The rate at which those in a Fate Dynasty grew far surpassed that of ordinary cultivators of the same realm. Especially in the lower stages of cultivation, the difference was even more pronounced. At that stage, cultivation advancement did not involve comprehending Dao principles, nor did it heavily depend on comprehension ability. Once a cultivator's realm grew higher, however, and they reached the point where they had to understand the laws and Dao rhymes, comprehension became indispensable. Although the blessing of fortune remained strong, improving one's cultivation then depended largely on one's own enlightenment. Of course, those who walked the path of body refinement did not need to worry about such limitations—so long as they possessed vast resources, they could continuously strengthen their blood and vitality.
This was precisely the case within the Great Yi Immortal Court. Not only did they cultivate qi, but no one lightly abandoned the path of body refinement either.
Body refinement consumed resources, but as long as one had perseverance and could endure the pain that came with tempering the body, it could serve as a lifelong path of cultivation. The path of body refinement guaranteed results through effort—though the progress might not always be visible, one could feel the changes personally.
Many Great Yi cultivators, upon realizing that their qi cultivation could not rise quickly, would choose to simultaneously cultivate body refinement. Combining the two paths allowed for faster growth and transformation, making one's combat strength even greater. The blessing of fortune also applied to body refinement, ensuring that they would not be hindered by comprehension bottlenecks. The most crucial part was the need for large quantities of supplements to nourish the body. Currently, in Great Yi, body refinement often relied on gourmet dishes made from fierce beast meat—that was the most direct method of replenishment.
To refine the body, one must first eat meat.
In addition, Great Yi possessed the Eye of the Lunar and the Eye of the Sun. Together, they tempered the body and physique, providing advantages far beyond what ordinary body refiners could ever imagine.
The Eternal Heaven's choice was undoubtedly correct. The war of the previous epoch had never truly ended; it was an unfinished war. In this epoch, it would inevitably continue. Once a true great war erupted, its intensity would be terrifying. At that time, for ordinary cultivators without the blessing of fortune, rising up would be as difficult as reaching the heavens.
Even so, only a few would be able to truly grow strong.
The fusion between the Eternal Night and Eternal World was happening far too quickly. Once begun, this process was irreversible.
"If Great Yi were given another ten thousand years of development, what would there be to fear about the war against Eternal Night? But this time, who hunts whom… that is yet to be determined."
Yi Tianxie revealed an evil smile at the corner of his lips, muttering to himself.
"Powerhouses from the previous epoch's two worlds are about to return? And the locations will be the Eternal Night Battlefield and the God-Demon Battlefield?"
Yi Tianxing soon received news from Yi Tianxie.
When he heard this, a trace of shock flickered in his heart. But immediately, he began calculating what Great Yi could do in this matter, what benefits could be seized, and how much damage could be inflicted upon Eternal Night.
"If we can know the exact location and coordinates of the Eternal Night powerhouses' return, then it might not be impossible to ambush them."
A sharp gleam flickered in Yi Tianxing's eyes as countless thoughts raced through his mind.
The more they could slay, the greater the loss to Eternal Night, and the more advantageous it would be for the Eternal side. Anyone exiled during the previous epoch was undoubtedly among Eternal Night's peak experts—each one was a top-tier combat force. This was worth attempting.
"Your Majesty, outside the Immortal Palace there is a barbarian acquaintance seeking an audience. He said he wishes to see Your Majesty."
At this moment, Cao Zhengchun approached and spoke.
"A barbarian acquaintance? Did he give his name?"
Yi Tianxing's mind immediately conjured a familiar figure.
"He said his name is Niu Ben."
Cao Zhengchun replied.
"So it really is him. Go, invite him in. Prepare wine and a feast in the Imperial Garden. Notify the Imperial Kitchen to cook fine dishes and serve them with the Nine-Five Supreme banquet." Yi Tianxing smiled as he instructed.
The Nine-Five Supreme banquet was often served in the Immortal Palace. It consisted of nine meat dishes and five vegetarian ones. While the specific dishes could be changed, the standard of the banquet never did.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Cao Zhengchun immediately bowed and hurried off to make the arrangements.
"Niu Ben went to the Barbarian Ancestor Court back then. Now that he has come to me, it is surely for something important."
Yi Tianxing muttered to himself before rising and heading to the Imperial Garden.
Meanwhile, in the Imperial Kitchen, as soon as the banquet was confirmed, top chefs, culinary immortals, and divine cooks got to work. Each displayed their skills, dividing tasks with practiced ease. Soon, exquisite dishes of immortal delicacies were ready and brought to the pavilion in the Imperial Garden.
"Hahaha! Brother Yi, long time no see! I've missed you dearly. Come, come, I didn't come empty-handed this time. Look at what good stuff I brought you!"
Before Yi Tianxing even saw the person, he heard a hearty voice echo in from outside.
Looking carefully, he saw a tall, broad-shouldered man grinning ear to ear, carrying a massive axe on his shoulder as he strode in with great steps. It was none other than Niu Ben, the former chieftain of the Barbarian Bull Tribe.
"Brother Niu, it has indeed been a long time."
Yi Tianxing's smile widened at the sight. His friend's hearty nature had not changed in the slightest. Moreover, the aura around him was much stronger than before—his strength was no less than the Dao Platform Realm. Clearly, within the Barbarian Ancestor Court, he had received extraordinary cultivation and resources. With such accumulation, becoming stronger was inevitable.
But Yi Tianxing had never judged friends by cultivation. Niu Ben was someone he had befriended during humble beginnings, and seeing him again unchanged despite Yi Tianxing's current status as ruler of the Immortal Court filled him with genuine joy.
True friends in life were rare. To meet again without change was the best fortune of all.
"Hahaha, Brother Yi, back then the matter was sudden. The Ancestor Court summoned us, and I, along with many scattered barbarian elites, had to return. One, to receive the Ancestor Court's training; two, to suppress a massive Demon Abyss. I fought those demon spawn for a long time before finally finding the time to come drink with you. I never expected your Great Yi to have become an Immortal Court now. By my ancestors, if I hadn't pinched myself and felt pain, I would've thought I was dreaming."
Niu Ben laughed heartily as he spoke, explaining the reason for his departure years ago.
These years, the barbarians had not revealed much of their strength—not because they were weak, but because they had been stationed guarding a great Demon Abyss. Countless barbarian elites battled Eternal Night's demon soldiers day and night without respite.
The killing intent on Niu Ben's body was thick—it was clearly forged from countless battles.
"No matter what my identity is now, it does not affect the bond we share." Yi Tianxing smiled. "So then, what treasure have you brought me this time?"
"Hahaha, I guarantee you won't be disappointed. Look here!"
Niu Ben grinned, lifted his hand, and revealed a huge coconut tree slung across his shoulder, still bearing numerous large coconuts.
"This isn't ordinary coconut. Inside isn't coconut water—it's coconut wine. The taste is excellent, no worse than immortal wine, and it has a natural fruity fragrance."
He patted the tree proudly.
"This is a Wine-Coconut Tree. The coconuts it bears are Wine-Coconuts, naturally brewed with spirit wine. Truly a fine treasure."
Yi Tianxing's eyes lit up at the sight, recognizing it immediately.
"If you like it, then it's yours."
Niu Ben chuckled, tossing the whole tree over. Yi Tianxing did not refuse—he waved his hand, collecting it into his internal Immortal Garden to plant. In the future, he could propagate an entire grove of Wine-Coconut Trees, producing endless Wine-Coconuts. It could become a unique specialty of Great Yi and bring tremendous profit—after all, immortal wine was never short of a market.
"Come, let's sit. We'll eat and talk."
The two sat down and began drinking the coconut wine while feasting on immortal delicacies. Their bond grew deeper, as though no time had passed.
After the meal, Yi Tianxing went straight to the point:
"Brother Niu, you surely didn't come just to reminisce. If there's something, speak directly."
With barbarians, there was no need for roundabout words. The more straightforward, the better.
"Indeed, there is a major matter."
Niu Ben's smile faded. Taking a deep breath, he spoke solemnly:
"Our Barbarian Ancestor wishes to meet you."
"The Barbarian Ancestor… Chiyou?"
Yi Tianxing's eyes narrowed.
"Exactly, Ancestor Chiyou. I was able to come here only because Ancestor knows of my friendship with you and permitted me the chance."
Niu Ben nodded.
"The time and place?"
Yi Tianxing asked directly.
"Ancestor awaits you in the Barbarian Ancestor Court, within the Ten Thousand Great Mountains. As for time, whenever you're free, you may come. Rest assured, it should be a good matter. From what I know, Ancestor will not be hostile to you. And with your current identity, no one would dare act recklessly."
Though straightforward, Niu Ben's heart was clear as a mirror—he knew well the weight of Yi Tianxing's position.
"In that case, let's set it for three days from now. That way, Brother Niu, you can spend some time in Xuanhuang Immortal City, visiting the old tribesmen who joined Great Yi back then."
Yi Tianxing smiled.
"Perfect! I've been wanting to see them again."
Niu Ben laughed broadly.