Qin Dynasty.
"Why is it someone from the Ming Dynasty on the list again?"
"We have so many geniuses in the Qin Dynasty, yet not a single one can make it onto the ranking?"
Ying Zheng furrowed his brows in confusion.
Could it be that the Heavenly Ranking looks down on the Qin Dynasty?
"Zhao Gao, what's the progress on capturing Ge Nie?" Ying Zheng asked with a deep frown.
"Your Majesty, Ge Nie has now allied himself with the Xiang Clan and the Mohist School," Zhao Gao replied.
"Many rebels from the former Six Kingdoms are also secretly aiding their escape."
"The Prime Minister has already hired Wei Zhuang from the Quicksand Organization to assist in capturing them."
"It should not take long before Ge Nie is brought to justice."
"But..."
Zhao Gao hesitated at this point.
"But what?"
"Recently, the Yin Yang School seems to be making unusual moves."
"They've even sent quite a number of people to Baiyue City."
Ying Zheng's interest was piqued.
"Is it about the Eastern Monarch?"
"If so, this could be a good chance to use her to test that unfathomable Eastern Sovereign Tai Yi."
"I want to see what he truly wants for having helped the Qin Dynasty all those years ago."
If the Eastern Monarch and Eastern Sovereign Tai Yi were to fall into bitter conflict, it would serve him best.
Two Land Immortals joining forces would be too terrifying.
"Your Majesty, about Su Yue, the top innate talent on the Hidden Dragon Ranking, should we try to control her?"
"That might turn the Eastern Monarch into one of our pawns."
At this point, a cold glint flashed in Zhao Gao's eyes.
He began laying out a series of sinister schemes.
Ying Zheng was tempted, but after thinking further, he shook his head cautiously.
"Let's observe for a while longer."
"A Land Immortal, and a woman no less, if she turns against us, the consequences would be catastrophic."
"Are you one hundred percent sure you can control her?"
"The Eastern Monarch might be threatened, but what about those women in Baiyue City? How will you handle them?"
A single misstep, and Baiyue City might turn against the Qin Dynasty entirely.
That could be far more dangerous than dealing with the remnants of the Six Kingdoms.
"And have you thought about the mysterious Azure Lotus Sword Immortal?"
As the two of them continued their secret conversation, they had no idea…
In a hidden corner not far from them, a shadowy figure was silently eavesdropping, recording everything.
Word for word, nothing was missed.
This person's concealment skills were unbelievable.
Even Zhao Gao, Ying Zheng, and the ever-present palace guards had failed to detect anything.
==========
Sui Dynasty Imperial Palace.
"Your Majesty, I have brought you the Twin Dragons of Yangzhou."
A graceful and dignified woman in royal robes walked into the hall.
She respectfully bowed to Emperor Yang Guang.
Behind her stood two familiar figures, Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling, who had nearly been caught by Wan Wan over a month ago.
But how had they ended up in the hands of Empress Xiao Meiniang of Sui Dynasty?
Clearly, their journey over the past month must have been extraordinary.
"The Twin Dragons of Yangzhou?"
"Empress, how did you find them?"
"Weren't the spies from the other dynasties trying to eliminate them?"
Yang Guang's mind worked swiftly.
"When the snipe and clam fight, it's the fisherman who profits."
"Add to that their own cleverness, and in the end, my people managed to rescue them."
A glint of brilliance flashed in Empress Xiao's beautiful eyes.
"Interesting. Anyone recognized by the Hidden Dragon Ranking, even if only at the innate level, shouldn't be underestimated."
"In that case, Empress, I'll leave them to you for training."
"I hope they'll bring some pleasant surprises in the future."
Yang Guang waved his hand, not overly concerned about the two.
A month ago, he might have been intrigued.
Now, his focus has shifted to Grandmasters and Hidden Dragons at the Great Grandmaster level.
What use were two Innate realm warriors?
By the time they reached the Great Grandmaster Realm, the opportunity would have long passed.
"Very well. I do need more capable subordinates. These two are just right."
Empress Xiao smiled and accepted the task, leading the twins away.
==========
Inside the Empress's Palace.
"Kou Zhong, Xu Ziling, do you know why I saved you?"
Seated high above, Empress Xiao looked down at the two with stern eyes.
An intense pressure radiated from her body, making both of them tense.
"Empress, you're actually this powerful?"
This aura wasn't any weaker than Wan Wan or Fairy Shi!
"It must be because we're the Twin Dragons of Yangzhou, rare talents the Empress wishes to nurture."
"Your talents are decent, but still not enough to impress me."
"Then… is it because of the Longevity Art?" Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling exchanged a wary glance.
"Yes, and no."
Empress Xiao nodded, then shook her head.
What did that mean?
Suddenly, the aura around her began to shift.
Fiery red, earthy yellow, grassy green, water blue, golden yellow, black, and white…
Multiple colors cycled one after another.
At the same time,
Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling's internal energy began circulating on its own.
"The Longevity Art?!"
"Empress, you're also cultivating the Longevity Art?!"
The Twin Dragons were stunned, blurting it out in disbelief.
"As expected. Now, shouldn't you kneel and call me Master?"
"Ah?!!"
They were completely dumbfounded.
Their minds blanked for a moment.
Fortunately, Kou Zhong was quick-witted.
He dragged Xu Ziling to the ground, both bowing with nine resounding kowtows.
With excitement on their faces, they shouted:
"Disciple Kou Zhong (Xu Ziling), greets Master!"
"Not bad. You are teachable. Get up."
"Though you managed to cultivate the Longevity Art by chance, you understand very little of its true mysteries. Starting tomorrow, I will personally guide you through its real secrets."
"At the same time, you will begin to manage some of my forces. Think of it as training."
"Thank you, Empress… no, thank you, Master!"
Watching the cheerful Twin Dragons leave, Empress Xiao let out a sigh.
"So this is what it was all about. Did you foresee this years ago?"
"Do you truly possess the ability to see the future?"
"If so, why didn't you take me with you back then? Why leave me to suffer here alone?"
Empress Xiao murmured to herself, her tone filled with sorrow and longing.