"It is indeed no simple feat," Pei Ju nodded."The Dimensional Dwellings is, at its core, a spatial technique. It requires not only the inscription of spatial runes, but also the right materials to bear them. Initially, we used space-attribute materials like Sumeru Stones and Space Crystals. But those are rare and unsuitable for mass use.The breakthrough came when we discovered… a certain fish."
"A fish?"Yi Tianxing looked intrigued.
"Yes," Pei Ju continued."A very peculiar species, later named the Kunxu Fish (昆虚鱼). It seems to carry a trace of Kunpeng bloodline. Its key traits are voracious appetite, extreme swimming speed, and a silver body that flashes like lightning in water.It was by sheer chance we caught one, and discovered that its speed was due to its scales."
These scales possessed spatial properties and the mysterious ability of Void Piercing (洞虚之力). Each scale could naturally gather spatial power and link internal and external realms. In essence, every scale became a conduit of spatial energy, capable of channeling worldly essence and matter.
This miraculous property thrilled the Heavenly Works Pavilion. They began embedding spatial rune formations into the fish scales, then integrating them into architecture.
The results were astounding—surpassing all previous efforts.
The Dimensional Dwellings built with Kunxu Fish scales not only carried the runes flawlessly, but also allowed airflow, spiritual energy, and a link to the outer world—making the interior environment nearly indistinguishable from the real world.
It was near perfection.
"What is the current number of Kunxu Fish? Are they being bred?"Yi Tianxing's eyes lit up.He knew now: the key to Dimensional Dwellings was the Kunxu Fish.
"Their numbers are limited," Pei Ju said solemnly."We discovered only a single school of about a hundred. After decades of breeding, we now have a little over 3,000.Fortunately, we don't need to kill them. Their scales can regenerate after a period of time."
Still, reproduction was slow. Kunxu Fish laid eggs only once every ten years, and the survival rate was extremely low—barely one in a thousand. Otherwise, their population would've exploded long ago.
Thankfully, each Dimensional Dwelling required only a few scales—three, five, or eight, depending on the formation (Trigram, Pentagram, Eightfold arrays).
"Have they laid eggs this decade?"Yi Tianxing asked.
"Yes," Gongshu Lin confirmed."This time, we expect over 10,000 eggs."
"Not enough," Yi Tianxing said with gravity."After this court session, Minister Pei, go to the Star-Seizing Tower. Retrieve Evolution Elixirs, and use Moon Well water and Sacred Liquid from the Five-Colored Beast Soul Pool to nourish the eggs. Do everything possible to increase survival and speed up growth."
He wanted not just ten thousand, but hundreds of thousands—even millions of Kunxu Fish. That was the only way to support Great Yi's growing needs.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"Both Pei Ju and Gongshu Lin accepted the command with visible delight.
They knew: Kunxu Fish scales were a strategic resource—vital to both the Ministry of Works and Heavenly Works Pavilion. The larger the population, the more leverage they held.
"In my view," said Huang Chengyan,"the Immortal Cities can undergo further expansion—add a Second Ring outside the existing perimeter. That would relieve pressure and increase capacity."
"A sound suggestion," Yi Tianxing agreed."All Immortal Cities are now permitted to expand outward. Add a Second Ring to support up to four million residents per city."
He didn't necessarily want every city to reach this maximum—he hoped instead to encourage citizens to migrate to newly built cities. Still, he acknowledged the emotional ties many had to their homes and families.
"Your Majesty, I have a proposal."It was Jia Xu, Lord of the Heavenly Strategy Hall.
"Speak, beloved minister."
"After twenty years of recovery, Great Yi's people are thriving. Livelihoods are stable. Our resources are fully stockpiled.And our population has exploded. While encouraging fertility is a national policy that must not change—this is not the time to alter course.Therefore, the best solution is… expansion!"
Those two words made the entire court brighten. Especially the generals—smiles crept onto their faces, barely concealed.
They had waited long enough. Now that Great Yi's army was battle-hardened and elite, war was not a burden—it was a calling.
"Now that the Dragon, Phoenix, and Qilin clans have withdrawn to guard the Divine-Demon Battlefield beyond the heavens, the Eternal World is full of power vacuums.The myriad races have only just returned. They lack the ability to claim these lands quickly.This moment is perfect for territorial expansion.More land means more cities, which means more room for our people.In my opinion, expansion can no longer be delayed."
"Agreed!" said Xun Yu."His Majesty has returned to sit in the Imperial City. Our legions have returned home. Now is the time for glory."
"I support the motion," said Zhuge Liang.
"I support it as well," echoed Liu Bowen.
This was a rare opportunity. Missing it would be a cause for eternal regret.
"Very well," Yi Tianxing said with steel in his voice."After this court session, the Iron-Blood Great Wall shall begin its march.Wherever it reaches—that shall be Great Yi's territory.Wherever the wall stretches—there shall be an Immortal City.The human race shall never again be enslaved.The human race must rise!Great Yi shall suppress all enemies under heaven!"
His words rang with absolute conviction.
Great Yi would speak for humanity—and within its borders, humans would stand as a dominant race among the multitudes.
"Long live His Majesty! Great Yi deserves to rule all!"The court thundered with enthusiasm.
To the ministers, expansion meant greater national fortune—and for them, greater personal opportunity. Every newly claimed territory was a stepping stone to power.
They wanted more, and they would make the Great Yi cake even bigger.
"Now then," Yi Tianxing continued,"Our warriors have fought valiantly in the Divine-Demon Battlefield and earned great merit. Many new talents joined our court and proved their worth. Today… they shall be rewarded."
"Read the edict," he ordered.
Cao Zhengchun, standing by, unrolled a golden decree and read aloud:
"By decree of the Emperor:
Ba Tiangang is appointed Head of the Bounty Hunter Hall, ranked First Grade.He shall oversee all bounty hunter matters within Great Yi territory."
Ba Tiangang's massive figure trembled. He stepped forward and knelt:
"This subject, Ba Tiangang, thanks His Majesty. Even if I must walk through fire and blood, I will manage the Bounty Hall with my life."
He was a rough man—his loyalty was shown through action, not words.
In his short time within Great Yi, he had seen incredible wonders—like the Celestial Wristwatch on his arm, or the Starweb Network—concepts that had utterly overturned his worldview.
The Bounty Hunter Hall was a pillar of Great Yi. Most citizens registered as hunters, venturing into the wilds to slay beasts and serve the empire.
This appointment meant enormous trust and critical responsibility.
"No need for ceremony. Just do your job well," Yi Tianxing said simply.
"By imperial edict:
Liu Ji (Liu Bowen) is appointed Left Prime Minister of Great Yi, highest among civil ministers. Rank: First Grade."
This was a monumental promotion—even though other ministry heads were also First Grade, the Prime Minister's authority was inherently greater.