For Yi Tianxing, the best and simplest method was naturally to integrate the item into the Hongmeng Heavenly Emperor Pagoda, turning it into a Heaven-Opening Divine Artifact, his Life-bound Supreme Treasure. Through the tempering of the World's Origin Power, it would be elevated directly, allowing each Heaven-Opening Divine Artifact to naturally reach a corresponding level.
"The Hongmeng Heavenly Emperor Pagoda has reached the 26th level. It's time to ascend to the 27th. Creation Cube, integrate into the pagoda and become a Heaven-Opening Artifact. Open the world!"
A thought flashed quickly through Yi Tianxing's mind.
With a single thought, the Creation Cube in his hand disappeared.
The next moment, it reappeared inside his body, coming into natural contact with the Hongmeng Heavenly Emperor Pagoda.
Swish!!
The Creation Cube turned into a streak of dark golden light and plunged directly into the pagoda.
Rumble!!
The Creation Cube was not an offensive treasure. In the task of opening the world, its advantages were obviously limited. It could only rely on its own power to shatter the surrounding chaos and, from it, derive earth, fire, water, and wind—evolving into sky and earth, opening a new space.
This process was not fast. In fact, the speed of breaking through the chaotic qi was rather slow. When the cube's power finally settled, it had only managed to open up a small cave-space, barely a few dozen miles wide. Yet small as it was, it was still a valid tower-world.
Swish!!
As the internal space of the pagoda expanded, the Hongmeng Heavenly Emperor Pagoda naturally extended upward, forming a new layer.
The 27th level of the Hongmeng Heavenly Emperor Pagoda was formed!
Although the newly opened space was small, once it was integrated into the pagoda, the existing twenty-six Small Thousand Worlds immediately began to feed energy back. The newborn space expanded at a visible speed—its borders growing impressively with every breath.
A hundred miles in diameter!
A thousand miles!
…
Unknowingly, it had broken through the bounds of a simple cave-world and ascended into a full Small Thousand World, expanding to over fifty thousand miles, matching the other worlds inside the pagoda.
Thanks to the nourishment of star cores in the chaos void, the pagoda's spaces were constantly growing and evolving. Even with the addition of new tower-worlds, the size of each remained at a staggering fifty thousand miles.
With the expansion of space and refinement from the World's Origin, the Creation Cube emitted a restrained dark golden light.
The Creation Cube advanced... to the Profound Grade!
Not just any Profound Grade—it had reached an extremely high tier of that grade thanks to the origin-based tempering.
Swish!
With a thought, Yi Tianxing summoned the Creation Cube once more.
"It's changed."
The Serpent Empress couldn't help but reveal a trace of astonishment. The aura, the emerging runes on the cube—all had become deeper and more profound. Its transformation in just a blink was baffling to her. She couldn't fathom how such a shift had occurred.
"Let's test it again."
Yi Tianxing placed a rune war arrow into the Creation Cube.
First attempt: failure!
Second: success!
Third: failure!
…
This time, the success rate had significantly increased, repeatedly producing higher-quality rune war arrows.
"The success rate has risen to about 30–40%. At Yellow Grade rank nine, each grade increase raises it by roughly 3%. With the jump from Yellow Grade to Profound Grade, the compounded increase yields this result."
Yi Tianxing was delighted.
The new synthesis rate was a massive leap—ten attempts yielded three to four successes. Compared to the previous 3% rate, it was like heaven and earth—before, it had been a complete trap; now it was a reliable method for turning waste into treasure.
Higher quality meant exponentially higher value—sometimes by a factor of ten or more. With clever operation, the Creation Cube could definitely turn a profit.
Of course, had it still been at Yellow Grade, it would have been a money pit—practically throwing one's underwear into the fire.
If Zhao Li were to learn that the upgraded Creation Cube now had such a high success rate, he would likely bash his head in with a brick. What had been a scam for him had become a money-making treasure in Yi Tianxing's hands.
The world... felt unfairly cruel sometimes.
Yi Tianxing was quietly overjoyed. He had obtained a treasure that would bring great benefit to the Great Yi Dynasty—a cause for celebration, without doubt.
"With a success rate like this, I've hit the jackpot."
Even the Serpent Empress was left speechless, witnessing firsthand how the Creation Cube had gone from garbage to gold. She couldn't help but admire Yi Tianxing's ability.
Still, she didn't ask. Some things are better left unspoken. What should be said would be said in time.
Knock knock knock!!
Just then, footsteps echoed from the distance—more than one set.
"Dear guest, your food and wine are ready."
Looking up, they saw Jiling Ghost walking in. Behind him were a group of maidservants in courtly attire, each carrying a covered tray.
Clap clap clap!
With a few claps from Jiling Ghost, the maids quickly placed the dishes on the table in front of Yi Tianxing. Five courses, all neatly arranged.
Each dish was shrouded in a black cover.
Even the covers were special—made of Black Ink Stone, capable of isolating spiritual energy and even blocking divine sense. Until uncovered, there was no way to see what lay beneath.
"Perfect. Time to see if the God of Culinary Arts lives up to his name."
Yi Tianxing nodded in anticipation, eyes fixed on the food. A God of Cooking—one even more formidable than Lai He—how could he not be eager to taste it?
Swish!
One of the maidservants stepped forward with a smile and gently lifted a cover.
Radiance!!
A dazzling light immediately burst out, flooding the entire room with warm brilliance. The light wasn't blinding. Rather, it was comforting—like basking in the sun on a cold winter day.
Within the light, a white jade carp swam gracefully, exuding spiritual aura. One could feel the joy of the fish, which soon approached a Dragon Gate that appeared ahead.
Sensing the gate, the carp trembled with excitement and longing. With no hesitation, it flicked its tail and surged forward, leaping toward the gate.
Obstacles lay in its path, but it pressed on and finally leapt through. The emotions at that moment were like a tidal wave—hope, yearning, joy—a mix of feelings so profound it felt as though one had experienced it personally.
Especially that feeling of leaping the Dragon Gate—it brought an immense sense of catharsis, as if one's very soul had been cleansed.
"A magnificent portrayal of the Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate. This truly is the work of a God of Cuisine."
Yi Tianxing and the Serpent Empress slowly returned to their senses, both awed.
A rich aroma of fish filled their noses—not the slightest trace of fishiness, only freshness. A rare feat.
"Hehe, honored guests, you have sharp eyes indeed. Food crafted by the God of Culinary Arts is not for just anyone. You must eat it while it's hot. Only then will you truly appreciate his skill."
Jiling Ghost chuckled.
"Also, eating it must not be careless. The God of Cooking insists on using the finest ivory chopsticks to avoid any lingering flavors that might affect the tasting of other dishes."
As he spoke, the maidservants presented them with exquisite ivory bowls and chopsticks, beautifully crafted.
"Excellent."
Yi Tianxing nodded. Even just the smell had his gourmet cells stirring uncontrollably, craving the taste.
Without delay, he picked up the chopsticks and gazed at the dish: "Carp Leaps the Dragon Gate."
Inside the dish, the white jade carp appeared ready to leap, full of energy and spirit. Each scale was perfectly rendered—lifelike and flawless.
He clamped the tail with his chopsticks—already pre-sliced for convenience—and lifted a piece effortlessly. The fish meat was translucent and tempting.
A wave of fragrance hit him.
He brought the bite to his mouth. At that instant, a wave of indescribable pleasure burst across his taste buds. His entire body felt like it had turned into a fish swimming freely in a river—liberated and carefree.
The carp's delicate freshness and tenderness unfolded on his palate with perfection.