Da Yi had never ceased its surveillance and investigation of the Eight Great Realms. Realms like the Dark Ring Realm, which had yet to be unified, were prime targets of attention. Precisely because they weren't unified, they were easier to conquer and easier to win hearts and minds. Once taken, they could be swiftly brought under control. The Heavenly Strategy Palace collected massive amounts of intelligence daily, making predictions and drafting invasion strategies.
They had originally been pondering how to make an entry, but unexpectedly, a delegation representing various factions from the Dark Ring Realm arrived on their own initiative. It was like a pillow appearing just when one was drowsy—perfect timing.
"According to recent reports, the Dark Ring envoys are extremely interested in the affairs of our Da Yi society, especially the intermarriage between different races and the human race. This suggests that although the Dark Ring Realm houses various races coexisting—united by the common struggle against the Dark Demon Lord—there is little racial tension. There doesn't appear to be much animosity toward humanity either. That being the case, it may be possible to turn these foreign races to our own use."
Xun Yu stepped forward and said after some thought.
"Then how should we of Da Yi handle these foreign forces that wish to submit to us—some of which may be entire kingdoms? If we accept them entirely, even granting them status and rank, wouldn't that be akin to allowing a country within a country? I believe we must tread carefully and act with utmost caution."
Su Shi also spoke up again.
Indeed, if foreign forces were accepted into Da Yi, how to properly manage and integrate them would become a significant issue.
A "nation within a nation" was clearly unacceptable. Within the borders of Da Yi, there could only be one Destiny Dynasty. That was a line that could never be crossed.
On the other hand, if these foreign groups were completely dismantled and scattered throughout Da Yi, that too could be problematic. The foreign races might perceive it as betrayal after being used. Keeping them intact wasn't feasible either. The dilemma was complex.
If Da Yi refused them outright, then future foreign races considering allegiance might hesitate, distrusting Da Yi's sincerity.
A standard procedure needed to be established—sooner rather than later.
In Da Yi's road to expansion, this kind of situation would surely repeat in the future.
"Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, although Da Yi has allowed intermarriage between humans and other races, which shows our magnanimity, we cannot allow large-scale migration of foreign races into our Immortal Cities without restriction, to avoid hidden dangers. I propose that we adopt a tiered system for integrating foreign races that pledge loyalty to us."
Said Xi Zhicai after a brief moment of reflection.
"Please elaborate, my dear subject,"
Yi Tianxing nodded.
"I propose that for the upper echelons of foreign forces who join us, they may be granted noble titles and Da Yi household registration, enabling them to enjoy the same treatment and benefits as Da Yi nobles — respect, wealth, status, and even our national fortune. That alone should satisfy them."
Xi Zhicai took a deep breath and continued:
"As for the ordinary members of these foreign races, they could be relocated to wilderness areas near Da Yi's Immortal Cities. While still technically in the wilds, they'd be close enough to bask in the light of Da Yi civilization. They could engage in trade, intermarry, and communicate. Over time—three generations, five generations—these foreign races will inevitably be assimilated and become part of our strength. This is how we turn outsiders into our own."
Within Da Yi's borders, whether it be cities or wilderness, all fell under the empire's rule. Allocating designated zones in the wilderness for these foreign groups to live and reproduce was a simple matter. The wilderness existed precisely to give space to such groups, easing social tensions and creating a more balanced, stable environment.
"Excellent idea. For the leaders, lure them with titles, riches, and benefits. For the masses, assimilate them slowly over generations. In the end, they will become one with us. Even foreign races can become part of a greater unity."
Liu Bowen nodded in agreement with a smile.
The greatest strength of the human race was its ability to assimilate.
This was one of the most powerful innate traits of the Yanhuang bloodline. Just like in history, when Huaxia was invaded repeatedly by foreign tribes, it never took more than a few hundred years before those tribes were absorbed and became Chinese. Their territories were woven into new dynasties, their peoples part of the Han. Huaxia remained Huaxia; the flame of Yan and Huang never extinguished.
Absorbing foreign races to strengthen the foundation—this was the might of the Yanhuang lineage.
As long as the human race wasn't completely exterminated, eventually, those outsiders would become one of their own.
And now, with Yi Tianxing's divine laws firmly in place across Da Yi, even with intermarriage, the human bloodline would never be diluted — only enhanced. The traits and gifts of other races would be swiftly absorbed. By the time the foreign races realized it, they would already be inseparably bound to Da Yi, perhaps even unwilling to return to the uncivilized wilderness.
"Very well. The Dark Ring envoy group shall be hosted by the Ministry of Rites. Since they wish to observe Da Yi society, let them. Take them to tour our Immortal Cities across various realms and experience our customs and culture. Perhaps they'll become so enchanted they won't want to leave."
Yi Tianxing smiled calmly.
He had no psychological barrier against dealing with foreign races. Everything was for the human race, for Da Yi. And after all, all of it was based on voluntary cooperation.
And this method had its strategic benefits — those friendly to Da Yi would settle in wilderness zones closer to cities; those hostile would be placed deeper in the wilderness, far from influence. This was a subtle, effective means of classification. Though not foolproof, it was sound policy.
"Now, let us speak of how to deal with the Dark Demon Lord Sauron. According to reliable intelligence, Sauron has already advanced to the Dao Platform Realm. His demonic cultivation is extremely formidable. He is currently using the power of the Dark Altar to transform the entire realm into a Demon Domain. Once the transformation is complete, he'll gain near-immortality within that domain. He also commands a vast army of demons, half-beasts, and a terrifying Nazgûl Legion forged from the Nine Rings. His strength is not to be underestimated."
Yi Tianxing shifted the topic.
Undoubtedly, the Dark Demon Lord was a powerful figure — someone at the level of a true great cultivator in the Dao Platform Realm.
Especially the Nazgûl Legion — according to intel, Sauron possessed the true Supreme Demonic Ring, an innate top-grade demonic treasure. It allowed him to split off eight sub-rings, each a low-grade innate demonic treasure.
Combined with the original, there were nine rings total.
The other eight rings had been sent to eight major races:
Humans
Dwarves
Elves
Treants
Beastmen
Half-beasts
Hobbits
Harpies
These rings ultimately gave rise to eight terrible Nazgûl Legions.
Fallen warriors from each of these races were devoured and transformed into Nazgûl by the rings. Once unleashed, they would wreak utter destruction.
Worse still, the Nazgûl were essentially undead—even if destroyed, they would regenerate from the demonic rings. Unless the rings themselves were destroyed, killing them was useless.
This meant any battle against Sauron would be a long and bitter war.
"The most direct approach is to build the Iron-Blood Great Wall as a forward bulwark, then push steadily into the Dark Ring Realm. We must prevent Sauron from fully transforming the realm into his Dark Demon Domain. Then, we execute a decapitation strike — kill Sauron, and the dark armies will crumble into chaos. This is the most efficient and decisive method. Otherwise, with endless Nazgûl, he could drag us into a prolonged war, which would not be in our favor."
Said Jia Xu firmly.
The decapitation strike — this was the Heavenly Strategy Palace's primary recommendation for dealing with the Demonic Ring Realm.
There were two key reasons it could succeed:
Sauron had not established a Destiny Dynasty, so he had no national karma protecting him. There would be no karmic backlash from killing him — a crucial requirement for any assassination attempt.
His rule was built solely on his personal power. Once he died, his forces would splinter and fall apart.
Moreover, with war already underway, most of Sauron's forces had been dispatched to various fronts. His personal protection was likely minimal. His overconfidence in his strength would only help the assassins.
In contrast, trying to assassinate a Destiny Emperor was almost suicidal. Even success would come at terrible cost — mutual destruction. No one would try it unless truly desperate.
But with Sauron — kill him, and be done with it.
"The decapitation plan can proceed. But in my opinion, we should also consider another strategy — to steal the Supreme Demonic Ring from Sauron. If we can do that, his strength would collapse instantly."
Liu Bowen added his thoughts.
One plan might not be enough. Having alternatives increased the chances of success.
Even if they couldn't steal the main ring, getting their hands on one or more of the eight sub-rings would still weaken Sauron's forces.
"Stealing an innate magic treasure won't be easy, but we do have people capable of such things in Da Yi. Very well—initiate the theft plan. Send orders to the Tongtian Pavilion and the Calamity Hall. For this assassination and theft operation, both must cooperate fully. Leave nothing to chance."
Yi Tianxing nodded in agreement.