[Hidden Dragon Ranking – Rank 22]
[Xiang Shaoyu]
[Identity: Young Master of the Xiang Clan]
[Cultivation: Great Perfection Innate Realm]
[Technique: Xiang Clan Heart Method, Overlord Spear Technique]
[Reward: Earth-Grade Mid-Tier Pill – Divine Strength Pill, enhances natural strength, doubles divine power upon consumption]
As expected!
Since Jing Tianming appeared on the list, there was no reason for the future Overlord of Chu to be left out.
With only two remaining spots, Xiang Shaoyu had to be either second or first.
But this left some curious. Who in the Nine Provinces could surpass Xiang Shaoyu?
Perhaps someone stronger existed, but those would be at the Grandmaster or Great Grandmaster realm.
Right now, Emperor Ying Zheng's expression was likely turning green.
After all, his dynasty finally had names appear on the list.
Only to find that one was a sworn enemy.
And the other, a rebel who vowed to destroy his kingdom.
Zhu Houzhao couldn't help but feel a little gleeful.
This was one drama that absolutely couldn't be missed.
———
The Xiang Clan Ancestral Land, Great Qin.
As soon as their young master's name appeared on the list, the entire Xiang Clan erupted in celebration.
Everyone was thrilled and dancing with joy.
After all, this list covered the entire Nine Provinces.
In the future, their young master would surely become a Great Grandmaster.
Perhaps even one of the legendary Land Immortals.
Under his leadership, the rise of the Xiang Clan was now within reach.
Even overthrowing the tyrannical Qin might become reality.
Even Xiang Shaoyu himself was immensely excited.
Without hesitation, he swallowed the Divine Strength Pill in his hand.
He was already born with incredible strength. With the pill, his power would now be unimaginable.
In the future, once his cultivation rose, he could probably crush opponents at the same level with sheer strength alone.
Everyone in the Xiang Clan was celebrating.
All except two, who wore worried expressions.
Their eyes even carried a hint of fear.
"Mister Fan, what should we do now? While Shaoyu's ranking brings great prestige, it will surely draw Ying Zheng's attention."
"If he sends troops to eliminate us, our current strength won't be enough to resist."
Xiang Liang was anxious.
It was too early.
They were not ready yet, and now they were exposed. There was no way they could withstand Ying Zheng's retaliation.
If Ying Zheng truly ordered a massacre, what awaited them was total annihilation.
Forget rising up.
Just keeping Shaoyu alive would be an uphill battle.
Now he didn't even know whether he should rejoice or be angry at the Hidden Dragon Ranking.
"Calm down. This might not be as bad as we fear."
Fan Zeng shook his head, his eyes gleaming with wisdom.
"At present, anti-Qin forces are spread throughout Great Qin. Nearly everyone is lying in wait for the right moment."
"All that's missing is a trigger. Once it comes, the entire rebellion will erupt."
"Of course, the Xiang Clan alone cannot resist Ying Zheng, but we can form alliances."
"Moreover, many factions are using us as a shield to draw fire from Ying Zheng. They won't want us destroyed."
"That is our opportunity."
Xiang Liang's expression changed slightly.
"What should we do? Who should we ally with?"
"The Mohist School."
"The Mohists are the most resolute anti-Qin faction. Ying Zheng has always seen them as a thorn in his side."
"If we seek their aid, they will surely respond."
Fan Zeng spoke with full confidence.
"Then we'll do exactly as you say. I'll send someone to contact the Mohist School at once."
"Back when Qin and Chu fought their final battle, it was thanks to the Mohists that Shaoyu survived."
"We've always looked out for each other."
"They won't ignore our plea for help."
"Pack everything. We must be ready to relocate the ancestral land at any moment. It's no longer safe here."
———
Great Qin Imperial Palace.
Boom!
A loud bang echoed through the great hall.
"Xiang Shaoyu, grandson of Xiang Yan, young master of the Xiang Clan!"
"These anti-Qin forces really are like lingering ghosts."
"Zhao Gao, inform Meng Tian at once. Have him dispatch the Golden Fire Cavalry and wipe out the Xiang Clan. Leave no one alive."
If Jing Tianming and Ge Nie were small threats, then Xiang Shaoyu was the true danger.
No matter how much Jing Tianming grew, he would at most damage the dynasty's vitality.
But Xiang Shaoyu was different.
If he fully matured, the very foundations of Qin would be shaken.
He must be eliminated while he is still weak.
At just twelve years old, he already ranked twenty-second on the Hidden Dragon Ranking with a Great Perfection Innate cultivation. This alone showed how powerful his potential, fate, and fortune were.
By the time he reached his twenties or thirties…
He might very well become a Great Grandmaster, or even a Land Immortal.
He could not be left unchecked.
Below him, Zhao Gao broke into a cold sweat, not daring to take the matter lightly.
Ever since the golden list appeared, every second of his life had been filled with dread.
One careless move and he could be killed.
On top of that, several tasks Emperor Ying Zheng had assigned him hadn't gone well.
If questioned, he would be in serious trouble.
He had to complete at least one mission to please the emperor and cover his own position.
———
If Jing Tianming's appearance on the list merely surprised the major powers in Qin…
Then Xiang Shaoyu's appearance caused a full-blown uproar.
Especially among the anti-Qin forces, who began having all kinds of ideas.
Unfortunately…
Xiang Shaoyu only ranked twenty-second.
Had he been ranked second, or even twelfth, they might have taken immediate action.
So for now, they continued to lie low.
———
One hundred meters above the ground
Giant and Master Ban of the Mohist School rode their mechanical bird quickly toward Mechanism City.
When they saw Xiang Shaoyu's name appear on the ranking…
Giant's heart stirred.
"Master Ban, notify the disciples near the Xiang Clan. Tell them to escort their people to Mechanism City for refuge."
"Giant, we must be cautious. If anyone in the Xiang Clan betrays us, it could bring ruin to the Mohist School. Shouldn't we think this through?"
"No need. Mechanism City is heavily fortified. Unless the Qin army personally attacks, there is nothing to fear."
"On the contrary, this is our best chance to stand united with the Xiang Clan and survive what's to come."
"I've received word that Ying Zheng has already begun planning the destruction of the Mohist School. Now is the time to unite all possible allies."
"The Xiang Clan is just one of many. The six former kingdoms cannot be ignored either."
"Among the Hundred Schools of Thought, there are plenty who hate Qin. They're all potential allies."
"You handle the Xiang Clan. I'll personally deal with the others."
"With the golden list now in the world, this is our one chance to turn the tide and destroy Great Qin."
At these words, Giant's eyes burned with intense ambition.
As he looked toward the golden list glowing in the sky, a surge of wild ambition rose within him.