The Yin-Yang Bridge did not immediately vanish after completing its purpose.
Instead, it left behind a projected bridge suspended between the two realms' Ghost Gate Passes. With this projection anchored, it could now be continuously reinforced through the power of the Feng Shui Array, gradually forming a permanent Yin-Yang Path.
Previously, the bridge had simply served as a temporary connection, a medium for linking the living and the dead.
But now—with the array established—it was no longer needed in its original form.
At that moment, above Nine Nether City, vast black clouds gathered. Amid the rolling darkness, an ancient bridge extended from the void, descending directly into the city.
Thick black mist churned.
A mysterious power began to manifest.
A giant Ghost Gate Pass formed within the city—at first illusory, but under the mysterious Dao Runes flashing around it, and with the Yin-Yang energies pouring in from the projected bridge, it rapidly solidified into reality, floating in mid-air.
Even from thousands of miles away, it could be seen—vivid and lifelike.
However, it still gave off a subtly different aura from the real Ghost Gate Pass. Within the gate, a black-and-white pathway was visible—its end unknowable.
"It's back! The Yin-Yang Passage is finally open again!
So many cultivators in the city were growing restless during the shutdown. But now... now it's all coming back!"
From atop the walls of Nine Nether City, Zhao Li, in his usual flamboyant attire, grinned with delight as he gazed at the Ghost Gate Pass and the Yin-Yang Bridge projection.
This passage was the foundation of the Yin-Yang Trade Market.
When the connection had previously collapsed, the market had closed—and all traffic between the two realms had ceased.
This had caused widespread dissatisfaction in Nine Nether City.
After having tasted the benefits of resource exchange and interaction between realms, many cultivators had become reliant on it—not just for cultivation, but for profit. Those who were early to trade had already made fortunes.
The abrupt closure of the passage left them scrambling. Vital resources from the living world were suddenly cut off, creating shortages and desperation.
Some nearly incited riots.
Were it not for the aura of the Underworld King, along with the Nine-Child Ghost Mother and the Yellow Springs Inn, issuing joint proclamations, the city would have fallen into chaos.
Atop the highest floor of the Yellow Springs Inn, two figures stood—Meng Qi in her black palace dress, and the King Acha, both staring up at the reopened passage.
"Acha," Meng Qi said softly, "my husband sent word—this time, he's designated an entire realm in the Yang World for the trade market. It's called the Dead Sea Realm.
Unsuitable for mortals to live in long-term, but perfect for underworld cultivators and the undead races.
The entire realm will become the main trading ground between Great Yi and the Netherworld. This is the full-scale opening of the Yin-Yang Market. The goods flowing through will only grow—endlessly."
"Mm," Acha nodded. "Then we'll need to expand Nine Nether City. At this rate, we'll fall behind Great Yi's pace.
Honestly, Ah Qi, your eye for men is terrifyingly sharp—you managed to snag Yi Tianxing, that monster. You have no idea how many women in the Netherworld envy and hate you right now. They'd throw themselves at him if they could."
She chuckled teasingly.
"Let them try," Meng Qi replied calmly. "After all, the Sacred King's harem is already filled with consorts—I'm just one among them.
But he's a man of vision and principle. He's never wasted time on romantic indulgence.
He treats every woman in the palace with genuine respect—no discrimination, no condescension. He gives them full autonomy, and speaks to them with sincerity."
Meng Qi smiled faintly. She had no regrets about choosing Yi Tianxing.
Among all his virtues, his respect for women was what she valued most.
That kind of sincerity—was the most precious of all.
"Tch, you've really fallen hard," Acha laughed. "A woman in love—hopeless.
But with the Sacred King preparing such a massive site, we of the Netherworld must act too. The Nether King's Hall and Meng Po's lineage aren't enough—we'll need to bring in more forces.
When benefits are involved, shared profit is the king's way."
Meanwhile, Nine Nether City had erupted in jubilation.
"Amazing! The market's open again! I've got a stash of rare materials ready to go—I'm sure I'll fetch a great price in the Yang World!"
"Heh heh, I've got daughters to marry off! This time, I'll broker a few marriages—build strong ties across the realms!"
As soon as the passage stabilized, groups of underworld cultivators began flocking through it.
In short order, they emerged into the Dead Sea Realm, gazing around at the transformed Fengdu City and the new environment.
Joy filled their hearts.
Compared to before, the environment here was ten times better—and they could freely roam within the realm as long as they returned within the allowed time.
"The Dead Sea Realm is now fully operational. No more major fluctuations should occur."
In Xuanhuang Immortal City, Yi Tianxing observed the scene.
With the Yin-Yang Passage reopened, and underworld cultivators moving freely, he nodded to himself in satisfaction.
The territorial fate of the realm was now surging and converging—the Dead Sea was fully stabilized.
Even the few remaining undead survivors wouldn't dare stir trouble.
In fact, with the trade reopening, they might even welcome it.
Everything else could be debated—but profit was eternal.
"Congratulations, Sacred King! Great Yi has claimed yet another realm!"
The ministers bowed in unison, offering formal congratulations.
This was a momentous occasion.
Now, only one of the original four major realms remained unclaimed: the Caribbean Realm.
But even that was now within reach.
"Sacred King," reported Mao Sui, stepping forward,"In the Caribbean Realm, all human factions on islands and continents have pledged allegiance to Great Yi.
They are ready to become citizens. At your command, their lands will switch banners, swear loyalty, and undergo reconstruction.
Our craftsmen can be dispatched immediately to upgrade and modify their existing cities—or we can directly transplant our Immortal Cities, saving time and effort."
"As for the pirates," he added,"I used the Zheng Clan as a mediator. They've already persuaded three legendary pirates to join Great Yi.
I promised them the chance to command naval legions in the future. If this exceeds my authority, I await your judgment."
"No matter," Yi Tianxing replied calmly. "You were authorized for flexibility in the field.
These legendary pirates are no simple characters—they've survived countless battles and mastered naval warfare.
Our naval legions are still forming. If they've proven their worth, give them a legion number. It's justified."
Though pirates were often despicable, talent should not be wasted.
In Great Yi, merit and capability were paramount.
Unless someone had committed truly unforgivable crimes, they could be granted a clean slate. But if they reoffended, the laws of Great Yi would deal with them—no talent could shield them then.
"This time, Mao Aiqing has laid the foundation well," Yi Tianxing continued.
"From here, the Tiance Mansion and Military Affairs Pavilion will take over.
Coordinate every department of Great Yi. Be swift, precise, and ruthless.
During the Demon Sea campaign, your performance was exceptional. Now that the groundwork is done—it's time to shine."
Only the Caribbean Realm remained.
The time for reaping had come.
The only question was how to do it with maximum finesse.
"Rest assured, Sacred King," Jia Xu said with a confident smile.
"The Caribbean Realm is much like the Demon Sea—fragmented, unstable.
No dominant forces. Even the so-called empires are mere petty kingdoms.
With chaos ruling the seas, this realm is nothing but a wild land awaiting conquest.
To unify it—we'll only need one night."
"Very good," Yi Tianxing nodded with approval.
"I look forward to your performance."
Suddenly—
"Sacred King!"Cao Zhengchun rushed forward."News from the palace—Consort Wanfei is about to give birth. Please return at once!"
"Wan'er… she's going into labor?" Yi Tianxing blinked in surprise.
Then smiled.
"These little ones… they really do pick their timing."