From the fake emperor to the concubine

Yes, life is more important than anything else.

"Perhaps we should reconcile with the Zheng family."

Seeing the alliance on the verge of collapse, Li Xiaoyao was furious.

But he also knew that under these circumstances, no amount of coercion or bribery would work. Zheng Yi's two successful assassinations had completely destroyed the morale of the alliance.

"Fine! Since you want to leave, then leave!" Li Xiaoyao said through gritted teeth, "But don't expect our Heavenly Dao Sect to forgive your betrayal!"

"Sect Leader, this is not betrayal, it's a wise choice," Master Qingmu said calmly. "I hope you can also think clearly about whether face or life is more important."

After speaking, Aoki Masato got up and left the meeting room, with Shui Wuhen following closely behind.

Soon, half of the factions chose to withdraw from the alliance.

In the huge conference hall, only Li Xiaoyao and a few other die-hards remained.

"Sect Leader, what should we do now?" asked Master Liehuo.

"Continue the fight!" Li Xiaoyao's eyes burned with hatred. "Even if only a few of us are left, we will fight the Zheng family to the death!"

But he was also well aware that the alliance, having lost half of its allies, could hardly pose a fatal threat to the Zheng family.

After the alliance meeting ended, Li Xiaoyao stood alone in the council hall of the Heavenly Dao Sect, his face ashen.

The original alliance of ten major powers has now dwindled to five: the Heavenly Dao Sect, the Blazing Fire Sect, the Thunder and Lightning Sect, the Profound Ice Palace, and the Flying Star Sword Sect. The other powers have either been wiped out or have withdrawn from the alliance, and the combined forces are no longer as strong as before.

"Sect Leader, must we really continue?" Master Liehuo asked worriedly. "Our numbers are less than half of what they used to be, and Zheng Yi's strength is greater than we anticipated."

"Of course we must continue!" Li Xiaoyao whirled around, his eyes burning with unwilling anger. "If we back down now, what will become of the Heavenly Dao Sect's reputation? What will the other forces in the cultivation world think of us?"

"But Sect Leader, a direct confrontation won't do us any good," Lei Zhentian, the Sect Master of the Thunder Sect, advised. "Zheng Yi's assassination methods are unpredictable; any one of us could become the next target."

"So what?" Li Xiaoyao sneered. "Are we going to slink away like those cowards?"

“Moreover,” his tone became more firm, “I have already devised a way to deal with Zheng Yi.”

"What method?" Everyone became interested.

“Since Zheng Yi enjoys assassinations, then we won’t give him the opportunity,” Li Xiaoyao said, walking to the sand table in the center of the council hall and pointing to the location of the Zheng family’s territory. “Tomorrow morning, our entire army will launch a full-scale attack and directly assault the Zheng family!”

"A full-scale attack?" Bing Wuhen, the Palace Master of Xuanbing Palace, frowned. "In that case, we'll lose our geographical advantage."

"What's the use of geographical advantage?" Li Xiaoyao said disdainfully. "Xue Wuqing hid in his lair in Blood Fiend Valley, yet he was still killed. Tie Wushuang cultivated in his own sword tomb, yet he still couldn't escape death."

"Since defense is useless, let's take the initiative! In broad daylight, under the watchful eyes of everyone, let's see how Zheng Yi tries to use those underhanded methods!"

"The sect leader is right," Xing Wuque, the sect leader of the Flying Star Sword Sect, nodded in agreement. "It's better to take the initiative than to be passively attacked."

"Furthermore," Li Xiaoyao continued, "Zheng Yi probably thinks we'll continue to back down out of fear. He absolutely doesn't expect us to launch a full-scale attack!"

"That way, we can catch him off guard!"

After hearing Li Xiaoyao's analysis, the other sect leaders were gradually convinced.

Indeed, passive defense only leads to certain death, while proactive attacks may offer a glimmer of hope.

"Alright! Then let's launch the final offensive tomorrow!" Lei Zhentian slammed his hand on the table and stood up. "Let Zheng Yi see how powerful we are!"

“However, there’s one thing to be careful about,” Li Xiaoyao cautioned, “the goal this time isn’t to wipe out the entire Zheng family, but to capture or kill Zheng Yi himself.”

"Once Zheng Yi dies, the Zheng family will be leaderless and will naturally collapse without a fight."

"The sect leader is wise!" everyone exclaimed in unison.

That night, the five major powers began to mobilize their troops in a flurry of activity.

Although the alliance has shrunk in size, those remaining are all elites. The five forces have gathered a total of 150 cultivators, of whom more than 80 are at the Golden Core stage or above, and more than a dozen are at the Nascent Soul stage.

Although this lineup is not as large as the original 300-man army, its fighting power should not be underestimated.

Meanwhile, in the Zheng family territory, Zheng Yi was also formulating his own plans.

"Master, according to our scouts, the enemy appears to be amassing troops," Zhang Yunfan reported the latest intelligence. "It seems they intend to launch a general offensive."

"A final assault?" Zheng Yi nodded thoughtfully. "It seems Li Xiaoyao is going all in."

"Master, how should we deal with this?" Elder Zheng Tianhe asked.

"Since they want a decisive battle, then so be it." A fighting spirit flashed in Zheng Yi's eyes. "While the assassinations have been effective recently, they are ultimately not a long-term solution."

"It's time for a head-on confrontation."

"But Master, although the enemy's numbers have decreased, those remaining are all elite troops," Second Elder Zheng Tianlei said worriedly. "What are our chances of victory?"

"Victory depends not on the number of troops, but on morale and strategy," Zheng Yi said confidently. "After this period of attacks, the enemy's morale is not what it used to be."

"Moreover, I am confident that I can defeat them in a direct confrontation."

Indeed, after refining the Immortal Essence Pearl in the volcano, Zheng Yi's strength had reached a whole new level. Even when facing an attack from multiple Nascent Soul stage experts, he was confident he could handle it.

"What preparations do we need to make?" Zheng Tianhao asked.

"Strengthen the clan's protective formation and prepare for battle," Zheng Yi ordered. "Furthermore, notify all affiliated forces that now is the time to show their loyalty if they are willing to provide support."

"Yes!" everyone answered in unison.

The next morning, just as the sun rose, the allied forces marched in a grand procession toward the Zheng family's territory.

One hundred and fifty cultivators stood in neat formation, their various magical artifacts gleaming, and their battle flags fluttering in the wind. Although their numbers were fewer than before, their imposing presence remained formidable.

Li Xiaoyao, dressed in a golden Daoist robe and wielding the Heavenly Dao Sword, stood at the forefront of the allied forces. Behind him followed four other sect leaders, each radiating a powerful aura.

"Today is the day of decisive battle!" Li Xiaoyao shouted to the allied forces. "Zheng Yi thinks he can defeat us through assassination, but today we will show him what true, righteous power is!"

"Kill!" the allied forces shouted in unison, their voices echoing across the land.

Soon, the allied forces reached the outskirts of the Zheng family's territory.

From afar, the Zheng family mansion still stood there, its protective array radiating a pale golden light. In the square in front of the mansion, members of the Zheng family were already on high alert.

Although the Zheng family numbered only seventy-odd people, less than half the size of the allied forces, none of them showed fear on their faces; instead, they were filled with fighting spirit.

"Zheng Yi! Come out and face your death!" Li Xiaoyao shouted loudly at the front of the allied forces.

"As you wish."

A golden light shot into the sky from the Zheng family mansion, and Zheng Yi's figure appeared in mid-air. He was dressed in a white robe and held the Void-Breaking Sword. Although he was alone, the pressure he exuded made the 150 people opposite him feel trembling.

"Li Xiaoyao, I didn't expect you to dare come." Zheng Yi coldly looked at the allied forces opposite him. "It seems that losing several allies hasn't woken you up."

"Enough with the nonsense!" Li Xiaoyao angrily raised the Heavenly Dao Sword. "Today is your death day!"

"Is that so?" Zheng Yi's lips curled into a cold smile. "Then I'd like to see what you're capable of."

No sooner had the words left his mouth than both sides launched their attacks simultaneously.

"Allied forces, listen to my command! All troops, attack!" Li Xiaoyao gave the order.

"Zheng family sons, prepare for battle!" Zheng Yi shouted. Instantly, magical light burst forth in the sky, and various attacks bombarded each other like a torrential rain.

But Zheng Yi's attention remained fixed on Li Xiaoyao. He knew very well that Li Xiaoyao was the backbone of this allied force; once he was defeated, the others would naturally lose their fighting spirit.

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

Zheng Yi made the first move, and countless golden sword shadows swept towards Li Xiaoyao.

"Heavenly Dao Sword Technique - Heavenly Dao Protection!" Li Xiaoyao hurriedly cast a defensive spell, and a huge light barrier appeared in front of him.

However, Zheng Yi's attack was several times stronger than before, and the light barrier only lasted for a few breaths before cracks began to appear.

"What?!" Li Xiaoyao's expression changed drastically. "How did his strength increase again?"

"boom!"

The light barrier shattered completely, and the remaining sword shadows continued to shoot towards Li Xiaoyao.

"Heavenly Dao Sword Technique - All Laws Return to One!" Li Xiaoyao hurriedly cast an attack spell, attempting to counter Zheng Yi's sword shadow.

However, the difference in strength between the two sides was too great. Li Xiaoyao's attack was easily torn apart, and he was forced back dozens of steps by the aftershock.

"Impossible!" Li Xiaoyao stared at Zheng Yi in disbelief. "How could you be so strong?"

"Because I'm not the same person I used to be," Zheng Yi said calmly. "The me I am now is enough to crush all of you!"

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

A huge golden sun rose behind Zheng Yi, and the oppressive aura it emitted silenced the entire battlefield.

Not only Li Xiaoyao, but the other sect leaders also felt this terrifying power.

"This level of strength is already close to the Nascent Soul stage!" True Immortal Liehuo exclaimed in horror.

"How is this possible? How could he improve so much in such a short time?" Lei Zhentian was also incredulous.

"Don't panic! Let's attack together!" Li Xiaoyao forced himself to remain calm. "No matter how strong he is, he's only one person!"

"Heavenly Dao Sword Technique - Heaven and Earth Live Together!" Li Xiaoyao exerted all his strength, unleashing the Heavenly Dao Sect's strongest sword technique.

"Blazing Flames Burn the Sky!" True Immortal Flame also unleashed his full power.

"Thunderous force!" Lei Zhentian followed closely behind.

"Mysterious Ice Freezes the World!" Bing Wuhen also joined the attack.

"Meteor Shower!" Xing Wuque's attack followed.

The five sect leaders attacked simultaneously, unleashing a torrent of spells upon Zheng Yi. Such intensity would require even a Nascent Soul stage expert to take seriously.

But Zheng Yi did not back down; instead, he took the initiative to meet him.

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

This is Zheng Yi's strongest move, created with the blessing of immortal essence, and its power has surpassed that of ordinary Nascent Soul stage divine abilities.

A dazzling sword light descended from the sky, like a true celestial sword slaying demons.

"boom!"

The two attacks collided in mid-air, unleashing a devastating force.

The terrifying energy fluctuations spread outwards, distorting and deforming the space within a radius of several miles.

When the light faded, all five sect leaders were forced to retreat, with Li Xiaoyao being the most severely affected, blood already trickling from the corner of his mouth.

"This is impossible," Li Xiaoyao said weakly. "The five of us working together are still no match for him alone?"

"Because you have no idea what my current strength is like," Zheng Yi said coldly. "Since you all want to come at me together, then I'll grant your wish!"

"The Righteous Yang Sword Technique - Judgment of Light!"

This is a new move that Zheng Yi has just mastered, incorporating all the essence of the Zhengyang Sword Technique.

Countless golden beams of light descended from the sky, like a divine judgment, to purify all evil.

"Scatter!" Li Xiaoyao shouted in terror.

But it's too late.

Dense beams of light rained down, instantly disrupting the allied forces' formation.

"what!"

"Help!"

"What kind of attack is this?"

Many of the allied cultivators fell to the ground under the attack of the light pillars; some were seriously injured, while others died instantly.

In just a few breaths, the allied forces lost a third of their manpower.

"Damn it!" Li Xiaoyao stared at the heavy casualties, his eyes filled with rage and despair. "Zheng Yi, you're a monster!"

"A devil?" Zheng Yi sneered. "You attacked my family first, and now you call me a devil?"

"Since that's the case, then I'll show you what a devil I'm made of!"

With that, Zheng Yi charged straight at Li Xiaoyao. He had already realized that Li Xiaoyao was the morale pillar of this allied force; if he could defeat him, the others would naturally lose their will to fight.

"The Righteous Yang Sword Technique - Void-Piercing Slash!"

This sword strike embodies Zheng Yi's complete understanding of swordsmanship, and its power transcends the scope of ordinary moves.

Li Xiaoyao sensed the terrifying power of the sword strike and knew that taking it head-on would surely lead to his death.

"Heavenly Dao Sword Technique - Void Escape!"

He used the Heavenly Dao Sect's escape technique, his body instantly becoming illusory, in an attempt to dodge this fatal blow.

But Zheng Yi's sword intent had already locked onto him, and no matter where he fled, he could not escape.

"Useless!" Zheng Yi said coldly, "In the face of absolute power, any technique is futile!"

The sword light followed like a shadow, accurately slashing towards Li Xiaoyao's body.

"puff!"

Blood gushed out, and a deep sword wound appeared on Li Xiaoyao's chest. If he hadn't shifted his body at the crucial moment, this sword would have taken his life.

"Sect Leader!" The other sect leaders rushed over to help when they saw Li Xiaoyao was injured.

But how could Zheng Yi possibly give them a chance?
"The Righteous Yang Sword Technique - Ten Thousand Swords Chasing the Soul!"

Countless sword shadows shot out from Zheng Yi's body, specifically targeting Li Xiaoyao.

"Ah!" Li Xiaoyao dodged left and right amidst the relentless pursuit of sword shadows, but was still struck several times, his injuries growing increasingly severe. (End of Chapter)