This was a war weapon far more powerful than ordinary rune cannons. Compared to the original Yin-Yang Annihilation Bomb, the Spatial Annihilation Cannons boasted far greater destructive power and a much wider strike range. Their intimidation factor increased exponentially. Of course, the key was increasing their numbers. Only by mass-producing them could they form a wide-scale bombardment capable of leveling everything in their path. War wasn't just about soldiers' strength; war machines often played a decisive role—especially when assaulting cities and fortresses.
"Void Crystals are extremely rare. So far, the majority we've found have already been used to produce the Spatial Annihilation Cannons. But even then, we've only managed to build about one hundred," Gongshu Lin said slowly. "If we can find more Void Crystals, manufacturing them won't be a problem."
Fortunately, Great Yi possessed the Universal Printer. As long as they had a prototype, it could replicate the design at scale. The challenge, however, was the material—Void Crystals were a top-tier spatial attribute resource. They couldn't be mined from regular veins; they only formed in chaotic space zones, which were incredibly rare. As a result, Void Crystal production was extremely limited.
The only viable method was to venture into the Endless Void, locate meteorite fragments floating in space, and extract Void Crystals from them. This was a highly dangerous and difficult process, requiring skilled miners and specialized tools.
Being able to craft even a hundred Spatial Annihilation Cannons was already quite a feat and had depleted most of Great Yi's current reserves. At present, the national treasury no longer held enough resources to produce another.
"Mining Void Crystals requires entering the Endless Void," Yi Tianxing said after a brief pause. "I recall the gnome race possesses the necessary technology. Have them fully commit to building Void Mining Ships. Dispatch dedicated personnel into the Endless Void to extract rare minerals and ensure a steady supply of materials for Great Yi."
Venturing into the Endless Void without sufficient strength was incredibly perilous. It was filled with spatial turbulence that could prove fatal at any moment. Exploration and mining could not be taken lightly; it required proper tools for detection and extraction to yield results.
"My Heavenly Craft Pavilion has already begun relevant research. It won't be long before we produce a working prototype," Gongshu Lin said confidently. The Pavilion had gathered elite craftsmen from various races, including dwarves and gnomes, both known for their exceptional skills. Over the years, many master artisans from these races had joined their research efforts.
Once they realized how scarce Void Crystals were, they had immediately initiated the development of a Void Mining Ship. It wouldn't be long before production began—something that would greatly ease material shortages.
"Excellent," Yi Tianxing nodded with satisfaction.
"The third ultimate weapon is called the Radiant Bomb. Once it detonates, it unleashes a blinding flash that severely damages the eyesight of all creatures within range—rendering them blind almost instantly. Furthermore, the flash contains a powerful Light attribute energy, the essence of pure Yang. Against dark creatures like fiends, ghosts, and monsters, it is lethally effective. Designed specifically to counter these beings, each detonation is like a miniature sun. A single bomb can cover a thousand-mile radius. On the battlefield, when used unexpectedly, its results can be devastating," Gongshu Lin explained further.
This was undoubtedly a very special weapon. At critical moments, its impact could far exceed conventional tactics—especially during the upcoming expedition to the Dark Realm. Used well, it could completely shift the tide of battle. Everything the Heavenly Craft Pavilion produced was a true treasure.
"Good, good, good! Holy King, with these three ultimate weapons from the Pavilion, conquering the Dark Realm is almost guaranteed. At the very least, those swarming dark beasts will no longer pose a real threat. Cleansing the Dark Realm can finally be put into motion," Zhuge Liang said with a warm smile, fanning himself gently.
Naturally, such weapons would be equipped by the military, further reinforcing their strength.
"In that case, the detailed battle plan shall be drafted jointly by the Heavenly Strategy Hall and the Military Council Pavilion," Yi Tianxing ordered with a nod.
With these three weapons in hand, even the perils of the Dark Realm would be much less threatening. Even if there were traps or schemes, he now held trump cards capable of turning the tables—his confidence greatly reinforced.
Soon, the court began strategizing in earnest—discussing military logistics, Immortal City deployment, and the replenishment of troops and talents. As soon as war began, reinforcements could be deployed at once.
After court was dismissed, Yi Tianxing returned to the Heart of the Emperor Palace, where Queen Mother of the West looked at him with concern.
"I've heard about the Dark Realm," she said with a trace of worry. "Back during the fusion of the Myriad Worlds, some Eternal Night evil spirits broke through the void and entered that realm. Some fellow Daoists noticed this and followed them, eventually transforming into forbidden zones to seal the area and investigate their identities. Over the years, we've been watching the changes in the Dark Realm. I didn't expect the situation to deteriorate so suddenly. I'm afraid... this is most likely a trap. Something major must've happened in there."
In the eyes of high-level cultivators, the Dark Realm was no secret. With over a hundred forbidden zones sealing it, everything should've been stable. But now, it seemed even that tiny chance of failure had come true.
How could the Eternal Night spirits recover so fast? In less than a century, they had already become a major force, plunging the realm into chaos.
"No need to worry," Yi Tianxing said calmly. "Great Yi is not a force that can be easily manipulated. If anyone dares to play tricks, they better have strong teeth—because they'll break them trying. Besides, I'm not going in personally this time. I'll send a clone. My true body will remain seated in the Holy King Palace. No matter what trap awaits, they won't be able to harm me."
Yi Tianxing cultivated the Clone Beyond the Body Divine Ability, one of the most advanced techniques. Over years of tempering, the clone had reached 80% of his true strength—enough to unleash Dao-Proving level combat power if needed.
What made it unique was that, instead of forming from hair or essence, it was forged from his own blood, nurtured within the Clone Aperture. At the critical moment, it could be released into the world. Because it shared his bloodline and life essence, the clone was indistinguishable from the original—no one could tell them apart.
The only drawback was time. A single drop of blood could sustain a clone for a year if it didn't engage in combat. But once it started fighting, it could only last less than a day—the more intense the battle, the shorter the duration. Still, the clone could be remade, so this flaw was acceptable.
"Want me to go with you?" the Queen Mother of the West asked.
"No need. The Dark Realm is a small matter. The real war will come when we rise to the Immortal Court," Yi Tianxing replied with a smile.
The Dark Realm didn't warrant exposing all of his trump cards. If it was a trap, then he would make sure the trap turned into the enemy's grave. After all, a trap might be baiting sheep—or it might be baiting a tiger.
"Very well. Just be careful," she nodded.
Then, with a flash of light, a second Yi Tianxing stepped out from his body. Identical in appearance and aura, the figure stood silently, utterly indistinguishable from the original.
After giving the Queen Mother of the West a nod, the clone strode out of the palace.
This time, he would send the clone first. If it truly was a trap, his presence might trigger the enemy's full response.
He set out toward Mofang (Cosmic Cube) Cloud Realm, stepping into the portal that led to the Dark Realm.
With a flash of light, he arrived—right in the heart of the White Lotus Forbidden Zone.
At that very moment, the White Lotus Celestial Maiden's expression changed. She appeared at the portal's entrance and, upon seeing Yi Tianxing emerge, frowned and said:
"Holy King Yi, didn't I already warn you not to come? The Dark Realm is now under the control of dark forces. Entry is forbidden without permission. Once inside, it will be very hard to leave."
"Words are useless now—I've already arrived," Yi Tianxing said with a calm smile. "Soon, Great Yi's army will follow. The Dark Realm, no matter how dangerous, is still part of the Eternal World. We cannot allow the Eternal Night fiends to overrun it. If they succeed, it will become a catastrophic threat. We absolutely cannot allow that. If others will not take the lead, Great Yi will."
He looked up into the sky and sensed a strange, oppressive power lingering in the air. His connection to the portal had been cut off. If he tried to return, it would trigger a backlash that would shatter the gate.
"What exactly happened here?" Yi Tianxing asked with curiosity. "Why has the situation deteriorated so suddenly? Based on earlier reports, weren't you all still holding the upper hand?"