Eternal Era, Year Twelve.
First day of the fourth lunar month.
At dawn, as the golden sun cast its rays across the world and all things stirred from slumber, a magnificent sight erupted above the skies of the Great Yi Dynasty. Over Xuanhuang City, golden clouds of merit and virtue shimmered into view. Within them, a thousand-zhang-long True Dragon of National Destiny suddenly opened its eyes, coiling and soaring through the clouds. Its scales and claws glimmered occasionally as it moved, emanating an invisible pressure that swept outward like a tidal wave.
This spectacle was not only visible within the borders of Great Yi—but even beyond.
Great Yi had long since drawn the attention of all realms. Every move it made stirred the hearts of countless observers. Escaping scrutiny was impossible.
"What's happening? Isn't that the merit cloud and destiny dragon of our Great Yi Dynasty? Why would it suddenly appear? By the heavens, that dragon has already surpassed a thousand zhang! That's incredible! They say the larger the dragon, the more prosperous the dynasty. It looks like our Great Yi is truly flourishing!"
"I've heard before—when a dynasty's destiny dragon reaches a thousand zhang, it becomes eligible to ascend to Emperor Dynasty status. Could that be what's happening? But we've heard no word of any such preparation."
"Something big is coming. Every time a scene like this appears, it means something earthshaking is about to happen. This won't be an exception."
Citizens of Great Yi were stunned by what they saw. But as they gazed upon the destiny dragon, their expressions turned reverent and proud.
For them, the dragon was a symbol—not only of the dynasty's fate and foundations—but of themselves. What belonged to Great Yi belonged to them. They were inseparable.
Meanwhile, outside the dynasty, spies and informants from foreign races were dumbfounded.
"What is Great Yi doing? Are they aiming to ascend to an Emperor dynasty? There've been no signs of this at all."
"This isn't right. Ascending to imperial status is no small matter. The preparations required are vast. It's impossible to do without significant planning. So why the sudden fanfare?"
"No rumors, no signs—it makes no sense!"
These foreign watchers scratched their heads in confusion. No one could understand what Yi Tianxing was trying to do. And frankly, no one wanted Great Yi to ascend. A Imperial dynasty was already troublesome enough—if it became an Emperor dynasty, the consequences would be terrifying.
No one wanted a Great Yi that couldn't be controlled. Right now, even at its current level, it was hard enough to deal with. If it rose any higher, it would become a monstrous force.
No one would let that happen without resistance.
Just then, a regal figure appeared in the sky.
Draped in a Chaotic Dragon Battle Robe, exuding unmatched majesty, Yi Tianxing stood upon the back of the destiny dragon, surveying the four directions like an emperor inspecting the heavens. His very presence cloaked the world in divine pressure.
"It's the Emperor!"
"The Yi Emperor!"
Both humans and other races felt a solemn stillness settle over them. Everyone knew—something momentous was about to occur. Yi Tianxing wouldn't reveal himself like this without cause.
"What's happening?"
"It feels like something huge is coming," whispered Qingyunzi, sensing an ill omen.
Then, Yi Tianxing calmly spoke, his voice clear and firm, echoing throughout the entire dynasty:
"A great calamity draws near. The aura of disaster grows stronger by the day. In order to protect the citizens of Great Yi from senseless slaughter, and to shield them from this tribulation, as of today, the Great Yi Dynasty shall seal its borders and close the nation. From this day forth, no connection with the outside world shall be maintained.
Only entry shall be allowed, not exit.
This decree shall remain until the seal is lifted. From now on, Great Yi will focus on recovery and rest. We will not interfere in any external affairs."
Yi Tianxing's words reached every ear across the dynasty—no matter who or what they were. Even the deaf could hear his declaration in their minds. There was no one who didn't understand.
"What?! Sealing the nation? Why?!"
"A great calamity is coming... But no matter what, we trust the Emperor. He wouldn't do this without reason. Besides, our dynasty does need time to rest and strengthen."
"Exactly. Our territory is vast, and still sparsely populated in many areas. This is the perfect time to consolidate our foundation and expand our population. The emperor is thinking long-term."
Most of the people accepted the decree. After all, it didn't affect their lives significantly. Very few had ever planned to leave the safety of Great Yi. The idea of protection from outside dangers was even welcome to many.
But outside the dynasty, reactions were very different.
"What the hell is this?! Sealing the nation? What is Yi Tianxing trying to pull?"
The Young Lord of Emptiness frowned deeply, thoughts racing. "Could it be that the war between the Dragon, Phoenix, and Qilin clans is about to begin—and the competition over Great Yi is heating up? Is he trying to withdraw before it erupts into chaos?"
Indeed, the three great clans had poured immense resources into Great Yi. They had even married off their princesses to cement alliances. Now, just as they were poised to reap the rewards, Yi Tianxing had... flipped the table and walked away.
"This is ridiculous. The Dragon Clan won't tolerate this."
"Yi Tianxing can't be this shortsighted," muttered Qingyunzi in disbelief. "He knows how the three clans will react. How can he think they'll let him pull out now, unscathed?"
Even within the royal palace of Great Yi, confusion and shock spread among his wives:
"Why would my husband do this?" said Ao You, her brows furrowed.
"It doesn't make sense," murmured Mo Xue.
"Something's not right," added Hongluan thoughtfully. "He would never act so recklessly. He must have a deeper plan."
No one had seen this coming.
In the Hanhai Dragon Palace...
CRASH!!
A teacup shattered on the floor.
Even with his composure, Hanhai Dragon King was shaking with rage. His eyes burned with fury.
"Yi Tianxing! You dare?! Sealing your borders? Watching from the sidelines while we three clans destroy one another, hoping to pick up the spoils? You think you can just sit back and profit? Dream on!"
The Dragon King was livid. They had just finalized a strategy against Great Yi—and now this decree had derailed everything. All that effort had been wasted. Worse, it felt like a slap to the face.
"This isn't just disrespect—it's mockery," the Dragon King growled. "He's treating us like fools."
"Your Majesty, what now?" asked Turtle Prime Minister grimly.
"What now?" The Dragon King's face darkened. "This is my domain. He wants to seal his nation? He'll need my permission first! He wants to reason with fists? Fine. Let's see whose fists are stronger."
"Pass my order: All sea beasts in Hanhai shall march into Great Yi! I want a beast tide to drown that entire dynasty!"
"Seal your nation? I'll tear it open myself!"
In the Phoenix Nest, the Phoenix Queen watched silently, her gaze thoughtful.
"Interesting. He wants to withdraw from the game—but it won't be that easy. At the very least, the Dragon King won't let this go."
She made no move. She knew the Dragon King would strike first.
High in the sky, the Qilin King stood still, watching the Great Yi territory in silence.
"Yi Tianxing isn't a fool. He built a vast dynasty with his own hands—he must have a reason for this move. Let's watch... This game isn't over yet."
Then, just as the decree rippled across the world, a chilling voice filled with demonic energy echoed from the void:
"Seal your nation, Yi Tianxing? Do you think you can suppress me?"