As Tong Huang finished recounting the situation, the ministers gathered in the grand hall were filled with anticipation and longing.
The military generals, in particular, were stirred with blood-boiling fervor—because this was exactly the battlefield where they would make their names and earn honors.
These were the targeted realms, the next domains to be brought under Great Yi's control,and the foundation upon which new achievements would be built.
"Among these eight realms," said Liu Bowen, taking a deep breath,"some already possess unified regimes—true hegemonic powers."
"To conquer them will not be easy.Especially the ones ruled by non-human races—if war breaks out, it will be a clash between species."
"We must be prepared to fight to the end—there will be bloodshed."
This was no exaggeration.
To non-human races, territory was sacred—especially when they ruled entire realms.They would never surrender easily, no matter how strong Great Yi appeared.
Anyone who surrendered without resistance would either be a fool—or harboring a trap.
Examples like the:
Beastmen Realm,
Titan Realm,
Dragonbeast Realm,
Skyfire Realm,
Featherwing Realm,
would all demand hard-fought battles.
On the other hand, places like Shushan Realm, where sects ruled over mortals and even overshadowed royal authority, might actually be easier to take down.
Even the Dark Ring World, home to the dark overlord Sauron, remained in chaos and lacked unified control—thus, its conquest might be less difficult.
"Indeed," added Xun Yu,"with the realms growing more unified, future campaigns will only become harder.We must act quickly.Great Yi has the population and foundation—what we lack is territory."
When the Dragon, Phoenix, and Qilin clans withdrew from the Eternal World, they left behind massive power vacuums.
These gaps bred chaos, and only a unified regime could restore stability.
Some realms might unify in a few years, others in decades—and some, perhaps centuries.
But within a hundred years, the situation would stabilize across most realms.
And that meant—this century was the golden opportunity.
For any ambitious power, now was the best time to expand.
As time passed, unified realms would increase—and the cost of conquest would only grow higher.
Now was the moment for the strong to rise, for stars to be born.
And Great Yi had the strength, population, and talent.
If it did not expand now—it would be struck down by Heaven itself!
Campaigns.
Endless campaigns.
Every realm must be brought under the Great Yi banner.
This was the path of expansion—the road of destiny.
"Indeed," said Ji Zhicai,"while we expand, we must not grow reckless."
"Though we've secured four new realms,the Celestial Cities need time to take root,to fully integrate and stabilize."
It wasn't enough to just occupy a realm.
The realm had to be governed, its people brought into the fold, its economy developed.
Otherwise, it would become a drain, not an asset.
"Lord Ji speaks well," nodded Yi Tianxing.
"A Celestial City must cultivate its local specialty,influence nearby areas,and win the recognition of the people."
"Outside, open spiritual fields and explore the wilderness.Inside, allow the people to grow stronger."
"Half a year should suffice."
For now, expansion would pause for six months.
But not to rest—rather to prepare, gather intelligence, and plan.
Expansion and the people's well-being must move forward hand in hand.
"The Saint King is wise," the ministers praised in unison.
"Holy King," stepped forward Mao Sui,"in this recent conquest of the Four Realms, many individuals contributed greatly."
"For instance, the Zheng Clan of Coconut King Island—they were the first to submit, provided pirate intel,and helped persuade other pirate lords to surrender."
They deserved commendation.
Their example could be used to win hearts and minds across other realms.
"Indeed," Yi Tianxing nodded.
"What does the court suggest as proper rewards for those who have rendered meritorious service?"
"They must be rewarded," said Huang Chengyan.
"This will show the world that Great Yi rewards loyalty generously.
Like buying a fine horse by paying dearly for its bones—the first to surrender must be richly honored."
The nobility system of Great Yi existed precisely for this reason.
"Very well," said Yi Tianxing.
"What level of nobility should we confer?"
"In my view," said Mao Sui,"the Celestial Dragon Emperor who surrendered his entire realm should be granted the title of First-Rank Earl."
"No other reward should exceed this.
The Zheng Clan, with their great contributions,may be granted the title of Viscount, perhaps even First-Rank Viscount."
"Others should receive proportionate honors—lower Viscount ranks based on merit and past conduct."
A Viscount title was prestigious.
Given their former pirate background, the Zhengs would certainly be satisfied.
"Agreed!"
"A fair display of our sincerity."
"We support the proposal."
The entire court approved.
After all, Great Yi's noble titles were not given out lightly.
"Then it's decided," said Yi Tianxing.
"After court, draft the reward edicts and submit them.The Six Ministries will deliberate, and the Heavenly Virtue Hall will finalize it."
Though Great Yi lacked a formal Cabinet, the Heavenly Virtue Hall functioned as such—only the virtuous were permitted entry.
"My lords," Yi Tianxing continued, smiling,"today, I have another announcement to make."
"We await your decree!" the ministers declared.
"Announce the edict!" Yi Tianxing waved his hand.
"Yes, Holy King."The Sunflower Ancestor stepped forward, opened the scroll, and read aloud:
"By the will of Heaven and decree of the Saint King:
Great Yi rose from humble beginnings,fighting fierce beasts and foreign races,building its foundations with blood and sacrifice.
Through the efforts of its ministers, the valor of its generals,and the courage of its people, the Dynasty of Destiny was born.
These deeds deserve great reward.
Therefore, I hereby grant noble titles.
Share in Great Yi's glory—rise and fall with the nation—and be honored forever in its name!"
The proclamation echoed across all Great Yi,from wilderness to Celestial Cities.
"Listen! A decree!"
"The Saint King is bestowing noble titles to ministers and generals!"
"It's well deserved!Without their blood and sweat, Great Yi would not be what it is today."
"I wonder what ranks they'll receive.Could someone become a Duke or Marquis?"
In Great Yi, only military merit could earn such ranks.
Not even talent alone would suffice.
Even cultivators across the land quietly paid attention.
The Noble Titles Registry was one of the most important lists in the realm—it granted benefits to descendants, and was a legacy for families.
Every court minister had a wife, children, and clan.
None would take this decree lightly.
Even the ministers were secretly thrilled—this announcement had come as a surprise.
"These titles will be granted based on your accumulated merit points," Yi Tianxing declared.
"And will deduct the appropriate merit upon conferment.
We have already established a system for merit-to-title conversion."
Great Yi's Six Noble Ranks:
Duke (王)
Marquis (公)
Earl (伯)
Viscount (子)
Baron (男)
Baron:
Entry: 10,000 merit points → 9th-rank Baron
8th-rank: +20,000 merit
7th-rank: +30,000 merit
…
1st-rank Baron: 450,000 merit points
Viscount:
Entry: 500,000 merit points → 9th-rank Viscount
8th-rank: +50,000 merit
7th-rank: +100,000 merit
…
1st-rank Viscount: 2,300,000 merit points
Earl:
Entry: 2,500,000 merit points → 9th-rank Earl
8th-rank: +100,000
7th-rank: +200,000
…
1st-rank Earl: 28,000,000 merit points