From the fake emperor to the concubine

As a Nascent Soul Realm expert, even without using any spiritual power, his master's reaction speed and grasp of timing in battle far surpassed that of ordinary cultivators. Lin Qing sparred with such opponents every day, which naturally greatly honed his eyesight and reflexes.

Facing these Qi Refining stage bandits is like someone who practices against professional players every day suddenly going to fight ordinary players – it's a clear case of overwhelming them.

"So that's how it is," Lin Qing murmured, a surge of gratitude welling up in her heart.

His master not only taught him swordsmanship but also personally sparred with him, using this method to train his eyesight and reflexes. This dedication and kindness were truly immense.

"Alright, stop standing there," Zheng Qingyue said. "Let's clean up the battlefield and continue our journey. Today's battle has given you blood, which means you've truly stepped into the world of cultivation."

"Yes, Senior Sister."

Lin Qing sheathed his sword and began cleaning up the battlefield. Although it was his first time killing someone, he felt somewhat uneasy, but not too distressed. These bandits had committed numerous atrocities and deserved to die.

After clearing the battlefield, the convoy continued its journey. This encounter had put everyone on high alert, leaving no room for complacency.

However, they encountered no further trouble on the rest of the journey. Perhaps the main force of Black Wind Stronghold had been wiped out, and the other smaller groups of bandits dared not provoke them anymore.

As dusk approached, the convoy finally arrived at Taixu Peak.

Zheng Bowen personally received the goods, and after verifying that everything was in order, he nodded in satisfaction: "Thank you for your hard work. This mission was completed very well. Everyone will receive a commendation and can collect the corresponding reward."

He looked at Lin Qing, his eyes showing admiration: "Lin Qing, I heard you killed three Qi Refining stage bandits on your journey?"

"Yes," Lin Qing replied respectfully.

“Good,” Zheng Bowen said. “You’ve only been a beginner for less than a month, yet you’ve already killed a Qi Refining stage cultivator. Very good. This is your reward.”

He handed Lin Qing a small bag containing fifty low-grade spirit stones and two bottles of pills.

"Thank you, Elder!" Lin Qing accepted the reward with delight.

"I didn't realize I'd improved so much," Lin Qing murmured.

He had always thought he was weak because he couldn't even touch the hem of his master's clothes. But today he realized that it wasn't that he was weak, but that his master was too strong.

If his master's strength was likened to a towering mountain, then those Qi Refining stage cultivators were merely small hills. Standing at the foot of the mountain, looking up at it, he naturally felt it was unattainable. But when he looked back at those small hills, he realized that he was already considerably taller than them.

"Master," Lin Qing said, her heart filled with gratitude, "this disciple will certainly not let you down."

The next morning, Lin Qing went to the training ground to practice his sword again. After yesterday's sparring, he had a deeper understanding of swordsmanship. Those moves that were originally just mechanical practice now had specific application scenarios in his mind.

While they were practicing, Zheng Yi suddenly appeared at the edge of the training ground.

"Master!" Lin Qing stopped immediately and bowed respectfully.

"I heard you did well on the escort mission yesterday," Zheng Yi said. "You killed three Qi Refining stage bandits?"

“Yes, Master,” Lin Qing said, “but I only understood today why I was able to do that.”

"Oh? Tell me about it." Zheng Yi became interested.

Lin Qing said, "Because I've been sparring with Master all this time, I've become accustomed to Master's speed and reactions. So when facing those Qi Refining stage cultivators, their attacks seem very slow to me, and their weaknesses are quite obvious."

Zheng Yi nodded with satisfaction: "It's good that you can understand this. This shows that you're not only practicing swordsmanship with your hands, but also thinking with your mind."

He walked up to Lin Qing and said, "Cultivating swordsmanship is not just about practicing techniques. More importantly, it's about training your eyesight, reaction time, and judgment. The reason I had you spar with me is to help you improve these abilities through high-intensity combat."

"It seems to be working well," Zheng Yi added. "However, you're still just an ordinary person, without spiritual power. Defeating a Qi Refining cultivator is already quite impressive. But if you encounter an opponent at the Foundation Establishment stage or even stronger, swordsmanship alone won't be enough."

"Therefore," he took out several bottles of pills from his storage bag, "you can officially begin cultivating the Golden Thunder Technique from today onwards."

Lin Qing's eyes lit up: "Thank you, Master!"

He had been waiting for this day for a long time. Although his swordsmanship had greatly increased his strength through diligent practice these past few days, he knew that in the world of cultivation, without spiritual power, one was ultimately just an ordinary person and could not go very far.

"These pills can help you draw qi into your body and open the door to cultivation," Zheng Yi said. "Remember, cultivation must be gradual; don't be greedy or rush things. You need to build a solid foundation so you can go further in the future."

"Yes, Master!" Lin Qing accepted the pill and said solemnly, "This disciple will certainly not disappoint Master."

Zheng Yi patted him on the shoulder: "Go on, cultivate diligently. If you don't understand anything, feel free to ask me."

"Yes!"

Meanwhile, in the Zheng family's council hall, Zheng Yi was discussing family affairs with several elders.

"Master, we've recently gained several more allied forces," Zheng Bowen reported. "Moreover, I've heard that a few smaller sects also want to submit to us."

Zheng Hongzhi said, "The Zheng family's reputation is growing stronger. This is not only due to the strength of the patriarch, but also to the way we treat our disciples. Many independent cultivators and disciples from small sects want to join the Zheng family to seek better opportunities."

Xiao Tianxing added, "Yes, that's right. The patriarch doesn't care about background; he only looks at talent and character, which is very rare in the cultivation world. Many major sects emphasize lineage, making it difficult for commoners to rise to prominence. But in the Zheng family, as long as you have ability, you can be highly valued. This is something many people aspire to."

Zheng Yi nodded: "That's natural. For the Zheng family to grow and prosper, it needs to constantly absorb fresh blood. Regardless of background, as long as one is loyal to the family, they are all valuable members."

“By the way, Patriarch,” Zheng Bowen suddenly remembered something, “there’s something I need to report to you. There are rumors circulating that an ancient ruin has appeared in the Xuan Tian Domain to the east. It’s said to contain a wealth of treasures and legacies, attracting many cultivators to explore it.”

"Ancient ruins?" Zheng Yi became interested.

“That’s right,” Zheng Hongzhi said. “It’s said that the ruins have been sealed for ten thousand years and have only recently reopened. Inside, there may be cultivation techniques, magical treasures, and even opportunities to break through cultivation levels left by our predecessors. Many sects have sent people there.”

Zheng Yi pondered for a moment: "This is indeed an opportunity. Bowen, continue to gather information and find out the specifics of that ruin. If it is indeed valuable, our Zheng family should also explore it."

"Yes, Master."

Three days later, in the Zheng family council hall. Zheng Yi stood on the high platform, below whom the core members of the Zheng family had gathered. Zheng Bowen had already thoroughly investigated the information regarding the ancient ruins.

"Gentlemen," Zheng Yi said in a deep voice, "the ancient ruins that appeared in the Xuan Tian Domain have been confirmed to be real. According to our scouts, the ruins are extremely large, at least the cave dwelling of a Mahayana stage senior. Inside, there are not only a large number of treasures and spiritual materials, but also possibly opportunities to break through to higher realms."

Everyone was excited upon hearing this. The Great Ascension stage was two major realms higher than the Integration stage! Anything taken from the cave of such a senior was priceless.

"However," Zheng Yi changed the subject, "many people are going too. It's said that dozens of sects and families have already sent people, including many experts at the Integration Realm. The competition will be fierce."

Zheng Bowen asked, "Patriarch, when do you plan to depart? How many people will you take with you?"

Zheng Yi pondered for a moment and said, "We don't need too many people. Too many people make us a bigger target, which is actually detrimental to our operations. I plan to take only three people."

"Three people?" Zheng Hongzhi exclaimed in surprise. "Isn't that too few? What if we get attacked by other sects?"

"No," Zheng Yi shook his head. "In a place like that, having more people doesn't necessarily give you an advantage. Besides, those who go need to be strong enough; otherwise, entering the ruins is just suicide."

He surveyed the crowd: "I need three people. The first must be at least at the late Nascent Soul stage and possess considerable strength. The second must be proficient in formations and able to break the restrictions within the ruins. The third must be erudite and knowledgeable, with some understanding of ancient matters."

The group looked at each other, each pondering who would be suitable for one of the three positions.

Zheng Yi continued, "My first choice is Dai Bowen. You are at the late Nascent Soul stage, possess considerable strength, and are reliable and dependable."

Zheng Bowen stepped forward, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said, "Thank you for your trust, Patriarch. I will do my utmost."

"The second candidate is Hongzhi." Zheng Yi looked at Zheng Hongzhi. "You are an expert in formations, unmatched in this field. With you here, even restrictions can be broken."

Zheng Hongzhi also stepped forward: "Master, rest assured, Hongzhi will not fail in his mission."

"As for the third candidate," Zheng Yi pondered for a moment, "Sect Leader Xiao, would you be willing to accompany us?"

Xiao Tianxing was taken aback, not expecting Zheng Yi to choose him. He quickly stepped forward: "Patriarch, I am willing to follow you."

Zheng Yi nodded: "The Taixu Sect has a history spanning thousands of years. As its former leader, you must have some knowledge of ancient events. Moreover, your cultivation has reached the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm, so your strength is sufficient."

He paused, then continued, "More importantly, this trip is also to show you the strength of the Zheng family. It's to let you understand that following the Zheng family will never treat you unfairly."

Xiao Tianxing felt a warmth in his heart. Ever since the Taixu Sect submitted to the Zheng family, although he hadn't shown any outward signs of resentment, he had always felt somewhat unwilling. Now that Zheng Yi had taken the initiative to invite him to travel together, it was clear that he wanted to win him over and truly integrate him into the Zheng family.

"Thank you, Patriarch!" Xiao Tianxing bowed solemnly.

"Alright, the selection is settled then," Zheng Yi said. "The three of you go back and prepare. We'll depart early tomorrow morning. Remember to bring plenty of pills, spirit stones, and life-saving talismans. This trip to the Xuan Tian Domain is fraught with unpredictable dangers, so be fully prepared."

"Yes!" the three replied in unison.

The next morning, the four of them gathered in front of the mountain gate.

Zheng Yi, Zheng Bowen, Zheng Hongzhi, and Xiao Tianxing are all at least at the Nascent Soul stage. In the cultivation world, such a lineup is already considered quite strong.

"Let's go!" Zheng Yi gave the order, and the four of them transformed into four streaks of light, flying eastward.

The Xuan Tian Domain is about five thousand miles away from Tai Xu Peak. Even at their speed, it would take them three days and three nights to fly there.

Along the way, Zheng Yi told the three about the situation in the Xuan Tian Domain.

"The Xuan Tian Domain is one of the largest cultivation regions in the East, ten times the size of ours," Zheng Yi said. "There are hundreds of sects, large and small, with a vast number of cultivators and countless experts. It is said that the strongest forces in the Xuan Tian Domain all have Mahayana-stage patriarchs in charge."

Zheng Bowen exclaimed in surprise, "The Mahayana stage? That's a legendary realm!"

“That’s right,” Zheng Yi nodded. “So when we go to the Xuan Tian Domain, we must keep a low profile and avoid causing trouble. Although I have the cultivation of the Integration Realm, in the Xuan Tian Domain, the Integration Realm is only considered to be at a mid-to-high level.”

Xiao Tianxing added, "When I was young, I visited the Xuan Tian Domain once. The cultivation atmosphere there was far more intense than here, and geniuses emerged in great numbers. Moreover, the Xuan Tian Domain has a unique characteristic—respect for the strong. There, strength is everything."

Three days later, the four of them finally reached the border of the Xuan Tian Domain.

The scene before them was an eye-opener for Zheng Bowen and Zheng Hongzhi. In the distance, mountains stretched endlessly, shrouded in mist, each peak radiating a rich spiritual energy. Cultivators flew overhead from time to time, some on swords, others riding spirit beasts, creating a lively and bustling scene.

"The concentration of spiritual energy here is at least three times that of ours," Zheng Hongzhi exclaimed. "No wonder the cultivators of the Xuan Tian Domain are so strong; it's hard not to be strong when cultivating in this environment."

Zheng Yi said, "Let's rest for the night in Cloud City ahead and find out the latest news about the ruins."

Cloud City is the largest city on the border of the Xuan Tian Domain, and also the first stop upon entering the Xuan Tian Domain. This city is extremely prosperous, with city walls hundreds of feet high, entirely cast from spirit stones, emitting a faint glow.

The four landed in front of the city gate. There were guards at the city gate checking people, and everyone entering the city had to pay a low-grade spirit stone as an entrance fee.

After paying the spirit stones, the four entered the city.

The city was bustling with activity. The streets were wide and lined with shops on both sides. Some sold magical artifacts, some sold elixirs, and others sold cultivation manuals. The streets were teeming with people, mostly cultivators, ranging in cultivation from the Qi Refining stage to the Nascent Soul stage, and occasionally a few powerful figures at the Deity Transformation stage could be seen.

"What a prosperous city!" Zheng Bowen exclaimed. "It's much larger than any city back home."

"This is just a border city," Xiao Tianxing said. "The cities in the core area of ​​the Xuan Tian Domain are ten times more prosperous than this."

The four found an inn to stay at. The inn was called "Yunlaiju," one of the largest inns in Yunxiao City. Zheng Yi booked four superior rooms, each costing five low-grade spirit stones per day, which was quite expensive.

After settling them in, Zheng Yi said to the three of them, "You guys rest first, I'm going out for a walk and to gather some information."

"Master, do you need us to accompany you?" Zheng Bowen asked.

"No need," Zheng Yi waved his hand. "I can go alone. You all get some rest and recharge." (End of Chapter)