With the power of the Nine Heavens Dao Sovereigns, even without acting personally, they could effortlessly raise a small faction into a great power—or even a superpower, ruling over entire regions as overlords. They could, with ease, elevate a mere nobody into an Emperor, establish a Holy Court, or even the ruler of an Immortal Court.
Helping a faction reach the level of Great Yi was not a challenge. At most, it would cost them a little time and effort.
With their support, anything was possible.
Their protection was a miraculous blessing.
It was clear they hadn't come simply for Great Yi's citizens.
That alone wasn't enough to justify such high-level intervention.
Yi Tianxing never truly believed the Nine Dao Sovereigns came merely for faith.
At their level, destiny and fortune might not be as important as people assumed. Still, without more clues, it was impossible to determine their true objective.
"What makes Great Yi... different?"
That question flashed through his mind like a bolt of lightning.
And suddenly, clarity struck Yi Tianxing.
There was one thing that set Great Yi apart from every other Destiny Dynasty.
Great Yi was a Great Dao Dynasty, not a Heavenly Dao Dynasty.
Back when it was founded, during the chaos of the Calamities, when the Heavenly Dao receded, Yi Tianxing seized the opportunity to establish a dynasty based on the Great Dao, not the Heavenly Dao.
Great Yi did not revere the Heavenly Dao.
It revered only the Great Dao.
This meant even the Heavenly Dao could not revoke its Mandate.
It was watched and favored by the Great Dao itself.
In a way, the Heavenly Dao could no longer interfere with Great Yi's growth.
This gave Great Yi unlimited potential—a level of freedom other dynasties could never enjoy.
It was not constrained by Heaven's rules.
If this was what the Nine Heavens Dao Sovereigns had discovered, then their interest in Great Yi made sense.
Of course, Yi Tianxing knew that when Great Yi was founded, the Nine Dao Sovereigns had not yet been born. The truth about Great Yi being a Great Dao Dynasty had never been leaked—unless they had learned of it by some other means.
But that possibility couldn't be ruled out.
Yi Tianxing frowned slightly.
If the truth about Great Yi's nature were ever exposed, it would become the focus of endless forces—a target of countless prying eyes. Many ancient powers, even the myriad races of the heavens, would not allow it to grow unchecked.
Even though he was confident in his power, he did not believe Great Yi could withstand the united assault of all the races under heaven.
And this... he would never reveal to Lü Dongbin and the others.
"Fellow Yi, there's no need for undue worry," said Zhang Guolao, smiling."With the status of the Nine Heavens Dao Sovereigns, even if they intend to suppress Great Yi,they won't act openly.At most, they'll strike from the shadows, placing restrictions and obstacles.But with Great Yi's strength, you'll endure."
"As long as your destiny remains, you won't fall easily.With destiny, even the Saints must think twice before interfering."
The founding of a Dynasty created national destiny—a convergence of karma, merit, and the people's will. This qi fate was a mystical force—intangible, but real.
So long as a dynasty's fate endured, even Saints dared not attack it lightly.
The karmic backlash could damage their own cultivation and Dao Fruits.
"Let the soldiers meet the invaders, the earth block the flood,"Yi Tianxing said firmly, taking a deep breath."Even the Nine Heavens Dao Sovereigns can't force Great Yi to bow.Heaven moves powerfully; the gentleman strives constantly for self-improvement.No matter what lies ahead, we will face it all.Our people have never feared hardship or catastrophe."
As long as the Nine Heavens Dao Sovereigns didn't act personally,Great Yi feared nothing.
Lü Dongbin and the other two smiled faintly.
Since Yi Tianxing himself showed no fear, there was no need to worry.
Solutions always outnumber problems.
No matter the crisis, there would be a way forward.
The heavy topic was laid to rest.
They continued chatting freely, speaking of ancient tales, bizarre legends, and forgotten secrets.The mood lightened considerably, and the atmosphere became pleasant and amicable.
Meanwhile, in the Nine-Headed Hydra's base...
Black Robe and White Robe stood together, watching the Nine Heavens Dao Sovereigns vanish in anger.
They exchanged knowing smiles.
"Black Robe," said White Robe curiously,"how were you so sure the Nine Heavens Dao Sovereigns would clash with Great Yi?Since when have you become so calculating?"
"Because," Black Robe said mysteriously,"I know a tremendous secret about Great Yi—one that the Nine Dao Sovereigns cannot resist.Once they learn of it, they will act.And Yi Tianxing? He'll never agree to their demands."
"You're new to the Eternal World, White Robe.But I've been here since the very moment this world began to awaken. I've seen things others haven't. Experience... is power."
It was this knowledge that allowed Black Robe to hold power within the Hydra.
"So what now?" asked White Robe.
"Nothing," Black Robe said coldly."The Nine Heavens Dao Sovereigns left in anger.They won't act directly, but they don't have to.All they need to do is send a hint,and countless cultivators will gladly act on their behalf."
"Even if Great Yi isn't destroyed,its momentum will be severely curtailed.That's what we want.The rest doesn't matter."
They exchanged glances, laughed quietly, and disappeared into the void.
They just wanted to watch the show unfold.
Back in Great Yi...
The 48th year of the Eternal Calendar came to a close.The 49th year began.
The citizens of Great Yi knew nothing of the storm behind the scenes.
All they saw was the grand success of the Immortal Peach Banquet.
Footage from the event flooded StarNet, drawing immense attention and admiration.
People were amazed—mortals who ate the Wedding Peach saw their cultivation soar, their realms breaking through one after another. It was like flying through the heavens.
White-haired elders who ate the Longevity Peach became young again—reborn.
It stirred envy and ambition.
The people became more motivated than ever.
They were determined to cultivate harder, to rise through the ranks, to earn a place on the imperial court and one day sit at that celestial banquet.
They longed for the next one.
Within Great Yi and beyond, there was an air of festivity.
Fireworks drifted through the skies.Every immortal city held vibrant activities.
But the most bustling place of all was StarNet.
In King's Battle Chess, countless players competed, fighting thrilling battles of wits and strength.
Many formed teams to explore the Nightmare World, diving into peril for treasure and legacy.
In Great Yi, there was never a shortage of purpose.
For those who sought meaning—there was always a path.
At this moment, within the imperial palace…
Yi Tianxing was seated in a pavilion with the traveling merchant Zhen Chengxin.
Before them was spiritual tea. Its aroma refreshed the soul and lifted the mind.
From their demeanor, it was clear they had been speaking for some time—and the mood was amicable.
"Fellow Zhen," asked Yi Tianxing,"do traveling merchants have ranks or divisions among them?"
"Of course," Zhen Chengxin replied with a smile."Though outsiders rarely know of it,we merchants divide ourselves internally into grades."
"It's not exactly a secret. If the Emperor wishes to know,I'm happy to explain."
"Please," said Yi Tianxing calmly.
"It's actually quite simple.We use a star-based system—from one star to nine stars."
Merchant Grades:
One-Star Merchant: Owns a WanderingBird, establishes a shop, gains basic trade qualifications.
Two-Star Merchant: Upgraded shop with two-star goods; must stock 100 types of different products.
Three-Star Merchant: Further upgraded shop with three-star goods; must stock 1,000 types.
Four-Star Merchant: Transforms shop into a mall, with four-star goods and 10,000 different products.
Five-Star Merchant: Mall upgraded; Wandering Bird evolves to cross space rapidly; stocks 100,000 goods.
When it came to six-star merchants and above, Zhen Chengxin did not elaborate, clearly unwilling to share too much.
"I noticed your Wandering Bird carries a full mall," said Yi Tianxing with a meaningful glance."That would make you... a five-star merchant?"
"Not quite," Zhen Chengxin chuckled, eyes twinkling."Still just a four-star. But I'm not far off.By the next time we meet—I should be there."