Upon hearing the full story, Consort Yan (Cao Yan) couldn't help but show a trace of complicated emotion on her face.
She had never imagined herself to be the sister of one of the Eight Immortals—Cao Guojiu. But the problem was, she had no younger brother named Cao Yi, or any brother at all. Her family had only ever had one daughter.
"Husband, honored Daoists," she said gently, "though I would be delighted to have a brother who is the reincarnation of an ancient immortal, the truth is—I'm an only child.When my mother joined Great Yi, she had already endured much suffering. Cold, hunger, illness... She had to sever her Red Dragon (fertility) in exchange for cultivation. After that, she was no longer able to bear children. I am her only daughter. Of that, I'm certain."
She shook her head, firm but polite.
Some things are what they are. No need to guess.
"But the Heavenly Secrets reveal that Cao Guojiu's fate-star is within Great Yi," said Lü Dongbin with a smile."That's beyond question. The Eight Immortals are connected by fate. His destiny lies here, and he's fated to become the National Uncle of Great Yi."
"Just now, I observed the Consort's physiognomy—it is clearly exceptional. And there's no doubt she has karmic ties to the Eight Immortals."
Yi Tianxing interjected with a calm voice:
"In worldly dynasties, only the brother of a nation's Empress may be called National Uncle (Guojiu). Otherwise, wouldn't all the consorts' brothers be given such titles? That would throw the court into chaos."
"That is true," replied Han Zhongli."But Great Yi is not a mortal kingdom—it is a Destiny Dynasty, now even a Sacred Court.The status of a Sacred Consort is far higher than any worldly Empress. So her family member being called National Uncle is not improper."
"That's why we came to ask you in person, Daoist Yi."
Yi Tianxing nodded slowly.
"I do not mean to disrespect the three of you. But even in the Sacred Court, there are rules.If I make an exception today, tomorrow there will be countless royal relatives asking for titles. How would I judge who is worthy or not?"
He understood their real intent.
The trio wasn't asking for an honorary name—they wanted Cao Guojiu to be officially recognized as a fate-star and reincarnated immortal, a status only he, as lord of Great Yi, could bestow.
Only that recognition could awaken Cao Guojiu's true soul and complete his return as one of the Eight Immortals.
Just then, Cao Zhengchun approached quietly and bowed.
"Sacred King, we've received new information—Consort Yan's birth mother is confirmed to be three months pregnant."
"What?! Mother is pregnant? But that's impossible. She already severed her Red Dragon. How could she be fertile again?"Cao Yan was visibly shocked, her face a mixture of surprise and joy.
"She consumed a rare spiritual fruit called the Taishui Fruit, which restored her fertility," explained Cao Zhengchun."It not only healed her body but returned her to her optimal state, allowing her to conceive again."
He had already confirmed the information in detail. Nothing was left to chance.
"Taishui Fruit..."Lü Dongbin's eyes lit up with admiration."A thousand-year-old Taishui becomes meat ganoderma. So long as the root remains intact, even if you slice off part of it, it will regrow by absorbing Heaven and Earth essence."
"Each fruit is unique. Some can heal bones and flesh, revive the dead, or even awaken latent powers.At ten thousand years, it may transform into the Taishui Sacred Tree—a living tree of flesh and blood that blooms and bears fruit."
"The fruit allows one to return to their desired physical state, and has many other mystical effects."
A treasure of such caliber was no less valuable than any innate spiritual root, possibly even one itself.
Yi Tianxing raised a brow.
"I don't recall there being a Taishui Sacred Tree in Great Yi."
Something that powerful couldn't possibly escape his notice.
"According to reports, the fruit came from the Nightmare World," replied Cao Zhengchun."A cultivator entered the Nightmare Realm and found the Sacred Tree. Though he was ultimately slain by its guardian beast, he managed to bring out three Taishui Fruits."
"One of them was bought by Consort Yan's family, and given to her mother—leading to her conception."
"There is no doubt: the unborn child is her full sibling."
"Haha! That must be Cao Guojiu's reincarnation!"The three immortals exchanged glances, eyes gleaming with joy.
They had searched long and hard throughout Great Yi—no wonder they'd found nothing. The destined one hadn't even been born yet.
Now, the timing was perfect.
"I can already sense the Eight Immortals' fate-stars converging within Great Yi," said Lü Dongbin."But for him to truly reclaim his identity, he needs your acknowledgment, Daoist Yi.I know it's a lot to ask, but if there's any condition—just name it. We'll do all we can to fulfill it."
Yi Tianxing fell into deep thought before finally responding.
"Since you've brought it up more than once, clearly this is no trivial matter.I cannot break the rules of the Sacred Court, but..."
"If Cao Guojiu can render great merit to Great Yi, achieve outstanding accomplishments,then naming him National Uncle will not cause controversy—neither among the court nor among the people."
"As for conditions, there's no need to set any.This, too, is a test of Cao Guojiu's fate and ability."
"What do you say?"
"Excellent! Let's do it your way," said Zhang Guolao, eyes bright with approval."The path of the Eight Immortals is not meant to be easy. Trials are natural—and this one may one day become a legend in its own right."
The Eight Immortals each represent a fate:male, female, old, young, rich, poor, noble, and humble.Cao Guojiu symbolized the noble—his position as National Uncle was supreme.
To hold such a title in the Sacred Court of Great Yi made it even more honorable.
"Still," Yi Tianxing said with a smile, "the child has yet to be born.It will be some time before he grows up. Perhaps the three of you would like to remain in Great Yi for a while?"
If they were willing to stay and perhaps even leave behind their legacies, it would be a tremendous boon to Great Yi.
After chatting a while longer, the three immortals took their leave.
Now that the matter was resolved, they couldn't wait to go meet the unborn Cao Guojiu.
"Husband, this must have troubled you," said Cao Yan softly, eyes filled with apology.
"Don't worry about it," Yi Tianxing replied gently."If your brother truly is one of the Eight Immortals, bestowing him the title is no trouble.Whether he earns it or not—that'll be up to him."
"Come. It's getting late. Let's retire and rest.Perhaps tonight, we'll leave behind a child of our own."
Taking her delicate hand, Yi Tianxing smiled and led her into the Imperial Heart Palace.
Tonight's spring blossoms could not be contained…
Meanwhile, beyond Great Yi...
The surrounding regions remained gripped by a stifling, oppressive atmosphere—the result of Great Yi's growing presence.
Even though no full-scale invasion had begun, Great Yi's Iron-Blood Great Wall continued its daily 100-mile expansion.Currently covering mostly ocean territory, it wouldn't be long before it reached land and islands—creating real pressure.
In the Caribbean Sea, within the Iron-Blood Great Wall, the Blue Legion—one of the Seven-Colored Legions—appeared.
Blue skyships streaked across the sea surface, moving swiftly.
Their connection with the sea allowed them to camouflage their movements, making them nearly impossible to detect.
Aboard the ships were not only Blue Legion soldiers, but also a group of confident, energetic young scholars in robes.
They were none other than the students of the School of Diplomacy (Zonghengjia), led by Mao Sui.