As more and more Life Aperture Stars condensed and lit up in Yi Tianxing's Life Chart, the backlash from the chart itself gradually diminished. Eventually, there was no need to suppress it with willpower anymore—the Life Chart became naturally stable. The entire process grew increasingly effortless.
Yi Tianxing's internal accumulation was too powerful, and with the integration of the Map of Rivers and Mountains, the Life Chart continuously absorbed Life Aperture essence and Law Daorhythms, allowing all the Life Aperture Stars to reach full condensation.
As the Life Chart stabilized, the stars formed naturally. Once all of them had fully condensed, the Life Chart underwent a fundamental transformation.
A trace of spirituality emerged within the Life Chart. Laws and Daorhythms intertwined, merging into it, rendering the chart not only more lifelike, but elevating it from illusion to semi-illusory, semi-real state.
The True Dragon within became even more defined and vivid, and its emanating aura suddenly surged severalfold.The stabilization of the Life Chart meant its power had dramatically increased.
"Good. I've successfully advanced to the Point Star First Stage. From here on, I only need to accumulate Laws and Daorhythms into the chart and strengthen the stars. The chart's power will steadily rise. And since all the stars have condensed in one go, I've saved a lot of time. Unlike ordinary cultivators who must rest after forming each star, I can go straight to the Scroll Realm once my foundation is ready."
Such is the benefit of deep foundations.
The integration of the Map of Rivers and Mountains had massively enhanced the Life Chart, enabling the entire Point Star process to complete in one continuous flow. Not only did it save time, but it also ensured a smooth transition with no hidden dangers—allowing Yi Tianxing to unleash his full strength at any moment.
Ordinary cultivators, upon advancing to the Point Star Realm, often find their Life Charts unstable due to the disparity between the real star apertures and the illusory mirror moon projections, rendering them fragile and unable to unleash the chart's full power.
Yi Tianxing, however, could fully wield the power of a complete Life Chart, and one that had already reached Point Star completion.
This was the difference.
It was equivalent to having complete control over Point Star power right after breaking through.
"The Map of Rivers and Mountains truly is miraculous. With it nurturing the Life Chart, there's no need for separate refinement. I can directly wield its peak power. But it's still not enough. I don't know what lies within the Gods and Demons Battlefield, but it will definitely be perilous. Whether our opponents are other races or something else entirely, we've had no intel at all. The only thing I can do is continue to grow stronger."
Yi Tianxing took a deep breath. He could feel the surging power within him with every breath—this gave him new confidence.
After reaching Point Star, the Life Chart continuously drew in Heaven and Earth energy and absorbed Law Daorhythms, infusing them into his body and apertures.
His connection to the world became ever tighter.
With just a thought, he could now fly freely through the air—a truly wondrous sensation.
Time passed silently.Unknowingly, the Spring Festival had arrived once again.
This year, the festival within the Great Yi Dynasty was especially lively.
Many people had started families, had children, and found a sense of peace. The New Year's Eve dinner held deep cultural significance—it marked the end of the old year and the beginning of a new one, a time for reflection and hope.
Even within the royal palace, a grand feast was held.
For Yi Tianxing, this year's festival felt fundamentally different from before. With his wife and daughter beside him, the warmth in his heart was something most people could never understand.
After the dinner, he and Cai Yan sat in the imperial garden, watching the fireworks bloom across Xuanhuang City. The streets were alive with joy and celebration.
Due to the holiday, all non-essential positions were given a seven-day break. During this time, no court sessions were held, and the citizens were free to visit friends and relax.
Of course, merchants had no such luxury—this was their busiest season. Business was booming.
"This is the first time I've ever seen a scene like this. Compared to the days when we barely survived, this almost feels like a dream," Cai Yan said, watching the joyous city.
Compared to the chaos of the past, this was a utopian golden age.
"It's not a dream. This was built by flesh and blood, through slaughter and sacrifice. In chaos, there's no room for tears—only iron and blood. And even now, this is merely the beginning. What we have is not true peace. This prosperity is an illusion. I have a feeling—Great Yi's future will be filled with boundless blood and fire. We cannot avoid it. It's either eternal survival or utter extinction."
The fusion of the myriad worlds had only happened four or five years ago.
In the grand scale of the Eternal Continent, five years was nothing—a mere blink. The real transformations had yet to begin. Yi Tianxing even suspected that some hidden force was driving the fusion from behind. There must be some unknown cause.
Moreover, the emergence of mysterious altars, and the prevalence of sacrificial techniques, all hinted at a deeper, more unfathomable mystery.
Not to mention the looming danger of the Gods and Demons Battlefield.
"I believe in you. You will lead Great Yi to strength so immense that none can shake it. And if enemies come, then we'll just kill them," Cai Yan said calmly.
There was no hesitation in her voice when speaking of killing. Having lived through chaos, she understood that mercy is for one's own people, not the enemy.
"Whether it's for you, for Huang'er, or the billions of people of Great Yi, I will not yield. So rest assured—as long as I live, Great Yi will never fall."
Yi Tianxing smiled.
"If the world were at peace, I'd take a carriage and roam the land with you, Lady Zhao. We'd see the greatest seas, the most beautiful scenery, and the peak of human prosperity. With no war in the world—we would roam the heavens together."
Dong! Dong! Dong!At midnight, the chimes of the New Year echoed through Xuanhuang City.
The new year had begun—Eternal Year 5, First Day of the First Month.
BOOM!!
Almost at the moment the calendar turned, an invisible pressure swept across the heavens.
The sky split open, revealing an enormous bronze gate hanging in the void.
On it were engraved countless terrifying images—demonic figures, ferocious beasts, raging battles between all races. Each scene was horrifying and filled with slaughter.
"Kill! Kill! Kill!"
It was as if the roars of countless warriors echoed from within the gate, battles raging nonstop. The bloodshed was palpable, the pressure unbearable—anyone who gazed upon it felt their courage waver.
This gate was the legendary — Gate of Gods and Demons.
"Eternal Year 5 – The Gods and Demons Battlefield opens. The Gate of Gods and Demons stands revealed.Any who wish to enter the battlefield, call upon the gate to open the path.War of the ten thousand races.Gods and demons shall clash.Only warriors are eternal.The gate closes in nine days.Weaklings, do not enter."
A cold, emotionless voice rang through the sky, reaching all corners of the Eternal Continent.
Every being, from every race, heard it.
All eyes turned to the heavens, to the awe-inspiring Gate of Gods and Demons.
The gate seemed both near and far, yet it felt ever-present to all.
Inside, one could sense overwhelming danger… and also unimaginable opportunity.
Many knew instantly—they would never survive if they entered. It was a place where death was all but certain.
"It's here... the Gods and Demons Battlefield. I can see mountains of corpses and seas of blood through the gate."
"Why today? Couldn't they wait until after the New Year?"
"What lies beyond the gate? I can feel my blood boiling. This is the time for all races to clash. My human race must not back down!"
"I've trained for years for this moment. If I must die, then let it be for the Human Race!"
In Great Yi, the festive mood vanished, replaced by a solemn aura of war.
Many had been preparing for this moment for years.
"Zhengchun, deliver my decree."
Yi Tianxing exhaled deeply. The warmth in his eyes vanished, replaced by steel resolve.
"My king!"
Cao Zhengchun stepped forward.
"Announce to all of Great Yi:Those below Life Aperture Realm are forbidden from calling upon the Gate of Gods and Demons.Those above, enter at your own risk—you may die, but must not bring shame to Great Yi.
Summon the War Council. In three days, all registered soldiers are to report.No legion is to be absent.Any soldier absent shall be stripped of rank and exiled."
Though the gate had opened, Yi Tianxing did not rush to enter.He gave his people time—to say farewell to loved ones.Nine days remained. Three days of peace—the final holiday.