Golden Ranking Appears, My Empress Turns Out to Be Wu Zhao

[Dao Immortal Ranking – Rank 9]

[Long Bixia]

[Force: Ancient Tomb Sect of Southern Song Dynasty, Imperial Palace of Ming Dynasty]

[Cultivation: Late Heavenly Human Realm Land Immortal]

[Technique: Ice Lotus Immortal Classic, Dao Scripture Collection]

[Reward: 2x Low-Grade Enlightenment Card (Can be used for enlightenment, increasing comprehension one hundred times, duration one hour!)]

==========

Ming Imperial Harem.

These days, Zhu Houzhao had been tirelessly moving among the residences of the various Consorts in the Imperial Harem.

Spreading his affections equally.

Exhausted, yet joyful.

He had already delegated the necessary affairs of the dynasty.

And returned to enjoying a laid-back life.

Long Bixia's residence.

"Long'er, since when did you develop such a deep understanding of Dao texts?"

"Not only have you mastered them, you even surpassed those so-called Dao cultivators?"

"You actually made it onto the Dao Immortal Ranking?!"

Zhu Houzhao looked at Long Bixia in astonishment.

He had no doubt about the accuracy of the Dao Immortal Ranking.

Since the appearance of the Golden Ranking, Long Bixia has truly risen to prominence.

Her rate of growth had been rapid.

In less than a year.

She had already reached the Late Heavenly Human Realm.

The Mythical Realm was within reach.

She had even surpassed Murong Qiudi.

Moreover, her research on Dao Scriptures has become increasingly profound recently.

"Husband, have you forgotten? My Jade Maiden Heart Scripture and Ice Lotus Heart Art require a strong Dao foundation to be fully mastered, even perfected."

"Also, I found that the more I study Dao texts, and the deeper my understanding, the more complete my self-created Ice Lotus Immortal Classic becomes."

"It won't be long before I can create a Mythical Realm technique, definitely not inferior to those on the Cultivation Technique Ranking."

Long Bixia gave Zhu Houzhao a sidelong glance.

After so many years, he actually didn't know she had been delving into Dao texts.

That was truly inexcusable!

Zhu Houzhao was momentarily stunned, then suddenly remembered.

When he had brought her into the palace, she often spent her free time reading in the Book Collection Hall.

Over the years, she had indeed read nearly all the texts in the archive.

Coupled with her comprehension and talent, which he had personally enhanced to the extreme.

She had long surpassed the so-called geniuses of the Nine Provinces.

Now that she had been ranked in the Dao Immortal Ranking, it made perfect sense.

Zhu Houzhao couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

His women were truly extraordinary.

Not one of them was ordinary.

Even the usually low-key Long Bixia, if she were out in the world, would be a legendary figure.

Long Bixia being ranked 9th on the Dao Immortal Ranking was a pleasant surprise.

Her comprehension had always been high.

With the Heaven Dao Reward of two Enlightenment Cards, she would save a lot of time.

==========

Ming Dynasty, National Master Mansion.

Zhang Yuchu was currently refining pills in the alchemy chamber.

When he saw Long Bixia's name on the Dao Immortal Ranking, he couldn't help but smile.

As expected, this Imperial Consort was someone who hid her abilities well.

He had encountered this Imperial Consort in the Book Collection Hall several times.

At the time, he had already sensed her profound Dao foundation.

Her research on Dao texts was incredibly deep.

He had even asked her a few complex Dao questions.

She answered all of them with ease.

At that time, he felt that this woman was fated with the Dao.

Unfortunately, she had already become the Emperor's Consort.

"Sigh, what a pity. If she weren't the Emperor's Consort, I might have been able to take her as a disciple and pass on my teachings."

He shook his head, no longer dwelling on it, and continued refining pills.

==========

"Oh my god the one who made the ranking this time is actually Long Bixia, an Imperial Consort of the Ming Dynasty?"

"She's incredible."

"I remember Long Bixia has appeared on the ranking three times already, right?"

"The first time she was ranked, she was only at the Great Perfection Great Grandmaster Realm, and now she's already at the Late Heavenly Human Realm!"

"Is the benefit from the Heaven Dao Reward really that great? It's simply unbelievable!"

"What others spend their whole lives trying to achieve, she did in just one year."

"The Dao Immortal Ranking. What a pity. This Long Bixia has become a Consort of the Ming Emperor. If she were out in the world, she would definitely be a force to be reckoned with in the Dao World."

"What's there to pity? Marrying someone like the Ming Emperor should be considered her fortune."

"Exactly. With the Emperor's abilities, he'll probably help Long Bixia ascend to the Mythical Realm very soon. If she were outside, who knows how many years that would take!"

"I think this is Long Bixia's greatest opportunity!"

"Her accomplishments definitely couldn't have happened without the help of the Ming Emperor!"

Across the Nine Provinces, Long Bixia's entry into the ranking sparked widespread discussion.

In addition to admiring her talent and rapid progress, many were also envious of her great fortune.

Of course, there were also many jealous individuals filled with resentment.

==========

The impact of the Nine Provinces Golden Ranking aside for now.

For the dynasties, the Dao Immortal Ranking was not yet a top priority.

Instead, they were all focusing their efforts on dealing with serious domestic issues.

The remnants of the Six Kingdoms in the Qin Dynasty and the rebellion of Xiong Qi.

The rebel army uprising in the Sui Dynasty.

The rebellion of the foreign princes in Tang Dynasty and the Turkic Kingdom invasion.

The Liao Kingdom and Jin Kingdom invasions in Northern Song Dynasty, combined with turmoil in Tibet Kingdom, Western Xia Kingdom, and Great Li Kingdom, as well as rebel forces rising up.

The Yuan Dynasty invasion in Southern Song Dynasty, along with scheming factions among the rebels.

The resurgence of the White Lotus Cult in the Ming Dynasty, with ambitious individuals colluding with enemy forces to launch rebellions.

The turmoil of the Heaven Earth Association and Red Flower Association in the Qing Dynasty, along with wars involving the Uyghur Kingdom.

One incident after another completely plunged the entire Nine Provinces into chaos.

Every nation was caught in the flames of war.

Even Zhu Houzhao's Ming Dynasty, although not as severe as the Qin Dynasty or the Southern Song Dynasty.

Still faced constant localized skirmishes and small-scale wars.

Fortunately, Zhu Houzhao had long been prepared.

He even looked forward to the appearance of these ambitious troublemakers.

So that he could eliminate them all in one swoop.

==========

Qing Dynasty.

Imperial Palace, Grand Hall.

It was currently the time for court assembly.

Hongli sat high on the dragon throne, casting a disdainful gaze at the Yuan Dynasty's National Master, Phagpa.

His face was filled with anger.

"Qing Emperor, this humble monk has come only to demand an explanation from you on behalf of the Yuan Dynasty."

"You killed the Golden Wolf Hall Vice-Master and stole the Dragon Essence. There must be a price to pay."

"Hand over the Flying Guillotine Division Leader, Zhalun."

Phagpa spoke calmly.

His tone was full of contempt toward Hongli and all the ministers present.

"Impudent! How dare you speak to His Majesty so rudely!"

A military official on the court shouted angrily.

"Hmph!"

Phagpa let out a cold snort. That official suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood.

Then his entire body collapsed to the floor.

Severely injured and unable to rise.

"You..."

"This monk merely taught him a lesson. If there is a next time, he may not be so fortunate."

A flash of humiliation passed through Hongli's eyes.

Standing before him was Phagpa, a Mythical Realm cultivator. Other than the Flying Guillotine Division Leader, Zhalun, no one else in the Qing Dynasty could rival him.

"National Master, you should already know that Zhalun has betrayed me. Not only did he take the Dragon Essence, but I have been unable to find any trace of him."

"So why press me so hard?"

Hongli suppressed his anger and spoke in a deep voice.

"This monk believes that this was all your scheme."

"Zhalun must be hidden somewhere by you, waiting until the Dragon Essence has cooled so you can consume it. Only then will you allow him to reappear."

"By that time, it will be too late."

"I am the Emperor. I speak with absolute authority. I have not harbored Zhalun. And you suspect me?"

"Regardless of whether he betrayed you, the fact remains that he killed a Heavenly Human Realm cultivator of our Yuan Dynasty!"

"If you do not provide an explanation, our Yuan Dynasty will never let this go!"

"Phagpa, do you think my Qing Dynasty is afraid of your Yuan Dynasty?"

"Just because the Qing Dynasty and Yuan Dynasty are allies against the Ming Dynasty does not mean the Qing Dynasty is your slave."

With every exchange between Hongli and Phagpa, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense.

"Insolent! Protect His Majesty!"

Sensing the growing power emanating from Phagpa, a loud shout echoed through the court.

The next moment.

A tall, muscular man in black clothing and a bamboo hat suddenly appeared.

In his hand was a strange weapon, the Blood Droplet.

"Flying Guillotine? Are you Zhalun?"

"No, your strength is only at the Heavenly Human Realm. Bring out Zhalun!"

"You are not worthy to face this monk."

"Hmph. The leader has important matters and is not present. I am the Flying Guillotine Division Vice-Leader. I will fight on his behalf!"

It was clear this man was an arrogant individual.

In his heart, he did not believe that being at the Heavenly Human Realm meant he would lose to Phagpa.

As long as he held the Flying Guillotine, even a Mythical Realm opponent could be defeated.

He believed he could still claim his opponent's head.

"Very well. One of our Yuan Dynasty's Heavenly Human Realm cultivators died at the hands of Zhalun. This time, we shall avenge him."

As soon as the words fell.

Phagpa moved.

In an instant, he appeared before the Flying Guillotine Division Vice-Leader.

A single palm strike pierced directly through his heart.

"You..."

The Vice-Leader was just about to launch a lethal attack, but before he could act, his vision blurred.

An intense pain followed.

The next moment.

His heart exploded.

His life force drained away rapidly.

Before the Mythical Realm cultivator Phagpa, a mere Heavenly Human Realm cultivator was no match at all.

He was instantly killed on the spot.

Even in his final moments.

He was shocked to realize how weak he truly was.

Regret, helplessness, despair, unwillingness, hatred, all surged forth.

But in Phagpa's eyes, this so-called Vice-Leader was nothing more than a clown.

He had likely never encountered a real Mythical Realm cultivator before.

Which was why he was so blindly arrogant, like a frog at the bottom of a well.

How laughable.

"You, Phagpa, you dare to kill my general?"

"Outrageous! Guards, kill him!"

Seeing the Flying Guillotine Division Vice-Leader die miserably on the spot, Hongli's expression drastically changed.

What Phagpa did was a blatant insult.

It was as if he had slapped the Emperor's face in public.

With Hongli's order.

The next moment, tens of thousands of black-clad figures wearing bamboo hats appeared in the court.

Each held a Flying Guillotine weapon, radiating a terrifyingly bloody aura.

Their target was Phagpa.

"A mere group of Great Grandmaster Realm and one Heavenly Human Realm cultivator think they can harm this monk?"

"Ridiculous."

Phagpa glanced at the surrounding Flying Guillotines and sneered with disdain.

He did not take them seriously at all.

The next moment.

"Heaven-Altering Earth-Smashing Spiritual Method!"

Phagpa shouted angrily.

An invisible force spread outward.

The surrounding Flying Guillotine Division immediately shuddered.

Then.

Afterimages flashed rapidly around them.

Palm strikes landed directly on their hearts.

Pfft! Pfft! Pfft! Pfft!

Blood sprayed everywhere.

Including the leading Heavenly Human Realm cultivator, all of them fell to the ground.

They did not even have a chance to use the Flying Guillotines before dying on the spot.

Before Phagpa, a Mythical Realm cultivator, no matter how many Flying Guillotine Division members there were, they were insignificant.

Nothing more than ants.

Faced with the hellish scene before him, Hongli was completely stunned.

His body trembled uncontrollably, and he began to shiver.

His face turned pale.

This monk was undoubtedly a ruthless figure.

He had no doubt that if he made the slightest move.

Phagpa might not hesitate to kill even him, the Emperor.

"Wait, National Master, everything can be negotiated!"

Hongli quickly changed his expression, forcing out a smile and speaking gently.

Phagpa, seeing this, couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

This was a deeply scheming Emperor.

His contempt for Hongli lessened slightly.

And he became more cautious of him.

Indeed, no one who became Emperor was simple.

Though inwardly he wanted to tear him to pieces, outwardly he maintained a smile.

With such a person, if one did not remain cautious, they would be truly foolish.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

List of Characters:

Number One Under Heaven ( 天下第一 )

・Zhu Houzhao ( 朱厚照 ) — Emperor of Ming Dynasty

Return of Condor Heroes ( 神雕侠侣 )

・Long Bixia ( 龙碧霞 ) — Heir of Ancient Tomb Sect

Historical

・Zhang Yuchu ( 张宇初 ) — National Master of Ming Dynasty

The Book and The Sword ( 书剑恩仇录 )

・Aisin Gioro Hongli ( 弘历 ) — Emperor of Qing Dynasty

Broken Void ( 破碎虚空 )

・Phagpa ( 八思巴 ) — National Master of Yuan Dynasty