Chapter 256 - Rank 3, Heartbroken and Disheartened, Phagpa is Dismissed

Buzz!

In the heavens above, the Renowned Minister Ranking radiated a dazzling golden light.

Auspicious phenomena rose into the sky, with purple light shining brilliantly.

"The top three of the Renowned Minister Ranking is finally about to be revealed!"

"Who will make it into the top three?"

The next moment, lines of golden characters emerged on the ranking.

Everyone's attention was drawn to it.

[Renowned Minister Ranking – Rank 3]

[Zhang Juzheng]

[Nation: Ming Dynasty]

[Potential: Capable of becoming a Top Prime Minister of the Nine Provinces]

[Governance Capability Rating: Five Stars]

[Strength: First-Rate]

[Reward: 1x Half-Immortal-Tier Civil Minister Skill Card, 1x Half-Immortal-Tier Spiritual Power Enhancement Card, +15% National Fortune]

==========

"Heavens, it's actually Zhang Juzheng, the Grand Secretary of the Ming Dynasty?!"

"He's truly a dominant figure in the Ming Imperial Court!"

"The most critical part is that he has the complete trust of the Ming Emperor!"

"He holds immense power without arousing fear or suspicion. This is the ultimate goal of all civil ministers!"

"Indeed, Zhang Juzheng of today possesses power, reputation, and can fully implement his talents and ideals!"

"Far beyond what someone like Li Si of the Qin Dynasty could hope for."

"True. Compared to Zhang Juzheng, Li Si is far more oppressed."

"Under the tyrannical Ying Zheng, even a small mistake would lead to death."

"On the surface, Li Si holds the title of Prime Minister with great power, but if you look closely, his power is only superficial. Compared to Zhang Juzheng of the Ming Dynasty, it's no contest."

"Hehe, but that's not necessarily a good thing. Zhang Juzheng may be basking in glory now, but he has made countless enemies."

"In the future, once he loses favor, his end will surely be tragic."

"Right now, everyone in the Ming Imperial Court, inside and out, is just waiting for him to make a mistake!"

"One slip, and he'll be crushed to pieces!"

"So what? For a civil minister to reach his level, what's a little danger?"

"Exactly. To pursue one's ideals and ambitions, even death is worth it."

"If he ends up shattered in the end, it only means his skills were not sufficient."

Surprisingly, there was little dissent about Zhang Juzheng's inclusion on the ranking.

Since Ming Emperor Zhu Houzhao ascended the throne, Zhang Juzheng had served as the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet.

He oversaw all affairs of state in the Ming Dynasty.

The current strength of the Ming Dynasty is undoubtedly due in part to Emperor Zhu Houzhao.

But Zhang Juzheng's contributions were absolutely essential.

The Emperor lies idle every day, giving only broad directives, while all concrete matters are handled by Zhang Juzheng.

It was precisely because of Zhang Juzheng that Zhu Houzhao could live his carefree, idle life.

In fact, to ensure Zhang had enough energy, Zhu Houzhao even provided him with cultivation techniques and resources to ensure his cultivation wasn't weak.

Though he had not yet reached the Land Immortal Realm, he was already a Great Grandmaster.

Compared to Zhu Wushi, the Iron Courage Divine Marquis before his breakthrough, Zhang Juzheng was in no way inferior.

It's just that he never revealed this strength.

If Zhang Juzheng had devoted more energy to cultivation, with the resources bestowed by Zhu Houzhao, reaching the Heavenly Human Realm would not have been impossible.

Now, with the Heaven Dao Reward of a skill card and a spiritual power enhancement card.

Breaking through to the Land Immortal Realm would no longer be difficult for him.

At the very least, for now, Zhu Houzhao was very satisfied with Zhang Juzheng, his "tool man".

As long as he didn't make any fundamental mistakes, he would be allowed to continue indefinitely.

As for whether he might overshadow the Emperor?

Ridiculous!

With Zhu Houzhao's current power and the forces under his command, Zhang Juzheng was insignificant.

If he wanted to dismiss or eliminate him, it was just a matter of a word.

==========

Yuan Imperial Palace.

Temujin's face was gloomy as he stared at his National Master, Phagpa, below.

"You're saying Prince Ruyang was rescued by Zhu Houzhao's men?"

"The Prince Ruyang, in your Mythical Realm hands, likely couldn't even take a single blow, right?"

"And yet he was still rescued?"

"Did you deliberately let him go and disobey my command?"

"Khan, I underestimated the strength of the Ming Dynasty's Dark Guard Leader. I didn't expect that in such a short time, his cultivation would advance so drastically."

"I was not his match. Had I not escaped quickly, I might've died!"

Phagpa's face was deathly pale.

He had been severely wounded by Dark One, and had yet to recover.

The remaining energy in his body continued to wreak havoc. If not expelled soon, not only his cultivation, but even his life would be in danger.

Thinking of Yuwen Tuo of Sui Dynasty, Yuan Tiangang of Tang Dynasty, and Dark One of Ming Dynasty, one by one had surpassed him in power.

Even Huang Shang of Song Dynasty was not inferior to him.

It was indeed time for some serious self-reflection.

Otherwise, at this rate.

He would only grow weaker and eventually die at the hands of these old rivals.

"Khan, I've been gravely injured this time. Please permit me to resign from the position of National Master."

"I wish to focus on healing and advancing my cultivation."

Thinking of Prince Ruyang's tragic fate and Temujin's current shift in temperament, Phagpa gritted his teeth and decided to resign.

Temujin had become extremely dangerous.

Remaining in the position of National Master would only force him to do more and more things that went against his heart.

This would be extremely harmful to his cultivation and state of mind.

Moreover, judging by Temujin's expression, he already seemed intent on removing him.

If that's the case, why bother staying?

Temujin's face shifted, then suddenly turned gentle.

"National Master, there's no need to be like this. I never blamed you."

"How about this? The title of National Master will remain yours. You may rest and recover for now."

"As for the National Master Mansion and the Golden Wolf Hall, I'll assign someone else to temporarily oversee them."

"Once you've recovered, I'll return those forces to you."

Phagpa gave Temujin a deep look.

He had changed.

The old Genghis Khan would never have been so hypocritical.

Phagpa felt only deep disappointment in his heart.

"Thank you, Khan."

After Phagpa was dismissed, Temujin's expression darkened.

Phagpa had already developed disloyal thoughts. The aftereffects of defeat were finally surfacing.

This time it was Phagpa. Who would be next?

Even the National Master had betrayed him. Who could he trust now?

In an instant.

Temujin's heart became consumed by suspicion.

Everyone now seemed like a potential traitor.

Even the aura emanating from him became sinister.

Compared to his past domineering presence, it was now unrecognizable.

==========

Northern Song Dynasty, National Master Mansion.

Huang Shang was playing Go with the National Master Lin Lingsu.

Suddenly, he received a confidential report from his subordinates, and his brows furrowed slightly.

"Phagpa actually resigned from his post as National Master of the Yuan Dynasty?"

"And he was instantly defeated by Dark One of the Ming Dynasty? Has he reached that realm?"

As old rivals for many years, Huang Shang had always kept a close eye on Dark One and Phagpa.

As for the incident involving Prince Ruyang, he had long uncovered the truth.

Temujin had made Prince Ruyang a scapegoat, it was no surprise.

What truly concerned him was the matter of Phagpa and Dark One.

Especially Dark One. From now on, he must be extremely cautious when facing him.

Otherwise, he might actually fall at his hands.

Not just Dark One, but also Yuwen Tuo of Sui Dynasty and Yuan Tiangang of Tang Dynasty, all needed extra caution.

Perhaps only Black Shadow, the Black Ice Platform Leader, was someone he didn't fear.

As for Phagpa, it would likely be a long time before he appeared again.

A pity, really.

"Fellow Daoist Huang, what do you think of Temujin of the Yuan Dynasty?"

Lin Lingsu had also seen the contents of the report, but was rather unconcerned.

Instead, he chuckled and asked.

"In the past, Temujin could be considered a formidable Emperor. He even had a chance in the future Nine Provinces hegemony."

"Unfortunately, the battle with the Vast Sea Dynasty within the Southern Song Dynasty Territory completely drained the foundation of the Yuan Dynasty."

"It also broke Temujin's spirit."

"Using Prince Ruyang as a scapegoat might work in the short term."

"But eventually, there will be backlash."

"The other dynasties will certainly take action behind the scenes."

"They will use this event to sow division within the Yuan Imperial Court, it's easy to imagine."

"Sooner or later, there will be upheaval within the Yuan Dynasty."

"Once internal chaos breaks out in the Yuan Dynasty, the Ming Dynasty will likely make their move."

"That will be the moment Temujin falls into true despair."

Huang Shang shook his head and sighed.

To be honest, he didn't like the Yuan Dynasty.

But if the Ming Dynasty were to destroy the Yuan Dynasty, the Ming Dynasty would become even more terrifying.

Then what would become of the Northern Song Dynasty?

But thinking of the current Emperor Zhao Ji, and the complete mess of the Imperial Court.

He could only sigh again.

Tang Dynasty, Vast Sea Dynasty, and Ming Dynasty, these three giants were all eyeing them hungrily.

The future looked bleak.

They might be able to avoid it for a while, but not forever.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, you are technically the National Master of the Song Dynasty. Don't you feel even a little anxious?"

"Shouldn't you at least do something?"

Huang Shang looked helplessly at Lin Lingsu.

If Lin Lingsu would help, the Northern Song Dynasty wouldn't be in such dire straits.

But unfortunately, Lin Lingsu treated himself like an outsider.

He never involved himself in political matters.

He was content with refining pills and maintaining good relations with Emperor Zhao Ji.

"He who follows the heavens prospers, he who goes against it suffers."

"The root of all this lies with His Majesty. If that cannot be solved, then no matter what is done, it's all in vain."

"I never do anything in vain."

Lin Lingsu replied calmly.

"Let's continue our game. Fellow Daoist Huang, you've lost again."

"This game of Go is just like the current situation in the Northern Song Dynasty. No matter what you do, you cannot win."

"Fellow Daoist Huang, you are also a cultivator. Do not get too entangled in worldly matters."

"Otherwise, one day, you will suffer a devastating backlash."