Chapter 171 - Rank 2, Everyone Was Stimulated, All for Immortality
[Cultivation Technique Ranking – Rank 2]
[Azure Lotus Immortal Scripture]
[Creator: Su Yi]
[Cultivation: Peak of God Demon Realm]
[Description: The Azure Lotus Immortal Scripture was created by Azure Lotus Sword Immortal Su Yi, based on his own technique, the Azure Lotus Sword Classic. He fused many profound Martial Techniques with his unparalleled talent and comprehension to create a technique entirely his own. It is a Sage-Grade Cultivation Technique]
[Note: This technique embodies the culmination of the Azure Lotus Sword Immortal's understanding of martial arts. It is profoundly mysterious with immense potential, flawless in nature. Cultivating it can enhance one's physique and comprehension. Its true power and effects are known only to its creator]
[Reward: Special Physique – Myriad Dao Immortal Physique (one hundred percent compatibility with the Azure Lotus Immortal Scripture)]
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Just as all of Nine Provinces was in an uproar over the appearance of the Divine Dragon, a new ranking suddenly appeared in the sky.
When they saw the name of the Azure Lotus Sword Immortal once again, surprisingly, not many people showed expressions of shock.
Why bother showing "Azure Lotus Sword Immortal"?
Why not just directly display the Ming Emperor, Zhu Houzhao?
There was no need to be so roundabout.
Who didn't know by now that the Azure Lotus Sword Immortal was the avatar of the Ming Emperor?
Better to keep competing for the Dragon Essence!
In the future, they might not only reach the level of the Azure Lotus Sword Immortal, but rather, Zhu Houzhao himself!
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Qin Imperial Palace.
"Dragon Essence? Dragon Essence!"
"Summon Black Shadow and the Black Ice Platform immediately. Head to the Han Dynasty and retrieve the Dragon Essence for me!"
Compared to Monarch Changping, what Ying Zheng desired more was immortality.
"Your Majesty, Monarch Changping is seriously injured. This is the perfect time to eliminate him."
"Such a rare opportunity must not be wasted."
"Once he recovers, he will surely attempt to restore his nation and proclaim himself Emperor. By then, killing him will cost us much more!"
"Now, with the whole Nine Provinces stirred by the Divine Dragon and Dragon Essence, it is clear someone is manipulating things behind the scenes."
"There must be a conspiracy involved. We cannot be unprepared!"
The middle-aged scholar quickly tried to stop him.
His face showed a trace of urgency.
Even if they obtained the Dragon Essence, what practical benefit would it bring to the Qin Dynasty?
But on the other hand, if Monarch Changping were to recover, it would be disastrous.
The remnants of the Six Kingdoms would surely rise again.
If Monarch Changping succeeded in splitting the Qin Dynasty, it would severely damage the nation's strength.
With Ying Zheng's wisdom, how could he not see this?
But the lure of the Dragon Essence was simply too great.
With it, he could live forever.
At that point, what was there to fear from someone like Monarch Changping?
As long as he lived eternally, he would have all the time in the world to strengthen the Qin Dynasty.
He might even unify Nine Provinces, allowing the Qin Dynasty to endure for thousands of years.
While Ying Zheng was deep in thought, the ranking in the sky updated.
Seeing Zhu Houzhao's name appear once more, his conviction was strengthened.
He too wanted to be like Zhu Houzhao, possessing not only a powerful dynasty, but also unmatched personal strength.
If he had reached the peak of the God Demon Realm, someone like Monarch Changping would be no more than an ant, crushed with a slap!
There would be no need for such effort.
And on top of that, he could live forever.
The temptation was simply too great.
"Sir, say no more. As long as I obtain the Dragon Essence, what fear is there of Monarch Changping, even if he recovers his strength?"
"With the might of the Qin Dynasty, there is nothing to fear!"
"Once I achieve immortality, the benefits will only multiply!"
Ying Zheng waved his hand firmly and immediately refuted.
The middle-aged scholar let out a sigh.
Although he had expected this, hearing it directly still left him disappointed.
If the Emperor failed to obtain the Dragon Essence and also missed the best chance to eliminate Monarch Changping, the consequences would be severe.
In this grand game of conquest, the Qin Dynasty would fall behind the other nations.
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Tang Imperial Palace.
"Master Yuan, take the Bad People to the Han Dynasty immediately. You must bring back the Dragon Essence for me!"
"We missed the opportunity when Heaven Dao rewarded Nameless one last time."
"This time, we cannot afford to lose it again."
Li Shimin's eyes glinted with strong desire.
A treasure that could both enhance strength and grant immortality, he was determined to claim it.
Anyone who dared to compete with him for it would be treated as a mortal enemy.
"Your Majesty, the Tang Dynasty is currently in turmoil. The northern Turkic Kingdom are invading, and several powerful vassals are on the brink of rebellion."
"Do not concern yourself with that. I will handle those matters personally."
"Your only task is to retrieve the Dragon Essence."
Yuan Tiangang hesitated slightly.
"This incident regarding the Dragon Essence has spread across Nine Provinces in such a short time. Someone must be orchestrating events from behind the scenes."
"Even those at the God Demon Realm may get involved."
"I may not be able to guarantee success!"
At his current level, only in the Mythical Realm, he was still inferior to those at the God Demon Realm.
If it came down to a real battle, not only would it be hard to claim the Dragon Essence, even escaping might be impossible.
Li Shimin's expression changed when he heard this.
He held great fear of the God Demon Realm.
But when he saw Zhu Houzhao's name once more on the ranking in the sky, his heart clenched tightly.
This was the fastest way to catch up to Zhu Houzhao.
Even if the chances were slim, he had to try.
"This time, you may take all of your Bad People with you. No matter the cost, you must succeed!"
"The Dragon Essence is of utmost importance to me!"
"I will do my best!"
"Not just your best. You must succeed!"
Li Shimin said with authority.
There was no room for argument in his tone.
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Northern Song Dynasty.
"Minister, how confident are you in seizing the Dragon Essence?"
Zhao Ji asked anxiously.
"30%, no more. It still depends heavily on luck. Without it, the chance is less than 10%."
Huang Shang replied calmly.
He glanced at Zhao Ji, speechless in his heart.
The Emperor Zhao Ji didn't know a single Martial Technique move, yet he still wanted the Dragon Essence?
He'd probably explode from it the moment he swallowed it.
Did he really think anyone was qualified to consume the Dragon Essence?
Without the cultivation of a Great Grandmaster Realm, anyone who takes it dies instantly.
Perhaps only those at the Land Immortal Realm were truly suitable to consume it.
"No matter what, we must give it a try. The Dragon Essence must be obtained!"
"Minister, this time you must go in person and bring back the Dragon Essence for me!"
"There will be great rewards!"
In the end, the temptation of the Dragon Essence and immortality was too great.
Zhao Ji directly ordered Huang Shang, leaving no room for refusal.
"Your Majesty, what about the rebellions within the Song Dynasty and the invasions from Liao Kingdom and Jin Kingdom?"
"I will entrust those matters to Cai Jing."
"You only need to focus on the Dragon Essence."
Zhao Ji responded calmly.
Hearing the name Cai Jing, Huang Shang was shocked.
Entrust it to Cai Jing?
Was the Emperor trying to destroy the Song Dynasty even faster?
What if he returned from the Han Dynasty only to find the Song Dynasty already wiped out?
He had hoped Zhao Ji had changed, but clearly he overestimated him.
A foolish Emperor would always be a foolish Emperor.
No matter how much one tried to protect him, it was useless.
Looking at Zhao Ji's determined expression, Huang Shang opened his mouth.
But in the end, he said nothing in return.
He accepted the order and headed toward the Han Dynasty.
As for what would happen to the Song Dynasty during his absence, it was up to them now.
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Southern Song Dynasty, Outside of Xiangyang City.
Temujin was also in shock.
"Dragon Essence! I must get the Dragon Essence!"
"This time, failure is not an option."
"National Master, you must go to the Han Dynasty personally. You must not return empty-handed like last time."
Only by consuming the Dragon Essence could he narrow the gap between himself and Zhu Houzhao.
Only then would he have a chance to destroy the Ming Dynasty.
"Khan, this is the perfect time to conquer Xiangyang. If I leave now, what if..."
Phagpa hesitated.
But before he could finish, Temujin interrupted him.
"There is no what if."
"I will handle things here. Xiangyang is no longer important. Compared to Xiangyang or even the entire Southern Song Dynasty, the Dragon Essence is far more valuable."
"Right, before heading to the Han Dynasty, summon the Demon Master Pang Ban."
"Have him go with you. You must seize the Dragon Essence!"
"Yes, Khan. I understand what needs to be done!"
Seeing that Temujin's mind was made up, there was no way to resist.
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Ming Dynasty Territory.
Outside of Phoenix Nest.
"Your Majesty, the entire Nine Provinces is now in turmoil. All the dynasties have sent powerful cultivators to the Han Dynasty to seize the Dragon Essence."
"Even the various foreign races have put down their wars because of it."
"Now, seizing the Dragon Essence has become everyone's top priority."
"Just one piece would allow an Emperor to achieve immortality. They cannot resist the temptation."
The Dark Guard Leader, Dark One, immediately reported the current situation across Nine Provinces.
Even among the Martial World, many Great Grandmasters and even Land Immortals had shown strong interest.
One after another, they began heading to the Han Dynasty.
"Interesting. Just a casual move from me caused all this upheaval."
"Dark One, you are also to head to the Han Dynasty and fight for the Dragon Essence."
"If every dynasty participates and ours does not, others might suspect we're hiding something."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
"Should we go all out in the competition for the Dragon Essence?"
"Just preserve our strength."
"This Dragon Slaying Expedition belongs to those at the God Demon Realm."
"Even the Mythical Realm means little to them."
Hearing this from the Emperor, Dark One was stunned.
Things were even more serious than he had imagined.
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Ming Dynasty Territory.
Dragon Lake Manor.
Tong Bo, Tong Zhan, Nameless, and Yin Tianxue had also heard the news about the Divine Dragon and the Dragon Essence.
Their hearts stirred.
"Senior Nameless, are you really planning to return to the Han Dynasty?"
"You're still injured. Shouldn't you continue to recover?"
"This Dragon Slaying Expedition will be extremely dangerous. Cultivators at the Mythical Realm and even God Demon Realm will certainly appear."
"Even if you go, it won't help much. It would be better to preserve your strength for future needs."
"Sigh, Little Brother Tong Bo makes sense, but I still must go."
"Nie Feng, Bu Jingyun, Qin Shuang, and Jian Chen have been captured by the Yuan Dynasty and Qin Dynasty. I must rescue them quickly."
"Otherwise, their lives will be in danger."
"Senior Nameless, there's no need to worry. They're very safe right now, and even doing quite well!"
"Miss Tianxue, what do you mean?"
"Jian Chen and Qin Shuang have already submitted to the Qin Dynasty's Ying Zheng. They now have full freedom of movement."
"What? That's impossible!" Nameless was shocked.
"It's absolutely true. They show no signs of being controlled. It seems they submitted willingly!"
"What about Nie Feng and Bu Jingyun?"
"They haven't submitted to Yuan Dynasty's Temujin, but they seem to have made some sort of deal and are currently working for him."
"They also show no signs of being controlled."
"They are safe and sound. You can rest assured, Senior Nameless!"
"It seems both Ying Zheng of Qin Dynasty and Temujin of Yuan Dynasty are highly capable. They've actually managed to gain their loyalty."
"Sigh..."
Nameless sighed.
Having formed karmic ties with these Emperors, severing them in the future would not be easy.
He wasn't sure whether this was a good thing or a bad thing.
Especially Bu Jingyun and Nie Feng.
Serving foreign Emperors would surely be condemned by those in the Martial World.
Their reputations would definitely suffer.
What worried him most was that if a war broke out between the Ming Dynasty and Yuan Dynasty in the future, and the two of them stood against the Ming Emperor, it would end badly for them.
He was deeply concerned.
No, this time he must go to the Han Dynasty and rescue them.
Sever their karmic ties with the foreign dynasties.
It was because of him that they were captured by the Yuan Dynasty.
He had a responsibility to ensure their safety.
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List of Characters:
Number One Under Heaven ( 天下第一 )
・Zhu Houzhao ( 朱厚照 ) — Emperor of Ming Dynasty
Qin's Moon ( 秦时明月 )
・Ying Zheng ( 嬴政 ) — Emperor of Qin Dynasty
A Step Into The Past ( 寻秦记 )
・Shang Yang ( 商鞅 ) – Prime Minister of Qin Dynasty
Great Tang Twin Dragons Legend ( 大唐双龙传 )
・Li Shimin ( 李世民 ) — Emperor of Tang Dynasty
Painting Jianghu ( 画江湖 )
・Yuan Tiangang ( 袁天罡 ) — Master of Bad People
Water Margin ( 水浒传 )
・Zhao Ji ( 赵佶 ) — Emperor of Northern Song Dynasty
Legend of the Condor Heroes ( 射雕英雄传 )
・Huang Shang ( 黄裳 ) — Director of Imperial City Division
・Temujin ( 铁木真 ) — Emperor of Yuan Dynasty
Broken Void ( 破碎虚空 )
・Phagpa ( 八思巴 ) — National Master of Yuan Dynasty
Wind and Cloud ( 风云 )
・Mu Yingming ( 慕英名 ) — Master of Zhonghua Pavilion
Water Moon Cave ( 水月洞天 )
・Yin Tianxue ( 尹天雪 ) — Young Miss of Sword Control Manor
・Tong Bo ( 童博 ) — Survivor of Long Clan
・Tong Zhan ( 童战 ) — Young Master of Tong Clan