"They came from the sea... yet outwardly, they're no different from us humans. Now that's interesting."Yi Tianxing smiled lightly."There might be unexpected gains to be had."
If not from the land, then they came from the sea.
And the sea was far vaster than any land, boundless and mysterious. Life within the oceans was innumerable, far beyond counting.There were merfolk, shark-kin, crab clans, shrimp clans, and many other aquatic races.The sheer population and reproduction potential of sea creatures was staggering.Many tribes had long since established their own dynastic forces, their own destiny-bound nations within the sea.
This much was common knowledge among the ministers of Great Yi.But despite deploying giant whale warships to explore, they'd only charted a fraction of the surrounding waters.Sea beasts were endless and chaotic, and interference was frequent.To control the seas was far from an easy endeavor.
But humans living in the sea?
Now that was a tantalizing possibility.
Both Yi Tianxing and his ministers were deeply intrigued.
"According to some legends," said Zhuge Liang after a moment's thought,"Atlantis was the home of the Three-Eyed God Race, said to have built a mighty kingdom beneath the ocean. But whether it's true remains to be confirmed."
"However, the envoys of the Blue Moon Dynasty show no signs of a third divine eye. It's unlikely they're of that race."
"There are also tales of Poseidon, the Sea God of the West," said Liu Bowen slowly,"whose bloodline gave rise to the Sea Kings, humans who could live and breathe freely underwater."
"They resembled humans, were powerful by birth, and revered Poseidon. Their royal symbol was the trident. But the Blue Moon envoy carries no trident—it's unlikely they're Sea Kings either."
Over the years, Great Yi had steadily absorbed knowledge of the outside world, layer by layer.
"No need to speculate further," Yi Tianxing said,"Once we meet them, the truth will reveal itself. It's already late today—summon them at court tomorrow."
"Yes, Your Majesty," the ministers replied and then departed.
Meanwhile, back at the border—
Having received authorization, Li Daniu opened the checkpoint, allowing the Blue Moon envoy delegation to pass.
A teleportation array was used to quickly send them toward Xuanhuang City, where the Ministry of Rites received them formally and arranged their stay in the National Guest Manor—a place reserved for distinguished visitors and emissaries of other nations.
The manor consisted of many independent courtyards and was used to host powerful figures and nobles from all walks of life.
Soon, the Blue Moon delegation had settled in.
After being informed that they would be granted audience with Emperor Yi the next day at the Chaotian Hall, the Ministry officials took their leave.
Only the Blue Moon delegation remained.
"Third Prince, Fifth Princess," the white-robed elder said solemnly,"Tomorrow you will meet Emperor Yi face to face. Our rituals must be flawless, and the gifts we've prepared should be of the highest standard."
"His Majesty sent you here to form an alliance with Great Yi. You both know what's at stake. We must not fail—this is crucial for the Blue Moon Dynasty's future."
"Please rest assured, Second Elder," said Lan Que, the third prince, with full confidence."As long as Emperor Yi is not a foolish tyrant, he won't reject us."
"In terms of bloodline, we are kin to the human race—even more noble in lineage. We live in the sea, they rule on land. There's no territorial conflict between us."
"A partnership benefits us both. I estimate a seventy percent chance of success."
There was a reason for his confidence. He carried powerful bargaining chips.
"Great Yi is the number one human dynasty in the Eternal World," said the Second Elder."Even with several ancient kingdoms emerging, Great Yi remains unrivaled."
"Especially after the recent Heavenly Sacrifice Ceremony, which recognized their minted Eternal Coins as the only officially sanctioned currency."
"That legitimacy, that fortune and prestige… it's unrivaled. It gives Great Yi the potential to rise even further."
And this was exactly why they'd come.
The Eternal Coin had disrupted the plans of countless dynasties and factions. It instantly eclipsed all others.
The Blue Moon Dynasty had their own currency—the Blueblood Coin.
It could triple a cultivator's absorption of resources thanks to special enhancements developed over centuries.But the Eternal Coin, blessed by Heaven and Earth, gave a fivefold enhancement.The gap was as wide as the heavens.
Chasing that level was impossible.
Which is why they needed an alliance.
Time passed.
The moon set, the sun rose.
DONG DONG DONG!The chime of the morning bell echoed through the sky.
The Imperial Cloud Staircase descended from the sky.
High-ranking ministers of Great Yi ascended toward the Celestial Imperial Palace.
Inside the Chaotian Hall, civil and military officials stood tall—the strength of Great Yi was undeniable.
"Your Majesty," said Xun Yu,"After consulting with my colleagues in the Ministry of Personnel, we propose that the Imperial Examinations be held in mid-October."
"We will complete all preparations before then."
"Good," said Yi Tianxing,"Set it for October 15th. Let Huang Chengyan and Su Shi serve as chief examiners."
The Imperial Exam was critical for the future—nurturing officials and identifying talent to maintain the prosperity of the dynasty.
"Your Majesty," said Mao Sui,"The Blue Moon envoy has been housed in the Guest Manor. According to what I've learned, they hail from the Caribbean Sea."
"They are aquatic humanoids, indistinguishable from humans in appearance. Ancient records suggest that they were once part of the human race—some chose the land, others chose the sea, leading to divergent evolution."
"Their blood is blue. They are born to breathe underwater and thrive beneath the waves. Whether this is myth or truth, none can say. But it's clear—they've evolved differently. They may be kin—or they may be a separate species entirely."
The Blueblood Clan.
Their resemblance to humans was uncanny—except for the color of their blood.
In the sea, they held overwhelming advantages—powerful and naturally attuned to aquatic life.
Such evolutionary divergence was only natural.
The ministers of the court looked visibly intrigued.
"Summon the envoys of the Blue Moon Dynasty," said Yi Tianxing calmly.
"Summon the Blue Moon envoy!"A sharp voice rang out across the hall.
Soon, three figures stepped in:
The Second Elder in white robes
Third Prince Lan Que
Fifth Princess Lan Caixin
As they stepped into the Chaotian Hall, all three felt a sudden pressure descend upon them.
The atmosphere shifted dramatically—as if they had entered another world.
Invisible aura and majesty filled the space. Sharp gazes fell upon them like blades.
The weak of heart would collapse under such weight.
It was like entering a temple of the gods, submitting to an invisible judgment.
"This court far surpasses even the royal palace of the Blue Moon Dynasty."Lan Que's heart tensed."Every single official in this hall… none are below the fifth rank. That's... astonishing."
The power gathered here was terrifying.
Still, they were no strangers to pressure. After steadying themselves, they approached the throne.
Lan Que looked up—and met Yi Tianxing's gaze.
Just one look sent a stab of pain through his eyes.
"A divine presence… I can't even look directly at him. He's too powerful…"
"I am Lan Zhongming, Second Elder of the Blue Moon Dynasty."
"I am Lan Que, Third Prince."
"I am Lan Caixin, Fifth Princess."
"We greet the Emperor of Great Yi. May the Emperor enjoy eternal fortune and long life."
The three bowed deeply and respectfully.
Their manners were impeccable—they dared not show the slightest disrespect here.
"You may rise," Yi Tianxing said, raising a hand slightly.
"Your Majesty, this is the gift list our Blue Moon Dynasty has brought."
Lan Que stepped forward and handed over a scroll.
An attendant took it and presented it to Yi Tianxing.
Yi Tianxing unfolded it—and his eyes flickered with surprise.
The Blue Moon Dynasty had brought a staggering amount of treasures.
Such generosity clearly came with intent.
After scanning a few items, he looked up and spoke directly:
"The Blue Moon Dynasty resides in the Caribbean Sea. Though we are neighbors, we have never had contact until now."
"What brings you here?"
He didn't beat around the bush. His tone was direct.
He wanted answers.