"Rest assured, there will be no problem with population. Not just ten or a dozen realms—even dozens or hundreds—we have sufficient population reserves," Yi Tianxing said with a calm, confident smile.
While plotting against Eternal Night, he had also acquired a massive population in the Nightmare World. Combined with those from the Dawn Sanctuary and slaves obtained from merchants, the numbers were staggering—beyond imagination.
Even though a large portion of the population reserve had been consumed when opening the Grotto (Great) Worlds, the remaining reserve was still astonishing, more than enough to safeguard Great Yi's expansion without pressure.
"However, once we expand, how should the Eternal Night demons scattered across the various realms be dealt with? They are wreaking havoc. After all, our Great Yi 'main battle' legions have already 'gone to the God-Demon Battlefield,'" Jia Xu asked slowly.
"Your Majesty need not worry. Even without the main battle legions, Great Yi has ample combat power. My Hunter Hall can clear these Eternal Night demons within the realms. They're merely a group of Fourth-Rank demons; against my millions of bounty hunters, they are nothing," Ba Tian'gang stepped forward decisively.
As the head of Hunter Hall for many years, he knew the number of registered bounty hunters in Great Yi. Many of them were freedom-loving cultivators, not weaklings—in fact, many were top-tier powerhouses.
With Great Yi's environment of universal cultivation, exceptional talent emerged continuously. Numerous hunters were hiding among civilians. Even without military forces, the civilian population of Great Yi was formidable. Once mobilized, their power was beyond ordinary imagination. In the wilderness, hunters were even more professional and efficient. This was Ba Tian'gang's moment to demonstrate the strength of Hunter Hall.
"Master Ba's plan is sound. Once the demon lairs are suppressed, scattered Eternal Night forces lack organization and leadership. Bounty hunters can form task forces to hunt them down. If needed, the original Great Yi legions, regular legions, and reserve forces can intervene. The Military Soul Battlefield still houses millions of elite warriors. The situation can be fully controlled," Liu Bowen said with a smile.
By cutting off the source, scattered demon forces would no longer pose significant danger. Individual bounty hunters were strong enough to hunt demons alone—far superior to other powers. This was one of the invisible benefits of universal cultivation in Great Yi: unparalleled resilience.
"Good. Then, let Hunter Hall lead, issue bounties to hunt Eternal Night demons. Those who complete tasks will earn merit points. Previously prohibited items may now be exchanged using merit points. Strength from the Tongtian Pavilion will be deployed to suppress demon lairs, preventing a resurgence. Give Eternal Night no opportunity," Yi Tianxing nodded.
Fourth-Rank demons were beneath Great Yi's concern. No need for the army—just let the bounty hunters handle them. This was both a test and a trial. If Hunter Hall succeeded, this method could become a standard strategy.
'Heaven's movement is strong; the noble person should strive unceasingly.'
This was the spirit Great Yi upheld. If civilians were capable of handling the threat, why not let them do so? It would not only foster growth but also provide invaluable experience. Of course, the military remained a steadfast backbone for Great Yi's citizens.
After further discussions confirming that all departments and reserves were sufficient for expansion, Yi Tianxing gave the order:
"All is ready. The east wind has arrived. To refuse Heaven's gift is to invite blame. With petitions from various realms in hand, issue the orders. Three days from now, Great Yi will officially expand outward, rescuing those suffering under the Demon Calamity—including friendly alien allies."
Even members of other races could be trusted allies in these times.
"Yes, Your Majesty," the ministers responded, faces alight with excitement and anticipation. Expansion promised glory and achievement for them.
...
Three days later, the 4th day of the 3rd month, Eternal Year 184.
At the border of the Great Yi Immortal Court, the Iron-Blood Great Wall, long hidden in the void, suddenly materialized without warning, appearing along the edges of Great Yi and neighboring realms.
All beings at the borders could witness the grand Iron-Blood Great Wall and feel its awe-inspiring presence.
Whoosh!
From the Great Wall, seven-colored celestial ships shot forth. On each ship stood an official in ceremonial robes, holding imperial edicts. Their presence radiated a divine aura, as if illuminated by immortal light.
The official entered the Goblin Realm. Looking around, the entire realm was choked with poison and miasma. Black clouds pressed down from the sky, spreading despair. Most goblins hid underground, fighting poisonous beasts. The lone Sky City resisted through a protective barrier, but even there, goblins felt intense despair and frustration. If this continued, the city could not last, and the entire realm faced total annihilation.
"Damn it… are we really going to die?"
"I heard the Emperor sent a request to Great Yi. Will they really come to save us?"
"Look! A light is coming from the direction of Great Yi—no, it's a ship! Great Yi's seven-colored Sky ship!"
As countless goblins lifted their eyes in despair, a light approached rapidly. It was unmistakably a seven-colored sky ship from Great Yi. Its arrival sparked hope amidst despair.
Among the crowd, a red celestial ship hovered outside the Sky City. On its deck, an official slowly unrolled an imperial edict:
"By decree of the Immortal Emperor, Goblin Emperor Ataimu and the Goblin Realm, including the Sky Empire, shall submit to the Great Yi Immortal Court. In recognition of great merit, Ataimu is hereby granted the title of Third-Rank Marquis of Great Yi, with the title 'Earth Spirit.' He shall receive a noble residence in Xuanhuang Immortal City and various treasures. Goblins with official positions shall receive corresponding titles, and other citizens shall gain temporary Great Yi residency. Those who perform meritorious deeds may become formal citizens of Great Yi. So ordered!"
The edict resonated across the Sky City and the entire Goblin Realm. Every goblin felt a surge of emotion—excitement, relief, and awe.
"His Majesty has submitted to Great Yi! The entire Goblin Realm is now part of the Great Yi Immortal Court. The Sky Empire is no more."
"Is this real? Has our land truly become part of Great Yi? Can they save us? What about all this poison?"
"I heard Great Yi does not discriminate against friendly alien races. We goblins have status here. Our skills are renowned across the realms. We will have the chance to become true citizens of Great Yi."
Goblin voices rang out in various emotions—joy, tears, relief. Today, their Sky Empire had been truly absorbed.
"Ataimu accepts the edict. Long live the Emperor!"
The Goblin Emperor removed his crown and staff, stepped out into the void, and bowed to receive the edict. This moment confirmed the Goblin Realm's official integration into Great Yi.
Roar!
A massive eight-clawed purple dragon descended from the sky, absorbing the Sky Empire's spiritual energy in one gulp. It unleashed a dragon's roar; a divine wind scattered the poisonous clouds.
Countless flood dragons appeared above the Goblin Realm, consuming the toxic miasma like a feast. The sun finally broke through, shining across the land.
Boom!
Almost instantly, the Iron-Blood Great Wall at the realm's edge began to move. The immense Wall advanced over the Goblin Realm at incredible speed. It seemed intangible, passing through countless beings without pause, and in mere breaths, the entire Goblin Realm was enclosed within the Wall.
Simultaneously, majestic Great Yi Immortal Cities descended from the heavens. Every three thousand li, a city landed. As they settled, surrounding ley lines and earth veins instinctively converged beneath the cities, forming complete spiritual veins. Invisible power radiated, allowing the land's energy to circulate freely.