Begin as the Top Master in Martial Arts!
[This wretched life is not worth living for another second!]
[The opportunity to restart from today is still 14 minutes and 36 seconds away...]
[Reminder: Once the choice is made, it cannot be changed, and the selection will affect subsequent events. Host, please choose wisely.]
Zhu Youji gazed at the countdown interface before his retina, immersed in contemplation. It had happened ten thousand times, yet he had not drawn an ideal starting point.
Primarily, a good innate talent, coupled with two other mediocre martial arts skills. This dilemma plunged Zhu Youji into hesitation and turmoil.
Once the choice is made, it couldn’t be altered, and those three options would determine his future. Although a superlative innate talent was appealing, did he have the time to cultivate it?
But now, the beginning of the storyline was drawing closer...
Should he persevere, or simply choose a somewhat decent innate talent in martial arts?
At this moment, a familiar female voice rang beside him, breaking his thoughts.
"Your Highness, the Noble Consort is still waiting for you."
Zhu Youji, emerging from his contemplation, looked at the graceful palace maid before him and calmly said, "Lead the way."
"Yes." The palace maid dared not delay and promptly guided Zhu Youji.
As he observed the scenery of the Imperial Garden, Zhu Youji contemplated what was Noble Consort Wan finding him for.
It was the third year that Zhu Youji had been in this world!
Simultaneously, it was the first year of the commencement of the plot!
At this juncture, Noble Consort Wan sought him out. It was probably for that matter...
That’s right, Zhu Youji was a transmigrator.
One fortuitous day, he transmigrated to this world. Through observation and exploration, he gradually realized that he had arrived in a distinctly different alternate Ming Dynasty.
This was a wuxia novel world based on the Ming Dynasty.
Great Ming Dynasty: Invincible from the Start!
Yes, it was a classic beginning in semi-invincible plot, where the protagonist emerged invincible, dominating the world and advancing unopposed.
And he was one of the early antagonists in the novel, the Fourth Prince Zhu Youji.
In this dynasty, the influential minister Yan Song, the Iron-Willed Marquis Zhu Wushi, the 'Nine-Thousand-Year' Eunuch Wei Zhongxian, Cao Zhengchun of the Eastern Depot, Yu Huatian of the Western Depot, and the commanding officer of the Imperial Guard Qinglong, each of them held official positions, confronting and balancing each other.
However, this equilibrium was shattered entirely due to Noble Consort Wan's appearance.
With Noble Consort Wan coordinating with Yu Huatian of Western Depot, Yan Song, Eunuch Wei Zhongxian, and others, together with Cao Zhengchun of Eastern Depot and the Judge in the Southern Prison, they formed a terrifying network of power, seizing control of the court.
Even the Iron-Willed Marquis Zhu Wushi had to yield three points.
Noble Consort Wan truly achieved dominance over the court, overshadowing everything with an iron hand!
And his identity was none other than Noble Consort Wan's son, the Fourth Prince Zhu Youji of Great Ming.
In theory, with his status, he should be the best candidate for the crown prince, the future heir to Great Ming.
However, being well-acquainted with the plot, he was keenly aware that he, as the prince, was nothing more than a counterfeit.
He was just a tool for Noble Consort Wan to replace her real child with an outsider.
In other words, Noble Consort Wan never truly regarded Zhu Youji as her own child; he was merely a means to secure her position.
Unsatisfied with being the Empress and the Empress Dowager, she aimed to become the female Emperor in the entire realm.
He would be completely discarded once his value was exhausted!
Therefore, to survive, he must reverse the entire situation and personally control everything.
...
Ice-containing Hall, Noble Consort Wan's sleeping quarters.
Amidst a group of beauties, she exuded an air of elegance and luxury even while sitting on the bed, radiating a formidable and aloof aura.
Like a cold plum in the midst of ice and snow, standing proudly and exceptionally unique!
Her delicate and beautiful face adorned with a splendid crown exuded nobility and grace, showing no traces of the passage of time.
"Your child pays respects to Mother!" Zhu Youji respectfully bowed.
Before Zhu Youji's eyes, a transparent interface appeared, and Noble Consort Wan's data automatically emerged.
[Name: Wan Zhen'er (Noble Consort Wan)]
[Identity: the Noble Consort of the Great Ming Dynasty, the Actual Controller of the Western Depot]
[Family Background: Daughter of the General of Cavalry]
[Age: 35]
"You may dispense with formalities," Noble Consort Wan nodded lightly and asked, "Do you know why I summoned you today?"
"I, your humble child, am dull-witted. I hope Mother can enlighten me," Zhu Youji said respectfully, even though he already had speculations in his mind.
"In recent days, there have been rumors in the harem about a palace maid having improper relations with a member of the Imperial Guard. Have you heard of it?" Noble Consort Wan assessed Zhu Youji casually.
Just as he suspected!
Here it came!
Zhu Youji spoke, "Your child has indeed heard some rumors. Wasn't it supposed to be handled by the Judge in the Northern Prison?"
"But I want you to handle it," Noble Consort Wan said nonchalantly, looking at Zhu Youji.
As soon as these words were spoken, Zhu Youji promptly responded, "It is an honor for your child to share your burdens."
Hearing this, Noble Consort Wan's attitude softened slightly, and she whispered, "Ji'er, do you know why I want you to handle this matter?"
"Does Mother wish for me to get involved with the Imperial Guard?" Zhu Youji cautiously speculated.
"That is correct," Noble Consort Wan chuckled, "This matter involves a Pacifier Commander from the Judge in the Southern Prison under the Imperial Guard."
"A Pacifier Commander!"
"This is a fourth-rank official position. You should know that in local regions, the various magistrates are only ranked at the fourth level! And yet, he dares to have illicit relations with a palace maid? Absolutely heinous!"
As she said this, a cold air emanated from Noble Consort Wan. A glint of murderous intent flashed in her eyes, only to disappear in an instant. She continued, "It is His Majesty's intention for the Judge in the Northern Prison to take charge."
"We cannot disobey the Emperor's will. However, well, I have also arranged an opportunity for you. As long as you can capture that Pacifier Commander and eliminate that wretched maid. I can plead for your merits with the Emperor, allowing you to concurrently hold the position of Pacifier Commander, adapting in advance to Imperial Guard affairs, laying the groundwork for the next step. Do you understand the meticulous intentions of your mother?"
"Your child is deeply grateful. Mother is laboring so much for me. I am truly..." Zhu Youji feigned a moved and choked-up appearance, momentarily lost for words.
In reality, Zhu Youji was well aware of what was truly going on.
The so-called wretched maid mentioned by Noble Consort Wan was not involved in an affair with the Pacifier Commander of the Imperial Guard; rather, she was pregnant with the Emperor’s child.
The alleged impropriety was nothing but a false accusation!
This so-called Pacifier Commander was just a scapegoat pushed out by the Judge in the Southern Prison.
All of this was a setup orchestrated by Noble Consort Wan and the Judge in the Southern Prison.
The goal was to not only eliminate the palace maid and the Pacifier Commander but also to influence the Emperor's perception of the Judge in the Northern Prison.
This way, they could seize control of the part of the Imperial Guard's power.
The Imperial Guard was divided into the Judge in the Northern and Southern Prisons. The Judge in the Northern Prison handled cases officially designated by the Emperor, possessed its own prison (Imperial Prison), and could independently arrest, interrogate, and execute without going through regular judicial channels.
Noble Consort Wan indirectly controlled the Judge in the Southern Prison through her relationship with the Eunuch Wei Zhongxian. However, the Judge in the Northern Prison was always personally designated by the Emperor for handling cases, and the commanding officer Qinglong was fiercely loyal to the royal family, making it difficult for her to intervene.
"As long as you understand your mother's intentions." Noble Consort Wan nodded slightly and said softly, "Ji'er, your martial skills may be somewhat lacking, but it's not a big deal. I will have Yu Huatian send someone to assist you. Remember, you must deal with that wretched maid and capture the Pacifier Commander. Regardless of the means, you must succeed."
"Your child understands!" Zhu Youji said.
"Go," Noble Consort Wan waved her hand."You may leave."
"Your child takes his leave." After Zhu Youji bowed and left.
On the way out of the Ice-containing Hall, Zhu Youji quietly opened his character attributes interface.
[Host: Zhu Youji]
[Identity: Fourth Prince of the Great Ming Dynasty]
[Martial Arts: Fourth Rank Upper]
[Parents: Unknown]
[Martial Skills: Small Achievement in Upper Clear Swordsmanship, Level Six of Brushstroke Technique, Mastery in Archery, Small Achievement in Flying Over Eaves and Walls]
This skill level was indeed quite weaker!
"Ding..."
"Today's opportunity to restart (10/10) has refreshed. The system panel is now opening for you..."
As the prompt sounded, a sky-blue system interface instantly appeared before Zhu Youji's eyes...
[Life Restart Simulator]
[This wretched life is not worth living for another second!]
[Today's restart opportunities: 10/10, do you want to restart immediately?]
[Reminder: Please choose carefully; once selected, it cannot be changed.]
Looking at this familiar interface, Zhu Youji felt a myriad of emotions.
For the past three years, Zhu Youji had drawn more than ten thousand times but still hadn't come across relatively suitable martial arts or talents. Among these ten thousand opportunities, he did manage to draw some slightly better things.
For example: Heartless Strike, Overlord's Blade, Virgin Kung Fu, 18 Dragon Subduing Palms, Six-Meridian Divine Sword, Minor Formless Skill...
For example: Clarity of the Sacred Heart, Demon Heart of Solitude, Genius in Enlightenment, Nine Revolutions Dao Heart...
However, every time something decent was drawn, out of the ten options, only one or two could be used, and the rest were all garbage.
If there was only one chance to choose, he couldn't just select one suitable talent or martial art; otherwise, he would be at a disadvantage!
Zhu Youji could draw three martial arts or talents from the ten options. He couldn't abandon the other two just for one!
So, as long as he didn't simultaneously draw three martial arts or talents that satisfied him, he would directly discard them and resolutely choose the next draw. After all, the plot hadn't started yet, and he still had time to abandon some less important things.
But now, the plot was about to begin, and he didn't have much time left...
He truly hoped to draw some powerful martial arts for his start.
Taking a deep breath, Zhu Youji adjusted his mindset and murmured in his mind, "Let's begin!"
"Ding..."
Along with the sound of the prompt, the button for "Restart Ten Times Immediately" in the system interface was instantly pressed!
The next moment, ten gorgeous cards with special patterns floated out, lined up in front of Zhu Youji.
Myriad lights shimmered and flowed on these ten splendid cards, each emitting a unique martial aura, seemingly hiding some special power.
Next, as usual, the rightmost seven cards emitted the most ordinary white light, gradually dimming. This indicated that they were only basic martial arts and talent cards.
But this time, the remaining three cards did not follow the usual pattern. Instead of only one shining with colorful brilliance, all three cards sparkled with resplendent and beautiful light.
"Huh?" Zhu Youji's eyes brightened!
Could it be that this time, he actually drew three top-tier martial arts talents?
As the light gradually dissipated, the ten cards revealed their appearances, and the system prompt sound rang out.
[Results of the Ten Draws...]
[Weapon: Supreme Embroidered Spring Sword of the Imperial Guards]
[Talent: Critical Hit (Archery)]
[Martial Art: Taizu Fist]
[Martial Art: Seventy-Two kicks of Shaolin]
...
Zhu Youji quickly glanced over the first seven cards and ignored them. His gaze, without any hesitation, fell on the last three cards radiating colorful golden light.
[Absorption Technique: Seize others' power and absorb into one's own meridians!]
[Vajra Body Defending Divine Skill: Invincible against all, immune to all poisons, adamantine indestructible, utter invincibility!]
[Infernal Three Blades: Gathers the evil power of Heaven and Earth in the blade; once the blade glows, the opponent feels as if in the infernal, enduring the suffering of mountains of blades and seas of fire!]
"This is it!"
The moment Zhu Youji saw these three cards clearly, his breathing became somewhat heavier, his fists unconsciously clenched, and excitement surged within him.
He had waited for three years!
The heavens did not disappoint those with determination; the starting point he desired had finally arrived!
[Notes:
Martial Arts: Entry, Proficiency, Mastery, Small Achievement, Great Achievement, Entering the Realm.
Martial Arts Cultivation: First Rank to Ninth Rank, with the Ninth Rank being the highest. Beyond the Ninth Rank is considered a Grandmaster.]