"Chief, our scouts just reported that these warships suddenly appeared out of nowhere. They can float and fly naturally. No doubt about it—they're not from any power on this continent. But we have no idea what race they belong to, or whether they come as enemies or friends."
A middle-aged man dressed as a general spoke with grave concern.
The army had already assembled into formation. While not perfectly aligned, one could still sense the brutal aura emanating from them. In this chaotic world, those who survive are either exceptionally powerful or ruthlessly savage. Any tribe capable of establishing itself here would naturally be made up of battle-hardened elites forged through mountains of corpses and seas of blood.
Assembled together, they exuded an overwhelming killing intent.
At this moment, every eye was fixed on the approaching Heavenly Ark.
"There are humans on the deck."
"There's a dragon banner flying. That character looks like 'Yi.' What kind of force is this?"
"Humans? Could this be a human faction? But I've never heard of any human power this strong before—capable of crossing the sea? That seems impossible."
Voices of discussion rose incessantly. After catching a clearer glimpse of the army on deck, many showed expressions of astonishment and curiosity. Their impression of pure-blooded humans was one of weakness and low talent. On Skyhawk Island, humans were at the very bottom—suppressed by the Skyhawk Royal Court, by other races, and by fierce beasts.
"'Yi'? That's the Great Yi Dynasty. That man—he's the Emperor of Yi."
Huan Lin, chief of the Golden Scale Tribe, was stunned when he recognized a familiar figure standing on the deck of the Heavenly Ark. His heart surged with waves of shock.
He had met Yi Tianxing once before—at the Hanhai Dragon Palace, during a banquet and an auction. Back then, Yi Tianxing's identity had already been well-known, and his commanding presence unmistakable. The Dragon Palace had arranged him a seat of highest honor at the front. Among a sea of powerful non-human elites, he had stood out like a crane among chickens—making an impression on everyone present. Naturally, Huan Lin had carefully observed and remembered his face.
Now, in a single glance, he had recognized him again—and was deeply shaken. He knew the Great Yi Dynasty existed within the Hanhai Domain, but he hadn't expected to encounter it here.
The Great Yi Dynasty had already developed the ability to move beyond their native land.
It was nothing short of unbelievable.
And Huan Lin also understood what it meant to see the army of Great Yi and Emperor Yi Tianxing appear here. It meant that Skyhawk Island had entered their sights. What could come next was a sweeping military campaign. In a world engulfed by chaos, this was only natural.
"I wonder if this Emperor Yi will bring hope… or slaughter and death."
Huan Lin felt uneasy. As the Heavenly Ark drew closer, he couldn't help but feel nervous. No one knew what the Great Yi's attitude would be toward them. The Golden Scale Tribe, being part of the merfolk, had both human and aquatic bloodlines. It was uncertain how the Great Yi would view them.
"Chief, should we issue a warning?"
The general beside him asked.
"Pass the order—no one is to act rashly or attack the Heavenly Ark unless I command it. I'll handle the negotiations."
Huan Lin took a deep breath and made his decision.
The Great Yi Dynasty was already a colossus capable of traversing lands and seas. No matter what, he had no desire to provoke conflict with such a power. That would be suicide.
"Is that Emperor Yi himself aboard?" Huan Lin called out once the Ark neared.
His voice was loud and clear, transmitted through the air and reaching the deck of the Heavenly Ark.
"How interesting. Someone here actually recognizes me. He must have attended that Dragon Palace banquet and seen me there," Yi Tianxing remarked, showing a hint of surprise. His eyes narrowed as he looked toward the Golden Scale Tribe gathered on the shore.
"The Golden Scale Tribe, also known as the Merfolk, possess human blood and are considered a branch of humanity. They've never been hostile toward our kind. In fact, they're skilled in aquatic warfare. I believe we could make contact—perhaps even gather more intelligence on Skyhawk Island," Zhuge Liang suggested calmly.
"Any force that can be used to strengthen our cause, I will unite with," Yi Tianxing replied plainly.
He had always been willing to accept those who were friendly to the human race, especially if they had human ancestry.
"Yes, I am the Emperor of Yi," Yi Tianxing replied. "Would Chief Huan Lin be willing to board my Heavenly Ark for a chat?"
"Very well."
After a moment's thought, Huan Lin agreed.
"Chief, no! We don't know whether they're friend or foe. You must not risk your life! Can't we talk from here?" the general objected sharply.
It was far too risky to board the unknown Heavenly Ark. That would be handing his life over to the enemy.
"No need to worry. With the Emperor's status and standing, there's no way he would stoop to plotting ambushes like this," Huan Lin replied, waving his hand.
With his strength, flight was trivial. In a blink, he stepped into the air and approached the Ark. As he walked, he examined the ship with interest. The vessel seemed completely seamless—as if forged from a single piece. The vast deck could accommodate a massive army, and every soldier standing there was clearly a battle-hardened elite. Their bloodthirsty auras were terrifying.
But what truly frightened him was the mast, where a Sea God totem was inscribed. Its image alone sent chills down his spine. It felt as though, at any moment, that giant trident could descend and obliterate everything in its path. The divine power it radiated was vast and oppressive.
"Huan Lin, Chief of the Thousand Illusions Tribe of the Golden Scale Clan, greets His Majesty, the Emperor of Yi. We met once before at the Dragon Palace. Today, your presence is even more awe-inspiring."
Huan Lin bowed respectfully.
"There's no need for such formality," Yi Tianxing replied. "Your tribe, the Golden Scale Clan—part of the merfolk—has human blood. You are a branch of humanity. Tell me, Chief, do you still consider yourselves part of the human race?"
Yi Tianxing didn't beat around the bush. Once strength and status reach a certain level, there's no need for schemes. Directness often yields the best results.
At their level, no one was a fool.
Truth and lies could not deceive them so easily.
Huan Lin's heart clenched. He understood perfectly—Yi Tianxing was asking him to choose a side. To determine the allegiance of his tribe… even the entire Golden Scale race.
"We of the Golden Scale Clan are indeed a branch of humanity. If the human race is willing to recognize and accept us, then we of the merfolk will gladly consider ourselves part of the human race."
His words were firm—but still left room to maneuver. If the humans were willing to accept them, then they would acknowledge the connection. If not—then they would look after themselves.
The choice had been thrown back to Yi Tianxing.
But for Yi Tianxing, this was no difficult matter.
With a smile, he responded, "As long as you mean no harm and carry human blood, then you are part of the human race. I can't speak for all of humanity—but the Great Yi Dynasty recognizes you. In Great Yi, all are treated equally. No discrimination. Anyone with human blood is a citizen, with full rights. Of course, if you wish to rise higher—you must fight for it."
Great Yi never rejected human-kin or humanoid races. Their inclusion only served to strengthen the foundation and power of the human race.
The merfolk's talents made them born for naval warfare—natural marines.
"Of course, I won't hide this either. We came to Skyhawk Island at the invitation of an old friend—and also for the sake of countless human citizens suffering under the Skyhawk Royal Court. Now that the Great Yi army has set foot on this land—it shall be our battlefield. This continent will be drawn into our territory. And along the way… those who stand with us shall prosper. Those who stand against us shall perish. In war, there is no right or wrong."
Yi Tianxing stated his intentions openly.
There was no ambiguity. Great Yi had come to wage war on Skyhawk Island—and they intended to claim it as their own.
Huan Lin's heart trembled. Though he had speculated, hearing it confirmed was still daunting. For the Great Yi to dare make such a move—how strong must they truly be?
"Your Majesty, if my Thousand Illusions Tribe were to pledge ourselves to the Great Yi Dynasty—what treatment could we expect in return?"
Huan Lin asked again, taking a deep breath.
He did not show much resistance to the idea of joining Great Yi. He knew that with the might of their army, resisting would be futile. Besides, the Great Yi Dynasty was the number one Destiny Dynasty, famous throughout the Eternal World.