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

Ming Dynasty, Capital City.

Endless Sea of Learning Academy.

"Your Majesty, what brings you to the Endless Sea of Learning Academy today?"

A stunningly beautiful woman, radiating intellectual charm, walked beside Zhu Houzhao, a cheerful smile at the corners of her lips.

It seemed she was especially happy to see Zhu Houzhao.

This woman was none other than Li Qingzhao, who had just been selected into the Confucian Immortal Ranking.

Speaking of which, it was because of him that Li Qingzhao began a new, more hopeful chapter in life.

A life where she could take control of her own destiny.

Naturally, when it came to this scoundrel Zhu Houzhao, Li Qingzhao couldn't avoid falling into his hands either.

However, Li Qingzhao disliked the Imperial Harem.

Zhu Houzhao didn't force her and allowed her to remain at the academy to teach and nurture students.

At the same time, she could continue creating widely acclaimed and sensational literary works.

On the contrary, confining her in the Imperial Harem would have only hindered her.

"Your Majesty, didn't you always look down on our Endless Sea of Learning Academy?"

"In the past year, you've visited other academies more than ten times, but you've come here less than three times."

"You're really playing favorites!"

In the capital, Zhu Houzhao had founded more than just the Endless Sea of Learning Academy.

He had also established several specialized academies that required immense effort and resources.

In the past, Zhu Houzhao adopted a hands-off approach toward the Endless Sea of Learning Academy.

On the other hand, those technical academies received more of his attention.

This favoritism made Li Qingzhao feel a bit jealous.

"With you here, I'm naturally at ease, so there's no need to micromanage."

"As expected, you did not disappoint me."

"The talents nurtured by Endless Sea of Learning Academy have indeed become much more outstanding."

"Your Majesty flatters me. All the credit doesn't belong to me, it's nothing compared to Big Sister Cai."

"Not to mention the efforts of several other Confucian elders."

"Hahaha, I haven't forgotten their contributions either."

"Alright, I came here today just to spend some time with you."

Zhu Houzhao laughed heartily.

He then gave Li Qingzhao a careful look.

He noticed every subtle change in her.

Especially the righteous energy flowing within her body, it was particularly extraordinary.

Using that as a foundation, her future potential would be elevated by several levels.

It was even more effective than many spiritual treasures Zhu Houzhao had granted her.

It seemed she needed further cultivation and nurturing.

Such an exceptional talent couldn't be wasted.

Who would've thought that Li Qingzhao, usually so delicate and fragile, could be so formidable when she unleashed her power?

==========

Tang Imperial Palace.

"Master Yuan, have you found out the background of Li Qingzhao?"

"Your Majesty, we've already investigated. She was originally just a daughter from a scholarly official family in the Northern Song Dynasty."

"She had no cultivation strength to speak of."

"She usually spent her time composing poetry and writing essays."

"However, by chance, she was noticed by the Ming Emperor Zhu Houzhao and was given special training."

"Unexpectedly, she ended up becoming a great figure in the Confucian Dao."

"It's just unclear how the Ming Emperor managed to nurture someone to the Heavenly Human Realm of the Confucian Dao in such a short time."

Yuan Tiangang had become completely numb to the Ming Emperor's mysterious and unpredictable means.

There was nothing left to be shocked about.

He could even cultivate God Demon Realm and Mythical Realm figures.

Let alone the Heavenly Human Realm, there was no need to pay much attention.

However, Li Shimin felt differently.

There was indeed Zhu Houzhao's nurturing involved.

But if Li Qingzhao were an ordinary woman, how could she have achieved such achievements?

Clearly, it also depended on the person being cultivated.

It had to be a real genius.

"Master Yuan, can you search across the Nine Provinces for talents like Li Qingzhao?"

"I'm willing to invest vast resources and energy into training them."

"Even if only one-tenth of them succeed, I'll consider it worthwhile."

"There are so many scholars in the Nine Provinces. I don't believe we can't find true geniuses."

Li Shimin spoke resolutely.

Right now, the Tang Dynasty was doing fine in other areas.

But in terms of the number of strong cultivators, the gap was too wide.

At critical moments, that shortcoming could be fatal.

This flaw had to be addressed.

No matter the cost, it had to be resolved.

"Your Majesty is right. I will closely monitor Confucian Dao geniuses across the Nine Provinces. Even other types of geniuses won't be overlooked."

"Though my talent-spotting skills can't compare to the Ming Emperor's..."

"But as long as some of them are truly talented, the future of the Tang Dynasty will still rise."

"Good. I'll await Master Yuan's good news."

"If we can't recruit those already-famous Land Immortals, then we'll cultivate our own."

"In that case, their loyalty will be even more reassuring!"

==========

It wasn't just Li Shimin of the Tang Dynasty, Emperors and Kings of other dynasties and kingdoms also sent agents across the Nine Provinces to search for geniuses who hadn't yet risen to fame.

They planned to nurture them, hoping they might become Land Immortals one day.

In no time.

Every prodigy or child genius with even a hint of fame across the Nine Provinces mysteriously disappeared.

Then, they were secretly taken in and trained by some force.

As for whether they would succeed, that would depend on the methods used.

Some dynasties or forces used gentler methods.

But many others were extremely brutal.

They raised talents using methods similar to poison culturing.

In the process, they rapidly depleted their national resources and foundations.

After all, child geniuses represented the future of a dynasty or kingdom.

Now, forcing their growth, how could there be any future left?

Not every power had Zhu Houzhao's godlike abilities.

Failing to imitate him, they only harmed themselves.

After all, cultivating a Land Immortal was no easy task.

While the inner workings of other dynasties became chaotic, the Ming Dynasty under Zhu Houzhao remained relatively calm.

Whenever a case of abducting prodigies or child geniuses was discovered...

It was punished with the utmost severity.

Sometimes, the Azure Dragon Association or the Dark Guard would be dispatched directly.

They would wipe out the entire force behind it, completely and without mercy.

After a few such incidents, no force dared to violate this taboo again.

Within the Ming Dynasty, the situation stood in stark contrast to the chaos elsewhere.

They had successfully safeguarded the future of the Ming Dynasty.

==========

Border of the Qin Dynasty and the Han Dynasty.

A horse-drawn carriage slowly moved forward.

"Uncle, are we really just leaving the Qin Dynasty like this?"

"I haven't yet overthrown Ying Zheng's tyranny. Fleeing like this, it leaves me unwilling!"

The one driving the carriage was a refined young man with a pale face.

Judging by his aura, he was seriously injured.

He was none other than Zhang Liang.

The future Saint of Strategy.

But whether he could live up to that title now was uncertain.

At the very least, his current state was far from ideal.

Ying Zheng had eliminated the forces of Xiong Qi and the remnants of the Six Kingdoms. Even someone as wise as Zhang Liang couldn't stand against the Qin Army.

Even the still-developing Xiang Shaoyu, under immense pressure, had fled from the Qin Dynasty territories.

He sought opportunity in another dynasty.

Planning to return one day to retake the Qin Dynasty.

As a wanted criminal listed in the Qin Dynasty, Zhang Liang could no longer remain there.

If not for his wit and deep concealment.

He would have died many times over.

Just in time, Xun Kuang was heading to other dynasties to seek Confucian allies.

So he brought Zhang Liang along.

Otherwise, Zhang Liang might implicate the Little Sage Manor.

Completely tearing their relationship with the Qin Dynasty apart.

By then, not even Xun Kuang could save them.

Whether for the greater good, a strategic retreat, or Zhang Liang's survival...

He had to leave.

"Zifang, this is not about us, only about you."

"I'm going out to handle business and seek allies. I will return before long."

"Without me holding the fort, Little Sage Manor might be easily destroyed by Ying Zheng."

From inside the carriage, Xun Kuang's calm voice sounded.

From his tone, there seemed to be a trace of concern.

The Qin Dynasty was now far too powerful.

All the Hundred Schools of Thought were being suppressed by Ying Zheng.

If not for the other schools helping to share the burden, Little Sage Manor would have long followed the Dao School Human Sect into ruin.

Just then.

A murderous aura suddenly enveloped the area.

Xun Kuang and Zhang Liang's faces changed at once.

Their expressions turned extremely grim.

"Zifang, later you must escape first. I will hold them back!"

"Uncle, how can that be? Since they're here to ambush us, they must have come fully prepared."

"The only way to survive now is to carve out a path through them."

"Very well. In that case, today I will go on a true killing spree!"

"Ying Zheng really has decided to move against the Confucian School!"

Xun Kuang slowly stepped out of the carriage, a terrifying aura emanating from his body.

"Come out, lackeys of Ying Zheng!"

A deep shout echoed.

The forceful shockwave spread rapidly.

Assassins from the Black Ice Platform hidden in the shadows leapt out one after another.

They surrounded Xun Kuang and Zhang Liang completely.

"Hmm? Where is the Black Ice Platform Leader, Black Shadow? Why didn't he come?"

"Just with you lot? You're not enough to kill me!"

"Oh right, I almost forgot. Not long ago, your leader was burned to ashes by the Hundred Yue Queen, not even a corpse remained!"

"What a pity!"

Though Xun Kuang said "what a pity", the expression on his face was one of gloating.

The sight made the Black Ice Platform assassins gnash their teeth.

Ever since Black Shadow was killed.

Everyone in the Black Ice Platform clearly felt that Qin Emperor Ying Zheng no longer valued them as he once did.

He even began to reuse the Shadow Secret Guard and Net Trap again.

If they wanted to regain the Emperor's favor, they had to complete the mission he had given them.

And this time, the targets were Xun Kuang and Zhang Liang, remnants of the Six Kingdoms.

"Xun Kuang, don't think that just because you're at the Heavenly Human Realm you can ignore His Majesty."

"Before, it was only because Xiong Qi and the Six Kingdoms remnants were still around that His Majesty didn't bother with you."

"But now, His Majesty has issued a kill-on-sight order against you!"

"Prepare to die!"

"The rest of you, kill Zhang Liang, that Six Kingdoms remnant. As for Xun Kuang, I will deal with him personally!"

"Yes, Vice-Leader!"

"Oh? So you're actually the Black Ice Platform Vice-Leader?"

"What a shame. You're just at the Heavenly Human Realm. You'll never become the true Black Ice Platform Leader."

"Very well, since you're the one seeking death, I'll kill you right here. I wonder if Ying Zheng will feel anything?"

Xun Kuang's tone turned cold.

Since Ying Zheng had already issued the kill order, there was no room left for compromise.

But why did Ying Zheng want him dead and choose to strike outside the borders of the Qin Dynasty?

Thoughts turned in Xun Kuang's mind.

Very quickly, he understood Ying Zheng's plan.

What a grand scheme Ying Zheng had devised.

He wanted to turn the Little Sage Manor into a loyal dog of the Qin Dynasty.

He wanted to divide the Little Sage Manor.

If so, then stubborn elements like him, Zhang Liang, and Yan Lu would surely die.

Conversely, the Sect Master Fu Nian, who had hidden his stance deeply and not shown hostility toward the Qin Dynasty.

Might be spared for the time being.

However, from this moment on, the Little Sage Manor would inevitably have to join the Qin Dynasty's cause.

Becoming a chess piece.

A mere pawn on the front lines.

Even cannon fodder.

For the sake of the greater good, for the Little Sage Manor's continued existence, Fu Nian might very well compromise with Ying Zheng, even if he was unwilling.

On the other hand, someone like Xun Kuang, an unstable element, would naturally become Ying Zheng's top target for elimination.

However, with the pride in Xun Kuang's heart, how could he ever allow the Confucian School's sacred ground, the Little Sage Manor, to become a pawn and dog of Ying Zheng?

Even if the Little Sage Manor were to be utterly destroyed, he would never compromise.

==========

"Kill!"

"Boom!"

"Boom!"

Very quickly, Xun Kuang and the Black Ice Platform Vice-Leader clashed fiercely.

Terrifying shockwaves spread out violently.

The surrounding area was reduced to utter chaos.

Even their carriage was destroyed.

As for Zhang Liang, his movements were agile as he weaved among the assassins of the Black Ice Platform.

The divine sword in his hand gleamed with cold light.

Each slash took down one of the Black Ice Platform assassins.

However, they were many and powerful.

Although Zhang Liang was no weakling, he was far from invincible.

Very soon, he fell into a deadlocked battle.

==========

Pfft!

A terrifying force shot out.

It struck the Black Ice Platform Vice-Leader squarely.

His entire body was sent flying and he was seriously wounded on the spot.

"You old bastard! You were hiding your true strength!"

"How cunning!"

The Black Ice Platform Vice-Leader looked at Xun Kuang in disbelief, his face pale.

He had thought it would be easy to defeat this supposedly unremarkable Confucian Sage.

But he didn't expect to be utterly defeated in such a short time.

Though they were both at the intermediate Heavenly Human Realm, why was Xun Kuang so much stronger?

"Killing one of Ying Zheng's Heavenly Human Realm lackeys... I'd say this trip wasn't a loss."

A fierce light flashed in Xun Kuang's eyes.

He gathered all his strength for a final, killing blow, aiming to finish off the Black Ice Platform Vice-Leader.

"Die!"

Just as the fatal strike was about to land on the Vice-Leader's chest.

Suddenly.

From the distance, a dark energy surged violently.

Its speed was unimaginable.

As if it pierced through space itself.

In an instant, it struck Xun Kuang's back.

Caught off guard, Xun Kuang was hit directly.

His body was sent flying and slammed into the ground.

Blood spurted from his mouth.

His aura turned chaotic.

"Despicable!"

"You had another helper!"

Xun Kuang looked toward the distance.

There, a man in black combat gear slowly walked out.

He held a thick-backed broadsword, exuding a fierce and brutal aura.

"Second brother, you're really a disgrace!"

"You couldn't even handle one old man who's half in the grave. And you call yourself the Black Ice Platform Vice-Leader?"

"To be considered on the same level as me is an insult."

"If Lord Shang hadn't ordered me to assist, you might really have died here today."

The black-clad man ignored the heavily injured Xun Kuang and instead ridiculed his brother with disdain.

The Black Ice Platform Vice-Leader had closed his eyes awaiting death, only to be unexpectedly saved by his younger brother.

But before he could even thank him, he was met with ridicule.

Causing his face to turn dark with frustration.

"Third Brother, what are you waiting for?"

"Finish off this old man."

"If he escapes, His Majesty will surely abandon the Black Ice Platform completely, and you'll be the sinner responsible!"

"Hmph, this old bastard has already suffered a severe injury to his heart and meridians. He no longer has the ability to fight."

"He's as good as dead!"

The black-clad man said confidently.

"Humph! You think I'll be taken down so easily by you bloodthirsty thugs?"

"You're not worthy to kill me!"

"Is that so?"

At that moment, a strange smile appeared on the face of the black-clad man.

A look of contempt flashed in his eyes.

Seeing this, Xun Kuang suddenly had a bad feeling in his heart.

Before he could react.

A deadly threat surged through him.

Before he could move.

A peerless force struck his lower back with devastating might.

The energy ravaged his internal organs.

Even with the strength of a Heavenly Human Realm cultivator, he could not withstand it.

He was gravely wounded once more.

This time, it was even more dangerous than before.

"Big Brother!"

The Black Ice Platform Vice-Leader cried out.

He hadn't expected that not only had the Third Brother arrived, but the Big Brother had come too.

Lord Shang truly was cautious.

To kill Xun Kuang, they had made thorough preparations.

But that caution had proven vital, otherwise they really might not have been able to handle Xun Kuang.

"Dammit, am I really going to fall here today?"

Xun Kuang was filled with unwillingness and despair.

To kill him, Ying Zheng had sent three Heavenly Human Realm cultivators to surround him.

He really thought highly of him.

"Zifang, run!"

"This time, it looks like I won't make it!"

Xun Kuang clenched his teeth. Even if he had to die, he had to ensure Zhang Liang, the rising star of the Confucian School, could escape safely.

"Uncle!"

Not far away, Zhang Liang was in shock, his expression full of urgency.

A flash of madness crossed his face.

And just as the two of them fell into utter despair.

Suddenly.

The Confucian Immortal Ranking in the sky burst forth with blinding light.

The astounding phenomenon drew the attention of everyone present.

Even their movements paused for a moment.

Taking advantage of that brief distraction, Xun Kuang finally found a sliver of hope.

Buzz!

The ranking trembled.

Then.

A new line of characters appeared.

[Confucian Immortal Ranking – Rank 9]