"This Fruit Banquet is truly extraordinary—not only delicious, but also capable of enhancing cultivation and magical power. Just this single banquet has saved me at least ten years of hard cultivation. My cultivation realm is already on the verge of breakthrough. Once I return and enter secluded cultivation, I'll surely advance."
"Such spiritual fruits, when combined together, actually have a mystical effect. They accelerate one's comprehension of their realm and make the circulation of cultivation techniques much faster than usual. My entire body feels cleansed, my foundation strengthened, and my potential significantly improved."
"I can sense that the power of those spiritual fruits hasn't been fully absorbed yet. Some of it remains dormant in my body, waiting to be unearthed. Once activated, my cultivation is bound to surge once more."
On Mount Ling, many prodigies were smiling, their inner gloom swept away. In the end, everything else was illusory—only personal strength is real, something tangible and visible.
That's what truly matters.
At this moment, even their gazes toward Emperor Shi softened. Regardless of what his original intentions were, the benefits of this Fruit Banquet were undeniable.
"Thank you, Emperor Shi, for your generous hospitality."
One by one, the prodigies voiced their gratitude.
Since they had already received the benefits, expressing thanks wasn't too difficult.
"No need for formalities," Emperor Shi said calmly. "These rare fruits are part of the legacy I inherited from the sages. I couldn't possibly keep them all to myself, which is why I arranged this banquet—it is a gift from the ancients."
His tone remained calm. In truth, this banquet had long exceeded his expectations. His original plan had become impossible, and even though the event continued, the delicacies now tasted like wax in his mouth—flavorless and joyless.
Now, even his expression was indifferent.
"Oh no, receiving the sages' legacy is one thing—but being willing to share it with the world's prodigies is another level of magnanimity. A word of thanks is still necessary," Yi Tianxing said with a faint smile, his eyes flashing with light. "Now that we've enjoyed the banquet and it's getting late, the Battlefield of Gods and Demons will soon close. I still have matters to attend to on the battlefield. I'll be taking my leave."
With that, he made no pretense of hiding his intent to leave.
This banquet had been filled with twists and turns. But now that the fruits' benefits had been reaped, there was little point in staying.
"Feel free, King Yi," Emperor Shi replied, casting a deep glance at him.
He was now fully aware of what had transpired in the Chessboard of Kings. Upon leaving the game, all participants would have vivid memories of the battles, as if they had witnessed them firsthand. With such clarity, his wariness toward Yi Tianxing had only grown.
His impression of Yi Tianxing could now be summed up in one word: unfathomable.
"Master Zhuge, would you be interested in coming to Sunset City with me?" Yi Tianxing asked. "The city is now under the control of the Great Yi Dynasty. Though we may lack certain things, we do have a few local specialties worth seeing. For example, the Golden Crow Sabers growing from the Golden Crow Tree are beginning to ripen. Also, now is the perfect time to bathe in the Sunset Hot Springs—after a grueling battle, there's nothing better than a hot soak to wash away the dust."
In recent times, the Golden Crow Tree in Sunset City had been nourished continuously with flesh and blood from the Eternal Night creatures, leading to rapid growth. The Golden Crow Sabers had begun to mature again and could be harvested in a few days. Though not quite heaven-grade treasures, they were only a step below, with incredible potential. For ordinary cultivators, they made for outstanding life-bound divine weapons—more than sufficient.
Each saber was a rare treasure. If not for the fact that the Golden Crow Tree couldn't be taken out of the battlefield, Yi Tianxing would have uprooted it and taken it with him.
Thus, before the battlefield closed, he had to reap all the benefits from Sunset City.
Who knew where the next entry point would be? It might not be Sunset City, but another war city altogether.
"If King Yi is inviting, how could I decline?" Zhuge Liang replied with a calm smile. "A soak in the hot springs sounds quite appealing. I do hope my presence won't be an imposition."
"Having Master Zhuge visit would be a great honor for the Great Yi Dynasty," Yi Tianxing replied with a smile.
"Then I humbly accept," Zhuge Liang responded.
Over the years, he had been searching for a true lord worth following. Yi Tianxing's performance, both in power and ambition, had left a strong impression on him. With the foundation of the Great Yi Dynasty, Yi already had a head start far beyond any other contenders.
"General Guan, would you be interested in accompanying me to Sunset City as well?" Yi Tianxing said, turning toward Guan Yu. "I forgot to mention earlier—Zhang Fei, General Zhang Yide, is currently serving as a corps commander in the Great Yi Dynasty, commanding hundreds of thousands of troops. Would you be interested in a reunion with him?"
He didn't have to reveal this information—Guan Yu would never have known once the battlefield closed. But hiding it wouldn't fool Zhang Fei, and there was no point keeping it secret. Since Liu Bei hadn't shown up at the banquet, Yi Tianxing had already decided to extend the invitation.
The real threat among the three brothers was Liu Bei. Since the "big-eared bandit" wasn't here, there was no concern that Guan Yu would be lured away from Yi's side.
"What? Third Brother is in your Great Yi Dynasty? And he's a corps commander? Is he here on the battlefield?" Guan Yu stood up immediately, his expression full of excitement. His beard trembled as he spoke.
No one could understand how much he had sacrificed and searched for Liu Bei and Zhang Fei since arriving on the Eternal Continent. He had never stopped worrying. He had hoped to meet his elder brother at the banquet, but Liu Bei hadn't appeared.
Just as disappointment peaked, he suddenly received news of Zhang Fei.
The emotional whiplash was clear on his face—undeniable joy.
Though he didn't know Zhang Fei's past situation, being made a corps commander in the Great Yi Dynasty, leading a massive army, clearly meant his status and safety were both assured.
"Yes, General Zhang is indeed on the battlefield, but due to garrison duty in Sunset City, he couldn't attend this banquet. If you wish to see him, you'll need to come with me. You'll naturally be reunited," Yi Tianxing said with a nod.
"General Guan, since Yide is in Sunset City, this must be destiny. Why not come along?" Zhuge Liang also smiled.
"Greetings, Master Zhuge," Guan Yu said, nodding respectfully.
Of course, he recognized Zhuge Liang. But on the Eternal Continent, with countless memories fused and the chance to abandon one's former self, this was effectively a new life. From Zhuge Liang's demeanor, it was clear that he was inclined toward the Great Yi Dynasty—he had likely chosen his new allegiance.
With Liu Bei not appearing, it was unlikely that Zhuge Liang would ever be his brother's right-hand man again.
"Very well. Then I'll trouble King Yi," Guan Yu said.
He did not refuse. With news of Zhang Fei, he couldn't pass up the chance for a reunion.
From afar in the battlefield, Liu Bei watched this scene unfold. His face twisted with grief as he cried out, "Second Brother, how could you be so foolish?! Big Brother is here! I'm right here!"
He wailed, tears pouring down his face.
"My brothers… my precious brothers…"
Seeing Guan Yu and Zhang Fei being lured away, especially right before his eyes, felt like something vital had been ripped from his soul. It was unbearable.
"Kindred spirit, you can't leave! You mustn't go! We need to talk for three days and nights. Come to Sunset City with me—I'll give you the best treatment possible. Join the Great Yi. I'll prepare ten thousand goats and sheep for you!"
The Green Emperor clutched Ah Qing's sleeve with a claw, yelling loudly.
He refused to let go. This was his kindred spirit! What if they were separated and never met again? No—his claw had to stay clamped tight.
Once he let go, she'd be gone.
"Really? You really have sheep?" Ah Qing asked with a pure, innocent smile.
"Yes! Yes! Yes! As long as Fellow Daoist Ah Qing is willing to come, you can have as many sheep as you want!"
Yi Tianxing laughed. Sheep were nothing compared to Ah Qing—they held no value by comparison.