Not long after the Rank 3 on the Sword Immortal Ranking was announced, the ranking updated once more.
[Sword Immortal Ranking – Rank 2]
[Murong Xisheng]
[Identity: Master of the Sword Tomb]
[Cultivation: Late God Demon Realm Land Immortal]
[Sword Dao Comprehension: Fourth Cycle, Forming]
[Reward: Immortal-Grade Divine Sword – Yin Yang Twin Swords, containing a complete set of immortal Sword Techniques, with unfathomable power]
At this moment, Murong Xisheng was training in the Sword Tomb, practicing a Sword Technique taught to her by Zhu Houzhao.
To her astonishment, she found herself truly ranked on the Sword Immortal Ranking.
Even with her calm and composed nature, she couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.
Soon after, two Divine Swords radiating terrifying auras appeared in her hands.
One yin, one yang. One red, one green.
The Yin Yang Twin Swords.
Immortal-Grade divine weapons.
Not inferior to the previously awarded Male-Female Twin Swords.
In fact, they might even surpass them.
"What fine swords."
"There's even a dual cultivation Sword Technique within!"
"Is this hinting that I should train with that guy?"
"When combined, the twin swords' power is over ten times greater than when used alone."
"Looks like I really do need him."
"I'll have to let him know to visit the Sword Tomb often and train with me."
Thinking this, even Murong Xisheng couldn't hide a trace of joy and anticipation.
With a few swings, sharp sword energy scattered in every direction.
Had she not restrained it intentionally, the entire Sword Tomb could have been destroyed.
"What?!"
"The masters of both Thinking Yi Island and the Sword Tomb are truly God Demon Realm cultivators?"
"And both of them are women?"
==========
In Xianyang Palace of the Qin Dynasty, even Ying Zheng was visibly shocked.
He had long suspected the masters of the two Forbidden Lands were extraordinary.
But to have it confirmed still left him in disbelief.
Even among God Demon Realm cultivators, they were no weaklings.
Now, with the Heaven Dao Rewards in hand, they have become even more powerful.
The question remained. Were they friends or foes?
If they turned out to be enemies, even the Qin Dynasty's immense foundation would suffer heavy losses.
"Someone, summon the gentleman!"
Soon, a middle-aged scholar was brought before Ying Zheng by Black Ice Terrace agents.
"Sir, do you know when he will awaken?"
Ying Zheng asked with a serious tone.
"Your Majesty, is this about the masters of Thinking Yi Island and the Sword Tomb?"
"He is currently at a critical stage of breakthrough. Forcing him awake now would certainly cause him to fail."
"It may take a very long time before another opportunity arises."
"Perhaps never again."
The scholar's face darkened as he explained the gravity of the situation.
"A crucial moment... then we wait."
"Right now, nothing is more important than his breakthrough."
"If he succeeds, he will become one of the Qin Dynasty's ultimate foundations."
"Afterward, our dynasty will no longer need to restrain itself."
Ying Zheng's expression shifted multiple times before he finally sighed.
"Your Majesty, for now, we should avoid engaging with the two Forbidden Land masters."
"Both the Heaven Palace and the Earth Mansion are determined to recruit them."
"Until we understand the true nature of those two organizations, we must not act rashly."
"From what I've seen recently, even our Qin Dynasty's deep resources are ineffective against them."
"Not even their leaders could be harmed by us."
"After all, the members of those two groups joined only for personal gain. They are not the founders' true confidants."
"Who knows what even stronger powers may be hidden behind them?"
To the scholar, the true threat came not from Thinking Yi Island or the Sword Tomb, but from the Heaven Palace and the Earth Mansion.
He had long suspected both groups harbored ill intent toward the various dynasties, including the Qin Dynasty.
It was not impossible that they would one day become direct enemies.
In contrast, Thinking Yi Island and the Sword Tomb seemed more like martial sects, uninterested in imperial dominance.
Both Mei Yinxue and Murong Xisheng were formerly from the Ming Dynasty.
Thus, the one who should be troubled was Emperor Zhu Houzhao.
Still, thinking about it, the Ming Dynasty was indeed a strange place.
So many powerful cultivators had emerged from it.
The number of God Demon Realm, Mythical Realm, and Heavenly Human Realm cultivators had far exceeded expectations.
Fortunately, these forces and individuals weren't united.
Many were even hostile toward each other.
Otherwise, if they were all subdued by Zhu Houzhao, it would be a true catastrophe.
Even more terrifying than the hidden Heaven Palace and Earth Mansion.
In the end, the greatest threat to the Qin Dynasty might not be those conspicuous powers, but the often-overlooked Emperor Zhu Houzhao.
"Sir, do we have a chance to approach those two God Demon Realm cultivators?"
"Even if they don't join us, temporary cooperation would still be valuable."
"Your Majesty, they are women. Before we understand their identities and goals, it's best not to get too involved."
"Otherwise, we could easily fall into traps and schemes."
"These two are not alone. They certainly have strong forces supporting them."
"They don't just represent their own strength but the might behind them."
"One misstep could bring disaster to the Qin Dynasty."
"The more critical the situation becomes, the more cautious we must be."
"Only after that man completes his breakthrough will we have some confidence."
"Very well, we'll follow your judgment."
"I did get a bit too anxious."
"The appearance of the Nine Provinces Golden Ranking has disrupted years of careful planning."
"And from now on, the world will face more and more uncertainties."
"It's not looking good for us."
The scholar also sighed.
However, he had a different view on the Golden Ranking.
While the changes they brought would have great consequences, they might not all be bad for the Qin Dynasty.
His greatest concern lay in the martial sects and the two organizations.
Among imperial powers, Zhu Houzhao, Temujin, Li Shimin, and even Yang Guang were all troublesome.
Especially the Ming Emperor, Zhu Houzhao.
He was the most difficult to deal with.
Yet, he was also the one that had to be eliminated for the Qin Dynasty's ambition to unify the world.
==========
Qin Dynasty.
Land of Hundred Yue, Hundred Yue City.
"Another two God Demon Realm cultivators?"
"And both are from the Ming Dynasty, residing within its borders?"
"With that scoundrel's personality, there's no way he wouldn't keep a close watch on such dangerous individuals and forces."
"If they were men, they'd surely be secretly dealt with."
"If they were women, he'd undoubtedly launch a full offensive."
"If my guess is correct, those two Forbidden Land masters have already fallen into that scoundrel's hands!"
Yan Lingji, who knew Zhu Houzhao all too well, had pretty much figured things out.
She had accurately guessed that both Forbidden Land masters were connected to Zhu Houzhao.
"Yan Lingji, aren't you exaggerating a bit?"
"I admit that man is quite impressive, but not to the point where God Demon Realm cultivators would throw themselves at him."
"Any cultivator at that level has their own pride."
"Why would they ever share a man with other women?"
"If I weren't weaker than him, I would've stormed the Ming Imperial Palace long ago!"
Eastern Monarch Yan Fei rolled her eyes in disbelief.
She felt that Yan Lingji had completely demonized Zhu Houzhao.
Did she really think all women were as foolish as them?
That just seeing that scoundrel would make them rush into his arms?
Where could anyone get such luck?
Yan Lingji wasn't angry. Instead, she giggled.
"Fei Yan, let me ask you this. With that scoundrel's abilities, would it even be possible for him not to know about those two?"
"And especially when they're right at his doorstep?"
Eastern Monarch Yan Fei paused, then reluctantly nodded.
"That guy may be a scoundrel, but his skills are undeniable."
"There's no way he wouldn't know about the two Forbidden Lands."
"Exactly, Fei Yan."
"With his personality, he would either bring those God Demon Realm women to his side or find a way to control them."
"And if he can't control them, he would definitely plant traps and schemes."
"So, which outcome do you think it is?"
"With that scoundrel's power, he's surely not weaker than the two masters."
"If that's the case, then the best strategy is obvious."
Listening to Yan Lingji's logical breakdown, even Eastern Monarch Yan Fei clenched her teeth in frustration.
If Zhu Houzhao were here, he'd be bitten fiercely by these women.
That guy was truly infuriating.
No wonder he hadn't come to save them all these years.
Turns out, he had been busy chasing women all over.
And not just any women, but powerful God Demon Realm cultivators.
Yan Lingji's suspicions and fears might just come true.
The thought of having to compete with God Demon Realm cultivators as romantic rivals gave them both a headache.
Even reaching the Heavenly Human or Mythical Realm wasn't enough.
Being that scoundrel's woman came with unbearable pressure.
==========
Tang Imperial Palace, Taiji Hall.
"Master Yuan, how have you been recovering these days? Has your injury healed?"
Last time, during the battle in the Han Dynasty to seize Nameless's Dragon Essence, he returned heavily wounded.
From that point on, Li Shimin had to admit that even someone as powerful as Yuan Tiangang wasn't as invincible as he once thought.
In the past, Yuan Tiangang always seemed unbeatable only because his opponents were far weaker.
But once he faced someone of equal or greater strength, he was no different from anyone else.
When it was time to lose, he lost miserably all the same.
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am fully recovered."
"That's good. If Master Yuan is well, then I can rest easy."
Li Shimin gave a polite compliment, though it was half-hearted.
Though he was unwilling to accept the failure of the Dragon Essence competition, he didn't blame the Yuan Dynasty too much.
After all, men like Yuan Tiangang were few and far between in his service.
If only the Empress would submit to him, that would be even better.
"Master Yuan, do you think we have any chance of bringing the two Forbidden Land masters under our banner?"
"Two God Demon Realm cultivators. If we succeed, the Tang Dynasty's strength will be unmatched."
Yuan Tiangang was startled at once.
After encountering Yin Zhong and Di Shitian last time, he deeply understood the enormous gap between the Mythical Realm and the God Demon Realm.
Even calling it a chasm would be an understatement.
If they angered either of the Forbidden Land masters, and they launched a decisive attack against the Imperial Family, he wouldn't be able to stop them.
That would be more outrageous than a snake trying to swallow an elephant.
What Yuan Tiangang failed to notice was the faint smirk of ridicule on Li Shimin's lips from atop the dragon throne.
"Master Yuan, the Tang Dynasty doesn't need to directly engage with those two."
"All you need to do is gather information on them in secret."
"I have great use for it."
Even if the Tang Dynasty couldn't recruit the two God Demon Realm cultivators, completing the "mission" would bring endless rewards.
Yuan Tiangang might not have the power to challenge them head-on, but gathering intelligence in secret was well within his abilities.
==========
Sui Imperial Palace.
"Supreme Master Yuwen, I have a task for you."
"Go to the Ming Martial World and thoroughly investigate the Thinking Yi Island master Mei Yinxue and the Sword Tomb master Murong Xisheng."
"I have great use for this."
Yang Guang spoke with visible excitement toward Yuwen Tuo.
Below, Yuwen Tuo's figure stirred slightly.
Then, a flash of surprise crossed his eyes as he looked at Yang Guang.
He seemed to realize something remarkable.
Yang Guang wasn't as simple as he appeared.
Had he already joined one of those two organizations?
The Heaven Palace? The Earth Mansion?
Was he gathering intelligence in order to recruit the two Forbidden Land masters into his force?
If so, he could earn a massive amount of points and further strengthen himself.
He might even cure the "condition" afflicting his body.
Thinking this, even though Yang Guang was his own Emperor, Yuwen Tuo couldn't help but feel cautious.
Was Yang Guang a fellow member of the Heaven Palace?
Or was he part of the Earth Mansion?
Though he showed no reaction outwardly, Yuwen Tuo began to think deeply.
He had already planned to gather information on the two masters.
Now, he would simply devote more resources to it.
At that moment, neither Mei Yinxue nor Murong Xisheng had any idea they were already being watched.
==========
Meanwhile.
Mei Yinxue walked across the sea.
With almost no effort, she crossed the waters and stepped onto the Ming Dynasty's land.
Returning to a place both familiar and strange, Mei Yinxue's heart was completely different from before.
Those who once called for her death were now nothing more than ants in her eyes.
They couldn't even stir the slightest emotion in her.
If anyone dared to slander or chase her again, she would pursue them to the end.
She would kill them and annihilate their clans.
No more hesitation.
As long as she believed she was right, she would no longer care about consequences.
Of course, with her strength at the God Demon Realm, who would dare provoke her?
Her aura alone would crush most.
Ordinary cultivators stood no chance.
Even those at the Heavenly Human or Mythical Realms were barely worth mentioning.
"Yin Tianxue, stop right there. Hand over Nameless, then give up the Spirit Mirror. For the sake of you being my niece, I'll leave you a whole corpse."
Not far from her, a furious shout echoed.
Mei Yinxue halted her steps slightly.
"Has the world changed so much that God Demon Realm cultivators are everywhere?"
"I just stepped onto land and already encountered one?"
She was a bit surprised and immediately became alert.
"Second Uncle, give it up."
"You think I'm afraid of you?"
"If you're not worried about worsening your injuries, then keep chasing!"
Yin Tianxue's clear and sharp voice rang out.
"Take this, Spirit Mirror!"
She swung the Spirit Mirror in her hand.
A brilliant beam of light shot forward like lightning and struck just before Yin Zhong.
"You brat! You're asking for death!"
Yin Zhong roared in fury.
He activated his Dragon God Exercise again, clashing with the Spirit Mirror's beam.
The terrifying shockwaves shattered the nearby terrain.
Not far away, Mei Yinxue, who had been watching silently, finally let out a breath of relief.
One was heavily injured. The other was relying on an artifact.
Neither could match her.
Only then did she relax.
"Senior Nameless, while Miss Yin is holding off that demon Yin Zhong, let's quickly find a safe place."
Tong Bo and Tong Zhan quietly supported Nameless, backing away cautiously.
They weren't worried about Yin Tianxue's safety.
With the mysterious stone mirror protecting her, even someone as strong as Yin Zhong couldn't do much.
Not to mention, Yin Zhong himself was seriously injured.
Rather than worry about Yin Tianxue, they were more concerned about themselves.
Since Nameless was wounded by Yin Zhong in the Han Dynasty, even with the Dragon Essence aiding recovery, he still hadn't fully healed.
If Yin Tianxue and the others hadn't shown up to save him, Nameless would've died countless times by now.
This time, Nameless owed Yin Tianxue and the two brothers far too much.
Days of battles and pursuits had made the strength of God Demon Realm cultivators crystal clear to him.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Shockwaves from the battle erupted violently, shaking the entire area.
"Yin Zhong! Acting so recklessly! Don't you fear harming innocent civilians nearby?"
Yin Tianxue shouted in anger.
Had she not deliberately restrained herself, the shockwaves might have already killed the innocent villagers in a nearby settlement.
"Mere ants. So what if they die?"
"Why make a fuss over nothing?"
Yin Zhong sneered with contempt.
"What an "ant" indeed."
"If that man were here, you'd be the one crawling like an ant."
A cold voice rang out.
Everyone on the battlefield changed expressions and grew tense.
In the next moment, a stunningly beautiful woman appeared.
What stood out even more were the twin Divine Swords in her hands.
"Who are you?"
"Who am I? Block one of my strikes, and I'll answer that question."
Mei Yinxue replied calmly.
She then drew the female sword from the twin blades.
A flash of cold light streaked through the air.
A chill crept into everyone's hearts.
The next moment, sword energy shot forth.
Yin Zhong's face changed drastically.
Before he could even retreat, the sword energy had already reached him.
With a single strike, it pierced through his chest.
A splatter of blood burst from him.
Yin Zhong was heavily injured on the spot.
"A God Demon Realm cultivator?"
Yin Zhong couldn't believe it.
Realizing he was no match, he glared at Yin Tianxue and Nameless in frustration, then fled in panic.
He didn't even have time for a parting remark.