Even among sea beasts, peaceful coexistence was rare. Some species were natural enemies and would attack each other on sight, fighting to the death. It was only natural, then, to find beast remains on this small island—nothing unusual. The island was also home to a large number of seabirds, massive in size and capable of slaying sea beasts mid-flight. In the ocean, they wielded significant deterrent power.
These birds had razor-sharp talons and beak-like spears. A single strike from their beaks could punch a gaping hole through even the thickest skull. Many of the skeletons bore such punctures—clear evidence of the birds' terrifying nature.
"These birds are known as Skullpiercers," Wu Yong explained."Their beaks are like spears, and they possess elongated bodies. They feed on the brain matter inside the skulls of other creatures. It's said that consuming brain matter enhances their intelligence, making them both more cunning and more vicious. Even sea beasts tremble at their presence."
In preparation for this expedition, Wu Yong had immersed himself in oceanic knowledge. Lacking innate talent, he relied on diligence to make up the difference. He had spent this entire period gathering intelligence about marine creatures, their traits, and their habits.
The Skullpiercers, having appeared during the recent beast tide, were already on their radar.
"Kill them all. This island may be small, but it's more than enough to house a celestial city. With a city anchored here, the surrounding waters will fall under Da Yi's control. It will become our first sea-bound fortress," Yi Tianxing declared without hesitation.
Though the island was barren, its foundation was solid. A celestial city could easily be placed atop it, and through human ingenuity, even the most desolate terrain could be transformed. This was a strategic breakthrough for Da Yi's expansion into the sea.
With a city here, bounty hunters would gain easier access to sea beasts, and could be transported instantly via teleportation arrays. Supplies would no longer be a problem. The city itself would serve as a logistics hub.
"Crossbowmen, prepare! Target: Skullpiercers on the island. Fire at will!"
The order was given.
On the deck of the leading skyship, rows of soldiers readied their Divine Crossbows. The moment the birds sensed the threat, they took to the skies, their sharp eyes locking onto the skyship before launching an aggressive charge. Their speed was terrifying, and their movements brought gusts of wind swirling around them.
Normally, standard arrows would be deflected by these winds. But the Divine Crossbows fired bolts at such high speed and force that they tore through the wind barrier with ease. A rain of bolts turned the sky into a deadly net.
Thump! Thump! Thump!
The crisp sound of bolts puncturing flesh echoed in the air—a symphony of battle.
Before long, the Skullpiercers were wiped out. Their corpses were collected—valuable war trophies. Soldiers swept the island and gathered the remains of sea beasts. These bones, rich in essence, could be refined into bone crystals, potent materials for forging treasures.
"Mister Jiang, if we establish a celestial city here, can it be linked to Da Yi's territory?" Yi Tianxing asked.
Jiang Ni had accompanied the expedition.
"Certainly," Jiang Ni affirmed."Da Yi's geomantic array has already taken shape. The floating Xuanhuang City is its core. The land forms the 'Earth' while Xuanhuang City serves as 'Heaven'. Together they form the Yin-Yang Duality, the essence of the Nation's Destiny Map, or the Boundless Heaven-Earth Diagram."
"With Xuanhuang City as the eye of the formation, any celestial city—even in remote places—can connect to this structure. Here, establishing a city will naturally draw a water vein into formation beneath the island."
This evolution of the geomantic array was a monumental blessing for Da Yi.
"Excellent. That means nothing can stop Da Yi's rise."Yi Tianxing smiled, then pointed toward the island."Celestial City—descend!"
At his command, a grand celestial city materialized in the sky, enveloped in Xuanhuang radiance. It descended slowly, merging with the earth as if rooted in place, unmovable.
As it landed, massive waves surged around the island. The surrounding waters trembled with unseen energy. Water-elemental energy became palpable—proof that a Water Spirit Vein was forming.
"Once the water vein stabilizes, this island's geology will change. Life will flourish, and vegetation will grow rapidly," Jiang Ni remarked."But it will also attract countless sea beasts. There will be no shortage of bloodshed here."
Yi Tianxing had brought the city within the Hongmeng Heavenly Emperor Tower, allowing for swift deployment with minimal effort.
"This will be the first celestial city of Da Yi beyond Yi Prefecture. I name it: Expedition City. It marks the first step of our seaborne expansion—but not the last. It is the witness of our conquest."
As he pointed to the city, glowing characters appeared: "Expedition".
"This is just the beginning," Jia Xu added with a smile."This will become a historical moment. Da Yi shall walk with Heaven and flow with the river of time."
Although the city was not yet populated, it had already connected to Da Yi's main territory. The teleportation array was now active. Huang Chengyan and others would follow, appoint a governor, and begin relocating a population from Yi Prefecture. Soon, bounty hunters would arrive.
Given time, the city would flourish.
There was no need to station soldiers, as the celestial city's defenses were already formidable. Sea beasts would not be able to breach its walls. And soon, officials would arrive to further strengthen it.
The army pressed forward.
The vastness and danger of the sea became increasingly apparent. One moment calm, the next erupting into towering waves and raging waters. Sea beasts stirred beneath the waves. Falling into that maelstrom would mean certain death.
But the Blue Skyships were unbothered. They flew above the waves or parted the seas below. No storm could shake them.
Unknowingly, they were drawing close to the first marked island on their sea chart. This landmass was not named, nor fully mapped. It spanned nearly a fifth the size of Yi Prefecture, its shape resembling a giant python. It had rivers, mountains, and vegetation—more a continent than an island. On Earth, it could support hundreds of millions of people.
"Since it looks like a python, let's name it Python Island. Move out—we must land and establish a base before nightfall," Yi Tianxing ordered.
"Yes!" Zhou Yu replied. Staying at sea at night was risky. Land was always safer.
Rumble…
Though Python Island was in sight, the distance remained deceptive. Travel across the ocean was like chasing the horizon. Even the fast skyships needed time to arrive.
Suddenly, crashing waves echoed from the distance. Black clouds loomed in the sky, thunder crackling. A storm seemed imminent.
"Is that a storm? No—look there, in the sky!"
Zhou Yu frowned. Then his eyes narrowed sharply.
In the air, a green figure appeared…