From the fake emperor to the concubine

Zheng Bowen acknowledged the order: "Yes, Master."

Zheng Yi continued, "Among the younger generation of the Zheng family, there are several exceptionally talented individuals. Zheng Haoran, Zheng Qingyue, and Zheng Yunfei, the three of you step forward."

Upon hearing this, three young disciples quickly stepped out from the crowd and stood respectfully below the stage. Zheng Yi carefully examined them, a look of satisfaction in his eyes. These three were all outstanding members of the Zheng family's new generation; although their cultivation was only at the late Foundation Establishment stage, their aptitude was excellent.

"The three of you," Zheng Yi said, "will be the pillars of the family's future. I don't know when I will return. In my absence, you must cultivate even more diligently than before."

He waved his hand again, and three ancient cultivation manuals flew towards the three of them. Zheng Haoran took the manual and saw four large golden characters on the cover: "True Explanation of the Blazing Sun," emanating astonishing spiritual energy. Zheng Qingyue held the "Mysterious Ice Technique," while Zheng Yunfei received the "Wind and Thunder Sword Manual."

"These three cultivation techniques were obtained from an ancient cultivator's cave," Zheng Yi explained. "They are all of the upper-grade Earth rank, far surpassing the techniques you are currently practicing. However, cultivating these techniques requires unwavering willpower and extremely high comprehension. Zheng Haoran, with your fire-attribute spiritual root, the Blazing Sun True Explanation is most suitable for you. Zheng Qingyue, with your mutated ice-attribute spiritual root, the Profound Ice Technique can multiply your strength. As for Zheng Yunfei, with your exceptional swordsmanship talent, the Wind and Thunder Sword Manual is precisely prepared for you."

The three young disciples trembled with excitement. They all understood what this level of cultivation technique meant to a cultivator. It wasn't just about increased strength; it was about the hope for future advancement. The three knelt down in unison, their voices choked with emotion: "Thank you for your kindness, Clan Head! We will certainly live up to your expectations!"

"Get up," Zheng Yi said gently. "Remember, you can't rush these cultivation techniques. I've already asked Zheng Hongzhi to take some time out of his spare time to guide you. Although he's not proficient in these three techniques, his understanding of the path of cultivation far surpasses yours."

After arranging these things, Zheng Yi took out several bottles of pills and distributed them to the elders and core disciples present: "These are Spirit Enhancement Pills and Foundation Strengthening Pills, which can help you stabilize your realm and improve your cultivation. In the days to come, you must cultivate even more diligently and not slack off."

Zheng Bowen took the pill, then hesitated and asked, "Patriarch, which secret realm are you going to this time?"

"The Secret Realm of Time." Zheng Yi uttered these four words calmly, causing everyone to gasp in shock.

The Time Realm is one of the most mysterious, dangerous, and precious secret realms in the cultivation world. Legend has it that this realm was created by an ancient powerful being using extraordinary means, and the flow of time within it is completely different from that of the outside world. A year of cultivation within the realm may only amount to a month, or even less, outside. Because of this, any cultivator who can enter the Time Realm to cultivate often experiences a significant increase in strength in a short period of time.

However, the Secret Realm of Time is also fraught with danger. Not only are powerful demonic beasts guarding it, but it also contains various restrictions and traps. A single misstep could lead to certain death. Throughout history, countless talented cultivators have entered this secret realm full of hope, only to end up as mere skeletons.

"Patriarch, please reconsider!" Zheng Hongzhi urged. "The Time Realm is indeed wonderful, but it is extremely dangerous. According to ancient records, less than 30% of cultivators manage to emerge alive."

“My mind is made up,” Zheng Yi’s voice left no room for argument. “The threat from the Taixu Sect is imminent, and I have no choice. Rather than waiting for them to come knocking, I’d rather gamble everything and fight for a future.” He paused, his tone softening. “Besides, I have confidence in myself. I haven’t been completely unprepared all these years.”

He took out a bronze token from his storage bag, engraved with ancient runes: "This is a token of the Time Realm, which I obtained during an adventure years ago. With it, I can avoid most of the restrictions once I enter the realm. As long as I'm careful, I have a good chance of coming out alive."

Seeing that the patriarch was determined, the others stopped trying to dissuade him. Zheng Bowen asked, "When does the patriarch plan to depart?"

“Three days from now,” Zheng Yi said. “Within these three days, I will arrange all family affairs. In addition, I will teach you some life-saving techniques.”

Zheng Hongzhi led dozens of disciples skilled in formations, working day and night to set up the Nine Luminaries Mountain Protection Formation throughout the mountain gate. They were seen either embedding Five Elements Essence Stones at the mountain peaks, burying Spirit Gathering Pearls in key locations, or drawing formation patterns with special spiritual ink. The entire mountain gate seemed to be undergoing a complete transformation.

Meanwhile, Zheng Yi was not idle either. During the day, he guided the family disciples in their cultivation and answered their questions about techniques; at night, he discussed strategies for dealing with the Taixu Sect with several elders. He imparted his combat experience accumulated over the years to everyone without reservation.

“Remember,” Zheng Yi said to his disciples, “the Taixu Sect excels in group attacks. Once the battle begins, they will definitely overwhelm us with sheer numbers. Therefore, you must learn to cooperate. I will teach you a combined attack formation called the ‘Five Elements Sealing Heaven Formation.’ Five people form a group, coordinating the power of the five elements—metal, wood, water, fire, and earth—to unleash power far exceeding that of an individual.”

He demonstrated how the formation worked. Five different colored spiritual energies intertwined in the air, eventually forming a massive cage that completely sealed off a boulder. As Zheng Yi changed his hand seals, the spiritual energy cage suddenly contracted, and the boulder instantly turned to dust.

The disciples were stunned and immediately bowed in admiration. In the following days, they divided into dozens of groups and practiced the combined attack formation repeatedly. Initially, their coordination was clumsy and they made many mistakes, but under Zheng Yi's careful guidance, they gradually developed a tacit understanding.

By the evening of the third day, Zheng Hongzhi had finally completed the setup of the Nine Luminaries Mountain Protection Array. Exhausted, he approached Zheng Yi: "Patriarch, the array is complete. Please inspect it."

Zheng Yi nodded, then leaped into the air, circling once above the mountain gate. His divine sense surged forth like a tide, carefully perceiving every node of the grand formation. After a long while, he landed, a satisfied smile on his face: "Well done. Even a cultivator in the early stages of the Integration Realm would have to put in considerable effort to break through this grand formation."

That night, Zheng Yi summoned all the elders and core disciples to the council hall. He looked around at them and solemnly said, "Tomorrow morning, I will depart for the Time Realm. During my absence, Zheng Bowen will be fully responsible for all family affairs, large and small. Zheng Hongzhi will assist him. Any major decisions must be unanimously approved by the elders' meeting before implementation."

"Yes, patriarch," everyone replied in unison.

Zheng Yi then looked at the three young disciples: "Zheng Haoran, Zheng Qingyue, and Zheng Yunfei, I have high hopes for you. During this time, you must concentrate on your cultivation and break through to the Golden Core stage as soon as possible. Remember, the future of the family rests on your generation."

"Your disciples will remember!" The three bowed respectfully.

Zheng Yi took out a jade slip from his robes and handed it to Zheng Bowen: "This contains some of my insights and experiences over the years, as well as some thoughts on the future development of the family. You can study it when you have time. Also, if the Taixu Sect really attacks, remember one thing—preserving our strength is the most important thing. It's better to retreat temporarily than to make unnecessary sacrifices. As long as we live, the Zheng family will not fall."

Zheng Bowen accepted the jade slip with both hands, his eyes slightly red: "Patriarch, rest assured, we will definitely protect the family. You must also be careful; we'll wait for your return."

"Alright." Zheng Yi patted his shoulder, his gaze sweeping over everyone present again. "Is there anything else you want to ask?" After a moment of silence, a young disciple timidly asked, "Patriarch, when will you approximately be back?"

Zheng Yi pondered for a moment: "The flow of time within the Time Realm is unpredictable, and I cannot be certain of it either. It could be as short as six months, or as long as a year. But no matter how long it takes, I will definitely return." He paused, his tone becoming serious, "During this time, you must prepare for the worst. If the Taixu Sect launches a full-scale attack, and you are truly unable to withstand it, then..."

"Then what?" Zheng Hongzhi asked eagerly.

"Then let's abandon the mountain gate for now and retreat with our people deep into the Ten Thousand Demon Mountains," Zheng Yi said slowly. "A mountain gate can be rebuilt, but if the people are gone, then everything is gone. I have left a hidden cave in the Ten Thousand Demon Mountains, large enough to accommodate the entire clan. When the time comes, you should avoid their attacks for now. Once I emerge from seclusion, I will naturally settle accounts with the Taixu Sect."

He then took out a jade tablet with an intricately carved map: "This is the route to the cave. Remember it well. I have stored a large amount of supplies and elixirs in the cave, enough to last for several years."

After explaining everything, it was already late at night. Zheng Yi returned to his residence alone, sat cross-legged, and began to prepare himself. The Time Realm was extremely dangerous, and he had to enter in the best possible condition.

The next morning, as dawn broke, Zheng Yi pushed open the door and found all the elders and disciples already waiting outside. Their expressions were solemn, their eyes filled with reluctance.

"Take care, Master!" the crowd said in unison, their voices echoing through the valley.

Zheng Yi nodded, saying nothing more. He leaped into the air, transforming into a streak of light, and flew away into the distance. Behind him, the Zheng family's mountain gate was shrouded in morning mist, appearing tranquil and peaceful. But everyone knew that beneath this tranquility lay an impending storm.

Zheng Yi flew north for three days and three nights, finally arriving at a desolate mountain range. This mountain range was called Jue Ling Mountain, and because of its thin spiritual energy and rare demonic beasts, few cultivators were willing to come here. But Zheng Yi knew that this was the location of the entrance to the Time Realm.

Following his memory, he arrived at a secluded valley. In the valley stood a huge, seemingly unremarkable rock. Zheng Yi took out a bronze token and infused it with spiritual power. The token immediately emitted a ghostly blue light, resonating with the rock.

Rumbling--

With a deafening roar, the massive rock slowly moved aside, revealing a dark passage. From the depths of the passage emanated an ancient and mysterious aura, as if connecting to another world.

Zheng Yi took a deep breath and glanced back in the direction he had come from. That was where the Zheng family lived, his roots. He silently vowed in his heart: He would not leave seclusion until he broke through to the Integration Stage!

With that thought in mind, he no longer hesitated and stepped into the passage. Behind him, the giant rock closed again, completely sealing the entrance. Everything returned to calm, as if no one had ever been there.

The passage was pitch black, so dark you couldn't see your hand in front of your face. Zheng Yi circulated his spiritual energy, condensing a ball of light in his palm to illuminate the path ahead. He walked forward cautiously, his divine sense fully activated, alert to any potential dangers around him.

The passage wasn't long; after walking for about fifteen minutes, a light suddenly appeared ahead. Zheng Yi quickened his pace, stepped out of the passage, and was awestruck by the sight before him.

This is a separate little world. The sky is an eerie purple, with three suns of different sizes hanging in the air, emitting a soft glow. Various strange plants grow on the ground, some as clear as crystal, others burning like flames. In the distance, towering mountains rise, shrouded in mist, their spiritual energy dozens of times denser than that of the outside world.

"This is the Secret Realm of Time," Zheng Yi murmured, feeling both excited and apprehensive.

He walked forward and soon found a stone tablet. Ancient text was inscribed on it: "Time flies, the Great Way is hard to find. To attain immortality, one must first endure hardship."

Zheng Yi silently memorized those words and continued his exploration. The secret realm was vast, teeming with both danger and opportunity. He needed to find a suitable place for seclusion before embarking on his long path of cultivation.

After walking for most of the day, he finally discovered a natural cave halfway up a mountain. The cave was filled with rich spiritual energy and had a tranquil environment, perfect for seclusion. He set up several defensive formations and early warning barriers around the cave to ensure he wouldn't be disturbed.

After everything was ready, Zheng Yi sat cross-legged deep inside the cave. He took out several bottles of pills and spirit stones, placed them beside him, then closed his eyes and began to circulate his cultivation technique.

There is no day and night cycle in the Time Realm; the three purple suns always hang in the sky, emitting a constant light. Zheng Yi has been sitting cross-legged in the cave for several days.

According to the flow of time within the secret realm, less than a day might have passed in the outside world. This difference in the flow of time is precisely what makes the Time Secret Realm so precious. As a Nascent Soul cultivator, Zheng Yi needs more than just the accumulation of spiritual energy to break through to the Body Integration Realm; more importantly, he needs to comprehend the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth. Here, he has ample time to contemplate and cultivate.

Between the Nascent Soul Realm and the Body Integration Realm lies an insurmountable chasm. Countless cultivators spend their entire lives trying to cross this gap. The Nascent Soul Realm is about perfectly fusing the primordial spirit with the physical body, controlling the spiritual energy of heaven and earth for one's own use; while the Body Integration Realm requires resonating with the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth, achieving a state of oneness with the universe. This requires extremely high comprehension, and even more so, a specific opportune moment.

Zheng Yi closed his eyes and concentrated, his spiritual energy surging and flowing within him like the Yangtze River. He spread his divine sense, sensing the flow of spiritual energy in the secret realm. The concentration of spiritual energy here was dozens of times that of the outside world, and it carried a mysterious rhythm, as if it contained some profound truth.

Just as he was immersed in cultivation, a deep roar suddenly came from outside the cave. The sound was like muffled thunder, echoing in the valley and causing the cave to tremble slightly.

Zheng Yi suddenly opened his eyes, his brows furrowed. The warning barriers he had set up had been triggered, indicating that something was approaching the cave. Moreover, judging from the power of the beast's roar, the newcomer was definitely not benevolent. (End of Chapter)