Over the years, Tongtian Pavilion had become a cradle for the strongest of cultivators. Those who entered were all top human geniuses. Once inside, they enjoyed a continuous supply of resources, the best cultivation environment, and top-tier cultivation materials. Techniques, divine abilities—nothing was lacking. As long as one had the talent, they could climb step by step within the Pavilion and rise through its ranks.
Within the Great Yi Dynasty, those who did not enter the court or the military mostly went into Tongtian Pavilion. For instance: Fu Hongxue, Zhiqiu Yiye, Lu Zhishen, Sikong Zhaixing, Bu Jingyun—all had joined the Pavilion.
Inside, they could train and also spar regularly with experts of similar level, refining their techniques and divine abilities. Some even formed teams to enter the Nightmare World through the Star Network and the Gate of Nightmare, undergoing real combat trials. Even if they died repeatedly in the Nightmare World, the experience they gained was invaluable.
True experts were emerging one after another.
Many even mastered unique skills.
Among the strongest, some had already achieved combat strength on par with the True Spirit realm.
For example, Fu Hongxue—his Heaven-Slaying Blade Technique had reached a level that could terrify ghosts and gods. His blade intent had endured seven rounds of heavenly tribulation. This was the intent of a Seven-Tribulation Blade, and he had become a genuine Seven-Tribulation Blade Cultivator—a true blade cultivator. A pure blade cultivator was far more terrifying than one who merely possessed blade intent. This was someone entirely devoted to the Dao of the Blade.
Against such a blade cultivator, even typical True Spirit realm cultivators would pale in comparison. Blocking their path meant risking being cut in half with a single strike. Fighting across realms was not difficult. A True Spirit cultivator could challenge even a Dao Platform realm powerhouse.
Their sharpness was utterly fearsome.
Supreme in the blade, sincere in the blade.
Endless resources, tempered time and again with blood, marching forward with unmatched courage. Armed with unshakable belief, they dared to send their blade intent into the Heavenly Gang thunder layer to be refined. The identity of a Seven-Tribulation Blade Cultivator was forged through slaughter. No one within the Pavilion dared question them.
The Hall of Calamities also gathered a large number of top-tier experts and uniquely talented individuals. If they joined forces, their combined strength would be formidable.
"Holy King is wise."
All the ministers bowed and voiced their agreement.
Of course, this was merely the first step. Ultimately, the main legions would have to launch their campaigns to truly seize the fate of Heaven and Earth. A wide deployment of Great Yi's immortal cities would be needed to solidify control. A steady, step-by-step approach was key to fully occupying the territory.
"Since we've confirmed our campaign against the Dark Ring Realm, then all my dear ministers, let us also discuss the other realms. Can Great Yi support full-scale war across all of them, or should we proceed one realm at a time?"
Yi Tianxing nodded slightly as he spoke.
He was seizing this opportunity to establish policy. Great Yi had now rested and recovered enough. People's livelihoods across the realm were returning to normal. Moreover, the Heavenly Works Pavilion and the Ministry of Works were working together to rapidly forge a great number of immortal cities. The current reserves of immortal cities increased daily. According to reports, they already had enough to cover five brand-new realms. The remaining ones could be completed in short order.
"Reporting to the Holy King—our Heavenly Strategy Hall has compiled intelligence from all eight major realms. We believe it's unwise to launch simultaneous wars on all fronts. At most, we should attack two realms at the same time. Moreover, it's best to choose two realms that have not yet been unified. This way, we can better divide and conquer, using strategy to its full extent. The Dark Ring Realm is one; the Shushan Realm is another."
Jia Xu spoke up.
"There's no question—if lips perish, teeth grow cold. No realm will idly stand by while others are swallowed up. No force will willingly give up their hold. None are that generous. Compared to being granted a title under Great Yi, ruling one's own domain is far more free and unrestrained."
"What's the current situation in the Shushan Realm?"Yi Tianxing asked again.
Clearly, the Shushan Realm was one of the easier targets.
"The Shushan Realm is home to various immortal sects and dark sects. Power is fragmented. Within the territory, these sects reign supreme, each covering vast regions. The people there obey sect decrees and exist to gather resources and supply talented offspring to their sects."
Tong Huang stepped forward and quickly laid out the situation.
"There aren't many alien races in that realm. There are a large number of fierce beasts and demonic monsters. Mortals are mainly human, organized by cities. These cities are under sect protection, with disciples stationed to oversee them. In fact, even the selection of city lords comes from sect disciples. Outer sect disciples are especially keen on becoming lords, building families of their own. Outstanding children can advance into inner sects."
This was the typical sect-based structure. Just like the Green Mountain Sect of old, the commoners under them not only had to labor but also offer prayers day and night, supplying incense and wish power. Failure to comply meant punishment or even death. In the territory of dark sects, life was even crueler and more oppressive. One could imagine the conditions.
Everything existed to serve the sect. All effort was spent for the mere chance that one child might join the sect and rise above others. This sliver of hope was what the bottom rung of society clung to. Life was livable—but their blood, their backbone, and even their yearning for freedom were all suppressed and erased.
Overall, in the Shushan Realm, the sects ruled supreme.
Sects only needed to cultivate. All resources flowed to them. The spiritual grains planted by mortals—they ate freely. Crystals mined—they used freely. The incense and wish power from rituals—these were vital cultivation resources. Each wisp accelerated their training and could even be used to forge spiritual currency.
Thus, as long as the sects were subdued, the regions they controlled could be resolved with ease.
"How shall we target the Shushan Realm?"Yi Tianxing nodded and looked around the hall, asking.
"Block the gates!!"
Liu Bowen spoke only two words.
Block the gates—what did that mean?
It meant going directly to each major sect's front gate and issuing a challenge. Facing such direct challenges, no sect could remain passive. If they failed to deal with the challenger, their reputation would plummet. The blow to morale and confidence would be devastating—and the impact widespread.
"Send our strongest from every realm of cultivation—Spirit Sea realm, Fate Aperture realm, even True Spirit realm—and challenge every tier of sect disciple. Crush them. Shatter their arrogance and any lingering hope. This is how sects traditionally settle disputes. If they lose, they must accept Great Yi's decree. All mortals under their protection will belong to Great Yi. The sects will obey our Heavenly Decrees and live in peace. If they refuse, then we deploy the army to eliminate them. Courtesy before force—this also shows Great Yi's magnanimity."
Liu Bowen continued.
From the sects' perspective, there was mutual benefit: they protected the people, who in return supplied incense and faith. They were not inherently wrong. But from Great Yi's perspective, this was completely wrong. Channeling the effort of the masses to strengthen a small elite? Suppressing the blood and creativity of the human race? Unacceptable.
There was no absolute right or wrong—only differing standpoints.
Sects did not lack heritage. Though they didn't build formal armies, they had Dao Soldiers—the true foundation of a sect. These Dao Soldiers could traverse the heavens and earth, slaying gods and demons. They were ruthless and elite. A single squad could rival a full army. Cultivating them, however, required immense resources and careful rituals passed down as core legacies.
In a real fight, sects couldn't match an imperial court, but combined, they were formidable. Just in the Shushan Realm, estimates from the Heavenly Strategy Hall showed the number of Dao Soldiers could exceed tens of millions—a top-tier fighting force capable of immense destruction.
"You raise soldiers for a thousand days to use them in one. Let the Tongtian Pavilion send forth its enshrined warriors. After years of support, it's time they showed their worth."
Yi Tianxing nodded. This approach of courtesy before force was ideal—if war could be delayed, all the better. Still, the military must be prepared. He then added:"Kongming, have the Four Absolutes Legion hold the line and act as the main strike force for the Shushan Realm."
"Heavenly Registry Hall—you must oversee the population registry. At least half the human population of the Shushan Realm must be relocated and blended with our own people. Their blood has been suppressed; their backbone broken. They must be guided. Environment is key. Our human race must be strong. Without blood, without courage, that cannot be. They've grown accustomed to begging strongmen for pity—this cannot be tolerated!"
A nation's growth required both strength and spirit. Great Yi citizens would help awaken their buried fire.
Among a herd of sheep, even wolves may become dogs. But among wolves, even sheep will grow horns.
The court session continued, with one order after another quickly put into motion.
...
In the Cosmic Cube Cloud Realm—
At the domain gate leading to the True Martial Realm, a flash of light emerged.
A middle-aged man in plain robes stepped out, an iron sword strapped to his back.
A peerlessly proud aura radiated from him in an instant.