From the fake emperor to the concubine

"Thank you for your guidance, senior." Zhang Yunfan bowed to General Bull Demon.

"You're welcome." General Bull Demon put away his giant hammer. "Your strength is indeed impressive; given time, you will surely become a top-tier expert."

"Then, as agreed, one of you may leave," Zheng Yi said calmly.

"Thank you, senior!" The three demon generals felt as if they had been granted a pardon.

“However, General Bull Demon will stay,” Zheng Yi’s avatar continued.

"What?" General Bull Demon was taken aback. "Didn't you say that if your disciple was defeated, we should keep one alive?"

“That’s right.” Zheng Yi nodded. “One of you must stay, and that’s you.”

"Why me?" General Bull Demon asked, puzzled.

"Because you are the most courageous of the three," Zheng Yi's avatar said. "Knowing you might die, you still chose to fight; that courage is admirable."

"Therefore, I will give you a choice. Death, or submission?"

Upon hearing this, General Bull Demon fell silent.

Submitting to the human race is an immense humiliation for a demon. But refusing to submit means certain death.

"I...I am willing to submit." In the end, General Bull Demon chose to live.

"Very good." Zheng Yi's avatar nodded in satisfaction, then said to Blood Butcher and Snake Queen, "You two, get out of here. Go back and tell your Demon King that if he wants to cause trouble again, I'm ready to oblige at any time."

"Yes, yes," Blood Butcher and Snake Princess hurriedly bowed, then fled the scene in a sorry state.

After the battle, Zheng Yi transformed and released himself from the constraints of the Lesser Thousand Worlds.

"Yunfan, what did you gain from this battle?" he asked Zhang Yunfan.

"This disciple understands the principle that the greatest truths are the simplest," Zhang Yunfan replied respectfully. "My previous sword techniques were too flashy, and thus lost sight of the essence of the sword."

“Very good.” Zheng Yi nodded approvingly. “This defeat is better than a thousand victories.”

"Remember, on the path of cultivation, failure is not terrible; what is terrible is not learning from failure."

"I understand," Zhang Yunfan said with deep feeling.

After the battle, the blood mist above the Heavenly Serpent Gate completely dissipated, and the valley that had been shrouded in the shadow of death regained its vitality.

The Serpent Lord led the remaining disciples of the Heavenly Serpent Sect out of the ruins, their eyes filled with awe and gratitude as they looked at the white-clad figure who had saved them.

"Thank you so much, Ancestor, for saving my life!" The Serpent Lord knelt on the ground, his voice trembling with tears. "The entire Heavenly Serpent Sect will never forget the Zheng family's immense kindness!"

"Get up," Zheng Yi said calmly. "Saving you was just a favor; there's no need for this."

"Ancestor" Poisonous Serpent Lord wanted to say something, but was stopped by Zheng Yi's avatar waving his hand.

"Go back and rebuild your sects, and remember today's lesson," Zheng Yi's avatar said. "When your strength is insufficient, do not easily choose sides, and even more so, do not betray your allies."

"Yes, yes, the old ancestor's words of admonition are absolutely correct." The Serpent King lowered his head in shame.

Zheng Yi, now ignoring the members of the Heavenly Serpent Sect, turned to the Bull Demon General standing to the side.

At this moment, General Bull Demon's expression was complex, showing both resentment at the defeat and respect for Zheng Yi's strength.

"What's your name?" Zheng Yi asked in disguise.

"In response to your question, senior, my name is Niu Tieshan," General Niu Mo replied honestly.

"Niu Tieshan," Zheng Yi, in his avatar, nodded. "Since you've chosen to submit, you must act like one. From now on, you will be the protector of the Zheng family."

“Guards?” Niu Tieshan was taken aback.

“That’s right,” Zheng Yi’s avatar said. “Your task is simple: guard the Zheng family’s gates and prevent anyone with ill intentions from entering the Zheng family’s territory.”

"This..." Niu Tieshan was somewhat puzzled. "Does Senior mean I should be the door god?"

"You could say that," Zheng Yi said with a calm smile. "What? Do you think this job is beneath your dignity?"

“No, I wouldn’t dare,” Niu Tieshan quickly shook his head.

Although he was indeed somewhat unwilling, the situation was beyond his control, and he had no other choice.

"Very good." Zheng Yi nodded in satisfaction. "Remember, from now on you are a member of the Zheng family. As long as you are loyal, the Zheng family will not mistreat you. But if you have any disloyal thoughts..."

Zheng Yi didn't finish his sentence, but the threat was already very clear.

"Understood, Your Majesty!" Niu Tieshan quickly replied. "From this day forward, I am willing to go through fire and water for the Zheng family without hesitation!"

“I hope you can keep your word,” Zheng Yi said, then turned to Zhang Yunfan and said, “Yunfan, let’s go back.”

“Yes, Master.” Zhang Yunfan nodded.

Before leaving, Zheng Yi, in his guise as the Serpent Lord, said, "Three days later, send someone to the Zheng family to discuss the alliance. This incident has shown us that only by uniting can we resist the threat of the demon race."

"Yes, Ancestor!" Serpent King nodded excitedly.

Being able to form an alliance with the Zheng family is an incredibly good thing for the Heavenly Serpent Sect.

The group embarked on their journey home, with Niu Tieshan trailing behind, looking at Zheng Yi's avatar ahead with a complex expression.

This human cultivator's strength is indeed unfathomable. The power of that minor world he just created is something even a demon king might not be able to easily unleash.

"It seems that following such a powerful figure might not be such a bad thing after all," Niu Tieshan thought to himself.

Back at the Zheng family mansion, the news spread quickly.

The news that the Zheng family patriarch had emerged from seclusion, intimidated the three great demon generals in one battle, and subdued the Bull Demon General spread like wildfire throughout the southwestern part of the cultivation world.

"What? The Zheng family patriarch has really emerged from seclusion?"

"Not only have they emerged from seclusion, but they've also defeated three demon generals!"

"I heard that even the Bull Demon General of the Third Legion of the Demon Clan has been subdued!"

"This is terrifying! Just how powerful is the Zheng family?"

All the factions were so shocked by the news that they were speechless.

The demon general is a peak Golden Core cultivator. Even in the entire southwest of the cultivation world, there are very few cultivators who can rival him.

But Zheng Yi not only defeated three demon generals, but also subdued one of them. His strength was simply despair-inducing.

"It seems our previous assessment was correct," Qingshanzi said to the elder beside him. "The Zheng family is now the overlord of the southwestern part of the cultivation world."

"Valley Master, should we send someone to the Zheng family to offer our congratulations?" an elder suggested.

“Of course we’ll go,” Qingshanzi said without hesitation. “And we’ll send our most capable people, with the most valuable gifts.”

"Yes!"

Similar dialogues are constantly taking place among various factions.

Everyone realized that the landscape of the cultivation world had been completely changed.

The Zheng family has become an unshakeable hegemon.

At that moment, a tall figure stood at the entrance of the Zheng family mansion.

Niu Tieshan changed into the Zheng family's attire, wielding a giant hammer, and stood majestically guarding the gate. At first, he felt somewhat resentful. A dignified demon general had been reduced to serving as a gatekeeper for humans; it was an utter disgrace.

But as time went on, he discovered that the job was not so simple after all.

First of all, those who come to visit the Zheng family are all important figures in the cultivation world, and being able to meet these people is a kind of experience in itself.

Secondly, the Zheng family treated him very well. They not only provided him with excellent cultivation resources, but also a dedicated cultivation room for his use.

Most importantly, he was able to sense the aura of Zheng Yi's avatar up close, which greatly helped his cultivation.

"Perhaps, this really isn't a bad thing," Niu Tieshan thought to himself.

Just then, the sound of flying came from afar.

Niu Tieshan immediately became alert and gripped the giant hammer in his hand tightly.

But when he saw who it was, he couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

The group that arrived was from Qingye Valley, and the leader was Qingshanzi.

"I am Qingshanzi, the Valley Master of Qingye Valley, here to pay my respects to the Zheng family patriarch," Qingshanzi said respectfully.

Niu Tieshan glanced at the team, and after confirming they meant no harm, nodded.

"Valley Master Qingye, please wait a moment, I will go and inform them."

Soon, Zheng Tianhao came out to greet them personally.

"It's truly an honor to have Valley Master Qing personally come," Zheng Tianhao said with a beaming smile.

"Chief Zheng, you're too kind," Qingshanzi said, bowing. "I heard that our ancestor emerged from seclusion and displayed great power, so I came to offer my congratulations."

"Master Qing, you're too kind. Please come in," Zheng Tianhao warmly invited.

After the two entered the mansion, Niu Tieshan stood back at the door.

Such scenes have occurred many times in the past few days. Representatives from various factions have come to visit, all in an effort to cultivate good relations with the Zheng family.

"It seems the Zheng family has truly risen to prominence," Niu Tieshan remarked.

In stark contrast to the Zheng family's glory was the anger and shock in the demon territory.

Blood Moon Canyon, the stronghold of the demon race.

This is the sacred land of the demon race and the residence of the demon king. The entire canyon is shrouded in a thick demonic aura, filled with a primal and wild atmosphere.

In a massive palace deep within the canyon, the Demon King sat on his throne, listening to reports from his subordinates.

The Demon King's true name is Blood Moon, a descendant of an ancient blood wolf. He looks human, but his eyes gleam with the ferocity of a wild beast.

Before him, Blood Butcher and Snake Queen were kneeling on the ground, trembling as they recounted the failure of their mission.

"What did you say?" Blood Moon's voice was deep and thunderous. "Niu Tieshan has been subdued by the humans?"

“Yes, yes, Your Majesty the Demon King,” Blood Butcher replied in a trembling voice, “that Zheng Yi is far too powerful; we are no match for him.”

"Useless!" Blood Moon abruptly stood up, unleashing a terrifying demonic aura. "Three Golden Core Peak generals were actually scared away by a mere human cultivator!"

An immense pressure instantly enveloped the entire hall, forcing Blood Butcher and Snake Queen to lie flat on the ground, not daring to even raise their heads.

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger!" the Snake Queen said with a mournful face. "That Zheng Yi is truly too strong! Even the three of us combined couldn't withstand the Lesser Thousand Worlds he unleashed!"

"A minor world?" A hint of apprehension flashed in Blood Moon's eyes. "Are you sure it's a minor world?"

"Absolutely true!" Blood Butcher exclaimed hastily. "That oppressive feeling of the power of law, there's no mistake!"

Blood Moon remained silent for a moment, his expression growing even more somber.

The Lesser Thousand Worlds is a profound spell that only Nascent Soul stage cultivators can master. If Zheng Yi can truly master the Lesser Thousand Worlds, then his strength is at least at the mid-Nascent Soul stage, and possibly even higher.

"Damn humans!" Blood Moon roared in fury, "How dare they oppose my demon race!"

"Your Majesty, what should we do now?" the Snake Princess asked cautiously.

"What to do?" Blood Moon sneered. "Since my subordinates have been defeated, then I, the king, will personally take action!"

"His Majesty is going to take action personally?" Blood Butcher was shocked.

“That’s right.” A bloodthirsty glint flashed in Blood Moon’s eyes. “I’d like to see just how powerful this so-called Zheng Yi really is!”

"But Your Majesty, what if..." Snake Princess wanted to dissuade her.

"What if what?" Blood Moon looked at her displeasedly, "Are you questioning my strength?"

"No, I wouldn't dare," Snake Princess quickly shook her head.

"I have been a Demon King for hundreds of years, experiencing countless battles and never suffering a defeat!" Blood Moon declared proudly. "A mere human cultivator cannot possibly overturn the heavens!"

"Send the order to assemble the army!" Blood Moon commanded. "I, the King, will personally lead the expedition into human territory!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" the demon generals present responded in unison.

Soon, the entire Blood Moon Canyon sprang into action.

Countless demon warriors were summoned, and various flying demon beasts were also conscripted. A massive demon army was rapidly assembling.

"This time, I will make the entire human race pay the price for the deaths of Blood Eagle and Black Dragon!" Blood Moon stood atop the palace, looking down at the assembled army, his eyes filled with murderous intent.

At the same time, news of the demon army's gathering also reached the human race.

"What? The Demon King is going to personally lead the expedition?" Zheng Tianhao's expression instantly turned serious upon hearing this news.

“Yes, Chieftain,” the clansman in charge of intelligence reported. “According to our inside information, the Demon King Blood Moon has ordered the assembling of a large army, preparing for a major offensive against human territory.”

“Blood Moon of the Demon King,” Zheng Tianhao murmured to himself.

As an elder in the cultivation world, he certainly knew what the name Blood Moon meant.

Blood Moon, the king of the demon race, possesses the cultivation of the late Nascent Soul stage and is an unparalleled powerhouse who has ruled the demon race for hundreds of years.

Legend has it that he once fought three human Nascent Soul stage cultivators single-handedly without defeat, demonstrating unfathomable strength.

"Chieftain, what should we do?" an elder asked worriedly.

"What else can we do?" Zheng Tianhao smiled wryly. "We can only ask the Ancestor to intervene again."

“But that’s the Demon King Blood Moon!” another elder said in a trembling voice. “Can our ancestor deal with him?”

"Trust the Ancestor," Zheng Tianhao said firmly. "Since the Ancestor dared to subdue Niu Tieshan, it means he has enough strength to face the demon race's retaliation."

Just as the Zheng family was discussing countermeasures, Zheng Yi's avatar had already sensed the movements of the distant demon army.

"Interesting." He stood in the cultivation room, a hint of anticipation flashing in his eyes. "Blood Moon has personally taken action."

"Master, what did you sense?" Zhang Yunfan asked.

In the past few days, under the guidance of Zheng Yi's avatar, he has been digesting the insights he gained from the battle with Niu Tieshan.

"The Demon King Blood Moon is gathering a large army, preparing to attack the human race," Zheng Yi's avatar said calmly. (End of Chapter)