"To govern a great nation is like cooking a small delicacy. Every word and action of an emperor can influence the destiny of the entire dynasty—potentially for better, or worse. It depends entirely on how things are carried out and managed. Take the promotion of the communication wristwatch as an example—if it's introduced too aggressively and not accepted by the common people, the result might not be a surge in fortune, but even a potential decline. The method of implementation matters. Everything can influence the final outcome."
"Implementing policies or introducing new items in a dynasty is no small matter. To be a competent ruler is certainly not as simple as strategizing on paper. Every step must be taken cautiously to ensure nothing leaks through. A Fortune Dynasty is different from a regular nation. Everything starts from scratch."
Yi Tianxing gazed at the sea of fortune clouds in the void above.
Within the cloud sea, the national fortune surged.
The golden flood dragon—representing the dynasty's fortune—had visibly grown larger. Every golden scale shimmered with ancient scripts, embodying various national policies, like indelible laws, forever etched into the true spirit of national fortune.
New Highlight: Fortune Dragon engraved with national policies – the embodiment of Great Yi's governance etched into its spiritual symbol.
"Ruling a country is different from managing a small territory. One must pay attention to the people's livelihood and sentiment," Cai Yan said with a smile. "Husband, you should speak more with my father. He once assisted the Emperor of Han and has weathered storms in the imperial court. He surely has valuable insights on governance."
"You've already done remarkably well, my husband. What you've built is an unprecedented kind of nation. The introduction of the communication wristwatch has placed Great Yi on the path of a cultivation-based civilization. You've integrated the power of cultivators into daily life—something even technological civilizations couldn't achieve. You are making history, and no matter what the outcome, Zhaoji will always support you."
Cultivation-based Civilization – the first of its kind, merging cultivation with everyday life and surpassing technological norms.
Cai Yan's eyes glowed with admiration as she looked at Yi Tianxing. Creating something truly new required immense courage, something not everyone possessed.
"I don't wish to be called the founder of a cultivation civilization," Yi Tianxing said with a calm smile. "I'm merely expanding on an idea that was already there. What changes result will depend on whether the people are willing to embrace it."
He had only opened the door. What lay beyond it was unpredictable. He could only guide it in the right direction.
"But what's more important now—is you. You're already seven months pregnant. In just a couple of months, you'll be due. Right now, nothing else matters more than you."
Yi Tianxing looked fondly at Cai Yan's increasingly rounded belly.
"I can already feel the little one moving around inside," she said, her face glowing with maternal warmth. "It's going to be a strong child."
"Let me listen," Yi Tianxing said with a smile.
He bent down and pressed his ear to her belly.
Thump!
A soft kick landed right next to his ear.
"This little rascal is already so lively. He'll definitely be a troublemaker when he's born."
Yi Tianxing chuckled.
"Husband, do you prefer a boy or a girl?" Cai Yan asked curiously.
"Either is fine. If it's a girl and she takes after you, she'll be a beauty—the little princess of Great Yi. If it's a boy, he'll be the crown prince. With our identities and longevity, even if we stop progressing in cultivation, we can still live for thousands of years. So no matter what, we'll have all the children we want."
He was not wrong. As the ruler of a Fortune Dynasty, unless he died, he would remain emperor forever. There would be no imperial succession, no power struggles, no factions in court.
This was common knowledge in Great Yi. Becoming a cultivator within a Fortune Dynasty changed the rules—lifespans of ten thousand years weren't just dreams.
Immortal Rulership of a Fortune Dynasty – a stark contrast with mundane dynasties, where eternal rule becomes achievable.
"Husband, I can't give birth to that many," Cai Yan rolled her eyes at him, blushing. "But if you really want many children, it's not difficult. Since I'm pregnant now and your body is too strong—if we continued, I might harm the baby. You're the emperor of a vast dynasty, and yet there's only one consort in the entire harem. That doesn't seem fitting. Maybe it's time to consider bringing in a few virtuous and talented women. That would not only enrich the palace but also give me some companions to talk to."
"Hmm…"
Yi Tianxing narrowed his eyes at her. "Has someone been spreading rumors in your ears? Ignore idle gossip. We are cultivators—we're not bound by secular conventions."
"No, it's not because of gossip," Cai Yan replied. "Though I've heard things, it really doesn't affect me. Honestly, the palace is a bit too quiet. If you added a few more worthy women, I'd actually be happy. Besides… with how powerful you are, I really can't handle you alone…"
She blushed deeper.
"Of course I enjoy beautiful women," Yi Tianxing admitted with a grin. "Desiring more women is part of a man's instinct—especially when it comes to continuing one's legacy. But I don't intend to seek other women while you're pregnant. If I ever do, it'll be after you've safely given birth. If you feel lonely, invite Mu Guiying and Hua Mulan to the palace more often."
"What do you think of Mu Guiying?" Cai Yan asked suddenly.
Yi Tianxing instantly understood.
"You're not suggesting…?"
"That's right," she smiled. "Mu Guiying clearly has feelings for you. Ever since you saved her, her affection has only grown. You might not see it, but I do—she visits me often, but really, she just wants to see you."
Cai Yan was no fool. She could read a woman's heart easily. And now that the City Lord's Mansion had become the Imperial Palace, she felt it was time to be direct.
In her view, having only one consort was unusual for an emperor. If more were to be added, better they be people they trusted—like Mu Guiying.
"Mu Guiying has a warrior's heart," Yi Tianxing said. "She craves battle, not courtly life. The palace might not suit her."
"But what if she's willing to change for you?" Cai Yan replied with a gentle smile.
"I wouldn't ask her to change. She just joined the Hundred Flowers Corps that Hua Mulan founded. She's helping Mulan organize it, and from what I hear, she's thriving there. She's found her purpose. I'd rather let her grow and follow her own path. Whatever decisions she makes in the future, she'll make them without regret."
Hundred Flowers Corps (百花军团) – a new elite army founded by Hua Mulan, with Mu Guiying playing a key role.
Yi Tianxing spoke calmly. He appreciated beauty as any man would, and Mu Guiying's unique aura did move him. But not every heart's stirrings required immediate action.
"Well, in that case… But I still think husband should add more sisters to the harem," Cai Yan said with a chuckle, letting the topic go.
Outside Xuanhuang City.
That day, a large number of citizens gathered on the plains.
A towering platform stood erected.
Yi Tianxing ascended it, flanked by Huang Chengyan and other key ministers.
Before him stood a massive army in tight formation.
At the front was Yang Ye, clad in blazing red armor. He held a crimson spear, his eyes gleaming with sharpness and unyielding battle spirit. On either side of him stood Yang Yanping and Yang Yanding.
Behind them, rows of troops stood in disciplined silence.
Every soldier wore red armor adorned with vermilion bird patterns, with flames flickering faintly across the metal.
This was the Vermilion Bird Battle Armor (朱雀战甲), forged by the dwarves of Xuanhuang City—hammered out piece by piece using Crimson Fire Copper and other rare materials. These weren't ordinary armors—they were magical armaments, infused with flame runes, capable of both offense and defense.
New Highlight: Vermilion Bird Battle Armor – magical flame armor crafted by dwarven smiths, equipped with Flame Runes that allow it to burn enemies and generate a Flame Shield.
This army was no mere display—it was a force forged in both fire and strategy.