This was a projection of the Gate of Gods and Demons. Upon summoning, it would condense into a projected gate—identical in every appearance and function, a gateway into the Battlefield of Gods and Demons. One could see countless brutal scenes flashing across the gate—heroic battles, tragic sacrifices. The legacy of the forebears, and the opening of a new campaign.
Yi Tianxing stood atop the Nine-Dragon War Chariot, grasping the Sky-Slaying Sword. With a sharp command, he pointed to the gate and roared:"Great Yi, march to war!!"
"March to war!!"
Millions of soldiers shouted in unison.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
On the Command Platform, brawny warriors with bare torsos swung massive mallets onto war drums. Each beat rang like thunder from the nine heavens, echoing with the clash of blades and cries of battle. A streak of crimson flashed across the sky—an omen of bloodshed and slaughter. These were the Ten-Thousand Beast Blood Spirit Drums. As the drums sounded, the aura of the entire army converged into one.
Woooooooo!!
The Giant Spirits blew their war horns, sending ancient, primal calls echoing through the void—evoking the wilds of primordial times. Even the most hardened hearts trembled with solemn reverence.
Yi Tianxing took the lead, his Nine-Dragon War Chariot crossing into the Gate of Gods and Demons.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
One by one, twenty-four legions followed in perfect formation, stepping through the gate without hesitation. No one faltered. No one doubted. Their gazes locked onto the figure ahead, unwavering and resolute. Even knowing they might never return, not a single warrior flinched.
"May all go well. May the armies of Great Yi be invincible, unstoppable in their advance."
The people of Great Yi watched solemnly as the army marched into the gate, offering their sincerest blessings.
Despite the army numbering over ten million, it didn't take long to pass through. The gate was massive—within moments, all had entered. As the last soldier stepped through, the gate vanished, its purpose of conveyance fulfilled.
"I will protect Great Yi in your stead, husband."
Cai Yan inhaled deeply and returned to the imperial palace with Yi Xianhuang and the others.
"Please rest assured, Your Majesty," said Jia Xu with a smile. "With the laws laid down by His Majesty, Great Yi will not fall into disorder. Besides, we still have billions of troops stationed across the realm. No one would dare plot rebellion. For the next three years, I will assist the Empress in governing the empire."
Indeed, the internal stability of Great Yi was beyond question. All lords of the immortal cities were fiercely loyal—there was little need for worry. The same systems would remain in place.
Jia Xu stayed behind, for the Gate of Gods and Demons would reopen in three years. Then, he would lead a second wave of 18 million troops to reinforce the frontline. If any of the current army perished, replacements would be selected from this new wave. Three years after that, a third batch might also be deployed, carrying not just troops but war supplies as well.
"I just fear the Dragon, Phoenix, and Qilin races will clash too fiercely and drag Great Yi into the chaos," Cai Yan murmured.
These three clans had unsealed their strongest fighters. Their conflict would likely intensify, and the aftershocks of their battles could wreak havoc. Mountains could crumble, seas could boil. If such destruction reached Great Yi, would the protection of the Heavenly Dao suffice? No one knew.
Thus, precautions were necessary. Though Yi Tianxing had left behind secret contingencies, even Cai Yan didn't know their nature. They would only reveal themselves in times of dire crisis.
"Still this same Ancient Path of Gods and Demons—white bones upon white bones, gods and demons weeping blood. A road paved by the flesh and bones of countless ancestors," Yi Tianxing muttered as he stood atop the chariot, gazing at the path ahead. Though not his first time seeing it, the sight never failed to shock him.
This was a Bone Road that extended through the void into the battlefield—a void path, stretching across an endless darkness, flanked by bones glowing faintly. The remains emitted lingering auras, refusing to fade even after tens of millions of years, whispering tales of ancient calamities and valor.
The road was vast. A single 500,000-strong legion could march without occupying its full width. Even the massive army of over ten million seemed insignificant.
Woooooooo!!
The war beasts seized from the Myriad Beast Royal Court carried war drums and giant spirits. The horns and drums echoed through the army. Every step taken was steady, firm.
"Fight! Fight! Fight!!"
The drummers roared skyward, stirring the battle spirit of the soldiers.
"Heavenly thunder as drums, earth as tombs, a blood-red cloud guides the way."
"Savage beasts and mad aliens, yet mankind shall never be shamed."
"Heads may roll, blood may spill, but iron-blooded souls shall defend the realm!"
"Steel blade in hand, we swear never to yield!"
With synchronized steps, passionate cries, and resounding drums and horns, the army advanced. Every mile marched was accompanied by a new battle song. This time, their enemies were the Eternal Night Fiends, and their oath was to not return until they were destroyed.
Suddenly, a branch path appeared.
From this path surged a group of towering warriors—bare-chested, red cloaks tied at their shoulders, bronze skin glistening, rippling with muscle. Each wielded a spear in one hand and a round shield in the other. Most were over two meters tall, with cold, wild eyes and disheveled hair. Their steps were perfectly aligned as they entered the ancient road.
"Sparta!!"
"HAH! HAH! HAH!!"
Each warrior struck their shield with their spear, unleashing metallic echoes. Their wild, violent aura was palpable. Their physical strength alone was daunting.
Powerful. Resolute. Fearless.
They were warriors born for the battlefield.
Though they did not sing like Great Yi's legions, their presence and momentum were equally overwhelming.
"The Spartan Army."Yi Tianxing's eyes narrowed as he identified them. These were fearless berserkers, fierce and brutal. In front of them stood a middle-aged man in similar Spartan garb, but radiating the aura of a king—clearly the commander and spiritual anchor of the Spartans.
"Kill! Kill! Kill!!"Seeing the Spartans stirred Great Yi's warriors, who refused to be overshadowed.
"Fierce beasts roar, aliens wild, men grasp blades and spears.Our blades sever heads, our spears slay gods.Gods and demons alike—we cut them all down."
"A legacy eternal, white bones stain the sky.For the sake of mankind—we'll slay a million souls."
"Live as heroes, die as champions.With undying will, we'll forge peace through war."
"Today we cast off centuries of mercy,drink the blood of myriad races,tread upon bone-covered hills.The weak are not of our kind.Let all enemies hate us—better that than forget us!"
Battle songs soared, morale surged. The soldiers of Great Yi exuded an unshakable dominance.
"Sparta!! Sparta!!"
The Spartans roared wildly, undeterred and unafraid. Numbering no less than five million, they advanced steadily toward the battlefield.
Despite the tension, no conflict broke out—after all, both sides were comrades-in-arms against a common enemy. The stronger their allies, the better their chances of survival.
As they marched, an ancient song echoed along the path:
"Who lifted the Heaven-Opening Axe?Who wielded the blazing cloak of flame?"
"Who turned the Yin-Yang Millstone?Who climbed the Ladder to Heaven?"
"Who carried the Immortal Mountain?Who brandished the Sky-Horizoning Sword?"
…
The song reverberated through time, as though sung by the ghosts of a bygone era.
"Will the legends of the previous epoch return in this one?" Yi Tianxing mused as the ancient melody stirred his thoughts.
If they did return—even as mere souls or reincarnations—then this Eternal Era would truly become a golden age of myth and marvel.
Before long, they once again passed the crimson-stained Divine-Demon Blood Stele—its inscription still incomplete, its bloodstains unyielding after eons.
Beyond it appeared a vast floating island, like a massive suspended platform in the sky, its surface paved with unknown white jade. At its center was a colossal square.
Suspended above that square—
The Hongmeng All-Spirits Ranking.
This time, however, the twin eggs did not appear. Only a string of text emerged in the void…