From the fake emperor to the concubine

"You brought all of this back from the Eastern Wilderness?" Wang Tianhai stared at the table laden with treasures, his jaw dropping in astonishment. "My God, there's so much!"

"We were lucky; we stumbled upon an ancient ruin," Zheng Yi said simply. "These are what we obtained from the ruin."

"Ancient ruins?" Wang Tianhai was even more astonished. "Sir, you actually found ancient ruins in the Eastern Wilderness?"

“Yes,” Zheng Yi nodded, “but there were stone golems guarding the ruins, and it took quite a bit of effort to take them down.”

He didn't go into details, but instead began distributing the spoils.

"This Black Abyss Sword is for Brother Tieshan." He handed the black longsword to Tieshan. "It's a top-grade spiritual weapon, of very high quality, perfectly suited to your strength-based cultivation technique."

Tieshan took the longsword and cherished it.

"Thank you, Boss Dark Night!" He drew his sword halfway through; the blade was as black as ink, with a faint, cold glint in it, and incredibly sharp. "A fine sword! A fine sword! With this sword, my combat power will increase by at least 30%!"

"These three Golden Essence Pills are for Bowen, Tianxing, and Wanqing, one each," Zheng Yi continued. "The three of you are all at the peak of the Integration Realm, only one step away from the Great Ascension Realm. With the aid of the Golden Essence Pills, your success rate in breaking through will be much higher."

The three of them received the Golden Yuan Pill, their faces showing excitement.

The Golden Essence Pill is a rare treasure; many cultivators at the peak of the Integration Realm would spend their entire lives trying to obtain even one. They never expected to have such an opportunity.

"Thank you, Patriarch!" the three said in unison.

"I'll keep this Heavenly Gang Manual for my own study," Zheng Yi said, carefully putting away the yellowed book. "Once I've deciphered its secrets, I'll pass it on to everyone."

"As for these demon beast cores and spirit herbs, keep them for now and distribute them later."

After distributing the spoils, Zheng Yi looked at everyone.

"From now on, everyone should focus on closed-door cultivation and strive to improve their strength in the shortest possible time," he said. "The Lu family is still stationed outside the city and could launch an attack at any time. We must hurry and prepare."

"Yes!" everyone answered in unison.

For the next few days, the city lord's mansion was quiet.

Everyone is in seclusion in their rooms, cultivating their skills and striving to improve their strength as quickly as possible.

Zheng Yi wasn't idle either. He first carefully studied the Heavenly Gang Manual and discovered that this technique was indeed very profound, with many similarities to the techniques he originally practiced. If he could master it, his strength would experience a qualitative leap.

He began to try practicing some of the moves from the Heavenly Gang Technique.

The Heavenly Gang Technique emphasizes condensing Heavenly Gang Qi into an invincible attack method. The key to its cultivation is to communicate with the power of heaven and earth and draw Heavenly Gang Qi into the body.

Following the instructions in the manual, Zheng Yi sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, and began to sense the energy between heaven and earth.

His divine sense spread out, sensing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth around him. Gradually, he felt a faint aura seeping in from the void.

That is the Qi of Heaven.

It is formless and invisible, yet omnipresent. Ordinary people cannot perceive its existence at all; only cultivators who have reached a certain level can detect its traces.

Zheng Yi carefully guided that energy into his body.

The Heavenly Qi was extremely violent. Once it entered his body, it began to rampage through his meridians, causing waves of intense pain.

But Zheng Yi gritted his teeth and forcibly suppressed the power, slowly integrating it into his own spiritual energy.

Time passed bit by bit.

After an unknown amount of time, Zheng Yi finally absorbed that wisp of Heavenly Qi completely.

He opened his eyes and felt a sharp aura within his spiritual power. Although it was only a wisp, it significantly enhanced his attack power.

"It's indeed a good product." He nodded in satisfaction. "Continue cultivating."

And so, Zheng Yi cultivated day and night, constantly absorbing the Qi of Heaven to improve his strength.

Meanwhile, Zheng Bowen, Xiao Tianxing, and Su Wanqing were also in seclusion in their respective rooms, preparing to break through to the Mahayana realm.

The effects of the Golden Essence Pill were very noticeable. After taking it, all three felt their spiritual energy become unusually active, as if it could break through the invisible barrier at any moment.

On the third night, Xiao Tianxing was the first to break through.

A sudden roar came from his room, and a powerful aura burst forth, shaking the entire courtyard.

"It's Tianxing! He's broken through!" Zheng Bowen exclaimed in surprise upon sensing the aura.

A moment later, Xiao Tianxing's door opened, and he came out.

His gaze was deeper and sharper than before, and his aura had become more composed and restrained. The oppressive aura of the early stage of the Mahayana Realm was faintly visible, making him someone not to be underestimated.

"Master, I have broken through!" Xiao Tianxing walked up to Zheng Yi and bowed respectfully.

"Congratulations." Zheng Yi nodded. "Early stage of the Mahayana Realm, not bad."

"It's all thanks to the Golden Essence Pill bestowed by the patriarch," Xiao Tianxing said.

"The Golden Essence Pill is merely an aid; the key lies in your own efforts and talent," Zheng Yi said. "Keep striving and consolidate your cultivation."

“Yes!” Xiao Tianxing replied.

On the fifth day, Su Wanqing also broke through.

Her breakthrough was even more astonishing. With the blessing of the Heavenly Fire Token, she drew upon the fire elements between heaven and earth during her breakthrough, forming a spectacular vortex of flames that hovered above her head.

"Wanqing, that girl, is indeed quite talented," Tieshan said, clicking his tongue in admiration as he looked at the vortex of flames. "With the Heavenly Fire Token's assistance, her future achievements are limitless."

"The Heavenly Fire Token is a good thing," Zheng Yi nodded, "but it's also a source of trouble. The Han family has always coveted the Heavenly Fire Token, so Wanqing will have to be careful in the future."

On the seventh day, Zheng Bowen also successfully broke through to the Mahayana realm.

At this point, all three Golden Essence Pills had taken effect. Zheng Bowen, Xiao Tianxing, and Su Wanqing all successfully broke through to the early stage of the Great Ascension Realm, experiencing a qualitative leap in their strength.

"That's wonderful!" Wang Tianhai clapped his hands with joy upon hearing the news. "Now we have four experts at the Great Ascension Realm, plus Mr. Dark Night, our strength is already considerable."

“Indeed.” Zheng Yi nodded. “However, we can’t let our guard down regarding the Lu family. Feng Ling, have you heard anything from the Lu family these past few days?”

Feng Ling emerged from the shadows and reported, "The Lu family's forces have been stationed fifty miles outside the city. They haven't withdrawn, but they haven't made any further moves either. However, according to my scouts, some strangers have entered the Lu family's camp in the past two days; they seem to be from other forces."

"Other forces?" Zheng Yi frowned. "What forces?"

“It’s not certain yet,” Wind Chime said, “but judging from the person’s attire and demeanor, they should also be from a prominent family.”

Zheng Yi's heart sank as he thought of the "great family".

The Lu family is one of the nine great families. If they invite help from other families, the situation will become even more complicated.

“Continue monitoring,” he said. “Report any developments immediately.”

"Yes." Feng Ling responded, her figure flickered, and she disappeared from the spot.

Over the next few days, Zheng Yi continued to cultivate the Heavenly Gang Technique, while also helping everyone consolidate their cultivation and prepare for battle.

He had a premonition that the Lu family would soon take action.

Sure enough, three days later, Feng Ling brought shocking news. "Mr. Dark Night, the Lu family has made a move!" She rushed into the council hall, her face grave. "And it's not just the Lu family; two other aristocratic families have come along too!"

"Two powerful families?" Zheng Yi abruptly stood up. "Which two powerful families?"

"The Sun family and the Zhao family," Feng Ling said, "are both among the nine great families. These three families have joined forces, dispatching several thousand troops, and are marching towards Qingyun City!"

"The three great families have joined forces?" Wang Tianhai's expression changed drastically. "How could this be? The Lu family has actually invited the Sun and Zhao families to help them?"

Zheng Yi's expression also turned serious.

The Sun and Zhao families are both powerful among the nine great families. The Sun family excels in formations and weapon crafting, while the Zhao family is renowned for its martial prowess, boasting numerous experts. The combined strength of these three families far exceeds his expectations.

“When will they arrive?” he asked.

"At most half an hour," Fengling said.

"Half an hour." Zheng Yi took a deep breath. "Send the order down: the entire city is on high alert. Everyone prepare for battle."

"Yes!" everyone answered in unison.

The city guards sprang into action, their soldiers fully armed, scaling the city walls and standing ready for battle. The city gates were tightly shut, the drawbridges hung high, and the city appeared as if facing a formidable enemy.

Zheng Yi stood on the city wall, gazing at the distant official road, a cold glint in his eyes.

"The three great families have joined forces," he murmured. "The Lu family has really gone all out."

"Sir, can we hold out?" Wang Tianhai stood beside him, his voice trembling slightly.

"I don't know," Zheng Yi said honestly, "but whether we can hold out or not, we have to hold out."

He turned around and looked into Wang Tianhai's eyes.

"Master Wang, you still have a way out. If you choose to surrender now, you might still be able to save your life."

"Surrender?" Wang Tianhai shook his head. "Sir, I've endured twenty years of hardship to finally reclaim my position as city lord. If I surrender, how can I ever face the world again?"

"I would rather die fighting than surrender!"

Zheng Yi looked at Wang Tianhai's determined eyes and nodded slightly.

"Alright. In that case, let's fight them to the bitter end."

He turned around, facing the distance, and quietly waited for the enemy to arrive.

About half an hour later, a cloud of dust rose from the distant official road.

As the smoke and dust drew closer, a massive army gradually came into view. Banners fluttered, swords and spears stood in the air, and they charged menacingly towards Qingyun City.

There were three large flags in the procession, representing the family crests of the Lu, Sun, and Zhao families.

The leader was a group of three, riding tall horses side by side.

In the very center was Lu Tianming, dressed in a gray robe, with a confident smile on his face.

The man on the left is an old man in a blue robe. He is thin and has a sinister look in his eyes. He should be a member of the Sun family.

The man on the right is a middle-aged man in black armor. He is burly and exudes a sharp killing intent. He should be a member of the Zhao family.

Behind the three, thousands of soldiers surrounded Qingyun City.

"Wang Tianhai!" Lu Tianming shouted, "Come out and speak!"

On the city wall, Wang Tianhai took a deep breath and walked to the crenellations.

"Elder Lu, it's been a long time. How have you been?" He tried his best to remain calm.

"Wang Tianhai, look at the troops outside the city," Lu Tianming sneered. "This is a joint force of the Lu, Sun, and Zhao families, three powerful clans. Do you think you still have the right to oppose us?"

"Don't you think it's a waste of talent for the three great families to join forces against a small border town?" Wang Tianhai asked rhetorically.

"A waste of talent?" Lu Tianming laughed heartily. "Wang Tianhai, you overestimate yourself. The three great families are joining forces not because you're so powerful, but because we want to solve the problem once and for all."

"What problem are you solving?"

"The problem with Qingyun City," Lu Tianming said, "From today onwards, Qingyun City will be jointly governed by the three major families. And you will no longer be the city lord of Qingyun City."

"What?" Wang Tianhai's expression changed drastically.

He originally thought that the Lu family only wanted him to submit, but he didn't expect them to directly strip him of his position as city lord.

"Elder Lu, are you trying to completely break off relations?" he asked through gritted teeth.

"Tear off the mask?" Lu Tianming sneered. "I gave you a month and a half, and not only did you not appreciate it, you also kept strengthening the city's defenses and recruiting soldiers, clearly intending to oppose the Lu family. Since that's the case, I don't need to be polite with you anymore."

"From today onward, you have only two paths. First, obediently relinquish your position as city lord and leave Qingyun City, and I may spare your life. Second, resist stubbornly, and the day the city falls will be your death day."

Which one do you choose?

Wang Tianhai's face turned ashen, and he clenched his fists tightly.

Just then, Zheng Yi walked up to him.

"Elder Lu, you have quite the nerve," he said calmly.

“Dark Night?” Lu Tianming looked at Zheng Yi, a cold glint in his eyes. “You’re still in Qingyun City? I thought you’d run away long ago.”

"Run?" Zheng Yi scoffed. "Why would I run?"

“You’re a smart man; you should be able to see the situation,” Lu Tianming said. “With the three major families joining forces, do you think you can stop them?”

"Whether it can withstand the attack or not, we'll find out once we try," Zheng Yi said.

"Oh?" Lu Tianming raised an eyebrow. "You still want to resist?"

“It’s not that I want to resist, it’s that I will definitely resist,” Zheng Yi said. “Elder Lu, I’ll give you one more chance. Leave with your men now, and I can let bygones be bygones. Otherwise, you’ll bear the consequences.”

"Hahahaha!" Lu Tianming laughed loudly, "An Ye, you are truly arrogant beyond measure. The allied forces of the three great families are right before our eyes, and you still dare to speak like this?"

“I’m telling the truth,” Zheng Yi said calmly.

"Fine, very well." Lu Tianming's smile vanished, a hint of murderous intent flashing in his eyes. "Since you don't know what's good for you, don't blame me for being impolite."

He turned around and called out to those behind him, "Lu Xuanfeng, come out!"

From the group, a young man dressed in brocade robes rode out on horseback.

It was Lu Tianming's son, Lu Xuanfeng.

Today, Lu Xuanfeng was dressed in a magnificent battle robe, with a sword at his waist, exuding an air of grandeur. He rode his horse to the front of the battle line, arrogantly looking at Zheng Yi on the city wall.

"Are you Dark Night?" he asked.

"Not bad." Zheng Yi nodded. (End of Chapter)