Chapter 111 - Murong Xisheng, Rank 2

Hearing Ying Zheng's words, a flash of sharp light appeared in the middle-aged scholar's eyes.

"I am willing to assist Your Majesty in unifying the Nine Provinces!"

"Hahaha! Good! With your help, what do I have to fear?"

Ying Zheng burst into laughter.

"However, we are not in a rush for now."

"You shall continue to lie low within the Heaven Palace and use it to grow stronger."

"If possible, try to recruit some people from the Heaven Palace."

"As for the extent, you may judge it for yourself."

"I understand, Your Majesty!"

==========

Sui Dynasty, Supreme Master Mansion.

Yuwen Tuo gazed at the sky where the Forbidden Land Ranking appeared.

In his hand was a golden Heaven Palace mask. He murmured to himself.

"Heaven Palace... what kind of organization are you really?"

"Why is it that after so many years, I still haven't uncovered even the slightest information about you?"

"Even your base is terrifying to such a degree."

"Anyone below the God Demon Realm who dares to trespass will certainly perish!"

The more he learned about the terrifying nature of the Heaven Palace, the more curious Yuwen Tuo became.

He wanted to know what secrets were hidden within the Heaven Palace.

What was the true goal of the Jade Emperor?

And why has the Earth Mansion been its sworn enemy for so long?

From Yuwen Tuo's understanding, neither the Heaven Palace nor the Earth Mansion seemed interested in the struggle for dominance over the Nine Provinces.

So then, what secret could be more valuable than ruling the world?

The more he thought about it, the less he could understand.

He couldn't shake the feeling that both members of the Heaven Palace and the Earth Mansion were merely pawns in someone else's game.

This made him even more cautious and wary.

==========

Beyond Yuwen Tuo, the Nine Provinces had no shortage of other clever individuals.

Tang Dynasty's Bad People Headquarters.

At this moment, the Bad Marshal Yuan Tiangang had already recovered his peak strength.

The previous injuries had left no hidden problems behind.

He held an Earth Mansion mask in his hand, and a rare trace of worry appeared on his face.

Unlike Ying Zheng, Yuan Tiangang was far more concerned about these hidden organizations, the Heaven Palace and the Earth Mansion.

The Ming Emperor Zhu Houzhao might be difficult to deal with, but at least he was an open and visible enemy.

They only needed to stay cautious.

But the Heaven Palace and Earth Mansion were different.

Who knew when one of them would suddenly issue an order to destroy the Tang Dynasty?

That would be a true catastrophe.

He had to find a way to uncover every piece of information about these two threatening organizations.

Of course.

Over the years, he had indeed been doing just that while undercover in the Earth Mansion.

Unfortunately, the Earth Mansion was so deeply hidden that there had been no progress for years.

Although he used the Palace's merit system to grow stronger.

The Earth Mansion likewise used him to accomplish many major tasks.

The organization had only grown more powerful as a result.

Yuan Tiangang might have gained much, but the Earth Mansion had profited tenfold, even a hundredfold.

As time went on, with help from many members, the Earth Mansion would only continue to grow stronger.

That was something he couldn't stop, no matter how hard he tried.

==========

Northern Song Dynasty, Imperial City Division.

Huang Shang held the Heaven Palace mask in his hand and stood frozen, unable to come back to his senses.

He had complicated feelings about the Heaven Palace he had long joined.

He even found himself gradually becoming unable to live without it.

But at the same time, deep within, he harbored intense wariness and guarded feelings toward it.

==========

Yuan Dynasty, Demon Master Palace.

The place was no longer lively. It had become bleak and silent.

After the battle at the Heaven Mocking Palace, the Demon Master Palace was practically ruined.

Even someone as mentally strong as Pang Ban nearly failed to recover.

Fortunately, his belief in martial arts remained steadfast, and his heart burned with the desire for revenge.

Recently, he had finally resumed his cultivation.

Looking at the names on the Forbidden Land Ranking in the sky, Pang Ban gritted his teeth.

The terror of the Heaven Mocking Palace had left him deeply shaken.

His pride and arrogance had been thoroughly shattered.

Now.

The Heaven Palace and Earth Mansion were even more terrifying than the Heaven Mocking Palace.

He reached into his robes and took out an Earth Mansion mask.

He stared at it, dazed.

In the past, he hadn't paid much attention to it.

But now, he realized all his hopes might have to rest on it.

The Earth Mansion.

He hoped it wouldn't disappoint him.

He would use the Earth Mansion to grow stronger.

Then, he would seek out the Azure Dragon Association and exact his revenge.

Revenge for his master!

Revenge for Li Chimei!

Revenge for his disciple, Fang Yeyu!

Revenge for all the people in the Demon Master Palace who had died in agony!

The more he thought about it, the deeper his hatred grew.

At the same time, his mind became even calmer.

His eyes grew colder and darker.

He truly looked like a demon lord descending upon the world.

==========

Throughout the Nine Provinces.

Countless powerful individuals.

Martial arts cultivators.

Leaders of great forces.

Court officials.

Noble family descendants.

And more.

All retrieved the hidden Heaven Palace or Earth Mansion masks they had concealed on their person.

Each of them deep in thought.

Some excited, some wary, some determined, some hesitant, and some full of hatred!

Each one solidified the belief in their hearts.

==========

Ming Imperial Palace.

"Your Majesty, what do you think the Heaven Palace and Earth Mansion truly are?"

"Could they really be even stronger than your Azure Dragon Association?"

"Will they pose a threat to the Ming Dynasty in the future?"

Empress Wu Zhao looked at the ranking in the sky, unable to hide her concern.

If the Heaven Palace or Earth Mansion acted against the Ming Dynasty, they really wouldn't be able to resist.

Just the God Demon Realm members in those organizations were not few.

With only the Emperor and her, they would not stand a chance.

There were even those in the Mythical and Heavenly Human Realms among them.

"Don't worry. I have already made arrangements within both the Heaven Palace and the Earth Mansion."

"How could I possibly ignore such powerful threats?"

Zhu Houzhao's tone was mysterious.

Even to Empress Wu Zhao, he had no intention of revealing his biggest secret.

Before he fully understood the secrets surrounding her, he chose to remain cautious.

Just then.

Zhu Houzhao was about to speak again.

Suddenly, his expression changed slightly.

In his mind.

A soft "crack" rang out.

It was as if a bottleneck had shattered.

Not good!

His realm was breaking through?

Why so soon?

He hadn't intended to break through yet!

He was planning to suppress his realm a while longer to solidify his foundation!

But unexpectedly, the true essence in his body began to circulate faster on its own.

The Chaos Physique he had received as the Heaven Dao Reward.

Was finally revealing its true power.

Combined with his recent insights into the "Reincarnation Disk" and "River Diagram Book", and his understanding of celestial laws.

His martial arts had become even more powerful.

Even the self-created Azure Lotus Immortal Scripture was becoming more refined and complete.

Zhu Houzhao felt both shocked and delighted, yet also hesitant.

Breaking through to the realm above the God Demon Realm would likely make him the first in all the Nine Provinces.

But at the same time, he had a feeling.

Because of this breakthrough.

The Nine Provinces would undergo another earth-shaking transformation.

Even he might not be able to control what followed.

It could lead to a future more unpredictable than he could imagine.

Clenching his teeth.

In the end, he chose to break through.

That day would come eventually anyway.

And he wanted to experience for himself what that realm was truly like.

"Empress, for the next few days, keep a close eye on court and palace affairs in secret."

"I will be leaving the palace for a while."

"I might not return for some time."

Zhu Houzhao looked at the Empress and said.

"Don't worry, Your Majesty. With me here, nothing will go wrong."

Though she was puzzled, the Empress did not ask further.

If Zhu Houzhao wanted to tell her, he would have already done so.

Since he kept it secret, he must have his reasons.

"I trust you completely!"

"To the outside, just say I've entered seclusion to cultivate, so as not to cause worry."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

==========

Ming Dynasty Eastern Territory.

In a mysterious region near the coastline.

Due to its remote location, complex climate, and extremely poor environment.

The area was shrouded in thick mist all year round.

It should have been deserted, yet many people had gathered here.

Cultivators with varying levels of strength.

"Look, the Sword Mountain Mist is clearing! Hahaha, we can go in again!"

"Yeah, I've waited a whole year! No matter what, I won't lose again this time!"

"Forget it, this place might hold opportunities, but it's full of danger. Don't get yourself killed in there!"

"Bah! You jinx! My swordsmanship is unmatched! How could I die?"

Flying overhead, Zhu Houzhao glanced curiously at the people below.

Who were these guys?

Has someone discovered his hidden Sword Tomb?

Impossible, right?

He had set up countless defensive formations. Even a God Demon Realm cultivator couldn't break in.

Not to mention, she was still inside, helping him watch over it.

How could it be exposed?

With doubt in his heart, Zhu Houzhao ignored them and flew straight ahead.

He passed through the mist with practiced ease, like returning to his own home.

After around ten minutes.

A stunning, paradise-like realm unfolded before his eyes.

It was like entering a celestial mountain.

And atop the highest peak.

Two large characters were carved.

Sword Tomb.

This had been a reward from his Lying Flat System.

It could serve as both a cultivation retreat and a powerful treasure that could attack and defend.

When he first received it, Zhu Houzhao had placed it here.

He had layered it with powerful defensive formations to prevent intruders.

Also, it was not uninhabited.

A woman who was quite "special" to him lived here.

Half the mistress of the place.

==========

"She keeps making this place more beautiful!"

Stepping into the Sword Tomb, Zhu Houzhao immediately felt his mind grow calm.

Admiring the improved surroundings once again, his mood lifted.

Each visit brought a new visual delight.

"You're here!"

A crisp, pleasant voice echoed in his heart.

A ghost-like figure appeared before him, a long-haired woman in a flowing robe.

She stood still.

Sunlight lit her hair. A breeze stirred her robes.

But on her face was a dull, wooden mask.

At first glance, one might think she had just crawled out of a grave.

"I'm here!"

"You're still the same, always wearing that mask!"

Zhu Houzhao smiled and walked over slowly.

He gently removed the mask.

Immediately, what appeared before him was not a monster, but a stunningly beautiful woman, so beautiful that words failed to describe her.

No words could do her beauty justice.

Even someone who had seen countless beauties like Zhu Houzhao had to admit.

In terms of looks, even Empress Wu Zhao could only tie with her.

And that was after Wu Zhao had ascended to the God Demon Realm and elevated her life essence.

Worldly beauty could only mesmerize.

But the woman before him, her beauty could drive one mad.

Fortunately, Zhu Houzhao was no ordinary man.

His heartbeat quickened for a moment, then calmed.

The two were already familiar with each other.

He wouldn't act like some fool.

"You're so beautiful. Why do you always wear that mask and dress like this, Xisheng?"

Zhu Houzhao looked at her with tenderness, holding her delicate hand.

Murong Xisheng looked at him with a trace of resentment.

"If you're not by my side, what's the point of looking beautiful or dressing up?"

"Sigh, it's my fault. I've been too busy lately and didn't have time to visit."

Zhu Houzhao lied effortlessly, as if he had done it countless times.

"Busy? Hmph, busy picking Consorts, I'd say!"

"Your recent Consort Selection as the Ming Emperor caused quite a stir throughout the Nine Provinces."

"You really have been busy!"

Murong Xisheng looked at him with a playful yet sharp gaze.

Zhu Houzhao laughed awkwardly.

"Uh, cough, cough, you're teasing me again!"

Without waiting for her reply, he pulled her into his arms.

"This time, I'll stay longer and keep you company."

"You just won't enter the palace. Otherwise, you'd see me every day."

"Hmph, dream on. Palace life doesn't suit me. This place is perfect."

"With your strength, you won't stay Emperor forever. Once you tire of it, the rest of your life will be mine!"

Murong Xisheng said with surprising dominance.

Zhu Houzhao was speechless.

She might be miscalculating.

Right now, Empress Wu Zhao's strength was not any weaker than hers.

In the future, she'd definitely have a "competitor".

And with Murong Qiudi and Xue Yuan entering the palace as well.

Given their talent and Zhu Houzhao's guidance.

She might face more than one "competitor".

But he wouldn't dare voice any of that.

Otherwise, his time in the Sword Tomb would be spent alone.

==========

"By the way, you don't usually come unless something important happens."

"This time, why did you suddenly show up?"

"Did something happen?"

Murong Xisheng looked at him curiously.

"Something really did happen."

"I'm about to break through."

Zhu Houzhao's expression turned serious.

"Really?"

Murong Xisheng's eyes lit up, full of excitement.

Even more excited than Zhu Houzhao himself.

Since the appearance of the Nine Provinces Golden Ranking.

Murong Xisheng had always worried about Zhu Houzhao.

Even though she knew he was already a God Demon Realm cultivator, one of the Nine Provinces' invincible figures, she couldn't help but worry.

Especially now that more God Demon Realm cultivators were appearing.

And with the mysterious Heaven Palace and Earth Mansion.

If those God Demon Realm cultivators unite to target Zhu Houzhao, things could get dangerous.

Even his life might be at risk.

Now, if the man she loved broke through to an even higher realm, he would be safe.

How could she not be overjoyed?

This alone showed that Murong Xisheng was no vain woman seeking wealth.

She truly loved him with all her heart.

That was why Zhu Houzhao entrusted her with the Sword Tomb, one of his most guarded secrets.

To Zhu Houzhao.

Meeting Murong Xisheng was one of his greatest blessings.

Even Empress Wu Zhao could not match the trust he placed in her.

"Good! Then go and break through!"

"I'll guard you from the outside!"

"Important matters first. Everything else can wait."

With that, Murong Xisheng impatiently pulled him into the cultivation chamber.

More eager than Zhu Houzhao himself.

==========

As Zhu Houzhao prepared for his breakthrough, Murong Xisheng stood guard.

The Rank 2 Forbidden Land in the sky began to appear.

[Forbidden Land Ranking – Rank 2]

[Sword Tomb]

[Danger Level: Five and a Half Stars]

[Description: Those in the God Demon Realm Land Immortal, or below will have no chance of survival if they intrude. This is one of the most terrifying death zones in the Nine Provinces. Those who come with malicious intent shall die]

[Reward: One Immortal-Grade Formation Disk that can deploy the Immortal-Grade Formation: Heaven Slaying Sword Formation]