To found a dynasty like the Great Yi Imperial Dynasty, one could never be a simple man. And even if he once was, by now, he certainly wasn't. The depth of his mind and the city of his heart—no one could fathom them.
From the moment Yi Tianxing chose to form a marriage alliance with Bohai, the Dragon Clan knew—this man was far from an easy candle to snuff out. In today's world, where the Dragon Clan's power loomed large, even if they were to act domineeringly within Great Yi's borders, it was likely that he would still tolerate them.
Of course, unless absolutely necessary, the Hanhai Dragon King had no desire to disrupt the current delicate balance.
"The fact that he can marry Ao Qing already shows Yi Tianxing's attitude toward our Dragon Clan. At the very least, he absolutely does not want to offend us.Our purpose has always been clear—to become the national beast of the Great Yi Dynasty. Its guardian spirit. Its totem."
A dragon powerhouse spoke slowly.
Yes, this was the true goal of the Dragon Clan.
To become the guardian divine beast of the Great Yi Dynasty—even to be recognized as the totem of humanity.
What does it mean to be a national beast?
It is a contract of equality formed between a dynasty and a species. Once this contract is signed, the national beast enjoys a supreme status in the destiny of the nation. It can share in the dynasty's fortune, and its image can even replace the imperial totem.
Such a beast doesn't just benefit—it becomes part of the nation's identity.
Of course, should any misfortune befall the national beast, it would cause great damage to the dynasty's fate as well. But if the beast thrives, the fortune of its entire race flourishes alongside. It is truly a relationship of shared glory and shared ruin.
And though it is an equal contract, in practice, the party with greater strength often takes the lead.
However, signing such a guardian divine beast contract is no trivial matter. It requires mutual willingness—not just from the dynasty's ruler, but also the recognition of the people. Without the people's acceptance, no one can force the emperor of a dynasty to sign such a pact.
"So, how do we offer our grace?"Ao Ying asked.
"That's simple. Our Dragon Clan possesses countless treasures. To show favor is easy."
The Hanhai Dragon King smiled.
"Prepare yourselves. This time, the Immortal Delicacy Banquet—the Hanhai Dragon Palace will attend.Qier, you will lead the delegation."
"Yes, Father."Ao Qi accepted the task without hesitation.
Time passed, and once again, it was New Year's Eve.
A time of bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new. Every household changed their spring couplets, and new peachwood charms replaced the old. Everything was thoroughly cleaned, and a fresh festive air filled the land.
Especially in Snow Continent, joy pervaded everywhere.
Each celestial city was packed with human settlers, bustling and lively. On the streets, inside and out of the cities, people brimmed with joy, many gazing with dazed eyes, as if still waking from a dream.
"It's like a dream. Old Li, did you ever imagine we'd see a day like this?"
"Never could've guessed. It's all thanks to His Majesty the Yi Emperor and the Great Yi Dynasty. Without them, we wouldn't be here."
"Exactly. This—this is how humans should live. Back when we lived under the Qing Mountain Sect, we could survive, sure, but it felt like we had no souls. No future. Now, not only can we cultivate, we can earn money, build families, and pass down our lineage."
"I even got a patch of spiritual farmland recently. Give me two years, I'll have everything I ever wanted."
In Snow Continent, such heartfelt conversations echoed everywhere.
Looking at the celestial cities transforming day by day, people truly felt they had stepped into a paradise. With such stark contrast, their loyalty to Great Yi grew stronger than ever.
No contrast, no understanding.
This was how life was meant to be.
Compared to their former lives under the immortal sects, those days now felt like shadows of the past.
With such thoughts, many households in Snow Continent had hung portraits of Yi Tianxing, worshipping him day and night. Their devotion to Great Yi now came from deep within the soul.
The roots of Great Yi had now sunk deep into Snow Continent.
The hearts of the people were settled, and from that point on, everything moved smoothly. Every day, the fortune gathered from Snow Continent was growing steadily and sharply.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
As night fell, the skies above Xuanhuang City burst into color as fireworks painted the heavens in radiant hues. The celebration had begun.
Such sights weren't limited to Xuanhuang City—they could be seen across every celestial city in the Great Yi territory: Yi Continent, Snow Continent, even Boa Island, Swan Island, Crocodile Island, and Eagle Island—fireworks filled the skies, accompanied by cheers, children's laughter, and endless joy.
Brilliant fireworks exploded like blooming flowers, forming intricate patterns. The night sky lit up so vividly that Great Yi's territory became a land of endless light.
The newly joined citizens, watching this spectacle, were overwhelmed with awe and wonder.
Their past shadows were washed away by the light, and they truly felt reborn. A bright future awaited them.
"Thank you, Great Yi. Thank you, Your Majesty. I never imagined we'd see this day—our human New Year's Eve. Spring Festival!"
"The Spring Festival… a holiday for our people. To survive—it truly wasn't easy."
Countless citizens whispered their heartfelt thanks.
Compared to the previous year, Great Yi's territory had expanded massively. But within their hearts, they also felt a growing tension. The Dragon, Phoenix, and Qilin situation had stirred the world, and though the people couldn't change it, they placed their trust in Great Yi—and in their own strength.
"May next year be even better."
"May Great Yi flourish forever, and the Yi Emperor live for ten thousand years."
"Hope I can start a family next year, marry a good wife."
At that moment, Countless "Enlightenment Lamps" rose into the sky—floating softly like sky lanterns.
These Changming Lamps looked like traditional sky lanterns but were powered by carved wind-floating sigils. As long as the embedded crystals remained active, the lamps would not fall.
These lamps were an invention of the Heavenly Craft Pavilion—a humble gadget that had spread wildly among the people. Festivals now wouldn't be complete without them.
People wrote wishes and blessings on each lamp, hoping for luck and dreams come true.
Now, these lamps filled the skies, twinkling like stars, creating a sight so beautiful it defied description.
"So beautiful. Unbelievable."From the edge of Great Yi's waters, Ao Qi and Ao Ying, leading a group of sea warriors, looked up at the radiant sky, eyes filled with wonder.
The civilization of humanity truly left one awestruck.
"Come. The Immortal Delicacy Banquet is about to begin. Let's go."Ao Qi turned, a trace of unwillingness flickering in her eyes as she recalled Yi Tianxing.
Immortal (Undying) Academy.
Cai Yong looked up at the heavens, his gaze bright as he recited:
*The moon sinks into the sea, longing for the lofty tower,Whose lighted lantern stirs my wandering soul?
The constellations dim, fireflies flicker,The Northern Star distant, wild geese call.
A thousand hopes from the world below,Yet even the Celestial Emperor cannot ease every sorrow.
I ask, where the drifting wind will carry these prayers—Shall these hot tears still not flow tonight?*
"May each year be like today. May each day be like this New Year's Eve."
After a quiet sigh, Cai Yong nodded and walked toward the palace.
Great Yi Imperial Palace – Imperial Garden
Palace maids bustled to and fro, laughter and song filled the air—a vibrant, living scene.
This year's Immortal Delicacy Banquet was held not in the Crystal Palace but in a different location—Ten-Thousand Bamboo Lake.
Despite its name, it wasn't a bamboo forest, but a lake covered in floating bamboo rafts, which gently drifted across the water.
Each raft offered wide space. Sitting atop them with friends, sharing wine and fine food while drifting across the lake—this was the pinnacle of refined pleasure.
Each raft held tables made from jade-green bamboo, exuding a natural, ethereal aura.
Exquisite dishes were already laid out.
Now, ministers and nobles arrived one after another, boarding the rafts with friends or family. Soon, the entire lake was filled with lively chatter and festive cheer.
Compared to last year, the number of celestial cities in Great Yi had multiplied significantly—and so had the celebration.