"Xiao Wu, pass down the message—tell all the branch managers of WanTong Trading Company to return to headquarters immediately. There's a meeting. Make sure they're all here by tomorrow, and arrange for business continuity during their absence."
Shen Wansan gave the order to a young man who bore a striking resemblance to him.
This was his fifth son, Shen Xi, nicknamed Xiao Wu (Little Five), full name Shen Xibao.
Before him came his elder brothers: Shen Jin (Gold), Shen Yin (Silver), Shen Tong (Bronze), and Shen Tie (Iron)—and now, Shen Xi (Tin).
Gold, silver, bronze, iron, and tin—these five metals were considered precious materials, treasured in the human realm.
Shen Wansan gave them these names in hopes that his sons would live prosperous and fortunate lives.
With wealth came indulgence—he had no shortage of beautiful wives and concubines.Sons and daughters were numerous, strengthening his clan and stabilizing WanTong Trading's internal unity.
"Father, didn't we already hold a major meeting just a month ago?Why call another one so soon? Won't this disrupt business across the branches?" Shen Xi asked, confused.
"No more questions—you'll understand when the time comes."
Things had changed.
WanTong Trading was no longer just focused on commerce within Great Yi.
They had grown to become one of the Four Great Trading Houses, establishing wealth and prestige across the territory.
But now, as an Imperial Merchant, the focus had to shift outward.
This wasn't about abandoning Great Yi—it was about redirecting core strategy to external realms.
After the strategic meeting in the Hall of Knowledge and Action, the four major trading houses would retain their identity—but they would be formally reclassified as royal enterprises.
From now on, 70% of all profits would go to the Myriad Treasures Hall, and 30% would remain with them.
On the surface, this seemed like a major loss.
But in truth, it was an incredible bargain.
The external realms were vast, undeveloped, and full of opportunity.The 30% they retained could easily match—or surpass—everything they had previously earned, many times over.
Most importantly, they now held the status of Imperial Merchants—backed by Great Yi's court and divine fortune.That influence alone was more valuable than gold.
Even 30% of the profits from foreign trade would be enough to fill their coffers to bursting.
They understood the nuances well:
What they gave up now would return a hundredfold.
Not just the Shen family—all four trading giants were undergoing the same transformation.
They were calling back their branch managers and preparing to radically restructure their strategy in anticipation of the true battlefield: the outer realms.
This was a war—not of blades, but of markets and influence.
Meanwhile, the new national policy of Great Yi was being broadcast far and wide.
With the Star Network, dissemination was swift and universal.
Everyone in Great Yi knew:
"Great Yi is making a bold move.Each Immortal City used to oversee a 1,000-li radius. Now, they'll control 3,000 li each!"
"All cities are being expanded to royal-capital scale. Population must reach at least 5 million, with some even exceeding 10 million."
"This… this is massive."
"It's a good thing," another citizen chimed in.
"The current 1,000-li wilderness zones are already too small.Every time we explore, we encounter resistance from hostile races or scarce resources.This expansion gives our descendants room to grow."
"Right. With our strength, this level of control is no problem.If any outsiders cause trouble, we'll just send in the army."
The people of Great Yi welcomed the change.
It didn't negatively impact daily life and promised enormous long-term benefits.
Expanded cities meant better living environments, higher spiritual energy concentration, and greater opportunities for cultivators.
Some with greater foresight even saw the deeper significance:More Immortal Cities meant more talent deployment and better domain control, easing internal pressure and accelerating territorial expansion.
This policy hinted at Great Yi's future path: continuous growth, relentless forward motion, and limitless potential.
The mood throughout the nation was one of optimism and support.
Implementation began immediately.
A massive number of geomancers were deployed, beginning in the Vast Sea Realm (Hanhai) with Yi Prefecture at the center.
Previously spaced 1,000 li apart, Immortal Cities were now being relocated and expanded into massive urban centers.
Construction crews from the Ministry of Works and the Heavenly Crafts Pavilion moved in to begin major upgrades.
These cities were being brought up to the standard of royal capitals.
The impact spread to the wilderness regions.
These areas housed many non-human races—some friendly, some neutral, and a few hostile.
Though the hostile ones were few, they still bore watching.
Beastman Tribe.
"Chieftain, Great Yi is moving their cities and extending territory to 3,000 li.Are they giving up the wilderness?"
"Let them do whatever they want.That's more space for us to breathe.Tell our people to breed more cubs—make our tribe stronger!"
"But stay alert. What if they're luring us in just to strike later?"
Elven Tribe.
"Your Majesty, will this affect us?Could Great Yi be planning to act against us?"
"Don't worry.Great Yi's approach is subtle but brilliant.With so many races crammed into the 3,000-li wilderness, tension will rise naturally."
"Without Great Yi's pressure, conflict between these races will erupt on its own."
No tribe dared challenge or disrupt Great Yi's moves.
Even in the wilderness, Great Yi's influence was spreading.
The geographic fortune of these regions was steadily rising, signaling Great Yi's increasing control.
Even with larger gaps between cities, their grip was tightening, not weakening.
It felt as if each Immortal City was now a core node, and the 3,000-li zone around it was like a mini-world, with the city at the heart.
As the national policy advanced, the Vast Sea Realm saw cities gathering toward the borders, even appearing within sight of one another.
These were veteran cities, established for decades, led by experienced city lords.
Where Great Yi had once lacked cities and talent, now they had more cities than land to place them on.
"Issue the order: all major legions are to accelerate the conquest of the Bohai Realm!"
"The Iron-Blood Great Wall must expand swiftly.Within ten days, it will fully enclose Bohai."
"Our army's purpose is to secure land—enough territory for every Immortal City to occupy."
The order came directly from the Military Intelligence Pavilion.
Immediately, the tempo of war changed.
The Iron-Blood Great Wall surged outward—hundreds of li in a moment, expanding by at least ten li per minute.
In the Bohai Realm, panic broke out.
Until now, they had resisted only because Great Yi had not committed its full strength.
But now, with a full-scale offensive…
Their resistance crumbled like wet paper.
One Immortal City after another was moved from Great Yi's rear lines, occupying strategic zones.
They didn't even need to clear out enemies—once the city landed, destiny gathered, and order was established.
These were not new cities. They were powerhouses forged over decades.
Each city dropped into place like a strategic chess piece, sealing entire regions.
At the same time, intelligence reports flooded into the Shadowmoon Imperial Court.
A great transformation was underway.
From the top of the Sacrificial Heaven Platform, the Seven-Night Demon Sovereigns stood solemnly.
"The Shadowmoon Dynasty ascends… to Empire Status!"
A colossal Fortune Dragon roared toward the sky, charging into a heavenly tribulation of thunder.
Through this baptism, it evolved into a Six-Clawed Azure Dragon.
The Shadowmoon had absorbed countless demonic forces, greatly strengthening its foundation.
Their upgrade came with enormous benefits.
Moments later…
"Urgent report!!"
"Your Majesty—the front lines are collapsing!"
"Great Yi has launched a full-scale attack!"
"They've advanced 3,000 li already and continue pushing.Immortal Cities flood into the Bohai Realm.Our defenses are failing—we urgently request reinforcements!"
One scout after another arrived, panic in their voices.
"Great Yi dares to attack while this Emperor ascends?!"
"They show no respect at all!!"
The Seven-Night Emperor trembled with fury.