"Cao Pi!!"
Yi Tianxing stepped out of the inn, walking calmly into the void. With each step, his body naturally rose higher, as if climbing an invisible heavenly staircase lifting him skyward. He stood in the air, his position no lower than that of the Dragon Sparrow. His gaze turned toward Cao Pi, who stood on the creature's back, a glimmer of intrigue flashing in his eyes.
Who was Cao Pi? In later generations, he would be remembered for all time.
According to historical records, Cao Pi was a prodigy in both civil and martial arts from a young age. He was well-read, versed in the teachings of the hundred schools of thought. In the 22nd year of the Jian'an era, he defeated his brother Cao Zhi to be named Crown Prince of Wei. By the 25th year, after Cao Cao's death, he succeeded him as Chancellor and King of Wei. That same year, he ascended the throne by accepting abdication, replacing the Han with Wei and ending the four-hundred-year-long Han dynasty, founding the Kingdom of Wei.
It could be said that Cao Pi was the true founding emperor of Wei.
His ambition and talent were worthy of being called one of the great heroes of his era.
To underestimate someone like him would be a grave mistake.
Even now, one could sense that he was destined to be an extraordinary figure.
"Greetings, Mister Yi."
Cao Pi looked at Yi Tianxing, a flicker of respect in his eyes. He had been informed beforehand that he was to travel to Jinshui City to receive a mysterious powerhouse of the human race — and that the crisis in the city had been resolved by this very man. Now that he saw him in person, it was clear: he was no ordinary figure.
"My father has already prepared a banquet in Xuchang and awaits your arrival, Mister Yi. Beneath me is the Dragon Sparrow, our Kingdom's national guardian beast. It flies with unmatched speed and can take us to the capital in no time. Please, ride with me."
Cao Pi extended the invitation.
"Very well. Then I shall accept your hospitality."
Yi Tianxing smiled faintly, stepped forward, and in an instant, landed on the back of the Dragon Sparrow. The creature was enormous, with a broad back that didn't feel cramped at all.
Screee!!
A strange cry rang out — half dragon's roar, half bird's screech — as the Dragon Sparrow flapped its wings and turned, tearing through the sky toward Xuchang. Its speed was indeed astounding, streaking through the air like a flowing beam of light. Yet, atop its back, an invisible force shielded them completely from the howling winds.
"Thank you again, Mister Yi, for your aid in saving Jinshui City. Without your intervention, tens of thousands would have perished in a bloodbath."
Cao Pi's words came from the heart.
"I merely did what any human ought to do."
Yi Tianxing replied calmly, offering no further elaboration. He and Cao Pi soon began chatting freely. One had to admit, Cao Pi was indeed a man of both intellect and valor. Whatever topic arose, he could speak on it eloquently — especially when it came to history and legends, or the affairs of myriad races. His breadth of knowledge was impressive.
One couldn't help but grow fond of such a capable and cultured man.
Before they knew it, they had arrived at Xuchang.
Viewed from the sky, Xuchang's grandeur far surpassed that of ordinary celestial cities. The city sprawled vast enough to house over a million people without feeling crowded. Its architecture was arranged according to the Five Elements and Eight Trigrams, creating an invisible layout that channeled natural forces.
The entire city was enveloped in an unseen geomantic array, which gathered Heaven and Earth energy into the capital while exuding a majestic aura that suppressed all directions. Yi Tianxing could tell there was deeper mystery involved, though the full extent eluded him for now.
Flying was forbidden within Xuchang — but this rule clearly didn't apply to the Dragon Sparrow.
They entered the capital without obstruction and landed within the palace.
The Dragon Sparrow descended upon a raised platform where it could stretch its wings freely.
"Please, Mister Yi."
Cao Pi gestured.
"After you, General Cao."
Yi Tianxing smiled and followed him off the creature. Just as they dismounted, a middle-aged man with sharp eyes and a flowing beard strode up the platform. He stood about 1.78 meters tall, not particularly handsome, but with chiseled features and a powerful presence that radiated without anger.
His eyes gleamed, and though his smile was warm, it carried the might of a king.
"Cao Cao!!"
Yi Tianxing immediately recognized the man. He had seen him fight in the skies before — there was no mistaking it.
"Haha! Mister Yi has finally arrived! I've long been looking forward to this moment. Come, I've prepared a feast atop the Cloudwatching Terrace. Let us eat and drink!"
Cao Cao beamed with genuine delight at the sight of Yi Tianxing.
When speaking of Cao Cao, one shouldn't focus solely on his suspicious nature. He also possessed the essence of a true hero — a lover of books, often reading endlessly; a poet and essayist of renown; a master of calligraphy and strategy; frugal in living and plain in dress; and sharp in debate, charming in conversation.
"Merit deserves reward, even if it costs a fortune;Those without merit get nothing, not even a grain."
He was one of history's finest politicians, strategists, and literati — a man with undeniable charisma.
"Excellent! To drink face-to-face with the King of Wei is something I've long awaited."
Yi Tianxing smiled and agreed.
The two ascended the Cloudwatching Terrace together.
This terrace sat atop a palace mountain. Its peak had been sheared flat to form a vast platform, upon which a pavilion stood. From here, one could gaze at the drifting clouds, serene and sublime, surrounded by mist like a celestial paradise.
Once atop the terrace, Cao Cao waved everyone away — not even palace maids were allowed to remain. Only he and Yi Tianxing sat across from each other, with a sumptuous spread of rare delicacies before them.
"Mister Yi, how should I address you — the sovereign of the Great Yi Dynasty, Emperor Yi Tianxing?"
Cao Cao asked directly.
In his eyes, Yi Tianxing radiated the aura of a sovereign, blazing like a torch in the darkness. The emperor's presence and overwhelming destiny were impossible to miss. As a ruler of a Destiny Dynasty himself, Cao Cao could sense it with near certainty.
Before their meeting, he had his suspicions — now, he was ninety percent sure.
"King Wei, you may call me as you wish. Titles are of no concern. I came only to travel and observe. I bear no ill intent toward the Wei Dynasty. As fellow human-run Destiny Dynasties, we should support each other — to protect a space for humanity's survival."
Yi Tianxing replied calmly.
"Your Majesty speaks nobly."
Cao Cao's expression turned solemn. He was somewhat puzzled by Yi Tianxing's sudden appearance in Weizhou. As far as he knew, there were no top-tier human factions nearby — certainly no signs of the Great Yi Dynasty. The two nations should be separated by an unfathomable distance.
Normally, such a visit would be impossible.
But in the Eternal World, there were many ways to cross realms. What astonished him was that Yi Tianxing, as an emperor, would dare to leave his domain. Such boldness was rare.
"A prince of the realm does not sit beneath a collapsing roof."
In times of chaos, this saying held even more weight. Any accident or delay in returning could spell disaster. Most emperors would only travel within their immediate surroundings. That Yi Tianxing appeared billions of miles away — no one could have predicted it.
Truthfully, when Cao Cao first heard Yi Tianxing's name, suspicion had bloomed within him — and this was the chief reason.
"Could it be… the Great Yi controls some method of rapid inter-realm travel? A domain gate?"
The thought flashed through Cao Cao's mind, but he did not ask. Such secrets pertained to personal safety and the empire's foundation. Even if asked, who would answer?
So, upon confirming Yi Tianxing's identity, he let it go unspoken.
"This is simply what any human should do," Yi Tianxing replied mildly.
"Still… Your Majesty, I must be frank. You've come to Weizhou, but this may not be the best place for your travels. You carry the hopes and fate of countless people. If possible, I urge you to leave Weizhou quickly and seek a safer place to journey. Right now, Weizhou is too dangerous. I won't hide it — the Wei Dynasty stands on the brink of destruction."
Cao Cao took a deep breath, a trace of sorrow on his face.
No one knew the situation better than he did. The recent leak of the Pharaoh's Tomb had brought forth a deluge of foes. Experts from all races now gathered like wolves. No matter how unwilling he was to admit it, the truth remained: Wei could not hold.
As painful as it was, it had to be accepted — whether willingly or not.
"Is it because of the tomb beneath Xuchang?"
Yi Tianxing asked. He could sense the sincerity in Cao Cao's warning.
"That is indeed a Pharaoh's Tomb," Cao Cao said gravely. "From the beginning, I knew of its existence. It is a terrifying place. The Pharaoh entombed within is one of the undead race's strongest. Inside, vast numbers of undying spirits lie dormant. If they awaken, they will sweep across the land, leaving corpses piled high. Fortunately, the Heavenly Dao's seal kept them imprisoned — until now…"