"As long as you stand firmly with us, power and treasure are yours for the taking.Just like the Demon-Human Symbiosis Technique now practiced in the Great Serpent Dynasty—such forbidden arts and divine abilities will be endless for you, as long as your contributions match.Wealth, women, power, and even immortality—they're all within your grasp.But you must prove your worth."
The mysterious black-robed figure spoke slowly, his voice a blend of temptation and command.
Oda Nobunaga's eyes gleamed coldly as he responded:
"According to our scouts, Great Yi is frighteningly powerful.Over the past two decades, its population has multiplied, with newborns emerging like litters of animals.At this point, no one can accurately estimate the number of people living within Great Yi's borders."
"And their war machines... the Seven-Colored Heavenly Arks—unmatched on the battlefield, utterly unstoppable."
The meaning behind his words was clear: if you want me to fight Great Yi, you'd better arm me well.
The black-robed man answered confidently:
"Fear not. We have our Abyssal War Fortresses, forged from Abyssal Iron, fully capable of going toe-to-toe with the Heaven Arks. Within them, demon-human hybrids thrive like fish in water.Each fortress is equipped with Darkfiend Immortal-Slaying Cannons—capable of slaying Yang Gods and threatening True Spirits.Your troops will be unstoppable."
In his view, their forces could completely crush Great Yi.
The Great Serpent Dynasty had no shortage of troops. Every citizen was a demon-human hybrid, their strength far beyond ordinary humans. With a single order, millions—no, billions—could be mobilized into battle.
"Great Yi's battle formations are formidable," Nobunaga added."That Flaming God Crow Formation they used back in Snow Province wiped out the Ice Crystal Clan."
But the black-robed figure waved that off:
"Formations? We have the Ten-Thousand Demon Blood Transformation Array.Once activated, it becomes a boundless sea of blood, forming the Blood Transformation Godblade.Capable of slaying immortals and annihilating Buddhas with ease."
And more:
"We've specially forged the Yamata Imperial City for your dynasty. Built with rare materials and infused with our Eternal Night Demon Fortress architecture, its might rivals that of Great Yi's own Imperial City."
Even the soldiers' weapons had been upgraded:
"We crafted you an exclusive force of Demon God Soldiers.Their strength and potential rival even supreme artifacts and Eternal Heaven Arks."
But then came a subtle warning:
"We've spared no effort in cultivating your rise.But don't forget—we who raise you up can just as easily destroy you.Show us results. Or we'll take it all back."
A shadowed threat, clearly spoken.
Oda Nobunaga, however, showed no fear.
"Don't worry. Great Yi will receive a grand surprise soon enough."
He was eager to fight Great Yi—it was what he'd always wanted.And he knew: if Great Yi started expanding, the Sakura Province would inevitably become a battlefield.
Retreat? Not an option.
As he made his declaration, the black-robed figure vanished without a trace.Nobunaga stared into the empty space he left behind, a flicker of unreadable emotion in his eyes.
Underground – General's City (将相城)
Beneath the Cherry Blossom Continent, a hidden underground realm extended wide and deep.
Far from barren, the space was filled with gloomy vegetation—plants suited for dark, cold environments. A mighty underground city sat beside a river, surrounded by glowing flora.
The city's name: General's City (将相城)—a tribute to the rallying cry of rebellion:
Why should nobles be born greater than commoners?
Here lived millions, maybe more. Entire underground villages and towns had sprung up around the city, built by escaped Han-descended humans.
Their clothes were ragged, but their spirits were fierce and hopeful.
On the city wall stood two legendary figures:
Chen Sheng and Wu Guang.
Once just rebel leaders, they were now symbols of resistance, brothers in arms, closer than blood.
Their goal: rescue and rally Han people enslaved by the Great Serpent Dynasty.
Years ago, they led a large-scale uprising. But they were crushed—barely escaping with their lives.Since then, they'd lived in hiding, building up the Underground Resistance, one soul at a time.
The problem?
Their numbers had now reached the city's capacity.
Food and resources were becoming critical. Even Dark Bamboo Rice, their main staple, could no longer meet the growing demand.
"The harvest season for the dark rice is close," one said."It's all the people have left to survive."
"That damned Serpent Dynasty… their monster patrols grow more frequent.And that bastard Nobunaga turned my severed head into a pisspot.That debt must be paid!"
They had seen firsthand how vile the regime had become:
Humans fused with demons
Bloodthirsty, flesh-eating monsters
Evil gods being secretly worshipped in the capital
"That's no longer a human nation—it's a nest of beasts.They're even preparing some forbidden weapon, I can feel it," said Chen Sheng grimly.
Wu Guang nodded solemnly.
"It's time. We must make contact with Great Yi.We need their army.These monsters are too dangerous to face alone.If Great Yi doesn't know what's coming, they'll suffer dearly."
But Chen Sheng raised a hand.
"We don't need to seek them out.A mind like Yi Tianxing's?He's already sent spies into this province.Right now, the best thing we can do is survive… and wait."
He knew from experience—Great Yi would not sit idle.With their nature and strength, Cherry Blossom Continent was already a part of their plans.
Great Yi – Imperial Palace
DONG—DONG—DONG!
The clear tolling of bells rang throughout the palace, resounding across Xuanhuang Immortal City.
Three days had passed—just like that.
"Open the gates of the palace!Let all ministers assemble before the Emperor!"
Outside the throne room, Cao Zhengchun stood tall and called aloud.
The court session was about to begin.