From the fake emperor to the concubine

“Master, your aura seems a little different,” Wei Siling asked with concern.

She hasn't been idle these past three years. Under Zhang Yunfan's guidance, her cultivation level has also improved from the early stage of Foundation Establishment to the middle stage, a remarkably rapid advancement.

“Yes, I feel it.” Zhang Yunfan nodded. “The opportunity to establish your foundation is right before your eyes.”

The Foundation Establishment stage is the first important hurdle on the path of cultivation. The transition from the Qi Refining stage to the Foundation Establishment stage is not merely an improvement in cultivation level, but also a sublimation of the essence of life.

Once the foundation is successfully established, not only will one's strength experience a qualitative leap, but one's lifespan will also be greatly extended, thus truly embarking on the path of cultivation and immortality.

"Senior, I feel I'm only a hair's breadth away from a breakthrough, but I'm always just a little short," Zhang Yunfan asked Zheng Yi through his divine sense.

"That's normal," Zheng Yi's voice echoed in his mind. "Foundation building isn't something that happens automatically; it requires opportunity, insight, and sufficient accumulation."

"What should this disciple do now?"

“No rush, your foundation is already solid enough. What you need to do now is calm your mind and seek the opportunity for a breakthrough,” Zheng Yi patiently instructed. “Tell me, what is your understanding of ‘foundation’?”

"Ji?" Zhang Yunfan pondered, "It should mean foundation or basis, right?"

"That's too superficial," Zheng Yi shook his head. "Foundation Building isn't just about building the foundation of spiritual power, but also the foundation of the Dao."

"The foundation of the Tao?" Zhang Yunfan asked, somewhat puzzled.

“That’s right. The path of cultivation, in essence, is the path of enlightenment.” Zheng Yi patiently explained, “The Qi Refining stage is merely about accumulating power, while the Foundation Establishment stage is about beginning to touch upon the true meaning of the ‘Dao.’”

"Please give me your detailed guidance, senior," Zhang Yunfan said respectfully.

"Close your eyes and carefully sense the spiritual energy of heaven and earth around you," Zheng Yi said. "Don't think about absorbing it or circulating it; just purely feel it."

Following Zheng Yi's instructions, Zhang Yunfan closed his eyes, relaxed his mind, and began to perceive everything around him.

Gradually, he sensed something unusual.

The spiritual energy was no longer just simple energy, but possessed a certain regularity and rhythm. It flowed through space, following an order he had never noticed before.

"Can you feel it?" Zheng Yi's voice became even gentler.

“Yes, I felt it,” Zhang Yunfan said with delight. “The spiritual energy seems to have a life of its own; it flows according to some kind of law.”

“Excellent, this is the manifestation of the ‘Dao’,” Zheng Yi said approvingly. “Everything has its own Dao, and spiritual energy is no exception. Foundation Building is about merging one’s spiritual power with this ‘Dao’.”

"Merge?"

"That's right. Before, your cultivation was just accumulating spiritual energy, like filling a container with water. Foundation Building, on the other hand, is about organizing and regulating that spiritual energy to form your own Dao foundation."

Under Zheng Yi's guidance, Zhang Yunfan began to try a completely new cultivation method.

He no longer simply absorbed spiritual energy, but tried to understand the flow of spiritual energy and make the spiritual power in his body operate in accordance with this law.

This is an extremely difficult process.

His previous cultivation was like that of a porter, where he only needed to move spiritual energy to his dantian. But now, he has to be like an engineer, understanding, designing, and building.

Time passed slowly in the training room.

Zhang Yunfan sometimes succeeds, sometimes fails. But each attempt deepens his understanding of "Tao".

“Master, you have been cultivating for three days and three nights.” Wei Siling said with some concern.

"Three days already?" Zhang Yunfan opened his eyes, a hint of fatigue flashing across them, but mostly excitement. "I feel like I'm almost there."

Indeed, after these three days of reflection, his understanding of the laws governing the circulation of spiritual energy has reached a new level.

The spiritual energy within his body was no longer chaotic as before, but began to flow in an orderly manner according to a certain pattern.

"Senior, I feel like I've found my direction," Zhang Yunfan reported in his divine sense.

"Very good, it seems your comprehension is higher than I expected," Zheng Yi said with satisfaction. "Now, it's time for the final breakthrough."

"Please give me your instructions, senior."

"Remember, the key to Foundation Establishment lies not in the magnitude of power, but in the establishment of order," Zheng Yi said solemnly. "What you need to do is establish a complete spiritual energy circulation system within your dantian."

"A spiritual energy circulation system?"

“That’s right. Just like blood circulation in the human body, you need to create a complete cycle of spiritual energy within your body,” Zheng Yi explained in detail. “Only by establishing this circulatory system can you truly be considered to have successfully completed the Foundation Establishment.”

Zhang Yunfan took a deep breath and began his final assault.

He mobilized all the spiritual energy in his body and, following Zheng Yi's guidance, began to build a circulation system in his dantian.

This is an extremely complex process that requires precise control and a deep understanding.

If you are not careful, all your previous efforts will be wasted, and you may even go astray and become possessed.

"Stay calm and don't be impatient," Zheng Yi's voice rang out at the crucial moment. "Building a foundation is like constructing a tall building; if the foundation is unstable, even a towering structure will collapse."

Zhang Yunfan forced himself to calm down and gradually built this cyclical system.

Time seemed to stretch on endlessly, each second an agony.

But finally, at a crucial moment, he sensed a strange change.

The spiritual energy within his body suddenly "came alive" and began to flow in an orderly manner according to the cyclical system he had constructed.

In the center of his dantian, a small vortex began to form.

This vortex, like a heartbeat, rhythmically propelled spiritual energy to circulate throughout the body's meridians.

"boom!"

A powerful aura erupted from Zhang Yunfan, causing the entire training room to tremble.

His cultivation level underwent a qualitative leap in that instant, advancing from the Great Perfection of Qi Refining to the Early Stage of Foundation Establishment!
"We did it!" Wei Siling exclaimed excitedly.

Zhang Yunfan slowly opened his eyes, his eyes shining with an unprecedented light.

He could feel that he was completely different from three days ago. It wasn't just an increase in strength, but a fundamental sublimation.

"Senior, your disciple has succeeded!" Zhang Yunfan excitedly reported in his divine sense.

"Very good, your performance has exceeded my expectations." Zheng Yi's voice was filled with obvious satisfaction. "Now you can truly say you've embarked on the path of cultivation."

"Thank you for your guidance, senior!" Zhang Yunfan bowed respectfully.

"Get up. This is mainly due to your own efforts," Zheng Yi said with a smile. "However, having just broken through to the Foundation Establishment stage, you still need time to consolidate your realm."

"This disciple understands."

Over the next few days, Zhang Yunfan focused on consolidating his newly acquired cultivation level.

The biggest difference between the Foundation Establishment stage and the Qi Refining stage lies in the more refined use of spiritual power.

Previously, his attacks relied mainly on brute force, but now he can multiply his power through skill and strategy.

"Master, your demeanor has changed completely," Wei Siling exclaimed in amazement. "You give off a more profound and composed vibe."

Indeed, after successfully establishing his foundation, Zhang Yunfan's entire demeanor changed.

If he was like an unsharpened sword before, he is now a drawn sword, its edge concealed yet sharper. "Siling, your cultivation has also improved considerably," Zhang Yunfan said with satisfaction, looking at Wei Siling. "When we return to the Zheng family, I will find a way to help you further enhance your skills."

"Master, when are we going back?" Wei Siling asked.

“That’s enough.” Zhang Yunfan stood up. “I’ve cultivated here long enough; it’s time to return to the outside world.”

"Senior, may I leave now?" Zhang Yunfan asked Zheng Yi for his opinion.

“Of course,” Zheng Yi said with a smile. “You have completed the task I gave you, and you have done it exceptionally well.”

"Then this cave dwelling..."

"Keep it; you might need it later," Zheng Yi said. "But before I leave, there's one more thing I want to give you."

As soon as he finished speaking, the wall of the cultivation room suddenly opened, revealing a hidden space.

A sword floated in that space.

The sword is entirely silver-white, with intricate runes engraved on its blade, emitting a faint spiritual light.

"What is this?!" Zhang Yunfan stared at the sword in shock.

"This is the sword I used when I was young, named 'Void Breaker'," Zheng Yi said with a touch of reminiscence. "It's a mid-grade spiritual weapon, just right for your current cultivation level."

"Senior, this is too precious." Zhang Yunfan was somewhat hesitant to accept it.

“Take it, it’s what you deserve,” Zheng Yi insisted. “Besides, I have a feeling you’ll need it soon.”

"We'll need it soon?" Zhang Yunfan's heart skipped a beat. "Senior, you mean..."

"The situation outside might be more complicated than you imagine," Zheng Yi's tone turned serious. "A lot has happened in the cultivation world in the past three months."

"whats the matter?"

"You'll understand when you return to the Zheng family," Zheng Yi said without elaborating. "Remember, your strength has increased, but don't be arrogant. The path of cultivation is long, and you've only just begun."

"This disciple will keep in mind your teachings, senior," Zhang Yunfan said respectfully.

As Zhang Yunfan took the Void-Breaking Sword, he felt a warm sensation emanating from its blade, as if the sword was welcoming its new master.

"What a fine sword!" Zhang Yunfan exclaimed.

With this mid-grade spiritual weapon, his combat power will be greatly enhanced.

After packing their things, Zhang Yunfan and Wei Siling stepped out of the training room.

The time acceleration array automatically shut down as they left, and the entire third level fell silent once more.

"Master, what will the outside world be like?" Wei Siling asked excitedly.

"No matter what it is, we have to face it." Zhang Yunfan gripped the Void-Breaking Sword in his hand. "But now, I have the confidence to face any challenge."

Indeed, his Foundation Establishment stage strength greatly boosted his confidence.

Previously, he had to fight desperately against powerful enemies in the late Foundation Establishment stage, but now he can deal with them with ease.

More importantly, his understanding of "Tao" during his cultivation process also led to a qualitative improvement in his combat skills.

After leaving Yunqi Cave, the two embarked on their journey back to the Zheng family.

Along the way, Zhang Yunfan noticed that the surrounding spiritual energy environment seemed somewhat abnormal.

A tense atmosphere permeated the air, and even the cultivators encountered on the road were hurrying along, as if they were worried about something.

"It seems something major has indeed happened in the cultivation world," Zhang Yunfan thought to himself.

They quickened their pace and soon approached the Zheng family's territory.

But when they were still fifty miles from the Zheng family's house, Zhang Yunfan suddenly stopped.

"What's wrong, Master?" Wei Siling asked in confusion.

"There are signs of a struggle," Zhang Yunfan frowned. "And it was quite intense."

Indeed, the surrounding trees showed obvious signs of damage, and there were craters on the ground left from the battle.

Judging from these traces, a battle between powerful cultivators once took place here.

"Master, could it be someone from the Zheng family?" Wei Siling asked worriedly.

"Possibly." Zhang Yunfan carefully observed the traces of the battle. "Judging from the characteristics of these attacks, there are indeed traces of the Zheng family's martial arts techniques."

This made Zhang Yunfan feel heavy-hearted.

If it really was the Zheng family fighting here, and they left such intense traces, it means the situation is not optimistic.

"Let's speed things up and get back to the Zheng family immediately!" Zhang Yunfan made up his mind.

The two used their movement techniques to rush towards the Zheng family's territory at full speed.

But the closer Zhang Yunfan got to the Zheng family, the stronger his unease became.

He discovered that the traces of battle along the way were becoming more and more numerous and fresher.

"What exactly happened?" Zhang Yunfan wondered to himself.

Finally, the Zheng family mansion came into view.

To Zhang Yunfan's surprise, a large number of cultivators had gathered around the Zheng family mansion, and the atmosphere was extremely tense.

"What's going on?" Wei Siling also noticed the anomaly.

"It seems we've returned just in time." Zhang Yunfan gripped the Void-Breaking Sword tightly. "Whatever has happened, we must face it."

Just as Zhang Yunfan embarked on his journey home, a fierce battle was taking place in Qingshan Valley, a hundred miles away from the Zheng family.

"boom!"

A huge explosion resounded through the valley, countless rocks tumbled down the mountainside, and the entire valley shook violently.

Zheng Tianming emerged from the dust and smoke in a disheveled state, his clothes torn to shreds and blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.

Opposite him, the Blood Eagle Hall Master floated leisurely in mid-air, his blood-red wings fluttering gently, a mocking smile on his face.

"Is this all the strength Zheng family's second master has?" Blood Eagle said sneer. "No wonder Zheng Tianhao didn't dare come in person, only sending you, a piece of trash."

"Stop being so arrogant!" Zheng Tianming gritted his teeth, but his heart was filled with bitterness.

His opponent was simply too strong; her mid-stage Golden Core cultivation put him at a complete disadvantage. What was even more terrifying was that this woman's combat skills were extremely proficient; every attack was perfectly timed, leaving him struggling to keep up.

"Second Master!"

A member of the Zheng family tried to rush forward to help, but after only a few steps, he was struck by a beam of blood and sent flying backward, his fate unknown.

"Don't come any closer!" Zheng Tianming shouted. "This is not a battle you can participate in!"

Indeed, the difference in strength between the Golden Core stage and the Foundation Establishment stage is like an insurmountable chasm; ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators would only be throwing their lives away if they went forward. (End of Chapter)