Once the barbarian tribe sends its elite warriors and young adults to the Eternal Continent, it's inevitable that the ones left behind will mostly be the weak—the elderly, children, and possibly some women. While younger women might be able to go, the old and the very young certainly cannot. No one truly knows what awaits on the Eternal Continent, but it's certainly no promised land.
Moreover, this transmission summoning clearly comes with limitations. The cost is significant, and the number of people who can be transported is limited. This means that a large number of barbarians will be left behind.
Without the powerhouses of their tribes, without their pillars of strength, their survival situation will undoubtedly plummet into hardship, and even disaster. That's why, in such a situation, Niu Ben's first thought was to seek out Yi Tianxing. With the capabilities of the Great Yi Dynasty, they could completely shelter the barbarian people—or even fully integrate them into Great Yi.
After all, the difference between barbarians and humans isn't that great. There's no real communication barrier between them.
Yi Tianxing naturally wouldn't allow such a large population to slip away before his eyes. He decisively declared:
"The barbarians have always been allies of our human race, connected by blood. If they wish to join the Great Yi Dynasty, we welcome them wholeheartedly. They may migrate into our celestial cities and enjoy the same rights as our citizens, free from any discrimination. That, I can personally guarantee."
It was as if a meat pie had fallen from the sky.
To receive such a large population of barbarian civilians—potentially six to seven hundred million people—would drastically boost Great Yi's numbers, providing the manpower needed to support its continued expansion and occupation of more islands and land. It would further solidify Great Yi's territorial dominance.
"Thank you, Brother Yi," Niu Ben said solemnly. "If not for you, I really wouldn't know what to do. This summoning is from the Barbarian Ancestor, and once we arrive, the Barbarian God Temple will be opened. All barbarian powerhouses may enter for a trial. Those who excel will obtain tremendous opportunities. So, even I, old Niu, can't refuse the call."
To heed the summons is to chase a great opportunity. Of course, such opportunities must be earned by strength. There may be danger, but what is risk compared to reward?
"No need to thank me," Yi Tianxing said with a smile. "If thanks are due, I should be the one offering them. Right now, what Great Yi needs most is people. The more people, the easier our future expansion. You know we rely on celestial cities to suppress the wilderness, and each city needs a robust population to function. Without enough people, the Celestial City Plan would falter. This integration of the barbarian people is a tremendous boon to Great Yi."
He didn't hide any of this. Niu Ben might seem rough and carefree, but he wasn't dumb—he understood far more than he let on. Sometimes honesty really is the best policy.
"Heh, I don't care about all that," Niu Ben chuckled. "As long as my people are well cared for, I don't mind them becoming citizens of Great Yi. Who knows, maybe one day we'll all reunite again on the Eternal Continent."
"When do you depart?" Yi Tianxing raised his wine cup toward Niu Ben.
"Early next year," Niu Ben replied. "No exact date has been announced, but once the New Year passes, we must be ready to leave at any time."
"Good. When the time comes, I'll see you off personally."
A good friend leaving—of course he should be seen off.
"Haha, I've had my fill. Time to go."Niu Ben lifted a large jar of Immortal Dukang Wine, tilted his head back, and drank heartily. Not a single drop escaped from his lips. After he was done, he set down the jar and turned to leave.
"If you like it, take it with you. We may lack many things in Great Yi, but wine isn't one of them."
Yi Tianxing tossed him a storage bag, packed with all kinds of spiritual wines and immortal brews, enough to last him a long time.
As he watched Niu Ben's figure disappear, Yi Tianxing's gaze turned thoughtful. His eyes glinted as he murmured:
"The Eternal Continent... Sooner or later, I'll go as well. And when I do, it won't just be me—I'll bring the entire Great Yi Dynasty. I will bring conquest and order."
The Eternal Continent, the heart of the Eternal World, is a place he must go.But right now, it's not the time. Though he can see the opportunities ahead, he lacks the strength to seize them. Better to build his power first.
"Why has the barbarian race suddenly summoned all its members to the Eternal Continent? Is some world-altering event or supreme opportunity about to unfold?"
He couldn't answer the question. He lacked even the most basic knowledge of the Eternal Continent. All he could do was shelve the matter for now.
The world is vast—I want to see it.
Time passed, and before long, it was New Year's Eve.
On this night of bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new, every household replaced old charms with new ones. Bright red couplets adorned every doorway. Homes were cleaned spotless, and the air was thick with the spirit of Spring.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
As night fell, fireworks lit up the skies over Xuanhuang City.
The same spectacular scenes could be seen across the Great Yi territory—in every celestial city, brilliant fireworks exploded in the heavens. On Mongoose Island, Swan Island, Crocodile Island, Skyhawk Island, the night skies bloomed with light and laughter. Fireworks even sparked cheers and applause from the crowds.
Each dazzling firework painted the sky with mesmerizing shapes and colors. The night became a sleepless wonderland, suffused with celebration. People were intoxicated by the sheer beauty.
Even the newly joined civilians of Great Yi couldn't help but feel a deep sense of belonging. Whatever darkness had clouded their past, it had all been washed away by the lights of celebration. The future looked bright.
"Thank you, Great Yi. Thank you, Your Majesty! I never thought I'd live to see this—it's our human race's New Year Festival!"
"I never imagined I'd celebrate another holiday again. These past days felt like a dream… and if it is a dream, I never want to wake up."
These were the heartfelt thoughts of countless civilians.
Compared to the year before, the territory of Great Yi had grown vast.
In the imperial palace, at the Imperial Garden, now a transformed version of the Yuanming Garden, the celebration took place in an especially spectacular setting—the Undersea Garden, also known as the Crystal Palace.
Surrounded by an artificial sea—real water, but limited in scope—stood a shimmering crystal palace. Towering crystal pillars spiraled upward, carved with coiling dragons. Coral reefs, pearls, seaweed, and luminous stones adorned the interior.
While not as majestic as the vast Hanhai Crystal Palace Yi Tianxing once visited, this rendition captured the essence of oceanic beauty perfectly.
The palace was massive, capable of accommodating large gatherings of cultivators for grand banquets. Entry was granted through teleportation arrays.
This wasn't part of the original Yuanming Garden—it had evolved into something extraordinary, a palace of wonders that fused myriad landscapes into one—a true "King of Gardens."
"The Crystal Palace... unbelievable! Legends say dragons dwell in such palaces deep in the sea. Their versions are likely far grander, but even this is enough to leave me in awe!"
"I've attended several Immortal Delicacy Banquets, but never has the location been this breathtaking. Dining in a place like this—it's a memory that will last a lifetime."
Within the palace, every table was filled with exquisite dishes. Delicacies from sea, land, and air were all present, glowing under the ambient light. The fragrance was irresistible.
Most attendees were celestial city lords. The number had grown drastically thanks to recent territorial expansions. All of them, gathered together, marveled at the Crystal Palace's splendor.
"The foundation of Great Yi... truly beyond mortal comprehension."
Even Zhao Yun was among the crowd, marveling at the scene around him—gently swaying coral, swimming sea creatures, a vivid underwater realm.
It was a completely different world. An unforgettable experience.
At the head of the feast, Yi Tianxing stood and raised his cup:
"My friends, tonight is New Year's Eve. Here, there are no ranks or statuses—let us all celebrate freely. Long live Great Yi! May our dynasty endure for all eternity!"