"Still, if this emperor dares to elevate my dynasty at this very moment, then I naturally do not fear provoking you, Ice Queen. The strength of Great Yi is far beyond what other alien tribes can compare to. Advancement always brings with it a tide of calamities—this time, you are the calamity. If we can weather this trial, then the heavens will open before us, and this continent shall recognize only the supremacy of Great Yi."
A strange gleam flashed in Yi Tianxing's eyes.
The Ice Queen's arrival heralded a natural disaster, but it might also be... an opportunity.
Her calamity of ice and snow swept across the entire world—not just Great Yi, but the whole continent was affected. If Great Yi suffered, so too did others. There was no doubt this calamity was destructive, and the real contest would be about who could endure the longest. If they held out until the end and managed to defeat the Ice Queen, then the entire continent would fall into their grasp.
A single victory could bring everlasting peace and absolute dominance.
"This matter shall be discussed in the Hall of Heavenward Ascent!"
With a wave of his robe, Yi Tianxing made the declaration.
Fortunately, Great Yi had already completed its elevation to an imperial dynasty. Every subject had received the backlash of fortune, and cultivation realms had advanced. All that remained were administrative details. The real issue at hand now—was the Ice Queen.
Inside the Hall of Heavenward Ascent.
The royal palace had become an imperial palace, expanded tenfold, even dozens of times. Every structure had been transformed, becoming more majestic and imposing. The Hall of Heavenward Ascent even more so—exuding a powerful sense of imperial authority. Merely standing within it imposed an overwhelming solemnity, compelling awe and silence. It was a test of courage.
Cowards would tremble just by stepping inside.
But Great Yi had no need for cowards on its court.
The dragon throne was now encircled by golden dragons. As Yi Tianxing sat upon it, one could even hear the faint roar of dragons above. A five-clawed golden dragon seemed to appear overhead—this was the manifestation of his destiny. With his ascension as sovereign of an imperial dynasty, Yi Tianxing's fate star had also transformed, and with it came the symbol of the emperor—the five-clawed dragon.
From the throne, he gazed down. The ministers of the court felt as though a true dragon was watching them.
They straightened their backs, hearts trembling.
"The Ice Queen's invasion—whether or not she strikes directly—this blizzard beast tide could not have occurred without her consent. We are in grave danger. Reports indicate that wherever the beast tide goes, it leaves nothing but perpetual frost. Not merely snow, but complete freezing—turning all things into statues of ice. This is a deadly threat to all life. Even our Snowpine Rice may not survive—it too may freeze to extinction."
Huang Chengyan was the first to speak, having already studied the incoming disaster.
The threat was clear and imminent, especially as the center of the beast tide was moving toward Great Yi. While a few foreign tribes lay in its path, they were insufficient buffers. Great Yi would inevitably confront the tide head-on.
"Do we meet the tide in open battle, or focus on defense?" asked Wu Yong, taking a deep breath.
Beast tides were not new to Great Yi, but this one was unprecedented in scale and lethality.
"There may yet be a way to profit from this disaster," said Jia Xu, smiling slightly, as if already having formulated a plan.
"How can we profit?" Yi Tianxing's eyes turned to Jia Xu.
"Beast tides don't stop for obstacles. If we can withstand their onslaught long enough, the tide will naturally disperse, spreading in all directions. They are relentless. Once formed, stopping them is nearly impossible. While we may hold, other alien tribes certainly won't. They'll be destroyed or devastated. We can use the beast tide to eliminate many external threats—without lifting a sword. Later, claiming their lands will be as simple as breathing."
Jia Xu's voice was calm.
It was a classic tactic of killing with a borrowed knife. Of course, one must be strong enough not to be cut by the blade they wield. But the beast tide was undeniably an effective weapon. If Jia Xu was right, then disaster might be turned into great gain.
"If properly managed, this may indeed be a viable strategy," said Zhuge Liang, nodding after a moment's thought.
Yes, countless foreign races would die. But what of it? They were not of Great Yi. If they perished, it was their weakness. Only those who survived to the end would claim the world.
Those who remained standing had the right to rule.
The other ministers showed clear excitement.
A wider territory meant greater rewards for all. The elevation of Great Yi had already benefited them tremendously—boosting cultivation, wealth, and prestige. Now they were ready to go even further.
Yi Tianxing, however, remained sober.
"The one obstacle is enduring the beast tide. Without that, all our ambitions are fantasies."
The room quieted.
"This emperor commands—all forces of the War Council, prepare for battle!" declared Yang Ye, stepping forward with unwavering resolve.
No soldier of Great Yi feared bloodshed. Their Nine-Rank Military System made sure of that. Every warrior yearned for war—it was their path to glory and strength.
"Pass the decree. All Great Yi soldiers, report to the Iron-Blood Great Wall! We shall make our stand there. Let this beast tide break upon our wall like water on stone. Not a single beast shall cross!"
Yi Tianxing spoke with finality.
There was no better choice. With beast tides, it all came down to power. And the best way to fight was to hold high ground—in this case, the Iron-Blood Great Wall. Meeting the tide on a flat plain would be suicide.
"By your command!" Yang Ye and the commanders answered in unison.
Not only him—every officer in the War Council stepped forward. One could feel their battlelust burning.
"Notify the Devotion Hall enshrined cultivators—to the Wall!"
"Send word to all immortal cities—bounty hunters may join the defense."
"Citizens of Great Yi above the Life Aperture Realm may volunteer for combat!"
Yi Tianxing's orders rang out.
Great Yi did not belong to one man—or even one court. It belonged to all of humanity. From the founding of Xuanhuang Village, Yi Tianxing had made that clear: no one survives by the grace of others. Survival is earned through effort, through combat, even through sacrifice.
That was why he built the Hidden Scripture Pavilion, filled with free cultivation manuals, battle techniques, and divine arts. He wanted to ensure that every person could cultivate. To survive, you must become strong.
Now, that philosophy would be tested.
In other realms, civilians could only await death. But not in Great Yi.
There were countless experts among the common people—especially bounty hunters, many of whom were stronger than regular soldiers. Now, they had the right to fight for their own lives.
Orders were dispatched.
And then—Great Yi began to move.
From within the War Soul Realm, battalions of soldiers marched forth in perfect formation. Their destination: the Iron-Blood Great Wall.
At set intervals along the wall, teleportation arrays had been established. Troops could be deployed at lightning speed to any section of the border.
The time had come—to see whether Great Yi could withstand the frozen tide.