible, then going all out to train the Dragon Transformation Technique. Only after the Dragon Transformation Technique was perfected would he step into the Master realm.

At the first light of dawn, as he entered the palace gate, he noticed that the guards had been replaced—from two Masters to four Masters.

He frowned inwardly.

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

Could it be that someone was plotting to assassinate the Emperor in the palace?

That would be a true joke.

Emperor Chu Qingquan's cultivation was considered the best in Great Jing, and with the Emperor's Sword in hand, no one could assassinate him.

Just as he was about to walk in, he suddenly heard a commotion.

Chu Mingxuan, surrounded by a group of guards, was wearing a Bright Yellow Training Suit, his spirits high. From a distance, he waved and grinned, "Fourth Son, Fourth Son!"

Chu Zhiyuan stopped, clasped his fists, and smiled, "Eighteenth Uncle."

Chu Mingxuan strode over swiftly, bringing a gust of cold wind, and grinned, "What a coincidence, Fourth Son. You're late today."

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

"Heh, I made some progress in my training last night." Chu Mingxuan smirked proudly. "I've already passed the second gate!"

"Congratulations, Eighteenth Uncle."

"That doesn't sound right coming from you," Chu Mingxuan waved his hand. "It's just the second gate—far behind you."

Chu Zhiyuan smiled without speaking.

The two walked side by side into the palace.

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

The palace guards stepped aside to clear the path, and the many ministers queuing to enter the palace also turned to look.

Chu Zhiyuan and Chu Mingxuan chatted as they walked.

"Fourth Son, you don't seem anxious at all. The Great Zhen Envoy Mission has already reached Liuli Pass. If there's no delay, they'll be here within ten days."

"What use is anxiety? I'll do my best."

"Tell Thirteenth Uncle to give you some private guidance."

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

"It's a pity I don't have any military merits left," Chu Mingxuan said helplessly. "Otherwise, I'd trade for a spirit pill and give it to you."

Chu Zhiyuan smiled. "I appreciate Eighteenth Uncle's kindness, but none of us are well-off. It's better to just train 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 them alone? Wasn't the Imperial Court and Father Emperor going to lend a hand, not even pluck a single feather?

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

Chu Zhiyuan didn't refuse at all, smiling as he said, "Thank you, Eighteenth Uncle."

Compared to his own Father King, Chu Minghou, Chu Mingxuan was a favored Prince, one who could roll around and throw a tantrum in front of the Emperor without issue.

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

By the time the two arrived at the Training Ground, Chu Qingfeng was already waiting.

Chu Zhiting and Chu Zhichuan had already set up the Violet Sun Stance, standing motionless as they trained, their expressions solemn and dignified.

Chu Qingfeng waved Chu Zhiyuan over, then waved a hand at Chu Mingxuan with a look of disgust.

Chu Mingxuan stopped helplessly, grumbling as he went to Chu Zhiting's side, set up the Violet Sun Stance, and began to cultivate.

With only the last hurdle left, his drive to train was full of vigor.

Chu Zhiyuan came before Chu Qingfeng.

Chu Qingfeng pressed a hand on his shoulder, his frosty brows lifting as his gaze flickered.

Chu Zhiyuan revealed a smile. "Paternal Granduncle, I just broke through last night."

"...Mm, not bad." Chu Qingfeng said flatly. "Have you entered the gate of the Void Controlling Sword Scripture?"

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

Chu Qingfeng said, "Don't stop the Dragon Transformation Technique. I originally didn't want to give you the Void Controlling Sword Scripture—it harms both the user and the target. Training it will shorten your lifespan."

Chu Zhiyuan's expression shifted slightly.

Chu Qingfeng chuckled. "You really are afraid of death, aren't you."

Chu Zhiyuan smiled sheepishly and said, "Paternal Granduncle, can the Dragon Transformation Technique offset its harm?"

"Only if the Dragon Transformation Technique's realm is high enough," Chu Qingfeng said.

Chu Zhiyuan breathed a sigh of relief.

He had originally planned to train the Dragon Transformation Technique to perfection anyway. Now it seemed that after dealing with the Great Zhen Envoy Mission's challenge, he couldn't focus solely on the Meridian Washing Art.

But could the Imperial Heaven Earthly Soil Scripture repair the damage from the Meridian Washing Art?

Chu Qingfeng said, "The duel with the Great Zhen Heir Apparent is important, but not that important. You need to grasp the weight of it yourself."

"Yes, Paternal Granduncle." Chu Zhiyuan nodded, warmth in his heart.

This was something that shouldn't really be said. The fact that Chu Qingfeng spoke these words showed he cared about Chu Zhiyuan—more concerned for him than for Great Jing's interests.

"Go on," Chu Qingfeng said.

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

Curiosity stirred in his heart.

The Violet Sun True Scripture should contain no shortage of killing Martial Skills. Why hadn't the Emperor given him the Violet Sun True Scripture instead of the Void Controlling Sword Scripture?

Were the Martial Skills in the Violet Sun True Scripture inferior to the Void Controlling Sword Scripture?

He set up the Violet Sun Stance, circulating the Greater Violet Sun Technique. As the rising sun climbed, he gradually merged with the violet light, drifting in a daze as if an instant had passed, or perhaps a long time.

When he came to, the sky was fully bright.

He released the stance and saw Chu Mingxuan and the other two already training Martial Skills in the distance—Chu Zhiting and Chu Zhichuan practicing swords, Chu Mingxuan practicing his blade.

The gleam of sword and saber cast a cold light under the sun.

He took his leave of the three and went to the Ministry of Rites to report for duty.

Just as he finished reporting and was about to leave, he saw Gao Lingfeng hurrying over with a dark expression.

Chu Zhiyuan glanced at him, not intending to speak, and planned to return to train the Sword Washing Art. Now that he had grasped the essence of the void, training the Sword Washing Art would be very easy.

He had previously guessed that the Sword Washing Art inflicted greater harm on the body, so he intended to train it at the residence near Earthly Soil Hall, and after finishing, he would execute the Imperial Heaven Earthly Soil Scripture.

"My Lord!" Gao Lingfeng called out to him, however.

Chu Zhiyuan quickened his pace, pretending not to hear.

If it were anyone else, calling twice without a response would make them stop, but Gao Lingfeng was stubborn by nature. He caught up and blocked Chu Zhiyuan's path. "My Lord!"

Chu Zhiyuan waved a hand. "Lord Gao, if it's nothing urgent, we can talk later. I have pressing matters."

"My Lord, this is urgent," Gao Lingfeng said. "It's about the Flying Flower Sword Sect."

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

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

"They got into a fight with the disciples of Earthly Soil Hall," Gao Lingfeng said. "And someone was injured—gravely so!"