Han Dynasty Territory.
Inside a vast underground palace.
It was majestic, awe-inspiring, and radiated overwhelming authority.
"Lord, the Han Dynasty is now on the brink of life and death. Shouldn't we act now?"
"If this continues, the Han Dynasty might truly perish."
"We are the last line of defense for the Han Dynasty. Without us, there will be no salvation."
"The Emperor is controlled by the Witch in the Imperial Harem, while the aristocratic families are all wolves in sheep's clothing, stirring up chaos in secret."
"Outside, Zhang Jiao is spreading rebellion. Regional officials and generals who hold military power are also growing increasingly ambitious."
"Are we just going to stand by and watch?"
A burly man in black robes stood up and questioned the elder sitting at the head. His tone was filled with urgency.
"Calm yourself. The Han Dynasty will not fall. The foundation of the Han Dynasty is not something that those jumping clowns can shake."
"This may actually be a golden opportunity."
"It is a chance for the Han Dynasty to undergo a true rebirth from the ashes."
"We can use this chaos to launch a complete purge of the ambitious forces within the dynasty."
"Only then can the Han Dynasty truly rise again, becoming the strongest dynasty in the Nine Provinces. Unifying them all is not beyond reach."
The elder chuckled calmly, with no sign of worry on his face. Instead, he looked as though everything was within his grasp.
"But what about His Majesty? Are we just going to let him remain under the control of Jiang Yuyan?"
"Jiang Yuyan? She is nothing more than a piece on my chessboard."
"Do you really think she arrived in the Han Dynasty from the Ming Dynasty by her own strength?"
"Wasn't it under your orders, Lord, that Old Seventeenth brought her here from the Ming Dynasty?"
"And then deliberately arranged for her to become an Imperial Consort in the Han Dynasty?"
"No one expected that Jiang Yuyan would be so treacherous. The Old Seventeenth, that useless fool, ended up dying at the hands of someone he personally nurtured."
"He has brought shame upon us."
"If not for your intervention, I would've gone to the palace myself and killed her on the spot."
"How could we allow her to stir such chaos in the Han Dynasty?"
The black-robed man was clearly furious.
So Jiang Yuyan's situation had been orchestrated by this elder all along.
He wasn't just a mere advisor. He and his secret force were the true hands behind the curtain.
Judging from their words, they were a hidden force loyal to the Han Dynasty, but clearly not under the Emperor's control.
What, then, was their true motive?
The depths of the Han Dynasty ran deeper than anyone imagined.
No wonder the Han Dynasty's National Power Ranking was higher than that of the Yuan Dynasty.
The Han Dynasty's foundation was thick, too thick.
No one knew just how many powers remained hidden in the dark.
Even though the Imperial Family had fallen into decline, the aristocrats dared not act too rashly.
Each one was secretly trying to weaken the dynasty, fanning the flames, yet afraid to step onto the stage themselves.
"Lord, what should we do next?"
"Continue protecting Jiang Yuyan. I want to see how far she can go."
"Lord, are you not worried that she will grow strong enough to turn on us in the end?"
"She's just an insect. No matter how she resists, I could crush her with one finger."
"Lord, that's exactly what Old Seventeenth thought. In the end, he was killed by her. I hope you won't follow in his footsteps."
The black-robed man glanced meaningfully at the elder before turning to leave.
The elder watched his departing figure, eyes cold and deep.
He then pulled a strange mask from his robes.
"Turn on us? You overestimate her, and underestimate me."
"Besides, the Han Dynasty is rotten to its core. It needs to be torn down and rebuilt."
"What I want to see is a prosperous, mighty Han Dynasty."
"One that sweeps across the Nine Provinces undefeated."
"If anyone offends the Han Dynasty, no matter how far, they must be punished."
"Not the pitiful, fragile Han Dynasty of today."
"If it remains like this, it's better off destroyed."
A fierce gleam flashed in the old man's eyes.
"Fifth on the ranking? Ha!"
He sneered coldly.
Even being first on the ranking was meaningless.
Only by truly unifying the Nine Provinces and becoming the sole dynasty would it count as real power.
==========
Han Imperial Palace.
Consort Yu Jiang Yuyan Palace.
Emperor Liu Hong arrived with great excitement.
"Hahaha, my beloved Yuyan, this is wonderful news!"
"Our Han Dynasty is ranked 5th, and Heaven Dao has rewarded me with decades of extra lifespan. I no longer have to worry about energy or age."
"Now, I can stay with you every single day!"
Jiang Yuyan forced a smile, but her heart burned with jealousy.
Why should this foolish Emperor receive Heaven Dao Reward?
Why not her?
If she were the Emperor, wouldn't the reward have gone to her instead?
Alas, she had been too slow.
The fool reaped the benefits.
But the reward for next year?
It would not go to him again.
Though her face remained gentle, a murderous intent was already rising within her.
The most venomous heart is that of a woman, those words rang true.
Even the power-hungry warlords and noble clans had never dared to think of killing the Emperor.
But Jiang Yuyan did.
And she was absolutely resolute.
She was truly ruthless.
Luckily, her strength was still limited.
Otherwise, the Han Dynasty might already be in even worse shape.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty. With this additional lifespan, I believe you will be able to further develop the Han Dynasty. Perhaps even achieve immortality in the future."
Jiang Yuyan forced herself to flatter him sweetly.
"Hahaha, fear not, my beloved. When I achieve eternal life, you shall be by my side forever. With you, this vast dynasty becomes even more vibrant and beautiful!"
Liu Hong, intoxicated by his own joy, failed to notice the cold gleam in her eyes.
Otherwise, he might not be smiling so smugly.
==========
Han Dynasty Territory.
Julu.
Grand Teacher Zhang Jiao Headquarters.
"Big brother, why don't we just march on the capital and kill the Emperor? We could destroy the Han Dynasty and build our own Dynasty."
Zhang Bao and Zhang Liang were clearly displeased.
They stared up at the ranking with envy.
Especially the lifespan rewards.
Even if they couldn't have them, shouldn't their brother Zhang Jiao?
Why should a fool like Liu Hong get Heaven Dao Reward?
"You two are too naive."
"Do you think the Han Dynasty's foundation is so shallow?"
"There is something terrifying in the capital, Luoyang."
"If we dare to attack, we will surely die."
"Our top priority now is to seize more land and build our power."
A flicker of fear passed over Zhang Jiao's face.
Especially when he spoke of the terror in Luoyang, his entire body trembled.
That being was far beyond him in strength.
Zhang Bao and Zhang Liang's faces changed drastically.
"Big brother, could someone actually be stronger than you?"
"Yes. That being is at least in the Great Perfection Mythical Realm."
"Perhaps even in the God Demon Realm."
"Back then, I secretly snuck into Luoyang. With just a glance, he seriously injured me."
"If he had wanted to kill me, I'd be long dead."
"What? The God Demon Realm? Did you really see that right? If someone like that exists, how could the Han Dynasty be so weak?"
"Why would Emperor Liu Hong be controlled by a Consort?"
"Why would the aristocrats dare to abuse the dynasty?"
"That's why I don't understand his intentions."
"Is he with the Han Dynasty or part of another power?"
"I suspect our Yellow Turban Rebellion is being manipulated by someone even stronger."
"Even the actions of the aristocrats may be pushed forward by that existence."
"Every move in the palace, even those of Jiang Yuyan, might be under his control."
"What is he after? What is his purpose?"
"In today's world, only the top powers could possess that level of influence."
"Zhu Houzhao of the Ming Dynasty has the strength, but I'm certain it isn't him. He can be ruled out."
"If my guess is correct, it is likely someone from either the Heaven Palace or the Earth Mansion."
"Their goal is none other than the Han Dynasty itself."
"What? The Heaven Palace and the Earth Mansion? But they're martial forces. How dare they attempt to take the throne?"
"They are far too bold."
"They can afford to be bold because they are strong enough."
"From now on, we must be cautious."
"Until the time is right, we should tread carefully."
==========
Han Imperial Harem.
A secret chamber beneath Jiang Yuyan Palace.
"Ahhhh!"
"Witch! You'll die a horrible death! One day, someone will avenge us!"
One scream after another echoed throughout the chamber, filled with desperation and curses.
"Hmph, still so arrogant even in your final moments?"
"Once I devour you, my strength will increase tremendously."
"Soon, I will ascend to the Land Immortal Realm. By then, who will be able to stand against me?"
"Hahaha!"
Jiang Yuyan could feel the surging power within her body. She had reached the Half-Step Land Immortal Realm.
Her cultivation speed was utterly terrifying.
If anyone from the outside world saw this scene, they would be completely shocked.
Over the past few months alone, the number of geniuses and powerful cultivators who had died by her hands exceeded a thousand.
Her ruthlessness was unimaginable.
And now, she was even more extreme than before.
Her humanity had long since been erased by the Spirit Devouring Art.
"How interesting. Hahaha, so very interesting!"
"This time, I've found a delightful pawn!"
"Truly amusing!"
Just then, a strange and mocking voice echoed in Jiang Yuyan's ears.
"Who's there?"
Jiang Yuyan's expression changed drastically. She immediately shouted in alarm.
This secret chamber was unknown even to her most trusted subordinates.
Yet someone had silently entered?
No matter who it was, they must die.
A murderous intent surged within her.
The next moment, a man wearing a bizarre ice-carved mask suddenly appeared before her.
Jiang Yuyan struck out at once, aiming to kill him instantly.
"Hahaha, what a vicious woman. But I like it."
"You're exactly the kind of pawn I enjoy."
The man laughed loudly.
With a sudden motion, he struck back with his palm.
Boom.
She had no ability to resist.
Jiang Yuyan's body was flung away violently, crashing to the ground.
She was gravely injured, blood gushing from her mouth.
Her face turned pale as she looked at him in terror.
"Who are you? Were you sent by the aristocratic clans to kill me?"
Jiang Yuyan shouted with hatred.
"You're clever, but wrong."
"Submit to me. Become my dog. Then I'll spare your life."
His words were filled with disdain.
Jiang Yuyan's face twisted with rage.
Again? Be someone's dog again?
She had just killed the hunchbacked old man who tried to control her. Now another mysterious figure has appeared?
Who was this man?
She frantically searched her mind, recalling every piece of intelligence she had obtained.
One name suddenly flashed across her thoughts.
"You're Di Shitian of Heaven Gate!"
Jiang Yuyan cried out.
Fear flickered in her eyes.
From the limited intel she had, Di Shitian was described as a true maniac.
A lunatic who called himself a god.
A butcher of geniuses across the Nine Provinces.
Was he here to kill her now that she was about to ascend to the Land Immortal Realm?
"I'm starting to like you even more."
"To recognize me so quickly is impressive."
"Now answer my question. Death, or become my dog?"
Jiang Yuyan wanted to fight back with all her might.
But even so, she had no chance of success.
Gritting her teeth, she dropped to her knees.
"I'm willing to serve you. From now on, I will obey your every command."
Her expression showed deference, but deep inside, she swore a silent oath.
One day, she would repay this humiliation a hundredfold.
Suddenly, a burst of energy struck her body.
She was thrown back again, severely wounded once more.
Di Shitian showed no mercy whatsoever.
"Hahaha, from today onward, you are my dog."
"I've left something inside your body."
"If you show even a hint of betrayal..."
"Boom."
"Your entire body will explode instantly, leaving no trace behind."
"From now on, you must call me Master."
His voice was cold and emotionless.
To Jiang Yuyan, it felt like she was being frozen to the core.
"Yes, Master. This servant understands."
Jiang Yuyan's eyes filled with panic.
She examined the terrifying energy inside her.
It clung to her like a parasite and could not be expelled.
Even her Spirit Devouring Art was useless against it.
Worse yet, this energy was slowly consuming her power to strengthen itself.
Now, she truly felt fear.
He was powerful.
Far too powerful.
So strong that she had no ability to resist at all.
That old hunchbacked man was formidable, but at least she could scheme against him.
But Di Shitian was far more dangerous than she had imagined.
Would she truly live as a slave, without freedom, and always one misstep away from death?
No.
She refused to accept that fate.
One day, she would find a way to break free.
And when that time came, she would make this old monster suffer.
She would make him beg for death, unable to live or die.
But for now, she would endure.
"Hahaha!"
"I'll have someone come deliver my orders."
"If you fail to carry them out properly..."
"Then you are useless, and the useless do not deserve to live."
"Yes, this servant will do her best to fulfill Master's orders without fail."
Jiang Yuyan bowed deeply and respectfully.
When she stood up again, Di Shitian had already vanished.
Only then did Jiang Yuyan let out a long breath and collapse to the ground.
Just moments ago, she had sensed the immense killing intent in him.
Had she shown even the slightest misstep, Di Shitian would have killed her on the spot.
This man was far more dangerous than the hunchbacked elder.
Especially the energy he planted in her body.
It could make her explode at any time.
She had to find a way to deal with it.
She would never surrender.
The more heaven tried to torment her, the more she would rebel.
So what if he called himself a god?
One day, when she grew strong enough, she would kill every single person who hurt her.
No matter who they were.
Even heaven itself, she would tear a hole in the sky.
That was the oath Jiang Yuyan made in her heart.
==========
Tang Imperial Palace, Taiji Hall.
Li Shimin was also surprised by the Han Dynasty's ranking.
In his view, the Yuan Dynasty should be far stronger than the Han Dynasty.
Even his own Tang Dynasty would find it extremely difficult to confront the Yuan Dynasty.
Could he have misjudged it?
Or perhaps the Han Dynasty was even more powerful than it appeared?
Did it have hidden forces?
Li Shimin began to grow suspicious.
"Master Yuan, what do you think?"
"Could the Han Dynasty be hiding some great secret?"
"These years, the Bad People have clashed often with foreign spies. They must have encountered the Han Dynasty's Stitched Cloth Guard, right?"
"Were any of them strong?"
Yuan Tiangang replied calmly.
"The Han Dynasty's Stitched Cloth Guard were long ago infiltrated by the aristocratic families. Most are just spoiled nobles who excel at bullying civilians. How could they compare to our people?"
"In all these years, I have never encountered any true spies from the Han Dynasty."
"But I have encountered many agents of the aristocratic families."
"Compared to us, though, they are in a completely different league."
Li Shimin still had doubts.
Even though the Han Dynasty was close to collapsing, its centuries-old foundation must far exceed expectations.
There had to be terrifying forces watching from the shadows.
Perhaps a great conspiracy was underway?
Still, he shook his head.
So what if the Han Dynasty had hidden powers?
For now, it posed no threat to his Tang Dynasty.
In fact, he almost hoped his suspicions were true.
"Let's set aside the Han Dynasty for now."
"What do you think, Master Yuan, where will the Tang Dynasty rank among the top four?"
Li Shimin asked curiously.
But then he froze.
Top four?
The Qin Dynasty, Ming Dynasty, and Tang Dynasty should take up three of those spots.
That leaves one.
Could there be a hidden nation stronger than his Tang Dynasty?
Or perhaps it belonged to one of the nomadic tribes?
A sense of unease crept into Li Shimin's heart.
Before Yuan Tiangang could answer, the ranking in the sky moved again.
A new ranking appeared.
==========
[National Power Ranking – Rank 4]
[Tang Dynasty]
[Territory: Five Stars]
[Population: Four Stars]
[Military: Four Stars]
[Expert: Four Stars]
[Economy: Four Stars]
[Public Sentiment: Four Stars]
[Overall National Index: Four Stars]
[Reward: Seventy years added to the Emperor's lifespan, eleven million taels of silver, eleven million bushels of grain, seventy thousand fine horses]