From the fake emperor to the concubine

Zheng Yi nodded in satisfaction. Subduing the Taixu Sect not only brought them a wealth of resources but also expanded the Zheng family's sphere of influence. More importantly, the Taixu Sect's disciples were all well-trained cultivators who could be of use to the Zheng family.

"Go home!" Zheng Yi waved his hand, and everyone turned into streaks of light, flying towards the Zheng family's direction.

The next morning, he summoned all the elders and core disciples to hold an important meeting in the council hall.

"Gentlemen," Zheng Yi said in a deep voice, surveying the crowd, "I went to the Taixu Sect yesterday and gained a detailed understanding of the situation there. I've gathered you all here today to announce a major decision."

Everyone held their breath, waiting for the patriarch to speak.

"I have decided that the entire clan will relocate to Taixu Peak, and that will serve as our new mountain gate," Zheng Yi said slowly.

These words immediately caused an uproar in the hall.

"Patriarch, this..." Zheng Hongzhi exclaimed in surprise, "The entire clan is relocating? This is a major event!"

“That’s right, precisely because it’s a major matter, it requires careful consideration,” Zheng Yi said. “But I’ve already thought it through very clearly. Let me explain your reasons before you give your opinions.”

He paused, then continued, "First, the spiritual energy concentration at Taixu Peak far surpasses that of our current mountain gate. It has a medium-sized spiritual vein that produces three times the number of spirit stones we do each year. With ample cultivation resources, the progress of our family disciples will be greatly accelerated."

Zheng Bowen nodded: "That is indeed a significant advantage."

"Secondly, Taixu Peak has a better geographical location. It is located in the core area of ​​this region, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. Moreover, there are many resource-rich areas around it, which are convenient for us to develop and utilize."

“Third, and most importantly,” Zheng Yi’s tone became serious, “we have subdued the Taixu Sect, but we haven’t truly integrated. Currently, we are two separate factions, and there is still a distance between the Zheng family and the disciples of the Taixu Sect. If we move to Taixu Peak and live alongside them, we can better promote integration and truly become one family.”

These words caused everyone to fall into deep thought.

Zheng Hongzhi pondered for a moment and asked, "Patriarch, what about our current mountain gate? Are we just going to abandon it like this? After all, this is where our ancestors have lived for generations."

"It's not abandoning it, it's just temporarily vacant," Zheng Yi explained. "This place can serve as our outer sect training ground. New disciples recruited by the family can cultivate here first, and then be transferred to Taixu Peak once they reach a certain level."

“Furthermore,” he added, “I will leave a team here to guard and manage the area. After all, this is the birthplace of the Zheng family; it cannot be left to decay.”

Zheng Bowen nodded and said, "The patriarch's consideration is very thorough. If we can utilize both locations, it is indeed the best option."

“There’s one more thing,” Zheng Yi said. “The Taixu Sect has a history of thousands of years, accumulating a wealth of cultivation experience and resources. If we move there, we can directly inherit these things. For example, their alchemy rooms, weapon-refining rooms, and library can all be used by us.”

"Not to mention, there's the Taixu Divine Sword on Taixu Peak," Zheng Yunfei couldn't help but say, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "If I could cultivate there continuously, maybe one day I could draw the divine sword."

Zheng Yi smiled and said, "Yunfei is right. Although no one can draw the Taixu Divine Sword for the time being, it is a huge treasure in itself. Being able to frequently come into contact with the divine sword and comprehend its sword intent will greatly benefit one's cultivation."

He looked around at everyone: "I have now stated my reasons. Do you have any objections?"

The elders exchanged glances, and finally Zheng Hongzhi spoke: "The patriarch is absolutely right. Although leaving our homeland will be difficult, it is a necessary choice for the future of the family. I agree to the relocation."

“I agree,” Zheng Bowen said. “The conditions at Taixu Peak are indeed better, and moving there would be beneficial for the family’s development.”

The other elders also expressed their support for Zheng Yi's decision.

“Very good.” Zheng Yi nodded in satisfaction. “Since everyone agrees, let’s begin preparations immediately. Relocation is a major project and requires careful planning. Bowen, I’ll put you in charge of this. I need a detailed relocation plan within three days.”

“Yes, Master.” Zheng Bowen accepted the order.

"Furthermore," Zheng Yi added, "since we're moving to Taixu Peak, the name Taixu Sect is no longer suitable. From now on, Taixu Sect will be renamed Zheng Family Mountain Gate. The original Zheng Family Mountain Gate will be renamed Zheng Family Outer Gate."

He paused, then continued, "The plaque for Taixu Sect will be replaced; I will personally inscribe the words 'Zheng Family.' As for the original plaque, it can be kept as a historical record."

Xiao Tianxing, who had been standing silently to the side, showed a bitter expression upon hearing this. The name Taixu Sect, passed down for thousands of years, was about to be erased. But he also knew that this was an inevitable outcome. Since they had already surrendered, they had to accept it.

"Patriarch," Xiao Tianxing said, bowing, "I have a request."

“Speak.” Zheng Yi looked at him.

"The Taixu Sect has a history spanning thousands of years. Although it is now changing its name, could we preserve some traces? For example, could we erect a stone tablet somewhere at the mountain gate to record the history of the Taixu Sect?" Xiao Tianxing said. "That way, future generations will know that there was once a sect called the Taixu Sect here."

Zheng Yi pondered for a moment, then nodded: "Alright. I understand your feelings. After all, the Taixu Sect is your root, and it shouldn't be completely erased. Erect a stone tablet at the foot of the mountain to record the history of the Taixu Sect and how it was incorporated into the Zheng family."

Xiao Tianxing's eyes reddened slightly: "Thank you, Patriarch."

“No need to be so polite,” Zheng Yi said. “From now on, we are family. The history of the Taixu Sect is also part of the Zheng family’s history.”

After the meeting, Zheng Bowen immediately led a team to develop a relocation plan. This was a massive undertaking, involving the relocation of thousands of people and the transfer of countless supplies, and it had to be arranged meticulously.

At the same time, Zheng Yi arrived at the mountain gate, took out paper and pen, and prepared to inscribe a new plaque.

He stood before a massive white marble slab, his mind focused and at peace. His spiritual energy circulated slowly, and the power of time and space flowed within him. He intended to infuse his understanding of the Great Dao into these two characters.

After a long while, Zheng Yi picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, and began to write on the white marble slab.

"The Zheng family!"

The two large characters were written in one breath, with strokes as fluid as dragons and snakes. Each stroke contained a powerful force of time and space, flowing across the stone slab as if alive. The characters were vigorous and powerful, exuding an aura of domineering dominance.

As the final stroke was completed, the sky suddenly changed color. Two large characters burst forth with dazzling light, soaring straight into the heavens. Cultivators within a hundred miles all felt this powerful aura.

"This is... a mark left by a Nascent Soul Realm expert?"

"Such powerful pressure!"

"It's in the direction of the Zheng family!" Everyone speculated, wondering what had happened.

At the entrance to Zhengjiashan, the two large characters have been completely integrated into the white marble slab. From a distance, the characters appear as if they were carved with a knife, penetrating deep into the stone. Even more remarkably, there is a faint sense of spatial and temporal energy flowing around the characters, inspiring awe in all who see them.

"Excellent calligraphy!" Zheng Hongzhi exclaimed. "The two characters 'Patriarch' contain the essence of the Great Dao of Time and Space. If future generations can comprehend their mysteries, they will surely benefit immensely."

Zheng Yi nodded in satisfaction and instructed, "Transport this plaque to Taixu Peak and hang it in the most conspicuous position at the mountain gate."

"Yes!"

Over the next few days, the entire Zheng family prepared for the relocation.

Zheng Bowen devised a detailed plan, categorizing all personnel and supplies and arranging their arrival order. First, elite disciples and elders would move in, responsible for cleaning their quarters on Taixu Peak and preparing for their arrival. Next would be ordinary disciples and supplies, and finally, the elderly, women, and children of the clans.

The entire relocation process lasted seven days. During these seven days, thousands of Zheng family members and hundreds of tons of supplies were successively moved from Zhengjiashanmen to Taixufeng.

On Mount Taixu, the original disciples of the Taixu Sect watched the Zheng family members arrive one after another, their feelings complex. They knew that from this day forward, this place would no longer belong to the Taixu Sect, but to the Zheng family.

However, Zheng Yi did not mistreat them. On the contrary, he ordered that the pills and cultivation techniques brought by the Zheng family be distributed to the disciples of the Taixu Sect. He even allowed them to continue practicing their original techniques and did not force them to switch sects.

This lenient attitude gradually lowered the guard of the Taixu Sect disciples. They began to realize that submitting to the Zheng family might not be a bad thing. At least, they would gain access to better cultivation resources.

On the evening of the seventh day, Zheng Yi personally came to Taixu Peak to preside over the ceremony of replacing the plaque.

Thousands of people gathered in front of the mountain gate, including members of the Zheng family and former disciples of the Taixu Sect. Everyone looked up at the mountain gate, waiting for that historic moment.

"Take down the old signboard!" Zheng Yi ordered.

Several disciples leaped into the air and carefully removed the plaque inscribed with the three characters "Tai Xu Men." The characters on the plaque were written by the founding patriarch of Tai Xu Men, and contained a powerful sword intent. Even after thousands of years, they still shone brightly.

After the plaque was taken down, Zheng Yi personally took it and solemnly handed it to Xiao Tianxing: "This plaque is entrusted to you for safekeeping. It has witnessed the glory of the Taixu Sect for thousands of years and should be carefully treasured."

Xiao Tianxing accepted the plaque with both hands and bowed deeply: "Thank you, Patriarch."

Then, a new plaque was brought up. It bore the two characters "Zheng Family" personally inscribed by Zheng Yi, exuding a powerful aura.

The moment the plaque was hung on the mountain gate, another extraordinary phenomenon appeared in the sky. The two large characters shone with brilliant light, like two suns, illuminating the entire Taixu Peak.

"From this day forward, this is the Zheng Family Gate!" Zheng Yi announced loudly, his voice echoing through the valley like thunder. "With the entire Zheng family united in heart and mind, we will surely create a great future!"

"The Zheng family is mighty!"

"The patriarch is mighty!"

The disciples cheered in unison, their voices echoing through the valley.

Just then, a messenger crane flew in from afar and landed in front of Zheng Yi. Zheng Yi took the letter from the crane's leg, opened it, and frowned slightly.

"Master, what happened?" Zheng Hongzhi asked.

Zheng Yi handed him the letter: "Read it yourself."

Zheng Hongzhi took the letter and read it carefully, his face turning grim. Zheng Bowen, who was standing next to him, leaned over to take a look and immediately became furious, his beard bristling and eyes wide with rage.

"Outrageous!" Zheng Bowen exclaimed angrily. "What right do these so-called righteous people have to point fingers at us?"

It turned out that the letter was jointly sent by several righteous sects in the vicinity. The letter was strongly worded, denouncing Zheng Yi's forced subjugation of the Taixu Sect as "tyrannical and immoral" and "demonic." They demanded that Zheng Yi immediately restore the Taixu Sect's independent status, or they would unite to jointly attack the Zheng family.

Among these sects are the Qingyun Sect, the Xuantian Sect, and the Chixia Sect, all of which are somewhat well-known in the area. Their leaders are mostly Nascent Soul stage cultivators who usually consider themselves righteous and look down on other sects.

Now that they see Zheng Yi forcibly annexing the Taixu Sect, they can't sit still. On one hand, they genuinely feel that Zheng Yi is acting domineeringly, and on the other hand, they are worried that the growing power of the Zheng family will threaten their position.

After reading the letter, Zheng Yi sneered, "The righteous path? Do they deserve it?"

He turned to the crowd: "You've all heard the news. These so-called righteous people say I'm tyrannical and cruel, and they want to unite and attack us. Are you afraid?"

"We are not afraid!" the disciples answered in unison.

"Good!" Zheng Yi nodded in satisfaction. "I, Zheng Yi, have always acted with integrity and uprightness. The surrender of the Taixu Sect was entirely voluntary on the part of Sect Leader Xiao; I did not indiscriminately kill innocent people. On the contrary, I gave the disciples of the Taixu Sect better treatment and more resources. Is that what you call tyranny and injustice?"

"no!"

“Indeed,” Zheng Yi said. “As for those righteous people, I think they are the real hypocrites. They appear virtuous on the surface, but in reality, they do all sorts of despicable things. The Qingyun Sect forcibly seized the spiritual veins of smaller sects, the Xuantian Sect kidnapped female cultivation vessels, and the Chixia Sect killed and stole treasures. Do they think I don’t know about these things?”

These words caused an uproar. It turned out that these so-called righteous sects were doing all sorts of shady things in private.

"Master, how should we respond?" Zheng Hongzhi asked.

Zheng Yi sneered: "It's simple. Send someone back with a message saying—"

He paused, then said, word by word, "My subjugation of the Taixu Sect was a mutually agreeable act, and has nothing to do with anyone else. If anyone is dissatisfied, feel free to fight. But if they dare to say another word, I wouldn't hesitate to bring their territory under my control. At that point, it won't be as simple as just subjugating the Taixu Sect."

These words were spoken with great arrogance and were full of threat.

"Excellent!" Zheng Bowen clapped his hands and cheered. "That's how it should be! With a Nascent Soul Realm expert like our patriarch in charge, why should we be afraid of those Nascent Soul Realm weaklings?"

Zheng Yi continued, "Furthermore, since they say I'm tyrannical, then I'll show them what tyranny is. Issue the order: from this day forward, all independent cultivators and small sects within a thousand miles who wish to join the Zheng family are welcome. I will provide them with cultivation techniques, elixirs, and spirit stones, as long as they are willing to pledge allegiance to the Zheng family." (End of Chapter)