Ming Imperial Palace.
Empress Chambers.
"Qing'er, are you absolutely sure? Taibai Inn?"
The Empress's expression changed, her tone suspicious.
"Of course I'm sure. Miss, don't you trust my eye technique?"
"After that, I sent people to investigate. Three women, one at the Heavenly Human Realm Land Immortal, and two at the Great Perfection Great Grandmaster Realm."
"They're from Hundred Yue City of the Qin Dynasty."
"As for more specific information, I didn't have time, but we'll get results soon."
The Palace Maid Qing'er replied confidently.
"Hundred Yue City? I almost forgot!"
"Princess Su Yue of Hundred Yue is the daughter of the Azure Lotus Sword Immortal and Eastern Monarch of the Yin Yang School."
"And the Azure Lotus Sword Immortal is one of His Majesty's avatars."
"That means Hundred Yue City must be connected to His Majesty!"
"Investigate! Use the intelligence network of Netherworld City and get me every detail."
Empress Wu Zhao felt a strong sense of threat.
Her expression finally shifted.
"Remember, don't let His Majesty know about this."
"I understand, Miss. Leave it to me!"
Just as the Empress was feeling uneasy about Hundred Yue City, the ranking board high in the sky moved again.
New words slowly appeared.
[Martial Force Ranking – Rank 7]
[Netherworld City]
[Leader: Wu Zhao]
[Cultivation: Heavenly Human Realm Land Immortal]
[Expert: Two Mythical Realm Land Immortals, two Heavenly Human Realm Land Immortals, more than ten Great Grandmasters, more than one hundred Grandmasters, Innates not included]
[Total Member: More than a thousand]
[Reward: Heaven-Grade Low-Tier Treasure – Phoenix Blood Essence, the purest life essence left behind after the death of a celestial beast phoenix, containing infinite power and a chance to inherit the phoenix's legacy]
Wu Zhao was stunned.
So soon, it was Netherworld City's turn?
And only seventh?
Her brows furrowed slightly, showing her dissatisfaction.
Netherworld City had two Mythical Realm Grand Elders and still didn't make it into the top five?
How was that possible?
It seemed she, the leader, was holding them back.
If she had also reached the Mythical Realm, they would surely have ranked in the top five.
Previously, the Snow Moon Sword Immortal, Li Hanyi, brought Snow Moon City into the ranking by her strength alone.
This showed how important the leader's strength was in determining a faction's ranking.
"Miss, you've recovered to the Heavenly Human Realm?"
Qing'er asked excitedly.
"Heaven Dao Reward allowed my constitution to evolve."
"I originally thought it would take at least three months to break through again, but the Indestructible Divine Phoenix Physique was more powerful than expected."
"In less than a month, I fully recovered."
"Even the Mythical Realm isn't far off now."
"But reaching the God Demon Realm will take time and accumulation."
"For Netherworld City to take revenge, who knows how long we'll have to wait."
"Now that the Nine Provinces Heaven's Ranking have appeared, the Heaven Gate and that old monster Di Shitian won't just sit idly by."
Wu Zhao wasn't too pleased about returning to the Heavenly Human Realm.
Instead, she looked worried.
If Di Shitian struck with force, not only would Netherworld City suffer, but even the Ming Dynasty and the Emperor could be dragged down with them.
After all, that old monster was terrifying.
Even the former Netherworld City Lord died by his hand.
"Miss, don't you have the Phoenix Blood Essence now?"
"Even Heaven itself is helping you. The essence must be perfectly compatible with the Indestructible Divine Phoenix Physique!"
"If you can inherit the legacy within the blood, your strength will surely skyrocket!"
Qing'er quickly reminded her.
Wu Zhao's eyes lit up.
That's right!
The Phoenix Blood Essence!
The board indicated that this was the true blood essence left by a celestial beast after death!
"Qing'er, guard the hall outside for me. No one is allowed to enter!"
"If His Majesty comes, tell him the truth."
"Yes, Miss!"
Immediately, the Empress returned to the phoenix couch and sat in a meditative pose.
She took out the Phoenix Blood Essence and swallowed it without hesitation.
As soon as she did, intense pain surged through her body.
It felt as though she was being completely consumed by fire.
A terrifying will bombarded her mind.
Thankfully, her constitution had already evolved. Otherwise, she might not have been able to endure it.
Clearly, this Heaven Dao Reward was tailored for her.
If anyone else tried to consume it, they would likely be burned to ash by the mysterious flames.
Even so, Wu Zhao endured unimaginable pain.
Every second was agonizing.
As time passed, golden flames of supreme and noble aura engulfed her body.
The golden light tightly enveloped her.
After surging and pulsing, it eventually returned into Wu Zhao's body.
She gradually returned to normal.
"That was close!"
"I almost couldn't hold on!"
"This Phoenix Blood Essence truly lives up to being the life essence of an Immortal Beast!"
Even Wu Zhao had fear in her eyes.
But soon after, her fear turned into joy.
This absorption had granted her immense benefits.
She felt her physique grow even stronger.
Her talent had also greatly improved.
Most importantly, she had inherited part of the phoenix's legacy.
Though not entirely suited to humans, it still offered valuable insight.
Her martial path was now clearer than anyone else's.
To her, the Phoenix Blood Essence from Heaven Dao Reward was more valuable than any divine artifact.
And yet it was only ranked as a low-tier heaven-grade item.
==========
"Qing'er, I'm done. Come in."
The moment she spoke.
Zhu Houzhao walked right in.
"Your Majesty!"
"Empress, are you alright? You were too reckless!"
"You should've at least told me!"
Zhu Houzhao scolded her with a glare.
The Empress didn't argue and instead bowed meekly.
"Well? Did the Phoenix Blood Essence harm you?"
Zhu Houzhao asked curiously.
Even his system had never rewarded him with anything like a celestial beast's essence.
Naturally, he was intrigued.
"No, I feel great."
"It worked perfectly with the Indestructible Divine Phoenix Physique from my previous reward."
"If anyone else tried to use it, the flames would've devoured them."
Wu Zhao explained everything that happened.
Even Zhu Houzhao couldn't help but marvel.
He had a nagging feeling that Wu Zhao might truly be the daughter of destiny in this world.
Heaven seemed to favor her greatly.
Both the Indestructible Divine Phoenix Physique and the Phoenix Blood Essence.
It was as if Heaven itself was laying the foundation for her.
It felt like she was being intentionally cultivated.
Wu Zhao herself might not have noticed.
But Zhu Houzhao, with his vision and insight, could clearly sense it.
He would have to pay more attention to her from now on.
She might one day become the most powerful person next to him.
Wu Zhao was Heaven's chosen.
But he was no less. With his cheat, he feared no one.
While Zhu Houzhao and Wu Zhao were at ease.
Across the Nine Provinces, rulers and martial sects were all dumbfounded.
They were very familiar with Netherworld City.
It was Empress Wu Zhao's force.
Now it has appeared on the Martial Force Ranking.
And Wu Zhao had broken through.
Previously, she was just a Half-Step Land Immortal Realm.
But in just over a month, she had silently returned to the Heavenly Human Realm.
Most importantly, Netherworld City's strength was terrifying.
Aside from Wu Zhao, it had two Mythical Realm cultivators and two Heavenly Human Realm cultivators.
This made the rulers of all nations extremely uneasy.
If the Ming Dynasty allied with Netherworld City.
It would be a disaster for the other dynasties.
Of course, another possibility couldn't be ignored.
One with high probability.
That Netherworld City had a hidden scheme.
That such a terrifying figure as Wu Zhao had willingly become an Empress.
It was surely not so simple.
Wu Zhao was deeply ambitious and scheming.
There was no way she would be satisfied being just an Empress.
She must have her eyes on the entire Ming Dynasty.
She likely aimed to usurp imperial power.
If so, the other nations might get to witness a good show.
Wu Zhao and Netherworld City were undoubtedly strong.
But Zhu Houzhao of the Ming Dynasty was no fool either.
Who knew how deep his hidden cards ran?
If the two powers clashed, that would be ideal.
Both sides were severely injured.
The Ming Dynasty would fall, and the others could take advantage.
Even if they couldn't conquer it, they would learn the Ming Dynasty's true strength.
And prepare accordingly.
Now they would wait and see.
Would Zhu Houzhao and Wu Zhao stand together, or become enemies?
==========
Yuan Dynasty.
"National Master, do you think that mysterious Wu Zhao and Netherworld City truly have their sights on the Ming Dynasty?"
"When will they begin their conflict?"
Temujin asked with glee.
"Your Majesty, we must not be careless."
"Neither Zhu Houzhao nor Wu Zhao are simple people."
"They are both deeply cunning and well-hidden. They would never let us reap the rewards."
"Even if Netherworld City has such intentions, they will certainly guard against attacks from us."
Phagpa was full of wisdom and caution.
"You're right, National Master. I was too careless."
"But no matter what, the Ming Dynasty will have big trouble now."
"Netherworld City and Wu Zhao are like a thorn in its heart."
"Even if Zhu Houzhao wants to remove it, it won't be easy."
"With Wu Zhao's ability to hide, she's likely planted pawns throughout the dynasty."
"Even the Imperial Court might have more of her people than anyone realizes."
"I used to worry they might threaten my Yuan Dynasty."
"But now, we might just watch them tear each other apart."
"Even if they don't fall, they'll be weakened."
"They'll be no match for us."
Temujin laughed heartily.
To him, marrying such a powerful woman was no blessing. It was a huge danger.
It might even threaten the entire Ming Dynasty.
"Your Majesty, we must not grow complacent."
"We should march south immediately, destroy the Southern Song Dynasty, and prepare to devour the Ming Dynasty!"
A cold gleam flashed in Phagpa's eyes.
"Right. Schemes are minor tricks. Dominating the world comes from strength!"
"My Yuan Dynasty cavalry is invincible!"
"No matter how strong the martial sects of the Ming Dynasty are, they'll be crushed under my cavalry!"
Temujin declared boldly.
"Still, we can't underestimate the martial sects."
"Innate, Master, or even Grandmaster Realms may not matter, but Land Immortals are a different story."
"We must recruit as many as possible."
"They will serve as our pawns and cannon fodder."
Phagpa quickly advised.
"You handle this, National Master."
"By the way, can our Yuan Dynasty make it onto the ranking?"
With the ranking already at number seven and showing Mythical Realm cultivators.
Temujin began to feel uneasy.
"Your Majesty, we may not make it this time."
"All the ranked forces so far have Mythical Realm cultivators. Netherworld City even has two."
Phagpa replied with a bitter smile.
Even with the power of the entire Yuan Dynasty, they couldn't make the ranking.
It showed just how terrifying these Nine Provinces martial forces were.
In the future, once Temujin unified the provinces, he would cleanse the Martial World.
There would be no powerful sects left.
None would be allowed to threaten the rule of the Yuan Dynasty.
Even if martial sects existed, they would be weak.
Just puppets and tools.
Phagpa had already crafted a series of ruthless plans.
He was just waiting for Temujin to unify the land and put them into action.
Compared to Temujin's brutality toward his people.
Phagpa's hatred for the Martial World was equally intense.
Temujin waved his hand. Though he paid attention to the ranking, he didn't take them too seriously.
In his mind, his cavalry was his greatest weapon for ruling the world.
No matter how strong a Land Immortal was, they would be crushed beneath the hooves of his army.
==========
Tang Imperial Palace, Taiji Hall.
"Your Majesty, I may have failed."
"The martial ranking is far more intense than I imagined."
"With the current state of the Bad People, we can't make it."
Yuan Tiangang bowed apologetically.
"Don't blame yourself. I was the one who underestimated it."
"If even the seventh is this terrifying, the rest will be beyond imagination."
"Are martial forces really this powerful?"
"A single sect could rival an entire dynasty?"
Li Shimin grew hesitant.
The forces on the ranking were simply overwhelming.
The Tang Dynasty had only just been reestablished. Li Shimin had not yet reached the height of being known as the Khan of Heaven.
Nor was the dynasty fully flourishing.
Naturally, his confidence was still growing.
"Your Majesty, martial forces are still just martial forces."
"They are no match for a true dynasty."
"So long as you have confidence, I will aid you. We will recruit more and more Land Immortals."
"What use are martial forces?"
"If you command it, they will kneel. If they resist, they will be destroyed."
Yuan Tiangang immediately lifted his morale.
The Tang Dynasty was not just Li Shimin's foundation, but also his life's work.
Naturally, he wished to see it grow.
"You're right. As long as I continue to build the Tang Dynasty, one day, we will unify the Nine Provinces."
"These so-called martial forces, however many there are, I will destroy them all!"
Li Shimin declared boldly.
He once again looked to the future with hope.