"Does the Emperor of Great Yi not plan to stay long on Python Island? What about the human civilians living there? Right now, only the Great Yi Dynasty has the strength to liberate the people of this island."
Ye Gucheng's expression shifted slightly.From Yi Tianxing's words, he sensed that the emperor had no intention of lingering on Python Island. This made him anxious. After all, the Great Yi Dynasty was the only hope the human population on the island could rely on. Otherwise, they would have to wait until he could slay the Heaven-Swallowing Python—but while he could afford to wait, the people could not.
"City Lord Ye, rest assured. On Python Island, the Great Yi has already established an immortal city—Blood Python City. Within it is a teleportation array connected to our other cities. We can dispatch our legions from Yi Prefecture continuously to Python Island. Exterminating the giant python tribe will not be a difficult task. There's no need for this emperor to remain here."
Yi Tianxing spoke calmly.He had absolute confidence in this. The greatest threat on Python Island was undoubtedly the Heaven-Swallowing Python, but even that beast would fall before the might of the Great Yi legions.
Ye Gucheng's eyes lit with realization—and a trace of awe.The Great Yi's capabilities had utterly shattered his previous worldview. Their level of civilization was developing at such a rapid pace it defied imagination. They had broken free from the chains of traditional limitations.
"With the Emperor's generous offer, how could I, Ye Gucheng, decline? I will first make arrangements for my city, then join you shortly."
After a brief moment of contemplation, Ye Gucheng made his decision.This was a rare opportunity—a chance to broaden his horizons, and one that should not be missed. Only by venturing out could one refine their swordsmanship. Only by exploring could one witness the vast and vibrant world, enrich their own foundation, and encounter different cultures. He, too, wished to see the legendary number one Destiny Dynasty in the world—the Great Yi.
Ye Gucheng returned to White Cloud City to handle matters before his departure.
On the Heavenly Ark, Jia Xu, Zhuge Liang, Zhou Yu, and others exchanged knowing looks.
"Your Majesty's move kills two birds with one stone. An open stratagem, yet brilliant. I admire it greatly," said Zhuge Liang in praise.
"Indeed. With White Cloud City and Ye Gucheng's influence on Python Island, he was undoubtedly at the top—perhaps not obstructing our conquest, but certainly an unstable variable," said Jia Xu with a smile. "Your invitation is irresistible. No strong cultivator can turn down the opportunity to see the greater world. Now that he is traveling with us, he'll witness Great Yi's power firsthand and develop admiration. And with him gone, Python Island is cleansed of forces beyond our control."
A move with multiple benefits.
"Such is the art of kingship," Zhou Yu thought to himself.Every word and act was part of a broader scheme. Whether Ye Gucheng knew or not—it didn't matter. The temptation to explore was simply too great. And in the face of overwhelming tides, he would not dare oppose.
To follow the current was the wisest course.
Not long after, Ye Gucheng boarded the Heavenly Ark.But instead of departing immediately, he toured Python Island one last time. The next morning, the fleet finally departed, setting course for Skyhawk Island.
Along the way, the vast and boundless ocean presented many wonders.They encountered storms, tsunamis, and even massive tides of sea beasts. In one region, countless tentacles burst from the sea, devouring entire beast tides. The terrifying aura was enough to instill deep fear—even Nascent Soul realm cultivators would retreat.
Yi Tianxing himself avoided direct confrontation with such terrifying sea life—for now.
There were also sudden whirlpools on the surface of the sea, pulling entire herds of sea beasts into unknown depths.
In certain sea zones, the natural energies grew chaotic, and space itself twisted. All natural laws went berserk, and beasts caught within were instantly sliced into fragments by invisible blades. The sea turned red with their blood.
There were too many dangers and unknowns in the ocean.
Time passed.
They crossed two more islands—Swan Island and Crocodile Island—both vast and no smaller than Python Island. Swan Island was named for a large central lake that attracted numerous majestic swans. Crocodile Island was teeming with ferocious crocodiles, a dominant force there.
Yi Tianxing left immortal cities on both islands and deployed legions from the Military Soul Battle Realm to establish a foothold. From there, the standard strategy of slow conquest would begin.
Rather than hoping to solve everything at once, Great Yi preferred a methodical, strategic expansion—a slow erosion, centered around immortal cities, and supplemented by bounty hunters. Eventually, each island would fall entirely under Great Yi's domain.
When immortal cities cover an island, it is, in all but name, part of the Great Yi territory.
Unnoticed, they approached the seas near Skyhawk Island.
Skyhawk Island.
A vast landmass—though smaller than Yi Prefecture—it could still support a massive population.
With forests, rivers, and rolling mountains, the landscape resembled a true continent. Wildlands and deep woods were covered in towering ancient trees, tangled vines, and grasses taller than men.
At its heart lay a massive grassland, known as Skyhawk Prairie.This lush grass drew countless herbivores. Scattered across the prairie were settlements made from Mongolian yurts, surrounded by fenced enclosures filled with livestock—oxen, sheep, and horses.
But these creatures were far from ordinary.
The oxen were massive, exuding wild strength. A single charge could send tigers fleeing.
The warhorses, even more remarkable, were covered in blood-red scales. Known as Scarlet-Scaled Dragon Horses, they were a hybrid of blood-sweat horses and dragon-kind. With the right fortune, they might even awaken their dragon blood and become true dragons—though such cases were one in a million.
Among the yurts were minority ethnic warriors clad in traditional garb, wielding whips and curved blades, their eyes sharp and fierce.
"Move it! Don't slack off. You know the consequences. Grain is precious. Useless trash doesn't deserve to eat!"
"This group, to the cows for milking. That group, go herd the sheep and horses. Disobey, and you'll end up as two-legged livestock!"
A procession of slaves emerged—emaciated, clothed in rags, many nearly naked. Their eyes were hollow, spirits broken. Hope had long since faded from their hearts.
The slaves were Han Chinese civilians. Compared to the robust ethnic warriors, they were thin and weak—descendants of Yan and Huang, now degraded to livestock.
They silently obeyed orders, moving like machines to milk cows or herd livestock. Their expressions were void of emotion.
"Pah! These two-legged sheep are nothing but lazy parasites. A waste of food. Han people are cowards—fit only to be slaves. The royal court is preparing to march out and conquer the mainland, to establish our supreme kingdom. The name of the Skyhawk Court shall echo across all lands!"
A foreign warrior declared proudly.
The Skyhawk Court had united the steppe tribes under one banner, led by the ancient Xianbei clan, with Tuoba Tao as their king.
Tuoba Tao was said to be blessed by heaven, gifted a divine cultivation technique, and possessed terrifying power. Cruel and tyrannical, even his own subjects feared and revered him.