The harm brought upon the Huaxia people by being ruled by foreign barbarians was simply too great. These tribes were born with a wolf-like nature, and more than that—they were white-eyed wolves. When you're strong, they hibernate and avoid confrontation. But the moment you grow weak, they pounce like vicious wolves, baring fangs and delivering savage bites. Deep in their bones, they possess an innate rebellious arrogance—they are born with treacherous blood.
This temperament was etched into their very bones.
Now that the Skyhawk Court was composed of such foreign tribes, it was clear that under their rule, the Huaxia people would be plunged into an abyss of suffering, making survival incredibly difficult.
"They've only grown more brutal. I once saw them, during a natural disaster, boiling my Huaxia compatriots in cauldrons and calling them 'two-legged sheep'—mere food to them. That day, I slaughtered an entire barbarian tribe."— Gongsun Daniu said coldly, the memory etched deep in her heart.
In the era of natural disasters, the world was no better than hell on earth. Scenes like these were all too common, seared into memory. For anyone without firm resolve, they would have already collapsed mentally.
Though Gongsun Daniu wished to change things, she was ultimately too weak. A single individual simply could not turn the tide.
"Once my Great Yi Dynasty is completely unshackled, we will properly settle accounts with these foreign barbarians."— Yi Tianxing said calmly.
The Great Yi Dynasty would inevitably venture beyond its current lands. What it occupied now was only a piece of territory within the Boundless Sea. This vast sea would not hinder Great Yi's expansion. The many islands and continents scattered across the seas were the next targets for conquest.
And the Skyhawk Court must be destroyed.
"It seems you didn't come to the Dragon Palace today just for the banquet?"— Yi Tianxing inquired.
"Indeed. I previously met with the Sea King of the Boundless Sea, pleading for his aid. I asked him to send ships to evacuate the Huaxia people trapped under the Skyhawk Court's rule and relocate them to a safer land."— Gongsun Daniu admitted honestly.
To escape the oppression of the Skyhawk Court, leaving was the only option. The greater question, of course, was where to go. When it came to understanding the seas, none knew them better than the Dragon Palace.
Thus, Gongsun Daniu had come to request the Sea King's help in identifying a safe destination and to send ships to escort the Huaxia people there. Only the Dragon Palace had the power to accomplish such a feat.
"Running isn't a solution."— Yi Tianxing said gravely.
It was, after all, a retreat.
"I know. But I have no other choice."— Gongsun Daniu smiled bitterly.
She had done all she could. The Sea King had already agreed—but with a condition: the rescued Huaxia people must build a Dragon King Temple, offer daily worship, and provide incense and prayers, thereby becoming faithful followers of the Sea King.
Faced with no other option, Gongsun Daniu agreed.
"So the Sea King wants to gather incense power… He's planning to take the next step."— Yi Tianxing murmured thoughtfully.
Incense power, or the power of vows, was of great importance to gods and cultivators walking the divine path. It was one of the most potent and secure ways to grow stronger.
"Regardless, this is the best option available."— Gongsun Daniu sighed.
She glanced at Yi Tianxing. In truth, there was another choice—asking the Great Yi Dynasty to accept these Huaxia people. But the Skyhawk Court's location was so distant and unknown that establishing contact was nearly impossible without coordinates.
"My people of Huaxia cannot suffer humiliation or oppression so easily. If we're both in the Boundless Sea, then the distance between us can't be that great. We may still establish a connection. Daoist friend, can you give me the coordinates of the Skyhawk Court's island? There's no need to flee—I will dispatch an army to wipe them out. The Skyhawk Court has outlived its purpose."— Yi Tianxing declared decisively.
In that moment, he made his decision: the Skyhawk Court would be the first target as the Great Yi ventured into the seas.
"You plan to send an army through a teleportation array? No—that's not possible. Cross-sea arrays are too difficult and costly to construct. Ordinary ones won't work. You're… planning to sail across the sea?"— Gongsun Daniu asked, frowning.
The seas were filled with terrifying dangers—sea beasts beyond counting. No one dared set sail today, as ships were swiftly destroyed. Even near-shore waters were perilous, let alone the deep sea, a deadly zone even for the most powerful races.
"No matter. I have my means to cross the sea. The sea cannot stop Great Yi's navy."— Yi Tianxing responded confidently.
His confidence stemmed from Great Yi's powerful foundation.
Currently, Great Yi's navy was truly formidable. Their ships, designed by Zhang Shun, had been fully assembled and outfitted.
The ships were known as Whale-class Warships (巨鲸战船)!
They resembled massive whales and exuded overwhelming power. These rune warships could travel above and below water, boasting incredible capabilities.
The warships were made from materials well within the capabilities of the Heavenly Works Pavilion. Crafted with the bones of top-tier fierce beasts, they fused rune magic, mechanical design, and shipbuilding into a single marvel.
Each part was modular, forged separately with embedded runes. Once assembled and activated, they merged into a flawless whole, unleashing immense strength.
Because of this modular system, Great Yi could mass-produce these warships. While a whole ship couldn't be printed at once, its components could—using the Universal Printer. Once a part was made, it could be replicated tenfold, a hundredfold, or even infinitely.
Thus, the Whale-class Warships became a near-inexhaustible resource.
Once in water, these ships could disguise themselves as actual whales, moving swiftly and stealthily. Even if attacked by hordes of sea beasts, they had the strength to break through and reach their destination.
"Soldiers are raised for times of war. Zhang Shun's navy must be tested in the storm."— Yi Tianxing said.
A navy must dominate the seas to truly be counted as a powerful force. The oceans would be a major battleground in the future. This time, Yi Tianxing wanted to test their mettle.
"Very well. These are the coordinates of the Skyhawk Court's island. Activate this, and you'll sense it."— Gongsun Daniu replied, handing him a token.
She didn't argue. In truth, she too wanted to see whether Great Yi's power was as legendary as rumors claimed.
As they conversed, they continued eating and drinking. Time flowed on.
Eventually, the banquet drew to a close.
A group of palace maids entered and swiftly cleared the table, leaving no mess behind.
Yet none of the guests left.
Everyone turned their eyes toward the Sea King.
"Fellow Daoists, though today is my birthday banquet, it's rare for us all to gather. I wouldn't want anyone to leave empty-handed. That's why I've prepared a special auction. There will be rare treasures, divine weapons, techniques, puppets, blueprints, destiny charts—you name it."— The Sea King smiled.
"The Dragon Palace also accepts consignment items. If approved, they will be included in the auction. The auction begins tomorrow. You may submit your items before it starts. This time, there is no service fee, and all proceeds go to the sellers. But this is a one-time opportunity. Miss it, and future auctions will charge fees."