From the fake emperor to the concubine

“Master, I understand!” Zhang Yunfan said excitedly.

"Good, you understand," Zheng Yi said. "Remember, during the trials of the Heart Refining Tower, no matter what temptations or fears you encounter, you must adhere to your true self. Only in this way can you pass the trials."

"Your disciple will remember your teachings, Master!"

The jade pendant's light gradually dimmed, and the master's voice also disappeared.

But Zhang Yunfan was full of confidence.

He looked at the words in front of the Heart Refining Tower again, and this time he knew how to answer.

"My heart is kind; it's a heart that protects others and helps the weak," Zhang Yunfan said loudly.

As soon as he finished speaking, the line of text suddenly emitted a dazzling light, and then slowly dissipated.

A portal appeared in the pale golden light barrier, clearly allowing him to enter.

Without hesitation, Zhang Yunfan strode toward the door.

The moment he passed through the light shield, he felt dizzy, as if the whole world was spinning.

When the dizziness subsided, Zhang Yunfan found himself standing in a huge stone chamber.

This stone chamber was extremely large, measuring several hundred feet in size. The surrounding walls were covered with various ancient murals, seemingly depicting the cultivation journeys of powerful figures throughout history.

In the center of the stone chamber, there was a huge stone platform. On the platform sat a crystal ball, and something seemed to be constantly flowing within it.

"Welcome to the first level of the Heart Refining Tower."

An old voice suddenly rang out in the stone chamber, but the speaker could not be seen.

"Senior?" Zhang Yunfan looked around and said respectfully.

"No need to search; I am merely a wisp of my divine consciousness left here," the voice continued. "My surname is Li, and I was a cultivator a thousand years ago. In the final moments of my life, I chose to leave my divine consciousness within the Refining Heart Tower to guide future challengers."

"I see." Zhang Yunfan suddenly understood. "Senior, may I ask what the trial on the first level is?"

"The first trial is called 'Inner Demon Illusion,'" Elder Li explained. "You need to enter that crystal ball and confront the deepest fears and desires within your heart. Only by overcoming your inner demons can you pass the first trial."

"The Illusion of Inner Demons." Zhang Yunfan looked at the crystal ball on the stone platform, feeling a little nervous.

“Young man, don’t be nervous.” The elder Li seemed to sense his anxiety. “Inner demons are indeed terrifying, but they are essentially illusory. As long as you stay true to yourself, you can overcome them.”

"Senior, what will happen if I lose in the illusion?" Zhang Yunfan asked.

"The worst outcome is damage to one's spiritual consciousness and a regression in cultivation," Senior Li answered truthfully, "but there will be no danger to one's life. The purpose of the Refining Heart Tower is to temper cultivators, not to kill them."

Hearing this, Zhang Yunfan felt somewhat relieved.

"However," Elder Li changed the subject, "if your divine sense is severely damaged, it could very well affect your future cultivation. So it's best to be careful."

“Disciple understands.” Zhang Yunfan nodded, then walked towards the stone platform.

Standing before the crystal ball, Zhang Yunfan could sense the powerful spiritual force contained within it. This force was complex, containing both benevolent and malevolent aspects, like the combined will of countless cultivators.

"Are you ready?" Elder Li asked.

"Ready." Zhang Yunfan took a deep breath.

"Then place your hands on the crystal ball, relax your mind, and let your consciousness enter into it."

Following the instructions, Zhang Yunfan gently placed his palm on the crystal ball.

Instantly, a powerful suction force emanated from the crystal ball, and his consciousness was rapidly drawn into it.

Everything went black for a moment, then suddenly brightened again.

When his vision cleared, Zhang Yunfan found himself standing in a familiar place.

"Is this the Zheng family's residence?"

Before him stood the Zheng family's mansion, everything exactly as he remembered. The flowers and plants in the courtyard, the layout of the house, even the smell in the air were exactly the same.

"Yunfan! You're finally back!"

A familiar voice came from behind him. Zhang Yunfan turned around and saw that it was Wei Siling.

"Siling? What's wrong with you?" Zhang Yunfan looked at her in confusion.

"Master, didn't you say you were going to come back and marry me?" Wei Siling said, blushing. "I've been waiting for you for so long."

"Marry you?" Zhang Yunfan was taken aback. "When did I ever say such a thing?"

"Have you forgotten?" Wei Siling said, feeling wronged. "You said you would marry me if you succeeded in your desert training."

Zhang Yunfan thought carefully and was certain that he had never said such a thing. But Wei Siling in front of him looked so real, even her expression and tone were exactly the same as in real life.

"This must be an illusion!" Zhang Yunfan became alert.

But at that moment, Wei Siling suddenly threw herself into his arms, tears streaming down her face:

"Master, I've missed you so much! While you were away, Siling worried about your safety every day. Now that you're finally back, let's get married!"

Feeling the warmth and softness of the woman in his arms, Zhang Yunfan's heart couldn't help but waver.

Wei Siling is indeed a beautiful and kind girl, and after spending time with her, he has developed some feelings for her. Marrying her would seem like a very happy thing.

"Master, what are you thinking about?" Wei Siling raised her head, her eyes sparkling with affection.

"I..." Zhang Yunfan was about to answer when he suddenly remembered what his master had just said.

"No matter what temptations or fears you encounter, you must stay true to yourself."

"No!" Zhang Yunfan suddenly realized, "I don't have enough strength to protect Siling right now, and I'm not qualified to talk about romance. My goal is to become stronger and protect more people!"

Thinking of this, Zhang Yunfan resolutely pushed Wei Siling away from his arms:

"I'm sorry, Siling. I'm not strong enough yet to give you happiness."

"What?!" Wei Siling's expression instantly turned ferocious. "You dare refuse me?"

Immediately afterwards, the entire environment began to distort violently. Wei Siling's figure gradually became blurry and eventually disappeared.

Zhang Yunfan breathed a sigh of relief, but before he could relax, the scene before him changed again.

This time, he found himself standing in a magnificent, golden palace.

In the center of the palace stood a huge throne, upon which sat a middle-aged man dressed in a dragon robe.

"Yunfan, I have been waiting for you for a long time," the middle-aged man said, his voice filled with supreme authority.

"Who are you?" Zhang Yunfan asked, puzzled.

"I am the emperor of this dynasty." The middle-aged man stood up. "I have heard of your extraordinary strength and wish to appoint you as the Grand General Protector of the Nation. From this day forward, you will enjoy supreme power and status, and the entire army of the dynasty will be under your command." As he spoke, the emperor beckoned, and immediately a palace maid brought over a magnificent set of general's robes and a gleaming golden sword.

"Put on this outfit, and you'll be the supreme general, second only to the emperor," the emperor tempted. "Power, status, wealth—you'll have everything you desire."

Looking at the magnificent attire before him, Zhang Yunfan did feel a slight wavering in his heart.

Who wouldn't want power and status? If he really became the Grand General Protector of the Nation, he could mobilize the power of the entire dynasty and help more people.

"Furthermore," the emperor continued, "I can also bestow the title of king or marquis upon your family, making the Zheng family the most distinguished family in this dynasty."

This condition is even more tempting. If the Zheng family can become a king or marquis, their status will be greatly enhanced, and they will no longer have to worry about threats from other forces.

Zhang Yunfan's hand involuntarily reached towards the general's uniform.

But just as he was about to touch it, he suddenly stopped.

"Wait a minute." Zhang Yunfan frowned. "Why did I come to the Refining Heart Tower? Was it for power and status?"

no.

He came here to hone himself, to become stronger, and to better protect the people he cares about.

“Power and status are merely external things; what truly matters is inner strength.” Zhang Yunfan firmly withdrew his hand. “I don’t need these false glories.”

"What?! You dare refuse my favor?!" The emperor roared in fury. "Guards! Drag this ungrateful brat out and execute him!"

Immediately, countless imperial guards rushed in and surrounded Zhang Yunfan.

But Zhang Yunfan was not afraid at all, and drew his Void-Breaking Sword to unleash a series of attacks.

"Piercing Void Sword Technique - Sword Qi Like a Rainbow!"

A dazzling sword light flashed, and all the imperial guards vanished into nothingness. Even the high and mighty emperor was reduced to ashes in the sword light.

The magnificent palace began to collapse, eventually turning into nothingness.

Zhang Yunfan has won again.

But the illusion did not end, and the scene before them changed once again.

This time, he found himself standing before an oasis in the western desert.

But the sight before him horrified him.

The entire oasis was swallowed by the yellow sand, and the beautiful town was gone forever. In the ruins, he saw Sha Wuchen's body, as well as the remains of Xiaoyue and other residents.

"No! This is impossible!" Zhang Yunfan rushed towards the ruins and knelt down beside Sha Wuchen's body.

“It’s all because of you,” a weak voice whispered in his ear.

Zhang Yunfan turned around and saw that it was Xiaoyue, who was on the verge of death.

"Uncle, why... why didn't you keep your promise? If you had come back sooner, we wouldn't have died." Xiaoyue's voice grew weaker and weaker.

"Xiaoyue!" Zhang Yunfan tried to pick her up, but his hand passed right through her body.

"I waited for you for so long. But you never came back. The protective array failed. The oasis was swallowed by the desert, and everyone died." Xiaoyue's figure began to turn transparent. "Uncle, you said you would take us away. You said you would."

After saying this, Xiaoyue's figure completely disappeared.

Zhang Yunfan knelt amidst the ruins, his heart filled with pain and self-blame.

If he hadn't come to the Refining Heart Tower and had gone straight back to save people, would these tragedies have been avoided?
If he had prioritized helping the oasis residents over pursuing personal advancement, could he have stopped all of this?
"Did I do the right thing?" Zhang Yunfan fell into deep self-doubt.

Just as he was about to be swallowed by despair, the communication jade pendant in his arms emitted light once again.

"Yunfan!" His master's voice resounded in his heart like a sudden awakening, "Don't be deceived by illusions! This is all fake!"

"Master?" Zhang Yunfan replied with delight.

“Remember your master’s words, stay true to yourself!” Zheng Yi’s voice was firm and powerful. “Your true nature is kindness, and the desire to protect others. But kindness is not blind sacrifice; it requires wise choices!”

"A wise choice?"

“That’s right!” Zheng Yi continued, “If you go back to save people now, you won’t be able to save many with your current strength. But if you become stronger through the trial, you can save many more people!”

"But."

"No buts!" Zheng Yi interrupted him. "True kindness involves considering long-term interests, not acting on momentary impulses. Your choice is correct; don't doubt yourself!"

Hearing his master's words, Zhang Yunfan's confusion vanished.

Yes, Master is right. He came to the Refining Heart Tower not for personal gain, but to become stronger and to help more people.

This choice may seem cruel in the short term, but it is the most correct one in the long run.

“I understand, Master!” Zhang Yunfan stood up again, his eyes regaining their resolute light. “My choice was right!”

As soon as he finished speaking, the scene of ruins before him began to shake violently, and then shattered like glass.

Zhang Yunfan returned to the stone chamber on the first floor of the Refining Heart Tower, his hand still resting on the crystal ball.

"Congratulations, young man," Elder Li's voice was full of praise. "You have successfully passed the first level of the trial."

Zhang Yunfan let out a long sigh of relief, his forehead already covered in sweat. Although what he had just experienced was an illusion, the psychological torment he had endured was real.

"Senior, what about that illusion just now?"

"It's all constructed based on your inner thoughts," Elder Li explained. "Desire, power, responsibility—these are all trials that cultivators must face during their growth. Your ability to uphold your principles and overcome your inner demons is truly commendable."

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

"No need to thank me, it's all your own doing," Senior Li said with a smile. "However, it was your master who truly helped you, wasn't it? That sound transmission jade pendant is of a very high craftsmanship, able to function normally despite the interference of the Heart Refining Tower; your master's cultivation level is probably quite extraordinary."

“Master is indeed very capable,” Zhang Yunfan said proudly.

"With such a master, it's no wonder you have such a steadfast Dao heart," Senior Li exclaimed. "Alright, you've passed the first level of the trial and are ready to receive your reward."

As soon as he finished speaking, the stone platform in the center of the stone chamber began to glow, and then a small jade box slowly rose up.

"What is this?" Zhang Yunfan asked curiously.

"Open it and you'll see."

Zhang Yunfan walked over and carefully opened the jade box.

Inside the box was a crystal-clear pill, emitting a faint spiritual light.

"This is a 'Mind-Concentrating Pill,' which can enhance a cultivator's spiritual power," Senior Li explained. "For your current cultivation level, the effect of this pill is equivalent to ten years of arduous cultivation." (End of Chapter)