Those foreign races who bore no goodwill toward the Human Race dared not easily step into the human-established barter markets. Doing so would be akin to walking into a trap. These races were not so foolish. Even those who appeared friendly harbored their kindness chiefly because they recognized the strength of the Great Yi Dynasty, unconsciously placing themselves in the role of the weaker party before such overwhelming power.
Moreover, Great Yi possessed many goods that the foreign tribes deeply desired—for instance, Eternal Coins, daily necessities, and Spirit Rice. The more ordinary these items were, the more the foreign tribes lacked them. Very few races among them were capable of producing refined goods of such quality.
As a result, the desire to open trade was no weaker among the foreign tribes than it was for the Human Race.
This time, Mao Sui returned with requests from numerous foreign tribes wishing to establish mutual trade, including discussions on where to establish the market, and what its scale and specifications should be. These matters could only be decided by Yi Tianxing himself. Should it be set within an existing immortal city, or built outside Great Yi's borders? A balance had to be found between both sides.
"The time is just about right to begin the barter market," Yi Tianxing nodded in agreement.
"Indeed," added Xue Jin, stepping forward, his voice tinged with excitement. "With our Iron-Blooded Great Wall securing the borders, the foreign tribes hold many treasures and unique specialties we humans do not. Establishing a barter market would allow us to gather their resources, continuously enriching Great Yi's foundation and bringing endless benefits to our kingdom."
Naturally, Xue Jin, as Minister of Revenue, was among the most enthusiastic. A thriving barter market would mean a wealthier treasury and faster growth for the kingdom—clear, tangible benefits.
"We can begin, but I believe none of the existing immortal cities in Great Yi are suitable for this," said Jia Xu thoughtfully. "It would be best to build an entirely new immortal city—not necessarily fully equipped—just a location that can serve solely for trade. We should not allow any civilians to settle there. Its sole function would be as a trading hub with the foreign races."
A mutual market, by nature, must feel safe for both sides. If it were placed within an established city teeming with humans, the foreign tribes would inevitably feel nervous. Tension could easily undermine the purpose of the market.
"Build a new immortal city—dedicated solely to mutual trade," agreed Jia Xu.
"Not only should civilians be kept from settling there," added Lu Shi, "but even foreign cultivators should not reside there. Instead, we should agree on specific times when both humans and foreign tribes travel to this city together. There, joint patrols composed of both human and foreign soldiers can uphold the laws and ensure fairness."
That way, trust could be built. With both sides garrisoning troops together, mutual suspicion could be minimized, and neither side would feel disadvantaged.
"In normal times, the city can remain empty," Jia Xu affirmed. "Only when the trade opens will all parties gather. Exchanging goods will be its only purpose."
With each official offering sound suggestions, the blueprint for the barter market grew increasingly clear.
Yi Tianxing nodded after hearing all the voices.
"Very well. From this day forth, the barter market is officially established. We shall build a new immortal (Celestial) city, one not meant for subduing the wilds, but solely for trade. Great Yi shall jointly garrison it with friendly foreign tribes. This city shall be named—Nameless City. It needs no other name. Its very purpose gives it meaning."
Nameless, and thus known by all.
"Also, Mao Sui—this task falls to you. Go and inform the other tribes. No one is more suited to this role than you."
"This minister accepts the task without hesitation," Mao Sui replied confidently.
"Your Majesty, I have something to say," stepped forth Cai Yong.
"Please speak, Father-in-law," Yi Tianxing responded, his expression softening.
"As I have said before, I no longer wish to be involved in political affairs. The Immortal Academy is where I intend to spend the rest of my life. Therefore, I request to resign from my position as Minister of Rites. It is time to let someone else more suited take over."
Cai Yong's words were sincere. His passion lay not in court politics but in cultivating the next generation of scholars and sages through the Immortal Academy. He had only accepted the role earlier due to the lack of a better candidate. Now, the time had come to step down.
Yi Tianxing hesitated for a moment. With Cai Yong's prestige, his role was invaluable, a stabilizing force at court.
But ultimately, Yi Tianxing respected his will.
"Since Father-in-law has no further desire for court life, I will not force you. I accept your resignation."
At that moment, a white jade-like official seal flew from Cai Yong's body, accompanied by the dissolution of a divine imprint—the symbol of his office.
"Mao Sui, step forth to receive your appointment!"
"This minister is present."
Mao Sui stepped to the center of the hall.
"For your instrumental role in securing foreign cooperation and establishing the barter market, you are hereby appointed Minister of Rites, Rank One. May you continue rendering great service to Great Yi."
With his declaration, Yi Tianxing summoned the Divine List of Appointments, glowing with nine-colored radiance and connected to the very fate of the dynasty.
"By decree: Mao Sui is appointed Minister of Rites of the Great Yi Dynasty. Rank One. Let Heaven and Earth bestow fortune upon him."
With that, Mao Sui's name appeared on the Divine List. Yi Tianxing then pressed the Xuanhuang Imperial Seal upon it.
Immediately, invisible power surged forth, merging into Mao Sui's body. At the same time, a wisp of his true spirit entered the Divine List, forming an identical celestial avatar of Mao Sui within the Hall of Ten Thousand Immortals.
This appointment decree was broadcast across the entire Great Yi, reaching the ears of every human cultivator—an awe-inspiring phenomenon.
Mao Sui could feel it firsthand: his cultivation technique began operating on its own, his spiritual energy and power surging rapidly, his absorption rate of Heaven and Earth energy increasing tenfold.
"This is... Fate's Rebound!"
Mao Sui's heart leapt with joy. He had heard of the legendary fate rebound that accompanied appointments—now he experienced it himself. It far exceeded any description.
A Rank One Fate Position could boost cultivation speed by eighteen times.
In the blink of an eye, his aura skyrocketed.
This was a massive, risk-free fortuitous encounter.
Even Mao Sui couldn't suppress the joy in his heart.
The others in the hall all smiled, having experienced this themselves and knowing how miraculous it was.
"Bestowed power by divine decree, fate's rebound, and the enhancement of the fate position—so this is the power of a Destiny Dynasty, truly wondrous," murmured Zhuge Liang, his heart stirred by the scene.
After some time, Mao Sui's aura stabilized.
He bowed deeply and declared:
"This humble subject, Mao Sui, Minister of Rites, thanks His Majesty for the appointment. I shall serve Great Yi to the death, never regretting a single moment."
His voice rang with conviction and sincerity.
"Very good. Rise. You have earned this reward. So long as one has the talent, Great Yi does not withhold any reward," Yi Tianxing said with a satisfied nod.