The Eternal World was a place of mystery and the unknown. With the fusion of myriad realms, countless strange races and forbidden beings had emerged—many with the terrifying power to annihilate billions of lives. The strangeness of the Phantom River was just one such example. Its true origin was clearly not something an average cultivator could uncover.
The cultivator who mentioned it stated that he was still investigating the river's origins and, once he learned the truth, he would share the information openly, without concealment.
"I once saw a purple bramble flower in a forbidden zone," another expert recounted."Inside the blossom lay a mysterious female demon, surrounded by brambles capable of terrifying destruction. Although I was curious about the demon, I couldn't approach."
According to his speculation, that being was likely a Thorn Queen—a potentially powerful existence. The entire area had become a thorned forbidden zone; any living creature approaching would be attacked and repelled.
A dormant powerhouse in the making—one with the potential to reach great heights.
"I saw a Six-Eared Macaque gathering a massive force of demons and monsters, forming a new destiny-bound nation known as the Heavenly Demon Kingdom, also referred to as the Heavenly Demon Royal Court. It's already showing signs of rising to the level of an imperial court. His influence is vast—praised as the King of Demons."
This drew considerable attention.
The Six-Eared Macaque was no ordinary monkey—it was one of the Four Great Spiritual Monkeys born of heaven and earth. Not only did it possess powerful bloodlines, but also unique divine abilities. Once strong enough, it could listen in on the secrets of the Three Realms and Six Paths—a truly wondrous trait.
Such a being building a demon kingdom would not be a mere trifle. With sufficient fortune and opportunity, it could easily create a top-tier demonic empire.
"So, the Six-Eared Macaque has appeared…" Yi Tianxing murmured inwardly."The Four Great Spiritual Monkeys are deeply entwined with that taboo family from the previous era… I'll need to keep an eye on this."
"In the oceans, the dragon race has declined after withdrawing. Other aquatic races are rising, baring their fangs. The merfolk have established a powerful kingdom of their own."
Another cultivator spoke up, marveling at the turn of events in the seas.
The merfolk possessed a unique innate charm—a natural affinity for all aquatic creatures, including sea beasts. Their songs could soothe the soul, accelerate evolution, and even spark loyalty in sea monsters. It made them the most beloved and respected among all marine races.
A merfolk kingdom could easily rise as a hegemonic force beneath the waves.
All these extraordinary tales kept the participants fascinated rather than bored. They spoke of realms and legends beyond their own experience, offering deep insight and expanding everyone's vision and knowledge.
And then…
The Demonic Embryo Returns
As the discussion concluded, a cultivator suddenly turned to Yi Tianxing and asked:
"Emperor, do you remember the innate demonic embryo I entrusted to you back then? Has the process of cleansing its demonic nature been completed?"
It was none other than Wang Chuan.
Years ago, he had entrusted Yi Tianxing with a rare innate demonic fetus, asking him to purge its demonic energy. His goal was to obtain a perfect vessel for rebirth—an ideal host body, free of danger and deeply compatible with soul fusion.
But the matter had been delayed by many events—including the sudden eruption of the Divine-Demon Battlefield—and twenty years had passed in the blink of an eye.
Wang Chuan had never worried. He trusted Yi Tianxing.
"Don't worry. The cleansing is complete," Yi Tianxing replied calmly."The demonic nature has been fully purified, and using the power of reincarnation, its inner will was erased."
"Now, it is no longer a demonic fetus, but a divine embryo—a pure, innate sacred vessel. You can now use it to be reborn without any concern. It has no soul or identity—perfect for possession or reincarnation."
With a wave of his hand, the divine embryo flew to Wang Chuan.
Wang Chuan probed it with his divine sense and was shocked—indeed, the demonic essence was completely gone. No consciousness, no residual will—it was a blank divine vessel, a body born of the void.
"This isn't possession," he thought."It's closer to true reincarnation—a second life, free of karma or consequence."
"Many thanks, Emperor," Wang Chuan said with genuine gratitude."This divine embryo exceeds my expectations. I must admit, I got the better end of the bargain. If I ever have the chance, I'll repay this favor."
Though his tone was calm, the sincerity in his voice was unmistakable.
"A fair trade," Yi Tianxing replied."You gave me the Stellar Ring—I'm very satisfied. We each got what we wanted."
Wang Chuan simply nodded.
Seeking the Dragon Balls Once More
Yi Tianxing then addressed the crowd again:
"I'm still seeking Wish Dragon Balls. If anyone is willing to sell, I'll buy them."
"One-star Dragon Ball: 10 million Eternal Coins."
"Each additional star increases the price by 10 million."
"Any star level is welcome. The trade will be immediate."
Years ago, the Wish Dragon Balls had allowed Great Yi to reap unprecedented benefits—they had even influenced the will of Heaven and expanded the limits of Heavenly Dao seals.
Though few knew the truth of that event, the results had shaken the world—even if the culprit remained hidden.
Ten million per ball—a staggering price.
And then the offers came.
"I have a three-star Dragon Ball," Wang Chuan said."I have a seven-star Dragon Ball," grinned Lucky Cat."I've got a two-star one," said another.
One after another, over a dozen cultivators stepped forward. Though some stars repeated, Yi Tianxing bought them all without hesitation.
In the end, he completed one full set and gathered five pieces of a second set—lacking only the one-star and seven-star balls to complete the second.
Still, Yi Tianxing was highly satisfied.
With the mystery auction house as his ally, completing the second set was just a matter of time.
The Auction Ends
Unknowingly, the auction drew to a close.
Just as they had arrived, cultivators dispersed silently, each vanishing from sight. No one could tell where they went or how. The entire event felt like a surreal dream.
"Excellent," Yi Tianxing smiled as he returned to the Imperial Palace."Using this auction as a prelude to the Peach Festival was the right choice."
Everything for the Immortal Peach Festival was now ready.
When the time came, Great Yi's brilliance would shine before all.
In his hand, the seven Dragon Balls shimmered with starry light.
Plans for the Dragon Balls
"Husband, you've gathered all seven again," Cai Yan said softly as she appeared at his side."What wish do you plan to make this time?"
"Not yet," Yi Tianxing replied with a calm smile."The Dragon Balls are wondrous, yes—but their power is not unlimited."
"There are rules. If the wish exceeds the bounds, it won't be granted. Last time, it worked because the heavens allowed it—I went with the flow of fate."
"This isn't the right time yet."
Whispers of Conspiracy
"Husband, there are rumors," Cai Yan added."They say the Peach Festival won't be peaceful… Some factions are plotting something."
"Nothing to worry about," Yi Tianxing replied."Just the Hydra faction—a bunch of petty clowns too afraid to show their faces."
"If they want to ruin the festival, they'll first have to prove they have the power to do so."
Yi Tianxing's voice was calm, but behind it lay firm confidence.
The Hall of Calamities had already begun investigating the threat. All clues pointed to Hydra.