Xue Yuan!
Murong Qiudi!
Lin Shiyin!
Song Yuhua!
Shi Feixuan.
One familiar yet unfamiliar name after another entered her sight.
All of them were once ranked on the Nine Provinces Golden Ranking.
But... Why were they participating in the Consort Selection?
With their strength, talent, and potential, they shouldn't care about something as trivial as a Consort Selection, right?
Even if His Majesty was a God Demon Realm cultivator, it still didn't make sense.
There must be secrets behind this, ones even she wasn't privy to!
An unprecedented sense of threat crept up on her.
As for people like Zhao Min and the like.
It was clear at a glance that they were spies planted by other nations in the Imperial Harem.
Even if there were more of them, she paid them no mind.
She had countless ways to deal with them in the future.
"Wan'er, pay special attention to these people. Do not harbor ill will against them."
"In the future, they may be both opponents and allies."
Shangguan Wan'er nodded knowingly.
==========
Ming Dynasty, Capital, Taibai Inn Backyard.
Zhu Houzhao was once again cozying up with Zi Nu.
"I might have to leave the Ming Dynasty and return to Hundred Yue City tomorrow."
"Leaving Yan Lingji and Fei Yan there alone... I'm uneasy."
"I just received news from Yan Lingji, Ying Zheng sent the Black Ice Platform Leader to infiltrate Hundred Yue City. Although he was caught, a confrontation with Ying Zheng is inevitable."
"I need to return and handle it personally!"
"Otherwise, Hundred Yue City might fall into Ying Zheng's trap."
Hearing this, Zhu Houzhao could only sigh in resignation.
He didn't want to part with her.
If he knew they'd agree, he would've asked Yan Lingji and the others to abandon Hundred Yue City and come live in the Ming Dynasty.
But he knew... that was impossible.
So many years had passed.
Hundred Yue City wasn't just their base of operations.
Countless innocent civilians relied on them for survival.
If they left, those people would suffer cruel fates, and the Qin Dynasty would never let them go.
So Zhu Houzhao didn't insist and put them in a difficult spot.
He would think of another way in the future.
As for the safety of the women, he had no concerns.
The fame of Hundred Yue City as a Forbidden Land was no joke.
"These are gifts from me. Give them to Yan Lingji and Fei Yan when you return."
"And this one, give it to Little Yue'er."
"Tell her I'll definitely visit her when I get the chance. If she's willing, she can live with me in the palace."
Hearing this, Zi Nu rolled her eyes at him.
"You really are a heartless father. You haven't seen Yue'er even once all these years!"
Zhu Houzhao scratched his nose awkwardly, unsure of how to respond.
Compared to the mess of palace politics, he wanted Yue'er to stay in Hundred Yue City.
Free, unbound, and happily growing up.
With Yan Lingji by her side, he had nothing to worry about.
Still, never having seen Su Yue in person... That was inexcusable.
He would find time to truly spend with them.
==========
Ming Imperial Palace.
[Ding! Congratulations to the host for another day of lying flat. You have received a random reward: Bodhi Comprehension Pill]
Another day of "lying flat."
The Bodhi Comprehension Pill would boost comprehension by a hundredfold for one hour.
An extraordinarily heaven-defying treasure.
Without hesitation, he swallowed it.
Then he took out the "River Diagram Book", a Heaven Dao Reward, and began to comprehend it rapidly.
It contained the laws of the stars and cosmos, mysteries of time and space.
Now that his comprehension was boosted a hundredfold, it was the perfect time.
Soon, Zhu Houzhao fell into a deep state of enlightenment.
In his mind, the mysterious principles of the universe echoed endlessly.
He became completely immersed.
At the same time, he integrated these profound forces into his self-created "Azure Lotus Immortal Scripture", pushing it closer to perfection.
What excited him the most.
Was that above the God Demon Realm, he had finally glimpsed hope.
==========
[Forbidden Land Ranking – Rank 7]
[Heaven Gate]
[Danger Level: Four Stars]
[Description: Those below the Land Immortal Realm who trespass will have no chance of survival. Those in the Heavenly Human or Mythical Realm, if constantly alert, have a 5% chance to escape. Otherwise, death is certain. Even God Demon Realm beings face risks of being sealed, killed, or enslaved]
[Reward: One Heaven-Grade Low-Tier Formation Disk, capable of setting up a Heaven-Grade Trap Formation]
==========
Han Dynasty Territory.
Atop a blood-soaked mountain peak.
The area was littered with corpses, blood everywhere.
"Di Shitian, you dare show your face again?"
"And commit such atrocious acts right under my nose? I won't let you off this time!"
A burly man emanating a terrifying aura shouted angrily at a masked man in an ice sculpture-like mask.
His eyes were burning with rage, almost tearing the skies apart.
"Hahaha! Wu Wudi, you're just a pitiful wretch clinging to life!"
"I never bothered with you, yet you won't stop chasing me!"
"Since that's the case, I'll erase you completely!"
Di Shitian showed no fear in the face of his fury, laughing in disdain.
Lately, because of the Nine Provinces Golden Ranking, Di Shitian had been feeling very upset.
Especially since Netherworld City, which he could once crush with a wave, now had a powerful backer.
He couldn't destroy it, but couldn't ignore it either, trapped in frustration.
So he went to a town near the Heaven Gate headquarters to play a little "game".
It resulted in countless innocent deaths.
And unfortunately for him, this act was witnessed by the reclusive cultivator Wu Wudi.
In an instant.
Enemies met. Blood boiled.
Two God Demon Realm beings clashed furiously.
Unfortunately, despite Wu Wudi's astonishing talent and combat prowess.
Due to limitations in his bloodline, his power fluctuated.
Every time he had a chance to finish the battle, he would fail at the last moment.
The battle reached a stalemate.
Di Shitian, meanwhile, viewed Wu Wudi as a major threat to his life.
He needed to eliminate this man before he grew more dangerous.
His eyes flickered.
"Wu Wudi, I have more important matters. I won't waste my time with a dying man like you!"
"I'm off to enjoy my next"game"!"
"Farewell!"
Di Shitian cackled and turned to flee.
Wu Wudi roared in rage and immediately gave chase.
Before long, he arrived at a towering mountain.
The moment he stepped in, an overwhelming pressure crashed down on him.
His expression changed drastically.
In just a breath, his power was halved!
"It's a trap!"
"Di Shitian, this was your plan all along?"
"You lured me here deliberately?"
Despite his aggressive personality, Wu Wudi became instantly alert.
He had confidence in his strength.
But Di Shitian was no ordinary foe.
One misstep could spell disaster.
"This place was a gift I prepared just for people like you!"
"Originally meant for the Ming Emperor and the two from Divine Search Palace!"
"But you'll do just fine as a test subject!"
"Hahaha!"
Di Shitian remained hidden, his arrogant voice echoing from all directions.
Wu Wudi felt utterly humiliated.
He acknowledged the strength of the Ming Emperor and the two God Demon Realm cultivators from Divine Search Palace.
But how could he be inferior to them?
"Hmph! Let's see what you've got, Di Shitian!"
Just as he took another step forward to challenge Di Shitian's methods.
Suddenly!
The Golden Ranking in the sky refreshed.
The name "Heaven Gate" especially made Wu Wudi's eyes go wide.
"Di Shitian, this is your Heaven Gate headquarters?"
"You dare reveal your lair?"
Di Shitian, still lurking, saw the updated ranking.
His face turned livid.
So close.
He was just about to trap and capture a God Demon Realm cultivator.
If all had gone well, he could've enslaved Wu Wudi.
Turned him into a loyal dog under his command.
But now, his cover was blown.
His enemy would surely become cautious.
No! He had to force it!
Di Shitian activated all mechanisms and formations at once.
Instantly, Wu Wudi felt an unprecedented sense of crisis.
It was like falling into an abyss of death.
His heart turned cold.
No longer caring about pride, he retreated with full force.
Back hundreds of meters before finally stopping.
Only after the danger subsided did he breathe a sigh of relief.
"Di Shitian! You've grown even more despicable than before."
"You're no longer a worthy opponent!"
"You disgrace the God Demon Realm!"
"To share the same realm as you is an embarrassment!"
"If you've got guts, fight me fairly!"
Wu Wudi cursed furiously.
The ranking made it clear.
Heaven Gate's danger level meant even God Demon Realm beings couldn't afford carelessness.
Just a little more, and he'd have been doomed.
Though he despised Di Shitian's character.
He had no choice but to respect his cunning.
Heaven Gate Forbidden Land, unless absolutely necessary, must not be approached.
Unless he could rally several God Demon Realm cultivators.
Then perhaps they could challenge it.
Previously, Wu Wudi hadn't taken the Golden Ranking's "Forbidden Lands" too seriously.
Now that he had tasted it for himself.
All disdain vanished.
Replaced with deep caution and vigilance.
"Di Shitian, this isn't over!"
"I will keep my eyes on you!"
"Unless you never leave your lair again!"
His harsh declaration rang in Di Shitian's ears.
The next moment, Wu Wudi flew away.
Di Shitian's lips twitched violently.
His raging fury had nowhere to go.
But worst of all.
Despite all his effort in rebuilding Heaven Gate.
It only ranked 7th?
How insulting was that?
Was the Nine Provinces Golden Ranking deliberately mocking him and Heaven Gate?!