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

[Confucian Immortal Ranking – Rank 9]

[Xun Kuang]

[Force: Little Sage Manor of Qin Dynasty]

[Cultivation: Intermediate Heavenly Human Realm Land Immortal]

[Technique: Xun Zi Book (Fusion of multiple Confucian Dao Cultivation Techniques, self-created)]

[Reward: Three wisps of Low-Tier Grand Righteous Qi (enhances Confucian Cultivation Techniques), 1 Low-Tier Confucian Skill, 1 Low-Tier Confucian Divine Weapon]

==========

"What is this?"

"Rank 9 on the Confucian Immortal Ranking!?"

"Not good, that old man Xun Kuang made it onto the Confucian Immortal Ranking?"

"Kill him quickly! If he obtains the Heaven Dao Reward, it'll be even harder to kill him!"

The Black Ice Platform Vice-Leader's expression drastically changed, shouting out urgently.

At the same time, he was filled with immense regret.

Had he known this earlier, there would have been no need for unnecessary words just now.

If the three of them had joined forces and killed Xun Kuang on the spot, it would have been over.

Now, an unexpected variable has arisen again!

==========

Just as the three Heavenly Human Realm fighters surrounded and attacked Xun Kuang...

Xun Kuang suddenly shuddered violently in the center.

A wave of Grand Righteous Qi radiated from his body.

It even carried a terrifying spiritual pressure.

The three men from the Black Ice Platform instantly felt their breath choke.

Even the true essence in their bodies began to circulate sluggishly.

The three wisps of Grand Righteous Qi from the Heaven Dao Reward instantly healed all the injuries in Xun Kuang's body.

His entire state was restored to its peak.

He hadn't expected that the Grand Righteous Qi from the Heaven Dao Reward could even heal wounds.

And not just that.

At this moment, a mysterious and profound aura also surrounded Xun Kuang.

Perhaps it was the extraordinary nature of the Grand Righteous Qi.

"Human nature is inherently evil!"

Xun Kuang shouted sternly.

A massive spiritual attack spread outward.

The three Black Ice Platform Vice-Leaders felt their minds go into chaos.

Their vision blurred.

A powerful wave of negative emotions surged into their hearts.

They could no longer maintain their offensive state.

This was the Confucian Skill granted by Heaven Dao Reward.

It fits perfectly with Xun Kuang's teachings.

Seizing the opportunity, a brush about thirty centimeters long appeared in Xun Kuang's hand.

It was also the Divine Weapon granted by Heaven Dao Reward.

He lightly tapped the void with the brush.

Three terrifying streaks of Righteous Sword Qi shot forth.

Each aimed at one of the three attackers.

The speed was so fast they couldn't dodge in time.

The sword qi struck directly on their chests.

Blasting all three into the air.

Xun Kuang did not pursue further.

Instead, he broke away from the battlefield, flying rapidly toward Zhang Liang.

At the same time, he furiously tapped the void with the tip of his brush.

Sword qi rained down like a storm.

Countless Black Ice Platform assassins surrounding Zhang Liang were instantly slaughtered.

As he reached Zhang Liang's side...

He had no time to hesitate.

Xun Kuang grabbed Zhang Liang's wrist and unleashed the fastest speed of his life, fleeing into the distance.

In the blink of an eye.

The two vanished without a trace.

Xun Kuang truly feared stronger opponents would appear and surround them.

Especially if a Mythical Realm cultivator showed up, they would have no hope of survival.

"Ah!"

Watching helplessly as Xun Kuang, within just a few breaths, repelled them, rescued Zhang Liang, and escaped...

All done in one seamless motion.

They didn't even have time to stop him.

They could only watch as the two disappeared before their eyes.

At that moment.

The Black Ice Platform Vice-Leader let out a furious roar toward the sky.

Trouble!

So many people were deployed to kill Xun Kuang and Zhang Liang, yet they still escaped.

This could only prove their incompetence.

When they returned, Ying Zheng would undoubtedly be even more disappointed in the Black Ice Platform's performance.

This was a disgrace.

A colossal disgrace.

Even though Xun Kuang's escape was largely due to the influence of the Nine Provinces Golden Ranking...

If the three of them hadn't been so arrogant, how could such a mishap have occurred?!

==========

The Ming Dynasty.

Endless Sea of Learning Academy.

Beside a small stream with picturesque scenery.

Zhu Houzhao and Li Qingzhao finally had a rare moment of privacy.

Especially Li Qingzhao, who was joyfully recounting her experiences over the past days.

At the same time, she handed over her newly written poem for Zhu Houzhao to read.

"Excellent. As expected of you. In the entire Nine Provinces, few female poets can match you in the art of verse!"

Zhu Houzhao never hesitated with praise.

"How could it be as exaggerated as Your Majesty says?"

"There are still many more skilled than I!"

Zhu Houzhao chuckled but clearly disagreed with her humility.

However, poetry was secondary. What truly interested him was Li Qingzhao's extraordinary talent in Confucian studies.

In just over a year, she had advanced from the mere Grandmaster Realm to the Heavenly Human Realm.

Her breakthrough in Confucian Dao played a decisive role.

Unfortunately, she broke through a little too late.

Otherwise, she would have certainly had a spot on the Nine Provinces Hidden Dragon Ranking.

"By the way, what do you think of this person Xun Kuang?"

Zhu Houzhao casually asked while glancing at the Confucian Immortal Ranking in the sky.

"Xun Kuang?"

"He is undoubtedly a representative figure of our Confucian School and a predecessor we all study from!"

"Although the Confucian Dao I practice is entirely different from that of Senior Xun Kuang, there is still much to learn from his work, the 'Xun Zi Book'."

"I hope that one day I may exchange Confucian knowledge with this senior."

"Compared to such a predecessor, I still have much to improve in the study of Confucianism."

From Li Qingzhao's tone and expression, it was clear she held great admiration for Xun Kuang.

Although Zhu Houzhao couldn't understand why someone who firmly believed in the theory of innate human goodness would admire a staunch advocate of the theory of innate evil...

He didn't care to understand either.

Whether it was the theory of goodness or evil, as long as it benefitted the Ming Dynasty, he would accept it.

Xun Kuang, huh...

Given the Qin Dynasty's current situation, sects like the Little Sage Manor had become thorns in Ying Zheng's side.

If they failed to align with Ying Zheng's policies...

They would be eradicated sooner or later.

Especially someone like Xun Kuang, who could never be integrated into the Qin Dynasty system.

If he did not die, he would have no choice but to leave the Qin Dynasty.

If that happened, Zhu Houzhao wouldn't mind taking him in.

To add another field of learning to the Endless Sea of Learning Academy.

He would first send someone to gather information. If fate allowed, he would not hesitate to recruit the man.

==========

Han Dynasty.

In a small, ordinary mountain village.

Xun Kuang and Zhang Liang were dressed like regular commoners at the moment.

Even if assassins from the Black Ice Platform passed by, they would never recognize them.

"Uncle, where are we planning to go next?"

"Is the ally you're seeking in the Han Dynasty or in another dynasty?"

"Sigh, I received news that my old friend has already left the Han Dynasty and has been recruited by the Ming Emperor Zhu Houzhao."

"Now it seems he's joined an academy called Endless Sea of Learning Academy, serving as an Academician there."

"I originally planned to ask for his help, but now it seems that will be difficult."

Now that the old friend has become a man of the Ming Emperor, asking for help can no longer be done through personal connections.

It must receive the Ming Emperor's approval.

However.

Would the Ming Emperor easily agree?

Without sufficient benefit, even someone like Xun Kuang probably wouldn't be worth his attention.

Zhang Liang's eyes flickered with a sharp gleam.

In the entire Nine Provinces world, there were very few who could rival Ying Zheng.

And the Ming Emperor Zhu Houzhao was definitely one of them.

In fact, the future of the Ming Dynasty and Qin Dynasty would surely be enemies, not allies.

If possible, he wouldn't mind borrowing the power of the Ming Dynasty to overthrow Ying Zheng's tyrannical rule.

He believed the Ming Emperor also wanted to use him as a pawn to create trouble for the Qin Dynasty.

Mutual benefit and cooperation. Why not?

As long as he could overthrow Ying Zheng's tyranny and restore the Han Kingdom, he didn't mind being a pawn in someone else's hands.

Thinking of this, Zhang Liang fell silent for a moment and then said to Xun Kuang:

"Uncle, since that's the case, why don't we head to the Ming Dynasty and seek an audience with the Ming Emperor?"

"Cooperating with the Ming Emperor helps him, and also helps ourselves."

Xun Kuang looked deeply at Zhang Liang.

"Zifang, you are indeed wise and far-sighted, but never underestimate the Emperors of these dynasties."

"Even those with the worst reputations like the Song Emperor Zhao Ji, the Han Emperor Liu Hong, and the Sui Emperor Yang Guang are not to be underestimated."

"Let alone the most unfathomable Ming Emperor Zhu Houzhao."

"Let alone anything else, just his Great Perfection God Demon Realm cultivation is already reason enough. Cooperating with him is like negotiating with a tiger."

"One misstep, and we, including the entire Little Sage Manor, and even the whole Confucian School, could end up being pawns in his game."

"Have you considered such a terrifying consequence?"

"The Ming Emperor is someone even more terrifying and troublesome than the Qin Emperor Ying Zheng."

"You may very well become a pawn under his complete control."

"By then, even if you want to resist, you won't be able to."

To be honest, unless absolutely necessary, Xun Kuang really didn't want to deal with the Ming Emperor.

He could at least understand Ying Zheng to some extent.

But with the Ming Emperor, everything he knew might be false information.

Even if it was true, it was probably staged by the Ming Emperor for others to see.

To stay by the side of someone as terrifying as the Ming Emperor was truly to live beside a tiger.

Life and death would not be in his hands.

Zhang Liang pursed his lips at those words.

"Uncle, do we have any other choice?"

"If we want to protect the Little Sage Manor, how could we possibly succeed without taking some risks?"

"So be it. I will go with you on this journey."

"What the final outcome will be, we'll leave to fate."

==========

Qin Imperial Palace.

At this moment, a suffocating aura filled the entire hall.

Three Black Ice Platform Vice-Leaders, as well as Shang Yang, Bai Qi, and Li Si, were all present.

None of them spoke a word.

Ying Zheng never imagined that the Black Ice Platform could be so useless.

Just a mere Xun Kuang, and even with three against one, they still let him escape?

If that wasn't incompetence, what was?

The former Black Ice Platform Leader, Black Shadow, often failed at tasks too.

But at least he was a Mythical Realm cultivator and completely loyal. Ying Zheng rarely tolerated anyone, but he did with him.

But these three men in front of him were just as incompetent.

They even caused the entire Black Ice Platform to fall apart.

How could he tolerate that?

"From now on, the three of you are to be demoted to the Net Trap and serve as Heaven-Grade assassins."

"When you can complete a mission with absolute success, only then may you return to the Black Ice Platform."

"I will not let the Black Ice Platform be reduced to a nest of useless fools like you."

Ying Zheng showed no courtesy at all to the three Heavenly Human Realm men.

His tone was extremely harsh.

If it weren't for their strength at the Heavenly Human Realm, Ying Zheng would have had them executed long ago.

"Step down!"

Waving them off, Ying Zheng's face showed a trace of helplessness.

"Your Majesty, have you forgotten someone?"

"Perhaps he is qualified to lead the entire Black Ice Platform."

"Back when Your Majesty unified the Six Kingdoms, this man's contributions were immeasurable."

"However, once the Qin Dynasty was established, he retired and faded from public view."

"Now, with the Qin Dynasty in need of talent, how could Your Majesty let such a genius go to waste?"

"Oh?"

Ying Zheng narrowed his eyes.

"Sir, are you referring to him?"

"Haha, if not for your reminder, I almost forgot him."

"Indeed, I have great trust in his abilities."

"In that case, I ask you to personally invite him to the palace."

"I want to ask him, does he still have ambition?"

"Is he still willing to assist me in building an even greater dynasty?"

"To help me conquer the Nine Provinces and establish the one and only nation across the world?"

"What Ming Dynasty, Vast Sea Dynasty, Tang Dynasty?"

"What Yuan Dynasty, Sui Dynasty, Han Dynasty?"

"All these dynasties must be eradicated."

"The Nine Provinces can have only one master, and that must be me."

"No one else has the right."

Ying Zheng spoke with domineering intensity.

Hearing this, Bai Qi, Shang Yang, and Li Si were instantly stirred with passion.

The once ambitious Ying Zheng had returned.

"Your ministers, Shang Yang (Bai Qi, Li Si), will certainly assist Your Majesty in accomplishing this grand endeavor."

"Hahaha, good. If we work together as one, what goal can't we achieve?"

In an instant.

All previous displeasure disappeared like smoke.

==========

Ming Imperial Palace.

"Your Majesty, great news!!!"

Dark One stepped forward with a face full of joy.

"Oh? What kind of great news has made you so excited? It must be no small matter!"

"Your Majesty, your plan has succeeded."

"The internal strife in the Yuan Dynasty has become unstoppable!"

"Even I didn't expect that the first to take action wasn't Prince Tolui, who was the most feared."

"Nor was it Jochi or Chagatai, the brutes."

"Instead, it was the Third Prince Ogedei, the most deeply hidden, who struck first!"

"Temujin was completely caught off guard by him."

Zhu Houzhao was slightly surprised.

In previous-life history, after the death of Temujin of Mongolia, it was Ogedei who succeeded him.

Even the meritorious Tolui was schemed against by him and died while Ogedei was still alive.

Clearly, Ogedei was far from simple.

And in fact.

Zhu Houzhao had never underestimated him.

Back when he was planning to undermine the Yuan Dynasty.

Ogedei was only second to Temujin in his assessment, even above Tolui.

As expected, his judgment was correct.

His efforts had paid off.

"How did it happen? With his abilities, he should have waited to be the final victor. Why was he the first to act?"

"Your Majesty is right. Ogedei did indeed plan that way initially."

"He was secretly plotting to use Temujin to eliminate Tolui, the greatest obstacle."

"At the same time, he also schemed against Jochi and Chagatai."

"Under normal circumstances, he might have succeeded."

"Unfortunately, he never expected that all of this would be seen by our Ming Dynasty spies."

"So we turned his plot against him."

"All of his schemes were leaked and easily discovered by Temujin."

"Especially when Temujin found out that his Prime Minister Yelu Chucai wasn't Tolui's man but Ogedei's."

"His face turned green with rage."

"Then he discovered that the Golden Wolf Hall Master, whom he trusted greatly, was also Ogedei's confidant."

"He flew into a rage on the spot."

"He immediately ordered Ogedei's arrest."

"Unfortunately, Ogedei's power inside and outside the Yuan Imperial Court was already deeply rooted, beyond Temujin's expectations."

"He received word right away and had no choice but to raise an army and declare independence."

"At the same time, he instigated Jochi and Chagatai to also raise troops and declare independence, forming an alliance to split the Yuan Dynasty."

"In contrast, the most feared Tolui remained loyal to Temujin's side, opposing the secession of Ogedei and the others."

"Now, the entire Yuan Dynasty is in complete chaos."

"Even I can't be sure whether Temujin still has the strength to suppress the rebellion of his three sons."

Hearing Dark One's detailed report, Zhu Houzhao couldn't help but laugh heartily.

Truly interesting!

"Well done. Everyone involved in this plan shall be rewarded!"

"This will save us a lot of effort in toppling the Yuan Dynasty!"

"By the way, Tolui is also not a simple man!"

"The fact that he's still by Temujin's side doesn't mean he's truly loyal and filial."

"Seems like he has even bigger plans!"

"Send word. Continue sowing discord between Tolui and Temujin."

"I want Temujin to become completely isolated and helpless."

Zhu Houzhao's eyes grew cold.

As for pitying Temujin?

That was absolutely out of the question.

The Yuan Dynasty was the sworn enemy of the Ming Dynasty.

No matter what, it had to be destroyed.

The more miserable Temujin was, the more beneficial it would be for the Ming Dynasty.

The division of the Yuan Dynasty was only the first step in Zhu Houzhao's plan against it.

There were many more plans yet to be carried out.

Extreme caution was still necessary.

One hundred miles traveled is only half the journey.

One slip, and everything would be lost.

By then, it would be too late for regret.