Eternal Era, Year 49 – Twelfth Month, Twenty-Eighth Day.
The morning bell echoed within the Imperial Palace.
From the edge of the heavens, a celestial staircase of clouds descended and connected directly to the palace.
"Court is in session! Officials, make your way!"
A sharp voice pierced the air before the Hall of Ascent, signifying that this was the final Emperor court assembly of Eternal Year 49—and the last assembly to take place while the Great Yi still remained a Dynasty.
This time, the attending officials were numerous—not only ministers stationed in the imperial capital, but also city lords from all corners of Great Yi's territory. Year's end was a time for official reports, and it coincided with the eagerly anticipated Celestial Delicacies Banquet—a grand event no city lord would dare to miss.
The final court session of each year was always a spectacle.
But this year was especially lively.
After Yi Tianxing's proclamation that Great Yi would ascend to Sacred Court status, all the city lords were ecstatic. This assembly was not just for the banquet—it was a chance to learn about the specifics of the ascension.
Thus, the Cloud Ladder became a trail of winding dragons, as endless officials stepped into the Hall of Ascent.
Inside, the hall was vast—practically a world unto itself. No matter how many entered, there was no sense of crowding.
"Greetings to Your Majesty!"
"Greetings to the Empress!"
The officials saluted in unison.
"You may rise,"Yi Tianxing replied.
Seated on the dragon throne, he wore a solemn expression. Beside him sat Cai Yan, who smiled faintly as her eyes swept over the thousands of assembled officials.
These were the foundation of Great Yi—and their sheer number proved the dynasty's strength. Most of them were city lords, governors of entire immortal cities. Each one was a capable leader in their own right.
"My loyal officials,"Yi Tianxing began,"This is the final court of the year, and also the final assembly while Great Yi remains a Dynasty.There are things that must now be said."
"After the Lantern Festival of the new year, Great Yi shall offer sacrifice to Heaven and Earth and ascend to become a Sacred Court.What say you all to this?"
His gaze naturally swept over the expressions of the court.
"Your Majesty, the ascension is a great matter,"Xun Yu stepped forward."It is a joyous blessing for all of us. But—no court has ever become a Sacred Court without trials.Disasters may come, be they natural or man-made.I fear the process will not be peaceful.We must be prepared for anything.Better to be safe than sorry."
Indeed, countless dynasties had stumbled right at the moment of success. Disaster, sabotage, or miscalculation could undo years of progress.
Even now, the memory of the demonic eye that appeared in the sky lingered in many minds.Clearly, Great Yi had attracted the attention of mighty beings, and enemies in the shadows were watching for the slightest misstep.
"Agreed,"Zhuge Liang added."When the time comes, all legions must be at maximum readiness.All military units must return to their posts.The Great Wall Defense Army, the Six Doors Division, and the Calamity Hall must all enter high alert.We cannot afford to be caught unprepared."
"Good,"Yi Tianxing nodded."The announcement of our ascension was not without purpose.It was made to draw out all the monsters and demons hiding in the dark.Rather than waste time searching for them, let them show themselves.Let them come.My Great Yi's ascension shall not lack sacrifices."
Indeed, if he wanted to keep it secret, he could have hidden the date until the last moment.But that wasn't what he wanted.
To him, the ascension to Sacred Court was not just a milestone, but an opportunity—to draw out and eradicate hidden enemies, paving the way for future conquests.
This would be their best chance to strike at Great Yi—and if they missed it, they'd never get another.
The officials all felt a chill run down their spines.They could sense Yi Tianxing's unshakable confidence—and that there would be no turning back.
There would be enemies.
"Whoever dares come, let them.Great Yi fears no challenge,"Qi Jiguang said decisively.
The court quickly began finalizing all arrangements for the ascension—defense plans, logistics, and resources.
Then, attention shifted to reviewing the year's developments.
All city lords were assessed.Those who had performed well were rewarded.Those who had underperformed were pointed out, and solutions were discussed.
Many previously unresolved issues were addressed, thanks to the wisdom of the assembled ministers.
This was welcome news for many city lords.
Fortunately, most immortal cities were already on the right track.Given Great Yi's abundant resources and foundation, even weak cities could flourish—as long as the city lord identified their core strengths and leveraged them wisely.
With the right leadership, wealth and growth were inevitable.
Thus, a qualified city lord was one who could identify and develop their city's unique assets.
This court session lasted from morning till afternoon.
Meanwhile, as Great Yi wrapped up court and began preparing for the New Year's Eve Celestial Delicacies Banquet—the grandest celebration of the year—a strange phenomenon was unfolding beyond Great Yi's borders…
Surrounding the vast Hanhai Domain, there were four major regions:
The Caribbean Domain,
The Bohai Domain,
The Demon Sea Domain,
And the Dead Sea Domain.
These four domains formed a perimeter around the central sea.
In the Caribbean Domain, nestled within a mysterious zone, there lay a vast landmass.
A strange island.
This island was full of natural harbors, but appeared barren and lifeless—strewn with craggy rocks and empty of birds or beasts. It was eerily silent, enough to instill fear in anyone who stumbled upon it.
What's more, the island was surrounded by a thick fog—but not the ordinary fog found in these seas.This mist was dense, mystical, and completely impenetrable to divine sense. Once inside, even direction was lost.
To most observers, it was just a desolate island, not worth investigating.Even if someone ventured in, they'd likely flee just as quickly.
But for those who ventured deeper—they would discover something altogether different.
On the sea surrounding the island, strange reflections could be seen.
Boats.
People.
Foreign races.
Buildings.
Entire scenes played out—in reverse—on the water's surface.Like an inverted mirage.
Far more bizarre than any normal illusion.
A mortal would die of fright just from seeing it.
Beneath the island, hidden in another spatial layer, was an entirely different world—lush with green trees, rivers, and vibrant life.
This was Mirage Dragon Island.
Legend claimed it was formed from the fallen body of a Mirage Dragon, giving it two faces:
Above, barren and desolate;
Below, lively and prosperous.
Despite its impossibility, it existed.
And it was home to the Pirate Alliance : Pirate League.
Their true headquarters lay within this hidden side of the island.
Around the island, countless docks and harbors had been built.
Moored at them were innumerable pirate ships, flying a dazzling array of flags.
Pirates bustled about—some gambling,some brawling,some disappearing into cabins with prostitutes in their arms.
Drinking.
Feasting.
The entire island was alive with revelry.
At its center stood a massive palace, shaped vaguely like a warship.
It was the residence of the Pirate Emperor.
Within that palace, a gathering of pirate captains was underway.
Among them were the Ten Legendary Pirate Kings, engaged in a heated discussion.
SMACK!!
"I say we go raid the Blue Moon Dynasty!"bellowed a rugged man with a braided black beard and savage eyes."That's a fat target just begging to be bitten.We've got millions of pirates here—Even if they're powerful, we'll take a chunk out of them!"
"Blackbeard's right,"boomed another pirate king wearing a steel mask."Blue Moon is a destiny dynasty—if we rob them, we'll all get rich.It'll scare the nearby kingdoms into obedience, too!"
"I say we look for the Fountain of Youth instead!"shouted a slightly deranged captain."That's the real treasure!Eternal life! Power beyond measure!It'll bring us wealth and strength beyond imagining!"