It wasn't just Zhu Houzhao's forces relentlessly hunting down the demons and monsters lurking within the Ming Dynasty.
The rulers of other nations had not remained idle either.
Qin Dynasty's Black Ice Platform, Tang Dynasty's Bad People, Song Dynasty's Imperial City Division, Sui Dynasty's Supreme Master Mansion, and Yuan Dynasty's National Master Mansion had all sent their elite agents to launch vicious offensives against their enemies.
Each day, countless lives were lost.
Even Zhu Houzhao's Dark Guard were stirring up trouble within other nations, fanning the flames and seizing opportunities.
Just as other nations' spies had sparked internal chaos within the Ming Dynasty, Ming Dynasty now returned the favor.
The world had plunged into chaos.
Utter chaos.
All of the Nine Provinces were engulfed in flames of war.
Compared to previous skirmishes, this was now a full-scale conflict.
Time passed.
Three months flew by in the blink of an eye.
Even within the Ming Dynasty, rebellions occasionally erupted.
Then they were suppressed.
Then they appeared again. And were suppressed again.
As for other nations, the situation was even more tragic.
Not only were they under attack from outside powers, but also facing uprisings and internal rebellions.
Perhaps only the mysterious Vast Sea Dynasty could remain untouched.
This alone raised alarm among the Emperors of every nation.
Their level of wariness had even surpassed that reserved for the Ming Emperor Zhu Houzhao and the Qin Emperor Ying Zheng.
It was now only natural that the Vast Sea Dynasty and the mysterious Sage Realm were ranked 1st.
It wasn't just the war among nations.
The Nine Provinces Martial World had also descended into madness.
Countless battles were breaking out everywhere.
And it wasn't merely about gaining wealth or resources.
Many fought life-and-death duels in pursuit of a breakthrough in cultivation.
All in hopes of one day making it onto the Nine Provinces Golden Ranking.
To receive the mysterious Heaven Dao Reward.
And perhaps, even gain the blessings of unseen fate.
==========
Boom!
Rumble!
Purple clouds stretched thirty thousand miles, and thunder tore through the sky.
Unnatural phenomena surged forth.
It felt as though the heavens of the Nine Provinces were about to split apart.
Countless people paused what they were doing and turned to the sky.
Even the warring armies and cultivators stopped fighting.
Golden light filled the sky.
The long-awaited Nine Provinces Golden Ranking had once again descended.
"The Nine Provinces Golden Ranking has finally returned!"
"Yes, I wonder what kind of ranking will appear this time?"
"This is definitely going to spark another massive upheaval!"
"Sigh, the Nine Provinces are truly in utter chaos now."
"I wonder if I'll make it onto the ranking this time. I'm so envious!"
"If only I could be a little stronger..."
As they looked at the reappearance of the ranking, countless hearts were filled with anticipation.
Maybe the next ranking would feature their name.
And if they were lucky enough to receive a Heaven Dao Reward, wouldn't that lead to their rise?
==========
Qin Imperial Palace.
"Sir, how is the battle of Monarch Wu'an?"
"Why haven't the remnants of the Six Kingdoms been completely eliminated?"
Ying Zheng was clearly dissatisfied with the current situation within his Kingdom.
By his estimate, the remnants of the Six Kingdoms should have been wiped out within a month.
So why has it not happened yet?
With General Bai Qi's capabilities, this shouldn't be the case.
"Your Majesty, we underestimated the remnants of the Six Kingdoms, and also the Hundred Schools of Thought."
"Over the years, they've cultivated forces in the shadows beyond anything we imagined."
"If not for Your Majesty catching them off guard this time, they truly might have grown into a major threat."
"But it is not too late."
"Give Monarch Wu'an enough time, and he will definitely root out the remnants and the Hundred Schools of Thought who have allied with them."
The middle-aged scholar spoke calmly.
"I've heard rumors of people who should have been dead... reappearing?"
"How bold. Do these remnants and scholars think I won't kill them?"
"Dead people returning to life. They must have plotted this for a long time."
"Send word to Bai Qi. No matter what, not a single one can be spared. Execute them all and bring back their heads."
"As for their bodies, throw them out to feed the dogs."
"This is the price for deceiving me!"
Ying Zheng's fury burned.
Just then, strange phenomena appeared in the sky.
"The Nine Provinces Golden Ranking has appeared again!"
Ying Zheng's expression showed some excitement.
In the previous ranking among the nations, the Qin Dynasty had only ranked 3rd, which had greatly displeased him.
But the Heaven Dao Reward he received was still very useful.
Especially the extension of several decades of lifespan, which temporarily solved his most urgent problem.
He no longer had to worry about running out of time.
And in the next few decades, he was confident he could find more ways to extend his life.
Even immortality didn't seem impossible.
He now looked forward to the Golden Ranking even more.
If he could obtain a divine item like the "Dragon Essence", that would be ideal.
Even if not, any resources that could strengthen the Qin Dynasty's national power would be a tremendous blessing.
==========
Northern Song Imperial Palace.
At this moment, Emperor Zhao Ji had uncharacteristically taken interest in the Nine Provinces Golden Ranking.
It wasn't that he particularly cared about being ranked.
But he hoped to obtain more Heaven Dao Reward.
Previously, when the Northern Song Dynasty appeared on the ranking, the rewards had benefited him greatly.
The extension of his lifespan, in particular, had filled him with joy.
He had even lost interest in his beloved calligraphy and paintings.
Compared to art, lifespan, and perhaps even immortality, was far more enticing.
"Minister, do you think I have a chance of appearing on the ranking this time?"
"Is there a chance I could obtain something that grants immortality?"
Zhao Ji stared longingly at the ranking in the sky.
Huang Shang was briefly speechless at the question.
Did His Majesty really think immortality was just something one could receive at will?
He let out a bitter laugh.
Apparently, the previous rewards had made Zhao Ji greedy.
The benefits he gained had even surpassed his love for calligraphy.
But perhaps that was a good thing.
If handled well, it might ignite ambition in the Emperor's heart.
That would be far better than having a weak and cowardly Emperor constantly thinking about surrendering.
"Yes, Your Majesty. The Nine Provinces Golden Ranking will continue to reveal new ranking. If one doesn't work, there's always another. Eventually, you'll make it."
"Even something like an Immortality Pill isn't entirely out of reach."
"But if the Northern Song Dynasty's lands fall to foreign invaders, and Your Majesty loses the throne, then the Golden Ranking will no longer be connected to you."
"Even if an Immortality Pill appears, it will go to the foreign Emperor who takes over the Northern Song Dynasty."
"Your Majesty, is that the outcome you want?"
Huang Shang continued to provoke Zhao Ji.
The Emperor's face darkened.
What Huang Shang said was not impossible.
He had gained decades of life only because he was the Northern Song Emperor.
If he were no longer Emperor, he would gain nothing.
If the Northern Song Dynasty were destroyed, or its strength declined, then the Heaven Dao Reward would be forever out of reach.
Even if not for the nation or the people, just for the sake of gaining more years, he had to hold on to the throne.
"You speak the truth, Minister. It seems I need to change my strategy toward outsiders and foreign powers."
"The invading tribes must be eliminated. And the rebellious forces within the Northern Song Dynasty must be wiped out as well."
Emperor Zhao Ji, for once, showed some backbone.
"Minister, will you help me?"
"Of course. The Imperial City Division of the Northern Song Dynasty is always at Your Majesty's service!"
"Very well. Begin by investigating the court. Find out who is colluding with the foreign powers, and expose them all!"
"My stance has changed. Those surrender-minded officials are no longer needed."
"Anyone who stands in my way of obtaining the Heaven Dao Reward, anyone who hinders my path to immortality, is my enemy."
"However, I won't give the order directly."
"This matter will be handled by you personally. Do not disappoint me."
Huang Shang was more than happy to see this transformation in Zhao Ji.
Though he had played a part in it, he didn't mind at all.
"Hmph. These foreign tribes want to devour my Northern Song Dynasty and claim the Heaven Dao Reward for themselves. Dream on!"
"Minister, if my Northern Song Dynasty were to instead conquer the Liao Kingdom, Jin Kingdom, and even Western Xia Kingdom, Tibet Kingdom, and Great Li Kingdom, wouldn't my Heaven Dao Reward become even greater?"
Zhao Ji's next words left Huang Shang shocked.
His face showed clear surprise.
If he didn't know for certain that this was the real Emperor, he might have thought Zhao Ji had been replaced by someone else.
Such a drastic change.
He was actually thinking about launching a counterattack!
However, with the Northern Song Dynasty's current strength, this was simply impossible.
In terms of wealth, no nation in the Nine Provinces could compare to the Song Dynasty.
But in terms of military strength and capability, it fell far short.
At least for now, such ambition was out of reach.
If they could simply maintain the current situation, that would already be considered a major success.
==========
Northern Song Dynasty, Bianliang.
Towering inns and vegetarian halls lined the streets. From nobles and officials to commoners, people bustled back and forth, creating a scene of unparalleled prosperity.
Among them stood a particular pleasure house named Alum Tower.
With intricately carved beams and painted rafters, it was dazzlingly luxurious.
It drew countless wealthy merchants, aristocratic youths, and cultured scholars, all flocking there for entertainment and indulgence.
"Madam, where is Shishi? We came here just for her!"
"Don't try to fob us off with some plain-faced girls!"
"Otherwise, we won't mind tearing this place down!"
Inside the grand hall of Alum Tower, the crowd was causing an uproar, their faces flushed with excitement.
In Bianliang, mention of Li Shishi of Alum Tower was known to every man far and wide.
Every man dreamed of spending just one night with Li Shishi, even if it meant dying afterward.
All the men in the hall had come with this hope.
One smile, one glance, one Song Dynasty from her could haunt a man's soul.
But not just anyone could see her.
"Miss, what should we do?"
"They're making trouble again. Why don't you go out and at least take a look?"
In a gracefully decorated room on the second floor, Li Shishi lounged lazily on a couch.
Her expression was calm, completely unconcerned by the ruckus outside.
"I'm feeling a bit tired. I won't see guests today."
"Just go tell them that."
Her tone allowed no argument.
"Yes, miss, I'll go now!"
Once the maid left, Li Shishi spoke softly.
"They're gone. Come out."
As soon as the words fell, a figure in black knelt on the floor.
"Subordinate greets the Branch Master of the February 15th Branch."
"Oh? Did the March 7th Branch Master send you? What is it? Speak directly."
Li Shishi sat upright for once, her expression solemn.
"This was given to me by our Branch Master. He said that once you see it, you'll understand everything."
The black-clothed man took out a small bamboo tube and handed it over.
Li Shishi received it and deftly removed a rolled paper from inside.
She scanned it with a glance.
Her eyes flickered slightly.
"I understand. Go back and report to your Branch Master that our February 15th Branch will fully cooperate at the appointed time."
"Yes. I take my leave."
"Oh, and one more thing. Our Branch Master asked me to tell you that if this mission is completed successfully, you will be allowed to leave the Northern Song Dynasty and go wherever you wish."
"Your rank within the Azure Dragon Association may also be promoted."
Li Shishi's previously calm expression changed instantly.
Her eyes filled with excitement.
But soon she returned to her usual composure.
"Understood. Leave now, and make sure no one notices. We cannot risk exposing our branch."
Watching the black figure depart, Li Shishi could no longer contain her emotions. Her heart surged with joy.
"I can finally leave."
"This way, I can get a little closer to him."
"But... with my current status, would he look down on me?"
Her previous cold and proud demeanor faded, replaced by hesitation and uncertainty.
Gazing at the Golden Ranking in the sky, she sighed softly.
The gap between her and that person was just too vast.
So vast that it left her feeling hopeless.
But she would never give up.
"No matter what, I must complete this last mission first."
==========
Sui Imperial Palace.
"The Nine Provinces Golden Ranking has appeared again!"
"Last time, our Sui Dynasty ranked so low. Damn it, the rewards were nowhere near what the top three received."
Yang Guang's face twisted with envy.
Compared to Ying Zheng and Zhu Houzhao, who received lifespans of over a hundred years, he had gained far too little.
"Your Majesty, the ranking will continue to update. You can completely strengthen the national power of our Sui Dynasty and surpass those ranked higher. Then, Your Majesty will receive even greater rewards."
Supreme Master Yuwen Tuo spoke loudly.
"Yes. As long as my Sui Dynasty surpasses the Tang Dynasty, Qin Dynasty, and Ming Dynasty, even that mysterious Vast Sea Dynasty, then I too will receive hundreds of years of life."
"Ha ha ha, well said, my loyal subject."
"This is indeed the most effective approach!"
"In that case, let's deal with the domestic rebellion first."
"By the way, have you found out which forces are behind the rebel armies?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. Apart from the backup forces left by foreign nations, many of our own noble clans within the Sui Dynasty are secretly adding fuel to the fire."
"Oh? Which noble clans?"
"The biggest source of trouble is none other than Yuwen Huaji, whom Your Majesty trusts the most."
"What? Yuwen Huaji? Impossible. He has followed me for years. How could he betray me?"
"Your Majesty, this is the intelligence I have gathered over the years. Please review it."
Yuwen Tuo immediately handed over a set of documents.
"Despicable! Yuwen Huaji, you betrayed me! And the entire Yuwen Clan too. Very well, very well!"
"You dare plot behind my back? You are truly wolves in human skin!"
"My loyal subject, immediately send people to place the Yuwen Clan under surveillance."
"If there is any sign of rebellion, eliminate them all. Leave no one alive!"
Yang Guang's face darkened with malice, and his tone grew cold and ruthless.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I take my leave!"
==========
Sui Dynasty, Luoyang City.
Inside a very elegant courtyard.
Two stunning women sat across from each other, exchanging glances.
One had a serene and ethereal aura. The other was lively and passionate.
Yet together, they formed a rare harmony.
"To think that the number one talent of the Sui Dynasty, Lady Shang Xiufang, is actually a member of the Ming Dynasty's Azure Dragon Association!"
"I also didn't expect the eldest daughter of the Dugu Clan, Dugu Feng, to be one of us as well!"
"Let me introduce myself. I am the Branch Master of the March 8th Branch of the Azure Dragon Association, Shang Xiufang."
"Hmph, I am Dugu Feng, Branch Master of the August 5th Branch."
"Shang Xiufang, you are something else. The world always believed the top talent of the Sui Dynasty, Shang Xiufang, was a frail lady with no martial skills."
"Now I see your strength surpasses everyone's expectations."
"You've hidden yourself well!"
"If I lacked sufficient strength, how could I possibly become a Branch Master of the Azure Dragon Association?"
"Miss Dugu, aren't you the same?"
"Enough idle talk. The March Division of the Azure Dragon Association is responsible for relaying messages."
"This time, they actually sent you, a Branch Master, in person. This mission must be quite significant."
Shang Xiufang did not say much more. She directly pulled out a bamboo tube and handed it over.
"Sigh, just as I thought. Looks like this operation will make some serious waves."
"If Yuwen Tuo finds out, we'll be in big trouble."
"Don't worry. He won't trace anything back to us. We're just one small link in the chain."
"Once this mission is complete, my contribution score will be enough."
"Then I'll have a chance to leave this place full of trouble."
"I really want to see what the outside world looks like."
Shang Xiufang's eyes shimmered with anticipation.
The light reflected off her, making her even more dazzling.
Even Dugu Feng was briefly stunned.
What a dangerous beauty.
"The Golden Ranking has returned. From now on, the Nine Provinces will only grow more dangerous."
Shang Xiufang gazed at the sky where the ranking had reappeared and murmured instinctively.
"Hmph, to me, Dugu Feng, this is the greatest opportunity."
"I will face more battles, which means I'll improve faster!"
"No wonder you're part of the August Division. It really suits your personality!"
At that moment.
Suddenly.
The Golden Ranking in the sky radiated even brighter light.
Shang Xiufang and Dugu Feng's expressions changed.
A new ranking was about to be revealed.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
List of Characters:
Qin's Moon ( 秦时明月 )
・Ying Zheng ( 嬴政 ) — Emperor of Qin Dynasty
A Step Into The Past ( 寻秦记 )
・Shang Yang ( 商鞅 ) – Prime Minister of Qin Dynasty
Water Margin ( 水浒传 )
・Zhao Ji ( 赵佶 ) — Emperor of Northern Song Dynasty
Legend of the Condor Heroes ( 射雕英雄传 )
・Huang Shang ( 黄裳 ) — Director of Imperial City Division
Great Tang Twin Dragons Legend ( 大唐双龙传 )
・Yang Guang ( 杨广 ) — Emperor of Sui Dynasty
・Xiang Xiufang ( 尚秀芳 ) — March 8th Branch Master of Azure Dragon Association
・Dugu Feng ( 独孤凤 ) — August 5th Branch Master of Azure Dragon Association
Xuanyuan Sword ( 轩辕剑 )
・Yuwen Tuo ( 宇文拓 ) — Supreme Master of Sui Dynasty
Water Margin ( 水浒传 )
・Li Shishi ( 李师师 ) — February 15th Branch Master of Azure Dragon Association