The interior of the tower was unlike ordinary spatial treasures; forged from a space-opening divine artifact, it possessed dimensions ideal for cultivating spiritual grains and herbs. While not quite as efficient as the spirit fields within Yi Tianxing's Life Aperture, the tower's environment was still more than adequate for mass-scale cultivation.
After cultivating a large batch of spiritual seeds in his Life Aperture, Yi Tianxing had already transplanted a great quantity of spirit rice into the [Hongmeng Heavenly Emperor Tower]. The rich spiritual energy inside the tower allowed the spirit rice to grow rapidly, only slightly inferior to those in the Life Aperture.
Now, the Life Aperture was reserved for rarer, more precious spirit herbs and spiritual plants. Common spirit rice varieties were only cultivated there to produce seed stock, after which mass production was carried out in the tower.
Over the years, large stockpiles of spirit rice had been accumulated.
The most common variety—Snow Pear Rice, a Yellow-grade low-grade spiritual grain—had been harvested numerous times already. There were large reserves of it. Even Iceheart Rice, a superior grade, had seen multiple harvests.
Mountains of spiritual grain were now stored within the tower.
If not for the upcoming opening of the Divine-Demon Battlefield, Yi Tianxing wouldn't have considered releasing these precious resources so casually. Spiritual grains were meant as rewards for meritorious individuals or exchanged through the Treasure Hall by the worthy—motivating countless Great Yi cultivators to strive harder.
After all, widespread cultivation of spiritual grains in the Great Yi Dynasty hadn't yet started. Most cities were still reliant on mundane grain, with a few fields of spirit rice grown for support. Giving it out freely was unwise—what came without effort would not be valued.
But with the Divine-Demon Battlefield fast approaching, raising the combat strength of the army was the top priority.
Providing spiritual grains to the soldiers was a form of early investment. After all, the army was the very foundation of Great Yi. No price was too high when it came to strengthening them. Strength was fundamental; all else was secondary.
"All Tier-1 Heavenly Soldiers shall receive Snow Pear Rice for all three meals.
Tier-2 soldiers: two meals of Snow Pear Rice, one of Iceheart Rice.
Tier-3: one meal of Snow Pear Rice, two of Iceheart Rice.
Tier-4: all three meals shall consist of Iceheart Rice.
Battle Generals shall receive two servings of Iceheart Rice and one of Golden Wheat per day.
Legion commanders will consume Golden Wheat for all three meals.**"
After a discussion in the grand hall, Master Lu left excitedly to carry out the decree.
Soon, imperial edicts spread rapidly across the military.
The soldiers were ecstatic and bowed in gratitude. For most, such treatment was unheard of. Eating spirit rice three times a day? That was a luxury none could have dreamed of.
Spirit rice was easily digestible, washed the body clean of impurities, and significantly boosted one's cultivation speed. For cultivators at the Divine Sea Realm, the benefits were enormous.
Iceheart Rice in particular aided in condensing Sea Pool sigils during visualization, greatly accelerating cultivation.
"I'm joining the army! With benefits like this—spirit rice three meals a day—how can one not grow stronger?"
"I bought spirit rice once before. The taste is leagues above ordinary grain. It's rich with spiritual essence and gets absorbed naturally—no refining needed!"
"The Divine-Demon Battlefield is about to open. This is a war for supremacy among all races. Even if I die in battle, I want to fight for my race!"
"Even if I don't get selected for the battlefield, serving in the army protects our people and land. That's more than enough!"
A wave of military fervor swept across the Great Yi Dynasty.
Countless young men rushed to enlist.
However, the army wasn't accepting just anyone. Strict standards had to be met, and only a limited number of recruits were accepted to raise the total standing army to three million.
These recruits would enter training camps, switch to the official military cultivation technique, and then be deployed into the wilds to hunt fierce beasts and monsters—tempering their innocence in blood, forging them into hardened warriors.
Not every soldier would be sent to the Divine-Demon Battlefield, but opportunities to grow stronger were real and tangible.
Time passed silently.
Every citizen of Great Yi was striving to improve themselves, growing stronger day by day.
Changes occurred daily—some so incredible that even a lifetime couldn't imagine them.
Qiming Lamps had entered every home. Every immortal city had become a city of eternal light. Towering Qiming light pillars and streetlamps kept the cities bustling at all hours.
Even the expansion of the Great Yi Dynasty didn't slow due to the battlefield's approach—it accelerated.
City after city continued to emerge in predetermined locations. Legion after legion escorted each migrating city, ensuring its protection.
Naturally, the expansion wasn't without resistance. Foreign tribes used every trick imaginable—vile or shameless, none were off the table.
But against absolute strength, schemes were swiftly crushed.
Each new city reached its destination and suppressed the surrounding wilderness, expanding Great Yi's territory further.
Now, the dynasty's territory had grown to 27,000 li in diameter.
Countless civilians had become bounty hunters, radiating outward from each city to explore nearby wildlands. Many enslaved humans captured by other races were rescued in this way.
In the expansion, numerous human villages and towns were discovered.
Some gladly submitted upon learning of Great Yi's presence and power.
But others, led by ambitious leaders, refused to surrender. These individuals feared that surrendering would cause their karmic fate to merge into the Great Yi's destiny dragon—forever losing their chance to become destiny rulers themselves.
Yi Tianxing ignored such groups.
As long as they remained within the boundaries of Great Yi, they would be suppressed by its national fate. He wouldn't attack fellow humans—but if they lived or perished in the wild, that was their own problem.
Meanwhile, Great Yi heavily promoted its benevolent policies, openly welcoming all human kin.
Naturally, defections began. Disillusioned citizens from those wild villages and towns fled, seeking safety and opportunity in Great Yi.
The dynasty's policies were immensely attractive.
To many, only Great Yi's citizens truly lived with dignity—with chances to grow stronger and lift humanity into the ranks of the mighty.
Great Yi's human population now surpassed 130 million, and the number continued to climb.
Much of the recent population growth came from the birth of newborns.
With stable cities, powerful armies, and repelled beasts, the people felt secure and began building families again.
Mass marriages followed, leading to a boom in births.
New life brought vital energy into every city.
Laughter returned to many faces. Hope blossomed. Even the desire to cultivate and grow stronger surged.
Overall, the dynasty was flourishing with prosperity and vigor.
Today.
In Xuanhuang City, within the royal palace—
Eunuchs and palace maids rushed about, nervous and excited.
"Hurry! Boil water!"
"Where's the jade basin? Quickly!"
"The Queen is in labor—no one can afford a mistake!"
The palace rang with anxious shouts.
Crowds gathered at Phoenix Immortal Palace.
"Mother and child must be safe. Let everything go smoothly. No accidents. No mishaps."
Yi Tianxing paced outside the hall, whispering to himself, his emotions laid bare.
Even with his strong mental fortitude, his excitement was uncontrollable at this moment.
"Your Majesty, there's no need to worry. Yan'er is a cultivator. While childbirth is a life-and-death gate for mortals, for cultivators, it's usually manageable. Just wait patiently. She'll be fine."
Cai Yong stood nearby, equally anxious but composed, offering calm words.
Then suddenly—
"Look! The sky—it's turning red!"
A eunuch cried out in shock.
In the heavens, a sea of crimson clouds began to roll in without warning...