From the fake emperor to the concubine

The forced boost he just received caused further damage to his body, and if he doesn't receive treatment soon, the consequences could be dire.

"Senior, what is my current situation?" Zhang Yunfan asked in his divine sense.

“It’s bad, but not beyond saving yet,” Zheng Yi said with worry. “You must get to the third floor as soon as possible; the treatment I left behind is there.”

How far is the third floor?

"You'll arrive once you cross this forest. But there might be other monsters along the way, so be careful."

Zhang Yunfan nodded and forced himself to stand up.

After resting for a while, the two continued their journey deeper into the forest.

Having learned from the White Tiger's experience, none of the monsters they encountered afterwards attacked them. Perhaps sensing the aura the White Tiger lingered on them, the monsters all kept their distance.

"It seems there are benefits to defeating the White Tiger after all," Zhang Yunfan thought to himself.

In the world of demon beasts, strength is everything. Since he was able to fight the White Tiger to a draw, he proved his strength, and other demon beasts naturally dared not provoke him easily.

After passing through the forest, they came to a stone gate. The stone gate was three zhang high, and it was carved with intricate patterns, looking ancient and mysterious.

“This should be the entrance to the third floor,” Zhang Yunfan said.

There is a circular groove in the center of the stone door, which looks like it requires something to open.

"Senior, what is needed to open this door?" Zhang Yunfan asked.

“Just a drop of blood in the groove will do,” Zheng Yi replied. “This is the bloodline authentication I set up; only those I approve of can enter.”

Zhang Yunfan bit his finger and dripped a drop of blood into the groove.

The blood was instantly absorbed the moment it touched the groove. The next moment, the entire stone door began to glow, and then slowly opened.

Behind the door was a more spacious stone chamber, but unlike the previous two floors, the decorations here were extremely exquisite. The walls were inlaid with various gemstones, the floor was paved with jade, and even the air was filled with a faint fragrance.

The most striking feature is a pool in the center of the stone chamber. The water is as clear as a mirror, radiating a faint, ethereal glow.

"This is... a spiritual spring?" Zhang Yunfan exclaimed in surprise.

Spiritual springs are extremely precious natural treasures that can not only quickly heal injuries but also enhance cultivation aptitude.

"That's right, this is the spiritual spring I discovered back then." Zheng Yi's voice carried a hint of pride. "Soaking here for a day will completely heal your injuries, and your cultivation will also see a significant improvement."

"Senior, this is too precious." Zhang Yunfan was somewhat incredulous.

"So what if it's precious? To me, your value far exceeds these external things," Zheng Yi said gently. "Go soak in the spring water; the longer you delay, the worse it will be for you."

Without further hesitation, Zhang Yunfan took off his coat and stepped into the spiritual spring.

He was surrounded by warm spring water, and streams of pure spiritual energy seeped into his skin, repairing his damaged meridians.

The comfortable feeling made him let out a long sigh.

"Siling, come down too," Zhang Yunfan said to Wei Siling on the shore. "You're injured too, you need treatment."

Wei Siling blushed slightly, but ultimately stepped into the spring.

The two quietly recuperated in the spiritual spring, and their fatigue and pain slowly disappeared.

“Master, we are really lucky,” Wei Siling said softly.

“Yes, without your help, we would have died long ago,” Zhang Yunfan said gratefully.

Zhang Yunfan soaked in the spiritual spring for a full day and night. Under the nourishment of the spiritual spring, the damaged meridians in his body were gradually repaired, and his originally pale complexion returned to rosy hue.

"How are you feeling?" Zheng Yi's voice echoed in his mind.

"It's better than ever before." Zhang Yunfan let out a long sigh of relief. "Not only have my injuries fully recovered, but my cultivation level has also improved considerably."

"That's good." Zheng Yi nodded in satisfaction. "Now we can proceed with the final test."

Zhang Yunfan and Wei Siling emerged from the spiritual spring and changed into clean clothes. Having been cleansed by the spring, their demeanor had changed, making them appear even more ethereal and otherworldly.

"Senior, what is the final test?" Zhang Yunfan asked.

"It's very simple, yet also very difficult," Zheng Yi's voice turned serious. "You will need to cultivate in seclusion until you break through to the Foundation Establishment stage."

"Secluded cultivation?" Zhang Yunfan was somewhat surprised. "What kind of test is this?"

"Do you think it's easy?" Zheng Yi countered. "In this stone chamber, there's a time-acceleration array I've set up. One day inside is equivalent to ten days outside. But at the same time, you can't leave here until you successfully break through to the Foundation Establishment stage."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yunfan's expression turned serious.

The time acceleration array is indeed a good thing, as it can greatly shorten cultivation time. However, if one cannot break through it, it means being trapped here forever.

"Senior, what if I can't break through?" Zhang Yunfan asked worriedly.

"Then keep cultivating until you break through." Zheng Yi's tone was tinged with coldness. "The path of cultivation is inherently about defying fate. If you don't even have this much resolve, what are you talking about when you talk about cultivation?"

Zhang Yunfan was silent for a moment, then finally nodded and said, "I understand."

"What about Siling? Is she coming too?"

“Of course, she is your Daoist partner, so naturally she should stand by you through thick and thin,” Zheng Yi said. “Moreover, dual cultivation is beneficial to both of your cultivation.”

Upon hearing the words "Daoist partner," Wei Siling's face turned as red as an apple, but she did not refute them; she simply lowered her head shyly.

“Okay, we accept this test,” Zhang Yunfan said firmly.

As soon as he finished speaking, the wall deep inside the stone chamber suddenly opened, revealing an even more secluded space.

It was a circular cultivation chamber, with countless spirit stones embedded in the walls, radiating a rich spiritual energy. The floor was engraved with intricate array patterns, clearly a time acceleration array.

"Go in. Remember, it's all or nothing," Zheng Yi said finally.

Zhang Yunfan and Wei Siling exchanged a glance, then walked hand in hand into the cultivation room.

As soon as they entered, the door to the training room closed automatically, and the time acceleration array was activated at the same time.

Zhang Yunfan could clearly feel the change in the flow of time; everything around him slowed down, but his own perception remained normal.

"This is what it feels like to accelerate time," Zhang Yunfan thought to himself.

The two sat cross-legged in the cultivation room and began their long period of secluded cultivation.

Nourished by the abundant spiritual energy, Zhang Yunfan's cultivation began to steadily improve. From the ninth level of Qi Refining to the Great Perfection of Qi Refining, he then began to break through the barrier of the Foundation Establishment stage.

However, the Foundation Establishment stage is not something that can be broken through at will; it requires opportunity, enlightenment, and sufficient accumulation.

Time flowed slowly in the cultivation room. Ten days had passed in the outside world, but Zhang Yunfan still showed no signs of breaking through. He remained calm and composed, continuing his steady cultivation. Being impatient would only backfire; the most important thing in cultivation was one's state of mind.

Meanwhile, inside the Zheng family mansion.

"Clan leader, we can't keep waiting like this," Zheng Tiansu frowned. "Although we've decided not to launch a counterattack for now, we can't remain silent forever. The cultivation world is laughing at us, saying that our Zheng family is all bark and no bite."

Zheng Tianhao nodded; he also felt the pressure.

Although they won a great victory in the last battle, their lack of follow-up actions has indeed raised some suspicions.

There are rumors that the patriarch of the Zheng family has died from exhaustion, while others say that the Zheng family is actually bluffing.

Various rumors spread, which had a significant impact on the Zheng family's reputation.

“Second Uncle is right,” Zheng Tianming agreed. “While we can’t act rashly, we must make our stance clear. Let those petty scoundrels know that the Zheng family is not to be trifled with.”

"So what do you all mean?" Zheng Tianhao asked.

"I suggest sending people to those forces involved in the attack to demand an explanation," Zheng Tiansu said. "We don't necessarily need to take action, but we need to let them know our stance."

“That’s a good idea,” Zheng Tianhao considered for a moment, “but who would be the most suitable person to send?”

“I think Cheng Bai is the most suitable,” Zheng Tianming said. “Everyone has witnessed his strength, and his personality is also well-suited for this kind of mission.”

Indeed, Zheng Chengbai is not only powerful but also has a sharp tongue, making him perfect for causing trouble for others.

"Chengbai, what do you mean?" Zheng Tianhao asked Zheng Chengbai.

"Clan leader, of course I'm willing to serve the clan!" Zheng Chengbai said excitedly. "Tell me, where should I seek justice?"

"Let's go to the nearest Qingye Valley first," Zheng Tianhao said after a moment's thought. "Although Qingye Valley isn't the main enemy, they've still sent people to participate in the attack. And it's not far away, making it a good place to probe."

Qingye Valley is a medium-sized cultivation sect, with strength around the Foundation Establishment stage, and is about two hundred miles away from the Zheng family. They did send some people to participate in the last attack, but not as the main force.

"Alright! I'll go deal with those guys right now!" Zheng Chengbai rubbed his hands together, eager to get started.

"Don't worry, I'll assign you a few more men," Zheng Tianhao said. "Although Qingye Valley isn't very strong, we're still on their territory, so it's best to be careful."

"Chieftain, I can handle this on my own," Zheng Chengbai said confidently. "I can take care of those guys from Qingye Valley all by myself."

“That’s not how it works,” Zheng Tianming shook his head. “The art of war says: even a lion uses its full strength to hunt a rabbit. Since we’re going to seek justice, we need to be fully prepared.”

Ultimately, Zheng Tianhao decided to have Zheng Chengbai take five elite members of the clan with him to Qingye Valley.

"Remember, our goal this time isn't to wipe out Green Leaf Valley, but to make our stance clear," Zheng Tianhao specifically instructed. "Avoid fighting if possible, but if they don't know what's good for them, don't hold back."

"Understood!" Zheng Chengbai patted his chest to assure him.

That afternoon, Zheng Chengbai set off with his men.

Aoba Valley is located in a verdant valley, which is lush and green, and is indeed a beautiful place.

But today, this peaceful valley has welcomed an uninvited guest.

"Friends of Qingye Valley, Zheng Chengbai of the Zheng family has come to pay a visit!" Zheng Chengbai stood at the entrance of the valley and shouted loudly, gathering his inner strength.

The sound echoed like thunder through the valley, startling countless birds into flight.

Soon, the people from Qingye Valley came out.

The leader was a middle-aged Taoist priest with a long beard, who looked like a hermit. He was Master Qingye of Qingye Valley.

"So you're a friend of the Zheng family. May I ask what brings you here?" Master Qingye asked knowingly.

"What brings you here?" Zheng Chengbai sneered. "Master Qingye, what could possibly be your business?"

Master Qingye inwardly groaned. He had long anticipated this day would come, but he hadn't expected it to arrive so soon.

Qingye Valley did participate in the attack on the Zheng family last time, but it was under duress from the Demon Heart Sect. Given Qingye Valley's strength, it had no choice but to comply.

But now that the Zheng family has come knocking, he can't tell the truth, or he'll offend the Demon Heart Sect.

"Young friend Zheng, I really don't understand what you mean," Master Qingye said, forcing a smile.

"Don't understand?" Zheng Chengbai's voice suddenly turned icy. "Then let me remind you. Three days ago, wasn't there an attack on our Zheng family?"

"How would I know?" Master Qingye continued to feign ignorance.

"Master Qingye, are you taking me for a fool?" Zheng Chengbai approached step by step. "The bodies of those disciples you sent are still kept at our Zheng family residence. Should I bring them over for you to identify?"

Upon hearing this, Master Qingye's expression immediately turned ugly.

Indeed, the disciples he sent all died at the Zheng family's hands; this is an undeniable fact.

"Young friend Zheng, there might be some misunderstanding about this matter," Master Qingye tried to ease the tension.

"A misunderstanding?" Zheng Chengbai sneered repeatedly. "Your disciple attacked our Zheng family with swords and knives, and you call that a misunderstanding? So, according to you, if I were to chop you in half with a single sword strike right now, that would also be a misunderstanding?"

As he spoke, he made a gesture as if to draw his sword, which frightened the disciples of Qingye Valley into retreating.

"Wait! Let's talk this out!" Master Qingye quickly waved his hand.

"Easy to say?" Zheng Chengbai stopped what he was doing. "Then tell me, how exactly should this be said?"

Cold sweat broke out on Master Aoba's forehead as he quickly considered his options.

Given the strength Zheng Chengbai just displayed, if he were to actually make a move, the entire Qingye Valley might not be his match.

"It was indeed our fault in this matter," Master Qingye finally admitted, "but we were also misled and made a mistake in a moment of confusion."

"Bewitched?" Zheng Cheng rolled his eyes. "Bewitched by the Demon Heart Sect, right?"

Master Qingye's expression changed; he hadn't expected Zheng Chengbai to be so direct.

"I...I..." He stammered, unable to speak.

"Looks like I guessed right." Zheng Chengbai smiled smugly. "Master Qingye, you are a senior figure in the cultivation world. How could you be manipulated by those evil cultivators from the Demon Heart Sect?"

"This..." Master Qingye said with a bitter face, "Young friend Zheng, you may not know this, but our Qingye Valley is weak and we are truly forced by the coercion of the Demon Heart Sect."

"Oh? Is that so?" Zheng Chengbai feigned surprise. "And now? Is the Demon Heart Sect still threatening you?"

“Of course not now,” Master Qingye said cautiously.

"Since you don't have any left, you should know what to do, right?" Zheng Chengbai pressed on. (End of Chapter)