The Immortal Empress, Unrivaled Through Eternity

"As for the Dao Xuan Sect, it also inherited some of the Daoist traditions from the time of immortals and gods."

Master Liu rocked back and forth in his recliner and continued, "It is considered the head of the Daoist sects, and ranks among the top in the hidden sects as well."

"The Sword God Sect is the strongest, but it has few successors. I've heard that it's a Sword Sect that inherited the legacy of the Immortal God era."

"These sects are all good and suitable for you."

Hearing Master Liu's words, Li Yunqing was somewhat puzzled and asked, "Are all these reclusive sects related to the era of immortals and gods?"

"More or less." Master Liu nodded and said, "All the hidden sects have some connection with the era of immortals and gods."

"Even the Heavenly Gang Alliance is like that... Well, the Heavenly Gang Alliance is an alliance of thirty-six sects in the martial arts world."

"Although it is a martial arts sect, its strength is extremely high, stronger than most hidden sects."

At this point, Master Liu seemed to notice Li Yunqing's doubts and smiled, "You've never left your home and haven't had much contact with martial arts sects, so there are some things you don't understand."

Have you ever heard of the forbidden zones of evil gods?

"A forbidden zone for evil gods?" Li Yunqing blinked and slowly shook her head.

Although the books she was reading occasionally mentioned it, she didn't know what place it was.

"The Forbidden Zone of Evil Gods is the place left behind when the immortals and gods were destroyed."

Master Liu spoke softly, with a hint of a sigh, "The Great Yu Dynasty and the Demon Kingdom are both located in the north, facing each other from east to west."

"And the southern part of this land is almost entirely covered by the forbidden zone of the evil god, isolating this place from the world."

"That land of destruction for immortals and gods is filled with endless dangers, hence it is called a forbidden zone."

"Almost all the evil gods in various places have emerged from forbidden zones."

"Speaking of which, the entire Great Yu Dynasty, including the Demon Kingdom, may seem very large, but in reality, it is only a corner of this world."

Upon hearing this, Li Yunqing finally understood.

The Great Yu Dynasty was indeed very large, spanning east to west and north to south, covering at least 100,000 li.

It is larger than Earth in my previous life, but compared to the million-mile-long mountain range of the Demon Kingdom, it is just a corner.

It would probably take an ordinary person more than ten years to travel through Dayu.

Even for martial artists, it would probably take three to five years to complete the entire process.

On the southern border between the demon kingdom and the human race lies the forbidden zone of the evil god, which blocks this land.

Seeing Li Yunqing's understanding expression, Master Liu then said, "Although the Forbidden Zone of Evil Gods is dangerous, both humans and demons will explore it."

"As a result, many items from the era of immortals and gods were brought out of the forbidden zone."

"Most of the cultivation techniques passed down by the hidden sects were brought out from the relics of the Immortal and God era."

"It has taken thousands of years and tens of thousands of years to become the martial arts techniques we know today."

Li Yunqing was somewhat enlightened. The era of immortals and gods was destroyed, leaving behind forbidden zones, but some inheritances always remained.

Through generations of exploration, humanity has gained insights and has come to understand that there is an even greater world beyond the forbidden zone of the evil gods.

That is why there is the saying that although the Great Yu was vast, it was only a small part of it.

"Once I'm strong enough, won't I be able to explore forbidden areas and acquire more cultivation techniques?"

Thinking of that forbidden zone that blocked the earth, Li Yunqing felt a sense of longing; what she lacked was the inheritance.

If she had enough techniques to study, she would surely be able to create a technique that perfectly unleashes the power of immortal martial arts.

"Therefore, all I need to do now is keep improving my strength."

"However, a complete martial arts technique is still needed."

The Medicine King Scripture is a complete cultivation method that can lead directly to the Nascent Soul stage, which she has. However, she lacks a complete martial arts inheritance.

"Thank you for your explanation, Master Liu!" Li Yunqing bowed and took her leave, then turned and walked towards the pharmacy.

As for those sects, she is not considering them for the time being.

Based on the time it took for the Sixth Prince to arrive in Qingzhou to provide support, it would take him three days and three nights to travel day and night, and he would be about ten thousand miles away from the capital.

So far away, she wasn't entirely confident in her own abilities.

And riding a horse... She looked down at her chest; if it bounced violently up and down, wouldn't that be incredibly uncomfortable?

Even if you can hold it in, your butt won't be able to take it, right?

Moreover, she was not skilled in horsemanship.

Two days later, at Ziyun Pavilion.

Li Yunqing, who was sitting cross-legged on the soft couch, felt a slight tremor in her body.

The true Yin energy in the lower abdomen and the Yin magical power in the sea of ​​consciousness between the eyebrows suddenly surged violently.

After two days of cultivation, his magical power had reached the fifth level of Qi Refining. Although his true essence remained unchanged, its quantity had more than doubled.

At this moment, like a surging sea, everything rushed into the Tanzhong acupoint on the chest.

Inside the Tanzhong acupoint, the sphere resembling the moon shone even brighter.

Strands of immortal martial arts power, like thick moonlight, illuminated the entire Tanzhong acupoint.

It is extremely gentle, yet it does not feel cold or aloof.

Clearly, the power of immortals and martial arts also belongs to the Yin category, making Li Yunqing's features even more gentle.

Her delicate face looked as if it had been sculpted from water.

Her pupils were adorned with a warm, jade-like light, extremely clear, like moonlight turned to water, full of tenderness.

"Sure enough, my true qi and magical power have increased simultaneously, and my immortal martial power has increased even more."

Li Yunqing murmured softly, her gaze fixed on the panel.

Name: Li Yunqing.

Lifespan: 15/∞

Strength: Mid-level Qi Realm

Frosty Sword Intent: Mastery (52% → 61%)

Yin Spirit: Proficient (7% → 10%)

Skills: Music, chess, calligraphy and painting (perfect) Characteristics: Single-minded, energetic, photographic memory, exceptional talent, musical talent, and unparalleled intelligence.

Frost Sword Manual (Mastery 3432/5000) Characteristics: Naturally formed sword bones, clear sword mind.

Medicine King Sutra (Great Completion 712/10000) Characteristics: Glazed Medicine King Body.

Five Elements Secret Manual (Minor Success 166/1000) Characteristics: None.

Mingyu Gong (Mastery 565/1000) Characteristics: Ice-like skin and jade-like bones, clear mind, pure Yin body, Taiyin eyes.

Blazing Sea Finger (Minor Success 99/500) Trait: None

Wind and Cloud Movement (Minor Success 123/500) Trait: None

"Mingyu Gong is more than halfway done, and he will be able to master it in just a few days. At that time, his cultivation speed will be even faster."

"Sword intent can be mastered in about ten days, at which time one can break through to the upper level of the Qi Realm."

After a rough estimate, Li Yunqing felt that if her sword intent improved quickly enough, it wouldn't be long before she reached the Qi Realm Perfection stage.

"Nothing to worry about, no worries!"

She stretched slightly, then tossed herself onto the soft couch and rolled around freely.

"Miss, it's time to go to the City Lord's Mansion."

Xiao Lan pushed open the door and entered, saying, "Today, the Sixth Prince will read out the Emperor's decree at the City Lord's Mansion to reward those who have made contributions. Miss, you have also contributed."

As a physician, Li Yunqing treated more than 10,000 soldiers in five days, which naturally earned her merit.

Or rather, everyone who participated in defending the city and fighting against the demons deserves credit.

"knew!"

Li Yunqing lazily got up from the soft couch, tidied her clothes and hair, and then went out.

These past few days have been exceptionally pleasant, with no one to disturb me.

If she didn't feel that her martial arts skills were insufficient, she wouldn't be willing to slack off, and she could relax and sleep well at night.

It is past 9:30 AM.

With Xiao Lan's support, Li Yunqing had just stepped into the city lord's mansion when she saw a dense crowd of people.

The soldiers, clad in armor, stood ramrod straight in a square formation.

Before the soldiers, members of various families, men and women, stood separately, including those from smaller families; all had arrived.

The entire square of the city lord's mansion was almost full of people.

Through the main hall gate, Li Yunqing could also see Qin Wan'er, the eldest daughter of the Qin family, Zhou Ru, the eldest daughter of the Zhou family, as well as young ladies from various other families, all dressed in their finest attire.

They all gathered around the sixth prince, who was dressed in a dark blue robe embroidered with golden dragons, chatting and laughing, and being very attentive.

The lofty and unapproachable royalty is enough to drive any woman mad.

Even if some people are unwilling, they will do so for the sake of their family.

Moreover, for women in this world, even marrying into the royal family as a concubine is a meteoric rise to power.

However, although the Sixth Prince was polite and had a gentle expression, he was somewhat absent-minded, glancing at the direction of the city lord's mansion gate from time to time.

"They're here!"

As if seeing that familiar purple figure, the Sixth Prince suddenly stood up and said, "It's almost time, let's begin."

Following the sixth prince's words, a eunuch holding the imperial edict bowed slightly before walking towards the high platform in front of the square.

The Cangshan Sword Saint, along with the slightly hunched old eunuch, and a group of women, boys, and the head of the family, all followed behind and came out.

The crowd stood in orderly rows. Apart from the eunuch who delivered the imperial edict, only the sixth prince and the old eunuch remained on the high platform.

On the contrary, the Sword Saint of Cangshan did not approach.

"Convey His Majesty's decree!"

The eunuch's slightly shrill voice suddenly resounded throughout the square, reaching the ears of everyone present.

Even a lowly eunuch delivering imperial edicts possessed a cultivation level of the upper grade of the Qi Realm, which was quite remarkable.

"May Your Majesty be well!"

Everyone bowed and shouted in unison.

Upon seeing this, the eunuch delivering the imperial edict slowly unfolded the edict in his hand and read aloud:

"By imperial decree, Qingzhou was attacked by demons. All the soldiers who defended the country and stood firm were rewarded."

"Ordinary soldiers will be rewarded with three pills and three months' salary, while mid-ranking soldiers will be rewarded with six pills and six months' salary."

"High-ranking officers and soldiers will be rewarded with nine pills and a salary of nine months. Those who make great contributions will be promoted one rank. Soldiers who die in battle will receive triple compensation, and their sons will take over their positions if their fathers die."

"Furthermore, Qin Changqing of the Qin family died for his country and was granted the title of Earl of Qingzhou, enjoying a salary of a fourth-rank official, which was inherited for three generations."

"..."

The eunuch delivering the decree read it for the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, and everyone in the square looked delighted and excited.

The emperor bestowed upon them elixirs, salaries, official positions, and even the rank of a fourth-grade official, demonstrating his current favor.

Every family received a reward, with no one left out, making everyone happy.

"This emperor is quite wise!"

A sense of感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a feeling of mixed emotions, including regret and admiration) also arose in Li Yun

Even a small family like the Li family in Qingzhou was rewarded with ten thousand gold pieces and given the option to choose from official positions in the Demon Suppression Division, the City Commandery, or the garrison.

The official rank wasn't high, but each position held a significant responsibility.

Moreover, holding official positions is enough to elevate the Li family to the middle and upper echelons of Qingzhou, promising a bright future.

"Li Yunqing receives the imperial decree."

The eunuch's voice rang out again, causing Li Yunqing, who was standing quietly in the crowd, to pause.

At that moment, she felt many eyes on her.

The Jiang family, in particular, had extremely complex perspectives.

Even Jiang Yu's eyes welled up with an unspeakable anger and suppressed rage.

On the contrary, the sixth prince on the high platform had a gentle face and a warm smile, looking at Li Yunqing with deep affection.

With a hint of curiosity and a desire to pry.

They seemed curious to know how this gentle and quiet young female doctor would react upon hearing of the arranged marriage.

"Would she jump for joy?"

Thoughts raced through the Sixth Prince's mind, and his smile grew even gentler.

Marrying into royalty and becoming a phoenix on a branch of a tree—that's the dream of countless young girls, isn't it?

At least, of all the women he knew, not one would refuse or be unwilling.

Feeling the Sixth Prince's gaze, Li Yunqing's heart skipped a beat, and she suddenly understood the reason for Jiang Yu's annulment of the engagement.

The Jiang family initially came to the Li family with their power and influence, leaving them no room for refusal.

Now that the Sixth Prince has spoken, how can the Jiang family refuse?

Who in the world would dare to refuse the power of royalty?

Even if they didn't want to, once an imperial edict was issued, they had to strip naked, wash themselves clean, and wait with smiles to be favored.

"The Sixth Prince? How could he be?"

A surge of anger also rose in Li Yunqing's heart.

From beginning to end, she didn't sense any special gaze from the Sixth Prince, and he didn't even reveal his identity or name.

The two never exchanged any other words; it was just a perfectly normal doctor-patient conversation, like ordinary people asking each other questions.

But the changes she has witnessed have made her deeply understand the hardships and difficulties faced by women.

People with power and influence can say whatever they want that leaves no room for resistance, even if they treat others as mere ornaments or playthings.

Even... just for the sake of satisfying one's desires and trying something new.

As anger rose within her, a sharp edge emanated from Li Yunqing.

A sharp edge carrying an aura of destruction.

Li Yansong, who was standing to the side, suddenly stopped.

Although I know my daughter has amazing medical skills, it's not like I need to issue a special imperial decree and specifically request her to accept the order.

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Yunqing, daughter of the Li family of Qingzhou, is gentle, wise, virtuous, and graceful, and is of marriageable age."

"Having heard that the Sixth Prince is in love with you, I hereby issue an edict to bestow your marriage upon the Sixth Prince's concubine. I hope that you two will be of one heart and mind and not fail my will."

As soon as the imperial eunuch finished speaking, the entire square fell into a deathly silence.

All eyes were fixed on the Jiang family and Li Yunqing.

Li Yansong was stunned, his expression filled with disbelief.

His daughter was exceptionally beautiful and had a stunning figure, but he never imagined that the Sixth Prince would take a liking to her.

That's royalty. To marry into royalty, one needs status, position, and family background—all three are indispensable.

Beauty is just the most basic qualification, but now it has fallen on his own daughter.

In the crowd, Jiang Yu's eyes were red, her fists were clenched, and blood seeped between her fingers.

Qin Yu froze, his expression filled with disbelief and a deep sense of resentment in his eyes.

Even Jiang Jing, who had come to watch the spectacle, was instantly stunned, his expression one of astonishment and his eyes dimming.

Lu Xingzhou, standing in front of the main hall, suddenly tensed up and instinctively gripped his sword tighter.

"From humble beginnings to great heights!"

"The imperial decree has granted us this marriage; the Li family is about to prosper."

"She lived the life every woman dreams of...though she was only a concubine, he was still a prince!"

After a period of quiet, the entire square erupted in noise and discussion.

Many of the women in the family were filled with envy and jealousy, and their eyes turned red as they looked at Li Yunqing.

Marrying into the royal family was something countless women dreamed of; it was almost like rising to the top in one step, creating a world of difference between them and others.

Ordinary women wouldn't even dare to dream of such a thing.

"Miss Yunqing, why haven't you accepted the imperial decree?"

The eunuch delivering the decree called out softly, holding the imperial edict with both hands above his head.

"Receive the imperial decree?"

Li Yunqing remained calm, but she had already made up her mind.

She wouldn't have accepted such an order two months ago.

Breaking off an engagement with an ordinary family might cause problems, but the Li family could barely hold on. At worst, they could abandon all their family businesses and move far away.

To annul a marriage with a member of the royal family is essentially no different from directly defying an imperial decree.

How could she possibly accept the imperial decree?

"Father... I'm sorry, I can't do it!"

"I...will do everything in my power to protect my family, to repay my father and brothers for their years of love and care!"

"Please convey my apologies to my brother, Father. Take care!"

Li Yunqing's lips trembled slightly, and her voice, enveloped in her inner energy, reached Li Yansong's ears.

Li Yansong's expression changed drastically upon hearing this.

Offending one's own family is worlds apart from defying the imperial family.

But at this moment, Li Yunqing no longer had any other thoughts.

"I had no choice but to repay the debt of gratitude I owed my family for raising me!"

"I don't want to choose now!"

"And I will never choose again!"

Li Yunqing stepped out of the crowd, her eyes calm as still water, her lips barely moving: "I won't accept it!"

The sound was not loud, even faint, but with the support of true energy, it clearly reached everyone's ears.

Upon hearing this, everyone was shocked and stared at Li Yunqing in disbelief.

Even the Cangshan Sword Saint in front of the main hall, as well as Lu Xingzhou and Xun Fei, all stared directly at Li Yunqing.

The sixth prince smiled, having been waiting to see Li Yunqing's surprised expression.

But at this moment, the smile on his face froze, and a deep sense of astonishment flashed in his eyes.

"How could she? How dare she?"

The sixth prince was shocked.

Even if such a gentle and quiet young woman did not accept the decree with great joy, she should not disobey it.

They dared not disobey the imperial decree.

But what did he hear now?

Even the eunuch delivering the decree was somewhat incredulous, his voice trembling as he asked, "What did you say?"

Li Yunqing stood gracefully in a purple dress.

Her expression remained as gentle and serene as ever, but her hand, hidden beneath her sleeve, gripped the flying sword.

His clear eyes stared directly at the high platform, sharp and piercing.

Every word was as sharp as a nail.

"I said! I don't accept it!"