From the fake emperor to the concubine

"The Second Elder is right." The Third Elder, Zheng Tianfeng, also hesitated. "Although we are quite powerful, we must consider the costs and risks. What if something unexpected happens during the rescue?"

Hearing the elders' words, Zhang Yunfan felt somewhat disappointed, but he could understand their concerns.

After all, rescuing ordinary people they didn't know didn't bring any direct benefits to the Zheng family; on the contrary, it would involve huge risks.

But at that moment, Zheng Tianhao suddenly spoke:

"The elders' concerns are not without merit, but I believe we should help those innocent people."

"Clan leader?" The two elders were somewhat surprised.

"Our Zheng family's current status is not solely due to strength, but more importantly, to benevolence and righteousness," Zheng Tianhao said solemnly. "If we stand idly by out of fear of risk, what kind of reputable sect would we be?"

“Furthermore,” Zheng Tianhao continued, “Yunfan’s willingness to step forward in a time of crisis to protect complete strangers demonstrates his noble character. As elders, we should support his good deed.”

Upon hearing the clan leader's words, the First Elder Zheng Tianhe immediately expressed his opinion:
"The clan chief is right! Our Zheng family has always been known for its benevolence and righteousness; how can we back down at a time like this? I support this rescue operation!"

Seeing that the clan leader and the first elder had both expressed their opinions, the second and third elders could no longer object.
"Since the clan leader and the Grand Elder have both said so, then we support them as well."

“However,” the Second Elder added, “we must develop a detailed plan to ensure the safety of the operation.”

“Of course.” Zheng Tianhao nodded. “Yunfan, how many people do you think are needed for this rescue?”

Zhang Yunfan had already considered this question and immediately replied:
"According to my estimation, at least twenty Foundation Establishment stage cultivators or above will be needed. Ideally, five to eight Golden Core stage experts should be present to guard against powerful demonic beasts or other dangers."

"In addition, we need large flying artifacts to transport the ordinary people, as well as sufficient supplies."

"Twenty Foundation Establishment cultivators, and five to eight Golden Core cultivators," Zheng Tianhao calculated. "This is indeed a large group."

"Clan leader, how many available people does our Zheng family have right now?" the eldest elder asked.

"There are about forty members of our clan at the Foundation Establishment stage and twelve at the Golden Core stage," Zheng Tianhao replied. "If we go all out, gathering this many people shouldn't be a problem."

"What about flying artifacts?" the Third Elder asked.

"We have three large flying magical artifacts and seven medium-sized ones," Zheng Tianhao said. "They should be more than capable of carrying over two hundred people."

"It seems our strength is sufficient." The Second Elder nodded. "Then let's begin formulating a concrete action plan."

Next, everyone began to discuss the details of the rescue plan.

From personnel allocation and material preparation to route planning and emergency response plans, every aspect must be carefully considered.

As the person who knows the Western Desert best, Zhang Yunfan provided many valuable suggestions.

After a full day of discussion, a detailed rescue plan was finally completed.

According to the plan, the Zheng family will send 25 Foundation Establishment stage cultivators and 8 Golden Core stage cultivators, led personally by the Grand Elder Zheng Tianhe.

Regarding flying magical artifacts, two large flying magical artifacts and five medium-sized flying magical artifacts will be used, which is sufficient to transport all the oasis residents.

In terms of supplies, in addition to necessary food and water, a large amount of healing pills and protective talismans were prepared to deal with various potential dangers.

"The plan is settled," Zheng Tianhao decided. "We'll start preparations tomorrow and depart in three days."

“Clan leader, I would like to serve as the guide for this mission,” Zhang Yunfan volunteered.

"Well," Zheng Tianhao hesitated, "you've just returned from your training; you should rest properly."

“Clan leader, I am most familiar with the terrain of the Western Wilderness Desert, and the residents of the oasis also know me. With me here, the operation will proceed more smoothly,” Zhang Yunfan insisted.

“Yunfan makes a good point,” Elder Zheng Tianhe agreed. “With him leading the way, we will indeed avoid many detours.”

“Alright,” Zheng Tianhao finally agreed. “Then you’ll be our guide for this operation. But remember, safety first.”

"Disciple understands!" Zhang Yunfan said excitedly.

He was very happy to be able to participate in this rescue operation. This was not only to fulfill his promise to the oasis residents, but also to practice his own principles.

The next morning, the Zheng family began their intensive preparations.

Various supplies were unloaded, flying artifacts were carefully inspected, and the cultivators participating in the operation began to assemble.

Zhang Yunfan was not idle either. He drew a detailed route map to the oasis, marked the dangers he might encounter along the way, and prepared a large amount of desert survival supplies.

"Master, are you going on another long trip this time?" Wei Siling looked at the busy Zhang Yunfan, a hint of reluctance flashing in her eyes.

“Yes, but this isn’t a training exercise; it’s a rescue mission,” Zhang Yunfan explained. “And this time, we’re traveling with the family team, which will be safer.”

"Can Siling come with you?" Wei Siling asked cautiously.

“This operation is quite dangerous, it would be better if you stayed home,” Zhang Yunfan gently declined. “I’ll spend more time with you when I get back.”

“Okay.” Although Wei Siling was a little disappointed, she still nodded obediently. “Then you must be careful.”

"Don't worry, I will." Zhang Yunfan patted her shoulder.

On the morning of the third day, the rescue team officially set off.

The First Elder Zheng Tianhe served as the commander-in-chief, the Second Elder Zheng Tianlei and the Third Elder Zheng Tianfeng served as deputy commanders respectively, and Zhang Yunfan served as the guide.

Thirty-three cultivators boarded seven flying magical artifacts and set off in a grand procession towards the Western Wilderness Desert.

Such a large group is quite eye-catching in the cultivation world, and other cultivators encountered along the way cast curious glances at them.

"What is the Zheng family up to? Why have they mobilized so many people?"

"Judging from this direction, are we heading towards the Western Desert?"

"Are they going treasure hunting?"

Various speculations circulated in the cultivation world, but the Zheng family kept quiet about it and did not reveal any information.

"Yunfan, is the edge of the Western Wilderness Desert just ahead?" Elder Zheng Tianhe asked.

“Yes, Elder,” Zhang Yunfan said, pointing to the distant yellow sand. “From here on, the environment will become harsher. However, with our current strength, we shouldn’t have any problems.”

"What about those demonic beasts?" Second Elder Zheng Tianlei asked worriedly.

“Most demonic beasts don’t dare to attack a group of our size,” Zhang Yunfan explained. “However, we still need to remain vigilant in case we encounter any fools.”

Sure enough, once the group entered the desert, the previously active monsters all kept their distance.

Occasionally, some foolish sandworms would try to attack, but they were easily dealt with by the cultivators.

"It seems Yunfan was right; the demonic beasts really don't dare to provoke us." Third Elder Zheng Tianfeng breathed a sigh of relief. The group made steady progress through the desert, and the journey went smoothly.

With Zhang Yunfan as their guide, who was familiar with the terrain, they avoided all the dangerous areas and wasted no time.

Two days later, the oasis came into view.

"Is that it?" Elder Zheng Tianhe asked, pointing to the oasis in the distance.

"Yes, that's it!" Zhang Yunfan exclaimed excitedly, "We've finally arrived!"

From a distance, the oasis's pale golden glow stands out strikingly against the desert. Although some cracks on the surface have not been fully repaired, it appears relatively stable overall.

"It's amazing that such a place exists in such harsh conditions," Second Elder Zheng Tianlei exclaimed.

"That protective array is of a very high grade, at least a high-grade Earth level," Third Elder Zheng Tianfeng observed, recognizing its extraordinary nature. "To be able to maintain its formation for thousands of years, the creator's cultivation level must have reached at least the Nascent Soul stage."

"It's indeed extraordinary," Elder Zheng Tianhe nodded. "However, now is not the time to study the grand formation. Let's go see the residents first."

The group slowly landed at the edge of the oasis, with Zhang Yunfan leading the way towards the entrance of the protective array.

“Senior Sha! It’s me, Zhang Yunfan!” he shouted.

Soon, the gates of the protective array opened. Sha Wuchen led a group of residents out to greet them, and everyone's face showed shock upon seeing this large group.

"Young Master Zhang! You're really back!" Sha Wuchen exclaimed excitedly, "and you've brought so many friends with you!"

“Senior Sha, these are all members of our Zheng family,” Zhang Yunfan introduced. “They came specifically to help everyone leave the oasis.”

"The Zheng family?" A hint of respect flashed in Sha Wuchen's eyes. "The Zheng family, the overlords of the southwestern part of the cultivation world?"

“Indeed.” Elder Zheng Tianhe stepped forward. “I am Zheng Tianhe, the eldest elder of the Zheng family. We came here specifically to offer our assistance after hearing about everyone’s situation from Yunfan.”

"Elder Zheng!" Sha Wuchen quickly bowed. "We are truly flattered that you have come in person!"

"You're welcome," Zheng Tianhe said kindly. "Helping those in need is what we should do."

"Uncle! Uncle!"

At this moment, Xiaoyue ran out from the crowd and hugged Zhang Yunfan tightly.

"You really came back to pick us up! Xiaoyue is so happy!" The little girl jumped up and down with excitement.

“Of course, Uncle keeps his word,” Zhang Yunfan said with a smile. “Not only did I come this time, but I also brought many friends to help. It won’t be long before you can leave here and see the outside world.”

"Great! Great!" Xiaoyue exclaimed, jumping for joy.

Seeing the little girl's innocent smile, the Zheng family cultivators present all smiled knowingly. Being able to bring hope to such a pure child was indeed a very meaningful thing.

"Senior Sha, are all the residents who want to leave ready?" Zhang Yunfan asked.

“Everything is ready,” Sha Wuchen nodded. “There are 213 people in total, mostly young people and children. Most of the older people have chosen to stay.”

“Two hundred and thirteen people,” Elder Zheng Tianhe calculated. “The flying artifacts we brought are enough to carry them.”

"Then let's begin arranging boarding," said Second Elder Zheng Tianlei. "The sooner we set off, the sooner we'll reach a safe place."

Next, the Zheng family's cultivators began to systematically arrange for the residents to board the flying magical artifacts.

Each magical artifact is equipped with enough monks to guard it, ensuring a timely response in case of danger.

"Young Master Zhang, can we really leave here?" A young mother asked, holding her child, her eyes filled with both expectation and anxiety.

“Of course we can,” Zhang Yunfan said confidently. “Our Zheng family is very powerful; we will definitely be able to get everyone safely to their destination.”

“Where are we going?” another resident asked.

“Let’s go to our Zheng family’s territory,” Zhang Yunfan replied. “It’s safe there, and there are plenty of job opportunities. Everyone can start a new life there.”

“Zheng Family Territory.” A look of longing flashed in the residents’ eyes.

For ordinary people, being able to live in the territory of a dominant force in the cultivation world is an incredible stroke of luck.

Soon, all the residents who wanted to leave boarded the flying artifacts.

Looking at these people full of hope, Zhang Yunfan felt a great sense of accomplishment.

"Senior Sha, are you really not coming with us?" Zhang Yunfan asked one last time.

"No," Sha Wuchen shook his head. "This is my home, and the remaining elders still need my care. Besides, someone needs to guard this great formation; we can't let it completely fail."

"Then please take good care of yourself." Zhang Yunfan bowed respectfully. "If you need any help, please feel free to contact the Zheng family."

“Okay, thank you,” Sha Wuchen said gratefully.

After bidding farewell to Sha Wuchen and the residents who chose to stay, the flying magical artifacts, filled with people, slowly took off.

"Let's go! Let's go home!" Elder Zheng Tianhe gave the order.

Seven flying magical artifacts formed a formation in the air and flew towards the Zheng family's territory.

On the ritual implements, the residents who were leaving the oasis for the first time excitedly looked out at the scenery.

Although the desert scenery is not exactly beautiful, for them it is a symbol of freedom.

"Mommy, the outside world is so big!" Xiaoyue exclaimed, leaning against the window, her eyes filled with curiosity.

“Yes, the outside world is very, very big,” her mother said gently. “From now on, we will live in that big world.”

"I want to study hard and be as capable as Uncle Zhang in the future!" Xiaoyue clenched her little fist, her eyes shining with determination.

Hearing this, Zhang Yunfan felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

If these children can truly succeed in the future, then this rescue operation will be even more meaningful.

The team flew smoothly through the desert, and the journey went without incident.

With such a powerful guard, the monsters in the desert dared not make any rash moves.

Three days later, the outline of the Zheng family's territory appeared on the horizon.

"Look! That's our new home!" a resident exclaimed excitedly.

From afar, the Zheng family territory indeed presented a prosperous scene. Green fields, neat villages, and the magnificent Zheng family mansion—everything seemed so beautiful. (End of Chapter)