"Hmm, not bad at all. This Great Yi is, without doubt, the most powerful human destiny dynasty we've seen across the many realms we've traveled."
An elderly man riding a small donkey spoke with heartfelt admiration.
"What's most remarkable is how Great Yi has managed to balance coexistence between humans and other races.Though the territory is dominated by human Immortal Cities,The non-human races are not driven to extinction.They are merely compressed—forced to adapt but not annihilated."
This policy of coexistence ensured that other races would not be forced into a corner, avoiding the kind of desperate, do-or-die retaliation that would throw the empire into endless strife.
Instead, it created a system of constant pressure and competition, keeping both humans and non-humans sharp and alert.
"To implement such a national policy from the very start...That is nothing short of wisdom as deep as the sea.A blessing for generations to come."
This was one of the key reasons for Great Yi's continued rise.
"According to our investigations," said the elegant young swordsman, "someone from our circle has been reincarnated within Great Yi. Now it's a matter of finding them... and helping them awaken their fate and return to their rightful place."
"In the last era," said the pot-bellied man fanning himself, "we fought against Eternal Night. One by one, our companions perished—only Dongbin survived. If not for him, you and I wouldn't have made it back."
He sighed with emotion.
"It's only because of the Power of Fantasy that we were able to anchor our true spirits and reincarnate.Now we're able to recover our power from the previous era—But this chance comes only once. If we miss it, there won't be another."
These three were none other than Lu Dongbin, Zhang Guolao, and Han Zhongli—three of the legendary Eight Immortals of Upper Cave Heaven.
In the final battle of the last era, they too had fought against the tide of darkness. All but Lu Dongbin had fallen in battle.
After the fusion of the Myriad Worlds, he was the first to awaken, able to cast off a portion of his soul and reincarnate in the new era, even while his true body slumbered.
He had since journeyed far and wide, seeking his fallen companions.
Through the Power of Fate, the Eight Immortals could be reawakened—their legendary spirits reforged through belief and reborn through myth.
In the folk traditions of the Eternal World, the Eight Immortals represented all facets of mortal life—man, woman, old, young, rich, poor, noble, and lowly.
They were not divine by origin, but born of the people.Their return, too, must pass through reincarnation in the mortal realm.
This time, by chance, they had stumbled upon the Immortal Peach Festival of Great Yi.
"Let's go," Lu Dongbin said with a chuckle. "Emperor Yi Tianxing and I shared some camaraderie during the War of Gods and Demons. Now that he's hosting the Immortal Peach Festival, we must at least taste his wine and peaches."
"After all, Great Yi has none other than the God of Wine, Du Kang.This banquet would be incomplete without sampling his divine brew.And who knows, maybe we can trade for some Reincarnation Holy Liquid—That would make awakening the others much easier."
As he spoke, Lu Dongbin's Adam's apple visibly bobbed at the thought of wine.
He had once been the legendary Pure Yang Sword Immortal.
"Fellow Daoist Yi," Lu Dongbin called out toward the Rainbow Bridge."I happened to pass by and heard of your peach banquet.Might a humble wanderer request a cup of wine?"
He wasn't worried about whether his voice would be heard.
With Yi Tianxing's cultivation,Even across billions of miles or countless worlds,A mere name-call could trigger divine awareness.
Indeed, in the Imperial Palace, Yi Tianxing heard the voice instantly.
His gaze traced the Rainbow Bridge outward to see three figures standing above the Iron-Blood Great Wall, suspended in clouds.
"Lu Dongbin...Zhang Guolao...Han Zhongli...Three of the Eight Immortals."
A strange glint flickered in Yi Tianxing's eyes.
Having these three at the Immortal Peach Festival would elevate its stature tremendously. Their presence gave the gathering a legendary, historical significance.
And besides, if such great figures were willing to attend, how could he possibly turn them away?
"Brother Pure Yang, your presence honors us.How could this emperor deny you entrance?Please, all three of you—ascend the Rainbow Bridge.You shall be guests of honor."
Shua!
A divine light of welcome fell upon the three.
Having received a personal invitation from Yi Tianxing himself, they didn't hesitate.
In a flash, they stepped onto the Rainbow Bridge. No invitation was needed.
This was status.
This was power.
"Welcome the arrival of the Upper Cave Eight Immortals—Lu Dongbin, Han Zhongli, and Zhang Guolao—To the Immortal Peach Festival!"
The General Yutian cried out, proclaiming it across all of Great Yi.
Upon hearing this, countless citizens turned to the Rainbow Bridge, their eyes brimming with excitement.
After all, these were the Eight Immortals—legendary figures from childhood tales. Now they stood before them, alive and real.
"Lu Dongbin! He's just as the stories say—handsome, unrestrained, full of charm.No wonder he stole the hearts of countless maidens!"
"To think the legendary Eight Immortals would come to our Great Yi Empire! And this isn't even the Peach Banquet of the Heavenly Court!"
"Only three are here… where are the other five? Will they show up too?"
"With the Eight Immortals attending, this festival truly marks our rise.Even great beings cannot ignore the presence of Great Yi anymore.We have truly stepped onto the stage of the world!"
From the people's perspective, the arrival of the Eight Immortals was confirmation of Great Yi's prestige.
Still, they didn't need validation.
Great Yi's status would be forged not through flattery,But by its own strength and destiny.
As they walked, Han Zhongli looked at the Rainbow Bridge and couldn't help but marvel:
"Another Rainbow Bridge… This treasure is truly a national divine artifact.It stabilizes the empire's fate, projects power, and offers perfect control.It's superior to any teleportation array—more precise and far more divine."
If the bridge were ever destroyed, the consequences would be disastrous.
But to destroy it, one would need to be able to withstand the wrath of Great Yi—no small feat.
Shuaa—!!
Suddenly, the void rippled.
A giant Wandering Bird appeared from nowhere.Atop its back rested an entire illusory city—a fantastical structure teeming with buildings and life.
This city wasn't limited to humans—All races and creatures seemed to dwell within it.
It looked like another world entirely, floating through the skies.
"Wanderers roam the world, and every land is home."
A voice rang out from within the city.
A man in a moon-white robe, resembling a wealthy merchant, stepped forth and bowed in every direction, smiling warmly.
"To the fathers and elders of Great Yi,This humble wanderer arrives unannounced.If I cause offense, please forgive me."
His voice was warm, sincere, and almost impossible to dislike.
"Another traveling merchant?" Yi Tianxing muttered.
"Our fame must be spreading faster than expected—traveling merchants are arriving more frequently than ever."
But this one was different.
In the past, Wandering Birds only carried small buildings—now an entire city had been brought.
And those inside weren't illusions—they were living beings.
This elevated the concept of travelingmerchant to something altogether new.
"traveling merchants bring wealth and flow to all realms.This emperor deeply admires their mission.Since you've arrived during the Immortal Peach Festival,Would you care to join us and enjoy some wine and fruit?"
Yi Tianxing's voice echoed calmly in the void—an open invitation.
"Since Emperor Yi extends the invitation," the merchant replied with a laugh,"How could Zhen Chengxin possibly refuse?"