Imperial Cultivation

Such situations are likely common between the two sects.

As fellow members of the Four Great Sects, the disciples are bound to be dissatisfied with each other, inevitably leading to friction.

The sects will definitely control the intensity and scope of the friction; otherwise, they would have fought countless times already.

Wan Bicheng was skeptical: "Can mastering this sword technique really defeat Senior Brother Meng?"

Chu Zhiyuan smiled and said, "The key to its application lies in one's heart. Merely mastering it may not be effective."

Wan Bicheng said, "Then there's at least a glimmer of hope; otherwise, Brother Zhao is bound to lose."

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Zhao Rongfei suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze sharp as a blade.

He bowed deeply to Chu Zhiyuan.

Chu Zhiyuan waved his hand and smiled, "This is a sword technique I occasionally comprehended. When fighting someone, unless it's a life-or-death struggle, it's best to switch to a wooden sword or a dull blade."

"Yes," Zhao Rongfei said solemnly, clasping his fist.

His heart was filled with shock.

Not only was the sword technique profound, but the method of imparting it was also wondrous.

This sword technique felt as if he already knew it, as if he had practiced it countless times, reaching a state of perfection.

This kind of experience was unprecedented; it was like having the entire process and experience of cultivation instilled into his mind and memory.

There was actually such a method of inheritance in the world!

Chu Zhiyuan said, "Then we shall meet again."

The two men wisely took their leave.

Shen Hanyue asked curiously, "Did you really pass on a sword technique to him? I thought you wouldn't get involved."

Xiao Ruoling scolded, "Junior Sister, what are you stirring up!"

Shen Hanyue snorted and said, "If you don't give people some benefits, why would they stand on your side? You should help when you can."

Xiao Ruoling scolded, "Taking matters into your own hands!"

What angered Shen Hanyue was her unauthorized actions, not whether she helped or not.

Whether to help or not was for the heir apparent to decide; she didn't need to be so talkative.

Shen Hanyue stuck out her tongue.

Chu Zhiyuan said, "If we can help, we should help. Trouble is fine too."

Logically speaking, he really shouldn't get involved, as it's better to avoid trouble, especially when it involves top sects like the Qiling Sect.

It's easy to get into a mess.

But it's difficult to truly make friends by protecting oneself.

Whether he helped or not this time, his relationship with Zhao Rongfei would change.

If he didn't help, the relationship would cool down a bit; if he helped, it would become closer.

And there was Wan Bicheng.

Seeing that he readily offered assistance, even if he was from the Qiling Sect, he would still feel that he was a friend worth making.

Shen Hanyue nodded vigorously, agreeing, "Exactly! So what if it's the Qiling Sect? We're not Dameng people; we can leave at any time. Offending them is fine."

Xu Yingying said, "Even if the Qiling Sect finds out, they can only curse in their hearts; they wouldn't dare to act recklessly."

Xiao Ruoling shook her head gently, "They won't take action directly, but they will stir up trouble in secret. The Qiling Sect is one of the Four Great Sects, after all."

Chu Zhiyuan smiled and said, "That's certainly possible."

Shen Hanyue snorted, "If they really dare to stir up trouble in secret, then we'll teach them a lesson!"

Xiao Ruoling looked at her helplessly.

The night was hazy, and a bright moon hung high in the night sky, slowly casting a clear glow.

The Dameng Imperial Palace was brightly lit.

The guards were doubled compared to usual, surrounding the palace tightly.

Li Hongzhao, sitting behind the dragon desk, wore a bright yellow dragon robe, looking incredibly beautiful.

Beside her was the Grand Eunuch Wen Chengen, his beard and eyebrows all white.

Two rows of low tables extended from the steps all the way to the entrance of the hall.

The tables were filled with delicious dishes, emitting an enticing aroma.

On the left side of the tables were the members of the Dajing Dynasty delegation, with Chu Zhiyuan leading the way, sitting behind the first low table at the bottom of the steps.

Opposite them was Prince Song, smiling as he urged Chu Zhiyuan to drink.

Chu Zhiyuan looked at the Dameng dignitaries opposite him, eight in purple robes and twelve in red robes.

The eight in purple robes were the most powerful ministers, first-rank officials, the power center of the entire Dameng.

The twelve in red robes were also the pillars of the country, and together these people decided the fate of Dameng.

Li Hongzhao's welcome banquet this time was full of sincerity, without any perfunctory gestures.

Li Hongzhao said, "You went back to Yujing yesterday. Did anything happen in Yujing City?"

Chu Zhiyuan said, "They were scared out of their wits. When I returned, they had just tentatively entered Yujing City and didn't have time to take action."

"They really are trying to retaliate against Yujing."

"Since they can't kill me, they'll retaliate against me in other ways."

"You only picked off three main altars; what about the rest?"

"The Imperial Grandfather was urging me to come over as soon as possible, so I didn't have time to find the others."

"It's not that you didn't have time to find them; it's that you couldn't find them, right?"

"That's not necessarily true," Chu Zhiyuan said. "I already have a way to find them."

"Through those Venerable Statues."

"Exactly."

"Can the Dameng evil sect's main altars also be found?"

"As long as there are enough Venerable Statues, they can be found."

"Good. If you can find one main altar, then our Dameng can cooperate with you."

"I—!" Chu Zhiyuan frowned.

Li Hongzhao snorted, "That's right, just cooperate with you, not Dajing. Dajing doesn't have that ability; we don't need them!"

Chu Zhiyuan pondered.

Li Hongzhao's phoenix eyes were bright: "Think about it. Either cooperate with our Dameng and Dazhen, or you can just slowly kill them yourself."

In the past few days, public sentiment has already changed, and the attitude of court officials has also changed.

Now, people are more eager to wipe out the evil sects and prevent them from continuing to harm them.

Chu Zhiyuan frowned and stared at her.

Li Hongzhao sat behind the dragon desk on the steps, while he sat behind the low table at the bottom of the steps.

He had to look up at Li Hongzhao.

But Li Hongzhao felt as if she was looking up at him, without gaining any psychological advantage.

Chu Zhiyuan pondered in silence.

Li Hongzhao said, "I think even if Dazhen agrees, it will be on the same conditions as me, only cooperating with you, not your Dajing."

Chu Zhiyuan said slowly, "If it's just cooperation with me, then there's no need to sign this agreement. We can cooperate privately."

"Without this agreement, it's not proper or justified," Li Hongzhao shook her head. "How can we establish a dedicated agency by then?"

Cooperating with Chu Zhiyuan to exterminate the evil sects requires sharing information with each other and marking out each other's duties and obligations.

Dameng doesn't have an Evil Extermination Bureau yet, so this is an opportunity to establish one.

The Evil Extermination Bureau can mobilize local forces to assist in exterminating evil sect demons.

Furthermore, without signing an agreement, there isn't enough restraint. What if Chu Zhiyuan chooses to quit halfway?

Amidst the sounds of bells and chimes, Chu Zhiyuan and Li Hongzhao spoke without avoiding the others.

Whether they were Dameng or Dajing dignitaries, they were all shocked.

Judging from the expressions and demeanor of Chu Zhiyuan and Li Hongzhao when they spoke, they were clearly not just acquaintances, but seemed like old friends.

They were secretly assessing the depth of the relationship between Chu Zhiyuan and Li Hongzhao.

Chu Zhiyuan said slowly, "Alright, then let's sign it with me. Let's work together to wipe out the evil sects!"

"Exterminating the evil sects has always been my long-cherished wish," Li Hongzhao raised her glass and said slowly, "Let's see if it can be realized."

Chu Zhiyuan said solemnly, "This is also my long-cherished wish!"

"There are still some Venerable Statues in the palace, and the Four Great Sects and other sects also have some," Li Hongzhao said. "Have them all handed over to you."

Chu Zhiyuan smiled.

This was the power of the emperor. Once a word was spoken, all would obey.

Would he also master such power in the future?