[Hidden Dragon Ranking – Rank 5]
[Long Bixia]
[Identity: Imperial Consort of the Ming Dynasty, Head of the Ancient Tomb Sect]
[Cultivation: Great Perfection Great Grandmaster]
[Technique: Ice Lotus Heart Art, Jade Maiden Heart Scripture]
[Reward: Heaven-Grade Top-Tier Pill – Supreme Yin Physique Pill. After consumption, it grants the Supreme Yin Physique]
The Hidden Dragon Ranking had just been updated.
In the next moment, within the imperial harem of the Ming Dynasty…
Inside the Long Bixia's private chamber, Zhu Houzhao witnessed a glowing pill radiating brilliant moonlight appear before her eyes.
"Husband, this..." she said in a flustered voice.
"Long'er, quickly take it. This is a divine reward. Don't waste time," Zhu Houzhao urged.
The Supreme Yin Physique was among the highest physiques, even in the cultivation and fantasy worlds.
With it, Long'er's future potential would be limitless.
Zhu Houzhao would no longer need to worry about her being unable to keep pace with him.
Without hesitation, the Long Bixia swallowed the pill.
Immediately, a radiant lunar aura enveloped her completely.
Powerful energy surged within, transforming her constitution at an astonishing pace.
A mysterious resonance echoed throughout the palace.
Even Zhu Houzhao felt his inner energy tremble slightly.
It was a divine transformation.
Within a minute, her entire physique had been reshaped.
When the Long Bixia opened her eyes, an invisible and powerful aura flowed from her body. Zhu Houzhao's eyes lit up.
Beautiful… Beyond words.
Before, her beauty could be rated at 99 out of 100. Now, she had surpassed all mortal limits, reaching 110 or even 120.
She looked like a celestial being, with flawless jade-like skin and an ethereal glow.
Like the goddess of the moon descending to Earth, words could no longer describe her appearance.
Zhu Houzhao was fortunate to have a firm will.
Otherwise, he might have been completely captivated.
"Long'er, how do you feel?" he asked.
The Long Bixia's eyes shimmered with joy.
"Husband, I feel amazing. Before, there were many things you taught me that I couldn't fully grasp. Now, everything is clear."
"Even my internal energy circulation has become several times faster."
"In less than a year, I will reach the Life and Death threshold and begin preparing to break through to the realm of Land Immortals."
She looked at Zhu Houzhao with deep affection.
Everything she had now was because of him.
If not for him, she would have perished years ago in Mount Zhongnan.
How could she be living such a blessed life today?
"Hahaha, excellent. I didn't expect the Hidden Dragon Ranking to be so useful," Zhu Houzhao laughed heartily.
"With this, there's no longer any obstacle for you to ascend to the Land Immortal realm. The path ahead will be smooth."
"Now, I can finally breathe easy."
He was even happier than the Long Bixia herself.
With his resources and status, helping a woman reach the Great Grandmaster level was possible.
However, advancing from that stage to Land Immortal was like crossing an insurmountable chasm.
It required profound personal enlightenment.
No external aid could truly help.
Now that she possessed the Supreme Yin Physique, her talent and comprehension had increased drastically.
With no shortage of resources or aptitude, nothing could stand in her way.
==========
Empress' Chambers.
The Empress was stunned when she saw the Long Bixia ranked on the Hidden Dragon Ranking.
The Supreme Yin Physique was one of the most powerful physiques.
In the future, the Long Bixia might become her equal.
But the Empress did not feel jealous.
She understood the Long Bixia's personality well.
No matter how powerful she became, she would not threaten the Empress's position.
In fact, she might become a trusted ally.
As long as she didn't act against her, His Majesty would be pleased.
The Empress now looked forward to her own potential reward from the Hidden Dragon Ranking.
It should be no less than the Long Bixia's.
The listing of the Long Bixia caused a huge uproar across all of Nine Provinces.
An Imperial Consort of the Ming Dynasty, and a Great Perfection Great Grandmaster at that, had quietly become part of the royal family?
Everyone, both inside and outside the Ming Dynasty, found it difficult to believe.
==========
Dragon Guarding Manor.
"Father, did you see that? The Imperial Consort who always kept a low profile is actually a Great Perfection Great Grandmaster!" Shangguan Haitang exclaimed in disbelief.
No wonder His Majesty cared so deeply for her.
Even Duan Tianya and Guihai Yidao found it hard to believe.
Though they respected the Emperor outwardly, they had never truly acknowledged his capabilities.
But now, without making a sound, he had married such a powerful woman.
They had also met the Imperial Consort before.
A breathtaking beauty.
But why would she choose to be with the Emperor? With her strength, power and wealth should mean nothing to her.
"Oh, do you think Princess Yun Luo is this strong because the Imperial Consort taught her?" someone asked.
"If I had known this, I would never have provoked her," Cheng Shifei muttered regretfully.
After being beaten by the princess, he had been silent ever since.
Even developed a psychological shadow from the encounter.
Zhu Wushi, the Iron Courage Divine Marquis, found himself both stunned and uneasy.
He was currently only in the Intermediate Great Grandmaster realm. Not even close to her level.
To force the Emperor to abdicate, he would have to get past the Imperial Consort first.
Without neutralizing her, any attempt at usurpation would be a joke.
What terrified him even more was that the imperial harem wasn't ruled by the Imperial Consort.
It was the Empress who managed everything.
So, did this mean the Empress was even stronger?
The more Zhu Wushi thought about it, the more frightened he became.
If that was true, then how powerful was the Empress?
And what about His Majesty?
Could it be that his plans were never hidden from their eyes?
His original confidence began to waver.
He needed to investigate.
If he didn't figure this out, he wouldn't be able to sleep soundly again.
Within the court, everyone, from civil and military officials to the Eastern and Western Factories, Embroidered Uniform Guard, Six Doors, and Zhuge Divine Marquis Mansion, were shocked.
Even Cao Zhengchun, who already knew how terrifying the Emperor was, was still taken aback.
But after some thought, he accepted it.
With His Majesty's abilities, nurturing a powerful concubine was unsurprising.
Perhaps even the Empress wasn't as simple as she appeared.
He would have to act even more respectfully in the future.
==========
Zhuge Divine Marquis Mansion.
"Uncle, do you think the Imperial Consort truly belongs to His Majesty? Or does she have her own agenda?" Ruthless asked cautiously.
"I've met her," Zhuge Divine Marquis replied. "The way she looks at His Majesty is full of deep affection."
"There's no doubt she's His Majesty's woman. We've all underestimated him."
"But the harem is managed by the Empress. That means…"
"The Imperial Consort is a Great Perfection Great Grandmaster. So how does the Empress keep her in check? Not with political power, but with true strength."
"Which means… What about His Majesty?"
"What role is he really playing in all of this?"
Everyone suddenly realized the implications.
They looked toward the palace with awe in their eyes.
The waters run deep.
The Ming Dynasty was no longer just mysterious. It was terrifying.
"We must keep all this in our hearts. Since His Majesty hasn't said anything, we must not speak of it."
"Yes, Uncle."
Ruthless, Iron Hand, Life Chaser, and Cold Blood all responded with newfound respect.
Deep down, they felt excitement.
The more powerful His Majesty was, the better it would be for them.
==========
Embroidered Uniform Guard Station.
"Boss Qing Long, you must know something. His Majesty always summons you. With your insight, it's impossible you didn't notice," the other commanders asked.
"I can't say much," Qing Long replied. "We only need to obey His Majesty's commands."
"Whatever His Majesty orders, we do."
"If anyone dares betray His Majesty, we eliminate them without hesitation."
"Understood," the other three commanders responded instantly, their loyalty firmly in place.
Qing Long fell silent for a moment.
==========
Western Factory.
"Director, you often enter the palace. Can you tell us about the Imperial Consort?" a subordinate asked Yu Huatian.
"Hmph. The Western Factory is a blade in His Majesty's hand. Focus on your duties."
"His Majesty's personal matters are not for you to question."
"This is your first offense. I'll spare your life. Go receive a hundred lashes as punishment."
"Next time, if you overstep your bounds, you will die."
Yu Huatian glared at the subordinate, then turned to everyone else.
"The Western Factory was created by His Majesty. Our only mission is to serve him."
"If I discover that any of you have disloyal thoughts, I will make sure you regret being born."
The factory guards all stood at attention, their fear evident.
From that moment on, none dared show any disrespect toward the Emperor again.