Success would have been ideal, but even if it didn't go through, they had come prepared.
The Great Yi Dynasty had risen to its current height without relying on the power of a national beast. With its current strength, it didn't seem to need such symbolic alliances—especially not now. The three ancient races had been banished to the God-Demon Battlefield. Even if they were named national beasts, they couldn't actively assist Great Yi. All that remained in the Eternal World were minor remnants—barely a few scattered tigers and cats. The benefit was marginal at best.
Their disappointment was clear, but no one was particularly surprised.
All three races had their own wise men. They naturally understood the key issue: territorial control and access to Great Yi's destiny energy.
"Since brother-in-law is returning to the Eternal World," Princess Ao Qi suddenly said with a turn of the topic, "he must be planning to launch conquests, expand Great Yi's territory, and push toward the next stage of ascension."
"Indeed. The God-Demon Battlefield allowed Great Yi to accumulate strength for over twenty years. With such profound reserves, expansion is only natural," Yi Tianxing nodded.
There was nothing to hide here.
With the three great races retreating, much of the Eternal World was now left ownerless. The struggle to seize what they left behind would lead to wars and chaos lasting for years. For any Destiny Dynasty, nothing was more valuable than new land.
Not just Great Yi—every power would seize the opportunity.
"If you're preparing to expand your territory," said Qi Rujing of the Kirin Clan, "then a World Map of Realms and Geography would be a powerful aid to your campaign."
"A geographic map?" Yi Tianxing's interest was immediately piqued.
"During the Great Calamity of the Dragon-Han Era," explained Feng Jiugē proudly, "our three races occupied the majority of the Eternal World—land, sea, and sky. Since the return of our ancestral progenitors, we've pooled our strength to create a map that spans vast realms, centered on the Ancient Continent."
"This map includes:
The locations of domain gates.
Our records of mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas.
Zones rich in resources and rare spiritual herbs."
"While it's not exhaustive, it covers most areas historically under our control."
The value was self-evident. Any realm's military or exploratory campaign could save enormous time and effort with such a guide. It was a priceless treasure—especially for a Dynasty with ambitions of conquest.
"Does this map cover the entire Eternal World?" Yi Tianxing asked with a deep breath.
"Of course not," Ao Qi replied. "The Eternal World is far too vast—its size is unknowable. Even at our peak, the three great races couldn't map all of it. What's more, the Eternal World is constantly expanding."
"Every moment, new continents, seas, and realms emerge. According to legend, there's even a mysterious race that travels to the edges of the world, opening new spaces—a duty they were born to perform."
"This race is said to be born from the Heavenly Dao itself, modeled after Pangu—the ancient Old Gods."
The Old Gods were rarely seen, but if the stories were true, they possessed the innate ability to open new realms and add them to the Eternal World.
But that was another story.
Even so, the map created by the three races—despite its incompleteness—was still a peerless asset for any power wishing to expand.
Yi Tianxing paused, then said calmly:
"Speak your terms. If the price is fair, I'll take the map."
He didn't believe the map would be offered for free. Its presentation here meant a deal was on the table. And frankly, the map had moved his heart—he wanted it.
"Two options," said Qi Rujing with a smile. "First, make our three races the national beasts of Great Yi, and the map is yours."
"And the second?" Yi Tianxing asked without hesitation.
"Second," Feng Jiugē answered evenly, "allow us limited presence within your territory:
Dragon race may build palaces in rivers and seas to manage clouds and rain.
Kirin may tune the land's energy, bringing auspicious fortune.
Phoenixes may reside in volcanoes, suppressing the fire veins.
And finally: Human cultivators within Great Yi must not indiscriminately kill our descendants or bloodlines."
Yi Tianxing frowned slightly.
The request was clear: control over mountains, rivers, lakes, and lands inside Great Yi's borders. If he accepted, it would create significant uncertainties. What use were lands if rivers couldn't be commanded, and mountains couldn't be entered freely?
Even if the three races were withdrawing from the Eternal World, their lingering influence was not small. Letting them establish domain within Great Yi could easily become a hidden threat. And it was clear—what they truly sought was access to Great Yi's destiny energy, using the empire as fertile ground to recover and grow.
In theory, their help could bolster Great Yi's power—but only if they remained loyal. If not, it would be disastrous.
From their perspective, it was perfectly reasonable. But from Great Yi's? It was feeding the tiger with meat.
They had not demanded, only offered terms. They were very transparent: You want the map? Eat the sugar-coated pill that comes with it.
Yi Tianxing took a deep breath and replied:
"The map is excellent, but Great Yi's territory must remain unified. If the three races wish to enter my borders, that's not impossible—but only if you accept appointment by my imperial decree, and become ministers of Great Yi."
"If so, I will permit you to govern mountains and rivers under my laws. But once within, you'll be subject to our Heavenly Statutes and Legal Codes."
It was neither an outright refusal nor an acceptance.
If they entered as external powers, they could not be allowed to split Great Yi's land and absorb its energy. But if they joined as imperial officials, then it would actually benefit Great Yi, bolstering its destiny.
If they agreed—the door would be open.
The three visitors' expressions shifted subtly.
They hadn't expected Yi Tianxing to flip the offer on its head so cleanly.
"Let's leave this matter for now," Ao Qi said finally. "We'll return to our clans and discuss. If we come to an agreement, we'll inform brother-in-law. But as for the map—perhaps we can still make a deal."
"I've heard," she added, "that you own a war chariot drawn by Nine Ancient Dragon Sons—each a Primordial Dragon Soul, born from ancestral bloodlines."
"If you'd be willing to part with them, the map is yours."
That last offer made Yi Tianxing's face darken slightly.
They were targeting the Nine-Dragon War Chariot.
"That won't do," Yi Tianxing refused flatly. "They are spirit souls of a lifebound treasure, not separate entities. I can't divide them. More importantly—they're mine. I will not trade them. They may carry the essence of dragons, but they are not your ancestors' heirs."
To him, the war chariot was more than transport—it was his personal symbol, a sign of status. Letting it go would be absurd.
The trio didn't press further.
The conversation turned to lighter topics, random chatter. Once the meal was done, they politely took their leave.
Yi Tianxing didn't stop them. He simply watched them go, knowing that today's refusals might mark a turning point in his relationship with the three ancient races. But he didn't fear it.
"A world map? If the three races can make one—why can't Great Yi?"
His gaze sharpened as he murmured to himself.
"In the art of mapping and cartography—who can surpass humanity?"
Just then, a dry chuckle echoed from the pavilion.
Unnoticed until now, the White Bone Crow Emperor stood calmly in the shadows, his tone filled with temptation:
"Heh heh… You're absolutely right. Their map is valuable, but not irreplaceable. What matters is who controls the land."
"And speaking of maps—I happen to hold a scroll and a scripture you may find… very useful."
"Interested in a trade? If you wait until this battlefield closes, you might not get another chance for a long, long time."
"My White Bone Crow Clan's treasury is wide open—just for you."