Imperial Cultivation-Chapter 157 - 155 Soul Punishment

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Chu Zhiyuan returned to the post station and closely examined the wooden sword.

With a comparison at hand, the preciousness of the wooden sword became more apparent.

Unfortunately, there wasn’t much to observe about the wooden sword; it was merely made of a peculiar material with special effects.

Aside from that, there were no secrets to speak of.

It’s unknown what type of wood this is.

Whether this wood originated from this world or from places like the Four Great Grottos and Four Great Secret Lands is uncertain.

After observing the wooden sword for a while, he began to study the array maps.

He compared thirteen sets of formation diagrams to choose the most suitable for Liang Guanjie and the others.

In total, there were twenty Innate Masters, plus four by Guo Chi, making a total of twenty-four people. A formation for twenty-four people, involving four grandmasters and twenty innate masters.

How could their strength be maximized?

After comparing, he decided to choose the Four Symbols Soul Execution Formation.

This formation was the most powerful among the thirteen diagrams, comparable to a Great Grandmaster’s strike.

This aligned with his constant pursuit of maximizing power.

When the Four Symbols Soul Execution Formation was deployed, it would generate a Great Grandmaster-level spiritual attack, making it possible to hold its own against a Great Grandmaster.

Normally, four grandmasters and twenty innate masters wouldn’t withstand a Great Grandmaster, but when formed into this Four Symbols Soul Execution Formation, it could match them.

This was the power of the array.

However, even with mastery in the formation, hurting a Great Grandmaster would be impossible; they could only retreat safely in front of him.

Against grandmasters, they would have a crushing advantage, enough to kill with one strike.

However, this formation also posed a challenge: it was difficult to train and master.

The power of a formation often correlates with its difficulty, an unchanging rule of the world. Even a seemingly simple yet powerful formation operates this way.

Though it looks simple or is easy to practice, executing its grand power is not easy, requiring extremely high comprehension from the practitioner.

He summoned the twenty guards who had just arrived at Gaoling Town and also Guo Chi and the other three outside the house, beginning to explain his plan.

Time didn’t allow them to rest; they needed to start practicing the formation, starting tonight.

They would practice for half the night first, then continue on the road tomorrow, aiming to master it within two days.

Guo Chi and the others had no objections, while the other guards were immediately invigorated, not seeing it as a hardship but rather with high spirits.

They had all witnessed Chu Zhiyuan teaching the Chasing Wind Cavalry’s Thunder Spear Formation and experienced Chu Zhiyuan’s capability in imparting array knowledge.

The benefits of mastering a set of formations were indescribable.

Not only would their personal strength increase significantly, but they would also be safer.

Additionally, they would have opportunities for future merits, as the Prince Mansion would prioritize dispatching them for important guard missions.

——

Chu Zhiyuan completed his practice of the Purple Sun Scripture in the morning light at the post station.

When the sun fully rose and the purple light in the void disappeared, he got up and left the post station.

In the company of many guards, he first went to the government office to bid farewell to Chu Mingrui, then exited the North City Gate, where he saw Li Haoyuan outside.

Li Haoyuan had already taken off his armor, dressed in a brocade robe like a wealthy gentleman, but at a glance, it was clear he wasn’t one.

He carried an inherent dignity in his demeanor, cultivated from being in a high position for a long time.

The military most nurtures momentum.

Removing the armor and wearing an ordinary brocade robe actually heightened his aura; the armor masked his imposing presence instead of enhancing it.

When Chu Zhiyuan arrived at the North City Gate, Li Haoyuan stepped forward with a clasped fist in greeting.

Chu Zhiyuan clasped his fists with a smile, "I apologize for my tardiness, General Li, keeping you waiting. Let’s set off then."

"Everything awaits your command, sir," Li Haoyuan replied.

Chu Zhiyuan glanced at the group of people around Li Haoyuan.

In addition to the twenty-three from yesterday, there were also more than a dozen officials present, all looking solemnly at Chu Zhiyuan.

Chu Zhiyuan’s gaze swept over them, returning their greeting with a clasped fist.

His gaze lingered longer on a group of knights further away, recognizing them as Li Haoyuan’s family guards, each one skillful with impressive cultivation.

Among thirty-six knights, twelve were Innate Masters.

With so few people, either the family guards would be dispersed or they would return to Yujing in batches.

Li Haoyuan turned around and mounted the fine horse nearby; beside the horse stood an ordinary-looking middle-aged man, none other than the unassuming Zhou Cheng’en.

"Let’s go," Chu Zhiyuan said.

He rode ahead on horseback.

Li Haoyuan followed to his side.

"General..."

"Sir..."

...

People called out.

Li Haoyuan, however, did not look back, merely waving a hand as he followed Chu Zhiyuan onward.

Riding on horseback, Chu Zhiyuan turned his head, "General, not bidding them a proper farewell?"

"Whether you say farewell or not, a departure is inevitable," Li Haoyuan replied blandly, "Such formality bears no value!"

"General Li is practical," Chu Zhiyuan commented, "Indifferent to common etiquette, though it’s a pity for their sincerity."

Li Haoyuan chuckled, "Sincerity... so be it."

Chu Zhiyuan glanced at him, smiling, "The general seems to see through worldly affairs."

These people came to see him off, half with genuine emotions and the other half performing to gain reputation.

Many who fall on hard times, with fragile emotions, find any kindness welcome, even if feigned, and pretend not to know.

Li Haoyuan, however, was indifferent, evidence of his steadfast resolve surpassing ordinary people.

Amidst the calls of the people, Chu Zhiyuan and his group gradually disappeared from their view.

...

After traveling ten miles, Chu Zhiyuan began occasionally glancing at the sky.

The nearly sixty people in the group started to slow down gradually at his indication, moving leisurely.

Beside him were two red-clothed eunuchs, Zou Fang, Li Haoyuan, and Zhou Cheng’en.

The Great Grandmaster Song Feiqiong was nowhere to be seen, hidden in the shadows.

Li Haoyuan watched him look at the sky curiously, asking, "What is the princely heir watching?"

"Looking for the golden eagle," Chu Zhiyuan replied, "A spy from Da Meng."

"Has the princely heir seen the golden eagle of Da Meng?" Li Haoyuan asked.

"Encountered it during an assassination attempt on the way here." Chu Zhiyuan recounted the event, making Li Haoyuan’s expression grave.

Li Haoyuan said solemnly, "Don’t worry, their target should be Prince Ying."

Chu Zhiyuan nodded, "Of course it’s Tenth Uncle. Their move failed, now it’s their turn to worry."

Da Meng might not be fully aware of Prince Ying Chu Mingrui’s prowess as they haven’t faced him personally.

Choosing to ambush with the Stepping Cloud Iron Cavalry, instead of sending a Great Grandmaster, they clearly haven’t resorted to extremes.

Having a Great Grandmaster assassinate the opposing commander is a serious taboo.

Da Zhen, Da Jing, and Da Meng maintain certain understandings, such as not targeting the Imperial Family, with Great Grandmasters focused solely on defense.

Until the balance among the three dynasties completely shatters, this mutual understanding will persist.

Great Grandmasters are like nuclear weapons in this world, not to be used lightly, or else everyone will suffer the consequences.

Li Haoyuan fell silent.

Chu Zhiyuan looked at him, "Does General Li think Tenth Uncle can’t reclaim Fuyuan Town?"

"...With Prince Ying’s abilities, he should be able to reclaim it," Li Haoyuan said slowly.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled, "Does General Li feel unconvinced then?"

"I am indeed convinced of Prince Ying’s abilities," Li Haoyuan sighed, "He is a rare military genius."

Chu Zhiyuan said, "Then there’s nothing to worry about. Let’s focus on our journey."

His eyes suddenly sharpened as he looked at the golden eagle appearing in the sky.

He murmured, "Old Liang!"

Liang Guanjie rode over, clasped his fists, and said, "Your highness."

"Go now!"

"Yes!" Liang Guanjie responded, clasped his fists, and rode away with four middle-aged men, disappearing in the blink of an eye.

"Sir, for reconnaissance, four people aren’t enough," Li Haoyuan noted.

Chu Zhiyuan said, "They are skilled in tracking techniques and were once exceptional fighters in the Eagle Raising Battalion."

Li Haoyuan breathed a sigh of relief.

Suddenly, Chu Zhiyuan flicked his hand.

A beam of white light shot toward the sky, eventually merging with the void.

This was the Heart Inquiry Blade.

The golden eagle flew high enough this time, making even stones inadequate, leaving only the Heart Inquiry Blade to strike.

The Heart Inquiry Blade hit the soaring golden eagle in the sky.

Li Haoyuan watched in bewilderment as the golden eagle plummeted like it had lost its wings, spinning and crashing to the ground, turning into a pile of flesh.

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