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

[Advisor Ranking – Rank 5]

[Jia Xu]

[Nation: Vast Sea Dynasty]

[Potential: Top Advisor of Nine Provinces]

[Strategy Rating: Five Stars]

[Strength: First-Rate]

[Reward: 1x Intermediate-Tier Advisor Skill Card, 1x Spiritual Power Enhancement Card, +10% National Fortune]

==========

"Rank 5 of Advisor Ranking?!"

"Lord, with your talent, you should at least be in the top three!"

"In fact, even Rank 1 would not be an exaggeration!"

Looking at the ranking, this Central Secret Institution Vice-Director shook his head with a look of pity.

"It doesn't matter. Since the Advisor Ranking is arranged this way, it must have its reasoning."

"Perhaps the accomplishments I have built are still insufficient."

"When the day comes that the Vast Sea Dynasty overthrows the entire Northern Song Dynasty, or even unifies all of Nine Provinces, even if I rank low, who would dare underestimate me!"

"The Advisor Ranking is merely a reference. Don't become too obsessed."

Who would have thought that the Director of the Vast Sea Dynasty's Secret Intelligence Division was actually Jia Xu.

Needless to say.

This cunning old man had also been recruited by Zhu Houzhao.

However, based on this man's cautious and prudent nature, his current words and actions seemed very different from before!?

It appears that over the years, under Zhu Houzhao's cultivation, this old fox's character had changed quite a bit!

"Enough idle talk."

"Now, let's discuss matters concerning the Northern Song Dynasty."

"The war between the Northern Song Dynasty, Liao Kingdom, and Jin Kingdom will likely draw intervention from the Qin Dynasty, Tang Dynasty, Sui Dynasty, and even the Ming Dynasty."

"Also, a deeply hidden Han Dynasty seems to be plotting something in the shadows."

"Since that is the case, the Vast Sea Dynasty won't join the chaos there."

"We will ignore the Song-Liao-Jin War and instead focus on the Great Li Kingdom, Tibet Kingdom, and Western Xia Kingdom."

"There is significant room to maneuver in these regions."

"In the future, when the Vast Sea Dynasty overthrows the Northern Song Dynasty, these three minor nations will also be our enemies."

"In that case, why not take this opportunity to wipe them out as well?"

"At the same time, we can exhaust the Northern Song Dynasty's foundations."

Jia Xu pulled out a map of the Northern Song Dynasty and pointed with intention.

"Lord, what is your strategy?"

"Currently, Great Li Kingdom, Tibet Kingdom, and Western Xia Kingdom have seized the opportunity on the northern battlefield to strike while the iron is hot, constantly invading Song Dynasty Territory."

"As Central Secret Institution Vice-Director, you can propose to Emperor Zhao Ji to dispatch a military force to wipe out one of the three countries."

"Until the target is destroyed completely."

"Which one of the three do you intend to eliminate first?"

"Among the three, the Great Li Kingdom is the weakest. Naturally, it should be the first to fall."

"However, the Great Li Kingdom has a Land Immortal named Duan Siping, not to be underestimated."

"You can suggest to Zhao Ji to send Huang Shang to eliminate Duan Siping."

"With a Mythical Realm cultivator like Huang Shang, Duan Siping is nothing."

"He won't even have a chance to escape."

"Once Duan Siping dies, the Great Li Kingdom is no longer worth mentioning!"

"When the Great Li Kingdom falls, Western Xia Kingdom and Tibet Kingdom will undoubtedly panic. At that time, the Southern front of the Northern Song Dynasty will see an improvement."

"There is no shortage of clever minds in the Northern Song Imperial Court. With a bit of manipulation, this strategy will surely be adopted."

"This also brings 'great benefits' to the Northern Song Dynasty!"

"It can relieve the pressure in the south and west of the Northern Song Dynasty."

"And allow them to focus fully on resisting the Liao Kingdom and Jin Kingdom."

"Lord, you might not be aware that Zhao Ji's personality means that even if he sees the benefit, when things reach a critical moment and Great Li Kingdom voluntarily surrenders, Zhao Ji would never truly destroy Great Li Kingdom."

"Letting the Great Li Kingdom continue paying tribute may very well happen."

"Don't worry, when the time comes, it won't be up to Zhao Ji."

"Do you think the current Northern Song Imperial Court is still the same as before?"

"Apart from our Vast Sea Dynasty, there are many others like you from different dynasties hiding inside."

"Any matter that could weaken the Northern Song Dynasty will surely be pushed forward."

"Given Zhao Ji's current authority, even if he wants to object, he won't be able to."

"If that's the case, I will follow your instructions."

This Central Secret Institution Vice-Director was startled by the implications.

He couldn't help but speculate who among the Imperial Court were also spies from other dynasties.

Their status might not be any lower than his.

==========

After watching the Deputy Chief leave.

Jia Xu's expression darkened once more.

"Lord, this is a secret letter from Lord Xiao He."

"A terrifying and mysterious force has infiltrated the Vast Sea Dynasty."

"They seem to have some unspeakable objective."

"Lord Xiao He means for you to finish your business in the Northern Song Dynasty as soon as possible and return to the Vast Sea Dynasty."

"To eliminate this force."

A trusted subordinate from the Vast Sea Dynasty Secret Intelligence Division reported.

"Do you know which side this mysterious force comes from?"

"The Qin Dynasty, the Tang Dynasty, or another hidden power?"

"Lord, they are all death warriors. Once captured, they immediately perish."

"Until now, our Secret Intelligence Division has made no progress."

"The only clue points to the Han Dynasty."

"We don't know if this clue is real or fake."

"We suspect it might be intentionally left behind by the enemy."

"To mislead us into investigating the wrong direction."

"I personally think this is the work of the Ming Dynasty."

"Only the Ming Dynasty has the capability to pull off something like this."

Jia Xu shook his head.

The Ming Dynasty?

What a joke.

The Vast Sea Dynasty was founded by Ming Emperor Zhu Houzhao.

Why would he strike his own left hand with his right?

It was clear that the mastermind behind the scenes was trying to provoke conflict between the Vast Sea Dynasty and Ming Dynasty.

Only if these two top dynasties fought would it benefit other dynasties and major forces.

True and false, false and true.

The mastermind's tactics were exceptional.

Unfortunately, they miscalculated one thing.

The true foundation and depth of the Vast Sea Dynasty were far beyond their imagination.

They were bound to be disappointed.

"Send a secret message to Lord Xiao He, let him know I've been informed."

"I will continue to monitor the identity of these mysterious individuals."

"Yes, Lord. I will handle it right away!"

Jia Xu once again examined the secret letter in his hand, mentally analyzing every piece of information.

His expression kept changing.

Until a long while later.

Jia Xu finally revealed a strange smile.

"The Han Dynasty, huh? I seem to have underestimated you before!"

"From today forward, I will keep a close watch on you."

"Fortunately, His Majesty took me away from the Han Dynasty back then, allowing me to step out of its grand chessboard."

"Only now do I begin to understand this game, even if only slightly."

"You all hide so deeply!"

"Who are you really?"

Jia Xu's expression kept shifting.

There was clarity, ease, suspicion, as well as a hint of caution and dread.

As he gained a deeper understanding of Nine Provinces, he began to realize that the world was far from simple on the surface.

There were many terrifying forces hidden in the shadows.

Some could even sway the course of an entire dynasty.

He wondered whether His Majesty was aware of this.

But thinking of the unfathomable Emperor Zhu Houzhao, he silently shook his head.

With His Majesty's abilities, how could he not sense that something was amiss?

Otherwise, with the Ming Dynasty's current size and strength, they would have already begun annexing the other dynasties rapidly.

They wouldn't be advancing so cautiously, step by step.

Clearly, there was something they were wary of.

His Majesty must have sensed the presence of some hidden mastermind as well!

==========

Han Dynasty.

A highly secretive base.

"Xiong Qi, you're simply useless!"

"My Stitched Cloth Guard forces were attacked right on our doorstep, and you still haven't figured out who the enemy is?"

"A so-called Mythical Realm cultivator like you can't even handle a Heavenly Human?"

"No wonder you've accomplished nothing all these years."

"And got beaten like a dead dog by Ying Zheng."

"I really don't understand why the Lord values you so much!"

A voice filled with sarcasm echoed through the great hall.

Boom!

Xiong Qi was instantly furious.

Even though he was currently under the control of the Stitched Cloth Guard, that didn't mean he had no dignity.

He was once a King of Chu Kingdom, albeit briefly, until defeated by Ying Zheng.

But he wasn't someone just anyone could insult.

Moreover, the man clearly touched his nerves.

Ying Zheng.

The man he hated most in life.

Was now being used to belittle him.

Without hesitation.

He unleashed a powerful strike.

And blasted the mocking figure.

Boom!

A loud explosion rang out.

The man was flung across the hall.

Slammed hard into the ground.

Spitting blood, his face turned pale.

His aura weakened to nearly nothing.

And he looked at Xiong Qi in shock and terror.

"You dared attack me!"

"Do you intend to betray the Stitched Cloth Guard?!"

"Hmph, whether I betray or not is another matter, but you, a mere Heavenly Human, dare speak arrogantly before me."

"In the face of a Mythical Realm cultivator, you're not even qualified!"

"Remember, don't be so arrogant in your next life!"

Xiong Qi growled coldly.

Another strike surged into the man's body.

And instantly ended his life.

He didn't even leave a final word.

It was laughable, really.

No matter how low Xiong Qi had fallen, he was still a Mythical Realm cultivator.

How could a mere Heavenly Human insult him?

"Xiong Qi, you..."

Seeing Xiong Qi so ruthlessly kill their companion.

Many senior members of the Stitched Cloth Guard glared at him.

Truthfully.

Just moments ago, most of them were watching the quarrel as entertainment.

They didn't think Xiong Qi would actually kill.

Internal conflict within the Stitched Cloth Guard was a grave offense.

How could he dare?

Did he have a death wish?

As the tension in the hall escalated.

Hmph!

A cold snort suddenly echoed.

Instantly, everyone, including Xiong Qi, trembled.

God Demon Realm!

A true God Demon Realm cultivator.

Far beyond what these Heavenly Human cultivators or even Mythical Realm cultivators could compare to.

"Take the body away."

The mysterious leader glanced at the corpse and waved his hand.

"A Heavenly Human insulting a Mythical Realm is a crime worthy of death!"

"However, Xiong Qi, killing a Stitched Cloth Guard Heavenly Human is also a fact."

"Within three months, recruit a new Heavenly Human for the Stitched Cloth Guard to make up for it."

"If you fail, punishment will be unavoidable."

"Do you understand?"

Then, the leader ignored Xiong Qi entirely.

Instead, he ordered everyone present:

"This time, the Heaven Gate dared to raid our Stitched Cloth Guard headquarters. We must retaliate."

"In ten days, all of you will launch an assault on the Heaven Gate's base."

"For the damage we suffered, repay it tenfold!"

"And Xiong Qi, you will also go. I will give you this task."

"Kill three Heavenly Human Realm enemies, or one Mythical Realm."

"You must succeed, or face the consequences."