Within the Totem Realm, numerous barbarian tribes all raised their heads toward the void, a powerful battle intent naturally rising in their hearts. News of Great Yi preparing to launch an offensive against the Totem Realm had clearly already reached them. Yet the tribes remained—because their homeland was difficult to abandon.
Moreover, many barbarians had already migrated into Great Yi's territory, where they were treated as equals. There was no discrimination. In fact, they lived better lives—eating well, dressing well, their descendants receiving excellent education and nurturing.
They didn't go hungry. They no longer feared sudden death. Their wealth wasn't plundered. Everything they had was protected under the law. Regardless of status or identity, they enjoyed the same treatment as the native citizens of Great Yi.
Stories of the Great Yi Sacred Dynasty had long spread within the Totem Realm. Tales of a better life—some even brought back as image records. Countless barbarians, upon witnessing those visuals, were left gaping, stunned in disbelief.
Though none spoke aloud, deep down, who among them didn't yearn for a safe immortal city? To stroll among countless shops at will, to taste a wide variety of fine delicacies and spirits, to wear fashionable, striking clothes and stand tall with confidence.
But… generation after generation had lived by tribal inheritance. To suddenly abandon their ancestral ways and give it all up wasn't a decision made lightly. It would be a complete transformation.
Now, however, they had a reason.
If they could defeat Great Yi, they would preserve their tribal traditions and continue as they always had.
If they lost, then they would integrate into Great Yi's system and become citizens. Honestly, it wasn't such a bad outcome.
They just needed a reason.
"We accept the challenge!"
"We accept the challenge!!"
Roars of defiance echoed from totem warriors across the void.
It was clear—they had made up their minds. Win or lose, they would have the reason they needed to make a final decision. No more hesitation.
"Good. Both the Knight Realm and the Totem Realm are secured,"Zhuge Liang and Jia Xu, witnessing this, revealed faint smiles of relief.
With Great Yi's strength, even without resorting to tricks or schemes, they could defeat them head-on. The dynasty's development over the years was no joke. Talented experts abounded, and the military teemed with powerful generals.
As for the Heavenly Monster Realm, it too was retreating. After a little more time, it would fall into Great Yi's grasp. With three realms essentially secured, they could now turn their focus to other targets. The remaining ones wouldn't pose too much trouble either.
With the tacit approval of top cultivators and strong representatives of various races, this expansion was already a foregone conclusion.Whoever stood in the way… would die.
Many realms, upon receiving the news, were already preparing to evacuate—just like the Heavenly Monster Realm. They fled decisively, without hesitation.
Great Yi – Holy King Palace
Yi Tianxing was dining with his consorts in the Hundred Flowers Garden.
The women of the palace got along very well. Over the years, their relationships had remained harmonious—at least outwardly, it was all peaceful and pleasant. Every month, when schedules allowed, they would gather for a family banquet. Sometimes it was hosted by Cai Yan, other times Yi Tianxing himself would attend. Since the palace had been split into Eastern and Western Courts, Xi Wangmu (Yaochi) would now alternate hosting duties with Cai Yan.
Every banquet saw over a hundred participants.
It wasn't just a meal—it was a way to strengthen bonds.
Normally, due to their responsibilities, there weren't many chances for everyone to dine together. A regular family banquet helped preserve stability and peace within the palace. Yi Tianxing fully supported the tradition and attended whenever possible.
This was one of the key reasons why the palace always remained so harmonious.
To accommodate the atmosphere, he had personally ordered the Heavenly Crafts Pavilion to create a massive extendable rectangular dining table, which could grow in length as needed depending on the number of attendees. The dishes served were identical for everyone: once finished, a fresh set was brought.
At the moment, the enormous dining table stood completed in the Hundred Flowers Garden. Yi Tianxing sat at the head. To his left and right were Cai Yan and Xi Wangmu, followed by the rest of his consorts seated in order. Each person had a meter of space and was served a variety of spiritual fruits and drinks.
The women laughed and chatted, faces full of joy, sharing amusing little stories from daily life.
Clear, ringing laughter echoed, making the scene feel less like a royal court and more like an ordinary family gathering—cozy and genuine.
Yi Tianxing watched with satisfaction.
This particular banquet, hosted by him personally, served two purposes:First, to bring everyone together…Second, to celebrate the acquisition of the Gourmet Realm, whose specialty ingredients had just been brought under Great Yi's control, along with a host of top-tier chefs.
And the greatest among them—was none other than the man known as the God of Cookery, Stephen Chow.
Yes, the very God of Cookery. Stephen Chow had earned that title.
There were three realms of culinary cultivation:
Special-grade Chef, Culinary Immortal, and finally — the God of Cookery.
For any chef, becoming a God of Cookery was the ultimate life goal, the supreme dream worth striving for.
To be considered a Special-grade Chef, the base requirement was the ability to cook food that emitted light. A dish that glowed was the symbol of that rank—a one-star Special-grade Chef.
A Culinary Immortal cooked food that not only glowed but also granted medicinal or spiritual effects—like therapeutic cuisine. Their dishes could provide immense benefits to the body, almost like alchemical meals.
But a God of Cookery—that was something far more profound.
Their dishes carried emotions.
Even using the simplest ingredients, a God of Cookery could infuse their feelings into each dish. The eater wouldn't just taste the food—they would feel the cook's message. The emotions behind each plate would resonate deeply, even allowing people to comprehend the chef's thoughts, joys, or sorrows.
Yi Tianxing had once tasted such food—and to this day, the memory lingered on his tongue.
The difference between each level was vast. Though Great Yi already had some Culinary Immortals whose food was delicious and effective, compared to a true God of Cookery—it wasn't even close. Two completely different worlds.
That Stephen Chow had agreed to join the Gourmet Hall was a huge blessing.
Combined with the Gourmet Realm's rich supply of top-tier ingredients, this would push Great Yi's culinary achievements to new heights—creating the ultimate taste experience.
Yi Tianxing had been looking forward to this for a long time.
Of course, joy shared is joy multiplied, which is why he organized the banquet, to enjoy this feast together with his consorts.
"Securing the Gourmet Realm was worth more than taking two or three entire realms,"Yi Tianxing said with emotion, smiling as he turned to Cai Yan and Xi Wangmu.
He picked up a glass of milk.
The milk appeared incredibly pure and smooth, with not the slightest impurity. It had a faint shimmer of transparency, giving off a delicate, natural fragrance—one that smelled like coconut.
Just smelling it made one feel like they had stepped into a tropical paradise.
This wasn't ordinary milk—it came from the Gourmet Realm.
Produced by a rare breed called the Coconut King Cow, it was said that this breed carried special bloodlines. Its milk not only retained the nutrition of regular milk but also had the rich flavor of coconut juice.
Drinking it revealed three layers of taste: milk, coconut, and a wholly unique fusion of both.
Moreover, the Coconut King Milk contained powerful spiritual energy. Refining it could enhance cultivation and magical power. For female cultivators, it had beautifying and skin-enhancing effects, producing noticeable results after just one glass. Silky smooth skin and radiant complexion—these results made the milk wildly popular among women.
The best part? The milk could be consumed daily, continuously improving one's vitality and cellular activity, bringing lasting rejuvenation and mental clarity.
Currently, only a small number of Coconut King Cows had been captured for use by the Holy King Palace. Yi Tianxing had already ordered large-scale breeding to ensure a steady supply.
The same went for other premium ingredients—they were all top-tier.
"The God of Cookery's skill is truly something to look forward to,"Xi Wangmu said with a smile.
"To control emotion through cuisine... that borders on Dao itself,"Yi Tianxing added."A God of Cookery is a guest of honor in any power. I once ate food made by one and dreamed about it ever since. Today, I've asked Stephen Chow to prepare a special dish: 'Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate'. I want to compare it to what I ate back then—to see whose culinary Dao is stronger."
Gods of Cookery were extremely rare.
As far as Yi Tianxing knew, there was one in the Yin-Yang Inn (likely just an honorary guest), and another in the ancient Heavenly Court—a chef who survived from the previous era. And now, there was Stephen Chow.
Naturally, his expectations were high.
He also had a hunch—this might be the key to a breakthrough in his body cultivation path.The Gourmet Realm… was likely a major fated opportunity destined for him.
"Holy King, the first course—'Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate'—is ready."Cao Zhengchun reported respectfully.
"Serve the meal!"Yi Tianxing nodded in approval.
Immediately, a group of palace maids began bringing up the covered dishes.