Ming Imperial Palace.
Zhu Houzhao sat on the dragon throne in the Imperial Study, holding the Heaven Dao Reward, the "River Diagram Book", constantly deducing something.
After a long while, his expression became complicated.
This Saint-Grade Treasure contained the principles of cosmic constellations.
If fully comprehended, it could potentially help him break through to a realm beyond the God Demon Realm.
At the same time, it could be used to predict certain information about the future.
Even Zhu Houzhao could not help but feel shaken by the fragmented information appearing in his mind through the deductions.
Just as he had expected, the Nine Provinces World was far from peaceful on the surface.
Hidden crises were brewing beneath.
He needed to prepare even more.
"Brother!"
At that moment, a lively and cheerful voice came from outside.
Before she finished speaking, a figure had already burst in.
"What is it, Yun Luo? You're about to become a Great Grandmaster. How can you still be so rash?"
Zhu Houzhao cast an annoyed glance at Princess Yun Luo.
"Brother, Mother is calling for you."
"Her expression doesn't look good at all."
"You should be careful."
Princess Yun Luo whispered cautiously.
"What? Mother is still angry with the Empress? Wasn't she very fond of her?"
"You said it. Ever since the Golden Ranking revealed the Empress's identity, Mother has been displeased with her, thinking she's a scheming woman."
"Now she views the Empress as someone trying to disrupt the government."
"She used to love the Empress, but now she hates her just as much."
"She's currently selecting new Consorts for you to fill the Imperial Harem."
"Mother wants more Consorts to suppress the Empress."
"Brother, you're in trouble. Your Imperial Harem might become a battlefield."
Yun Luo spoke animatedly, clearly enjoying the drama.
"Choosing Consorts?" Zhu Houzhao was slightly stunned.
Wasn't that a good thing?
But then he thought of the many women in the Martial World who were close to him, and his head started to ache.
==========
Imperial Harem, Empress Dowager Palace.
At this moment, the Director of the Eastern Factory, Cao Zhengchun, was being fiercely scolded like a dog by the Empress Dowager.
"Cao Zhengchun, is this what you're doing?"
"You found nothing about the Empress's true identity. Her hidden strength is terrifying."
"If she intends to bring chaos to the Ming Dynasty, wouldn't it be a disaster?"
"The Emperor knows she is scheming, yet he does nothing."
"The Emperor has been bewitched by that Witch."
"I will not allow the same disgrace that befell the Han Imperial Harem to happen in the Ming Dynasty."
"I will never let such a devious woman stay in the palace unchecked."
"Cao Zhengchun, immediately issue my decree. I want to choose new Consorts for the Emperor."
Cao Zhengchun trembled.
"Does the Empress Dowager intend to use the new Consorts against the Empress?"
"But the Empress is extremely powerful. Ordinary women are no match for her."
Hearing this, the Empress Dowager's expression shifted.
"If ordinary women are not enough, then choose extraordinary ones."
"The Ming Dynasty is vast. Are you telling me we can't find one or two suitable candidates?"
"Reporting to the Empress Dowager, there are several suitable candidates on the Hidden Dragon Ranking."
"You will handle this matter."
"Eunuch Cao, do not mess this up like last time."
"Otherwise, even if the Emperor objects, I will strip you of your position as the Director of the Eastern Factory."
Her tone was cold and threatening.
"This old servant obeys your decree."
==========
As the Empress Dowager's edict was issued, it quickly spread across the Nine Provinces within hours.
Had Zhu Houzhao been a regular Emperor, such news might not have caused such a stir.
But he was now a true God Demon Realm Land Immortal.
And still so young.
He was destined for even greater achievements in the future.
Countless individuals and powers were constantly watching his every move.
Unfortunately, Zhu Houzhao had always portrayed himself as a foolish Emperor who ignored state affairs and lingered in the Imperial Harem.
Clearly, that was all a facade.
Sadly, the Imperial Harem had become a Forbidden Land of the Ming Dynasty.
In fact, it had become the most terrifying place in the entire Nine Provinces.
No one dared to investigate it.
Now that the Empress Dowager intended to select Consorts for Zhu Houzhao, countless forces were shaken.
This was a rare opportunity.
A chance to get close to the Emperor.
A chance to study him.
A chance to build a relationship.
And a perfect chance to scheme against him.
Such a chance could not be missed.
At the same time, many women who admired the Emperor also felt their hearts stir.
If they could become one of his Consorts, they would rise to the top.
Not only that, but they might also receive cultivation from the Emperor and become powerful cultivators.
Immediately, the people of the Ming Dynasty and the Martial World were in an uproar.
Even the entire Nine Provinces was stirred.
Countless people's eyes gleamed with calculation.
==========
Empress Palace.
"Miss, what should we do?"
"You've completely offended the Empress Dowager."
"Every time I see her, I tremble with fear."
"That woman clearly doesn't know martial arts, but she's terrifying."
The Palace Maid Qing'er spoke anxiously.
"Miss, I think your greatest threat isn't the Empress Dowager, but the new Consorts."
"This time, the ones chosen won't be ordinary women."
"Even if they are not as outstanding as you, a single mistake could become a serious problem."
Shangguan Wan'er also looked worried.
After the previous incident, the Empress Wu Zhao had brought Shangguan Wan'er into the palace.
She had become the Empress's closest servant.
The girl was talented and often provided valuable help.
Over time, Wu Zhao had grown very satisfied with her.
Another trusted aide, Di Renjie, had been arranged to work in the Ministry of Justice.
His future looked promising.
"Wan'er is right. The Empress Dowager is furious at my previous deception."
"She's convinced that I harbor ulterior motives toward His Majesty."
"If I can prove I am wholeheartedly devoted to His Majesty, her hostility will eventually fade."
"She might even regain trust in me."
"As for those Consorts, they will be a real problem."
"They won't be like Long'er, who has no desire for power."
"Many of them are likely here just to take me down."
"There will definitely be schemers among them."
"The Imperial Harem is going to be lively."
"Even the Empress Dowager may regret her actions."
"But so what? Even someone like Di Shitian doesn't scare me. Why would I fear a bunch of petty women?"
A look of disdain filled the Empress's eyes.
==========
Ming Martial World.
Heavenly Venerable Organization Headquarters.
"Sister Qiudi, look. The Empress Dowager is choosing Consorts."
"What should we do? He's getting more and more women. Will he forget us in the future?"
Lin Shiyin ran over in a panic, seeking advice from Murong Qiudi.
Murong Qiudi also felt the urgency.
"Shiyin, we must take part in the selection. We must enter the palace. That's our battlefield now."
"Compared to that place, the Martial World is like a small pond."
"No matter how strong our Heavenly Venerable Organization is, it's nothing in comparison."
"We only have a chance against that woman if we gain the Emperor's help."
Murong Qiudi said with determination.
"Consort Selection? But we're just martial women. Won't we be eliminated in the first round?"
Lin Shiyin looked worried.
"Shiyin, you need to understand the purpose of this selection."
"Purpose? What purpose?" Lin Shiyin was stunned.
"This selection was arranged by the Empress Dowager specifically to deal with the Empress."
"In her eyes, the Empress is a Witch conspiring to seize power."
"She thinks the Empress is like Empress Yu of the Han Dynasty, a woman who brings chaos to the court."
"She believes that if the Emperor weren't powerful, the Empress would have already taken over."
A faint smile appeared on Murong Qiudi's lips.
It seemed the Empress Dowager was someone they could win over.
"Oh, I see. The new Consorts are just pawns to counter the Empress."
Lin Shiyin said quietly.
"That doesn't matter. What matters is what the Emperor thinks."
"This is a rare opportunity."
"A chance to stay by the Emperor's side forever."
"Shiyin, will you go with me?"
"Don't worry about getting selected. I have my ways."
"Of course!"
Murong Qiudi and Lin Shiyin exchanged smiles.
"Can we join too?"
At that moment, You Ruo and Song Yuhua walked over with hopeful expressions.
Since Murong Qiudi invited them during the Martial Force Ranking incident, the four women had grown close despite not being selected.
"You Ruo, Yuhua, you are not from the Ming Dynasty. It might be difficult for you to qualify."
Murong Qiudi and Lin Shiyin exchanged wary glances.
These two women were not simple. They had to be cautious.
Even though their relationship was friendly now, they could become enemies over that man.
You Ruo grew anxious. Song Yuhua remained calm.
"Qiudi, if we are chosen, You Ruo and I will continue to support you."
"We will never act against your interests."
"With our help, your goal might succeed."
"That Empress is too powerful. Without unity, we won't stand a chance."
Song Yuhua clearly understood Murong Qiudi's concerns.
But at this moment, getting into the palace came first.
They could deal with the rest later.
Besides, they could tell from their time together that Qiudi and Shiyin were not evil.
Especially Shiyin, who had a kind heart.
"We will follow Yuhua's lead."
Although You Ruo lacked the same tact as Yuhua, she had good self-awareness.
Murong Qiudi hesitated, then finally nodded.
"Alright. Let's hope we continue to work well together."
Thus, the Empress Wu Zhao's most troublesome alliance within the Imperial Harem was formed.
==========
Ming Dynasty, Capital.
Taibai Inn Backyard.
"Zi Nu, what do we do? That scumbag is choosing Consorts again."
"We're falling further behind."
"He's going to forget about us, isn't he?"
Hong Lian was frantic.
"Zi Nu, what should we do? We'll follow your lead."
Nong Yu looked serious.
Zi Nu pondered for a long time, then looked at them.
"Do you want to enter the Ming Imperial Palace?"
"If you do, you may never return to Hundred Yue City."
"Zi Nu, what about you?"
"Besides, what about our age?"
Both girls hesitated.
"You're close to the Land Immortal Realm. Age doesn't matter."
"If that scumbag is willing, he can make us stay young forever."
"I'm only asking if you want to."
"Yes!"
Neither Hong Lian nor Nong Yu held back.
"Good. When he comes, just speak with him. It shouldn't be a problem."
"What about you, Zi Nu?"
"I'll stay outside the palace. We still have Hundred Yue City to manage."
"If Hundred Yue were in the Ming Dynasty Territory, it would be different."
"But without me and Yan Lingji, Fei Yan, and Xue Nu, Hundred Yue will fall."
Nong Yu hesitated.
"Should I stay with you?"
"No need. You must gain influence in the Imperial Harem."
"You two will represent Hundred Yue from now on."
"With you there, he won't forget us."
Nong Yu and Hong Lian nodded heavily.
Compared to the Martial World, the Imperial Harem was another battlefield.
Though the Emperor would protect them, the competition there would be even more intense.
It might even spill over into the outside world and the entire Nine Provinces.
==========
Meanwhile, four women who had just entered the Ming Dynasty Territory, Xue Yuan, Wan Wan, Shi Feixuan, and Huang Rong, also heard the news.
Though annoyed, they were also intrigued.
Why couldn't they become the Emperor's Consorts or even his Empress?
Especially Wan Wan and Huang Rong, who were immediately tempted.
Xue Yuan and Shi Feixuan were a little slower to react.
"Divine Princess, do you want to truly become that man's woman?"
"With his power, he can protect you from anything."
"Even the Longevity Immortal God and Demon Lord can't stop him."
Hearing that from the Divine Mother Xiao Qing, Xue Yuan's heart wavered.
She liked him. That much was certain.
But she was concerned about the two in the Divine Spirit Palace.
Then she realized the man she loved was no weaker than them and made up her mind.
"I do. I want to be with him every day."
"Good. I'll make the arrangements."
"What about you three? If you help the Divine Princess in the Imperial Harem, I'll help you too."
Without hesitation, Wan Wan and Huang Rong agreed.
Shi Feixuan hesitated.
She seemed torn.
But seeing Wan Wan next to her, she clenched her teeth and agreed.
She knew that if Wan Wan entered the Imperial Harem and she didn't, their gap would grow.
As for Cihang Tranquil School and the conflict with the Yingui Sect?
Once they surpassed those realms, such disputes became meaningless.
Righteous and demonic struggles were just another form of interest-driven politics.