Many of the proud geniuses from the various races were indignant at the fact that the Human Race had taken the top spot on the rankings. Deep in their hearts, they believed the current human race did not deserve such an honor. To them, it was theft, luck at best. True human experts could never compare with those from the major ancient races.
Now, the sudden emergence of the Rare Fruit Banquet was destined to become a gathering storm. When that moment came, it would be the perfect opportunity to test the true strength of the human race.
"A Rare Fruit Banquet for all the proud geniuses of the myriad races... Who exactly is this Stone Emperor to have such bold ambition? Hosting a feast for the geniuses of all heavens—does he intend to place himself above us all? What right does he have?"
Some geniuses with lofty pride felt a wave of defiance. In their eyes, the Stone Emperor's ostentatious invitation was nothing short of a declaration—that he aimed to become King of the Geniuses. No one knew what race the Stone Emperor came from, nor how powerful he truly was. Naturally, many were unwilling to accept it. Yet, precisely because of this dissatisfaction, they were determined to attend the Rare Fruit Banquet and see for themselves.
"The Stone Emperor even went as far as to personally invite our Human Race. There's definitely hidden intent here. If we attend, our geniuses will surely be targeted. Some might even die on Mount Ling. Even if they survive, they'll be humiliated. But if we don't go, wouldn't it be the same as admitting we have no one capable? That we're cowards? If that happens, the credibility of our top ranking will fall apart."
"We can afford to lose our lives, but not the dignity of our race. Even if we die on Mount Ling, we must not disgrace our people. Our Human Race geniuses are no weaker than any other. If we don't fight, how would anyone know who is truly stronger?"
"I, Xiang Yu, will go face these so-called genius elites. Let's see if anyone in this world is worthy to be my enemy!"
"This Rare Fruit Banquet is too dangerous. Geniuses from countless races will gather there. Going would put us right in their crosshairs. It's a foolish risk. I, Liu Bang, don't like playing with fire. We must weigh this decision carefully. The son of a noble family doesn't sit under a collapsing roof."
This news sent shockwaves across the heavens, not only stirring the proud talents of the myriad races, but also stirring intense thoughts among the human race's own heroes and hegemon-level figures.
Some resolved to go no matter what—even if it meant dying in battle—because that would still be more satisfying than hiding and letting the world mock them. Others hesitated. Charging headlong into certain danger, for some, seemed unwise and unnecessary.
"Is this Rare Fruit Banquet a veiled ultimatum to the Human Race? Using the wave of public opinion to pressure us? If we don't go, our momentum as top-ranked will collapse, and the backlash from the other races could be catastrophic. They may seize the opportunity to suppress and slaughter us. They'll try to prove that the Human Race is all bark and no bite."
"In fact, the true goal might be to force me into the open. I received the blessings of heaven, and though that divine light only flashed momentarily, its aura was enough to make every genius speculate that it held something precious. Coveting it is inevitable."
Yi Tianxing looked up at the gradually fading Mount Ling, his gaze frosty as he muttered:
"But since you dare host this banquet, then I, Yi Tianxing, naturally dare to attend. Whether it's a Hongmen Banquet or a Deer Cry Feast, I'll devour it all. You want to suppress my Human Race? Then let me suppress your myriad races in return. Three months? Even a day is enough to impress—three months will change the game entirely."
The moment he heard of the Rare Fruit Banquet, he had known it wouldn't be a pleasant gathering. Still, shrinking back would go against his nature. Even if this time he emerged unscathed, in the future, he would never overcome the knot in his own heart.
Besides, Yi Tianxing did not believe he was inferior to any other genius in the myriad races. Only by walking among them could his iron will truly be tested.
Bang!!
A sudden sound echoed from outside the City Lord's Mansion.
Moments later, Yao Yue and Lian Xing strolled in—one icy, one serene. Side by side, they made a striking pair.
"King Yi, I assume you've heard the Rare Fruit Banquet invitation. What do you intend to do? Are you going?" Yao Yue asked directly, calling him "King Yi" rather than anything more intimate, though there was still a note of closeness in her voice.
"That banquet has ill intent. If you go, they'll certainly target Human geniuses like you. You may even be humiliated," Lian Xing followed softly.
They had rushed back the moment they heard the news. As one of the strongest geniuses of the Human Race and the sovereign of the Great Yi Dynasty, Yi Tianxing could not avoid making a choice. And based on their understanding of him, he would surely choose to attend.
"A man must know what must be done, and what must not. I am the ruler of Great Yi. My fate is tied to the people—but I am also one of the Human Race. If I shrink back while our race is being humiliated, I'd have no right to call myself king. A true emperor never retreats in the face of great justice."
Yi Tianxing shook his head.
As the master of an empire, walking the path of Destiny Cultivation, the longer he walked it, the clearer his understanding became—it was a path with no retreat. On minor matters, he could compromise. But on major issues like the honor of the Human Race, a wrong choice could sever his chance at ascension.
The heart must be established before the body can stand.
Only by unifying body and heart could one walk far on the path of the emperor.
Yao Yue's eyes flickered with admiration. For a sovereign to risk his life was either foolishness or conviction. In Yi Tianxing's case, it was clearly the latter.
"If you're going, then I'm going too. Since others can attend this genius feast, why can't I, Yao Yue?"
"I'll go as well. Where big sister goes, Lian Xing will go too."
Lian Xing bit her lip, her voice soft but suggestive, making one's heart race. Her gaze rested on Yi Tianxing with a mix of warmth and affection—clearly not the gaze of a stranger.
Yi Tianxing, of course, noticed. Despite the earlier intimate encounter, neither Yao Yue nor Lian Xing were women of casual affection. Both had now shown subtle hints of genuine emotion.
"This banquet is extremely dangerous. If you go, you may not return alive," Yi Tianxing said with deep feeling, still trying to dissuade them.
"Hmph! Our business is none of your concern. We'll go wherever we want," Yao Yue huffed, turning and walking away.
Lian Xing gave him a final glance, her eyes full of tender meaning, before following behind.
"Congratulations, my lord! It seems those two ladies have truly fallen for you. Looks like Great Yi is about to welcome two more queens," said Jia Xu, emerging with a smile.
"You've been watching this whole time, haven't you?" Yi Tianxing chuckled, not surprised.
Jia Xu had entered the mansion just before the women arrived and had quietly observed everything.
"This matter is still uncertain. Let's not speak too soon," Yi Tianxing replied with a smile. "As the saying goes: A noble lady for a noble gentleman. But whether they'll truly accept me—who knows?"
"My lord underestimates himself. With your peerless presence and achievements—founding the Great Yi Dynasty, the first of its kind—very few women could ever resist your charm."
Jia Xu smiled knowingly. Sometimes, it was the bystanders who saw most clearly.
"Why did you come today, Military Advisor?"
"I only came to see whether you would attend the Rare Fruit Banquet. But now, the answer is clear."
"And what does Military Advisor think—should I go?"
"If I speak from selfishness, I'd rather you didn't. A king's life affects millions. But just as you said—when it comes to the greater good, our Human Race cannot retreat. Since we've earned the top spot, we cannot surrender it. All I ask, my king, is that when the situation is truly beyond control—please, prioritize your life above all."