There's no denying it—reputation in this world is a powerful thing.
If it had been any other force, Huan Lin would never have so easily shown his stance. No one wants to follow a power with no future. But Dayi was different. This was the number one imperial dynasty under heaven. Now, it had even left the mainland and begun its conquest of the sea. This kind of power was clearly visible to all. Following such a strength meant a future far brighter than the present.
With that comparison, the choice became incredibly simple.Unless you were a fool, no one would choose a road with no hope.
"If you are willing to lead your tribe to join Dayi," Yi Tianxing said once more, "as I said before, all rights and privileges enjoyed by Dayi citizens will be fully extended to you—not a single one will be withheld. Furthermore, a Xian City will be established here, and if you are willing, you shall be the Lord of that city. Your clansmen may enter the city and become its citizens."
The establishment of the Xian City was non-negotiable. The current tribe simply wasn't suitable—it couldn't compare at all.
"Very well. My Qianhuan Tribe is willing to join the Dayi Dynasty and become subjects of Dayi. Huan Lin greets His Majesty."
Huan Lin no longer hesitated and bowed respectfully to Yi Tianxing again.
This greeting was different from before. This was a true act of courtly submission—a confirmation of loyalty and allegiance.
"Excellent. With the addition of the Golden Scale Clan, my Dayi becomes even stronger. I believe that in the future, your clan will prosper and rise to true power. To commemorate this moment, the first Xian City established here shall be named Golden Scale City."
Yi Tianxing spoke with a smile.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Hearing this, Huan Lin couldn't help but reveal a trace of excitement.
A city named after the Golden Scale Clan—this was a great honor. It symbolized their integration into the human race. Even ten thousand years from now, it would be remembered. Time itself would not erase this mark.
Afterward, Huan Lin returned to the tribe and informed them of the decision.
A wave of shock ran through the entire tribe. It was hard to believe such a decision could be made in such a short time—to have the whole tribe join a human power. Most had instinctively rejected the idea.
But when they learned the force in question was the Dayi Dynasty, all resistance vanished.
The name Dayi was already familiar to them—famed, even legendary. Now, knowing that this was the powerful human faction they would join, there was simply no reason to object.
After all, despite how free and seemingly strong the tribe appeared now, danger loomed constantly. Sea beasts assaulted their coasts, and land beasts attacked from inland. Every so often, many tribespeople would die. The dangers of this world never stopped reminding them of their vulnerability.
If joining Dayi could change that—why not?
This was the benefit of prestige.
It lowered suspicion and resistance invisibly, but powerfully.
Then came news that a Xian City would be built here—and named after their clan. That they could live in it as Dayi citizens. All remaining resistance disappeared. Instead, eagerness took hold. Though some were nervous or curious, the desire in their hearts could no longer be denied.
BOOM!
In the blink of an eye, above a vast clearing, a Xian City appeared from thin air, descending and merging with the land. In an instant, the surrounding heaven and earth energy surged dramatically.
On the city walls, two characters gleamed: Golden Scale.
This was the Golden Scale City that Yi Tianxing had promised.
"It's huge! So this is a Dayi Xian City? Incredible!"
"Compared to our tribe, it's like comparing a beggar's hut to a palace. The walls, the foundation, the ancient aura—it's all perfect!"
"We really get to live in this city? If that's true, our safety will improve by leaps and bounds. No more beasts or sea creatures getting past these walls!"
Masses of Qianhuan tribespeople looked on in awe, their eyes shining with excitement. The longing in their hearts was palpable.
Next to it, their own tribe looked like a crude pile of shacks—many even felt a tinge of shame.
Without delay, under Huan Lin's command, the entire tribe began migrating into Golden Scale City, bringing their belongings and starting a new chapter in high spirits.
In the City Lord's Mansion, Huan Lin—now the city lord—brought out many rare spirit fruits gathered by the Qianhuan Tribe and placed them in the hall to entertain Yi Tianxing and Jia Xu.
Huan Lin's gaze toward Yi Tianxing had become ever more respectful.
Having truly joined Dayi, he began to learn more about its history and growth. The more he understood, the more awe-inspiring Dayi appeared—its strength suffocating. In both civilian and military domains, Dayi stood at the pinnacle. The wonders of its culture and technology were beyond anything they had ever seen.
"These are coconuts from a nearby grove. Some of the trees have evolved into spiritual trees. The coconut juice they bear is rich in spiritual energy. It not only tastes wonderful but can also enhance cultivation. I don't have anything better, so I offer these for Your Majesty to taste."
Each person had a small bowl in front of them, filled with crystal-clear coconut juice. A natural, fresh fragrance wafted into the air, stirring the thirst of all present.
On this island, coconut groves were abundant. The ambient spiritual energy had caused some trees to evolve, making the fruits truly extraordinary in both taste and effect.
"Very good coconut juice. A rare treat indeed. Most importantly—it's natural and pure, free of any impurities. Drinking it is a joy to body and soul."
Yi Tianxing praised with a smile.Upon drinking it, his physical power surged noticeably.
This juice truly was extraordinary—far superior to the beverages of the past.
"If His Majesty enjoys it, I have more coconuts stored. I'll send some to the palace so the empresses may enjoy it as well," Huan Lin offered warmly—clearly someone who understood etiquette.
"That can wait. For now, City Lord Huan, please tell us all you know about Skyhawk Island."
Yi Tianxing's tone turned calm.
"Of course!"
Huan Lin composed himself and began,
"This land, what Your Majesty calls Skyhawk Island, is incredibly complex. Many factions and races dwell here—including a human power known as the Skyhawk Royal Court."
"That so-called Skyhawk Royal Court—they're not fit to be called human. They wear human skin, but in truth, they're like wolves and tigers," Yi Tianxing said coldly.
The Hu people of the Skyhawk Royal Court—were they human? Yes, biologically. But their nature was too cruel. They treated other humans like livestock, slaughtering and eating them.
If a non-human creature eats humans, that's just nature's law. The weak get eaten. But humans eating humans—that was a perversion of morality and humanity.
Such beings—they deserved death. Deserved extinction.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Huan Lin nodded solemnly and continued:
"The Skyhawk Royal Court occupies the central fertile plains. Their power and influence are unmatched. They're extremely strong—and allegedly close to a certain Buddhist sect called Jixiang Temple. It's rumored to be on the verge of becoming their state religion, with believers across the grasslands. Some say there is a Living Buddha reincarnated within the temple—but no one knows for sure."
"Aside from the Royal Court, there are other powerful races—most notably, a clan of Cyclopean Giants. Towering in size, each one possesses a single eye with terrifying divine power. When unleashed, their might is unimaginable. Each is a one-man army. Even the Skyhawk Royal Court dares not provoke them lightly."
"Legend says one of them once stormed the Royal Court and caused a devastating battle—almost carving a path through the plains. In the end, a massive Buddha's hand descended to subdue him. These giants are brutal, proud, and extremely hard to ally with."
Huan Lin held nothing back. His years as tribal leader had been fruitful—he knew a lot about local powers.
There were others too:
The Sword Pavilion, a legendary human sect.
The mysterious Flower Fairy Clan.
Numerous strange creatures and demons lurking in the wilderness—untraceable, deadly, and bizarre. The night made them more terrifying. Some were so powerful that no one even knew their origins.
"So this Skyhawk Island really is a chaotic mess. But before absolute strength, all of that means nothing. Anyone in our way dies."
Yi Tianxing's voice was calm as he visualized the entire island.
"Dayi will simply roll over everything in its path. Gods will fall, Buddhas will die."
Zhou Yu spoke with iron resolve.
"Still, our main target this time is the Skyhawk Royal Court. But it won't be easy. An imperial dynasty backed by a sect—that's no small matter. Worse still, they're holding something we can't afford to lose. That's what ties our hands."
Zhuge Liang sighed, his expression heavy.
[投鼠忌器 — "Throwing rats for fear of breaking the vase"]
This idiom symbolizes being unable to act due to concerns of causing greater damage—reflecting how Dayi must tread carefully because the Skyhawk Royal Court holds a precious "vase" (an unknown hostage or stake).