"Mutants? Mutated humans?"
Yi Tianxing was slightly surprised.
"Exactly. Mutants.But truthfully, what they call 'mutation' is essentially the awakening of life apertures (命窍)," Arthur said gravely."They continuously temper and refine these apertures to develop a variety of powerful abilities.Their combat strength is impressive.Some of them even possess the ability to induce mutation in others."
Yi Tianxing nodded inwardly.
This wasn't entirely unexpected.
In old-world films, mutants awakened special abilities due to mutations in their X-gene, gaining powers beyond normal humans. That so-called mutation was nothing more than awakening special abilities—or more accurately, awakening life apertures.
Now, these so-called mutants were walking the path of One Aperture to Heaven—refining and perfecting a single life aperture to its utmost limit, thus gaining overwhelming power.
Such a path wasn't inherently good or bad.
It was simply one way to power—one that forged a person into a living embodiment of a specific law.In its own right, it could be devastatingly effective, though also highly vulnerable to targeted counters.
It was a double-edged sword.
But no matter how one viewed it, anyone capable of awakening a life aperture was undoubtedly a person of exceptional talent and potential.
"Can you tell me more about these people?"Yi Tianxing asked, his interest piqued.
Originally, he had planned to leave. But now, hearing this, he was more than willing to stay a bit longer.
"Of course," Arthur said with a smile."The nearby war city is called Brotherhood City, and the kingdom there is known as the Brotherhood Alliance.The ruler is none other than Magneto, and he commands a large following of powerful mutants.Their combat prowess is formidable, and they possess the ability to induce awakenings in others—so their numbers are vast."
"They operate differently from traditional militaries. There are few formal armies.Most mutants fight individually or in loose cooperative units."
In the Brotherhood Alliance, mutation was seen as a point of pride.They pursued the development of their life apertures relentlessly, pushing their unique powers to unimaginable extremes.
Some could freeze entire regions in ice.
Others could engulf battlefields in flames.
Their philosophy: absolute individual power reigns supreme.
If you could develop your ability to the extreme—it could reach world-destroying levels.
This One Aperture to Heaven approach wasn't easy.But through repeated refinement, qualitative change could arise from quantitative accumulation.
"Magneto, huh?The Brotherhood Alliance?" Yi Tianxing's eyes lit up."Interesting. Very interesting."
Magneto's name was legendary—a true leader among mutants.His charisma and power were top-tier.
His ability to control magnetic fields came from the Primordial Magnetism Aperture (元磁命窍), which he had cultivated to a terrifying level.
Yi Tianxing was also intrigued by the fact that Magneto could induce life aperture awakenings in others.
That was no small feat.
Under normal conditions, awakening an aperture required:
Secret methods for detecting potential apertures
Techniques to condense aperture pills
Vast resources and heavenly treasures
Even within the Great Yi Emperor Dynasty, where many civilians could walk the cultivation path, opening apertures was not easy.It required accumulation, resources, and time.
Without Yi Tianxing's wealth and the Dynasty's regenerative treasure supply, even universal cultivation would be unfeasible.
But if Magneto had a method or artifact that could easily awaken life apertures, then that was a tremendous opportunity.
It could multiply the strength of Great Yi's citizenry.If aperture awakening became easy, millions could instantly leap into cultivation.
Magneto, after all, had spent his life fighting for mutant sovereignty, for a world where they would never again be oppressed.
And in this Eternal World, he had finally found the perfect stage for his ambitions.
He had built his own nation and risen as a king.
"Even though the Brotherhood Alliance doesn't have a regular army,every mutant is a potential warrior.They still need war soldiers—and if you visit them, you might be able to strike a deal," Arthur added with a smile.
He didn't hold back the information—Yi Tianxing had earned his trust.
After staying in Simon City for a while and overseeing the complete transfer of the seven million war soldiers, Yi Tianxing rose to leave.
This time, he didn't wander aimlessly—he set course straight for Brotherhood City.
It wasn't far.
And with White Crow City making no attempt to hide its movement, it didn't take long before it appeared near the Brotherhood's domain.
Naturally, Magneto was alerted.
Inside Brotherhood City, a middle-aged man sat playing chess with a bald companion across from him.He exuded an aura of power and authority, his presence commanding and unshakable.
His opponent, by contrast, gave off an atmosphere of peace and compassion—someone who naturally drew others to him.Even without saying a word, he made people feel at ease.
"Charles," Magneto said, making a move on the board,"Why don't you stay?With your wisdom and my power, we can build something extraordinary here in the Eternal World.Yes, it's dangerous—but also the greatest opportunity of our lives."
"Erik," Charles replied gently,"You know my dream has never been conquest.This is not the old world anymore. Mutants are no longer hunted.Everyone starts on the same line.In fact, mutants may even have an edge in surviving this new age.Your dream was to create a kingdom for mutants—and you've succeeded.My dream is to educate, to create a safe haven where gifted children can grow."
Charles smiled as he spoke.
He was already content.But now, more than ever, he believed in building something meaningful—an academy that could raise the next generation.
His Xavier Institute was nearly complete.He planned to return soon to help guide the next wave of children—help them understand and control their powers.
"Charles, isn't that what we've already created?A place where you can build your school—right here in the Brotherhood."Magneto's voice softened."I need you."
"Erik, don't."Charles' tone was calm but firm."We agreed—if you can beat me in this game of chess, I'll stay.If not, don't bring it up again."
At that moment, a flash of light appeared beside them.
A young woman with crimson hair, an incredibly curvaceous figure, and lightly reddish skin emerged—her aura was sharp and graceful.
She was Blink, one of Magneto's top generals.
Her power? Spatial gates.
She could teleport people or objects across short or vast distances—an extremely formidable ability.
"My king.The White Crow City is approaching Brotherhood City rapidly.No attempts at stealth.They clearly wish to make contact," Blink reported calmly.
"White Crow City… Great Yi…The Eastern Emperor—Yi Tianxing," Magneto muttered with narrowed eyes.
Clearly, he had heard the name before.
In fact, it was legendary.
He had watched Yi Tianxing fight on the Void Arena, and knew full well: this man was far above him in power.
A deep, bottomless strength.
"Yes. That city is unfathomable," Charles nodded."Its soldiers all exude power at the third tier, some even higher.Even I cannot read their minds freely—if I tried and got caught, it might cause misunderstandings."
"From what I've heard," he added,"The Great Yi has been traveling from city to city, trading war soldiers with human factions.These war soldiers are purified former Eternal Night slaves—turned enemies into allies.It's brilliant.And from the look of it, they're not here to fight.If anything, they've come to trade.Erik—if you need soldiers, this is your best chance."
Charles' voice was calm and encouraging.
His goodwill toward Yi Tianxing was clear.