From the fake emperor to the concubine

"Please come in." Yun Xuzi gestured for him to enter.

Upon entering the council hall, Zheng Yi found the furnishings extremely simple. The hall contained only a few cushions and a low stone table; nothing else. But it was precisely this simplicity that gave one a sense of returning to simplicity.

"Please sit down." Yun Xuzi pointed to two of the prayer cushions.

The master and disciple sat cross-legged on the futon, and Yun Xuzi sat down opposite them.

"First of all, I congratulate you on passing the White Tiger Trial," Yun Xuzi said bluntly. "You should know that in the last hundred years, no more than ten cultivators have been able to pass the White Tiger Trial."

"Thank you for the compliment, Immortal," Zheng Yi replied modestly.

"However, passing the trial only grants you the right to speak with us," Yun Xuzi said, changing the subject. "The real negotiations are only just beginning."

"Please speak, Immortal."

"As far as I know, you are currently facing a joint attack from ten major forces, and your situation is extremely dangerous," Yun Xuzi stated directly, pointing to the core of the problem. "And you came to the Taixu Sect hoping to receive our protection, right?"

“Exactly,” Zheng Yi replied truthfully. “The combined strength of the ten major powers is indeed beyond our ability to contend with alone.”

"So, what do you intend to offer in exchange for our protection?" A glint of shrewdness flashed in Yun Xuzi's eyes. "You should know that the Taixu Sect never engages in unprofitable deals."

"We are willing to offer up the Immortal Sword Technique inheritance," Zheng Yi said without concealment. "This is the complete Immortal inheritance that my disciple obtained in the East Sea Secret Realm."

"The Immortal Sword Technique." Yun Xuzi nodded thoughtfully. "It is indeed a good bargaining chip. However, a single sword technique is probably not enough."

"What does the immortal mean?" Zheng Yi's heart sank.

"Protecting a family against the ten major powers comes at a tremendous cost," Yun Xuzi said slowly. "We not only have to face the wrath of these powers, but also bear all sorts of risks."

"Therefore, a single Immortal Sword Technique is far from enough to offset these costs."

"What does the immortal want us to give?" Zheng Yi asked directly.

"It's very simple." Yun Xuzi smiled faintly. "I hope that from now on, the Zheng family will become a subordinate force of the Taixu Sect, forever loyal to the Taixu Sect."

“Affiliated forces?” Zheng Yi frowned.

“That’s right.” Yun Xuzi nodded. “Specifically, all major decisions made by the Zheng family must be approved by the Taixu Sect, and the Zheng family members must prioritize serving the Taixu Sect.”

"Furthermore," Yun Xuzi continued, "half of the Zheng family's annual profits must be paid as tribute to the Taixu Sect."

Upon hearing these conditions, Zheng Yi's expression turned extremely ugly.

This is not cooperation; it's clearly an attempt to make the Zheng family slaves of the Taixu Sect!
"Immortal, isn't this condition too harsh?" Zheng Yi tried hard to control his tone.

“Harsh?” Yun Xuzi shook his head. “I think it’s very fair. You give obedience and wealth, and we provide protection and shelter. It’s a reasonable exchange.”

"Moreover, becoming a subordinate force of the Taixu Sect will also bring you many benefits."

"What are the benefits?" Zhang Yunfan couldn't help but ask.

"First, with the protection of the Taixu Sect, no force will dare to provoke you easily," Yun Xuzi patiently explained. "Second, you can use the Taixu Sect's resources and cultivation techniques, which will greatly increase your cultivation speed."

"Most importantly, you will become members of the strongest force in the cultivation world, and your status and prestige will rise accordingly."

At this point, Yun Xuzi paused for a moment, then continued:

"Of course, if you are unwilling to accept these conditions, we will not force you. You are free to leave, and the Taixu Sect will not make things difficult for you."

“However,” his tone became meaningful, “after leaving the Taixu Sect, you will have to face the wrath of the ten major powers alone. With your current strength, how long can you hold out?”

These words struck Zheng Yi like a thunderbolt, plunging him into deep thought.

Yun Xuzi is right. Without the protection of the Taixu Sect, the Zheng family would indeed have a hard time withstanding the combined attack of the ten major powers. However, accepting such conditions would mean that the Zheng family would lose its independence and become a vassal of the Taixu Sect.

This was an outcome he absolutely did not want to see.

"Immortal, could you give us some time to consider?" Zheng Yi pleaded.

“Of course,” Yun Xuzi nodded, “but it can’t be too long. As far as I know, the ten major powers are brewing a new attack plan, and you don’t have much time left.”

"I'll give you three days to consider. Give me a definite answer after three days."

"Thank you for your leniency, Immortal." Zheng Yi stood up and bowed.

"The White Tiger will arrange your accommodations," Yun Xuzi waved his hand and said, "Think it over carefully; this may be your only chance."

Led by the white tiger divine beast, the master and disciple arrived at the accommodations prepared by the Taixu Sect for their guests.

This is an exquisite little courtyard with artificial hills and flowing water, creating an elegant environment. More importantly, the concentration of spiritual energy here is extremely high, making it truly an ideal place for cultivation.

"Master, what are the conditions of the Taixu Sect?" Zhang Yunfan hesitated before speaking.

“I know what you’re trying to say,” Zheng Yi sighed. “These conditions are indeed too harsh.”

"So what should we do?"

"Let me think about it some more." Zheng Yi paced back and forth in the courtyard, his mind filled with thoughts.

Although the conditions offered by the Taixu Sect were harsh, they could indeed resolve the Zheng family's current predicament. With the protection of the Taixu Sect, the ten major powers no longer dared to act rashly.

However, the price paid was too high.

Becoming a subordinate force forever meant that the Zheng family would lose its independence. Moreover, paying half of the profits as tribute every year was an extremely heavy burden.

More importantly, once they become a subordinate force, the Zheng family's fate will be entirely in the hands of the Taixu Sect. If the Taixu Sect harbors any ill intentions, the Zheng family will be powerless to resist.

"Master, if we don't accept the conditions of the Taixu Sect, can we really fight against the ten major forces on our own?" Zhang Yunfan asked worriedly.

"It's difficult, but not impossible," Zheng Yi said thoughtfully. "The key is to find a breakthrough."

"What's the breakthrough point?"

"Although the ten major powers have united, they are not truly united," Zheng Yi analyzed. "If we can sow discord among them and create cracks within the alliance..."

"But Master, we are in such a dangerous situation right now, how can we have time to sow discord?"

“That is indeed a problem,” Zheng Yi nodded, “but there is another way.”

“What method?”

“Find other allies.” A determined glint flashed in Zheng Yi’s eyes. “The cultivation world isn’t just dominated by the Taixu Sect.”

"For example?"

"For example, the dragon clan of the East Sea, the demon alliance of the Southern Wilderness, and those neutral independent cultivator organizations," Zheng Yi said. "Given the right conditions, they might very well be willing to cooperate with us."

"Furthermore," Zheng Yi continued, "the actions of the ten major powers have already aroused dissatisfaction among many. Their joint attack violates the traditions of the cultivation world."

"There are definitely many forces observing in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity. If we can make contact with these forces..."

As Zhang Yunfan listened to his master's analysis, a glimmer of hope gradually ignited in his eyes.

"Master, do you mean we should refuse the Taixu Sect's conditions?"

“Yes,” Zheng Yi nodded firmly, “Our Zheng family would rather die in battle than be someone else’s slaves!” “But Master, the risks are enormous.”

“I know the risks are huge,” Zheng Yi interrupted Zhang Yunfan, “but some things are more important than life itself, and that is dignity and freedom!”

"If you have to give up your dignity just to survive, what's the point of living?"

Hearing his master's words, Zhang Yunfan felt a surge of passion.

"Master is right! The sons of the Zheng family would rather die than submit!"

"Good!" Zheng Yi patted his disciple's shoulder with satisfaction. "With your words of comfort, I can rest assured."

The master and disciple stayed at Taixu Sect for three days. During this time, Yunxuzi sent people to inquire several times, but Zheng Yi declined each time, saying that he "still needed to consider it."

Three days later, Yun Xuzi came to the courtyard in person.

"How have you decided?" Yun Xuzi asked bluntly.

"Thank you for your hospitality over the past three days, Immortal." Zheng Yi rose and bowed. "However, I regret to inform you that we cannot accept the conditions of the Taixu Sect."

"Oh?" Yun Xuzi frowned slightly. "Could you explain your reasoning?"

"It's very simple. Our Zheng family is unwilling to be anyone's vassal," Zheng Yi said frankly. "We would rather face difficulties than compromise our independence."

"Foolish!" Yun Xuzi's face darkened. "You're gambling with the fate of the entire family!"

“It may be foolish, but it’s our choice,” Zheng Yi said firmly. “Everyone has their bottom line, and this is ours.”

"You will regret this," Yun Xuzi said coldly. "Without the protection of the Taixu Sect, you won't even last a month."

“That was our own choice,” Zheng Yi replied calmly.

"In that case, please leave." Yun Xuzi turned and left. "The Taixu Sect does not welcome guests who don't know their place."

"Wait," Zheng Yi called out to Yun Xuzi, "We have another request."

"What request?" Yun Xuzi stopped in his tracks.

"I hope the Taixu Sect can remain neutral and not participate in the siege against us by the ten major powers," Zheng Yi said.

“That’s natural,” Yun Xuzi said without turning his head. “The Taixu Sect has never participated in worldly conflicts. But don’t expect us to help you either.”

After saying that, Yun Xuzi strode away from the courtyard.

"Master, shall we leave now?" Zhang Yunfan asked.

“Let’s go.” Zheng Yi nodded firmly. “We have to walk our own path.”

The master and apprentice packed their things and left the small world of the Taixu Sect.

The White Tiger divine beast personally saw them off, escorting them all the way to the outside of Void Peak.

"Humans, are you really sure?" the White Tiger Divine Beast asked one last question.

“It’s decided,” Zheng Yi replied.

"A foolish choice," the White Tiger divine beast shook its head. "However, I do admire your courage."

"In this world where profit reigns supreme, it's truly rare to find someone who adheres to principles."

"Thank you for your understanding, senior," Zheng Yi said, bowing.

"I hope you can survive." After saying this, the White Tiger Divine Beast turned and left.

The master and apprentice embarked on their journey home again, but this time their feelings were completely different from when they arrived.

When they arrived, they were full of hope, thinking that the Taixu Sect would be their lifeline.

Although they were disappointed when they left, their resolve was strengthened.

"Master, what should we do next?" Zhang Yunfan asked during the flight.

“Let’s go back to the family first, then formulate a new plan,” Zheng Yi said. “Since we’re going to face the difficulties alone, we need to be fully prepared.”

"First, we must strengthen our family's power."

"Secondly, we need to find reliable allies."

"Finally, we need to find a way to dismantle the alliance of the ten major powers."

"These things are difficult, but not impossible."

“Master, I believe you will be able to lead the family through this difficult time,” Zhang Yunfan said firmly.

“Let’s work together.” Zheng Yi nodded. “The future of the Zheng family cannot rely on the charity of others; we can only strive for it with our own hands!”

The master and apprentice quickened their pace and flew towards the Zheng family's territory.

After two days and two nights of rapid flight, Zheng Yi and his apprentice finally returned to the Zheng family territory.

From afar, the Zheng family mansion still stood there, the protective array of the clan functioning normally, and everything seemed fine. However, Zheng Yi's keen senses detected something unusual—there were many unfamiliar auras lurking around the family, clearly enemy spies.

"It seems the ten major powers haven't been idle," Zheng Yi thought to himself. "They're monitoring the family's every move."

“Master, someone is watching us.” Zhang Yunfan also sensed the hidden presences.

“I know,” Zheng Yi said calmly. “Ignore them, let’s go home first.”

The master and apprentice flew directly to the Zheng family mansion. Although the spies who were lying in wait noticed their return, they did not dare to make any rash moves.

"Ancestor! You're back!" Zheng Tianhao and the others had been waiting at the gate for a long time. They all breathed a sigh of relief when they saw Zheng Yi return safely.

"How is the situation at home?" Zheng Yi asked as he walked inside.

"It's relatively calm, but the number of enemy spies is increasing," Elder Zheng Tianhe reported. "Moreover, according to our intelligence, the ten major powers are mobilizing troops, preparing to launch a new round of attacks."

When is it expected to be?

"Ten days at most," Second Elder Zheng Tianlei replied. "They're preparing to deploy even more men this time, aiming to wipe us out in one fell swoop."

"Ten days." Zheng Yi pondered. "Time is indeed running out."

Upon arriving at the council hall, the main members of the Zheng family gathered there, waiting for Zheng Yi to report on the results of the trip to Taixu Sect.

"Ancestor, what did the Taixu Sect say?" Zheng Tianhao asked impatiently.

"The Taixu Sect is willing to offer protection, but the conditions are too harsh," Zheng Yi explained simply. "They want us to be a subordinate force forever, paying half of their profits as tribute every year."

"What? Isn't this asking us to be slaves?" Third Elder Zheng Tianfeng said angrily.

"That's why I refused," Zheng Yi said calmly. "Our Zheng family would rather die than submit to anyone." (End of Chapter)