In Yi Tianxing's eyes, he could see golden light forming ancient seal scripts—laws and codes—gathering together into divine chains made from Heavenly Edicts, interlinking endlessly in a cyclical pattern. Interwoven, they formed a giant golden net, continuously spreading outward from Xuanhuang City in all directions.
Wherever it spread, a chilling aura permeated heaven and earth.
Faintly, under the net's coverage, all cultivators could sense a heavy pressure from above—like they were directly under the oppression of the edicts of heaven. It was as if an invisible law had taken shape, and an unseen shackle had manifested in the void.
At this moment, everyone could visibly witness the vast golden Heaven's Net expanding relentlessly. Each filament of the net was forged from the essence of heavenly law and cosmic regulation. Just looking at it invoked a natural sense of awe and reverence.
It wasn't only the human citizens—every being within Yi Prefecture, even foreign warriors hiding in the wilderness, could feel the deterrent power this net radiated. It was like an invisible shackle looming overhead.
"So this is the Heaven's Net born from the Codex of Law… I can feel the entire world shifting."
"There's such a solemn aura from this net. Within it, I see the order of heaven and earth. It even gives a strange sense of safety."
Citizens across every great city could sense its might. Though they couldn't explain it, they instinctively felt a majestic presence and strict order from the net—along with an unprecedented sense of security and divine protection.
To those who upheld the law, it was the greatest safeguard.To those with malicious hearts, it was an invisible prison, even a sword of judgment suspended above.
A massive amount of merit clouds was consumed in the process.
Yet the Heaven's Net rapidly covered the entire Yi Prefecture. Overhead, the True Dragon of National Fate coiled within the void, as if overseeing the laws below. Its form grew denser and more powerful, continuously absorbing massive waves of national fate into its body. Almost instantly, it began expanding at a visible rate.
One zhang.Two zhang.Three zhang...
In the blink of an eye, it grew from over three hundred zhang to four hundred zhang. The aura of majesty it exuded intensified tremendously.
Across the Da Yi Dynasty, countless people witnessed the True Dragon's transformation, and a deep sense of reverence welled from their hearts. This dragon embodied the very destiny of Da Yi.
"With the Codex of Law integrated into the system, forming the Heavenly Edicts, Da Yi's biggest shortcoming has been completely resolved."
Yi Tianxing nodded silently.
This completion led to a massive surge in fate and flourishing national fortune. The result was plainly visible in the True Dragon of Fate, which radiated joy and delight from deep within.
In the grand hall, many ministers were visibly pleased as well.
"Li Kui, who compiled the Codex of Law and created the Heavenly Edicts, has rendered supreme merit to Da Yi. He shall be granted entry into the Hall of Heavenly Virtue," Yi Tianxing declared.
"Your Majesty, this humble servant requests to resign from the post of Minister of Justice. Lord Li, as the compiler of the Codex, is the most suitable candidate. Also, I feel unfit to continue serving as head of the Six Doors. I ask Your Majesty to appoint someone better suited."
At that moment, Zhang Yue revealed a trace of inner struggle but quickly made up his mind. Although reluctant, he knew his own limitations. Once merely a head constable from a county, his talents could no longer handle such high responsibilities.
Despite years of cultivation and study, he was painfully aware of his ceiling. Holding both the Minister of Justice and the Head of Six Doors titles overwhelmed him. The recent establishment of the Calamity Hall had diminished Six Doors' influence, and discontent was brewing among his own men.
Rather than cling to power and end in disgrace, he chose to step aside with dignity—and maybe even gain favor for his humility.
"One must have self-awareness," he told himself.
Yi Tianxing nodded slightly.
He too understood Zhang Yue's limitations. With Da Yi's growing complexity, Zhang could no longer keep up. Yet, as a loyal retainer who had followed him since humble beginnings, he deserved proper treatment.
"Very well. Li Kui is appointed Minister of Justice. Zhang Yue is hereby relieved of the post."
"Many thanks, Your Majesty. And thank you, Brother Zhang," Li Kui responded calmly, showing no false modesty. His acceptance acknowledged both the honor and the favor Zhang had done by stepping aside willingly.
"As for you, Zhang Yue," Yi Tianxing continued, "your experience in Six Doors remains valuable. You shall serve as Deputy Head, assisting the new chief in all affairs. Your rank remains at the first tier."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Zhang Yue trembled with emotion. He had expected a demotion—but was instead allowed to remain in his post with dignity. This was a grace he would not forget.
"Zhuge Zhengwo!" Yi Tianxing called out.
"This servant is present," came the calm reply.
Zhuge Zhengwo, now a well-established court official, stepped forward with his usual unflappable demeanor. That calm composure earned respect from all.
"Your contributions have been outstanding, and your prestige in Six Doors is widely acknowledged. I ask—would you be willing to assume leadership of Six Doors?"
Yi Tianxing held deep admiration for Zhuge Zhengwo and believed he had the talent required.
"This servant is willing. And I ask that Lord Zhang continue to guide me. Together, we shall make Six Doors even stronger."
Zhuge Zhengwo accepted without hesitation, and respectfully acknowledged Zhang Yue's past contributions. The favor was noted and would be repaid in time.
"Very well. Zhuge Zhengwo is hereby appointed Head of Six Doors, rank one, and shall bear the blessings of Da Yi's national fate."
With the appointment, the mantle of command was transferred, and the corresponding official seal was handed over to Zhuge Zhengwo. None in the hall voiced dissent—his qualifications were beyond doubt.
"My loyal subjects," Yi Tianxing's voice rang out again, "I plan to establish a new institution: the Heavenly Strategies Pavilion (天策府, Tiān Cè Fǔ)."
"Heavenly Strategies Pavilion?" Huang Chengyan's expression flickered. "May I ask, what will be its role?"
The formation of a new department was no small matter. It could reshape the court's entire structure.
"The Heavenly Strategies Pavilion shall be an exclusive institution for strategists and advisors. Its purpose: to serve Da Yi's military campaigns by offering counsel, ensuring we remain invincible in every battle. For example, Mister Jia Xu shall be among its members—serving as a military strategist with full access to the court and rights to advise on all affairs."
Yi Tianxing spoke firmly. With Da Yi's expansion, war was inevitable. Though many commanders could act independently, having strategists beside them would be a force multiplier.
"I second this! If the Heavenly Strategies Pavilion gathers enough talented minds, Da Yi's military might will be unmatched," General Yang Ye exclaimed in agreement.
"Aye, I'm all for it too!" Wushuang Ghost grinned. He had no issue charging into any battlefield—but asking him to strategize was another story. Having smart minds alongside was a welcome relief.
"Your Majesty, how shall the Pavilion be structured?" Huang Chengyan asked.
"It will follow the Nine-Rank System," Yi Tianxing replied. "The strategists will be classified from ninth to first rank—the highest tier reserved for those whose brilliance can determine outcomes before the battle even begins. Each rank shall carry its own fate blessings and corresponding status. The capable shall rise. The unworthy shall fall."
The Heavenly Strategies Pavilion was meant to be the brain behind military campaigns, acting as a vital counterpart to the Military Cabinet. Together, they would form the twin engines of Da Yi's outward conquests.