Morning!!
Golden City, Myriad Beast Royal Court.
At this moment, inside the grand royal hall, King Behemoth seemed entirely engulfed in a raging inferno. His eyes burned with cold fury. The court officials and powerful figures present were all sitting upright in silence, but a closer look would reveal faint trembles in their bodies.
These trembles came from two sources — the overwhelming pressure exuded by King Behemoth, and the terrifying news that had just been delivered.
"Bastards!! This is outrageous!"
After a long silence, King Behemoth suddenly grabbed the fruit platter before him and smashed it violently onto the ground. This porcelain platter, a fine product from the Da Yi Dynasty, shattered into countless pieces, reflecting the uncontrollable rage boiling within him — a fury so great that he no longer cared about maintaining appearances.
The incident had escalated beyond control. Even though Yi Tianxing had annihilated most of the beastman army, countless eyes and ears watched from the shadows — it was impossible to keep such news from spreading.
In the early morning, the intelligence was delivered to the Myriad Beast Royal Court and into King Behemoth's hands.
What was supposed to be a sure-win campaign had turned into a disaster.
"Your Majesty, this incident involves the King of Yi from the Da Yi Dynasty — it's not as simple as it appears. More importantly, it was the King of Yi who acted alone and utterly destroyed an elite army. Dealing with him won't be easy. Also… there's a high chance that he and the Serpent Queen are… more than just allies."
The foxman clan's Grand Elder spoke slowly, his eyes glinting with a strange light.
The Beast Court had just mobilized against Serpent Valley, and within a day, the King of Yi appeared and massacred hundreds of thousands. There was no way that was a coincidence.
By all accounts, the Serpent Queen was a peerlessly stunning beauty — King Behemoth's relentless pursuit of her was proof of that.
If she and Yi Tianxing had become involved, it would explain the King of Yi's sudden, merciless rampage.
"Hmph, that bitch."
King Behemoth's expression twitched slightly.
He had courted the Serpent Queen with both kindness and coercion, even at the cost of his pride — only to fail in the end. It wasn't just about beauty. Though the foxmen were known for producing beauties rivaling the Serpent Queen, she held secrets far beyond mere appearance. That was the real reason he had gone to such lengths.
But all his efforts were thwarted — by Yi Tianxing.
His fury was unimaginable.
"We should march on the Da Yi Dynasty! Now is the weakest point in their expansion — the frontier regions are vulnerable. It's the perfect time to strike and destroy one of their celestial cities. Let them taste our wrath!"
The chieftain of the werewolf tribe roared in anger.
A battalion of elite wolf cavalry from his clan had been wiped out in Serpent Valley. Aside from King Behemoth, he was perhaps the most incensed.
"According to our sources, our Totem Shaman Pig Intestines is still alive. He's been captured by the King of Yi. We must gather the ransom and get him back. The totem shaman is too valuable to our royal court."
The chieftain of the boarman clan spoke up hastily.
"Yes, we cannot lose the totem shaman. On the battlefield, his presence alone can double an army's strength and morale. Soldiers may die, but the shaman must survive!"
Other leaders quickly chimed in agreement.
A totem shaman is like a battlefield saint — a healer whose power can turn the tide of war.
"How is the formation of the Savage Blood Legion progressing? How much longer until they're ready to fight?"
King Behemoth's gaze sharpened as he asked.
"Your Majesty, the Savage Blood Legion is being formed swiftly. But recruiting the finest warriors from each tribe takes time. We also require strict selection — only those with the strongest physiques and unique traits qualify. Uniform training is crucial before they can unleash their true power. From assembly to combat readiness, it will take time."
It was a powerful warrior of the elephantmen who responded. His name was Xiang Juli, and he had been appointed as commander of the Savage Blood Legion due to his overwhelming might and reliability.
"Double the numbers. I want the Savage Blood Legion to reach one million strong. Once formed, they will bathe in the Myriad Beast Blood Pool. I want you to forge this legion into the spearhead of our conquest."
King Behemoth gave the order decisively.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"Xiang Juli answered loudly.
"Elder Hu, how do you suggest we ransom the pig shaman?"
King Behemoth turned toward the foxman elder once more.
"If the King of Yi hasn't killed him, then he likely intends to trade. Send an envoy to negotiate. I believe we'll reach an agreement — but the price will be steep."
Elder Hu replied after a moment's thought.
"Very well. I leave this matter in your hands. I don't care how — just get results."
King Behemoth waved his hand to dismiss the matter.
Da Yi Dynasty, Outside Xuanhuang City — A flash of light!
Yi Tianxing and the Serpent Queen appeared just outside the grand city.
Lifting her gaze, the Serpent Queen saw the vast cityscape before her — the city pulsated with mystical energy.
A colossal Palace Tree towered at its heart, exuding divine radiance. The entire city was like a sleeping titan, exuding majesty and boundless strength.
"So this is Xuanhuang City…"
The Serpent Queen couldn't help but be awed. Despite the scorn and fear other races hurled at Da Yi, the stories she had heard didn't come close to the reality.
The city's prosperity and destiny aura were so overwhelming that even standing at its gates, one could feel its grandeur.
"From now on, this is your home. Don't worry — Zhao ji and the others aren't difficult people. Once you meet them, I'm sure you'll get along. The palace has countless gardens and even a Hundred Flowers Hot Spring. And you're free to leave the palace at will."
Yi Tianxing smiled.
Though the thought of explaining everything to Cai Yan and the others gave him a headache, there was no hesitation on his face. No matter the difficulties ahead, bringing the Serpent Queen back was his responsibility — both as a husband and a father.
Soon, they entered the royal palace.
"Greetings, Master. Greetings, Your Highness."
Cao Zhengchun greeted them at the gates. Upon seeing the Serpent Queen, he bowed respectfully.
"Where are the Queen and the consorts?"
Yi Tianxing asked.
"Reporting, Master — the Queen and the three royal consorts are currently delivering supplies to new human refugees in the frontier cities. They haven't returned yet. It may take a few more days."
"I see."
Yi Tianxing nodded, then turned to the Serpent Queen. "Since they're not here, I'll help you choose a palace residence. You may select your personal maids from your own tribe."
Given her special status, the rules could be slightly bent. Selecting maids from the serpentfolk would give her a greater sense of comfort and belonging.
Hearing this, the Serpent Queen looked at Yi Tianxing with noticeably softer eyes — and felt, perhaps for the first time in years, a sense of home.
In a chaotic world, peace is the rarest treasure.
Countless powerful beings spent their lives chasing just that.
Later, she selected a palace of her own, naming it Heavenly Serpent Palace.
Yi Tianxing accompanied her around the royal grounds, letting her witness the grandeur of Da Yi's culture — gardens, palaces, history carved into architecture. For someone like the Serpent Queen, who had lived on the frontiers, it was breathtaking.
Seven days later.
Cai Yan and the three other royal consorts returned. Upon learning what had happened, they responded with little more than a collective eye-roll.
Yet, upon hearing that the Serpent Queen was already pregnant, they set aside any displeasure and showered her with care — sending nourishment and gifts to the Heavenly Serpent Palace.
After all, Yi Tianxing had few children. With Da Yi's vast territory, the more royal heirs, the better. Besides, it made the palace feel more alive.
The Serpent Queen, despite her aloof nature, responded positively to the consorts' kindness. Soon enough, the women grew familiar with each other.
And so, the following days were spent in leisure — visiting gardens, soaking in hot springs, and touring the city. The Serpent Queen gradually began to integrate into the heart of Da Yi.