Ming Dynasty.
Myriad Plum Manor.
"Three-leaf Sword Grass."
Ximen Chuixue looked up at the ranking in the sky and coldly muttered a few words.
He remembered the name Song Yuzhi.
Across the Nine Provinces, there were countless martial artists at Peak Innate Realm, yet she managed to enter the rankings with only a Middle Innate Realm cultivation.
To underestimate her now would be nothing short of foolish.
Perhaps in the future, she would become a formidable opponent on his sword path.
It seemed he would need to push himself even harder.
Otherwise, he might one day be surpassed by those who came after.
———
Wudang Mountain, Ming Dynasty, in front of the Zhenwu Hall.
Zhang Sanfeng and his disciples gazed at the latest name on the Hidden Dragon Ranking, all falling into deep thought.
"This Song Yuzhi, is she from the Song family?" Zhang Sanfeng asked.
"Master, she is the third daughter of the Sui Dynasty's Heaven Blade Song Que, a few years younger than Qingshu," Song Yuanqiao replied with emotion.
Zhang Sanfeng stroked his beard and sighed, "So young and already possessing such cultivation. Her future as a Great Grandmaster is promising."
"Master, have you heard of the Ethereal Sword Art?" Yin Liting asked curiously.
"I have never heard of it. But if just three sword moves can secure her a spot on the ranking, it must not be weaker than my Taiji Sword Method."
All the disciples were shocked upon hearing this.
Comparable to the Taiji Sword Method?
Would that not mean it could contend with Great Grandmasters?
Immediately, their respect for Song Yuzhi rose to another level.
If she had caught Zhang Sanfeng's attention, then she was surely worthy of serious regard.
———
Ming Dynasty Imperial Palace, Rear Garden.
"Your Majesty, what is this Ethereal Sword Art? It looks incredibly powerful."
The empress nestled in Zhu Houzhao's arms as she looked at the golden ranking in the sky, her eyes filled with curiosity.
"I have heard of many impressive sword arts across the Nine Provinces, even if I haven't seen them all. But this Ethereal Sword Art is completely unfamiliar to me."
Zhu Houzhao chuckled and looked pleased with himself.
That was because this sword art was unique to him.
Even Song Yuhua had only received nine of its forms.
"The Ethereal Sword Art is a technique that can lead to the Land Immortal Realm. It has thirteen forms in total."
"Perfect mastery of the first eight forms allows one to be invincible below the Land Immortal level."
"This sword art is dazzling and unparalleled in power. It explores the limits of human potential, formless and intangible, ever-changing and impossible to grasp."
"It is also a sword technique that is easy to learn but difficult to master."
Even Zhu Houzhao sighed with emotion.
Only with the help of the system had he fully mastered it.
For others, it would be far more difficult.
He wondered whether Yuhua could fully master the first nine forms.
The empress didn't ask about the remaining forms. Instead, she gazed at Zhu Houzhao with admiration.
She considered herself quite knowledgeable, but compared to the emperor, she felt completely outmatched.
He stayed in the palace every day yet knew every martial art under the heavens.
She couldn't help but wonder if there was anything in the world that the emperor didn't know.
———
Sui Dynasty.
Imperial Palace.
Compared to Zhu Houzhao's carefree attitude, Yang Guang's expression was far less pleasant.
Song Yuzhi.
Daughter of Song Que.
Why did the major noble clans have so many prodigies, while none of his princes amounted to anything?
The one daughter he truly loved had even been taken by that scoundrel Li Shimin and made empress of the Tang Dynasty.
How could he, as her father, endure that?
Li Shimin had always plotted against the Sui Dynasty.
He took his beloved daughter, and now he wanted his dynasty as well.
Yang Guang vowed that he would never share the sky with Li Shimin.
Thinking of him, Yang Guang's hatred boiled over.
"Minister Yuwen, my Sui Dynasty is currently locked in an ongoing war with the Tang. It's been a stalemate for too long."
"This golden ranking is a great opportunity for our dynasty."
"Announce an imperial decree immediately. Any Hidden Dragon who is willing to join the Sui Dynasty shall be granted noble titles. Those in the top twenty will be made dukes, and the top ten will be awarded the rank of Pillar of the State."
"If any are willing to offer up their heavenly rewards, I shall personally grant them three wishes."
"Also, reach out to Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling. If we can win them over, even partially, it will be worthwhile."
"Even if they don't serve us, there's no need to become mortal enemies."
At times, Yang Guang was known for his indulgence and grand ambitions.
Yet at other times, he could be remarkably astute.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Yuwen Huaji's eyes flickered with emotion before returning to calm.
It wasn't just the Sui Dynasty.
———
The Qin, Tang, Song, and even Zhu Houzhao's Ming Dynasty all began issuing decrees to recruit those ranked on the Hidden Dragon Ranking.
As more names were added, those with insight became more aware of the extraordinary nature of the Hidden Dragons.
Even if they were only in the Innate Realm, they could not be underestimated.
Winning over just one or two and nurturing them could one day yield Great Grandmasters.
In that case, the rewards would be immense.
———
Ming Dynasty.
Imperial Palace, Imperial Garden.
"Your Majesty, Cheng Shifei under Zhu Wushi has been pestering Yun Luo again. Are you just going to ignore it?"
"I prepared a set of techniques specifically for Yun Luo. That Cheng Shifei is no match for her."
Zhu Houzhao waved his hand carelessly.
"I'm more worried that all of this is part of Zhu Wushi's plan. He's become bolder lately and even dares to meddle in the inner palace."
The empress's expression darkened as she spoke of Zhu Wushi.
This Iron Courage Divine Marquis was full of ambition and constantly scheming to usurp the throne.
Anyone who posed a threat to the emperor was on her kill list.
"I've known my royal uncle's intentions since my time as crown prince."
"Everything he has done has always been under my watch. He can't escape my control."
"And besides, he's the perfect scapegoat in my heart."
"If I killed him, finding another to take the fall would be troublesome."
A sly smile crept across Zhu Houzhao's lips.
"Look, the ranking has updated again."
Just as he spoke, the characters in the sky shifted once more.
[Hidden Dragon Ranking – Rank 26]
[Di Yun]
[Identity: Successor of Mei Niansheng, Ming Dynasty]
[Cultivation: Late Innate Realm]
[Technique: Divine Illumination Scripture, Blood Blade Scripture, Corpse-Lying Sword Technique]
[Reward: Earth-grade Low-Tier Pill: Enlightenment Pill. Increases comprehension tenfold for one hour after consumption.]