From the fake emperor to the concubine

Some forces that were originally hostile to the Zheng family have also begun to consider reconciliation with them.

"Perhaps we should take the initiative to make amends?"

"Yes, instead of living in fear, it's better to turn enemies into friends."

"Since Zheng Yi isn't pursuing the matter, it means he genuinely doesn't want to escalate the conflict further."

This idea gradually spread throughout the cultivation world, and more and more forces began to extend goodwill to the Zheng family.

Zheng Yi's attitude towards these overtures was also clear: he would forgive past transgressions, but he would not forget them either.

"We will not attack anyone proactively, but if anyone provokes us again, the consequences will not be as easy as this time," Zheng Yi said to the envoys who came to curry favor.

This attitude demonstrates both the Zheng family's magnanimity and their sufficient deterrent power.

Soon, a delicate balance was formed in the cultivation world.

Although the Zheng family is powerful, it does not actively expand its influence, so other forces dare not provoke it anymore.

This relatively stable situation is beneficial to everyone.

In this environment, the Zheng family was able to develop with peace of mind, and its strength grew day by day.

"Master, our clan's strength is now several times greater than before," Zhang Yunfan reported during a routine briefing. "We now have over twenty Golden Core cultivators and over eighty Foundation Establishment cultivators."

"Moreover, many of the newly joined oasis residents possess cultivation talent. After this period of nurturing, several have already embarked on the path of cultivation."

“Very good.” Zheng Yi nodded in satisfaction. “This shows that our development strategy is correct.”

“But that’s not enough,” Zheng Yi continued. “We need more time to consolidate our strength.”

"Master, how much longer do you think we'll need?"

"At least five years," Zheng Yi said thoughtfully. "In five years, our family's overall strength should reach the level of a first-rate power."

"By then, we will have the confidence to face any challenge."

The five-year plan includes not only enhancing the strength of the clan, but also further expanding the territory, accumulating resources, and handling relations with other forces.

“Furthermore,” Zheng Yi added, as if remembering something, “we need to train more young people. Yunfan, as my disciple, you should also start considering taking on apprentices.”

"Taking on a disciple?" Zhang Yunfan was somewhat surprised. "Master, my cultivation level is not yet sufficient."

"Cultivation level isn't the most important thing; what matters is one's state of mind and character," Zheng Yi said gently. "You're already at the late Foundation Establishment stage, and having experienced so many battles, you're fully qualified to guide the younger generation."

"Moreover, the tradition of master passing down knowledge to disciple, and disciple passing it down to grandson, is a fundamental principle in the cultivation world. Our Zheng family's lineage also needs to continue in this way."

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

"Yes, Master! This disciple will seriously consider the matter of accepting a disciple."

“Okay.” Zheng Yi nodded. “Remember, it’s not about quantity, but quality when it comes to disciples. Better to have none than to have bad ones; you must choose disciples with upright character and excellent aptitude.”

The master and apprentice were discussing their future plans when suddenly hurried footsteps sounded outside.

"Master! Urgent report!" A clansman rushed in to report.

"What's the matter that's so urgent?" Zheng Yi asked.

"A caravan is requesting an audience outside the territory, saying they want to offer generous gifts to thank the patriarch for sparing their lives."

"A mercy that spared my life?" Zheng Yi asked, puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"They say that the young master of the caravan participated in our attack, but was spared by you, patriarch. Now he has come specifically to express his gratitude and sue for peace."

Upon hearing this explanation, Zheng Yi suddenly understood.

It seems this is someone from one of the factions among the fleeing allied forces, who now wants a formal reconciliation.

“Interesting.” Zheng Yi said thoughtfully. “Let them in. I want to see what they have to say.”

As time went on, more and more similar situations occurred.

Those forces that had participated in the siege sent people to express their goodwill, hoping to resolve their grievances.

Zheng Yi's attitude was consistent: let bygones be bygones, but never tolerate them.

This strategy of combining kindness and severity quickly established the Zheng family's prestige in the cultivation world.

"Although the Zheng family is powerful, they do not bully others."

"Zheng Yi may be shrewd, but he is very fair."

"It's always better to live in harmony with the Zheng family than to live in constant fear."

Such positive reviews became more and more frequent, and the Zheng family's reputation improved.

All of this laid a solid foundation for the Zheng family's future development.

In this stable environment, Zheng Yi began to consider longer-term plans.

"Perhaps it's time to consider striving for a higher realm." Zheng Yi gazed into the distance, a hint of longing flashing in his eyes.

Although the late Nascent Soul stage is already very strong, at the top of the cultivation world, there are even higher realms such as the Deity Transformation stage and the Body Integration stage.

If they can break through to the Nascent Soul stage, the Zheng family's position will be even more secure.

"However, we can't rush this matter. Let's lay a solid foundation for the family first." Zheng Yi pulled himself out of his thoughts and threw himself back into building the family.

After all, no matter how strong an individual is, they still need a strong foundation to support them.

Three months later, in the meditation room on the back mountain of the Heavenly Dao Sect, Li Xiaoyao slowly opened his eyes.

After a long period of recuperation, the sword wound on his chest finally healed completely, and the disordered meridians in his body were also cleared. But compared to the physical trauma, the psychological humiliation was even more unbearable for him.

“Zheng Yi.” Li Xiaoyao gritted his teeth and uttered the name, his eyes burning with hatred.

As the leader of the Heavenly Dao Sect, he had never suffered such a crushing defeat. It was not only his personal failure, but also the loss of prestige for the entire Heavenly Dao Sect.

"Sect Leader, you've recovered?" Upon hearing the commotion, Master Liehuo hurriedly pushed open the door and entered.

"Hmm." Li Xiaoyao stood up. Although he looked completely recovered, the resentment in his eyes was even more intense than before.

"Sect Leader, you look much better." Master Liehuo breathed a sigh of relief. "We've all been very worried lately."

"Don't worry about me," Li Xiaoyao said coldly. "I only want to know one thing right now—how is the Zheng family doing lately?"

Master Liehuo's expression changed, and he hesitated before saying, "Sect Leader, the Zheng family has been developing very well recently. They have not only strengthened their defenses, but their strength is also rapidly increasing."

"Furthermore," Master Liehuo paused, "many forces that were originally on friendly terms with us have now begun to contact the Zheng family."

Upon hearing this, Li Xiaoyao's face grew even more gloomy.

Losing to Zheng Yi was humiliating enough, but now even those forces that usually fawned over the Heavenly Dao Sect were betraying him, dealing an even greater blow to his pride. "A bunch of opportunists!" Li Xiaoyao angrily slammed his fist on the stone table beside him, shattering it. "They were all bowing and scraping when they were under our protection, and now that we've lost, they immediately flock to their new master!"

"Sect Leader, please calm down," Master Liehuo advised. "This situation was to be expected. The cultivation world is ruled by the strong; our defeat at the hands of Zheng Yi inevitably led to a decline in our strength."

"Weakened?" Li Xiaoyao sneered. "As long as I, Li Xiaoyao, am not dead, the Heavenly Dao Sect is not weak yet!"

"Sect Leader, what are you thinking...?" A sense of unease welled up in Master Liehuo's heart.

"I want revenge!" Li Xiaoyao said resolutely. "I will repay Zheng Yi a hundredfold for the humiliation he inflicted upon me!"

"But Sect Leader, with our current strength, I'm afraid it will be difficult to deal with Zheng Yi," Master Liehuo said worriedly. "You saw the last battle; his strength is already close to the Nascent Soul stage."

“Of course I know I’m no match for him,” a sly glint in Li Xiaoyao’s eyes, “but that doesn’t mean I have no other options.”

“What method?”

"The Taixu Sect," Li Xiaoyao slowly uttered these three words. "If Zheng Yi can seek help from the Taixu Sect, why can't I?"

Upon hearing this, Master Liehuo was shocked.

"Sect Leader, do you want the Taixu Sect to deal with Zheng Yi? But as far as I know, the Taixu Sect has never participated in worldly disputes."

"That's because no one was willing to pay a sufficient price before," Li Xiaoyao said coldly. "If the stakes are high enough, the Taixu Sect might actually make a move."

"But Sect Leader, the conditions set by the Taixu Sect will likely be very demanding."

"So what if it's harsher?" Li Xiaoyao's eyes were filled with determination. "As long as I can get revenge, I'm willing to pay any price!"

These words greatly surprised Master Liehuo. He had never seen Li Xiaoyao so obsessive; hatred had completely distorted his mind.

"Sect Leader, please calm down. Revenge is important, but you must also consider the future of the Heavenly Dao Sect," Master Liehuo tried to dissuade him.

"The future of the Heavenly Dao Sect?" Li Xiaoyao laughed sarcastically. "If they can't even avenge this grudge, what future does the Heavenly Dao Sect have?"

"From this day forward, all the resources of the Heavenly Dao Sect will serve my revenge plan. Issue the order to gather all intelligence on the Tai Xu Sect and prepare the most precious gifts."

"Yes, yes, Sect Leader." Although Master Liehuo had his doubts, he could only obey orders.

In the following days, the entire Heavenly Dao Sect was busy with Li Xiaoyao's revenge plan.

The Heavenly Dao Sect's treasury was opened, and the precious resources accumulated over thousands of years were inventoried. All sorts of rare and precious materials, cultivation techniques, secret manuals, magical artifacts, and elixirs—anything of value—was listed.

"Sect Leader, this is all the treasures we can offer," Master Liehuo reported, holding a thick list. "The most precious among them are the 'Heavenly Dao Jade Disc' left behind by our founding ancestor, and the 'Supreme Heart Sutra,' which has been passed down for thousands of years."

Li Xiaoyao took the list and examined it carefully, a look of pain flashing in his eyes.

These are the very foundation of the Heavenly Dao Sect; if they were given away, the sect's strength would be severely damaged. But in his quest for revenge, he couldn't care less about such things.

“Not enough,” Li Xiaoyao shook his head. “A power of the Taixu Sect’s caliber won’t be swayed by these things.”

"Then what else can we take?" Master Liehuo asked, puzzled.

"Ourselves." A crazed glint flashed in Li Xiaoyao's eyes. "If the Taixu Sect is willing to help me avenge myself, I can make the Tiandao Sect their vassal state."

"What?!" Master Liehuo exclaimed in shock. "Sect Leader, have you gone mad? The Heavenly Dao Sect has a history of thousands of years, how could..."

"Enough!" Li Xiaoyao roared. "I'm in charge now! If you don't agree, leave the Heavenly Dao Sect!"

Faced with Li Xiaoyao's threat, Master Liehuo could only lower his head helplessly.

He knew that the current sect leader was blinded by hatred, and any persuasion would be futile.

A week later, Li Xiaoyao, carrying carefully prepared gifts, embarked on his journey to the Taixu Sect.

Unlike Zheng Yi's previous cautious approach, Li Xiaoyao this time brought almost his entire force. In addition to himself, he also brought more than a dozen elite disciples of the Heavenly Dao Sect, as well as an astonishing number of treasures.

"Sect Leader, isn't it too conspicuous for us to go to Taixu Sect in such a grand manner?" an elder asked worriedly.

"To flaunt it?" Li Xiaoyao sneered. "I want everyone to know that I, Li Xiaoyao, am going to the Taixu Sect to seek support!"

"This will put psychological pressure on Zheng Yi, letting him know that the end is near!"

The group flew in a grand procession toward the northwest, their destination the legendary Void Peak.

The news quickly spread throughout the cultivation world.

"Have you heard? Li Xiaoyao went to the Taixu Sect!"

"And they brought a lot of treasures, it seems they're looking for help from the Taixu Sect to deal with Zheng Yi."

"This is going to be interesting. I wonder if the Taixu Sect will agree."

Various discussions arose one after another, and everyone was paying close attention to how this matter would develop.

Zheng Yi also received this news in the Zheng family's territory.

"Master, Li Xiaoyao has gone to the Taixu Sect," Zhang Yunfan reported with some concern. "It seems he wants to ask the Taixu Sect to deal with us."

“I know,” Zheng Yi nodded calmly. “It was expected.”

"So what preparations do we need to make?"

"No need," Zheng Yi shook his head. "If the Taixu Sect is truly willing to intervene, no amount of preparation will help. If they are unwilling, then there's even less to worry about."

"When soldiers come, we'll meet them with generals; when floods come, we'll dam them with earth. We just need to do our own job well."

Zheng Yi's composure reassured Zhang Yunfan somewhat, but he still felt a little worried.

Three days later, Li Xiaoyao and his group arrived at Void Peak.

Unlike Zheng Yi's initial cautiousness, Li Xiaoyao swaggered directly to the mountain peak, making no attempt to conceal his intentions.

"I am Li Xiaoyao, the head of the Heavenly Dao Sect, and I have come to pay a visit to the Taixu Sect!" Li Xiaoyao's voice, amplified by spiritual power, resounded throughout the entire Void Peak.

This high-profile approach quickly attracted the attention of the Taixu Sect.

"Another one seeking help," the White Tiger mythical beast said lazily, sprawled on the mountain peak. "But this one is much more arrogant than Zheng Yi from last time."

"Should I go and test him?"

Yun Xuzi's voice echoed from the void: "No need, just bring him in. Judging from his expression, he seems quite sincere."

Li Xiaoyao was soon brought into the small world of the Taixu Sect and arrived at the familiar council hall.

"Sect Leader Li, I've long admired your name." Yun Xuzi looked at Li Xiaoyao calmly. "I heard you want the help of our Taixu Sect?"

"Indeed." Li Xiaoyao bowed respectfully, but the arrogance in his eyes was still clearly visible. "I am willing to offer a generous gift, only asking that the Taixu Sect take action to eliminate that villain Zheng Yi!"

"Traitors?" Yun Xuzi smiled faintly. "As far as I know, you were the ones who attacked their family first, and now you're calling them traitors?" (End of Chapter)