Fan Wencheng was no simple man. His character was certainly questionable, but his talent could not be denied.
After barely escaping with his life, he fled all the way to the Bohai Region, where he began plotting once more.
He started by raiding groups of human civilians from across the lands—regardless of their skin color or ethnicity, as long as they were human.But he didn't slaughter them. Instead, he used his bloodline powers to Embrace them—turning them into vampires.
This time, however, he kept a low profile, secretly converting more and more into the Blood Race.
Eventually, he discovered the Blood God Jade Coffin Tree, and established a hidden underground base around it.
Over the years, he expanded the Blood Race's numbers to over ten billion.
Within this underground city—Blood God City—countless humans now lived.They came from all ethnicities and backgrounds.
But all of them had pale complexions and lifeless eyes—there was no hope in their expressions.
Their purpose was not to live, but to reproduce, to become blood slaves, food stock—mere livestock.
Here, the vampires were gods. The humans were ants.
"Greetings to the Progenitor!"
Countless bats flew into the city, transforming into pale men and women—handsome and beautiful, yet chillingly cold.Each of them bowed before Fan Wencheng with deep reverence.
"The latest reports confirm that Great Yi's Iron-Blood Great Wall is expanding," Fan Wencheng began."All four regions are within their reach—and we're in Bohai, meaning we're their first target."
"Last time, I had no choice but to retreat strategically.This time—I want Great Yi to pay a painful price."
"Let them advance. We won't resist directly—we'll just wait.Once the Iron-Blood Great Wall envelops our area, we'll technically be inside Great Yi."
"They're aboveground. We're underground.As long as we remain hidden, they won't find us."
"By the time they realize, we'll have infiltrated their immortal cities, where we can inflict widespread destruction."
Fan Wencheng had once been human and had extensive knowledge of warfare and strategy.He knew direct conflict with Great Yi's armies was suicidal.
Their legions had been forged in blood and war—battle-hardened executioners. No ordinary army could compare.
His plan was not to fight, but to infiltrate and sabotage from within.
The vampires could easily disguise themselves as humans.So long as they didn't draw attention, they could remain hidden indefinitely—and once inside, they could cause untold damage.
"Yes, Progenitor!" the vampires responded excitedly.
To infiltrate Great Yi and survive would make them legends, possibly elevating the Blood Race into the ranks of the top races of the multiverse.
The risk of Great Yi's wrath was another matter entirely.
Great Yi did not seek to exterminate all non-human races, but they showed no mercy to those that had committed atrocities against humanity.
The vampires were one of the worst offenders.
Even worse, human blood was the most delicious and transformative to the Blood Race—an irresistible temptation.
There was no avoiding conflict.
Upon receiving their orders, the vampires once again transformed into bats, flying into the Blood God Jade Coffins hanging from the massive tree.
They sank into deep slumber—which was also cultivation.
The coffins concealed all aura, making them the perfect hiding place.
In silence, the massive vampire army vanished from sight.
"Yi Tianxing, our battle begins again," Fan Wencheng murmured."I can't stop your expansion. I know Bohai will fall to you eventually.But I'll make sure it sits uneasily in your stomach. I, Fan Wencheng, am not afraid of you."
As he spoke, a bat flew from his body, darting up the tunnel and out into the open sea—toward lands beyond Bohai.
Its posture was proud and resolute.
Head high, chest out. I will fly farther!
Meanwhile…
Great Yi's expansion had left the four regions trembling.
The madness they displayed during their invasion had been replaced by deep fear.They had experienced firsthand the terrifying strength of Great Yi.
Even with four realms attacking simultaneously, they couldn't breach Great Yi's borders.
Now, with Great Yi launching a counterattack, it felt like a mountain pressing down on their chests—they could barely breathe.
But that was a story for another time.
In Great Yi…
Xuanhuang City had once again faded into the void.
After its full evolution into a Immortal City, it had developed four city rings, vastly increasing its size and power.
Inside the Sacred King's Palace, Yi Tianxing was seated with Lü Chunyang, Zhang Guolao, and Han Zhongli.
They were enjoying gourmet food from the Hall of Culinary Delights and sipping on Du Kang Immortal Brew, aged for 3,000 years inside the Primordial Heavenly Emperor Pagoda.
The garden was filled with the aroma of wine.
After a few rounds, Yi Tianxing smiled and looked at the three ancient immortals.
"Fellow Daoists, you didn't come here just to drink and chat, did you?If there's something to say, let's hear it."
"You're right," said Lü Chunyang after a pause."We came because of a matter that may involve one of your Sacred Consorts."
"Oh?" Yi Tianxing's expression didn't change."Who is it?"
"We believe it's Consort Yan," replied Zhang Guolao.
"Consort Yan... You mean Cao Yan," Yi Tianxing said thoughtfully.
She was one of the exceptional women chosen in the last Imperial Selection.Graceful, gentle, elegant—an embodiment of Southern charm.
After sharing a bed with her, Yi Tianxing had grown fond of her and granted her the title of Consort Yan.
"Yes, that's the one," confirmed Lü Dongbin, smiling.
"She has a younger brother named Cao Yi, who we believe is the reincarnation of Cao Guojiu, one of the Eight Immortals."
"Cao Yi… the mortal identity of Cao Guojiu?" Yi Tianxing frowned slightly."I recall that Cao Yan's dossier had no mention of a brother.If she had one, we would've known."
Anyone entering the palace needed to have a clear background.Their family history was documented in full detail—there were no errors.
"Exactly why we need to speak with her," said Lü Dongbin with a wry smile."Please allow us to meet her."
Yi Tianxing's brows furrowed slightly before nodding.
"Go, summon Consort Yan."
"Yes, Sacred King," said the Sunflower Ancestor, appearing quietly at his side.With a bow, he turned and vanished.
"Your Sacred King's Palace is quite the den of dragons," chuckled Han Zhongli."This place is deeper than a dragon's lair or tiger's den."
Even the most unassuming servants had at least 4th-rank cultivation.The Sunflower Ancestor, in particular, made them feel a chill down their spines.
"They're just poor souls," Yi Tianxing replied lightly."In their past lives, they were eunuchs. Even in this life, they remain celibate by fate.This palace is their home—until they reincarnate into normal men."
Soon, a graceful figure in a jade-green palace gown entered.
She radiated a refined, scholarly aura—as if the scent of books lingered around her.Her presence alone brought a sense of peace.
Her appearance was naturally flawless, her body perfectly proportioned.
She was like a jade lotus.
"Sacred King, you summoned me?" Cao Yan asked sweetly.
"Yan'er, I've told you before—within this palace, just call me husband," Yi Tianxing said with a smile, rising to hold her hand and seat her beside him.
"This time, it's not me looking for you. These three fellow Daoists have something they'd like to ask you."
"Greetings, Sacred Consort," the three immortals said warmly."We hope to ask you a few questions."
Seeing the confusion on Cao Yan's face, they quickly recounted the full story.