"No, this doesn't add up. With the personality of Eternal Night's prodigies, unless they see a real hope of completely suppressing the Eternal World, they would never recklessly play all their cards. They would wait—for the suppression from the Divine Demon Battlefield to lift entirely. Only then would they launch their fiercest assault. For them to act now, when the world's suppression is still in effect, those responsible must be nothing more than saboteurs within the Eternal Night itself."Yi Tianxing spoke calmly after a moment of thought.
With his wisdom, what he focused on was not the surface act of capturing prodigies and peerless beauties, but rather the meaning behind it—the deeper intent. That was the truly important part.
These two "saboteur" forces appearing at this particular moment likely indicated that they did not share the same goals as the majority of Eternal Night's prodigies. They might even represent a diametrically opposite stance. But precisely because they were saboteurs, they were bound to be a serious threat—troublemakers not to be underestimated. Even within Eternal Night, they were probably regarded as headaches—forces no one wanted to provoke lightly.
Engaging them meant trouble. Even if one gained nothing, one could end up drenched in filth.
And that's the true problem.
So, these two factions were not only powerful—they were strong enough to wreak havoc on the battlefield. No one could suppress them easily.
Yet these troublemakers were also the most difficult to handle.
They were unrestrained, completely outside anyone's plan or calculations. No one liked that. With saboteurs in play, every plan risked descending into chaos.
"What's the response from the other Eternal World prodigies?"Consort Cao Jie asked.
"Your Highness, the battlefield is already boiling. Many top prodigies who had remained hidden are now making public declarations. They're preparing to strike back against these two Eternal Night factions—not just to stop them, but to completely eliminate them. Otherwise, they'll never be able to restore their lost dignity."Li Zhilin answered respectfully.
He never underestimated any of Yi Tianxing's women.
His greatest strength lay in self-awareness—he had the courage to make hard decisions, to act with decisiveness. In any place, such qualities could forge a great legacy—even a powerful dominion. And given his knowledge and keen foresight, his potential was undeniable.
Since joining the Da Yi Emperor Dynasty and settling in White Crow City, he had diligently worked to integrate the various geniuses from his Gathering Talent Pavilion into Da Yi. In doing so, his influence and importance had grown immensely. This was a kind of karmic debt—a favor none could ignore easily.
Even if these people weren't his subordinates in the future, they would remain part of his personal network. And the power of that network would be tremendous.
He was a clever man. By now, he had an exceptionally detailed understanding of Da Yi.
And he paid particular attention to Yi Tianxing's women. He knew well the power of "pillow talk." Especially when those women were all legends in their own right—famous, powerful, influential.
Their words were not to be taken lightly.
"Husband, shall we intervene? To seize the prodigious women of the Eternal World as cauldrons—such conduct is despicable."Lianxing said coldly.
For any female cultivator, such acts were personally insulting. It struck at their dignity—an outrage that united them all in righteous fury.
"No rush. Let's observe for now. When it's time to act, we will. After all, we don't yet know who they are. Information is scarce."Yi Tianxing replied calmly.
But the cold gleam that occasionally flickered in his eyes betrayed the wrath building in his heart. If that fury exploded, it would strike like divine thunder.
Just then, Zhuge Liang entered.
"Emperor."He greeted Yi Tianxing with a respectful bow.
"Kongming, for you to leave the walls at a time like this, something must have happened."Yi Tianxing smiled as he spoke.
He knew Zhuge Liang's sense of duty well. With the responsibility of guarding White Crow City, he never let his guard down. He managed military deployments flawlessly and never indulged in empty flattery—only results mattered to Yi Tianxing.
"Your Majesty sees all. I do indeed come with important news—an issue involving two legion commanders that I cannot resolve alone. It requires your judgment."Zhuge Liang's expression was solemn.
"Oh? What matter is so difficult that even you hesitate? Speak."Yi Tianxing's interest was piqued.
"Today, Generals Zhang and Guan both requested leave from White Crow City to handle private matters. It seemed significant, so I dared not approve it without your command."Zhuge Liang said seriously.
"Zhang Fei and Guan Yu, hmm? For them to ask leave now, they must have heard something—or received a message. I suspect they're going to meet someone important."Yi Tianxing's gaze grew thoughtful.
"My guess is that Liu Bei has arrived nearby and has contacted the two generals. Their outing must be to meet with him."Zhuge Liang declared, his tone full of conviction.
He knew well that Liu Bei would never let such brothers go once he knew their whereabouts. His arrival now was no surprise—it was bound to happen.
"Liu Bei? Heh, just as I thought. Trying to steal two of my top generals through brotherly affection?"Yi Tianxing snorted.
If it weren't Liu Bei, he'd bang his head on a wall.
"Emperor, allowing them to meet may bring too much uncertainty…"Li Zhilin's expression changed slightly.
"Let them go. Da Yi has never been a place that only takes in and never lets go. If their hearts no longer lie here, what use is it to keep them? This is the Eternal World, not the past. Everyone deserves the chance to choose a new life. When they joined us, I promised they would be free to leave if they ever wished. I won't break that promise."Yi Tianxing said slowly.
He wasn't the type to go back on his word. He trusted that Zhang Fei and Guan Yu understood how Da Yi had treated them—resources, opportunities, status. If they still chose to leave, it would only mean fate had run its course.
As an emperor, credibility was everything.
A ruler does not speak in jest.
Still, he was confident they would stay. At least… it was a fifty-fifty chance.
"Understood."Zhuge Liang nodded and waved his feather fan.
White Crow City – A Military Encampment
Guan Yu and Zhang Fei sat together, their expressions mixed with excitement, hesitation, and worry.
"Elder brother has reached out. Third Brother, what do you think we should do?"Guan Yu finally spoke.
"If Big Brother asks to meet, we should go. The bond of our brotherhood is not something to ignore. But I fear… he'll want us to return with him. And the Emperor of Da Yi has never treated us poorly."Zhang Fei sighed deeply.
Their loyalty to Da Yi was unquestionable. They had been nurtured, respected, and empowered. Their cultivation had flourished, and their place in Da Yi felt natural—like home.
They had comrades, people to protect, a cause to fight for. In Da Yi, they had found a sense of purpose and belonging.
Now, Liu Bei's sudden appearance had thrown their emotions into turmoil.
"We'll go. We must see him at least."Guan Yu finally said, his voice heavy.
Not long after, word came that their leave had been approved.
Receiving the news, the two men were moved—and even more conflicted.
They knew well that their true destination was no secret to Yi Tianxing—yet he still allowed them to go.