The bamboo shoots here were quite unique.These rain shoots contained a special kind of rainwater within them. The water was naturally stored inside the bamboo, carrying a fresh bamboo fragrance. When drunk, it was incredibly sweet and refreshing, leaving a long-lasting aftertaste.However, bamboo shoots themselves were not water—so how could they be turned into spiritual liquid? This clearly required a special formula.
That formula was held by Shen Wansan.
He could transform whole rain shoots into a spiritual liquid that contained spiritual energy. Even drinking it directly would enhance one's cultivation and mana. Not to mention using it in cooking, where it served as a kind of seasoning ingredient—it would only enhance the taste and effects further.
"This is quite something," Yi Tianxing said with a smile.As long as it remained unique, there was no doubt that it would be profitable. If it spread, it could sweep through the culinary world and cause a sensation—wealth would naturally follow.
"Brother Shen, you're truly a rare talent in business. The third Imperial Examination of Great Yi is about to be held. I think you should give it a try. Who knows? You might stand out and enter the court of Great Yi. There would surely be a place for you."
Yi Tianxing continued.
"Yes, Great Yi chooses talent without regard for background or origin. Anyone with a skill can take part. Among the ten categories of the exam, there's even one for commerce. If you can reach the peak of your field, you can absolutely win a position."
Cai Yan also smiled.
Clearly, Yi Tianxing was thinking of recruiting Shen Wansan into the court.
"What? Great Yi is holding the third examination? Why haven't I heard about this before?"Shen Wansan was visibly surprised. The news hadn't spread yet. But after a moment, excitement flashed in his eyes."That's right! Great Yi has been elevated to Emperor Dynasty status—it's a time of celebration! In such a joyful time, it's entirely possible for the Emperor to announce a special recruitment exam. If that's the case, this is wonderful news."
A flood of thoughts filled his mind.Business had always been more of a hobby to him. Compared to joining the Imperial court of Great Yi, those ventures were trivial.If he could rise through the exams and truly make a name for himself in the court—wouldn't that let him leave a lasting mark on Great Yi's history?
Once that thought took root, it became unshakable.In terms of commerce, he believed himself second to none.
"The exam will be officially announced soon. If you're interested, you should absolutely give it a try." Yi Tianxing encouraged again.
Soon after, exquisite dishes were brought to the table.The culinary skill was truly extraordinary. When uncovered, glows of spiritual delicacy shone from the dishes, their fragrance overwhelming, causing mouths to water and hunger to surge.
One dish in particular—the Rain Shoot Old Duck Soup—was out of this world.It fused the freshness of the rain shoots into the broth, which was rich yet not greasy, fragrant yet flavorful. The taste exploded on the tongue, leaving a long-lasting sensation. Even the food cells in the body rejoiced, automatically absorbing spiritual energy. The strength of the flesh increased steadily.
After the meal, Shen Wansan left.Yi Tianxing didn't stop him, and continued touring the city with Cai Yan, enjoying the local sights and customs—experiences rarely available to him.They returned to the palace only after a full day of leisure. That night, they shared a passionate slumber, filled with spring warmth and pleasures untold—an intimacy impossible to describe to outsiders.
Three days later, news of the third Imperial Examination spread throughout the Great Yi Emperor Dynasty.
Meanwhile, Yi Tianxing once again entered his meditation chamber.
With a single thought, the Hongmeng Heavenly Emperor Tower appeared before him. It radiated purple light, runes flashing endlessly. Neither gold nor jade, it absorbed the essence of the heavens and earth. The aura it emitted was solemn and terrifying—just facing it gave the sense that one could be crushed, utterly destroyed.
The small world within the tower had now expanded to over 110,000 miles in radius, nearing 120,000 miles. It was approaching the ultimate limit of a small thousand world.Yi Tianxing had already decided not to fuse any more heavenly treasures for now, so as not to hinder the tower's overall advancement.
"Yin-Yang Bridge, open the Path of Yin and Yang. Connect the realms of life and death!"
Yi Tianxing took a deep breath and gave the order.
Immediately, a black-and-white divine bridge extended from the tower. One end appeared before him, the other stretched into the void. A mysterious power radiated from the Yin-Yang Bridge, fueled continuously by the Heavenly Emperor Tower's origin energy.
The bridge began to pierce the void, reaching toward a mysterious dimension—the realm of the dead.
Yin-Yang Bridge (阴阳桥) – A mystical bridge that connects the living world (Yang) and the underworld (Yin).
"This day, I will walk the Yin-Yang Bridge."
He took the tower into his body, and stepped onto the bridge. Each step forward caused his figure to fade—until he vanished completely, disappearing from the world of the living.
On the bridge, he entered a strange, foreign void.All around him were chaotic spatial currents. Beyond the bridge lay darkness—thick, heavy darkness filled with ominous dread.
This was a space of twisted Yin-Yang energy, full of floating spatial shards and unknown horrors.
Nether Ruins Between Two Realms (两界阴墟) – A chaotic, unstructured realm that lies between the living and dead. It is filled with danger, spatial chaos, and the power to erase souls.
"According to legend, between Yin and Yang lies a realm of chaos known as the Nether Ruins Between Two Realms. It is terrifying—filled with space turbulence, deadly shards, and ominous energies.
Fall into it, and you'll face unimaginable horror—eternal damnation, with no hope of reincarnation.
The world of the living and the dead are polar opposites, separated by this void.To cross it, one must lay down a path—known as the Path of Yin and Yang.
The Ghost Gate can summon it. The Yin-Yang Bridge can build it. But either way, one must cross the Nether Ruins to get from one realm to the other."
These thoughts passed through Yi Tianxing's mind.This explained why the two realms could not easily connect—the Nether Ruins served as the great divide. The Eternal World was like a giant Taiji diagram—one half Yin, one half Yang.
As he walked the bridge, something suddenly appeared in the void: a snow-white figure.
Looking closely, it was a white-robed young woman. Her palace dress, long legs, and flawless figure were mesmerizing. Her face bore a look of pitiful sorrow.
She looked at Yi Tianxing and sobbed:
"Kind sir, save me. I'm so cold, it's freezing here. If you help me up onto the bridge, I'll repay you with my body—be your servant for life."
Her voice pierced the soul—causing instinctive sympathy, a desire to help her without even thinking.
Yi Tianxing didn't stop walking. He remained completely unmoved.
"Young master, am I not beautiful?"
Somehow, her robe slipped from her shoulders, revealing a perfect body—flawless and seductive. An undeniable masterpiece of creation, hard to reject.
"The ancients said: On the Path of Yin and Yang, never look back. Terrible things lie behind.
Do not answer the calls—answering leads to soul loss."
Yi Tianxing stopped, gave the naked woman a long look, and smiled appreciatively.
"Indeed, this body is flawless."
"But today—I want to see what exactly you are."
A flash of light revealed the Death God's Fishing Rod in his hand.He flicked his wrist, casting the hook toward the woman.
"You want to get on the bridge? Let me help you up."
"You're using the Death God's Hook?! Who are you?"The woman's expression changed in shock. She recognized it—and panic struck.
She tried to cover herself and flee, hiding back into the Nether Ruins.
But the Death God's Hook, once cast, had already locked onto her soul signature.With unnatural speed, it pierced her body like lightning.
"AAAHHHHHHH!!!"Her agonized scream echoed, her face twisted with pain and horror.