From the fake emperor to the concubine

Zheng Bowen and Xiao Tianxing also returned, bringing back more intelligence.

"Master, we've gathered a lot of information," Zheng Bowen said. "Wang Tianhai is indeed stationed in the Mangcang Mountains outside the city, with three or four hundred men under his command. Most of these men are his former subordinates and loyal followers, who have followed him for twenty years without ever betraying him."

"How strong is Wang Tianhai?" Zheng Yi asked.

"It's said he's already reached the early stage of the Mahayana Realm," Xiao Tianxing said. "He's been cultivating diligently on the border for years, and by chance, he broke through his bottleneck. He also has several experts at the Integration Realm under his command; his strength shouldn't be underestimated."

"Any other news?"

“Yes,” Zheng Bowen said. “We also found out that Wang Tianhai chose to return at this time because Li Tiancheng recently offended the Zhenyu Division. The Zhenyu Division is very dissatisfied with Li Tiancheng and has secretly begun to support Wang Tianhai.”

Zheng Yi nodded; this differed somewhat from Li Tiancheng's account. Li Tiancheng claimed that the Town Territory Division and Wang Tianhai were colluding, but now it seemed that Li Tiancheng had offended the Town Territory Division first, which led them to support Wang Tianhai.

"Patriarch, what do you plan to do?" Su Wanqing asked. "Are you still going to assassinate Wang Tianhai?"

Zheng Yi fell silent.

He weighed the decision in his mind for a long time before finally making it.

“I won’t kill them,” he said.

"Not kill them?" Everyone was stunned.

"Patriarch, you've already received a deposit of five million spirit stones," Zheng Bowen reminded him. "If we don't complete the mission, won't the city lord..."

"What can the city lord do to me?" Zheng Yi sneered. "He can't even handle Wang Tianhai, let alone me?"

Everyone was speechless.

“I’ve investigated a lot these past few days,” Zheng Yi said. “Wang Tianhai is a good person, at least much better than Li Tiancheng. If I kill him, it would be like helping Li Tiancheng continue to harm the people. I can’t do that.”

"The head of the family is benevolent and righteous," Zheng Hongzhi said sincerely.

"It's not a matter of benevolence or righteousness," Zheng Yi said. "I just don't want to be an accomplice."

He paused, then said, "And I have a new idea."

"What are your thoughts?" everyone asked curiously.

Zheng Yi's lips curled up slightly, revealing a sly smile.

"Since both sides can contribute money, why should I only profit from one side?"

Everyone was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized what was going on.

"Does the patriarch mean to profit from both sides?" Zheng Bowen asked in surprise.

“That’s right.” Zheng Yi nodded. “Li Tiancheng gave me five million spirit stones to kill Wang Tianhai. If Wang Tianhai offers an even higher price to help him regain his position as city lord, why wouldn’t I take the money?”

"But... Patriarch, isn't this too risky?" Su Wanqing asked worriedly. "What if Li Tiancheng finds out..."

"So what if he knows?" Zheng Yi said dismissively. "I'm using the fake identity 'Dark Night,' which has nothing to do with our real identities. Even if Li Tiancheng wants revenge, he can't find us."

“Moreover,” he continued, “Li Tiancheng is ruthless and unscrupulous. Even if I help him kill Wang Tianhai, he might not treat me well afterward. Rather than that, I'd rather make as much money as possible now and stay away from the troubles of Qingyun City.”

After listening, everyone agreed that it made sense.

"The patriarch is wise," Zheng Bowen said admiringly. "In this way, we've made money off Li Tiancheng, Wang Tianhai, and eliminated a tyrant—a triple win."

“That’s the idea,” Zheng Yi said. “But before that, I need to see Wang Tianhai first and see if he’s willing to pay that price.”

"Does the patriarch intend to go in person?" Zheng Hongzhi asked.

“Yes.” Zheng Yi nodded. “This kind of thing requires my personal attention. You all stay here and wait for my news.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Early the next morning, Zheng Yi set off for Mangcang Mountain outside Qingyun City.

Mangcang Mountain is located northeast of Qingyun City, about a hundred miles away from the city. The mountain is steep and densely forested, making it a good place that is easy to defend and difficult to attack.

Zheng Yi flew all the way and soon arrived at the outer edge of Mangcang Mountain.

He did not rush in, but stopped at the foot of the mountain.

Several protective barriers were set up at the entrance to the mountain, likely placed by Wang Tianhai's men. Forcing entry would definitely alert those inside.

After a moment's thought, Zheng Yi decided to reveal his whereabouts.

His spiritual energy surged, releasing a powerful aura. This aura, like a raging storm, spread into the mountain, instantly alarming everyone within.

A moment later, several figures flew out of the mountain and landed in front of Zheng Yi.

The leader was a middle-aged man in a green robe, with a deep aura, likely at the late stage of the Integration Realm. Behind him were four or five others, slightly weaker, but still all experts at the Integration Realm.

"Who goes there?" the man in the green robe asked warily. "Why are you releasing your aura here, disturbing us?"

Zheng Yi did not answer, but simply stood there, quietly watching them.

Today he was dressed in a long black robe, his face veiled, revealing only a pair of deep-set eyes. This was the signature attire of "Dark Night".

The man in the green robe sized him up, his expression changing slightly.

"Are you Dark Night?" he asked.

“Exactly.” Zheng Yi nodded.

The man in the green robe exchanged a glance with the person behind him, a hint of fear flashing in their eyes.

They had clearly heard of the name "Dark Night." A person capable of single-handedly killing five early-stage Mahayana realm experts was definitely not to be underestimated.

"Mr. Dark Night, what brings you here?" The man in the green robe became much more polite.

“I want to see your master,” Zheng Yi said. “There’s a business deal I’d like to discuss with him.”

"Business?" The man in the green robe was taken aback. "What kind of business?"

"Regarding the business of the position of City Lord of Qingyun City," Zheng Yi said calmly.

The man in the green robe's expression changed drastically.

He seemed to want to say something, but dared not make any rash moves.

"Please wait a moment, sir, I will go and inform my master." After he finished speaking, he turned and flew back into the mountains.

Zheng Yi stood still, waiting patiently.

About the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the man in the green robe returned, accompanied by an elderly man with white hair.

The old man was about sixty years old, thin but vigorous, with bright, piercing eyes. His aura was unfathomable; he was clearly the expert at the early stage of the Mahayana realm—the former city lord, Wang Tianhai.

Wang Tianhai walked up to Zheng Yi, looked him up and down, and then smiled slightly.

"Are you the recently renowned 'Dark Night' of the Tianyuan Domain?" he said. "Indeed, your aura is extraordinary."

"You're too kind, Master Wang," Zheng Yi said, bowing slightly.

"May I ask what business Mr. Dark Night has with me?" Wang Tianhai asked. "Chen Feng just mentioned that you have a business deal you'd like to discuss with me?"

“That’s right.” Zheng Yi nodded, “However, this business involves confidential information and is not convenient to discuss here. Would you mind if we spoke privately, Mr. Wang?”

Wang Tianhai pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "Alright, sir, please follow me."

He turned and walked into the mountains, with Zheng Yi following behind.

The man in the green robe and several others wanted to follow, but Wang Tianhai stopped them. "You all stay outside and guard the area. No one is allowed to enter without my order," Wang Tianhai instructed.

"Yes," the man in the green robe replied, and he retreated with the others.

Zheng Yi followed Wang Tianhai through layers of restrictions and arrived at a secluded cave in the mountains.

The cave dwelling was small, but simply furnished. A few stone tables and benches, a simple meditation platform, and a storage cabinet were all the belongings the cave contained.

"Please sit down, sir." Wang Tianhai gestured for Zheng Yi to sit, then personally poured him a glass of water. "My place is simple; I have nothing much to offer. Please forgive me, sir."

"You're too kind, Mr. Wang." Zheng Yi took the water glass and placed it aside.

Wang Tianhai noticed that he hadn't drunk any water and smiled slightly.

“The gentleman is very cautious,” he said. “That’s good. In this world, only the cautious survive.”

Zheng Yi didn't reply, but just quietly looked at Wang Tianhai.

Wang Tianhai didn't mind and asked directly, "Sir, you said you'd like to discuss a business deal with me. May I ask what it is?"

Zheng Yi was silent for a moment, then spoke, "Master Wang, let me ask you a question first."

"Sir, please speak."

"If someone took money from another person and tried to kill you, what would you do?"

Wang Tianhai's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure.

"Sir, do you mean someone hired you to kill me?"

“That’s right.” Zheng Yi nodded. “Just a few days ago, Li Tiancheng found me, gave me a deposit of five million spirit stones, and asked me to kill you within a month.”

A cold glint flashed in Wang Tianhai's eyes, but his voice remained calm.

"I see," he said. "That heartless bastard Li Tiancheng really won't let this old man go."

"Isn't Master Wang afraid?" Zheng Yi asked.

"Afraid?" Wang Tianhai chuckled. "My old life is worthless. Twenty years ago, Li Tiancheng killed my wife, children, and elderly parents. I was exiled alone to the border, living a life worse than a pig or a dog. If it weren't for the lingering resentment in my heart, I would have died long ago."

"Now that I finally have the chance, I naturally want to come back for revenge. Even if I die here, I will have no regrets."

After listening, Zheng Yi felt even more respect for the old man.

Twenty years of exile, separation from his wife and children, and the destruction of his family—anyone else would have given up hope long ago. But Wang Tianhai never gave up, persevering and waiting for his chance for revenge.

Such willpower is admirable.

"Master Wang, why don't you ask me why I'm telling you all this?" Zheng Yi asked.

“That’s exactly what I was about to ask,” Wang Tianhai said. “Since you’ve taken Li Tiancheng’s money, why haven’t you taken any action? Why have you come to me instead? Could it be that you intend to extort money from me?”

“Extortion?” Zheng Yi shook his head. “I’m not that despicable.”

"What does that mean, sir?"

Zheng Yi was silent for a moment, then said, "I've investigated a lot about you and Li Tiancheng these past few days."

Wang Tianhai remained silent, listening quietly.

“Li Tiancheng told me that you were a mediocre and greedy city lord, and that it was because you had brought chaos to Qingyun City that he launched a coup and overthrew your rule,” Zheng Yi said.

Wang Tianhai sneered, "He certainly knows how to twist the truth."

“I know he’s lying,” Zheng Yi said. “I’ve visited many villages and towns around Qingyun City and spoken with many people. They all say you’re a good city lord, never levying taxes arbitrarily, and frequently helping the poor. During years of famine, you even open your granaries to distribute grain and provide relief to the victims.”

A complex look flashed in Wang Tianhai's eyes.

"I only did what a city lord should do," he said. "I never expected that twenty years later, the people would still remember me."

“They not only remember you, but they also long for your return,” Zheng Yi said. “They all say that as long as you become the city lord, their good days will return.”

Wang Tianhai fell silent.

After a long silence, he finally spoke, "What is the meaning of what you've told me, sir?"

“My meaning is simple,” Zheng Yi said, “I don’t intend to kill you.”

Wang Tianhai was taken aback. "What did you say?"

“I said, I don’t intend to kill you,” Zheng Yi repeated. “You are a good person, at least much better than Li Tiancheng. If I kill you, it would be tantamount to helping Li Tiancheng continue to harm the people. I can’t do such a thing.”

Wang Tianhai stared blankly at Zheng Yi, speechless for a long time.

He had initially thought Zheng Yi was there to kill him or extort him. Unexpectedly, Zheng Yi said he didn't intend to kill him.

This result was completely unexpected.

“Sir, is that true?” he asked.

“Really?” Zheng Yi nodded.

A hint of emotion flashed in Wang Tianhai's eyes, but then a look of doubt appeared on his face.

"But the master has already received Li Tiancheng's deposit. If we don't complete the task, won't he..."

"What can he do to me?" Zheng Yi said dismissively. "He can't even handle you, how could he possibly handle me?"

Wang Tianhai thought about it and couldn't help but smile bitterly.

“Sir, you are right,” he said. “I was overthinking it.”

He paused, then said solemnly, "I will never forget your great kindness, sir. If you ever need my help in the future, please don't hesitate to ask, and I will do my utmost to assist you."

"Don't thank me yet," Zheng Yi waved his hand. "I haven't finished speaking."

"Is there anything else you'd like to say, sir?"

Zheng Yi's lips curled into a slight smile. "I won't kill you, but I can help you."

"Help me?" Wang Tianhai was taken aback. "Help me with what?"

"I'll help you reclaim your position as city lord," Zheng Yi said.

Wang Tianhai's eyes widened immediately.

"Sir, is what you're saying true?" he asked excitedly.

“Of course it’s true.” Zheng Yi nodded. “Li Tiancheng doesn’t deserve to be the city lord. Rather than letting him continue to harm the people, it’s better to help you reclaim the position. If you become the city lord, at least the people can live a few good days.”

Wang Tianhai stood up excitedly and paced back and forth in the cave.

"Sir, are you... are you really willing to help this old man?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly.

“I’m willing,” Zheng Yi said, “but…”

"But what?"

“However, I don’t like doing business at a loss,” Zheng Yi said calmly. “I’ll charge you for helping you reclaim your position as city lord.”

Wang Tianhai was taken aback, then suddenly realized. (End of Chapter)