"I see. If that's the case," said Bao Zheng, nodding in approval,"then Great Yi's need for population and talent during expansion will significantly decrease. At the same time, we can maintain the pace of conquest without halting. It's a beneficial change—worth implementing."
"Indeed," agreed Huang Chengyan, "I believe this approach is viable."
"Our national policy has always been: Immortal Cities suppress the wilderness. Humans live within the cities; foreign races dwell in the wilds. With our current strength, eradicating these races wouldn't be difficult—but that would make us the target of all heavens and races. It's far more beneficial to leave them as training opponents for our citizens—hunting beasts, outsmarting enemies, sharpening their martial will in the wild."
"Now that we're stronger, expanding the territory each city oversees is not only safe—it's ideal."
"Minister Jiang," asked Yi Tianxing, turning to Jiang Ni,"would expanding the distance between Immortal Cities affect the Territorial Fate Map?"
"No worries, Your Majesty," Jiang Ni replied with a smile."The map centers around each city. As long as we adjust spacing evenly and maintain connections through fate and the earth's veins, it won't negatively affect the feng shui formation at all."
"In fact," he added, "the larger the area a city suppresses, the more concentrated its spiritual veins become. That will only enhance the local spiritual qi, turning each Immortal City into a potential paradise realm. This is a blessing in disguise."
Yi Tianxing nodded in approval.
"Very well. In your opinions—what is the optimal area for each Immortal City to govern?"
"Your Majesty," said Liu Bowen after a moment's thought,"I believe a radius of 3,000 li would be appropriate."
"This size allows enough room for beast clans and foreign races to reproduce,while still offering ample resources for our citizens to cultivate."
If the area were any larger, the city's control might weaken, which could jeopardize stability. But with 3,000 li, everything remained balanced and efficient.
"Three thousand li…" murmured many ministers, reflecting.
It was just a number on paper—but in reality, it was a vast expanse.Some entire countries from the previous world didn't even span such distance.
"I agree," said Jiang Ni, "a radius of 3,000 li is ideal. It allows larger cities, more population capacity, and better use of resources."
"To suppress such a range," added Jia Yucun,"each city should have a minimum of 5 million citizens, and at most, 10 million or more."
Though it sounded like a large number, in relation to the land size, it was quite reasonable.
And for cultivators—who could fly and use transport formations—distance wasn't a major issue.Floating rail systems could easily bridge the gaps between cities.
"We support the proposal," came the voices from the court.
"Good," said Yi Tianxing."If all agree, then we shall officially implement this trial."
"The suppression range of each Immortal City will be expanded to 3,000 li in all directions.During the relocation and implementation phase, every department must cooperate fully. If issues arise, solve them quickly. If all goes well, extract the experience to benefit future planning."
"Furthermore," he continued, "every Immortal City must undergo upgrades—expanding to Royal City scale."
This task would fall to the Ministry of Works and the Heavenly Engineering Pavilion, who must ensure construction progresses swiftly.
Such expansion wasn't trivial—feng shui masters from the Astrological Division would need to participate.Ordinary cities could no longer meet the requirements; Royal Cities were now the new standard.
"The Saint King is wise!"
The court responded in unison.
Yi Tianxing then gave them another bombshell:
"There is one more matter I can now reveal.Due to… certain special circumstances, I have acquired a vast population."
"Enough," he said calmly, "to supply all future expansions—even dozens of realms at once."
"What?!"
"More population? From where?!"
Shock spread through the court.
Only months ago, the Saint King had already brought in 20 trillion people. Now, it seemed he had hundreds of trillions, perhaps even a thousand trillion?
It was an unimaginable number.
The ministers' minds raced—how to use this sudden windfall to best benefit Great Yi? How to maintain stability while expanding aggressively?
Soon, joy spread across their faces.
The core limitation for expansion had always been: population.
Now, it had fallen from the sky like a miracle.Not only did this solve a massive crisis—it also meant fewer cities were needed per realm (thanks to the 3,000-li range), which reduced the number of required governors and generals.
Those saved talents could now be reassigned to govern new territories.
The pressure on manpower had eased.All at once, Great Yi's population reserves, talent reserves, and national policy had evolved.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty!" cried Liu Bowen, stepping forward.
"At this rate, our old plan of conquering just four realms is no longer sufficient."
"With the Dragon, Phoenix, and Qilin clans having left the Eternal World and taken seats in the heavens, the world now lacks a definitive master. This is the golden age of expansion."
"The more territory we claim now, the greater our advantage in the future."
"To receive heaven's blessing and not seize the opportunity—is to be cursed instead!"
"I agree," said Zhuge Liang.
"With this new supply of people, once we claim the four realms, we should immediately target at least a dozen more surrounding realms."
"Only through constant expansion can we draw closer to the central realms of the Eternal World."
"Indeed," added Xi Zhicai, "Great Yi has the strength and the mandate.If we hesitate, we risk losing benefits we're fully capable of claiming."
"Very well," said Yi Tianxing.
"Let the Military Council and the various departments convene to draft the necessary policies and plans."
"Once the four realms are fully in hand, we will proceed with the broader conquest."
He added:
"Within the Hongmeng Heavenly Emperor Pagoda, there exists an entire world filled with scholars, professionals, and elite talents from every field."
From now on, Great Yi would begin selecting top talents from that internal world to enter and integrate into the real world—increasing talent reserves and accelerating national growth.
Great Yi would also send educators and scholars into the pagoda world,ensuring synchronization of values and education.
That way, those inside wouldn't fall behind—and might even produce talent at an even greater rate.
This news brought further joy to the ministers.
Such a reserve of talent could solve countless upcoming challenges.
"The strategy of Great Yi shall now change entirely," Yi Tianxing declared."The conquest of the four realms must proceed with full speed. When the time comes, strike with the net and capture all in one move."
"Within three months, I want to see the four great realms fully annexed and under Great Yi's rule."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
The ministers responded in unison, flames of passion and ambition blazing in their hearts.
Though they already stood at the Sacred Court level, their path was not yet complete.Above them still stood the Immortal Court and even the Heavenly Court.
Each official was personally invested in Great Yi's rise. Their destinies were tied to its success.And each of them burned with the desire to see their kingdom ascend ever higher.
After the meeting, Yi Tianxing rose and stepped toward the Palace Divine Tree.
Upon its boughs were thirty-three cloud realms.Thirty had already been opened and were in use.
Only three remained sealed, awaiting future needs.
Now, Yi Tianxing stood upon one of these uncharted realms, where primordial chaos still lingered…