The Heavenly Decree spread across the void, reaching every inch of land. It drilled into the bodies of countless flora and fauna, forming an invisible shackle within them. This shackle—strong or weak—completely severed their chance of becoming demons. The moment they attempted to transform, the Heavenly Decree would turn into chains, seal everything, and suppress them completely.
As Great Yi's national fortune grew ever stronger, so too would the power of the Heavenly Decree. In the end, as long as Great Yi did not collapse, and the decree was not withdrawn, then within the territory of Great Yi, no creature—no matter what—could ever become a demon or spirit.
With the issuing of this decree, countless birds, beasts, plants, and trees bathed in the Imperial Nectar were visibly affected. Many were on the verge of demonization, with nascent demonic energy beginning to stir. But under the suppression of the Heavenly Decree, that demonic energy was forcibly restrained and sealed.
However, the decree did not affect those who had already become demons—those who had undergone their transformation. It only worked on those who had not yet crossed that threshold. Once they became demons, they were beyond its reach.
Witnessing the suppression firsthand, the officials of Great Yi all showed awe on their faces. This—this was the power of a Fortune Dynasty. This was the might of the emperor's golden edict—this was law turned into divine decree.
"The Emperor is wise!"
"This will bring great stability to the lands of Great Yi."
"Indeed. With all beasts unable to transform, their bloodlines will instead evolve into spirit beasts and roots. This is of immense benefit to Great Yi. A benevolent act, truly."
So said the ministers, offering their praises.
The Imperial Nectar was an unparalleled blessing. While it could no longer lead to demonization within Great Yi's territory, it could still greatly strengthen one's foundation and purify their bloodline. For countless fierce beasts, the nectar washed away their violent instincts. Normally, those instincts would transform into controllable demonic energy once they became demons. But now, with that path sealed, the nectar thoroughly cleansed them of those savage tendencies.
As a result, their primal consciousness began to fade, and sparks of wisdom gleamed in their eyes. Their auras became gentler, imbued with spiritual essence. They were no longer fierce beasts—they were now spirit beasts.
Simultaneously, many plants and trees were absorbing the nectar. Those with potential or destiny began to evolve rapidly. Though the decree prevented them from becoming spirits, they still awakened spiritual intelligence, and their bloodlines underwent transformation.
One could see a simple bamboo stalk, after absorbing the nectar, transform into Jade Bamboo, its body like emerald, crystalline and fragrant. It even began flowering and producing tiny glowing rice-like grains—Jade Bamboo Rice.
A willow tree evolved as well. Its branches turned to jade, its leaves became treasures that could be refined into flying blades. Its sap, when processed, could temper eyesight and awaken spiritual sight.
"Fierce beasts transforming into spirit beasts means they can be tamed and nurtured as companions or battle pets.Plants becoming spirit roots can yield all manner of miraculous treasures.This is turning calamity into fortune. A move that will greatly bolster the foundation of Great Yi."
Liu Bowen smiled as he spoke, his joy evident.
Though the path to demonhood was sealed, a new path had opened—toward becoming spirit beasts and spirit roots. And this path was no less powerful. In fact, it posed no threat to Great Yi. On the contrary, it brought countless advantages.
Spirit beasts, possessing intelligence and spirituality, could be easily bonded with. Many cultivators would be eager to raise them, to turn them into close companions or protectors. If they matured enough, they might even become divine or celestial beasts. Their value would be on par with or beyond that of top-tier demonkind, especially in the eyes of high-level cultivators, who often favored divine beasts as guardians for their sects.
However, this change only applied within Great Yi, where the Heavenly Decree and national destiny could exert pressure. In other parts of the Eternal World—without such decrees—demonization was happening freely. Beasts and plants turning into demons were now a common sight.
"The Witch Tribe has re-emerged, and now the Demon Tribe stirs as well.But this time, the world won't revolve around them alone.The age of duopoly between the two is over. In the past, the three great tribes dominated because of the Seal of Heaven that suppressed the ancient powers, and because the Dragon, Phoenix, and Qilin clans carried overwhelming momentum.But this age is different—strong clans are everywhere. The Demons and Witches are only two among many."
Indeed, the Eternal Era was far more intense, brutal, and unpredictable than any era before it.
On the Sun Star...
The entire celestial body was wreathed in endless flames. Any cultivator who approached would be incinerated in an instant. Even supreme beings dared not draw near. The Sun Star, as one of the supreme celestial bodies, was never to be trifled with.
At its core stood a divine tree, towering and radiant, emitting powerful waves of fire law and dao rhythm. Perched on its branches were several divine nests, undisturbed by the inferno, shining with divine light.
Beneath the tree stood a palatial structure, built entirely of stellar crystal. Its grandeur was beyond measure—just one glimpse would shock even the mightiest cultivators.
Carved upon it: Heavenly Emperor's Palace.
Its very name radiated supreme pressure—enough to crush the weak at a glance.
Before its gates stood three figures, all gazing out toward the Eternal World.
The first exuded a natural aura of emperorhood—just a glance made others feel small.The second had an even stronger regal presence, his face expressionless, exuding boundless might.The third was an old man, eyes like ancient oceans—deep and unreadable.
"Your Majesties," the old man said with a chuckle, "this Imperial Nectar will add countless new kin to our Demon Tribe.Even if many perish in their growth, the survivors will ensure our rise to one of the Eternal World's strongest races—no weaker than the Witch Tribe."
His eyes shimmered with anticipation.
"Within the nectar," added the emperor, "we've integrated our Demon Tribe's ancestral legacies. Once transformed, each new demon will awaken the precise techniques suited to their bloodline.No more stumbling in the dark. They will walk a path already paved.In one leap, they may reach heights others would take centuries to climb."
This was no ordinary nectar—it was infused with ancient Demon inheritance. As soon as a creature awakened as a demon, the legacy would be triggered, merging directly into their soul and bloodline. Their cultivation would be swift, orderly, and guided.
"Fear not, Your Majesties," said the old man. "Once the rain ends, I shall descend into the Eternal World, travel the lands, guide the newborn demons, and teach them our sacred script.We must not fade away as we did in the last epoch."
This elder was none other than Kunpeng, the Demon Master, second only to Emperor Dijun and Eastern Emperor Taiyi. He was the one who created the Demon Script—a figure of towering significance within the Demon Tribe.
"This time," said Taiyi, "the Witches are not our only rivals.Among the many rising powers is the Barbarian Tribe, born of the union between humans and witches.Their leader, Chiyou, is a peerless sovereign.Within the Ten Thousand Great Mountains, they are rapidly expanding—and rumor says they're ready to found a Fortune Dynasty."
He wasn't wrong. The enemies were many. Not just the Witch Tribe, but the Human Tribe, Barbarian Tribe, Beastkin, Celestials, Heavenly People, and others—all strong contenders for the position of dominant race. None were weak. None were to be underestimated.
This new era would not tolerate the brute-force rule of the previous one.