With the addition of the vast Snow Continent and the numerous immortal cities established across isolated islands in the surrounding seas, the territory of the Great Yi Dynasty had doubled over the past year—a truly astonishing feat. Naturally, many city lords began to rise in prominence, officially stepping into the ranks of the dynasty's upper echelon. After all, none of these city lords were mediocrities—those without talent had long since been eliminated.
As these lords gathered, their conversations flowed freely—exchanging governance strategies, regional customs, unique local products. This Immortal Delicacy Banquet offered them a rare opportunity for cooperation, mutual exchange, and alliance-building. Intercommunication among the immortal cities of Great Yi was just as vital as conquest and development.
Otherwise, how could merchants survive?
Pioneering trade routes through the wilderness, dealing with foreign tribes—be it diplomacy, suppression, alliance, or commerce—these were the core responsibilities of every city lord. With friendly tribes inclined toward humans and Great Yi, peaceful trade and cooperation could bring immense profits. After all, other races possessed many rare and valuable treasures.
However, hostile tribes—those that bore animosity toward Great Yi and the human race—were handled with force. Bounty hunters entered the wilds not only to fight fierce beasts but to clash with these enemy tribes in deadly battles where only one side survived.
This kind of gathering was rare, so everyone seized the opportunity—to talk, to connect, to build bonds.
After all, anyone who could become a city lord was a cunning and capable individual.
Unknowingly, the entire Ten-Thousand Bamboo Lake had turned into a lively scene, full of laughter and joy. Here, rank and status were put aside—everyone relaxed and enjoyed the moment.
Yi Tianxing, accompanied by Cai Yan and his other consorts, as well as little Anning, sat atop the grandest bamboo raft on the lake. Listening to the rippling waters was a serene and refreshing experience.
"Everyone, today is New Year's Eve. Here, there are no ranks or distinctions. Let us rejoice and celebrate freely. May my Great Yi be as eternal as the heavens. May Great Yi endure through all ages!"
With the guests mostly arrived and the time at hand, Yi Tianxing raised his wine cup and smiled, declaring the opening of the Immortal Delicacy Banquet.
"May Great Yi be as eternal as the heavens! May Great Yi endure through all ages!"
"To His Majesty!!"
Everyone in the Crystal Palace stood and cheered in unison. Their voices were filled with excitement and passion. The future of Great Yi looked brighter by the day. With such rapid expansion, everyone's heart burned with ambition. If this pace continued, Great Yi would one day become a monument that spanned the ages—a legacy in which they had taken part and could proudly claim as their own.
Their hopes for Great Yi's eternal glory were no mere flattery—they were heartfelt and sincere.
As cultivators, whose lifespans far exceeded ordinary people, they dreamed of establishing an eternal empire.
"Drink together!"
Yi Tianxing laughed, raised his cup, and downed it in one gulp. All the guests followed suit.
"The Vast Sea Dragon Palace has arrived!"
Just then, a eunuch announced loudly.
"So they really came."
Yi Tianxing's thoughts flickered, though his face remained calm and composed. Without showing any surprise, he nodded and said, "Invite them in."
The moment the Dragon Palace's name was heard, the crowd paused in unison. No matter who arrived, Great Yi's etiquette had to be observed.
Moments later, a large party of dragonfolk guests arrived. At the forefront were Ao Qi and Ao Ying, followed by a parade of stunning women clad in shimmering fish-scale garments. Every one of them was breathtaking—figures of grace and otherworldly charm, radiating an innate watery gentleness that etched themselves into the memory at first sight.
There were no fewer than three thousand of these women, forming a mesmerizing spectacle.
"Ao You, Ao Qi greet His Majesty the Yi Emperor."
The two women looked around Ten-Thousand Bamboo Lake with curiosity before respectfully bowing to Yi Tianxing. Their demeanor was humble, not arrogant.
"No need for such formality. Now that I've married Qing'er, we're already family."
Yi Tianxing responded with a smile.
"Indeed, and for this joyous occasion, our royal father personally instructed us to deliver a festive gift. He deeply values human traditions—especially the Spring Festival, which marks the passage from old to new. Since the Immortal Delicacy Banquet gathers so many talents of Great Yi, he wished to offer a small token of appreciation to reward everyone's hard work. Please accept it."
Ao Qi smiled as she spoke.
As she finished, Prime Minister Turtle stepped forward holding a jade casket.
Without waiting for consent, he prepared to present the gift directly, as though it were an undeniable gesture of goodwill—one that would be impossible to refuse.
Countless eyes turned to Yi Tianxing, watching to see how he would respond.
His expression remained unreadable—calm as ever, betraying neither joy nor displeasure.
Shua!!
The jade casket opened, and within it, another realm seemed to emerge—a rush of dense, innate water essence burst forth like a tide. Blue light swirled out like waves, enveloping the entire Ten-Thousand Bamboo Lake and every guest present, including Yi Tianxing himself.
As the energy permeated their bodies, everyone could feel innate spiritual energy pouring in, flooding their meridians. Many instinctively closed their eyes to begin cultivating on the spot. Their muscles, bones, and organs were invigorated with unprecedented comfort. Their meridians expanded, and dark impurities were flushed out—as if countless currents were purifying their very flesh.
This was a complete cleansing of the body and bloodline.
Meridian expansion—a near-miraculous event. This transformation meant that many who had once had the potential to reach only the Dharma Phase Realm could now break through to even higher levels. This wasn't just a gift—it was a life-altering boon.
Old wounds faded silently into nothingness. Though there was no direct increase in cultivation or magic power, the benefits were far greater—strengthening one's potential, foundation, and lifespan.
And this gift was not for one or two, but for the entire upper echelon of Great Yi.
The intent to win hearts was as clear as day—naked, bold, and impossible to ignore.
And even more so—impossible to refuse.
It was like someone stuffing money into your pocket whether you wanted it or not.
Even Yi Tianxing could neither stop it—nor did he intend to.
He watched as everyone was bathed in blue light. The black filth expelled from their bodies was instantly washed away by the pure water essence, leaving no trace behind. The sensation was near heavenly.
"A Primordial Spiritual Object—the Sea Eye. I never thought the Vast Sea Dragon Palace would go so far as to bring out such a treasure. This is the very foundation of their kingdom."
Yi Tianxing took a deep breath.
What sat in the jade casket was none other than the legendary Sea Eye—the core of a sea region, a source that endlessly generates seawater and spiritual energy. Without it, an entire sea region would wither and collapse. The Sea Eye was what made it possible to nurture sea tribes and support a Dragon Palace.
To build a lasting Dragon Palace, the Sea Eye was essential.
It wasn't a spiritual treasure in the conventional sense—but in terms of utility and influence, it was no less valuable—perhaps even more wondrous. It could enhance bloodlines, purify physiques, and strengthen talent. Normally, a Dragon Palace would never remove it from their depths.
But here it was, and worse yet—it had been unleashed over all the attendees to cleanse and empower them.
Now, every guest at the banquet had become a genius-level cultivator, transformed from ordinary to extraordinary. The implications were staggering.
"It's not that the Sea Eye can't be moved—it just needs to be protected during the process. Besides, husband, you're worth it."
Ao Qing said with a smile.
As a dragon herself, she understood all too well the significance of the Sea Eye. Every newborn dragon was brought to it for its baptism—thus, in the dragon race, mediocrity simply didn't exist. Every dragon was born a genius.
And now, thanks to this half-hour-long baptism, the elite of Great Yi had received the same treatment.
At last, the Prime Minister Turtle closed the jade casket. The flood of blue light vanished, and the water essence dissipated. The air, far from smelling foul after so much physical cleansing, now carried a delicate fragrance.