The arrival of the Dragon, Phoenix, and Kirin Clans to the God-Demon Battlefield was met with universal approval from all the other races.
After all, the strength of these three clans was overwhelming. If they had remained in the Eternal World, they would have posed a grave threat to every other power. That kind of pressure, if allowed to escalate, would inevitably result in fierce backlash—turning the three into enemies, and sparking devastating wars and chaos.
Their retreat was not only welcome—it was necessary.
Having summoned their ancestral progenitors and remolded their physical forms, the three clans had already burned through the majority of their clan fortune (族运). What remained was barely enough to maintain stability. While this might not cause issues in the short term, over time it would invite disasters—mass casualties, decline, even total extinction.
Without fate, there is no survival.
Without fortune, a clan perishes.
Without national destiny, an empire crumbles.
This was the immutable law of heaven and earth.
The three clans' fortunes had been depleted. They could no longer dominate the Eternal World. Thus, relocating to the God-Demon Battlefield allowed them to both escape impending doom and accumulate merit by resisting Eternal Night—thereby slowly regaining their fate.
It was the only path left.
Moreover, it was beneficial to the Eternal World as well. Heaven itself would not obstruct such an action—in fact, it would offer support.
A Visit from the Ladies
That day, Ao Qing, Ao You, Mo Xue, and Hong Luan came together to find Yi Tianxing.
"Why aren't you out enjoying the trade fair? There must be all sorts of rare treasures on sale. Everyone will be evacuating soon."
Yi Tianxing smiled at the four women. He had already guessed their reason for coming.
"Are you planning to visit the Dragon Nest, Phoenix Nest, and Kirin Mountain?"
They were, after all, direct descendants of those three clans. Their family members were likely here on the battlefield—a visit seemed only natural. And with space gates available, it wasn't even difficult.
"No," Ao Qing replied with a smile. "Some people from our clans wish to visit you."
"Yes," Mo Xue nodded. "They came partly to see us, but also to speak with you. There may be matters to discuss. But whether or not you meet with them is your decision. Don't feel bound by our identities. Prioritize Great Yi's interests."
As wives of the Emperor, they were already deeply bound to the fate of the Great Yi. They knew very well where their loyalties lay.
"No need to worry. Since they're guests from your clans, of course I'll meet them."
Yi Tianxing nodded. Whether friend or foe, a meeting would reveal their true intentions.
The four ladies then excused themselves, not wanting to interfere further. Since they had made the introductions, the rest was up to Yi Tianxing.
The Meeting in the Garden
Before long, the guests were brought to the imperial garden, where they met Yi Tianxing in a lakeside pavilion.
Yi Tianxing couldn't help but smile when he saw them. The Dragon Clan's envoy was an old acquaintance—Princess Ao Qi, daughter of the Hanhai Dragon King, accompanied by the Turtle Prime Minister.
From the Kirin Clan came a young elite: Qi Rujing, clearly a powerhouse with a calm and approachable aura.
From the Phoenix Clan arrived the charming and striking Feng Jiuge—handsome and extraordinary, a man destined to steal hearts and turn heads.
"Ao Qi of the Dragon Clan."
"Qi Rujing of the Kirin Clan."
"Feng Jiuge of the Phoenix Clan."
"Greetings to the Emperor of Great Yi."
Despite their noble heritage, none of them showed arrogance. Facing Yi Tianxing, they bowed with proper respect. After twenty years on the Eternal Night frontlines, Yi Tianxing had become a living legend—his name alone demanded reverence.
"No need for formality. We're family, after all. Sit—dinner is ready. Let's eat and talk."
Yi Tianxing smiled and gestured for them to sit.
The table before them was covered in exquisite dishes. These were not ordinary meals cooked by chefs but created through a Divine Banquet Tablecloth, summoned with a single thought from Yi Tianxing. The ingredients came from the heavens, earth, and seas—a true feast of all realms.
Of course, there was no Kirin meat, dragon liver, or phoenix gallbladder—not because he lacked them, but out of respect for the women of his household. Such dishes were simply inappropriate.
"Delicious."
Ao Qi and the others dug in without restraint, eyes lighting up. These weren't just delicacies—they were transcendent culinary masterpieces.
"As expected, the human race excels in such arts. Few can compare."
Feng Jiuge sighed in admiration.
As they ate, the atmosphere grew casual. Their conversation gradually shifted to more personal matters—with the bonds of marriage already in place, the guests naturally began addressing Yi Tianxing as brother-in-law.
And just like that, the real reason for their visit surfaced.
The Real Agenda: The National Beast
"Brother-in-law, I believe your Great Yi still hasn't appointed a national beast, has it?"
Ao Qi asked, though she clearly already knew the answer.
"No, we haven't."
Yi Tianxing's eyes flickered. He immediately saw through their intentions—they had their sights on the title of Great Yi's National Beast.
Appointing a national beast wasn't just symbolic—it meant sharing in the empire's destiny. It would absorb part of Great Yi's fortune, be treated as a sacred totem, a symbol of national pride, and a pillar of spiritual unity.
Other empires often appointed national beasts from the start to stabilize and empower their dynasties.
But Great Yi was an exception.
Yi Tianxing had built his empire entirely through strength, climbing tier after tier without relying on national beasts. In his eyes, they were optional—useful, but not essential.
Still, he didn't expose their intentions.
"Brother-in-law, what do you think of the Dragon Clan?" Ao Qi pressed.
"The Kirin Clan isn't bad either," Qi Rujing added with a smile.
"The Phoenix Clan hasn't pledged itself to any other dynasty," Feng Jiuge declared boldly.
All three openly expressed their desire for their clans to become the National Beast of Great Yi.
Yi Tianxing chuckled.
"You're putting me in a difficult spot."
It was clear—the three clans didn't just want a closer relationship. They wanted a deep binding alliance, to be tied to the empire's fate.
"Perhaps… there's no need to choose at all."
Qi Rujing suddenly spoke.
"There's no rule that says an empire can only have one national beast. If you wish, all three of our clans—Dragon, Phoenix, and Kirin—can serve as Great Yi's national beasts together."
It was a stunning proposal.
Yi Tianxing's mind raced. He instantly grasped what they were implying—but it was shocking nonetheless. These were the three proudest races under the heavens. For them to set aside their pride and offer to share the title of National Beast—was almost unthinkable.
A single mountain can't hold two tigers—let alone three.And yet here they were, offering to kneel together.
He couldn't help but feel a little caught off guard.
Appointing one national beast was already a significant investment of fate. Appointing three? That was madness.
They would consume Great Yi's fortune like leeches. Worse yet, none of them could even aid the empire directly—they were relocating to the God-Demon Battlefield, with only weak remnants left behind in the Eternal World.
What use is a national beast if it can't help us or stay by our side?
Yi Tianxing sighed internally.
Outwardly, he remained calm.
"Great Yi has no current plans to appoint a national beast. Should that change, I will give the matter due consideration."
He kept it polite, but firm.
In his mind, fortune came before face.
And face? That was worthless in comparison.
The three envoys—Ao Qi, Qi Rujing, and Feng Jiuge—were slightly disappointed, but not surprised. They had expected rejection.
After all, this was only one of their goals—not the most important one.
So they didn't force the issue. With a subtle shift in conversation, they moved on.