No one knew how long the war in the Divine-Demon Battlefield would last. If it stretched on, there was every reason to develop White Crow City (白鸦城) thoroughly. Managed properly, the city could produce immense long-term value and become a critical hub for the influence of the Great Yi Dynasty. It could also allow the Eternal Coin (永恒币) to become deeply embedded in the hearts of cultivators.
Among the ministers of Great Yi, the significance of the Eternal Coin was no secret.
The more it circulated, the more widely it was used, the more benefits it would bring—fortune, destiny, and reputation would flow in abundance.
After all, the cultivators in the Divine-Demon Battlefield were not ordinary people. Each one was a formidable talent, a peerless figure in their respective realms. If such individuals began using Eternal Coins, the ripple effect would spread quickly. Those around them would naturally follow, further accelerating the coin's spread.
It was a win on every front.
Once it became the norm, Great Yi would gain the greatest benefit of all—invisible influence and a vast network of relationships. That was far more valuable than material gains.
"Moreover," Zhuge Liang added,"every war city in the Divine-Demon Battlefield possesses a unique Divine-Demon Treasure Tree (神魔宝树), which produces local specialties—some with immense and unique value."
They intended to leverage the opening of the Mutual Market (互市) to acquire these rare items. If they could gather the specialties of the entire battlefield into one location, Great Yi could hoard and stockpile them as part of its growing legacy.
These treasures, nurtured by the Divine-Demon Treasure Trees, all had remarkable effects—many unheard of elsewhere.
Normally, each city consumed its own local produce. Sharing or trading them was difficult, even impossible—especially due to the danger of traveling outside the city, with Eternal Night demons lurking everywhere.
"Commerce in such conditions is like gambling with your life."
But if White Crow City could successfully establish this Mutual Market, it would change everything.
Everyone could trade their unwanted items for things they actually needed. Power could be enhanced, resources better utilized—and once people saw the benefits, they'd naturally support keeping the market long-term.
"Excellent idea," Yi Tianxing nodded."If we can gather all of the Divine-Demon specialties here in White Crow City, Great Yi will be the biggest beneficiary. Let's begin with the market, then evaluate further plans afterward."
Just then, Liu Bowen brought up another critical matter.
"Emperor, generals from all over have gathered.
I just walked through the city and already spotted numerous powerful candidates.
But how will the General Assembly (聚将大会) proceed?
If we cannot guarantee fairness and merit, it may damage our reputation."
Ultimately, it was Yi Tianxing who needed to decide.
"Your Majesty," Zhuge Liang proposed,"since we are selecting future commanders, we must test strategic leadership.
I recommend using our previously implemented method—the King's Battle Chess (王者斗战棋).
It is the perfect platform to assess command ability and tactical insight without risking lives.
Everything from formation, timing, troop management, and adaptability is revealed in the match."
In this war-game simulation, each person's capability would be laid bare. Anyone not deliberately concealing themselves would naturally showcase their strengths. It was a method that emphasized pure merit and fairness.
"Excellent," Yi Tianxing said, eyes brightening."That aligns with my thoughts exactly. Prepare the King's Battle Chess platform and open the city for commerce."
"Announce the Mutual Market.
Establish an Eternal Bank (永恒银行) in White Crow City.
Anyone can exchange their treasures for Eternal Coins.
There will be no exchange limit—they may redeem as much as they like."
Eternal Coins were being minted regularly. Great batches of Demonic Will Beads (魔念珠) were refined into coins, supplemented by the endless yield from the Money Tree (摇钱树). As a result, the number of Eternal Coins was growing constantly.
Yet their value remained stable, even climbing slightly, since their inherent energy was pure and verifiable—an absolute guarantee of their worth.
Only Eternal Coins could be used in the market. That was the one iron rule.
Naturally, cultivators would need to trade rare items and Divine-Demon specialties to acquire the currency. And the first wave of treasures would largely fall into Great Yi's hands—no need to advertise. This was the power of controlling the platform.
When you control the rules—you control the game.
Meanwhile, within the now-crowded streets of White Crow City, curiosity buzzed among the gathered cultivators and generals.
"So this is White Crow City... I heard it stands atop the back of a giant skeletal Nether Crow Emperor (冥鸦皇).
It can move across the battlefield swiftly—a truly rare war city."
"Look at those troops! They say even Great Yi's lowest-ranked soldiers, called Ninth-Grade Heavenly Soldiers (九品天兵), are equivalent to cultivators at the peak of Fate Diagram Realm (命图境).
Those who break into the Law Manifestation Realm (法相境) become battle generals, able to command troops.
I used to think that was exaggerated—but now I see it's all true."
The mighty legions, standing openly atop the city walls, inspired both awe and admiration. Their presence was both bold and intimidating.
"The General Assembly is about to begin... But how will Great Yi select from so many?"
"So many people… I've never seen a war city this lively, not even in the Eternal World.
Too bad it's not a real residential city—no taverns or places to stroll."
Complaints started to surface as the crowd grew restless.
Then, someone shouted:
"Look! A notice at the plaza!
Great Yi is opening the Mutual Market in White Crow City.
Anyone can trade goods—but all transactions must use Eternal Coins!"
"And look over there! That building—Eternal Bank!
You can exchange goods for Eternal Coins there!"
"I've heard of Eternal Coins before… Said to be the top-tier currency, acknowledged even by Heaven's Will itself.
Beautiful, powerful, and superior to all others.
I've always wanted to own some—now's my chance!"
Excitement lit up the eyes of cultivators from all races.
They knew this was a rare opportunity.
The gathered warriors from all war cities had strange and rare treasures in abundance. By trading, everyone stood to gain. They could acquire treasures suited to their path and strengthen themselves dramatically.
If Great Yi's ministers could think of it—so could the visiting cultivators.
"We can trade Divine-Demon specialties!
Our city's produce is useless to us—but it might be priceless to someone else."
"Exactly! A perfect trade for all parties involved. I'm heading to the bank right now!"
Soon, crowds surged toward the Eternal Bank.
Once inside, staff quickly appraised items and assigned Eternal Coin values.
Most people, understandably, offered up items they didn't need—materials, common treasures, battlefield spoils, bones harvested from Eternal Night demons…
These were traded in bulk, and joyfully so.
Some withheld rarer treasures, saving them for the open market where prices would be higher than the bank's flat rates.
Even so, many gladly exchanged low-level magical tools, materials, and relics—clearing their storage while acquiring currency far more useful.
The Mutual Market was officially in motion.