"In that case, I propose that the Sunset Hot Springs be used as a reward. For example, it could be exchanged for merit points. Those who perform exceptionally on the battlefield, especially those ranked high in enemy kills, can be directly rewarded with the opportunity to bathe in the hot springs. This will encourage healthy competition and promote diligence within the army."
Jia Xu looked at the Sunset Hot Springs in front of him and gave his suggestion.
There were two possible ways to utilize the hot springs:One, allow redemption using divine-demon merit points earned on the battlefield. These points could already be exchanged for all sorts of treasures and resources, many of which weren't as effective as the hot springs. Even with a redemption system in place, the required points wouldn't be exorbitant—it would come at a discount for their own people.
The second way would be through direct reward—granting access to those who had outstanding performance, completely free of charge.
Such a system would be a powerful incentive for the troops and serve as strong motivation for them in battle.
"Excellent. Proceed with implementation!"
Yi Tianxing nodded in agreement.A treasure like this should be used by their own people—hoarding it would be pointless.
"Your Majesty, there's more up ahead," Ye Zhiqiu said, pointing to another area.
The group moved forward.
As they got closer, they saw—yet another ancient tree.
"No way.""There are birds… growing from the tree? I feel like my worldview is collapsing. Since when do birds grow from trees? This battlefield of gods and demons is too bizarre!"
Both Ye Zhiqiu and Lu Zhishen couldn't help but exclaim. Their eyes were wide as lanterns.
It was a fiery-red tree, with wing-shaped leaves glowing with searing flames. What was even stranger—it had birds hanging from it.
Yes—actual birds. And they truly appeared to have grown from the branches.Where the birds' heads connected to the branches, there was a visible stem. Nutrients flowed through these stems into their bodies. All of them had closed eyes, and their red feathers radiated heat. Yet every single one pulsed with life—they were alive.
A tree that grew birds.
"In this vast world, there's nothing too strange. If weapons can grow from trees, then birds growing from them isn't so far-fetched. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if trees could grow people or other lifeforms."
Jia Xu laughed.
This world overturned everything they once believed impossible.
"This is the Crimson Flame Firecrow Tree. It can grow Firecrows, and once matured, they become powerful spirit birds—ideal as battle pets or mounts, highly compatible in combat. Raised properly, they can become one's most loyal partner."
Yi Tianxing felt genuinely pleased.
This was a treasure tree, and an extraordinarily rare one.The Firecrows it produced possessed naturally superior talent compared to those born normally. What made them truly special was that before they fell from the tree, one could drop blood on them and form a perfect soul bond—becoming life companions and devoted war beasts.
He estimated there were over ten thousand mature Firecrows hanging from this tree, each radiating powerful energy—not weaker than a second-tier beast.
"If that's the case, we could even form a full aerial cavalry unit using these Firecrows. With over ten thousand of them, we'd have the numbers to match. On the Battlefield of Gods and Demons, such a unit would wield tremendous deterrent power."
Jia Xu speculated.
Even though most cultivators at the Life Aperture Realm could fly on their own, aerial cavalry—where the rider and mount fought as one—created a synergy far greater than the sum of their parts. It wasn't just one plus one—it was exponential.
"Indeed. At present, our aerial cavalry is led by Nine Lives, but we only had sixty or so Golden Scale Birds that reached adulthood and were fit for combat. Thus, only sixty or so cavalry were deployed. We'll need to reassign soldiers from our five main legions to build this new unit."
Yi Tianxing hadn't expected to find such a treasure tree here.With this, they suddenly had over ten thousand fully matured Firecrows ready to bond and fight. It was a major windfall—but also caught them unprepared.
"Your Majesty, I recommend drawing troops equally from the five legions. An aerial cavalry like this could turn the tide in any major battle. Drawing a small group of elite troops won't significantly affect overall strength."
Yang Ye offered his suggestion.
"I agree. We should prioritize archers and crossbowmen. Their ability to strike from the air will be unmatched, providing both devastating offense and psychological pressure."
Qi Jiguang nodded.
Archers with a high vantage point were the ultimate killing machines—especially if they were divine marksmen in mid-air. They could become death incarnate on the battlefield.
"Very well. Nine Lives, you'll personally go to the five legions and handpick the finest archers. Once selected, they will be under your direct command. Their official designation will be confirmed once we return to Great Yi."
Yi Tianxing decisively gave the order.
An unexpected but golden opportunity—forming a powerful aerial cavalry was a blessing.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Once I've chosen them, I'll bring them here to select their Firecrow mounts. I'll have them trained and battle-ready in the shortest time possible," Nine Lives said excitedly.
This was a legion-level aerial cavalry—ten thousand strong. It was like going from muskets to cannons. The difference in capability was immense. Once deployed, they would shake the myriad races across the realms.
"Very good."
Yi Tianxing turned to Jia Xu and the others. "If any of you want one, go ahead and pick a Firecrow now. This batch is the result of many years of accumulated essence in the Crimson Flame Firecrow Tree—their quality and potential are at their peak. Future generations will be slightly inferior."
Such opportunities only came with the first wave of exploration. Pioneers always reaped the richest rewards.
"No need. I can't stand the cawing of crows."
Jia Xu respectfully declined.After all, Firecrows were a kind of crow. Their calls were annoying, even headache-inducing. He preferred a clear mind and tranquil surroundings.
"I'll pass as well," said Fu Hongxue. "Leave them to the aerial cavalry. The more Firecrows they get, the stronger they'll be."
"Heh, I'll take one! I've been wanting a war pet mount. These Firecrows have powerful bloodlines—maybe one could even undergo a bloodline reversion. Rumor has it, their lineage traces back to the Three-legged Golden Crow. If one evolves into that, I'll be rich! That's a legendary divine bird—said to embody the sun, capable of burning the heavens and boiling the seas."
Ye Zhiqiu was clearly interested.
Even if evolution was rare, a second-tier combat companion was already a massive boost. Since no one else wanted one, he certainly wouldn't let the chance go.
"I'll take one too!"Lu Zhishen grinned.
The two of them stepped forward and approached the tree.
Each Firecrow seemed identical, so Ye Zhiqiu chose at random. He drew his sword, cut his fingertip, and let a drop of blood fall on one of the Firecrows.
Shlick!
The blood was instantly absorbed, like a dry sponge soaking up water.
Suddenly, the Firecrow shook violently. Its stem detached from the branch. As its eyes snapped open, it immediately locked onto Ye Zhiqiu—a bond formed through blood.
Caw!It let out a sharp cry, bursting into flames. A second later, it streaked through the air like red lightning and landed on Ye Zhiqiu's shoulder. The flames vanished, and it nuzzled his face affectionately.
"What a strange feeling… so this is what it feels like to have a loyal companion."
Ye Zhiqiu smiled, gently petting the Firecrow, clearly fond of it.
Lu Zhishen followed suit and quickly claimed one as well.
These were no illusions—this tree truly grew Firecrows.
"Great Sun Golden Crow Tree, Sunset Hot Springs, Crimson Flame Firecrow Tree—these are the three unique specialties of Sunset City. However, once harvested, the trees will need a great deal of nourishment to grow again."
Yi Tianxing explained.
"What kind of nourishment?"
"Fresh flesh and blood. That's the best fertilizer for these wondrous trees. With enough flesh, they can quickly regenerate and grow new Golden Crow Sabers and Firecrows."
So spoke Yi Tianxing.
Soon after, the group left the back courtyard.
Nine Lives, meanwhile, entered the five legions and began selecting the finest archers.