RUMBLE!!
Suddenly, in the void, a divine light flashed into existence. That light condensed rapidly, revealing an ancient Dragon Gate. This Dragon Gate radiated immense pressure, and within it, countless True Dragons could be seen roaring and soaring—lifelike and majestic.
As soon as it appeared, the gate naturally released an overwhelming aura in all directions, spreading like a tidal wave.
Within the Boundless Sea Region, the aura swept through at incredible speed. Whether deep in the oceans, upon islands, or on the mainland—everything was enveloped.
In that moment, the number of cultivators and experts affected by the aura of the Dragon Gate was countless. All of them instinctively looked skyward. At that moment, no matter where one was in the Boundless Sea Region, one could clearly see the immense Dragon Gate standing in the void.
"The Dragon Gate!!"
Within the imperial palace, Yi Tianxing, who had been leisurely strolling in the imperial garden with his young daughter, instinctively looked up. Upon seeing the massive gate, he couldn't help but utter those words, a grave expression appearing on his face.
This Dragon Gate was no illusory vision—it was a true treasure of the Dragon Clan. Each Dragon Gate was a connate spiritual treasure, and the aura it exuded clearly contained boundless power. Its pressure was so overwhelming that even a Nascent Soul realm cultivator would feel utterly powerless in its presence. Regardless of distance, just witnessing the gate could cause one's breath to catch.
The legend of the carp leaping over the Dragon Gate had existed since time immemorial.
To transform into a dragon, a fish must leap over the Dragon Gate. Only then would it have the chance to undergo a metamorphosis. The Dragon Gate represented fortune and destiny, containing profound mysteries. It was said that carp carried the bloodline of dragons. Once they passed through the Dragon Gate, they would be baptized, their bloodline awakened, and transform into true dragonkin. Though not full True Dragons, they would become powerful Dragonkin.
Opportunities to leap the Dragon Gate were exceedingly rare. Each appearance was a massive event—an opportunity for countless dragon-blooded beings.
Splash! Splash!
Across the sea, carp leapt out of the water one by one, gazing longingly at the Dragon Gate, their eyes filled with deep yearning. They desired to leap into the gate, to pass through and be reborn as Dragonkin—perhaps even aspire to become True Dragons, though the chances were slim.
But as the saying goes: "If one has no dreams, one is no better than a salted fish."
In this moment, countless beings in the Boundless Sea Region turned their eyes to the Dragon Gate.
And it wasn't just the Boundless Sea. Across the entire Eternal World, above every sea, a Dragon Gate appeared. Each one was a real, tangible gate—a connate spiritual treasure, a sacred relic of the Dragon Clan.
There was not just a single Dragon Gate. According to legend, every Dragon Palace possessed one. In fact, it was said that the original Dragon Gate wasn't just a connate spiritual treasure but an ultimate connate supreme treasure, and all current Dragon Gates were fragments of that supreme treasure.
"What is the Dragon Clan planning? Isn't the Heavenly Dao Seal still reinforced? Even if they had prior plans, they should've delayed under the current restrictions. Why now?"Yao Yue frowned and voiced her doubts.
"The Dragon Clan wouldn't act lightly. There must be something more. Let's observe first."Cai Yan also appeared puzzled but knew this was no empty display of power.
"What a grand gesture. Truly magnificent. To think the Dragon Clan had such a hidden card. As expected of one of the most powerful races in the world—one move, and they shake the heavens."Yi Tianxing's expression turned even more serious as he took a deep breath.
He had already guessed, more or less, the Dragon Clan's intentions.
If successful, this move would cause the Dragon Clan to rise completely, dominating the Eternal World.
"Husband, do you know what's going on?"Cai Yan asked curiously.
"Yes, tell us already,"Nie Xiaoqian added playfully.
"There's no need to explain now. Just watch. The Dragon Clan's move is far beyond what we've done in the Great Yi Dynasty. This is the grandeur of a true apex race. It's awe-inspiring."Yi Tianxing shook his head without revealing his speculation.
The women turned their attention back to the Dragon Gate.
…
At the Righteous Manor, Lord Emptiness was cultivating with heaven and earth energy when he was startled awake by the Dragon Gate. Looking up at the sky, his face changed dramatically.
"What madness is this? The Dragon Clan actually brought out the Dragon Gates? They must be up to something massive. Are they no longer afraid of the Heavenly Dao's seal? Or do they have some trump card?"
The strength of the Dragon Clan was not something any race could ignore.
Human cultivators, sects, and races alike understood—the Dragon Clan was among the top powers in existence. Though they usually remained hidden in the sea, their power was immeasurable. To provoke them was to court destruction.
They were unfathomable.
That dream of robbing a Dragon Palace because it's "full of treasure"? That was pure idiocy—most would die without even knowing how.
Now, even hidden experts and sects looked skyward, all wearing similarly grave expressions.
Because when the Dragon Clan moved, it was never a trivial matter.
"We, the Dragon Clan, are the foremost among all scaled races. Out of compassion for the struggles of all beings, we hereby open the Dragon Gate.This time, it is not only for dragonkin, but for all scaled beings of the world.All who pass through the Dragon Gate, regardless of origin, shall gain Dragon Blood, becoming Dragonkin.Those with destiny may even evolve into True Dragons.On the ninth day of the ninth month—Leap the Dragon Gate!!"
A majestic voice echoed from within the Dragon Gate, spreading across the Boundless Sea Region and beyond. Every Dragon Gate in every region echoed this royal edict.
Then, as suddenly as it had appeared, the Dragon Gate vanished into the void, as if it had never existed.
Had they not seen it with their own eyes, many would have thought it a hallucination.
But no one believed they were imagining things.
Hissss!!
Across the Eternal World, countless cultivators sucked in a cold breath, their eyes filled with shock. A storm of emotions surged within their chests.
"What?! The Dragon Clan is opening the Dragon Gate—to all scaled beings?! They want to make the entire world part of the Dragon Clan?!"
"This is a naked conspiracy! They're extending their hand beyond the seas. By granting Dragon Blood to the world's scaled beings, they'll absorb them all. Are they trying to dominate the Eternal World?!"
"Damn it! Do they think they can do this without consequence?!"
The implications were terrifying.
The number of scaled beings—whether land-dwelling beasts or sea-dwelling races—was staggering. All were now eligible to seek out a Dragon Gate and attempt the leap.
Just imagining the scene was chilling.
The Dragon Clan was already terrifying, known for the strength of their bloodline. Any being with a trace of dragon blood could dominate their peers in combat. Now, to mass-gift that bloodline?
Those who succeeded would be seen as part of the Dragon Clan. As their bloodline evolved, they might even become True Dragons.
There would be no resistance from any eligible being. To be part of the Dragon Clan was a blessing.
The shockwaves from this move were immense. Many factions had hoped that the strengthened Heavenly Dao Seal would give them decades to grow stronger before its breaking.
But now, the Dragon Clan had shattered those expectations.
Such is the way of the Eternal World—plans can never keep up with changes. That is the one unchanging truth.
"Cao Zhengchun, send word. Summon all officials to the Hall of Knowledge."Yi Tianxing inhaled deeply and gave the order.
"Yes, Your Majesty!!"Cao Zhengchun answered and departed swiftly.
"Zhao Ji, I can't accompany you all for dinner today. You go ahead. I'll join you later."
Yi Tianxing looked at his wives apologetically.
He had planned to spend the day with his family, enjoying a rare moment of peace. But this event had forced his hand.
"National matters take precedence. Go without worry."Cai Yan replied gently.
Such was the burden of a ruler.
Their husband was no ordinary man—he bore the fate of the people, and some things were simply beyond personal control.
Yi Tianxing nodded silently and left for the Hall of Knowledge.
Outside the palace, figures like Zhuge Liang and Huang Chengyan were already on their way. With their insight, they knew—this was no small matter.