If their own people couldn't be relied upon, then it was time to find someone who could. In the mind of the Goblin Emperor, the Great Yi Immortal Court was a trustworthy ally.
Although the Great Yi Realm was primarily human, it allowed coexistence with other races. Goblins who did not wish to live within the human cities could reside in the wilderness. As long as they harbored no hostility toward humans, ordinary citizens of Great Yi would not persecute them; they could even trade with humans.
Only if a race had a blood feud with the Great Yi or was fundamentally incompatible with humans would the court launch relentless suppression.
Previously, the goblins had minor conflicts with humans, but nothing like a deep-seated enmity. Now, goblins could reside in the immortal cities, intermarry with humans, obtain official recognition from the Great Yi Immortal Court, possess Heavenly Registry Cards, and enjoy permanent residence and equal treatment within the cities.
The reason intermarriage was possible was the Transcendent Transformation Technique developed within Great Yi.
Even if a goblin's natural appearance did not fit human aesthetics, mastering this technique could transform their form into a human appearance. This illusion acted like a second skin—though not fully real, it was convincing enough for most purposes. It provided a foundation for intermarriage between different species.
Of course, success rates were low—rare, even. The technique was not secret in Great Yi, and most humans would not accept a transformed appearance unless there was genuine love. Yet with billions of people, there were always a few who preferred goblins.
Legend said the Transcendent Transformation Technique was created by a human genius who fell in love with a non-human—a remarkable anomaly.
Even without this technique, any race seeking to join the Great Yi Realm received preferential treatment. High-ranking leaders could earn rewards, titles, and official ranks, while their followers could obtain formal citizenship or temporary residency. With sufficient contributions, temporary residents could eventually gain full citizenship. Advancement opportunities were tangible and visible.
This was why the Goblin Emperor did not resist joining Great Yi. Had the humans been overtly hostile to outsiders, he would never have considered submission—even if it meant death or retreat to the goblin homeland.
This reflected the intangible benefits of the Great Yi Immortal Court's decades-long cultivation of a positive reputation. Other powers could not replicate this.
...
The goblin realm's submission was visible throughout the Eternal World. In fact, the goblin surrender was neither the first nor the last; it was merely the beginning.
Near the borders of the Great Yi Realm, numerous petitions of allegiance and surrender continued arriving at the court, one after another, stirring excitement among the ministers.
Ding ding ding!
At sunrise, the sound of the morning bell rang clearly from the Immortal Palace, perched atop the Cloud Realm. A natural cloud staircase descended, and ministers ascended toward the Observing Heaven Hall.
In front of the hall, the ministers greeted one another with smiles and nods. The Great Yi Court was in harmonious order; internal conflict was minimal. Most of their energy focused on managing external affairs, strengthening Great Yi, and responding to events beyond their borders. There was no time or reason for infighting.
At this moment, internal strife was impossible—their efforts were entirely devoted to generating merit.
The Great Yi Immortal Court prospered, and the ministers all benefited. Each had grown significantly in cultivation and rank. With access to time-attributed treasures, most had already reached the Dao Platform Realm, their success amplified by luck and resources. Many were now contemplating the Enlightened Dao Realm.
Though unobtrusive, each minister was a formidable figure. Any one of them, placed in another realm, would be a top-tier powerhouse. Great Yi was rich with talent, with outstanding successors emerging continuously.
Inside the hall, ministers stood divided into civil and military positions.
"Your Majesty, long live the Emperor!" they greeted when Yi Tianxing appeared.
"Rise, my ministers," Yi Tianxing replied, nodding and gesturing graciously.
"Your Majesty, the Ministry of Rites has received numerous petitions of allegiance from surrounding realms—more than a dozen, nearly all neighboring territories are sending requests. Under the Demon Calamity, they struggle to survive. How we respond requires consultation among Your Majesty and the court. In my humble opinion, this is an extraordinary opportunity," said Minister of Rites, Mao Sui, stepping forward.
The petitions arrived like a snowfall. Excitement mixed with trepidation—expanding by more than ten realms at once was a serious matter. Could Great Yi truly handle it? Governing a state was like cooking a delicate dish; it required precision.
"Your Majesty, I see this as a positive development. The Demon Calamity offers an exceptional chance, and Great Yi has the foundation to act. The recently annexed realms are already under control," said Huang Chengyan with a smile.
Previously annexed realms were firmly integrated; Great Yi's governance had taken root. Original human inhabitants felt pride in being citizens, their loyalty unwavering. The Great Yi Court's rule was unshakeable. Recovery from the Demon Calamity had been methodical; life stabilized. Citizens praised Great Yi and Yi Tianxing, visible throughout the Star Network.
All the newly integrated high-ranking figures held titles and fortune, and privately expressed satisfaction with Great Yi. Their support was instinctive—they had prospered under the court's protection.
"This period has seen a surge of talent in Great Yi. The new generation is abundant. Even annexing dozens of realms, the Ministry of Personnel can supply enough personnel immediately. With the Demon Calamity as favorable wind, how can we refuse such an opportunity? Accepting these petitions will elevate Great Yi further," said Xun Yu decisively.
Every minister present was eager; expansion meant a direct increase in Great Yi's overall strength. Each new realm multiplied the court's resources, adding unknown treasures and raw materials. For the Heavenly Workshop, each new resource was a fresh challenge, leading to constant innovation. Expanding by a dozen realms would elevate Great Yi significantly.
"Your Majesty, recently, countless bounty hunters and soldiers have been hunting Eternal Night demons. With the Ice Crystal Clan offering the Iron-Blood Great Wall, the accumulated foundation is sufficient. Even with a sudden annexation of multiple realms, we can extend the Great Wall's protection and ensure border stability," said Pei Ju, reporting on the Iron-Blood Great Wall.
The Iron-Blood Great Wall was the first line of defense—a critical symbol of Great Yi's territory, sacred and inviolable.
Discussions continued. Liu Bowen asked, "Preparations are ready, but we lack population. May I ask, Your Majesty, does Great Yi have enough population to annex over ten realms?"
The Great Yi Court had already consumed a large population reserve in opening the Chaotic World Tree. This was now a pressing concern.