Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1337 - 1333: Caution
Previously on Imperial Cultivation...
Li Hongzhao suggested, "Let's proceed to the main hall; all the senior sisters have been summoned."
"Are you truly confident?" Song Chaoge inquired.
Li Hongzhao let out a light chuckle. "Unless he was holding back earlier and didn't unleash his full power."
"That's impossible," Song Chaoge countered. "No one refrains from using their utmost strength."
"Then there's no issue," Li Hongzhao declared.
Chu Zhiyuan's eyes narrowed slightly, and the golden pupil at the center of his forehead began to radiate a multicolored glow.
Subsequently, his eyes reverted to their normal state.
Li Hongzhao turned to face Chu Zhiyuan. "How was it?"
Chu Zhiyuan offered a nod.
The trio departed from the secluded courtyard, journeying northward until they reached a vast, open plaza.
At the plaza's northern edge, three magnificent halls stood in imposing grandeur.
These halls possessed a unique architectural style, resembling three phoenixes poised to unfurl their wings and take flight.
In the plaza before the halls, over a dozen young women were engaged in martial arts practice.
Upon observing the arrival of Chu Zhiyuan and the others, they ceased their training and congregated.
"Junior Sister, are you well now?"
"It appears you've recovered; that's wonderful, truly excellent."
"Junior Sister, it's not a significant matter. That Feng Nanyun has been practicing for years, while you've only just begun. Falling short against him is nothing."
...
Li Hongzhao acknowledged their words with a gentle smile.
All eyes then shifted towards Chu Zhiyuan.
Aside from the direct descendants of the Phoenix bloodline, the only individuals permitted entry into this Phoenix Secret Land were those from the other three distinct bloodlines.
Yet, Chu Zhiyuan had managed to gain access as well.
"Master, who is this...?" a graceful young woman inquired with curiosity.
Song Chaoge responded, "He is Chu Zhiyuan, from the Heavenly Sword Sect. You've likely heard of him, correct?"
"Chu Zhiyuan? The Chu Zhiyuan?" the graceful young woman exclaimed in surprise.
She proceeded to scrutinize Chu Zhiyuan from head to toe.
The other young women also took him in with appraising glances.
"The renowned Chu Zhiyuan, a pleasure to meet you, a genuine pleasure, giggle..."
They all stepped forward to greet him, their expressions filled with an abundance of interest, as if encountering something truly remarkable.
Chu Zhiyuan responded with a smile and a nod.
"Alright, everyone!" Song Chaoge interjected, his tone tinged with displeasure. "He is Hongzhao's Senior Brother, one of our own; there's no need for such theatrics."
"Master, it's our first encounter with this famous eccentric," the graceful young woman stated with astonishment. "So young, yet so accomplished – how did he achieve this?"
"That Feng Nanyun is purported to be a prodigy, but in comparison to Mr. Chu, he falls far short!"
"Lacking luster, wouldn't you say."
"Mr. Chu, it is said you hail from Little Heaven Beyond. Is it due to your origins there that you cultivated so rapidly after arriving?"
"Do the martial arts of Little Heaven Beyond differ significantly from our Biyuan Heaven martial arts?"
"Does practicing the cultivation techniques from Little Heaven Beyond offer benefits to our Biyuan Heaven techniques?"
"What does You Meng Heaven look like?"
...
Their conversation flowed ceaselessly, as they surrounded Chu Zhiyuan with an unceasing barrage of questions.
Chu Zhiyuan maintained his smile, not dismissing them, but patiently addressed a few of their inquiries.
This resulted in repeated gasps of admiration from their end.
At this moment, they no longer resembled celestial maidens possessing the Phoenix bloodline, but rather resembled ordinary young girls.
Song Chaoge simply shook his head, uttering no further words.
Li Hongzhao observed the scene, a gentle smile gracing her lips.
From a distance, three youths gradually approached, led by a round-faced young woman who was heading in their direction.
"They're arriving, they're coming!"
"He actually dares to show his face; such boldness! Is he deliberately attempting to humiliate us?"
"These Green Lions possess not a single decent individual among them!"
Chu Zhiyuan cast his gaze upon the approaching three youths, all of whom possessed extraordinary handsomeness.
The leading youth, in particular, had eyes akin to cold stars, sword-like brows that extended towards his temples, a noble nose, and an aura brimming with vibrant energy.
Vaguely, he exuded a presence like a powerful lion moving with stealth, possessing a truly remarkable bearing.
Chu Zhiyuan appeared contemplative.
This indicated the Green Lion Bloodline activated to its utmost degree, thoroughly integrated with his physical form.
Li Hongzhao's degree of Phoenix Bloodline activation paled in comparison to his present state.
This assessment also extended to the lively young women surrounding them.
It was indeed understandable why Feng Nanyun was recognized as a prodigy.
He was truly exceptional.
As their group drew nearer, the leading youth, Feng Nanyun, cupped his hands and offered a smile. "Greetings, Uncle Song, fellow junior sisters."
Song Chaoge waved his hand. "Xiaofeng, why have you returned?"
He displayed an expression conveying remorse and sighed. "Uncle, please accept my apologies. My actions were perhaps too severe; since injuring Junior Sister Li, I have been consumed by guilt and unease, compelling me to come and see."
His gaze then settled upon Li Hongzhao, his smile widening. "Junior Sister Li, are you feeling better now?"
The surprise he initially felt had already dissipated over the course of their approach; now, only bewilderment remained.
Could there possibly be a Spirit Pill capable of resolving my palm force?
This thought borders on impossibility.
Li Hongzhao gave a slight nod, her expression turning cold. "I am fine, thank you for your concern, Senior Brother Feng."
"Hehe... After all, we share the same roots, we are not enemies, hence my visit," he remarked, retrieving a small porcelain bottle from his chest pocket. "This is the Green Blood Pill; it can alleviate injuries."
A smile touched his lips. "I shall assist you by circulating my martial arts, and your injury will be mended."
Li Hongzhao let out a soft hum. "I appreciate Senior Brother Feng’s kindness, but there is no need. My injury is already healed."
The elegant young woman who had previously conversed with Chu Zhiyuan spoke up sharply, "Feng Nanyun, your arrogance is excessive. Do you presume we cannot handle you?!"
Feng Nanyun sighed. "Junior Sister Qiao, my intentions were truly good; your words are quite hurtful."
"Hurt what heart?!" the graceful young woman retorted. "Your petty schemes, you think we are unaware? Good intentions? Pfft!"
"Sigh—!" Feng Nanyun shook his head, emitting a sigh. "We share the same roots..."
"Who claims we share the same roots?" the graceful young woman interrupted him with a pout. "You are merely wishful thinking!"
Li Hongzhao then stated, "Senior Brother Feng, I have gained some new understanding. Shall we engage in another match?"
"Another match?" Feng Nanyun appeared taken aback, as if he had misheard. "Junior Sister Li, did you say you wish to compete again?"
Li Hongzhao’s voice turned icy. "Senior Brother Feng, are you afraid?"
"Hehe..." Feng Nanyun chuckled. "I would never take advantage of someone’s difficult circumstances. Let us have our match tomorrow during the grand competition; it is not too late."
"Senior Brother Feng is indeed cautious," Li Hongzhao remarked with a cold smirk. "Knowing when to retreat, this skill is truly admirable."
"Junior Sister Li!" A young man standing behind Feng Nanyun frowned and interjected, "We came with good intentions to help treat your injury, yet you mock us so coldly; it is truly disheartening. If you wish to compete with Senior Brother Feng, why not have a match with me first?"
Li Hongzhao cast a sideways glance at him. "Senior Brother Zhao, you—? Just forget it."
The young man’s voice deepened. "Junior Sister Li, do you look down on me?"
"Indeed, you are not my match," Li Hongzhao replied, shaking her head.
"Then why not give it a try."
"Very well." Li Hongzhao stepped forward gracefully. "Senior Brother Zhao, please begin!"
Feng Nanyun quickly extended his hand to stop her. "Wait, Junior Sister Li. I came this time to assist with healing, not for a fight. Truly, it is not too late to wait for a match a year from now in the grand competition."
"I cannot wait that long," Li Hongzhao huffed. "I simply wish to reclaim what was lost right away."
Feng Nanyun chuckled. "Junior Sister Li, you are merely new to this. Without sufficient accumulation, losing to me is hardly a disgrace."
Li Hongzhao suddenly let out a soft chuckle. "Senior Brother Feng, you are truly cautious!"
Feng Nanyun obviously perceived that something was amiss and was unwilling to take the bait, preferring to wait and assess the situation before committing.
This Feng Nanyun is quite insightful, not allowing arrogance to cloud his judgment due to his high cultivation.
In this regard, he bears a resemblance to Chu Zhiyuan.
Feng Nanyun smiled. "Junior Sister Li, have you perhaps experienced some extraordinary encounter?"
"Indeed," Li Hongzhao confirmed. "This time, misfortune has turned into fortune; I have comprehended the Phoenix Divine Palm."
Feng Nanyun laughed. "Phoenix Divine Palm? The power of the Phoenix Divine Palm is not particularly formidable, is it?"
"A single trial will reveal the truth," Li Hongzhao stated.
"Senior Brother Feng, I shall test it," the young man surnamed Zhao declared with a deep voice.