From the fake emperor to the concubine

"The compass indicates that Void Peak should be in the northwest direction," Zheng Yi observed the compass needle. "Let's continue."

After flying for another half day, the master and his apprentice finally saw a mountain peak that was quite different from the others.

This mountain peak is extremely tall, piercing the clouds, and its body has an unusual pale blue hue that shimmers in the sunlight. Most amazingly, the clouds surrounding this peak are not ordinary white, but rather tinged with a faint golden light, creating a scene of breathtaking beauty, like a fairyland.

"That's Void Peak!" Zheng Yi exclaimed excitedly. "The Tai Xu Sect is right there!"

"Master, does that mountain peak look like it's moving?" Zhang Yunfan observed carefully. "It was straight in front of us just now, but why is it veering to the left?"

Zheng Yi also noticed this unusual phenomenon. Indeed, the location of Void Peak was constantly changing, like a mirage.

"This must be an illusion array set up by the Taixu Sect," Zheng Yi analyzed. "Void Peak itself is a giant illusion; only those with true destiny can find the real entrance."

"So what should we do?"

“Since it’s an illusion array, there must be a way to break it.” Zheng Yi closed his eyes, focusing on the flow of spiritual energy around him. “I’ll try to use my divine sense to investigate the true situation.”

Just as Zheng Yi was focused on his investigation, a deafening roar suddenly came from afar.

"Roar!"

The roar was as thunderous as thunder, carrying boundless majesty and killing intent. The entire world trembled at the sound, and even the clouds were shaken apart.

"What is that?" Zhang Yunfan gripped his longsword tightly, alert.

Zheng Yi opened his eyes, his expression turning serious.

From the distant mountain peaks, a colossal figure was slowly emerging. It was a massive white tiger, tens of feet long, its entire body as white as jade, with a golden "king" mark on its forehead.

This white tiger exuded a terrifying aura, aura that even surpassed that of a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, reaching the level of a Deity Transformation cultivator.

"The White Tiger Divine Beast!" Zheng Yi gasped. "One of the legendary Four Divine Beasts!"

The white tiger mythical beast slowly approached the master and disciple, each step causing the earth to tremble. Its eyes were as cold as icy stars, filled with scrutiny and hostility.

"Human cultivators," the White Tiger divine beast spoke, its voice booming like a great bell, "what is your intention in trespassing into the territory of the Tai Xu Sect?"

"Senior, I am Zheng Yi, and I have come to visit the Taixu Sect to discuss important matters." Zheng Yi bowed respectfully.

Although he is quite powerful now, he still needs to maintain sufficient respect when facing legendary divine beasts.

"Visiting the Tai Xu Sect?!" The White Tiger Divine Beast sneered. "A mere Nascent Soul cultivator dares to claim he's visiting the Tai Xu Sect?"

"You mortal cultivators are always so self-righteous. Do you think you can just visit the Taixu Sect whenever you want?"

“Senior, I do indeed have important matters to discuss with the Taixu Sect,” Zheng Yi patiently explained, “regarding the matter of immortal inheritance.”

"An immortal's legacy?" A hint of interest flashed in the White Tiger Divine Beast's eyes, but it quickly returned to its cold indifference. "Even if there is an immortal's legacy, it depends on whether you are qualified to meet the immortals of the Taixu Sect."

"According to the rules of the Taixu Sect, to meet an immortal, one must first pass a trial. And I am the guardian of the first trial."

"If you can defeat me, you'll be qualified to move on. If you lose, go back to where you came from and never set foot here again!"

After saying that, the White Tiger Divine Beast unleashed a terrifying killing intent, which dyed the entire world blood red.

"Master, this white tiger is incredibly powerful!" Zhang Yunfan felt the oppressive aura and his face turned pale.

"Indeed very strong, at least at the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm," Zheng Yi said solemnly. "It seems this battle is inevitable."

"In that case, let this junior experience your superior skills!"

Zheng Yi no longer hesitated and drew his longsword. Facing such a powerful opponent, holding back would be irresponsible towards his own life.

"The Righteous Yang Sword Technique - The Great Sun Shines in the Sky!"

A huge golden sun rose behind Zheng Yi, its light even more dazzling than the real sun.

"Interesting," the White Tiger divine beast nodded, "but this level of attack is far from enough!"

"White Tiger Roars to the Heavens - Tiger Roars Through the Mountains and Forests!"

The white tiger divine beast roared to the sky, its sound waves spreading outwards as if they were tangible. This sonic attack was not only incredibly powerful, but it could also directly impact a cultivator's spiritual consciousness.

"boom!"

The golden sun collided with the sound waves, unleashing a deafening roar. Terrifying energy fluctuations spread outwards, causing mountains within a radius of several miles to tremble precariously.

"As expected of a divine beast, its strength is indeed terrifying." Zheng Yi felt the vibration in his arm, and his heart became even more solemn.

But he did not back down; instead, his fighting spirit soared even higher.

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

Countless golden sword shadows shot out from Zheng Yi's body, covering the White Tiger Divine Beast like a net from heaven and earth.

"A mere trick!" the White Tiger divine beast scoffed. "White Tiger Golden Body!"

Its body suddenly turned as shiny as gold, and when the sword shadows struck its body, they made a clanging metallic sound, completely unable to break through its defenses.

"What? Even the Void-Breaking Sword Intent couldn't hurt it?" Zheng Yi was shocked.

"Human, your attacks are too weak!" the White Tiger divine beast mocked. "Let me show you what true power is!"

"White Tiger Divine Claw!"

The white tiger divine beast slashed out with its claw, the enormous claw shadow carrying the power to tear through space as it grabbed towards Zheng Yi.

The power of this claw was terrifying; even black cracks appeared in space.

"Master, be careful!" Zhang Yunfan cried out in alarm.

"The True Yang Sword Technique - Ultimate Secret - Sun God Sword!"

Zheng Yi unleashed his strongest move without reservation, and a giant lightsaber a thousand feet long condensed in the air.

"go!"

The Sun God Sword and the White Tiger Claw collided head-on, unleashing unprecedented terrifying power.

"boom!"

The explosion was as powerful as a thunderbolt from the heavens, shaking the entire world violently. Towering mountains collapsed under the impact, and even the clouds in the sky were shattered.

"puff!"

Zheng Yi was forced to cough up blood and retreat due to the force of the recoil, but the White Tiger Divine Beast was also not unscathed, as the golden light on its body dimmed considerably.

"Interesting, you actually managed to hurt me." The White Tiger Divine Beast licked a small wound on its paw. "It seems you do possess some strength."

"However, this is just the beginning!"

The aura of the White Tiger divine beast surged once more, and its white fur began to emit a faint golden light.

"The true form of the White Tiger divine beast!"

With that roar, the White Tiger Divine Beast's size began to swell, growing from tens of feet to over a hundred feet. Even more terrifying, its oppressive aura also increased exponentially, approaching the level of the mid-stage Nascent Soul realm. "This is troublesome." Zheng Yi felt this terrifying pressure, and sweat began to bead on his forehead.

The strength of a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator was beyond his ability to handle. Even if he gave it his all, it would be difficult for him to win.

"Master, let your disciple help you!" Zhang Yunfan gritted his teeth and rushed forward.

"Don't come any closer!" Zheng Yi hurriedly stopped him. "You're not strong enough; it'll be dangerous!"

"But Master, you're all alone."

"Trust your master!" Zheng Yi said firmly. "I still have trump cards up my sleeve!"

As he spoke, Zheng Yi took out a fragment of the Immortal Essence Pearl from his pocket.

Although he had refined the main body of the Immortal Essence Pearl, some fragments still retained the pure essence of immortal essence. He had originally planned to save these fragments for a crucial moment, and now was the perfect time.

"Immortal essence bestowed upon me!"

Zheng Yi crushed the fragments of the Immortal Essence Pearl, and the pure Immortal Essence instantly merged into his body.

"boom!"

Zheng Yi's aura began to rise rapidly, soaring from the late Nascent Soul stage all the way to near the Deity Transformation stage. Although it was only a temporary improvement, it was enough for him to fight the White Tiger Divine Beast.

"Immortal power?" Surprise flashed in the White Tiger divine beast's eyes. "How can a human like you possess immortal power?"

“That’s my secret,” Zheng Yi said coldly. “Since you want to test my strength, then accept this sword strike!”

"The True Yang Sword Technique - Ultimate Secret: Immortal Yang Pierces the Void!"

This is a brand new move created by Zheng Yi with the blessing of immortal essence. Its power has surpassed that of ordinary Nascent Soul stage divine abilities and reached the level of Deity Transformation stage.

A dazzling sword light descended from the sky, as if a true celestial sword were slaying demons.

"Such powerful sword intent!" The White Tiger Divine Beast also felt threatened. "In that case, I won't hold back either!"

"The White Tiger Divine Beast's Ultimate Divine Power - Roar of the Tiger Across the Nine Heavens!"

The White Tiger Divine Beast let out a deafening roar, and the sound waves materialized into a gigantic white tiger of light and shadow, baring its fangs and claws to meet the sword light.

"boom!"

The two supernatural powers collided in mid-air, unleashing a world-destroying force.

The mountains within a radius of dozens of miles were all reduced to dust by this impact, and even the sky was torn open with huge cracks.

When the light faded, both Zheng Yi and the White Tiger Divine Beast were seriously injured.

Zheng Yi's clothes were tattered and blood was still dripping from the corner of his mouth, but the fighting spirit in his eyes remained intense.

The White Tiger Divine Beast was also in bad shape; a large patch of its white fur was singed, and the "King" mark on its forehead had faded.

"Not bad, really not bad!" The White Tiger Divine Beast wiped the blood from the corner of its mouth. "To be injured to this extent, you have passed my trial!"

"It passed?" Zheng Yi was somewhat surprised.

“That’s right.” The White Tiger Divine Beast nodded. “The trials of the Taixu Sect are not meant to kill challengers, but to test their strength and will.”

"The strength and indomitable fighting spirit you just displayed have earned my approval."

After saying that, the White Tiger Divine Beast's body began to shrink, returning to its original size.

"So, can I see the immortals of the Taixu Sect now?" Zheng Yi asked.

“Of course,” a faint voice came from the void, “and you no longer need to search, for I have already arrived.”

With this voice, a middle-aged man dressed in a white robe emerged from the void.

This man had a handsome face and an extraordinary temperament, exuding a faint aura of immortality. What was most astonishing was that his aura was unfathomable, clearly surpassing the Nascent Soul stage and reaching the legendary Integration stage, or perhaps even higher.

"Junior Zheng Yi greets the immortal!" Zheng Yi quickly bowed.

An existence that can be called an immortal by the White Tiger Divine Beast must be a top expert in the cultivation world.

"No need for formalities," the middle-aged man said calmly. "I am Yun Xuzi, an elder of the Taixu Sect. I witnessed the entire battle just now."

"You were able to fight the White Tiger to a draw, which shows your strength is indeed impressive. More importantly, you possess the aura of immortal energy, which is quite interesting."

"Immortal, I have come here today to discuss an important matter with the Taixu Sect." Zheng Yi went straight to the point.

“I know,” Yun Xuzi nodded. “It’s about the inheritance of immortality, right?”

"The immortals are indeed incredibly powerful!" Zheng Yi exclaimed in amazement.

“It’s nothing,” Yun Xuzi waved his hand. “But before we get down to business, I’d like to ask you a question.”

"Please speak, Immortal."

"Why did you come to the Taixu Sect for help? With your current strength, you are already considered a top expert in the cultivation world," Yun Xuzi asked curiously.

"Because relying solely on individual strength is insufficient," Zheng Yi answered frankly. "Faced with the combined attack of ten major forces, I deeply felt my own inadequacy."

"No matter how strong an individual is, there are limits. Only powerful forces and reliable allies can survive in this cruel world."

“An interesting answer.” Yun Xuzi nodded thoughtfully. “Many cultivators are obsessed with the pursuit of individual power, neglecting the importance of unity.”

"The fact that you can recognize this shows that you have good wisdom and a good state of mind."

"Then come with me. Let's discuss the possibility of this collaboration."

After saying that, Yun Xuzi turned and walked towards Void Peak.

It was only during the journey with Yun Xuzi to Void Peak that Zheng Yi truly experienced the wonders of the Taixu Sect.

The once ethereal mountain peaks became clearly visible under Yun Xuzi's guidance. The mountain bodies were as transparent as crystal, with countless streams of spiritual light flowing within, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene, like a fairyland.

"This is the true face of the Taixu Sect," Yun Xuzi said calmly. "It is usually concealed by an illusion array, and only those who have gained recognition can see the true scene."

"Truly a masterpiece!" Zheng Yi exclaimed sincerely.

A portal of light shone from the surface of the mountain. Yun Xuzi stepped into the portal first, followed closely by Zheng Yi and his disciples.

After passing through the portal, they arrived in a huge space.

This place doesn't feel like the interior of a mountain; rather, it's like a self-contained little world. The sky is a clear, deep blue, dotted with fluffy white clouds. In the distance, there are green mountains and clear waters, while nearby, there are pavilions and towers. A faint, ethereal fragrance permeates the air, refreshing and invigorating the senses.

"The true location of the Taixu Sect is an independent small world?" Zhang Yunfan asked in shock.

“That’s right.” Yun Xuzi nodded. “This is a blessed land created by the founding patriarch of our Taixu Sect, completely isolated from the outside world.”

"One day of cultivation here is equivalent to ten days of cultivation outside. Moreover, there is absolutely no external interference, making it the most ideal cultivation sanctuary."

The master and disciple followed Yun Xuzi to a grand, ancient, and elegant hall. Above the hall's plaque were five ancient characters: "Tai Xu Council Hall," the calligraphy flowing like the handwriting of an immortal. (End of Chapter)