The revelation of Sword Control Manor's existence, especially the appearance of a God Demon Realm cultivator, shocked everyone across the Nine Provinces.
Those at the Heavenly Human Realm Land Immortal were already revered figures among cultivators in the Nine Provinces.
Mythical Realm cultivators were extremely rare.
But before people had even recovered from that shock, the appearance of someone from the even more terrifying God Demon Realm stunned the world.
The Emperors of various dynasties were especially shaken.
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Qin Imperial Palace.
Ying Zheng sat upon the dragon throne, his expression constantly shifting, anger, anxiety, and fear.
Eventually, he sighed deeply.
"Your Majesty, there is no need to overly worry about the appearance of God Demon Realm cultivators."
"They long ago stopped caring for worldly power and riches."
"The only thing they value is strength."
"As long as we don't become their enemies, they will simply regard us as bystanders."
The Black Ice Platform Leader immediately stepped forward to reassure him.
If it were just Mythical Realm, the Black Ice Platform might still stand a chance.
But the God Demon Realm was an entirely different league.
Unless they used the full strength of the nation to fight one of them to the death, there might be a slim chance of dealing serious damage.
But if such a cultivator wanted to escape, no dynasty could catch them.
"Minister, is there any way for the Qin Dynasty to pay some price and befriend one of them?"
"Maybe even recruit them as court advisors?"
Ying Zheng was still reluctant to give up.
He felt incredibly insecure about the existence of God Demon Realm cultivators.
Even if he could not subdue them, perhaps cooperation could be possible.
"It's difficult. Until we understand their true intentions, it's better to proceed cautiously."
"Otherwise, we might draw unwanted attention."
"Whether they're friend or foe depends entirely on their whim."
"Your Majesty, surely you do not wish for the Qin Dynasty to constantly be at their mercy?"
The Black Ice Platform Leader spoke frankly, causing Ying Zheng's expression to darken further.
Just the Rank 6 force on the Martial Force Ranking already had a God Demon Realm cultivator.
What about the top five?
Could the Nine Provinces really harbor so many of these terrifying beings?
If one of them were to ally with a specific dynasty, the balance of the Nine Provinces would be shattered.
Thinking this far, Ying Zheng couldn't help but resent the appearance of the Golden Ranking.
Since it descended, the Qin Dynasty hadn't received any benefits.
Instead, more and more troubles had come their way.
In contrast, although the Ming Dynasty had its own issues, they'd clearly benefited much more.
"As for the God Demon Realm cultivator of Sword Control Manor, the Qin Dynasty need not get involved."
"He is within the Ming Dynasty's borders. Let Zhu Houzhao worry about him!"
"Since the Martial Force Ranking appeared, the Ming Dynasty has certainly been lively."
"It's both a blessing and a curse."
"Let's see if Zhu Houzhao has what it takes to handle this gift."
"Whether it's Snow Moon City or Sword Control Manor, even a slight misstep could ignite the whole dynasty."
"Send more agents into the Ming Dynasty. Such an opportunity doesn't come often. We must stir the waters from behind."
"But be careful not to expose the Qin Dynasty's involvement."
"Rest assured, Your Majesty. I've already made arrangements!"
"The matter regarding Snow Moon City is about to erupt!"
"This time, it's not just the Qin Dynasty stirring the pot. The Sui Dynasty and Tang Dynasty are involved too."
"Even the Han Dynasty has sent its spies."
"Their goal isn't just the Myriad Sword Diagram. They're aiming straight at the Ming Imperial Court."
Ying Zheng raised an eyebrow.
"Let them take the lead. But don't forget our true objective."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
==========
Han Imperial Palace.
Inside a secret prison.
"Ahhh!!!"
"Jiang Yuyan, you Demonic Consort! You'll die a horrible death!"
Agonized screams echoed through the cell.
Moments later, all went silent.
"Hahaha, excellent. This Spirit Devouring Art really didn't disappoint!"
"In just a short time, I've made such great progress!"
Jiang Yuyan laughed wildly, her body exuding a ruthless and vicious aura.
"Congratulations, Consort Yu, on breaking through to the Great Grandmaster Realm. Land Immortal Realm is within reach!"
A hunched old man beside her curled his lips in a mocking smile before offering a fake congratulation.
"It's all thanks to you for giving me this Spirit Devouring Art."
"Otherwise, I wouldn't have become a Grandmaster so quickly."
"The Spirit Devouring Art is indeed extraordinary. It has exceeded all expectations."
Jiang Yuyan feigned excitement, even showing "gratitude" toward the old man.
"It's all due to Your Grace's exceptional talent. I merely gave a slight push at the right moment."
Jiang Yuyan nodded with a smile, not bothering to contradict him.
"By the way, regarding Snow Moon City, should our Han Dynasty get involved?"
"What's your opinion, Consort Yu?"
"Of course we should. The Han Dynasty is one of the top dynasties in the Nine Provinces. How could we not show up?"
"Send our people. I want that Myriad Sword Diagram."
"With it, my forces will grow several times stronger in no time!"
Over the past month, with the old man's "help", Jiang Yuyan had devoured the inner strength of countless cultivators.
She started with Innate Realm cultivators, then Grandmasters.
Now, even Great Grandmasters had been devoured, no fewer than five.
Jiang Yuyan was indeed a genius.
In just over a month, she broke through forcefully.
Though she suffered much during the process, both her aura and mentality had skyrocketed.
Even the hunched old man now felt a strange sense of danger when facing her.
His attitude had shifted noticeably compared to a month ago.
Especially the way Jiang Yuyan looked at him, while seemingly kind, often sent chills down his spine.
He even began to regret it. He had truly raised a monster.
What was worse.
He already considered himself a villain.
But compared to the current Jiang Yuyan?
He was nothing.
Possibly due to the Spirit Devouring Art, her cruelty and bloodlust were beyond imagination.
To increase her potential, Jiang Yuyan no longer relied solely on the captives the old man provided.
She had secretly taken her own actions.
Many heirs of noble families and court officials in Luoyang fell victim to her.
They became her nourishment.
The capital was gripped with fear.
But Jiang Yuyan was completely unfazed.
She actually enjoyed it.
It could be said that under the old man's half-coercion and half-temptation, she had become even more terrifying than in the original timeline.
Unknown to him, Jiang Yuyan had secretly built her own private force.
That force would only grow stronger.
Unless discovered, one day, she would surely turn on him.
The poison he once forced her to ingest had long been devoured by the Spirit Devouring Art.
It no longer had any effect on her.
But Jiang Yuyan still acted as if she were tormented by the poison daily.
All to deceive the old man.
She had grown used to countless atrocities.
Even the flaws in the Spirit Devouring Art were gradually corrected by her incredible talent.
The version she now cultivated was countless times stronger than the original.
Yet the old man was still completely unaware.
Many of his own trusted aides had already been forcibly absorbed by her.
Right now, the only reason Jiang Yuyan hadn't disposed of him yet was because he still had value.
He served a greater force behind the scenes.
Jiang Yuyan had been investigating that force's identity.
Perhaps she could take his place one day.
But not yet.
Once she reached Land Immortal Realm combat power, she would fully unleash herself.
She also needed to take control of the Han Imperial Court soon.
Endless ambition surged within her.
In the future, no one would ever be able to bully her again.
If gods stood in her way, she would slay gods. If Buddhas blocked her, she would slay Buddhas. If demons opposed her, she would slay demons!
Anyone who stood against her would be destroyed.
"Someone come in!"
With a light call, a black figure emerged from a secret room, kneeling respectfully.
"How's the task I gave you?"
"Lord, per your command, I've already captured one hundred highly talented children. They're all imprisoned in Chamber Nine."
Jiang Yuyan nodded with satisfaction.
"You weren't discovered by their parents, were you?"
"Please rest assured, Lord. All operatives were loyal deathsworn. If caught, they took poison immediately."
"No one will trace this place."
"Good. You've done well. Keep going until I say stop."
"Let's go. To Chamber Nine."
Moments later, both vanished from the room.
An hour passed.
Jiang Yuyan emerged from Chamber Nine, radiant with energy.
"The Spirit Devouring Art is indeed incredible. After devouring their flesh and blood, I feel my potential rising again."
"If I keep this up, the Land Immortal Realm won't be able to stop me."
"Heavenly Human Realm, Mythical Realm..."
"God Demon Realm, those are my goals!"
"I will become the strongest in the Nine Provinces. I will unify them all!"
Her tone was firm, her eyes full of obsession that reached bone and soul.
The Martial Force Ranking?
Hmph. One day, all forces on it would serve her.
Anyone who resisted would be eliminated.
At this moment, her capacity for evil far surpassed all the notorious villains in the Nine Provinces.
==========
Sui Imperial Palace.
"Supreme Master Yuwen, I will not get involved in this matter."
"There are some things I can do, and some things I cannot."
"The Sui Emperor is His Majesty. He is the one who gives orders!"
Empress Xiao Meiniang looked at Yuwen Tuo with deep wariness.
She did not dare to underestimate this so-called "Invincible Supreme Master".
In both power and wisdom, few in all of the Sui Dynasty could compare.
His sudden approach made her deeply uneasy.
No matter his plans, she would simply refuse.
Her current status, strength, and influence were still too lacking to match him.
Any misstep could cost her dearly.
"Your Majesty, please rest assured. All of this is under His Majesty's orders."
"If you don't believe me, feel free to ask him yourself."
Yuwen Tuo quickly explained.
Xiao Meiniang frowned, falling into deep thought.
After a long pause, she finally nodded.
"In that case, we'll follow the Supreme Master's plan."
"But our identities must not be exposed. The Sui Dynasty cannot openly clash with the Ming Dynasty over the Myriad Sword Diagram."
"If needed, I will consider further support."
She wasn't sure what tricks Yang Guang and Yuwen Tuo were up to, so for now, she would just observe.
"Many thanks, Your Majesty."
Yuwen Tuo had only been testing the waters with this meeting.
He wanted to see if Empress Xiao Meiniang was someone worth cooperating with.
If Yang Guang proved unreliable, she might serve as a valuable fallback.
Though Yuwen Tuo was loyal to Emperor Yang Guang, he was even more loyal to the Sui Dynasty itself.
If forced to choose between Yang Guang and the dynasty, he would choose the Sui Dynasty without hesitation.
He had helped Yang Guang for years, but the Sui Dynasty had only grown weaker.
Not because Yang Guang was incapable.
But because of his fatal flaws, which were becoming increasingly problematic.
The dynasty's greatest enemy, the Tang Dynasty, was growing stronger.
If no action was taken, the Sui Dynasty would fall.
He couldn't allow that.
None of Yang Guang's sons had potential.
In fact, they were worse than Yang Guang himself!
After searching high and low, he was left with no choice but to look toward Empress Xiao Meiniang.
Now, he had begun secretly grooming her.
He was aiding her strength and influence.
Especially her elite army, the Young Marshal Army, which had become a real force.
In time, they would rival any major army.
Xu Ziling and Kou Zhong, known as the Twin Dragons, were also gifted individuals.
They had even made it onto the Hidden Dragon Ranking.
As long as they didn't die early, their futures were limitless.
If that was the case, he would take the gamble.
He hoped Empress Xiao Meiniang wouldn't disappoint him.
If she did.
Then he would have no choice but to walk away from the sinking Sui Dynasty ship and live the life he truly wanted.
He would devote himself to martial arts and leave worldly affairs behind.
After so many years of loyal service, that would be his repayment to the Former Emperor Yang Jian, who had once saved his life.