From the fake emperor to the concubine

"Moreover, the Golden Bell also has the effect of purifying evil spirits and dispelling inner demons, making it a rare treasure."

Zheng Yi nodded; it was indeed a good magic weapon. Although he couldn't use it himself, he could leave it for other members of the family.

"What about the Great Thunderclap Heart Sutra?"

"Right here." Abbot Huikong took out an ancient scripture. "This is the core cultivation method of my Leiyin Temple, recording the complete cultivation process from Foundation Establishment to Nascent Soul stage."

"Especially the Thunderous Sound Divine Power, which is extremely powerful, is the culmination of the hard work of generations of eminent monks in our sect."

Zheng Yi took the scripture and casually flipped through a few pages. It was indeed a very profound cultivation method, and the records were detailed, making it very valuable for enriching the Zheng family's cultivation method database.

“These items are indeed quite valuable,” Zheng Yi nodded, “but these alone are not enough to completely offset your mistakes.”

Upon hearing this, Abbot Huikong's expression tightened: "Does Benefactor Zheng have any further requests?"

"I want your Leiyin Temple to issue a statement explaining to the entire cultivation world that this attack on the Zheng family was a mistake," Zheng Yi said slowly, "and to issue a public apology."

"Abbot Huikong hesitated for a moment."

Demanding a public apology from Leiyin Temple would severely damage the sect's reputation. However, if they refused, Zheng Yi would likely not let the matter rest.

“Furthermore,” Zheng Yi continued, “I need you to provide detailed intelligence on the other forces involved in this operation, including their strength, treasures, defenses, and other information.”

"Furthermore, from this day forward, Leiyin Temple is forbidden from participating in any actions targeting the Zheng family, or I will personally come to their door and annihilate them completely."

After pondering for a long time, Abbot Huikong finally nodded in agreement:
"Very well, this humble monk agrees to your terms."

“However, this humble monk has a request,” he continued, “I hope that Benefactor Zheng will allow my Leiyin Temple to preserve its lineage and not to be driven to extinction.”

“Of course.” Zheng Yi nodded. “I’m not a bloodthirsty person. As long as you don’t provoke me again, I won’t go looking for trouble.”

"Amitabha Buddha, thank you for your forgiveness, Benefactor Zheng." Abbot Huikong breathed a sigh of relief. "This humble monk will arrange for the things you requested to be prepared immediately."

Soon, Leiyin Temple officially handed over the Leiyin Golden Bell and the Great Leiyin Heart Sutra to Zheng Yi. At the same time, Abbot Huikong also provided a detailed intelligence report, recording various information about the other eleven forces.

"Benefactor Zheng, this is all the information we have." Abbot Huikong handed Zheng Yi a storage bag. "We hope it will be of help to you."

Zheng Yi took the storage bag and scanned its contents with his divine sense. It was indeed very detailed, including the locations of various forces, their strength distribution, important figures, and their treasured artifacts.

“Very good.” Zheng Yi nodded in satisfaction. “Also, I’ll give you three days to prepare the public apology statement.”

“Yes, this humble monk understands,” Abbot Huikong replied respectfully.

“Then we’ll take our leave.” Zheng Yi put away the Thunderous Bell and the scriptures. “Remember your promises today, or you will bear the consequences.”

"This humble monk will never forget." Abbot Huikong bowed as he saw him off.

After the master and disciple left Leiyin Temple, Zhang Yunfan couldn't help but say:
“Master, the abbot of Leiyin Temple is indeed very sincere. If other forces could act like them, there would be no need for fighting and killing.”

"This rational attitude is indeed commendable," Zheng Yi nodded. "Abbot Huikong is a smart man; he knows when to yield."

"However," he changed his tone, "a wise force like Leiyin Temple is, after all, a minority. Other forces probably won't be so easy to deal with."

Sure enough, when they arrived at the second faction—the Soul Severing Sect—they encountered a completely different situation.

The Soul Severing Sect is located in a desolate mountain wilderness, its entire gate shrouded in black mist, exuding a sinister and evil aura. It is a heretical sect primarily focused on assassination, its members all ruthless and vicious, infamous throughout the cultivation world.

"Who dares to trespass on my Soul-Severing Gate?" Before even reaching the mountain gate, more than a dozen black-clad cultivators blocked their way.

“Zheng Yi.” Zheng Yi simply gave his name.

"Zheng Yi?" the leading black-clad cultivator sneered. "I've heard of you, but what are you compared to the Soul Severing Sect?"

"If you know what's good for you, get lost, or you won't be leaving alive!"

Seeing the arrogant attitude of the Soul Severing Sect, Zhang Yunfan said angrily, "Master, these people are too arrogant!"

"Since they're courting death, then so be it." A cold killing intent flashed in Zheng Yi's eyes. "It'll be perfect to use them to establish our authority and let other forces know the consequences of provoking the Zheng family!"

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

Countless sword shadows shot towards the black-clad cultivators in an instant.

"What?!" The black-clad cultivators were shocked and quickly used their movement techniques to dodge.

However, their strength was far inferior to Zheng Yi's, and they were no match for the dense, rain-like sword shadows.

"what!"

"Help!"

"How is this guy so strong?"

In the blink of an eye, more than a dozen disciples of the Soul Severing Sect were all pierced by the sword shadows and died a violent death.

"Who dares to run wild in my Soul Severing Sect?"

An angry roar came from deep within the mountain gate, and then an old man exuding an aura of death flew out.

This person had a withered face and eyes that flickered like will-o'-the-wisps; his cultivation level was around the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm.

"Are you the leader of the Soul Severing Sect?" Zheng Yi asked coldly.

"That's right, I am none other than Soul Impermanence, the sect leader of the Soul Severing Sect," the old man said viciously. "You killed my disciple; you won't leave here alive today!"

"Is that so?" Zheng Yi laughed mockingly. "Then I'd like to see what you're capable of using to keep me here."

"You're courting death!" Soul Impermanence roared in fury, "Soul-Severing Divine Art - Ten Thousand Ghosts Devouring Souls!"

Countless ghostly figures surged from his body, baring their fangs and claws as they pounced on Zheng Yi. These ghostly figures were vengeful spirits he had created using evil magic, specifically designed to attack the spiritual consciousness of cultivators.

"A mere trick." Zheng Yi scoffed. "The Righteous Yang Sword Technique - Illuminating the World!"

The pure golden light instantly illuminated the entire area, and the ghostly figures immediately let out shrill screams under the golden light before turning into wisps of smoke and dissipating.

"What?! My Ten Thousand Ghosts Formation!" Soul Impermanence exclaimed in utter shock. "What kind of technique is this?"

"A technique that will send you to hell," Zheng Yi said coldly, "The Righteous Yang Sword Technique - Great Sun in the Sky!"

A huge golden sun rose behind Zheng Yi, and the pressure it emitted made the entire Soul Severing Gate tremble.

"Not good! Run!" Sensing this terrifying power, Hun Wuchang finally realized the difference in strength between the two sides.

But it's too late.

"boom!"

The golden sun suddenly exploded, and the terrifying energy instantly engulfed the Soul Impermanence.

When the light faded, Hun Wuchang had already turned to ashes, and even his nascent soul could not escape.

"Master, shall we search the treasure vault of the Soul Severing Sect?" Zhang Yunfan asked. "Of course," Zheng Yi nodded. "Now that we're here, we can't leave empty-handed."

The master and apprentice searched the Soul-Severing Gate and found quite a few valuable items. Although they didn't find treasures of the same level as those from the Thunderclap Temple, it was still a decent haul.

"It seems attitude determines everything," Zheng Yi sighed. "Leiyin Temple was pragmatic, which is why it preserved its heritage. Duanhun Sect resisted stubbornly, and ended up being wiped out."

"Master, where do we go next?" Zhang Yunfan asked.

"According to the intelligence provided by Leiyin Temple, the closest sect to here is the Poison Scorpion Sect," Zheng Yi said, checking the map. "Let's go and meet them."

After leaving the ruins of the Soul-Severing Gate, Zheng Yi and his apprentice flew towards the Poison Scorpion Sect.

The Poison Scorpion Sect is located deep within the Poisonous Miasma Mountains in the southwest, a place shrouded in miasma and teeming with venomous insects, making it a notoriously dangerous place in the cultivation world. Ordinary cultivators dare not venture deep into it, which has become a natural barrier for the Poison Scorpion Sect.

"Master, the miasma ahead is so thick!" Zhang Yunfan said with some concern, looking at the green poisonous fog in the distance.

"It's alright," Zheng Yi said calmly. "These poisonous miasmas are indeed dangerous for ordinary cultivators, but they're nothing to us."

As he spoke, he activated the Pure Yang Heart Technique, and golden protective spiritual light instantly enveloped the master and disciple. Pure Yang energy naturally counteracts all Yin and poisonous substances, and the miasma dissipated immediately upon contact with the golden light.

"Just as Master said, these poisonous miasmas can't harm us at all." Zhang Yunfan breathed a sigh of relief.

The master and disciple passed through layers of poisonous miasma and soon arrived at the gate of the Poison Scorpion Sect.

Unlike other sects, the Poison Scorpion Sect's mountain gate has an extremely sinister architectural style. The entire mountain gate is built of black stone, and the lintel is carved with huge poisonous scorpion patterns, baring their fangs and claws, lifelike.

What's even more unsettling is that the area around the mountain gate is crawling with all sorts of poisonous insects, with venomous snakes, centipedes, and scorpions everywhere. Ordinary people would feel terrified just by looking at them.

"Who dares to trespass on the Poison Scorpion Sect's territory?"

Before Zheng Yi could speak, more than a dozen cultivators dressed in green robes emerged from the mountain gate. Their faces were all pale, and their eyes gleamed with green light, clearly indicating they had all cultivated poison techniques.

The leader was a middle-aged woman with a seductive appearance, but her emerald green eyes sent chills down one's spine.

"I am Zheng Yi, and I'm here to settle accounts with you." Zheng Yi stated his identity directly.

"Zheng Yi?" The middle-aged woman sneered. "I've heard of you, but what are you compared to the Poison Scorpion Sect?"

"If you know what's good for you, get out of here right now, or you'll be poisoned to death, and our venomous insects will devour your corpse clean!"

Seeing the Poison Scorpion Sect's arrogant attitude, Zhang Yunfan angrily said, "Master, these people are just as arrogant as the Soul Severing Sect!"

"Since that's the case, then let's send them to join the Soul Severing Sect." A cold killing intent flashed in Zheng Yi's eyes.

"The Righteous Yang Sword Technique - Blazing Sun Scorches the Sky!"

The blazing sword light shot towards the Poison Scorpion Sect disciples like a meteor shower.

"Protect yourself from all poisons!" The middle-aged woman hurriedly cast a defensive spell, and a layer of green poisonous mist instantly enveloped everyone.

However, the Zhengyang Sword Technique is inherently effective against all poisonous substances, and the poisonous mist melts away as quickly as snowflakes encountering fire in the face of the sword light.

"What?! My Myriad Poisons Formation!" The middle-aged woman stared in horror at the defense that had been so easily breached. "This is impossible!"

“Nothing is impossible,” Zheng Yi said coldly. “Good will always triumph over evil; that’s the law of nature!”

"what!"

"Help!"

"How come this guy's technique is so effective against us?"

The Poison Scorpion Sect disciples screamed in agony under the attack of the sword light; their prized poison skills were completely rendered useless in the face of the Righteous Yang Sword Technique.

In the blink of an eye, all of the dozen or so Poison Scorpion Sect disciples were killed.

"Who dares to run wild in my Poison Scorpion Sect?"

A sinister voice came from deep within the mountain gate, followed by a short, stout old man slowly emerging.

This person was entirely green, almost black, even their hair and eyebrows were green, and they emitted a strong poisonous fumes. Just one glance was enough to make one dizzy.

"You are the sect leader of the Poison Scorpion Sect?" Zheng Yi activated his protective spiritual power to completely isolate the other party's poisonous gas.

"Indeed, I am Poison Scorpion, the sect leader of the Poison Scorpion Sect." The old man chuckled sinisterly. "You killed my disciple; today, I'll feed my venomous insects with your flesh and blood!"

"You?!" Zheng Yi scoffed. "A piece of trash at the early Nascent Soul stage dares to be so insolent in front of me?"

"You're courting death!" Venomous Scorpion roared in fury, "Myriad Poisons Devouring Heart Technique - Poison Dragon Emerges from the Sea!"

A gigantic green venomous dragon erupted from his body, baring its fangs and claws as it lunged at Zheng Yi. This dragon was entirely composed of potent poison; even a Golden Core cultivator would instantly succumb to its poison upon contact with just a drop.

"A mere trifle," Zheng Yi scoffed. "The Righteous Yang Sword Technique - Great Sun in the Sky!"

A huge golden sun rose behind Zheng Yi, and the pure yang energy it emitted instantly purified the poisonous dragon.

"What?! My Poison Dragon!" Poison Scorpion stared in disbelief at the scene. "How could your technique be so powerful?"

"Because I cultivate righteous techniques, specifically designed to counter you evil heretics!" Zheng Yi said coldly. "Today, I'll show you what the light of justice truly is!"

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

Countless golden sword shadows shot out from Zheng Yi's body, enveloping Poison Scorpion like a net from heaven.

"Ten Thousand Poisons Protection Shield!" Poison Scorpion hurriedly cast his strongest defensive spell, and a huge green shield materialized in front of him.

However, the pure Yang power contained in the sword shadow was too strong, and the poison shield only lasted for a few breaths before cracks began to appear.

"Impossible! My Ten Thousand Poisons Protection Shield is made from the venom sac of a ten-thousand-year-old scorpion. How could it be broken so easily?" The Poison Scorpion was terrified.

"boom!"

The poison shield shattered completely, and countless sword shadows instantly engulfed the Poison Scorpion.

"Ah!" Poison Scorpion let out his final scream before being torn to shreds by the sword light.

"metropolitan!"

Terrified screams came from deep within the mountain gate, indicating that there were other Poison Scorpion Sect disciples hiding inside.

"Since they're here, let's leave no one alive." Zheng Yi's eyes flashed with murderous intent. "Yunfan, let's go in and clean up the mess."

"Yes, Master!" Zhang Yunfan followed his master into the interior of the Poison Scorpion Sect.

The interior of the Poison Scorpion Sect's buildings was even more sinister than the exterior, filled with nests of various venomous insects. The walls were crawling with venomous snakes and centipedes, and the ceilings were adorned with bats and poisonous spiders—it was practically a kingdom of venomous creatures.

"These poisonous insects are truly disgusting," Zhang Yunfan said, frowning. (End of Chapter)