"Yes, Your Majesty. We of the Heavenly Engineering Pavilion will build these sea warships as fast as possible, doing our part in helping Great Yi dominate the seas."Gongshu Lin accepted the task without hesitation. Completing such a project would secure the Pavilion's place in the annals of merit, granting favorable evaluations and year-end rewards.
"It seems the structure of the naval forces must now be formally established," Yi Tianxing said thoughtfully. "Preparations should begin immediately so that once the legions are formed, they can set out to conquer the sea realms without delay."
This was a matter not to be neglected. Preparation now would lead to quicker victories later. It was always better to act proactively.
"Your Majesty is right," said Zhuge Liang, fanning himself lightly. "Great Yi's army is vast and powerful. Forming dedicated naval legions is not just prudent—it is necessary."
The sea realm was even larger than the land, and it could not be left unguarded.
"I concur," added Jia Xu.
"Very well," Yi Tianxing declared. "From this moment forward, we will form the Great Yi Navy, under the name: the Sun Never Sets Legion Series. I want Great Yi's navy to shine like an eternal sun across the oceans, spreading our light to every corner of the seas. Wherever we go, none shall remain unbowed."
"The Sun Never Sets series shall be divided into six main legions: Sea-Securing Legion, Sea-Stabilizing Legion, Sea-Sweeping Legion, Sea-Breaking Legion, Sea-Subjugating Legion, and Sea-Slaughtering Legion. Further legions will be added as needed."
"Additionally, we will establish a Sea Beast Legion Series, including: Whale Legion, Octopus Legion, Devilfish Legion, Lanternfish Legion, Crab Legion, Peacock Fish Legion, and Sea Dragon Legion. More can be added later, depending on necessity."
"These legions will require suitable warriors trained in aquatic warfare, to become the standing forces of the navy, ready to deploy at any time."
Yi Tianxing's tone was resolute.
Great Yi's maritime domain had already grown massive, and it would only continue to expand. These naval legions were the key to holding dominance over the oceans and exerting true deterrence against the aquatic races.
Under no circumstances could naval development be delayed.
"Brilliant decision, Your Majesty," the ministers responded in unison.
This was a powerful step forward in expanding Great Yi's influence. In the military especially, no one would object—after all, this meant more formally recognized legions and more military clout. The Battle Realm of the War Souls currently housed vast numbers of battle-hardened warriors. Building legions from them would provide immense strength.
This single decision would result in the formation of thirteen legions, totaling over 13 million soldiers—an astonishing foundation of power.
"Now then," Yi Tianxing continued, "we will set aside naval matters for now. During the upcoming Imperial Examinations, we'll identify new talents—including suitable naval commanders."
"Now that the Vast Sea Realm is unified, Great Yi is officially the ruler of this realm. Therefore, I intend to host an Immortal Peach Banquet, a grand celebration to honor our unification."
"At the banquet, I will present divine treasures: the Destiny Peach of Longevity and the Bridal Peach. We will invite elite guests from across the realm—powerful foreign beings, Great Yi's top experts, and important court ministers. It shall be a celebration of our complete conquest."
"An Immortal Peach Banquet?" the ministers echoed, eyes lighting up.
Their minds immediately connected the idea to the legendary Peach Banquet of the Heavenly Court. That ancient event was so prestigious that even the mightiest immortals fought to attend. Just receiving an invitation was a mark of honor and status.
Though Yi Tianxing's banquet would not use the legendary Heavenly Peaches, his own Immortal Peaches were in no way inferior—in fact, they might be even more tempting to certain cultivators.
Whether it was the Destiny Peach of Longevity or the Bridal Peach, both were peerless treasures that could elevate one's cultivation or even change fate. Just the news of such a banquet would stir the ambitions of countless strong individuals.
"May I ask, Your Majesty," Jia Xu said with a subtle smile, "how will the guest list be decided?"
His eyes sparkled. This wasn't just a feast—it was a political move. Used wisely, it could boost Great Yi's prestige, assert its dominance, and manipulate rival factions through social pressure.
"Your Majesty," said Zhuge Liang, fanning slowly, "if the invitations are used cleverly, we can attract talented individuals and solidify alliances. I suggest that we reserve some invitations for public distribution—even outside of the Vast Sea Realm. Any person with sufficient strength and merit should have the chance to earn an invitation."
This would send ripples through the political landscape. Imagine two rival tribes—one receives an invitation, the other doesn't. Even if both once stood as allies, the seed of doubt and jealousy would begin to take root.
This kind of social engineering—splitting alliances without drawing a blade—was the work of a master strategist.
Even eccentric hermits and unregistered geniuses would feel the pull. To attend such a feast was to owe a favor to Great Yi. As the saying goes, "Those who eat from your hand cannot speak against you." For cultivators, karmic cause and effect could not be ignored.
"This banquet," Yi Tianxing declared, "will be open to all first-rank officials of the court. As for the rest: some invitations will go to foreign powers, others to human sects, and still others will be handled by the Hall of Calamities, to be scattered across the wilderness, beyond the Vast Sea, even into the ocean realms."
"The banquet shall be held on New Year's Eve. Today's planned Immortal Treasure Banquet will be cancelled and replaced by the Immortal Peach Banquet."
"The Lords of the Immortal Cities shall remain at their posts to govern and stabilize their cities. We've just finished our expansion—now is the time to consolidate and secure what we've gained. Avoiding mishaps is paramount."
From the first strike of the expedition, Great Yi had used lightning-fast strategies, deploying Immortal Cities rapidly through Rainbow Bridges and deep logistical reserves. It had taken only a month or two to complete the conquest.
A pace that was truly shocking.
This was the result of long preparation and sudden action.
But now, the priority was the stabilization of each Immortal City. Quick assimilation of the newly conquered lands was essential. City Lords were advised not to leave their posts unless necessary. Canceling today's banquet was not a bad thing—it gave each region time to settle its population and begin proper governance.
"Wise and farsighted, Your Majesty," the ministers agreed.
If all city lords were pulled back to Xuanhuang City for a celebration, any disturbance in the outer territories could be catastrophic. There were too many new citizens to protect.
Instead, rewards would be distributed to the City Lords in the meantime—though that was a matter for later discussion.
With the decision made, and the banquet date set, the court assembly concluded.
At the same time, news of the Immortal Peach Banquet began to spread rapidly—through Great Yi, the Vast Sea Realm, and even beyond its borders.
Reactions:
"His Majesty is hosting the Immortal Peach Banquet on New Year's Eve! Only first-rank ministers are automatically invited. Others must have fame and power to earn a seat!"
"I heard that sects only get a few spots. Small sects receive one, great sects maybe two or three. Invitations are basically status symbols!"
"Did you hear? The banquet will serve true Immortal Peaches—genuine Innate Spirit Root-level treasures! The Destiny Peach of Longevity can enhance fortune, longevity, and prosperity! That kind of treasure is priceless!"
"And the Bridal Peach—if you eat one, it could catapult you to greatness, breaking through cultivation limits. Even mortals can become elite powerhouses! It's a destiny-altering treasure! Just having one could be the foundation of a clan!"
All across Great Yi, countless citizens were filled with envy.
The influence of the Immortal Peach Banquet spread like wildfire.