Imperial Palace of the Han Dynasty.
"Zhang Rang, which noble families are backing the World Association?"
Liu Hong's face was gloomy.
The Han Dynasty differed significantly from the other major dynasties.
While noble families in the other dynasties held considerable power, they still couldn't threaten the foundation of imperial rule.
Even in the Sui Dynasty, despite its many internal factions, none dared to defy the emperor's authority.
But the Han Dynasty was the exception. The power of the noble families had swelled to unprecedented levels. Nearly every level of authority had fallen into their hands.
For the common folk, rising through the ranks was nearly impossible.
Even most martial sects had noble families supporting them behind the scenes.
Emperor Liu Hong was well aware of this, yet utterly powerless to stop it.
He simply lacked the strength to make a difference.
"Your Majesty, the World Association was established by the Yuan family, who have produced three generations of high-ranking officials."
"Hah, three generations of nobility, long recipients of the dynasty's grace and rewards, and now they dare harbor such treacherous ambition? Despicable! I'd kill those traitors if I could!"
"Your Majesty need not worry. Xiong Ba of the World Association is ambitious and incredibly powerful. Now that his influence has grown, he is no longer under the Yuan family's control."
"It's likely that in the future, Xiong Ba will turn on them instead."
"Hahaha, good. Let them turn on each other and tear each other apart."
Liu Hong seemed genuinely pleased by this bit of news.
Unfortunately, neither the Yuan family nor Xiong Ba were easy opponents. Neither would willingly make themselves a tool for others.
Especially not for an incompetent ruler like Liu Hong.
==========
Imperial Palace of the Ming Dynasty.
"Qin Shuang?"
The World Association from within the Han Dynasty territory?
If they're around, then that means Xiong Ba, Bu Jingyun, and Nie Feng are as well.
Which also implies the presence of powerful figures like Nameless, the Sword Saint Dugu, perhaps even Di Shitian, the Longevity Immortal God, and Bai Suzhen of Bu Clan.
Zhu Houzhao's expression grew slightly more serious.
Now that the Heavenly Ranking had appeared, it wouldn't be long before the identities of these people were exposed one after another.
Who knew what would happen to the world?
It was bound to send shockwaves through all of society.
Even though Zhu Houzhao had faith in his own strength, what about the people around him?
What about the strength of the entire Ming Dynasty?
==========
World Association Headquarters, Grand Plaza.
Clap, clap, clap!!
"Excellent, excellent! As expected of my disciple!"
Hearing Qin Shuang's name on the Heavenly Ranking, Xiong Ba burst out laughing, the sound echoing from afar.
He was certain that with this, the World Association's name would resound across the Nine Provinces.
"Master, this is the Ice Soul Pill rewarded by Heaven itself. I wish to present it to you."
Qin Shuang, ever tactful, immediately handed the pill to Xiong Ba.
Xiong Ba's expression shifted, a hint of hesitation flashing in his eyes.
To be honest, he truly desired such a top-grade pill.
But considering the Heavenly Ranking and his own reputation, he couldn't accept it.
Why couldn't Qin Shuang just give it to him in secret?
"Qin Shuang, this was a reward from Heaven. As your master, I cannot take what was rightfully given to you."
"Senior Brother Shuang, this pill can enhance your ice-element physique. You should take it immediately and see what kind of effects it has."
"You might be the first among us three brothers to break through to Grandmaster."
Nie Feng quickly chimed in.
Hearing this, Qin Shuang didn't argue and swallowed the pill on the spot.
In an instant, a vast and pure icy energy surged within him, reshaping his entire body.
Martial insights that had previously eluded him became suddenly clear.
He even uncovered hidden mysteries within his own Heaven Frost Fist.
There was a vague sense of incompletion.
It seemed the technique wasn't whole.
His master Xiong Ba had withheld something from him.
However, none of this showed on his face.
At least from a physical standpoint, his body had undergone great improvement. His overall combat strength increased by at least fifty percent.
As expected of a Heavenly Reward.
Even someone as calm as Qin Shuang couldn't help but be secretly amazed.
While everyone's attention was on Qin Shuang, You Ruo quietly slipped toward the main gate.
"You Ruo, where do you think you're going?"
"Get back to the lakeside pavilion at once!"
Seeing You Ruo trying to escape, Xiong Ba's commanding voice rang out across the plaza.
"Father, you're trying to lock me up again? This time, I absolutely won't let you succeed!"
"I now possess the strength to resist."
"Today, I will leave. No one can stop me."
"Not even you, Father!"
You Ruo's eyes were resolute, showing no hint of retreat.
"You Ruo, your strength is indeed impressive. You're not weaker than Shuang'er, Yun'er, or Feng'er."
"But do you really think you can escape just because you've grown stronger? You underestimate your father's methods."
"Even if I overestimate or underestimate, what of it?" You Ruo said defiantly.
"Shuang'er, go all out. Show You Ruo the difference in strength between you."
"Yes, Master."
Qin Shuang's expression turned serious.
"My Lady, you should listen to the Master and return to the lakeside pavilion. If not, I'll have to offend you."
"Qin Shuang, your arrogance knows no bounds."
"I've been holding back only because you're my father's top disciple."
"But you keep pushing me. Don't blame me for striking back."
"Do you think just because you made the Hidden Dragon Ranking and took the Ice Soul Pill, you've already won?"
"Take this!"
"Quick Snow Clear Moment Art!"
At some point, a sword that looked as if it were made of ice appeared in You Ruo's hand.
As she moved it, the scenery around them changed instantly.
A boundless blizzard surged into existence out of nowhere.
Blanketing the entire plaza.
"What is this…"
Xiong Ba's pupils narrowed slightly.
When did You Ruo learn such a terrifying sword technique?
"Heaven Frost Fist!"
Qin Shuang didn't dare be careless. Feeling a genuine sense of danger, he immediately launched his strongest attack.
But under the might of You Ruo's sword, his Heaven Frost Fist was instantly shattered.
Completely overwhelmed.
"Senior Brother Shuang, look out!"
"This isn't good, dodge now!"
The sword aura was too fast and relentless.
It struck Qin Shuang squarely, catching him completely off guard.
Pffft!
He spat out a mouthful of blood and was sent flying, crashing hard into the ground.
He had lost all ability to fight.
"Senior Brother Shuang!"
Nie Feng rushed to Qin Shuang's side and checked his condition.
Finding no life-threatening injuries, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"You Ruo, where did you learn that sword technique?" Xiong Ba shouted angrily.
"Why should I tell you? I'm leaving. This time, no one can stop me."
"I already showed mercy to Qin Shuang."
"He pushed me too far, so don't blame me!"
Without waiting for a response, she turned and soared into the distance.