"Master, do we know exactly when the Battlefield of Gods and Demons will open?"
Zhao Ziyan asked again after hearing the mention of it.
"No one knows the exact time. The heavenly will is obscure nowadays, making it difficult to predict. However, it should be tied to the struggle between the three races for supremacy in this world. Once the battle intensifies and reaches its peak, that will be the time the battlefield opens. In short, all you need to do is be prepared. It won't be any time soon."
Su Yao replied solemnly.
"Understood. I will do my best."
Zhao Ziyan nodded resolutely.
Once one enters the Battlefield of Gods and Demons, anything could happen. Everything depends on one's own strength. Strength is the foundation of all survival. Without it, dying on the battlefield is the simplest outcome of all.
She silently vowed in her heart: Brother, I will not let you down. I believe that we will meet again on the battlefield of gods and demons.
Although more than a decade had passed, the bond between siblings had never faded. On the contrary, like a fine vintage wine, it had only grown richer with time. Over the years, the constant flow of fate's blessings had deepened her awareness of this emotional connection.
"Don't worry. With your brother's capabilities, he is sure to carve out a place for himself in the Eternal World. Even if the heavenly seals are broken, he will still rise as a dominant force. To be able to ascend to an Emperor Dynasty now is a tremendous stroke of fortune. An Emperor Dynasty is not the same as a Imperial Dynasty. A true Emperor Dynasty can rival sacred cultivation lands in status—no less prestigious than our Qionghua Immortal Sect."
Su Yao cast a glance at Zhao Ziyan as she spoke.
Indeed, Zhao Ziyan's status within the Qionghua Immortal Sect had risen steadily. Among the higher-ups, everyone knew she was the Eldest Princess of the Great Yi Imperial Dynasty. This identity carried immense weight. Her words within the sect now held significant influence. Among the younger disciples, she had become a central figure, and countless young talents surrounded her constantly.
Such prestige was the result of both her identity and her strength.
An Emperor Dynasty was a force any Immortal Sect would take seriously.
Leaving aside the conversations within the Qionghua Immortal Sect, back in the Great Yi Emperor Dynasty, after completing its ascension and sealing its borders, the entire nation basked in joy for several days. Faces of citizens were alight with happiness. Even breakthroughs in cultivation were happening across the land.
Explorations of the wilds had also resumed. The recent purge had severely weakened many alien tribes, making it the perfect time to explore the wilderness.
It was also an excellent opportunity to eliminate remaining rogue tribes.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
On this morning, crisp chimes echoed across the skies, reverberating throughout Xuanhuang City.
The people looked up toward the floating Emperor Palace in the void.
As the bell rang, ministers began ascending the heavenly staircase, heading toward the palace.
Zhuge Liang, Jia Xu, Xun Yu, Zhou Yu, Yang Ye, Huang Chengyan, Xi Zhicai, He Shen—all the high officials of Great Yi were present at court. They exchanged greetings, all with smiles on their faces. The mood was harmonious, and joy was in the air. It was apparent that their auras had grown stronger than in previous days.
There was even a faint pressure that hadn't fully receded yet.
It was a sign of recent breakthroughs. With time to stabilize, they would conceal their strength once again.
The rise in cultivation marked a fruitful year for both officials and citizens. For ministers like Huang Chengyan and Jia Xu, they had already advanced to the Manifestation Realm. This was a direct result of the dynasty's support and endless resources. Without it, they would never have progressed so rapidly.
Soon, the court would be filled entirely with Manifestation Realm cultivators.
Even ascension to the Nascent Soul Realm was no longer impossible.
Every official in the court was a peerless figure of their generation, blessed with fortune and refined through the worldly experience of governing the nation. Such experience was no less valuable than battlefield slaughter.
"Greetings to the Emperor! May the Emperor enjoy eternal fortune and longevity!"
"Greetings to the Empress! May the Empress remain ever youthful and blessed with the heavens!"
The ministers filed into the Hall of Heaven's Will in an orderly fashion.
Yi Tianxing appeared shortly after, accompanied by Cai Yan. It was clear that Cai Yan was now visibly pregnant. As the couple entered, waves of respectful greetings echoed through the great hall.
At such a grand court assembly, only Cai Yan, as the Empress, had the right to attend. The other imperial consorts did not have this privilege. This was law and tradition. Even so, Cai Yan generally remained silent during court, only speaking on trivial matters when absolutely necessary. She did not interfere in state affairs.
Such were the rules, and she upheld them.
"Rise, my beloved ministers."
Yi Tianxing nodded slightly.
The grand hall was filled with talent from all walks of life.
This was the first court assembly after Great Yi's ascension to an Emperor Dynasty—truly a grand assembly. Every major official was required to attend, making it the most complete gathering of the court. Here, the policies and strategies of the newly risen Emperor Dynasty would be determined. Its importance was self-evident.
"All ministers with proposals, step forth and present them."
Cao Zhengchun's sharp voice rang through the hall.
"Please await the Emperor's command."
The ministers bowed and replied.
This being the first court after ascending to Emperor Dynasty status, it was only fitting for Yi Tianxing to speak first.
"Very well."
Yi Tianxing nodded and said, "Our ascension to Emperor Dynasty status is a result of destiny and the diligent governance of all ministers present—your contributions are undeniable. In light of this, we shall conduct a new round of appointments and promotions based on merit and ability. The administrative functions of Great Yi shall be reorganized. Rewards shall be given to the deserving, so that our Great Yi may flourish even more."
"Cao Zhengchun, declare the decree!"
Yi Tianxing gestured toward Cao Zhengchun.
At this, all eyes turned attentive.
It was known that Great Yi's system was based on a Nine-Rank structure for both civil and military offices. Over time, departments had been established and refined. By now, they had evolved considerably.
The official structure was now composed of:
One Gate, One Bureau, One Tower, One Office
Three Halls, Eight Palaces, Six Ministries
One Gate: Six Fan Gate – overseeing law enforcement, arrest of criminals, case investigations, and maintaining public order.
One Bureau: Bureau of Celestial Observance – tracking celestial phenomena and feng shui.
One Tower: White Jade Tower – immortalizing heroes of Great Yi; statues of meritorious figures are erected here.
One Office: Heavenly Strategy Office – a think tank of strategists offering counsel and wartime planning.
Three Halls:
Military Council Hall – manages military affairs, records, and promotions.
Heavenly Works Hall – oversees craftsmen, inventions, and technologies.
Tongtian Hall – residence for cultivators ranked by cultivation.
Eight Palaces:
Census Palace – manages population records and issues identity and military cards.
Gourmet Palace – governs top chefs and cuisine.
Treasury Palace – handles trade, state treasures, and official commerce.
Virtue Palace – records and honors meritorious officials.
Heavenly Medicine Palace – supervises physicians and alchemists.
Merit Palace – tracks and rewards contributions of all subjects.
Hunter Palace – oversees bounty hunters and related affairs.
Calamity Palace – the secret service of Great Yi, gathering intelligence and dispatching Calamity Guards.
Six Ministries:
Ministry of Personnel – handles official appointments, assessments, promotions, and transfers.
Ministry of Revenue – oversees state finance—the purse of the nation.
Ministry of Rites – manages ceremonies, schools, exams, and foreign affairs.
Ministry of Speech – monitors officials and voices the will of the people, acting as the Emperor's eyes and ears. This was newly added and akin to ancient censors.
Ministry of Justice – oversees laws, legal judgments, and case reviews.
Ministry of Works – manages infrastructure and public construction.
Notably, the Ministry of War was abolished, and its responsibilities absorbed into the Military Council Hall, effectively separating military administration from governance. The newly created Ministry of Speech emphasized the Emperor's respect for public opinion and freedom of speech.
Each Immortal City would now have a censor stationed to keep local governors in check, ensuring they did not exploit the people. Their records would form the basis for yearly evaluations. Though still in preparation, this idea had already received widespread approval from officials like Huang Chengyan.
These departments now formed the full structure of the Great Yi Emperor Dynasty's administration.
Now that Yi Tianxing announced a restructuring of appointments, everyone present was understandably focused. After all, this affected their future. Yet no one spoke out of turn. In Great Yi, merit earned advancement and incompetence brought demotion—this iron law had been in place since the founding of the nation.
"Decree of the Emperor: The Virtue Palace shall accept meritorious and virtuous officials of Great Yi. They shall hold the title of Grand Advisor or Palace Scholar, granted the right to participate in court discussions, and enjoy the rank of First Grade Official. No Palace Lord shall be appointed."
"By decree: Huang Chengyan shall retire from his post as Minister of Personnel and be admitted to the Virtue Palace, granted First Grade rank, and enjoy the honors of the Emperor Dynasty."