A Dynastic Fate Empire was no ordinary dynasty.
Even a regular kingdom, when it housed a prosperous city bustling with life, would naturally repel most common monsters and ghosts. Such entities dared not show themselves easily, lest they be harmed by the sheer vitality of the people. Let alone a Fate Empire, which condensed the power of fate and the hearts of the people into an ocean of national fortune. Within its territory, this fortune permeated every corner, suppressing all anomalies.
To any supernatural being, it felt like bearing the weight of a mountain.
This invisible pressure was immense for demons and spirits. Unless one possessed considerable strength, few dared to set foot into a cultivator's immortal city, especially considering each city was protected by formidable formations—a powerful line of defense against external threats. These formations, composed of various runes, were especially effective against demonic entities. Should they infiltrate a city, the consequences would be far more than serious.
"Also, bounty hunters in the wilderness discovered a strange village. All its buildings face directly east-west. What's more, several hunters entered and… haven't come out since," reported Zhang Yue.
"Oh? What is the name of that village?" Yi Tianxing asked, his expression tightening.
"Fengmen Village."
"So it really is that haunted village," Yi Tianxing muttered, shaking his head.
Fengmen Village was infamous—not just for its unusual architecture, but for its grim legends. Now that it had integrated into the Eternal World, it had clearly grown even more sinister.
It wasn't just orientation—it involved Feng Shui.
Feng Shui, the power of Earth's energies, could bless or doom. Good Feng Shui could bring prosperity; bad Feng Shui could curse entire populations. Yi Tianxing had every reason to believe this village was far more dangerous than the legends claimed. But without seeing it firsthand, he couldn't make a final judgment.
"Moreover," said Tong Huang, "there have been frequent sightings of newly appeared temples: Mountain God Temples, City God Temples, Earth God Temples... In Changqing River, someone even reported seeing a River God Temple."
This was no ordinary occurrence. Such temples and statues of deities hadn't existed before. Suddenly, they were sprouting up all at once. And temples weren't mere buildings—they were conduits for faith, collecting willing power (愿力, yuanli), one of the most mysterious forces in existence.
Faith could create gods.
Through belief, mortals could ascend in power, sometimes instantly. On the flip side, even a true god could fall from grace if they lost the people's faith. Those who cultivated through belief were called Divine Path Cultivators.
However, the Divine Path was extremely fragile. It depended entirely on external faith. Lose the believers, and the deity would fall. Worse, the emotions and desires of worshippers could corrupt the deity's essence, turning them into evil gods or chaotic spirits. These newly arisen temples were clearly trying to regain followers and rekindle lost belief.
"In my Great Yi, faith is not forbidden," Yi Tianxing said after pondering. "But our people are free cultivators. Faith in gods stems from wishing for power they cannot attain on their own. But as cultivators, they can grow strong—stronger than mortals, through their own efforts. Rather than rely on false gods, why not cultivate diligently?"
"Issue an imperial decree: No temple or shrine may accept offerings or worship unless sanctioned by Great Yi and confirmed to represent a true and righteous deity. Let it be known: 'As Heaven moves forward with strength, so too should the noble person strive tirelessly. In Great Yi, all citizens should be dragons—self-reliant and strong.'"
Faith was dangerous. History in ancient Huaxia was filled with examples—White Lotus Sect, Yellow Turban Rebellion, Taiping Heavenly Kingdom—all were driven by corrupted belief. In Great Yi, Yi Tianxing would not allow these false gods to take root. If one appeared, it would be immediately suppressed.
Let no such faith grow unchecked.
It would only erode the courage and fighting spirit of the human race.
What of doctrines like "suffer in this life to enjoy blessings in the next"? Nonsense. That was defeatism. Humans should defy fate, not submit to it.
"Yes!" Zhang Yue and Tong Huang both nodded firmly.
They had already resolved not to let the people worship these so-called gods. Where were these so-called gods when humanity suffered? Nowhere. They had never protected humans before—so why should humans now revere them?
"Also, immediately mark every area with strange or supernatural activity near each immortal city. Label them forbidden zones and distribute maps accordingly. No unauthorized access. We must prevent casualties. Furthermore, post bounties through the Hunter Hall. Anyone who can eliminate supernatural threats shall be generously rewarded."
Yi Tianxing gave the order after a moment's thought.
"Understood. I'll see to it at once," Zhang Yue replied.
This would help avoid unnecessary deaths. If someone died after being warned, that was their own fault.
"You may go. Tong Huang, stay."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Zhang Yue said respectfully before departing.
"Your Majesty," Tong Huang said, "according to my investigations, these ghostly areas are strange, yes—but the entities there aren't necessarily all-powerful. It seems that certain Feng Shui forces or other unusual energies are enhancing them. If we destroy the domain fields, it might be easier to exterminate them. The Hall of Cataclysm is willing to assist you."
She had observed that each haunted zone seemed to be within a special energy field, possibly Feng Shui-based. Breaking the field would weaken the entities dramatically.
"No need. The Hall of Cataclysm shall continue its surveillance. As long as the threats do not enter the immortal cities, we will ignore them for now. This is likely just the first wave, not the last. Maintaining peace within our cities is the highest priority. I will not allow even one demon or ghost inside them."
"Understood. If any breach occurs, I shall personally eliminate the invaders."
"Good. Now prepare detailed reports of every anomaly and submit them to me."
Tong Huang respectfully departed.
"Old Cao!" Yi Tianxing called.
"This old servant is here," said Cao Zhengchun, appearing instantly.
"Send a decree to Tongtian Pavilion. All worshipped guardians must head to the identified anomalous zones. Any entity that has harmed humanity—kill without mercy."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Cao Zhengchun said solemnly.
Tongtian Pavilion was one of Great Yi's most mysterious institutions. Its devotees (供奉) trained with elite resources in time-dilated zones, advancing much faster than the outside world. Each one was an exceptional cultivator—a dragon among men.
Though few in number, each was a top-tier powerhouse within Great Yi.
And now, their time had come.
Not long after, a soft voice echoed beside him.
"What troubles you, my husband?"
Turning, Yi Tianxing saw Cai Yan, Yao Yue, and Lian Xing approaching together, radiant in beauty. The passage of the past month had blessed them with elegance and a glow of vitality, enhanced by the nourishing Hundred Flower Hot Springs.
"Nothing much," Yi Tianxing replied with a smile. "I was just thinking... you three have followed me for so long, and I've never taken you out to explore. Perhaps it's time we toured the splendid landscapes of our Great Yi."