From the fake emperor to the concubine

"What does this mean?" Zheng Yi's unease grew stronger.

“There are two possibilities,” Second Elder Zheng Tianlei analyzed. “One is that Yunfan and the others have encountered some danger and are unable to respond. The other is that the secret realm has a special restriction that isolates it from outside contact.”

“I tend to believe the second possibility,” said Third Elder Zheng Tianfeng. “If they were truly in danger, given Yunfan’s personality, he would definitely try to seek help. The fact that there’s no news at all suggests that they may have entered some kind of special environment.”

"A special environment," Zheng Yi said thoughtfully, "How much do you know about that secret realm?"

"I don't know much," Zheng Tianhao said honestly. "I only know that this secret realm only recently appeared, and it's located on an unnamed island deep in the East China Sea."

"According to legend, this island didn't originally exist; it suddenly rose from the seabed," Elder Zheng Tianhe added. "The island has strong spiritual energy fluctuations and ancient architectural ruins."

"An island suddenly rising from the seabed?" Zheng Yi's heart skipped a beat. "This certainly doesn't sound simple."

In the cultivation world, the power to raise an island from the seabed is definitely not something an ordinary cultivator can control. This phenomenon often foreshadows the revelation of a major secret.

"Is there any other information?" Zheng Yi continued to inquire.

“Yes,” said Second Elder Zheng Tianlei. “It is said that a few maritime merchants were the first to discover this island. They saw strange lights on the island as they were passing by, so they went up to investigate.”

"As a result, we discovered an ancient palace on the island, with a stone tablet standing at its entrance," Third Elder Zheng Tianfeng continued. "The stone tablet is inscribed with the four characters 'Immortal Inheritance,' the script ancient and simple, imbued with a powerful aura."

"The inheritance of immortals?" A hint of shock flashed in Zheng Yi's eyes.

If it truly is a legacy left behind by immortals, then it is indeed worth the risk. Immortals are beings who transcend all realms of cultivation; anything they leave behind is priceless.

“No wonder Yunfan was tempted,” Zheng Yi sighed. “Faced with such an opportunity, I would have been tempted too.”

“Yes,” Zheng Tianhao said with a wry smile, “When Yunfan heard the news, his eyes immediately lit up with a burning passion. We knew that no amount of persuasion would work.”

“However,” Elder Zheng Tianhe comforted him, “Yun Fan’s strength is indeed considerable. After the trial at the Refining Heart Tower, his cultivation and mental state have greatly improved. Moreover, he has people from the Green Mountain Sect accompanying him, so there shouldn’t be any major problems.”

"I hope so." Zheng Yi nodded, but his worries did not lessen.

As someone who has been through it all, he knows all too well the dangers of the cultivation world. The more tempting the opportunity, the greater the danger it often comes with.

"By the way, besides Yunfan and the others, are there any other people who went to that secret realm?" Zheng Yi asked.

“Of course,” Third Elder Zheng Tianfeng replied. “How could they be the only ones interested in an opportunity of this level? As far as we know, at least a dozen forces have sent people there.”

"More than a dozen forces?" Zheng Yi's heart sank.

This means that the secret realm not only contains unknown dangers but also fierce competition. Cultivators from different factions gathering together can easily lead to conflict.

"What forces are involved?" Zheng Yi continued to inquire.

"Besides the Green Mountain Sect, there are also the Blazing Fire Sect, the Water Cloud Sect, the Thunder Sound Temple, and others," Second Elder Zheng Tianlei listed them one by one. "They are basically all first-rate sects, and their strength should not be underestimated."

"There are even rumors that the Heavenly Dao Sect has sent people there as well," Elder Zheng Tianhe added.

"The Heavenly Dao Sect?" Zheng Yi gasped.

The Heavenly Dao Sect is a super sect in the cultivation world, far surpassing other forces in strength. If even they are involved, then the importance of this secret realm is self-evident.

"It seems the situation is more complicated than I imagined," Zheng Yi said in a deep voice. "Yun Fan and the others will likely face not only the dangers of the secret realm itself, but also threats from other forces."

“Yes, that’s what we were most worried about,” Zheng Tianhao sighed. “But what’s done is done, we can only pray that Yunfan will return safely.”

Just then, hurried footsteps came from outside.

"Clan leader! Clan leader!" a clansman rushed in. "An envoy from the Green Mountain Sect requests an audience!"

"An envoy from the Green Mountain Sect?" The group exchanged glances, all feeling somewhat surprised.

"Please come in quickly," Zheng Tianhao immediately ordered.

A moment later, a middle-aged cultivator dressed in green entered. His aura was steady, and his cultivation level was at least at the Golden Core stage.

"I am Li Qingyun, an elder of the Green Mountain Sect. I greet Clan Chief Zheng." The newcomer bowed respectfully.

“Elder Li, there’s no need for such formalities,” Zheng Tianhao quickly returned the greeting. “May I ask what brings you here today?”

“It’s like this,” Li Qingyun said solemnly, “I have been ordered by the Sect Master to come and deliver an important message.”

"What news?" Everyone tensed up.

"There's been a new development regarding the East Sea Secret Realm," Li Qingyun said in a deep voice. "According to our scouts, strong spatial fluctuations have appeared around that island."

"Spatial fluctuations?" Zheng Yi's heart tightened.

“That’s right,” Li Qingyun nodded. “Moreover, this fluctuation is becoming increasingly intense, affecting the use of communication magic items. Now, almost all cultivators who have entered the secret realm have lost contact with the outside world.”

Upon hearing this news, everyone present fell silent.

This explains why they couldn't contact Zhang Yunfan, but it also makes everyone even more worried.

"Is there any other news?" Zheng Yi asked.

“Yes,” Li Qingyun continued, “our scouts have also discovered that the spiritual energy concentration on that island is rising rapidly. Some senior figures in the cultivation world speculate that this may be a sign that the secret realm is about to fully open.”

"Fully activated?" Second Elder Zheng Tianlei asked doubtfully, "Is it not fully activated yet?"

“Yes,” Li Qingyun explained, “It is speculated that the secret realm is currently only partially open. Once fully open, the opportunities and dangers within will increase exponentially.”

“What about our children?” Zheng Tianhao said worriedly.

"Please rest assured," Li Qingyun reassured them. "Our Green Mountain Sect has dispatched more experts to the East Sea, ready to provide support if necessary. Furthermore, according to our intelligence, all cultivators who entered the secret realm are currently safe."

"If that's the case, why did you come all the way to inform us?" Zheng Yi keenly sensed that this Green Mountain Sect elder's trip was probably not just to deliver a message.

"To be honest," Li Qingyun hesitated for a moment, then said, "our sect leader hopes to form an alliance with the Zheng family to jointly face this challenge."

"An alliance?" Everyone was somewhat surprised.

“Yes,” Li Qingyun said earnestly, “the scale of this secret realm has exceeded everyone’s expectations. It’s difficult for a single force to gain an advantage in the competition. If we can join forces, our chances of success will be much greater.”

“Moreover,” Li Qingyun continued, “our children are currently acting together, making them natural allies. If our two families could formally form an alliance, their safety would be even more guaranteed.” Zheng Yi carefully considered this proposal.

The Green Mountain Sect is indeed quite powerful, and forming an alliance would benefit both sides. Especially under the current circumstances, having an extra ally means having extra strength.

"This proposal is very sincere," Zheng Yi said slowly, "However, the specific details of the cooperation still need to be discussed in detail."

“Of course,” Li Qingyun nodded. “Our sect leader said that all conditions are negotiable. We have only one goal: to ensure our disciples return safely and reap the rewards they deserve in the secret realm.”

“Alright, let’s first get a detailed understanding of the latest situation in the secret realm, and then discuss cooperation matters,” Zheng Tianhao suggested.

Next, Li Qingyun gave a detailed account of the information the Green Mountain Sect possessed regarding the East Sea Secret Realm.

According to their scouts, the mysterious island was much larger than initially estimated, and it contained not only palaces but also various terrains such as mountains, forests, and lakes.

Even more remarkably, time seems to flow differently on the island than outside. Some monks have discovered that a day spent on the island is equivalent to only a few hours passing in the outside world.

"Different flow rates of time?" Zheng Yi exclaimed in surprise. "This is indeed the work of an immortal."

“Yes,” Li Qingyun nodded. “Moreover, it is speculated that there may be a legendary time-travel formation on the island, which could allow cultivators to gain a large amount of cultivation time in a short period of time.”

"If that's the case, then this opportunity is indeed rare," Third Elder Zheng Tianfeng exclaimed.

For cultivators, time is the most precious resource. If they can obtain extra cultivation time, the speed of their cultivation advancement will be greatly accelerated.

"However, the danger is equally immense," Li Qingyun warned. "Our scouts have also discovered some ancient guardians on the island, possessing extremely powerful strength. Several cultivators have already been injured after triggering the restrictions."

“Ancient guardians?” Zheng Yi frowned.

“We’re not entirely sure what they are either,” Li Qingyun shook his head. “We only know that they seem to be some kind of puppet or array spirit, specifically guarding important areas on the island.”

Hearing this information, Zheng Yi's worries intensified.

Although Zhang Yunfan is quite capable, he still faces significant risks when facing danger of this level.

"Elder Li, have you considered sending cultivators with higher cultivation levels to provide support?" Zheng Yi asked.

“Of course I’ve considered it,” Li Qingyun said with a wry smile. “But that island has strange restrictions; it seems to only allow cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage and below to enter. Cultivators at the Golden Core stage and above are repelled by some kind of force once they get close.”

"There's such a restriction?" Everyone was shocked.

This means that no matter how many experts are outside, none can directly enter the secret realm to provide assistance. Those young cultivators can only rely on their own strength to face all challenges.

"What we can do now is establish support bases around the island, ready to provide assistance to them at any time," Li Qingyun said. "This is also one of the reasons why we hope to cooperate with the Zheng family."

“I understand.” Zheng Yi nodded. “This suggestion is indeed very necessary. Tianhao, what do you think?”

“I think we can cooperate,” Zheng Tianhao said after consideration. “However, the specific cooperation methods still need to be carefully determined.”

“Alright, let’s get started right away,” Li Qingyun said happily. “Time waits for no one; the sooner we act, the better.”

Next, both parties began to discuss the specific details of the cooperation in detail.

From staffing to material preparation, from action plans to emergency response plans, every detail must be carefully considered.

Although Zheng Yi participated in the discussion, his mind was elsewhere. He was preoccupied with Zhang Yunfan's safety and wished he could fly to the East China Sea immediately to find him.

"Ancestor, what are you thinking about?" Zheng Tianhao noticed his distraction.

"I'm thinking, should I go to the East Sea myself?" Zheng Yi said frankly. "Although I can't enter the secret realm, I can at least wait outside and be ready to meet Yun Fan and the others at any time."

“That’s a good idea,” Li Qingyun agreed. “In fact, our Green Mountain Sect leader has the same plan. If Senior Zheng is willing to go, we can act together.”

“Then it’s decided.” Zheng Yi made the decision immediately. “I will set off for the East China Sea tomorrow.”

"Ancestor, you've just returned, shouldn't you rest for a few more days?" Zheng Tianhao asked with some concern.

“Yunfan’s safety is more important,” Zheng Yi shook his head. “Besides, I have a feeling this matter isn’t as simple as it seems, and I’m very uneasy.”

“In that case, I’ll go with you,” Zheng Tianhao said.

“No need, you stay home and oversee things,” Zheng Yi refused. “I can handle it alone this time.”

That evening, Zheng Yi began preparing supplies for the trip to the East China Sea.

He prepared ample quantities of all kinds of healing pills, protective magic items, and sound transmission talismans—everything that might be needed.

While he was busy, Wei Siling quietly walked in.

"Master, are you going on another long trip?" she asked softly.

“Yes, I’ll go to the East China Sea.” Zheng Yi answered without looking up.

"Is it because of Young Master Zhang?" Wei Siling cleverly guessed.

“Yes,” Zheng Yi nodded. “I’ve lost contact with him, and I’m very worried.”

"Then you must be careful," Wei Siling said with concern. "The East China Sea is very dangerous."

"Don't worry, I'll be fine," Zheng Yi reassured him. "I'm just waiting on the outskirts; I won't be in any danger."

But Wei Siling knew in her heart that if Zhang Yunfan really encountered danger, her master would definitely not stand idly by.

The next morning, Zheng Yi embarked on his journey to the East China Sea.

This time, he didn't choose a flying artifact, but instead flew directly on his sword. With his peak Golden Core cultivation, flying on a sword was faster than using an artifact.

Along the way, he encountered many other cultivators also heading to the East Sea. Clearly, news of the East Sea Secret Realm had spread throughout the entire cultivation world, attracting the attention of countless people.

"It seems this commotion is bigger than I imagined," Zheng Yi thought to himself. "Yun Fan and his team are likely to face fierce competition."

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but increase his flying speed, eager to reach his destination. (End of Chapter)