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

"Kill!"

"Kill!"

"Kill them all, leave none alive!"

Inside the Qing Imperial Mausoleum, countless sounds of slaughter echoed.

Terrifying shockwaves from the battle were everywhere.

If not for the mysterious grand formation protecting the Imperial Mausoleum, the battle's aftershocks would have already spread, causing a great upheaval in heaven and earth.

Fortunately, Nurhaci was still entangled with Heavenly Master Zhang and could not break free.

Otherwise, relying solely on the home advantage, the Land Immortals of the Ming Dynasty side would have suffered heavy casualties.

Puff! Puff! Puff!

As time passed.

One by one, the Qing Mausoleum Guard fell at the hands of the Ming Dynasty Land Immortals.

"Nichang, all the Mythical Realm enemies have been executed. The remaining Heavenly Human Realm cultivators aren't worth mentioning."

"Our only true threat now definitely won't be able to stand against Heavenly Master Zhang."

"Still, we must remain cautious. These Qing Mausoleum Guard are the greatest obstacle to destroying the Qing Dynasty."

"If we want to annihilate the Qing Dynasty, none of them can remain. Not a single one!"

"Very well, continue the assault!"

This deadly strike had been meticulously prepared by the Ming Dynasty side.

They even blocked every possible escape route.

==========

Meanwhile.

A hundred miles away from the Imperial Mausoleum.

Two terrifying figures were clashing high in the sky.

Every strike devastated the surrounding environment, leaving it in complete ruin.

"Nurhaci, you forcibly boosted your strength using the fate of a nation."

"Even after over a hundred years, you are still only at the God Demon Realm. You're far too weak."

"Despicable! If the Ming Dynasty hadn't interfered, I would have already reached the Sage Realm by now."

"By then, the Ming Dynasty would have meant nothing to me."

"In the end, it would have been destroyed by my Qing Dynasty."

"The Qing Dynasty? What a joke. It was nothing more than nourishment for your cultivation."

"For your own sake, you completely disregarded the Qing Dynasty's National Fortune and Martial Destiny."

"You forcibly drew most of the nation's fate and Martial Destiny into the Dragon Vein, and fed it to yourself and your Qing Mausoleum Guard for cultivation."

"Utterly foolish!"

"And now, you've brought about the complete annihilation of the Qing Dynasty."

"Even the Current Emperor is no longer of Manchu imperial blood. How laughable is that?"

"Utter nonsense! You think I would allow Hongli to be Emperor if he weren't of Manchu descent?"

"Why not? If your Qing Mausoleum Guard can perform a switch, why couldn't our Ming Dynasty cultivators?"

"The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. Don't tell me you don't understand this principle?"

"Otherwise, wiping out your Qing Dynasty would have cost us far more effort."

At this moment, Nurhaci still looked like a middle-aged man despite over a century having passed.

His aura was cold and sinister.

He no longer bore the aura of an Emperor.

After years of living like a rat in the shadows, his heart had completely changed.

He was now more like a dark mastermind, a scheming conspirator behind the scenes.

Unfortunately.

Compared to Zhu Houzhao, he was far inferior.

In the end, all his plots were used against him.

Puff!

At this moment, Nurhaci's expression suddenly changed mid-battle with Zhang Yuchu.

He violently coughed up a mouthful of blood.

His eyes were filled with disbelief.

He turned his gaze toward the Imperial Mausoleum.

"You... you destroyed my Dragon Vein! Damn it!"

"You destroyed my future! I will kill all of you! I will destroy the entire Ming Dynasty!"

He had sensed that the Dragon Vein he had meticulously condensed within the Imperial Mausoleum, along with the National Fortune and Martial Destiny he had hoarded, had been completely annihilated.

This wiped out all the efforts of the past century.

"National Master, why haven't you killed him yet?"

Just then.

Zhu Houzhao appeared.

His brow furrowed as he glanced at the crazed Nurhaci, a bit dissatisfied as he questioned Zhang Yuchu.

With Zhang Yuchu's strength, Nurhaci was powerful, but certainly not a real threat.

"Your Majesty, Nurhaci was once a mighty Emperor. Although he later degenerated, his destiny is extraordinary. He cannot be slain by me."

"Only Your Majesty holds that right."

Zhu Houzhao chuckled and shook his head.

"You old man, always so cautious."

"Fine then, I won't press you."

Zhang Yuchu smiled faintly and said nothing more.

Toward this Emperor, even someone at the God Demon Realm like him held deep reverence.

He dared not overstep.

"You're the Ming Emperor, Zhu Houzhao?"

Nurhaci glared at him, grinding his teeth.

If not for this man, he would surely have reached the Sage Realm in the future.

Then he could have reclaimed control over the Qing Dynasty.

And with that, he would have led the Qing Dynasty to destroy the Ming Dynasty, even unite the entire land.

But now?

All his effort was lost in a single day.

In the end, all his work benefited Zhu Houzhao.

The National Fortune and Martial Destiny he had stolen from the Qing Dynasty over the years had all been absorbed by Zhu Houzhao.

He was furious!

Zhu Houzhao glanced at him with disdain, showing no concern at all.

A man blinded by greed.

Had it been the Nurhaci of a hundred years ago, perhaps Zhu would have given him some respect.

But now?

He was just another God Demon Realm cultivator.

In fact, he wasn't even as impressive as the former Shaman Cult Master from the grasslands.

Boom!

A palm strike slammed directly onto Nurhaci's head.

The terrifying force instantly shredded everything within him.

And finally, erased him completely.

Reduced to ashes.

Utterly dead.

"You clean up the aftermath. I'm heading back."

"Remember, any Land Immortal cultivated using the Qing Dynasty's Martial Destiny must be exterminated."

"Many of Hongli's Flying Guillotine Division were originally Qing Mausoleum Guard."

"Eliminate them."

"As for Hongli, leave him to Qi Jiguang, Hua Mulan, and Wu Qi."

"Yes, Your Majesty. This humble one knows what to do."

Zhu Houzhao nodded.

And then, vanished.

==========

Qing Imperial Palace.

Hongli sat atop the dragon throne, face dark and grim.

He continuously received news of defeats from outside. The Ming Armies were already nearing the capital.

It likely wouldn't be long.

The Qing Dynasty would fall.

And he would go down in history as the Emperor who lost a dynasty.

At that thought, Hongli was nearly driven mad with rage.

Puff!

Suddenly, Hongli felt a tightness in his chest and violently coughed up blood.

His face turned completely pale.

He felt as though he had lost something far more precious than life itself.

"What's going on? Why did I suddenly cough blood?"

"Was I poisoned?"

He had no idea that the Qing Dragon Vein and National Fortune had just been destroyed and absorbed by Zhu Houzhao.

Instead, he thought he had been poisoned!

He was about to summon an Imperial Doctor.

When suddenly.

A shout came from outside the hall.

"Bad news, Your Majesty!"

Heshen burst in, flustered and panicked.

"What now?"

"Is there anything worse than the Qing Dynasty about to be destroyed?"

Hongli said coldly.

"Your Majesty, just now, many Flying Guillotine Division in the capital were suddenly assassinated."

"Is that so? They were all useless anyway."

"None of the tasks I gave them were ever completed. What difference does it make if they're dead or alive?"

"But I am curious, who attacked them?"

"Your Majesty, the attackers were all spies planted by the Ming Dynasty within our Qing Dynasty."

"Among them are officials, guards, palace maids, even eunuchs. There are even some among the commoners."

"Each one of them possesses formidable strength."

"And just now, these spies opened the gates of the capital."

"Now, the Ming Dynasty's three armies have fully invaded."

"It won't be long before they storm the Imperial Palace."

"Your Majesty, we must flee now."

"As long as the green hills remain, there's no fear of running out of firewood."

Upon hearing this, Hongli's vision went black, and he nearly fainted.

How could this be?

How could he have so many spies under his command?

He hadn't sensed anything at all.

Even the Flying Guillotine Division had noticed nothing.

He had always prided himself as an all-wise Emperor, the most perfect sovereign.

But now, it all seemed like a cruel joke!

==========

Outside of Qing Capital.

Qi Jiguang, Hua Mulan, and Wu Qi surrounded the city with their armies.

The entire capital was sealed off tightly.

Not even a bird could escape.

Ever since they invaded the Qing Dynasty Territory.

The three armies had been utterly victorious, unstoppable.

Countless Qing Dynasty generals and soldiers had fallen to their hands.

Qi Jiguang and Hua Mulan were both ranked on the Renowned Marshal Ranking.

As for Wu Qi, there was no need to elaborate.

Hundreds of years ago, he had been one of the Military Saints of the Nine Provinces.

His command ability remained top-tier in all the land.

This war to destroy the Qing Dynasty and revive the Ming Dynasty completely solidified their reputations.

Through repeated victories, Qi Jiguang and Hua Mulan had proven that they rightfully belonged on the Renowned Marshal Ranking.

As for Wu Qi, he had returned to his former peak.

Even though he wasn't ranked, no general or Emperor dared look down on him.

Even Zhu Houzhao had used many rounds of suppression and tests before fully accepting him.

Qi Jiguang Military Tent.

"Marshal, we're fully prepared. We can storm the city at any time and capture Hongli alive."

The vanguard general Ling Luoshi said with excitement.

In this war of annihilation, he had earned countless merits.

This one campaign alone would bring him immense rewards.

"Lord Yu, Lord Zhu, what do you think?"

Qi Jiguang nodded, then turned to Yu Huatian and Zhu Wushi beside him.

These two had been sent by His Majesty.

Whether or not they played a role, it was proper to consult them.

Qi Jiguang wasn't just a brilliant marshal.

He also had excellent political instincts.

Even during war, he maintained alignment with the Emperor's goals.

He could not afford to displease the Emperor.

Iron Courage Divine Marquis Zhu Wushi aside.

Yu Huatian of the Western Factory was a trusted confidant of His Majesty.

He could not be ignored.

"His Majesty once instructed this humble servant to follow the Marshal's command in all military matters."

"We shall not interfere in the slightest."

"Everything shall be done as the Marshal sees fit."

"As for breaching the Qing Imperial Palace, the rest is not our concern, but Hongli must not be allowed to escape!"

"Marshal Qi, this is the final war of annihilation. We cannot let the other two armies steal the credit!"

"Naturally. I've been preparing for this moment for a long time!"

"Pass the order. All troops, march! Begin the assault!"