From the fake emperor to the concubine

Zhang Yunfan himself knows best how his body is in condition and how far he is from death.

Hearing Zheng Yi's confident words, Zhang Yunfan couldn't help but feel a little doubtful: "Senior, you...you're not joking with me, are you?"

As he awkwardly parried the heavy halberd blade, he urgently asked in his mind, "Could there be some untapped potential within me that I don't even know I possess?"

Actually, there was another half-sentence filled with deep doubt that Zhang Yunfan didn't dare to say directly.

I felt like I was about to completely collapse at any moment. Where was the last bit of potential left in my body?
You spoke with such certainty, it sounded so real...

Are you really not trying to fool me?

"You little brat!" Zheng Yi's voice, tinged with feigned anger, echoed in Zhang Yunfan's mind. "You dare to doubt even the words of your master?!"

Even though Zhang Yunfan didn't say a word explicitly, Zheng Yi's shrewd mind could easily see through his doubts, and he immediately snorted disdainfully.

Zhang Yunfan didn't realize that Zheng Yi was already acting as his master even though he hadn't agreed to become his apprentice.

Although he was watching the spectacle, Zheng Yi's consciousness was never truly idle.

The reason he was initially attracted to Zhang Yunfan, besides the boy's talent, was the unfathomable mysterious seal within Zhang Yunfan's body.

Ever since his fragment of consciousness possessed Zhang Yunfan's body, Zheng Yi had been preoccupied with studying the seal that was clinging to Zhang Yunfan like a malignant tumor.

The more he studied it, the more alarmed he became.

It is unknown who or what deity laid down this spell, but the complexity of this seal far surpasses the already extremely troublesome bloodline curse seal passed down through generations of his descendants.

If Zheng Yi hadn't delved into the complex arts of cultivation—including weapon crafting, talismans, formations, sealing, and curses—in his previous worlds in order to create cultivation techniques, accumulating an extremely profound foundation, then he wouldn't have achieved such success.

He probably doesn't even understand the intricacies of this seal.

Even with Zheng Yi's masterful knowledge of various subjects, the complexity and ingenuity of this seal was undoubtedly the pinnacle of his life.

During the research and deciphering process, Zheng Yi's consciousness repeatedly uttered silent sighs.

Such a terrifying and extremely intricate seal, its construction principles and energy flow are simply unbelievable!
How exactly does it manage to be cleverly applied to a person's body without harming the host?

Compared to the terrifying power and technology contained in the seal itself, the method of casting the spell and the exquisite control over the power surprised Zheng Yi even more.

The first layer of this seal presents a strange and contradictory sense of complexity and simplicity.

It is complex because it is not a single seal, but rather a mixture of forty-nine independent seals of different natures, which are interlocked like precise gears.

Each seal contains 108 subtle patterns of change.

Moreover, these changes are not fixed, but rather, like the movement of stars, follow specific rules and evolve dynamically and endlessly as the twelve two-hour periods of a day change.

To break this seal, one must accurately grasp the exact time and the current sequence of the seal's operation, and then break it one by one in an extremely demanding order.

The sheer number of permutations and combinations contained within is as vast as the stars in the sky; it would take a lifetime to fully deduce it!

However, it is simple because this seal is not theoretically unsolvable.

This is like a super sturdy box that has been cleverly fitted with hundreds of sophisticated combination locks with complex passwords of more than ten digits.

With almost limitless patience, enough time, and meticulous perseverance, one can try every possible combination of passwords on each lock.

In theory, these locks can always be unlocked one by one, and the box can eventually be opened.

Of course, the time required for this attempt and cracking process could be measured in hundreds of years, or even last year!
For the clueless Zhang Yunfan, his biggest challenge wasn't even cracking the code.

The key lies in knowing how to discover that there is such a box inside your body, imprisoned by layers of combination locks.

And how to find and understand the existence of this box.

Zheng Yi was different. With his powerful divine sense and profound knowledge, he naturally knew about the existence of the "box" inside Zhang Yunfan's body.

More importantly, he also possesses special skills that allow him to spy on and attempt to crack these complex combination locks.

However, no matter how sophisticated the techniques used, when faced with such a layered, nested, and dynamically changing seal, the only approach is essentially the most rudimentary method: trying to deduce and break it layer by layer!
If the ignorant Zhang Yunfan were to try to crack the code himself, it would probably take a thousand years.

If the experienced Zheng Yi were to perform the deductions, with his profound expertise, he might be able to compress the process to within a century.

Of course, whether it's a thousand years or a hundred years, it's meaningless to Zhang Yunfan, who is currently on the verge of life and death and desperately needs power.

Others might be helpless in the face of such a predicament and could only watch Zhang Yunfan's defeat and demise.

But who is Zheng Yi? He has never been one to play by the rules or follow conventions!

Since it is impossible to crack this incredibly complex code in a short period of time.

So why not tamper with this sturdy box and open a back door?

Therefore, during the period when Zhang Yunfan and Zhuo Liqun were fighting fiercely and their physical potential was being pushed to the limit,

Zheng Yi secretly mobilized his powerful divine sense, like the most skillful micro-carving master, and secretly and carefully opened an extremely tiny hole in this profound sealing barrier.

This hole is so tiny that it is several times thinner than the finest strand of a human hair.

Such tiny pores cannot even allow the slowest flow of water to pass through.

However, it could not stop the invisible and intangible spiritual energy of heaven and earth!
The amount of spiritual energy escaping from this tiny pore is pitifully weak, even for a Foundation Establishment cultivator, and can be almost ignored.

However, for Zhang Yunfan, who only had the cultivation level of Qi Refining and whose spiritual energy was already exhausted, this was a different story.

This little bit of inspiration is like a timely rain from heaven.

After hearing Zheng Yi's quick and concise explanation in his mind, Zhang Yunfan was practically ecstatic!
Although he was confused by the complex principles of the sealing that the other party explained, he didn't quite understand them.

But there was one thing he heard clearly and understood perfectly: this mysterious senior was actually able to open a hole in that damned seal inside his body, allowing him to obtain a precious replenishment of spiritual energy!
"Senior! You...you're telling me all true?!" A tremendous surprise overwhelmed Zhang Yunfan's almost numb nerves, and he eagerly asked in his mind.

With a smug look of complete control, Zheng Yi sneered, "Nonsense! What good would it do me to lie to a fool like you?"

His tone shifted, becoming authoritative and unquestionable: "In short, if you want to win this battle, immediately become my disciple!" "As long as you kowtow and become my disciple, I will intervene and temporarily break a sliver of the seal on you!"

Zheng Yi originally thought that, given Zhang Yunfan's stubborn personality, the kid would definitely be a bit coy.

To his surprise, Zhang Yunfan barely hesitated before kneeling down solemnly in the mental world constructed by his consciousness space, performing a deep bow to Zheng Yi's projection of consciousness!

"Senior has repeatedly helped this junior... no..." Zhang Yunfan's divine thought was filled with unprecedented respect and gratitude, "Disciple Zhang Yunfan will remember this forever!"

"The situation is special at this time, with a powerful enemy in front of us. It is really impossible to arrange a formal apprenticeship ceremony. Please forgive us, Master."

He added sincerely, "Once this matter is settled, I will definitely present you with the most solemn apprenticeship ceremony!"

"Oh ho?" Zheng Yi raised an illusory eyebrow in his mind with interest: "Didn't you always want to join the Zheng family? Why did you agree so readily?"

He looked at him with a hint of scrutiny: "You little rascal, you're not trying to fool me, are you? Trying to cram at the last minute, are you?"

Zhang Yunfan responded openly and honestly, without any concealment: "Master, since I have already performed the ceremony of becoming your disciple, it is with my true heart, and there is absolutely no reason for me to go back on my word."

"As you know, the reason I am so determined to join the Zheng family is to find a way to remove this damned seal from my body. I have no deep connection or special feelings for the Zheng family itself."

"Now that you, Master, possess extraordinary abilities, you can help me loosen the seal and relieve my urgent crisis."

Zhang Yunfan's logic was clear: "Then what essential difference does it make whether I join the Zheng family or not?"

Seeing how earnest and sincere his explanation was, Zheng Yi couldn't help but chuckle.

With a formidable enemy at hand, this is no time for deep discussions.

Zheng Yi said no more and immediately activated his exquisite divine sense power.

Like the most skilled locksmith, he precisely moved the barely perceptible hole he had left in the seal beforehand.

A unique spiritual energy, clear and pure, far surpassing the spiritual energy of the outside world, flowed quietly from the tiny crack in the seal like a gentle stream.

It slowly flowed into Zhang Yunfan's long-dried-up meridians, and wherever it passed, it was like sweet rain nourishing the cracked earth, quickly nourishing and repairing the damaged meridians, bringing an indescribable sense of comfort.

The feeling of comfort almost made Zhang Yunfan lose control, and he groaned out in pleasure!

Only now did their mental communication within the sea of ​​consciousness finally end.

The sense of time that had seemed stretched out and frozen in the outside world instantly returned to its normal flow.

Zhuo Liqun's halberd, heavy as a mountain and carrying the force of wind and thunder, had its sharp blade almost touching Zhang Yunfan's nose!
I wonder if it's just an illusion caused by the return of power.

Zhang Yunfan felt that Zhuo Liqun's fatal blow seemed to be much slower than before, and its trajectory had become clearly discernible!
He merely moved his mind slightly and casually raised his wrist.

clang!
A dull, yet much louder, impact rang out!

The thick, heavy blade of the great sword perfectly blocked the opponent's thunderous attack.

Before this, every powerful slash and thrust from Zhuo Liqun would cause Zhang Yunfan's arm to ache and feel excruciating pain, and his hand to feel like it was about to split open.

This time, however, the expected terrifying backlash and tearing pain did not occur.

Although the power emanating from the halberd was still formidable and difficult to resist, it was transformed and neutralized by the newly generated, condensed power flow within his body.

Dealing with it is so much easier than before.

"You brat!" As Zhang Yunfan's most direct opponent, Zhuo Liqun's pupils suddenly contracted, and he instantly noticed the earth-shattering change in Zhang Yunfan. He exclaimed in surprise, "You brat, even now, you still have hidden strength."

Just a moment ago, this kid was on his last legs, barely clinging to life.

In the blink of an eye, not only did the spiritual energy within his body become abundant and surging, but it also exuded an indescribable strangeness!
His halberd slashed at the broad blade, and it felt as if the sword was encased in a strange armor that was harder than refined gold and as tough as dragon tendons.

His own strength, enough to split mountains and shatter rocks, was like a mud ox entering the sea, unable to penetrate it at all.

In the blink of an eye, their weapons clashed fiercely more than a dozen times.

Zhang Yunfan quickly adapted to the characteristics of this new power within his body, and his movements became increasingly fluid and natural.

The spiritual energy flowing from the cracks in the seal, though not vast in total, was extremely pure and refined.

Its quality is so high that it seems to have been compressed and condensed from ordinary liquid spiritual energy into something almost tangible.

Even Zhuo Liqun, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, admired the level of spiritual energy refinement at this stage.

It was this incredibly pure and refined spiritual energy that bridged the huge gap between the two in their cultivation levels, greatly reducing the difference in their strength.

"Brother Zhuo! Watch out!" Zhang Yunfan's eyes flashed with a sharp light as he shouted, "This time... it's my turn to attack!"

The seemingly heavy greatsword in his hand was now wielded by him with effortless ease. With a single, unadorned strike, the "Mindless Strike" martial arts essence condensed on it was even purer and more refined than when Zhuo Liqun used it!
"This...?" Zhuo Liqun was shocked!
This kid's "Mindless Strike" feels... a bit stronger than mine, the creator! How is that possible?

After a few exchanges, Zhuo Liqun helplessly realized that his intuition was correct.

Zhang Yunfan's "Mindless Strike" was indeed stronger than that of the creator himself.

Despite the sudden surge of power, Zhang Yunfan became significantly stronger.

However, if Zhuo Liqun does not limit his power, this kid is still no match for him.

The problem is that Zhuo Liqun, who had confined himself to the Qi Refining stage, suddenly found himself unable to withstand Zhang Yunfan's attacks.

He could only feel that each of his sword strikes was faster and more ferocious than the last.

The sword embodies the power of a single, thoughtless strike, and with each strike, it becomes increasingly skillful and refined.

Finally, it was so powerful that even Zhuo Liqun found it hard to believe.

This change even plunged Zhuo Liqun into deep self-doubt.

The techniques he created himself, and those he thought were no longer so powerful after his cultivation improved, actually contained such terrifying potential? (End of Chapter)