From the fake emperor to the concubine

After three days and three nights of full-speed flight, Zheng Yi finally reached the depths of the East China Sea.

In the distance, countless figures of cultivators floated on the azure sea. Some flew on swords, while others rode on flying magical artifacts, circling and hovering on the sea, as if waiting for something.

"There are so many people," Zheng Yi thought to himself. He roughly estimated that there were at least several thousand cultivators gathered here.

These cultivators came from various forces in the cultivation world, including disciples of sects, independent cultivators, and members of families. Although they kept their distance from each other, a tense atmosphere permeated the air, as if conflict could break out at any moment.

Zheng Yi continued flying forward and soon saw the legendary mysterious island.

The island was indeed vast, spanning hundreds of miles in circumference. From the air, it appeared as a landscape of rolling hills, lush forests, and several rivers meandering through it. Most striking was a colossal palace in the center of the island, shimmering with a pale golden light under the sun.

But what shocked Zheng Yi the most was that the entire island was surrounded by a transparent light curtain. This light curtain appeared and disappeared intermittently, as if it might dissipate at any moment, but it firmly isolated the island from the outside world.

"Is this the restriction that only allows Foundation Establishment stage cultivators to enter?" Zheng Yi carefully sensed the energy fluctuations of the light barrier.

As expected, this light barrier contained an extremely complex array that could not only identify a cultivator's cultivation level but also generate a powerful repulsive force. With Zheng Yi's peak Golden Core cultivation, he could clearly feel the light barrier's hostility towards him.

“However,” a thoughtful glint flashed in Zheng Yi’s eyes, “this formation, though ingenious, is not entirely unbreakable.”

Just as he was observing the island, several figures flew up from below.

"Fellow Daoist, please stop!"

Leading the group was a middle-aged cultivator in a green robe, with a cultivation level around the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm. Behind him followed seven or eight other cultivators of similar cultivation level, clearly representatives of a certain faction.

"What advice do you have?" Zheng Yi stopped and asked calmly.

"I am Li Tianming, a deacon of the Heavenly Dao Sect." The green-robed cultivator bowed respectfully. "May I ask what brings you here, fellow cultivator?"

"The Heavenly Dao Sect?" Zheng Yi's heart skipped a beat.

As a super power in the cultivation world, it's not surprising that the Heavenly Dao Sect has its people here. However, Li Tianming's attitude is somewhat strange. Although he appears respectful, his words imply a desire to obstruct him.

“I’ve come looking for my disciples,” Zheng Yi answered truthfully. “They went to that island and have lost contact.”

"I see." Li Tianming nodded. "However, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. That island has special restrictions, allowing only cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage and below to enter. With your cultivation level, you are unable to enter."

“I know that,” Zheng Yi said calmly. “I just want to wait outside and see if I can find a way to contact them.”

“That probably won’t work either,” Li Tianming shook his head. “After discussion, the seniors have decided to establish a perimeter around the island. Cultivators at the Golden Core stage or above are not allowed to approach the island at will.”

"A cordon?" Zheng Yi frowned slightly. "Who made this decision?"

"It's the result of a joint discussion among representatives of various forces," Li Tianming explained. "It's mainly to prevent anyone from breaking the island's protective barriers and affecting the young disciples' trials."

Upon hearing this explanation, Zheng Yi almost burst out laughing.

What they mean by preventing the destruction of the restrictions is simply that the major powers want to monopolize this opportunity and prevent others from interfering.

"What if I insist on getting closer?" Zheng Yi's tone turned cold.

"Then I urge you to reconsider, fellow Daoist." Li Tianming's expression also darkened. "The consequences of breaking the agreement are probably not something an ordinary person can bear."

As soon as he finished speaking, dozens of powerful auras locked onto Zheng Yi. Clearly, various major forces had experts stationed here, ready to deal with any challenger.

"Interesting." Zheng Yi looked around and found that the cultivators were all quite powerful. There were at least twenty Golden Core cultivators and even a few Nascent Soul cultivators hiding in the shadows.

"It seems the major powers are indeed taking this secret realm very seriously," he thought to himself, "not hesitating to send so many experts to maintain order."

But if these people want to prevent him from seeing his disciples, that's another matter entirely.

“I appreciate your kindness,” Zheng Yi said calmly, but his tone carried an undeniable firmness. “But my disciple is inside, and I must go in and check on him.”

“Fellow Daoist, please don’t put us in a difficult position,” Li Tianming said, frowning. “This is a decision made jointly by all forces, not something we can decide on our own.”

"All forces?" Zheng Yi sneered. "Then does that mean my Zheng family is one of them?"

Upon hearing the name "Zheng Family," the cultivators present were slightly startled.

As the overlord of the southwestern part of the cultivation world, the Zheng family's strength is indeed not to be underestimated. Especially this person in front of them, judging from his aura, his cultivation is at least at the late Golden Core stage, and he is definitely not someone to be trifled with.

"So you're a senior member of the Zheng family." Li Tianming's attitude softened slightly. "However, even so, the rules must still be followed."

"Rules?" Zheng Yi's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Since when have the rules of the cultivation world been decided by a few sects in private discussions?"

“Furthermore,” his tone hardened, “when did my Zheng family ever agree to this so-called agreement?”

Faced with Zheng Yi's questioning, Li Tianming was somewhat at a loss for words. Indeed, this agreement was mainly driven by a few major forces such as the Heavenly Dao Sect and the Blazing Fire Sect, without consulting all the forces involved.

"In short, fellow Daoist, please return," Li Tianming said, forcing a smile. "This is for everyone's safety."

"Is that so?" A dangerous glint flashed in Zheng Yi's eyes. "What if I insist on going in?"

As soon as he finished speaking, a powerful aura suddenly erupted from his body. His peak Golden Core cultivation was released without reservation, sweeping outwards like a tidal wave.

"What? Peak Golden Core stage?"

"This member of the Zheng family actually possesses such cultivation?"

"Quickly inform the elders!"

The cultivators present were all shocked by the sudden surge of power. They had originally thought Zheng Yi was just an ordinary Golden Core cultivator, but they never expected him to be a peak Golden Core expert.

This level of cultivation is considered top-tier in the entire cultivation world.

"Fellow Daoist, please calm down!" Li Tianming's expression changed drastically, and he hurriedly took a few steps back. "Let's talk this out; there's no need to resort to violence!"

“I’m very calm,” Zheng Yi said calmly. “I just want to go in and find my disciple. If you insist on stopping me, then don’t blame me for being impolite.”

"Isn't your behavior a bit too domineering?"

A majestic voice came from afar, followed by a flash of golden light, and an old man with white hair appeared before everyone.

The old man's aura was unfathomable, and his cultivation was clearly above the Nascent Soul stage. He wore a Daoist robe with the Heavenly Dao Sect's insignia embroidered on his chest, indicating that he was a high-ranking figure in the Heavenly Dao Sect.

"This junior greets the elders of the Heavenly Dao Sect," Li Tianming quickly bowed.

"Hmm." The white-haired elder nodded, then looked at Zheng Yi, "I am Zhang Wuji, an elder of the Heavenly Dao Sect. May I ask how you are addressed?"

"Zheng Yi." Zheng Yi simply stated his name.

"So you're the head of the Zheng family." A hint of surprise flashed in Zhang Wuji's eyes. "I've long heard of your reputation; meeting you today, you are indeed extraordinary."

"Elder Zhang, you flatter me," Zheng Yi replied neither humbly nor arrogantly. "I wonder if you came here to stop me as well?" "I merely wish to understand the situation," Zhang Wuji said slowly. "Why does Patriarch Zheng insist on entering the island? Doesn't he know there are dangers inside?"

“My disciple is inside,” Zheng Yi repeated his reasoning. “As his master, I have a duty to ensure his safety.”

"But the island's restrictions..."

“The restriction does exist,” Zheng Yi interrupted him, “but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to enter. Every formation has a way to be broken; it’s just a matter of whether you have the skill.”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Wuji's expression turned serious.

He could sense the powerful aura emanating from Zheng Yi, an aura approaching the Nascent Soul stage. If the other party truly intended to force his way in, they probably wouldn't be able to stop him.

"Patriarch Zheng, I urge you to reconsider," Zhang Wuji finally tried to persuade him. "Forcibly breaking the seal could endanger the disciples inside."

"I know what I'm doing," Zheng Yi said coldly. "But what exactly are you doing here, obstructing cultivators from all sides? What is your purpose?"

"We're just..." Zhang Wuji was about to explain, but Zheng Yi didn't want to listen anymore.

"Enough!" Zheng Yi suddenly burst out, "I don't have time to waste on you guys here!"

"Zhengyang Sword Technique - Sky-Piercing Slash!"

A dazzling sword light suddenly appeared, slashing directly at the restrictions surrounding the island. This sword strike contained all of Zheng Yi's power, its power terrifying to the extreme.

"Oh no! Stop him!" Zhang Wuji exclaimed in shock.

But it's too late.

The sword light was as fast as lightning, and it struck the light barrier surrounding the island in an instant.

"boom!"

A deafening explosion rang out, and the entire sea surface trembled violently. The seemingly solid light barrier actually developed huge cracks under Zheng Yi's sword strike.

“How is that possible?”

"He actually broke through the barrier?"

"With this kind of strength... just who is he?"

The cultivators present were all stunned. This restriction had existed for so long, and countless experts had tried to break it, but all had failed. Unexpectedly, Zheng Yi had torn open a gap with just one sword strike.

"Farewell, everyone," Zheng Yi said coldly, then transformed into a streak of light and rushed directly into the crack.

"Stop him!" Zhang Wuji hurriedly ordered.

Dozens of cultivators attacked simultaneously, unleashing a barrage of spells at Zheng Yi.

But these attacks pose no threat to Zheng Yi at present.

"The Righteous Yang Sword Technique: Ten Thousand Swords Return to Their Origin!"

Countless sword shadows appeared in the air, easily blocking all the attacks. Zheng Yi's figure did not pause at all, passing directly through the crack in the light barrier.

"Damn it!" Zhang Wuji gritted his teeth, but there was nothing he could do.

Zheng Yi's strength exceeded their expectations, and his actions were decisive, giving them no time to react.

Now that the person is inside, they can only watch helplessly.

"Elder, should we go in and give chase?" Li Tianming asked.

"What are you chasing?" Zhang Wuji said irritably. "Didn't you see how he broke the seal? Do we have that kind of strength?"

"So what do we do now?"

"What else can we do?" Zhang Wuji sighed. "We can only wait and see how things develop. Hopefully, Zheng Yi won't cause any major trouble."

On the other side, after successfully passing through the light curtain, Zheng Yi immediately felt a strong sense of dizziness.

The whole world seemed to be spinning, heaven and earth were upside down, and it was impossible to tell up from down. This feeling lasted for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea before gradually disappearing.

After the dizziness completely subsided, Zheng Yi found himself standing in a completely different place.

"This is..." He looked around, his eyes filled with shock.

Before me stretched a vast, boundless continent, with verdant mountains and clear waters, and the sounds of birdsong and the fragrance of flowers. The sky was a clear, deep blue, dotted with fluffy white clouds, appearing no different from the outside world.

What surprised him even more was the extremely high concentration of spiritual energy here, at least ten times that of the outside world. With each breath, he could feel the pure spiritual energy flowing into his body, making him feel incredibly comfortable.

“This is impossible,” Zheng Yi muttered to himself. “From the outside, that island looks to be only a few hundred miles in circumference. How could it possibly contain such a vast space?”

He tried to use his divine sense to explore his surroundings, but found that the range of his divine sense was greatly limited. His divine sense, which could originally cover dozens of miles, could now only extend a few miles.

“The spatial laws here are different from those outside.” Zheng Yi quickly realized the problem. “No wonder it looks like an ordinary island from the outside.”

This spatial compression technology is beyond the comprehension of ordinary cultivators. Only legendary immortals could create such a profound space.

"The legacy of immortals is indeed well-deserved," Zheng Yi thought to himself.

He carefully observed his surroundings and discovered that there were not only mountains and rivers, but also all sorts of exotic flowers and rare herbs. Many of them were extremely rare medicinal herbs, and some were even varieties he had never seen before.

"If Yunfan and the others can cultivate here, they will definitely gain a lot." Zheng Yi felt both gratified and worried.

It's comforting to know that this is indeed a rare sacred place for cultivation, but I'm worried about their current situation.

As he was observing his surroundings, a series of beast roars suddenly came from afar.

"Roar!"

The deep roar echoed through the valley, sounding extremely majestic and powerful.

"A monster?" Zheng Yi immediately became alert.

He looked in the direction of the sound and saw a huge figure moving through the distant mountains and forests. Judging from its size, this demonic beast was at least at the Golden Core stage.

"It seems there are both opportunities and dangers here," Zheng Yi thought to himself.

For Foundation Establishment cultivators, Golden Core stage demonic beasts are indeed a huge threat. No wonder all the various forces only send their young disciples; this environment is truly the best training ground. (End of Chapter)