The consequences of Great Yi's expansion were self-evident.
For all the surrounding foreign races, it was an immense source of pressure—not merely because of the territorial growth, but also the intangible shackles and the relentless wave of threats that followed. It was like a savage black fish suddenly diving into a peaceful pond; how could the other fish not feel endangered?
This pressure was deeply understood by those foreign races still dwelling in the wildlands within Great Yi's territory. The weight they felt was incomprehensibly immense.
No tribe or race would be willing to live with a blade hanging over their heads, threatening to fall at any moment. The pressure was too intense—utterly unacceptable.
"The Human Race launched twelve legions in one swift move, simultaneously attacking neighboring regions. Over eighty Immortal Cities appeared overnight, and Great Yi's fortune now blankets those areas. It was the element of surprise that caused such devastating results. But if we let the Human Race continue unchecked, then every one of our races will be humiliated. Outsiders will mock us as weak and cowardly, easy prey for others."
Fan Wencheng continued, "The Human Race's tactic of subjugating the wilderness with Immortal Cities is a vicious and ruthless scheme aimed directly at our races. Once an Immortal City lands, Great Yi's influence begins to root itself deeper each day. Over time, their foundations and heritage grow stronger—becoming like iron nails, impossible to pull out. It hurts us, and we can't tolerate it."
"I've discovered that an Immortal City is at its weakest the moment it lands—its foundations are shallow, its defenses incomplete, its power not yet stabilized. That is the moment to destroy it."
Fan Wencheng clearly possessed profound insight into the Human Race and Great Yi. He had poured immense energy into studying and probing their systems. Though he was originally human, he now harbored deep resentment toward Great Yi.
In fact, Fan Wencheng was now considered the greatest human traitor in all of Heaven and Earth. His head ranked among the top in Great Yi's bounty missions—countless people sought his demise.
But rather than hide, Fan Wencheng actively plotted against Great Yi. If it caused them even the slightest confusion or delay, he would see it done. He acted with extraordinary zeal.
It was a twisted psychology: though born human, he had now abandoned that identity, turning into a blood clan being. The more miserable the Human Race became, the happier and more justified he felt. It proved to him that turning his back on humanity had been the right choice—even a brilliant one.
Thus, he spared no effort in advising and aiding the foreign races, seeking a warped sense of superiority from undermining Great Yi.
"So what do you propose?" a serpent demon elder sneered coldly, eyes narrow and glinting sinisterly. "The strength of the Great Yi Dynasty is unfathomable. Back when the orc tribes rallied millions to siege the Iron-Blood Great Wall, they were still repelled with rivers of blood. Even Xuanhuang City couldn't be breached. Other Immortal Cities have also been assaulted, but none fell easily. If Great Yi has committed to expansion, they must have prepared thoroughly. Toppling an Immortal City sounds easy, but doing it is another matter."
If there had been a way, none of those present would've stood by while Great Yi expanded unopposed.
In truth, when the first wave of twelve Immortal Cities landed, numerous foreign tribes were already shaken. Yet when more cities continued to descend, they didn't rush in to stop them—because they knew each city was likely protected by terrifying military force. Charging in rashly would only increase casualties.
Blocking the cities at that time would have been suicidal. Choosing not to act might shrink their future living space, but acting too early could lead to annihilation on the spot. Weighing the risks, the decision was obvious.
Great Yi had struck when its enemies were unprepared, catching them off-guard.
Had the tribes known in advance, had it not been a blitzkrieg-style invasion, things wouldn't have gone so smoothly.
But now that it was already done, words were meaningless.
"Indeed, no one wants to see Great Yi grow stronger. But if we're to stop them, we need a concrete strategy," said a formidable ogre. "We're all gathered here for one reason—to target the Human Race. So let's hear ideas. How do we fight them? How do we destroy their Immortal Cities?"
"If it's assassination, we Dark Elves can contribute," came a voice from the shadows.
"Assassination?" chuckled a member of the Shadow Demon Clan. "When have we ever feared such things? But don't forget—Human Immortal Cities are not so easily infiltrated. One of our elite assassins once slipped into Xuanhuang City… and vanished without a trace. We Shadow Demons are second to none in stealth. If even we fail, what hope do you Dark Elves have?"
There was disdain in his tone. Among assassins, they were the apex predators. Even they didn't dare claim mastery over Great Yi's cities. Those cities had become forbidden zones to them, ever since their kin vanished without explanation.
"In this world, nothing is more devastating than poison," said a member of the Venom Spirit Clan. "I suggest we poison the Immortal Cities—use a legendary toxin so vile that even cultivators fall helpless. I've found a poisonous plant nearby that has gained sentience and may soon transform into a demon. If we offer enough incentive, we may persuade it to help us."
The Venom Spirit's tone was confident—masters of poisons, they understood their power well. A single drop of the right toxin could turn fertile lands into lifeless waste, everything withering to ash.
"What kind of poison is it?" Fan Wencheng asked sharply.
"Wolfbane."The Venom Spirit's eyes gleamed with cruelty.
"What? Wolfbane?"Even Fan Wencheng looked horrified.
Many might not know the specifics, but Shennong's legendary herbal trials were widely known. The ancient sage who tasted every herb in search of healing remedies had suffered countless poisons. Yet through his perseverance, he had compiled the Divine Farmer's Herbal Classic.
But there was one poison even Shennong couldn't overcome—Wolfbane.
It was said that Shennong had died from its toxicity—a testament to just how lethal it was.
In the Divine Farmer's Herbal Classic, Wolfbane is listed:
"Spicy, neutral. Treats cough, indigestion, chills, dampness, ulcers, tumors, malevolent spirits, and gu poison. Kills flying birds and beasts. Also known as Continuing Poison, found in mountain valleys…"
Other classics mention it too. But even those terrifying entries fail to capture the full horror of Wolfbane. Its toxicity is overwhelming, persistent like a bone-burrowing parasite, impossible to dispel. It ranks among the deadliest poisons known, high on that list.
This wasn't a poison that killed mortals—it was fatal to cultivators, even powerful ones. Once infected, the chances of survival were near zero.
Any individual Wolfbane plant was a forbidden existence. If it gained intelligence and survived long enough, it would inevitably become a supreme demon.
Wolfbane wasn't a deterrent. It was a walking catastrophe.
"You think you can persuade it?" asked a blood elf, face paling. "Wolfbane is solitary and proud. Its poison is colorless and scentless. Get too close, and you'll be infected without knowing. We might not survive contact ourselves."
The dread was obvious. No one wanted to be near such a being. It was a death zone.
"Of course we can't approach it directly," the Venom Spirit said. "But I've already confirmed—it's begun to bloom. That means it's about to produce seeds. And those seeds, like dandelions, can ride the wind. If we control the wind's direction, we can blow them into an Immortal City."
"Even the seeds carry immense poison. They release a fragrant scent—but that's actually the toxin. Once inside the city, the scent will spread, and the entire city will become a valley of corpses, with nothing left alive. That's how we'll make the Human Race suffer."