Qin Imperial Palace.
"Minister, can the Qin Dynasty subdue Bai Xiaosheng and the Heaven Secret Pavilion?"
"I believe that if used properly, this man could bring unimaginable benefits to the Qin Dynasty!"
Ying Zheng stared at the limited information in his hand regarding Bai Xiaosheng and the Heaven Secret Pavilion, his eyes gleaming sharply.
As an Emperor, what he valued was not merely Bai Xiaosheng's martial strength.
More importantly, it was the intelligence-gathering capabilities of the Heaven Secret Pavilion.
There were countless cultivators across the entire land of Nine Provinces, yet Bai Xiaosheng could issue so many rankings with astonishing accuracy.
The difficulty of this was beyond imagination.
If they could be subdued and properly utilized, it would undoubtedly become the greatest weapon in the Qin Dynasty's arsenal.
In the future, unifying the entire Nine Provinces would become twice as effective with half the effort.
"Your Majesty, this is absolutely impossible!"
The Black Ice Platform Leader shook his head and replied decisively.
"What if I assign you to act alongside two others?"
Ying Zheng's tone was enigmatic.
The "two others" he spoke of were likely two other hidden Land Immortals within the Qin Dynasty.
It appeared that the Qin Dynasty's strength was even more terrifying than imagined.
"Perhaps we could overpower Bai Xiaosheng and even destroy a large part of the Heaven Secret Pavilion, but to kill him completely and wipe out the Pavilion entirely is still beyond reach."
"But the consequences would be unimaginable."
"From that point on, Bai Xiaosheng would become an undying enemy of the Qin Dynasty."
"A being at the Mythical Realm Land Immortal, with terrifying intelligence and mysterious methods, is a catastrophic threat."
"Your Majesty, you must think this through carefully!"
The black-clothed elder also became solemn.
Ying Zheng was being overly optimistic.
The destructive power of a Land Immortal was far too great.
Especially those at the Mythical Realm, above the Heavenly Human Realm.
They were truly terrifying.
Unless it was a guaranteed kill.
Otherwise, no dynasties would dare recklessly provoke a Land Immortal.
"Can you guarantee that Bai Xiaosheng does not belong to another dynasty?"
"That the Heaven Secret Pavilion is not a secret piece laid by some other imperial power?"
Ying Zheng asked coldly.
This was exactly what he feared. If Bai Xiaosheng belonged to another dynasty.
Then the situation would become extremely troublesome.
Even if it came at great cost, he would have to be eliminated.
Otherwise, the future damage could be immeasurable.
The Black Ice Platform Leader was visibly shaken upon hearing this.
He truly had not considered this possibility. Though it seemed unlikely, it could not be ruled out.
"Your Majesty, the likelihood is very low, but not impossible."
"I will monitor this closely and report back immediately if I discover anything!"
Ying Zheng nodded in satisfaction.
"With your assurance, I feel more at ease."
"I truly did not expect that the more I learn about this world, the more terrifying it becomes."
"Even I must remain extremely vigilant."
==========
Ming Imperial Palace.
"Bai Xiaosheng pays respects to Your Majesty!"
"Rise, my good subject."
"Congratulations on your success and the Heaven Secret Pavilion reaching the 10th rank on the Martial Force Ranking!"
Zhu Houzhao spoke with a cheerful smile.
Even he had not expected the Heaven Secret Pavilion to make the ranking.
He naturally knew of Bai Xiaosheng's abilities, as well as the capabilities of the Heaven Secret Pavilion.
Otherwise, he would not have secretly entrusted the Azure Dragon Association to Bai Xiaosheng's management.
Still, he had underestimated the Pavilion.
"All credit is due to Your Majesty!"
"Over the years, without your secret support, I would not have reached the Mythical Realm."
"The Heaven Secret Pavilion would still be languishing!"
"I am willing to devote my life to Your Majesty's great cause!"
Bai Xiaosheng replied respectfully.
Even though he had now reached the Mythical Realm, he did not dare underestimate the Ming Emperor before him.
His depths were unfathomable, and Bai Xiaosheng could not see through him at all.
He had a feeling that if they ever fought, he might not even survive a single move.
He didn't know if it was just a hunch or something more.
But this only made Bai Xiaosheng even more delighted.
To serve such a great Emperor was undoubtedly a rare fortune.
"Good. I fully understand your loyalty."
"You have not betrayed my trust. You've handled everything wonderfully over the years."
He was indeed an exceptional tool.
All the chaos in the Martial World, once handed to him, was always handled flawlessly.
"Your Majesty, the Heaven Dao Reward this time, the Heaven Secret Mirror, I wish to present it to you!"
As he spoke, as if suddenly remembering something, he quickly took out a piece of tortoise shell with a palm-sized mirror embedded in it.
It radiated a mysterious and profound aura.
"This item is of little use to me. You should keep it."
"You can use it to further elevate the Heaven Secret Pavilion's strength."
As he said this, Zhu Houzhao's eyes sparkled with intelligence.
He already had plenty of treasures more powerful than this, thanks to his system.
He was not lacking at all.
"Previously, didn't the Nine Provinces Golden Ranking release a Hidden Dragon Ranking?"
"Ten for Innate, ten for Grandmaster, ten for Great Grandmaster and above."
"That's far too few."
"You can use this as a base and expand the ranking."
"Publish a Hidden Dragon Ranking with one hundred names each for the Innate Realm Human Ranking, Grandmaster Realm Earth Ranking, and Great Grandmaster Realm Heaven Ranking."
"Only cultivators under 25 may qualify."
"Plus, you now have the Heaven Secret Mirror. This should be easy for you!"
Zhu Houzhao's suggestion was clearly for Bai Xiaosheng to ride the wave of the Golden Ranking' popularity.
"In the future, whenever the Nine Provinces Golden Ranking publishes a ranking, if the numbers are too few, just expand them."
"The current Martial Force Ranking only ranks ten names. Expand that to one hundred."
"Every time a new Golden Ranking appears, just follow up with an expanded version."
"In no time, the prestige of the Heaven Secret Pavilion will grow rapidly!"
"It may not surpass the Nine Provinces Golden Ranking, but it doesn't have to. It only needs to become popular among the people."
"After all, the Nine Provinces Golden Ranking is too lofty. Not everyone can make it."
"But your ranking is different. Not too low, not too high. Just right."
"In time, the Heaven Secret Pavilion will have countless followers!"
"There's great potential for manipulation in this."
Today, the Heaven Dao Ranking has become the hottest topic in all of Nine Provinces.
But only Bai Xiaosheng had the ability to capitalize on it.
The potential benefits were immense.
"Your Majesty, would this not risk offending Heaven Dao?"
Bai Xiaosheng asked, concerned.
"You're only expanding it as a supplement, not going against it. Don't worry!"
Zhu Houzhao responded confidently.
"I understand Your Majesty's intentions."
"I will carefully consider it when I return and then publish the Nine Provinces Hidden Dragon Heaven, Earth, and Human Ranking!"
"As Your Majesty said, there are far more hidden dragons in Nine Provinces than just thirty!"
The more Bai Xiaosheng spoke, the more excited his eyes became.
Once given a direction, with his intelligence, he would certainly take it further.
And likely perform better than Zhu Houzhao even anticipated.
"By the way, Bai Xiaosheng, now that parts of your identity have been exposed, many powerful figures will surely watch you closely."
"To avoid drawing suspicion about your connection to me, it's best you no longer enter the palace."
"If others discover our relationship, it would be disastrous for both you and the Heaven Secret Pavilion."
Zhu Houzhao said solemnly.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I will be more cautious."
"I will find a secure and hidden location to receive your future instructions."
Zhu Houzhao was pleased with Bai Xiaosheng's tactful response.
==========
Imperial Harem, Empress Chambers.
"Miss, guess who I just saw?"
The Palace Maid Qing'er approached Empress Wu Zhao with a mysterious look and whispered.
"You sneaky girl, who is it? Why so secretive?"
The Empress gave her a playful glance.
"Bai Xiaosheng!" Qing'er looked around before whispering again.
The Empress's hand trembled as she was reading a memorial.
"What happened?" She urgently asked.
"Miss, I just saw Bai Xiaosheng entering His Majesty's Imperial Study!"
"Though he moved quickly, my eye technique is powerful. I recognized him immediately!"
Qing'er replied with pride.
"Bai Xiaosheng?"
"Could Bai Xiaosheng be one of His Majesty's people?" The Empress muttered.
The thought stunned her.
She never imagined that the Heaven Secret Pavilion, ranked 10th on the Martial Force Ranking, was under the Emperor's command.
This revelation shook her deeply.
If this news spread, it would surely send shockwaves across Nine Provinces.
It would greatly enhance the Emperor's mysterious and terrifying image.
Not only was his own strength unmatched, even his subordinates were extraordinary.
Terrifying. Absolutely terrifying.
Thankfully, she had never done anything foolish, nothing to harm the Emperor or the Ming Dynasty.
Now that they were united in marriage and aligned in purpose, that was truly the best outcome.
"Qing'er, you must not speak of this to anyone. Not even the elders of the Netherworld City!"
The Empress warned sternly.
"Not even the Grand Elders?"
"No. If you do, you will no longer serve at my side."
"Hehe, don't worry, Miss. I belong to you and would never betray you!"
Qing'er was fully aware of her Miss's thoughts.
She had no intention of betraying her.
Moreover, she did not want this discovery to create any friction between her Miss and the mysterious Emperor.
Both her Miss and the Netherworld City faced deadly enemies.
Right now, they needed the Ming Emperor's protection.
Bai Xiaosheng was known for his decisive actions.
With Zhu Houzhao's suggestion, he immediately began planning upon returning.
With the aid of the Heaven Secret Mirror, compiling the new Ranking became much easier.
In just one night.
The Nine Provinces Hidden Dragon Heaven, Earth, and Human Ranking was completed.
They were then quickly distributed across all corners of Nine Provinces via the Heaven Secret Pavilion's intelligence network.
The speed was shocking.
The Rank 10 on the Martial Force Ranking was well deserved.
==========
Ming Dynasty, Jiangnan.
Yuelai Inn.
Lu Xiaofeng, Hua Manlou, Chu Liuxiang, and Ximen Chuixue had gathered for drinks once more.
They had stayed in the area for a while now.
Given the ongoing upheaval across Nine Provinces, staying together made them feel safer.
"Hey, have you guys heard? Bai Xiaosheng of the Heaven Secret Pavilion just released the Nine Provinces Hidden Dragon Heaven, Earth, and Human Ranking!"
At that moment.
Some martial heroes at the next table were deep in conversation.
Lu Xiaofeng's expression changed slightly.
He immediately walked over.
"Hey brother, what did you say about Heaven, Earth, and Human Ranking?"
"Whoa? It's Lu Xiaofeng, the Spirit Horn One Finger!"
"Oh my god, the 21st on the Earth Ranking is here!"
Someone shouted, and everyone instantly turned to look.
Their eyes burned with excitement.
Lu Xiaofeng felt a chill on his scalp.
"Earth Ranking, 21st? What's going on?"
He quickly asked again.
"Hahaha, Lu Xiaofeng, I didn't even expect you to be out of the loop!"
"The Heaven, Earth, and Human Ranking is an auxiliary ranking made by Bai Xiaosheng to complement the original Hidden Dragon Ranking from the Nine Provinces Golden Ranking!"
"Nine Provinces is vast, filled with countless hidden dragons. How could just thirty names be enough?"
"Moved by this, Bai Xiaosheng created a more inclusive version."
"One hundred names for each realm. Innate, Grandmaster, and Great Grandmaster and above!"
"And you, Lu Xiaofeng, are 21st on the Earth Ranking!"
"No wonder you're Lu Xiaofeng. Impressive indeed!"
With many people explaining at once, Lu Xiaofeng quickly understood the situation.
His expression grew heavy.
A wry smile appeared on his face.
The Nine Provinces Martial World was about to become even more chaotic.
Bai Xiaosheng had just added more fuel to the fire.
And most importantly, although his ranking was not as widely accepted as the Nine Provinces Golden Ranking.
They were already gaining widespread recognition.
No one dared question Bai Xiaosheng's intent anymore.
Once news of his Mythical Realm status became known.
Even Lu Xiaofeng couldn't help but feel a deep sense of fear.
Another one pretending to be weak while hiding terrifying power.
This world was simply too dangerous.
If someone told him right now that the beggar outside the inn was a Land Immortal.
He might actually believe it.
Lu Xiaofeng sullenly returned to the table with Ximen Chuixue and the others.
"Chu Liuxiang, Earth Ranking, Rank 15."
"Hua Manlou, Earth Ranking, Rank 37."
"Ximen Chuixue, Heaven Dao Ranking, Rank 65."
"I, Lu Xiaofeng, Earth Ranking, Rank 21."
"Chu Liuxiang, I didn't expect you to be ranked higher than me!"
Lu Xiaofeng grinned.
But his tone couldn't hide his astonishment.
He had never shown his full strength, yet Bai Xiaosheng had assessed him so accurately.
Were Mythical Realm individuals really this terrifying?
Ximen Chuixue muttered to himself.
"Heaven Dao Ranking, Rank 65?"
"That means among cultivators under 25, there are 63 Great Grandmasters stronger than me?"
"Even ignoring the ten monsters on the Nine Provinces Golden Ranking, are there 53 more powerful than I am?"
The always-proud Ximen Chuixue felt deeply shaken. His mood turned heavy.
So many geniuses in Nine Provinces?
"Lu Xiaofeng, is there a chance these rankings are wrong?"
Hua Manlou asked curiously.
"No."
"Some already tried challenging the ranking as soon as it was released. The results were spot-on."
"Clearly, Bai Xiaosheng lives up to his name."
"Anyone recognized by the Nine Provinces Golden Ranking is no ordinary figure."
"At least for now, we're not qualified to doubt him."
"We'll need to work harder. Otherwise, we'll be left behind by the rising cultivators of Nine Provinces!"
Even the usually carefree Lu Xiaofeng became serious.