Soon, the officials in the grand hall once again began arranging and coordinating the seventeen newly annexed realms. Personnel, supplies, and logistics had to be meticulously prepared. Expansion could not afford a single misstep. Everything proceeded according to established procedures—follow the rules, and nothing could go wrong.
At this moment, the intensity of the Demon Calamity could not threaten Great Yi—it only served as a catalyst for expansion. The meat delivered to the mouth must be eaten, and Great Yi's "stomach" was more than capable.
Two hours later, the court session concluded, and officials returned to their respective duties. The next wave of expansion was confirmed to begin tomorrow.
Numerous bounty hunters and a large number of city-level talents were already being assigned and organized by the Ministry of Personnel. As the news spread, the backup city-level talents smiled in anticipation. After waiting for so long, the day had finally come—they would step onto the grand stage of Great Yi.
"Mastery of both civil and martial arts, sold to the imperial house. Years of diligent study and cultivation, and finally, the day has come. Now I can apply all I've learned to govern my city. The city I oversee will surely prosper."
"Haha, I've long prepared a comprehensive plan for the city I am to govern—accounting for every possible situation: the environment, resources, and local conditions. I will adjust accordingly to bring the city onto the right track as quickly as possible, ensuring prosperity and innovation. By adapting to the land, I'll even create its unique specialties."
Each prospective city lord radiated excitement and anticipation. Ever since being selected through the imperial examination, they had been preparing to govern their own immortal city, even practicing in the virtual city-lord system within the Star Network, accumulating experience. Many had accomplished remarkable feats in these virtual simulations. Yet virtual experience was only so real. Now, the true test had come—they would finally become real city lords.
Excitement bubbled, and each of them was eager to begin immediately.
…
After consulting with officials on state matters and reviewing memorials, a white-haired, pale-faced eunuch approached. His aura carried a subtle, unusual softness, distinguishing him from ordinary eunuchs.
This was Wei Zhongxian.
Talents must be used to their full potential. Since he was skilled, he was assigned a position in the Immortal Palace as an attendant.
"Your Majesty, Concubine Jun has sent word. The Rainbow Cloud Cake has been prepared at Qingyun Palace. She invites you to taste it," Wei Zhongxian said.
"Concubine Jun? Very well. We shall take our leave for Qingyun Palace and rest there tonight," Yi Tianxing replied after a brief contemplation.
Concubine Jun, a newly selected palace maiden named Yu Tingjun, was gentle, virtuous, and had exceptional culinary skills. Her signature dessert, Rainbow Cloud Cake, was unparalleled. Seven rainbow colors, each representing a unique flavor, combined into a single creation—ever-changing, endlessly delightful, and beyond ordinary imagination.
Yi Tianxing was a true connoisseur of sweets. Hearing that Rainbow Cloud Cake had been prepared, he could barely wait.
Soon, he arrived outside Qingyun Palace. Inside, the halls were brightly lit, and maidservants stood at attention, bowing upon seeing him.
"Your Majesty, welcome," they said.
A graceful figure emerged: clad in cyan palace attire, her curves perfectly defined, her chest prominent and captivating, her skin as white as jade, exuding endless charm. This was Yu Tingjun, a woman of peerless beauty. Outside the palace, she alone could captivate hearts. Yet she had joined the imperial selection without hesitation, standing out from millions of contenders—a beauty beyond mortal comparison.
Her talent matched her beauty.
"Husband!" she greeted softly.
Yi Tianxing smiled calmly.
"Yes, husband," she replied with a faint smile. "I have prepared the Rainbow Cloud Cake inside. Now is the perfect time to taste it."
"Then it seems your husband is in for a treat," Yi Tianxing said, eager, and entered the palace.
The interior was elegant yet simple, creating a serene, relaxed atmosphere. The Rainbow Cloud Cake, colorful like a rainbow, shaped like tiny rainbow bridges, exquisite and artistic, was almost too beautiful to eat. It was a feast for the eyes, aroma, and taste alike.
"Please taste it and see if my skills have improved," Yu Tingjun said lightly.
"Very well, I shall taste it," Yi Tianxing replied, unhesitant.
He placed a piece in his mouth. The flavors burst on his tongue—cottony yet elastic, delicate yet full of richness. A unique, almost intoxicating sensation enveloped his senses. The cake had a power that made one relax and feel joyous, unable to stop at just one piece.
The Rainbow Cloud Cake slowly disappeared from his hands.
"Your skill has improved tremendously. Such a rare and exquisite treat. Now it is time for your husband to repay you," Yi Tianxing said, smiling, pulling Yu Tingjun into his arms and toward the inner chambers.
Soon, soft, blush-inducing sounds filled the room. The maidservants looked away, embarrassed.
The intense session continued for half the night. Only Yu Tingjun's repeated pleas prevented it from going further. Afterward, the couple lay embraced in bed, a layer of clouds obscuring the temptations. They drifted into sleep.
Although cultivators could forgo sleep, in Great Yi, daytime rising and nighttime sleeping was customary. Sleep was essential for regulating mind and body. Overindulgence in meditation alone could tighten the spirit, leading to stagnation. Balanced cultivation was the proper path. Sleep remained the perfect way to refresh oneself.
As they slept, an hour passed. Unbeknownst to Yi Tianxing, Yu Tingjun's eyes suddenly opened. Her gaze had changed completely—pitch black, deep and eerie, devoid of emotion, chilling to behold. Focus seemed absent; even those who met her gaze would subconsciously look away.
Her delicate jade-like hand reached toward a strand of Yi Tianxing's hair, slicing off a thumb-length segment. The strand disappeared into her eyes as if swallowed by a void.
Once finished, her eyes returned to normal, filled with softness. She looked at Yi Tianxing with affection, then closed her eyes and resumed sleep. It was as if nothing had happened.
Yi Tianxing opened his own eyes, staring at her intently. His gaze carried anger and coldness, thoughts flashing through his mind, yet he made no further moves, returning to rest.
…
Outside Great Yi, in a realm of high mountains, cliffs, and vast wilderness, a special secret realm lay hidden.
Though only a few hundred miles across, a black altar stood at its center, covered in mysterious runes exuding profound Dao resonance. Each rune radiated an ominous, chilling aura.
Upon the altar sat a figure—a swirl of black mist, which coalesced into a woman in black palace attire. Her face was obscured by fog, her figure perfect, captivating all who saw her. Her eyes were pitch black, cold and merciless.
In her hand appeared a black broken hair, unbreakable even by ordinary divine weapons.
"No matter how powerful you are, under my Dao Fetus Heart Demon, countless flaws remain. It is time to strike."