Chapter 142 - Rank 8, Great Li Kingdom's Ambition! If You Dare Rebel, Then You Cannot Be Spared

[National Power Ranking – Rank 8]

[Northern Song Dynasty]

[Territory: Three Stars]

[Population: Four Stars]

[Military: Three Stars]

[Expert: Four Stars]

[Economy: Five Stars]

[Public Support: Three Stars]

[Overall National Index: Three Stars]

[Reward: Thirty years added to the Emperor's lifespan, seven million taels of silver, seven million bushels of grain, thirty thousand fine horses]

The Northern Song Dynasty?

Countless people of the Northern Song Dynasty stared in disbelief at the ranking in the sky.

Was their Northern Song Dynasty really that weak?

To be ranked 3rd from the bottom among all dynasties?

Only slightly better than Southern Song Dynasty and Qing Dynasty?

The Southern Song Dynasty was already on the verge of destruction.

The Qing Dynasty was also barely surviving in the shadows.

How could the Northern Song Dynasty be lumped together with them?

Many citizens of the Northern Song Dynasty were indignant.

Why had it come to this?

Even if the Northern Song Dynasty could not compare to the Qin Dynasty or Ming Dynasty and could not make it to the top three, surely it still deserved a spot in the top five.

But now?

Northern Song Emperor Zhao Ji was truly furious.

In his mind, even the Qin Dynasty and Ming Dynasty were unworthy of being compared to the Song Dynasty.

The Qin Dynasty was nothing more than a nation of beasts.

Especially Ying Zheng, a tyrant without restraint, surrounded by ministers and generals who only knew how to kill.

They did not value literature and knew nothing of etiquette or virtue.

How could such a nation be compared to his Song Dynasty?

And as for Ming Dynasty, with its Emperor Zhu Houzhao openly practicing martial arts and valuing might over culture, that kind of Emperor was also unworthy of comparison.

But now?

Not only was Song Dynasty not at the top, it did not even make the top three.

Instead, it had been placed alongside the nearly ruined Southern Song Dynasty and the barbarian nation of Qing Dynasty.

This was outrageous.

As a scholarly and artistic Emperor, Zhao Ji simply could not understand the criteria used by the ranking.

To him, the entire ranking was flawed and completely inaccurate.

"Minister, do you not also feel that our Song Dynasty was ranked too low on the National Power Ranking?"

Zhao Ji turned to Huang Shang, hoping to hear affirmation.

Huang Shang merely curled his lips.

It seemed the Emperor still had no idea what the true situation of the Northern Song Dynasty was.

Thinking of this, Huang Shang gave a bitter smile.

Perhaps Emperor Zhao Ji was not a bad person in the traditional sense.

In fact, the number of people he had ordered executed was very small.

At most, he exiled people, demoted officials, or sent them to the frontier.

Compared to the likes of Ying Zheng, Yang Guang, or Li Shimin, who would wipe out entire clans and kill without blinking, Zhao Ji could be considered a great saint.

But as an Emperor, he had utterly failed.

He was far too incompetent.

==========

Northern Song Dynasty, Southern Region.

Great Li Kingdom.

At this moment, King Duan Zhengming of Great Li Kingdom arrived at Heavenly Dragon Temple with a solemn expression.

"Zhengming greets the Ancestor and all the venerable masters."

Inside a grand hall, even as King, Duan Zhengming showed utmost respect to the high monks seated above.

Especially the one at the head.

The Founding King of Great Li Kingdom, Duan Siping.

The others were all past Kings of Great Li Kingdom who had become monks.

Though Duan Zhengming was the current King, he dared not show the slightest arrogance in front of them.

He remained humble and reverent.

"Zhengming, why are you not in the palace handling state affairs? What brings you to Heavenly Dragon Temple?"

"Now that the Nine Provinces are undergoing great changes, you must act with caution. Do not be careless, lest Great Li Kingdom be drawn into the flames of war."

Duan Siping spoke calmly from the highest seat.

"Ancestor, I came precisely to consult you on this matter."

"There is something I must ask your guidance on."

"What is it?"

"Now that the National Power Ranking has appeared, the Nine Provinces are showing signs of chaos."

"Dynasties and kingdoms are beginning to war against one another."

"According to the news I have received, the Liao Kingdom and Jin Kingdom nations from the northern grasslands have begun their campaign against the Northern Song Dynasty."

"Even Western Xia Kingdom and Tibet Kingdom are preparing to seize a piece of the Northern Song Dynasty for themselves."

"What should our Great Li Kingdom do in this situation?"

Duan Zhengming was in a difficult position.

By his own nature, he would prefer that the Great Li Kingdom remain neutral and simply protect its own lands.

But once the wars among Song Dynasty, Liao Kingdom, and Jin Kingdom concluded, the Great Li Kingdom could easily become the next target.

In this time of chaos, only by growing stronger could the Great Li Kingdom secure its survival in the future.

But this would require the support of Heavenly Dragon Temple.

Heavenly Dragon Temple was the heart of all Great Li Kingdom's martial power.

Especially Duan Siping, who had become a Heavenly Human Realm Land Immortal cultivator.

Perhaps they could not match the great powers, but they were certainly not ones to be bullied easily.

"Zhengming, do you intend to join forces with Western Xia Kingdom, Tibet Kingdom, and the others to attack the Northern Song Dynasty?"

"Yes, I believe the Northern Song Dynasty may truly fall this time."

"Liao Kingdom and Jin Kingdom both harbor ambitions to establish their own dynasties."

"Only by eliminating the Northern Song Dynasty and expanding our strength can we hope to succeed as well."

A trace of wariness flickered in Duan Zhengming's eyes.

As the Founding King of Great Li Kingdom, Duan Siping was naturally a visionary.

He clearly understood what needed to be done.

After a moment of contemplation, he nodded in agreement.

"I approve of your plan."

"If you ever need support from Heavenly Dragon Temple, simply send a word. I will dispatch aid accordingly."

"The Great Li Kingdom has remained silent for too long. It is time for the world to witness our power once more."

"It is not only Liao Kingdom and Jin Kingdom who can threaten the Northern Song Dynasty. Great Li Kingdom can too."

As he spoke, a sharp gleam flashed in Duan Siping's eyes.

To join forces with Liao Kingdom, Jin Kingdom, Western Xia Kingdom, and Tibet Kingdom in carving up the Northern Song Dynasty was the best path forward for Great Li Kingdom.

"Thank you, Ancestor. I now know what to do."

Duan Zhengming was overjoyed and bowed deeply before taking his leave.

Perhaps one day, Great Li Kingdom too would rise to become one of the dynasties of the Nine Provinces.

And its name would appear on the National Power Ranking.

==========

Northern Song Dynasty, Gusu City, Swallow Dock.

"Father, are we really going to rise up?"

Murong Fu looked at Murong Bo in disbelief, his face filled with excitement.

Ever since the Golden Ranking appeared, the entire world had changed.

He, once hailed alongside Qiao Feng as "North Qiao Feng, South Murong" used to be so prominent in the Martial World.

But now, with one mighty cultivator after another emerging, his status has plummeted.

Even people he once disdained could now trample over him with ease.

This left him feeling humiliated and hopeless.

Then, out of nowhere, his father who had died years ago appeared before him.

Even more shocking, his father had secretly built a powerful army in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike.

To revive the Murong Clan's Yan Dynasty.

"Fu'er, the opportunity our Murong Clan has waited for all these years has finally arrived."

"I've learned that the Liao Kingdom and Jin Kingdom nations from the northern grasslands are preparing to invade the Song Dynasty."

"There is a high possibility that the Song Dynasty will fall."

"This is the perfect chance for our Murong Clan to raise the banner of the Yan Imperial Bloodline, recruit troops, and seize cities."

"In the future, our Yan Dynasty will surely claim a place in this world."

"Perhaps we might even establish our own Kingdom."

"Wonderful, Father, I've waited so long for this day!"

"Let's pack our things and head straight to the base!"

"Yes, Father!"

Both Murong Bo and Murong Fu were overwhelmed with excitement.

This time of great chaos would be their chance.

They were determined to revive the Yan Dynasty and contend for dominance over the Nine Provinces, to stand as equals among the dynasties.

"Hmph, what a delusional Murong Clan. I'm afraid you won't even get the chance!"

"Remnants of Yan, today marks your end!"

Just then, a scornful and terrifying voice echoed across the skies above Swallow Dock.

In the next instant, dozens of mysterious figures descended into Swallow Dock, launching a brutal massacre.

"Aaaahhh!"

Piercing screams rang out endlessly.

"Brother Bao!"

"Brother Feng, the enemy is too strong, run!"

"Murong remnants, none of you will escape today!"

A cold voice rang out.

Several flashes of cold light passed through.

Murong Fu's four great generals, Bao Butong, Feng Bo'e, and the others, were slaughtered like chickens.

They died on the spot under the mysterious attackers' onslaught.

Soon, blood flowed like rivers in the Murong residence.

Even the servants and maids were not spared.

Not a single soul was left alive.

"Who are you people?"

"My Murong Clan has no feud with you. Why do you strike so ruthlessly?"

Murong Bo pulled Murong Fu behind him, glaring in fury at the black-clad men before him.

"Murong Bo, remnant of Yan Dynasty. You've long stirred trouble within our Song Martial World."

"If you had only stolen a few Shaolin scriptures and played petty tricks behind the scenes, we from the Imperial City Division would not have paid attention to you."

"But you dared to secretly raise an army and plot rebellion. That cannot be tolerated."

"Even your ancestor Murong Longcheng was slain by the Director of the Imperial City Division."

"We left you alive to give you a chance to redeem yourselves."

"Too bad you failed to seize it. You can only blame yourselves now."

The black-clad man spoke with disdain.

To think these people were from the Imperial City Division of Northern Song Dynasty.

And their first move was complete annihilation, with no intention of sparing a single life.

Now, only Murong Bo and Murong Fu were left alive in all of Swallow Dock.

"Imperial City Division!"

"I underestimated you!"

Murong Bo gritted his teeth, anxiety flashing in his eyes.

These Imperial City Division agents were terrifying beyond belief.

Especially the one before him, whose overwhelming aura made even breathing difficult.

He was definitely a true Land Immortal.

Murong Bo knew he stood no chance in a fight.

Was he going to die here?

No, even if he had to die, he had to ensure Fu'er survived.

As long as Murong Fu lived, the Murong Clan would not be destroyed.

The Yan Dynasty would not perish.

There would still be hope.

"Die!"

With a roar, Murong Bo gathered all his strength and charged at the enemy.

Boom!

Spurt!

Unfortunately, the man before him was simply too powerful.

With just one palm strike, Murong Bo was sent flying.

But at that very moment, as he was about to hit the ground, Murong Bo twisted his body, grabbed Murong Fu, and dashed away into the distance.

Watching their retreating figures, the leader of the Imperial City Division let out a cold smile.

He tapped his foot lightly, and followed after them at a calm pace.

"Fu'er, run. This is as far as I can take you."

"From now on, the task of reviving the Yan Dynasty falls on your shoulders alone."

Murong Bo pulled out a strange mask from his robe and shoved it into Murong Fu's hands.

The next moment, he pushed him away with all his might.

"Father!"

Before Murong Fu could react, he fell into the lake.

Murong Bo turned back alone, using the last of his strength to buy Murong Fu a chance to escape.

"You're not going to run, Murong Bo?"

The leader of the Imperial City Division looked at him with a half-smile.

He paid no mind to Murong Fu's escape.

"With your strength, could I even escape?"

Murong Bo responded with a question.

"Interesting. No wonder you once stirred up so much bloodshed in the Martial World."

"It's a pity you were born as an enemy of our Song Dynasty. Otherwise, I would have liked to bring someone like you into the Imperial City Division."

"Hahaha, it won't be long before the Song Dynasty is destroyed by the Liao Kingdom and Jin Kingdom."

"The fate of your Imperial City Division will be worse than that of my Murong Clan!"

"Liao Kingdom and Jin Kingdom? You really believe those mere nations can destroy the Song Dynasty?"

"Or perhaps Western Xia Kingdom, Tibet Kingdom, or even the overconfident Great Li Kingdom?"

"The foundation of our Song Dynasty is not something those frogs in a well can compare to."

The leader of the Imperial City Division sneered with disdain.

Then, with a light movement of his feet, his figure flashed like lightning.

He appeared right before Murong Bo.

A soft palm strike shattered all of Murong Bo's internal organs.

Murong Bo had no chance to resist.

He fell to the ground, lifeless.

Before death, his eyes showed despair, hatred, and unwillingness.

And a trace of confusion.

What did that man's words mean just now?

Could the Northern Song Dynasty be hiding a deeper strength?

But now, he would never know.

"Lord, should we continue pursuing Murong Fu?"

A member of the Imperial City Division asked.

"No need. That one still has some value."

"He's a decent chess piece."

"Compared to Murong Longcheng and Murong Bo, Murong Fu is not worth mentioning."

"In talent, wisdom, and means, he is unremarkable."

"But with a little manipulation, he might produce unexpected results."

"Let's go. We must report back to the Lord."

With that command, the Imperial City Division members vanished into the night.

All that remained was a blood-soaked Swallow Dock filled with corpses.

Moments later, a disheveled figure burst from the lake.

It was Murong Fu.

He had not fled. He had come back.

"Father!"

Seeing Murong Bo's lifeless body not far away, Murong Fu fell into despair.

He was consumed with hatred toward those who had slaughtered his entire family.

In his heart, he swore vengeance.

He would make them pay in blood.

He could not stay any longer.

Murong Fu rushed into the main hall of Swallow Dock.

Following the final clues left by Murong Bo, he found a wooden box hidden behind a wall.

He did not even take time to look at it.

He stuffed it into his robes and left swiftly.

Casting one final glance, filled with sorrow and reluctance, at his father's corpse and the ruins of Swallow Dock, Murong Fu dove into the lake again.

In the blink of an eye, he vanished.

He would have his revenge.

He would restore the Yan Dynasty.

For this goal, he would pay any price.

In his heart, Murong Fu swore a blood oath.

At the same time, in the sky above, new text appeared on the National Power Ranking.