Chapter 184 - Rank 6, Rejection, Yang Guang's Regret

[Dao Immortal Ranking – Rank 6]

[Lin Lingsu]

[Force: Divine Firmament Sect of Northern Song Dynasty, National Master of Northern Song Dynasty]

[Cultivation: Late Mythical Realm Land Immortal]

[Technique: Divine Firmament Jade Book]

[Reward: 1x Intermediate-Tier Enlightenment Card (Can be used for enlightenment, increasing comprehension two hundred times, duration one day!)]

==========

The Dao Immortal Ranking quickly reached the Mythical Realm.

No one expected the Rank 6 to be the famously deceitful National Master of the Northern Song Dynasty.

Within the Northern Song Dynasty.

Lin Lingsu's reputation was worse than that of even notorious corrupt officials like Cai Jing.

In the eyes of the common people and many in the Martial World.

Lin Lingsu was nothing more than a charlatan with no real skill.

He was known for flattering Emperor Zhao Ji.

And never doing any serious work.

But now?

No one could believe that he turned out to be a Late Mythical Realm cultivator.

It was completely beyond everyone's expectations.

Even the ministers at court looked at him with new eyes.

"Oh my god, am I seeing this right?"

"That scoundrel Daoist Lin Lingsu is ranked 6th on the Dao Immortal Ranking?"

"Didn't you see? He's actually a true Mythical Realm Land Immortal cultivator!"

"Unbelievable. I always thought he was just a fraud!"

"He's completely changed my perception of what a Land Immortal could be. I never thought there could be such a weirdo among them!"

"No wonder Emperor Zhao Ji trusts him so much. Turns out there is a reason after all!"

==========

Wudang Mountain, Wudang Sect.

When Zhang Sanfeng saw Lin Lingsu appear on the ranking, a rare look of solemnity appeared on his face.

"Master, do you know this National Master of the Northern Song Dynasty?"

"I always thought he was just a con artist pretending to be a Daoist."

"I never imagined he had such strength."

"If that's the case, why has he never revealed his true power?"

"His reputation in Song Dynasty is terrible."

"If he wanted, he could easily improve how people see him."

Yu Daiyan looked at Zhang Sanfeng with some confusion and asked.

"This Fellow Daoist from the Divine Firmament Sect is not simple at all."

"I once met him in person, and even if I truly fought him, I may not win."

"He is a truly remarkable figure in the Dao World."

"Unfortunately, his ambition does not lie in the Martial World, so he cares little about fame or reputation among cultivators."

"Instead, he is devoted to spreading the Dao."

"To strengthen Daoism within the Imperial Court."

"Today, the Daoist strength within the Song Dynasty far surpasses that of any other nation."

"Even the Tang Dynasty, which claims descent from Li Er, must humbly step aside."

"In all of this, Lin Lingsu played a role that no one else could match."

"He single-handedly elevated the status of Daoism within the Imperial Court."

"He is someone all of us in the Dao School community should admire."

"Unfortunately, his path differs from mine."

"So we seldom communicate."

Zhang Sanfeng sighed softly.

As fellow Mythical Realm cultivators and members of the Dao School tradition, it was impossible for Zhang Sanfeng to be unfamiliar with Lin Lingsu.

When discussing with Fellow Daoists across the land, his name often came up.

He was an extraordinary figure.

From his tone, it was easy to sense a hint of admiration for Lin Lingsu.

==========

Ming Dynasty.

National Master Mansion.

Zhang Yuchu saw Lin Lingsu enter the ranking and couldn't help but chuckle.

A hint of amusement flashed in his eyes.

"Lin Lingsu, now that you've made the Dao Immortal Ranking, everyone in the Nine Provinces will know your true strength."

"Every step you take from now on will be watched closely."

"You won't be able to act as recklessly as before."

As a Fellow Daoist and also a National Master of his own dynasty, Zhang Yuchu naturally paid close attention to Lin Lingsu.

He had studied Lin Lingsu's strength, actions, and motivations in depth.

He had even sought him out personally once.

They debated the Dao with one another.

That discussion gave Zhang Yuchu a much deeper understanding of Lin Lingsu.

He was someone with unwavering belief.

On the surface, he appeared to be corrupted by worldly power.

But in truth, his Dao Heart had never changed.

Even though Lin Lingsu's strength was slightly inferior to his own, that did not prevent Zhang Yuchu from admiring him.

What a pity.

Lin Lingsu was already the National Master of Song Dynasty. Otherwise, Zhang Yuchu might have urged his Emperor to recruit him.

At certain crucial moments.

He might prove invaluable.

Of course.

There might still be an opportunity in the future.

The Nine Provinces were in turmoil, and the Song Dynasty's national power could not last much longer.

Perhaps one day, they really might end up working together.

Song Dynasty.

National Master Mansion.

Huang Shang and Lin Lingsu sat across from each other at a stone table, playing a game of Go.

"Congratulations to the National Master for successfully ranking 6th on the Dao Immortal Ranking!"

Huang Shang offered his congratulations.

Upon hearing this, Lin Lingsu gave a bitter smile.

"I would rather not appear on the ranking than have my information exposed."

"I thought it was just a joke, but I didn't expect it to come true."

"Fellow Daoist Huang, if we're speaking of true combat strength, I am no match for you."

"I actually thought you would be the one on the ranking."

Huang Shang shook his head and immediately refuted.

"Though I have been fortunate to study the Three Thousand Dao Scriptures thoroughly, I am still far behind the National Master."

Huang Shang had a clear understanding of himself.

He never belittles himself, but neither did he boast blindly.

This was his greatest strength and the reason for his achievements.

"The Intermediate-Tier Enlightenment Card from the Heaven Dao Reward will likely help you quickly break through to the Great Perfection Mythical Realm."

"Becoming a God Demon Realm cultivator in the future is not impossible. Congratulations again!"

"However, now that your identity has been revealed on the Golden Ranking, your path of spreading Daoism will become much harder."

"A difficult road does not mean it cannot be walked."

"I have plenty of time. What is there to fear?"

"Well then, Fellow Daoist Huang, what is the real reason for your visit to the National Master Mansion today?"

"I want the National Master to help me kill a few people."

"The Liao King and the powerful figures beside the Jin King?"

"Correct. With your help, my Imperial City Division will be able to take down the two biggest culprits."

"Hehe, Fellow Daoist Huang, I'm afraid I must disappoint you."

"Though I am the National Master of Song Dynasty, I never interfere in wars between nations."

"Nor do I involve myself in state affairs."

"Otherwise, with my abilities, would I need to wait until now?"

"Would I need to allow traitors like Cai Jing to disturb the Imperial Court?"

A cold smile appeared on Lin Lingsu's face.

"National Master, are you not afraid that if the Song Dynasty falls, your dream of spreading Daoism will be completely shattered?"

"There's no need for you to worry about that."

"Staying out of wars between nations and not meddling in politics are my bottom lines."

"Forgive me, but I cannot agree to your request."

"Oh right, this is the elixir I refined for His Majesty. You can deliver it to him."

"Now that my identity has been revealed, I need to lay low for a while and return to the Divine Firmament Sect."

"I will also take this time to use the enlightenment card and elevate my realm."

"I won't return to the National Master Mansion for a while."

"Please explain this to His Majesty on my behalf."

Lin Lingsu was an experienced man and would never fall for Huang Shang's tricks so easily.

Moreover, their relationship was not as close as it appeared.

Over the years, they had only interacted a handful of times.

Their paths were different and thus not aligned.

Once the matter calmed down, he would return when the time was right.

==========

Sui Imperial Palace.

At this moment, Emperor Yang Guang sat happily on his dragon throne.

He took out a jade box from his sleeve.

Opening it slightly.

A mystical aura immediately spread outward.

"Hahaha, this piece of the broken Dragon Essence has finally cooled and is ready to be consumed."

A complete Dragon Essence could grant immortality, while a broken piece could only increase strength and extend lifespan.

But that wasn't what Yang Guang cared about.

He cared about healing the wound on his body, which this one-fourth piece of Dragon Essence might be able to do.

That was what truly excited him.

For years, because of this injury, he had been unable to enjoy the pleasures of an Emperor.

He had been forced to stay in the palace, focusing solely on cultivation.

The constant pain tormented him daily.

That was not the life he wanted.

He wanted to indulge himself and seek pleasure.

Now, he could finally recover.

His eyes gleamed with excitement.

He reached out and picked up the Dragon Essence, ready to put it in his mouth.

But just at that moment.

A powerful blast of energy shot over.

It struck his hand directly.

Instantly knocking the Dragon Essence into the air.

The next moment.

A black figure appeared.

Without hesitation, the figure grabbed the Dragon Essence tightly.

After giving the stunned Yang Guang a glance.

Without saying a word.

He turned into a blur and escaped into the distance.

A long time passed before Yang Guang finally snapped out of it.

His Dragon Essence had been stolen by an assassin?!

Outrageous!

Yang Guang was furious. His silent rage swelled within.

He was the mighty Sui Emperor, yet in his own Imperial Harem, someone had stolen his most precious treasure.

Humiliation!

An absolute and utter disgrace.

His mind was overwhelmed by shame and fury.

He had to kill the thief who stole his Dragon Essence.

"Guards! Capture the assassin!"

"Retrieve my Dragon Essence!"

"Hurry!"

His furious roar echoed throughout the palace.

The next moment, all the palace guards were alarmed.

Unfortunately.

It was obvious that the mysterious thief who had stolen the Dragon Essence was definitely a Land Immortal.

Ordinary palace guards had no chance of stopping such a being.

Perhaps only Empress Xiao Meiniang, a Heavenly Human Realm cultivator, could possibly delay him.

"How bold, to dare trespass into the Sui Imperial Palace!"

A cold voice echoed.

The next moment.

Empress Xiao Meiniang appeared in the air, blocking the mysterious black-clad man.

She struck out with a palm.

Boom!

A massive explosion rippled out.

The crowd below instantly felt suffocated.

They were far too weak.

Before these two Earth Immortals, they were like ants.

"Hahaha, the Dragon Essence is mine now, no one can take it back!"

The eerie laugh echoed.

The mysterious man's strength was not to be underestimated.

Even under Empress Xiao's assault, he defended with ease.

And even launched a counterattack.

"Huh? This is... a demonic technique? You're from the Demon Gate?"

"The Dao Heart Demon Planting Method?"

"Are you the Evil Emperor Xiang Yutian or the Demon Master Pang Ban?!"

Empress Xiao Meiniang was shocked.

She shouted out in question.

But the mysterious figure had no intention of responding.

Instead, he let out another burst of eerie laughter.

Then he struck out toward the approaching Yang Guang.

At this moment, if Empress Xiao continued to engage him, Yang Guang would surely die.

Clenching her teeth, she had no choice but to abandon the chase.

She darted downward and blocked in front of Yang Guang.

She met the enemy's deadly strike with her own palm.

Blocking the fatal blow.

"Your Majesty, are you alright?"

"Empress, if not for you, I would have died at the hands of that thief just now."

Yang Guang still felt a lingering fear.

So close.

Had the Empress been a moment late, he would have died right there.

The thought filled him with hatred toward the mysterious thief.

"What a pity, he got away!"

Empress Xiao sighed.

"Empress, was he really from the Demon Gate?"

"There's little doubt. That was the Dao Heart Demon Planting Method!"

"In all of the Nine Provinces, only Xiang Yutian and Pang Ban can use it!"

"It must have been one of those two!"

"By the way, where is Supreme Master Yuwen Tuo? Why hasn't he appeared yet?"

"Ah, I sent him to the Tang Dynasty to see if he could seize the Dragon Essence from Li Shimin."

"If I had known this would happen, I would never have let him go."

At this point, Yang Guang was on the verge of tears.

What a tremendous loss.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

List of Characters:

Great Tang Twin Dragons Legend ( 大唐双龙传 )

・Yang Guang ( 杨广 ) — Emperor of Sui Dynasty

・Xiang Yutian ( 向雨田 ) — Master of Evil Extreme Sect

Legend of Tang ( 说唐 )

・Xiao Yiru ( 萧忆茹 ) — Empress of Sui Dynasty

Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber ( 倚天屠龙记 )

・Zhang Sanfeng ( 张三丰 ) — Founder of Wudang Sect

・Yu Daiyan ( 俞岱岩 ) — Third Disciple of Zhang Sanfeng

Historical

・Zhang Yuchu ( 张宇初 ) — National Master of Ming Dynasty

・Lin Lingsu ( 林灵素 ) — National Master of Northern Song Dynasty

Legend of the Condor Heroes ( 射雕英雄传 )

・Huang Shang ( 黄裳 ) — Director of Imperial City Division