The dragon clan's ultimate goal had always been to become the national beast of a fortune dynasty—its totem, its source of belief. Only then could they continuously draw upon the dynasty's fortune and destiny. The same applied to the Great Yi Dynasty. This meeting was, without a doubt, a trial of intentions—a probing confrontation. The dragon clan clearly presented their demands to Yi Tianxing. If he agreed, both sides would rejoice.If he didn't… then it was clear: the dragon-blooded sea beasts would not be suppressed. Even though the dragons could handle them with little effort, they would still withhold their hand.
Only after suffering the full horror of a beast tide would people grasp the might of the dragon clan, understand what benefits came with their protection, and then eagerly offer up their belief—build Dragon King Temples and recognize them as the national beast.
This was an overt and undisguised political tactic—an open scheme backed by sheer power.The message was simple: accept the dragon clan's conditions, and all would be well. Refuse, and don't blame them for watching idly as the dragon-beast hordes trample your settlements.
Refuse to submit? Then prepare to be drowned by the beast tide.The only alternative was to seek protection from the dragons.
The Great Yi Dynasty was immensely powerful. With the heavenly seal limiting most dragon powerhouses to their palace, even the dragons couldn't easily bring Yi Tianxing to heel. Moreover, the human race also had their sealed champions. If those seals broke, they might prove no weaker than any dragon. Thus, forcing Great Yi's submission would require alternative means—and the dragon-blooded sea beasts were a perfect weapon.
These beasts reproduced at shocking rates—tens of thousands per litter, endless numbers. Their lives were expendable. Whether they lived or died mattered little. As long as the dragons claimed them as kin, they were valuable. If not, they were no more than ants—cannon fodder.
Tools for the frontlines. No sentiment attached.
"No rush," said the Hanhai Dragon King calmly."The more time passes, the more favorable things become for our dragon clan."
He never expected to subdue Great Yi in a single stroke or have them bow to the dragons' rule overnight.
Within the Hall of Action and Wisdom—
Jia Xu, Huang Chengyan, Zhuge Liang, and Xun Yu were all present.The air was heavy and solemn.
"You all know the gist of the conversation with Ao Qi. Let's discuss what the dragons are really aiming for," Yi Tianxing said gravely.
After parting ways with Ao Qi, he had immediately summoned these core strategists. They were the anchors of Great Yi's intellect—sharp-minded to the extreme. To see through the dragons' ploy, their insight was essential.
"As Ao Qi admitted, the dragons can control the surrounding sea beasts. In fact, it's likely they've always had control. This beast tide didn't evolve naturally—it was encouraged. The dragons want these sea beasts to be their vanguard," said Huang Chengyan after a deep breath."But they won't act rashly toward us. Great Yi is no pushover, and the dragons know it. The human race has its own sealed powerhouses. If those seals break… we won't be any weaker."
"According to Ao Qi, the Dragon Palace's aim is to have us build Dragon King Temples,"Zhuge Liang mused. "Temples serve to gather incense and faith. But this smells like something bigger—they want influence. They want to insert themselves into the faith of mankind. I suspect..."
"They want to become our totem. Perhaps even... our national beast," Jia Xu finished.
The two exchanged a knowing glance.
Becoming the national beast—there it was. The dragons' ultimate goal.
They couldn't slaughter humans en masse. Nor could they destroy Great Yi outright. So instead, they sought to bind it to the dragon chariot—forever tethered.
Once established as a national beast and totem, the implications would be vast—devastatingly transformative.
"We absolutely cannot agree," Huang Chengyan said firmly."The dragon clan's ambition is well-known. Before long, they'll clash with the Phoenixes and Qilins. If we side with the dragons, we'll be dragged into that storm. More than that, if they become our totem, it's not just political—it's a spiritual invasion."
Faith is a terrifying double-edged sword. It can drive people mad, change their character and mind. Even their very soul.This isn't physical slavery—it's far worse: the slavery of spirit.And that… can be eternal.
Legend spoke of divine kingdoms filled with fanatics, believers who surrendered their entire being—mind, body, and soul—to their deity.With one divine decree, they'd leap into death without hesitation.
Such blind servitude, such loss of self, was something Great Yi's officials deeply abhorred.When they were mere mortals, worship was inevitable. But now, with cultivation open to all, everyone understood: gods were simply stronger cultivators. No need for kneeling. With effort, anyone could become a god—or a Buddha.
The true tragedy was enslaving the soul.
Hence, Great Yi had never allowed temples to any gods. No Jade Emperor, no mountain or river spirits—none had shrines.
Everyone is a dragon.
That had always been the path Great Yi walked. No one should sit high above others.
Allowing the dragon clan to become a national beast would open a dangerous floodgate.
It would be nothing less than inviting the wolf into the house.
"Indeed. This is a parasitic strategy," Xun Yu agreed."The dragon clan wants to feed on Great Yi—bit by bit, draining us dry."
Letting them become the national beast was out of the question.
The human race may call themselves "descendants of the dragon," but they sought the spirit of the dragon—not actual dragons enthroned.
"Good. Now that we understand their intent, we can respond accordingly," Yi Tianxing said coldly."It's not yet time to break ties. The dragons won't either. We still have our marital alliance link with the Dragon Palace."
"Alert the coastal cities. Prepare for beast tide assault. If the Dragon Palace wants a beast tide—"
"—Then we'll accept the challenge."
His eyes flashed with cold brilliance.
"The Iron-Blood Great Wall fears no corpses.Besides… perhaps it's time we expanded our borders again."
If the dragons wanted to become a totem, there was room to maneuver. Even further expansion might still fall within the dragons' tolerance.
"Gou Yu, as for Xi Zhicai—he's still wandering within Great Yi, correct?" Yi Tianxing added."You're well-acquainted. Go find him. Let's hear what he has to say."
Xi Zhicai had once migrated from the Wei Dynasty to Great Yi, but he hadn't entered service yet. He had instead chosen to travel, observe, and understand the lives of the people firsthand—not relying on hearsay. Yi Tianxing had long been tracking his whereabouts through the Heavenly Disaster Hall.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Gou Yu replied with a smile."It's been a while since I've seen Zhicai. From what I know, after this journey, he'll have no resistance left toward Great Yi.In fact, I dare say… congratulations are in order. You're about to gain another rare talent. Xi Zhicai is a true pillar of state."
Yi Tianxing nodded with satisfaction.
Just then, Tong Huang entered the hall and handed him a sealed report.
Yi Tianxing opened it, scanned the contents—and a flash of surprise crossed his face.
"How accurate is this intel?" he asked sharply.
"One hundred percent," Tong Huang replied with certainty.
"Chen Sheng and Wu Guang… Those two meddlesome rebels just don't give up.Stirring up revolts day after day…And now they've gone to that place?"
He let out a meaningful chuckle."Now that… is going to be interesting."