novelraw Page 46
Page 46
Unexpectedly, in the heat of battle...
A mysterious and powerful figure silently approached Emperor Yang Guang of the Sui Dynasty.
Chapter 35 Head Falls to the Ground
With a flash of sword light, the emperor's head fell to the ground, and the perpetrator vanished without a trace like a ghost.
Enraged, the four national guardian masters, Bei Mingzi, Ba Shiba, and Yuan Shoucheng, forced the enemy to flee with injuries.
The four major clans suffered particularly heavy losses, with their 100,000 imperial guards almost entirely wiped out, and less than one-tenth of their trusted clansmen and relatives survived, with only the clan leaders and a few direct descendants managing to escape.
Within the imperial city, corpses lay strewn about, and blood stained the palace walls.
At the same time, the Ming Dynasty underwent a sudden change.
Iron-Blooded Marquis Zhu Wushi colluded with eight border generals to launch a rebellion.
Fortunately, the Crown Prince of Xing and the Crown Prince of Taiping led their troops to protect the emperor, and the three forces formed a stalemate.
These earth-shattering events, when they reached various places, caused violent upheavals, shaking the entire land.
Just then, a sudden change occurred in the sky.
The long-silent Heavenly Ranking suddenly shone brightly, its dazzling golden light obscuring the rising sun, drawing the world's gaze in awe.
The golden light faded, and the list appeared:
[Sixth on the Nine Provinces' Strongest Ranking: Zhang Daoling, Mid-stage Celestial Being]
[Origin: Founder of the Celestial Masters sect in the Han Dynasty, the current founder of the Celestial Master's Mansion, and the current sixth Dragon Head of the Azure Dragon Society]
Zhang Daoling was born into the Han Dynasty and was originally a Confucian scholar at the Imperial Academy. Later, he turned to Taoist practices and called himself Taiqing Xuanyuan.
Because of his exceptional talent, he comprehended the true essence of Taoism, transitioned from literary to martial arts, and instantly rose to the rank of Grandmaster.
He later founded the Five Pecks of Rice sect and was revered as the Celestial Master. Dissatisfied with the corrupt court, he went to Xuanwu Mountain in the Tang Dynasty to establish the Celestial Master's Mansion and passed down the Five Thunder Heavenly Heart Technique.
Thirty years ago, I met Ximen Yu, the leader of the Azure Dragon Society, and with his guidance, I broke through to the Celestial Realm.
To repay the kindness shown to him, and even more so to be impressed by Ximen Yu's demeanor, he joined the Azure Dragon Society and became the sixth dragon leader.
Over the next thirty years, Ximen Yu carefully guided him, instructing him to slow down his cultivation pace and devote more energy to solidifying his foundation and strengthening his inner power.
Therefore, despite limited improvement in his cultivation level, his actual combat strength is already comparable to, or even surpasses, that of a peak Celestial Being!
[Heavenly Dao's evaluation: Unparalleled talent, unmatched comprehension; the path to mythology is within reach!]
[Heavenly Rewards: Longevity Pill (extends life by 500 years), Thunder Technique Profound Truth (contains the Dao of Thunder; the higher one's comprehension, the deeper one's understanding)]
In an instant, the entire continent of Kyushu fell silent, followed by bursts of exclamations.
However, this time, the focus of the world's shock was not Zhang Daoling or Ximen Yu, but rather—the Azure Dragon Society!
Since Hua Xi ascended to the Heavenly Path Golden List, apart from Li Canghai, Li Taibai, and Yan Shisan who took the initiative to appear, only Ximen Yu briefly appeared in the past of others.
Apart from this, the Azure Dragon Society remains shrouded in mystery. The world's understanding of it is limited to these few individuals, plus Zhang Sanfeng.
That's why when Zhang Daoling's identity was revealed, the whole of Kyushu was instantly in an uproar.
"Six dragon heads at the mid-stage of the Celestial Realm, yet their combat strength rivals that of the peak Celestial Realm! Just how terrifying is the Azure Dragon Society's foundation?"
"Compared to the Azure Dragon Society, the other top forces in Kyushu are simply not worth mentioning!"
"In my opinion, the Azure Dragon Society's strength is no less than that of the Eight Great Dynasties, and it can even be said to be the hidden Ninth Great Dynasty!"
"I envy those who can join the Azure Dragon Society! God, I would trade ten years of my friend's life for a chance to join!"
"Your friend is really unlucky! But count me in, I have plenty of friends, ten years won't make a difference!"
Inside the Xianyang Palace of the Great Qin Dynasty.
"The leader of the Azure Dragon Society is actually this powerful?"
"I underestimated them."
Ying Zheng stared at the Heavenly Ranking and muttered to himself.
Thinking of the secret report he had recently received, a solemn expression appeared on his dignified face.
Zhang Daoling's demonstrated strength alone was enough to make Ying Zheng acknowledge the Azure Dragon Society as the ninth dynasty hidden in the shadows of the Nine Provinces!
After all, the number of Celestial Realm experts in the eight great dynasties is very limited.
As for the realm above Celestial Realm, even Ying Zheng could not be certain if it existed.
The Azure Dragon Society also has a forbidden existence like Ximen Yu, who is hailed as the number one expert in the Nine Provinces!
If we're talking about top-tier combat power, the Azure Dragon Society might rank among the top two, or even the top spot!
Ying Zheng narrowed his eyes slightly, revealing a smile.
"Six dragon heads, ranked sixth?"
"It seems that I am destined to fight you."
"Interesting, really interesting."
There was no murderous intent in his eyes, but rather a hint of interest, and his smile grew even deeper.
They seemed delighted to have such an opponent.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Gao, who was standing to the side, lowered his head, his face filled with horror.
His heart was stirred by Ying Zheng's words, and he could not calm down for a long time.
......
"Six dragon heads?"
"Ha, just as I expected, you couldn't hide anymore!"
Temujin stared at the Heavenly Ranking and sneered.
A strange light flashed in his eyes, but when he thought of the other party's strength, fear appeared on his face.
A moment later, he suddenly thought of something, his body trembled, and his pupils shrank.
"Six Dragon Heads, sixth place?"
"I see!"
"The power of the Azure Dragon Society is terrifying!"
Temujin's tone was shocked, his eyes flickered, and the look of surprise on his face lingered for a long time.
This speculation is truly astonishing!
Even though he was the ruler of the Great Yuan Dynasty, ranking second among the eight great dynasties, he was startled by his own thoughts.
The more he thought about it, the more likely he felt that this possibility was extremely high!
If not, why is Zhang Daoling, the sixth-ranked member of the Azure Dragon Society, excluding Zhang Sanfeng who is already on the list?
Is it a coincidence?
If ranked by strength, the lower the number of the dragon's head, the stronger it should be.
Five members of the Azure Dragon Society have yet to be listed, and there are exactly five spots left on the Heavenly Dao Golden List.
How could he not be suspicious under such circumstances?
Perhaps, the next five will be the five leaders of the Azure Dragon Society!
Although he wasn't entirely sure, his intuition told him—
His guess is very likely correct!
Thinking of this, Temujin took a deep breath, suppressed his turbulent emotions, and murmured to himself:
"Never mind, we'll find out the truth when the Heavenly Dao Golden List is announced next time."
"But regardless of whether the top five spots are all occupied by the Azure Dragon Society, their power is not to be underestimated."
"If what I'm about to say is true, I'm afraid we'll have to find a way to restrain them."
After saying that, he frowned and fell into deep thought.
The Great Tang Dynasty, Fengxuan Pavilion.
"So it's from the Celestial Master's Mansion lineage. No wonder the name sounds familiar."
Wu Zetian withdrew her gaze, her face showing realization.
She suddenly remembered that the Celestial Master's Mansion was once a renowned name in the Tang Dynasty, even comparable to the Illusionary Sound Pavilion, the Tongwen Hall, and the Xuanming Sect!
Unfortunately, it eventually declined, and now its sect is deserted, and even its core inheritance, the Five Thunder Heavenly Heart Technique, has been lost without a trace.
But as the Empress of the Tang Dynasty and the leader of the Bad Guys organization, she knew very well—
The decline of the Celestial Master's Mansion was mainly due to the joint suppression by the Tongwen Hall and the Xuanming Sect!
The old man suddenly awoke with a start, and murky tears streamed down his wrinkles. He knelt tremblingly on the ground, a painful sob escaping his throat.
"This wicked disciple has failed his master's kindness, not only failing to protect his wife and children but also causing the Celestial Master's Mansion's century-old foundation to be destroyed in an instant!"
"I have failed my master's teachings, and I have no face to see my fellow disciples who died for the Celestial Master's Mansion!"
.........
Within the Ming Dynasty, the teacup in Zhu Houzhao's hand rippled slightly.
"Yet another peerless expert has appeared in the world!"
"Just who exactly is the leader of the Azure Dragon Society?"
"Why is it that even the dragon head beneath its mount can reach such an extraordinary level?"
"What exactly is this person plotting?"
The young emperor could not hide his envy.
As he spoke, a burning curiosity ignited in his eyes.
Suddenly, I recalled the military reports from the Sui and Han dynasties that I had just presented, and then compared them with the current situation of the Ming dynasty.
His expression suddenly darkened.
His brows furrowed deeply, and a heavy sigh echoed in the hall.
"Alas, a storm is brewing."
"Given this situation, turmoil in Kyushu is likely imminent!"
Zhu Houzhao felt a throbbing sensation in his temples.
Although chaotic times contain opportunities, they are also opportunities for the change of power.
Facing the three giants, Qin, Yuan, and Tang, who were eyeing them covetously.
What are the chances of the weakened Ming Dynasty winning?
The answer is obvious.
But should we expect him to surrender without resistance?
The resentment burning in my chest was like a raging fire!
Their gaze finally turned to the other major dynasties.
He was planning it.
Compared to those three enormous entities.
Although the Ming and Song dynasties were far inferior.
If an alliance can be formed, they can support each other.
It's entirely possible that this could create a counterbalancing force!
In this upheaval that turned the world upside down.
Not only can it preserve the nation, but it might also...
The young emperor suddenly shook his head in a self-deprecating manner.
It is essential to establish an alliance with the Song Dynasty.