Imperial Cultivation Chapter 2 - 2 2 Jade Lock

Who could those two individuals be?

Are they clandestine guards dispatched by the Imperial Grandfather?

Possibility exists that they are operatives from rival clans or some other mysterious power.

Given their ability to suppress their presence enough to deceive seasoned Grandmasters like the guard captain Guo Chi and the eunuch Zou Fang, it is evident they possess advanced concealment techniques far surpassing those of common experts.

Although they are currently trailing me, I wonder if Guo Chi or Zou Fang would manage to respond in time if they launched a sudden strike.

As of now, I lack the strength to defend myself.

Those tavern patrons were correct regarding the absolute necessity of martial prowess in this world.

Even as an heir to the throne, I must pursue my Cultivation with unwavering focus.

My existence cannot depend entirely on the protection of others.

…

Exactly one year has passed since I overcame the Fetal Mystery and reclaimed the memories of my previous life.

In that former existence, I was crushed by a falling meteor while trekking through the wilderness, only to awaken as Prince Chu Zhiyuan in this realm of high martial intensity, blessed with a unique, mutated awareness.

My sensory perception has evolved profoundly, granting me a near-divine ability to perceive the infinitesimal and the hidden.

Within my own body, I can examine every detail—from skin, muscle, and fascia to bone, marrow, blood, Meridians, and even the most obscure acupoints.

Externally, my observation encompasses a twenty-zhang radius, allowing me to fully grasp every sight, sound, touch, flavor, and scent.

I describe this aptitude as my Super Sense.

By leveraging this crystal-clear internal scrutiny, I progressed from the Seventh Layer to the Ninth Layer of Postnatal Perfection within a single year.

The memories of my past self and those of this current life have merged seamlessly, becoming indistinguishable.

I am concurrently the Chu Yuan from long ago and the Prince Heir Chu Zhiyuan of the present.

While the Prince Qing Mansion has certainly faded in influence, a legendary steed is still no match for a common pony; I am the sole heir and guaranteed to inherit the title, ensuring a life of extravagance regardless of my actions.

However, I recognize that while other duties may slide, martial Cultivation is an absolute priority.

Having Grandmaster-level bodyguards is no guarantee of total safety; it would be a tragedy to be assassinated just when I have acquired immense power. Furthermore, the higher one’s realm, the greater one’s lifespan will be.

An expert in the Innate Realm is granted 120 years, a Grandmaster can reach 200, and a Great Grandmaster can live for three centuries or more.

Three days ago, the Da Jing Emperor finally lifted the thirty-year confinement of the Prince Qing Mansion, granting me permission to train within the hallowed Mingwu Hall.

Mingwu Hall serves as the designated practice ground for princes and heirs, housing elite secret skills passed down by Great Grandmasters; it is a treasure trove most martial artists would kill to access.

The Little Purple Sun Technique I currently practice is a foundational secret of the imperial Chu Family, ranking among the finest Postnatal cultivation methods.

To progress to the Innate Great Purple Sun Technique, I must gain access to Mingwu Hall.

Furthermore, after attaining Postnatal Perfection, advancing into the Innate Realm requires traversing three distinct barriers, a transition that demands specialized breakthrough techniques only found at the highest level in Mingwu Hall.

With the prospect of top-tier secret skills and the oversight of wise mentors awaiting me in Mingwu Hall, my impatience grows.

…

The Prince Qing Mansion covers an expanse of 500 mu, roughly 600 meters across.

The double-layered eaves of the main gate remain magnificent, with golden glazed tiles glinting under the sun and a prestigious plaque announcing the family name.

However, the faded scarlet paint on the gates, the dull lanterns, and the weather-worn stone lions all betray a lingering atmosphere of decay.

Prince Qing Street remains ten zhang wide, paved with immaculate white jade; currently, fifteen black-robed guards patrol in small squads.

Though they carry sharp blades and maintain a steady gaze, their postures are feline and lazy, conveying a sense of listlessness.

The entrance was devoid of visitors.

Such solitude at the front of a princely residence is truly an anomaly in the bustling Yujing City.

Spotting Chu Zhiyuan approaching at a relaxed pace, the guards immediately stiffened and offered a solemn salute.

Chu Zhiyuan offered a subtle nod, appearing entirely unbothered by their lax nature.

The decline of the estate has naturally eroded the spirit of its inhabitants; no amount of strict discipline will remedy that.

Even if the guards act sluggish, they remain elite Innate Masters—the literal cornerstone of the mansion's safety—and excessive harshness would surely prove counterproductive.

…

Stopping beneath the stairs to study the weary gate, Chu Zhiyuan sighed, “Has the Household Affairs Office still not arrived?”

Zou Fang whispered in response, “Your Highness, the office claims they require another two days.”

Chu Zhiyuan remarked coldly, “It has already been a full month, has it not?”

“...Yes, sir.” Zou Fang nodded stiffly, his face flushing with suppressed fury.

The Household Affairs Office is tasked with the maintenance of all imperial residences.

A month prior, we requested repairs for our doors, windows, and tiles, along with a replenishment of our lanterns.

The office accepted the task readily, citing a shortage of craftsmen and requesting a two-day delay.

Those two days turned into others, dragging on for a full month.

The motivation is transparent; our priority has been pushed to the bottom of their list.

While the members of the Household Affairs Office are notorious sycophants, their audacity in this instance is truly staggering.

Despite our decline, this remains a Prince’s Mansion; negligence of this scale requires a swift correction!

With a weary shake of his head, Chu Zhiyuan exhaled and moved up the stairs, entering through a side portal and walking past the Pine-Crane screen into the serene courtyard of the lotus pond.

Drawing from natural hot springs, the pond was shrouded in a thin veil of mist, reflecting the pavilions and towers that lined its edges.

A rotund, white-bearded elder drifted forward and bowed, saying, “Your Highness.”

Continuing his stride, Chu Zhiyuan asked, “Where are my Father and Mother?”

Guo Chi stood back, allowing Zou Fang to pay respects to the steward, Feng Xi.

“His Highness is currently hosting Master Li Muhuai in the Cloud Light Pavilion.”

“Finally, Father has convinced that esteemed artist to visit—a long-held wish of his… And Mother?”

“The Princess has only just returned from the palace and is currently in the rear garden.”

“No other guests have disturbed the mansion, I take it?”

“...None.” Feng Xi shook his head.

Chu Zhiyuan continued his brisk pace as they spoke.

Although the mansion’s restriction was rescinded three days ago, not a single visitor has graced our doors—a humiliating state of affairs.

If this continues for another two days, Yujing will no doubt be full of rumors.

He gestured for Feng Xi to stop following and walked alone through the series of courtyards toward the lush greenery of the back garden.

The geothermal springs kept the local flora in a constant state of vibrant life.

The clear, small lake possessed an expansive feel, with clouds of steam rising from its surface to blanket the surrounding pavilions.

“Zheng, zheng…”

A melodic sound of a zither drifted across the water from a nearby pavilion.

Following the winding corridor over the lake, he arrived at the entrance.

Two stunning maids stood guard outside, offering warm smiles when they saw him approach.

One offered a demure nod, while the other let out a playful grin.

Chu Zhiyuan returned the gesture and stepped into the structure.

A woman dressed in elegant, lotus-colored robes was hunched over the zither.

Her raven-black hair was secured with a shimmering gold hairpin that swayed gently with her movements.

The silk of her dress was embroidered with gold threads that caught the light, emphasizing her status.

Pressing her jade-like hands upon the strings, she abruptly silenced the music.

She lifted her gaze to meet his.

With a delicate face and striking, phoenix-like eyes containing a touch of inner sharpness, she was Bai Ningshuang, the Princess Qing.

“Mother,” Chu Zhiyuan smiled gently, “please do not distress yourself over such trivial matters; it is not worth the toil.”

The lingering notes of the zither still seemed filled with hidden resentment. Awakening from the Fetal Mystery had not replaced my individual identity, and I found that my familial bonds remained entirely intact.

Our family of four had only grown closer during the years of our forced isolation.

“Zheng!”

Bai Ningshuang swept her fingers across the strings with uncharacteristic force, shouting, “Why shouldn't I be enraged? These heartless people—I anticipated this cold treatment ages ago!”

Chu Zhiyuan seated himself on a stool placed by a maid and laughed, “Mother, look at the bigger picture; our situation has improved drastically compared to before. We are finally free to come and go as we please, and we have lived in privacy for so long—why worry about the opinions of others?”

Bai Ningshuang scoffed, “I would prefer the mansion stay sealed than endure this incessant public degradation!”

“Did you run into the other princesses during your palace visit?”

“They treated me as if I were a ghost! It’s infuriating!”

“…”

“Thirty years ago, they were eager for my friendship, and now they turn their backs?”

“Even those lowly palace attendants treat me with such arrogance, mimicking the behavior of their own cruel masters!”

“You didn’t lose your composure, did you, Mother?” Chu Zhiyuan chuckled.

Knowing her, this was likely an exaggeration—they would never dare show a Princess anything less than outward formality.

“I am not so foolish!… It is just that the more I contemplate it, the more suffocating it feels!”

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head. Within the cutthroat arena of the palace, fame and fortune dictate social conduct, and sycophancy is the norm.

“Yuan’er, you must go to Mingwu Hall and make us proud,” Bai Ningshuang snapped. “Do not be like your father, who is too gentle and offends no one—crush those who look down on you if you have the chance!”

To the common eye, an idle prince appears pampered, yet they fail to realize the rigid hierarchy within imperial families; occupying a lower rank invites endless hardship.

To transcend these ranks, one must seize power, and ultimate power belongs to the Emperor.

Since the Emperor prizes martial excellence, being his grandson, the fastest path to his favor lies in extraordinary Cultivation.

As a prodigy who reached Postnatal Perfection through self-discovery, my brilliance will surely catch his eye.

However, the severe illness I suffered last year left me matured and steady, causing me to lose my youthful arrogance.

Entering Mingwu Hall usually signifies a desire to blend in, to hide one’s light, and to avoid conflict with the other princes.

“Very well, I shall heed your advice, Mother.” Chu Zhiyuan answered with a faint smile.

Bai Ningshuang snorted, “I see clearly now that the more you submit, the more you are victimized.”

Chu Zhiyuan nodded in agreement, offering a final few words of solace.

“Yuan’er,” she said, lowering her voice significantly, “your Imperial Grandmother mentioned something of importance.”

“Oh?” Chu Zhiyuan replied with an inquisitive smile.

The Imperial Grandmother was the birth mother of Father Chu Minghou—the Imperial Concubine Rou.

Thirty years ago, a child was respected due to the status of their mother, but today, a mother is elevated by the success of her child.

As the third son, had Chu Minghou only possessed the ability to practice martial arts, Imperial Concubine Rou would have long ago reached the rank of Imperial Concubine or even Noble Consort.

Given the long isolation of our mansion, her palace life has been anything but simple.

Consequently, once the ban was lifted, Bai Ningshuang was eager to visit the palace daily.

She glanced sideways at the two maids.

Seeing this, Chu Zhiyuan smiled at the staff and gestured for them to exit.

Once she was certain the door was shut, Bai Ningshuang whispered, “Your grandmother said that within Mingwu Hall lies the Jade Lock Gold Barrier Skill, a secret breakthrough method personally written by the Emperor.”

Chu Zhiyuan remarked, “The Imperial Grandfather is the most gifted in the history of our clan; it is no surprise he could craft such a technique.”

“She mentioned he forged this method by synthesizing several ancient, mysterious arts. It is supposedly an incredibly potent way to ensure a breakthrough.”

Chu Zhiyuan frowned slightly.

To reach the Innate Realm from the ninth level, one must shatter the three hidden barriers of the tailbone, spine, and jade pillow to bridge the Heaven and Earth.

Such breakthrough methods are notoriously dangerous; even a single mistake can induce madness, so most cultivators choose stability over speed.

While the Emperor is a genius, creating a cultivation technique requires time and rigorous testing.

It is akin to complex alchemy—it requires endless trials to perfect.

A miracle technique for the Emperor might well be a lethal poison for others.

“Has anyone else tried to master this?”

“A few attempted it early on but failed. Later, they stopped trying, and now everyone maintains a strictly guarded silence. If not for your grandmother telling me, I would never have heard of it.”

Chu Zhiyuan stared into the distance, lost in thought.

The other princes must suspect the technique is flawed, but none dare express it for fear of imperial anger.

Silence is their only protection.

“If you can successfully master the Jade Lock Gold Barrier Skill, your grandfather will surely view you with newfound respect! Yuan’er, you are a true martial prodigy—others may have failed, but you can succeed where they have not.”

“...Very well, Mother, I shall endeavor to practice it.”

Chu Zhiyuan agreed with a polite smile, though deep within, he remained highly skeptical.