Anyone would want to live in peace and prosperity.
After all, within Great Yi, there were cultivation techniques, abundant resources, a safe and stable environment, and limitless potential. Now, the three women had been elevated to prestigious positions, granted noble titles. As long as they didn't expose themselves, they would continue to enjoy the immense benefits of the imperial dynasty.
Over these past days, they had clearly felt the power of Fate upon them—the blessings of fortune and a stream of resources without end. Compared to their former lives, this was a heavenly transformation. Not even the spiritual paradises within the Chiyou Tomb could compare to the splendor of the imperial palace.
"In this palace… even a pig could grow powerful overnight."
Such were the opportunities available.
And on top of that, they'd received treasures like the Star Ring, which could evolve into an innate spiritual treasure. That kind of item was unimaginable outside.
Everything they ate or used was the finest under heaven.
Even the other women who had entered the palace with them—no matter their previous cultivation level—had broken through multiple realms in just a short time. The surge in power was practically unreasonable.
And it wasn't random. After each imperial visit to serve Yi Tianxing, they could feel their cultivation soar. This rise had no hidden dangers and was perfectly controllable.
They all understood—this was the benefit of dual cultivation.
Yi Tianxing's cultivation was so advanced that the women received tremendous benefits. To them, it was a cheat code. Their mana and foundation expanded rapidly, and breakthroughs were inevitable. According to their estimates, it wouldn't take long before they each crossed another major realm. Until they reached Yi Tianxing's level, this growth would continue.
The women of the harem were now improving at breakneck speed.
Naturally, their thoughts began to shift.
"Although Dao Zun is powerful, even he cannot personally interfere in dynastic matters—especially not within Great Yi. If he could, he wouldn't have needed us to act from the shadows."
Hu Yuniang's eyes glinted as she spoke.
"Since the Dao Zun likely cannot intervene, that means we're safe inside the palace. As long as we continue delaying, the mission will become meaningless. We can simply live according to our new roles."
Delay long enough—and the mission fades into obscurity.
"Very well. Then we agree. We will live as proper consorts of Great Yi. No more schemes. If anything unexpected happens, we'll reveal the truth to the Emperor."
"With his wisdom, I don't believe he would harm us."
Ji Hongyue nodded after a moment of contemplation.
With that, the three women agreed to their new course of action.
After half a cup of tea's time, they dispersed—calm and serene, as if they were merely out for a sisterly outing. Nothing appeared unusual on the surface.
Time passed quietly.
Half a month went by.
Great Yi remained peaceful.
One piece of news did cause a stir: The Imperial Examinations were to be held again.
This time, the schedule was finalized. A grand campaign to select new talent had begun. All the major celestial cities were conducting their preliminary rounds. When the time came, the chosen would gather in Xuanhuang Celestial City for the final examinations.
Throughout Great Yi, excitement filled the air.
"In books, you'll find riches. In books, you'll find wives as beautiful as jade. In books, you'll find carriages and honors."
"After ten years of hard study and three years of trials, this time, I will rise in the exams!"
"To master the civil and martial arts, and sell one's skills to the Emperor! I will showcase my ambition and help build a stronger Great Yi!"
"At last, the exams return. I've waited too long for this chance! This era belongs to us—and only in Great Yi's court can I stand at the heart of history!"
"Imperial Exams, here I come!"
Across the land, scholars and cultivators declared their determination.
They had seen with their own eyes the strength and prosperity of Great Yi.
Joining the dynasty was the only way to step onto the true stage of the era. Only by aligning with Great Yi could they ensure boundless opportunity.
To them, the exams weren't just a test—they were a bridge to the heavens, a life-changing chance.
And just then…
On the borders of Great Yi, near the Caribbean Sea, ripples began to stir upon the ocean surface.
At the edge of the territory, a whirlpool appeared—mysterious and sudden.
From it, a path of water extended forward, and a figure emerged.
Then another. And another.
What stepped forth was an army.
Over ten thousand soldiers, each clad in blue armor—material unknown, forged with strange techniques. Though it was clearly armor, it moved like silk, exuding elegance and power.
It wasn't bulky. It enhanced their strength and outlined their physiques.
Each soldier held a blue spear, marked with ancient runes. The invisible sharpness in their grip proved this was an elite force.
They were hardened by blood and war.
Suddenly—!
Blue light burst from the vortex.
A chariot emerged—crafted in blue, drawn by eight seahorses, each radiating blue flames like surging waves. Each one was at least ten zhang long (30 meters)—majestic and mystical.
The chariot raced forward with stunning momentum.
Seated atop were a man and woman.
The man was elegant, and the woman wore a veil—her face hidden, but her figure was flawless, radiating an aura of supreme beauty.
Several maids followed, along with a white-robed elder, holding a staff and standing calmly by.
A flag fluttered above the chariot.
Upon it—two bold characters:
Blue Moon
And a painted image of a blue moon, vivid and bright.
The old man raised his eyes, scanning the distant horizon. Then he called out:
"The Blue Moon Dynasty has come to make a diplomatic visit to Great Yi. I request the generals open the gates!"
Though no one was in sight, he spoke confidently into the air.
Swish—!
With a flash, an enormous Great Wall manifested out of nowhere.
Towering 81 zhang tall, its walls glowed with a faint blood-red aura.
Soldiers stood vigilant upon the ramparts—guarding their posts, cold weapons gleaming under the sun, ready to unleash destruction at any moment.
These were the elite Great Wall Defense Troops.
One of the commanders—Li Daniu—stepped forward and addressed the visitors:
"We've never heard of a Blue Moon Dynasty before. However, since you've formally requested passage, I will relay your message to the court."
"Many thanks, General. This is our imperial edict," the elder said with a smile, handing over a letter of credentials.
Li Daniu accepted it without hesitation.
He didn't attempt to read it—it was not his place.
Instead, he placed it into the teleportation array and activated his Starlink wrist device, relaying the message immediately.
This was the benefit of the Starlink Network—news spread instantly across the dynasty.
Soon, the message had reached the highest levels of Great Yi.
The letter of credentials appeared before Yi Tianxing himself.
In the Zhixing Hall, his key ministers—Xun Yu, Liu Bowen, and others—had already assembled.
"The Blue Moon Dynasty…"
Yi Tianxing looked at the document with interest.
"According to this letter, they have sent their Third Prince, Lan Que, and their Fifth Princess, Lan Caixin, to visit us. Has anyone heard of this dynasty before?"
The timing and method of their arrival were odd—they'd emerged directly from the sea, riding chariots pulled by mystical seahorses.
Clearly, they weren't ordinary.
"Your Majesty," said Tong Huang, "I've heard of the Dark Moon Dynasty in the Bohai Domain—but not of any Blue Moon Dynasty."
"The Caribbean region is infamous for pirates and scattered factions. We've never received word of any such dynasty occupying it."
As the head of the Calamity Hall, Tong Huang was responsible for external reconnaissance.
Though spies and scouts were constantly dispatched to the four great seas surrounding Great Yi, no report had mentioned a force like this.
That only made the Blue Moon Dynasty even more mysterious.
Still, since they had arrived formally, Yi Tianxing had already issued orders to allow their entry.
This was the etiquette of a great nation.
"Your Majesty," said Jia Xu, "based on their arrival from the sea, could it be that this dynasty doesn't exist on land at all?"
"They may not be land-based beings… but aquatic cultivators."
It was a bold theory—but a plausible one.
And if true, it meant the world was even broader and deeper than expected.