This was the kind of opportunity—overflowing with interests and endless possibilities—that naturally drew countless bounty hunters like moths to a flame. If one wished to become stronger, to obtain encounters they could never dream of in normal times, frontier exploration was the best choice. It was only natural that swarms of bounty hunters flooded into the newly established Immortal Cities.
At the same time, many quick-witted civilians rushed into the new cities to open shops, taverns, and inns, seizing commercial opportunities. By catching the wave, they could amass massive profits. It could be said they possessed not only sharp vision, but courage as well.
They had true foresight.
During these few days, military forces had continuously begun stationing themselves in the various Immortal Cities, becoming their garrisons and taking up the task of guarding them. The great legions of Da Yi could not take on the duty of defending every city—they were meant to wage war across the lands and expand the frontiers.
Almost with each passing day, the control and influence of the Da Yi Dynasty over the newly developed territories deepened naturally and steadily. The fortune of the land, rising from the earth, grew thicker and more intense; even its color began to darken, becoming richer and more profound.
There were new changes every single day.
Meanwhile, the alien races hadn't launched any attacks on the Immortal Cities. It was as if they had silently accepted the presence of Da Yi's cities and defaulted to acknowledging this wave of expansion. The wilderness, once wild and dangerous, had fallen into eerie silence.
On this day, in Xuanhuang City, within the royal palace.
Inside Chao Tian Hall, Yi Tianxing sat calmly upon the throne. Standing in the hall were Jia Xu and others.
In the center of the hall stood Empress Tong, who spoke up:
"Your Majesty, we've discovered the location of the alien sacrificial site. It lies on a small plain known as Thorn Plain. This plain is covered in a type of plant called Luminous Thorns. These thorns glow in the dark, casting a dreamy, almost illusory radiance. However, they're far from harmless. A single touch can cause grievous pain lasting an extended period—akin to torture.
We've confirmed the accuracy of this intelligence by harvesting samples and testing them. The Luminous Thorns cover the plain extensively and are extremely resilient. Not even fire can wipe them out. Even if burned, they'll regrow quickly. It's said that in the center of the plain lies a Mother Thorn Tree—unless it's destroyed, the thorns can never be truly eradicated."
She continued:
"There is a sacrificial altar on Thorn Plain, guarded by alien sentries. Our agents couldn't get close but observed from afar. Large numbers of human civilians are being escorted there, along with poisonous creatures and fierce beasts. The sacrifices are definitely happening on Thorn Plain. Surrounding the area are major alien military forces."
This intelligence was gathered through exhaustive efforts by the Heavenly Calamity Hall. It was reliable.
Yi Tianxing nodded in approval.
"Well done. Once this is over, the Heavenly Calamity Hall will be credited accordingly."
Tong Huang added:
"According to the gathered data, the alien sacrificial ritual is set to occur within the next day or two."
Yi Tianxing's gaze sharpened.
"Then it's time to act.Notify all forces—prepare for war."
That day, across the newly established Immortal Cities, masses of soldiers appeared on the walls. Clad in armor, they patrolled day and night. Armies marched in and out of the city gates and trained outside in open fields. Battle cries echoed across the sky. Everything appeared as a normal military drill.
In the wilderness beyond, countless hidden eyes observed silently.
"Sixth Brother, do you feel something's off? Check carefully—has the number of human soldiers changed in this Immortal City?"
"No change. I've been watching the walls and the army outside. Everything's the same. According to intelligence, this is Da Yi's Azure Dragon Legion, fifty thousand strong."
"Good. The tribe instructed us to monitor the Immortal Cities closely, especially their garrisons. If there's any movement, we must report immediately. The sacrificial ritual cannot be interrupted. If the humans find out and sabotage it, everything's ruined."
They fell silent.
Indeed, the alien spies had been keeping a close eye on the garrisons, convinced that no changes had occurred.
But the truth?
The Azure Dragon Legion had already been swapped out in shifts. The ones patrolling now were reserve forces who had never joined a formal legion. Quietly and seamlessly, the true legions had exited the cities unnoticed, preparing in secret.
And not just in one city—in every new Immortal City, the same process repeated. One by one, the twelve great legions were quietly gathered.
Now, they had all regrouped in Xuanhuang City's military barracks.
"Your Majesty, all legions have assembled and await your orders," reported Yang Ye.
Before him stood countless well-disciplined soldiers. The killing intent around them was palpable—they were veterans steeped in bloodshed.
"Very well—move out," said Yi Tianxing.
With a wave of his hand, a massive spatial gate opened before him—wide enough to allow hundreds, even thousands, through at once.
The soldiers didn't hesitate. In formation, they began to step into the portal.
Ten thousand. Twenty thousand. Thirty thousand…
Endless ranks poured in without a trace of disorder.
Each legion formed perfect phalanxes of ten thousand troops, no more, no less. Every soldier fixed their burning eyes on Yi Tianxing, filled with zeal and reverence—as if looking upon their god.
Even if ordered to die, they would do so without question.
Soon, the entire army was within the spatial gate.
Naturally, they were stored within the Hongmeng Heavenly Emperor Tower—an artifact perfect for such hidden troop transport. With it, moving an army in secret was trivial.
Once the legions were secured, the portal opened again—this time, Yi Tianxing himself stepped through, followed by Jia Xu, Yang Ye, and others.
The space gate blinked again and again across the wilderness, teleporting them swiftly—much faster than a traditional formation.
In a blink, they reached the eastern edge of Da Yi territory.
There, in the distance, lay the Thorn Plain.
The ground was tangled with glowing, oversized thorn vines, like luminous fireflies. They flickered strangely, casting the plain in an otherworldly light.
In a secluded mountain valley nearby, a new space gate opened quietly. Several figures emerged.
"Your Majesty," said Empress Tong, "this valley was located by the Heavenly Calamity Hall. It's the most concealed position near Thorn Plain. We have Calamity Guards stationed nearby—it's secure."
"Good choice," Yi Tianxing affirmed, scanning the surroundings.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Soldiers began streaming out of the gate in perfect formation—silent, precise, and efficient.
Soon, the entire army of millions stood ready in the valley.
"What should we do now?" asked Huang Chengyan. "With so many troops, the aliens will detect us the moment we act. If they escape, we may fail to destroy them all."
"Your Majesty, this general has a way to hide the army's presence," said Qi Jiguang, stepping forward.
"Oh? What method?" Yi Tianxing asked with interest.
"Among the Hundred Schools, the School of War excels in battlefield mastery. The Art of War contains countless transformations and even powers akin to divine trickery.
I can cast the technique 'Veil the Heavens, Cross the Sea' (瞒天过海), concealing the entire army's presence. As long as no one acts, even if the aliens pass by directly, they'll sense nothing."
"Veil the Heavens, Cross the Sea"—a powerful war technique from the Military Path—was one of the classic thirty-six stratagems, reinterpreted through divine art.
It was a true art of deception.