Golden Ranking Appears, My Empress Turns Out to Be Wu Zhao

Han Imperial Harem.

Consort Yu Palace.

"Zifang, it seems you know this Fan Zeng?"

Jiang Yuyan noticed Zhang Liang's expression had changed and couldn't help but ask.

"Indeed. I have a friendship with Fan Zeng despite the age gap. We once worked together to resist the tyrant Ying Zheng."

"Unfortunately, Xiong Qi was incompetent and was easily defeated by Ying Zheng."

"As a result, the forces of the Six Kingdoms vanished without a trace."

"Since then, Fan Zeng and I have gone our separate ways."

Zhang Liang let out a sigh.

In his heart, Fan Zeng's intelligence was extraordinary. He more than deserved his place on the Advisor Ranking.

In fact, Zhang Liang even felt that his position was ranked too low!

"Oh? Then in terms of strategy and wisdom, who is superior between you and him?"

"Alas, Fan Zeng's talent is ten times greater than mine!"

"I am merely a firefly. How could I compare to Fan Zeng's bright moonlight?"

"I am far inferior!"

Zhang Liang shook his head, fully displaying his humble demeanor.

Jiang Yuyan couldn't help but fall silent.

In the past, she might have believed such words.

But over the years, she had dealt with many scholars.

She knew well how these Confucian scholars behaved.

All humility on the surface.

But once a real contest began, each one was filled with competitiveness.

What's wrong with being honest?!

"Sir Zifang, I understand your meaning."

"It seems that Fan Zeng still can't compare to you after all!"

Zhang Liang didn't even know how to respond.

"Your Highness, I believe we might consider working with Fan Zeng. It could bring considerable benefits."

"Hehe, Fan Zeng and the Xiang Clan are of no significance."

"Let's wait until they gain more influence before discussing such things again!"

"Enough. It's time to talk business."

"Tell me about your recent progress."

"I can't wait another day to deal with the Heaven Gate and the Stitched Cloth Guard."

"As long as they exist, I feel increasingly uneasy."

"Only with their utter annihilation can I feel at peace!"

As she said this, Jiang Yuyan exuded a chilling aura.

Even Zhang Liang felt a deep sense of dread.

It was clear, action was necessary.

If this dragged on any longer and Jiang Yuyan lost her patience...

Then his existence would no longer be necessary.

Given how ruthless Jiang Yuyan was, his death would surely be miserable beyond imagination.

Recently, he had already discovered that Jiang Yuyan frequently used top cultivators to refine her cultivation.

And the more powerful individuals her Spirit Devouring Demon Exercise absorbed, the more terrifying she became.

Before her, many of his rhetorical tricks were completely ineffective.

Looking into her eyes filled with murderous intent, Zhang Liang sensed that danger was drawing near.

"Your Highness, I've discovered something major."

"Xiong Qi, who had disappeared within the Qin Dynasty Territory, has now joined the Stitched Cloth Guard."

"However, it seems his ambitions remain. He even harbors thoughts of rebellion."

"I've already made secret contact with him. There may be a chance for an alliance."

"Xiong Qi, huh!"

"I'll leave this matter to you, Zifang. I only care about the result. The process is of no concern to me."

"I'll assign trusted subordinates to assist you."

"Yes, Your Highness!"

==========

The battlefield between the Northern Song Dynasty, Liao Kingdom, and Jin Kingdom.

At this moment, troops from all three sides were engaged in brutal warfare.

Countless people died every single moment.

In particular, Liao Kingdom and Jin Kingdom seemed to have formed an alliance at the start.

They jointly attacked the Northern Song Dynasty forces.

This caused the Northern Song Dynasty to suffer setback after setback.

Even so, the Liao Kingdom and Jin Kingdom paid a heavy price.

On the surface, the Northern Song Dynasty seemed weak.

They were frequently mocked by other dynasties.

But in actual battle, the Northern Song Dynasty revealed their deep foundations.

Even when facing Liao Kingdom and Jin Kingdom, they were only slightly disadvantaged.

Victory was still within reach.

Moreover, as time passed.

Liao Kingdom and Jin Kingdom's advantage would steadily decline.

Whereas the Northern Song Dynasty would grow stronger.

In the end, winning the war wasn't impossible.

Outside the battlefield, on a high vantage point.

Several figures were overlooking the battle.

At the lead stood a man clad in golden armor, wielding a golden sword.

His outfit was highly recognizable.

Just one look and anyone would know who he was.

Supreme Master of the Sui Dynasty, Yuwen Tuo.

At this time, he had personally arrived at the scene.

Observing the entire course of the war.

"Supreme Master, what should we do next?"

"Let's wait and see."

"Nearby are spies from the Vast Sea Dynasty's Secret Intelligence Division, and agents from the Tang Dynasty's Bad People."

"As for Qin Dynasty's Black Ice Platform and Ming Dynasty's Military Advisor Division, I haven't detected them yet."

"This situation is rather tricky."

"If we act rashly, we might end up falling into the traps of the other forces."

Yuwen Tuo frowned deeply.

Coming to the Northern Song Dynasty Territory this time.

He was surprised to find that his adversaries had all become significantly more difficult to handle.

The Northern Song Dynasty's Capital City Department hadn't changed much.

But this was their home turf. One careless move could lead to encirclement.

The Bad People of the Tang Dynasty operated with greater secrecy than ever.

The Vast Sea Dynasty's Secret Intelligence Division was extremely treacherous and cunning.

Of all his forces, the ones who died at the hands of the Secret Intelligence Division were the most numerous.

As for the Ming Dynasty.

Instead of the familiar Dark Guard, it was a new force called the "Military Advisor Division".

A troublesome force.

What worried him most was the Qin Dynasty's Black Ice Platform.

It was now completely different from the one led by Hei Ying before.

There were a few times he nearly fell into their traps.

Luckily, he reacted swiftly, avoiding major losses.

Clearly, the new Black Ice Platform Leader was a terrifying enemy.

In terms of schemes and strategy, he might not be a match for these people.

If not for the fact that his own cultivation had reached the God Demon Realm.

He might have been eliminated long ago.

It seemed that upon returning to the Sui Dynasty, he needed to find a true advisor to assist him.

"Supreme Master, this just arrived from the Sui Dynasty!"

"Who sent it?"

"The Empress!"

Yuwen Tuo narrowed his eyes and opened the secret letter without delay.

He glanced at it briefly.

Then used his true essence to reduce the letter to ashes.

"Fan Zeng, huh?"

"This man harbors ulterior motives. He wants to use the Sui Dynasty to develop his own power."

"If the Sui Dynasty is ever destroyed by the Tang Dynasty, he could support the Xiang Clan to become fully independent."

"Building a foundation of his own."

"Unfortunately, that Xiang Shaoyu is still too young. His foundation is too shallow. It will take a long time to reach that day."

"You want to use the Sui Dynasty?"

"Why can't I use you in return!"

With that, Yuwen Tuo formed a plan.

"Someone, report to His Majesty immediately, this Supreme Master intends to summon Fan Zeng."

"Let him join the Supreme Master Mansion. The Sui Dynasty's intelligence forces still lack a military advisor."

"This Northern Song Dynasty war will serve as the perfect test to see whether this so-called Ninth Advisor is worthy!"

A cold smile spread across Yuwen Tuo's face.

Fan Zeng was indeed talented.

But he had ulterior motives.

In that case, Yuwen Tuo wouldn't show any courtesy.

He would reduce Fan Zeng to a mere chess piece.

Whether Fan Zeng could return to Xiang Shaoyu's side in the future would depend on his ability, and his choices.

Lest he think the Sui Dynasty had no talent left.

Sometimes, advisors were vital.

Other times, they were completely dispensable!

==========

Northern Song Dynasty.

About thirty miles outside the Capital City, at the foot of a mountain.

A fierce battle was erupting.

Nearly every fighter possessed the strength of a Grandmaster or Great Grandmaster.

Leading them was even a Half-Step Heavenly Human Realm cultivator.

Judging by their movements.

This was not just a fight between two forces.

On the ground, many corpses lay scattered.

These bodies didn't belong to the forces currently fighting.

Far off, atop a distant mountain peak.

Several figures watched in silence.

"Branch Master Yuan, the outcome of their battle is about to be decided."

"If we don't act now, we'll miss our chance."

"Lu Xiaofeng, don't rush. Things are never as simple as they appear."

"Don't throw your life away for a few merit points."

"Fighting on the battlefield is completely different from Martial World duels."

"Even with your current strength, one slip could cost your life!"

The leader was a young man in black, his expression calm.

"Marshal Xiang, go scout the area. I feel like we're not the only predators eyeing these prey!"

"How could there be more? This is already the fourth group!"

"Why not? Why couldn't there be a fifth or sixth?"

"Our presence here proves it's possible, doesn't it?"

About ten minutes later, a familiar figure flashed by.

"Marshal Xiang, what did you find? Are there other groups?"

Yuan Suiyun quickly asked as he saw Chu Liuxiang return.

Chu Liuxiang wore a grave expression and nodded firmly.

"There's more than just others!"

"I found at least three more groups hiding nearby, all targeting the battlefield below!"

Hearing this, even Chu Liuxiang was completely shocked.

"Good thing I previously exchanged merit points for a Qi Tracing Technique."

"Otherwise, I wouldn't have found their hiding spots."

"These aren't just other hunters!"

"Branch Master Yuan, your caution was correct. If we had rushed in earlier, we might've become their targets instead."

Hearing this, whether it was Lu Xiaofeng, Yan Shisan, Xie Xiaofeng, or Ximen Chuixue.

All their faces changed.

"Branch Master Yuan, what now?"

"Do we continue with the mission?"

"Don't worry. Before accepting the mission, the Director gave clear instructions, if the mission seems unachievable, withdraw for now."

"But, we must observe from the shadows which forces have appeared."

"Record their numbers, appearances, movements, and Cultivation Techniques."

When they heard Yuan Suiyun's words, Lu Xiaofeng and the others were stunned.

"Could it be that from the very beginning, the Director anticipated multiple forces would appear?"

"So the real target wasn't the mission item, but those who came to seize it?"

"Exactly. I, Lu Xiaofeng, have always considered myself a man of both intelligence and courage in the Martial World."

"In terms of wit, I fear no one."

"But ever since getting involved in these imperial wars, I've realized how far behind I am compared to the top advisors and tacticians of these dynasties."

"One small misstep and I could die without ever knowing how I died."

Lu Xiaofeng let out a self-deprecating laugh.

The others nodded in agreement.

It seemed that people like them from the Martial World.

Were not suited for such battles of strategy.

They should focus on increasing their cultivation Realm instead.

Once their strength reached an invincible level, they could crush any scheme with absolute force.

"Eh?"

"The new ranking has been updated."

"After seeing what true advisors are capable of, I've grown quite interested in the Advisor Ranking."

"From now on, whenever I face an advisor from the ranking, I must be extremely cautious."

Lu Xiaofeng and the others looked up.

In the sky, the ranking trembled.

Radiance burst forth.

In the next moment.

Line after line of new characters appeared on the ranking.