Imperial Cultivation

Chapter 134: Chapter 132: Offering Advice

"Didn’t expect you to come out of seclusion so soon."

Xiao Ruoling walked side by side with Chu Zhiyuan, surrounded by a group of guards that kept at bay the bustling crowd.

Even the noise had significantly quieted down.

This was the effect of the Four Spirit Array.

With the deliberate execution by Guo Chi and the others, four walls of energy could be formed, blocking the cold wind and noise.

Amidst the crowded mass, it was as if they were strolling leisurely through a garden.

In this moment, Xiao Ruoling’s heart was exceptionally calm, especially with Chu Zhiyuan by her side, bringing her peace and joy.

Chu Zhiyuan also felt that with Xiao Ruoling beside him, everything felt peaceful, bringing serenity to his heart, accompanied by a hint of gentle beauty.

Mo Yi and the other three girls were also rare beauties, but being in the same room with them didn’t bring this feeling, only a pleasing to the eye sensation.

"Yes, very smoothly, so I came out early."

"Have you reached Innate Perfection?"

"A Grandmaster now."

"...With this, you’re going to become famous across the land."

"I suppose that’s how it will be."

Chu Zhiyuan couldn’t determine whether becoming famous worldwide had more advantages or disadvantages.

If he didn’t know about the existence of the Evil Sects like the Yuding Sect, he would have thought that world fame was the best, most exhilarating and delightful.

With great fame, he could change the position of the Prince Mansion, making it more advantageous to earn achievements and exchange for cultivation resources, with greater hopes to step into Great Grandmaster.

After becoming a Great Grandmaster, he could ensure safety and peace, with a prolonged lifespan, enjoying wealth and glory.

He might even hope to inherit the imperial throne.

Originally, he had never considered becoming Emperor, after all, he was just a Princely Heir and not a Prince; so many Princes were in place. Later, after becoming familiar with the rules of the imperial throne, a slight ambition unwittingly sprouted: to wield the Emperor’s Sword.

However, after knowing about the existence of these Evil Sects, he realized that many of them specialized in assassinating members of the Imperial Family, a bunch of lunatics.

He remained unharmed mainly due to his Super Sense, which allowed him to eliminate the threat of Yuding Sect in advance, and because he had never left the Inner City.

The Inner City of Yujing City was mostly filled with nobles, had the best security, with the strictest measures against and suppression of Evil Sects.

The Outer City was different.

Beyond Yujing City, it was even more different.

Only staying in the Inner City could earn limited achievements, and many achievements required going outside the city.

Having become a Grandmaster, he couldn’t confine himself to the Inner City, and the environment would become even more hazardous. With increased fame, he would become more of a target for the Evil Sects.

This truly made it difficult to say which outweighed the other between advantages and disadvantages.

"Don’t want to become famous?"

Xiao Ruoling softly asked.

She understood Chu Zhiyuan quite well, prioritizing safety above all, extremely cherishing life.

Chu Zhiyuan laughed, "Even if I want to hide it, I can’t; let it be."

Since Li Hongzhao already knew, it couldn’t be concealed.

If he didn’t reveal his Grandmaster abilities today, Li Hongzhao would strike, and once action was taken, the Grandmaster’s First Layer Heaven realm couldn’t be hidden.

Moreover, he felt a trace of excitement inside.

I have a Bright Pearl, long locked in mundane dust; today, when the dust is gone, its radiance will illuminate the world.

This Bright Pearl, once obscured, was now finally about to shine brilliantly.

This radiance shining in all directions, invoking universal admiration, was indeed something he desired.

His long-held low profile and calmness were merely for safety, for survival, not that he truly didn’t yearn for these.

"Yeah, that’s good too." Xiao Ruoling gently nodded.

Being a Grandmaster was different, having a stronger ability to protect himself, especially her discovery of Guo Chi and the others mastering the Array, adding another layer of protection.

Chu Zhiyuan slowly reached out his hand to hold her jade-like hand.

Immediately, a feeling of warmth and smoothness entered his heart, making him hold on even tighter.

Xiao Ruoling blushed instantly, her bright eyes shimmering with moisture, trying to act nonchalant, yet unable to meet the gaze of those around.

She always felt as if two little maidservants were watching her.

Chu Zhiyuan held her jade hand, feeling a deeper sense of exquisite peace and tranquility, lazily saying, "How about Li Hongzhao?"

"She has a very good temperament, but unfortunately, she is Da Meng’s Princess," Xiao Ruoling softly said, "She sees me to see you."

"Too many schemes and calculations; dealing with her is exhausting."

"Mm." Xiao Ruoling gently nodded.

Being intelligent and calm, she saw through many plots clearly, and wouldn’t be blinded.

Associating with Li Hongzhao required constant vigilance and was truly tiring.

However, it was also quite interesting and stimulating.

Chu Zhiyuan insightfully detected the excitement hidden in her deep and mysterious eyes, prompting him to perceive her thoughts thoroughly.

Having stayed too long in the backyard, seclusion had become too monotonous; suddenly there was excitement, which sparked her interest.

Originally assuming Xiao Ruoling was able to easily cultivate the Nine Heavens Mysterious Woman Technique due to her inherent indifference, not keen on worldly matters.

But now, it seemed that wasn’t entirely true.

Chu Zhiyuan said, "Eventually, I still have to fight her."

"Have to fight?"

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head, "She will find ways to defeat me, thereby thoroughly suppressing me, even destroying me."

"Destroying you..., to weaken our Da Jing?"

"As Da Meng’s Princess, she naturally doesn’t want Da Jing to grow stronger, especially not the Imperial Family producing formidable figures."

Da Meng’s rise was due to their Emperor being extraordinarily talented.

Da Meng wouldn’t allow him to grow unchecked, surely.

Li Hongzhao would find ways to defeat him, while imprinting a shadow on his heart, impacting his step into Great Grandmaster.

Just like what he once did to Cheng Tianfeng.

This is so-called the law of the cycle of fortune.

"Then... avoid her?"

"Unless I declare going into seclusion again, waiting until she leaves."

"That’s also a possibility." Xiao Ruoling’s bright eyes flashed, "Just say that after seclusion you got injured, needing to extend it; she wouldn’t possibly stay too long, would she?... However, she might not leave shortly either."

"She could do anything," Chu Zhiyuan smiled, "But if we could delay for some time, it should be enough."

The first layer of the Dragon Transformation Technique had been relearned, with meridians rapidly strengthening.

The boost from Gang Qi as compared to True Qi was enormous, yet the meridians hadn’t correspondingly improved.

Currently, the meridians could only accommodate four Binding Dragon Ropes.

Besides the first layer of Dragon Transformation Technique, Yu Xu Sword Sect’s Blood Purification Technique was also practiced, estimated to its limit, allowing the meridians to bear eight Binding Dragon Ropes.

With eight Binding Dragon Ropes, the first layer of the bronze tower might be breached.

So, time was needed.

Once breaching the first layer of the bronze tower, stepping into the Second Layer Heaven realm, he’d be able to face Li Hongzhao in combat.

Then, the shadow wouldn’t be on him, but on Li Hongzhao.

"Delaying for a while..." Xiao Ruoling’s bright eyes shimmered, contemplating ideas.

She found herself loving this feeling, brainstorming, strategizing, especially strategizing for Chu Zhiyuan, giving her great fulfillment.

At home, things were different.

Though the affairs of the manor were for her to decide, her father was rigid, not consulting her on other matters, especially keeping Court affairs from her.

Chu Zhiyuan admired her beauty with a smile.

"Then arrange a time with her," Xiao Ruoling said, "Her inherent pride can be her weakness."

Pride, being her soft spot, could mitigate some of her cleverness if provoked.

"That can be done," Chu Zhiyuan smiled, "Let’s set it for ten days!"

"Okay, I will tell her," Xiao Ruoling’s eyes gleamed, exuding brilliance.

Seeing her so excited, Chu Zhiyuan was delighted too.