"Don't worry. There will definitely be a way."Zhou Yu said with a smile. If there isn't an opportunity, one must create it. Otherwise, all the effort so far would've been in vain.
Shua!!
At that moment, the Nightmare Gate Zhou Yu had summoned radiated divine light. As the brilliance flickered, a figure in a black robe stepped out from within the gate and appeared before them.
"This is…"Xun Yu's eyes lit up. At first glance, it was as if he saw a supreme emperor walking across the land. Even without trying, the man's aura and majesty naturally exuded imperial might.
In his memory, no one he'd ever seen possessed such bearing.
Even Cao Cao fell short.
"Zhou Yu pays respects to the Emperor of Great Yi."Zhou Yu, though shocked inwardly, revealed a respectful expression. Naturally, he recognized Yi Tianxing at once — in the Great Yi Dynasty, his image was widely circulated; no one wouldn't recognize him.
Previously, Zhou Yu had only hoped to contact the Great Yi Dynasty to somehow bring his troops back. Never did he expect Yi Tianxing himself to descend. A surge of excitement and fervor stirred in his heart.
"Commander Zhou, there's no need for excessive formality. That you reside in my Great Yi, yet I failed to discover your immense talent until now, is my oversight. But now, you've once again made great contributions. Tell me, would you be willing to serve in my Great Yi?"Yi Tianxing's gaze swept across the thousands of human soldiers nearby. These were obviously seasoned veterans — once trained in Yi's cultivation methods, they would quickly become elite combatants.
The greatest gain, however, was the strategists and generals among them. These were top-tier talents.
In chaotic times, heroes emerge — this has always been true. The Three Kingdoms Era was particularly fertile ground for talent. Only during upheaval do people find a stage to showcase their skills and space to grow.
Clearly, these were such individuals.
"Of course I'm willing. The Great Yi has created a land where our people can thrive — it's been my dream to contribute to such a cause. Even if it costs me my life, I would not hesitate,"Zhou Yu answered without hesitation.
His expression revealed excitement. For this moment, he had waited far too long. By bringing in so many soldiers and talents, he had earned merit. With this, he was qualified for high office — no one could challenge that.
And as the Great Yi grew ever stronger, missing this opportunity now would only make entry harder in the future.
"Good. Your skill in naval warfare is exceptional. Now that my Great Yi has fully secured Yizhou and is preparing for outward exploration, the sea will become a necessary front. I possess Seven-Colored Warships, unparalleled in naval combat. I plan to form the Seven-Colored Navy. Will you take command of one of its fleets?"Yi Tianxing said after brief contemplation.
The time for external campaigns was approaching. After consolidating Yizhou through the imperial examination, Great Yi would begin outward expansion later in the year. A top-tier navy was critical. While cultivators could fly over the sea, the ocean was unpredictable — some places might prevent flight, forcing hand-to-hand combat in the water. Without familiarity with naval combat, they'd be helpless.
In this moment, Zhou Yu's emergence was a perfect fit — like a pillow to a drowsy man.
"Seven-Colored Warships… Seven-Colored Navy…"Zhou Yu was shaken. Then, with visible excitement, he said, "I am more than willing!"
To join Great Yi, and specifically the navy — it was perfectly aligned with his expertise.
"Very well. Among the Seven-Colored Navy, the Blue Sky Ship is the most suited for sea battles. Today, I appoint you as Legion Commander of the Blue Legion, commanding 500,000 troops. You shall hold the rank of First Rank Official. I hope you will train an elite navy to conquer the seas and expand the borders of Great Yi."Yi Tianxing issued the decree.
This appointment was a monumental leap for Zhou Yu. From now on, in Great Yi, he would wield great power and authority.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"Zhou Yu's body trembled as he bowed deeply.
At last, he had a chance to fulfill his ambitions.
"Your Majesty, allow me to introduce: this is Mister Xun Yu, this is Mister Xu Shu, this is General Zhao Yun, and this is Huang Gai, Gan Ning..."Zhou Yu began introducing the talent before him. Unfortunately, many others they'd encountered had not manifested — 99% had faded into the void, likely because their true bodies remained in the Eternal World and had not perished. Otherwise, the turnout would have been even grander.
Still, just Xun Yu and Zhao Yun alone were a tremendous harvest.
"Mister Wenruo," Yi Tianxing addressed Xun Yu, "They say seeing is believing. No matter what I or Commander Zhou say, it would be hard for you to fully trust it. Naturally, you have concerns."
"Therefore, I won't ask you to decide immediately whether to join the Great Yi Dynasty. This is a weighty matter — one that concerns your future. I will give you time, and a choice."Yi Tianxing's tone was calm, his gaze steady.
As he said, it wasn't a small matter. Forcing them to decide now could leave a permanent scar — the opposite of what Great Yi stood for. Showing them this level of respect instead was the better path.
"Thank you, Your Majesty,"Xun Yu's expression shifted subtly — a trace of admiration in his eyes.
Compared to Cao Cao, Yi Tianxing's approach exuded more respect and dignity.
Cao Cao, the one who declared, "I'd rather wrong the world than let the world wrong me," once used Xu Shu's mother as leverage to force him to serve — though Xu Shu never gave him counsel and remained silent. Even so, Cao never let him leave.
That was the nature of a true schemer.
But Yi Tianxing's way inspired respect — a grander bearing, the kind only few emperors possessed. Most rulers would rather deny others than lose talent to another.
The contrast spoke volumes.
And the one who felt it most deeply was Xu Shu.Having personally endured coercion, he was deeply moved by this respectful treatment.
He now looked at Yi Tianxing with a different gaze.
"Your Majesty's virtue is as the commander said — if the Great Yi is truly a paradise for the human race, then I, Xu Shu, will give my life to serve and assist Your Majesty."Xu Shu bowed deeply, his heart aflame.
Undeniably, Yi Tianxing's aura had a charisma that could win hearts.
"Your Majesty's great virtue."Zhao Yun also showed admiration and gave thanks.
Clearly, most of the strategists and generals present had lowered their guard and begun to feel genuine respect.
"Your Majesty," Zhou Yu said urgently, "How can we leave? Can the Nightmare Gate allow lives from the Nightmare World to enter the Eternal World? Will their identities be affected?"
"That's possible,"Yi Tianxing replied calmly,"But with such a large number, it must be the true form of the Nightmare Gate, not a mere projection. To transfer living beings between worlds requires massive amounts of Eternal Virtual Coins — Star Coins. The cost is enormous. Commander Gongjin, you wouldn't be able to bear that on your own."
The Nightmare Gate could transport treasures — but always at a cost. And that cost fell on the one using the gate. Star Coins were the currency. Bringing out a single lifeform was already expensive — let alone hundreds of thousands.
Naturally, Zhou Yu couldn't afford it.
"I see… It's a good thing I didn't act rashly — I would've regretted it for life."Zhou Yu's expression showed relief — and a trace of lingering fear.
"Alright. The Nightmare World is unpredictable — anything can happen. To avoid mishaps, let's return to Great Yi quickly. Nightmare Gate — open!!"Yi Tianxing's voice echoed.
Immediately, a giant Nightmare Gate appeared before them.
"Everyone, please."Yi Tianxing said with a smile.
"Your Majesty, this general will return to Great Yi first and report to the capital afterward,"Zhou Yu declared, stepping through the gate — not Yi Tianxing's, but the one he had summoned. After all, this was just his projection — he had to return to his true body before heading to Xuanhuang City.
A flash of light — Zhou Yu vanished.
"Let's go too,"Xun Yu said coolly. He led the way, stepping into the larger, more refined and mystical Nightmare Gate, capable of transporting hundreds at once.