Great Yi Dynasty.
Xuanhuang City – The Imperial Palace.
Yi Tianxing sat solemnly within the Hall of Knowledge and Action (Zhixing Hall),as waves of military reports flooded in.
The hall was filled with ministers.Every military operation required orders, coordination, and manpower—and it was these court officials who executed them.
Just then, Tong Huang entered the hall.
"Your Majesty," she reported,"we've received intel that disciples from various Human sects are appearing on battlefields and requesting permissionto enter our Immortal Cities, to help defend against foreign threats.What shall we do?"
The hall fell silent.
Human sects and their practices were no secret to Yi Tianxing or his court.
Thanks to the Green Mountain Sect, Great Yi had deep insight into their nature: Their focus was on inheritance, self-cultivation, and longevity.
Paradoxically, the more powerful a cultivator became,the more detached they grew from worldly affairs.
Some even became so cold and indifferent that,though born human, they transcended their humanity, seeking to become "immortals."
But many forgot the meaning of the word "immortal" (仙):The character is composed of "person" (人) and "mountain" (山).
Without people, immortals are just cold, solitary mountains.
In truth, the Human Race is the foundation of cultivation. Without it, all immortal pursuits are rootless illusions.
Many Human sects understood this truth.
Faced with Great Yi's rapid expansion, seizing control of islands and continents,most chose to participate, allowing their disciples to enter the battlefield.
It was a way of offering goodwill, and also of contributing to humanity's rise.
Of course, this response was also due to Great Yi's overwhelming strength.Without it, these sects would never have supported it so swiftly or decisively.
"Your Majesty," said Xun Yu, stepping forward,"these sects are clearly trying to win Great Yi's favor.Our expansion is now unstoppable,and they are trying to choose a side."
"We should accept this goodwill.Many of these sects possess deep heritage and powerful elders.If they ally with us, their experts may become our assets."
"All they want is recognition from Great Yi."
Xun Yu's eyes glimmered with wisdom.
He understood their intentions completely.Though these sects wished to contribute to the Human Race,they were also protecting their own futures.
Once the Vast Sea Realm came fully under Great Yi's control,they would be ruled by it too.
By showing goodwill now, they were hoping to earn favor that wouldbenefit them later.
"Very well—approved."Yi Tianxing nodded.
"However, those who wish to enter our Immortal Cities must register with Great Yi.We won't force them—but all Human Race cultivators in our domain must register for a HeavenlyRegistration Card."
"With this, they can join the Bounty Hunter Hall,slay foreign enemies for merit points,exchange them for rare treasures, orenter our Scripture Pavilion to study techniques."
In principle, every citizen of Great Yi was expected to be registered.
Without a HeavenlyRegistration Card, one couldn't access the Star Network, even if they bought a Star Bracelet—its core functions would be unavailable.
Without a Heavenly Registration Card,you are a shadow citizen—cut off from everything.
This kind of systemic incentive would make most sect disciples willingly register.
"Indeed," another minister chimed in."Once they register, we are one family."
"The foreign races won't just sit back and watch.Even though we've left them territory,they cannot accept being ruled by us.War is inevitable—and it will be bloody."
Xi Zhicai also spoke grimly.
Great Yi had made a surprise move, taking the initiative.But the real challenge would follow—the counterattacks.
"Relax," Yi Tianxing said calmly."The sky won't fall.No matter their schemes,before absolute strength, they are but paper tigers."
"The Vast Sea Realm will be ours.No one can stop us."
Sitting in the imperial court,he was like the Sea-Stabilizing Divine Needle—the unshakable core.
Orders were quickly issued:
All Immortal Cities were allowed to receive sect disciples.
Registration was encouraged.
Though some disciples were confused at first,once they realized they could:
Buy Star Bracelets
Access the Star Network
Gain powerful social and cultivation benefits
—there was no more resistance.It even caused a sensation among them.
Meanwhile, in the depths of the Vast Sea Realm…
Above a certain hidden sea, a concealed palace floated.
Inside, numerous foreign race powerhouses had gathered.
Each radiated an oppressive, heavy aura.
At the head sat a tall figure in a black robe,its body covered in dark scales,its face cold and unreadable.
This was the mastermind—a powerhouse of the Dragon Demon Clan (龙魔族):
Long Aotian.
He was peerless in arrogance, talent, and destiny.
He had cultivated his clan's ultimate manual—the Demonic Dragon Tyrant Body (龙魔霸体)—to terrifying levels.
His body was a weapon of destruction.
It was said that the Dragon Demon Clan was born from the fusion of dragons and demons,yet their bloodline was free of both constraints—forming an entirely new race.
Even dragons refused to acknowledge them.They often slaughtered dragons to refine their own blood.
In the Vast Sea Realm, the Dragon Demons had a branch faction—and their reproductive power was horrifying.
They had long hidden their strength,but now that the Dragon, Phoenix, and Qilin Clans had left,they had ambitions of their own.
And Great Yi was the first obstacle in their path.
"Everyone," Long Aotian said,"Great Yi has moved faster than we expected.They are occupying key islands and lands,driving in their Immortal Cities like iron stakes,to let their armies flood in."
"They are winning too easily.By now, I'm sure every one of your races has suffered losses.It's time to enact our plan.No more delays."
"Agreed. My Ogre Tribe (食人魔族) will go all in!Let's show them—humans are still food!"
An ogre grinned, eyes full of malice.
"I'll mobilize my elites immediately and move to Dragon Demon Continent.This will be the graveyard of Great Yi."
"Yes, send them a battle challenge.If they want the Vast Sea Realm,let them fight for it on Dragon Demon Continent.If they win, so be it—but we'll make them bleed for it."
"Time to march. Dragon Demon Continent will become their nightmare."
"With our Hundred Race Alliance,we're so powerful we scare even ourselves.Great Yi? Just a clown!"
The foreign powers declared war in unison.
They all feared facing Great Yi alone—but together, they believed they could crush it.
This was a war with no retreat,one that would decide the fate of the realm.
"Good. I will send the war declaration myself."
"That arrogant Emperor of Yi will never back down."
Long Aotian said firmly.