From the fake emperor to the concubine

Zhuo Liqun's resounding promise, especially the part about suppressing his cultivation level for a fair fight, was truly impressive.

Zhang Yunfan's tense mind finally relaxed, a heavy sense of pressure quietly dissipated, and he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Zhang Yunfan stopped Wei Siling for this very reason.

Although they had only known each other for a short time, it was enough for them to have a vague but real general understanding of each other's temperament and style of doing things.

Putting himself in Zhuo Liqun's shoes, Zhang Yunfan asked himself honestly if the roles were reversed today, he would probably make the exact same choice.

This blood feud was settled with a fair fight. It wasn't about right or wrong, but about the principles and righteousness in our hearts.

If Wei Siling and Zhuo Liqun are allowed to fight.

Today, this place will inevitably end with the complete demise of one side, leaving no room for reversal.

Although Wei Siling came from the Demonic Sect and had an eccentric style, carrying an inescapable demonic aura, she had indeed provided Zhang Yunfan with crucial assistance since their encounter in this perilous little cave realm.

Without Wei Siling by my side, I wouldn't have been able to reach this mysterious well so calmly.

Even whether they could have made it this far alive is a huge question mark.

The fundamental reason why Wei Siling was willing to do her best to help was the master-servant contract that bound her soul, and the coercive force that originated from the soul level.

However, regardless of her motives, every instance of help she provided was a genuine and undeniable act of kindness to Zhang Yunfan.

Moreover, the reason she killed Zhuo Liqun's brother was also to protect Zhang Yunfan, who was in danger and powerless to protect himself at the time.

At least, before the invisible shackles of the master-servant contract are removed, Zhang Yunfan absolutely does not want to see Wei Siling suffer misfortune and perish here while protecting him.

As for Zhuo Liqun, this heroic and upright man was the first person Zhang Yunfan had encountered since he unknowingly stepped into this treacherous and dog-eat-dog world of cultivation, someone he genuinely admired and respected from the bottom of his heart.

Both his magnanimity and his unwavering sense of morality impressed Zhang Yunfan.

Therefore, he absolutely did not want to see such a person perish in this small place.

Fortunately, Zhuo Liqun's choice did not disappoint Zhang Yunfan. Every thought and action of the other party fell precisely into his prediction, as if it were controlling his own actions.

Zhuo Liqun's almost pedantic insistence on fairness was so unbelievable that even the well-informed Zheng Yi found it incredible. In Zhang Yunfan's mind, he commented with a hint of solemnity: "If this kid isn't truly born with a sincere, honest, and straightforward nature, then his cunning... is a bit too deep and frightening."

He was once the emperor, ruling a vast empire, and had experienced countless court intrigues and the treacherous nature of human hearts. He understood best the cold truth behind the seven words "You can know a person's face but not their heart."

After all, Zheng Yi had seen far too many of those so-called "loyal ministers and generals" who appeared to be upright and righteous on the surface, constantly pleading for the people. Among them, there were countless people who were just seeking fame and fortune and had ulterior motives.

Zheng Yi had encountered hypocrites before who could even fool a master of imperial tactics and insightful understanding of human nature.

Therefore, he would never easily trust anyone.

Hearing Zheng Yi's questioning of Zhuo Liqun, Zhang Yunfan felt a surge of displeasure and couldn't help but retort in his mind, "Senior, is it really that difficult for you to admit that there is indeed a truly upright and honest person in this world?"

He added with certainty, "Fellow Daoist Zhuo is definitely that kind of person. I can feel that honesty that comes from the bottom of his heart!"

Zheng Yi was clearly too lazy to waste words explaining the complexities of the world and the wickedness of human nature to this naive young man.

Zhuo Liqun's performance was indeed beyond his expectations, but he still wouldn't easily make a judgment about the man's true character.

Zheng Yi let out a gloating sneer and reminded him, "Alright, kid, instead of arguing with me about whether others are good or bad, you should mind your own business first."

"That guy... he's already attacked!"

Zhuo Liqun's halberd moved without any fancy moves or feints, carrying a resolute aura that could pierce through everything. The cold light at the tip of the halberd condensed like a star, heading straight for Zhang Yunfan's vital chest.

Before taking action, this upright man didn't forget to give a deep warning, his loud voice carrying through the air: "Brother, be careful!"

This seemingly ordinary, even somewhat clumsy, thrust, in Zhang Yunfan's eyes, made every hair on his body stand on end instantly, as a chilling aura of death rushed towards him as if it were a tangible reality.

His vision narrowed sharply, and all that could be clearly reflected in his pupils was the very tip of the halberd, gleaming with a deadly cold light. It seemed to be the only thing in the world, absorbing all the light.

In addition, the entire noisy battlefield, the surrounding cultivators who were eyeing them covetously, and even the sky and the earth, all faded and blurred rapidly in Zhang Yunfan's perception, eventually turning into a chilling void.

The opponent's attack speed was not lightning fast, but Zhang Yunfan felt an invisible, immense pressure locking him in, as if he were trapped in a quagmire with no way out and no space to dodge or move.

Only now, as the cold halberd tip drew ever closer with a sharp whistling sound that tore through the air, did Zhang Yunfan realize, as if doused with ice water, how naive and childish his previous thoughts had been!

It wasn't that Zhuo Liqun broke his promise and deceived him, nor was it that he misjudged Zhuo Liqun's character.

The other party indeed kept their promise strictly. From the fluctuations of spiritual energy to the strength of their physical body, they demonstrated the true cultivation level that a Qi Refining stage cultivator should have, without the slightest overstepping of expectations.

only……

While one's cultivation level can be forcibly suppressed by willpower, the martial arts understanding and combat instincts that have been cultivated for many years, ingrained in one's bones and blood, and imprinted deep within one's soul, are as natural as breathing. They are difficult for a cultivator to adjust or weaken at will!

Looking at Zhuo Liqun's powerful armor and the heavy, menacing halberd in his hand, which only someone with immense strength could wield, his cultivation path becomes self-evident.

What they practice must be a powerful body-refining technique that tempers the physical body and pursues ultimate killing power. It is even highly likely that they hone themselves through pure martial arts, ultimately breaking through the shackles and entering the Dao through martial arts!
Martial arts cultivators like Zhuo Liqun, with their solid foundations and those who have fought their way through mountains of corpses and seas of blood, often possess combat skills in close combat that far surpass those of their peers, and can even challenge opponents of higher levels! This was clearly demonstrated in the seemingly simple yet profoundly deadly thrusting halberd that blocked all escape routes, giving Zhang Yunfan an unprecedented sense of suffocating pressure.

Caught off guard and overwhelmed by the pure killing intent of martial arts, Zhang Yunfan's mind seemed to go blank for a moment. All the spells and movements he had learned in the past froze, and he didn't know how to deal with this fatal blow.

He could only watch helplessly as that cold, icy star rapidly magnified in his vision, getting closer and closer to his vital heart. His body, however, was as if bound by invisible chains, frozen in place, unable to make any effective reaction!

The cultivators who had been intently watching the battle were utterly astonished by Zhang Yunfan's stunned expression, which revealed undisguised contempt and disdainful sneers.

Judging from the bold and unrestrained manner with which this kid drank with Zhuo Liqun earlier, they thought he was a character with hidden depths.

Is this the result?

He couldn't even withstand a casual move from Zhuo Liqun after suppressing his cultivation level; he's a joke!
Even Zhuo Liqun, who launched the attack, felt a great sense of astonishment and confusion. He even subconsciously and imperceptibly tightened his wrist, causing the immense force he had poured into the halberd to diminish slightly.

Just as Zhang Yunfan admired him, he also had a heartfelt appreciation for this like-minded junior.

If not for the heavy oath and responsibility of blood revenge, he would never have been willing to go to war with Zhang Yunfan and face death for the sake of his good-for-nothing, troublemaking younger brother.

But what's going on with this bizarre scene?

Knowing he was no match for the enemy, this kid simply gave up resisting and sought death.
Or... is there some terrifying backup plan hidden in the shadows that I haven't even noticed, one that could turn the tide?
Regardless of the possibility—whether Zhang Yunfan was determined to die or had a sinister plan—Zhuo Liqun keenly sensed a strong sense of incongruity, which greatly conflicted with his previous assessment of Zhang Yunfan.

Zhang Yunfan and Zhuo Liqun are probably the same kind of people at heart. People like them, who act openly and straightforwardly, often disdain holding onto their trump cards tightly in a real life-or-death struggle, saving them for a so-called "critical moment" to trick their opponents. That doesn't align with their beliefs.

Many guesses and deductions flashed through Zhuo Liqun's mind like lightning.

The only thing he didn't expect was that he would eventually reject every single one of his deductions.

Unless, he misjudged Zhang Yunfan.

This is the possibility that Zhuo Liqun least wants to believe.

The arrow was already on the bowstring, and Zhuo Liqun, burdened by a blood oath, did not choose to stop.

He merely used his exquisite control to slightly slow down the speed of his halberd thrust, and also reduced the force contained in the halberd tip, leaving a little room for maneuver.

It seemed that the cold halberd tip would pierce Zhang Yunfan's heart without any hindrance, killing him instantly.

At this critical moment, it felt as if a red-hot steel needle had pierced deep into Zhang Yunfan's sea of ​​consciousness, causing him excruciating pain!

Zheng Yi's urgent and furious roar exploded in his mind: "Kid! What the hell are you standing there for! Get out of the way! Do you really want to die?"

The piercing pain, originating from the soul, was like a thunderclap, instantly pulling Zhang Yunfan out of his daze!

Almost instinctively, he twisted his waist sharply to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack.

The halberd, gleaming with a cold light, whistled past Zhang Yunfan's chest!

The sharp tip of the halberd, just brushing past him, easily tore through the fabric of his clothes, leaving a clear gash. The cold metallic touch instantly sent shivers down his spine.

Judging from this extremely close call, Zhuo Liqun didn't just let the opponent win; he let the opponent win a vast ocean of water!
Because in such a close-quarters situation, given Zhuo Liqun's control over his weapon, he only needed to slightly twist his wrist, without even needing to exert any extra force, for the crescent-shaped blade on the side of the halberd to easily cut into Zhang Yunfan's body, causing a fatal penetrating or lacer wound.

They even disemboweled him on the spot and killed him instantly.

Having successfully dodged the fatal blow, Zhang Yunfan did not pause for a moment. His spiritual energy suddenly burst forth, and his body shot backward like a startled rabbit, instantly creating a safe distance of several feet between himself and Zhuo Liqun.

He raised his hand with lingering fear and touched the ripped hole in his clothes on his chest. The cool sensation from his fingertips made him feel terrified.

"Thank you so much, Brother Zhuo, for showing mercy!" Zhang Yunfan's voice trembled slightly with relief, filled with sincere gratitude: "Otherwise, I would probably have...already be dead here."

Zhuo Liqun's thick eyebrows furrowed, his face showing no sign of triumph, but rather deep displeasure and a hint of anger at being slighted: "Young brother, how can you be so absent-minded and distracted during the battle? I really don't know whether you look down on this life-or-death match, or on me, Zhuo Liqun!!"

As he spoke, his eyes flashed like lightning, and a monstrous killing intent, far more violent and substantial than before, erupted from his burly body like a flood bursting its banks, sweeping out and instantly engulfing the entire battlefield!

Zhuo Liqun's voice was as cold as ice as he questioned, each word distinct and deliberate: "Or... do you really think that I, Zhuo Liqun, would never kill you?!"

"Brother Zhuo, you've misunderstood... I absolutely didn't mean that... I was just... I was..." Zhang Yunfan anxiously tried to explain.

The more anxious I became, the more I wanted to explain myself, the less I knew how to say it.

Finally, Zhang Yunfan gritted his teeth and simply gave up on his weak and feeble explanations!
He slapped his right hand behind him, and a clear dragon's roar rang out. The simple and unadorned great sword was instantly unsheathed, turning into a stream of light and falling into his palm!

Zhang Yunfan gripped the sword hilt tightly with one hand, his eyes suddenly becoming incredibly focused and sharp.

Without the slightest hesitation or any fancy opening moves, he simply swung his sword at Zhuo Liqun in a seemingly casual and unremarkable manner.

The moment he swung his sword, those cultivators with higher cultivation levels and sharper eyesight among the surrounding cultivators who were waiting to see him make a fool of himself suddenly changed their expressions, as if they had seen a ghost!
"This...how is this possible?!" someone exclaimed in shock, their voice trembling.

"It can't be real! With his mere Qi Refining stage cultivation, how could he possibly perform..." The other person's eyes widened, his face filled with disbelief. (End of Chapter)