With his mastery of geomancy, such treatment was well-deserved. As soon as Ji Kang joined the Bureau of Celestial Observance, it took only a short time for him to win over the other geomancers. They fully acknowledged his abilities and supported his appointment as Deputy Director. Within the Bureau, he now held a position of high authority. Of course, this was all built upon genuine talent and skill—something Ji Kang possessed in abundance and was not afraid to show.
In Great Yi, if you had ability, you were expected to show it.Only by showing it could you earn a stage on which to fully demonstrate it.
And Ji Kang clearly understood this very well.
"Friend Shuye is absolutely right," said Jiang Ni, taking a deep breath. "Earlier, I visited the Imperial Palace to meet with the Emperor and had already mentioned the possibility of a coming disaster. And now, it seems things are unfolding exactly as we predicted—the catastrophe is here."
Undoubtedly, the Bureau had foreseen this disaster. But prediction alone wasn't enough—the Bureau was also responsible for presenting concrete solutions, for actually resolving the crisis. That was the real responsibility.
"Our Great Yi possesses the geomantic Mountains and Rivers State Map, which naturally regulates the flow of earth energy, gathers spiritual veins, and stabilizes the land. Combined with national fate, it's almost impossible for natural disasters on this scale to occur. Someone must be manipulating events from the shadows. Finding out who is behind this is the fastest way to end the disaster."
Killing the hidden hand behind the disaster would directly resolve everything at its source. Once the puppet master was slain, the catastrophes would unravel by themselves.
The problem was that these disasters had entered Great Yi's territory without being blocked by the Iron-Blood Great Wall, nor had there been any backlash from Great Yi's national fate. That could only mean the perpetrators had a way to avoid karmic retribution or resist the counterforce of national luck.
And if that was the case—things were far more complicated than they seemed.
"If eliminating the source isn't possible, then we'll have to find a way to break the current situation. All these disasters fall from the sky and stem from atmospheric changes. In essence, they're disrupting our seasonal cycles."
Ji Kang frowned slightly as he spoke.
Weather was, after all, just an extension of the natural seasons. Under normal seasonal conditions, such catastrophes would never occur. If the four seasons were stable, there would be timely rain and wind, and the people could live and work in peace. Such was the hallmark of a flourishing age.
But even with that understanding, they were still at a loss. To counter it by activating the Mountains and Rivers State Map might bring temporary relief, but it likely wouldn't resolve the root issue. A new approach was needed.
"Changes in weather stem from atmospheric phenomena. If the weather is being tampered with, then we can counter it with control over the same. Don't forget—Great Yi possesses the Eye of the Sun and Eye of the Moon, two peerless divine eyes. They aren't just for monitoring the realm—they can unleash the true flames of the sun or the moon's essence to temper the body and soul. At a critical moment, they can even transform into the sun and moon themselves. The sun can pierce through clouds and mist, illuminating rivers and mountains. Without clouds, there will be no torrential rain."
This came from Liu Bowen.
Although not a member of the Bureau, Liu Bowen was on very close terms with Jiang Ni and Ji Kang. His understanding of geomancy was at no disadvantage to anyone—in fact, he might even surpass them.
In ancient times, Liu Bowen was renowned for severing dragon veins and cutting off the heavens' connection to the earth. His legend endured through the ages.
This alone was proof of his towering skill in geomancy.
He was a master of astronomy, geography, and all things between heaven and earth.
When the anomalies began, he had come immediately, eager to see what the Directorate knew about the crisis.
"The Eye of the Sun can manifest a Golden Crow, while the Eye of the Moon can form a radiant moon. The Moon Star also controls ocean tides—it can calm a raging sea. This is known among geomancers; the connection between the solar and lunar stars and the earth is no secret."
He continued explaining.
Undoubtedly, this method could suppress storms and floods—it was a powerful means to bring stability.
"A great idea! Using the sun and moon to anchor the skies would eliminate many disasters and reduce their severity," Jiang Ni said, his eyes flashing with joy. After a quick internal calculation, he confirmed that the plan could work.
"But… what about the lightning and thunder in the skies?"
That remained a critical issue.
If lightning strikes couldn't be stopped, it would still be dangerous to leave the immortal cities. Anyone could be randomly struck down at any time. That had to be addressed.
"I remember the Emperor possesses a congenital spiritual treasure—the Thunder Pool. If it's used to anchor the void and govern all lightning, it should stop these wild strikes across the wilderness."
Liu Bowen pondered briefly before speaking.
A congenital spiritual treasure used to suppress the void and command the thunder—it was a sound strategy.
"Let's go to the Imperial Palace and request an audience with the Emperor."
The group exchanged looks and quickly made their decision.
With a solution in hand, they had to report to Yi Tianxing and seek his final decision.
In the Imperial Palace, Yi Tianxing received them.
Or rather, Yi Tianxie did.
Of course, aside from himself, no one could tell the difference—there was no external distinction between them. After listening to the report and proposed countermeasures, he promptly gave the order to implement them. However, since the Thunder Pool was unavailable, that part of the plan would be put on hold until the true body returned.
Jiang Ni and the others departed.
"How interesting… So this is the punishment from the Nine Heavens Dao Sovereigns? As expected, those so-called 'Dao Sovereigns' are truly petty creatures. Using weather manipulation to burden my Great Yi with natural disasters—trying to suppress our rise? Laughable."
Yi Tianxie looked up into the sky, a glint of evil light flickering in his eyes.
This move had made them an enemy of Great Yi. They had declared their stance.
"Your Majesty, the Snow Queen requests an audience," came the voice of Cao Zhengchun from outside.
"Summon her."
Yi Tianxie nodded as naturally as Yi Tianxing himself.
"Yes."
Soon after, the Snow Queen—dressed in white palace robes and wearing a crown—entered. She raised her eyes to look at Yi Tianxing and bowed respectfully. Compared to before, she could no longer gauge his depth.
"Emperor Yi is still Emperor Yi—unfathomable as ever. It's true: with the support of a Destiny Dynasty, cultivation becomes much smoother."
This thought passed silently through her mind. Of course, she had also been one of the beneficiaries. Not only did she enjoy the amplification of national fate, but also access to Willpower Beads and Eternal Coins—resources that greatly accelerated her cultivation. Now stationed in the Snow Province, she'd gained rapid insights into the Laws of Ice and Snow—reaching 80% mastery.
Her breakthrough speed far exceeded what she'd achieved in the past.
And she had no complaints about this life—perhaps even a trace of satisfaction.
This time, she had come with serious business.
"Your Majesty, the disasters striking Great Yi are likely caused by the arrival of innate deities. If I'm not mistaken… they are a few old acquaintances of mine."
"Innate deities? Who?"
Yi Tianxie's eyes gleamed.
"If my guess is correct, it's the Four Gods of Wind, Rain, Thunder, and Lightning. Their divine powers govern celestial phenomena—they can control all four weather elements. They also possess a Companion Formation Diagram known as the Four Divine Diagram. Once activated, it wields immense power—enough to contend with even more powerful beings. They can quietly merge into the void and manipulate the Dao of Celestial Phenomena—controlling the seasons and weather. What's happening in Great Yi now matches their abilities exactly."
The Snow Queen spoke solemnly.
She had known the Four Gods intimately. Even during their gestation, they had been close—as if they were born neighbors.
"The Four Celestial Deities, huh? To stir up storms within my Great Yi… are they tired of living?"
Yi Tianxie's eyes narrowed, his voice laced with cold laughter.
Anyone daring to target Great Yi would pay a steep price.
"They may not be irredeemable, Your Majesty. I'm willing to try negotiating with them—to uncover their true purpose. If possible, I'd like to recruit them into Great Yi. That would be an immense boon to our dynasty."
She clearly hoped to persuade the Four Gods to surrender.
If she succeeded, not only would the disasters cease, but she'd also earn enormous merit. And beyond personal gain, she truly didn't wish to see old friends perish.
After so many years in Great Yi, she understood that what was visible on the surface was only part of the truth—deeper powers lurked in the shadows.
"Oh? Then give it a try. If you succeed, you will have rendered a great service—an unmatched merit."
Yi Tianxie said meaningfully.
Not long after, the Snow Queen departed.
...
The Underworld. In front of the Ghost Cavern.
Just as Yi Tianxing was about to step inside, his footsteps paused slightly. A flicker of cold light flashed in his eyes. In his mind, he received the information transmitted from Yi Tianxie.
In that moment, all the recent events in Great Yi—everything—flooded into his consciousness.
"So it's true: when blessings come, misfortunes follow. Not only are things in the Underworld difficult, but now the Yang Realm is in chaos too. Trying to halt Great Yi's rise? Let's see if you truly have what it takes."
He sneered coldly.
"Nine Heavens Dao Sovereigns… this Emperor will play along."