[Cultivation Technique Ranking – Rank 9]
[Spirit Devouring Demon Exercise]
[Creator: Jiang Yuyan]
[Cultivation: Half-Step Land Immortal Realm]
[Description: The Spirit Devouring Demon Exercise was created by Jiang Yuyan, based on the Grandmaster-Grade Cultivation Technique Spirit Devouring Art. She fused countless Cultivation Techniques from across the Martial World, and through her extraordinary comprehension, she successfully created this Top-Tier Heavenly Human-Grade Cultivation Technique]
[Note: This technique can devour the life essence of all living beings to enhance strength, foundation, talent, and physique. It absorbs all techniques for personal use. However, it has a slight flaw, as it can affect the cultivator's mental state. Only its creator knows the true extent of its power]
[Reward: Special Physique – Spirit Devouring Physique (100% compatibility with Spirit Devouring Demon Exercise)]
Jiang Yuyan?! Rank 9 turned out to be Jiang Yuyan, the infamous Witch of the Han Dynasty?
Unbelievable!
Was she actually this powerful?
Everyone in the Nine Provinces who saw the ranking was dumbfounded.
It hadn't even been a year since she appeared on the Hidden Dragon Ranking as a weak Innate Realm cultivator.
And now, she has reached Half-Step Land Immortal.
Who in the entire Nine Provinces could compare to that speed of progress?
Probably only the Ming Emperor, with his heaven-defying talent, could surpass her.
And not only that, she even used her terrifying aptitude to create an extraordinary Heavenly Human-Grade Cultivation Technique.
Even those who disliked her intensely had to admit she was exceptionally gifted.
Unless some accident occurred, her breakthrough into the Land Immortal Realm was practically guaranteed.
Terrifying!
Everyone couldn't help but feel a tinge of fear toward her.
This was a ruthless woman who had dared to kill her own father.
Her vicious nature had no equal.
Even the most notorious warlords would pale in comparison.
==========
Ming Dynasty Territory.
Chu Liuxiang, Lu Xiaofeng, and others were traveling toward the capital when they suddenly paused in their tracks, staring in shock at the glowing ranking in the sky.
"Marshal Xiang, I have to admit, I'm really spooked right now." Lu Xiaofeng said with a complicated expression.
"You're not the only one. My back is drenched in cold sweat." Chu Liuxiang replied with a bitter smile.
"This woman... We were right about her from the start. She's terrifying."
"Back when we discovered her murdering someone, we were lucky not to get involved. Otherwise, with her venomous temperament, not only would we have suffered, but everyone around us would've wished they were dead."
They had both witnessed Jiang Yuyan's descent into darkness firsthand.
They saw her cruelty and power with their own eyes.
She had shown no mercy, not even to her own father and stepmother.
Utterly inhuman.
In the past, they would have intervened to uphold justice.
But strangely, they didn't act. Instead, they chose to walk away.
They spared her, not out of mercy, but out of fear of becoming entangled with someone so terrifying.
Otherwise, they wouldn't be alive and carefree today.
"We've spent over twenty years cultivating martial arts, and still, we can't compare to what she achieved in a single year."
"Now I finally understand what a true genius looks like."
"Though I utterly despise her character, her talent is undeniably rare."
"Thankfully, she became an Imperial Consort in the Han Dynasty. She won't be able to wreak havoc in the Ming Martial World."
"Then again, perhaps the Han Dynasty is the unlucky one for attracting such a terrifying star of misfortune."
"I doubt peace will last for them."
Even bold figures like Lu Xiaofeng and Chu Liuxiang were rarely this cautious, which intrigued the others present, including Ximen Chuixue and Xie Xiaofeng.
"Marshal Xiang, you've met Jiang Yuyan?"
"She was just Innate Realm before. Now she's Half-Step Land Immortal? Is she really that talented?" Xie Xiaofeng asked with doubt.
"Her talent in cultivation is impressive, but that's not the main issue."
"What we fear is her cruel and ruthless heart. Even the most fearsome warlords pale in comparison."
"I'd like to meet her." Ximen Chuixue said calmly as he wiped his treasured sword.
"Perhaps she could be a worthy opponent for my sword."
This stunned Lu Xiaofeng and Chu Liuxiang.
"Ximen, don't provoke her. She's far more dangerous than you think."
"She's not a sword cultivator. If you challenge her and give her even the slightest opening, you'll be doomed."
"Not just you, but everyone connected to you will be dragged down as well."
Lu Xiaofeng and Chu Liuxiang had been watching Jiang Yuyan closely.
In the Han Dynasty, to rise so quickly and become an Imperial Consort while stirring up the court, her means must be terrifying.
If a real fight broke out, Ximen Chuixue would likely die a horrible death.
Even if his swordsmanship was unmatched, the outcome would still be the same.
Meanwhile, Yan Shisan, off to the side, looked thoughtful.
"This Spirit Devouring Demon Exercise is truly extraordinary."
"It can devour inner power, raise cultivation and talent. For Jiang Yuyan to create such a terrifying technique, I know I couldn't do the same."
"Xie Xiaofeng, you'd best avoid provoking her."
"She's a hundred times more frightening than Miss Qiudi."
"At least Miss Qiudi has emotions. She doesn't share Jiang Yuyan's cruelty."
"Let's stop talking about her. She's an Imperial Consort of the Han Dynasty now, far from us."
"If anyone needs to worry, it's the court of the Han Dynasty and their Martial World."
Hua Manlou quickly changed the subject, clearly unwilling to continue discussing her.
He, too, disliked Jiang Yuyan immensely.
Compared to her, even the worst demonic sect villains seemed pure.
In fact, Hua Manlou even suspected that Jiang Yuyan's rise to Consort might have been orchestrated by Zhu Houzhao, the Ming Emperor.
She could be a pawn in his game.
==========
Naturally, many intelligent people held similar suspicions.
Even Emperors across the various dynasties were starting to believe Jiang Yuyan might be one of Zhu Houzhao's secret pieces.
Even Jiang Yuyan herself might not be aware of it.
Tang Imperial Palace, Taiji Hall.
"Master Yuan, do you think this Consort Jiang Yuyan from the Han Dynasty is a pawn of Zhu Houzhao?"
"Otherwise, with Zhu Houzhao's power, how could such a prodigy end up in the Han Dynasty?"
"And rise so quickly to become an Imperial Consort?"
Li Shimin was now filled with growing suspicion and wariness toward Zhu Houzhao.
Anything related to the Ming Dynasty, he instinctively blamed on him.
Even if the possibility was low, he would never dismiss it.
"Your Majesty, it's possible, but unlikely."
"At the time, Jiang Yuyan was only at the Innate Realm, not even worthy of the Ming Emperor's attention."
"There's likely another hidden force behind her."
"I have already gathered all the recent information about her."
"Back then, there was a hunchbacked Heavenly Human Realm elder beside her. It was he who helped create the current Consort Jiang."
"However, he disappeared soon after."
"He likely died at her hands."
"After that, Jiang Yuyan's power in the Han Dynasty grew explosively."
"I believe that hunchbacked old man was part of a hidden force within the Han Dynasty."
"One with Mythical Realm cultivators behind it, possibly rivaling even the Bad People."
Yuan Tiangang spoke with a serious tone.
Though much of it was speculation, he believed his conclusion was likely accurate.
"To kill a Heavenly Human Realm cultivator while still weak, this Consort is truly extraordinary."
"If she continues to grow, she may become a great threat to the Tang Dynasty in the future." Li Shimin said cautiously.
"Your Majesty, I believe she can be used to our advantage."
"Oh? Explain." Li Shimin asked.
"Jiang Yuyan is likely in a precarious position now, possibly under the control of one or more forces."
"With her temperament, she won't tolerate being controlled."
"We could form a secret alliance with her. If she gains power and turns on her manipulators, the Tang Dynasty might gain immense benefits."
"With an unpredictable force like Jiang Yuyan stirring the pot, the coming chaos in the Han Dynasty will be even more intense."
"The slaughter will be even more brutal." Yuan Tiangang said confidently.
"Master Yuan, you've explained the benefits. What about the risks?"
"What if she betrays us halfway through and turns on the Tang Dynasty? Wouldn't that bring disaster?"
"If she targets our dynasty, we'll be in serious trouble."
Li Shimin had grown distrustful of Yuan Tiangang since the incident with the Empress.
If Jiang Yuyan became another disaster, the Tang Dynasty might never recover.
"There is no need to worry, Your Majesty. I have ways to control Jiang Yuyan."
"If she shows even the slightest sign of threatening the Tang Dynasty, I will eliminate her myself."
A mere Half-Step Land Immortal wasn't worth fearing.
Even if she advanced to Heavenly Human Realm, she would still be insignificant.
After reaching the Land Immortal Realm, her rapid progress would stop.
Even with her talent, breaking through to Mythical Realm would take at least ten years.
And by then, the Han Dynasty would likely already be destroyed.
Jiang Yuyan meant nothing in the grand scheme.
Seeing Yuan Tiangang's confidence, Li Shimin opened his mouth to object, then stopped.
This was a critical time. He couldn't afford to fall out with the Yuan Dynasty just yet.
"Then I'll leave this matter to you. But remember what you said."
"I don't want another Empress-level incident involving Jiang Yuyan."
==========
It wasn't just the Tang Dynasty.
The Emperors of Qin Dynasty, Yuan Dynasty, Sui Dynasty, Song Dynasty, and even Ming Dynasty were all reacting.
Their interest in this Han Dynasty's Imperial Consort had only grown.
When the time came, they would decide for themselves.
To kill her, or to ally with her, they alone would know.
As for Jiang Yuyan, caught in the center of the storm, even if she knew, she wouldn't care.
She was already entangled in endless troubles. She didn't mind dragging more forces in.
The more chaotic the waters, the better her chances of seizing an advantage.
Whether it was Heaven Gate's Di Shitian, the mysterious group that took her to the Han Dynasty, the powerful clans, or the warlords within the Han Dynasty, she feared none of them.
Back when she was only an Innate, she had already feared nothing.
Now, she could step into the Heavenly Human Realm at any moment.
Once her strength matured, none of those who schemed against her or harmed her would be spared.
They would all be wiped out.
Every single one.
Whether they were Heavenly Human Realm, Mythical Realm, or even God Demon Realm.
They would all become fuel for her Spirit Devouring Demon Exercise.
To strengthen her cultivation and foundation.
No matter how many came, she would kill them all.
==========
"Hahaha, not bad! This little toy didn't disappoint me after all."
"She might become a perfect chess piece!"
Han Dynasty Territory.
Heaven Gate Headquarters.
Di Shitian laughed heartily while gazing at the ranking and Jiang Yuyan's profile.
He showed not the slightest concern.
"Master, Jiang Yuyan's talent is frightening. What if she matures and betrays you?" Luo Xian asked.
"I've investigated her. She's a cruel and ruthless woman."
"She'll never willingly be controlled."
"Betray me? Turn against me?" Di Shitian burst into laughter.
"Luo Xian, you give her too much credit. With my methods, even God Demon Realm beings are helpless before me."
"No matter how far she grows, she will always be a piece I can crush at will."
"She will never escape the palm of my hand."
He laughed arrogantly.
But Luo Xian, standing below, kept a calm face while secretly sneering.
"Hmph, boastful fool."
"The control method you used on me was already removed by my new master."
"You haven't even noticed."
"And you dare to brag?"
Her new master, Zhu Houzhao, was far more capable than this arrogant Di Shitian.
Even though Di Shitian had lived thousands of years, all he had was time.
In every other way, he was a frog at the bottom of a well compared to true cultivators.
One day, he would either be trampled by them, or used as a sharpening stone.
Compared to the true giants, he was not worth mentioning.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
List of Characters:
Great Tang Twin Dragons Legend ( 大唐双龙传 )
・Li Shimin ( 李世民 ) — Emperor of Tang Dynasty
Painting Jianghu ( 画江湖 )
・Yuan Tiangang ( 袁天罡 ) — Master of Bad People
Legend of Lu Xiaofeng ( 陆小凤传奇 )
・Ximen Chuixue ( 西门吹雪 ) — Master of Myriad Plum Manor
・Lu Xiaofeng ( 陆小凤 ) — Famous Detective of Ming Dynasty
・Hua Manlou ( 花满楼 ) — 7th Young Master of Hua Family
Legend of Chu Liuxiang ( 楚留香传奇 )
・Chu Liuxiang ( 楚留香 ) — Famous Thief of Ming Dynasty
Sword of Third Young Master ( 三少爷的剑 )
・Xie Xiaofeng ( 谢晓峰 ) — Third Young Master of Divine Sword Manor
・Yan Shisan ( 燕十三 ) — Rival of Xie Xiaofeng
Wind and Cloud ( 风云 )
・Di Shitian ( 帝释天 ) — Master of Heaven Gate
・Luo Xian ( 骆仙 ) — Ghost Divine Mother of Heaven Gate