"What is this place?" Yi Tianxing was curious, but still rose and followed Fuxi and the others toward the rear of the Ancestral Temple.
Dong! Dong! Dong!
When they arrived before a wall, Fuxi used a special method to open a restriction. As the seal dissolved, the wall suddenly split open, revealing a passageway leading deep underground. The corridor was paved with blocks of jade-like stone that glowed faintly, dispelling darkness entirely.
Walking through the underground passage, their vision opened up to a vast sight.
Beneath the Ancestral Temple lay a boundless subterranean world, an immense underground expanse.
If one did not come here personally, no one would ever know that such a vast space existed below the surface. Even those above could not imagine there was such an enormous world hidden underground.
"This is the true foundation of our Human race's Ancestral Court. The undying root of our inheritance."
Fuxi took a deep breath and spoke slowly, his tone solemn and reverent.
"It is that city before us."
Yi Tianxing's pupils contracted as his gaze fell ahead. There, a massive divine city appeared between heaven and earth. Every wall was forged from unknown materials; each brick emanated an ancient aura—timeless, imperishable through countless ages, unstained by decay. Its towering majesty was enough to stir a shock from the depths of the heart.
The city radiated seven-colored divine light, crystalline like glazed glass, awe-inspiring to the soul.
The colossal city stretched endlessly, and even standing afar, one could clearly feel as though billions of Human beings were offering prayers with devotion, their collective power of faith merging into the city, subtly and ceaselessly strengthening it. From it emanated the brilliance of hope.
Within that seven-colored radiance were countless beliefs:
Devotion.
Familial love.
Friendship.
Romance.
Guardianship.
Compassion.
Justice.
All these beliefs fused together to form an undying divine light—this was Hope.
Within the city was hope itself, shining like a beacon, the Light of Hope.
Merely looking at this city, one could not help but feel hope arise within their heart.
Indeed, on the ancient city walls, four archaic characters glowed: City of Hope!!
"This is an Eternal Ark, an Immortal City."
Yi Tianxing inhaled deeply, his expression solemn. At first glance, he had already recognized it. This was an Eternal Ark, and without doubt, one preserved from the previous epoch—its aura surpassing even the Immortal grade.
"Correct. This is an Eternal Ark known as the City of Hope. Our Human race poured in immeasurable resources to forge it. Shennong personally laid its foundation, establishing it as the ancient city to carry our race's hope."
Fuxi explained with a long breath.
"After retreating from the Huoyun (Fiery Cloud) Cavern in the previous epoch, I chose to depart the Great Desolate World through a special method and came upon a world called the Primordial Wilderness Continent. There, I witnessed Humans struggling bitterly for survival amidst harsh environments. I could not bear it, so I used an Eternal Lotus Seed obtained during my travels to forge an Eternal Ark—this very City of Hope. I left a clone within the city to preside over it."
Shennong's eyes flickered with memory and deep sentiment. "Later, many fateful encounters allowed it to merge with countless top-tier treasures, transforming into Eternal Units. Even the flame of Suiren, the Fire Ancestor, was merged within. In the end, it became the supreme artifact of the Human race, anchoring our destiny and constantly tempered by endless Human faith. Now, it has reached the Primordial (Hengu) grade. Yet during our battles with Eternal Night, the City of Hope was gravely damaged. Even now, it has not fully recovered, and many Eternal Units remain scattered. To restore it to peak condition will take much longer."
The City of Hope looked complete on the surface, but in truth, only they knew the reality. Numerous Eternal Units had suffered irreparable destruction in the previous epoch. The damage was incalculable, and now they could only patch it, striving to rebuild the strongest foundation of the Human race.
It could be said: as long as this Primordial-grade Eternal Ark, the City of Hope, endured, the Human race could never be extinguished—our legacy would endure forever. But if it were destroyed, then the Human race would lose its greatest trump card.
"What a magnificent City of Hope. This is a true treasure of inheritance. I wonder what is still required for its repair. When the time comes, prepare a list for me. I will bring it back to Great Yi to see if any can be found. If so, I will spare no effort—for the sake of our Human race."
Yi Tianxing could not help but sigh inwardly, then pledged earnestly.
For the Human race to possess such a foundation was beyond fortune—an immense surprise. With this Ark, their strength would be unparalleled. Under unknown circumstances, even if Saints came, they would be slain on the spot. A Primordial-grade Ark was simply that ferocious.
"No need to worry. The City of Hope is linked to the destiny of our race, nourished by the light of hope in billions of Human hearts. The stronger and more prosperous our people become, the richer their happiness, the greater the benefit to the City of Hope. Great Yi has ascended to Immortal Court, sheltering untold billions. The hope provided by Great Yi alone has greatly accelerated the City's recovery. Thus, as long as our race flourishes, the City of Hope will also grow stronger."
Shennong smiled as he spoke. This had already become the sacred artifact of the Human race, bearing miraculous properties.
"This time, since we plan to strike at Eternal Night, ordinary means will not suffice to harm them. Among their top experts, there will surely be Celestial Demon Arms. Those weapons have reached the level of near-immortality—Saints would also gain no advantage. To resist them, we must have a power equal to theirs, capable of immediate suppression should the situation change."
Fuxi inhaled deeply. "I intend to mobilize the City of Hope, keeping it hidden in the shadows. If any change arises, it can be unleashed at once."
"This is mobilizing the foundation of the Human race. If anything goes wrong, the consequences will be immense."
Yi Tianxing's face shifted, his tone grave.
Indeed, having an Eternal Ark supporting them was the greatest reassurance. But foundations were not to be moved lightly. If mishandled, the consequences would be catastrophic.
Fuxi looked deeply at Yi Tianxing, then smiled. "You are more important than the City of Hope."
"Indeed. Since we have brought you here, the decision has already been made. There is no need for hesitation. You are more important than a single city. The future of the Human race belongs to you."
Shennong also smiled, affirming Yi Tianxing.
This was recognition.
Even Yi Tianxing felt a wave of emotion stir within. No matter what, he could not deny his own identity as part of the Human race.
"Good. With the City of Hope standing guard, our chances of success rise another ten percent. If we succeed, our Human race will reap endless benefits and even reverse the situation between the two realms."
Yi Tianxing nodded solemnly.
In any case, if it was to be used, it would only be at the final moment. Whether it would truly be necessary remained to be seen.
Afterward, they returned to the Ancestral Temple.
"Besides inviting you to participate in this grand matter, I have another request—perhaps a bold one. I hope the Ancestral Court can agree."
Yi Tianxing sat down and spoke.
"Please, speak."
Xuanyuan smiled and nodded.
"Great Yi has already ascended to Immortal Court. Now, to rise to Heavenly Court in the short term is nearly impossible. Though we are steadily growing, the accumulation of destiny is not something that can be completed in a day. Though we are an Immortal Court, Great Yi was established only a little over a century ago—leaping in mere decades what normally requires thousands or even tens of thousands of years of accumulation. This has left our foundation relatively shallow."
Yi Tianxing explained.
"Unfortunately, you should know the agreement of this epoch: the Ancestral Courts of each race cannot easily interfere with the development of their respective factions. This is an unspoken rule, a tacit understanding. Only by observing it do we have today's balance. Otherwise, the younger generation could never grow."
Xuanyuan shook his head. This rule could not be broken lightly, or chaos would ensue—consequences no one could bear.
"No, that is not what I mean. I am not asking the Ancestral Court to send talents to Great Yi. What Great Yi lacks is not manpower. While top experts are rare, opportunities will bring them in time. What I seek is for Human sages to reside for a while in the Great Yi's Immortal Academy, to teach and impart academic principles, passing down their knowledge. Thus, Great Yi may inherit the wisdom of the sages and strengthen its foundation. This will greatly solidify Great Yi's roots."
Yi Tianxing smiled.
From the start, he had never intended to demand talents from the Ancestral Court.
Rules were rules—since all abided by them, there was no need to break them. Better to work within the rules than outside them.
Without rules, nothing could be properly formed.
"This can be done. Many Human sages have long wished to visit Great Yi, to see firsthand how our race's Immortal Court looks. They simply had not yet gone. Now that you have extended the invitation, they will go, stay for a time at the Immortal Academy, and help nurture a generation of talent. They will become the backbone of our future, the pillars of the Human race."
Cangjie nodded in agreement.
It was only sages transmitting the Dao, nothing more. This did not count as interference with the fate of a dynasty, and none could object. If anyone did, there would be reason enough to silence them.
Arrangements were soon made for the sages' teachings.
After all, this was a great boon for the Human race. As Great Yi grew stronger, so too would the Human race as a whole.
Moreover, they decided: the sages' transmission of the Dao would not be limited to Great Yi alone, but would also extend to other Human dynasties.