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

Ming Dynasty, Shanhai Pass.

At this moment, Ling Luoshi stood respectfully in the grand hall, with the Western Factory Director, Yu Huatian, beside him.

"Director Yu, may I ask what important task His Majesty has instructed for me this time?"

"General Ling, this time I've come in person because His Majesty has indeed issued a verbal decree."

"Please go ahead, Director."

"By His Majesty's decree, you are to immediately prepare the army and be ready for war at any moment."

"Director, does this mean His Majesty intends for me to attack the Qing Dynasty?"

Ling Luoshi asked, his face full of joy.

"That's right, but now is not yet the best time to launch an attack."

"The timing of the operation will depend on His Majesty's order."

"His Majesty intends for you to be the vanguard in the war to destroy the Qing Dynasty. He hopes you won't let him down."

"Also, this matter is for your ears only. You must not let anyone else know. If military secrets are leaked, the consequences will be yours to bear."

"Vanguard? Then who will be the marshal leading the campaign against the Qing Dynasty?"

Ling Luoshi's heart stirred, and he couldn't help but ask.

"His Majesty has not yet made that decision. He is still considering it."

"It seems General Ling might not get the chance this time."

"However, you can still earn plenty of military merit."

"In the next war against the Yuan Dynasty, perhaps you will have your chance!"

Yu Huatian looked at Ling Luoshi. Perhaps he was a good general.

But unfortunately, he was not suited to be a marshal.

"Also, this time I will be staying with you, General, to gather intelligence for the upcoming war."

"I will fully support your operations."

"You are too kind, Director. I hope we will have a pleasant cooperation!"

==========

Southern Song Dynasty, Xiangyang City.

Temujin listened as his National Master, Phagpa, reported what he had witnessed in the Qing Capital.

A thought arose in his mind.

"National Master, do you think this internal turmoil in the Qing Dynasty was instigated by the Ming Dynasty?"

"On the surface, it appears that the Third Prince of the Qing Dynasty, Hongshi, covets the throne. But something about it feels off to me."

"The Ming Dynasty must be behind this."

"In fact, it's very likely to be a scheme by that brat Zhu Houzhao!"

"It seems they've already started taking action against the Qing Dynasty."

"No, we cannot pause our campaign. Send the order. In three days, resume the conquest of major cities in the Southern Song Dynasty."

"We must destroy the Southern Song Dynasty as soon as possible."

With enemies like Zhu Houzhao and the Ming Dynasty, even someone as powerful as Temujin felt immense pressure.

He dared not be careless in the slightest.

He immediately accelerated his military campaign.

At once, the Yuan Dynasty army moved again.

And this time, the scale was even greater.

They crushed one city after another in a sweeping advance.

Although the Southern Song Dynasty still had many loyal officials and capable generals, they could not resist the Yuan Dynasty invasion alone.

In the end, they could only suffer defeat.

The situation of the Southern Song Dynasty grew increasingly dire.

In contrast, within the Southern Song Dynasty court, factional struggles and infighting continued.

Zhao Gou even began preparing to flee.

What a disgrace. He was worse than the cultivators of the Southern Song Martial World.

==========

While the Yuan Dynasty accelerated its advance against the Southern Song Dynasty court.

Other nations also received the news.

Their reactions varied.

But all felt a growing sense of urgency.

The Qin Dynasty quickened its campaign against the remnants of the Six Kingdoms and the forces of Xiong Qi.

In the Han Dynasty, both the Imperial Court and the warlords, including the Yellow Turban Army, began acting frantically.

The battles between the Sui Dynasty army and rebel forces became even more brutal.

Tang Dynasty Emperor Li Shimin started confronting the northern Turkic Army, with numerous major and minor battles occurring daily.

The Bad Marshal Yuan Tiangang maneuvered among the many foreign kings, using enemies to fight enemies.

He sought to eliminate all destabilizing forces within the Tang Dynasty.

The Northern Song Dynasty found itself besieged by Liao Kingdom, Jin Kingdom, Tibet Kingdom, Western Xia Kingdom, and Great Li Kingdom, yet it did not fall behind.

Rebel forces within its borders began seizing territory.

They aimed to secure their own interests in the great upheaval to come.

As for the Ming Dynasty, it continued to suppress rebellion while preparing for the campaign to destroy the Qing Dynasty.

Time flew by quickly.

Over the past month.

The major dynasties and the internal rebels and warlords had taken center stage.

The cultivators of the Nine Provinces Martial World, on the other hand, had quieted down significantly.

Anyone with wisdom would avoid getting involved in wars between nations.

Of course.

There were still patriotic martial arts masters among them.

Some defended against internal rebels, while others helped their own countries repel foreign invasions.

The fighting was extremely fierce.

Countless powerful cultivators died in the chaos of war.

==========

Ming Imperial Palace.

Zhu Houzhao looked at the mighty general before him, one whom he had invested much effort in training, and nodded with satisfaction.

"Minister, for this war to destroy the Qing Dynasty, I plan to send you. Do you have confidence in yourself?"

"Your Majesty, I will not fail your expectations. I will surely eliminate the great threat of the Qing Dynasty!"

"Hahaha, good!"

"But don't worry. Overthrowing the Qing Dynasty will not be easy."

"You will be the Supreme Commander of the First Army, and I will continue to send reinforcements."

"I have prepared for this moment for many years."

"This time, we must succeed. Failure is not an option."

"Do not disappoint me!"

"Your Majesty has shown great favor to me. I guarantee to accomplish the mission. I am willing to sign a military pledge!"

The burly man in battle armor responded with firm determination.

Just as Zhu Houzhao was about to speak.

Suddenly.

The heavens and earth changed once more.

Zhu Houzhao's heart stirred.

A month had passed.

It seemed a new ranking was about to appear.

He wondered what kind of ranking would be announced this time?

Would it be the Buddhist Immortal Ranking, the Confucian Immortal Ranking?

Or perhaps another kind of ranking?

Zhu Houzhao looked forward to it with great anticipation.

Boom!

Purple energy surged into the sky as countless bolts of lightning tore through the void.

Strange phenomena appeared all over the land.

It was as if the heavens were being ripped apart.

All across the Nine Provinces, people immediately stopped what they were doing and looked up at the sky.

Even the most brutal battlefields seemed to come to a sudden halt.

Everything fell into an eerie stillness.

Golden light shot in all directions, covering the entire sky.

The Nine Provinces Golden Ranking was about to reveal a new ranking.

"Hahaha! Last time, the Dao Immortal Ranking was announced!"

"Our Buddhist School is no weaker than the Dao School. It must be our turn now, right?"

"It has to be the Buddhist Immortal Ranking!"

"Nonsense! If you ask me, it should be the Confucian Immortal Ranking!"

"Compared to you so-called bald monks, we scholars are much more deserving of a spot on the ranking."

"Confucian Immortal Ranking, yes, that must be it!"

"There are countless Confucian Immortals in the Nine Provinces."

"As far as I know, many great scholars hold positions in various Imperial Courts."

"In terms of cultivation level, they are in no way inferior to those Dao Immortals."

"Confucian Immortals? You think chanting books all day can match the power of Land Immortals?"

"What a joke! This humble monk believes that Buddhism far surpasses Confucianism!"

Even before the new ranking was announced.

Buddhists and Confucians had already begun to compete with each other.

Meanwhile, the Daoists stood by and watched the show.

No matter if the next ranking favored Buddhists or Confucians, it no longer concerned the Dao School sect.

The powerful Dao Immortals on the Dao Immortal Ranking had already earned the respect of all in the Nine Provinces.

At the very least, the Daoists held unimaginable power within the Nine Provinces.

Far beyond what Buddhism or Confucianism could compare to.

Of course.

Unless the upcoming ranking revealed hidden Buddhist or Confucian Immortals.

The position of the Daoists would remain unshaken by either sect.

Naturally.

There were many other powerful individuals in the Nine Provinces, each with their own hopes.

cultivators who used blades were also quietly looking forward to the reveal.

Since there was a Sword Immortal Ranking, why couldn't there be a Blade God Ranking?

Every powerful fighter hoped they might appear on the next ranking.

Their eyes glimmered faintly with hope.

==========

[Nine Provinces – Renowned Marshal Ranking]

[In the Nine Provinces, the world is in turmoil. Nations are at war, countless generals and marshals lead troops, and various military strategies flourish. Heaven Dao itself recognizes this and has created the Renowned Marshal Ranking]

[Any general or marshal from any major dynasty or kingdom within the Nine Provinces who commands over ten thousand soldiers may be ranked. Factors include command talent, strategic knowledge, potential, achievements, strength, and more.]

[This ranking only ranked ten individuals. Those who appear will be granted rewards by the Heaven Dao]

[The ranking will be updated once a year]

==========

Renowned Marshal Ranking?

Oh my god!

It was actually the Renowned Marshal Ranking?

This time, everyone in the Nine Provinces guessed wrong.

This time it wasn't about cultivators.

It was aimed at the generals and marshals of the various nations.

No doubt, all the Imperial Courts were going to erupt in excitement.

==========

Southern Song Dynasty Territory, in a military tent on the battlefield.

Temujin looked up at the ranking in the sky and burst into laughter.

"Renowned Marshal Ranking! Muqali, Boorchu, Boroqul, and Chilaun under me will definitely be on the Renowned Marshal Ranking!"

"Who else in the other dynasties can compare to them?"

"The Khan speaks wisely. I've surveyed all the generals and marshals across the dynasties, and there are only a handful who can even be compared to Muqali and the others."

"None surpass them."

"The Renowned Marshal Ranking, our Yuan Dynasty will surely take four spots!"

"Hahaha, this time, our Yuan Dynasty will finally make a name for itself in the Nine Provinces!"

In the previous ranking, the Yuan Dynasty had performed dismally.

They couldn't even compare to the Northern and Southern Song Dynasty, or the Han Dynasty and Sui Dynasty.

Temujin had long been holding back frustration.

Now, with the Four Heroes under his command, he was confident they would earn him redemption.

==========

Sui Dynasty.

"Renowned Marshal Ranking? My General Yuwen Chengdu will definitely make it onto the ranking!"

"Haha, in the entire Nine Provinces, who could surpass Chengdu?"

"The most important thing is that Chengdu is completely loyal to me."

"Even when Yuwen Huaji betrayed me, Chengdu still stood firmly by my side and severed all ties with his father."

"Both loyal and capable. Who can compare to my Grand General Tianbao?"

"No, from now on, it should be Grand Marshal Tianbao."

Yang Guang looked at Yuwen Chengdu with great fondness.

Not far away, Yuwen Tuo curled his lips, unimpressed.

If it were a Nine Provinces General Ranking, perhaps Yuwen Chengdu might stand a chance.

But the Renowned Marshal Ranking?

Forget it!

Not to mention comparing him to marshals from other dynasties.

Even within the Sui Dynasty, there were several generals and marshals far superior to him in military leadership!

Yang Guang's belief that Yuwen Chengdu could make the ranking was utterly ridiculous.

Still, Yuwen Tuo kept silent.

Soon enough, when the rankings were revealed, the truth would be plain to see.

==========

Sui Imperial Harem, Empress Xiao Meiniang Palace.

Kou Zhong gazed at the ranking in the sky with great longing.

"Sigh, what a shame. If only I had grown stronger by now, I would definitely be on the Renowned Marshal Ranking."

Kou Zhong said with regret.

"You? Young Master Zhong, you've only been studying military strategy for a few days. How can you compare to those seasoned marshals with vast experience?"

Xu Ziling scoffed, striking him down verbally.

"Young Master Ling, don't be so quick to judge. One day, my Young Marshal Army will rival the top elite armies of any dynasty."

"I'll be waiting to see that."

"Haha, Young Master Ling, if a future Renowned Minister Ranking appears, you might have a shot at that too."

"Then we, the Yangzhou Twin Dragons, could boast one marshal and one minister. Wouldn't that be grand?"

"Kou Zhong, Xu Ziling, if you truly have such ambition, you must work much harder."

"Those who are ranked on the Renowned Marshal Ranking possess command talent beyond the reach of ordinary people, along with magnificent achievements."

"You still have a long way to go."

"I look forward to seeing your future performance."

"Don't worry, Master, we will never let you down!"

Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling grinned playfully.

But their eyes revealed a rare seriousness.

They had taken this goal to heart.

==========

Tang Imperial Palace, Taiji Hall.

"Renowned Marshal Ranking?"

"My generals Li Ji, Li Xiaogong, Hou Junji, and Qin Qiong all have a good chance of making the ranking!"

"Hehe, looks like my Tang Dynasty will receive quite a few Heaven Dao Rewards this time!"

As far as Li Shimin was concerned, only a few could compare to the likes of Li Ji.

Perhaps generals like Bai Qi and Wang Jian from the Qin Dynasty.

But as for the Han Dynasty, Sui Dynasty, Song Dynasty, or even the Ming Dynasty, he didn't see any notable marshals among them.

If that was the case, even his other generals like Yuchi Jingde and Cheng Yaojin might have a shot at getting on the ranking!

Li Shimin smiled with confidence, his eyes full of pride.

He had absolute faith in his own generals and marshals.

He believed his Tang Dynasty could take eight out of ten spots on the Renowned Marshal Ranking!

That was Li Shimin's bold vision.

==========

Qin Imperial Palace.

Ying Zheng looked at the pale-faced Bai Qi before him and asked calmly.

"Monarch Wu'an, how are you feeling now?"

"Your Majesty, I can now move freely."

"But to return to the battlefield, I may still need some time to recover."

"However, with General Wang Jian on the battlefield, I am not overly concerned."

Clearly, Bai Qi held great admiration for Wang Jian.

In terms of military strategy, Wang Jian was every bit his equal.

"Monarch Wu'an, do you believe you can make the Renowned Marshal Ranking?"

"Of course. Across the Nine Provinces, only Wu Qi and General Wang Jian are worthy of my attention."

"As for the others, they are not worth mentioning."

Bai Qi spoke with great arrogance.

He held most of the so-called marshals of the Nine Provinces in contempt.

Even within the Qin Dynasty.

Other generals like Meng Tian were barely worth his notice.

Upon hearing Bai Qi's confident words, Ying Zheng finally smiled with satisfaction.

It seemed that the Qin Dynasty had its position on the Renowned Marshal Ranking secured.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

List of Characters:

Number One Under Heaven ( 天下第一 )

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

Qin's Moon ( 秦时明月 )

・Ying Zheng ( 嬴政 ) — Emperor of Qin Dynasty

・Bai Qi ( 白起 ) — Commander of Qin Dynasty

Legend of the Condor Heroes ( 射雕英雄传 )

・Temujin ( 铁木真 ) — Emperor of Yuan Dynasty

Broken Void ( 破碎虚空 )

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

Great Tang Twin Dragons Legend ( 大唐双龙传 )

・Li Shimin ( 李世民 ) — Emperor of Tang Dynasty

・Yang Guang ( 杨广 ) — Emperor of Sui Dynasty

・Kou Zhong ( 寇仲 ) — Young Thug of Yangzhou

・Xu Ziling ( 徐子陵 ) — Young Thug of Yangzhou

Xuanyuan Sword ( 轩辕剑 )

・Yuwen Tuo ( 宇文拓 ) — Supreme Master of Sui Dynasty

Legend of Tang ( 说唐 )

・Xiao Yiru ( 萧忆茹 ) — Empress of Sui Dynasty

・Yuwen Chengdu ( 宇文成都 ) — General of Sui Dynasty

Flying Swords of Dragon Gate ( 龙门飞甲 )

・Yu Huatian ( 雨化田 ) — Master of Western Factory

Four Great Detectives ( 四大名捕 )

・Ling Luoshi ( 凌落石 ) — General of Ming Dynasty

Sword Stained With Royal Blood ( 碧血剑 )

・Qi Jiguang ( 戚继光 ) — General of Ming Dynasty