"What a majestic palace! So grand, so magnificent. This palace is far more spectacular than any imperial palace I've seen before. It stands atop the Palatial Divine Tree—simply unbelievable. Even standing outside, I can feel a pressure emanating from within, like that of a towering, peerless giant. The power is overwhelming... terrifying. I actually feel like a mere ant in comparison."
Iron Broom Immortal stood before the palace, gazing at the vast structure ahead. It felt like he was standing before a slumbering primordial beast, and with the iron broom in his hand, he looked more like a janitor at the palace gates than anything else.
A sense of humility welled up in him involuntarily.
"Indeed, the Palatial Divine Tree is worthy of being called a world-class treasure. This world is no longer what it used to be—rare and exotic treasures are everywhere. But this tree must be among the most precious. The pressure it gives off is just too intense. Even walking up the Stairway of Clouds feels like one could be crushed by some overwhelming force at any moment."
Dog King said this with lingering fear as he gently patted his beloved dog beside him.
This pressure mainly came from the Cloud Sea of Fate, which contained the national might of the entire imperial dynasty. Anyone approaching would feel it—unless they could ignore the power of the entire Great Yi Dynasty's fate.
"Husband, I'm a little scared," said Lady Fu Sui, a trace of fright on her face.
"Don't be afraid. I'm here. As long as I live, no one will hurt you—not without stepping over my dead body first," replied Husband Chang, embracing her gently.
"You're so kind," she said, resting her head happily against his chest.
The other members of the Twelve Fiends of Heaven Pool looked on with barely concealed annoyance.
"Can you two get a room? Seriously, this again? No consideration for us singles," muttered Immortal Food, disgusted.
Just then, a figure emerged from within the palace—it was Little Gui, who said, "Everyone, His Majesty invites you in. Please follow me."
Without hesitation, Child Sovereign followed quickly behind.
"What a massive palace," he couldn't help but think. Inside, it was even larger than it looked from the outside. The layout felt almost naturally formed. Mist drifted along the ground, and lush, thriving plants swayed in the breeze. The soil itself seemed to nourish the flora with unmatched vitality.
"This place is completely different from before. Each hall is the size of half a city lord's mansion. Mist curls around everything—like a true celestial palace," remarked Mu Guiying, who had frequented the city lord's mansion in the past due to her close relationship with Cai Yan. Though not intimately familiar, she still recognized the key landmarks.
Now, everything was alien.
The transformation from city lord's mansion to imperial palace was radical and shocking in scale.
Still, the palace felt somewhat empty—recently transformed, many areas lacked trees or flowers. These would need to be replanted and carefully tended. Fortunately, among the eunuchs now employed in the palace, many had the necessary skills.
"Miss Mu, Her Majesty was just asking about you. She said it's been a while since you visited. Now that the city lord's mansion has become a royal palace, everything's changed. People are still getting used to it. Things will shift every day. If you visit more often, Her Majesty will be thrilled," said Little Gui with a smile.
All the eunuchs were busy, moving exotic flora into the palace grounds to decorate its various sectors. The Heavenly Qi in the palace, composed entirely of innate energy, was suffused with Daoist essence. Here, even seeds planted in the soil would sprout and flourish rapidly.
Each day brought visible, transformative change to the formerly desolate grounds.
"Even if you didn't say it, I'd still visit often. Big Sis Zhaoji must be lonely in such a huge palace," Mu Guiying smiled.
She admired Cai Yan deeply. Although Yi Tianxing had never forbidden her from leaving the palace, she had always remained secluded, focusing on her duties as Queen, safeguarding the heart of the people in Xuanhuang City.
She always stepped forward in times of need. Mu Guiying knew she could never do the same—her personality wouldn't allow it.
Meanwhile, Child Sovereign and the others quietly observed everything.
Palace eunuchs and maids darted through the grounds, planting flowers or arranging decorations. Every moment brought change. The place never looked the same twice.
Unconsciously, they had arrived at the Imperial Garden.
The garden was vast and subdivided into multiple zones, each housing rare and exotic plants. Most striking was a large pond at its center. On the water stood a network of pavilions, arranged in the form of a Bagua—the eight trigrams.
In the central pavilion, Yi Tianxing stood side by side with Cai Yan, tossing feed into the pond. Golden carp leapt from the water to snatch the food, competing fiercely.
They chatted quietly, enjoying the moment.
"Big Sis Zhaoji!" Mu Guiying called out when she spotted them.
She approached with no change in demeanor despite their elevated ranks.
"Greetings, Brother Yi," she said with a smile.
"No need for formalities," Yi Tianxing replied warmly.
"Little Mu, you haven't visited in a while. You must have been out doing bounty missions again. Tell me—anything interesting happen?" Cai Yan asked with a chuckle.
"Absolutely. I've run into a few fun things recently," Mu Guiying grinned.
"Great, let's walk and talk. You haven't seen much of the palace yet—it's changed a lot. Let's explore together," Cai Yan said, taking her hand.
"I'd love that!" Mu Guiying agreed happily.
After bidding farewell to Yi Tianxing, the two women strolled off hand in hand to explore the palace and its many transformations.
Back in the pavilion, only Yi Tianxing and the Twelve Fiends of Heaven Pool remained.
The atmosphere subtly shifted.
"We, the Twelve Fiends of Heaven Pool, greet the King of Yi," Child Sovereign said, bowing respectfully.
Despite the childlike voice, it carried a sincere innocence that naturally disarmed others.
Even Yi Tianxing felt his mind waver for a moment.
"Rise," he nodded.
"Child Sovereign, do you know why I've summoned you?" Yi Tianxing asked directly, wasting no time.
"I do not," replied Child Sovereign, shaking his head.
"You twelve were assassins before the world merge. Am I wrong?" Yi Tianxing asked again.
"You're absolutely right. We were once the feared assassins of Heaven Pool. Once the Twelve Fiends of Heaven Pool took a mission, we never failed. If Your Majesty is concerned about our past, we're willing to leave the Great Yi Dynasty."
Child Sovereign's heart trembled, but he wasn't shocked. Their background had never been hidden. Still, hearing Yi Tianxing say it aloud felt… strange.
"That's not the case. Great Yi welcomes all. Whether commoners or former nobles, everyone is equal. The capable rise, the incapable fall. As long as you do not harm the realm, I do not care about your past. Even assassins and killers have their place."
Yi Tianxing's voice was calm and even.
"Then why has Your Majesty summoned us?" asked Child Sovereign, puzzled.
"My Great Yi already has the Six Doors, but that is not enough. I intend to create a shadow organization—an intelligence and assassination force. Others are unfit for such work, but you—assassins—are perfect."
Yi Tianxing spoke plainly, making no effort to disguise his intentions.
"A shadow force? Led by us?"
Child Sovereign's heart surged with emotion.
This was no minor position—shadow divisions were always the ruler's most trusted agents. A double-edged sword with immense authority.
Such power was dangerous, but invaluable. The sharpest blade in the ruler's hand.
"Yes. The organization will be called—Natural Disaster (天灾). For our enemies, its strikes will be like heaven's wrath—inescapable, overwhelming, and utterly destructive."
Natural Disaster (天灾) — The name of Yi Tianxing's future shadow force. Its purpose is to strike terror into enemies, monitor officials, gather intelligence, and eliminate threats to the dynasty.
"Natural Disaster will answer only to me. It will oversee and investigate all officials, gather intelligence from across the world, and bring disaster to those who dare defy Great Yi. You are assassins. Natural Disaster is a killing force. Only top-tier assassins are qualified to join."
Yi Tianxing's expression grew stern as he delivered this vision with deliberate emphasis.
This was to be the Great Yi's ultimate hidden blade, hanging like a storm cloud over the heads of all enemies.
"If we agree to join, what ranks or status will Your Majesty grant us?" asked Child Sovereign, unable to hide the rising tide of emotion within.